Houston TK , Allison JJ , Sussman M , Horn W , Holt CL , Trobaugh J , Salas M , Pisu M , Cuffee YL , Larkin D , Person SD , Barton B , Kiefe CI , Hullett S .

the Center for Healthcare Quality, Outcomes, and Economic Research, eHealth Quality Enhancement Research Initiative, and Bedford Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Bedford, Massachusetts; University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts; Cooper Green Mercy Hospital and University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama; University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland; University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; and AstraZeneca, Wilmington, Delaware.

Abstract

Background: Storytelling is emerging as a powerful tool for health promotion in vulnerable populations. However, these interventions remain largely untested in rigorous studies. Objective: To test an interactive storytelling intervention involving DVDs. Design: Randomized, controlled trial in which comparison patients received an attention control DVD. Separate random assignments were performed for patients with controlled or uncontrolled hypertension. (ClinicalTrials.gov registration number: NCT00875225) Setting: An inner-city safety-net clinic in the southern United States. Patients: 230 African Americans with hypertension. Intervention: 3 DVDs that contained patient stories. Storytellers were drawn from the patient population. Measurements: The outcomes were differential change in blood pressure for patients in the intervention versus the comparison group at baseline, 3 months, and 6 to 9 months. Results: 299 African American patients were randomly assigned between December 2007 and May 2008 and 76.9% were retained throughout the study. Most patients (71.4%) were women, and the mean age was 53.7 years. Baseline mean systolic and diastolic pressures were similar in both groups. Among patients with baseline uncontrolled hypertension, reduction favored the intervention group at 3 months for both systolic (11.21 mm Hg [95% CI, 2.51 to 19.9 mm Hg]; P = 0.012) and diastolic (6.43 mm Hg [CI, 1.49 to 11.45 mm Hg]; P = 0.012) blood pressures. Patients with baseline controlled hypertension did not significantly differ over time between study groups. Blood pressure subsequently increased for both groups, but between-group differences remained relatively constant. Limitation: This was a single-site study with 23% loss to follow-up and only 6 months of follow-up. Conclusion: The storytelling intervention produced substantial and significant improvements in blood pressure for patients with baseline uncontrolled hypertension. Primary Funding Source: Finding Answers: Disparities Research for Change, a national program of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.

Thirdhand smoke: heterogeneous oxidation of nicotine and secondary aerosol formation in the indoor environment.
Petrick LM , Svidovsky A , Dubowski Y . Faculty of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Technion – Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel.

Abstract

Tobacco smoking is well-known as a significant source of primary indoor air pollutants. However, only recently has thirdhand smoke (THS) been recognized as a contributor to indoor pollution due to the role of indoor surfaces. Here, the effects of relative humidity (<10% RH and ? 45% RH) and substrate (cellulose, cotton, and paper) on secondary organic aerosol (SOA) formation from nicotine-ozone-NO(x) reactions are discussed. SOA formation from the sorbed nicotine-ozone reaction ([O(3)] = 55 ppb) varied in size distribution and number, depending on RH and substrate type, indicating the role of substrate and water interactions in SOA formation. This led to SOA yields from cellulose sorbed nicotine-ozone reaction of ? 1 and 2% for wet and dry conditions, respectively. SOA formation from nicotine-NO(x) reactions was not distinguishable from background levels. Simultaneously, cellulose sorbed nicotine-ozone reaction kinetics ([O(3)] = 55 ppb) were obtained and revealed pseudofirst-order surface rate constants of k(1) = (1 ± 0. 5) × 10(-3) and k(1) < 10(-4) min(-1) under <10% and ? 45% RH, respectively. Given the toxicity of some of the identified products and that small particles may contribute to adverse health effects, the present study indicates that exposure to THS ozonation products may pose additional health risks. ]]> http://thelongevityproject.com/thirdhand-smoke-heterogeneous-oxidation-of-nicotine-and-secondary-aerosol-formation-in-the-indoor-environment-2/feed/ 0