Green space and physical activity: An observational study using Health Survey for England data

Past studies have suggested that a link between health outcomes and green space is due to increased levels of physical activity of individuals living in areas with more green space. We found a positive association between green space and physical activity levels. The odds of achieving the recommended amount of physical activity was 1.27 (95% CI: 1.13-1.44) for people living in the greenest quintile in England compared to those living in the least green quintile, after controlling for individual and environmental factors. However, no association was found between green space and types of physical activity normally associated with green space. An association was found with other types of physical activity (gardening and do-it-yourself, and occupational physical activity). These findings suggest that although there is a positive association between physical activity and green space it may not be explained by individuals using green space for recreation.     

Qualitative exploration of public and smoker understanding of, and reactions to, an endgame solution to the tobacco epidemic

ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: There is increasing interest in ending the tobacco epidemic and in applying 'endgame' solutions to achieve that goal at national levels. We explored the understanding of, and reactions to, a tobacco-free vision and an endgame approach to tobacco control among New Zealand smokers and non-smokers. METHODS: We recruited participants in four focus groups held in June 2009: Maori (indigenous people) smokers (n=7); non-Maori smokers (n=6); Maori non-smokers (n=7); and non-Maori non-smokers (n=4). Participants were from the city of Whanganui, New Zealand. We introduced to them the vision of a tobacco-free New Zealand and the concept of a semi-autonomous agency (Tobacco-Free Commission [TFC]) that would control the tobacco market as part of an endgame approach. RESULTS: There was mostly strong support for the tobacco-free New Zealand vision among all groups of participants. The reason most commonly given for supporting the vision was to protect children from tobacco. Most participants stated that they understood the TFC concept and reacted positively to it. Nevertheless, rather than focusing on organisational or structural arrangements, participants tended to focus on supporting the specific measures which a future TFC might facilitate such as plain packaging of tobacco products. Various concerns were also raised around the TFC, particularly around the feasibility of its establishment. CONCLUSIONS: We were able to successfully communicate a complex and novel supply-side focused tobacco control policy intervention to smokers and non-smokers. The findings add to the evidence from national surveys that there is public support, including from smokers, for achieving a tobacco-free vision and using regulatory and policy measures to achieve it. Support for such measures may be enhanced if they are clearly communicated and explained with a rationale which stresses protecting children and future generations from tobacco smoking.     

Southeast Asian foot-and-mouth disease viruses in Eastern Asia

Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) outbreaks recently affected 2 countries (Japan and South Korea) in eastern Asia that were free of FMD without vaccination. Analysis of viral protein 1 nucleotide sequences indicated that FMD serotype A and O viruses that caused these outbreaks originated in mainland Southeast Asia to which these viruses are endemic.     

Femtosecond phacoemulsification: the business and the medicine

PURPOSE FOR REVIEW: Phacoemulsification is the preferred method for cataract surgery in the developed world. The number of phacoemulsification procedures performed annually is expected to increase as the population ages. Femtosecond cataract surgery offers several surgical advantages over conventional phacoemulsification and has already attained commercial application in some countries. The purpose of this review is to outline the benefits, risks and commercial issues of femtosecond lasers as applied to cataract surgery. RECENT FINDINGS: Cataract surgeons are adopting femtosecond technology to perform laser capsulotomy, lens fragmentation, clear cornea incisions and limbal relaxing incisions. Femtosecond lasers clearly perform these surgical steps with greater precision and reproducibility. Further benefits such as improved postoperative refractive results and reduced complication rates are being investigated. Commercial issues have invariably arisen such as cost of installation and operation, value proposition and return on investment. SUMMARY: Femtosecond cataract surgery is an evolving procedure that can potentially lead to better and safer surgical outcomes. This review presents the currently available scientific evidence and discusses some of the relevant financial issues concerning this technology.