Tobacco use and asking prices of used cars: prevalence, costs, and new opportunities for changing smoking behavior

Secondhand smoke (SHS) causes premature death and disease in children and adults, and the scientific evidence indicates that there is no risk-free level of exposure to SHS. Smoking tobacco in a car can pollute the microenvironment of the car with residual SHS, leaving telltale signs to potential buyers (e.g., odor, used ash tray). This study examined (a) the proportion of used cars sold in the private party market that may be polluted with tobacco smoke and (b) whether asking prices of smoker and nonsmoker cars differed for cars of otherwise equivalent value. A random sample of 1,642 private party sellers were interviewed by telephone, and content analyses of print advertisements were conducted. Findings indicate that 22% of used cars were advertised by smokers or had been smoked in during the previous year. Among nonsmokers, 94% did not allow smoking in their car during the past year. Only 33% of smokers had the same restrictions. The smoking status of the seller and tobacco use in the car were significantly (p < .01) associated with the asking price independent of a car's Kelley Blue Book value (KBB). Used nonsmoker cars were offered at a considerable premium above their KBB value (>11%) and above comparable smoker cars (7–9%). These findings suggest that community preferences are affecting the value of smoke-free cars. New directions for research, tobacco control policies, and health education are discussed to further reduce smoking behavior, to help consumers make informed purchasing decisions, and to protect nonsmokers from SHS exposure

A retrospective clinical audit of cervical smears reported as 'glandular neoplasia'

The aims of this study were to review the diagnostic pathway of women with smears reported as 'glandular neoplasia' and to outline the management, colposcopy findings, treatment and final histological diagnosis in these women. The design was a retrospective review. A total of 114 women were identified over a 5-year period from the cytology database at the Royal Liverpool University Hospital Cytology Department, whose hospital case notes were available for review. Methods included a review of the case notes for the demographic details, indication for smear, colposcopic findings, investigation and/or treatment procedures, histology, final diagnosis and current disease status. Of 114 smears reported as 'glandular neoplasia', 67 were reported as consistent with cervical glandular intra-epithelial neoplasia (CGIN), six with endocervical adenocarcinoma, 36 with endometrial adenocarcinoma and five with other glandular neoplastic abnormalities. The average age was 46.5 years. 79 (69.3%) smears were routine call/recall and 36 (30.7%) women were symptomatic. The positive predictive value (PPV) for a significant histological abnormality in the CGIN smear group was 80.6% (23.9% invasive carcinomas, 43.3% CGIN and 13.4% CIN) and the PPV of an 'endometrial adenocarcinoma' smear was 86.1%. Smears indicating glandular neoplasia are associated with a high probability of clinically significant lesions, the PPV of a CGIN smear being over 80%. Immediate referral for colposcopy and assessment by an experienced colposcopist is recommended.</p