Age Smoking Research Articles

Trends and risk factors analysis of aortic aneurysm mortality in China over thirty years: based on the global burden of disease 2019 data.

This study aims to analyze the variation in mortality burden of aortic aneurysms (AA) and explore the associated risk factors based on Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2019 data, investigating the mortality burden of AA in China. Using GBD 2019 data, the mortality burden of AA in China from 1990 to 2019 was analyzed. The age-period-cohort model was utilized to analyze time trends, period, and cohort effects of 4 attributable risk factors of AA by age. In 2019, the total number of AA deaths in China increased by 136.1% compared to 1990, while the age-standardized mortality rate (ASMR) decreased by 6.8%. Male deaths and ASMR were higher than those of females, and ASMR increased with age. Whether viewed overall (Average Annual Percent Change (AAPC): -0.261, 95% Confidence Interval (CI): -0.383 to -0.138) or by sex (female AAPC: -0.812, 95% CI: -0.977 to -0.646; male AAPC: -0.011, 95% CI: -0.183 to 0.162), the ASMR for AA in China has shown a declining trend since 1990. Attributable risk factors such as high blood pressure, a diet high in sodium, smoking, and lead exposure increase AA mortality with age. Smoking mortality peaks between ages 80-85. The cyclical effect of high blood pressure on AA mortality significantly increases, while the cyclical effects of the other three risk factors decrease. For the population born after 1940, the cohort effect of high systolic blood pressure (SBP), a diet high in sodium, and smoking increased, while the cohort effect of lead exposure decreased. The local drift values of high SBP, a diet high in sodium, and smoking decreased, while the local drift value of lead exposure increased. High SBP was identified as the most significant attributable risk factor for AA mortality burden among both males and females, and smoking was another major attributable risk factor, particularly in males. From 1990 to 2019, fatality due to AA in China increased notably, but the ASMR showed a decreasing trend. The mortality rate of AA was influenced by age, sex, and attributable risk factors, with elderly male smokers carrying a heavy burden of death. Moreover, tobacco control and treatment of hypertension should be strengthened to reduce the burden and its impact on AA.

Smoking: Profile of an Elderly Sample in the City of Porto Alegre-RS/Brazil

Objective: The objective of this study is to determine the profile of smokers in a sample of elderly people served by the Family Health Strategy (ESF) in the city of Porto Alegre/RS. Theoretical Framework: Smoking is one of the main risk factors for several chronic diseases, including cardiovascular disease, cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and several other conditions. Although the number of smokers is declining in many countries, the impact of smoking remains a significant public health concern. Method: Cross-sectional study with prospective data collection involving a sample of 567 elderly people. 30 ESF teams from different Health Districts were chosen through a stratified random draw and 36 elderly people were selected from each team. Results and Discussion: The prevalence of smoking was 21.5%, with a higher prevalence in men (26%). Widowed elderly people had less history of smoking (47.8%), as did retired elderly people (54.7%), religious practitioners (50.7%) and those with higher incomes. An increase in prevalence was observed in elderly people who stopped smoking, with an increase in age groups. Research Implications: The research can provide specific data on the profile of elderly smokers in Porto Alegre, allowing public policies to be created or adjusted to more effectively serve this population. Originality/Value: While many studies on smoking focus on younger populations or middle-aged adults, the choice to specifically study smoking among older adults is less common and therefore fills a significant gap in the literature.

Smoking and Cognitive and Mental Disorders: Evaluation of This Relationship in Elderly People in the Municipality of Porto Alegre – RS/Brazil

Objective: The objective of this study is to compare elderly smokers with elderly nonsmokers and to assess the prevalence of disorders in groups of current smokers, nonsmokers, and patients who have quit smoking. Theoretical Framework: Smoking is one of the main risk factors for a series of chronic diseases and debilitating conditions, including cognitive and mental disorders. The elderly population is particularly vulnerable to these impacts due to the coexistence of multiple comorbidities and the natural aging of the central nervous system (CNS). Method: Descriptive, cross-sectional study with prospective data collection, conducted in the city of Porto Alegre, capital of the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, with the elderly population (60 years or older) registered in the Family Health Strategy (ESF). Results and Discussion: In terms of current smoking, men (25.2%) tend to smoke more than women (18.4%), which is confirmed throughout their lives, representing 73.3% and 45.7%, respectively. Research Implications: The research can help to identify elderly individuals who are at greater risk of developing cognitive and mental disorders due to smoking early. This enables early interventions, such as smoking cessation programs integrated with psychological and psychiatric support. Originality/Value: The research focuses on a specific population — elderly individuals from Porto Alegre —, which allows for detailed analysis of a demographic group that is often underrepresented in studies on smoking and mental health.

Clinical characteristics and prognostic analysis of thoracic SMARCA4-deficient undifferentiated tumor

Objective: To summarize and analyze the clinical characteristics and prognosis of thoracic SMARCA4-deficient undifferentiated tumor (SMARCA4-UT). Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 51 patients with SMARCA4-UT who were diagnosed in the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from January 2018 to December 2023, and 52 patients with SMARCA4-intact non-small cell lung cancer (SMARCA4-iNSCLC) expression admitted during the same period were used as controls. The Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and log-rank test were used to analyze the survival difference between the two groups of patients, and the Cox regression model was used to explore the factors influencing the prognosis of the two groups of patients. Results: In the SMARCA4-UT group, there were 50 males and 1 female, with the age of (63.8±9.7) years. Compared to the SMARCA4-iNSCLC group, the SMARCA4-UT group exhibited a higher proportion of male patients and smokers, as well as a higher Ki-67 level (all P<0.05). SMARCA4-UT is mainly characterized by solid lesions with poor adhesion, and some of them exhibit rhabdomyoid morphology. Immunohistochemistry revealed negative results for BRG1, thyroid transcription factor-1, P40, NapsinA, and others were mostly negative, while some patients were positive for spalt-like transcription factor 4. There were a relatively large number of cases with Ki-67≥30% (47/51, 92%). Among the 10 patients in the SMARCA4-UT group who underwent next-generation sequencing genetic testing, 6 patients were found to have SMARCA4 mutations, often accompanied by TP53 (8/10, 80%), STK 11(3/10, 30%), KRAS(2/10, 20%), with fewer common driver gene mutations. The average tumor mutation burden was 16.12 mutations/Mb. Compared with SMARCA4-iNSCLC patients, the median overall survival of SMARCA4-UT patients was significantly shorter (12 months vs 45 months, P<0.001), and the median overall survival of patients with stage Ⅲ-Ⅳ SMARCA4-UT treated with immunotherapy was longer than that of patients without immunotherapy (23 months vs 7 months, P=0.027). The results of the multivariate Cox regression model analysis indicated that SMARCA4 deficiency is a risk factor for prognosis in patients with SMARCA4-UT and SMARCA4-iNSCLC [HR=7.954(95%CI： 2.764-22.890), P<0.001]. Conclusions: SMARCA4-UT is a rare undifferentiated tumour distinct from SMARCA4-iNSCLC, which is prevalent among elderly male smokers. It possesses high invasiveness and poor prognosis. The typical pathological characteristic is negative BRG1. Immunotherapy demonstrates a certain effect.

Association Between Smoking with a Molecular Profile of Breast Cancer

Background: Female breast cancer is one of the causes of the highest cancer mortality and morbidity in the world. It is already known that there is a strong association between smoking and breast cancer. However, the association between smoking and tumor severity is not very clear. The objective of this study was to assess the severity of the breast tumor, using the tumor's molecular classification as a tool according to its immunohistochemical profile in smoking and non-smoking women. Methods: This is a longitudinal study in which 208 women with a diagnosis of breast cancer were followed for 17 months, 80 of whom were smokers and all underwent anatomopathological diagnosis by core biopsy and subsequent immunohistochemistry, followed by treatment indicated according to the type and the clinical staging of the tumor. The severity of the tumor was assessed by its molecular classification according to its immunohistochemical profile. Results: Smoking was associated with higher mortality. The tumor with the most severe immunohistochemical profile was found in younger smokers. 19.7% of smokers had a triple negative tumor and 10% of non-smokers. The age of female smokers with triple negative was 48.2 years and of non-smoking women was 52.6 years (p = 0.005). In 17 months of follow-up, mortality among smokers was 39.5% and for nonsmokers, 20%. Survival was statistically significantly lower among the group of smokers (p=0.01). Conclusion: smoking is associated with greater breast cancer severity, risk for cancer severity was OR 5.5 times higher for the smoking group survival was statistically significantly lower among the group of smokers

Harm Reduction in Tobaccoism : What Does the Scientific Evidence Say?

Smoking is considered a chronic disease caused by chemical dependence of nicotine. This is highly addicting, it in the brain system it influences our emotions, increases the feeling of pleasure/humor and reduces the anxiety. In a planet with about 8 billion people, around 1,36 billion are smokers. Cigarette smoking is the leading cause of preventable death in the world, around 8 million people die every year. A global public health problem, and those who smoke are vulnerable to 50 tobacco-related diseases, several kinds of cancer, lung diseases, cardiovascular disease, erectile dysfunction, female infertility and pregnancy complications. In 2020, according to data from the World Health Organization, 22,3% of the world population consumed tobacco, 36,7% of men and 7,8%of women. In Brazil, due to policies implemented to smoking control, we had a significant drop in the of period (1989 to 2019) from 34,8% of smokers to 12,6% and in 2021, the total percentage of smokers age 18 or over was 9.1%. All forms of tobacco consumption are harmful to health and there is no safe level. Cigarette smoke 4.720 different toxic substances such as nicotine, irritants, tar and carbon monoxide. In the last 15 years, new heated tobacco devices have arrived on the market with promises of less harm to health. In 78 countries this products are available, including Japan, The United States, Canada, Portugal, Australia, Italy and The United Kingdom. As they do not cause tobacco combustion, they created significantly lower levels of toxic substances, which is the strongest arguments made by defenders of those products. A systematic review of the literature in 2018 on heated tobacco products identified 31 studies randomly and blind over those devices, 11 independent and 20 funded by the products manufacturers, needing further long-term research. Another systematic review (relevant studies from 2015 to February 2021), both “in vitro” as alive has shown that the benefits of heated tobacco are controversial and more research is needed to the short-and-long term health effects. Another large concern is that availability of these smokeless products may encourage cigarette consumption, especially among young people and often with the combined use of traditional cigarettes and heated tobacco products.

Factors affecting prognosis and need for anti-vascular endothelial growth factor injections in wet age-related macular degeneration.

To understand factors affecting visual prognosis and the number of intravitreal antivascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) injections needed to stabilize wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD). In this retrospective cohort, 119 treatment-naïve wet AMD patients were followed for two years. In patients with bilateral disease, the eye with worse best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) or that received more intravitreal injections was recruited as the study eye. In all visits, BCVA was recorded, ophthalmological examination was performed including macular optical coherence tomography imaging. Twenty health status/lifestyle questions were asked to the patients via phone as potential risk factors. All patients received 3 loading doses of intravitreal bevacizumab injections and received repeat injections of aflibercept or ranibizumab when the eye had a new, active neovascular lesion. Patients who took regular micronutrition had similar visual outcome and injection numbers compared to the ones who did not. Patients with bilateral disease needed less intravitreal injections compared to unilateral AMD patients (p = 0.016) and women on hormone replacement therapy (HRT) required less injections compared to the women who were not (p = 0.024). Female patients had a mean gain of 2.7 letters while male patients lost 3.8 letters (p = 0.038). Wet AMD started at an earlier age in smokers (p = 0.002). Patients with a better education level presented earlier with better BCVA (p = 0.037). HRT and anti-VEGF injections to the fellow eye improved the prognosis of wet AMD, while male patients had slightly worse prognosis. Estrogen's protective effects and potential contribution in wet AMD needs further attention. Retrospectively registered: 2020/0622.

Interstitial lung abnormalities : What the radiologist needs to know

Interstitial lung abnormalities (ILA) are incidental findings on computed tomography (CT), particularly in elderly patients and smokers. They describe mild interstitial abnormalities that can be progressive and turn into overt interstitial lung disease (ILD). In recent years, ILA have increasingly come into focus because several large cohort studies have shown poorer clinical outcomes and increased mortality for patients with ILA compared to those without ILA. The radiological classification into nonsubpleural, subpleural nonfibrotic and subpleural fibrotic as well as the assessment over time can-together with clinical risk factors-help estimate clinical outcome. Clinical management of patients with ILA includes exclusion of ILD and risk-adapted control intervals, especially in the presence of risk factors.

Ultrasound Findings of Carotid Arteries in Patients with Type-2 Diabetes Mellitus

Background and objectives: Type 2 diabetes mellitus is common public health problem nationally and globally. Early detection of the vascular changes with inexpensive and non-invasive techniques is important in the process of management of type 2 diabetes mellitus. The aim of this study was to determine the frequency and grading of carotid artery atherosclerosis using color doppler ultrasound in type 2 diabetes mellitus. Methods: A cross-sectional study was implemented in Radiology Department of Rizgari Teaching Hospital in Hawler city-Kurdistan Region during the period of six months from 1st of March to 1st of September, 2022. Sixty cases of type 2 diabetic patients included in the study and referred from Layla Qasim diabetic center and Rizgari Hospital Outpatient. Left and right carotid arteries (common, internal and bulb) were examined by ultrasound and intima-media thickness were measured, plaque, stenosis and occlusion were looked for. Patients more than 18 years old with type 2 diabetes mellitus included in the study and patients with recent stroke, type 1 diabetes and history of neck surgery were excluded. Results: The mean intima-media thickness of type 2 diabetic patients were higher in both right and left carotid artery bulb (65% and 73.3%) than common (6.7% and 21.7%) and internal carotid arteries (16.7% and 21.7%). The stenosis was observed in 21.7% in each right and left carotid bulb with less proportion of stenosis in common (0% and 1.7%) and internal carotid arteries (8.3% and 3.3%). There was a significant association between smoker and elderly age type 2 diabetic patients and carotid artery stenosis (p=0.03 and p=0.001 respectively). Conclusions: Diabetes mellitus is a common cause of atherosclerotic changes in carotid arteries mainly in the bulb and more on left side. Smoking and elderly age are the common associated factors.

Prevalence of rheumatic musculoskeletal pain and disability in rural Nepal‐ a cross‐sectional community‐based study adopting WHO‐ILAR COPCORD stage I: Phases I and II protocol

AbstractBackgroundThe burden of musculoskeletal (MSK) pain and disabilities is high in health facilities but remains unknown in the community due to a lack of community‐level studies. The community‐oriented program for control of rheumatic diseases (COPCORD) is focused on determining MSK pain and disabilities through epidemiological surveys. This study adopted the COPCORD stage I protocol to determine the prevalence of rheumatic MSK pain and disability and its associated factors in the Pyuthan district of Nepal.MethodologyA cross‐sectional community‐based study using the quantitative method was conducted in Pyuthan municipality as per COPCORD stage I protocol. COPCORD stage I (phase I and phase II) questionnaires were used to collect data through the interview technique. Populations aged 18 years and above were included in the study. A multistage sampling technique was used, and the total sample size was 2145. The collected data from phase I and phase II were entered in Epidata version 3.1. Descriptive and analytical analysis was done in SPSS. The Chi‐square test was used to find the association between dependent and independent variables.FindingsThe overall prevalence (past and current MSK pain/swelling) was 26.81% (95% CI 24.9–28.7). Current MSK pain/swelling was found in 19.53% of the participants, and past MSK pain/swelling was found in 25.87%. Among self‐reported chronic diseases, joint pain was reported by the majority of the participants (17.86%). Age, sex, education, nature of work, current smoking, tobacco use, and alcohol use were found to be associated with past and current MSK pain/swelling.ConclusionsMore than one‐fourth of the participants had MSK pain/swelling. The prevalence of MSK pain/swelling was higher in elderly participants, females, illiterates, heavy workers, smokers, tobacco users, and alcohol users. Similar studies should be conducted in other regions of the country, and this study should also be expanded to COPCORD Stages II and III to identify the risk factors and to improve the management of MSK pain and disorders.

Prevalence of Electronic Cigarette Smoking Among Students of Shaqra University, Saudi Arabia.

Background Electronic cigarettes are devices that use a flavored nicotine solution instead of burning tobacco leaves. Since their emergence, e-cigarettes have gained popularity in Saudi Arabia, particularly among young adults. Recently, many non-smoking youths have begun to use e-cigarettes as an alternative social behavior. Recent studies have confirmed that e-cigarettes have harmful effects on the respiratory system. Approximately 48.5 million Europeans have used an e-cigarette at least oncewhile 7.5 million Europeans currently use e-cigarettes. This study aims to assess the prevalence of e-cigarette use and possible addictiveness among Shaqra University students. Methodology This is a cross-sectional studyconducted at Shaqra University in 2021. A total of 290 students (18 years old and older) from Shaqra University were included in our study. The subjects were selected through simple random sampling. A self-administered online questionnaire related to e-cigarettes was used. Results Completed questionnaires were obtained from 290 students (average age of 20.2 ± 1.8 years). A total of 58 (20.1%) of the respondents were e-cigarette users. The obtained results showed that the mean age of e-cigarette smokers was 20.5 years, e-cigaretteusage significantly differed between age groups (p < 0.001), and the highest prevalence of e-cigarette smoking was in Shaqra Governorate (i.e., 13.1%). Conclusion It's vital to acknowledge that the capacity for addiction to e-cigarettes is comparable to traditional smoking and other nicotine-containing items. It's essential to consistently observe students and smokers to better understand the effects of vaping patterns on this specific group.

Hubungan Iklan Rokok Dengan Perilaku Remaja Laki-Laki Di Kelurahan Desa Limbangan Wetan Kabupaten Brebes

Background: Smoking is common among adults and teenagers, especially men. This lifestyle is one of the biggest problems facing the world of health because it causes almost 6 million deaths every year. More than 5 million people die from smoking, while 600 thousand people die from exposure to cigarette smoke. Method: This research uses a quantitative research type, analytical approach, cross-sectional study design. The population in this study were male teenagers in Limbangan Wetan Village, Brebes Regency. Sampling used simple random sampling with a total sample of 30 male teenagers. This research was conducted using the interview method and data collection tools, namely questionnaires. Results: Research shows that the most common age of smokers is 18-24 years old (50%), the highest level of education is high school graduation (56.7%), the highest number of types of smokers smoked is 11-20 cigarettes per day ( 36.7%), 20 respondents were exposed to cigarette advertising (66.7%) and 26 people smoked (86.7%). Conclusion: there is a significant relationship between cigarette advertising and the behavior of adolescent boys in the Limbangan Wetan Village Village, Brebes Regency.

Predictors of quitting support from nonsmoking mothers for smoking fathers: a cross-sectional study from Chinese pupils’ families

BackgroundQuitting support from smokers’ partners can predict quit attempts and smoking abstinence but research on factors that predict such support has been limited. To add more evidence for partner support and the improved interventions for smoking cessation, we analyzed some new potential predictors of quitting support from smokers’ spouses.MethodThis cross-sectional study was conducted in in 2022 and 2023, selecting the students’ families in which fathers smoked and mothers didn’t smoke from grade 1–5 of 13 primary schools in Qingdao, China. Parents who met the criteria completed the online questionnaires and 1018 families were included in the analysis. We measured personal information related to smokers and their spouses such as age, education and nicotine dependence, and variables related to family and marital relationship such as family functioning, perceived responsiveness and power in decision-making of quitting smoking. Quitting support from smokers’ spouses was measured by Partner Interaction Questionnaire and generalized linear model was used to explore the potential predictors of partner support.ResultsIn this study, the mean age of smokers was 39.97(SD = 5.57) and the mean age of smokers’ spouses was 38.24(SD = 4.59). The regression analysis showed that for smokers and their spouses, the older age groups showed the lower ratio of positive/negative support(P < 0.05) and smokers with high education showed the less positive and negative partner support(P < 0.05). Nicotine dependence was positively associated with negative support (β = 0.120, P < 0.01), and perceived responsiveness (β = 0.124, P < 0.05) as well as family functioning (β = 0.059, P < 0.05) was positively associated with positive support. These three factors were associated with ratio of positive/negative support(P < 0.05). In addition, power of smoker’s spouse in decision-making of quitting smoking was positively associated with the positive (β = 0.087, P < 0.001) and negative support (β = 0.084, P < 0.001).ConclusionsNicotine dependence, family functioning, power in decision-making of quitting smoking and perceived responsiveness were found to be the predictors of quitting support from smokers’ spouses. By incorporating predictors of partner support and integrating some established theories that can improve family functioning and marital relationships, smoking cessation interventions can be further improved.

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease and the risk of mortality in individuals with type 2 diabetes: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

The systematic review aimed to assess the risks of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) on all-cause and cause-specific mortality in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM). EMBASE and MEDLINE were searched from inception to June 2022 for observational studies examining the relationship between MASLD and the risk of mortality among T2DM patients. Meta-analysis was conducted using random-effects models with hazard ratios (HRs) to quantify the risk of mortality. A total of 5877 articles were screened, and ultimately, 12 eligible studies encompassing 368 528 T2DM patients, with a median follow-up of 8.9 years (interquartile range, 4.7-14.5), were included. Our analysis revealed a significant association between MASLD and an increased risk of all-cause mortality in T2DM patients [HR 1.28; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.05-1.58; I 2 = 90%]. Meta-regression analyses did not show significant effects of mean age, mean BMI, and percentage of smokers, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia on the association between MASLD and the risk of all-cause mortality. However, we found that MASLD was not significantly associated with mortality related to cardiovascular diseases (HR 1.05; 95% CI, 0.82-1.35; I2 = 0%) or cancer (HR 1.21; 95% CI, 0.41-3.51; I 2 = 79%) among patients with T2DM. No publication bias was observed. This comprehensive meta-analysis provides substantial evidence supporting a significant association between MASLD and an increased risk of all-cause mortality among the T2DM population. These findings underscore the potential benefits of screening for MASLD in T2DM patients, aiding in the early identification of high-risk individuals and enabling risk modification strategies to improve survival.

Application of glutamate weighted CEST in brain imaging of nicotine dependent participants in vivo at 7T.

With nicotine dependence being a significant healthcare issue worldwide there is a growing interest in developing novel therapies and diagnostic aids to assist in treating nicotine addiction. Glutamate (Glu) plays an important role in cognitive function regulation in a wide range of conditions including traumatic brain injury, aging, and addiction. Chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) imaging via ultra-high field MRI can image the exchange of certain saturated labile protons with the surrounding bulk water pool, making the technique a novel tool to investigate glutamate in the context of addiction. The aim of this work was to apply glutamate weighted CEST (GluCEST) imaging to study the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex (dACC) in a small population of smokers and non-smokers to determine its effectiveness as a biomarker of nicotine use. 2D GluCEST images were acquired on 20 healthy participants: 10 smokers (ages 29-50) and 10 non-smokers (ages 25-69), using a 7T MRI system. T1-weighted images were used to segment the GluCEST images into white and gray matter tissue and further into seven gray matter regions. Wilcoxon rank-sum tests were performed, comparing mean GluCEST contrast between smokers and non-smokers across brain regions. GluCEST levels were similar between smokers and non-smokers; however, there was a moderate negative age dependence (R2 = 0.531) in smokers within the cingulate gyrus. Feasibility of GluCEST imaging was demonstrated for in vivo investigation of smokers and non-smokers to assess glutamate contrast differences as a potential biomarker with a moderate negative age correlation in the cingulate gyrus suggesting reward network involvement.

CD8+ T cell response in QuantiFERON-TB Gold Plus testing was associated with tuberculosis recurrence: a 2-year prospective study

Background Recurrence posed an important challenge to pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) control in China. The prospective study aimed to identify potential risk factors and to explore the value of QuantiFERON-TB Gold Plus (QFT-Plus) in identifying at-risk individuals with treated prior PTB history. Methods All eligible individuals aged ≥18 years who had been diagnosed with PTB before 2016 in Zhongmu County, where with an average level of TB prevalence in China, were included and received baseline survey including chest radiography, QuantiFERON-TB Gold In-Tube (QFT-GIT) and QFT-Plus, then PTB recurrence was tracked through a 2-year follow-up. Results Half of 1068 (52.34%, 559/1068) included eligible participants were QFT-Plus positive at baseline and 21 of them recurred active TB in 2-year follow-up. Individuals aged ≥ 60 years, who had a recent history of TB and smokers were associated with increased risk of TB recurrence with an adjusted odds ratio (aOR) of 3.97 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.29–12.24), 7.71 (95% CI: 1.74–34.25) and 4.56 (95% CI: 1.62–12.83), respectively. Compared to QFT-Plus negatives, those who were TB2+/TB1- (aOR = 15.34) exhibited stronger association with the risk of TB recurrence than those who were TB1+/TB2+ (aOR = 6.06). A dose response relationship was also found between the risk of TB recurrence with the baseline level of TB2-TB1 (p for trend < 0.001). Conclusions High burden of TB infection and high risk of PTB recurrence were observed in the study population. Those with recent onset of prior TB, elderly smokers and QFT-Plus positives especially with TB2 single positive deserved further attention in active TB surveillance.

The Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence, as a prognostic factor, in current smokers with and without COPD: A cross-sectional study in northern Greece.

Smoking poses the most common risk factor for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and aggravates disease progression. Tobacco dependence inhibits smoking cessation and may affect smoking patterns that increase tobacco exposure and predispose to lung function decline. We aimed to assess tobacco dependence in current smokers with and without COPD and evaluate its role in disease development. This cross-sectional study was conducted in Greek rural areas. Current smokers completed the Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence and were classified into COPD and non-COPD groups based on spirometry parameters. Among current smokers, 288 participants comprised the non-COPD and 71 the COPD group. Both presented moderate tobacco dependence, but smokers with COPD started to smoke earlier in the morning. Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed higher COPD prevalence in smokers with higher scores in the Fagerström test (odds ratio OR = 1.12, 95% confidence interval [1.01 - 1.24]) and older age (OR = 1.06 [1.03 - 1.09]), independently of pack-years smoking index. Multiple linear regression analysis in smokers with COPD showed that the forced expiratory volume in the 1st second decreased by 2.3% of the predicted value for each point increase in the Fagerström Test and 0.59% for each year of age, independently of participants' sex and pack-years smoking index. The Fagerström score appears to indicate a higher probability for COPD and lung function deterioration when assessed along with age in current smokers. Smoking cessation support programs are fundamental to COPD prevention and management.

Adult smokers’ Complete Switching Away from Cigarettes at 6, 9, and 12 Months after Initially Purchasing a JUUL e-Cigarette

Background : Electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) have the potential to benefit public health if smokers completely switch from cigarettes to ENDS. Methods : A cohort of adult smokers (age ≥ 21) who purchased a JUUL Starter Kit was followed for 12 months after the initial purchase. We defined “switching” as past-30-day abstinence from smoking (even if JUUL use had stopped), and analyzed factors associated with achievement and maintenance of self-reported repeated point-prevalence switching (RPPS) at three follow-ups, i.e., no past-30-day smoking at months 6, 9, and 12. Results : RPPS was reported by 21.6% of the 12,537 evaluable smokers. Smokers with lighter smoking history and lower cigarette dependence at baseline were more likely to report RPPS. RPPS was also associated with daily use of JUUL (Month-3: OR = 2.32, 95% CI = 2.02–2.68; Month-6: OR = 1.73, 95% CI = 1.42–2.10), and with greater subjective reinforcing effects from JUUL use (assessed by the mCEQ, Month-3: OR = 1.46, 95% CI = 1.38–1.56; Month-6: OR = 1.11; 95% CI = 1.02–1.20). Even among smokers who did not meet the criteria of RPPS (i.e., who smoked at least once), 35.5% reported past 30-day point-prevalence switching on at least one follow-up, and their cigarette consumption was substantially reduced compared to baseline. Conclusions : Approximately one-fifth of adult smokers reported 30-day point-prevalence abstinence at 6, 9, and 12 months after purchasing JUUL. Greater use of JUUL and stronger subjective reinforcing effects were associated with nonsmoking, validating the potential for ENDS to substitute for smoking, with potential for positive impacts on individual and population health.

The association of nutrient intake with epilepsy: A cross-sectional study from NHANES, 2013-2014

BackgroundDietary nutrient supplements are helpful in the treatment of many diseases, but their effect on epilepsy is still controversial. This study aimed to evaluate the association between dietary intake of multiple nutrients and epilepsy. MethodsA total of 3963 participants from the NHANES database were involved in this study. We compared the dietary intake of 14 nutrients between the normal population and those with epilepsy. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression were conducted to evaluate the association of these nutrients with epilepsy. ResultsCompared with the normal population, the epilepsy patients showed lower intakes of protein, vitamin B1, vitamin B6, Fe, and Zn. Multivariable logistic regression showed the negative association of vitamin B1 (OR = 0.513, 95% CI: 0.293, 0.897) with epilepsy. When vitamin B1 was divided into 4 groups according to quartiles, the highest quartile showed a lower odds ratio (OR = 0.338, 95% CI: 0.115, 0.997) than that of the lowest quartile. In different population stratifications, the association of vitamin B1 with epilepsy was different. Vitamin B1 was negatively associated with the odds ratio of epilepsy among the elderly (OR = 0.243), low-income population (OR = 0.337), and current smokers (OR = 0.283). ConclusionEpilepsy patients had significantly lower intakes of vitamin B1, which was inversely associated with epilepsy risk. More detailed clinical trials are needed to accurately evaluate nutritional supplements for epilepsy.

ПОИСК МЕТАБОЛОМНЫХ ПРЕДИКТОРОВ СЕРДЕЧНО-СОСУДИСТЫХ ОСЛОЖНЕНИЙ У ПАЦИЕНТОВ С ВПЕРВЫЕ ВЫЯВЛЕННЫМ НЕМЕЛКОКЛЕТОЧНЫМ РАКОМ ЛЕГКОГО (ОБЗОР)

Lung cancer, the most prevalent malignant neoplasm globally, predominantly impacts elderly individuals and smokers with concurrent cardiovascular conditions. The presence of comorbidities can significantly influence prognosis and treatment complexity, highlighting the need for innovative diagnostic, predictive, and personalized treatment tools for this patient cohort. This study draws upon information from PubMed, Google Scholar, and E-library databases to inform its findings.