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In addition to the widespread availability of packaged cigarettes, the inhabitants of island nations of the Southwest Pacific frequently smoke commercially available loose tobacco using manufactured rolling papers, as well as locally grown tobacco rolled in manufactured rolling paper or wrapped in leaves, copybook paper, and newspaper. In this study, Vanuatu men who smoked local tobacco rolled in leaves, copybook paper, or newspaper showed significantly lower forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1), and FEV1/FVC ratios than men who smoked packaged cigarettes, store-bought tobacco rolled in manufactured rolling paper, or who smoked locally grown tobacco rolled in manufactured rolling papers. The addition of toxins from these unusual tobacco-wrapping media produces lung function deficits similar to the pattern noted among tobacco smokers who also inhale smoke from burning biomass. Thus, public health initiatives should consider including strategies addressing the use of wrapping media among smokers in South Pacific island societies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Demonstrates the positive effects of smoking on spatial-imagery processing, behavioral and physiological indices. Two types of spatial imagery tasks; Effects of smoking on mood and subjective reports; Effects of smoking on heart rate; Changes in EEG topographic maps.

Objective: Adolescent tobacco and E-cigarette use have been rising globally in the past decade. Iraq's post-war conflict and economic crises posed psychosocial and mental health trauma, contributing to increased vulnerability to drug and substance use among adolescents. This study looks to assess the potential relationship between current tobacco and E-cigarette smoking and exposure to smoking at home and school among Iraqi adolescents attending schools. Methods: Data analysis for the 2019 Iraq Global Youth Tobacco Survey, a cross-sectional study completed by 2560 Iraqi adolescents aged 11 to 17 years old was conducted. The survey tool which includes demographic, tobacco use, knowledge and attitudes towards tobacco use questions is anonymous and self-administered using paper-based bubble sheets that are scannable. Current tobacco and E-cigarette use (defined as past 30-days) were the main outcomes. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were used to assess the relationship between the main outcomes and the following variables: participants' demographics, exposure to smoking, attitude and knowledge scores. Results: Current tobacco and E-cigarette smoking prevalence among Iraqi adolescents attending school were 14.9% (95% CI: 13.5%-16.4%) and 9.7% (95% CI: 8.6%-11.0%), respectively. Exposure to smoking at home was high among fathers (39.1%), mothers (13.9%), siblings smoke (23.9%), other individuals smoke (56.1%). The percentages of students who witnessed people smoking within school premises was 45.7% and observed teachers smoking in schools was 57.6%. The current use of tobacco smoking among Iraqi adolescents was significantly and positively associated with exposure to smoking by the father (AOR = 1.39; 95% CI: 1.05-1.85), mother (AOR = 1.84; 95% CI: 1.30-2.60), sibling (AOR = 3.50; 95% CI: 2.62-4.67), teacher (AOR = 1.48; 95% CI: 1.10-1.98), and people in school (AOR = 1.99; 95% CI: 1.57-2.53). Similarly, the current use of E-cigarettes was significantly associated with father smoking (AOR = 2.02; 95% CI: 1.29-3.16), sibling smoking (AOR = 3.09; 95% CI: 2.04-4.67), and people smoking in school (AOR2.02; 95% CI: 1.39-2.95). Conclusion: Stricter policies need to be enforced to ensure safer school environments that do not expose adolescents to smoking habits of teachers or other students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Tobacco use is the major preventable cause of premature death worldwide, responsible for about 8 million deaths per year, mostly in low- and middle-income countries, such as Morocco. Adolescents' tobacco use is a matter of concern, because early initiation increases the risk of becoming a lifelong user. There exists a notable gap in the synthesis of evidence concerning tobacco use among Moroccan adolescents. Thus, the purpose of this study was to provide a comprehensive view of the prevalence of tobacco products' use and associated factors among adolescents in Morocco. Methods: We systematically searched PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and ScienceDirect for relevant studies reporting prevalence rates of tobacco products' use among Moroccan adolescents, published until June 2024, using inclusion and exclusion criteria in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Additional searches were completed on other sources to reach unpublished reports. The Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklist was used to assess the quality of included studies. Results: After the final screening, 22 papers met the inclusion criteria. Life-time prevalence of tobacco use ranged from 7.8% to 20.4% for cigarettes smoking, from 10.6% to 21.9% for waterpipe, from 7.9% to 9.1% for chewing tobacco and from 9.2% to 12.4% for snuff. The last 12-month prevalence of cigarette smoking was comprised between 6.9% and 10.8%. As for the prevalence of current use, ranges of (1.8%-16.4%) and (4.9%-8.4%) were noted for cigarettes and waterpipe, respectively. The most commonly highlighted risk factors for tobacco use included male sex, older age, having friends or family members who use tobacco and low perception of risk associated with tobacco use. Conclusion: Our findings reveal an alarming situation of tobacco use among Moroccan adolescents. Therefore, it is crucial that all stakeholders engage in concerted efforts to develop and implement evidence-based preventive interventions among early adolescents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose. To investigate the selection bias of an Internet panel survey organized by a commercial company. Methods. A descriptive study was conducted. The authors compared the characteristics of the Internet panel survey with a national paper-based survey and with national governmental statistics in Japan. Results. The participants in the Internet panel survey were composed of more women, were older, and resided in large cities. Regardless of age and sex, the prevalence of highly educated people in the Internet panel survey was higher than in the paper-based survey and the national statistics. In men, the prevalence of heavy drinkers among the 30- to 49-year-old population and of habitual smokers among the 20- to 49-year-old population in the Internet panel survey was lower than what was found in the national statistics. Conclusions. The estimated characteristics of commercial Internet panel surveys were quite different from the national statistical data. In a commercial Internet panel survey, selection bias should not be underestimated. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Introduction: Smoking is one of the most important modifiable risk factors for excess morbidity and mortality in adults with serious mental illness (SMI). Many smokers with SMI are reportedly motivated to quit, however success rates among these smokers remain low and evidence-based treatment targeting this vulnerable group is limited. The purpose of this paper is to report the results of a qualitative inquiry of participants. Methods: We conducted a pilot two-arm randomized controlled trial (RCT) targeting adults with SMI. Our smoking cessation intervention included: (a) group-based physical activity (PA) game intervention (50 minutes, 3X/week for 12 weeks), (b) pharmacotherapy (bupropion or nicotine replacement therapy), and (c) smoking cessation counseling. Upon completion of the program, participants in the active and control groups completed a qualitative semi-structured interview in order to determine how the program impacted their smoking cessation. Grounded Theory methodology guided our data collection and analysis. Results: Twenty participants completed an interview. Participants described how the "whole package" of the 3 components of the intervention were critical to their smoking cessation process. The group-based program provided the structure, resources, and encouragement needed to start the process of quitting. Conclusion: Adults with SMI need support, resources, and engaging activities as they begin quitting and practice the skills needed to quit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The concept of 'Teachable Moment' (TM) is an increasingly used term within mainstream health psychology in relation to interventions and health behaviour change. It refers to a naturally occurring health event where individuals may be motivated to change their behaviours from unhealthy ones to healthier choices. Pregnancy is seen as a key time for behaviour change interventions, partly due to the idea that the mother has increased motivations to protect her unborn child. This paper proposes a Critical Health Psychological (CHP) re-examination of the concept and explores the 'teachable moment' within a wider framing of contemporary parenting ideologies in order to offer a more critical, nuanced and contextual consideration of pregnancy and the transition to motherhood. The paper locates these discussions using an example of alcohol usage in pregnancy. In doing so, this paper is the first of its kind to consider the 'teachable moment' from a critical health psychological perspective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents abstracts on dentistry which include relationship between smoking and periodontal disease, use of fluorides by dentists in Brazil and treatment of caries.

Cue reactivity to Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS) has been studied by several researchers, yet the variability in user types (smokers, former smokers, dual users, exclusive ENDS users) and ENDS designs used between the studies may have undermined consistent results. This systematic review aims to give an overview of ENDS cue reactivity and how smoking status and device design may moderate this. A systematic search of Medline, Embase, Web of Science, PubMed and Cochrane was completed. All studies which reported findings on reactivity to ENDS cues in the form of craving or desire for ENDS or cigarettes, attention to cue, delay of gratification or economic decisions were included. Exclusion criteria were non-human subjects, non-adult participants or participants with comorbidities. Literature selection was carried out by 2 independent reviewers. The risk of bias and study quality were assessed using tools developed by Cochrane, BMJ and NHLBI. A total of 711 papers were screened and 22 studies were included in the current review. Study design, research question(s), population of interest, number of participants, dependent variable(s), ENDS generation and nicotine content used and study results were extracted. ENDS cues reliably induced ENDS craving, with no clear moderation by smoking status and no apparent moderation by device generation. In about half of the studies, ENDS cues induced craving for conventional cigarettes. Most studies used a smoker sample, thus limiting the conclusions that can be drawn on the moderation of cue reactivity by smoking status. The quality varied among studies but comparing the findings against the outcomes of only high-quality studies did not yield any different results. The results of this review support the notion of cue reactivity to ENDS, identifies gaps in current research on different user types and implies that ENDS design iterations have little impact on cue reactivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Pharmacy staff are a trusted source of advice on the safe and appropriate use of medicines and devices. Retail pharmacies deliver smoking cessation services and sell e-cigarettes in the UK. This review asks 'what knowledge, experience and ability do staff have to support e-cigarette users to quit smoking'. Methods: A systematic literature search was undertaken drawn on predefined eligibility criteria and a comprehensive search strategy following the PRISMA guideline. Eligible papers reported survey-research published in English from 2015 to 2020. PubMed, Google Scholar, OVID, EMBASE and MEDLINE Databases were searched. No restrictions on study design or language were applied. Two reviewers independently screened for inclusion/exclusion and then extracted the relevant information from the articles for synthesis. Results: Of 12 potentially eligible full-text studies, 1 was a duplicate, 7 were excluded as per eligibility criteria. Four papers were finally included in this literature review. Two studies indicated that pharmacy staff are less confident in giving advice on e-cigarette use. Knowledge on the adverse effects of e-cigarettes compared to traditional smoking cessation aids remain unclear. In one study, 42% of community pharmacists did not believe that e-cigarettes could be used for smoking cessation. Three studies identified need for specific regulations and professional support. The overall certainty of the evidence is 'low' or 'very low', with moderate levels of bias. Conclusion: Pharmacists may be well placed to implement e-cigarette smoking cessation interventions, but most practitioners lacked knowledge and ability to support these customers citing unclear risk of harm. Pharmacists felt secure in recommending traditional cessation tools. Further regulation, guidelines and training is needed. Findings may be less generalizable in countries where e-cigarettes are banned. Their extent of knowledge, experience and ability to support users of e-cigarettes within their community to quit smoking is lacking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on the factors that contribute to the rise of ischaemic heart disease (IHD) aside from butter in Great Britain. From 1959 to 1972, consumption of polyunsaturated fats increased by 25% when the incident of IHD has the greatest increase. IHD may also attributed to lifestyle changes such as increase in consumption of meat, decline of fish consumption, smoking and internal migration. The emergence of new type of food processing that forms atherogenic oxysterols also contributed to the rise of IHD epidemic.

Background A feature of stroke is that it recurs (25% within five-years). Risk factors for stroke and recurrent stroke include smoking, alcohol consumption, poor diet, and physical inactivity. Aim To evaluate the effectiveness of secondary prevention lifestyle interventions designed to change lifestyle behavior following stroke. This short paper presents a summary of the systematic review process and findings. Methods Ten major databases were searched using subject headings and key words. Papers were screened using review-specific criteria. Critical appraisal and data extraction were conducted independently by two reviewers. Data were pooled in statistical meta-analysis; where this was not possible findings were presented in narrative form. Results Three studies involving 581 participants were reviewed. Two models of intervention delivery were reported: shared care and nurse-led. Interventions were delivered to groups or in one-to-one consultations. Metaanalyses of the pooled lifestyle data favored the interventions (2 P = 0·02). In terms of physiological outcomes, while overall treatment effect was not significant, pooled results did approach statistical significance (2 P = 0·08), however the test of heterogeneity was significant, suggesting differences in the variables that were pooled. Pooled secondary outcomes, including perceived health status and stroke knowledge, favored the interventions (2 P < 0·00001), however, the test for heterogeneity was highly significant. Conclusion Stroke secondary prevention lifestyle interventions are effective in terms of effecting positive change in lifestyle behaviors and secondary outcomes, and appear promising in relation to physiological outcomes. There was insufficient evidence to determine the effect of intervention on incidence of stroke recurrence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Preventing smoking and aiding cessation among youth and young adults carries the possibility of reducing future smoking prevalence significantly. This paper estimates the impact on future smoking prevalence of 25 year olds by increasing tobacco prices, securing indoor smoke-free homes and implementing school-based multi-tiered interventions. Methods: Utilizing a multi-state Markov model, a status quo projection of the smoking prevalence from years 2017 to 2030 were compared with projections of the smoking prevalence in 2030 considering the impact of the three prevention strategies. Results: In a status quo projection, 27.0% of Danish 25-year-old females are expected to be smokers in 2030, while 13.2% would be smokers in 2030 were all three prevention strategies in effect from 2019. By itself, increasing tobacco prices by 50% reduced the prevalence of smokers among 25-year-old females to 14.8% in 2030, a relative reduction of 47.5%. For 25-year-old males in 2030 the reductions were similar, with a prevalence of 16.6% when all three prevention strategies were in effect, a relative reduction of 51.5%. Conclusions: Implementing increasing tobacco prices, indoor smoke-free homes and school-based multi-tiered interventions in Denmark is likely to significantly decrease youth smoking prevalence in the future. However, these three strategies will not produce a smoke-free generation without other initiatives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper proposes an extension of zero-inflated models for analyzing rounded counting outcomes. A zero-inflated mixture of power series is proposed, and the EM algorithm is developed to estimate parameters. The accuracy of estimators is evaluated using a simulation study. The results of simulations show that the estimation procedure is successful and estimates are accurate. An application of our models for analyzing the number of cigarettes smoked per day of respondents for the American's Changing Lives study is enclosed. The proposed model best fits the data and the relationships between rounded counts and other covariates revealed by proposed regression models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: The primary aim of the study is to explore different factors affecting parents' smoking behaviour, and especially how smoking may be connected with individual differences in the psychological process of becoming a parent. In the current paper, we present the study design together with basic information on the study population. Methods: The Central Satakunta Maternity and Child Health Clinic (KESALATU) Study is an ongoing prospective follow-up study in primary healthcare of the Satakunta region of southwest Finland. Families were recruited during their first maternity clinic visit between 1 September 2016 and 31 December 2019, and participation will continue until the child is 1.5 years of age. The study combines different sources and types of data: e.g. routine data obtained from primary healthcare clinic records, specific parental self-report data and data from a new exhaled carbon monoxide meter indicating maternal smoking. The data are collected using frequently repeated assessments both during pregnancy and postnatally. The methods cover the following areas of interest: family background factors (including smoking and alcohol use), self-reported parental–foetal/infant attachment and mentalization, self-reported stress, depression and quality of life. Results: 589 pregnant women and their partners were asked to participate in the study during the collection time period. The final study population consisted of 248 (42.1%) pregnant women and 160 (27.1%) partners. Conclusions : The new methods and study design have the potential to increase our understanding about the link between early parenting psychology, prenatal psychosocial risk factors and parental health behaviour. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Community-based models of cannabis cultivation, distribution, and consumption—such as cannabis clubs—have been documented across Europe, North America, South America, and New Zealand since the 1990s. For the most part, these models have a history of operating outside existing legislation and regulations. Jurisdictions that have legalized cannabis have approached community-based models in opposite ways (eliminate vs. regulate). Canada legalizing cannabis has resulted in more stringent enforcement and concerted efforts to close these models despite documented health and social benefits. This paper presents a case study of the Victoria Cannabis Buyers Club (VCBC) and its consumption space—The Box. We conducted a survey of VCBC members to explore four domains: demographics, cannabis consumption, access to and use of The Box, and the impact of its temporary closure due to COVID-19. From the survey data (n = 104), descriptive statistics were generated and three conceptual avenues were identified. The majority of respondents were 40 years old and older and identified as White (European descent) cisgendered men and women. The majority reported an income of $40,000 or less and a housing status that prevented them from smoking. Close to 75% of our sample consumed cannabis multidaily for therapeutic purposes primarily, but also for a mix of recreation, social, spiritual, and traditional healing purposes. Smoking was the preferred mode of consumption. Respondents accessed The Box daily or weekly. Reasons and benefits for using The Box fell into three categories: public health, harm reduction, and wellness perspectives. Conceptually, we found that The Box acted as a therapeutic space and offered a much-needed consumption space for smokers. We also identified a need to unpack the concept of safety. Overall, the survey reinforces the need for an equity-informed approach to community-based models and cannabis consumption spaces in Canada. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a systemic disease. Several long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been identified to be aberrantly expressed in COPD patients. This study investigated the role of lncRNA cancer susceptibility candidate 2 (CASC2) in COPD, as well as its potential mechanism. Methods: Fifty smokers with COPD and another 50 smokers without COPD were recruited. Receiver operating characteristic curve was constructed to assess the diagnostic value of CASC2 in COPD patients. 16HBE cells were treated with cigarette smoke extract (CSE) to establish a cell model. qRT-PCR was used for the measurement of mRNA levels. The cell viability and apoptosis were detected by using Cell Counting Kit-8 and flow cytometry assay. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was performed to detect the levels of proinflammatory cytokines. Luciferase reporter assay was performed for the target gene analysis. Results: Serum CASC2 was dramatically decreased in COPD patients compared with smokers without COPD, and was positively associated with FEV1 (forced expiratory volume in one second). Serum CASC2 was overexpressed in severe COPD patients, and had the diagnostic accuracy to distinguish COPD patients from smokers. CASC2 overexpression alleviated CSE-induced apoptosis and inflammation in 16HBE cells. CASC2 functions as a ceRNA of miR-18a-5p. Upregulation of miR-18a-5p reversed the influence of CASC2 on cell apoptosis and inflammation in 16HBE cells. IGF1 was the target gene of miR-18a-5p. Conclusion: CASC2 was downregulated in COPD patients and it might be a promising biomarker for the disease diagnosis. Overexpression of CASC2 might inhibit the bronchial epithelial cell apoptosis and inflammation via targeting miR-18a-5p/IGF1 axis. The reviews of this paper are available via the supplemental material section. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The factors that trigger spontaneous pneumothorax have not been sufficiently evaluated. The purpose of this study is to analyze the relationship between the development of spontaneous pneumothorax and meteorological parameters, including air pollutants. Methods: This is a retrospective study using the medical records of 379 patients who were admitted for spontaneous pneumothorax (SP) over a period of 4 years. Meteorological and air pollution data were obtained from the National Meteorological Office and the Ministry of Environment. We employed a case-crossover design to evaluate the short-term association between SP and meteorological factors including air pollutants. Conditional logistic regression was used to analyze bi-directional matched data. Results: Increase of relative humidity (RH) and of carbon monoxide (CO) were associated with the risk of pneumothorax, with odds ratio (OR) for RH = 1.18 (1.02–1.36), CO = 1.23 (1.02–1.48). Moreover, as air pressure (AP) decreased, risk of pneumothorax increased, with OR = 1.30 (1.05–1.59) but others did not. In the stratified analysis, the effect of RH was positive in ex-smokers (OR = 3.31) and non-smokers (OR = 1.32), but negative in current smokers (OR = 0.72). The effect of AP was significant in younger patients (OR = 1.33), males (OR = 1.40), and non-smokers (OR = 1.36). CO was related only with non-smokers (OR = 1.35) Conclusion: The triggering factors for spontaneous pneumothorax were relative humidity, carbon monoxide, and air pressure. The effect of the trigger was prominent in patients who were younger (<45 years), non- or ex-smokers, and male. The reviews of this paper are available via the supplemental material section. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) is frequently used by states and local school districts for monitoring and assessing health risk behaviors among middle and high school youth in the United Slates. This study assessed the reliability of the High School YRBS questions when the survey is administered as a web-based survey. A test-relest reliability study was conducted on a sample of high school students in grades 9-12. Students self- administered an online version of the high school YRBS at two different time periods. Kappa scores were computed for all items in order to measure reliability. Items measured prevalence eslimates of behaviors related to unintentional injuries and violence, tobacco use, alcohol and other drug use, and sexual behaviors. The mean kappa reliability score was similar to scores obtained in prior reliability studies of the YRBS when administered as paper surveys; 87% of the 69 selected items from the 79-item paper survey used had kappa scores that indicated moderate or substantial reliability. Findings indicate the reliability of the online High School YRBS when administered to students online and its potential as an alternative to paper survey. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Review studies on the long-term effects of school-based smoking interventions show mixed results. X:IT was a three-year cluster randomized controlled trial to prevent uptake of smoking among Danish students from age 13 years until age 15 years which previously proved effective in preventing smoking after the first year of intervention. The aim of this paper was to conduct the pre-planned analyses of the effects of the X:IT intervention on smoking after the second year. Methods: We used self-reported questionnaire data from students at baseline, first, second, and third follow-up (n at second follow-up=3269, response rate=79.4%). Data from third follow-up were not suitable for analysis. Outcome measure: 'current smoking', dichotomised into smoke daily, weekly, monthly or more seldom versus do not smoke. We performed multilevel, logistic regression analyses of available cases and intention-to-treat (ITT) analyses, replacing missing outcome values by multiple imputation. Results: The prevalence of smoking increased from 5.8% at baseline to 17.0% at second follow-up among students at intervention schools, and from 7.6% to 18.7% among students at control schools. Analyses of available cases and ITT analyses did not support X:IT being effective in preventing smoking after the second year of intervention. Conclusions: Although X:IT was effective after the first year of intervention, we were not able to demonstrate any effects after the second year. Implementation of the intervention was lower in the second year compared to the first year which indicates that the missing effect of the intervention at second follow-up is due to lack of implementation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Smoking is generally on the decline, but more people with disorders such as schizophrenia smoke than is the rule for the general population. Collectively, health professionals in primary or specialist care settings probably do not do as much as they could to help these people cut down or give up, and the issues involved are more complex than they might at first appear. Assisting change in smoking patterns optimally will require collaboration between staff providing smoking-specific interventions such as group-based programs, and medical practitioners who can appropriately support transitions in smoking behaviour. Doctors providing this support should be aware of considerations specific to this group of patients including some relevant pharmacological interactions. This paper describes a project, which involved collaboration between provision of a group-based intervention and medical care including care within a GP shared-care program. A set of guidelines developed for doctors’ use within this study has been adapted for wider use. Conclusions: Our experience with these guidelines, which are summarised in this paper, suggests they should be helpful for a range of clinicians working with people with schizophrenia who also smoke. The RACGP and the RANZCP have endorsed the guidelines, which are available from an internet website. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on the vulnerability-stress model and coping theory, this study of 1920 people in Scotland investigated how sex, age, occupational factors, anxiety, depression and maladaptive coping behaviours are associated with cardiovascular health. Structural equation modelling and serial Sobel mediation tests were conducted. Anxiety was associated with past arrhythmia, whereas depression was associated with past heart attacks, stroke and angina. Females reported more anxiety, past arrhythmia, confectionary and alcohol consumption, whereas males had more heart attacks. Confectionary consumption was associated with past arrhythmia, and alcohol consumption was associated with past heart attacks. Being older was associated with depression, past stroke, arrhythmia and alcohol consumption. Being younger was associated with anxiety and smoking. Depression and smoking mediated the relationship between type of working and cardiovascular health history, potentially because of socioeconomic factors. Clinicians can use these results to advise clients about cardiovascular risks associated with anxiety, depression, demographics and health-related coping behaviours. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: E-cigarettes and heated tobacco products (HTPs) are gaining worldwide significance. The tobacco industry is promoting these products as healthier alternatives to conventional cigarettes. Methods: In this four-arm crossover study, we examined the acute effects of cigarette smoking, vaping IQOS, or vaping e-cigarettes (with or without nicotine) on hemodynamics, arterial stiffness, and small airways. Twenty subjects (10 male, 10 female), all occasional smokers, completed each study arm. There was at least a 48 h washout period before each test day. Arterial stiffness and peripheral and central hemodynamics were assessed using Mobil-O-Graph™ (I.E.M., Germany), whereas tremoFlo® c-100 (Thoracic Medical Systems Inc) was used to evaluate the effects on the small airways and resistance. Results: Cigarettes, IQOS, e-cigarettes containing nicotine, and nicotine-free e-cigarettes had similar effects on peripheral and central hemodynamics as well as on arterial stiffness. We observed a significant increase in all parameters. However, only nicotine-containing products lead to increased bronchial obstruction, higher reactance, and a higher tidal volume. Conclusion: Therefore, we concluded that cigarettes, IQOS, and e-cigarettes have similar effects on hemodynamics. No differences were observed between the nicotine-containing and nicotine-free e-cigarettes. All nicotine-containing products also influence small airways. These findings suggest that e-cigarettes and HTPs are not healthier alternatives than conventional cigarettes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Ireland's Smoking Ban reduced health inequalities known to be associated with smoking but some groups may not have benefitted. Mental ill-health and smoking are known to be associated with health inequalities. Whether similar patterns exist for e-cigarette use is less clear, as few data exist. Objectives: To examine: (1) self-reported doctor-diagnosed mental ill-health in Irish 20-year-olds; (2) smoking, e-cigarette, and dual use in those with and without mental ill-health; and (3) protective and risk factors for smoking and e-cigarette use in these groups. Methods: We use cross-sectional data from 20 year-olds in Wave 4 of Growing Up in Ireland Child Cohort. They were asked to self-report mental ill-health which had been diagnosed by a clinician, and their smoking and e-cigarette use. All analyses were performed using SPSS v27. Results: 19.4% (n = 1008) of the total sample (n = 4729) reported a mental ill-health diagnosis. Comparing those with and without, those with mental ill-health had significantly higher prevalence of current smoking (47%, n = 419 vs 36%, n = 1361; OR 1.57, CI: 1.36, 1.82), e-cigarette use (17%, n = 152 vs 13%, n = 485; OR 1.40, CI:1.15, 1.70), and dual use (12%, n = 109 vs 9%, n = 328; OR 1.46, CI:1.16, 1.84). Risk factors for smoking and e-cigarette use were, earlier smoking initiation, peers or primary caregivers who smoked, being in paid employment, one-parent family background, and social media use. Being female was protective. Most risk factors were significantly higher in young adults with mental ill-health but, after adjusting for these variables, respondents with mental ill-health still have significantly higher adjusted higher odds of smoking (aOR 1.28, CI:1.05, 1.56). Conclusions: Inequalities in smoking and e-cigarette use in young adults with mental ill-health are evident 20 years after Ireland's National Smoking Ban. Despite extensive Tobacco Control interventions in the past 20 years, there is still need in Ireland for new targeted interventions to reduce health inequalities for left-behind young smokers with mental ill-health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Smoking is not only one of the main risk factors for the development of most malignant and numerous benign ENT tumours but also has an important influence on therapy and prognosis. Even quitting smoking at the time of diagnosis significantly reduces mortality. Patients have a particularly strong desire to stop smoking when they are diagnosed. The present study investigated to what extent patients were aware of the relationships between smoking and the development and prognosis of tumours and how much information and smoking cessation support they were offered by physicians. Methods: A total of 194 patients (74.7% male, 62.0 ±10.6 a) with malignant primary ENT tumours, pre-cancerous tumours, Reinke's oedema and salivary gland tumours were interviewed. Results: 22.7% were nonsmokers, 49.5% were cigarette smokers and 27.8% were ex-smokers. A total of 57.0% of the smokers said they would have quit before the onset of the disease if they had known about the association. Forty-one percent did not receive information about the association between smoking and the development of their disease, while 45.5% did not receive information about the relationship with their prognosis. The provision of information lasted less than 5 min for 40.4% of the patients and more than 10 min for only 13.5%. In total, 50.7% of the patients were directly requested not to smoke. A total of 7.7% received offers of smoking cessation support from otolaryngologists and 18.2% received such offers from family physicians. Conclusions: There is a pronounced need for improvements in the provision of medical information about the health risks associated with smoking and offers to support patient efforts to stop smoking. In particular, the appointment during which the diagnosis is communicated to the patient should be considered a 'teachable moment' that can lead to smoking cessation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, multiple health organizations and advocacy groups have pushed for giving an R-rating for movies depicting tobacco imagery. This study examined several predictors of U.S. adults' opinion toward an R-rating policy for movies depicting cigarette smoking. We used data from the Health Information National Trends Survey (2020 cycle), for a nationally representative sample of 3,865 US adults (aged ≥ 18). The outcome variable was opinion toward an R-rating policy (support, neutral, and oppose) for movies depicting cigarette smoking. A weighted adjusted multinomial logistic regression analysis with comparisons of support versus oppose, support versus neutral, and neutral versus oppose was performed. About 48.2% of respondents were supportive of, 31.1% were neutral toward, and 20.7% were opposed to an R-rating policy. Adults aged 50 to 64 years (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 2.28, p =.008) and ≥65 years (aOR = 4.54, p <.001) (vs. 18–34 years) were more likely to support the R-rating policy than oppose it. Non-Hispanic Black respondents (vs. non-Hispanic Whites) were 1.74 times more likely to support than oppose the policy (aOR = 1.74, p =.04), whereas adults with a household annual income of US$75,000 or more (vs. <$20,000) and those with moderate (vs. liberal) political viewpoints were more likely to be neutral than oppose the policy. Former and current e-cigarette users (vs. never users) were less likely to support than oppose the policy. Tailored messaging addressing the rationale behind R-rating policy should be directed towards communities based on age, race/ethnicity, household income, e-cigarette usage, and political ideologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper is derived from an evaluation of a workplace smoking ban implemented at a major Scottish university. The evaluation relied on a combination of methods including analysis of policy documentation, a full-staff postal questionnaire, qual itative interviews with key members of the implementation process and participant observation of staff support classes. Drawing on the questionnaire data (including both quantitative and qualitative responses), the paper explores the ways in which patterns of work were perceived to be negatively affected by the ban and the impli cations for relationships between smokers and non-smokers at work. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The purpose of this paper was to assess the effectiveness of anti-tobacco smoking legislation from 1948 onwards in reducing actual per capita tobacco consumption in the twelve countries of the European Economic Community (EEC). In order to undertake these assessments a score was assigned to every legislative measure, indicating the a priori likely impact of this measure on tobacco consumption. Two approaches were then utilized. In the first, it was found that the cumulative anti-tobacco legislative score correlates well in time with a reduction of tobacco consumption. In the second, cross-sectional data from the EEC countries and multiple regression modelling were used to estimate the elasticities of tobacco price, per capita income and cumulative anti-tobacco legislation score; it was found that legislation has an impact on tobacco consumption which, although considerably smaller than the corresponding impact of tobacco price levels, is nominally significant and potentially important. The evaluative approaches utilized in this paper are based on observational data of ecologic nature and can provide only weak evidence about the causal nature of the reported associations. Nevertheless, this limited evidence suggests that legislative measures may be effective both by affecting price levels and through other mechanisms, including health education and the formation of a more general anti-smoking ethos. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Generating unpaid mass media coverage has been shown to be the most cost-effective method of reducing smoking prevalence. This study looks at the feasibility of generating such unpaid coverage over a prolonged period. Press releases, letters for publication and articles on tobacco-related items Were sent to the local media by an initiative co-ordinated by a health authority cancer-prevention project. Between April 1990 and March 1992, this generated at least 1120 column-inches in the local and national press (81 per cent of the press coverage of tobacco by the three main Oxford papers). More coverage, was generated for policy matters (635 column- inches) than for items relating to knowledge or individual behaviour (485 column-inches). Half the press releases were used by the radio stations and all were published. This assessment concluded that it is feasible to initiate good coverage of health issues and to sustain this over a two-year period. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Call centers in Korea have been found to be operated mainly by women, and they experience high levels of job-related stress. Compared with the general population, the prevalence of smoking among women in Korea's call centers is strikingly high. Little attention has been paid to the associations between smoking behavior and their emotional labor, occupational stress, and health-promotion behaviors. For this cross-sectional study, a paper-based survey was conducted in a sample of female employees in a credit card call center (N = 309). Among the participants, about 20% (n = 62) were current smokers. Smokers were less engaged in health-promotion behaviors than nonsmokers, and occupational stress was negatively associated with health-promoting behaviors in nonsmokers, but not in smokers. Smokers may use cigarettes as a way of alleviating the emotional burden of their work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The etiology of multiple sclerosis (MS) involves multifaceted interactions between genetic loci and environmental factors. Smoking is an important risk factor for MS that overall increases the risk of the disease with approximately 50%. However, the precise effects of smoking on MS development vary considerably in different contexts and in different populations. This review focuses on the influence of smoking on MS risk and its interaction with genetics in MS etiology. The possible biological mechanisms are presented in this paper. Further research is needed to establish the mechanisms of causality and to explore preventive strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Use of electronic cigarettes has increased across the world in the last decade with heavy investment from the tobacco industry targeting younger population through well-designed marketing campaigns portraying e-cigarettes as harmless, less addictive and effective in smoking cessation while delivering higher nicotine concentration. The safety profile of e-cigarettes is reviewed in this paper. Conclusions: The safety of e-cigarettes and the chemicals they contain have not been evaluated rigorously. Emerging data suggest e-cigarette use could do severe harm. People with serious mental illness, already the highest nicotine consumers, could be exploited by the tobacco industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Entire world is battling the Novel Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) pandemic. India too, has undertaken stringent containment measures to combat this disease. The country is in a state of national lockdown, which has inadvertently led more than a quarter of the Indian population to not use tobacco. This paper discusses the opportunity that surfaces with unavailability of tobacco products, and advocates the need for escalation of tobacco cessation services as well as strategic management of stress to stay tobacco-free. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a new study based on a machine learning technique, specifically an artificial neural network, for predicting systolic blood pressure through the correlation of variables (age, BMI, exercise level, alcohol consumption level, smoking status, stress level, and salt intake level). The study was carried out using a database containing a variety of variables/factors. Each database of raw data was split into two parts: one part for training the neural network and the remaining part for testing the performance of the network. Two neural network algorithms, back-propagation and radial basis function, were used to construct and validate the prediction system. According to the experiment, the accuracy of our predictions of systolic blood pressure values exceeded 90%. Our experimental results show that artificial neural networks are suitable for modeling and predicting systolic blood pressure. This new method of predicting systolic blood pressure helps to give an early warning to adults, who may not get regular blood pressure measurements that their blood pressure might be at an unhealthy level. Also, because an isolated measurement of blood pressure is not always very accurate due to daily fluctuations, our predictor can provide the predicted value as another figure for medical staff to refer to. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have discovered the elixir of life. For the first time in human existence we now know how we can avoid disease, make our lives healthier and more fulfilled, and even fend off the grim reaper himself (at least for a while). We may not have joined the immortals – many traps and snares continue to prey on us – but we are beginning to learn some of their secrets. Why then are we failing to grasp these heady opportunities? WHO data show that nine out of ten of we Europeans are dying of lifestyle diseases; that is diseases caused by our own choices – self-inflicted diseases. Despite the all too familiar consequences for our bodies, we continue to smoke the tobacco, swallow the junk food and binge on the alcohol that is killing us. Yes, there are systemic drivers at work – commercial marketing, corporate power, inequalities, addiction – but we don’t have to collaborate. No one holds a gun to our heads and commands us to eat burgers or get drunk and incapable. This paper argues that public health progress – and human progress more widely – depends on us solving the conundrum of this self-inflicted harm. The urgency of this task increases when we consider our irresponsible consumption behaviour more widely, and that it is not just harming our own health but everyone else’s too. Most egregiously anthropomorphic climate change is being caused by the free choices we in the wealthy global north make to drive SUVs, go on intercontinental holidays and accumulate a foolish excess of stuff. It need not be so. Historical experience and two millennia of thinking show we are capable of better. We have moral agency and we can make the right choice even when it is the difficult one. Indeed, it is this capacity and desire ‘to follow after wisdom and virtue’, to rebel against injustice and malignancy, that makes us human and cements our collective identity. In the last century this realisation was focused by the terrible events of the Second World War and resulted in the formation of the United Nations and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Importantly these rights do not just protect us from oppression but enshrine in international law our entitlement to be an active participant in the process of progressive social change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This paper reports outcomes of a clinical audit of smoke-free policy implementation within an Australian inpatient psychiatric setting. It aimed to evaluate assessment of smoking status and subsequent management of nicotine withdrawal, and investigate any patient factors influencing these processes.Methods: A total of 67 medical case notes were retrospectively analysed for inpatients admitted to psychiatric units of a general hospital in South Australia, from July to September 2015. Patient demographic variables and information from the hospital's Smoking Assessment and Management Form (SAMF) were recorded. Data analysis involved descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests of association between dependent variables (how the SAMF was completed) and independent variables (sex, voluntary status, diagnosis).Results: The SAMF was implemented for most patients (76.1%), with 64.71% completed within 24 hours of admission; though, many were incomplete. Nicotine dependence was not properly assessed for 42.3% of smokers; 69.23% were prescribed nicotine replacement therapy (NRT), despite most scoring moderate to high nicotine dependence. No statistically significant relationships were found between patient factors and form completion.Conclusions: SAMF completion was timely for most patients; however, sections important for determining support actions remained largely incomplete, suggesting patients' nicotine withdrawal is not being adequately addressed. More work is needed to improve inpatient staff's assessment to ensure optimal care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding social conditions prior to intervention design can enhance tobacco control interventions. This paper describes formative research conducted in 2010 about tobacco use in eight economically disadvantaged Dominican Republic communities, four of which participated in a previous intervention study (2003-2008). A combined US-Dominican team used a rapid assessment process to collect qualitative social and cultural data on tobacco use, knowledge and attitudes; plus observations about social and policy factors, such as exposure to secondhand smoke (SHS), tobacco regulations, pregnancy, health care provider (HCP) practices and sustainability of the 2003-2008 intervention. This assessment found that tobacco use varied by age. While all ages typically used cigarettes, older adults used relatively more unprocessed tobacco, which is seen as less harmful and less addictive. Middle-aged smokers typically used commercial cigarettes, which are viewed as dangerous, addictive, expensive and offensive. Young adults reported avoiding smoking, but using relatively more smokeless tobacco. Smoking during pregnancy has reportedly decreased. SHS was viewed as harmful, although smoke-free homes were uncommon. HCPs discussed tobacco issues mostly for patients with tobacco-related conditions. Sustainability of the 2003-2008 intervention appeared to be linked to active Community Technology Centers with strong leadership, and community social capital. This information could be used to design better targeted interventions in these communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Patients with poor glycemic control are at increased risk of postoperative complications. Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) has traditionally been used to assess preoperative glycemic control, but with limitations. More recently, fructosamine has been tested preoperatively in patients undergoing elective total joint arthroplasty. This study aims to assess whether preoperative serum fructosamine can be used to avoid adverse outcomes in patients undergoing foot and ankle surgery. Methods: This was a retrospective chart review of all patients who underwent foot and ankle surgeries at 2 level 1 trauma centers from January 2020 to December 2021. Of those, 305 patients were tested for HbA1c and fructosamine levels preoperatively. Adverse outcomes were assessed over 30 and 90 days. Outcomes of interest were surgical site infection, wound dehiscence, unplanned return to the operating room, unplanned readmission, and death. Data were analyzed using independent 2-sample t tests. A mixed effects model was used for multivariate analysis. P values less than.05 were considered statistically significant. Results: Preoperative serum fructosamine was significantly higher (P =.029) in those with complications within 90 days compared to those without. The mean preoperative fructosamine level was 269.2 µmol/L (SD = 58.85) in those who did have a complication vs 247.2 µmol/L (SD = 53.95) in those who did not. Clinically significant fructosamine threshold was determined using 2 different methods. Fructosamine was found to be non-inferior to HbA1c in accurately predicting postoperative complications. Conclusion: Fructosamine is a serum marker that reflects nearer term glycemic control than HbA1c. Elevation in preoperative fructosamine is associated with increased perioperative complications after foot and ankle surgery within 90 days. Preoperative fructosamine may be used in patient optimization and risk stratification when determining candidacy and timing for elective foot and ankle surgeries. Level of evidence: Level III, retrospective cohort study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Both the high-risk human papillomavirus (HR-HPV) infection and tobacco exposure are significantly associated with cervical neoplasm risk. Immune cells play important roles in carcinogenesis. However, it is still unclear whether immune cells have a mediating effect on the HR-HPV infection and tobacco exposure with cervical neoplasm development. Aim: The aim of this study was to determine how the increased white blood cell (WBC) count affects the relationship between HR-HPV DNA load and tobacco exposure in the development of cervical neoplasia. Methods: A hospital-based case–control study design was conducted with a total of 108 cases of Taiwanese women with ≥ cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) I confirmed by biopsy, and 222 healthy Taiwanese female subjects with negative findings on a Pap smear were assigned to the control group. The study evaluated HR-HPV status and immune cell counts (WBCs, natural killer (NK) cells) and tobacco exposure by a self-construct questionnaire. Results: Both HR-HPV DNA load and tobacco exposure significantly independently increased cervical neoplasm risk (AORs: 1.28 and 1.42, respectively). Similar significant results were found for WBCs and NK cells, with respective AORs of 1.20 and 1.00. Moreover, increased WBCs (β = 0.04, 95% CI corrected: 0.01–0.07) and tobacco exposure (β = 0.02, 95% CI corrected: 0.01–0.04) mediated the relationship between the high-risk HPV DNA load and cervical neoplasm risk. Conclusions: Elevated WBC count acts as both predictor and mediator in cervical neoplasm development linked to HR-HPV DNA load. Monitoring and maintaining WBC levels within the normal range could be a preventive strategy for cervical neoplasm development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Hypertension is a serious public health issue. It is a significant but controllable factor in the emergence of cardiovascular disease. Controlling hypertension is a main target for individuals to prevent further illness. Objective: This study aims to explore the level of self-care behaviors, motivation, and self-efficacy among individuals with hypertension. Methods: A cross-sectional, descriptive, correlational design was used to recruit (n = 121) participants utilizing the Hypertension Self-Care Profile (HTN-SCP) questionnaire. Results: The analysis revealed that the mean score of self-care behavior was 49.7 (SD = 10.0) out of 20–80, which indicates that they are likely to have good self-care behavior. The mean score of motivation for self-care was 59.7 (SD = 11.8) out of 20–80, reflecting that individuals with hypertension have a good level of motivation for self-care, and the mean score of self-efficacy was 70.0 (SD = 9.8) out of 20–80, which means that individuals with hypertension have a high level of self-efficacy. Also, there was a significant positive correlation between self-care behavior and motivation for self-care (r =.527, p <.001), between motivation for self-care and self-efficacy (r =.554, p <.001), and between self-efficacy and self-care behavior (r =.572, p <.001). Conclusion: The study revealed that Jordanian patients with hypertension have good self-care practices, motivation, and high self-efficacy. Patients should therefore be strongly recommended to be compliant with self-care practices. The government should prioritize hypertensive patients by making it easier for them to receive information about self-management practices to improve their quality of care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The aim of this qualitative study was to explore the subjective experiences of consumers and staff members regarding the availability of electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) in inpatient mental health units. Methods: Mental health consumers and staff members (n = 16) from rehabilitation and forensic inpatient units were interviewed in 2022. Thematic analysis of the transcripts was undertaken. Results: Our study identified four themes: The high salience of nicotine use in inpatient units, delivering nicotine in a resource scarce environment, weighing up the harms of ENDS as a smoking cessation tool, and a need for fair and consistent policy. Conclusions: The main positive aspects identified were recognition of rights of consumers, a relative harm reduction compared to tobacco use, and ENDS as a positive factor in the therapeutic relationship. The main challenges identified were resourcing issues, ENDS being a potential source of tension and conflict and a lack of overarching policy guiding their use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Healthy lifestyle behaviors can improve health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in cancer survivors; but the combination of behaviors most important for HRQOL is not known. This study investigated the patterns of lifestyle behaviors among cancer survivors and differences in HRQOL between behavioral classes. Cancer survivors (n = 2,463) were invited to participate in a cross-sectional survey. Participants (N = 591) were predominately female (63%) and non-Hispanic White (90%). Survey items included self-reported physical activity, diet, smoking, sleep, HRQOL, and demographics. Behavioral classes were estimated by latent class analysis. Differences between classes were assessed by latent class regression. Compared with the "healthy lifestyles" class (higher probabilities of meeting aerobic/strength-based activity guidelines, high fruit/vegetable intake, and no sleep problems; 11% of sample), the "sleep and diet problems with inconsistent physical activity" class (higher probabilities of not meeting strength-based guidelines, low fruit/vegetable intake, some sleep problems; marginally higher probability of meeting aerobic guidelines; 41%) had poorer general and physical HRQOL. The "poor physical activity and diet" class (higher probabilities of not meeting aerobic/strength-based guidelines, low fruit/vegetable intake, and some sleep problems; 48%) had poorer general, physical, and mental HRQOL. Few participants exhibited healthy lifestyle patterns associated with HRQOL. The findings provide opportunities to develop differentiated multiple behavior-change interventions, targeted to two common patterns of behavior. A large subgroup of cancer survivors was susceptible to suboptimal physical activity and diet, warranting interventions exclusively targeting these behaviors. Another subgroup was susceptible to suboptimal physical activity, diet, and sleep, indicating interventions for this group should include strategies targeting these three behaviors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The pandemic has affected over 182 million coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases worldwide. Accumulated evidence indicates that anosmia is one of the significant characteristics of COVID-19 with a high prevalence. However, many aspects of COVID-19-induced anosmia are still far from being fully understood. The purpose of this review is to summarize recent developments in COVID-19-induced anosmia to increase awareness of the condition. Methods: A literature search was carried out using the PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Scopus. We reviewed the latest literature on COVID-19-induced anosmia, including mechanisms of pathogenesis, olfactory testing, anosmia as predictive tool, pathological examinations, imaging findings, affected factors, co-existing diseases, treatments, prognosis, hypothesis theories, and future directions. Results: The possible pathogenesis of COVID-19-induced anosmia may involve inflammation of the olfactory clefts and damage to the olfactory epithelium or olfactory central nervous system by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The D614G spike variant may also play a role in the increased number of anosmia patients. Anosmia may also be an essential indicator of COVID-19 spread and an early indicator of the effectiveness of political decisions. The occurrence and development of COVID-19-induced anosmia may be influenced by smoking behaviors and underlying diseases such as type 2 diabetes, gastroesophageal disorders, and rhinitis. Most patients with COVID-19-induced anosmia can fully or partially recover their olfactory function for varying durations. COVID-19-induced anosmia can be treated with various approaches such as glucocorticoids and olfactory training. Conclusion: Anosmia is one of the main features of COVID-19 and the underlying disease of the patient may also influence its occurrence and development. The possible pathogenesis of COVID-19-induced anosmia is very complicated, which may involve inflammation of the olfactory clefts and damage to the olfactory epithelium or olfactory central nervous system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study compares two methods (a self-administered paper survey and a face-to-face interview) of collecting information about personal risk behaviours important for studies of HIV and other blood-borne pathogen transmissions in a developing country. In the framework of an epidemiological study conducted among 2504 donors in the Blood Center at the Ministry of Health, Mongolia, 2250 participants completed a short paper survey and 923 participants were interviewed concerning risk factors for hepatitis infections. A total of 669 individuals completed both surveys. McNemar's test and Kappa statistics were used to compare responses from both types of questionnaire. Kappa coefficients for health-care factors ranged from 0.57 (injection outside of hospital) to 0.81 (previous blood donation). Alcohol use and smoking were both reported more often in the interview than in the survey; the kappa coefficient was lowest (0.61) for alcohol use. While the prevalence of these behaviours depended on the mode of data collection, the association between behaviour and an outcome, hepatitis B surface antigen, was not substantially different between the two data collection methods. The results indicate that misclassification of risk behaviours is likely regardless of data collection method. However, in this study we found that biased estimates of prevalence likely did not substantially bias the estimates of association between risk factors and blood-borne infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reviews the global evidence concerning infant low birth weight (LBW) (2.500kg and below) in relation to suggested causative factors, such as undernutrition, stress, smoking, drug abuse and deprived living environments. In addition, health promotion strategies in place to reduce LBW incidence in both developed and underdeveloped countries are reviewed.The paper also focuses on the high incidence of LBW in the UK in comparison to other European and developed countries. Predictors of LBW are then considered comparing findings of a study conducted in the UK with findings in underdeveloped countries. In addition, LBW risk is discussed in the context of vulnerability factors, such as teen pregnancy, child abuse and domestic violence.In conclusion, the author argues for a health promotion policy in the UK to reduce incidence of LBW in areas of deprivation and suggests that the improvement of maternal health is key in improving the health of today’s infants and children who will one day become the adults of tomorrow. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The editorial discusses the increase in cases of acute necrotising ulcerating gingivitis (ANUG) in Liverpool and explores the potential connection to the use of electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS or e-cigarettes) and social media. It highlights the rising prevalence of vaping among young people in the UK and globally, as well as the concerns about the health impact of e-cigarettes and their potential to lead to tobacco smoking. The editorial also discusses the oral health impact of vaping, including increased rates of periodontitis and caries risk. It raises the question of whether orthodontists should incorporate screening for e-cigarette use and provide advice about the risks and quitting in their clinics and practices. [Extracted from the article]

Some existing confidence interval methods and hypothesis testing methods in the analysis of a contingency table with incomplete observations in both margins entirely depend on an underlying assumption that the sampling distribution of the observed counts is a product of independent multinomial/binomial distributions for complete and incomplete counts. However, it can be shown that this independency assumption is incorrect and can result in unreliable conclusions because of the under-estimation of the uncertainty. Therefore, the first objective of this paper is to derive the valid joint sampling distribution of the observed counts in a contingency table with incomplete observations in both margins. The second objective is to provide a new framework for analyzing incomplete contingency tables based on the derived joint sampling distribution of the observed counts by developing a Fisher scoring algorithm to calculate maximum likelihood estimates of parameters of interest, the bootstrap confidence interval methods, and the bootstrap testing hypothesis methods. We compare the differences between the valid sampling distribution and the sampling distribution under the independency assumption. Simulation studies showed that average/expected confidence-interval widths of parameters based on the sampling distribution under the independency assumption are shorter than those based on the new sampling distribution, yielding unrealistic results. A real data set is analyzed to illustrate the application of the new sampling distribution for incomplete contingency tables and the analysis results again confirm the conclusions obtained from the simulation studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article describes the Observed Smoking Behavior Project, which is an experiential service-learning project at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Topics mentioned include the project's goal to address student pedagogical competencies, data collection sites for the project from April to June 2015, and suggestions for master of public health programs that consider creating a student data collection project in epidemiology classes.

Background: In Ontario, Canada, patients who lack decision-making capacity and have no family or friends to act as substitute decision-makers currently rely on the Office of the Public Guardian and Trustee to consent to long-term care (nursing home) placement, but they have no legal representative for other placement decisions. Objectives: We highlight the current gap in legislation for difficult transition cases involving unrepresented patients and provide a novel framework for who ought to assist with making these decisions and how these decisions ought to be made. Research design: This paper considers models advanced by Volpe and Steinman with regard to who ought to make placement decisions for unrepresented patients, as well as current ethical models for analyzing how these decisions should be made. Participants and research context: We describe an anonymized healthcare transition case to illustrate the fact that there is no legally recognized decision-maker for placement destinations other than long-term care facilities and to show how this impacts all stakeholders. Ethical considerations: The case provided is an anonymized vignette representing a typical transition case involving an unrepresented patient. Findings: As a result of a gap in provincial legislation, healthcare providers usually determine the appropriate placement destination without a clear framework to guide the process and this can cause significant moral distress. Discussion: We argue for a team decision-making approach in the short term, and a legislative change in the long-term, to respect the patient voice, evaluate benefit and risk, enhance collaboration between healthcare providers and patients, and promote social justice. We believe that our approach, which draws upon the strengths of interprofessional teams, will be of interest to all who are concerned with the welfare and ethical treatment of the patients for whom they care. Conclusions: One of the main strengths of our recommendation is that it provides all members of the healthcare team (including nurses, social workers, therapists, and others) an increased opportunity to advocate on behalf of unrepresented patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Considerable evidence supports the premise that higher levels of education lead to enhanced health, including protective health behaviors. This paper focuses on how education affects one health behavior known to lead to enhanced health: the cessation of smoking. In particular, the authors examine the extent to which education influences the decision by middle-aged adults to quit smoking following a heart attack, a potentially life-threatening health event. We first hypothesize that middle-aged adults with more formal education will stop smoking more readily than people with less formal education following the experience of a heart attack. Second, we ask what other factors might underlie and explain that hypothesized effect. Using longitudinal data, the authors track changes in individual smoking behaviors after a heart attack among preretirement-age Americans. We control for documented correlates of smoking and heart attack plus other factors associated with education, heart attack, and smoking that may also influence whether a person quits smoking. In addition to confirming evidence on the education-health association as well as the documented connection between heart attack and smoking cessation, this study provides a surprising twist on those links: Our results show that the move to quit smoking following the experience of a heart attack among middle-aged adults is significantly and dramatically moderated by their level of educational attainment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]