Predictors of hazardous drinking among home drinkers

Introduction and Aims: The United Kingdom has witnessed a shift from drinking in bars to drinking at home- to date this phenomenon has received little international attention. The aim of this study was to examine the predictors of Hazardous drinking (HD) levels when drinking at home. Design: An internet survey of university staff (n=488). Methods: Following an elimination process (p 6 females, and >8 males, these are consistent with most international research. Results: There were 286 hazardous drinkers (HD) (181, females 63.3%) and (105 males 36.7%). The variables that predicted HD were female (OR=5.42 95% CI 1.87-15.66), younger age, greater frequency of consuming alcohol at home, preloading (drinking before going out), purchasing alcohol in an off licence and drinking alcohol at home because it is cheaper than drinking out. Discussion and Conclusions: These findings point to an interaction of gender, age purchasing patterns and motivations contributing to hazardous drinking at home and indicate further profitable areas of national and international research

Epidemiologic Responses to Anthrax Outbreaks: A Review of Field Investigations, 1950–2001

We used unpublished reports, published manuscripts, and communication with investigators to identify and summarize 49 anthrax-related epidemiologic field investigations conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention from 1950 to August 2001. Of 41 investigations in which Bacillus anthracis caused human or animal disease, 24 were in agricultural settings, 11 in textile mills, and 6 in other settings. Among the other investigations, two focused on building decontamination, one was a response to bioterrorism threats, and five involved other causes. Knowledge gained in these investigations helped guide the public health response to the October 2001 intentional release of B. anthracis, especially by addressing the management of anthrax threats, prevention of occupational anthrax, use of antibiotic prophylaxis in exposed persons, use of vaccination, spread of B. anthracis spores in aerosols, clinical diagnostic and laboratory confirmation methods, techniques for environmental sampling of exposed surfaces, and methods for decontaminating buildings

Standardized reporting using CODES (Crash Outcome Data Evaluation System)

DTNH-22-97-H-07282While CODES projects have expanded to 25 states, there is no standardized reporting of the outcome measures that are available with linked data. This paper describes our efforts to build a standard format for reporting these outcomes. This format is conceptualized by laying the injury \u201cpyramid\u201d on its side. Outcome measures are reported as columns across a page with increasing levels of severity from left to right. We discuss several aspects of format development including levels of reporting, specific outcome measures, rates, and selection of appropriate denominators. These simplified reports can be used to plan further studies or as a source of information for fact sheets for further dissemination. Examples of implementation of these reports are provided from the Maine CODES project

Age and Ethnicity among Hospitalized Alcoholics: A Nationwide Study

Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/65651/1/j.1530-0277.1992.tb00694.x.pd

DIET AND THE GEOGRAPHICAL DISTRIBUTION OF MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS

Data are presented to suggest that a geographical predisposing factor (G.P.F.) in multiple sclerosis (M.S.) may reflect regional dietary differences, and, further, that this factor is directly related to milk production or consumption. A number of biochemical hypotheses are proposed which would predict a resultant weakened blood-brain barrier or immunological defence, or the production of defective myelin, which would then increase susceptibility to the aetiological agent, possibly a virus. From the standpoint of brain development, two different ideas emerge--one, that differences in the composition of bovine and human milk, particularly during weaning, lead to the G.P.F.; the other, that drinking of milk beyond the normal nursing period is detrimental. More epidemiological studies are needed, with emphasis on diet, especially during periods of rapid brain development. Cow's milk may be an unfortunate substitute for human milk in infancy or a risky food source thereafter, or both. Epidemiological data raise these questions but do not provide ready answers. The milk correlation could be spurious, but at least ideas based on such a correlation pay attention to the most important epidemiological clue in M.S.--namely, the geographical distribution of the disease.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/22234/1/0000668.pd

The A's, G's, C's, and T's of health disparities

In order to eliminate health disparities in the United States, more efforts are needed to address the breadth of social issues directly contributing to the healthy divide observed across racial and ethnic groups. Socioeconomic status, education, and the environment are intimately linked to health outcomes. However, with the tremendous advances in technology and increased investigation into human genetic variation, genomics is poised to play a valuable role in bolstering efforts to find new treatments and preventions for chronic conditions and diseases that disparately affect certain ethnic groups. Promising studies focused on understanding the genetic underpinnings of diseases such as prostate cancer or beta-blocker treatments for heart failure are illustrative of the positive contribution that genomics can have on improving minority health

Reported incidence of notifiable diseases in the United States, 1956

Final figures for 1956 supplied by State and Territorial health officers are presented in this summary. Trends in the incidence of diseases are shown in table 1. The number of cases by month, usually by month of report, are given in table 2. Date on age distribution for 7 diseases were collected for the first time in 1956 and are shown in table 3. Some comparisons with previous years cannot be made, no comments on these data are made in this report. Cases by State and those in noncontiguous areas are shown in subsequent tables. The numbers of reported cases of certain diseases not requested to be regularly reported to the Public Health Service are also shown in this report.Diphtheria -- Encephalitis -- Poliomyelitis -- Psittacosis -- Thyphoid fever -- Tuberculosis -- Venereal diseases -- Poliomyelitis incidence rates, 1955 and 1956 [chart] -- Table 1. Reported cases of specified notifiable diseases: United States, 1947-56 -- Table 2. Reported cases of specified notifiable diseases: United States, 1956 -- Table 3. Reported cases of specified notifiable diseases by age: total of reporting states, 1956 -- Table 4. Reported cases of specified notifiable diseases: United States, each division and state, 1956 -- Table 5. Cases of infrequently reported notifiable diseases by state: United States, 1956 -- Table 6. Cases of specified diseases reported by certain states: United States, 1956 -- Table 7. Reported cases of specified notifiable diseases, Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands, Guam, and the Canal Zone, 1956Includes index