Are fluoride levels in drinking water associated with hypothyroidism prevalence in England? A large observational study of GP practice data and fluoride levels in drinking water

Background While previous research has suggested that there is an association between fluoride ingestion and the incidence of hypothyroidism, few population level studies have been undertaken. In England, approximately 10% of the population live in areas with community fluoridation schemes and hypothyroidism prevalence can be assessed from general practice data. This observational study examines the association between levels of fluoride in water supplies with practice level hypothyroidism prevalence. Methods We used a cross-sectional study design using secondary data to develop binary logistic regression models of predictive factors for hypothyroidism prevalence at practice level using 2012 data on fluoride levels in drinking water, 2012/2013 Quality and Outcomes Framework (QOF) diagnosed hypothyroidism prevalence data, 2013 General Practitioner registered patient numbers and 2012 practice level Index of Multiple Deprivation scores. Findings We found that higher levels of fluoride in drinking water provide a useful contribution for predicting prevalence of hypothyroidism. We found that practices located in the West Midlands (a wholly fluoridated area) are nearly twice as likely to report high hypothyroidism prevalence in comparison to Greater Manchester (non-fluoridated area). Interpretation In many areas of the world, hypothyroidism is a major health concern and in addition to other factors—such as iodine deficiency—fluoride exposure should be considered as a contributing factor. The findings of the study raise particular concerns about the validity of community fluoridation as a safe public health measure

P1_8 Ballet Dancer

In this paper, we investigated the effect of a female dancer’s arms on their rotational kinetic energy and therefore how fast they are turning during a pirouette. We did this by calculating the rotational kinetic energy change of a dancer when they have their arms fully outstretched and when they have their arms 50% closer to their rotation axis. In this case, the arm length of the dancer is the dancer’s radius when turning. Using the dancer’s moment of inertia in both scenarios, we found that the rotational kinetic energy change was a 320% (2 s.f) increase when the dancer’s radius was halved. This implies that the dancer’s angular velocity will also increase

P1_4 Ice Ice, Benny

In this paper, we investigated the time taken for the famous London landmark the Elizabeth Tower, more commonly known as ’Big Ben’, to melt if it was completely made out of ice. By modelling Big Ben as a perfect cuboid and using equations that define specific latent heat and specific heat capacity we found that it would take 174 days (2 s.f.) for an ice structure the size of Big Ben to melt. We believe that this is a reasonable estimation for the time it would take to melt, since it issuch a large structure

P1_6 Red TARDIS

In this paper we investigated the effect the relativistic effect would have on the TARDIS fromthe the BBC television programme Doctor Who. We aimed to calculate the speed at which theTARDIS would have to travel in order to appear red rather than its iconic blue colour. We foundthat the TARDIS would have to be travelling at 1.3 x 108m/s (2 s.f) away from an observer toappear red. We felt this was a reasonable speed for the spaceship to be travelling at due to it’sadvanced time and space travelling capabilities

P1_7 The Supervillain Struggle

This paper investigates the energy requirements to vaporise famous landmarks if a super-villain were to decide to destroy one. By investigating the material composition of landmarks such as the Pyramid of Giza and the Cloud Gate monument, the energy required to completely vaporise them has been calculated. The landmark with the lowest energy value was found to be an Easter Island head but this may not have the largest international impact

P1_3 Sort it out, Scotty!

In this paper, we calculated a length contraction of 290 m (2.s.f) to 250 m (2.s.f) and a time dilation of 4000 s (2.s.f) to 4600 s (2.s.f) for the starship, the USS Enterprise (NCC-1701). The starship is from the original 1960s Star Trek series and modelled to be travelling at half the speed of light from Jupiter back to Earth. The observer is standing on Mars and is watching the starship moving towards Earth for repairs

P1_1 Hollywood Sign Illuminations: Is it Worth the Money?

In this paper, an investigation is conducted as to whether it is financially viable for the famous Hollywood sign in California to be lit up by Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) for 12 hours. By estimating the surface area of the Hollywood sign, we calculated the number of LEDs required to fully cover the sign and the power of each LED. We estimated the cost to illuminate the Hollywood sign for 12 hours to be approximately $11,000 (2s.f.). Therefore, we think it is financially viable to illuminate the Hollywood sign for a single event. However, considering installation and maintenance costs we do not think this would be a financially viable project for long term use

P1_11 Bullseye!

The farthest archery target hit ever was achieved from a distance of 330 m. In this paper we estimated that a shot of this distance would require a force of 100 N (2 s.f) to be achieved. We conclude it is within human capabilities to improve on this record but ensuring the accuracy of the shot so the target is actually hit poses a challenge to any who try to break the record

Management of primary hypothyroidism: statement by the British Thyroid Association Executive Committee.

The management of primary hypothyroidism with levothyroxine (L-T4) is simple, effective and safe, and most patients report improved well-being on initiation of treatment. However, a proportion of individuals continue to suffer with symptoms despite achieving adequate biochemical correction. The management of such individuals has been the subject of controversy and of considerable public interest. The American Thyroid Association (ATA) and the European Thyroid Association (ETA) have recently published guidelines on the diagnosis and management of hypothyroidism. These guidelines have been based on extensive reviews of the medical literature and include sections on the role of combination therapy with L-T4 and liothyronine (L-T3) in individuals who are persistently dissatisfied with L-T4 therapy. This position statement by the British Thyroid Association (BTA) summarises the key points in these guidelines and makes recommendations on the management of primary hypothyroidism based on the current literature, review of the published positions of the ETA and ATA, and in line with best principles of good medical practice. The statement is endorsed by the Association of Clinical Biochemistry, (ACB), British Thyroid Foundation, (BTF), Royal College of Physicians (RCP) and Society for Endocrinology (SFE)