bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Selective Reduction of Socioeconomic Disparities in the Experimental Tobacco Marketplace: Effects of Cigarette and E-cigarette Flavor Restrictions
Authors: Freitas-Lemos Roberta , Tegge Allison N , Shevorykin Alina , Tomlinson Devin C , Athamneh Liqa N , Stein Jeffrey S , Sheffer Christine E , Shields Peter G , Hatsukami Dorothy K , Bickel Warren K
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Cigarette smoking accounts for >30% of the socioeconomic gap in life expectancy. Flavored restrictions claim to promote equity; however, no previous studies have compared the effect of cigarette and e-cigarette flavor restrictions among individuals who smoke with lower and higher socioeconomic status (SES).

Aims and Methods

In a between-group within-subject design, individuals with lower (n = 155) and higher (n = 125) SES completed hypothetical purchasing trials in the experimental tobacco marketplace (ETM). Conditions were presented in a 2 × 2 factorial design (cigarette flavors restricted or unrestricted and e-cigarette flavors restricted or unrestricted) with increasing cigarette prices across trials.

Results

Results show (1) SES differences in cigarette, e-cigarette, and NRT purchases under unrestricted policies, with lower SES showing higher cigarette demand and lower e-cigarette and NRT substitution than higher SES, (2) cigarette restrictions decreased cigarette and increased NRT purchases among lower SES, but no significant changes among higher SES, (3) decreased SES differences in cigarette demand under cigarette restrictions, but persistence under e-cigarette restrictions or their combination, (4) persistence of SES differences in e-cigarette purchases when all restrictions were enforced, and (5) waning of SES differences in NRT purchasing under all restrictions.

Conclusions

Flavor restrictions differentially affected individuals based on SES. Within-group comparisons demonstrated restrictions significantly impacted lower SES, but not higher SES. Between-group comparisons showed SES differences in cigarette purchasing decreased under cigarette restrictions, but persisted under e-cigarette-restrictions or their combination. Additionally, SES differences in NRT substitution decreased under flavor restrictions. These findings highlight the utility of the ETM to investigate SES disparities.

Implications

With increasing trends of socioeconomic differences in smoking prevalence and cessation rates, smoking-related health disparities are expected to continue to widen. Restricting menthol flavor in cigarettes while enhancing the availability and affordability of NRT have the potential to alleviate SES disparities in tobacco use, therefore, positively impacting health equity. However, this effect may depend on flavor availability in other tobacco products.
Youth and Young Adult Awareness of and Perceptions About Tobacco Marketing as a Social Justice Issue
Authors: Schillo Barbara A , D’Silva Joanne , La Rose Christopher , Kim Yoonsang , Emery Sherry
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Systemic racism and tobacco-industry targeting contribute to disparities in communities of color. However, understanding tobacco as a social justice issue and the industry’s role in perpetuating inequities remains limited. This study explored youth and young adult awareness of tobacco marketing and perceptions of tobacco marketing as a social justice issue.

Aims and Methods

Focus groups were conducted with youth and young adults in 2020 and 2021, including individuals who used tobacco and e-cigarettes and those who did not use either. Online surveys were conducted in 2021 with youth (n = 1227) and young adults (n = 2643) using AmeriSpeak’s nationally representative panel, oversampling for black and Hispanic Americans and people who smoke. Perceptions of flavor bans, social justice, and industry marketing were assessed.

Results

Most (>80%) survey respondents agreed that tobacco companies target youth. However, only 20% saw tobacco as a social justice issue. Focus group participants regardless of their tobacco or e-cigarette use, reported higher prevalence of tobacco advertising in their communities relative to survey respondents but did not view it as targeting communities of color. Black non-Hispanic (20.9%) and Hispanic (21.4%) survey respondents perceived tobacco as a social justice issue more than white non-Hispanic (16.1%) respondents. The majority (>60%) of survey respondents supported bans on menthol and flavored tobacco, regardless of race or ethnicity.

Conclusions

Respondents broadly supported menthol and flavored tobacco bans and recognized tobacco-industry influence on youth. Low awareness of tobacco as a social justice issue highlights the need to raise awareness of the underlying factors driving tobacco-related disparities.

Implications

The majority of young people see the tobacco industry as targeting them. Most young people support bans on menthol and flavored tobacco bans, with support across racial and ethnic groups. While few young respondents perceived tobacco as a social justice issue, some perceived tobacco companies as targeting low-income and communities of color. Black non-Hispanic and Hispanic respondents were more likely to perceive tobacco as a social justice issue than white non-Hispanic respondents. Efforts to raise awareness among young people of tobacco as a social justice issue may be key in addressing tobacco disparities and advancing support for flavor tobacco bans.
Commercial Tobacco Retailers Need to Be Included in Research on Policies Restricting the Sale of Menthol Cigarettes
Authors: Mei Kellie Ann , Shin Heesung , Smiley Sabrina L
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Menthol cigarettes are disproportionately marketed and advertised in the commercial tobacco retail environment in Black communities across the United States, contributing to menthol cigarette-related disparities and lower likelihood of successful quitting among Black people who smoke. Policies restricting retail sales of menthol cigarettes are aimed at preventing initiation, promoting quitting, and reducing related disparities.

Methods

Structured phone interview surveys were conducted from January to July 2021 with commercial tobacco retailers in Los Angeles County, California, unincorporated communities with a high percentage of Black residents, eight months after a local policy restricting retail sales of menthol cigarettes and other flavored nicotine and commercial tobacco products became effective on May 20, 2020. Interviews examined menthol cigarette sales restrictions-related knowledge, attitudes, and practices.

Results

Among 22 retailers interviewed, most (86.4%) reported having knowledge of the local ban on menthol cigarettes, and more than half (54.5%) reported offering price promotions for menthol cigarettes. Additionally, more than half (54.5%) reported believing customers who buy menthol cigarettes would stop smoking altogether following the ban.

Conclusions

Most retailers reported having knowledge of the menthol ban, yet half reported offering price promotions for menthol cigarettes. Findings suggest retail availability of menthol cigarettes in Los Angeles County unincorporated communities with a high percentage of Black residents, post ban. Public health and policy implications are discussed.
Wildfire smoke impacts the body condition and capture rates of birds in California
Authors: Nihei Anna , Sanderfoot Olivia V , LaBarbera Katie , Tingley Morgan W
Published: May 2024

Despite the increased frequency with which wildfire smoke now blankets portions of world, the effects of smoke on wildlife, and birds in particular, are largely unknown. We used 2 decades of banding data from the San Francisco Bay Bird Observatory to investigate how fine particulate matter (PM2.5)—a major component and indicator of wildfire smoke—influenced capture rates and body condition of 21 passerine or near-passerine bird species. Across all study species, we found a negative effect of acute PM2.5 exposure and a positive effect of chronic PM2.5 exposure on avian capture rates. Together, these findings are indicative of decreased bird activity or local site removal during acute periods of wildfire smoke, but increased activity or site colonization under chronic smoke conditions. Importantly, we also observed a negative relationship between chronic PM2.5 exposure and body mass change in individuals with multiple captures per season. Our results indicate that wildfire smoke likely influences the health and behavior of birds, ultimately contributing to a shift in activity and body condition, with differential short-term versus long-term impacts. Although more research is needed on the mechanisms driving these observed changes in bird health and behavior, as well as validation of these relationships in more areas, our results suggest that wildfire smoke is a potentially frequent large-scale environmental stressor to birds that deserves increasing attention and recognition.
HIGH PLOIDY2-mediated SUMOylation of transcription factor ARR1 controls two-component signaling in Arabidopsis
Authors: Kang Na Young , Kim Min-Jung , Jeong Seon , Moon Sun Young , Kim Jin Sun , Jeon Jin , Lee Boyoung , Lee Mi Rha , Kim Jungmook
Published: May 2024

Cytokinins regulate plant growth, development, and responses to environmental stresses such as cold via phosphorelay from cytokinin receptors to the ARABIDOPSIS RESPONSE REGULATORs (ARRs). However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the activation of type-B ARR transcriptional activity in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) remain unclear. Here, we show that the E3 SUMO ligase HIGH PLOIDY2 SUMOylates ARR1, a type-B ARR, at K236, triggering its activation. Cold- or cytokinin-induced phosphorylation of ARR1 at D89 is crucial for its interaction with HPY2. Lysine 236 is critical for ARR1's transactivation without compromising its DNA-binding ability, while D89 is crucial for ARR1's binding to target gene promoters. Cytokinin enhances ARR1's chromatin binding, but cold does not. ARR1 K236 plays a critical role in promoting histone H3 acetylation in response to both cytokinin and cold without affecting chromatin binding. The K236R mutation in ARR1 reduces target gene expression and alters cytokinin and cold response phenotypes. This study unveils a mechanism of ARR1 activation wherein phosphorylated ARR1 interacts with HPY2 and binds to chromatin in response to cytokinin. Cold triggers a phosphorelay targeting chromatin-bound ARR1. HPY2 then catalyzes ARR1 SUMOylation at K236, enhancing histone H3 acetylation and leading to transcriptional activation of ARR1 in response to both cold and cytokinin.
Racial and ethnic minorities disproportionately exposed to extreme daily temperature variation in the United States
Authors: Liu Shengjie , Smith-Greenaway Emily
Published: May 2024

In the history of Homo sapiens, well-populated habitats have featured relatively stable temperatures with generally small daily variations. As the global population is increasingly residing in highly disparate climates, a burgeoning literature has documented the adverse health effects of single-day and day-to-day variation in temperature, raising questions of inequality in exposure to this environmental health risk. Yet, we continue to lack understanding of inequality in exposure to daily temperature variation (DTV) in the highly unequal United States. Using nighttime and daytime land surface temperature data between 2000 and 2017, this study analyzes population exposure to long-term DTV by race and ethnicity, income, and age for the 50 states and the District of Columbia. The analysis is based on population-weighted exposure at the census-tract level. We find that, on average, non-White (especially Black and Hispanic) and low-income Americans are exposed disproportionately to larger DTV. Race-based inequalities in exposure to DTV are larger than income-based disparities, with inequalities heightened in the summer months. In May, for example, the DTV difference by race and ethnicity of 51 states is between 0.20 and 3.01 °C (up to 21.0%). We find that younger populations are, on average, exposed to larger DTV, though the difference is marginal.
The diaspora model for human migration
Authors: Prieto-Curiel Rafael , Ali Ola , Dervić Elma , Karimi Fariba , Omodei Elisa , Stütz Rainer , Heiler Georg , Holovatch Yurij
Published: May 2024

Migration’s impact spans various social dimensions, including demography, sustainability, politics, economy, and gender disparities. Yet, the decision-making process behind migrants choosing their destination remains elusive. Existing models primarily rely on population size and travel distance to explain the spatial patterns of migration flows, overlooking significant population heterogeneities. Paradoxically, migrants often travel long distances and to smaller destinations if their diaspora is present in those locations. To address this gap, we propose the diaspora model of migration, incorporating intensity (the number of people moving to a country), and assortativity (the destination within the country). Our model considers only the existing diaspora sizes in the destination country, influencing the probability of migrants selecting a specific residence. Despite its simplicity, our model accurately reproduces the observed stable flow and distribution of migration in Austria (postal code level) and US metropolitan areas, yielding precise estimates of migrant inflow at various geographic scales. Given the increase in international migrations, this study enlightens our understanding of migration flow heterogeneities, helping design more inclusive, integrated cities.
Brain Age Gap in Early Illness Schizophrenia and the Clinical High-Risk Syndrome: Associations With Experiential Negative Symptoms and Conversion to Psychosis
Authors: Hua Jessica P Y , Abram Samantha V , Loewy Rachel L , Stuart Barbara , Fryer Susanna L , Vinogradov Sophia , Mathalon Daniel H
Published: May 2024

Background and Hypothesis

Brain development/aging is not uniform across individuals, spawning efforts to characterize brain age from a biological perspective to model the effects of disease and maladaptive life processes on the brain. The brain age gap represents the discrepancy between estimated brain biological age and chronological age (in this case, based on structural magnetic resonance imaging, MRI). Structural MRI studies report an increased brain age gap (biological age > chronological age) in schizophrenia, with a greater brain age gap related to greater negative symptom severity. Less is known regarding the nature of this gap early in schizophrenia (ESZ), if this gap represents a psychosis conversion biomarker in clinical high-risk (CHR-P) individuals, and how altered brain development and/or aging map onto specific symptom facets.

Study Design

Using structural MRI, we compared the brain age gap among CHR-P (n = 51), ESZ (n = 78), and unaffected comparison participants (UCP; n = 90), and examined associations with CHR-P psychosis conversion (CHR-P converters n = 10; CHR-P non-converters; n = 23) and positive and negative symptoms.

Study Results

ESZ showed a greater brain age gap relative to UCP and CHR-P (Ps < .010). CHR-P individuals who converted to psychosis showed a greater brain age gap (P = .043) relative to CHR-P non-converters. A larger brain age gap in ESZ was associated with increased experiential (P = .008), but not expressive negative symptom severity.

Conclusions

Consistent with schizophrenia pathophysiological models positing abnormal brain maturation, results suggest abnormal brain development is present early in psychosis. An increased brain age gap may be especially relevant to motivational and functional deficits in schizophrenia.
Industrial policy initiatives in manufacturing: Examining cross-country interventions through an evolutionary typology of technology systems
Authors: Bordoloi Tausif , Shapira Philip , Mativenga Paul
Published: May 2024

Modern manufacturing entails disparate technologies that function as whole ‘technology systems’ to produce specified outcomes. These technologies have unique technical attributes, requiring distinctly different policy responses. Despite this, there are concerns that industrial policy initiatives in advanced economies are deficient in their consideration of technology systems. To scrutinize these issues, an evolutionary typology of the technologies constituting technology systems is elucidated and applied across three initiatives—Germany’s Industrie 4.0, the US’ Smart Manufacturing, and the UK’s High-Value Manufacturing. The findings suggest that Industrie 4.0 is more comprehensive in its treatment of technology systems. This is due to the influence of a systems-level policy vision that guides the targeting of specific technologies. This vision is executed through a range of policy instruments and institutions, each fulfilling unique complementary and cumulative roles. The paper offers new insights into the significance of policy vision and its systematic implementation.
Forging the West Indian Nation: Federation and Caribbean Activism in Post-war Britain, 1945–60
Authors: Kramer-Taylor Elanor
Published: May 2024

This article explores how Caribbean activists living in Britain after 1945 engaged with the movement for the West Indies Federation. By considering overlooked organizations such as the Caribbean Labour Congress, London Branch (CLC) and the West Indian Workers and Students Association (WIWSA), it shows that, first, Britain became a hub for Caribbean nationalism and support for Federation in the post-war years. Secondly, it argues that the West Indies Federation of 1958–62 significantly influenced the formation of important British Caribbean institutions, such as the West Indian Gazette and the Caribbean Carnival. In contrast to traditional narratives regarding post-war Caribbean political activity in Britain, which often treat the 1950s conjuncture through the lens of race and of the prehistory of a ‘multi-cultural’ Britain, this article seeks to recover a moment when British Caribbean activism was moved by a broader, transnational, self-consciously ‘West Indian’ nationalist movement. In doing so, it reveals the significance of the West Indies Federation, and Caribbean decolonization more broadly, to the Caribbean diaspora in Britain, and their political activities. Moreover, it illustrates how diasporic and exilic communities and figures continued to play an important role in anti-colonial and nation-building projects.
Resistance and Prevention: Rural local government and the fight against tuberculosis
Authors: Waddington Keir
Published: May 2024

With Wales considered ‘the blackest spot on the tuberculosis map’ of Britain, the Welsh National Memorial Association (WNMA) was founded in 1910 with the aim to rid Wales of the disease within a generation. Although the Association’s vision of a national health service was lauded by contemporaries as providing a model for England, as the WNMA took over the running of tuberculosis services from local authorities, it met with resistance from county and rural district councils. This essay explores this resistance. In placing the views and work of county and rural district councils at the centre of analysis this essay uses Wales and opposition to the WNMA as a case study to rethink the marginalization of county councils and rural district councils in histories of local government, public health, and housing policy in a pivotal period of central-location relations. As this essay shows, the opposition county and rural district councils expressed to the WNMA was not a straightforward rejection of centralization by authorities on the margins of ‘the modern’. Rather, they put forward a competing vision of health and social welfare that championed local autonomy and a strategy of prevention focused on the material and domestic environment and housing reform. As the essay shows, opponents of the WNMA were not backwoodsmen. They were part of a wider national and progressive social reform movement.
T lymphocyte and neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio in patients with radiation-induced oral mucositis after intensity-modulated radiation therapy for head and neck cancer: A retrospective single-center study
Authors: Qi Shujun , Yin Lin , Jia Kui , Zhang Ning , Shi Ying , Caihang Qierang , Jia Zixuan , Quan Jing
Published: May 2024

To investigate T lymphocyte, neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and their impact on patients with radiation-induced oral mucositis (RIOM) after intensity-modulated radiotherapy for head and neck cancer. The clinical data of 148 patients diagnosed with head and neck cancer from January 2016 to January 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were divided into RIOM group (n = 42 cases) and non-RIOM group (n = 106 cases), based on whether they developed RIOM after intensity-modulated radiation therapy. The T lymphocyte and NLR of the 2 groups were analyzed before and after treatment; The correlation between T lymphocyte and NLR in RIOM group was analyzed. We used RTOG grading system to evaluate and scale the RIOM. The relationship between the grade of RIOM, T lymphocyte and NLR in RIOM group was analyzed. After treatment, the proportion of CD3 +, CD4 +, and CD8 + T lymphocytes in the 2 groups after treatment were decreased, and the RIOM group was significantly lower than non-RIOM group,P < .05. NLR in RIOM group was significantly higher than that in non-RIOM group,P < .05. The data of overall survival showed no significant differences between 2 groups (HR = 0.82, 95% CI: 0.43–1.59). Compared with RIOM group, patients in non-RIOM group showed a longer progress-free survival (HR = 0.57, 95% CI: 0.33–0.99). In RIOM group, NLR was negatively correlated with CD3 + (r = −0.433,P = .004), CD4 + (r = −0.644,P < .001) and CD8 + T cells (r = −0.665,P < .001). RIOM was positively correlated with NLR (R = 0.621,P < .001), negatively correlated with CD4 + T cell ratio (r = −0.449,P = .003) and CD8 + T cell ratio (r = −0.307,P = .048), but RIOM did not correlate with CD3 + T cell ratio (r = −0.225,P = .152). For patients with RIOM after intensity-modulated radiotherapy for head and neck cancer, T lymphocyte showed a downward trend, and NLR showed an upward trend. In addition, T lymphocyte and NLR are closely related to the RIOM, indicating that clinicians should be aware of the importance of T lymphocyte and NLR on patients received radiotherapy.
Giant laryngeal neuroendocrine neoplasm causing airway obstruction: A case report and literature review
Authors: Wang Yaqi , Ding Longqing , Liu Jiahui , Guo Ying , Yao Yisong , Chen Xi , Mou Yakui , Song Xicheng
Published: May 2024

Rationale:

Laryngeal neuroendocrine neoplasm (NEN) is a rare and heterogeneous disease that originates from neuroendocrine cells. It mainly occurs in middle-aged and elderly men. Due to the lack of specific clinical and imaging manifestations, diagnosis and treatment of the disease pose a challenge. Therefore, a consensus on the diagnosis and treatment of the disease is necessary. By discussing this case, we will be able to gain further insight into laryngeal NEN and will be able to provide some recommendations for the future management of this rare disease.

Patient concerns:

A 67-year-old man was admitted to our department with a history of sore throat and dyspnea. After admission, the patient experienced acute airway obstruction and experienced an emergency bedside tracheotomy.

Diagnoses:

Flexible fiberoptic laryngoscopy and enhanced CT showed a cauliflower-like mass in the left supraglottic region and obstructed most of the laryngeal cavity. We biopsied the mass, and the pathology showed a poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma.

Interventions:

A horizontal hemilaryngectomy and left neck dissection were performed. At 4 weeks after the operation, the patient underwent chemotherapy and radical radiotherapy.

Outcomes:

After a 1-year postoperative follow-up, the patient recovered well and showed no signs of recurrence.

Lessons:

Laryngeal neuroendocrine neoplasm is very rare, early diagnosis remains difficult. Radical surgery combined with postoperative chemoradiotherapy is currently the most appropriate treatment.
Investigating risk factors for medication errors during perioperative care: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Mo Lu , Wu Zhongxun
Published: May 2024

Medication errors during perioperative care significantly compromise patient safety and the quality of outcomes. It is crucial to identify and understand the factors that contribute to these errors to develop effective, targeted interventions. This study aims to explore the risk factors associated with medication errors during perioperative care in a tertiary hospital setting, focusing on patient demographics, medication types, administration routes, and nursing care characteristics. A retrospective cohort study was conducted, encompassing adult patients who underwent surgical procedures from January 2020 to January 2023. Data on medication administration, patient demographics, and surgical details were extracted from electronic health records. Medication errors were classified based on the harm caused to the patients. Logistic regression analyses were employed to identify significant risk factors. The study included 1723 patients, with a balanced gender distribution. The median patient age was 53 years. Medication errors were significantly associated with patient age, the type of medication administered, and specific administration routes. Higher education levels and advanced professional titles among nursing staff were inversely related to the occurrence of medication errors. The presence of a dedicated anesthesia nurse significantly reduced the likelihood of errors. Patient age, medication type, administration route, nursing education level, and the involvement of specialized anesthesia nurses emerged as significant factors influencing the risk of medication errors in perioperative care. These findings underscore the need for targeted educational and procedural interventions to mitigate such errors, enhancing patient safety in surgical settings.
Factors related to training time and achieving proficiency with visual-assistive mobile applications in visually impaired older adults
Authors: Malkin Alexis G. , Bittner Ava K. , Ho Jeffrey , Idman-Rait Cecilia , Estabrook Max , Ross Nicole C. ,   for the CARE Study Team
Published: May 2024

SIGNIFICANCE

A majority of visually impaired older adults were able to learn to proficiently use visual-assistive iPhone applications (apps) following a median 1 hour and/or multiple training sessions, which should be considered when planning vision rehabilitation service delivery, including the option for remote telerehabilitation for those who prefer that modality.

PURPOSE

Older adults with low vision are increasingly using technology to improve their visual functioning. We examined whether age-related comorbidities were potential barriers to success in learning to use visual-assistive apps on a smartphone.

METHODS

A clinical trial assessed visual-assistive apps in 116 older adults aged 55+ years (mean [standard deviation], 72 [10] years). Subjects were randomized to use an app (SuperVision+, Seeing AI, or Aira) preloaded to a loaner iPhone and completed one-on-one training. App proficiency was measured by the participant's ability to use the iPhone/app without cueing at the end of training sessions. Training time was recorded for the initial session and totaled after subsequent sessions. Multiple regression models explored significant factors associated with training time and proficiency.

RESULTS

Median initial and total training times were 45 and 60 minutes, respectively. Increased initial and total training times were both significantly related to increased age (p<0.001), legal blindness (p<0.007), Seeing AI versus SuperVision+ app (p<0.03), and participants from New England versus California (p<0.001). Most (71%) achieved proficiency after the initial training session; those odds were significantly greater among younger participants (p=0.04), those who opted for telerehabilitation (p=0.03), those who had higher cognitive scores (p=0.04), or those who were from New England (p=0.04). The majority (90%) was ultimately proficient with the app; those odds were significantly greater among participants who already had an optical magnifier (p=0.008), but were unrelated to other factors including study site.

CONCLUSIONS

Following multiple, extensive training sessions, age, mild cognitive loss, or level of visual impairment did not preclude gaining proficiency with visual-assistive apps by visually impaired seniors, but those factors were associated with longer training times. Telerehabilitation can be a viable option to provide app training remotely for visually impaired seniors who choose that modality.
Evaluation of 755-nm Picosecond Alexandrite Laser With a Focus Lens Array for the Treatment of Enlarged Facial Pores
Authors: Ninghua Liu , Cao Luhong , Song Nan , Zhang Jing
Published: May 2024

Objectives:

This study aims to evaluate the use of 755-nm picosecond alexandrite laser with a focus lens array to treat facial pores.

Methods:

Laser treatment was performed on 129 patients between January 2021 and October 2022. VISIA imaging system was used for photographic assessments, the total average number and pore index was calculated, the physicians’ assessment score and patient satisfaction score were collected, and the incidence of disadvantage effects was also documented.

Results:

The mean patient age was 35.2±6.4 years (21–45 y). The total average number of facial pores was 1614.1±412.8, and the total average number decreased to 1262.6±356.2 three months after the last treatment. The pretreatment baseline of pore index was 26.1±4.5, while the pore index was 21.3±3.7 three months after the last treatment. The physicians’ assessment score was 2.7 on the 0-to-4 scale, and patient satisfaction score was 3.5 on the 1-to-5 scale. There were no adverse events, such as hyperkeratosis, scarring, and hypo-or hyperpigmentation.

Conclusions:

755-nm picosecond alexandrite laser with a focus lens array was safe and effective in the treatment of facial pores with relatively few unanticipated adverse events.

Level of Evidence:

Level IV—observational study without controls.
Comparison of Polyvinyl Alcohol Sponge and Gauze Packing for Nasal Fracture Treatment: An Efficacy and Safety Analysis
Authors: Nomura Takeshi , Muneuchi Gan
Published: May 2024

Nasal fractures are commonly treated using nasal packing as an internal splint after performing closed reduction. Although gauze and polyvinyl alcohol sponge (PVAS) are both commonly used for packing, few reports have compared their efficacy and safety in nasal fracture treatment. Therefore, in this study, the authors, aimed to retrospectively compare the efficacy and safety of gauze packing in 208 patients and PVAS packing in 225 patients who underwent closed reduction at our hospital. The proportions of patients requiring revision surgery did not differ significantly between the PVAS and gauze groups (P=0.627). However, in comparison to the gauze group, the PVAS group displayed significantly fewer instances of uncontrolled epistaxis following packing removal, as well as fewer occurrences of dropout and loss of packing (P=0.023, P=0.007, and P<0.001, respectively). The results of logistic regression analysis adjusted for confounding factors also showed that compared with the gauze group, the PVAS group was significantly less likely to experience packing dropout (odds ratio=0.13; 95% confidence interval, 0.06-0.29, P<0.001) for which younger and older age and allergic rhinitis were independent risk factors. In conclusion, both gauze and PVAS are effective packing materials as internal splints after closed reduction of nasal bone fractures. Specifically, PVAS utilization warrants consideration in pediatric and geriatric populations, individuals with allergic rhinitis, and those at elevated risk of bleeding.
Research and publication gaps on kratom and kratom products: a scoping review of current literature
Authors: Vicknasingam Balasingam , Karunakaran Thiruventhan , Chawarski Marek C.
Published: May 2024

Purpose of review

Kratom plant, products derived from the plant, and plant phytochemicals are of great interest among researchers, clinicians, and consumers. However, there is a paucity of rigorously collected scientific data on their risk/safety profile and public health impact. This scoping review discusses original research articles published between 2022 and 2023. It focuses on identifying publication gaps on topics related to epidemiology, public health, and risk/safety profiles comparing evidence collected by researchers from Southeast Asia and the West.

Recent findings

Our review of the Scopus database identified a total of 55 publications, including clinical case reports and case series reports, surveys, studies enrolling human participants, and publications based on large-scale national surveys or large-scale national or international health system database records.

Overall, there is dearth of reliable data on key epidemiological factors, including the prevalence rates, and on objective and reliable indices of the risk/safety profiles. Rigorous and systematic studies including improved epidemiological surveillance, human laboratory, and controlled clinical studies are urgently needed to advance our understanding of public health consequences of consuming kratom and kratom-derived products and to improve our understanding of their risk/safety profile and additional analytical studies to better inform development of needed regulatory oversight.
Preparation of antiviral multispray with cationic antimicrobial dialkyldimethyl ammonium salt and sulfobetaine against new coronaviruses (SARS-CoV-2)
Authors: Morioka Masahiko , Shimaoka Daisuke , Ohnishi Mamoru
Published: May 2024

The novel sudden acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 is an enveloped virus currently causing severe illness and death worldwide. Common antiseptics such as alcohol have some efficacy in disinfecting everyday surroundings, but development of more effective disinfectants is imperative. A series of studies focusing on cationic antimicrobials resulted in the development of a safe and effective novel coronavirus disinfectant, DEA-171, which provides ≥99.98 % inhibition of all novel coronavirus variants within 1 min.
Strong Protection by Bazedoxifene Against Chemically-Induced Ferroptotic Neuronal DeathIn VitroandIn Vivo
Authors: Hao Xiangyu , Wang Yifan , Yang Yong Xiao , Liao Lixi , Chen Tongxiang , Wang Pan , Chen Xiaojun , Zhu Bao Ting
Published: May 2024

Ferroptosis is a form of regulated cell death characterized by excessive iron-dependent lipid peroxidation. Ferroptosis can be induced in cultured cells by exposure to certain chemicals (e.g., erastin and RSL3). Recently it was shown that protein disulfide isomerase (PDI) is a mediator of chemically-induced ferroptosis and also a target for ferroptosis protection. In this study, we find that bazedoxifene (BAZ), a selective estrogen receptor modulator with reported neuroprotective actions in humans, can inhibit PDI function and also strongly protect against chemically-induced ferroptosis in cultured neuronal cells. We find that BAZ can directly bind to PDIin vitroand in intact neuronal cells, and also can inhibit PDI’s catalytic activity. Computational modeling analysis reveals that BAZ forms a hydrogen bond with PDI-His256. Inhibition of PDI by BAZ markedly reduces nNOS and iNOS dimerization and NO accumulation, which have recently been shown to play a crucial role in mediating chemically-induced ferroptosis. In addition, the direct antioxidant activity of BAZ may also partially contribute to its protective effect against chemically-induced ferroptosis. Behavioral analysis shows that mice treated with BAZ are strongly protected against kainic acid-induced memory deficits and hippocampal neuronal damagein vivo. In conclusion, the results of this study demonstrate that BAZ is an inhibitor of PDI and can strongly prevent chemically-induced ferroptosis in hippocampal neurons bothin vitroandin vivo. These observations offer a novel, estrogen receptor-independent mechanism for the recently-reported neuroprotective actions of BAZ in humans.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT

Ferroptosis is an iron- and lipid peroxidation-dependent form of regulated cell death. Recent evidence has shown that protein disulfide isomerase (PDI) is an important mediator of chemically-induced ferroptosis and also a new target for ferroptosis protection. We find that bazedoxifene is an inhibitor of PDI, which can strongly protect against chemically-induced ferroptotic neuronal deathin vitroandin vivo. Additionally, the molecular mechanism of PDI□bazedoxifene binding interaction is defined. This work provides evidence for an estrogen receptor-independent, PDI-mediated mechanism of neuroprotection by bazedoxifene.
UV-induced reorganization of 3D genome mediates DNA damage response
Authors: Oğulcan Kaya Veysel , Adebali Ogün
Published: May 2024

While it is well-established that UV radiation threatens genomic integrity, the precise mechanisms by which cells orchestrate DNA damage response and repair within the context of 3D genome architecture remain unclear. Here, we address this gap by investigating the UV-induced reorganization of the 3D genome and its critical role in mediating damage response. Employing temporal maps of contact matrices and transcriptional profiles, we illustrate the immediate and holistic changes in genome architecture post-irradiation, emphasizing the significance of this reconfiguration for effective DNA repair processes. We demonstrate that UV radiation triggers a comprehensive restructuring of the 3D genome structure at all levels, including loops, topologically associating domains and compartments. Through the analysis of DNA damage and excision repair maps, we uncover a correlation between genome folding, gene regulation, damage formation probability, and repair efficacy. We show that adaptive reorganization of the 3D genome is a key mediator of the damage response, providing new insights into the complex interplay of genomic structure and cellular defense mechanisms against UV-induced damage, thereby advancing our understanding of cellular resilience.
SCAN1 mutant TDP1 blocks the repair of DSB induced by TOP1 activity during gene transcription and promotes genome reorganisations and cell death in quiescent cells
Authors: Rubio-Contreras Diana , Hidalgo-García Daniel , Angulo-Jiménez Carmen , Granado-Calle Esperanza , Sabio-Bonilla Margarita , Ruiz Jose F. , Gómez-Herreros Fernando
Published: May 2024

DNA single-strand breaks (SSBs) are the most common type of DNA damage in quiescent cells, and defects in their repair can lead to hereditary neurological syndromes. A potential endogenous source of SSBs with pathogenic potential is the abortive activity of DNA topoisomerase 1 (TOP1) during transcription. Spinocerebellar ataxia with axonal neuropathy type 1 (SCAN1), is caused by the homozygous mutation H493R in the gene encoding tyrosyl-DNA phosphodiesterase 1 (TDP1), an enzyme that initiates the repair of TOP1-induced SSBs by unlinking the TOP1 peptide from the break end. Notably, transcription-associated TOP1-induced SSBs can be converted into DNA double strand breaks (DSBs) in quiescent cells, with TDP1 also initiating the repair of these breaks. However, the role of TOP1-induced DSBs in the pathology of SCAN1 remains unclear. In this study, we have addressed the impact that SCAN1/H493R mutation, has in the repair of TOP1-induced DSB in quiescent cells. Here we demonstrate that while TDP1 deficiency delays the repair of these breaks, TDP1H493Rcompletely blocks it. This blockage is accompanied by prolonged covalent trapping of TDP1H493Rto DNA and results in genome instability and increased cell death in quiescent cells. We also demonstrate that tyrosyl-DNA phosphodiesterase 2 (TDP2) can backup TDP1 loss but not SCAN1 TDP1H493Rmutation. Intriguingly, we also unveil that a mutation in catalytic H263 results in a negative dominant effect on TOP1-induced DSB repair. Collectively, our data provide novel insights into the molecular etiology of SCAN1 and support the potential of TOP1-induced DSBs as a main contributor to hereditary neurological syndromes.
Sensor-free motion registration and automated movement evaluation: Leveraging machine learning for clinical gait analysis in ataxia disorders
Authors: Wegner Philipp , Grobe-Einsler Marcus , Reimer Lara , Kahl Fabian , Koyak Berkan , Elter Tim , Lange Alexander , Kimmich Okka , Soub Daniel , Hufschmidt Felix , Bernsen Sarah , Ferreira Mónica , Klockgether Thomas , Faber Jennifer
Published: May 2024

Gait disturbances are the clinical hallmark of ataxia disorders, fundamentally impairing the mobility of ataxia patients. In clinical routine and research the severity of the gait disturbances is assessed within a well-established clinical scale and graded into categorial levels. Sensor-free motion registration and subsequent movement analysis allowed to overcome the obvious shortcoming of such coarse grading: Using time series models (tsfresh, ROCKET) we were not only able to successfully reproduce the categorial scaling (Human performance: 44.88%F1-score; our model: 80.28%F1-score). Particularly subtle, early gait disturbances and longitudinal progression below the perception threshold of the human examiner could be captured (Pearson’s correlation coefficient human performance -0.060, not significant; our model: -0.626,p< 0.01). Furthermore, SHAP analysis allowed to identify the most important features for each clinical level of gait deterioration. This could further improve the sensitivity to capture longitudinal changes tailored to the pre-existing level of gait disturbances (Pearson’s correlation coefficients up to -0.988,p< 0.01). In conclusion, the ML-based analysis could significantly improve the sensitivity in the assessment of gait disturbances in ataxia patients. Thus, it qualifies as a potential digital outcome parameter for early interventions, therapy monitoring, and home recordings.
Functional brain connectivity predictors of prospective substance use initiation and their environmental correlates
Authors: Kardan Omid , Weigard Alexander , Cope Lora , Martz Meghan , Angstadt Mike , McCurry Katherine L. , Michael Cleanthis , Hardee Jillian , Hyde Luke W. , Sripada Chandra , Heitzeg Mary M.
Published: May 2024

Background

Early substance use initiation (SUI) places youth at substantially higher risk for later substance use disorders. Furthermore, adolescence is a critical period for the maturation of brain networks, the pace and magnitude of which are susceptible to environmental influences and may shape risk for SUI.

Methods

We examined whether patterns of functional brain connectivity during rest (rsFC), measured longitudinally in pre- and-early adolescence, can predict future SUI. In an independent sub-sample, we also tested whether these patterns are associated with key environmental factors, specifically neighborhood pollution and socioeconomic dimensions. We utilized data from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) Study®. SUI was defined as first-time use of at least one full dose of alcohol, nicotine, cannabis, or other drugs. We created a control group (N= 228) of participants without SUI who were matched with the SUI group (N= 233) on age, sex, race/ethnicity, and parental income and education.

Results

Multivariate analysis showed that whole-brain rsFC prior to SUI during 9-10 and 11-12 years of age successfully differentiated the prospective SUI and control groups. This rsFC signature was expressed more at older ages in both groups, suggesting a pattern of accelerated maturation in the SUI group in the years prior to SUI. In an independent sub-sample (N= 2,854) and adjusted for family socioeconomic factors, expression of this rsFC pattern was associated with higher pollution, but not neighborhood disadvantage.

Conclusion

Brain functional connectivity patterns in early adolescence that are linked to accelerated maturation and environmental exposures can predict future SUI in youth.
Quantifying life-expectancy Losses and Gains over 31 years (1990-2021): A population-level study on West African Countries
Authors: Kitara David Lagoro , abboud Joelle Abi , Nantale Ritah , Lassale Camille , Olal Emmanuel , Bamba Gaye
Published: May 2024

Background

Life expectancy at birth (LE0) is one of the most widely used indicators for determining the overall development of a country. Worldwide, LE0has increased over the last ten years in most countries. This parameter is essential for developing countries as they strive to achieve socio-economic progress by investing significantly in social sectors like social services and safety nets. LE0among West African countries has consistently been the lowest in African regions, which calls for more research. This study aimed to quantify LE0losses and gains by sex in West African countries from 1990 to 2021. We hypothesize that lower life expectancy rates in the West African countries were likely due to poorer socioeconomic indicators than in other African regions.

Methods

Life tables by sex and country were calculated for sixteen (16) West African countries from 1990 to 2021. LE0for 1990, 2000, 2010, and 2020 were contextualized alongside recent trends between the two sexes and country. We used decomposition techniques to examine which sex and country contributed to gains and losses in LE0between 1990 and 2021. RStudio software was used to calculate differences in LE0from one year to another. In addition, linear regression, life disparity, and the Gini coefficient were used to trace the evolution of LE0in the last three decades in West Africa.

Results

There were LE0gains from 1990 to 2021 in all sixteen West African countries (Benin, Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, Ivory Coast, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, and Togo). The highest LE0gains between 1990 and 2021 were observed in Guinea-Bissau among males (28.32 years), followed by females in Niger (20.41 years), followed by males in Mauritania (18.91 years), and females in Liberia (18.13 years). The least LE0gains were observed in males in Mali (4.48 years). Most West African countries achieved the highest LE in 2019 (14/16, 75.0%), except for Cape Verde in 2017 (5.28), and Togo in 2021 (0.94).

Conclusion

Although most West African countries posted progressive LE0gains from 1990 to 2021, there were LE0losses in 2020 and 2021 when the COVID-19 pandemic emerged. The West African region has the lowest LE0of all African regions probably due to lower socio-economic indicators compared to all other African regions. Also, during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021, there were LE0losses in all West African countries, except Togo. In addition, LE0gaps between males and females were highest in the late 1990s and least during the late 2000s. Even though several studies reported that morbidity and mortality rates of COVID-19 were lower in Africa than in the rest of the world, a more comprehensive study is warranted to assess the actual impact of COVID-19 on West African countries.