Enhanced electrocatalytic oxygen redox reactions of iron oxide nanorod films by combining oxygen vacancy formation and cobalt doping.

A synergistic effect of Co-doping and vacuum-annealing on electrochemical redox reactions of iron oxide films is demonstrated in the present work. In this research, a series of defect-rich iron oxy/hydroxide nanorod arrays: α-FeOOH, Fe2O3, and FeOx nanorod thin film catalysts were synthesized via a hydrothermal approach followed by thermal and vacuum treatments. Besides, a cobalt doping process was employed to prepare the thin film of Co-doped FeOx nanorods. The morphology, crystallinity, and electrochemical activities of Co-doped oxygen-deficient FeOx (Co-FeOx/FTO) show strong correlations with metal concentration and thermal treatments. The electrochemical measurements demonstrated that the as-deposited Co-doped FeOx NR catalyst could achieve a maximum OER current of 30 mA cm-2, which was six times greater than that recorded by as-deposited Co-doped FeOOH NR catalysts (5.7 mA cm-2) at 1.65 V vs. RHE, confirming the superior electrocatalytic OER activity at the as-deposited Co-doped FeOx NR catalyst after cobalt doping. It is believed that these results are attributed to two factors: the synergistic effect of Co doping and the defect-rich nature of FeOx nanorod catalysts that are used in sustainable energy systems.

Selective oxidation of amaranth dye in soft drinks through tin oxide decorated reduced graphene oxide nanocomposite based electrochemical sensor.

The recent studies evaluated the extensive exploitation of azo dyes as food colorant to improve the texture of food to turn the food to be very attractive. The heavy consumption of the food colorants by the food industries in commonly consumed beverages especially in the soft drinks may become the cause of certain suspected diseases. Amaranth is an azo dye which easily cleaved into amines and is suspected to be mutagen and carcinogen. Thus, the quantification of amaranth through reliable and sensitive sensor is of great importance. The SnO2/rGO nanocomposite has been engineered to be utilized as chemically modified sensor for the low-level quantification of amaranth in soft drinks and water sample. The fabricated nanocomposite materials was characterized through XRD, FTIR, raman and TEM tools which revealed average crystalline size of 23.7 nm, different surface functionalities and internal rectangle shaped morphology. The engineered nanocomposite was electrochemically characterized through electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and Tafel plot to evaluate the electrocatalytic properties and charger transfer kinetics of SnO2/rGO/Nafion/GCE. The resistance of bare, GO/GCE and SnO2/rGO/Nafion/GCE was calculated as 812.5 Ω, 1343 Ω and 338 Ω. Certain parameters were optimized such as PBS electrolyte pH 6, scan rate 130 mV/s and potential window (0.4-1.2 V) to carry out sensitive and fluent determination process of amaranth azo dye. For the effectiveness of proposed sensor two calibration ranges were optimized from 1 to 800 nM and 1-60 µM. The LOD for both ranges were calculated as 0.68 nM and 0.0027 µM. Moreover, the anti-interference and stability profile of developed sensor were found phenomenal that suggest the exceptional electrocatalytic performance of SnO2/rGO/Nafion/GCE for amaranth.

Foam Synthesis of Nickel/Nickel (II) Hydroxide Nanoflakes Using Double Templates of Surfactant Liquid Crystal and Hydrogen Bubbles: A High-Performance Catalyst for Methanol Electrooxidation in Alkaline Solution.

This work demonstrates the chemical synthesis of two-dimensional nanoflakes of mesoporous nickel/nickel (II) hydroxide (Ni/Ni(OH)2-NFs) using double templates of surfactant self-assembled thin-film and foam of hydrogen bubbles produced by sodium borohydride reducing agent. Physicochemical characterizations show the formation of amorphous mesoporous 2D nanoflakes with a Ni/Ni(OH)2 structure and a high specific surface area (165 m2/g). Electrochemical studies show that the electrocatalytic activity of Ni/Ni(OH)2 nanoflakes towards methanol oxidation in alkaline solution is significantly enhanced in comparison with that of parent bare-Ni(OH)2 deposited from surfactant-free solution. Cyclic voltammetry shows that the methanol oxidation mass activity of Ni/Ni(OH)2-NFs reaches 545 A/cm2 gcat at 0.6 V vs. Ag/AgCl, which is more than five times higher than that of bare-Ni(OH)2. Moreover, Ni/Ni(OH)2-NFs reveal less charge transfer resistance (10.4 Ω), stable oxidation current density (625 A/cm2 gcat at 0.7 V vs. Ag/AgCl), and resistance to the adsorption of reaction intermediates and products during three hours of constant-potential methanol oxidation electrolysis in alkaline solution. The high-performance electrocatalytic activity of Ni/Ni(OH)2 nanoflakes is mainly derived from efficient charge transfer due to the high specific surface area of the 2D mesoporous architecture of the nanoflakes, as well as the mass transport of methanol to Ni2+/Ni3+ active sites throughout the catalyst layer.

Strong and consistent associations of precedent chronic rhinosinusitis with risk of non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis.

BACKGROUND: Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) and bronchiectasis commonly co-occur, but most prior studies were not designed to evaluate temporality and causality. OBJECTIVES: In a sample representing the general population in 37 counties in Pennsylvania, and thus the full spectrum of sinonasal and relevant lung diseases, we aimed to evaluate the temporality and strength of associations of CRS with non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis. METHODS: We completed case-control analyses for each of 3 primary bronchiectasis case finding methods. We used electronic health records to identify CRS and bronchiectasis with diagnoses, procedure orders, and/or specific text in sinus or chest computerized tomography scan radiology reports. The controls never had any indication of bronchiectasis and were frequency-matched to the 3 bronchiectasis groups on the basis of age, sex, and encounter year. There were 5,329 unique persons with bronchiectasis and 33,363 without bronchiectasis in the 3 analyses. Important co-occurring conditions were identified with diagnoses, medication orders, and encounter types. Logistic regression was used to evaluate associations (odds ratios [ORs] and 95% CIs) of CRS with bronchiectasis while adjusting for confounding variables. RESULTS: In adjusted analyses, CRS was consistently and strongly associated with all 3 bronchiectasis definitions. The strongest associations for CRS (ORs and 95% CIs) were those that were based on the text of sinus computerized tomography scan reports; the associations were generally stronger for CRS without nasal polyps (eg, OR = 4.46 [95% CI = 2.09-9.51] for diagnosis-based bronchiectasis). On average, CRS was identified more than 6 years before bronchiectasis. CONCLUSION: Precedent CRS was strongly and consistently associated with increased risk of bronchiectasis.

Rare gastric neoplasm: Malignant glomus tumor of the stomach. A case report.

INTRODUCTION: Glomus tumors are rare neoplasms that aris-e from neuromyoarterial canal or glomus body. They are mainly found in the peripheral soft tissue, extremities and rarely developed inside the gastrointestinal tract. In the gastrointestinal tract, the stomach is the most common site for the development of glomus tumors, and most often found in the antrum. Usually, the symptoms of gastric glomus tumors are non specific i.e (abdominal pain, GI bleeding and/or perforation) and possibly discovered incidentally during upper GI endoscopy. CASE PRESENTATION: This is a-56-year-old-male, presented to the emergency department with upper GI bleeding i.e (melena), and signs of shock (HR: 110; BP:80/60), Blood tests showed Hemoglobin level: 5 g/dl. Resuscitation was started with IV fluid and transfusion of 4 units of PRBCs. After resuscitation, He gave a 10 days history of passing black tarry stool, palpitation, headache, dizziness, easily fatigability, malaise, and colicky epigastric abdominal pain. His abdomen was soft, lax with no tenderness, there was fullness at the left upper quadrant. Upper GI endoscopy was performed that showed a large gastric ulcer with adherent clots, necrotic base and oozing at the proximal part of the greater curvature, after that the bleeding was managed with a heater probe and epinephrine injections. The histopathological examination of the biopsy revealed a spindle and epithelioid tumor with the top differential diagnosis being GIST, however other submucosal lesions cannot be excluded. After that, He underwent exploratory laparotomy and wedge resection of the tumor. The final histopathology showed a malignant glomus tumor. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: Due to overlapping clinical and radiological features between glomus, GIST and other submucosal lesions, the histopathological examination is considered to be the gold standard for the diagnosis. Surgical resection with negative margin is the treatment of choice for gastric glomus tumors. CONCLUSION: Although gastric glomus tumor is a rare entity and accounts for 1% of all gastric mesenchymal tumors, it should be considered in the differential diagnosis, since preoperative biopsy is difficult and overlapping features with other submucosal lesions. Surgical treatment is the preferred option for gastric glomus tumor and long-term follow-up is required due to high metastatic and recurrence rate in the malignant type.

Thyroid disrupting effects of low-dose dibenzothiophene and cadmium in single or concurrent exposure: New evidence from a translational zebrafish model.

Thyroid hormones (THs) are major regulators of biological processes essential for correct development and energy homeostasis. Although thyroid disruptors can deeply affect human health, the impact of exogenous chemicals and in particular mixture of chemicals on different aspects of thyroid development and metabolism is not yet fully understood. In this study we have used the highly versatile zebrafish model to assess the thyroid axis disrupting effects of cadmium (Cd) and dibenzothiophene (DBT), two environmental endocrine disruptors found to be significantly correlated in epidemiological co-exposure studies. Zebrafish embryos (5hpf) were exposed to low concentrations of Cd (from 0.05 to 2 µM) and DBT (from 0.05 to 1 µM) and to mixtures of them. A multilevel assessment of the pollutant effects has been obtained by combining in vivo morphological analyses allowed by the use of transgenic fluorescent lines with liquid chromatography mass spectrometry determination of TH levels and quantification of the expression levels of key genes involved in the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Thyroid Axis (HPTA) and TH metabolism. Our results underscore for the first time an important synergistic toxic effect of these pollutants on embryonic development and thyroid morphology highlighting differences in the mechanisms through which they can adversely impact on multiple physiological processes of the HPTA and TH disposal influencing also heart geometry and function.

Structure and electrochemical activity of nickel aluminium fluoride nanosheets during urea electro-oxidation in an alkaline solution.

An electrocatalyst of potassium nickel aluminium hexafluoride (KNiAlF6) nanosheets has been prepared using solid-phase synthesis at 900 °C. X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and conductivity studies confirmed the formation of KNiAlF6 nanosheets having a cubic defect pyrochlore structure with an average thickness of 60-70 nm and conductivity of 1.297 × 103 S m-1. The electrochemical catalytic activity of the KNiAlF6 nanosheets was investigated for urea oxidation in alkaline solution. The results show that the KNiAlF6 nanosheets exhibit a mass activity of ∼395 mA cm-2 mg-1 at 1.65 V vs. HRE, a reaction activation energy of 4.02 kJ mol-1, Tafel slope of 22 mV dec-1 and an oxidation onset potential of ∼1.35 V vs. HRE which is a significant enhancement for urea oxidation when compared with both bulk Ni(OH)2 and nickel hydroxide-based catalysts published in the literature. Chronoamperometry and impedance analysis of the KNiAlF6 nanosheets reveal lower charge transfer resistance and long-term stability during the prolonged urea electro-oxidation process, particularly at 60 °C. After an extended urea electrolysis process, the structure and morphology of the KNiAlF6 nanosheets were significantly changed due to partial transformation to Ni(OH)2 but the electrochemical activity was sustained. The enhanced electrochemical surface area and the replacement of nickel in the lattice by aluminium make KNiAlF6 nanosheets highly active electrocatalysts for urea oxidation in alkaline solution.

Consanguinity in patients with mesial temporal lobe epilepsy due to hippocampal sclerosis in a Saudi population.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate if there is an association between consanguinity and hippocampal sclerosis (HS) in the Saudi population. METHODS: A retrospective case-control study was conducted by assessing the prevalence of consanguinity in patients with pathologically proven HS, who underwent epilepsy surgery at King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, between January 2004 and December 2015. We reviewed the medical records to extract data, which included; age, gender, duration of epilepsy, history of febrile seizure, family history of epilepsy in a first or second-degree relative, and pathology reports. RESULTS: A total of 120 patients, out of which 40 patients (65% male) having mesial temporal lobe epilepsy due to HS, and 80 controls (56% male) with cryptogenic epilepsy, were identified. Twenty-two patients (53.5%) in the HS group had a history of consanguinity. In the control group, 30 patients (37.5%) had a history of consanguinity. The odds ratio was 2.04 (95% confidence interval = 0.94 - 4.4, p=0.052). A family history of epilepsy was found in 28% of the patients with HS and 32.5% cryptogenic epilepsy. Only 8 patients (19.5%) with HS reported a history of febrile seizure. CONCLUSION: Our retrospective case-control study suggests that consanguinity might increase the likelihood of developing HS.

Peptide hormone analysis in diagnosis and treatment of Differences of Sex Development: joint position paper of EU COST Action 'DSDnet' and European Reference Network on Rare Endocrine Conditions.

Differences of Sex Development (DSD) comprise a variety of congenital conditions characterized by atypical chromosomal, gonadal, or anatomical sex. Diagnosis and monitoring of treatment of patients suspected of DSD conditions include clinical examination, measurement of peptide and steroid hormones, and genetic analysis. This position paper on peptide hormone analyses in the diagnosis and control of patients with DSD was jointly prepared by specialists in the field of DSD and/or peptide hormone analysis from the European Cooperation in Science and Technology (COST) Action DSDnet (BM1303) and the European Reference Network on rare Endocrine Conditions (Endo-ERN). The goal of this position paper on peptide hormone analysis was to establish laboratory guidelines that may contribute to improve optimal diagnosis and treatment control of DSD. The essential peptide hormones used in the management of patients with DSD conditions are follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinising hormone, anti-Müllerian hormone, and Inhibin B. In this context, the following position statements have been proposed: serum and plasma are the preferred matrices; the peptide hormones can all be measured by immunoassay, while use of LC-MS/MS technology has yet to be implemented in a diagnostic setting; sex- and age-related reference values are mandatory in the evaluation of these hormones; and except for Inhibin B, external quality assurance programs are widely available.

Mannose is an insulin-regulated metabolite reflecting whole-body insulin sensitivity in man.

Mannose is a glucose-associated serum metabolite mainly released by the liver. Recent studies have shown several unexpected pleiotropic effects of mannose including increased regulatory T cells (Tregs), prevention of auto-immune disease and ability to reduce growth of human cancer cells. We have previously shown in large cohorts that elevated serum mannose levels are associated with future development of type 2 diabetes (T2D) and cardiovascular disease. However, potential direct effects of mannose on insulin sensitivity in vivo or in vitro are unknown. We here show that administration of mannose (0.1 g/kg BW twice daily) for one week in man did not elicit negative effects on meal-modified glucose tolerance, markers of inflammation or insulin levels. Tregs number and insulin signaling in human liver cells were unchanged. These data suggest that mannose is a marker, and not a mediator, of insulin resistance. To verify this, we examined serum mannose levels during long-term euglycemic hyperinsulinemic clamps in non-diabetic and T2D individuals. Mannose was reduced by insulin infusion in proportion to whole-body insulin sensitivity. Thus, mannose is a biomarker of insulin resistance which may be useful for the early identification of diabetic individuals with insulin resistance and increased risk of its complications.

Gallic acid protects against cyclophosphamide-induced toxicity in testis and epididymis of rats.

The protective role of gallic acid (GA) on reproductive toxicity induced by cyclophosphamide (CPA), an antineoplastic drug, was investigated in male Wistar rats. Sixty rats were grouped into 10 rats per group. Group 1 (control) received distilled water. Rats in groups 2 and 3 received GA alone at 60 and 120 mg kg(-1) for 14 consecutive days, respectively. Group 4 received a single intraperitoneal dose of CPA at 200 mg kg(-1) on day 1. Groups 5 and 6 received a single dose of CPA (200 mg kg(-1) ) intraperitoneally on day 1 followed by treatment with GA at 60 and 120 mg kg(-1) for 14 consecutive days, respectively. In testes and epididymis of the treated rats, CPA administration resulted in significant elevation (P < 0.05) in malondialdehyde (MDA), nitrite and hydrogen peroxide levels. There was a significant decrease in the activities of superoxide dismutase and glutathione-S-transferase. Furthermore, there were significant reductions in plasma luteinising hormone (LH), follicle stimulation hormone (FSH) and testosterone levels, which were accompanied by significant decrease in sperm motility and viability in CPA-treated rats. Histological examination revealed marked testicular and epididymal atrophy in CPA alone treated rats and these aberrations were reversed by GA. In conclusion, GA has capacity to protect against reproductive toxicity induced by cyclophosphamide.

Retinal Complications After Anterior Versus Posterior Chamber Phakic Intraocular Lens Implantation in a Myopic Cohort.

PURPOSE: To compare the incidence and characteristics of retinal complications following implantation of two types of phakic intraocular lenses (PIOLs) in patients with myopia. METHODS: In this comparative, retrospective study, 603 eyes of 344 patients with myopia underwent implantation of either an Artisan iris-fixated phakic intraocular lens IOL (Artisan; Ophtec, Groningen, Netherlands) (Artisan group) or a Visian implantable collamer lens (ICL; STAAR Surgical Company, Monrovia, CA) (ICL group) between June 2005 and December 2013. Preoperative, operative, and postoperative clinical data were collected on the incidence of retinal complications, including rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) or choroidal neovascular membrane (CNVM). RESULTS: The Artisan lens was implanted in 185 (30.68%) eyes and 418 (69.32%) eyes underwent ICL implantation. Mean follow-up was 26.78 months (range: 9 days to 98 months). Mean preoperative spherical equivalent (SE) was -12.44 ± 4.43 D (range: -1.13 to -31.00 D). The overall rate of retinal complications was 1%. Postoperatively, 3 (0.7%) eyes developed RRD in the ICL group, and no eyes developed RRD in the Artisan group. Submacular hemorrhage was observed in 1 (0.24%) eye in the ICL group. Two (1%) eyes developed CNVM in the Artisan group. The mean time from PIOL implantation to retinal complications was 15.6 months (range: 0.03 to 43 months). CONCLUSIONS: Implantation of ICL or Artisan phakic IOL demonstrated comparable rates of retinal complications. Anterior chamber PIOL does not increase the risk of retinal detachment or CNVM in patients with myopia.

Meta-analysis and review of prospective randomized trials comparing laparoscopic and Lichtenstein techniques in recurrent inguinal hernia repair.

PURPOSE: The hypothesis of this meta-analysis was to assess whether laparoscopic approach shows real benefits over Lichtenstein technique in recurrent inguinal hernia repair. METHODS: A literature search for prospective randomized trials comparing laparoscopic and Lichtenstein procedure in recurrent inguinal hernia repair was performed. Trials were reviewed for primary outcome measures: re-recurrence, chronic inguinal pain and ischemic orchitis; and for secondary outcome measures. Standardized mean difference (SMD) was calculated for continuous variables and odds ratio for dichotomous variables. RESULTS: Seven studies comparing laparoscopic and Lichtenstein technique were considered suitable for the pooled analysis. Overall 647 patients with recurrent inguinal hernia were randomized to either laparoscopic repair (333, 51.5 %, transabdominal preperitoneal approach, TAPP and totally extraperitoneal approach, TEP) or anterior open repair (314, 48.5 %, Lichtenstein operation). Patients who underwent laparoscopic repair experienced significantly less chronic pain (9.2 % vs. 21.5 %, p = 0.003). Patients of the laparoscopic group had a significantly earlier return to normal daily activities (13.9 vs. 18.4 days, SMD = -0.68, 95 % CI = -0.94 to -0.43, p < 0.000001). Operative time was significantly longer in laparoscopic operations (62.9 vs. 54.2 min, SMD 0.46, 95 % CI 0.03, 0.89; p = 0.04). No other differences were found. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopy showed reduced chronic inguinal pain and an earlier return to normal daily activities but significantly longer operative time. Despite the expected advantages, the choice between laparoscopy and other techniques still depends on local expertise availability. Only dedicated centers are able to routinely offer laparoscopy for recurrent inguinal hernia repair.

Hepatocellular carcinoma and the underlying mechanisms.

The incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma is increasing worldwide as well as the associated risk factors, some of which include exposure to aflatoxin B1, Hepatitis B (HBV) virus and hepatitis C (HCV) virus. Mutation of tumour suppressor gene p53 at codon 249(ser) at exon 7 has been found to contribute significantly to replication of damaged DNA and subsequent tumour progression. The x gene of HBV (HBx) is the most common open reading frame integrated into the host genome in hepatocellular carcinoma and the integrated HBx is frequently mutated in hepatocellular carcinoma. Mutant HBx proteins still retain their ability to bind to p53 thereby attenuating DNA repair and p53-mediated apoptosis.

Capsaicin: a novel chemopreventive molecule and its underlying molecular mechanisms of action.

Capsaicin (trans-8-methyl-N-vanillyl-6-nonenamide) is the a principal pungent ingredient of hot red and chili peppers that belong to the plant genus Capsicum (Solanaceae). Capsaicin is a cancer-suppressing agent. It blocks the translocation of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kB), activator protein 1 (AP-1), and signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT3) signaling pathway that are required for carcinogenesis. The anti-inflammatory potential of capsaicin is attributed to its inhibitory effect on inducible COX-2 mRNA expression. Cytochrome P4502E1 mediates the activation of xenobiotics such as vinyl carbamate and dimethyl nitrosamine to their toxic metabolites. This metabolic activation of xenobiotics by Cytochrome P4502E1 has been shown to be inhibited by capsaicin. Capsaicin also generates reactive oxygen species in cells with resultant induction of apoptosis and cell cycle arrest, which is beneficial for cancer chemoprevention. Therefore, the use of capsaicin as a chemopreventive agent is of immense benefit for cancer chemoprevention. The search strategy included printed journals, pubmed, and medline, using the terms 'capsaicin' and 'anticancer' citations, relevant to anticancer properties of capsaicin.

Antidiabetic and haematinic effects of Parquetina nigrescens on alloxan induced type-1 diabetes and normocytic normochromic anaemia in Wistar rats.

BACKGROUND: The plant, Parquetina nigrescens is used in folklore medicine to treat diabetes mellitus and its complications in several parts of West Africa. OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of Parquetina nigrescens extract on fasting blood glucose in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. METHODS: The blood glucose levels, complete blood count, erythrocyte indices and osmotic fragility, body and organ weights were evaluated. RESULTS: Diabetic rats treated with the extract showed significant (P<0.01) reduction of the blood glucose to levels comparable to that of the non-diabetic control and those treated with chlorpropamide (standard drug). Similarly, there was significant (P<0.01) reduction in the complete blood count in the diabetic rats. DISCUSSION: The anaemia, leucopenia and thrombocytopenia associated with the diabetes were corrected in the animals treated with the extract and chlorpropamide. The extract also reduced the erythrocyte osmotic fragility, body and organ weights. Parquetina nigrescens demonstrated antidiabetic property by reducing the elevated blood glucose in alloxan treated rats which is comparable to animals that received the standard drug. CONCLUSION: Paraquetina nigrescens stabilized the erythrocyte membrane, decreased the body weight probably by lowering lipogenesis. However, the mechanism underlying the antidiabetic and haematinic properties of Parquetina nigrescens remains to be elucidated.

Interactions between reactive oxygen species and cancer: the roles of natural dietary antioxidants and their molecular mechanisms of action.

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are natural products inevitably generated along with cellular metabolism. Due to their extreme reactivity, they can damage DNA, proteins and lipids. Dietary antioxidants have been shown to take part in cellular reduction-oxidation (redox) reactions in which they can act as either antioxidants (election donors) or pro-oxidants (election acceptors) depending on the physiological environment and general oxidative state. Organisms have developed efficient machinery and mechanisms to keep the production of ROS under tight control, these same mechanisms have also been found to regulate other intracellular processes. p53 is a sequence-specific transcription factor and critical tumour suppressor gene that is most frequently mutated in human cancer. Cancer, one of the leading causes of death worldwide, can now be ameliorated, blocked or reversed with ubiquitous polyphenolic and organosulphur compounds present in natural dietary antioxidants.

Patterns of healthy lifestyle and positive health attitudes in older Europeans.

OBJECTIVES: To determine (i) the extent to which recommended lifestyle healthy behaviors are adopted and the existence of positive attitudes to health; (ii) the relative influence of socio-demographic variables on multiple healthy lifestyle behaviors and positive attitudes to health; (iii) the association between healthy lifestyle behaviors and positive attitudes to health. DESIGN: Two distinct healthy behavioral measures were developed: (i) healthy lifestyles based on physical activity, no cigarette smoking, no/moderate alcohol drinking, maintaining a "healthy" weight and having no sleeping problems and (ii) positive health attitudes based on having positive emotional attitudes, such as: self-perceived good health status, being calm, peaceful and happy for most of the time, not expecting health to get worse and regular health check-ups. A composite healthy lifestyle index, ranging from 0 (none of behaviors met) to 5 (all behaviors met) was calculated by summing up the individual's scores for the five healthy lifestyle items. Afterwards, each individual's index was collapsed into three levels: 0-2 equivalent to 'level 1' (subjectively regarded as 'too low'), a score of 3 equivalent to 'level 2' ('fair') and 4-5 as 'level 3' satisfactory 'healthy lifestyle' practices. The same procedure was applied to the positive health attitudes index. Multinomial logistic regression analyses by a forward selection procedure were used to calculate the adjusted odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (95% CI). PARTICIPANTS: A multi-national sample consisting of 638 older Europeans from 8 countries, aged 65-74 and 75+, living alone or with others. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Maintaining a "healthy" weight was the most frequently cited factor in the healthy lifestyles index and therefore assumed to be the most important to the older Europeans in the study; positive attitudes to health were relatively low; participants achieved a 'satisfactory' level for healthy lifestyles index (level 3) more frequently than a satisfactory level for positive attitudes to health; having a satisfactory 'healthy lifestyle' was directly related to having a satisfactory level of positive attitudes to health based on the positive health attitudes index; income and geographical location in Europe appeared to be key predictors for meeting both the recommended healthy lifestyle factors in the index and having positive health attitudes however, the composition and nature of the study sample should be taken into consideration when considering the impact of the location on healthy lifestyles and attitudes to health across Europe.

Relation between newspaper coverage of tobacco issues and smoking attitudes and behaviour among American teens.

OBJECTIVE: Geographic variation in youth smoking prevalence suggests that community-level factors influence risk of tobacco use. We examine the extent to which newspaper coverage of tobacco issues is related to youth smoking attitudes and behaviours. DESIGN: We conducted a content analysis of 8390 newspaper articles on tobacco issues from 386 daily newspapers circulating at 5% or more in 2001-3 Monitoring the Future (MTF) survey communities. This resulted in the creation of community level measures of news volume, content and valence. Associations between news and youth outcomes were assessed using logistic regression analyses adjusting for individual, geographic and tobacco policy factors linked to youth smoking and attitudes. SUBJECTS: 98,747 youth participating in the nationally representative school-based MTF annual surveys between 2001 and 2003. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Perceived harm of smoking, perceived peer smoking, disapproval of smoking, smoking within the past 30 days, daily cigarette consumption. RESULTS: In the five months preceding survey administration, newspapers in MTF communities published an average of 11.9 tobacco related articles (range 0-55.7). Each 10-article increase in newspaper volume over the five-month period was associated with increased odds of perceiving great harm from smoking (OR = 1.04, p<0.01) and disapproving of smoking (OR = 1.04, p<0.05) and decreased odds of perceiving most or all friends smoke (0.94, p<0.01) and smoking in the past 30 days (OR = 0.93, p<0.001). No consistent association was found between the content or valence of coverage and youth smoking outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Gaining and keeping tobacco on the media agenda is an important tool for tackling youth smoking. As volume appears to be the driving factor, media advocacy may be best targeted towards generating events and highlighting issues likely to increase and sustain news attention.