M. E. Gutgesell

Tobacco, alcohol and other drug use among college students.

Smoking, binge drinking, and illicit drug use remain common among college students. The purpose of this study was to characterize college students who smoke, and to determine the relationship between smoking behavior and alcohol and illicit drug use. Cigarette smoking, alcohol use and illicit drug use practices were surveyed at ten public colleges in Virginia. A total of 3,374 undergraduate respondents from eight schools (those with response rates > 20%) were analyzed. The one-year smoking prevalence was 23.5%. Smokers were significantly more likely to be white, female, and to have lower life satisfaction and grade point averages than nonsmokers. Students classified themselves as regular or occasional smokers. Smoking was significantly associated with binge drinking in the last two weeks and with marijuana, cocaine, and LSD use in the past year. Except for binge drinking, the associations were stronger for regular than for occasional smokers. Cigarette smoking, even occasional use, identifies a subgroup of college students who are at increased risk of binge drinking and illicit drug use. This information may be useful in developing targeted drug prevention programs.

Intensity of acute exercise does not affect serum leptin concentrations in young men

Purpose: We examined the effects of exercise intensity on serum leptin levels. Methods: Seven men (age = 27.0 yr; height = 178.3 cm; weight = 82.2 kg) were tested on a control (C) day and on 5 exercise days (EX). Subjects exercised (30 min) at the following intensities: 25% and 75% of the difference between the lactate threshold (LT) and rest (0.25 LT, 0.75 LT), at LT, and at 25% and 75% of the difference between LT and peakOV2? (1.25 LT, 1.75 LT). Results: Kcal expended during the exercise bouts ranged from 150 ± 11 kcal (0.25 LT) to 529 ± 45 kcal (1.75 LT), whereas exercise + 3.5 h recovery kcal ranged from 310 ± 14 kcal (0.25 LT) to 722 ± 51 kcal (1.75 LT). Leptin area under the curve (AUC) (Q 10-min samples) for all six conditions (C + 5 Ex) was calculated for baseline (0700–0900 h) and for exercise + recovery (0900–1300 h). Leptin AUC for baseline ranged from 243 ± 33 to 291 ± 56 ng~mL-1 X min; for exercise + recovery results ranged from 424 ± 56 to 542 ± 99 ng~mL-1 X min. No differences were observed among conditions within either the baseline or exercise + recovery time frames. Regression analysis confirmed positive relationships between serum leptin concentrations and percentage body fat (r = 0.94) and fat mass (r = 0.93, P < 0.01). Conclusion: We conclude that 30 min of acute exercise, at varying intensity of exercise and caloric expenditure, does not affect serum leptin concentrations during exercise or for the first 3.5 hours of recovery in healthy young men.

Reported alcohol use and behavior in long-distance runners

Because alcohol may impair sports performance, we hypothesized there would be less drinking in serious recreational runners. We used mailed questionnaires to examine drinking patterns (2-wk quantity/frequency), scores on modified versions of the Michigan Alcoholism Screening Test (brief MAST [BMAST], short MAST [SMAST]), and parental history of problem drinking in 397 men and 144 women runners participating in a 20-mile race, compared with a nonexercising control population of 138 men and 119 women. A subset of 188 pairs (104 men, 84 women) were matched for gender, age, educational level, and marital status. We used chi-square analysis, paired t-test, and ANOVA. Male gender, running, and a family history for problem drinking predicted increased total alcohol consumption. We found that male runners (vs male controls) drank more 14.2 +/- 19.6 vs 5.4 +/- 7.6 drinks.wk-2, P = 0.004) and felt guilty about their drinking (26.6% vs 13.8%, P < 0.01). Men and women runners reported more occasions of drinking than matched controls (2.8 +/- 2.7 vs 2.0 +/- 2.3.wk-2, P = 0.004). Runners with scores on the BMAST (> or = 6) or SMAST (> or = 3) suggestive of a history of problem drinking drank less than controls with a similar score. Contrary to our hypothesis, running is associated with increased alcohol consumption, except in those who report a history of problem alcohol behavior.

Ballet Dancer with Hip and Groin Pain: Crohn Disease and Psoas Abscess

J and muscle pains are frequent presenting symptoms to pediatricians caring for active patients, including athletes and dancers. Often athletes with joint and muscle soreness are evaluated and reassured that these complaints are due to strains or sprains, especially if there is an underlying orthopedic condition, such as scoliosis, which might contribute to a muscle strain. However, in a young person in the face of continued soreness not improving with conventional therapy, additional symptoms, and persistently abnormal laboratory results, further workup is mandatory. Iliopsoas abscess complicating Crohn disease is a rare condition. Symptoms are fever, flank or abdominal pain, and limp or flexion deformity of the hip.1 It is not unusual for a delayed diagnosis because of confusing symptoms.2 General pediatricians may not be aware of such a complication because it has not been mentioned in the general pediatric literature. We describe a case in a ballet dancer with chronic hip and groin pain, weight loss, and amenorrhea of several months’ duration. The patient gave written informed consent for this case report.