Briefs

UC study details smoke’s effects on a
child’s healing A child’s ability to heal from
cuts, burns or infections could be slowed by exposure to secondhand
tobacco smoke, a new study shows. The study by researchers at UC
Riverside suggests parents who smoke around their children could
cause a range of health issues for them. “˜”˜The idea is
to make people aware of the fact that secondhand smoke is just as
bad, or maybe I could say worse, than firsthand smoke for certain
kinds of problems,” said Manuela Martins-Green, an
associate professor of cell biology who led the research team. The
study was published Monday in the online journal BMC Cell Biology.
Cells typically rush to all areas of a wound. But when exposed to
smoke, the cells cluster in one area on the edge of the wound,
limiting healing and causing scars, Martins-Green said. The
research could have implications for larger problems, including the
effect of secondhand smoke on the liver, kidney, heart and
arteries, the professor said. The team focused on cells extracted
from animals and humans, and studied how smoke affected fibroblasts
(healing cells). Public health officials have warned against the
perils of secondhand smoke. The American Lung Association
identifies it as a cause of lung cancer. A representative of Philip
Morris USA said the cigarette producer has not researched the
impact of secondhand smoke on wounds.

Peace pole causes mild stir HUNTINGTON BEACH
“”mdash; Peace prevails at the beach. The City Council voted Monday
to accept an 8-foot peace pole from the Church of Religious Science
and install it in front of City Hall. “˜”˜I’m
delighted. It’s exactly where we would want it to
be,” said the church’s retired senior minister
Peggy Price, who saw similar monuments during her world travels.
The six-sided pole reads “˜”˜May Peace Prevail on
Earth” in English, Spanish, Vietnamese, Japanese,
Chumash and American Sign Language. But Councilwoman Debbie Cook
raised concerns about installing the pole in a public place, saying
she feared accepting the church’s gift would lead other
groups to install their own monuments displaying more controversial
messages. Cook cast the dissenting vote. “˜”˜I think this
city needs to have a policy before we just start (accepting)
monuments,” she said.

Reports from Bruin wire services.