bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
What is the Relationship Between Raising the Minimum Legal Sales Age of Tobacco Above 20 and Cigarette Smoking? A Systematic Review
Authors: Davies Nathan , Bogdanovica Ilze , McGill Shaun , Murray Rachael L 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Introduction
There is considerable interest in raising the age of sale of tobacco above the conventional age of 18 years. We systematically reviewed whether raising the minimum legal sales age of tobacco (MLSA) to 20 or above is associated with a reduced prevalence of smoking compared to an MLSA set at 18 or below.

Aims and Methods
Following a preregistered protocol on PROSPERO (ref: CRD42022347604), six databases of peer-reviewed journals were searched from January 2015 to April 2024. Backward and forward reference searching was conducted. Included studies assessed the association between MLSAs ≥20 with cigarette smoking or cigarette sales for those aged 11–20 years. Assessments on e-cigarettes were excluded. Pairs of reviewers independently extracted study data. We used ROBINS-I to assess the risk of bias and GRADE to assess the quality of evidence. Findings were also synthesized narratively.

Results
Twenty-three studies were reviewed and 34 estimates of association were extracted. All extracted studies related to Tobacco 21 laws in the United States. Moderate quality evidence was found for reduced cigarette sales, moderate quality evidence was found for reduced current smoking for 18–20-year-olds, and low-quality evidence was found for reduced current smoking for 11–17-year-olds. The positive association was stronger for those with lower education. Study bias was variable.

Conclusions
There is moderate quality evidence that Tobacco 21 can reduce overall cigarette sales and current cigarette smoking amongst those aged 18–20 years. It has the potential to reduce health inequalities. Research in settings other than the United States is required.

Implications
This systematic review on raising the minimum legal sale age of tobacco to 20 or above demonstrates there is moderate quality evidence that such laws reduce cigarette sales and moderate quality evidence they reduce smoking prevalence amongst those aged 18–20 years compared to a minimum legal sale age of 18 years or below. The research highlights potential benefits in reducing health inequalities, especially for individuals from lower educational backgrounds. Studies are limited to the United States, highlighting a need for more global research to assess the impact of these policies in other settings.
Smoking Uptake Among Adolescents in Social Housing Australia
Authors: Singh Ankur , Martino Erika , Mansour Adelle , Bentley Rebecca 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Introduction
Australia’s limited social housing has created geographically concentrated locales of poverty with high smoking rates. The impact of social housing on smoking initiation among adolescent residents is unknown, despite adolescence being a critical period for smoking prevention. We examine the relationship between social housing residency and smoking initiation among adolescents to quantify the likelihood of smoking uptake among social housing residents compared to a similar cohort in other tenures, accounting for socioeconomic factors and household exposure to smoking.

Methods
We analyzed data on 15- to 18-year-old adolescents (n = 3132) from the Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia survey (2001–2019). We applied inverse probability treatment weights to maximize exchangeability between social housing tenants and their counterparts in other tenures. We quantified the risk of smoking 5 years after exposure measurement among those in social housing on both an absolute and relative scale. Baseline covariates included household income, age at study entry, sex, family type, smoking at baseline, highest household education, and household exposure to smoking.

Results
Adolescent residents in social housing had a 17% greater risk of smoking 5 years after baseline measurement than their counterparts in all other tenures (Average Treatment Effect (ATE): 0.165, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.02 to 0.31). On the relative scale, those in social housing had 1.80 times (95% CI = 0.95 to 2.66) higher risk of being a smoker than those in other tenures.

Conclusions
Adolescents residing in social housing have a higher risk of becoming smokers as young adults than their counterparts in other tenures, irrespective of smoking exposure in their own homes.

Implications
This study investigates the impact of social housing on smoking initiation among adolescents, revealing that those residing in social housing have a higher risk of becoming smokers in young adulthood, independent of smoking exposure at home. The research highlights the contribution of social housing to ongoing disparities in smoking rates in Australia and emphasizes the need to further understand and review social housing provision from the perspective of its consequences on health. Moreover, the results advocate for comprehensive policies that extend beyond individualized harm reduction strategies to promote social inclusion and address health inequalities associated with smoking in adolescents.
Patterns of Blunt and Cigar Use in the United States, 2015–2019
Authors: Jensen Jessica K , Ganz Ollie , Tomaino Marisa , Glasser Allison M , Sterling Kymberle , Delnevo Cristine D , Bover Manderski Michelle T 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Introduction
The use of cigars for blunts (ie, cannabis rolled in cigar paper) is well documented; the prevalence of cigar and blunt use and associated characteristics are less studied.

Methods
Pooled data from the 2015–2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health were analyzed in 2023. Respondents aged 12+ who reported past 30-day cigar use were categorized into three mutually exclusive use categories: (1) exclusively cigars, (2) exclusively blunts, and (3) both cigars and blunts. We examined associations between cigar-blunt use categories and sociodemographic characteristics.

Results
Among respondents aged 12+ who reported past 30-day cigar use, 48.6% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 47.6 to 49.6) reported exclusive cigar use; 44.3% (95% CI = 43.3 to 45.3) reported exclusive blunt use; and 7.2% (95% CI = 6.8 to 7.6) reported use of cigars and blunts. The prevalence differed by age, with exclusive blunt use most prevalent among youth (72.5% [95% CI = 70.7 to 74.3]) and young adults (62.4% [95% CI = 61.4 to 63.5]), and exclusive cigar use most prevalent among adults 26+ (61.2% [95% CI = 59.8 to 62.5]). Exclusive blunt users smoked more days in the past month (17.5; 95% CI = 16.8 to 18.2), compared to 13.8 days (95% CI = 13.2 to 14.4) for cigar and blunt users, and 7.7 days (95% CI = 7.5 to 8.0) for exclusive cigar users. There were significant differences in sociodemographic characteristics, with female (41.6%; 95% CI = 40.3 to 42.9) and Hispanic (18.2%; 95% CI = 17.3 to 19.2) participants more likely to report exclusive blunt use.

Conclusions
Exclusive blunt use was the most prevalent pattern of past 30-day cigar use among youth and young adults. Those who use cigars as blunts smoked more cigars per month, suggesting this may be an important group for education and policy efforts.

Implications
Studies that aggregate cigars and blunts into one group may limit potentially meaningful subgroup risk profiles. Additionally, when assessing cigar use, particularly among youth and young adults, it is important to consider blunt use to avoid missing youth who exclusively use cigars for blunts and may not consider blunts as cigar products. Accurate measurement may better inform tobacco and cannabis regulatory actions. Finally, given the high prevalence of blunt use among youth and young adults identified in the present study, additional education efforts may be warranted for this population to reduce long-term risks.
A Pilot Study to Test the Feasibility of a Randomized Controlled Trial of E-cigarettes as Harm Reduction Tools Among People Who Smoke and Previously Failed to Quit With Pharmacotherapy
Authors: Smith Tracy T , Ferreira Anna , Wahlquist Amy E , Cummings K Michael , Rojewski Alana M , McClure Erin A , Toll Benjamin A , Carpenter Matthew J 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Introduction
We conducted a pilot study to test the feasibility of a future randomized controlled trial comparing e-cigarettes to traditional pharmacotherapy among people who smoke daily, were motivated to quit, and failed to quit within the past 5 years using pharmacotherapy.

Aims and Methods
Eligible participants were assigned to either: (1) an e-cigarette (n = 20) or (2) combination nicotine replacement therapy (NRT; patches and lozenges; n = 10). Participants received 5 weeks of product and selected a quit date 1 week later. Assessments were completed weekly, and electronic diaries were completed each day. As a pilot randomized controlled trial, outcomes focus on effect sizes and not statistical significance.

Results
Participants in the e-cigarette and NRT groups had a mean age of 51 (SD = 13) and 50 (SD = 10) years old, were 55% and 60% female, and were 15% and 0% nonWhite, respectively. At least 90% of participants completed each weekly assessment and 77% of participants completed at least 80% of daily diaries. Mean cigarettes smoked per day reduced from 18 (SD = 6.2) to 2.4 (SD = 4.4) per day in the e-cigarette group and 16.5 (SD = 8.5) to 4.9 (SD = 5.9) per day in the NRT group. Rates of biochemically confirmed 7-day point-prevalence abstinence at the end of treatment were numerically, but not statistically, higher in the e-cigarette group than the NRT group (35% vs. 10%, OR = 4.8, 95% CI = 0.5 to 46.5).

Conclusions
Among current daily cigarette smokers who have previously tried to quit and failed with standard pharmacotherapies, the provision of an e-cigarette is a feasible intervention. A larger adequately powered trial is warranted.

Implications
This pilot study suggests that e-cigarettes may serve as an acceptable harm reduction intervention for people who smoke but cannot quit smoking with traditional pharmacotherapy, however, adequately powered randomized controlled trials are needed.
Implementing Updated Intraamniotic Infection Guidelines at a Large Academic Medical Center
Authors: Smiley Casey , Rizzuto Jessica , White Nicola , Fiske Christina , Thompson Jennifer , Zhang Minhua , Ereshefsky Ben , Staub Milner 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background
Intraamniotic infection (IAI) affects 2%–5% of pregnancies, causing significant neonatal and maternal morbidity. The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology suggests ampicillin and gentamicin as first-line IAI treatment. Due to potential drug toxicity, changes in gentamicin susceptibility cutoff points, and rising Enterobacterales gentamicin and ampicillin resistance, changes in IAI antibiotic treatment were implemented at Vanderbilt University Medical Center.

Methods
Combination ampicillin, gentamicin, and clindamycin were replaced by piperacillin-tazobactam in institutional IAI treatment. Implementation strategies included repeated education sessions to gain stakeholder trust and buy-in and changing preexisting electronic clinical decision support tools (eCDSTs) to a default selection of piperacillin-tazobactam, capitalizing on highly reliable intervention strategies of forcing function and automatization/computerization. Change in antibiotic use, measured in days of therapy (DOT)/1000 patient-days present (1000PDP) by week initiated, before and after eCDST changes, was analyzed with interrupted time series analysis. Effects on hospital length of stay, repeat antibiotics within 14 days, and 30 day readmission were evaluated using multivariable linear and logistic regression.

Results
After updated eCDST go-live, piperacillin-tazobactam use increased by 1.9 DOT/1000PDP (95% CI, 0.7 to 3.1) by week initiated, and ampicillin, gentamicin, and clindamycin use decreased by −2.5 DOT/1000PDP (95% CI, −3.8 to −1.2) by week initiated. Hospital length of stay, repeat antibiotics within 14 days, and 30-day readmission rate did not significantly change.

Conclusions
Forced function changes to existing eCDSTs, supported by stakeholder education, successfully changed IAI empiric antibiotic use without unintended patient safety consequences.
Improving Antibiotic Use for Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia Through Diagnostic Stewardship: A Proof-of-Concept Mixed Methods Study
Authors: Tripathi Ravi K , Kenaa Blaine , Claeys Kimberly C , Johnson J Kristie , Patel Meghana , Atkinson Jayne , Maldarelli Mary E , Newman Michelle , Leekha Surbhi 
Published: September 2024

AbstractBackgroundOvertreatment of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) in the intensive care unit is driven by positive respiratory tract cultures in the absence of a clinical picture of pneumonia. We evaluated the potential for diagnostic stewardship at the respiratory culture reporting step.MethodsIn this mixed methods study, we conducted a baseline evaluation of lower respiratory tract (LRT) culture appropriateness and antibiotic prescribing, followed by a nonrandomized intervention in 2 adult intensive care units. The intervention was a comment in the report to indicate potential colonization instead of organism identification when LRT cultures were inappropriate—that is, not meeting criteria for pneumonia as adjudicated by a physician using a standard algorithm.ResultsAt baseline, among 66 inappropriate LRT cultures, antibiotic treatment for VAP was more frequent with identification of potential pathogens in the index culture when compared with no growth/normal flora (16/35 [46%] vs 7/31 [23%], P = .049). In the intervention period, 28 inappropriate cultures with growth of potential pathogens underwent report modification. The proportion of episodes for which antibiotic therapy for VAP was completed was significantly lower in the intervention group vs the baseline group (5/28 [18%] vs 16/35 [46%], P = .02).ConclusionsDiagnostic stewardship for VAP could be facilitated by modification of LRT culture reporting guided by clinical features of pneumonia.
Deciphering the variability in air-sea gas transfer due to sea state and wind history
Authors: Yang Mingxi , Moffat David , Dong Yuanxu , Bidlot Jean-Raymond 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Understanding processes driving air-sea gas transfer and being able to model both its mean and variability are critical for studies of climate and carbon cycle. The air-sea gas transfer velocity (K660) is almost universally parameterized as a function of wind speed in large scale models—an oversimplification that buries the mechanisms controlling K660 and neglects much natural variability. Sea state has long been speculated to affect gas transfer, but consistent relationships from in situ observations have been elusive. Here, applying a machine learning technique to an updated compilation of shipboard direct observations of the CO2 transfer velocity (KCO2,660), we show that the inclusion of significant wave height improves the model simulation of KCO2,660, while parameters such as wave age, wave steepness, and swell-wind directional difference have little influence on KCO2,660. Wind history is found to be important, as in high seas KCO2,660 during periods of falling winds exceed periods of rising winds by ∼20% in the mean. This hysteresis in KCO2,660 is consistent with the development of waves and increase in whitecap coverage as the seas mature. A similar hysteresis is absent from the transfer of a more soluble gas, confirming that the sea state dependence in KCO2,660 is primarily due to bubble-mediated gas transfer upon wave breaking. We propose a new parameterization of KCO2,660 as a function of wind stress and significant wave height, which resemble observed KCO2,660 both in the mean and on short timescales.
Study of the Neutrino–Oxygen Cross Sections of the Charged-Current Reaction 16O(ν̄e, e+)16N(0 MeV, 2–) and the Neutral-Current Reaction 16O(ν, ν′)16O(12.97/12.53 MeV, 2–), Producing High-Energy γ Rays
Authors: Sakuda Makoto , Suzuki Toshio , Nakazato Ken’ichiro , Suzuki Hideyuki 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
In our previous work, we discussed the cross section and the detection of 4.4 MeV $\gamma$ rays produced in the neutrino neutral-current (NC) reaction $^{16}$O$(\nu , \nu ^{\prime })^{16}$O(12.97 and 12.53 MeV, $2^-$) in a water Cherenkov detector at low energy below 100 MeV. In this report, we further investigate both the charged-current reaction $^{16}$O$(\bar{\nu }_e, e^+)^{16}$N(0 MeV, $2^-$) and the NC reaction$^{16}$O$(\nu , \nu ^{\prime })^{16}$O(12.97 and 12.53 MeV, $2^-$), producing high-energy $\gamma$ rays, in which a more solid identification of the reactions can be applied via the coincidence method.
Comprehensive detection and dissection of interlineage recombination events in the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic
Authors: Li Jia-Ying , Wang Hao-Yang , Cheng Ye-Xiao , Ji Chengyang , Weng Shenghui , Han Na , Yang Rong , Zhou Hang-Yu , Wu Aiping 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
The global prevalence of the XBB lineage presents a formidable challenge posed by the recombinant SARS-CoV-2 virus. The understanding of SARS-CoV-2’s recombination preference assumes utmost significance in predicting future recombinant variants and adequately preparing for subsequent pandemics. Thus, an urgent need arises to establish a comprehensive landscape concerning SARS-CoV-2 recombinants worldwide and elucidate their evolutionary mechanisms. However, the initial step, involving the detection of potential recombinants from a vast pool of over 10 million sequences, presents a significant obstacle. In this study, we present CovRecomb, a lightweight methodology specifically designed to effectively identify and dissect interlineage SARS-CoV-2 recombinants. Leveraging CovRecomb, we successfully detected 135,567 putative recombinants across the entirety of 14.5 million accessed SARS-CoV-2 genomes. These putative recombinants could be classified into 1451 distinct recombination events, of which 206 demonstrated transmission spanning multiple countries, continents, or globally. Hotspot regions were identified in six specific areas, with prominence observed in the latter halves of the N-terminal domain and receptor-binding domain within the spike (S) gene. Epidemiological investigations revealed extensive recombination events occurring among different SARS-CoV-2 (sub)lineages, independent of lineage prevalence frequencies.
Circ_0005397 inhibits ferroptosis of pancreatic cancer cells by up‐regulating PCBP2 through KAT6A/H3K9Ac
Authors: Qu Tengfei , Cha Lichao , Liu Hongliang , Tian Lantian , Hu Xiao , Zou Hao , Feng Yujie , Sun Chuandong , Cao Jingyu , Guo Weidong , Qiu Fabo , Zhou Bin 
Published: September 2024

AbstractPancreatic cancer is a highly aggressive and lethal carcinoma. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) serve key regulatory functions in pancreatic cancer. Ferroptosis was induced by erastin treatment and analyzed by examining malondialdehyde (MDA), iron, Fe2+ and glutathione (GSH). C11‐BODIPY 581/591 was used to stain cells for analyzing lipid peroxidation. RNA immunoprecipitation, pull‐down and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays were applied to evaluate intermolecular interaction. Mice received subcutaneous injection of pancreatic cancer cells as a model of subcutaneous tumor for in vivo tests. Circ_0005397 was abundantly expressed in pancreatic cancer, and its upregulation was associated with low survival of patients with pancreatic cancer. Circ_0005397 expression was induced by EIF4A3. PCBP2 was highly expressed in pancreatic cancer, and circ_0005397 and PCBP2 were positively correlated in patients with pancreatic cancer. Circ_0005397 knockdown sensitized pancreatic carcinoma cells to ferroptosis via downregulating PCBP2. Circ_0005397 promoted PCBP2 transcription via facilitating the binding of KAT6A and H3K9ac to PCBP2 promoter. Silencing of circ_0005397 reduced tumor growth by enhancing erastin‐induced ferroptosis in vivo. EIF4A3‐induced circ_0005397 inhibited erastin‐induced ferroptosis in pancreatic cancer by promoting PCBP2 expression through KAT6A and H3K9ac.
Factors Related to Firefighters' Food Behaviors at the Fire Station
Authors: Sire Thomas , Carbonneau Noémie , Houle Julie , Trudeau François , Gendron Philippe 
Published: September 2024

Objective
Using a cross-sectional correlational study, the purpose was to quantitatively investigate factors associated to firefighters' food behaviors while on duty at the fire station.

Methods
Two hundred and fifty-two (252) firefighters (males, 96%; age, 39 ± 11 years) completed an online questionnaire assessing diet and exploring factors that could be associated to firefighters' food behaviors at the fire station.

Results
First regression analysis showed that level of education, years of experience, self-perceived nutrition knowledge, autonomous motivation, and accessibility to unhealthy foods were the best predictors of healthy food score. Second regression analysis revealed that body mass index, autonomous motivation, and meals interrupted by emergency calls were the best predictors of fast-food score.

Conclusions
This study highlights the various factors associated with firefighters' food behaviors at the fire station.
Determinants of Post-COVID Ill-Health in a Cohort of Canadian Healthcare Workers
Authors: Zadunayski Tanis , Durand-Moreau Quentin , Adisesh Anil , Burstyn Igor , Labrèche France , Ruzycki Shannon , Cherry Nicola 
Published: September 2024

Objective
We aimed to estimate prevalence of post-COVID conditions (PCCs) among healthcare workers (HCWs) and to identify predisposing factors.

Methods
A cohort of Canadian HCWs completed four questionnaires during the pandemic. At the final questionnaire, HCWs reported conditions attributed to earlier COVID-19. The proportion developing a PCC was estimated. Risk factors were evaluated by logistic regression.

Results
Among 4964 HCWs, 995 had one positive COVID test >90 days before completing the final questionnaire. A total of 266 (27%) developed a PCC. Factors predisposing HCWs to a PCC included depression and increased alcohol consumption reported preinfection, chronic ill-health prepandemic, and a perception that the infection was work-related. PCCs were less likely following vaccination. Most HCWs (98%) returned to work within 30 days, with 8% reporting severe PCC (n = 80).

Conclusions
Predisposing factors reflected poor health preinfection. Most conditions were mild.