Association of household smoking status in childhood with young adults' educational attainment and smoking status: Results from a series of population-based cross-sectional surveys in Japan.

Smoking in young adulthood is a risk factor for future health-related disabilities and a cause of expanding health inequalities. Education and smoking are inversely associated. Using population-based representative data, this study aimed to clarify how the presence of household smokers during childhood related to both current smoking status and educational attainment among young adults.

Endoscopic Dilatation Therapy Using a Small Caliber Balloon for Esophageal Achalasia.

Balloon dilation therapy under direct endoscopic vision was performed in three patients with esophageal achalasia. The Rigiflex through-the-scope balloon dilator, with a maximum diameter of 10-25 mm, was used for dilatation, with a 10-min inflation period. In all patients, dysphagia and regurgitation improved, body weight increased, and esophagography revealed a decrease in esophageal diameter.