Progress In Use Research Articles

Progress in Immunization Safety Monitoring - Worldwide, 2020-2022.

Effective surveillance of adverse events following immunization (AEFIs) primarily relies on the collaboration of two partners: national regulatory authorities (NRAs) and national expanded programs on immunization (EPIs). In December 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) Global Advisory Committee for Vaccine Safety recommended a new case-based indicator of national capacity to monitor immunization safety: at least one serious AEFI reported per 1 million total population per year. To achieve this indicator, WHO-affiliated countries and territories (WHO countries) rely upon data generated from functional AEFI surveillance systems. This report describes 2020-2022 global, regional, and national progress in use of the newly introduced immunization safety monitoring indicator and progress on joint AEFI reporting from national EPIs and NRAs. Among WHO countries, 51 (24%) of 214 implemented the new indicator in 2020, 111 (52%) of 214 implemented it in 2021, and 92 (43%) of 215 in 2022. In 2020, 41 (19%) WHO countries reported AEFI data jointly from EPIs and NRAs; this increased to 55 (26%) in 2021 and 57 (27%) in 2022. These findings, resulting in part from the intensified support for COVID-19 vaccination, demonstrate that national AEFI surveillance systems increasingly support the timely use and sharing of case-based immunization safety data, but work is still needed to strengthen global vaccine safety monitoring.

Changes in Tobacco Dependence and Association With Onset and Progression of Use by Product Type From Waves 1 to 3 of the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health (PATH) Study.

This study examined trajectories of tobacco dependence (TD) in relationship to changes in tobacco product use, and explored the effects of product-specific adding, switching, or discontinued use on dependence over time. Data were analyzed from the first three waves from the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health (PATH) Study, a nationally representative, longitudinal study of adults and youth in the United States. Data included 9556 wave 1 (2013-2014) adult current established tobacco users aged 18 or older who completed all three interviews and had established use at ≥2 assessments. Mutually exclusive groups included: users of cigarettes only, e-cigarettes only, cigars only, hookah only, any smokeless only, cigarette + e-cigarette dual users, and other multiple product users. A validated 16-item scale assessed TD across product users. People who used e-cigarettes exclusively at wave 1 had small increases in TD through wave 3. Wave 1 multiple product users' TD decreased across waves. TD for all other wave 1 user groups remained about the same. For wave 1 cigarette only smokers, switching to another product was associated with lower levels of TD than smokers whose use stayed the same. Movement to no established use of any tobacco product was consistently associated with lower TD for all product users. Except for wave 1 e-cigarette only users (who experienced small increases in TD), TD among U.S. tobacco product users was stable over time, with daily users less likely to vary from baseline. The level of TD among most U.S. tobacco users was stable over the first three waves of the PATH Study and trends in levels of TD were predominantly unrelated to changes in patterns of continued product use. Stable levels of TD suggest a population at persistent risk of health impacts from tobacco. Wave 1 e-cigarette users experienced small increases in levels of TD over time, perhaps due to increases in quantity or frequency of their e-cigarette use or increasing efficiency of nicotine delivery over time.

Developmental Changes in Habenular and Striatal Social Reinforcement Responsivity Across Adolescence Linked With Substance Use

BackgroundHabenula (HB) function is implicated in substance use disorders and is involved in inhibiting dopamine release in the ventral striatum (VS). While blunted VS reward responsivity is implicated in risk for later substance use, links between HB reinforcement processing and progression of use have not, to our knowledge, been examined among adolescents. In the present study, we longitudinally assessed HB and VS responsivity to social rewards and punishments across adolescence and examined associations with substance use. MethodsWithin a longitudinal design, 170 adolescents (53.5% female) completed 1 to 3 functional magnetic resonance imaging scans across 6th to 9th grade and reported yearly substance use across 6th to 11th grade. We examined VS and HB responsivity to social reinforcement during a social incentive delay task in which adolescents received social rewards (smiling faces) and punishments (scowling faces). ResultsWe observed increased VS responsivity to social rewards (vs. reward omissions) and increased VS, but decreased HB, responsivity to social punishment avoidance versus receipt. However, contrary to hypotheses, the HB displayed increased responsivity to social rewards (vs. reward omissions). Further, adolescents reporting regular substance use displayed longitudinally declining HB responsivity to social rewards (vs. reward omissions), whereas adolescents reporting no substance use displayed longitudinally increasing HB responsivity. In contrast, whereas VS responsivity to punishment avoidance versus receipt increased longitudinally among regular substance users, it stayed relatively stable among nonusers. ConclusionsThese results suggest that differential HB and VS social reinforcement processing trajectories across adolescence are associated with substance use.

Retraction to: Changes in Tobacco Dependence and Association With Onset and Progression of Use by Product Type From Wave 1 to Wave 3 of the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health (PATH) Study.

Retraction to: Changes in Tobacco Dependence and Association With Onset and Progression of Use by Product Type From Wave 1 to Wave 3 of the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health (PATH) Study.

RETRACTED: Changes in Tobacco Dependence and Association With Onset and Progression of Use by Product Type From Wave 1 to Wave 3 of the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health (PATH) Study.

This study examined trajectories of tobacco dependence (TD) in relation to changes in tobacco product use and explored the effects of product-specific adding, switching, or discontinued use on dependence over time. Data were analyzed from the first three waves of the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health (PATH) Study, a nationally representative, longitudinal study of adults and youth in the United States. Data included 9556 Wave 1 (2013/2014) adult current established tobacco users who completed all three interviews and had established use at ≥2 assessments. Groups included cigarettes-only users, e-cigarettes-only users, cigars-only users, hookah-only users, any smokeless-only users, cigarette + e-cigarette dual users, and multiple product users. A validated 16-item scale assessed TD across product users. Wave 1 e-cigarette-only users' who maintained exclusive e-cigarette use increased levels of TD through Wave 3 as did those who added or switched to another product. Wave 1 multiple product users' TD decreased across waves. TD for all other Wave 1 user groups remained about the same. For Wave 1 cigarette-only smokers, switching to another product or moving to a pattern of no established use was associated with lower levels of TD than smokers whose use stayed the same. Movement to no established use of any tobacco product was consistently associated with lower TD for all other product users. Except for Wave 1 e-cigarette-only users, TD among US tobacco product users was stable over time, with daily users less likely to vary from baseline. The level of TD among most US tobacco users was stable over the first three waves of the PATH Study and trends in levels of TD were predominantly unrelated to changes in patterns of continued product use. Stable levels of TD suggest a population at persistent risk of health impacts from tobacco. Wave 1 e-cigarette users, including those maintaining exclusive e-cigarette use, experienced increasing levels of TD over time, perhaps because of increases in quantity or frequency of their e-cigarette product use or increasing efficiency of nicotine delivery over time.

Predictors of E-cigarette and Cigarette Use Trajectory Classes from Early Adolescence to Emerging Adulthood Across Four Years (2013-2017) of the PATH Study.

This study examines predictors of trajectories of cigarette and e-cigarette use among a cohort of US adolescents transitioning into young adulthood. Comparing trajectories of each tobacco product is important to determine if different intervention targets are needed to prevent progression to daily use. Latent trajectory class analyses identified cigarette and e-cigarette use (never, ever excluding past 12-month, past 12-month (excluding past 30-day (P30D)), P30D 1-5 days, P30D 6+ days) trajectory classes, separately, among US youth (12-17; N = 10,086) using the first 4 waves (2013-2017) of data from the nationally representative PATH Study. Weighted descriptive analyses described the class characteristics. Weighted multinomial logistic regression analyses examined demographic, psychosocial, and behavioral predictors of class membership. Younger adolescents 12-15 years had lower tobacco use compared to 16-17 year olds and less stable classes. In the 16-17 year group, there were five unique trajectories of cigarette smoking, including a Persistent High Frequency class. Four e-cigarette use trajectories were identified; but not a persistent use class. Shared predictors of class membership for cigarettes and e-cigarettes included mental health problems, other tobacco use, marijuana use, and poorer academic achievement. Male sex and household tobacco use were unique e-cigarette trajectory class predictors. There was no evidence that initiation with e-cigarettes as the first product tried was associated with cigarette progression (nor cigarettes as first product and e-cigarette progression). Interventions should focus on well-established risk factors such as mental health and other substance use to prevent progression of use for both tobacco products. Using nationally representative data and definitions of use that take into account frequency and recency of use, longitudinal 4-year trajectories of e-cigarette and cigarette use among US adolescents transitioning into young adulthood were identified. Results among 16-17-year olds revealed a class of persistent high frequency cigarette smoking that was not identified for e-cigarette use. Cigarette use progression was not associated with e-cigarettes as the first product tried. Risk factors for progression of use of both products included mental health and other substance use, which are important prevention targets for both tobacco products.

Design and Development of Ruthenium-Based Catalysts for Enabling Hydrogen Storage

For past decades, hydrocarbon-based fuels have been the primary source of energy as a necessity for modern machines and automotive vehicles. Despite use in combustion engines and power plants, fossil fuels reserves are unpredictable and the associated CO2 emissions are now causing terrible effects on the environment and human health. Researchers have realized H2 as a potentially safe and efficient energy source, with an energy density of 33.3 kWh per kg. Moreover, H2 is significantly more environmentally friendly as H2O is the only by-product. Currently, the development of on-board storage technology is progress for use in the transportation industry. The chemical storage of hydrogen, in which H2 is bound to a carrier molecule, provides a more practical and safer method to store and release immense amounts of H2. Ammonia Borane (H3N-BH3, AB) is a useful material for storing up to 19.6 wt% of and 0.145kg L-1 of H2 with the ability to release H2 under mild ambient conditions through exposure to a suitable catalyst. This project investigates the use of pyrazole-based compounds as ligands for η6-arene Ru-complexes in order to formulate efficient catalysts for AB dehydrogenation. Pyrazoles are interesting diaza-five member heterocycles and have strong electron-donating properties. Mono- and di-coordinating substituted pyrazole complexes and an unusual Cl-bridging dimeric Ru complex were successfully synthesized and characterized (NMR, ESI-MS and X-ray diffraction crystallography) before undergoing evaluation for AB dehydrogenation studies in a high-pressure stainless steel reactor. The dimeric Ru Cl-bridging catalyst released the largest H2 equivalent per mol of AB with 1.45 with a total of 7.82 bar of H2 pressure, proving to be the most successful catalyst in the series. However, from the H2 release profiles, it appears that catalysts undergo slow transformation where it is possible that the pyrazole ligands are lost. Further mechanistic studies are required to determine the decomposition process.

Recent progress in use of MXene in perovskite solar cells: for interfacial modification, work-function tuning and additive engineering

The use of perovskites in photovoltaic and related industries has achieved tremendous success over the last decade. However, there are still obstacles to overcome in terms of boosting their performance and resolving stability issues for future commercialization. The introduction of a new 2D material of halide perovskites is now the key advancement in boosting the solar energy conversion efficiency. The implication of a new 2D material (MXene) in perovskite solar cells has been initiated since its first report in 2018, showing excellent transparency, electrical conductivity, carrier mobility, superior mechanical strength, and tunable work function. Based on distinctive features at the hetero-interface, halide perovskite and MXene heterostructures (HPs/Mx) have recently exhibited exceptional improvements in both the performance and stability of perovskite solar cells. Furthermore, the wide families of HPs and MXene materials allow playing with the composition and functionalities of HP/Mx interfaces by applying rational designing and alterations. In this review a comprehensive study of implementing MXenes in perovskite solar cells is presented. First, the implementation of MXenes in perovskites as an additive, and then in charge extraction layers (HTL/ETL), is described in detail. It is worth noting that still only Ti3C2Tx, Nb2CTx,V2CTx MXene is being incorporated into perovskite photovoltaics. Finally, the present obstacles in the use of MXenes in PSCS are discussed, along with the future research potential. This review is expected to provide a complete and in-depth description of the current state of research and to open up new opportunities for the study of other MXenes in PSCs.

Review: The In-Line Biosensors as Detectors for Chromatography

The review mainly describes the in-line HPLC biosensor for analytical work as a promising detector/method of detection, its presentation, application, and progress in use. The unique ability of the biosensor detector is selectivity reaction on some pheromones, alarm substances, phosphor organic insecticides, toxins such as cholinesterase inhibitors among which are chemical warfare substances such as Tabun, Sarin, Chlorosarin, Soman, Ethylsarin, and Cyclosarin. The olfactory system of fish Carassius carassius L. is used as an in-line HPLC biosensor for analytical work. The olfactory system is built to be a highly selective and sensitive detection device with incorporated sensory-, primary filter-, primary multiplier- and selection regions for odorants (by LOT, IMOT and mMOT tracts). Olfactory neurons are nature’s constructed sensors. The spectrum of efficiency to relevant substances varies greatly between the different species and is determined by the olfactory receptors expressed in the sensory neurons. The detection thresholds for the olfactory-relevant substances are commonly in or below picomolar/L concentrations due to the integrative operation of the secondary neurons in the olfactory bulb. In our laboratory, we have used the olfactory system in the fish Carassius carassius L., as an in-line detector for HPLC for recordings of the alarm substances and sex pheromones under chromatographic separation. This approach was useful for detection of some insecticides, xenobiotics, and toxins as cholinesterase inhibitors among which are chemical warfare substances. In the publication (Brondz, 2015) High-Performance Liquid Chromatograph (HPLC) Equipped with a Neurophysiological Detector (NPD) as a Tool for Studying Olfactory System Intoxication by the Organophosphate (OP) Pesticide Diazinon and the Influence of OP Pesticides on Reproduction. International Journal of Analytical Mass Spectrometry and Chromatography, 3, No. 1, pp. 14-24. http://dx.doi.org/10.4236/ijamsc.2015.31002 was shown experimental work. However, in this paper the explanations, discussion and conclusion were not sufficiently elaborated, and they were conceptual to only the professionals and were directed to a narrow spectrum of scientists. This review presents answers and explanations that will be understandable and useful for a broad spectrum of scientists and researchers as environmentalists, medics, biologist, toxicologist, specialists in military intelligence and everyone interested in nature.

Longitudinal trajectories of E-cigarette use among adolescents: A 5-year, multiple cohort study of vaping with and without marijuana

E-cigarette use harms adolescent health, yet it continues to escalate rapidly among teens nationwide. This longitudinal study sought to identify and differentiate between developmental trajectories of past 30-day e-cigarette use with and without marijuana (i.e., liquid THC) across adolescence (11–19 years old). Three population-based cohorts of adolescents (n = 3907; N = 461,069) living in major metropolitan areas of Texas (Houston, Dallas-Ft. Worth, San Antonio, Austin) completed up to 9 Waves of an e-cigarette use survey, from 2014 to 2019. Growth curve models (GCMs) were used to identify average trajectories of past 30-day e-cigarette use, by cohort. Growth mixture models (GMMs) were used to investigate developmental patterns in these trajectories, by cohort. Sociodemographic differences in trajectories were also investigated. Stable trajectories of e-cigarette use with and without marijuana were identified, from 11 through 19 years of age. Trajectories varied by age of onset; frequency and escalation in use; and substance used. With one exception, all trajectories of e-cigarette use escalated with age. Moreover, age of onset and progression in use were positively related. The most problematic trajectories, corresponding to more frequent use, were observed among the younger cohorts compared to the oldest. Primary prevention is critical. Interventions to prevent the onset and progression in e-cigarette use among teens must begin early (e.g., in middle school) and be sustained throughout adolescence.

Optical Coherence Tomography for Ophthalmology Imaging.

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a depth-resolved imaging modality, which is able to achieve micrometer-scale resolution within biological tissue noninvasively. In the past 30years, researchers all around the world had made several essential efforts on techniques relevant to OCT. OCT has become a routine process for eye diseases with different types. In this chapter, the three important stages in the development of OCT are briefly illustrated, including the time domain OCT (TD-OCT), the frequency domain OCT (FD-OCT) and the optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA). Each of the technique has made great progress for use on living human eye imaging in clinical applications. TD-OCT was first proposed and commercialized, which is able to achieve acceptable 2D depth-resolved cross-sectional images of human retina in vivo. FD-OCT was the upgraded OCT technique compared with TD-OCT. By capturing the coherent signal within the Fourier space, the FD-OCT could improve the image sensitivity compared with TD-OCT, and achieve dozens of kilo hertz imaging speed. OCTA is the newest developments of OCT technique, which is able to visualize the micro vasculature networks of human retina in vivo. With OCTA technique, the newest ophthalmologic OCT system is able to achieve detailed diagnosis for both micro-structure and vasculature abnormalities for clinical applications. The further development of OCT technique on imaging speed, contrast, resolution, field of view, and so on will make OCT to be a more powerful tool for clinical usages.

Unconventional Applications of Superconducting Nanowire Single Photon Detectors.

Superconducting nanowire single photon detectors are becoming a dominant technology in quantum optics and quantum communication, primarily because of their low timing jitter and capability to detect individual low-energy photons with high quantum efficiencies. However, other desirable characteristics, such as high detection rates, operation in cryogenic and high magnetic field environments, or high-efficiency detection of charged particles, are underrepresented in literature, potentially leading to a lack of interest in other fields that might benefit from this technology. We review the progress in use of superconducting nanowire technology in photon and particle detection outside of the usual areas of physics, with emphasis on the potential use in ongoing and future experiments in nuclear and high energy physics.

National trends in HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis awareness, willingness and use among United States men who have sex with men recruited online, 2013 through 2017.

IntroductionPre‐exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a key HIV prevention technology, and is a pillar of a comprehensive HIV prevention approach for men who have sex with men (MSM). Because there have been no national data to characterize trends in the PrEP continuum in the United States, overall and for key demographic groups of MSM, we aimed to describe the extent to which PrEP awareness, willingness and use changed over time, overall and for specific groups of MSM critical for HIV prevention (e.g. Black and Hispanic MSM, younger MSM, MSM in rural areas and MSM without health coverage).MethodsThe American Men's Internet Survey (AMIS) is an annual survey of US MSM conducted in the United States among MSM aged ≥15 years since 2013. We analysed data on trends in elements of the PrEP continuum (awareness, willingness and use of PrEP) in a sample of 37,476 HIV‐negative/unknown status MSM from December 2013 through November 2017. We evaluated trends in continuum steps overall and among demographic subgroups using Poisson models with Generalized Estimating Equations. For 2017 data, we used logistic regression to compare the prevalence of PrEP use among demographic groups.ResultsOverall, 51.4% (n = 19,244) of AMIS respondents were PrEP‐eligible across study years. Between 2013 and 2017, PrEP awareness increased from 47.4% to 80.6% willingness to use PrEP increased from 43.9% to 59.5% and PrEP use in the past 12 months increased from 1.7% to 19.9%. In 2017, use of PrEP was lower for men who were younger, lived outside of urban areas, and lacked health insurance; PrEP use was not different among Black, Hispanic and white MSM.ConclusionsOur data show progress in use of PrEP among US MSM, but also reveal mismatches between PrEP use and epidemic need. We call for additional support of PrEP initiation, especially among young, non‐urban and uninsured MSM. Black and Hispanic MSM report levels of PrEP use no different from white MSM, but given higher HIV incidence for Black and Hispanic MSM, parity in use is not sufficient for epidemic control or health equity.

Risk of Persistence and Progression of Use of 5 Cannabis Products After Experimentation Among Adolescents

While a diverse array of cannabis products that may appeal to youth is currently available, it is unknown whether the risk of persistent cannabis use and progression to higher frequency of use after experimentation differs among cannabis products. To estimate the comparative relative risk of experimental use of 5 cannabis products on use status and frequency of use among adolescents during 12 months of follow-up. In this cohort study, data were collected from 3065 adolescents at 10 high schools in southern California, with baseline data collected in spring 2016, when students were in 11th grade, and 6-month and 12-month follow-up surveys collected in fall 2016 and spring 2017, when students were in 12th grade. Analyses, conducted from April to June 2019, were restricted to 2685 participants who were light or nonusers of any cannabis product (ie, ≤2 days in the past 30 days) at baseline. Number of days of use of each cannabis product (ie, combustible, blunts, vaporized, edible, or concentrated) in the past 30 days at baseline (ie, 1-2 vs 0 days). Past 6-month use (ie, yes vs no) and number of days of use in the past 30 days at 6-month and 12-month follow-ups for each product. Of 2685 individuals in the analytic sample, 1477 (55.0%) were young women, the mean (SD) age was 17.1 (0.4) years, and a plurality (1231 [46.6%]) were Hispanic individuals. Among them, 158 (5.9%) reported combustible cannabis use on 1 to 2 days of the past 30 days at baseline, 90 (3.4%) reported blunt use, 78 (2.9%) reported edible cannabis use, 17 (0.6%) reported vaping cannabis, and 15 (0.6%) reported using cannabis concentrates. In regression models adjusting for demographic characteristics and poly-cannabis product use, statistically stronger associations of baseline use with subsequent past 6-month use at the 6-month and 12-month follow-ups were observed for combustible cannabis use (odds ratio, 6.01; 95% CI, 3.66-9.85) and cannabis concentrate use (odds ratio, 5.87; 95% CI, 1.18-23.80) compared with use of blunts (OR, 2.77; 95% CI, 1.45-5.29) or edible cannabis (OR, 3.32; 95% CI, 1.86-5.95) (P for comparison < .05); vaporized cannabis use (OR, 5.34; 95% CI, 1.51-11.20) was not significantly different from the other products. In similarly adjusted models, we found the association of cannabis use at baseline with mean days of use at the 6-month and 12-month follow-ups was significantly stronger for cannabis concentrate than for other cannabis products; participants who had used cannabis concentrate on 1 to 2 of the past 30 days at baseline (vs 0 days) used cannabis concentrate a mean of 9.42 (95% CI, 2.02-35.50) more days in the past 30 days at the 6-month and 12-month follow-ups (P for comparison < .05). Cannabis control efforts should consider targeting specific cannabis products, including combustible cannabis and cannabis concentrate, for maximum public health consequences.

Recent progress in use and observation of surface hydrogen migration over metal oxides.

Hydrogen migration over a metal oxide surface is an extremely important factor governing the activity and selectivity of various heterogeneous catalytic reactions. Passive migration of hydrogen governed by a concentration gradient is called hydrogen spillover, which has been investigated broadly for a long time. Recently, well-fabricated samples and state-of-the-art measurement techniques such as operando spectroscopy and electrochemical analysis have been developed, yielding findings that have elucidated the migration mechanism and novel utilisation of hydrogen spillover. Furthermore, great attention has been devoted to surface protonics, which is hydrogen migration activated by an electric field, as applicable for novel low-temperature catalysis. This article presents an overview of catalysis related to hydrogen hopping, sophisticated analysis techniques for hydrogen migration, and low-temperature catalysis using surface protonics.

Functional role of glycosaminoglycans in decellularized lung extracellular matrix

Despite progress in use of decellularized lung scaffolds in ex vivo lung bioengineering schemes, including use of gels and other materials derived from the scaffolds, the detailed composition and functional role of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteoglycans (PGs) and their glycosaminoglycan (GAG) chains remaining in decellularized lungs, is poorly understood. Using a commonly utilized detergent-based decellularization approach in human autopsy lungs resulted in disproportionate losses of GAGs with depletion of chondroitin sulfate/dermatan sulfate (CS/DS) > heparan sulfate (HS) > hyaluronic acid (HA). Specific changes in disaccharide composition of remaining GAGs were observed with disproportionate loss of NS and NS2S for HS groups and of 4S for CS/DS groups. No significant influence of smoking history, sex, time to autopsy, or age was observed in native vs. decellularized lungs. Notably, surface plasmon resonance demonstrated that GAGs remaining in decellularized lungs were unable to bind key matrix-associated growth factors FGF2, HGF, and TGFβ1. Growth of lung epithelial, pulmonary vascular, and stromal cells cultured on the surface of or embedded within gels derived from decellularized human lungs was differentially and combinatorially enhanced by replenishing specific GAGs and FGF2, HGF, and TGFβ1. In summary, lung decellularization results in loss and/or dysfunction of specific GAGs or side chains significantly affecting matrix-associated growth factor binding and lung cell metabolism. GAG and matrix-associated growth factor replenishment thus needs to be incorporated into schemes for investigations utilizing gels and other materials produced from decellularized human lungs. Statement of significanceDespite progress in use of decellularized lung scaffolds in ex vivo lung bioengineering schemes, including use of gels and other materials derived from the scaffolds, the detailed composition and functional role of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteoglycans (PGs) and their glycosaminoglycan (GAG) chains remaining in decellularized lungs, is poorly understood. In the current studies, we demonstrate that glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) are significantly depleted during decellularization and those that remain are dysfunctional and unable to bind matrix-associated growth factors critical for cell growth and differentiation. Systematically repleting GAGs and matrix-associated growth factors to gels derived from decellularized human lung significantly and differentially affects cell growth. These studies highlight the importance of considering GAGs in decellularized lungs and their derivatives.

An experimental study on the effects of some process parameters on lignite flotation

ABSTRACT Flotation, as an efficient method for separating fine coal particles (−500 µm), is making slow progress for use with lignite, which basically remains at the laboratory stage. Lignite flotation is more difficult than flotation of other coals, and flotation efficiency here is very low. The difficulty in floating lignite primarily includes two aspects, abundant oxygen containing groups on the coal surface and porous surface of the coal particles. Therefore, it is of paramount importance to clean lignite by flotation. In this article, the effects of some process parameters for lignite flotation were studied. Laboratory experiments were carried out, and the effects of depressant (sodium silicate) dosage (0–1000 g/t), collector (kerosene) dosage (50–3000 g/t), frother (methyl isobutyl carbinol) dosage (15–1000 g/t), pulp pH (2–12), solid ratio (10%–20%), flotation time (1–7 minutes) and particle size (500–63 µm) on flotation performance were investigated. A concentrate with 37.18% yield and 40.11% combustible recovery was obtained at 250 g/t sodium silicate (Na2SiO3), 250 g/t kerosene and 100 g/t methyl isobutyl carbinol (MIBC). Within the studied range, the optimum pulp pH was 2, the solid ratio was 10%, the flotation time was 5 minutes, and the particle size was −500 µm. Under these optimum conditions, the ash content of lignite coal was reduced from 19.08% to 12.70%.

Identifying trajectories of alcohol use in a sample of secondary school students in Ontario and Alberta: longitudinal evidence from the COMPASS study.

Despite evidence indicating a rapid progression in use of alcohol during adolescence, little is known about the ways patterns of drinking develop over time. This study investigated patterns of alcohol use within a cohort of youth in Ontario and Alberta and the probability of changes between patterns. The sample consists of two-year linked longitudinal data (school year 2013/14 to 2014/15) from 19 492 students in Grades 9 to 12 in 89 secondary schools across Ontario and Alberta, Canada, who participated in the COMPASS study. The latent class analysis used two self-reported items about the frequency of drinking (measured as none, monthly, weekly, or daily use) and the frequency of binge drinking (measured as none, less than or once a month, 2-4 times a month, or more than once week) to characterize patterns of alcohol use. The effects of gender, ethnicity and cannabis and cigarette use on alcohol use patterns were examined. The study identified four drinking patterns: non-drinker, periodic drinker (reported monthly drinking and no binge drinking), low-risk drinker (reported monthly drinking and limited binge drinking) and high-risk regular drinker (reported drinking 1-3 times a week and binge drinking 2-4 times a month). Non-drinker was the most prevalent pattern at baseline (55.1%) and follow-up (39.1%). Periodic drinkers had the highest likelihood of an increase in alcohol consumption, with 40% moving to the low-risk pattern. A notable proportion of participants returned to a lower severity pattern or transitioning out of drinking. There are four distinct youth alcohol-use patterns. The high probability of transitioning to drinking during the secondary school years suggests the need for preventive interventions in earlier stages of use, before drinking becomes habitual.

Applying circulating tumor DNA methylation in the diagnosis of lung cancer.

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Low dose computed tomography (LDCT) is commonly used for disease screening, with identified candidate cancerous regions further diagnosed using tissue biopsy. However, existing techniques are all invasive and unavoidably cause multiple complications. In contrast, liquid biopsy is a noninvasive, ideal surrogate for tissue biopsy that can identify circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) containing tumorigenic signatures. It has been successfully implemented to assist treatment decisions and disease outcome prediction. ctDNA methylation, a type of lipid biopsy that profiles critical epigenetic alterations occurring during carcinogenesis, has gained increasing attention. Indeed, aberrant ctDNA methylation occurs at early stages in lung malignancy and therefore can be used as an alternative for the early diagnosis of lung cancer. In this review, we give a brief synopsis of the biological basis and detecting techniques of ctDNA methylation. We then summarize the latest progress in use of ctDNA methylation as a diagnosis biomarker. Lastly, we discuss the major issues that limit application of ctDNA methylation in the clinic, and propose possible solutions to enhance its usage.

Predictors of Smokeless Tobacco Susceptibility, Initiation, and Progression Over Time Among Adolescents in a Rural Cohort

Background: Use of smokeless tobacco (ST, moist snuff and chewing tobacco) is elevated among male rural youth, particularly participants in certain sports, including baseball. Objectives: This study aimed to assess factors associated with adolescent male athletes’ ST-related behaviors over time, including: baseline use, initiation, and progression in use intensity in a school-based longitudinal cohort. Methods: Baseline and one-year follow-up questionnaires assessed sociodemographic characteristics, environmental factors, and tobacco-related perceptions and behaviors among 9- to12th-grade interscholastic baseball players in 36 rural California schools. Population characteristics were compared among ST use categories (never, experimental, and experienced users). Multivariable models using generalized estimating equations were estimated for outcomes among baseline ST never-users (ST susceptibility and future initiation) and experimenters (ST expectations and progression in ST use). Results: Of 594 participants, over half (57%) had ever tried a tobacco product and the most common products tried were ST (36%) and electronic cigarettes (36%). Being older, perceiving less ST harm, being Non-Hispanic White, using alcohol or other tobacco products, having family or friends who use ST, and being receptive to advertising were associated with greater baseline ST use. Baseline alcohol consumption, lower perceived ST harm, peer use, and susceptibility and expectations were predictive of ST initiation and/or progression at one-year follow-up. Conclusion/Importance: Certain environmental, socio-demographic, cognitive, and behavioral factors predict ST susceptibility and later initiation and progression in use. Interventions addressing these factors have potential to prevent ST uptake and continued use within this high-risk adolescent population.