Frequency Of Smoking Research Articles

Maternal hair lead and cytokine pro-inflammatory effects in preterm birth

This case-control study analyzed the lead (Pb), interleukin 6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) levels in pregnant women with preterm birth (PTB) in Central Java, Indonesia. Hair samples from 72 pregnant women were collected non-invasively. The prenatal exposure to Pb was determined with the total reflection X-ray fluorescence (TXRF) method. Serum IL-6 and TNF-α were examined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA). The Pb concentration in hair was slightly higher in women with PTB than those without PTB; however, this difference was not statistically significant. An elevated hair Pb level was not associated with increased PTB risk (OR 24.69, 95% CI 0.93–653.82, p>0.05). A serum TNF-α level ≥27 pg/ml, a serum IL-6 level ≥9 pg/ml, and the spouse’s smoking frequency were significantly associated with increased PTB risk (TNF-α OR 42.25, 95% CI 5.26–339.61; IL-6 OR 22.33, 95% CI 3.12–158.54; spouse’s smoking frequency OR 1.28, 95% CI 1.09–1.5), while the maternal hemoglobin concentration significantly decreased PTB risk (OR 0.43, 95% CI 0.2–0.927). This study demonstrates that maternal hair Pb concentration has no significant relationship with PTB. Serum TNF-α, IL-6, and the spouse’s smoking frequency potentially increased PTB risk, while the maternal hemoglobin level is a protective factor.

The Effectiveness of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Using Cognitive Restructuring Techniques in Group Settings to Reduce Smoking Behavior in Adolescents

There are numerous factors that drive adolescents to smoke, one of which is the presence of negative or irrational thoughts related to smoking behavior itself. Such thoughts include beliefs that smoking makes them appear more masculine, more accepted within their social circles, among other irrational perceptions. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) using cognitive restructuring techniques in a group setting to reduce smoking frequency in adolescents by addressing their irrational thought patterns. A quantitative experimental method was employed, using a pretest-posttest control group design. A total of 8 students were randomly assigned to two groups. Data analysis was conducted using parametric statistical tests, specifically the independent sample t-test and the correlated/paired sample t-test. The results indicate that cognitive restructuring techniques applied in group setting significantly reduce smoking behavior among adolescents.

PREVALENCE OF DENTAL CARIES AMONG SMOKERS OF A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL OF LAHORE

Dental caries is a common chronic oral health condition globally, with an increased prevalence among smokers. Smoking contributes to caries risk by affecting saliva production, oral microbiota, and oral hygiene practices. In Pakistan, where smoking is prevalent. Objective: This study aims to assess the prevalence of dental caries among smokers attending a tertiary care hospital in Lahore. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at Jinnah Hospital, Lahore, from January to July 2024. The sample included 100 adult smokers aged 18 years and above. Data on demographics, smoking frequency, oral hygiene practices, and dental caries were collected using structured interviews and clinical examinations. Caries severity was assessed using the Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth (DMFT) index. Statistical analyses, including chi-square tests, were conducted to explore associations between smoking habits and caries prevalence. Results: The majority of participants were aged 26-35 (30%), with 35% smoking 6-10 cigarettes daily. Oral hygiene practices were suboptimal, with only 25% brushing twice daily, and 15% reporting no regular hygiene routine. The prevalence of dental caries was strongly correlated with smoking frequency and duration. Participants smoking more than 21 cigarettes daily had an 80% caries prevalence, while those with a smoking history of over 16 years had a mean DMFT score of 7.6. These results align with previous studies linking smoking with higher caries risk and severity. Conclusion: The study highlights a high prevalence of dental caries among smokers, with significant associations between smoking frequency, duration, and caries severity. These findings underscore the need for preventive dental health interventions, including smoking cessation programs and targeted oral hygiene education, to mitigate the burden of dental caries in this high-risk population.

Peri-implant clinical profile and subgingival yeasts carriage among cigarette-smokers with peri-implant mucositis

BackgroundThe present observational clinical investigation is based on the hypothesis that subgingival yeast carriage (SYC) is higher in cigarette-smokers with peri-implant mucositis (PM) than non-smokers with and without PM.ObjectiveThe aim was to assess peri-implant clinical profile and SYC among cigarette-smokers with PM.MethodologyParticipants were divided into four groups: Group-1—Cigarette-smokers with PM; Group-2—Cigarette-smokers without PM; Group-3—Non-smokers with PM; and Group-4—Non-smokers without PM. Information on duration and daily frequency of cigarette smoking (pack years), age, gender, familial history of smoking and most recent visit to a dentist and/or dental hygienist was collected. The following information was retrieved from healthcare records: implant dimensions, implant insertion torque, depth of insertion (credidastal or subcrestal), implant abutment connection, jaw location, implant surface characteristic, and mode of implant prosthesis retention. Peri-implant modified plaque and gingival indices (mPI and mGI), probing depth (PD) and crestal bone loss were recorded. Subgingival biofilm samples were collected, and SYC was recorded in colony forming units per milliliter (CFU/ml). P < 0.05 were considered statistically significant.ResultsEighty male individuals (20, 19, 21 and 20 individuals were included in groups 1, 2, 3 and 4, respectively) were included. The mPI was higher in Group-1 than groups 2 (P < 0.05) and 4 (P < 0.05). The mPI was higher in Group-3 than groups 2 (P < 0.05) and 4 (P < 0.05). The mGI was higher in Group-3 than groups 1 (P < 0.05), 2 (P < 0.05) and 4 (P < 0.05). The PD was higher in Group-1 than groups 2 (P < 0.05) and 4 (P < 0.05). The PD was higher in Group-3 than Groups 2 (P < 0.05) and 4 (P < 0.05). The CFU/ml were higher in Group-1 than groups 2 (P < 0.05) and 4 (P < 0.05). The CFU/ml were higher in Group-3 than groups 2 (P < 0.05) and 4 (P < 0.05).ConclusionPeri-implant soft-tissue inflammatory parameters are worse and SYC is higher in moderate smokers than light smokers with PM and non-smokers without PM.

Smoking Discrimination Moderates the Relationship between Smoking Stigma and Cigarettes Per Day among Sexual and Gender Minority Individuals

Background: Sexual and gender minority (SGM) individuals report rates of tobacco use that range from 19% to 40% compared to roughly 20% of the general population. Higher rates of tobacco use, compounded by stress from discrimination, contribute to lower cessation rates and worse smoking-related outcomes for SGM individuals. Having multiple stigmatized identities, such as identifying as SGM and being a person who uses cigarettes, may further increase smoking, and decrease the likelihood of cessation. Smoking-related stigma is one relatively unexplored factor that may be related to smoking frequency. Objectives: The present study sought to examine how smoking stigma was related to smoking frequency, and how discrmination moderates the relationship between smoking stigma and cigarettes per day. Results: A sample of 399 self-identified SGM individuals (M age = 36.69) was collected via Qualtrics Panels. Participants were primarily White and bisexual. Participants completed a battery of questions, including measures regarding smoking frequency (operationalized in this article as cigarettes per day [CPD]), smoking felt-stigma, smoking self-stigma, and smoking discrimination. Moderation analyses revealed significant interactions of felt- and self-stigma with smoking-related discrimination. For individuals who perceived higher levels of both self- and felt-stigma, experiencing increased smoking discrimination was associated with increased smoking frequency. However, there was no significant interaction with discrimination for individuals who had lower levels of felt- and self-stigma. Results have implications for smoking reduction and cessation. Helping individuals who have higher levels of felt- and self-stigma manage stress related to being stigmatized may motivate individuals to reduce smoking. Ultimately, these findings can play a role in crafting smoking reduction and cessation programs targeted toward SGM communities, particularly individuals who experience high levels of smoking-related stigma.

Exploring the associations of tobacco smoking and serum cotinine levels with selected inflammatory markers in adults with HIV in South Africa

This study examined the associations between tobacco smoking and serum cotinine levels, an objective biochemical measure of tobacco smoke exposure, with markers of inflammation, i.e., interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), interleukin 10 (IL-10), interleukin 2 (IL-2) and tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) in people living with HIV (PLWH).These specific markers were selected because of their hypothesised associations with smoking, PLWH and their outcomes. In a random sample of ≥ 18-year-old PLWH receiving care at 17 public healthcare facilities across the Western Cape Province in South Africa, data collection included self-reported smoking history, and serum levels of cotinine and selected inflammatory markers. The inflammatory marker data were log transformed because of the skewedness of their distribution. Linear regression models (1) adjusted for age and gender, and (2) fully adjusted for age, gender, current alcohol use, body mass index and CD4 counts were used to examine the associations between smoking tobacco or serum cotinine and inflammatory markers. Level of significance was p < 0.05. Among 749 PLWH who were mainly women (79%), the mean age was 38.5 (8.9) years and similar when stratified by smoking status. Serum cotinine levels exhibited a striking discrepancy, with a median of 154 ng/mL among current smokers, in stark contrast to the consistent median values of 10 ng/mL observed among past and never smokers. In regression models adjusted for age and gender, current smoking and frequent smoking were associated with lower IL-2 but higher TNF-α. Log-cotinine exhibited associations with IFN-γ, IL-10, and TNF-α, while cotinine levels ≥ 10 ng/mL compared to < 10 ng/mL were associated with higher IFN-γ and TNF-α. In fully adjusted models, log-cotinine and cotinine levels ≥ 10 ng/mL displayed significant associations with higher IFN-γ and lower IL-2. This study underscores the importance of investigating the interplay between smoking tobacco or serum cotinine levels with pro-inflammatory cytokines in PLWH. It signals the need for comprehensive research to unravel the potential synergistic impacts of smoking tobacco and HIV infection on chronic inflammation and immune dysregulation, shedding light on critical avenues for intervention and management strategies.

Awareness of personal cardiovascular risk among the adults with an elevated body mass index in a very high-risk country

Abstract Background An elevated body mass index (BMI) is a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases (CVD). The awareness of personal cardiovascular risk (pCVR) may vary in different populations, thus influencing health behaviours and cardiovascular prevention. Purpose To analyse the awareness of pCVR among the adults with an elevated BMI, along with sociodemographic characteristics and cardiovascular risk factors (CRF) possibly associated with the lack of pCVR awareness in a very high-risk country. Methods The pilot study included a convenient sample of 1054 adults. Those with an elevated BMI (≥25 kg/m2) were divided into two groups depending on their awareness of pCVR. The groups were compared according to the sociodemographic characteristics (age, gender, and education) and CRF (BMI, hypertension, dyslipidaemia, diabetes mellitus, smoking, physical inactivity, feeling of frequent exposure to stress, previous myocardial infarction (MI), and family history for CVD). The data were collected by voluntary filling out a survey with multiple-choice questions from April 1st to June 30th, 2022. Results Out of the total number, about half of the participants had an elevated BMI (N=549, 52%). Most of them were aware of their pCVR (69% vs 31%, p&amp;lt;0.01). Those unaware of pCVR were younger (44±13 vs 51±14, p&amp;lt;0.05), mostly females (56% vs 47%, p&amp;lt;0.05), with high education (61% vs 51% with more than high school, p&amp;lt;0.05). The groups had similar average BMI (28±3 kg/m2 vs 29±3 kg/m2, p&amp;gt;0.05), but the participants unaware of pCVR were more frequently overweight than obese (82% vs 64% with BMI ≥25 kg/m2 and &amp;lt;30 kg/m2, p&amp;lt;0.01). They had significantly lower frequencies of hypertension (15% vs 53%, p&amp;lt;0.01), dyslipidaemia (23% vs 46%, p&amp;lt;0.01), diabetes mellitus (2% vs 14%, p&amp;lt;0.01), smoking (50% vs 59%, p&amp;lt;0.05), previous MI (3% vs 26%, p&amp;lt;0.01), and family history for CVD (62% vs 82%, p&amp;lt;0.01). However, the majority in both groups reported physical inactivity (60% vs 64%, p&amp;gt;0.05) and a feeling of frequent stress exposure (70% vs 71%, p&amp;gt;0.05). The participants unaware of pCVR less frequently had over three modifiable CRF (12% vs 37%, p&amp;lt;0.01). Conclusion Most of the adults with an elevated BMI in a very high-risk country are aware of pCVR, usually because of obesity, multiple additional modifiable CRF, previous MI, or family history of CVD. Still, a notable proportion of the adults with an elevated BMI in a very high-risk country is unaware of pCVR, which is associated with younger age, female gender, high education, overweight, fewer additional modifiable CRF, and the absence of previous MI or family history for CVD. This subpopulation should be considered as a target for timely health education to raise the awareness of pCVR. Increasing physical activity through motivational campaigns and developing programmes for stress relief would be important for CVD prevention among the adults with an elevated BMI, independently of pCVR awareness.

Impacts of Smoking on Health and Social Status: A Case of Makawanpur District, Nepal

The goal of the study was to analyze the psycho-social impacts of smoking on health and social status. The study was conducted in the Hetauda Sub-Metropolitan City of Makawanpur district, Nepal. Out of 19 wards, 5 were selected by simple random sampling technique for the study and the data were taken with 200 respondents from 5 wards. A structured survey questionnaire was administered to collect the data. The data were collected from February 2024 to March 2024. There was a significant association between the gender of respondents and the frequency of smoking (p=0.011), between the gender of the respondents and causes of smoking (p=0.003), and between the gender of the respondents and encouraging friend circle for smoking (p=0.000). Smoking habit is not only bad for health, but it causes social disparities, loss of prestige, and various psychological problems also. So, awareness to the illiterate and counselling for the literate people is sought necessary. The study helps health organizations to form the plan and policy against smoking and it also helps the government to form a policy for unemployed people and create new job opportunities for youths.

Conjunctival and Corneal Endothelium Profile in a Sample of Healthy Electronic Cigarette Smokers

Objective: Though e-cigarette is thought of as a healthy alternative way of smoking, the unknown nicotine concentration level and chemical compounds from the aerosol mist and flavourings are potentially harmful and may exert irritation or damage to the ocular surface. Thus, a cross-sectional study was conducted to identify the conjunctival and corneal endothelium profile among healthy e-cigarette smokers, and the relationship between smoking behaviour with the conjunctival and corneal endothelium profile. Material and Methods: Seventeen healthy e-cigarette smokers and 17 non-smokers were recruited for this study where their palpebral redness, bulbar redness, limbal redness, conjunctival roughness, central corneal thickness, endothelial cell density, and coefficient of variation of endothelium cell area were assessed using slit lamp biomicroscope and specular microscope. Results: There was a non-significant, higher mean rank observed in the total palpebral redness, total bulbar redness, total limbal redness, total conjunctival roughness, central corneal thickness, endothelial cell density, and coefficient of variation of the endothelium cell area in e-cigarette smokers compared to non-smokers (p-value&gt;0.05). Only smoking frequency and total palpebral redness showed a statistically significant, positive, and fair correlation (r=0.349, p-value=0.043), while no other smoking behaviour showed a significant correlation (p-value&lt;0.05). Conclusion: The use of e-cigarettes showed no significant impact on the conjunctival and corneal profile among the users, but further research with comprehensive evaluation is required in a larger sample size of more established e-cigarette smoking profiles.

6676 Exposure to Neighborhood Violence Rewires Glucocorticoid Receptor Binding and Drives Proliferation and Invasiveness in Lung Tumor Samples

Abstract Disclosure: H. Heath: None. J. Yoo: None. S. Akter: None. A. Jain: None. V. Sharma: None. H. McGee: None. A. Soliman: None. A. Mohamed: None. A.K. Matthews: None. R. Winn: None. Z. Madak Erdogan: None. S. Kim: None. Background: Despite the lower rates and frequency of smoking, Black men experience a higher incidence of lung cancer compared to white men. This health disparity is even more prevalent in Black men from Chicago, suggesting local neighborhood factors impacting tumorigenesis. Preliminary data indicate that, compared to white men, Black men are more likely to reside in neighborhoods with high levels of violence and have elevated levels of hair cortisol. Objective: To understand the link between lung tumorigenesis and exposure to neighborhood violence, our objective is to investigate the chromatin recruitment of the receptor for cortisol, called the glucocorticoid receptor (GR), and to correlate this recruitment with target gene expression levels. Methods: Utilizing CUT &amp; RUN, we identified the gene binding sites of GR using 15 lung tumor and corresponding healthy tissue samples from lung cancer patients living in Chicago. GR recruitment to chromatin was correlated with the neighborhood homicide rate obtained using patients’ zip codes. Spatial transcriptome profiles for these 15 lung tumor samples were obtained from the Space Ranger pipeline and gene expression hot spots of GR target genes were visualized using Loupe Browser (10x Genomics). Results: GR recruitment to regulatory regions of chromatin increases with greater zip code level violence rates. In patients from high violence neighborhoods, tumor samples had higher magnitude of binding compared to normal neighboring tissue. In tumor samples from patients living in high violence compared to low violence neighborhoods, GR binding is seen in genes that are associated with increased tumor aggressiveness. Hot-spot analysis of these genes found strong co-expression of genes associated with proliferation and invasion in samples from high violence but not low violence neighborhoods. Conclusion: Exposure to neighborhood violence may impact tumor biology via increased GR recruitment to genes associated with proliferation and invasion. Presentation: 6/2/2024

Prevalence and correlates of e-cigarette source and use of e-cigarettes with nicotine: A case study of Mexico, where e-cigarettes are banned

BackgroundLow- and middle-income countries have increasingly banned e-cigarettes, as in Mexico. In these countries, little is known about where adults obtain e-cigarettes or who uses e-cigarettes with nicotine. MethodsData were analyzed from eight online surveys of Mexican adults who both smoked and used e-cigarettes (November 2018-March 2021; n = 2,060). For the e-cigarette they used most often, participants reported how they acquired it (social sources=reference; online purchase; vape shop purchase; other retail purchase) and if it contained nicotine (no=reference group; yes; don't know). Multinomial models regressed each of these outcomes on smoking- and e-cigarette-related factors, as well as sociodemographics. ResultsAlmost half the sample (45.9 %) reported obtaining their e-cigarettes from social sources, with online purchase being the second most common source (28.7 %). Being male, having recently attempted to quit smoking, and more frequent e-cigarette use were positively associated with purchasing e-cigarettes (vs social sources) across all venues. Most reported that their e-cigarettes contained nicotine (58.2 %), a third reported using e-cigarettes without nicotine (35.9 %), and some did not know (5.8 %). More frequent smoking and e-cigarette use, using closed e-cigarette devices and purchasing e-cigarettes online were positively associated with using e-cigarettes with nicotine. ConclusionsDespite Mexico's e-cigarette ban, adults who smoke access e-cigarettes through multiple sources, including online and vape shop purchases. Most participants reported using e-cigarettes with nicotine, though many did not or did not know.

Long-term trends of cardiometabolic risk factors in adolescents aged 14–18 years in Novosibirsk (1989–2024)

High prevalence of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in the Russian population dictates the need to identify and prevent risk factors for these diseases from adolescence. Objective: to study the prevalence and long-term trends in cardiometabolic risk factors in an adolescent population sample of Novosibirsk (1989–2024).Methods. In 1989–2024, cross-sectional population studies of random representative samples of schoolchildren aged 14–18 of both sexes were conducted in Novosibirsk with an interval of 5 years. 8 screenings were conducted. A total of 5106 adolescents (43–46 % boys) were examined. Approval was received from the Local Ethics Committee of the Research Institute of Preventive and Internal Medicine – Branch of the Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences; all children and their parents signed informed consent for the examination. The program was uniform for all screenings and included a survey using a standard questionnaire, 2-fold measurement of blood pressure, anthropometry (height, body weight, chest, waist and hip circumferences), and a biochemical blood test for lipid profile. The levels of cardiometabolic risk factors were assessed in accordance with the latest Russian and international recommendations. Statistical data processing was performed using the SPSS for Windows 13 package.Results. The prevalence of hypercholesterolemia in adolescents in Novosibirsk over 35 years decreased from 22.3 to 3.0 % in boys and from 31.8 to 10.6 % in girls (p &lt; 0.001). The highest prevalence of hypertension in adolescents was observed in 1989, then by 1994 its levels decreased and remained relatively stable until a decrease in 2014 with a subsequent increase, especially among boys, the prevalence of hypertension among whom in 2024 reached the 1989 level (17.3 % and 16.9 %, respectively). The greatest decrease in the frequency of excessive weight in adolescents relative to 1989 was observed in 1999: in boys – 2.7 times, in girls – 3.2 times. Since 2003, there has been a consistent increase in the prevalence of overweight among adolescents, primarily among boys, and by 2014 it exceeded the baseline values of the 1989 screening by 8 % in boys (21.6 versus 13.9 % (p &lt; 0.01)) and by 3 % in girls (14.3 versus 11.5 % (p = 0.05)). At subsequent screenings, the frequency of overweight remained unchanged. The frequency of smoking among adolescents of both sexes decreased almost 10-fold from 1989 to 2024: from 45 % in 1989 to 5.5 % in 2024 among boys, and from 19 % to 2% among girls (p &lt; 0.01), however, an increase in electronic smoking was noted. Over the past 5 years (2019–2024), the use of electronic cigarettes and gadgets among boys has doubled (from 6 up to 12 %) and three times among girls (from 3 to 9 %). The prevalence of reduced physical activity among adolescents remained high throughout the period, but in the last 15 years it has clearly decreased among boys (62 % in 2009 versus 37 % in 2024 (p &lt; 0.01). Since 2009, screen time has increased: from 18 hours/week in 2009 for boys and 15 for girls to 30 hours/week in 2014 and remained at the same level in 2019. In 2024, screen time of the computer decreased, but phone time increased, which in total did not exceed the figures for 2014 and 2019 (33–35 hours/ week).Conclusions. Based on population screening of adolescents conducted in Novosibirsk over 35 years, the prevalence and long-term trends of cardiometabolic risk factors (arterial hypertension, dyslipoproteinemia, overweight and obesity, smoking and low physical activity) were identified.

Higher Risk of Wound Complications but No Clinically Significant Increase in Operative Time for Smokers Receiving Myomectomy for Uterine Fibroids

Myomectomy is a common procedure to remove uterine fibroids. Smoking impacts outcomes across various surgeries; however, may limit fibroid growth. We sought to determine if smoking impacts myomectomy for uterine fibroid removal outcomes. Patients with and without a history of tobacco smoking receiving a myomectomy for uterine fibroid removal were compared. Compared to patients with no history of tobacco smoking, tobacco smokers had a significantly increased risk of wound complications. No other variables analyzed demonstrated a clinically significant difference. Future research is needed to examine how different frequency of tobacco smoking impacts outcomes.

The Effects of Smoking on Dental Implant Failure: A Current Literature Update.

Background: This systematic review assesses the current literature (2020-2024) evaluating the impact of smoking on dental implant failure rates. Methods: A non-funded Pubmed database review was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines, and the results were tabulated to extract the study design, patient characteristics, follow-up time, comparison, outcome, and strengths and weaknesses, including risk of bias. This review included 33 studies with 29,519 implants placed in over 18,301 patients. We included prospective and retrospective clinical studies, randomized and non-randomized controlled trials, cohort studies, and observational studies that examined smoking's effects on implant failure rates. Studies had to classify individuals into two groups, smokers and non-smokers, with at least ten implants. Exclusions included reviews, case reports, experimental studies, guidelines, non-English publications, studies lacking comparative data on failure rates, those excluding smokers, and studies focusing on head and neck cancer patients or specialized implants. Results: Our findings indicate a significant correlation in 25 out of 33 studies between smoking and increased implant failure rates, affecting both early and late stages of implant integration and survival as well as revealing a dose-response relationship, with higher daily cigarette consumption significantly increasing the risk of implant failure. Conclusions: This review highlights the importance of smoking cessation efforts, patient education, and tailored patient care in dental implantology. Future research should explore the effects of smoking frequency and alternative tobacco products, such as e-cigarettes, aiming to improve success rates among smokers.

Individual Characteristics Associated with Fears and Prevention Behaviors Related to Respiratory Infectious Disease among South Korean Adults Using Complex Sample Design.

This study aimed to identify the relationships among individual characteristics, COVID-19-related fears, and infection-prevention behaviors using data from 228,932 adults (weighted to 43,583,798.71) aged 19 and older who participated in the 2021 Community Health Survey conducted by the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency. The complex sample design analysis using SPSS 20.0 revealed the following. Women had statistically significantly higher COVID-19-related fears and a higher level of preventive behaviors compared to men. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the level of physical activity among men was higher than that of women. Compared to the period before COVID-19, the frequency of smoking and drinking decreased for both men and women, with the reduction being more pronounced in men than in women. The high-exercise group had a lower level of COVID-19-related fears. Self-perceived health status was inversely and significantly related to COVID-19-related fears. The low-exercise group had a lower score for self-perceived health status than the high-exercise group. This study demonstrated that maintaining sufficient physical activity positively influences self-perceived health and reduces anxieties related to COVID-19 infection and fatalities. The results highlight the importance of physical activity and the need to identify strategies that effectively maintain regular exercise while adhering to infection-prevention measures during pandemics.

Cannabis Use Variations and Myocardial Infarction: A Systematic Review.

Background: Cannabis use is associated with an increased risk of coronary heart disease (CHD), including angina pectoris (AP), and myocardial infarction (MI). However, it is not clear whether cannabis use is an independent risk factor of AP and/or MI, because cannabis is often smoked together with tobacco. We investigated whether cannabis is an independent risk factor of MI and whether this risk is similar in cannabis smokers, cannabis vapers, and those who use cannabis edibles. Methods: A systematic review was performed, according to the PRISMA guidelines and using Medline (PubMed), Embase, and Google Scholar as databases. Results: Twenty-two eligible papers were identified. After adjustment for concurrent tobacco use, cannabis smoking remained significantly associated with incidents of MI, with aORs ranging between 1.03 and 5.24, and particularly high aORs in the younger age group. In never-tobacco smokers, frequent cannabis smoking was also associated with a significant MI risk (aOR = 1.88). Frequent and current cannabis use in any form other than smoking (e.g., vaping, but mostly ingestion) was not associated with a significantly increased cardiovascular risk (frequent use: aOR = 1.00 ns; current use: aOR = 1.31 ns). Conclusions: Like tobacco smoking, cannabis smoking may independently provoke MI. Vaping and ingestion of cannabis might be less harmful, probably because absence of combustion prevents exposure to certain toxins in cannabis smoke, including carbon monoxide.

Contribution of Stroke to Long-Term All-Cause and Cause-Specific Mortality in Mexico City.

Stroke mortality is more common in low-income and middle-income nations such as Mexico. Prognosis data typically rely on short-term hospital follow-ups, revealing high mortality rates due to systemic complications and early recurrence. We aim to explore stroke's long-term impact by examining all-cause and cause-specific mortality. We analyzed data from the Mexico City Prospective Study (1998-2004) with known mortality outcomes until December 2022. Baseline variables were compared between participants who had stroke and nonstroke participants. Cox proportional hazard regression assessed each variable's contribution to overall mortality. Subsequent analysis within the stroke subgroup aimed to identify unique risk factors of mortality, using Cox regression models adjusted for age, sex, and time since stroke. Among 145,537 eligible participants, 1,492 (1.0%) had a history of stroke. Participants who had stroke were older (57.58 vs 50.16, p < 0.001); had lower mean weekly income ($108.24 vs $176.14, p < 0.001); had higher alcohol intake and smoking frequency; and had more frequent comorbidities such as hypertension (48.9 vs 19.3%, p < 0.001), diabetes (23.4 vs 12.9%, p < 0.001), and ischemic heart disease (5.4 vs 1.0%, p < 0.001). They had a significantly increased risk of death from any cause (hazard ratio [HR] 2.59, 95% CI 2.37-2.83, p < 0.001). Deceased participants with stroke were more likely to be male, with a higher prevalence of diabetes, hypertension, and abnormal waist-hip index. Stroke increased the risk of death from cardiac (HR 3.56, 95% CI 3.02-4.19, p < 0.001), renal (HR 2.05, 95% CI 1.58-2.66, p < 0.001), and pulmonary (HR 2.29, 95% CI 1.79-2.92, p < 0.001) causes. This study confirms stroke's association with higher mortality rates, especially from cardiac, renal, and pulmonary causes in Mexico. It underscores the elevated prevalence of cardiovascular comorbidities and adverse socioeconomic profiles among participants who had stroke and those who died with a history of stroke.

Frequency of E-cigarette and Cigarette Smoking and Associated Health Symptoms among the Youth

Purpose: To determine the prevalence of e-cigarette and traditional cigarette use among Pakistani youth and to identify the associated health symptoms. Methodology: This cross-sectional study was conducted using a sample size of 178 respondents aged 15-25, selected through non-probability convenience and snowball sampling methods. Data were collected over five days (1st September 2023 to 6th September 2023) using a questionnaire adapted from validated studies (GATS and YUPESS) and distributed via Google Forms. Findings: The study population consisted of 178 respondents, with a gender distribution of 72.1% males and 27.9% females. Among the respondents, 41.2% had tried either e-cigarettes or traditional cigarettes. The age of first smoking experience varied, with many trying their first cigarette between ages 15 and 18. Significant health symptoms associated with smoking included respiratory issues, general malaise, and worsened asthma. Unique Contribution to Theory, Policy and Practice: The research highlights the prevalence and health impacts of e-cigarette and traditional cigarette use among Pakistani youth. It underscores the need for targeted public health interventions and stricter regulations to mitigate these health risks.

Dissection of intratumor microbiome–host interactions at single-cell level in lung cancer

The intratumor microbiome, one of the hallmarks of cancer, plays a crucial role in cancer progression through interaction with the host. However, the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. Herein, we investigated the heterogeneity of host–microbiome interactions at the single-cell level by integrating six single-cell transcriptomic lung cancer datasets using single-cell analysis of host–microbiome interactions (SAHMI). Our findings indicate that primary tumor tissues display a high proportion of fungi-associated cells, whereas metastatic brain tissues predominantly feature bacteria-associated cells. A distinct distribution of fungal and bacterial taxa across various cell types was observed. Notably, the presence of specific bacteria significantly influences the transcriptome of resident host cells, including T cells and macrophages, by modulating pathways related to ribosomal RNA (rRNA) processing, cellular responses to stress and stimuli, and the metabolism of RNA and proteins. Finally, specific cell-associated bacteria are significantly correlated with clinical features, such as lung cancer stages and smoking frequency. These single-cell insights into microbiome–host interactions facilitate our understanding of lung cancer development and progression, offering potential micro-ecological and diagnostic insights.

The relationship of sex and aortic diameter at the time of acute type A aortic dissection

ObjectiveEvaluate sex differences in patients undergoing repair of acute type A aortic dissection (ATAAD). MethodsSex-stratified, single-center cohort study of patients undergoing ATAAD repair from 1997 to 2022. The primary outcome was aortic diameter at time of presentation with ATAAD. Secondary outcomes were mortality, myocardial infraction, stroke, hemodialysis, tracheostomy, re-exploration for bleeding, a composite of major adverse events, and long-term survival. ResultsIn 390 consecutive patients (150 women), men were younger than women (61.0 years; interquartile range [IQR], 50-70 years vs 70.5 years; IQR, 59-78 years; P < .001), had higher body mass index (28.6; IQR, 25.1-32.3 vs 25.4; IQR, 21.9-29.2; P < .001), more frequent peripheral vascular disease (11.7% vs 4.7%; P = .03), renal insufficiency (36.7% vs 22%; P = .003), malperfusion (34.2% vs 18.7%; P = .007), and smoking history (65% vs 44%; P < .001). There was no sex difference in median aortic diameter at the time of ATAAD (men: 5.3 cm; IQR, 4.9-6.1 cm and women: 5.2 cm; IQR, 4.6-5.9 cm; P = .12) even when adjusted for body mass index (men: 5.7 cm; IQR, 5.4-6.1 cm and women: 5.4 cm; IQR, 5.4-6.1 cm; P = .19). There was no sex difference in mortality (4.6% vs 6.0%; P = .70), major adverse events, or 10-year survival (50.3% vs 58.5%; P = .13). On multivariable analysis, there was no interaction between aneurysm size and sex (interaction P = .62). Sex was not associated with major adverse events (odds ratio, 0.75; 95% CI, 0.07-7.39; P = .81). ConclusionsThere was no sex difference in aneurysm size at the time of presentation of ATAAD, even after adjustment for body mass index, and no interaction between aneurysm size and sex, suggesting that aortic diameter remains a reasonable criterion for intervention irrespective of sex.