bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An Examination of Objective and Self-Report Measures of Ad Libitum Electronic Cigarette Use: Identifying Patterns of Puffing Behavior and Evaluating Self-Report Items
Authors: Dowd Ashley N , John Lovina , Betts Jennifer M , Belsare Prajakta , Sazonov Edward , Tiffany Stephen T 
Published: March 2023

Abstract

Introduction
There has been little research objectively examining use-patterns among individuals who use electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes). The primary aim of this study was to identify patterns of e-cigarette use and categorize distinct use-groups by analyzing patterns of puff topography variables over time. The secondary aim was to identify the extent to which self-report questions about use accurately assess e-cigarette use-behavior.

Aims and Methods
Fifty-seven adult e-cigarette-only users completed a 4-hour ad libitum puffing session. Self-reports of use were collected both before and after this session.

Results
Three distinct use-groups emerged from exploratory and confirmatory cluster analyses. The first was labeled the “Graze” use-group (29.8% of participants), in which the majority of puffs were unclustered (ie, puffs were greater than 60 seconds apart) with a small minority in short clusters (2–5 puffs). The second was labeled the “Clumped” use group (12.3%), in which the majority of puffs were within clusters (short, medium [6–10 puffs], and/or long [&gt;10 puffs]) and a small minority of puffs were unclustered. The third was labeled the “Hybrid” use-group (57.9%), in which most puffs were either within short clusters or were unclustered. Significant differences emerged between observed and self-reported use-behaviors with a general tendency for participants to overreport use. Furthermore, commonly utilized assessments demonstrated limited accuracy in capturing use behaviors observed in this sample.

Conclusions
This research addressed several limitations previously identified in the e-cigarette literature and collected novel data that provided substantial information about e-cigarette puff topography and its relationship with self-report measures and use-type categorization.

Implications
This is the first study to identify and distinguish three empirically based e-cigarette use-groups. These use-groups, as well as the specific topography data discussed, can provide a foundation for future research assessing the impact of use across different use types. Furthermore, as participants tended to overreport use and assessments did not capture use accurately, this study can serve as a foundation for future work developing more appropriate assessments for use in research studies as well as clinical practice.
Development and Validation of the Smoker Self-Stigma Questionnaire
Authors: Geist Thomas , Goldberg Kate , Burt Keith B , Pomichter Emily , Cepeda-Benito Antonio 
Published: March 2023

Abstract

Introduction
Researchers have become increasingly concerned with the stigmatizing impact that regulations and policies aimed to curve down cigarette smoking may have on smokers. Given the lack of psychometrically validated tools available to assess smoking stigma, we developed and evaluated the Smoker Self-Stigma Questionnaire (SSSQ).

Aims and Methods
A total of 592 smokers recruited through Amazon’s Mechanical Turk (MTurk) completed an online, Qualtrics survey that included 45 items developed and vetted by tobacco-research experts. The items were assigned a priori to three, theoretical stigma factors or domains (enacted, felt, and internalized). We first conducted a confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) on the responses from one-half of the participants with the goal of distilling the 45-item pool to an 18-item instrument with 6 items per factor. A promising, 18-item, three-factor measure was then cross-validated with the second half of the sample.

Results
The second CFA yielded excellent fit indices, as well as adequate and significant factor loadings. Subscale scores obtained from the separated factors differentially predicted nicotine dependence and motivation to quit cigarettes, providing convergent and discriminant validity for the SSSQ and its proposed, three-factor structure.

Conclusions
Overall, the SSSQ fills an important research gap by providing a psychometrically sound measure that investigators can use to study smoking stigma.

Implications
Prior research on smoking self-stigma has used a wide variety of psychometrically invalid measures and reported inconsistent findings. This is the first study that presents a measure of smoking self-stigma that is not a merely and arbitrary adaptation of a mental illness stigma measure, but that is theoretically driven and created from a large and comprehensive pool of items vetted by tobacco-research experts. Having demonstrated and then cross-validated its excellent psychometric properties, the SSSQ provides the field with a promising tool to assess, investigate, and replicate the causes and effects of smoking self-stigma.
Effect of Electronic Cigarette Liquid pH on Retention of 11C-Nicotine in a Respiratory Tract Model
Authors: Solingapuram Sai Kiran K , Rose Jed E , Mukhin Alexey G 
Published: March 2023

Abstract

Introduction
Based on our preliminary 11C-nicotine positron emission tomography (PET) imaging studies in humans, we speculated that greater deposition of nicotine in the respiratory tract from electronic cigarettes compared to combustible cigarettes could result from the alkaline pH of typical aerosol-producing electronic cigarette liquids (e-liquids). To address this hypothesis, we assessed the effect of e-liquid pH on the retention of nicotine in vitro using 11C-nicotine, PET, and a human respiratory tract model of nicotine deposition.

Aims and Methods
A single 2-second 35-mL puff was delivered to a human respiratory tract cast from a 2.8-Ohm cartomizer at 4.1 volts. Immediately after the puff, a 2-second 700-mL air wash-in volume was administered. E-liquids (glycerol and propylene glycol 50/50 vol/vol) containing 24 mg/mL nicotine were mixed with 11C-nicotine. Deposition (retention) of nicotine was assessed using a GE Discovery MI DR PET/CT scanner. Eight e-liquids with different pH values (range 5.3–9.6) were investigated. All experiments were performed at room temperature and at a relative humidity of 70%–80%.

Results
Retention of nicotine in the respiratory tract cast was pH dependent and the pH-sensitive component of the retention was well described by a sigmoid curve. In total, 50% of the maximal pH-dependent effect was observed at pH 8.0, which is close to the pKa2 of nicotine.

Conclusions
The retention of nicotine in the respiratory tract conducting airways is dependent on the e-liquid pH. Lowering the e-liquid pH reduces retention of nicotine. Nonetheless, reduction of the pH below 7 has little effect, consistent with the pKa2 of protonated nicotine.

Implications
Similar to combustible cigarettes, the retention of nicotine in the human respiratory tract from consumption of electronic cigarettes may have some health consequences and affect nicotine dependence. Here we demonstrated that the retention of nicotine in the respiratory tract is dependent on the e-liquid pH, and lowering pH reduces retention of nicotine in conducting airways of the respiratory tract. Therefore, e-cigarettes with low pH values would result in reduced respiratory tract nicotine exposure and faster delivery of nicotine to the central nervous system (CNS). The latter can be associated with e-cigarette abuse liability and the effectiveness of e-cigarettes as substitutes for combustible cigarettes.
Occupational Fall Risk Assessment Tool for older workers
Authors: Osuka Y , Okubo Y , Nofuji Y , Maruo K , Fujiwara Y , Oka H , Shinkai S , Lord S R , Sasai H 
Published: March 2023

Abstract

Background
No easy-to-use fall risk assessment tools have been devised to assess occupational fall risk in older workers.

Aims
To develop an Occupational Fall Risk Assessment Tool (OFRAT) and report its predictive validity and reliability in older workers.

Methods
The baseline fall risk assessment was completed by 1113 participants aged ≥60 years who worked ≥4 days/month in Saitama, Japan. Participants were followed up for falls during occupational activities for 1 year, and 30 participants were assessed twice for test–retest reliability. The following assessment measures were summed to form the OFRAT risk score: older age, male sex, history of falls, physical work participation, diabetes, use of medications increasing fall risk, reduced vision, poor hearing, executive dysfunction and slow stepping. The scores were then classified into four grades (0–2 points: very low, 3 points: low, 4 points: moderate and ≥5 points: high).

Results
During follow-up, 112 participants fell 214 times during work. The negative binomial regression model showed that participants with higher grades had a higher incidence rate ratio [95% confidence interval] for falls than those with very low grades (low: 1.64 [1.08–2.47], moderate: 4.23 [2.82–6.34] and high: 6.12 [3.83–9.76]). The intraclass correlation coefficient for risk score was 0.86 [0.72–0.93], and the weighted kappa coefficient for grade assessment was 0.74 [0.52–0.95].

Conclusions
The OFRAT is a valid and reliable tool for estimating the occupational fall risk in older workers. It may assist occupational physicians implement strategies to prevent falls in this group.
Understanding the flare emission in CF Tucanae using TESS
Authors: Sriram Kandulapati , Vijaya Annemalla , Lahiri Deblina , Choi Chul Sung 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Chromospherically active binaries are important in the understanding of the origins of optical flares. Since studies of flares in binaries are important, we perform a detailed analysis of 11 flares emitted by the RS CVn binary source CF Tucanae using the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS). We assume a 10000 K blackbody spectrum to determine the flare energies, which were noted to be ∼0.29–2.86 × 1035 erg. We also fitted optical flares with a fast rise with an exponential decay burst profile and decay times were used to estimate the flare scale lengths. Three flares among them mandate a double burst model and another two exhibit complex flare features. Spot areas were found to be ∼1022 cm2 and associated magnetic energies were found to be ∼1036–37 erg. This excess of magnetic energy indicates that the flares release only a small fraction of the magnetic energy of the dominant spot but may indicate a lack of connection between the flares and the dominant spot. We also study the periodic variations using the times of minima obtained from TESS data along with previous values. The optical periodic variation requires a parabola and a sinusoidal function to get the best fit. A new periodic modulation of Pmod ∼ 28.64 ± 1.82 yr was observed and we attempt to explain this using a magnetic activity cycle. We conclude that CF Tuc exhibits complex flares and its periodic modulation varies, probably due to the exchange of spin and orbital angular momentum in the binary.
Brassica napusDrought–Induced 22-kD Protein (BnD22) Acts Simultaneously as a Cysteine Protease Inhibitor and Chlorophyll-Binding Protein
Authors: Bouargalne Youssef , Guilbaud Florian , Macherel David , Delalande Olivier , Deleu Carole , Le Cahérec Françoise 
Published: March 2023

AbstractClass II water-soluble chlorophyll proteins (WSCPs) from Brassicaceae are non-photosynthetic proteins that bind with chlorophyll (Chl) and its derivatives. The physiological function of WSCPs is still unclear, but it is assumed to be involved in stress responses, which is likely related to their Chl-binding and protease inhibition (PI) activities. Yet, the dual function and simultaneous functionality of WSCPs must still be better understood. Here, the biochemical functions of Brassica napus drought–induced 22-kDa protein (BnD22), a major WSCP expressed in B. napus leaves, were investigated using recombinant hexahistidine-tagged protein. We showed that BnD22 inhibited cysteine proteases, such as papain, but not serine proteases. BnD22 was able to bind with Chla or Chlb to form tetrameric complexes. Unexpectedly, BnD22–Chl tetramer displays higher inhibition toward cysteine proteases, indicating (i) simultaneous Chl-binding and PI activities and (ii) Chl-dependent activation of PI activity of BnD22. Moreover, the photostability of BnD22–Chl tetramer was reduced upon binding with the protease. Using three-dimensional structural modeling and molecular docking, we revealed that Chl binding favors interaction between BnD22 and proteases. Despite its Chl-binding ability, the BnD22 was not detected in chloroplasts but rather in the endoplasmic reticulum and vacuole. In addition, the C-terminal extension peptide of BnD22, which cleaved off post-translationally in vivo, was not implicated in subcellular localization. Instead, it drastically promoted the expression, solubility and stability of the recombinant protein.
Digital spatial profiling of human parathyroid tumors reveals cellular and molecular alterations linked to vitamin D deficiency
Authors: Tu Chia-Ling , Chang Wenhan , Sosa Julie A , Koh James 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) is a common endocrine neoplastic disorder characterized by disrupted calcium homeostasis secondary to inappropriately elevated parathyroid hormone (PTH) secretion. Low levels of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) are significantly more prevalent in PHPT patients than in the general population (1–3), but the basis for this association remains unclear. We employed a spatially defined in situ whole-transcriptomics and selective proteomics profiling approach to compare gene expression patterns and cellular composition in parathyroid adenomas from vitamin D-deficient or vitamin D-replete PHPT patients. A cross-sectional panel of eucalcemic cadaveric donor parathyroid glands was examined in parallel as normal tissue controls. Here, we report that parathyroid tumors from vitamin D-deficient PHPT patients (Def-Ts) are intrinsically different from those of vitamin D-replete patients (Rep-Ts) of similar age and preoperative clinical presentation. The parathyroid oxyphil cell content is markedly higher in Def-Ts (47.8%) relative to Rep-Ts (17.8%) and normal donor glands (7.7%). Vitamin D deficiency is associated with increased expression of electron transport chain and oxidative phosphorylation pathway components. Parathyroid oxyphil cells, while morphologically distinct, are comparable to chief cells at the transcriptional level, and vitamin D deficiency affects the transcriptional profiles of both cell types in a similar manner. These data suggest that oxyphil cells are derived from chief cells and imply that their increased abundance may be induced by low vitamin D status. Gene set enrichment analysis reveals that pathways altered in Def-Ts are distinct from Rep-Ts, suggesting alternative tumor etiologies in these groups. Increased oxyphil content may thus be a morphological indicator of tumor-predisposing cellular stress.
Post-yield softening of bending-dominated metal metamaterials
Authors: Zhong H Z , Li C W , Das R , Gu J F , Qian M 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Post-yield softening (PYS) plays an important role in guiding the design of high-performance energy-absorbing lattice materials. PYS is usually restricted to lattice materials that are stretching dominated according to the Gibson–Ashby model. Contrary to this long-held assumption, this work shows that PYS can also occur in various bending-dominated Ti-6Al-4V lattices with increasing relative density. The underlying mechanism for this unusual property is elucidated using the Timoshenko beam theory. It is attributed to the increase in stretching and shear deformation with increasing relative density, thereby increasing the tendency towards PYS. The finding of this work extends perspectives on PYS for the design of high-performance energy-absorbing lattice materials.
Google Trends as a predictive tool in the era of COVID-19: a scoping review
Authors: Zayed Berlanty A , Talaia Ahmed M , Gaaboobah Mohamed A , Amer Samar M , Mansour Fotouh R 
Published: March 2023

AbstractGoogle Trends has been extensively used in different sectors from finance to tourism, the economy, fashion, the fun industry, the oil trade, and healthcare. This scoping review aims to summarize the role of Google Trends as a monitoring and a predicting tool in the COVID-19 pandemic. Inclusion criteria for this scoping review were original English-language peer-reviewed research articles on the COVID-19 pandemic conducted in 2020 using Google Trends as a search tool. Articles that were in a language other than English, were only in abstract form, or did not discuss the role of Google Trends during the COVID-19 pandemic were excluded. According to these criteria, a total of 81 studies were included to cover the period of the first year after the emergence of the crisis. Google Trends can potentially help health authorities to plan and control pandemics earlier and to decrease the risk of infection among people.
Gender diversity and publication activity—an analysis of STEM in the UK
Authors: Sarabi Yasaman , Smith Matthew 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Gender diversity in STEM remains a significant issue, as the field continues to be a male dominated one, despite increased attention on the subject. This article examines the interplay between gender diversity on projects funded by a major UK research council, the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council, and the publication activity of a project, as measured by the average journal quality of project publication output, over a 10-year period. The proportion of female representation and leadership on these projects remains very low. For the projects examined as part of this study, over 70% of these projects have no female representation, and less than 15% have a female lead. This study does not find a significant relationship between gender diversity and journal quality output. This study highlights that an important avenue for future work is the development of alternative metrics to assess the performance of research projects in a discipline characterized by very low levels of gender diversity, to fully unpack the impact of project team gender diversity on project output activity.
Phenotypic and Genotypic Diversity of Puccinia sorghi in Eastern Australia: Implications for Maize Breeding Programs
Authors: Quade Aurelie , Park Robert F. , Stodart Benjamin J. , Ding Yi , Zhang Peng , Thang Mike , Poudel Barsha , Vaghefi Niloofar , Ash Gavin J. 
Published: March 2023

Common rust of maize (CR), caused by Puccinia sorghi Schwein., is found in all maize growing regions across the globe. In recent years, an increase in the incidence and severity of CR has been observed in Australia. The challenges posed by a diverse population of P. sorghi to maize breeding programs and the strategies required to deploy durable resistance were explored. Preliminary studies of diversity were conducted by phenotyping the five most diverse isolates against maize lines carrying no resistance genes and one to four resistance genes. The results showed that further genotyping studies were required. Short reads of 17 CR isolates were collected from an array of agroecological regions in Eastern Australia, and these were mapped back against the hybrid assembly of Isolate 1. A hybrid assembly between short (Illumina paired-end) and long (PacBio) reads was conducted in MaSuRCA of the first isolate collected. A draft genome of 145,963,792 bp was obtained after QUAST analysis, with a total length of 145,815,044 bp (when removing base pairs below ≥1,000). The prediction from the BRAKER pipeline identified 20,438 gene models. All 17 isolates sequenced represented unique genotypes, and no clones were detected. The 17 isolates grouped into three clusters. The diversity observed within the population of P. sorghi in Australia suggests that monogenic resistance might not be durable. [Formula: see text] Copyright © 2023 The Author(s). This is an open access article distributed under the CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 International license .
Effect of Arsenic Exposure and Cigarette Smoking on Total and Cause-Specific Mortality
Authors: Jia Xin-Hua , Li Yu-Fei , Fan Ya-Guang , Zhou Qing-Hua , Zhao Fang-Hui , Qiao You-Lin , Lalley Marja 
Published: March 2023

Background
The relationship between arsenic exposure and all-cause mortality and the joint effects of arsenic exposure and smoking have been poorly described in previous studies.

Methods
After 27 years of follow-up, a total of 1738 miners were included in the analysis. Different statistical methods were used to explore the relationship between arsenic exposure and smoking and the risk of all-cause mortality and various causes of death.

Results
A total of 694 deaths occurred during the 36,199.79 person-years of follow-up. Cancer was the leading cause of death, and arsenic-exposed workers had significantly higher mortality rates for all-cause, cancer, and cerebrovascular disease. All-cause, cancer, cerebrovascular disease, and respiratory disease increased with cumulative arsenic exposure.

Conclusions
We demonstrated the negative effects of smoking and arsenic exposure on all-cause mortality. More effective actions should be taken to reduce arsenic exposure in miners.
Measuring the Health Related Quality of Life and Economic Burden of Illness Among Migrant Workers With Pneumoconiosis
Authors: Zhang Boling , Wang Qian , Wang Yuhao , Tong Ruipeng 
Published: March 2023

Objective
The aim of the study is to evaluate the living status of migrant workers with pneumoconiosis (MWP) in China with regard to health-related quality of life (QOL) and economic burden of illness.

Methods
An on-site investigation of 685 respondents in 7 provinces is conducted. Quality of life scores are derived using the self-made scale, and human capital method and disability-adjusted life year are applied to value the economic loss. Multiple linear regression and K-means clustering analysis are performed for further investigation.

Results
Respondents have an overall lower QOL of 64.85 ± 7.04 and significant average loss of Ұ344.5 thousand per capita, where age and provincial heterogeneity generally exist. Pneumoconiosis stage and assistance condition are 2 significant predictors affecting MWP’s living conditions.

Conclusions
The evaluation of QOL and economic loss would contribute to the formulation of targeted countermeasures for MWP to enhance their well-being.
Association Between Serum Trace Heavy Metals and Liver Function Among Adolescents
Authors: Yang Daheng , Zhu Haobo , Chen Hongjian , Long Guangfeng 
Published: March 2023

Background
Exposure to metals has been associated with liver-related disease. Few studies have explored the effect of sex stratification on adolescent liver function.

Method
From the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2011–2016), 1143 subjects aged 12–19 years were selected for analysis. The outcome variables were the levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase, and gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase.

Results
The results showed a positive association between serum zinc and ALT in boys (odds ratio [OR], 2.37; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.11–5.06). Serum mercury was associated with an increase in ALT level in girls (OR, 2.73; 95% CI, 1.14–6.57). Mechanistically, the efficacy mediated by total cholesterol accounted for 24.38% and 6.19% of the association between serum zinc and ALT.

Conclusions
The results imply that serum heavy metals were associated with the risk of liver injury, possibly mediated by serum cholesterol, in adolescents.