Current Use Research Articles

On the (zoom) record: the role of videoconferencing in detention hearing proceedings

ABSTRACT Following the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, courts nationwide abruptly halted operations. Seemingly overnight, courts adopted videoconferencing technology and resumed critical operations virtually. Given that resuming operations took precedence, less attention was given to the numerous concerns surrounding virtual courtrooms, including, for example, constitutional violations and technical-related challenges. In the current study, we used a sample of pretrial detention hearing cases (N = 330) systematically collected in a New Jersey courtroom (April 2020 – April 2021) that expeditiously shifted modalities from in-person to virtual following the pandemic. In doing so, we described the prevalence of technical difficulties (e.g., video/audio glitches and disconnections) experienced by legal actors and defendants, assessed how the court adapted to the new virtual modality, and explored how technical difficulties influenced case decisions. Employing descriptive statistics and multivariate models, we found no evidence to suggest that technical difficulties influenced decisions. However, we found that technical difficulties were commonplace and that defendant disconnections increased over time, putting into question the court’s adaptability. Based on our findings, we echo other scholars’ concerns surrounding the current use of the technology and signal the need for additional research before continuing and or possibly expanding its use post-pandemic.

How is variability in physiological responses to social stress related to punishment and reward sensitivities? Preliminary findings from the revised reinforcement sensitivity theory of personality perspective

ABSTRACT Objective: Although personality traits are assumed to have biological/physiological foundations, research has yielded mixed evidence regarding the relationship between personality and physiological stress responses. Moreover, the field has often overlooked the contemporary neuroscience-based personality approach, known as the Reinforcement Sensitivity Theory (RST) of Personality, in stress research. Method: The present study examined the relationship between the revised RST's personality dimensions and heart rate and skin conductance level (SCL) in response to the Trier Social Stress Test in a sample of 61 healthy university students. Results: Piecewise latent growth curve analysis controlling for the participants’ current life stress, smoking use, and caffeine intake revealed that individuals with higher behavioral inhibition exhibited higher physiological reactivity, whereas those with high reward sensitivity showed smaller heart rate reactivity. The behavioral disengagement facet of the behavioral inhibition scale was associated with reduced sympathetic arousal during the stress task. Additionally, reward interest was associated with a larger recovery of SCL. Conclusion: Results were generally in line with the revised theory. The study findings were discussed within the paradigm of the approach-avoidance conflict and highlighted the importance of reward sensitivity in stress resilience.

Exclusive and dual use of electronic cigarettes among European youth in 32 countries with different regulatory landscapes

BackgroundThe Tobacco Products Directive (2014/40/EU) partially harmonised the regulation of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) in Europe, but individual countries maintain jurisdiction over bans on use in public places, domestic advertising, taxation...

E-cigarette use among early adolescent tobacco cigarette smokers: testing the disruption and entrenchment hypotheses in two longitudinal cohorts

ObjectiveUsing longitudinal data from two large-scale cohorts in the UK and USA, we examine whether e-cigarette use steers adolescent early smokers away from tobacco cigarettes (disruption hypothesis) or deepens early...

Heated tobacco products do not help smokers quit or prevent relapse: a longitudinal study in Japan

BackgroundHeated tobacco products (HTPs) are often marketed as a safer alternative to help cigarette smokers quit. We investigated the link between HTP use and smoking cessation and relapse.Methods7044 adults (≥20...

Current use of artificial intelligence in the diagnosis and management of acute appendicitis.

Acute appendicitis is a common and time-sensitive surgical emergency, requiring rapid and accurate diagnosis and management to prevent complications. Artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a transformative tool in healthcare, offering significant potential to improve the diagnosis and management of acute appendicitis. This review provides an overview of the evolving role of AI in the diagnosis and management of acute appendicitis, highlighting its benefits, challenges, and future perspectives. We performed a literature search on articles published from 2018 to September 2023. We included only original articles. Overall, 121 studies were examined. We included 32 studies: 23 studies addressed the diagnosis, five the differentiation between complicated and uncomplicated appendicitis, and 4 studies the management of acute appendicitis. AI is poised to revolutionize the diagnosis and management of acute appendicitis by improving accuracy, speed and consistency. It could potentially reduce healthcare costs. As AI technologies continue to evolve, further research and collaboration are needed to fully realize their potential in the diagnosis and management of acute appendicitis.

The Darkness and Lightness Media Sosial Bagi Remaja

Social media are a digital platform that facilitates its use with various features to communicate with each other and exchange information. Social media are widely used by various groups, especially among teenagers. The current use of social media is at a level of concern about addiction to social media to themselves. This study aims to describe the level of social media addiction among teenagers today. This study used a qualitative research method with a descriptive design method. The subjects in this study used a purposeful sampling technique for adolescents who were approaching early adulthood, aged 18 to 20 years, totaling 50 respondents. Because adolescence is a period of transition from childhood to a period of full responsibility. The technique in taking this research sample uses the Google Form Platform with an achievement level of 38.5%. In this study, data analysis uses qualitative techniques: data display. The results of this study state that it is undeniable that the impact of social media has a great influence on one's life. The negative impacts of social media such as addiction to social media are considered small things even though they can have a huge impact in this era. Moreover, as we know, social media know no age. Addiction to social media can cause uncontrollable emotions, forget the time, and be negligent in every way. But on the other hand, social media also have positive impacts, such as building our communication with distant relatives and getting more information. They can even be a promotional medium.

Niosomes: A Smart Drug Delivery System for Brain Targeting.

Niosomes are lipid-based nanovesicles that have the potential to act as drug-delivery vehicles for a variety of agents. They are effective drug delivery systems for both ASOs and AAV vectors, with advantages such as improved stability, bioavailability, and targeted administration. In the context of brain-targeted drug delivery, niosomes have been investigated as a drug delivery system for brain targeting, but more research is needed to optimize their formulation to improve their stability and release profile and address the challenges of scale-up and commercialization. Despite these challenges, several applications of niosomes have demonstrated the potential of novel nanocarriers for targeted drug delivery to the brain. This review briefly overviews the current use of niosomes in treating brain disorders and diseases.

Alcohol Consumption and Illicit Drug Use: Associations With Fall, Fracture, and Acute Health Care Utilization Among People With HIV Infection.

Given alcohol and/or other drug (AOD) use occurs among people with HIV (PWH), we examined its association with falls and fall-related outcomes and whether frailty moderates the association. Northeastern US city. We analyzed an observational cohort of PWH with current or past AOD use. Alcohol measures were any past 14-day heavy use, average alcohol/day, and days with heavy use. Drug use measures were past 30-day illicit use of cocaine, opioids, and sedatives. Repeated cross-sectional associations were estimated with separate multivariable generalized estimating equation regression models for each fall-related outcome. Among PWH (n = 251; mean age 52 [SD = 10]), 35% reported heavy alcohol use, 24% cocaine, 16% illicit opioids, 13% illicit sedatives, and 35% any fall; 27% were frail. Heavy alcohol use was associated with a fall (AOR = 1.49, 95% CI: 1.08 to 2.07), multiple falls (AOR = 1.55 95% CI: 1.10 to 2.19), and fall/fracture-related emergency department visit or hospitalization (AOR = 1.81, 95% CI: 1.10 to 2.97). Higher average alcohol/day and more heavy drinking days were associated with multiple falls. Illicit sedative use was associated with a fall, multiple falls, and emergency department visit/hospitalization and opioid use with fracture. Frailty moderated the association of heavy alcohol use and a fall (AOR = 2.26, 95% CI: 1.28 to 4.01 in those frail) but not in those not frail. The effect of AOD use on falls and fall-related outcomes was most pronounced with alcohol, particularly among frail PWH. Heavy alcohol, illicit sedative, and illicit opioid use are high-priority targets for preventing falls and fall-related consequences for PWH.

MANGROVE FOREST MANAGEMENT STRATEGY IN BEDUL, BANYUWANGI: COLLABORATION BETWEEN COMMUNITY AND ALAS PURWO NATIONAL PARK FOR SUSTAINABLE ECOTOURISM DEVELOPMENT

This study aimed to: (1) identify the condition of the Bedul Banyuwangi mangrove forest area for sustainable ecotourism; (2) evaluate the fitness of the Bedul Banyuwangi mangrove forest for sustainable ecotourism; (3) evaluate collaboration between the community and the management of Alas Purwo National Park in conserving Bedul mangrove forest areas; and (4) design a management strategy for the Bedul mangrove forest for developing sustainable ecotourism. This research is a descriptive analytic study with a survey technique constructed using a remote sensing approach and a Geographic Information System (GIS). Landsat and Quickbird satellite imagery are used to identify temporal changes in mangrove forests and temperature over the last decade. Quickbird remote sensing data are used to evaluate the current land use associated with community activities in mangrove areas and government policies related to the presence of mangrove forests. The results showed that: 1) the condition of the Bedul Banyuwangi mangrove area from 1995-2022 was in a stable state. ; 2) the fitness of the Bedul Banyuwangi mangrove forest for sustainable ecotourism is included in the S2 category or following with the Bedul mangrove ecotourism fitness index; 3) the collaborative management of the Bedul mangrove ecotourism between the community (fishing community, local government) and the management of Alas Purwo National Park is continuing good to maintain the condition of the mangroves and provide economic benefits to the community in a sustainable manner; 4) the management strategy implemented is to maintain the quality and quantity of Bedul mangroves and supporting facilities in a sustainable manner. This research can be used as a reference for future research into sustainable ecotourism, as well as for the government to create policies that support sustainable ecotourism.

Youthful Choices: A Secondary Analysis of the NFHS-5 Data to Examine Tobacco Use in Indian Adolescent Girls and Young Women

Background and aim: Tobacco use among adolescents and young women is a global health concern. This study investigates the prevalence and determinants of tobacco use among adolescents and young women in India. Methods: Based on data from the National Family Health Survey-5, this study explored tobacco use among 241,180 young women aged 15–24 in India. The research investigated determinants of current tobacco use, encompassing any tobacco use in any form, smoked and smokeless tobacco (SLT). Independent variables include demographics, religion, caste, region, education, occupation, body mass index, wealth index, alcohol consumption, and media exposure. We used multivariable logistic regression models to estimate the adjusted odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CI). Results: Findings revealed that 1.3% of the population are current tobacco users, with 1.2% using SLT and 0.14% smoking. Significant determinants included age, urban residence, religion, scheduled tribe status, wealth index, education, alcohol co-use, region, and pregnancy/lactation status. Young women (young women, 3.5% > adolescents, 1.5%; OR 1.78, 95%CI 1.65, 1.92), urban dwellers (OR 1.38, 95%CI 1.32, 1.43), and alcohol users (OR 5.6, 95%CI 4.88, 6.33) exhibited higher odds of tobacco use. In contrast, education (higher education OR 0.15, 95%CI 0.13, 0.18) and higher socioeconomic status (richest OR 0.3, 95%CI 0.22, 0.31) were protective factors. Conclusion: Our research offered valuable insights into tobacco use among young Indian women. To effectively curb tobacco use in this population, it is imperative to address the identified determinants and vulnerabilities through tailored public health strategies and policies.

Abstract 2552: Real-world analysis of biomarker testing and use of targeted therapies in metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (mNSCLC) in the United States (US)

Abstract Background: Between 1998 and 2022, over 40% of new oncology drugs approved by the US FDA were precision therapies. In nonsquamous mNSCLC, detecting biomarkers where targeted therapies exist (EGFR, ALK, ROS1, BRAF V600E variant, MET exon 14 skipping variant, RET and PD-L1) has become essential for adequate clinical care. This study investigated real-world use of these biomarker tests, their characteristics, and associated use of targeted therapies in mNSCLC patients in the US. Methods: Adults ≥18 years old with stage IV mNSCLC from the nationwide Flatiron Health electronic health record-derived de identified database (01/2011 - 04/2023). The proportion of patients receiving biomarker tests, timing, characteristics, test type (single, multiple or next-generation sequencing), and proportion of patients receiving guideline recommended associated targeted therapies (i.e. actionable treatment) was assessed. Actionable treatment was defined in study years where at least one actionable therapy was FDA approved (biomarker, therapy, date: ALK, crizotinib, Aug 2011; BRAF V600E, dabrafenib+trametinib, Jul 2015; EGFR, afatinib, Jul 2013; MET exon 14 skipping, capmatinib, May 2020; PD-L1, pembrolizumab, Oct 2015; RET, pralsetinib, Sep 2020; ROS-1, crizotinib, Mar 2016). Results: In 42,037 patients with mNSCLC, the proportion of patients receiving each test were: ALK: 71.6%, BRAF: 48.8%, EGFR: 74.9%, MET: 41.4%, PD-L1: 49.3%, RET: 42.3%, and ROS1: 54.2%. Median (Q1, Q3) time from mNSCLC diagnosis to first biomarker result was 21 (12, 37) days. Tissue was the most common sample type for biomarker testing, although sampling by blood has increased in recent years. Multiple testing methods were more common in ALK and PD-L1 (48.1% and 50.3%, respectively) and next generation sequencing was more common in the other biomarkers (BRAF: 77.7%, EGFR: 57.1%, MET: 74.1%, RET: 70.7%, ROS1: 54.0%). Testing rates increased from 2011 through 2023 for each biomarker, with the highest rates in 2023: ALK (87.7%), BRAF (85.2%), EGFR (88.7%), MET (85.7%), PDL1 (78.7%), RET (84.8%), and ROS1 (86.9%). Testing rates were similar when timing was restricted to a 1-year window from mNSCLC diagnosis. Receipt of actionable treatment varied by biomarker, in order of increasing frequency: RET+ (23.0%), MET+ (34.0%), BRAF+ (42.7%), PDL1+ (56.3%), ROS1+ (59.8%), EGFR+ (70.6%), and ALK+ (89.0%). Generally, across all biomarkers, receipt of actionable therapy increased in more recent years. Conclusion: Current real-world biomarker testing rates and use of actionable treatments may reflect increased adoption of clinical guideline recommendations. Despite increased testing, use of actionable therapy remains low for certain biomarkers. Further improvements in the implementation of robust biomarker testing to use appropriate therapies are needed, which can lead to better patient outcomes. Citation Format: Michael J. Dennis, Devin Abrahami, Maria Cecilia Vieira, Darrin Benjumea, Marley Boyd, Anran Shao, Kirsten Duncan, John Kelton, Sandip P. Patel. Real-world analysis of biomarker testing and use of targeted therapies in metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (mNSCLC) in the United States (US) [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 2552.

Sustainability analysis of biorefineries applying biotechnological routes to convert bagasse from non-centrifugal sugar production for rural economic development in Colombia

AbstractPanela is the second most important rural agro-industry after coffee in Colombia. This agro-industry produces a large amount of bagasse from non-centrifugal sugar (B-NCSP) without valorization. B-NCSP is used in combustion boilers in panela production, causing greenhouse gas emissions and health problems. This research aims to compare the sustainability of two B-NCSP biorefineries considering the current residue use. The sustainability of the biorefinery scenarios was analyzed to promote rural economic development in Colombia. In both biorefinery scenarios, biogas was evaluated as an energy vector to meet the energy demand of panela production. Two biorefinery scenarios were considered: (i) saccharification, bioethanol, and biogas production and (ii) acid pretreatment, saccharification, xylitol, bioethanol, and biogas production. Experimental data of the pretreatment, saccharification, and anaerobic digestion stages were used as input information in simulations. Technical, economic, environmental, and social metrics were used to estimate a sustainability index. The experimental glucose yield in scenario 2 was 0.42 ± 0.03 (31.52 ± 2.36 g/L) g/g B-NCSP, 1.8 times greater than scenario 1. The biogas yield in scenario 2 was 504.23 ± 21.68 (71.16% CH4) L/kg B-NCSP, 3.3 times greater than scenario 1. Scenario 1 was unfeasible at different scales. Xylitol production helps to improve the economic feasibility in scenario 2 since the payback period was 15 years. This scenario can create 36 job positions with a wage 18% higher than the minimum wage in Colombia (highest sustainability index of 72.44%). Finally, biogas produced in scenario 2 supplies 62.76% of the energy demand needed in the panela production process, reducing the environmental impact.

Renewable natural gas: A case study of Minnesota

Renewable natural gas (RNG) often generates usable energy from waste products, reduces methane emissions, and creates new revenue streams. However, not all RNG projects are financially or technically feasible. We assessed the total RNG potential of currently available local waste feedstocks in the state of Minnesota and analyzed the financial and technical limitations for project development. We found that under ideal production conditions the RNG potential from municipal solid waste, dairy and hog farm manure, and municipal wastewater solids in the state could replace approximately 7.5% of current Minnesota natural gas use. We find that technical and financial factors such as project size, financing, and distance to an existing pipeline further reduce the number of feasible RNG project sites in Minnesota. Virtual pipelines – trucking RNG short distances to pipeline injection stations – improved the modeled profitability of 124 out of 175 projects (71%) by decreasing transmission costs. No projects are financially feasible without state or federal renewable fuel credit programs because direct sale of RNG alone does not cover project costs. Dairy manure projects have the lowest levelized cost of energy, the highest total revenue, and the shortest payback period compared to municipal solid waste landfill and wastewater treatment plant projects of similar size. This difference is because manure anaerobic digestion projects are eligible for larger credits under renewable fuel credit programs than municipal solid waste landfills and wastewater treatment plants, but this credit system limits end-use of the RNG to vehicle fuel. Our contribution helps provide an outline for the magnitude of current natural gas use in Minnesota replaceable via RNG projects.

Pain Management in Surgical Treatment of Facial Fractures: Alternative Approaches to Opioid Use

Study Design Literature review. Objective This review aims to explore current opioid use trends for surgical management of facial fractures, as well as methods and alternative treatments to decrease opioid use. Methods Review of selected literature from Medline and Google Scholar. Results Despite the devastating effects of the opioid epidemic and recent policy changes aimed at reducing unnecessary opioid prescription, opioids remain commonly used for pain management after facial fracture repair. Recently, use of multimodal analgesic therapy has been suggested to decrease opioid dosage utilized for post-operative pain control. Alternatives to medication therapies have been proposed for pain management; however, standardized recommendations for pain management in facial fracture patients remain unclear. Conclusions Further research is required to establish evidence-based recommendations for pain management in craniofacial fracture repair.

Borderline personality disorder vs. schizophrenia spectrum disorders in young people recruited within an "Early Intervention in Psychosis" service: clinical and outcome comparisons.

Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is under-recognized in First-Episode Psychosis (FEP) and its psychotic manifestations are difficult to differentiate from Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders (SSD). The aim of this investigation was to compare clinical, sociodemographic, and outcome characteristics between FEP patients with BPD vs. FEP subjects with SSD both at baseline and across a 2-year follow-up period. Participants completed the Health of the Nation Outcome Scale (HoNOS), the Positive And Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), and the Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF) scale both at entry and every 12months during the follow-up. A mixed-design ANOVA model was conducted to investigate the temporal stability of clinical scores within and between the two subgroups. Among 356 FEP participants, 49 had a BPD diagnosis. Compared to FEP/SSD (n = 307), FEP/BPD patients showed higher prevalence of employment, current substance use, and past attempted suicide. They had a lower equivalent dose of antipsychotic medication at entry and lower levels of negative symptoms. Finally, they had a higher 2-year drop-out rate and a significant improvement in psychopathological scores limited to the first year of treatment. BPD as categorical entity represents a FEP subgroup with specific clinical challenges. Appropriate treatment guidelines for this FEP subgroup are thus needed.

Unintended pregnancy and contraception use among African women living with HIV: Baseline analysis of the multi-country US PEPFAR PROMOTE cohort.

About 90% of unintended pregnancies are attributed to non-use of effective contraception-tubal ligation, or reversible effective contraception (REC) including injectables, oral pills, intra-uterine contraceptive device (IUCD), and implant. We assessed the prevalence of unintended pregnancy and factors associated with using RECs, and Long-Acting-Reversible-Contraceptives (LARCs)-implants and IUCDs, among women living with HIV (WLHIV) receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART). We conducted cross-sectional analyses of the US-PEPFAR PROMOTE study WLHIV on ART at enrollment. Separate outcome (REC and LARC) modified-Poisson regression models were used to estimate prevalence risk ratio (PRR) and corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI). Of 1,987 enrolled WLHIV, 990 (49.8%) reported their last/current pregnancy was unintended; 1,027/1,254 (81.9%) non-pregnant women with a potential to become pregnant reported current use of effective contraception including 215/1,254 (17.1%) LARC users. Compared to Zimbabwe, REC rates were similar in South Africa, aPRR = 0.97 (95% CI: 0.90-1.04), p = 0.355, lower in Malawi, aPRR = 0.84 (95% CI: 0.78-0.91), p<0.001, and Uganda, 0.82 (95% CI: 0.73-0.91), p<0.001. Additionally, REC use was independently associated with education attained, primary versus higher education, aPRR = 1.10 (95% CI: 1.02-1.18), p = 0.013; marriage/stable union, aPRR = 1.10 (95% CI: 1.01-1.21), p = 0.039; no desire for another child, PRR = 1.10 (95% CI: 1.02-1.16), p = 0.016; infrequent sex (none in the last 3 months), aPRR = 1.24 (95% CI: 1.15-1.33), p<0001; and controlled HIV load (≤ 1000 copies/ml), PRR = 1.10 (95% CI: 1.02-1.19), p = 0.014. LARC use was independently associated with country (Zimbabwe ref: South Africa, PRR = 0.39 (95% CI: 0.26-0.57), p<0.001; Uganda, PRR = 0.65 (95% CI: 0.42-1.01), p = 0.054; and Malawi, aPRR = 0.87 (95% CI: 0.64-1.19), p = 0.386; HIV load (≤ 1000 copies/ml copies/ml), aPRR=1.73 (95% CI: 1.26-2.37), p<0.001; and formal/self-employment, aPRR = 1.37 (95% CI: 1.02-1.91), p = 0.027. Unintended pregnancy was common while use of effective contraception methods particularly LARCs was low among these African WLHIV. HIV viral load, education, sexual-activity, fertility desires, and economic independence are pertinent individual-level factors integral to the multi-level barriers to utilization of effective contraception among African WLHIV. National programs should prioritize strategies for effective integration of HIV and reproductive health care in the respective African countries.

How Can Generative AI (GenAI) Enhance or Hinder Qualitative Studies? A Critical Appraisal from South Asia, Nepal

Qualitative researchers can benefit from using generative artificial intelligence (GenAI), such as different versions of ChatGPT—GPT-3.5 or GPT-4, Google Bard—now renamed as a Gemini, and Bing Chat—now renamed as a Copilot, in their studies. The scientific community has used artificial intelligence (AI) tools in various ways. However, using GenAI has generated concerns regarding potential research unreliability, bias, and unethical outcomes in GenAI-generated research results. Considering these concerns, the purpose of this commentary is to review the current use of GenAI in qualitative research, including its strengths, limitations, and ethical dilemmas from the perspective of critical appraisal from South Asia, Nepal. I explore the controversy surrounding the proper acknowledgment of GenAI or AI use in qualitative studies and how GenAI can support or challenge qualitative studies. First, I discuss what qualitative researchers need to know about GenAI in their research. Second, I examine how GenAI can be a valuable tool in qualitative research as a co-author, a conversational platform, and a research assistant for enhancing and hindering qualitative studies. Third, I address the ethical issues of using GenAI in qualitative studies. Fourth, I share my perspectives on the future of GenAI in qualitative research. I would like to recognize and record the utilization of GenAI and/or AI alongside my cognitive and evaluative abilities in constructing this critical appraisal. I offer ethical guidance on when and how to appropriately recognize the use of GenAI in qualitative studies. Finally, I offer some remarks on the implications of using GenAI in qualitative studies

Prevalence and Associated Factors Related to Tobacco Consumption Among University Students in Malaysia.

Tobacco consumption is one of the major public health concerns worldwide. Moreover, alternative tobacco and nicotine products (ATNPs) are growing in popularity, especially among young adults in the past decade. The study aimed to determine the prevalence and associated sociodemographic factors of tobacco consumption among university students. A cross-sectional study was carried out among 338 university students of a private Malaysian university from March to April 2021. Data was collected using a self-administered online questionnaire with items including sociodemographic information, user status of tobacco consumption and types of tobacco product used. Descriptive statistics, Pearson's chi-square test, Fisher's exact test and simple and multiple logistic regression analyses were performed using the IBM SPSS version 26.0 to analyse the data. The prevalence of tobacco consumption in this study was 8.6% and the main tobacco product used was manufactured cigarettes. In Pearson's chi square test and Fisher's exact test, current use of tobacco was significantly associated with nationality, ethnicity, religion, school, current level of education and parents, siblings and friends use of tobacco (p<0.05). In simple and multiple logistic regression analysis, being non-Malaysian, Indian, Muslim, year 4 student and having parents or siblings who used tobacco, all had statistically significant associations with the current use of tobacco (p<0.05). Findings of this study showed that the use of tobacco among university students is concerning and warrants the need to develop and implement a strategic anti-tobacco program to limit this behaviour among university students.

Advanced Technologies in Radiation Research.

The U.S. Government is committed to maintaining a robust research program that supports a portfolio of scientific experts who are investigating the biological effects of radiation exposure. On August 17 and 18, 2023, the Radiation and Nuclear Countermeasures Program, within the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health (NIH), partnered with the National Cancer Institute, NIH, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, and the Radiation Injury Treatment Network to convene a workshop titled, Advanced Technologies in Radiation Research (ATRR), which focused on the use of advanced technologies under development or in current use to accelerate radiation research. This meeting report provides a comprehensive overview of the research presented at the workshop, which included an assembly of subject matter experts from government, industry, and academia. Topics discussed during the workshop included assessments of acute and delayed effects of radiation exposure using modalities such as clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) - based gene editing, tissue chips, advanced computing, artificial intelligence, and immersive imaging techniques. These approaches are being applied to develop products to diagnose and treat radiation injury to the bone marrow, skin, lung, and gastrointestinal tract, among other tissues. The overarching goal of the workshop was to provide an opportunity for the radiation research community to come together to assess the technological landscape through sharing of data, methodologies, and challenges, followed by a guided discussion with all participants. Ultimately, the organizers hope that the radiation research community will benefit from the workshop and seek solutions to scientific questions that remain unaddressed. Understanding existing research gaps and harnessing new or re-imagined tools and methods will allow for the design of studies to advance medical products along the critical path to U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval.