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The baculovirus expression vector system (BEVS) has been widely used to produce recombinant proteins because of several advantages, such as eukaryotic post-translational modifications similar to those in mammalian cells, high expression levels and safety, and large gene capacity. Usually, insect cell culture requires 5%‒10% fetal bovine serum, which has many adverse effects, including high cost, heterogeneity between batches, complex composition, and pollution risks. Therefore, serum-free medium (SFM) is indispensable for the production of recombinant proteins in insect cell culture. Here, the most commonly used insect cell lines and three insect cell media, namely basic medium, SFM, and chemically defined medium, are summarized. The basic components of insect cell SFM are similar to those of other cells but contain special components. The components, functions, and issues of different SFM used for insect cell culture are reviewed. In recent years, some special additives have been demonstrated to increase recombinant protein expression yield and quality in BEVS, and the functions and possible mechanisms of small-molecule additives are reviewed herein. Finally, future perspectives of SFM used in BEVS for recombinant protein production are discussed., (© 2024 International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.)

Objectives: To determine whether spatial auditory cues provided by cochlear implants can improve postural balance in adults with severe deafness., Methods: In the presence of spatial white noise, 13 adult cochlear implantees wore head and lumbar-mounted inertial sensors while standing in the dark for 30 seconds in two auditory conditions: hearing assistive devices on and off., Results: Stability was improved with implants on (aided condition) compared to off (unaided condition) with respect to differences in mean head velocity (Cohen's d = 0.912, P = 0.006) as well as to root mean square (RMS) acceleration (Cohen's d = 0.456, P = 0.048). This was particularly evident in measures of anteroposterior accelerations (mean difference = 0.034 m/s 2 ; Cohen's d = 0.612; P = 0.011)., Conclusion: The decrease in RMS head acceleration and velocity while wearing cochlear implants suggests that they could be recognized as balance implants in addition to auditory implants. The clinical importance of this finding in various patient populations remains to be determined., Level of Evidence: 4. Laryngoscope, 128:1676-1680, 2018., (© 2017 The American Laryngological, Rhinological and Otological Society, Inc.)

Issue Addressed: Food availability affects eating habits, and in the Australian context, refers to the numbers and locations of food retail and food service outlets and the types and range of foods in those outlets. The aim of this study was to assess the community and consumer food environment in three small rural towns in New South Wales, Australia.Methods: Geographical analyses were used to measure the diversity, variety and locations of food outlets (community food environment); and checklists were used to assess the availability of selected indicator foods within food outlets (consumer food environment).Results: Supermarkets provided access to the full range of healthy indicator foods, with convenience stores selling a more limited set of healthy food items. There were high numbers of take-away food outlets in each town that had no, or a limited number of, healthy food items. Energy-dense, nutrient-poor foods such as soft drinks and potato crisps were readily available across all food retail outlets in all towns.Conclusion: This study illustrates a valid, reliable and practical way of systematically describing food availability at a local level. The findings emphasise the ubiquity of energy-dense, nutrient-poor foods, and suggest that interventions to promote the availability of healthier food items in take-away food outlets are required. Further research is required to assess other factors which may affect residents' food access, such as cost and transport. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Issue Addressed: Many children consume excessive amounts of energy-dense, nutrient-poor (EDNP) or 'extra' foods and low intakes of fruit and vegetables. The aim of this study was to examine the associations between EDNP foods and ascertain whether certain EDNP foods and beverages are more likely to be eaten in association with other EDNP foods.Methods: A cross-sectional representative population survey of children in preschool (n=764), and of school students in Years K, 2 and 4 (n=1,560) and in Years 6, 8 and 10 (n=1,685) residing in the Hunter New England region of New South Wales, Australia. Dietary data were collected using a short food frequency questionnaire. Multivariate logistic regression models examined the association between EDNP foods and fruit and vegetable intake. Data were stratified by sex and age cohort.Results: More frequent consumption of some EDNP food types was significantly associated with more frequent consumption of other EDNP foods. Fast food and soft drinks consumption were associated with each other as well as with fried potato and salty snacks; and with lower intakes of fruit and vegetables in some but not all age groups.Conclusion: The positive associations found between EDNP foods point towards the existence of a high-risk group of children who frequently consume a variety of EDNP foods and drinks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Issue Addressed: Organised sport provides an important setting for health promotion. Peak sporting organisations have a role in assisting and overseeing sports clubs, including providing funding opportunities. As such, sponsorship of these organisations may influence the funding of community sport. This study aimed to describe the nature and scope of peak sporting organisations' sponsorship, and particularly food and beverage company sponsors.Methods: An analysis of national and state sporting organisations'websites for the nine most popular sports for children and from four Australian states and territories was conducted using a structured survey tool. Information collected included the number and type of sponsors and sponsorship policies.The nature of food and beverage sponsors was defined as more healthy or less healthy using criteria from a Delphi survey.Results: 443 sponsors were identified across 55 websites. Overall, 9% of sponsors were food companies and 3% were alcohol manufacturers. The majority of food companies (63%) and alcohol manufacturers (100%) did not meet criteria as healthy sponsors.Conclusions: Sponsorship of peak sporting organisations is widespread and consists of a relatively high proportion of alcohol manufacturers and food companies, some of which produce products considered to be unhealthy.This sponsorship may influence community sport through sponsored sporting programs or by indicating sponsors' acceptability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The innate immune system serves as the body's first line of defense, utilizing pattern recognition receptors like Toll‐like receptors to detect pathogens and initiate rapid response mechanisms. Following this initial response, adaptive immunity provides highly specific and sustained killing of pathogens via B cells, T cells, and antibodies. Traditionally, it has been assumed that innate immunity activates adaptive immunity; however, recent studies have revealed more complex interactions. This review provides a detailed dissection of the composition and function of the innate and adaptive immune systems, emphasizing their synergistic roles in physiological and pathological contexts, providing new insights into the link between these two forms of immunity. Precise regulation of both immune systems at the same time is more beneficial in the fight against immune‐related diseases, for example, the cGAS–STING pathway has been found to play an important role in infections and cancers. In addition, this paper summarizes the challenges and future directions in the field of immunity, including the latest single‐cell sequencing technologies, CAR‐T cell therapy, and immune checkpoint inhibitors. By summarizing these developments, this review aims to enhance our understanding of the complexity interactions between innate and adaptive immunity and provides new perspectives in understanding the immune system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study investigates patients' medication‐taking routines and the feasibility of harnessing habit formation through context cues and rewards to improve medication adherence. Methods: Semistructured qualitative interviews with patients with gout from an urban health care system were conducted to explore typical medication‐taking behavior, experiences using electronic pill bottles, barriers to adherence, existing context cues, and potential cues and rewards for habit‐forming behavior. Medication‐taking patterns were recorded for six weeks using electronic pill bottles before interviews to inform discussion. Transcribed interviews were analyzed to generate themes using codes developed by the study team, with representative quotations selected as illustrations. Results: We conducted interviews with 15 individuals (mean age 60.6 [SD 20.3] years, three women [20%], and nine White patients [60%]). Pill bottle–recorded adherence to urate‐lowering therapy (ULT) was high (mean 0.91 [SD 0.10]), and one patient was experiencing an active gout flare. Five key themes emerged: (1) reasons for nonadherence, (2) internal and external motivations for adherence, (3) structured routines around taking medications, (4) rewards for good medication adherence, and (5) the role of pill cap technology in medication‐taking. Conclusion: The importance of a predictable, structured routine in which participants could incorporate their medication‐taking behavior emerged as a key factor that promoted consistent adherence. Further, identifying context cues and reminders seemed to promote incorporation of medication‐taking into routines. Therefore, habit‐based interventions that use context cues to establish routines around medication‐taking may be a feasible strategy to improve adherence in patients with chronic conditions such as gout. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Secretory and membrane-bound proteins are generally produced in lower amounts in insect cells compared with cytoplasmic and nuclear proteins. There may be many reasons for this, including degradation of recombinant proteins by proteases, competition for cellular resources between native and recombinant proteins, and physical blockage of the secretory pathways. In the present study, we describe the construction of a baculovirus in which chiA (chitinase) and cath (cathepsin) genes have been deleted and show improved recombinant protein expression using this vector. We confirmed the complete removal of both genes by PCR, restriction enzyme analysis and enzyme assays, and the modified virus DNA was shown to be stable in bacterial cells over multiple passages. A selection of recombinant genes were inserted into the double-deletion virus and their expression levels compared with recombinant viruses that had single or no gene deletions. In all instances, the double-deletion viruses showed greatly enhanced levels of protein production for both secreted and nuclear/cytoplasmic proteins. In summary, we have conclusively demonstrated the importance of this deletion vector for the high-level production of recombinant proteins.

This study tested the lower boundary of the dosage required to garner health benefits from written emotional expression. Participants wrote about either a personal trauma, a positive life experience, or a control topic for 2 minutes each day for 2 days. Emotion word usage in the essays was examined and physical health complaints were measured 4-6 weeks after the last writing session. Trauma and positive experience essays contained more emotional content than the control essays and such content was of a similar percentage to that demonstrated by past research. Both the trauma and the positive experience conditions reported fewer health complaints at follow-up than the control condition.

Between 2012 and 2024, a prolonged outbreak of 73 cases of L. monocytogenes ST173 infections ('My2' ‐cluster) has been ongoing in Belgium (5), Czechia (1), Germany (39), Finland (2), Italy (1), the Netherlands (20), and the United Kingdom (UK) (5). Fourteen deaths have been recorded as associated with this outbreak. Males aged over 60 years represent the most affected population group. Most patients with available information from case interviews report consuming various fish products before illness. Among 73 cases, an ongoing 'My2' sub‐cluster 1 was identified with 38 cases reported in six EU countries and the UK. The 'My2' sub‐cluster 1 includes 83 non‐human isolates, of which 48 are food isolates and six are environmental isolates with traceability data corresponding to 37 fish products (different typologies) and 12 fish manufacturers (located in six EU countries and one third country). The epidemiological and traceability information did not allow identification of a single common point or food business operator in the traceability of all products. Five countries reported the implementation of control measures. The whole genome analysis (WGS) analysis, the tracing evidence, and the detection in fish products between 2017 and 2024 suggest that the strain has been geographically spread in Europe for several years, most likely originated from a past single source high up in the production chain, and has been established in different fish processing plants. Overall, the evidence supports the hypothesis of fish products as the vehicle of infections. Given the detection of the outbreak strain in multiple types of fish products and its wide circulation in the EU/EEA fish production chain, new cases are likely to be reported. Corrective measures should be implemented in the plants where the contamination is detected, and further investigations should be carried out to identify the point of entry and prevent possible re‐contamination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: To examine the variation in the content of ecstasy tablets seized in the north-west of England during 2001 and to compare it to the UK average from 1991 to 2001., Measurements: All tablets submitted to the Forensic Science Service in the north-west of England during 2001 were analysed by high performance liquid chromatography with diode array detection (HPLC-DAD). The mean MDMA content of these tablets are reported and compared to results from all Forensic Science Service laboratories in the United Kingdom from 1991 to 2001. Multiple samples (n= 80) from a single large seizure of White Dove tablets were analysed to determine the variation due to manufacturing., Findings: All tablets submitted from the north-west of England to the Forensic Science Service in 2001 were found to contain 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) and some also contained 3,4-methylenedioxyethamphetamine (MDEA). The MDMA content of these tablets ranged from 20 to 109 mg and the mean was in the 60-69 mg range. Mitsubishi tablets were the most common type and they were found across the whole range. The low variation of MDMA content in the White Dove tablets suggests that these tablets were well manufactured. The data from the north-west of England in 2001 are in agreement with tablet analyses over the past 10 years which show that the average MDMA content is falling., Conclusions: The amount of MDMA in ecstasy tablets is axiomatic to the discussion of their long-term effects. In order for the observed differences in ecstasy users to be the result of MDMA-induced neurotoxicity it is necessary for them to have ingested one or more neurotoxic doses. These data indicate that the amount of MDMA in ecstasy tablets is dropping and that dose-effect relationships need to take this into account.

This article discusses the results of a study on the use of the immune checkpoint inhibitor durvalumab in patients with triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). The study found that higher levels of CD4+ T cells before treatment and an expansion of γδ T cells during treatment were associated with a better response to durvalumab. The study also examined changes in immune cell composition during treatment and found that a decrease in certain immune cell populations and an increase in γδ T cells correlated with a higher rate of pathological complete response (pCR) to durvalumab. The authors suggest that these findings could potentially be used as biomarkers to predict patient response to durvalumab, but further research is needed to validate these results. [Extracted from the article]

Aims: Chronic alcohol exposure leads to persistent neurological disorders, which are mainly attributed to neuroinflammation and apoptosis. Stimulator of IFN genes (STING) is essential in the cytosolic DNA sensing pathway and is involved in inflammation and cellular death processes. This study was to examine the expression pattern and biological functions of STING signaling in alcohol use disorder (AUD). Methods: Cell‐free DNA was extracted from human and mouse plasma. C57BL/6J mice were given alcohol by gavage for 28 days, and behavior tests were used to determine their mood and cognition. Cultured cells were treated with ethanol for 24 hours. The STING agonist DMXAA, STING inhibitor C‐176, and STING‐siRNA were used to intervene the STING. qPCR, western blot, and immunofluorescence staining were used to assess STING signaling, inflammation, and apoptosis. Results: Circulating cell‐free mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) was increased in individuals with AUD and mice chronically exposed to alcohol. Upregulation of STING signaling under alcohol exposure led to inflammatory responses in BV2 cells and mitochondrial apoptosis in PC12 cells. DMXAA exacerbated alcohol‐induced cognitive impairment and increased the activation of microglia, neuroinflammation, and apoptosis in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), while C‐176 exerted neuroprotection. Conclusion: Activation of STING signaling played an essential role in alcohol‐induced inflammation and mitochondrial apoptosis in the mPFC. This study identifies STING as a promising therapeutic target for AUD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An electrolyte destined for use in a dual‐ion battery (DIB) must be stable at the inherently high potential required for anion intercalation in the graphite electrode, while also protecting the Al current collector from anodic dissolution. A higher salt concentration is needed in the electrolyte, in comparison to typical battery electrolytes, to maximize energy density, while ensuring acceptable ionic conductivity and operational safety. In recent years, studies have demonstrated that highly concentrated organic electrolytes, ionic liquids, gel polymer electrolytes (GPEs), ionogels, and water‐in‐salt electrolytes can potentially be used in DIBs. GPEs can help reduce the use of solvents and thus lead to a substantial change in the Coulombic efficiency, energy density, and long‐term cycle life of DIBs. Furthermore, GPEs are suited to manufacture compact DIB designs without separators by virtue of their mechanical strength and electrical performance. In this review, we highlight the latest advances in the application of different electrolytes in DIBs, with particular emphasis on GPEs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cannabinoids have emerged as a potential treatment for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). This systematic review aimed to summarize the efficacy and safety of cannabinoids to treat OSA. Databases including Ovid MEDLINE, EMBASE, Scopus, PsycINFO, and International Pharmaceutical Abstracts were searched; experimental and observational studies were eligible for inclusion. One-hundred seventy unique records were screened, and nine studies included: five full-text studies and four published abstracts. The five full-text studies were judged for quality appraisal: two studies deemed at low risk for bias, one study deemed to have some concerns for bias, and two studies deemed to have high risk for bias. Seven of nine total studies were experimental designs and evaluated dronabinol, and the other two studies were observational designs evaluating cannabis. The range of cannabinoid therapy duration spanned from 1 to 6 weeks, and the median duration was 3 weeks. Eight of nine total studies reported statistically significant, positive OSA outcomes due to cannabinoid therapy including reductions in the apnea hypopnea index and improvements in patient-reported daytime sleepiness scales. Between 70% and 80% of study participants reported neuropsychiatric and gastrointestinal adverse events attributable to cannabinoids. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine does not recommend using cannabinoids to treat OSA due to a lack of long-term safety and efficacy data. This systematic review found similar limitations, with the median cannabinoid treatment duration being only 3 weeks. Adequately powered experimental trials over longer time frames are necessary to more completely assess the long-term efficacy and safety of cannabinoids in the treatment of OSA and its effects on common comorbid conditions, such as obesity and cardiovascular disease., (© 2024 Pharmacotherapy Publications, Inc.)

Introduction: We retrospectively studied the societal value of lost health due to alcohol use and compared it with excise taxes on alcohol sales for India in 2019., Methods: We estimated the overall alcohol-attributable disease burden using disability-adjusted life-years (DALY) for India and its 30 states for all causes with alcohol use as a risk factor from the GBD 2019 Study. The societal value of lost health was calculated using value of life-year (VLY) approach by multiplying region-specific factors from 'Global Health 2035', 2019-2020 GDP per capita and DALYs. We acquired the national and state-level (top 10 states) alcohol sales excise taxes from the Reserve Bank of India. Net losses were assessed by subtracting the revenue collected from excise taxes from VLY. All values are in Indian rupees (INR)., Results: The societal value of health lost due to alcohol use in India was 6.2 (95% uncertainty interval 4.8, 7.8) trillion INR in 2019. The absolute state-level values varied from 7.3 (4.7, 10.4) billion INR in Mizoram to 1.1 (0.8, 1.4) trillion INR in Maharashtra. The per capita values ranged from 950.2 (642.9, 1285.3) INR for Bihar to 61,332 (39,273.7, 87,288.5) INR for Mizoram. Nationally, excise tax collection from alcohol sales was 1.8 trillion INR depicting a net loss of 4.4 (3.1, 6.0) trillion. Maharashtra had the largest absolute and per capita net loss., Discussion and Conclusions: These are novel estimates depicting the net losses due to alcohol use in India with direct policy implications to disincentivise sales and adequately raise taxes., (© 2024 Australasian Professional Society on Alcohol and other Drugs.)

Aims: This systematic review and meta‐regression aimed to examine available literature reporting measures of physical function, anxiety, and/or depression and whether any relationships exist between these measures in individuals with Parkinson's disease. Methods: MEDLINE, CINAHL, AMED, and APA PsychInfo databases were systematically searched. Screening, quality assessment, and data extraction were completed alongside meta‐regression analysis. Results: Of 1175 studies retrieved, 40 were selected for analysis with only one study assessing the relationship between physical and psychological outcomes within their cohort. A total of 27 studies were also eligible for meta‐regression analysis—a total sample of 1211 participants. Meta‐regressions of five combinations of paired physical and psychological outcomes showed a significant moderating effect of symptoms of depression (Beck Depression Inventory) on mobility (Timed‐Up‐and‐Go test; coefficient = 0.37, 95% CI 0.09 to 0.65, p = 0.012) and balance (Berg Balance Score) scores (coefficient = −1.25, 95% CI −1.77 to −0.73, p < 0.001). Conclusion: Although physical and psychological outcomes of interest were used in all included studies, only one examined their relationship. Our analysis suggests that symptoms of depression may influence measures of mobility and balance. Specifically, as the severity of symptoms of depression increases, performance on measures of mobility and balance worsens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

γδ T cells are a unique subset of T lymphocytes, exhibiting features of both innate and adaptive immune cells and are involved with cancer immunosurveillance. They present an attractive alternative to conventional T cell‐based immunotherapy due, in large part, to their lack of major histocompatibility (MHC) restriction and ability to secrete high levels of cytokines with well‐known anti‐tumour functions. To date, clinical trials using γδ T cell‐based immunotherapy for a range of haematological and solid cancers have yielded limited success compared with in vitro studies. This inability to translate the efficacy of γδ T‐cell therapies from preclinical to clinical trials is attributed to a combination of several factors, e.g. γδ T‐cell agonists that are commonly used to stimulate populations of these cells have limited cellular uptake yet rely on intracellular mechanisms; administered γδ T cells display low levels of tumour‐infiltration; and there is a gap in the understanding of γδ T‐cell inhibitory receptors. This review explores the discrepancy between γδ T‐cell clinical and preclinical performance and offers viable avenues to overcome these obstacles. Using more direct γδ T‐cell agonists, encapsulating these agonists into lipid nanocarriers to improve their pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profiles and the use of combination therapies to overcome checkpoint inhibition and T‐cell exhaustion are ways to bridge the gap between preclinical and clinical success. Given the ability to overcome these limitations, the development of a more targeted γδ T‐cell agonist‐checkpoint blockade combination therapy has the potential for success in clinical trials which has to date remained elusive. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Digestive tract cancers (DTC) belong to the most investigated family of tumors. The incidence, prevalence, and mortality rate of DTC remain high, especially for patients with pancreatic cancer. Even though immunotherapy such as immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) have revolutionized the treatment of solid cancer types, ICI are still restricted to a very small group of patients and seem to be more efficacious in combination with chemotherapy. Cellular immunotherapy such as CAR T‐cell therapy has entered clinical routine in hematological malignancies with outstanding results. There is growing interest on translating this kind of immunotherapy and success into patients with solid malignancies, such as DTC. This review attempts to describe the major advances in preclinical and clinical research with CAR T cells in DTC, considering the most relevant hurdles in each subtype of DTC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Recent development of methods to discover and engineer therapeutic T‐cell receptors (TCRs) or antibody mimics of TCRs, and to understand their immunology and pharmacology, lag two decades behind therapeutic antibodies. Yet we have every expectation that TCR‐based agents will be similarly important contributors to the treatment of a variety of medical conditions, especially cancers. TCR engineered cells, soluble TCRs and their derivatives, TCR‐mimic antibodies, and TCR‐based CAR T cells promise the possibility of highly specific drugs that can expand the scope of immunologic agents to recognize intracellular targets, including mutated proteins and undruggable transcription factors, not accessible by traditional antibodies. Hurdles exist regarding discovery, specificity, pharmacokinetics, and best modality of use that will need to be overcome before the full potential of TCR‐based agents is achieved. HLA restriction may limit each agent to patient subpopulations and off‐target reactivities remain important barriers to widespread development and use of these new agents. In this review we discuss the unique opportunities for these new classes of drugs, describe their unique antigenic targets, compare them to traditional antibody therapeutics and CAR T cells, and review the various obstacles that must be overcome before full application of these drugs can be realized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Key Clinical Message: Listeria monocytogenes is an important pathogen in older patients and immunosuppressed patients, often causing bacteremia. Complications resulting from infections other than COVID‐19 must also be considered during COVID‐19 treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Alphabaculoviruses are Lepidoptera‐specific virulent pathogens that infect numerous pests, including the Spodoptera complex. Due to their low environmental persistence, the traditional use of Alphabaculoviruses as bioinsecticides consist in high‐rate spray applications with repeated treatments. Several abiotic and biotic factors can foster its dispersion, promoting their persistence in the agroecosystem. Amongst biotic factors, predatory arthropods can disperse the viruses by excretion after preying on infected individuals. Therefore, this study focused on promoting predator's ingestion of nucleopolyhedrovirus (NPV)‐treated diets, and the later exposition of the insect host to leaf surfaces contaminated with predator excreta. The virus–host–predator system studied was Spodoptera littoralis nucleopolyhedrovirus (SpliNPV), Spodoptera littoralis (Boisduval) and Nesidiocoris tenuis (Reuter). The infective potential of N. tenuis feces and the retention time of SpliNPV were assessed under laboratory conditions after feeding on treated diets (sucrose solution and Ephestia kuehniella eggs). Results: Mortality of S. littoralis larvae was lower via N. tenuis excretion than in positive control (spray application) in the first infection cycle, together with a delay in host death. In the second infection cycle, both SpliNPV‐treated diets triggered 100% mortality. Both diets allowed the transmission of SpliNPV, with a faster excretion via sucrose solution compared to E. kuehniella eggs. SpliNPV remained in N. tenuis digestive tract and was viable after excretion at least for 9 days for both diets. Conclusions: This study demonstrated the potential of the predator N. tenuis as inoculative agent of baculoviruses, representing a new alternative that, along with inundative applications, might contribute to improve pest management strategies. © 2023 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims: There is a need for high utility and portability, and cost‐effective technologies that are suitable for assessing dual‐task gait after experiencing a concussion. Current technologies utilized such as 3D motion capture and force plates are too complex and expensive for most practitioners. The aim of this study was to quantify the variability of dual‐task walking gait parameters using in‐shoe inertial sensors in nonconcussed individuals. Methods: This was a randomized within‐subject repeated measures design conducted within a sports laboratory. Twenty healthy, uninjured, nonconcussed participants were recruited for this study. Gait variables of interest were measured across three 2‐min continuous walking protocols (12 m, 30 m, 1 min out and back) while performing a cognitive task of counting backward in sevens from a randomly generated number between 300 and 500. Testing was completed over three occasions separated by 7 days, for a total of nine walking trials. Participants completed the testing protocols in a randomized, individual order. The primary outcome was to determine the variability of dual‐task walking gait parameters using in‐shoe inertial sensors in nonconcussed individuals across three protocols. Results: Three to four participants were allocated to each randomized protocol order. Regarding the absolute consistency (coefficient of variation [CV]) between testing occasions, no gait measure was found to have variability above 6.5%. Relative consistency (intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC]) was acceptable (>0.70) in 95% of the variables of interest, with only three variables < 0.70. Similar variability was found across the three testing protocols. Conclusion: In‐shoe inertial sensors provide a viable option for monitoring gait parameters. This technology is also reliable across different testing distances, thus offering various testing options for practitioners. Further research needs to be conducted to examine the variability with concussed subjects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: People living with Parkinson's disease (PD) have a high risk for falls. Objective: To examine gaps in falls prevention targeting people with PD as part of the Task Force on Global Guidelines for Falls in Older Adults. Methods: A Delphi consensus process was used to identify specific recommendations for falls in PD. The current narrative review was conducted as educational background with a view to identifying gaps in fall prevention. Results: A recent Cochrane review recommended exercises and structured physical activities for PD; however, the types of exercises and activities to recommend and PD subgroups likely to benefit require further consideration. Freezing of gait, reduced gait speed, and a prior history of falls are risk factors for falls in PD and should be incorporated in assessments to identify fall risk and target interventions. Multimodal and multi‐domain fall prevention interventions may be beneficial. With advanced or complex PD, balance and strength training should be administered under supervision. Medications, particularly cholinesterase inhibitors, show promise for falls prevention. Identifying how to engage people with PD, their families, and health professionals in falls education and implementation remains a challenge. Barriers to the prevention of falls occur at individual, environmental, policy, and health system levels. Conclusion: Effective mitigation of fall risk requires specific targeting and strategies to reduce this debilitating and common problem in PD. While exercise is recommended, the types and modalities of exercise and how to combine them as interventions for different PD subgroups (cognitive impairment, freezing, advanced disease) need further study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: New perspectives on rehabilitation options for inner ear malformations have still been studied in the literature. This study investigated the cognitive, language, and motor skills of auditory brainstem implant (ABI) users in unimodal and bimodal groups. Methods: The motor competency of the participants was assessed with Bruininks–Oseretsky Motor Proficiency Test‐2 Short Form (BOT2 SF). Language performance was evaluated by the test of Early Language Development‐3 and Speech Intelligibility Rating. Word identification, sentence recognition tests, and Categories of Auditory Performance were used to assess auditory perception skills. To examine the cognitive performance, Cancellation Test and Gesell Copy Form were administered. All the tests were conducted in a quiet environment without any distractions. Results: The participants were divided into two groups: (1) 17 children in the unimodal group and (2) 11 children in the bimodal (who used a cochlear implant on one side and ABI on the other side) group. There were significant correlations between the chronological age of participants and BOT2 SF total score, cancellation tests, auditory perception tests, and language performance. Similarly, there were significant correlations between the duration of ABI use and auditory perception tests, language performance, cancellation test, and some BOT2 SF subtests (r = −0.47 to −0.60, p <.001). There was no significant difference between the unimodal and bimodal groups in any task (p >.05). However, there were moderate‐to‐strong correlations among the auditory perception tests, cancellation test, language test, and BOT2 SF total score and subtests (r = 0.40 to 0.55, p <.05). Conclusion: Although there were no significant differences between bimodal and unimodal groups, a holistic approach, which indicates that hearing and balance issues can have broader impacts on a person's physical, emotional, social, and psychological aspects, should be used in the assessment process. Level of Evidence: Level 4. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Granuloviruses are insect viruses commonly used as biological insecticides for pest control in agriculture. Most pest control programs rely on the most virulent strains and doses to cause acute mortality events. However, we hypothesize that sublethal infections are key to maintaining persistent epidemics that regulate pest populations in the long‐term. The tomato leafminer (TLM), Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) (= Phthorimaea absoluta Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae), is one of the most limiting pests of greenhouse and field tomatoes. Previous efforts have identified a strain of Phthorimaea operculella granulovirus (PhopGV), coded VG013, associated with field populations of the TLM, which causes significant acute mortalities and is being used as active ingredient of a biological insecticide. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of sublethal infections and transmission mechanisms of PhopGV‐VG013 on TLM populations. Six viral doses were tested for their virulence and effects on TLM development rate, and intrinsic population growth rate. A sublethal dose was selected to compare the density‐dependent mortality of TLM populations and vertical transmission was examined by testing for PhopGV in the offspring of surviving infected individuals. Horizontal transmission was assessed by testing for PhopGV in frass of infected larvae, and the infection of virus‐free larvae confined with infected larvae in the same leaf. We found that sublethal doses of PhopGV have slight effects on TLM population growth rates, and none on the strength of density‐dependent mortality. Although we found for the first time that PhopGV‐VG013 is transmitted to approximately 7.5% of the offspring of individuals that survive the virus challenge, we found no evidence suggesting horizontal transmission from sublethal infections. Our results show that sublethal infections of highly virulent ganulovirus strains may favor long‐term pathogen persistence but have a limited role in host population regulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For a searchable version of these abstracts, please visit www.acrabstracts.org. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim: Patients living with diabetes mellitus have a high burden of psychological distress such as depression and anxiety as well as impaired quality of life, which may negatively impact their adherence to medications, glucose control, and health‐related costs. This study assessed the impact of quality of life and depression on medication adherence among patients with type 2 diabetes (type 2 diabetes mellitus [T2DM]) in a tertiary care setting in Ghana Methods: The study was a cross‐sectional study involving 238 patients with diabetes aged 18 years and above. Validated tools were used to assess medication adherence, depressive symptoms, and quality of life. Structural Equation Modeling was adopted to examine the mediation effect of quality of life on the relationship between depression and medication adherence among participants. Results: The mean age of the participants was 58.82 ± 13.49, and 169 (71.0%) out of a total of 238 respondents were females. Depression had a significant direct relationship with the quality of life of respondents [aβ (95% confidence interval, CI) = −0.20 (−0.03, −0.00), p < 0.05; −0.21 (−0.41, −0.01) p < 0.05, respectively] and indirect relationship with quality of life [aβ (95% CI) = −0.01 (−0.02, −0.004) p < 0.001]. Educational status and religion both showed a significant indirect relationship with quality of life [aβ (95% CI) = 0.06 (0.07, 0.12), p < 0.05; 0.18 (0.01, 0.35) p < 0.05, respectively]. The mediating effect of quality of life on the relationship between depression and medication adherence was significant (Sobel = −3.19, p < 0.001). Conclusion: Depression, medication adherence, and quality of life were higher among older adults with T2DM. Depression was also found to have a strong negative association with both medication adherence and quality of life. Interventions to screen for depression and to improve the quality of life in patients living with diabetes are also recommended and this should go beyond the provision of standard treatments to explore further the mechanisms of this relationships. Key points: Patients living with diabetes mellitus have a high burden of psychological distress and impaired quality of life, which may negatively impact their adherence to medications, glucose control, and health‐related costs.The study found out that depression had a strong negative association with both medication adherence and quality of life.Interventions to screen for depression and to improve the quality of life which impact on medication adherence in patients living with diabetes are also recommended. This should go beyond the provision of standard treatments to explore further the mechanisms of this relationships. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: It is largely unknown whether adverse effects experienced from recreational drug use affect willingness to use again. This study determined whether adverse effects from select party drugs affect reported willingness to use again in the next month among a high‐risk population—people who attend electronic dance music parties at nightclubs or dance festivals. Methods: Adults (age ≥ 18) entering nightclubs/festivals were surveyed in New York City in 2018–2022 (n = 2981). Participants were asked about past‐month use of common party drugs (cocaine, ecstasy, lysergic acid diethylamide [LSD] and ketamine), whether they had experienced a harmful or very unpleasant effect after use in the past 30 days, and whether they intend to use again in the next 30 days if offered by a friend. The relationship between having experienced an adverse outcome and willingness to use again was examined in a bivariable and multivariable manner. Results: Experiencing an adverse effect after past‐month cocaine (adjusted prevalence ratio [aPR] = 0.58, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.35–0.95) or ecstasy use (aPR = 0.45, 95% CI 0.25–0.80) was associated with lower risk for willingness to use again. Adverse effects related to LSD use were related to lower risk of being willing to use again in the bivariable model, but in multivariable models, risk was not attenuated for willingness to use LSD or ketamine again. Discussion and Conclusions: Personally experienced adverse effects can deter willingness to use certain party drugs again in this high‐risk population. Interventions targeting cessation of recreational party drug use can likely benefit from focusing on deleterious effects of use that have been experienced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The prevalence and clinical characteristics of different etiologies of peripheral edema in dogs are unknown. Hypothesis/Objectives: To determine the prevalence of different etiologies of peripheral edema, describe clinical characteristics that vary among etiologies, and report survival times. Animals: Five hundred twenty‐seven dogs with peripheral edema. Methods: Retrospective medical record review. Differences in clinical variables among etiology groups were assessed by Kruskal‐Wallis testing with post hoc pairwise Dunn's testing and Chi‐square testing with Monte Carlo simulation. Results: The most common etiologies of peripheral edema in dogs were vasculitis (n = 193, 37%), lymphatic/venous obstruction (LVO; 114, 22%), and hypoalbuminemia (94, 18%). Right‐sided congestive heart failure (R‐CHF) was uncommon (25, 5%). Edema was localized in 377 (72%) dogs and generalized in 142 (27%) dogs, and hypoalbuminemia was more likely to cause generalized edema compared to LVO or vasculitis (P <.0001). Concurrent abdominal effusion (155, 29%) was more common than pleural (77, 15%) or pericardial (12, 2%) effusion. Abdominal and pleural effusion occurred more commonly in dogs with hypoalbuminemia or R‐CHF compared to LVO or vasculitis (P <.0001). Conclusions and Clinical Importance: Distribution of edema, concurrent cavitary effusions, and clinicopathological data can help predict the underlying etiology of peripheral edema in dogs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study examined the presence and nature of a relationship between 13 early childhood educators' mental state language (MSL) and 77 preschool children's (3‐ to 5 years) Theory of Mind (ToM). Educator language samples were elicited during two naturalistic group‐time contexts, wordless picture book storytelling and an instructional building task. MSL was coded according to a comprehensive scheme that captures facets of MSL content and quality. To account for well‐established determinants of ToM, a range of child‐ and family‐level factors were also measured. Results indicated no significant relationship between educator MSL during group level instruction and children's ToM in the preschool setting. Although these findings challenge the assumption that educators' MSL is important for children's ToM development, important future directions are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study tested dyadic processes of relational turbulence theory (RTT) in heterosexual marriages. We tested propositions 1, 2, and 5 of RTT, which propose that uncertainty about the marriage biases cognitive appraisals, and that interference from a partner heightens negative emotions, both of which culminate in relational turbulence for spouses. Guided by these propositions, husbands' and wives' (N = 510; 255 marital dyads) dyadic cognitive and emotional processes were estimated using the actor‐partner interdependence mediation model. Consistent with theoretical propositions, we found evidence for actor‐actor indirect effects; for both husbands and wives (a) the effect of spouses' relationship uncertainty on their own relational turbulence was mediated by their own biased cognitive appraisals, and (b) the effect of spouses' experienced interference on their own relational turbulence was mediated by their own anger from communicating in the marriage. However, controlling for actor‐actor indirect effects, partner‐defined processes (i.e., actor‐partner and partner‐actor indirect effects) uniquely explained husbands' and wives' relational turbulence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims: Illicit drug consumption is associated with public health effects and criminal activities. This study aimed to estimate Illicit drug consumption and annual market in the Netherlands from wastewater analysis of drug residues., Methods: Residues of cocaine, amphetamine and 3,4-methylene dioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) were measured between 2015 and 2022 in 30 Dutch wastewater treatment plants serving both rural and urban populations. These wastewater treatment plants covered 20% of the total Dutch population. The Dutch annual retail market was estimated by extrapolating consumption to the total Dutch population, back-calculating consumption volume, correcting for drug purity and street price collected in voluntary checking services, and accounting for the correlation of consumption and urbanity., Results: The per capita MDMA and cocaine consumption correlated positively with the urbanity of the wastewater treatment plant catchments with r 2 of 31% and 64%, respectively. Amphetamine did not show a significant correlation with urbanity. The three studied drugs were conservatively estimated to cover an average annual market value of 903 (95% prediction interval 829 to 987) million Euro for the studied period. Market estimations from prevalence figures and interceptions of international trade were similar., Conclusions: Illicit drug consumption in the Netherlands appears to correlate positively with urban (in contrast to rural) areas. Wastewater analysis can be used to estimate the volume and monetary value of illicit drug markets as a proof of concept., (© 2024 The Author(s). Addiction published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society for the Study of Addiction.)

Rationale, Aims and Objectives: Psychometrics of the Chinese Life Attitude Self-rating Questionnaire for Breast Cancer (LASQ-BC) has not yet been conducted in a larger sample of women with breast cancer. This study aimed to examine the reliability, validity, and sensitivity of the LASQ-BC in Chinese mainland female breast cancer patients., Method: This is a cross-sectional study. Reliability was determined by Cronbach's α and Guttman split-half coefficient. Convergent and discriminant validity were evaluated via item-subscale and item-total score correlations. Factorial validity was estimated using a principal component analysis with varimax rotation. Sensitivity was identified via Cohen's effect size (ES) and an independent sample t-test between the new and recurrent cases. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to further examine sensitivity of the LASQ-BC under the influence of newly diagnosed breast cancer (yes vs. no)., Results: A total of 429 patients completed the questionnaire. Cronbach's α of the LASQ-BC was 0.96, ranging from 0.86 to 0.92 for the four subscales (i.e., choice and responsibility, life meaning, benevolence, and life experiences). The Guttman split-half coefficient was 0.90. The hypothesised item-subscale and item-total score correlations were higher than the critical value of 0.50. Four factors were extracted from the 23 items, explaining 69.29% of the total variance. Eligible ES (range: 0.38-0.48) was found in the four subscales and total score between the new and recurrent cases (independent sample t-test), and under the influence of newly diagnosed breast cancer (yes vs. no; multiple linear regression analysis)., Conclusion: The Chinese LASQ-BC has acceptable reliability, validity, and sensitivity in women with breast cancer of mainland China. It can be used to female breast cancer patients as an invaluable metric and a crucial instrument for assessing and discerning those grappling with a suboptimal life attitude, and in gauging the efficacy of psychological interventions tailored to enhance this perspective., (© 2024 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Butyrophilin (BTN) proteins are a type of membrane protein that belongs to the Ig superfamily. They exhibit a high degree of structural similarity to molecules in the B7 family. They fulfill a complex function in regulating immune responses, including immunomodulatory roles, as they influence γδ T cells. The biology of BTN molecules indicates that they are capable of inhibiting the immune system's ability to detect antigens within tumors. A dynamic association between BTN molecules and cellular surfaces is also recognized in specific contexts, influencing their biology. Notably, the dynamism of BTN3A1 is associated with the immunosuppression of T cells or the activation of Vγ9Vδ2 T cells. Cancer immunotherapy relies heavily on T cells to modulate immune function within the intricate interaction of the tumor microenvironment (TME). A significant interaction between the TME and antitumor immunity involves the presence of BTN, which should be taken into account when developing immunotherapy. This review explores potential therapeutic applications of BTN molecules, based on the current understanding of their biology., (© 2024 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Benzodiazepines (BZDs) are the first‐line treatment of alcohol withdrawal. Comorbidity between benzodiazepine use disorder (BUD) and alcohol use disorders (AUD) is common. However, the risk factors are poorly characterized due to the paucity of available BUD screening tools. The present study aimed to rectify this by conducting an observational screening investigation for BUD in patients hospitalized for alcohol detoxification in a specialized unit. During a face‐to‐face interview, a short BUD screening tool, Echelle Cognitive d'Attachement aux benzodiazépines (ECAB), was administered to record recent patterns of BZD use, thereby allowing categorization of AUD patients as follows: non‐BZD users, BZD users without BUD, and BUD (ECAB ≥6). Clinical and sociodemographic risk factors were identified and recorded during clinical assessment and were analyzed using nonparametric bivariate tests and multinomial regression for association with BUD, with p < 0.05 for significance. Of the 150 AUD patients, 23 (15%) had comorbid BUD. Several variables were associated with ECAB score, with their independence being verified using multinomial regression, with lower risk of BUD versus BZD use, when the initial prescriber was an addiction specialist compared with a psychiatrist or a general practitioner [odds ratio (OR) = 0.12, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.14–0.75]. A higher risk of BZD use versus no use was evident when comorbid psychiatric disorders were present (OR = 9.2, 95%CI = 1.3–65). Our findings raise clinicians' awareness that in patients hospitalized for alcohol detoxification, BUD is highly prevalent but not specifically related to psychiatric disorders. BUD can be effectively screened by utilization of the ECAB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mephedrone is a representative of synthetic cathinones that is known from its rewarding and psychostimulant effects. It exerts behavioural sensitization after repeated and then interrupted administration. In our study, we investigated a role of the L‐arginine‐NO‐cGMP‐dependent signalling in the expression of sensitization to hyperlocomotion evoked by mephedrone. The study was carried out in male albino Swiss mice. The tested mice received mephedrone (2.5 mg/kg) for 5 consecutive days and on the 20th day of the experiment (the 'challenge' day) animals received both mephedrone (2.5 mg/kg) and a given substance that affects the L‐arginine‐NO‐cGMP signalling, that is, L‐arginine hydrochloride (125 or 250 mg/kg), 7‐nitroindazole (10 or 20 mg/kg), L‐NAME (25 or 50 mg/kg) or methylene blue (5 or 10 mg/kg). We observed that 7‐nitroindazole, L‐NAME and methylene blue inhibited the expression of sensitization to the mephedrone‐induced hyperlocomotion. Moreover, we demonstrated that the mephedrone‐induced sensitization is accompanied by lowered levels of D1 receptors and NR2B subunits in the hippocampus, whereas a concurrent administration of L‐arginine hydrochloride, 7‐nitroindazole and L‐NAME with the mephedrone challenge dose reversed these effects. Methylene blue only reversed the mephedrone‐induced effects on hippocampal levels of the NR2B subunit. Our study confirms that the L‐arginine‐NO‐cGMP pathway contributes to mechanisms underlying the expression of sensitization to the mephedrone‐evoked hyperlocomotion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alcohol consumption is a widespread behaviour that may eventually result in the development of alcohol use disorder (AUD). Alcohol, however, is rarely consumed in pure form but in fruit‐ or corn‐derived preparations, like beer. These preparations add other compounds to the consumption, which may critically modify alcohol intake and AUD risk. We investigated the effects of hordenine, a barley‐derived beer compound on alcohol use‐related behaviours. We found that the dopamine D2 receptor agonist hordenine (50 mg/kg) limited ongoing alcohol consumption and prophylactically diminished relapse drinking after withdrawal in mice. Although not having reinforcing effects on its own, hordenine blocked the establishment of alcohol‐induced conditioned place preference (CPP). However, it independently enhanced alcohol CPP retrieval. Hordenine had a dose‐dependent inhibitory effect on locomotor activity. Chronic hordenine exposure enhanced monoamine tissue levels in many brain regions. Further characterization revealed monoaminergic binding sites of hordenine and found a strong binding on the serotonin and dopamine transporters, and dopamine D3, and adrenergic α1A and α2A receptor activation but no effects on GABAA receptor or glycinergic signalling. These findings suggest that natural ingredients of beer, like hordenine, may work as an inhibitory and use‐regulating factor by their modulation of monoaminergic signalling in the brain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: Internet gaming disorder (IGD) is associated with health, social, and academic problems but whether these are consequences of the disorder rather than precursors or correlates is unclear. We aimed to evaluate whether IGD in the 1st year of university predicts health, academic and social problems 1 year later, controlling for baseline health, academic and social problems, demographics, and mental health symptoms. Methods: In a prospective cohort study, 1741 university students completed both a baseline online survey in their 1st year and a follow‐up survey 1 year later. Log‐binomial models examined the strength of prospective associations between baseline predictor variables (IGD, baseline health, academic and social problems, sex, age, and mental health symptoms) and occurrence of health, academic and social problems at follow‐up. Results: When extensively adjusted by the corresponding outcome at baseline, any mental disorder symptoms, sex, and age, baseline IGD was associated only with severe school impairment and poor social life (risk ratio [RR] = 1.77; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.14–2.75, p =.011; RR = 1.22; 95% CI = 1.07–1.38, p =.002, respectively). Conclusions and Scientific Significance: University authorities and counselors should consider that incoming 1st‐year students that meet criteria for IGD are likely to have increased academic and social impairments during their 1st year for which they may want to intervene. This study adds to the existing literature by longitudinally examining a greater array of negative outcomes of IGD than previously documented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aminoindanes are a class of novel psychoactive substances (NPSs) that have become more prevalent over the past decade. GC–MS is often utilized for identifying seized drugs and is well regarded for its ability to separate mixtures. However, certain aminoindanes have similar mass spectral data and require specific gas chromatographic stationary phases for separation. Derivatization is an alternative method that can be applied to GC–MS to enhance chromatographic results, providing more selective analysis in seized‐drug identification. This study investigates derivatization techniques to provide options for forensic science laboratories in accurately identifying aminoindanes. Three derivatization reagents, N‐methyl‐bis(trifluoroacetamide) (MBTFA), heptafluorobutyric anhydride (HFBA), and ethyl chloroformate (ECF) were evaluated for the analysis of eight aminoindanes by GC–MS using two common gas chromatographic stationary phases, Rxi®‐5Sil MS and Rxi®‐1Sil MS. All three derivatization methods successfully isolated eight aminoindanes, including the isomers 4,5‐methylenedioxy‐2‐aminoindane (4,5‐MDAI), and 5,6‐methylenedioxy‐2‐aminoindane (5,6‐MDAI) that could not be differentiated prior to derivatization. Reduced peak tailing and increased abundance were observed after derivatization for all the compounds, and mass spectra of the derivatives contained individualizing fragment ions that allowed for further characterization of the aminoindanes. This excluded 4,5‐MDAI and 5,6‐MDAI as they shared the same characteristic ions and were only distinguishable by their retention times. All three derivatization techniques used in this study allow for successful characterization of the aminoindanes and give forensic science laboratories flexibility in their analysis approach when they encounter these compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: To test separatel the efficacy of a web‐based and a peer‐based brief intervention (BI), compared with an expanded usual care control (EUC) group, among military reserve component members using alcohoI in a hazardous and harmful manner. Design: In the randomized controlled trial, participants were assigned to: [1] web‐based BI with web‐based boosters (BI + web), [2] web‐based BI with peer‐based boosters (BI + peer) or [3] enhanced usual care (EUC). Setting: Michigan, USA. Participants: A total of 739 Michigan Army National Guard members who reported recent hazardous alcohol use; 84% were male, the mean age was 28 years. Intervention: The BI consisted of an interactive program guided by a personally selected avatar. Boosters were delivered either on the web or personally by a trained veteran peer. A pamphlet, given to all participants, included information on hazardous alcohol use and military‐specific community resources and served as the EUC condition. Measurements The primary outcome measure was binge drinking episodes in the past 30 days, measured at 12 months after the BI. Findings All randomized participants were included in the outcome analyses. In adjusted analyses, BI + peer [beta = −0.43, 95% confidence interval (CI) = −0.56 to −0.31, P < 0.001] and BI + web (beta = −0.34, 95% CI = −0.46 to −0.23, P < 0.001) reduced binge drinking compared with EUC. Conclusion: This satudy was a web‐based brief intervention for hazardous alcohol use, with either web‐ or peer‐based boosters, reduced binge alcohol use among Army National Guard members. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims: The addictive potential of electronic cigarettes (e‐cigarettes) remains to be fully understood. We identified patterns and correlates of perceived addiction to e‐cigarettes and perceived addictiveness of e‐cigarettes relative to tobacco cigarettes (relative addictiveness) in dual users as well as exclusive e‐cigarette users. Design, Setting and Participants: Observational study using cross‐sectional survey data from England (2016) from the International Tobacco Control Project (ITC) Four Country Smoking and Vaping (4CV) survey. The study comprised 832 current e‐cigarette users who had been vaping for at least 4 months. Measurements: Perceived addiction to e‐cigarettes and relative addictiveness of e‐cigarettes were examined. Socio‐demographic factors were age, gender and education; markers of addiction included urge to vape, time to first vape after waking and nicotine strength used; vaping and smoking characteristics included frequency and duration of e‐cigarette use, intention to quit, adjustable power or temperature, enjoyment, satisfaction relative to tobacco cigarettes and tobacco cigarette smoking status. Findings A total of 17% of participants reported feeling very addicted to e‐cigarettes, while 40% considered e‐cigarettes equally/more addictive than tobacco cigarettes. Those who felt very addicted had higher odds of regarding e‐cigarettes as more addictive than tobacco cigarettes (odds ratio 3.4, 95% confidence interval 2.3–5.1). All markers of addiction, daily use and enjoyment were associated with higher perceived addiction, whereas time to first vape after waking, daily vaping and perceiving vaping as less satisfying than smoking were associated with relative addictiveness. Conclusions: Markers of addiction to e‐cigarettes appear to correspond with perceived addiction to e‐cigarettes, suggesting that self‐reported perceived addiction might serve as an indicator of addiction. Prevalence both of markers of addiction and perceived addiction were comparatively low overall, suggesting a limited but relevant addictive potential of e‐cigarettes. Additionally, positive and negative reinforcement, reflected here by enjoyment and relative satisfaction, might play a role in e‐cigarette addiction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Concussion is a common ED complaint, but diagnosis is challenging as there are no validated objective measures. Use of concussion tools derived from sports medicine is common, but these tools are not well validated in ED settings. The aim of this study was to assess the ability of the Sport Concussion Assessment Tool 5th Edition (SCAT5) to identify concussion in ED patients presenting following head injury. Methods: We conducted a prospective observational study of head‐injured adult patients presenting to ED between March and July 2021. ED diagnosis of concussion was used as the diagnostic standard, and we assessed the diagnostic performance of the SCAT5 test and its three subsections (Standardised Assessment of Concussion (SAC), Post‐Concussion Symptom Scale (PCSS) and Modified Balance Error Scoring System (mBESS)) against this. Results: Thirty‐two head‐injured participants were enrolled, 19 of whom had a discharge diagnosis of concussion, alongside 17 controls. Median time for SCAT5 testing was 21 (interquartile range 16–27) min. Fifteen (30.6%) participants were interrupted during testing. Area under the curve (AUC) (95% confidence interval) for the SAC, PCSS and mBESS were 0.51 (0.34–0.68), 0.92 (0.84–0.99) and 0.66 (0.47–0.85), respectively. Sensitivity and specificity of sections were as follows: entire SCAT5 (100.0%, 20.0%), SAC (48.1%, 60.0%), PCSS (89.7%, 85.0%) and mBESS (83.3%, 58.8%). Using PCSS alone would have identified 17 of 19 concussions. Conclusion: The SCAT5 test had a low specificity, was long and was frequently interrupted. We suggest it is not an ideal assessment to use in ED. The PCSS score performed well and was easy to complete. It may be useful as a standalone tool to simplify ED concussion identification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Issue addressed: The objective was to identify whether National Sporting Organisations (NSOs) have policy documentation on healthy behaviours (smokefree, sun‐protection, healthy food/beverages and alcohol) and, for organisations with such documentation, whether this was in‐line with current scientific evidence of past best practice in cancer prevention. Methods: This cross‐sectional policy analysis study was performed September to December 2018 in Aotearoa/New Zealand. A content analysis was undertaken using NSO policy documents matched against a framework of key indicators for best practice within health behaviours of interest. Data analysis of the policy process was undertaken through key informant telephone interviews with NSO staff using semi‐structured qualitative interviews. Results: Of 96 NSOs, nearly half (49%) mentioned smokefree at least once in one of their policy documents, and 47% had an alcohol policy, although in both instances the policies lacked comprehensiveness. Two NSOs had a reasonably comprehensive sun protection policy. Seventeen had at least one specific nutrition policy/guideline. The contents of the latter were primarily related to short‐term athletic performance rather than non‐communicable disease prevention, specifically promoting hydration during sports participation, and food and nutrition to support sporting performance. Two NSOs had policies relating to the promotion of healthy food/nutrition more widely. For some NSOs, the lack of health‐related policies was not a conscious choice but just not considered previously. Other NSOs reported they lacked resources or had other priorities. Conclusions: Although this study clearly demonstrates that many NSOs lack adequate health‐related policies, this is not necessarily a conscious choice, but the result of a lack of resources, other priorities, or just that they had not considered developing policies in these areas. A number expressed support for these types of policies although it was apparent that some, particularly smaller NSOs, would require assistance in policy template development. It seems probable that the development of health‐related policies will only occur if partner agencies become involved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Policy PointsPublic health science regarding alcohol consumption and problems, alcohol's role in equity and social justice, and identification of effective policy interventions has grown steadily stronger in the past 30 years.Progress on effective alcohol policies has stalled or gone backward in the United States and much of the world.Because alcohol influences at least 14 of the 17 sustainable development goals, as well as more than 200 disease and injury conditions, reducing alcohol problems should offer a platform for collaboration across public health silos but will require that public health itself respect and follow its own science. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To determine the risk factors for cannabis use disorders and cannabis psychosis in Japan based on a 2021 online survey among Japanese users of social network services. Methods: The 3142 respondents who had used cannabis within the preceding year were categorized into two groups based on the development of cannabis use disorder and/or cannabis psychosis. Analyses were performed to determine these conditions' risk factors. Results: Multivariate analysis revealed that factors significantly associated with cannabis use disorders were "cannabis‐use initiation at a young age" (p = 0.004, OR: 0.951, 95% CI [0.920–0.984]), "family history of mental health problems" (p < 0.001, OR: 1.988, 95% CI [1.545–2.556]), "psychiatric disorders preceding cannabis use" (p = 0.039, OR: 1.672, 95% CI [1.026–2.722]), and "use of cannabis products other than dry flower" (p < 0.001, OR: 2.725, 95% CI [1.844–4.026]). Factors significantly associated with cannabis psychosis were "cannabis‐use initiation at a young age" (p = 0.011, OR: 0.888, 95% CI [0.811–0.973]) and "family history of mental health problems" (p = 0.002, OR: 2.531, 95% CI [1.400–4. 576]). Conclusion: Risk factors for problematic cannabis use were cannabis initiation at a young age, pre‐cannabis psychiatric disorders, family history of mental health problems, and the use of cannabis products other than dry flower. However, the causal relationship among these factors remains ambivalent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]