Läkartidningen
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Oral snuff, used by 20% of all Swedish males in 1996, causes blood nicotine levels similar to those in smokers. In a report by the National Board of Health and Welfare in 1997, it is concluded that scientific evidence of oral snuff as a cause of oral cancer is weak. Epidemiological studies of more than 100,000 construction workers showed hypertension (blood pressure > 160/90) to be more common among oral snuff users than among non-users. ⋯ As compared with non-users, oral snuff users manifested neither significant signs of accelerated atherosclerosis nor significantly reduced maximum physical capacity. Oral snuff usage causes physiological nicotine dependence, and results in the release of sympatho-adrenergic stimuli associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular stress, which might in turn exacerbate the risk of fatal cardiovascular events. However, oral snuff usage does not seem to be associated with the same risk of accelerated atherosclerosis as is smoking.
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According to the WHO (World Health Organization), 12 million children die annually before reaching the age of five. Seventy per cent of the deaths are related to one or more of five common diseases: acute respiratory tract infection, diarrhoea, measles, malaria and malnutrition. Consequently, drawing on international experience and expertise, the WHO and UNICEF (United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund) have compiled and developed guidelines for the primary care of Third World children. This programme, entitled Integrated management of childhood illness (IMCI), is expected to improve the care of children in areas and situations resources are limited.