American journal of preventive medicine
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Quitting smoking at any age confers health benefits. However, studies have suggested that quitting by age 35 years leads to mortality rates similar to never smokers. This study assessed whether the mean and median ages of past-year quitting and prevalence of past-year quit attempts and successful quitting by age group changed over time. ⋯ Although the average age of quitting did not change over time, increases in past-year quit attempts and successful quitting occurred among adults aged 25-44 years. Proven population-level interventions--including price increases, mass media campaigns, comprehensive smoke-free policies, and health systems interventions--should be continued to further increase cessation, particularly among younger adults.
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Review Meta Analysis
Hot Food and Beverage Consumption and the Risk of Esophageal Cancer: A Meta-Analysis.
Esophageal cancer is a neoplasm with a poor prognosis. Its two histologic subtypes, esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) and esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC), have been associated with different risk factors. The possibility of an association between the consumption of hot food and beverages and esophageal cancer, especially ESCC, has long been suspected, presenting a potentially modifiable risk factor. A meta-analysis of existing observational studies was performed to provide a quantitative estimate of the risk of esophageal cancer associated with the consumption of hot food and drink. ⋯ The consumption of hot food and beverages was associated with an increased risk of esophageal cancer, particularly ESCC.
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Major vaccine safety controversies have arisen in several countries beginning in the last decades of 20th century. Such periodic vaccine safety controversies are unlikely to go away in the near future as more national immunization programs mature with near elimination of target vaccine-preventable diseases that result in relative greater prominence of adverse events following immunizations, both true reactions and temporally coincidental events. ⋯ This paper aims to take a "lifecycle" approach, examining some potential pre- and post-licensure opportunities to improve vaccine safety, in both developed (specifically U. S. and Europe) and low- and middle-income countries.
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Comparative Study
Secondhand Smoke Exposure and Stroke: The Reasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS) Study.
Stroke is a major public health concern worldwide given the associated morbidity and mortality. Smoking is a risk factor for stroke, but the relationship between secondhand smoke (SHS) exposure and stroke has been inconsistent to date. The aim of the current study was to examine the association of SHS exposure and risk of stroke and its subtypes (ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke) among nonsmokers. ⋯ SHS exposure is independently associated with an increased risk of stroke. Future studies are needed to confirm these findings and examine the role of long-term effects of SHS exposure on stroke outcomes.