No abstract

Our results indicate a potential relationship between reduced mortality and post-fracture use of prescribed calcium plus vitamin D supplementation and, in females, concomitant use of anti-osteoporotic drugs. However, further investigations are needed to understand the reason for the reduction in the risk of death. Population-based, randomized, placebo-controlled trials with total mortality as the main endpoint should be conducted to verify our results.

There is a wider demand for licit access for medical cannabis than currently available in these countries. Ideologically, medical growers can be seen distancing themselves from both the legal and illicit drug markets. From a harm reduction perspective, it is worrying that, in the context of present health and control policies in these countries, many medical growers are using cannabis to treat serious medical conditions without proper medical advice and doctor's guidance.

ABSTRACT.Purpose: Leber hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON) is regarded as the most common mitochondrial disease. We have previously reported comprehensive population-based epidemiological data on common mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) mutations including m.3243A>G, m.8344A>G and large-scale mtDNA deletions in Northern Finland. Our aim was to investigate the prevalence of primary LHON mutations and mutations in the four mtDNA genes considered hot spots for LHON in the same population. Methods: The study population consisted of 42 adult patients with an aetiologically undefined bilateral optic atrophy. The major LHON mutations m.3460G>A, m.11778G>A and m.14484T>C were analysed by restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP), and MTND1, MTND6 and MTATP6 genes were sequenced. MTND5 gene was analysed by conformation-sensitive gel electrophoresis (CSGE). Results: No major LHON mutations were found in the population of the province of Northern Ostrobothnia giving the prevalence of these mutations 0-1.36:100 000 (95% CI). However, two main mutations were found elsewhere in Northern Finland, homoplasmic m.11778G>A from Kainuu and heteroplasmic m.3460G>A from Central Ostrobothnia. Furthermore, tobacco-alcohol amblyopia was diagnosed in five patients in the study population and one of them had m.11778G>A. Conclusion: The prevalence of the three major LHON mutations is lower in Northern Finland than elsewhere in Finland or in Western Europe. As LHON and tobaccoalcohol amblyopia have a similar phenotype, we recommend analysing the known LHON-associated mutations before setting tobacco-alcohol amblyopia diagnosis.

A third of those suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs are rearrested within 15 years. Drugs, especially amphetamines, are a risk factor for faster rearrest. These results show that the groups at risk of recidivism can be pinpointed. Interventions to prevent recidivism should be developed particularly for drugged drivers. Substance abuse beginning in adolescence seems to be a greater risk.