There is a link between alcohol consumption and increased risk of perennial allergic rhinitis, according to a recent Danish study of 5,870 young adult women. The study, published in the July issue of Clinical and Experimental Allergy, found that the risk increased 3% for every additional alcoholic drink per week. In contrast, the authors did not observe any increase in risk of seasonal allergic rhinitis according to alcohol intake.
Allergic rhinitis (AR) is an upper respiratory disorder affecting between 10% and 40% of the population worldwide, and over the last decades, the prevalence of AR has increased in westernised countries. Alcohol consumption is part of the western lifestyle and it has been proposed that alcohol consumption may be one of the factors contributing to the rise in AR, especially because alcohol is a well-known trigger of hypersensitivity reactions and there is evidence that it influences the immune system.
The 5,870 women studied were aged 20-29 years and free of seasonal and perennial allergic rhinitis at the start of the study. They were asked about different lifestyle habits including their general alcohol intake, measured in drinks per week (i.e. glasses of wine, bottles of beer). After a time period of seven to nine years, the women were contacted again and 831 women had developed seasonal AR and 523 had women developed perennial AR, 14% and 9% respectively.
The authors observed a general tendency that the more alcohol the women reported they drank, the higher their risk of developing perennial allergic rhinitis. For instance, women who reported drinking more than 14 drinks a week were 78% more likely to develop perennial allergic rhinitis than women who had reported drinking less than one drink a week.
"Our study was carried out on female participants only, and it should be recognised that there is evidence to suggest that women may be more susceptible to some of the genetically harmful effects of alcohol than men, perhaps due to differences in fat to water ratio or liver mass to body weight ratio," said lead author Dr. Janne Tolstrup, National Institute of Public Health, Denmark. "Because of this it would be interesting to examine gender differences in the possible effects of alcohol on the development of rhinitis."
"Another interesting finding of this study was that smokers were found to have a decreased risk of seasonal AR, with no change to the risk of perennial AR," said Tolstrup. "We also found that if one or both parents had asthma, the participant was more likely to have perennial AR and this was exacerbated in women who drank over 14 drinks a week."
Source: Jennifer Beal
Wiley-Blackwell
вторник, 30 августа 2011 г.
суббота, 27 августа 2011 г.
Adverse Effects Of Ecstasy To Be Studied By UA Pharmacy Researcher
The National Institute on Drug Abuse has awarded a researcher at The University of Arizona College of Pharmacy $1.7 million for a nearly five-year study of the long-term adverse effects of the street drug ecstasy, also known as the "hug drug."
Terrence J. Monks, PhD, head of the college's Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, is a specialist in the study of drug toxicology, or the "bad" effects of drugs. He will be the principal investigator on the ecstasy project.
"Most research on ecstasy focuses on the pharmacological, or nontoxic effects of the drug," says Monks. "My interest lies in learning how the drug negatively affects the brain."
Classified as a Schedule I substance, ecstasy has been controlled in the United States since 1985. Ecstasy (also known as MDMA, or methylenedioxymethamphetamine) is a synthetic, psychoactive drug that is chemically similar to the stimulant methamphetamine. It produces an energizing effect as well as feelings of euphoria, emotional warmth, and distortions in time perception and tactile experiences.
These effects of MDMA have contributed to its popularity as a "party drug" among adolescents and young adults who frequent weekend-long "raves" or "techo-parties." However, the drug has a serious down side.
"A number of adverse effects are associated with the use of MDMA," says Monks. "MDMA use and abuse therefore has the potential to give rise to a major public health problem."
According to the U.S. Department of State, the short-term negative effects of ecstasy can be nausea, dilated pupils, dry mouth and throat, and lower jaw tension. Use of the drug often leads to dramatic increases in body temperature exceeding 100 degrees Fahrenheit, which in turn can lead to muscle breakdown and kidney and cardiovascular system failure. This hyperthermic response can therefore result in fatal blood clotting, heart attacks and strokes.
Scientific studies have found that ecstasy use also produces long-term damage to the brain's ability to release serotonin, which regulates mood, body temperature and memory.
"Ecstasy may be the only amphetamine-based drug that attacks the serotonin system," says Monks. "There is little doubt that it has the potential to be toxic to the human nervous system. The question is how."
Monks' research will focus on the process by which ecstasy is metabolized by the body. When the drug enters the body orally in pill form (the manner in which it is usually taken), enzymes in the body convert it either to harmless metabolites or into toxic metabolites. Predicting which people process ecstasy into toxic metabolites more readily than other people is the challenge.
"Individuals metabolize ecstasy differently," says Monks. "If 100 people take ecstasy, perhaps five will metabolize the drug very efficiently, whereas five others will metabolize the drug poorly. Since metabolism of ecstasy is required for it to produce neurotoxicity, the individual who efficiently metabolizes the drug will likely be more susceptible to the long-term adverse effects."
The UA professor is believed to be the only researcher in the U.S. studying the role of metabolism in the neurotoxicity of the drug.
The results of Monks' research will help people understand which individuals are more likely to suffer long-term negative effects of ecstasy.
"The multitude of adverse effects resulting from the misuse of ecstasy necessitates a complete understanding of the neuropharmacology and neurotoxicology of this unusual amphetamine derivative," says Monks. "We hope to help define important factors that contribute to individual susceptibility to the long-term adverse effects of this drug."
Source: Karin Lorentzen
University of Arizona, College of Pharmacy
Terrence J. Monks, PhD, head of the college's Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, is a specialist in the study of drug toxicology, or the "bad" effects of drugs. He will be the principal investigator on the ecstasy project.
"Most research on ecstasy focuses on the pharmacological, or nontoxic effects of the drug," says Monks. "My interest lies in learning how the drug negatively affects the brain."
Classified as a Schedule I substance, ecstasy has been controlled in the United States since 1985. Ecstasy (also known as MDMA, or methylenedioxymethamphetamine) is a synthetic, psychoactive drug that is chemically similar to the stimulant methamphetamine. It produces an energizing effect as well as feelings of euphoria, emotional warmth, and distortions in time perception and tactile experiences.
These effects of MDMA have contributed to its popularity as a "party drug" among adolescents and young adults who frequent weekend-long "raves" or "techo-parties." However, the drug has a serious down side.
"A number of adverse effects are associated with the use of MDMA," says Monks. "MDMA use and abuse therefore has the potential to give rise to a major public health problem."
According to the U.S. Department of State, the short-term negative effects of ecstasy can be nausea, dilated pupils, dry mouth and throat, and lower jaw tension. Use of the drug often leads to dramatic increases in body temperature exceeding 100 degrees Fahrenheit, which in turn can lead to muscle breakdown and kidney and cardiovascular system failure. This hyperthermic response can therefore result in fatal blood clotting, heart attacks and strokes.
Scientific studies have found that ecstasy use also produces long-term damage to the brain's ability to release serotonin, which regulates mood, body temperature and memory.
"Ecstasy may be the only amphetamine-based drug that attacks the serotonin system," says Monks. "There is little doubt that it has the potential to be toxic to the human nervous system. The question is how."
Monks' research will focus on the process by which ecstasy is metabolized by the body. When the drug enters the body orally in pill form (the manner in which it is usually taken), enzymes in the body convert it either to harmless metabolites or into toxic metabolites. Predicting which people process ecstasy into toxic metabolites more readily than other people is the challenge.
"Individuals metabolize ecstasy differently," says Monks. "If 100 people take ecstasy, perhaps five will metabolize the drug very efficiently, whereas five others will metabolize the drug poorly. Since metabolism of ecstasy is required for it to produce neurotoxicity, the individual who efficiently metabolizes the drug will likely be more susceptible to the long-term adverse effects."
The UA professor is believed to be the only researcher in the U.S. studying the role of metabolism in the neurotoxicity of the drug.
The results of Monks' research will help people understand which individuals are more likely to suffer long-term negative effects of ecstasy.
"The multitude of adverse effects resulting from the misuse of ecstasy necessitates a complete understanding of the neuropharmacology and neurotoxicology of this unusual amphetamine derivative," says Monks. "We hope to help define important factors that contribute to individual susceptibility to the long-term adverse effects of this drug."
Source: Karin Lorentzen
University of Arizona, College of Pharmacy
среда, 24 августа 2011 г.
Tougher Measures Needed To Reduce Alcohol Related Harm, Say UK Doctors
Two top doctors have called on the UK government to employ tougher measures to reduce alcohol related harm.
Ian Gilmore, President, Royal College of Physicians (RCP) and Nick Sheron, a liver specialist at Southampton University Hospital say that current measures, such as education and public information have not done much to change people's drinking behavior or to reduce harm. Proven measures should be considered, such as price hikes, forbidding the advertising of alcohol, and reducing alcohol's availability.
The authors explain that alcohol is most definitely a significant health problem in the UK. Alcohol is causing more deaths than cervical cancer, breast cancer and MRSA combined.
They ask whether we have a duty to find a way of reducing alcohol's health burden to society - or would this be an example of creating a nanny state.
Alcohol is the cause of much more damage to third parties than smoking, they write. Half of all violent crimes and one third of domestic violence cases are caused by alcohol to some degree.
The authors point to evidence that raising the price of alcohol is the most successful and cost effective way to alter drinking behavior. While disposable income in the UK grew by 91% during the period 1980-2003 the price of alcohol just went up by 24%. This means that alcohol was 54% cheaper in real terms in 2003 than it was in 1980.
Retailers and producers say that raising alcohol prices would not reduce consumption. If this were true, say the authors, then all the fundamental principles of marketing are wrong (people buy less of something when it becomes more expensive, they buy more of something when it becomes cheaper).
The authors wonder how many more British lives will be damaged before the government does anything really concrete about it.
"Reducing the harms of alcohol in the UK"
Ian Gilmore, Nick Sheron
BMJ 2007;335:1271-1272 (22 December), doi:10.1136/bmj.39426.523715.80
Click here to read the full Editorial
Ian Gilmore, President, Royal College of Physicians (RCP) and Nick Sheron, a liver specialist at Southampton University Hospital say that current measures, such as education and public information have not done much to change people's drinking behavior or to reduce harm. Proven measures should be considered, such as price hikes, forbidding the advertising of alcohol, and reducing alcohol's availability.
The authors explain that alcohol is most definitely a significant health problem in the UK. Alcohol is causing more deaths than cervical cancer, breast cancer and MRSA combined.
They ask whether we have a duty to find a way of reducing alcohol's health burden to society - or would this be an example of creating a nanny state.
Alcohol is the cause of much more damage to third parties than smoking, they write. Half of all violent crimes and one third of domestic violence cases are caused by alcohol to some degree.
The authors point to evidence that raising the price of alcohol is the most successful and cost effective way to alter drinking behavior. While disposable income in the UK grew by 91% during the period 1980-2003 the price of alcohol just went up by 24%. This means that alcohol was 54% cheaper in real terms in 2003 than it was in 1980.
Retailers and producers say that raising alcohol prices would not reduce consumption. If this were true, say the authors, then all the fundamental principles of marketing are wrong (people buy less of something when it becomes more expensive, they buy more of something when it becomes cheaper).
The authors wonder how many more British lives will be damaged before the government does anything really concrete about it.
"Reducing the harms of alcohol in the UK"
Ian Gilmore, Nick Sheron
BMJ 2007;335:1271-1272 (22 December), doi:10.1136/bmj.39426.523715.80
Click here to read the full Editorial
воскресенье, 21 августа 2011 г.
Historic Appeals Case Against The Tobacco Industry Positions Court To Decide On Key Tobacco Control Issues
Statement of the American Lung Association:
Today, The U.S. Department of Justice and Public Health Intervenors, including the American Lung Association, presented oral arguments before the United States Court of Appeals in a landmark case against the tobacco industry.
The plaintiff-intervenors (Tobacco-Free Kids Action Fund, American Cancer Society, American Heart Association, American Lung Association, Americans for Nonsmokers' Rights and National African-American Tobacco Prevention Network) argued today that the Court of Appeals should permit the District Court to impose a broad range of remedies against the tobacco industry.
The American Lung Association maintains that Judge Kessler was well within her authority to prohibit the companies from using "light," "low-tar" and other phrases designed intentionally to mislead the public - despite the tobacco industry's subsequent request to continue to use these deceitful phrases abroad.
Following Judge Gladys Kessler's August 2006 ruling that cigarette companies had violated civil racketeering laws (RICO) and had defrauded the American public by lying for decades about the health risks of smoking and their marketing to children, the judge stated she was limited in the remedies, i.e. corrective actions, she could impose. Judge Kessler cited that her limitations stemmed from an earlier appeals court ruling that restricts remedies under the civil RICO law, which is one of the issues under appeal.
A ruling favoring public health advocates could have a dramatic impact on public health and potentially prevent millions of lung disease deaths, while also preserving the original intent of the RICO statute.
About the American Lung Association: Beginning our second century, the American Lung Association is the leading organization working to prevent lung disease and promote lung health. Lung disease death rates are currently increasing while other major causes of death are declining. The American Lung Association funds vital research on the causes of and treatments for lung disease. With the generous support of the public, the American Lung Association is "Improving life, one breath at a time." For more information about the American Lung Association, a Charity Navigator Four Star Charity, or to support the work it does, call 1-800-LUNG-USA (1-800-586-4872) or log on to lungusa.
Today, The U.S. Department of Justice and Public Health Intervenors, including the American Lung Association, presented oral arguments before the United States Court of Appeals in a landmark case against the tobacco industry.
The plaintiff-intervenors (Tobacco-Free Kids Action Fund, American Cancer Society, American Heart Association, American Lung Association, Americans for Nonsmokers' Rights and National African-American Tobacco Prevention Network) argued today that the Court of Appeals should permit the District Court to impose a broad range of remedies against the tobacco industry.
The American Lung Association maintains that Judge Kessler was well within her authority to prohibit the companies from using "light," "low-tar" and other phrases designed intentionally to mislead the public - despite the tobacco industry's subsequent request to continue to use these deceitful phrases abroad.
Following Judge Gladys Kessler's August 2006 ruling that cigarette companies had violated civil racketeering laws (RICO) and had defrauded the American public by lying for decades about the health risks of smoking and their marketing to children, the judge stated she was limited in the remedies, i.e. corrective actions, she could impose. Judge Kessler cited that her limitations stemmed from an earlier appeals court ruling that restricts remedies under the civil RICO law, which is one of the issues under appeal.
A ruling favoring public health advocates could have a dramatic impact on public health and potentially prevent millions of lung disease deaths, while also preserving the original intent of the RICO statute.
About the American Lung Association: Beginning our second century, the American Lung Association is the leading organization working to prevent lung disease and promote lung health. Lung disease death rates are currently increasing while other major causes of death are declining. The American Lung Association funds vital research on the causes of and treatments for lung disease. With the generous support of the public, the American Lung Association is "Improving life, one breath at a time." For more information about the American Lung Association, a Charity Navigator Four Star Charity, or to support the work it does, call 1-800-LUNG-USA (1-800-586-4872) or log on to lungusa.
четверг, 18 августа 2011 г.
Smoking, Drugs, Obesity Top Health Concerns For Kids
It's only natural to for adults to worry about children's health and well-being at school, on the roads and even online.
But adults' No. 1 health concern for children and adolescents in the United States? It's smoking, according to new results from the University of Michigan C.S. Mott Children's Hospital National Poll on Children's Health. Drug abuse ranked No. 2.
The poll, which asked adults to rate 17 different health problems for children living in their communities, also found that childhood obesity now ranks among the public's top three concerns for children's health, ahead of alcohol abuse and teen pregnancy.
Also making the public's overall list of top10 health concerns for kids: Driving accidents, Internet safety, school violence, sexually transmitted infections, and abuse and neglect. The child health issues that didn't make the top 10 list, but were still rated as "big problems" by 6 to 18 percent of adults: Psychological stress, depression, eating disorders, suicide, autism, childhood cancer and food contamination.
"We found that major race/ethnicity groups differ when it comes to the top three health concerns for children as well. While white adults list smoking, drug abuse and alcohol abuse at their top three concerns, black adults rate teen pregnancy, smoking and drug abuse, and Hispanic adults rank smoking, drug abuse and childhood obesity as the three major health problems for children," says Matthew M. Davis, M.D., M.A.P.P., director of the National Poll on Children's Health, part of the U-M Department of Pediatrics and Communicable Diseases and the Child Health Evaluation and Research (CHEAR) Unit in the U-M Division of General Pediatrics.
To rank the public's top health concerns for children, the National Poll on Children's Health, in collaboration with Knowledge Networks, Inc., conducted a national online survey in March 2007. The survey, administered to a random sample of 2,076 adults who are a part of Knowledge Network's online KnowledgePanelSM, revealed the top 10 out of 17 health concerns for children in the U.S.
Top 10 overall health concerns for children in the U.S.
1. Smoking. Forty percent of adults rate smoking as their top health concern for children. Among black adults, smoking ranks No. 2. Forty-five percent of black adults, however, rate smoking as a big problem.
2. Drug abuse. Adults are more likely to rate drug abuse as a concern based on their children's emotional health. Those who report their child's emotional health as "good," "fair" or "poor" are more likely to view drug abuse as a major health problem for children compared with parents who rate their child's emotional health as "excellent" or "very good."
3. Childhood obesity. According to poll results, adults with higher education are more likely to rate childhood obesity as their No. 1 health issue for children than adults with high school education or less. In fact, 40 percent of adults with a college degree view obesity as a top concern, while those with less than a high school education rate it as their No. 10 concern, with 25 percent reporting it as a top concern. The National Poll on Children's Health also found Hispanic adults are more likely to report obesity as a problem, with 42 percent viewing it as a major problem, compared with only 31 percent of white adults and 36 percent of black adults. "These differences somewhat reflect the higher prevalence of obesity among black and Hispanic youth compared with white youth," notes Davis.
4. Alcohol abuse. "Households with lower incomes less than $30,000 per year are significantly more likely to rate alcohol abuse as a problem than families with higher annual incomes," says Davis. "We also found that alcohol abuse by teens was a bigger concern in households with a single or divorced parent, compared with households with married parents."
5. Motor vehicle accidents. Driving accidents involving teenagers are a universal concern across all socio-economic groups studied, says Davis.
6. Teen pregnancy. Black adults rate teen pregnancy as the No. 1 health problem for youth, with 51 percent reporting it's a major health concern compared with only 25 percent of white adults. "This difference echoes differences in rates of teen pregnancy by race/ethnicity, which have declined among all teens over the past decade, but remain two time higher among blacks than whites," says Davis.
7. Internet safety. "Internet safety is a relatively new health concern in relation to other health issues," says Davis. "Women and black adults are more likely to report it as a major concern." Thirty-two percent of women and 21 percent of men report they are concerned about Internet safety, while 37 percent of black adults and 25 percent of white adults say it is a big problem.
8. School violence. "School violence didn't rate as high as driving accidents and alcohol use. Yet it still is in the top 10, and that speaks to the current level of concern in the U.S. about this problem," says Davis. "We measured school violence concerns before the recent tragedy at Virginia Tech, so it is likely that it may rank higher today than it did just a few weeks ago." Davis also notes that black adults are more than twice as likely as white adults to report school violence as a big problem, ranking it their No. 4 health concern. It also was viewed as a bigger health problem among lower income households.
9. Sexually transmitted infections. Sexually transmitted infections among youth are considered to be a bigger problem by black adults and Hispanics, with 40 percent of black adults and 34 percent of Hispanics adults viewing it as a big problem, compared with only 20 percent of white adults. Households with lower incomes also rate sexually transmitted infections as a greater health concern for children.
10. Abuse and neglect. About 22 percent of survey respondents view abuse and neglect as a health concern for children. "Similar to other health issues in the poll, more black respondents feel abuse and neglect is a big health concern than among Hispanic and white respondents," says Davis.
Ratings for the top 10 list did not differ between adults who have children in their households, and those who do not. Overall, higher proportions of blacks and Hispanic adults rated all 17 concerns as "big problems" compared with white adults.
"This poll provides us with a detailed picture of what the public views as some of the biggest health concerns for children and adolescents today," says Davis, associate professor of general pediatrics and internal medicine at the U-M Medical School, and associate professor of public policy at the Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy. "It also suggests that the government may want to target more investment toward issues such as teen smoking, drug abuse and childhood obesity, in a way that reflects the fact that the public is currently prioritizing these problems as even bigger than other issues on the list."
About the National Poll on Children's Health
The C.S. Mott Children's Hospital National Poll on Children's Health is funded by the Department of Pediatrics and Communicable Diseases at the U-M Health System. As part of the U-M Division of General Pediatric Child Health Evaluation and Research (CHEAR) Unit, the National Poll on Children's Health is designed to measure major health care issues and trends for U.S. children. For a copy of the reports from National Poll on Children's Health, visit chear.umich. For regular podcasts of polling results, go to med.umich/podcast.
About Knowledge Networks
Knowledge Networks delivers quality and service to guide leaders in business, government and academia uniquely bringing scientifically valid research to the online space through its probability-based, online KnowledgePanelSM. The company delivers unique study design, science, analysis, and panel maintenance, along with a commitment to close collaboration at every stage of the research process. KN leverages its expertise in brands, media, advertising, and public policy issues to provide insights that speak directly to clients' most important concerns. For more information about Knowledge Networks, visit knowledgenetworks.
University of Michigan Health System
2901 Hubbard St., Ste. 2400
Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2435
United States
med.umich
But adults' No. 1 health concern for children and adolescents in the United States? It's smoking, according to new results from the University of Michigan C.S. Mott Children's Hospital National Poll on Children's Health. Drug abuse ranked No. 2.
The poll, which asked adults to rate 17 different health problems for children living in their communities, also found that childhood obesity now ranks among the public's top three concerns for children's health, ahead of alcohol abuse and teen pregnancy.
Also making the public's overall list of top10 health concerns for kids: Driving accidents, Internet safety, school violence, sexually transmitted infections, and abuse and neglect. The child health issues that didn't make the top 10 list, but were still rated as "big problems" by 6 to 18 percent of adults: Psychological stress, depression, eating disorders, suicide, autism, childhood cancer and food contamination.
"We found that major race/ethnicity groups differ when it comes to the top three health concerns for children as well. While white adults list smoking, drug abuse and alcohol abuse at their top three concerns, black adults rate teen pregnancy, smoking and drug abuse, and Hispanic adults rank smoking, drug abuse and childhood obesity as the three major health problems for children," says Matthew M. Davis, M.D., M.A.P.P., director of the National Poll on Children's Health, part of the U-M Department of Pediatrics and Communicable Diseases and the Child Health Evaluation and Research (CHEAR) Unit in the U-M Division of General Pediatrics.
To rank the public's top health concerns for children, the National Poll on Children's Health, in collaboration with Knowledge Networks, Inc., conducted a national online survey in March 2007. The survey, administered to a random sample of 2,076 adults who are a part of Knowledge Network's online KnowledgePanelSM, revealed the top 10 out of 17 health concerns for children in the U.S.
Top 10 overall health concerns for children in the U.S.
1. Smoking. Forty percent of adults rate smoking as their top health concern for children. Among black adults, smoking ranks No. 2. Forty-five percent of black adults, however, rate smoking as a big problem.
2. Drug abuse. Adults are more likely to rate drug abuse as a concern based on their children's emotional health. Those who report their child's emotional health as "good," "fair" or "poor" are more likely to view drug abuse as a major health problem for children compared with parents who rate their child's emotional health as "excellent" or "very good."
3. Childhood obesity. According to poll results, adults with higher education are more likely to rate childhood obesity as their No. 1 health issue for children than adults with high school education or less. In fact, 40 percent of adults with a college degree view obesity as a top concern, while those with less than a high school education rate it as their No. 10 concern, with 25 percent reporting it as a top concern. The National Poll on Children's Health also found Hispanic adults are more likely to report obesity as a problem, with 42 percent viewing it as a major problem, compared with only 31 percent of white adults and 36 percent of black adults. "These differences somewhat reflect the higher prevalence of obesity among black and Hispanic youth compared with white youth," notes Davis.
4. Alcohol abuse. "Households with lower incomes less than $30,000 per year are significantly more likely to rate alcohol abuse as a problem than families with higher annual incomes," says Davis. "We also found that alcohol abuse by teens was a bigger concern in households with a single or divorced parent, compared with households with married parents."
5. Motor vehicle accidents. Driving accidents involving teenagers are a universal concern across all socio-economic groups studied, says Davis.
6. Teen pregnancy. Black adults rate teen pregnancy as the No. 1 health problem for youth, with 51 percent reporting it's a major health concern compared with only 25 percent of white adults. "This difference echoes differences in rates of teen pregnancy by race/ethnicity, which have declined among all teens over the past decade, but remain two time higher among blacks than whites," says Davis.
7. Internet safety. "Internet safety is a relatively new health concern in relation to other health issues," says Davis. "Women and black adults are more likely to report it as a major concern." Thirty-two percent of women and 21 percent of men report they are concerned about Internet safety, while 37 percent of black adults and 25 percent of white adults say it is a big problem.
8. School violence. "School violence didn't rate as high as driving accidents and alcohol use. Yet it still is in the top 10, and that speaks to the current level of concern in the U.S. about this problem," says Davis. "We measured school violence concerns before the recent tragedy at Virginia Tech, so it is likely that it may rank higher today than it did just a few weeks ago." Davis also notes that black adults are more than twice as likely as white adults to report school violence as a big problem, ranking it their No. 4 health concern. It also was viewed as a bigger health problem among lower income households.
9. Sexually transmitted infections. Sexually transmitted infections among youth are considered to be a bigger problem by black adults and Hispanics, with 40 percent of black adults and 34 percent of Hispanics adults viewing it as a big problem, compared with only 20 percent of white adults. Households with lower incomes also rate sexually transmitted infections as a greater health concern for children.
10. Abuse and neglect. About 22 percent of survey respondents view abuse and neglect as a health concern for children. "Similar to other health issues in the poll, more black respondents feel abuse and neglect is a big health concern than among Hispanic and white respondents," says Davis.
Ratings for the top 10 list did not differ between adults who have children in their households, and those who do not. Overall, higher proportions of blacks and Hispanic adults rated all 17 concerns as "big problems" compared with white adults.
"This poll provides us with a detailed picture of what the public views as some of the biggest health concerns for children and adolescents today," says Davis, associate professor of general pediatrics and internal medicine at the U-M Medical School, and associate professor of public policy at the Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy. "It also suggests that the government may want to target more investment toward issues such as teen smoking, drug abuse and childhood obesity, in a way that reflects the fact that the public is currently prioritizing these problems as even bigger than other issues on the list."
About the National Poll on Children's Health
The C.S. Mott Children's Hospital National Poll on Children's Health is funded by the Department of Pediatrics and Communicable Diseases at the U-M Health System. As part of the U-M Division of General Pediatric Child Health Evaluation and Research (CHEAR) Unit, the National Poll on Children's Health is designed to measure major health care issues and trends for U.S. children. For a copy of the reports from National Poll on Children's Health, visit chear.umich. For regular podcasts of polling results, go to med.umich/podcast.
About Knowledge Networks
Knowledge Networks delivers quality and service to guide leaders in business, government and academia uniquely bringing scientifically valid research to the online space through its probability-based, online KnowledgePanelSM. The company delivers unique study design, science, analysis, and panel maintenance, along with a commitment to close collaboration at every stage of the research process. KN leverages its expertise in brands, media, advertising, and public policy issues to provide insights that speak directly to clients' most important concerns. For more information about Knowledge Networks, visit knowledgenetworks.
University of Michigan Health System
2901 Hubbard St., Ste. 2400
Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2435
United States
med.umich
понедельник, 15 августа 2011 г.
New Nationwide Study Shows Reduced Risk Of Substance Abuse In Children
To promote community-wide involvement in drug abuse prevention efforts, the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), part of the National Institutes of Health, will host a live virtual town hall meeting Wednesday, Sept. 9, to showcase effective evidence-based drug abuse prevention approaches.
Health, science and justice reporters in particular are encouraged to attend or view the live webcast (at visualwebcaster/drugabuse-TownHall/) to learn how effective approaches are changing U.S. communities.
The virtual town hall will offer top federal prevention experts a chance to interact with citizens and community representatives who have seen impressive results in their own communities.
This event follows the Sept. 7th Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine journal release of results from the Community Youth Development Study, the first randomized trial of a successful model for implementing prevention programs known as Communities That Care (CTC). Results showed reduced delinquent behavior, along with decreased initiation of alcohol, cigarette, and smokeless tobacco use among middle schoolers in the CTC communities, compared to control communities. The study was supported by a research grant from NIDA with co-funding from other NIH Institutes including the National Cancer Institute, the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, and the National Institute of Mental Health; and from the Center for Substance Abuse Prevention (CSAP), part of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Communities That Care is distributed by CSAP.
The Virtual Town Hall will also let community leaders know how to access details about a host of other effective prevention approaches. The event will originate at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C., with dozens of citizens participating via satellite from Maine, where several communities have experienced successful results with CTC.
What
Virtual Town Hall on Drug Abuse Prevention. Learn about the latest science-based approaches to drug abuse prevention, with a focus on the Communities That Care (CTC) System.
Who
Representing the White House:
Mr. R. Gil Kerlikowske, Director of the White House Office of Drug Control Policy (ONDCP)
Representing the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services:
Dr. Nora Volkow, Director, National Institute on Drug Abuse at the National Institutes of Health (NIDA/NIH)
Ms. Fran Harding, Director of the Center for Substance Abuse Prevention, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (CSAP/SAMHSA)
Representing the Community Youth Development Study:
J. David Hawkins, Ph.D.
Principal Investigator, Social Development Research Group
University of Washington, Seattle
Representing communities that have seen prevention successes:
Study participants from five Maine communities (Appleton, Camden, Hope, Lincolnville and Rockport) as well as citizens in the states of Washington and Illinois, will join via satellite to discuss their success with the CTC prevention model.
When
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. EDT
Where
Live online at: visualwebcaster/drugabuse-TownHall/
Source
The National Institute on Drug Abuse
Health, science and justice reporters in particular are encouraged to attend or view the live webcast (at visualwebcaster/drugabuse-TownHall/) to learn how effective approaches are changing U.S. communities.
The virtual town hall will offer top federal prevention experts a chance to interact with citizens and community representatives who have seen impressive results in their own communities.
This event follows the Sept. 7th Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine journal release of results from the Community Youth Development Study, the first randomized trial of a successful model for implementing prevention programs known as Communities That Care (CTC). Results showed reduced delinquent behavior, along with decreased initiation of alcohol, cigarette, and smokeless tobacco use among middle schoolers in the CTC communities, compared to control communities. The study was supported by a research grant from NIDA with co-funding from other NIH Institutes including the National Cancer Institute, the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, and the National Institute of Mental Health; and from the Center for Substance Abuse Prevention (CSAP), part of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Communities That Care is distributed by CSAP.
The Virtual Town Hall will also let community leaders know how to access details about a host of other effective prevention approaches. The event will originate at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C., with dozens of citizens participating via satellite from Maine, where several communities have experienced successful results with CTC.
What
Virtual Town Hall on Drug Abuse Prevention. Learn about the latest science-based approaches to drug abuse prevention, with a focus on the Communities That Care (CTC) System.
Who
Representing the White House:
Mr. R. Gil Kerlikowske, Director of the White House Office of Drug Control Policy (ONDCP)
Representing the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services:
Dr. Nora Volkow, Director, National Institute on Drug Abuse at the National Institutes of Health (NIDA/NIH)
Ms. Fran Harding, Director of the Center for Substance Abuse Prevention, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (CSAP/SAMHSA)
Representing the Community Youth Development Study:
J. David Hawkins, Ph.D.
Principal Investigator, Social Development Research Group
University of Washington, Seattle
Representing communities that have seen prevention successes:
Study participants from five Maine communities (Appleton, Camden, Hope, Lincolnville and Rockport) as well as citizens in the states of Washington and Illinois, will join via satellite to discuss their success with the CTC prevention model.
When
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. EDT
Where
Live online at: visualwebcaster/drugabuse-TownHall/
Source
The National Institute on Drug Abuse
пятница, 12 августа 2011 г.
Insulin Signaling And Amphetamines
Abuse of psychostimulants such as amphetamine remains a serious public health concern. Amphetamines mediate their behavioral effects by stimulating dopaminergic signaling throughout reward circuits of the brain. This property of amphetamine relies on its actions at the dopamine transporter (DAT), a presynaptic plasma membrane protein responsible for the reuptake of extracellular dopamine.
Recently, researchers have revealed the novel ability of insulin signaling pathways in the brain to regulate DAT function as well as the cellular and behavioral actions of amphetamine. In a new study published in the open-access journal PLoS Biology, Aurelio Galli, Jason Williams and colleagues used a model of Type I diabetes in rats to uncover how insulin signaling regulates DAT-mediated amphetamine effects. They show that by depleting insulin, or through selective inhibition of insulin signaling, they can severely attenuate amphetamine-induced dopamine release and impair DAT function. This study verifies in vivo that insulin signaling can dynamically influence the neuronal effects of amphetamine-like psychostimulants. Therefore, the insulin signaling pathway, through its unique regulation of brain dopamine, may be targeted for the treatment of amphetamine abuse.
Citation: Williams JM, Owens WA, Turner GH, Saunders C, Dipace C, et al. (2007) Hypoinsulinemia regulates amphetamine-induced reverse transport of dopamine. PLoS Biol 5(10): e274. doi:10.1371/journal.pbio.0050274
Contact:
Aurelio Galli
Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics
Nashville, TN 37232
Source:
The open-access journal Plos Bilogy.
Everything is immediately available -- to read, download, redistribute, include in databases, and otherwise use -- without cost to anyone, anywhere, subject only to the condition that the original authorship and source are properly attributed. Copyright is retained by the authors. The Public Library of Science uses the Creative Commons Attribution License.
Natalie Bouaravong
Public Library of Science
Recently, researchers have revealed the novel ability of insulin signaling pathways in the brain to regulate DAT function as well as the cellular and behavioral actions of amphetamine. In a new study published in the open-access journal PLoS Biology, Aurelio Galli, Jason Williams and colleagues used a model of Type I diabetes in rats to uncover how insulin signaling regulates DAT-mediated amphetamine effects. They show that by depleting insulin, or through selective inhibition of insulin signaling, they can severely attenuate amphetamine-induced dopamine release and impair DAT function. This study verifies in vivo that insulin signaling can dynamically influence the neuronal effects of amphetamine-like psychostimulants. Therefore, the insulin signaling pathway, through its unique regulation of brain dopamine, may be targeted for the treatment of amphetamine abuse.
Citation: Williams JM, Owens WA, Turner GH, Saunders C, Dipace C, et al. (2007) Hypoinsulinemia regulates amphetamine-induced reverse transport of dopamine. PLoS Biol 5(10): e274. doi:10.1371/journal.pbio.0050274
Contact:
Aurelio Galli
Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics
Nashville, TN 37232
Source:
The open-access journal Plos Bilogy.
Everything is immediately available -- to read, download, redistribute, include in databases, and otherwise use -- without cost to anyone, anywhere, subject only to the condition that the original authorship and source are properly attributed. Copyright is retained by the authors. The Public Library of Science uses the Creative Commons Attribution License.
Natalie Bouaravong
Public Library of Science
вторник, 9 августа 2011 г.
Reduced Risk Of Heart Attack In Healthy Men Who Drink Moderately
For men with healthy lifestyle habits, drinking moderate amounts of alcohol may be associated with a lower risk of heart attack than drinking heavily or not drinking at all, according to a report in the October 23 issue of Archives of Internal Medicine, one of the JAMA/Archives journals.
Previous studies have found that adults who drink moderate amounts of alcohol have a lower risk of myocardial infarction (heart attack) than those who do not drink at all, according to background information in the article. Researchers suspect this is due to increased levels of HDL or "good" cholesterol in the blood. Because there are many risks associated with heavy drinking, physicians do not typically recommend that patients begin drinking alcohol to reduce their heart disease risk--instead, they focus on other proven lifestyle interventions, including diet and exercise. However, these habits are not mutually exclusive, the authors write. "For individuals who exercise, abstain from smoking, maintain optimal weight and adhere to an appropriate diet, there may be few other standard lifestyle interventions to lower risk," the authors write. "Whether alcohol intake is related to a lower risk for myocardial infarction in such individuals is unknown."
Kenneth J. Mukamal, M.D., M.P.H., M.A., Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, and colleagues assessed the connection between drinking alcohol and heart attack in 8,867 healthy men who were part of the Health Professionals Follow-up Study, which began in 1986 and included 51,529 dentists, pharmacists, veterinarians and other health care professionals age 40 to 75. At the beginning of the study and at regular intervals afterward, the participants filled out questionnaires about their diets and medical conditions, reported the frequency with which they consumed particular substances and specified the types of alcohol they drank. All of the men in the current study had healthy lifestyles, defined as not smoking, having a body mass index (BMI) of less than 25, getting at least 30 minutes of exercise per day and eating a healthy diet, including large amounts of fruits, vegetables, fish and polyunsaturated fats and low amounts of trans-fats and red meat.
Between 1986 and 2002, 106 men had heart attacks. This included eight of the 1,282 who drank 15 to 29.9 grams of alcohol per day (about two drinks), nine of the 714 who drank 30 grams or more per day, 34 of the 2,252 who drank .1 to 4.9 drinks per day and 28 of the 1,889 who did not drink at all. Those who drank 15 to 29 grams per day had the lowest risk for heart attack and those who did not drink at all had the highest. The researchers also performed an analyses comparing those who drank 5 grams per day or more and those who drank less than 5 grams a day. For the latter, "we estimate that 25 percent of the incidence cases of myocardial infarction in this population were attributable to consuming less than 5 grams per day," the authors write.
"There is a complicated mix of risks and benefits attributed to moderate drinking in observational studies, and the individual and societal complications of heavy drinking are well known," the authors conclude. "It is easy to understand why clinical guidelines encourage physicians and patients to concentrate on seemingly more innocuous interventions, despite the relative paucity of effective, straightforward and generalizable methods for encouraging regular physical activity, weight reduction and abstinence from smoking in clinical practice. Our results suggest that moderate drinking could be viewed as a complement, rather than an alternative, to these other lifestyle interventions, a viewpoint espoused by some authors."
(Arch Intern Med. 2006;166:2145-2150.)
This study was supported by grants from the National Institutes of Health. Co-author Dr. Rimm has received honoraria for occasional speaking engagements at research conferences from industry-related organizations (Distilled Spirits Council and National Beer Wholesalers Association). Please see the article for additional information, including other authors, author contributions and affiliations, financial disclosures, funding and support, etc.
Contact: Bonnie Prescott
JAMA and Archives Journals
Previous studies have found that adults who drink moderate amounts of alcohol have a lower risk of myocardial infarction (heart attack) than those who do not drink at all, according to background information in the article. Researchers suspect this is due to increased levels of HDL or "good" cholesterol in the blood. Because there are many risks associated with heavy drinking, physicians do not typically recommend that patients begin drinking alcohol to reduce their heart disease risk--instead, they focus on other proven lifestyle interventions, including diet and exercise. However, these habits are not mutually exclusive, the authors write. "For individuals who exercise, abstain from smoking, maintain optimal weight and adhere to an appropriate diet, there may be few other standard lifestyle interventions to lower risk," the authors write. "Whether alcohol intake is related to a lower risk for myocardial infarction in such individuals is unknown."
Kenneth J. Mukamal, M.D., M.P.H., M.A., Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, and colleagues assessed the connection between drinking alcohol and heart attack in 8,867 healthy men who were part of the Health Professionals Follow-up Study, which began in 1986 and included 51,529 dentists, pharmacists, veterinarians and other health care professionals age 40 to 75. At the beginning of the study and at regular intervals afterward, the participants filled out questionnaires about their diets and medical conditions, reported the frequency with which they consumed particular substances and specified the types of alcohol they drank. All of the men in the current study had healthy lifestyles, defined as not smoking, having a body mass index (BMI) of less than 25, getting at least 30 minutes of exercise per day and eating a healthy diet, including large amounts of fruits, vegetables, fish and polyunsaturated fats and low amounts of trans-fats and red meat.
Between 1986 and 2002, 106 men had heart attacks. This included eight of the 1,282 who drank 15 to 29.9 grams of alcohol per day (about two drinks), nine of the 714 who drank 30 grams or more per day, 34 of the 2,252 who drank .1 to 4.9 drinks per day and 28 of the 1,889 who did not drink at all. Those who drank 15 to 29 grams per day had the lowest risk for heart attack and those who did not drink at all had the highest. The researchers also performed an analyses comparing those who drank 5 grams per day or more and those who drank less than 5 grams a day. For the latter, "we estimate that 25 percent of the incidence cases of myocardial infarction in this population were attributable to consuming less than 5 grams per day," the authors write.
"There is a complicated mix of risks and benefits attributed to moderate drinking in observational studies, and the individual and societal complications of heavy drinking are well known," the authors conclude. "It is easy to understand why clinical guidelines encourage physicians and patients to concentrate on seemingly more innocuous interventions, despite the relative paucity of effective, straightforward and generalizable methods for encouraging regular physical activity, weight reduction and abstinence from smoking in clinical practice. Our results suggest that moderate drinking could be viewed as a complement, rather than an alternative, to these other lifestyle interventions, a viewpoint espoused by some authors."
(Arch Intern Med. 2006;166:2145-2150.)
This study was supported by grants from the National Institutes of Health. Co-author Dr. Rimm has received honoraria for occasional speaking engagements at research conferences from industry-related organizations (Distilled Spirits Council and National Beer Wholesalers Association). Please see the article for additional information, including other authors, author contributions and affiliations, financial disclosures, funding and support, etc.
Contact: Bonnie Prescott
JAMA and Archives Journals
суббота, 6 августа 2011 г.
Department Of Consumer Protection Arrests Physician For Illegal Prescribing Of Controlled Substances, Connecticut, USA
An investigation by Department of Consumer Protection Drug Control agents, the Chief State's Attorney Office, the federal Drug Enforcement Administration, Food and Drug Administration, Department of Health and Human Services, FBI and the Connecticut State Police Computer Crime Division led to the arrest of Middletown physician Karen Warner, on charges of illegal prescribing of controlled substances, Consumer Protection Commissioner Jerry Farrell, Jr. said.
"The charges filed against Dr. Warner include Illegal Prescribing of Narcotics, Illegal Prescribing of Controlled Substances, Larceny, and Reckless Endangerment," Farrell said. "The Department of Consumer Protection takes all aspects of controlled substance diversion very seriously, as patients literally place their lives in the hands of medical professionals. I commend our diligent agents and all of the other involved agencies, which investigated and conscientiously pursued the matter."
The controlled substances allegedly prescribed by Dr. Warner were narcotics that included Oxycontin, Percocet, Methadone, and Duragesic and controlled substances that included Valium and Klonopine.
In addition, Karen Warner now faces review of her State Controlled Substance Registration, Federal DEA Registration and her Connecticut Department of Public Health Physician License.
Department of Consumer Protection, Connecticut, USA
View drug information on OxyContin.
"The charges filed against Dr. Warner include Illegal Prescribing of Narcotics, Illegal Prescribing of Controlled Substances, Larceny, and Reckless Endangerment," Farrell said. "The Department of Consumer Protection takes all aspects of controlled substance diversion very seriously, as patients literally place their lives in the hands of medical professionals. I commend our diligent agents and all of the other involved agencies, which investigated and conscientiously pursued the matter."
The controlled substances allegedly prescribed by Dr. Warner were narcotics that included Oxycontin, Percocet, Methadone, and Duragesic and controlled substances that included Valium and Klonopine.
In addition, Karen Warner now faces review of her State Controlled Substance Registration, Federal DEA Registration and her Connecticut Department of Public Health Physician License.
Department of Consumer Protection, Connecticut, USA
View drug information on OxyContin.
среда, 3 августа 2011 г.
Why Cocaine Is So Addictive
Mount Sinai researchers have discovered how cocaine corrupts the brain and becomes addictive. These findings - the first to connect activation of specific neurons to alterations in cocaine reward - were recently published in Science. The results may help researchers in developing new ways of treating those addicted to the drug.
Led by Mary Kay Lobo, PhD, Postdoctoral Fellow in the Department of Neuroscience at Mount Sinai School of Medicine and first author of the study, researchers found that the two main neurons (D1 and D2) in the nucleus accumbens region of the brain, an important part of the brain's reward center, exert opposite effects on cocaine reward. Activation of D1 neurons increases cocaine reward whereas activation of D2 neurons decreases cocaine reward.
"The data suggest a model whereby chronic exposure to cocaine results in an imbalance in activity in the two nucleus accumbens neurons: increased activity in D1 neurons combined with decreased activity in D2 neurons," said Dr. Lobo. "This further suggests that BDNF-TrkB signaling in D2 neurons mediates this decreased activity in D2 neurons."
The study was conducted using optogenetics, a technology to optically control neuronal activity in freely moving rodents.
Opposite cocaine reward similar to those found when activating each neuron is achieved by disrupting brain-derived neurotrophic factor, which is a protein in the brain known for its involvement in neuronal survival, learning, and memory and drug abuse signaling through its receptor TrkB in D1 or D2 neurons.
"This new information provides fundamentally novel insight into how cocaine corrupts the brains reward center, and in particular how cocaine can differentially effect two neuronal subtypes that are heterogeneously intermixed in the nucleus accumbens," said Eric Nestler, MD, PhD, Chair of Neuroscience, Nash Family Professor, and Director of The Friedman Brain Institute at Mount Sinai and co-author on the study. "We can use this information to potentially develop new therapies for cocaine addiction, possibly aimed at altering neuronal activity selectively in either neuronal subtype."
Source:
Mount Sinai Press Office
The Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine
Led by Mary Kay Lobo, PhD, Postdoctoral Fellow in the Department of Neuroscience at Mount Sinai School of Medicine and first author of the study, researchers found that the two main neurons (D1 and D2) in the nucleus accumbens region of the brain, an important part of the brain's reward center, exert opposite effects on cocaine reward. Activation of D1 neurons increases cocaine reward whereas activation of D2 neurons decreases cocaine reward.
"The data suggest a model whereby chronic exposure to cocaine results in an imbalance in activity in the two nucleus accumbens neurons: increased activity in D1 neurons combined with decreased activity in D2 neurons," said Dr. Lobo. "This further suggests that BDNF-TrkB signaling in D2 neurons mediates this decreased activity in D2 neurons."
The study was conducted using optogenetics, a technology to optically control neuronal activity in freely moving rodents.
Opposite cocaine reward similar to those found when activating each neuron is achieved by disrupting brain-derived neurotrophic factor, which is a protein in the brain known for its involvement in neuronal survival, learning, and memory and drug abuse signaling through its receptor TrkB in D1 or D2 neurons.
"This new information provides fundamentally novel insight into how cocaine corrupts the brains reward center, and in particular how cocaine can differentially effect two neuronal subtypes that are heterogeneously intermixed in the nucleus accumbens," said Eric Nestler, MD, PhD, Chair of Neuroscience, Nash Family Professor, and Director of The Friedman Brain Institute at Mount Sinai and co-author on the study. "We can use this information to potentially develop new therapies for cocaine addiction, possibly aimed at altering neuronal activity selectively in either neuronal subtype."
Source:
Mount Sinai Press Office
The Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine
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