Cigarette Smoking Research Articles

Comparison of Thromboembolic Complications After Carotid Artery Stenting with and without Using Protection Devices: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Study

Background: This study compared the rate of thromboembolic events during carotid angioplasty and stenting (CAS) with and without embolic protection devices (EPDs). We reviewed literature to find studies comparing embolic event rates during CAS with and without EPDs and conducted a meta-analysis to determine the safer approach.Methods: The Embase, PubMed, and Web of Science databases were thoroughly searched following PRISMA guidelines. Each estimation was executed using random-effects models. The I2 index was used to assess the heterogeneity among the studies. Egger and Begg’s tests were applied to evaluate publication bias. Stata version 14.2 was used for statistical analysis.Results: For 25% of patients, an EPD was used during CAS, and for 75% it was not. Of the patients undergoing CAS, the prevalences of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, coronary artery disease, and cigarette smoking were 81%, 37%, 39% and 43%, respectively. In total, of the patients included 52% were symptomatic and 48% were asymptomatic. The mortality rate reduced from 2% in the no-EPD subgroup to 1% in the EPD subgroup. The occurrence of all other complications was also reportedly higher in patients who did not receive an EPD, including major stroke and myocardial infarction, except for minor events, which were reported to be almost the same in both subgroups.Conclusions: We found that the use of an EPD can help reduce the occurrence of thromboembolic complications of CAS, including myocardial infarction, major stroke, and death. Altogether, our results suggest that the benefits of using an EPD during CAS outweigh its risks.

Colorectal cancer and associated genetic, lifestyle, cigarette, nargileh-hookah use and alcohol consumption risk factors: a comprehensive case-control study.

This study aimed to investigate the causes and risk factors of colorectal cancer (CRC) in a Turkish population, focusing on various modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors. A hospital-based case-control design was employed to compare individuals with CRC (cases) to individuals without CRC (controls). Male and female participants were recruited from the surgery, internal medicine, and out-patient departments. The study encompassed socio-demographic data, clinical information, radiological diagnoses, and biochemical measurements. Univariable and multivariable logistic regressions were used to determine associated risk factors of CRC. The study included 704 individuals with CRC and 704 controls. Significant socio-demographic disparities were observed between the groups, with over 30% of the cases having lower levels of education and income compared to the controls. Lifestyle factors such as obesity, higher rates of smoking (cigarettes and hookah) and alcohol consumption were more prevalent among cases than controls. Further significant associations were identified with intestinal inflammation, obesity, processed food consumption, and symptoms such as abdominal pain, cramps, diarrhea, constipation, blood in stool, bloating, irritable bowel syndrome, nausea/vomiting, anemia, stress, fatigue, weakness, and weight loss. Diet analysis revealed that individuals with CRC consumed more red meat, processed and fast foods along with less pulses and vegetables. Genetic predispositions and exposure to chemicals also correlated strongly with increased CRC risk. Multivariable regression analysis identified, nausea/vomiting, constipation, intestinal disease, genetics factor, hookah-nargileh use, history of any cancer, family history of bowel cancer, constipation, cigarette smoking, stress, milk-yogurt consumption, obesity and red meat consumption as significant determinants for CRC. CRC risk is influenced by dietary, lifestyle, and genetic factors. Awareness of hereditary risk and participation in screening are crucial. Lifestyle changes, such as avoiding smoking, hookah, and alcohol use, and adopting a healthy diet, are essential for prevention.

Haves and have-nots: socioeconomic position improves accuracy of machine learning algorithms for predicting high-impact chronic pain.

Lower socioeconomic position (SEP) is associated with increased risk of developing chronic pain, experiencing more severe pain, and suffering greater pain-related disability. However, SEP is a multidimensional construct; there is a dearth of research on which SEP features are most strongly associated with high-impact chronic pain, the relative importance of SEP predictive features compared to established chronic pain correlates, and whether the relative importance of SEP predictive features differs by race and sex. This study used 3 machine learning algorithms to address these questions among adults in the 2019 National Health Interview Survey. Gradient boosting decision trees achieved the highest accuracy and discriminatory power for high-impact chronic pain. Results suggest that distinct SEP dimensions, including material resources (eg, ratio of family income to poverty threshold) and employment (ie, working in the past week, number of working adults in the family), are highly relevant predictors of high-impact chronic pain. Subgroup analyses compared the relative importance of predictive features of high-impact chronic pain in non-Hispanic Black vs White adults and men vs women. Whereas the relative importance of body mass index and owning/renting a residence was higher for non-Hispanic Black adults, the relative importance of working adults in the family and housing stability was higher for non-Hispanic White adults. Anxiety symptom severity, body mass index, and cigarette smoking had higher relevance for women, while housing stability and frequency of anxiety and depression had higher relevance for men. Results highlight the potential for machine learning algorithms to advance health equity research.

Perceptions of the Use of Mobile Technologies for Smoking Cessation: Focus Group Study With Individuals of Low Socioeconomic Status Who Smoke.

The use of mobile technologies to deliver behavioral health interventions, including smoking cessation support, has grown. Users' perceptions are important determinants of the adoption and use of new technologies. However, little is known about users' perceptions of mobile technologies as smoking cessation aids, particularly among disadvantaged individuals who smoke. This study aimed to examine the acceptance of mobile technologies for smoking cessation among young adults with low socioeconomic status who smoke. In total, 38 current cigarette smokers, 18 to 29 years old, who wanted to quit and did not have a 4-year college degree nor were enrolled in a 4-year college, participated in 12 semistructured digital focus groups. The moderation guide was guided by the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology. Discussions were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim, and coded for the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology constructs (ie, effort expectancy, facilitating conditions, performance expectancy, and social influence), sentiment (ie, negative, neutral, and positive), and purpose of using mobile technologies (ie, lifestyle and health management and smoking cessation) following a deductive thematic analysis approach. Participants had positive experiences using mobile technologies for lifestyle and health management, primarily for fitness and dietary purposes. Salient themes were facilitating conditions of use (44/80, 55%), with prior experiences and costs subthemes, followed by perceived usefulness of mobile technologies in helping users attain health goals (22/80, 27.50%), which were generally positive. Ease of use (11/80, 13.75%) and social influences (3/80, 3.75%) were minimally discussed. Conversely, participants had limited awareness of smoking cessation uses of mobile technologies, which was the primary barrier under facilitating conditions discussed (33/51, 64.70%). Participants expressed skepticism about the usefulness of mobile technologies in helping them quit smoking (14/51, 27.45%). Effort expectancy was not discussed, given participants' limited prior use. Social influences on mobile technology use for smoking cessation were minimally discussed (4/51, 7.84%). The use of mobile technologies for smoking cessation was unknown to young adults with low socioeconomic status who smoke. To reduce cigarette smoking and associated health disparities, increasing awareness and use of evidence-based mobile-based smoking cessation interventions are needed. Smoking cessation interventions should incorporate features perceived as useful and easy to use to capitalize on positive user experiences and the acceptability of mobile technologies for lifestyle and health management.

Lung cancer incidence rates in young women and men by state in the United States.

Previous studies reported higher lung cancer incidence in women than men among persons aged 35-54 years in the United States, a reversal of historically higher rates in men. We examined whether this pattern varies by state. Based on lung cancer incidence (2015-2019) data among adults aged 35-54 years from Cancer in North America database and historical cigarette smoking prevalence data (2004-2005) among adults 20-39 years from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, incidence rates in women were equal to or higher than rates in their male counterparts in 40 of 51 states, with statistically significant differences in 20 states (two-sided, p < .05). In contrast, current and ever smoking prevalence in women compared to men was statistically significantly lower (33 and 34 states, respectively) or similar. Furthermore, there was no association between differences in historical smoking prevalence and lung cancer incidence by sex. Lung cancer incidence rate is higher in young women than young men in most states and is unexplained by differences in smoking prevalence.

Modeling cigarette smoking exposure in subsets of the population

Modeling cigarette smoking exposure in subsets of the population Understanding and acknowledging various factors that impact cigarette smoking and exposure is critical when creating public health interventions to curb tobacco use. Here, Theodore R. Holford from Yale University discusses the impact of different approaches to tobacco control. The harmful effects of cigarette smoking have been widely recognized for more than 50 years (1), and the huge toll that it has taken in shortening lives has led to the recognition of an urgent need to reduce associated exposure. Because cigarette smoking is an addictive behavior, it has been a public health challenge to reduce the level of exposure in the population, even though alternative approaches have been used. These approaches include the introduction of taxes that increase cost to users, changing the legal age at which cigarettes can be purchased, introducing clean air laws that limit locations where individuals are allowed to smoke, and establishing resources that will assist those who wish to quit smoking. These efforts can be undertaken on a national level, but more often, such efforts are implemented at different times and in different ways in different regions. In the US, these laws are more commonly introduced by a state, county, or city. (2) This introduces geographic disparities in cigarette smoking exposure, and it is important to understand these differences when planning approaches to protect public health.

Construction of a numerical model for cigarette smoking and combustion and simulation of combustion cone shape

Construction of a numerical model for cigarette smoking and combustion and simulation of combustion cone shape

Cigarette Smoke Exposure Impairs Fracture Healing in a Rat Model: Preferential Impairment of Endochondral over Membranous Healing.

Cigarette smoking affects fracture repair, leading to delayed healing or nonunion. We sought to investigate if cigarette smoke differentially affects intramembranous and endochondral ossification in healing fractures, focusing on whether endochondral ossification is particularly impaired. This study utilized a bilateral femur fracture model in Sprague Dawley rats to examine the impact of cigarette smoke exposure on healing of femur fractures, treated with either a custom-locked intramedullary nail or compression plating to induce endochondral and membranous ossification, respectively. Animals were exposed to tobacco smoke 30 days before and after surgery, with evaluations including radiographs, histomorphometry, and microCT at 10 days, 1, 3, and 6-months post-operation, and biomechanical testing at 3, 6 months. Sixty-eight animals were randomized to control or exposure groups (two died perioperatively), and 89% of the femora achieved union when harvested at 3 and 6 months. Smoke exposure delayed cartilaginous callus formation and bone maturation in nailed fractures compared to plated fractures and controls in same animals. Plated fractures in exposed animals exhibited little cartilage callus and healed like control animals. At 3 months, plated fractures were stiffer and stronger than nailed fractures in both groups, but these differences vanished by 6 months. Plated fractures healed more rapidly and more completely than nailed fractures under both control and smoke-exposed conditions. Using compression plating instead of IM nailing for closed long bone fractures may lead to better outcomes in patients who smoke compared to current results with nailing.

Maternal cigarette smoking before or during pregnancy increases the risk of severe neonatal morbidity after delivery: a nationwide population-based retrospective cohort study

BackgroundThe association of maternal cigarette smoking during pregnancy with severe neonatal morbidity (SNM) is still inconclusive. We aimed to examine the associations of the timing and the intensity of maternal...

The effects of tobacco 21 laws on smoking and vaping: Evidence from panel data and biomarkers

We use data from the Population Assessment of Tobacco Use and Health (PATH), a longitudinal data set including self-reported and biomarker measures of tobacco use, to examine the effects of state-level tobacco 21 (T21) laws on smoking and vaping. T21 laws reduce self-reported cigarette smoking among 18-to-20 year olds, concentrated in males. Initial non-users who “age-out” of treatment are less likely to subsequently initiate self-reported smoking or vaping. Treated smokers are less likely to buy their own cigarettes and more likely to buy cigarettes in a different state. Biomarker results are mixed, and we find some evidence of a reduction in nicotine exposure but less evidence for a reduction in exposure to tobacco. Finally, we test for non-classical measurement error. T21 laws reduce the probability that clinically identified likely cigarette smokers self-report as smokers, which may increase the apparent effect of T21 laws on cigarette smoking as measured by self-reports.

Insights into medication adherence among Jordanian patients with dyslipidemia: evaluating health literacy, well-being, and doctor-patient communication.

This study aimed to assess medication adherence among Jordanian patients with dyslipidemia and evaluate the impact of health literacy, well-being, and doctor-patient communication on adherence in this population. Dyslipidemia is a prevalent condition that significantly increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases, and understanding the factors influencing medication adherence is crucial for improving patient outcomes. An observational cross-sectional study was conducted from March to July 2023. A convenience sample of adult Jordanians diagnosed with dyslipidemia was surveyed in a tertiary hospital using validated scales: the Lebanese Medication Adherence Scale-14 (LMAS-14), the Doctor-Patient Communication Scale (DPC), the WHO well-being index, and the health literacy scale. Bivariate analysis and linear regression models were employed to analyze associations. Among 410 participants (mean age 58.62 ± 12.11 years), the mean scores were LMAS-14 (35.10), DPC (55.77), WHO well-being (47.53), and health literacy (38.96). Higher medication adherence was associated with older age (B = 0.093, p = 0.049), university education (B = 2.872, p = 0.017), prior surgery (B = 2.317, p = 0.021), medium income level (B = 3.605, p = 0.006), and better doctor-patient communication (B = 0.166, p = 0.003). Conversely, cigarette smoking (B = -3.854, p = 0.001) and health insurance (B = -2.146, p = 0.039) were linked to lower adherence. The findings underscore the substantial interplay of socio-demographic and clinical factors affecting medication adherence. Enhanced public health interventions focusing on improving health literacy, communication quality, and addressing socio-economic conditions are vital for better adherence and patient outcomes in Jordan.

Risk Factors Associated With Exaggerated Blood Pressure Response At The Time Of Exercise Treadmill Stress Test.

Exaggerated blood pressure response (EBPR) to exercise stress testing (EST) may be a marker of future hypertension and carry valuable information for the prediction of cardiovascular events. We sought to evaluate the clinical and resting EST parameters associated with increased likelihood to EBPR. The records of 14073 patients (mean age: 55±11 years) without known cardiovascular disease who underwent a treadmill EST were analysed. The overall prevalence of arterial hypertension was 44%. A considerable proportion (24%) of patients exhibited EBPR. Multivariate analysis of the entire study population showed that middle-aged individuals (40-60 years old), resting systolic BP>130mmHg and/or diastolic BP>80 mmHg, known arterial hypertension, current cigarette smoking and family history of premature coronary artery disease are all independent risk factors for EBPR (all P<0.001). Although the presence of arterial hypertension increased the likelihood of EBPR in the analysis of the entire population, the relevant association in subjects above 60 years old is statistically non-significant (P=0.120). Notably, the pre-test systolic BP>130mmHg and/or diastolic BP>80 mmHg level increased significantly the likelihood to manifest EBPR in all age categories (<40, 40-60 and >60 years old) independent of hypertension presence and in all hypertensive patients independently of antihypertension treatment intake (all P<0.001). Considering the diagnostic and prognostic utility of EBPR during treadmill EST the clinical and resting haemodynamic parameters that increase the likelihood to EBPR are targets for interventions and preventive measures to modify lifestyle risk behaviours and reduce hypertension and cardiovascular risk factors in the early stages.

B cell immune repertoire sequencing in tobacco cigarette smoking, vaping, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in the COPDGene cohort.

Cigarette smoking (CS) impairs B cell function and antibody production, increasing infection risk. The impact of e-cigarette use ('vaping') and combined CS and vaping ('dual-use') on B cell activity is unclear. To examine B cell receptor sequencing (BCR-seq) profiles associated with CS, vaping, dual-use, COPD-related outcomes, and demographic factors. BCR-seq was performed on blood RNA samples from 234 participants in the COPDGene study. We assessed multivariable associations of B cell function measures (immunoglobulin heavy chain (IGH) subclass expression and usage, class-switching, V-segment usage, and clonal expansion) with CS, vaping, dual-use, COPD severity, age, sex, and race. We adjusted for multiple comparisons using the Benjamini-Hochberg method, identifying significant associations at 5% FDR and suggestive associations at 10% FDR. Among 234 non-Hispanic white (NHW) and African American (AA) participants, CS and dual-use were significantly positively associated with increased secretory IgA production, with dual-use showing the strongest associations. Dual-use was positively associated with class switching and B cell clonal expansion, indicating increased B cell activation, with similar trends in those only smoking or only vaping. We observed significant associations between race and IgG antibody usage. AA participants had higher IgG subclass proportions and lower IgM usage compared to NHW participants. CS and vaping additively enhance B cell activation, most notably in dual-users. Self-reported race was strongly associated with IgG isotype usage. These findings highlight associations between B cell activation and antibody transcription, suggesting potential differences in immune and vaccine responses linked to CS, vaping, and race.

Is e-cigarette advertising associated with e-cigarette use among young people? New survey evidence from Poland.

Young people are routinely exposed to e-cigarettes advertising. We examined the impact of e-cigarette advertising on e-cigarette use in a large representative sample of adolescents. Data came from cross-sectional sample of the nationwide study on the health effects of tobacco products called PolNicoYouth, which included adolescents aged 15-18 years (N = 7,498). Data were collected through a detailed questionnaire recommended by international health organizations for monitoring tobacco use by adolescents. Simple and multiple logistic regression analyzes were conducted, adjusting for sex, age, type of school, place of residence, smoking of traditional cigarettes and parental smoking. Frequencies and proportions for descriptive statistics, and adjusted odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals for logistic regression models were reported. Approximately, 56% of interviewees had noticed some form of e-cigarettes advertising. Exposure to e-cigarette advertising was significantly associated with ever use of e-cigarettes (OR = 1.29; 95% CI: 1.09-1.53). Exposure to e-cigarette advertising via club/pub/disco was significantly associated with current e-cigarette use (OR = 1.58; 95% CI: 1.06-2.36). Adolescents who have ever used e-cigarettes were more likely than never users to report exposure to advertisements on club/pub/disco (OR = 1.57; 95% CI: 1.08-2.30) and internet (OR = 1.22; 95% CI: 1.01-1.47). Despite the applicable advertising restrictions, the majority of young people declared contact with e-cigarette advertising, which shows the urgent need for more global action. The internet and advertisements in clubs, pubs and discos seem to be the key places of exposure. These forms of exposure need to be urgently addressed given their clear link to e-cigarette use.

7625 Functional and structural neuronal changes of dulaglutide compared to placebo during smoking cessation - a randomized placebo-controlled trial

Abstract Disclosure: C.O. Sailer: None. S. Lengsfeld: None. D. Coynel: None. F. Baur: None. K. Bologna: None. T. Vukajlovic: None. N.A. Jeanloz: None. C. Bathelt: None. D. Zanchi: None. M. Christ-Crain: None. B.F. Winzeler: None. Introduction: Nicotine activates reward-related brain regions and chronic cigarette smoking can lead to functional and structural neuronal changes. Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists (RAs), known for their anti-obesity effects, have emerged as potential treatments for addictive disorders. A pilot study of exenatide vs placebo revealed increased short-term smoking abstinence rates and reduce smoking craving. We previously reported the results of a clinical trial (n=255) investigating the effect of dulaglutide vs placebo on smoking cessation. Herein, we report the functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) results of a subset of participants. This substudy aimed to investigate the influence of dulaglutide on smoking craving, functional and structural neuronal changes of smokers aiming to quit smoking. Methods: This single-center, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial enrolled 71 participants with at least a moderate nicotine dependence, all committed to quitting smoking. Of these, 35 participants received 12 weeks dulaglutide 1.5mg, and 36 participants placebo, alongside varenicline treatment and behavioral counselling. An fMRI session was conducted at baseline and 12 weeks. The primary outcomes included smoking craving assessed on a visual analogue scale (VAS, range 0-7), differences in blood oxygen level dependent (BOLD) signal (whole brain and regions of interests, e.g., nucleus accumbens, amygdala, thalamus) and gray matter changes between sessions and groups when exposed to smoking and neutral video cues. Secondary outcomes assessed the above in quitters vs persistent smokers. Results: In line with the primary study findings, abstinence rates at 12 weeks were comparable in the dulaglutide (54%) and placebo (68%) groups (p=0.27). In a mixed effect model, smoking craving significantly decreased at 12 weeks vs baseline (-2.13 (95% CI -2.46, -1.80), p&amp;lt;0.001) and were lower for neutral vs smoking cues (-2.02 (-2.34, 1.70,), p&amp;lt;0.001). However, no significant inter-group difference was observed (-0.09 (-0.53, 0.33), p=0.65). Persistent smokers exhibited higher smoking craving at 12 weeks vs quitters (0.48 (0.06, 0.90), p=0.028), particularly when exposed to smoking cues (2.02 (1.70, 2.34), p&amp;lt;0.001). No significant differences were found in functional or structural analyses between interventions or smoking status. Conclusions: The smoking cessation intervention led to a significant reduction in smoking craving at 12 weeks without in-between group differences in behavioral, functional, or structural outcomes. Our findings challenge the hypothesis that GLP-1 RAs modulates smoking craving and behavior. It is plausible that a potential GLP-1 effect might have been masked by varenicline treatment and the unexpectedly high abstinence rate in the placebo group. Future studies should explore more potent GLP-1 RAs or dual agonists. Presentation: 6/1/2024

Addiction among high school students: determination of nicotine, substance, game, and internet addiction levels

ABSTRACT Aim The aims of this study were to determine the levels of cigarette smoking, psychoactive substances, game, and internet addiction among high school students and to examine whether addictions show a significant difference according to some socio-demographic variables and the relationships between addiction types. Method A total of 530 high school students studying in Turkey, agreed to participate in the study. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews using the Sociodemographic Questionnaire (which contains DSM-V categories of addictive substances), Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence (FTND), Game Addiction Scale (GAS), and Internet Addiction Test (IAT). Results Approximately 1.9% of the respondents were smokers and 0.8% were inhalant users. Respondents scored 7.43 ± 2.88 on FTND, 13.92 ± 5.57 on the GAS, and 43.44 ± 18.80 on the IAT. Male respondents received a higher average score on the GAS than female respondents, and female respondents received a higher average score on the IAT than male respondents. As body mass index increased, a statistically significant, positive and moderate correlation was found between GAS scores and IAT scores. Conclusion Addictions are becoming more and more widespread and measures, information, and research should be increased and young people should be educated about addictions.

9397 Shatter Proofing Bones: Revamping Osteoporosis Screening

Abstract Disclosure: R. Subramani: None. T. Gupta: None. M. Anwar: None. J. Pamula: None. Background: Osteoporosis is a common disease characterized by low bone mass, structural deterioration of bone tissue, and increased risk of fractures. The World Health Organization (WHO) has defined osteoporosis based on bone density measurements. According to their definition, osteoporosis is diagnosed when the bone density at the hip or spine is at least 2.5 standard deviations (SDs) below the mean bone density of a reference population of young, healthy women (T score ≤ -2.5). According to NHANES data from 2017-2018, the overall prevalence of osteoporosis among adults over 50 was found to be 12.6%. It was observed that the prevalence of osteoporosis was higher among women (19.6%) compared to men (4.4%). According to US Preventative Services Task Force (USPSTF), the guidelines for screening are as follows: BMD Testing (DEXA) for all women aged 65 and older, postmenopausal women younger than 65 with clinical risk factors for fracture including advancing age, previous fracture, glucocorticoid therapy, parental history of hip fracture, low body weight, current cigarette smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, rheumatoid arthritis, secondary osteoporosis. BMD Testing for Men is not recommended. The most used bone measurement test to screen for osteoporosis is central DXA which measures BMD at the hip and lumbar spine. Goal: To improve the osteoporosis screening using DXA scan in the outpatient internal medicine resident patient panel by 5% Study Design:Subjects were identified by an EPIC report and will include retrospective chart review of records from July 2022 and prospective screening until April 2024 for the outpatient IM clinic list of patients including both resident panel. Methods: Pre-intervention data analysis of current rates; Educating residents about appropriate screening; Utilization of osteoporosis screening as care-gap in EPIC ;Calling patients who are due for screening from IM residents patient panels; Post-interventional data analysis Results: The total number of patients on the residents panel was 196. Before interventions, screening rate for osteoporosis were 71.2% among residents' patients. After intervention, screening rates increased to 75.5%. There was a 4.3 % improvement in screening rate. Conclusion: Resident education, addressing Osteoporosis care gaps in EPIC and patient outreach are effective interventions to improve screening rates. Discussion: Osteoporosis screening remains an area of needed improvement in IM clinic. EPIC system should not only take age for prompting osteoporosis screening but also other factors such as family history, pre-mature fractures, steroid use, etc. Adding osteoporosis screening into the metric system are few steps to be considered for future directions. Presentation: 6/3/2024

Cascade effects of a parenting-focused program for divorced families on three health-related outcomes in emerging adulthood.

Using data from a 15-year longitudinal follow-up of a randomized controlled trial of a parenting-focused preventive intervention for divorced families (N = 240) with children aged 9-12, the current study examined alternative cascading pathways through which the intervention led to improvements in offspring's perceived health problems, BMI, and cigarette smoking in emerging adulthood. It was hypothesized that the program would lead to improvements in these health-related outcomes during emerging adulthood through progressive associations between program-induced changes in parenting and offspring outcomes, including mental health problems, substance use, and competencies. Intervention-induced improvements in positive parenting at posttest led to improvements in mental health problems in late childhood/early adolescence, which led to lower levels of mental health and substance use problems as well as higher levels of competencies in adolescence, which led to improvements in the health-related outcomes. Academic performance predicted all three health-related outcomes and other aspects of adolescent functioning showed different relations across outcomes. Results highlight the potential for intervention effects of preventive parenting interventions in childhood to cascade over time to affect health-related outcomes in emerging adulthood.

The optimization of low volume-SPME method for volatilomics analysis of exhaled breath condensate

The analysis of breath can provide insight into the metabolic state of the body. However, the collection, transport, and storage of breath samples present certain challenges. The collection of exhaled breath condensate (EBC) emerges as a promising method for breath analysis. Despite this, the volume of EBC is relatively low, necessitating a sensitive method capable of extracting analytes from a small sample volumes. Therefore, this study aimed to develop and optimize a robust and green solid-phase extraction method for the analysing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) of various polarities in a low-volume EBC using a statistical design of experiment (DoE).Based on the screening experiments and DoE, the optimal conditions were determined to be 15 min equilibration time, and 20 min of extraction at 44 °C using DVB/CAR/PDMS fibre in direct immersion (DI) mode. The method was validated for linearity, precision and accuracy, yielding satisfactory results. The optimized method was applied to quantify the concentration of selected VOCs in real samples collected from a healthy subject, as well as after consumption of coffee and smoking of an electronic cigarette. Many of the selected compounds are associated with diseases and are challenging to detect in specimens from a healthy subject, but this method can measure them as potential disease markers.The proposed method enables the analysis of VOCs is very low-volume samples (200 µL), which is particularly important for studies involving body fluids. Notably, the applied approach demonstrated that different VOCs, representing various chemical classes and polarities, can be detected and quantified.

Communication and empathy within the patient-physician relationship among patients with and without chronic pain.

Chronic pain may affect the relationship between patients and their treating physicians. This study was designed to compare four aspects of physician communication and physician empathy reported by patients with chronic pain and in chronic pain-free controls. A cross-sectional study was conducted within a national pain research registry from July 2020 through January 2024. Patients with chronic low back pain of greater than 3months duration were matched to chronic pain-free controls utilizing propensity scores derived froma logistic regression model based on 11 variables thatincluded sociodemographic characteristics, cigarette smoking status, history of comorbid medical conditions, and duration of the current patient-physician relationship. Patients reported on the primary outcomes of physician communication utilizing the Communication Behavior Questionnaire (CBQ) and physician empathy utilizing the Consultation and Relational Empathy (CARE) measure. Group means were compared for each aspect of physician communication (patient participation and patient orientation, effective and open communication, emotionally supportive communication, and communication about personal circumstances) and physician empathy, and Cohen's d statistic was utilized to assess the clinical relevance of between-group differences. Secondary exploratory analyses were also performed to compare patients treated by osteopathic physicians vs. allopathic physicians and to determine whether study group X physician type interaction effects were present. The 387 patients in each study group were matched within a caliper width of 0.001 on the propensity score. Overall, patients ranged from 21 to 79 years of age (mean, 50.7 years; standard deviation [SD], 15.1 years), and 617 (79.7 %) of them were female. Patients in the chronic pain group reported poorer scores for all aspects of physician communication and physician empathy than the chronic pain-free controls. All between-group differences were clinically relevant. There were no differences in physician communication or physician empathy according to physician type in the exploratory analyses, and study group X physician type interaction effects were not observed. In this cross-sectional study, patients with chronic pain reported having physicians with poorer communication and less empathy than chronic pain-free controls. Longitudinal research is needed to more clearly determine the temporal relationship between patients' chronic pain and physician communication and physician empathy during medical encounters.