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Introduction: The use of e-cigarettes or other electronic vaping products (EOEVP) has been on the rise since their introduction. Concurrently, Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) have been linked to various negative behavioral health outcomes. We explore the association between ACEs and current EOEVP use, with a focus on variations across sex, race/ethnicity, and age. Methods: Utilizing data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) for 2020–2022, we analyzed responses from 202,126 adults in the United States in a cross-sectional study. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to evaluate the adjusted odds ratios (aORs) of current EOEVP use for different levels of ACEs. Stratified and interaction analyses were used to examine potential effect modification. Results: Among adults 54 years of age and younger, even a lower number of ACEs [1 (aOR 1.52), 2 (aOR 2.01), and 3 (aOR 1.51)] was associated with higher odds of current EOEVP use. Stratified analyses revealed significant differences in the odds of current EOEVP use among Non-Hispanic White adults between 1 ACE (95% CI 1.75–2.28) and 4 ACEs (2.34–3.17). Hispanic adults with ≥ 1 ACEs (p-value 0.001) and 8 ACEs (p-value 0.005) showed strong associations compared to Non-Hispanic White adults. The influence of ACEs on current EOEVP use was observed to decrease with age, particularly in older adults with fewer ACEs. The aORs did not very by sex. Conclusion: The findings emphasize the importance of considering any number of ACEs in public health strategies targeting current EOEVP use, especially among younger adults and specific minority groups. These insights are crucial for tailoring interventions and policies to address the nuanced impacts of early life adversities on health risk behaviors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of the current study was to examine music performance anxiety and self-reported reasons for participation among members of older adult community bands. We asked 35 New Horizons Band members aged 65+ questions about their musical experience in face-to-face interviews, after which we administered two questionnaires: the Performance Anxiety Inventory for Musicians and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. We found a statistically significant difference in performance anxiety between participants suffering from trait anxiety (also called general anxiety) and those who did not. Utilizing the Novelty, Unpredictability, Threat to the Ego, and Sense of low control recipe (NUTS) for stress as a framework, we performed interview and questionnaire analyses that revealed that participants were concerned with issues associated with novelty, unpredictability, and lack of control in contexts of public performances (e.g., new pieces, lack of preparation, or challenging repertoire selected by the conductor). Participants perceived threats to their ego (such as feeling exposed, judged) as a major contributing factor of music performance anxiety. Participants reported the perceived benefits of musical involvement outweighed their negative (i.e., stressful) aspects.

Background: Suicide is a major driver of mortality among college students and is the leading cause of death among American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian (AI/AN/NH) young adults. Methods: Data on suicidal ideation, suicide attempt, and self‐injury among AI/AN/NH college students (n = 8103) were analyzed via multivariable logistic regressions employing the American College Health Association National College Health Assessment survey from 2015 to 2019. Adjusted odds ratios (aORs) were used to assess how opioid misuse may act as a risk or protective factor for suicidality and self‐injury. Results: Between 2015 and 2019, suicidal ideation was the most prevalent dimension of suicidality affecting AI/AN/NH college students (ranges from 12.69% to 18.35%), followed by self‐injury (7.83%–11.41%) and suicide attempt (2.40%–4.10%). AI/AN/NH college students who reported opioid misuse were significantly more likely to experience suicidal ideation (aOR: 1.417; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.154–1.740) and self‐injury (aOR: 1.684; 95% CI: 1.341–2.116) than those who did not engage in such behavior. Conclusions: We identified opioid misuse as a potential risk factor for suicidal ideation and intentional self‐injury among populations of AI/AN/NH college students. Programs seeking to reduce suicide prevalence among Indigenous college students may benefit from the inclusion of evidence‐based interventions that prevent and treat issues related to opioid use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Social isolation and loneliness can occur in all age groups, and they are linked to increased mortality and poorer health outcomes. There is a growing body of research indicating inconsistent findings on the effectiveness of interventions aiming to alleviate social isolation and loneliness. Hence the need to facilitate the discoverability of research on these interventions. Objectives: To map available evidence on the effects of in‐person interventions aimed at mitigating social isolation and/or loneliness across all age groups and settings. Search Methods: The following databases were searched from inception up to 17 February 2022 with no language restrictions: Ovid MEDLINE, Embase, EBM Reviews—Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, APA PsycInfo via Ovid, CINAHL via EBSCO, EBSCO (all databases except CINAHL), Global Index Medicus, ProQuest (all databases), ProQuest ERIC, Web of Science, Korean Citation Index, Russian Science Citation Index, and SciELO Citation Index via Clarivate, and Elsevier Scopus. Selection Criteria: Titles, abstracts, and full texts of potentially eligible articles identified were screened independently by two reviewers for inclusion following the outlined eligibility criteria. Data Collection and Analysis: We developed and pilot tested a data extraction code set in Eppi‐Reviewer. Data was individually extracted and coded. We used the AMSTAR2 tool to assess the quality of reviews. However, the quality of the primary studies was not assessed. Main Results: A total of 513 articles (421 primary studies and 92 systematic reviews) were included in this evidence and gap map which assessed the effectiveness of in‐person interventions to reduce social isolation and loneliness. Most (68%) of the reviews were classified as critically low quality, while less than 5% were classified as high or moderate quality. Most reviews looked at interpersonal delivery and community‐based delivery interventions, especially interventions for changing cognition led by a health professional and group activities, respectively. Loneliness, wellbeing, and depression/anxiety were the most assessed outcomes. Most research was conducted in high‐income countries, concentrated in the United States, United Kingdom, and Australia, with none from low‐income countries. Major gaps were identified in societal level and community‐based delivery interventions that address policies and community structures, respectively. Less than 5% of included reviews assessed process indicators or implementation outcomes. Similar patterns of evidence and gaps were found in primary studies. All age groups were represented but more reviews and primary studies focused on older adults (≥60 years, 63%) compared to young people (≤24 years, 34%). Two thirds described how at‐risk populations were identified and even fewer assessed differences in effect across equity factors for populations experiencing inequities. Authors' Conclusions: There is growing evidence that social isolation and loneliness are public health concerns. This evidence and gap map shows the available evidence, at the time of the search, on the effectiveness of in‐person interventions at reducing social isolation and loneliness across all ages and settings. Despite a large body of research, with much of it published in more recent years, it is unevenly distributed geographically and across types of interventions and outcomes. Most of the systematic reviews are of critically low quality, indicating the need for high quality reviews. This map can guide funders and researchers to consider the areas in which the evidence is lacking and to address these gaps as future research priorities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hepatitis D virus (HDV) is a rare coinfection with hepatitis B virus. Currently, HDV is not a nationally notifiable disease in the United States. Only 55% of states and territories require HDV reporting, and most lack defined case definitions. Standardization of reporting requirements is crucial for monitoring HDV epidemiology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: This study examines factors associated with psychostimulant misuse, including polysubstance use and social factors, among the understudied American Indian/Alaska Native/Native Hawaiian (AI/AN/NH) college student population. Methods: Data were from the 2015 to 2019 American College Health Association-National College Health Assessment IIc (ACHA-NCHA IIc) survey. Multivariable logistic regression models and odds ratios were used to estimate associations between psychostimulant misuse and potential risk and protective factors among AI/AN/NH college students, including licit and illicit substance use, social support, relationship factors, exposure to violence or abuse, mental health symptoms, drug and alcohol education, and sample demographics. Results: Opioid misuse among AI/AN/NH college students significantly increased the odds of using psychostimulants. Specifically, for cocaine use, the adjusted odds ratio (aOR) was 3.17 with a 95% confidence interval (C.I.) of 2.17 to 4.63; for methamphetamine use, the aOR was 38.87 (95% C.I. 19.24-78.52). For amphetamine misuse among non-Tobacco users, the aOR was 5.47 (95% C.I. 3.49-8.55), while among Tobacco users, the aOR was 2.65 (95% C.I. 2.07-3.41). For cocaine and other stimulant misuse, the aOR was 3.64 (95% C.I. 2.30-5.67). Additionally, the use of other types of licit and illicit substances was associated with greater odds of psychostimulant use and misuse. Conversely, factors such as age, living on campus, and residing in parental/guardian housing were linked with lower odds of psychostimulant use and misuse. Conclusion: Substance use prevention and treatment interventions targeting AI/AN/NH college students should address polysubstance use, including the combined use of opioids and psychostimulants. Substance use interventions should not be siloed to focus narrowly on single substances but rather should leverage potential protective factors against substance use, such as promoting supportive campus and family living conditions and other social support networks, in broad efforts to reduce multiple forms of substance use among AI/AN/NH students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the spring and summer, high rates of primary production occur in the California Current Ecosystem (CCE) when nutrients are supplied to the euphotic zone. During periods of intense coastal upwelling, a flux of the micronutrient iron comes from nearshore sedimentary sources. In this upwelling region, mesoscale filament features distribute iron laterally, leading to distinct iron‐influenced ecological zones. This study is the first to focus on the biogeochemical links between iron, the macronutrients, and particulates in coastal upwelling filaments. Broad spatial patterns of iron and biogenic silica concentrations, and proxies of iron‐stress of diatoms, support results from microcosm amendment studies conducted during CCE Long Term Ecological Research process cruises in the summers of 2017 and 2019. We found that the benthic boundary layer and shoreward filament endmember supply dissolved and total dissolvable iron to this feature, but rapid assimilation and sinking by biogenic particles (e.g., diatoms) depletes the surface concentrations. Subsequently, diatom blooms which form in recently upwelled water masses become iron limited over time, thereby affecting the ratios of surface macronutrient reservoirs and biogeochemical advective fluxes. The development of Fe‐limitation during lateral advection may lead to efficient carbon export downstream and offshore of the region with the highest phytoplankton growth rates and productivity. Plain Language Summary: Along the western continental margin of the United States, seasonal upwelling filaments appear as fast‐flowing waters with high concentrations of nutrients (e.g., nitrate, silicic acid, iron) and phytoplankton. Diatoms dominate the phytoplankton communities in filaments, and they accumulate particulate matter as organic carbon and dense biogenic silica. During transport offshore, diatoms quickly deplete the surface of the critical micronutrient iron (Fe) and become Fe‐limited. Using shipboard incubation experiments, we show that Fe‐stressed diatom communities become more heavily silicified, and thus denser. Iron‐stress indicators consistently correspond with these phytoplankton community biochemical reconfigurations in two separate studies of filaments, thereby demonstrating a mechanism for enhanced diatom community export out of the surface ocean in later stages of filaments. Key Points: Upwelling filaments become Fe‐limited features in the ocean, as sinking diatoms deplete surface dFe concentrations and are advected offshoreIron‐limitation of diatom blooms is evidenced by in situ geochemical proxies (e.g., negative Siex) and deckboard Fe amendment experimentsGreater biogenic silica‐to‐particulate organic carbon ratios among diatom communities make filaments hotspots of particulate matter export [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We examine the characteristics associated with the availability of therapeutic acupuncture in substance use disorder (SUD) treatment facilities in the United States (US). This study utilizes data from the 2018 National Survey of Substance Abuse Treatment Services (N-SSATS). Multivariable logistic regression was performed. Only 5.5% (n = 814) of all SUD treatment facilities offered acupuncture therapy. Facilities operating an opioid treatment program (OTP) were 1.60 times more likely to offer therapeutic acupuncture than non-OTP facilities. Facilities that offered oral naltrexone pharmacotherapy or buprenorphine with naloxone pharmacotherapy were 1.63 and 1.37 times more likely to offer therapeutic acupuncture, respectively, compared to facilities that did not offer these pharmacotherapies. Federal government facilities were over four times more likely to offer acupuncture than those operated by state governments and had triple the odds of having acupuncture than private nonprofit organizations. Tribal facilities were over five times more likely than state government-operated facilities to offer acupuncture. Facilities located in the Western region of the US were 1.59, 1.39, and 1.30 times more likely than Northeastern, Midwestern, and Southern US regions, respectively, to offer acupuncture therapy. Although complementary and holistic approaches such as acupuncture are accepted adjunct methods to treat persons with SUD, the findings suggest that their utilization in SUD treatment facilities in the US is minimal. Results, however, highlight that facilities operated by tribal and federal governments, those that are located in the Western region of the US, and non-hospital facilities have the highest odds of incorporating therapeutic acupuncture as treatment for SUD. Supplemental data for this article is available online at https://doi.org/10.1080/10550887.2022.2056401. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In May 2022, the first case of monkeypox virus (MPXV) infection in the United States in the current global outbreak was identified. As part of the public health and health care facility response, a contact tracing and exposure investigation was done.Objective: To describe the contact tracing, exposure identification, risk stratification, administration of postexposure prophylaxis (PEP), and exposure period monitoring for contacts of the index patient, including evaluation of persons who developed symptoms possibly consistent with MPXV infection.Design: Contact tracing and exposure investigation.Setting: Multiple health care facilities and community settings in Massachusetts.Participants: Persons identified as contacts of the index patient.Intervention: Contact notification, risk stratification, and symptom monitoring; PEP administration in a subset of contacts.Measurements: Epidemiologic and clinical data collected through standard surveillance procedures at each facility and then aggregated and analyzed.Results: There were 37 community and 129 health care contacts identified, with 4 at high risk, 49 at intermediate risk, and 113 at low or uncertain risk. Fifteen health care contacts developed symptoms during the monitoring period. Three met criteria for MPXV testing, with negative results. Two community contacts developed symptoms. Neither met criteria for MPXV testing, and neither showed disease progression consistent with monkeypox. Among 4 persons with high-risk exposures offered PEP, 3 elected to receive PEP. Among 10 HCP with intermediate-risk exposures for which PEP was offered as part of informed clinical decision making, 2 elected to receive PEP. No transmissions were identified at the conclusion of the 21-day monitoring period, despite the delay in recognition of monkeypox in the index patient.Limitation: Descriptions of exposures are subject to recall bias, which affects risk stratification.Conclusion: In a contact tracing investigation involving 166 community and health care contacts of a patient with monkeypox, no secondary cases were identified.Primary Funding Source: None. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Examines exercise interventions for prevention of obesity and related disorders in youths in the U.S. Impact of physical training on total body and visceral adiposity; Reduction of risk for cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes; Benefit of after-school exercise in preventing accretion of excess fat in Black girls.

Background: Although introduced nearly 40 years ago, Geographic Information Systems (GISs) have never been used to study Occupational Health information regarding the different types, scale or sources of data. The geographic distribution of occupational diseases and underlying work activities were always analyzed independently. Our aim was to consider the French Network of Occupational Disease (OD) clinics, namely the "French National OD Surveillance and Prevention Network" (rnv3p) as a spatial object in order to describe its catchment. Methods: We mapped rnv3p observations at the workplace level. We initially analyzed rnv3p capture with reference to its own data, then to the underlying workforce (INSEE "Employment Areas"), and finally compared its capture of one emblematic occupational disease (mesothelioma) to an external dataset provided by a surveillance system thought to be exhaustive (PNSM). Results: While the whole country is covered by the network, the density of observations decreases with increase in the distance from the 31 OD clinics (located within the main French cities). Taking into account the underlying workforce, we show that the probability to capture and investigation of OD (assessed by rates of OD per 10,000 workers) also presents large discrepancies between OD clinics. This capture rate might also show differences according to the disease, as exemplified by mesothelioma. Conclusion: The geographic approach to this network, enhanced by the possibilities provided by the GIS tool, allow a better understanding of the coverage of this network at a national level, as well as the visualization of capture rates for all OD clinics. Highlighting geographic and thematic shading zones bring new perspectives to the analysis of occupational health data, and should improve occupational health vigilance and surveillance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Preharvest sprouting (PHS) results in unacceptable flour quality for a portion of the mid-Atlantic soft red winter wheat (SRWW) (Triticum aestivum L.) crop annually. This research evaluates inherent dormancy in current mid-Atlantic wheat cultivars using grain falling number after delayed harvest and the weighted germination index (WGI) to predict PHS. Individual spikes from 15 wheat cultivars grown in Virginia in 2007 and 2008 were harvested at physiological maturity and seeds germinated under controlled conditions. A WGI was calculated that gave greater weight to cultivars with seeds that germinated more quickly. The WGI effectively identified very high and low dormancy SRWW cultivars; however, the influence of environment during grain fill was important, especially for cultivars with moderate dormancy. To evaluate PHS tolerance by line under natural conditions, plots were left standing up to 6 wk after normal harvest date. Final harvest falling numbers were used to separate cultivars into PHS resistance groups. Strong relationships were found among PHS resistance groups, and WGI was determined at both 10 and 30°C. This indicates that PHS resistance groups were good predictors of dormancy and relative response of cultivars to delayed harvest. The morphological characteristics of head angle, glume tenacity, and awn length had no significant effect on PHS. Artificial wetting resulted in a major loss of quality after just one event, emphasizing the need for timely wheat harvest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. We investigated the extent to which smoking status was associated with exposure to occupational (e.g., dust, chemicals, noise, and ergonomic strain) and social (e.g., abuse, sexual harassment, and racial discrimination) workplace hazards in a sample of U.S. multiethnic working-class adults. Methods. United for Health is a cross-sectional study designed to investigate the combined burden of occupational and social workplace hazards in relation to race/ethnicity, gender, and wage and to evaluate related health effects in a working-class population. Using validated measures, we collected data from 1,282 multiethnic working-class participants using audio computer-assisted interviews. We used multiple imputation methods to impute data for those missing data. Crude and adjusted logistic odds ratios (ORs) were modeled to estimate ORs and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results. The prevalence of smoking was highest among non-Hispanic white workers (38.3%) and lowest for foreign-born workers (13.1%). We found an association between racial discrimination and smoking (OR=1.12, 95% CI 1.01, 1 .25). The relationship between smoking and sexual harassment, although not significant, was different for black women compared with men (OR=1.79, 95% CI 0.99, 3.22). We did not find any associations by workplace abuse or by any of the occupational hazards. Conclusion. These results indicate that racial discrimination might be related to smoking in working-class populations and should be considered in tobacco- control efforts that target this high-risk population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Study objective: To examine history of alcohol abuse! dependence disorder in relation to unfair treatment, racial! ethnic discrimination, and ethnic identification among Asian Americans. Design: Weighted multivariate analyses of cross-sectional national survey data predicting lifetime history of alcohol abuse/dependence disorders. Setting: USA, Asian Americans. Participants: 2007 Asian American adults recruited to the National Latino and Asian American Study (NLAAS; 2002-2003). Results: Controlling for sociodemographic characteristics, Asian Americans who reported experiencing unfair treatment had higher odds of history of alcohol abuse! dependence disorder (OR 5.26, 95% Cl 1.90 to 14.56). Participants who reported high levels of ethnic identification had lower odds of history of alcohol abuse! dependence disorders (OR 0.46, 95% Cl 0.23 to 0.90). Ethnic identification moderated the influence of racial! ethnic discrimination (p = 0.097). Among participants with low levels of ethnic identification, racial/ethnic discrimination was associated with greater odds of having a history of alcohol disorder compared with those with high levels of ethnic identification. Conclusions: Social hazards such as unfair treatment and racial/ethnic discrimination should be considered in the development of programmes addressing alcohol disorders among Asian Americans. Interventions that promote ethnic identification in this population may be particularly relevant in mitigating the negative influence of racial/ethnic discrimination on alcohol disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives. We examined the relations of self-report of general unfair treatment and self-report of race/ethnicity-specific discrimination with current smoking among Asian Americans. We investigated whether ethnic identification moderated either association. Methods. Weighted logistic regressions were performed among 1977 Asian Americans recruited to the National Latino and Asian American Study (2002-2003). Results. In weighted multivariate logistic regression models including both general unfair treatment and racial/ethnic discrimination, odds of current smoking were higher among Asian Americans who reported high levels of unfair treatment (odds ratio [OR] = 2.80; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.13, 6.95) and high levels of racial/ethnic discrimination (OR = 2.40; 95% CI = 0.94, 6.12) compared with those who reported no unfair treatment and discrimination, respectively. High levels of ethnic identification moderated racial/ethnic discrimination (F[sub 3] = 3.25; P=.03). High levels of ethnic identification were associated with lower probability of current smoking among participants reporting high levels of racial/ethnic discrimination. Conclusions. Our findings suggest that experiences of unfair treatment and racial/ethnic discrimination are risk factors for smoking among Asian Americans. Efforts to promote ethnic identification may be effective in mitigating the influence of racial/ethnic discrimination on smoking in this population. (Am J Public Health. 2008;98:485-492. doi:10.2105/AJPH.2006.102012) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In a distribution system of a large North American city, recurring total coliforms and atypical coliforms were detected at the exit (distribution pumps) of a storage reservoir. The presence of total coliforms and atypical coliforms was noted when the pumps were in operation and the water temperature was higher than 18 °C. The total coliform and atypical coliform concentrations at the volute pump casings ranged from 0 to 93.5 colony forming units (cfu)/100 mL. Significant concentrations of nematodes were also detected at this sampling location, averaging 12.0 nematodes/L in 2001 and 17.4 nematodes/L in 2002. The hypothesis that coliforms were released from the nematodes during their transit through the high-pressure pump was tested by recovering nematodes by filtering large volumes of water and grinding the nematodes in the laboratory, using various techniques. Total coliform and heterotrophic bacteria concentrations ranged from 0 to 27 cfu/nematode and 0 to 643 cfu/nematode, respectively. The origin of the nematodes was traced back to the sand filters located at the two water treatment plants. The importance of invertebrates in the distribution system should not be dismissed and the associated health risks, if any, should be assessed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses a study on the relationship of visceral adiposity to cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors in African American and white teenagers. It mentions that one possible reason for the harmful effect of central adiposity is that the metabolic characteristics of fat stored in the intra-abdominal compartment are likely to lead to increased risk for CVD. A table is also presented that shows the statistics and significant differences for the varied race-sex groups.

Background: Cigarettes are the leading cause of fatal fires in the USA and are associated with one in four fire deaths. Although the technology needed to make fire-safe cigarettes has been available for many years, progress has been slow on legislative and regulatory fronts to require the tobacco industry to manufacture fire-safe cigarettes. Method and results: We conducted a case study, drawing on data from tobacco industry documents, archives, and key informant interviews to investigate tobacco industry strategies for thwarting fire-safe cigarette legislation in the US Congress. We apply a theoretical framework that posits that policymaking is the product of three sets of forces: interests, institutions, and ideas, to examine tobacco industry behaviour, with a special focus on their and others' attempts to court fire service organisations, including firefighters' unions as allies. We discuss the implications of our findings for future policy efforts related to fire-safe cigarettes and other tobacco control issues. Conclusions: Tobacco control advocates ought to: continue efforts to align key interest groups, including the firefighters unions; contest tobacco industry "diversionary" science tactics; and pursue a state based legislative strategy for fire-safe cigarettes, building towards national legislation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 1984, the tobacco workers' union and the Tobacco Institute, which represents US tobacco companies, formed a labor management committee (LMC). The institute relied on LMC unions to resist smoke-free worksite rules. In a review of the internal tobacco industry documents now publicly available, we found that the LMC succeeded for 2 primary reasons. First, the LMC furthered members' interests, allowing them to overcome institutional barriers to policy success. Second, the LMC used an "institutions, ideas, and interests" strategy to encourage non-LMC unions to oppose smoke-free worksite rules. While public health advocates missed an opportunity to partner with unions on the issue of smoke-free worksites during the era studied, they can use a similar strategy to form coalitions with unions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Individuals of lower socioeconomic position smoke at higher rates than those of higher socioeconomic position. Because of this disparity, the National Cancer Institute has called for studies of targeted tobacco marketing to clarify mechanisms contributing to higher tobacco use among low-income Americans and other high-risk populations.Methods. We observed tobacco industry marketing in six Boston area communities (two of high socioeconomic position and four of low position; total of 41 observations) and in selected print publications that circulated in those communities during a 22-month period in 2000–2002.Results. On average, there were fewer tobacco advertisements in the higher socioeconomic communities, compared to the lower socioeconomic communities (P < 0.001). In the low socioeconomic communities, there were more than three times as many brand advertisements as youth access signs (P = 0.0012). Although brand advertisements outnumbered smoke-free signs, on average, there was no difference in the ratio of brand advertisements to smoke-free signs in low and high socioeconomic communities (P = 0.06).Conclusions. The tobacco industry is actively present in community settings, particularly in communities with a low socioeconomic profile (SEP). Tobacco control researchers and advocates need to continue to monitor the tobacco industry''s behavior at the community level and develop strategies to counter this behavior. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objectives. We sought to ascertain whether the tobacco industry has conceptualized the US immigrant population as a separate market. Methods. We conducted a content analysis of major tobacco industry documents. Results. The tobacco industry has engaged in 3 distinct marketing strategies aimed at US immigrants: geographically based marketing directed toward immigrant communities, segmentation based on immigrants' assimilation status, and coordinated marketing focusing on US immigrant groups and their countries of origin. Conclusions. Public health researchers should investigate further the tobacco industry's characterization of the assimilated and non-assimilated immigrant markets, and its specific strategies for targeting these groups, in order to develop informed national and international tobacco control countermarketing strategies designed to protect immigrant populations and their countries of origin. (Am J Public Health. 2004;94:2188-2193). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the United States in 1997, the smoking prevalence among blue-collar workers was nearly double that among white-collar workers, underscoring the need for new approaches to reduce social disparities in tobacco use. These inequalities reflect larger structural forces that shape the social context of workers' lives. Drawing from a range of social and behavioral theories and lessons from social epidemiology, we articulate a social-contextual model for understanding ways in which socioeconomic position, particularly occupation, influences smoking patterns. We present applications of this model to worksite-based smoking cessation interventions among blue-collar workers and provide empirical support for this model. We also propose avenues for future research guided by this model. (Am J Public Health. 2004;94:230-239) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives. We sought to describe the burden of smoking on the US population, using diverse socioeconomic measures. Methods. We analyzed data from the 2000 National Health Interview Survey. Results. Overall, the prevalence of current smoking was greatest among persons in--and independently associated with--working class jobs, low educational level, and low income. Attempts to quit showed no socioeconomic gradient, while success in quitting was greatest among those with the most socioeconomic resources. These patterns held in most but not all race/ethnicity-gender groups. Finer resolution of smoking patterns was obtained using a relational UK occupational measure, compared to the skill--based measure commonly used in US studies. Conclusions. Reducing social disparities in smoking requires attention to the complexities of class along with race/ethnicity and gender. (Am J Public Health. 2004; 94:269-278) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: We report demographic and social contextual characteristics of multiethnic, blue-collar workers from the baseline survey of a study conducted in 24 small businesses. We discuss ways in which we incorporated these characteristics into the design of the intervention.Methods: We used a randomized controled design, with 12 small businesses assigned to a social contextual intervention and 12 to a minimum intervention control condition. The response rates to the survey were 84% at baseline (n = 1717). Primary outcomes included reduction in red meat consumption and increase in physical activity and daily multivitamin intake. Secondary outcomes targeted reduction in smoking and occupational exposures.Results: The majority of the respondents were male (67.6%). This was an ethnically diverse sample with 24.7% representing racial/ethnic groups other than white and 43.6% of participants or their parents born outside of the US. To meet study recommendations, workers needed improvement in all behaviors measured. Participants reported a smoking rate of 25.8, 86.2% ate fewer than 5 servings of fruits and vegetables a day 69.5% ate more than three servings of red meat a week, 46.8% engaged in less than 2.5 h a week and 72.4% reported that they did not consume a daily multivitamin.Conclusions: Interventions that address the contextual environment in which health behaviors occur, may provide a method that researchers and practitioners can use to reduce health disparities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article summarizes the origins and implementation of labor-management negotiated tobacco control policies in public workplaces in New York state during the 1980s and 1990s. It is an in-depth case study that illustrates the confrontation and cooperation among three main social actors involved in the design and implementation of workplace smoking policies: public-sector labor unions, public health professionals, and state managers. The policy debates, legal, and political issues that emerge from this history suggest hopeful avenues for improving the dialogue and cooperation on the design and implementation of workplace smoking policies between and among public health professionals, managers, and labor union leaders in the United States. Understanding how these parties can reach agreement and work together may help tobacco control advocates and labor leaders join forces to enact future tobacco control policies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To assess the comparability of searches conducted on two publicly available tobacco industry document collections: hard copies housed and maintained by a neutral party in the Minnesota Depository and electronic copies available through tobacco industry maintained websites. Methods: We conducted a set of searches in Minnesota and then conducted the same searches using the industry websites. We matched documents by Bates number, weeded out duplicates, and coded documents that were unique to either collection as major, minor, or trivial. Results: Among hundreds of documents produced by several searches, we found only four unique major documents in the Minnesota Depository. By contrast, we found 62 unique major documents using the websites. Conclusion: These results suggest that researchers can rely on industry websites while waiting for improved access resulting from searching, indexing, and document storage administered by the tobacco control community. Searching the tobacco industry websites is at least as good as searching in Minnesota and may in some instances actually be better. Four smaller subcollections, however, can only be searched by hand in Minnesota. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents several mistakes and fallacies in teaching mathematics in the United States. Application of the Euclidean algorithms in determining reciprocals in finite rings; Flaw in the perimeter of the triangle problem; Proof of the nonexistence of a 3-4-5 right triangle.

Background: Mental health disorders are prevalent among college students in the US. Perceived discrimination is a known risk factor for adverse mental health and is widespread on college campuses.Methods: We estimated the association between perceived discrimination and mental health among US college students using the American College Health Association-National College Health Assessment (ACHA-NCHA), a large national cross-sectional survey of college students.Results: 7.9% of students reported experiences of discrimination, and that discrimination was more common among minority students. Perceived discrimination was associated with 86 excess cases of students reporting being too depressed to function per 1000 students, and 27 excess cases of students reporting seriously considering suicide per 1000 students. Students who experienced discrimination had a 37% increase in the number of mental health symptoms (IRR 1.37 [95% CI 1.35, 1.39], P < .0001) compared to non-discriminated students, and a 94% increase in the number of mental health diagnoses (IRR 1.94 [95% CI 1.89, 1.99], P < .0001). Discrimination was positively associated with all mental health symptoms and diagnoses. This pattern was largely held across sub-analyses by race/ethnicity, gender, and sexual orientation, but with varying magnitudes.Limitations: Inability to distinguish between the forms of discrimination experienced, whether involving gender, sexual orientation, or race/ethnicity.Conclusions: Consequences of perceived discrimination are of clinical relevance for healthcare providers in general and mental health providers in particular. This study confirms the association between perceived discrimination and adverse mental health in college students. Efforts to reduce discrimination and bias in college campuses may improve the mental health of students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents several mistakes and anomalies that offer mathematical issues useful for teachers. A pair of independent standard normal random variables is asked to be considered by Kenneth Schilling of the University of Michigan at Flint, where the distribution of R is considered to be the problem. The students of Michael Caulfield of Gannon University in Erie, Pennsylvania are asked for the interval of convergence for the unknown power series expansion of a rational function. A problem regarding the cost of a fence was given a solution by Johnny Lott from the University of Montana in Missoula, based from the computation provided by a pupil.

The authors reflect on the advance tissue tracking mechanisms for the tissue transplantation. They mention that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has presented a data that shows the U.S. tissue banks provide approximately 1.5 million tissue grafts on the annual basis across the world. They also discuss various changes such as standardized electronic tracking system that could be implemented by tissue banking industry for reducing the risk associated with the transplantation.

The article presents several mathematical fallacies by mathematics college teachers in the U.S. John K. Osoinach of Millsaps College spends a bit of time in second semester calculus on mechanics of integration and rewriting integrands into a more convenient form. James Swenson, professor of the University of Wisconsin, teaches his students how to alter variables in multiple integrals by assigning them the task of computing the volume of a sphere of radius. Mark Lynch of Millsaps College provides a problem that involving complex variables.

Discrimination has been associated with adverse health behaviors and outcomes, including substance use. Higher rates of substance use are reported among some marginalized groups, such as lesbian, gay, and bisexual populations, and have been partially attributed to discrimination. This study uses 2015-2019 National College Health Assessment data to determine whether college students reporting discrimination due to sexual orientation, race/ethnicity, gender, or age report greater substance use than their peers who do not report such experiences. Additionally, we assess exploratory questions regarding whether substance choices differ among students who reported facing discrimination. Over time, about 8.0% of students reported experiencing discrimination in the past year. After applying inverse probability treatment weights (IPTWs), exposure to discrimination was associated with an excess of 44 cases of marijuana use per 1000 students, an excess of 39 cases of alcohol use per 1000 students, and an excess of 11 cases of prescription painkiller use per 1000 students. Multivariable logistic regression models with IPTW demonstrated that students who experienced discrimination were more than twice as likely to use inhalants and methamphetamine. These students were also significantly more likely to use other drugs, including opiates, non-prescribed painkillers, marijuana, alcohol, hallucinogens, cocaine, and cigarettes; however, the differences with peers were smaller in magnitude. Students who experienced discrimination did not differ from peers who reported non-prescribed antidepressants use and were significantly less likely to use e-cigarettes and smokeless tobacco. Associations between discrimination and substance use vary by race, gender, sexual orientation, and age. These findings indicate that discrimination has significant associations with many kinds of substance use; however, the magnitude varies by substance type. More institutional efforts to address sources of discrimination affecting college students are needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since serogroup B meningococcal (MenB) vaccines became available in the United States, six serogroup B meningococcal disease cases have been reported in MenB-4C (n = 4) or MenB-FHbp (n = 2) recipients. Cases were identified and characterized through surveillance and health record review. All five available isolates were characterized using whole genome sequencing; four isolates (from MenB-4C recipients) were further characterized using flow cytometry, MenB-4C-induced serum bactericidal activity (SBA), and genetic Meningococcal Antigen Typing System (gMATS). Three patients were at increased meningococcal disease risk because of an outbreak or underlying medical conditions, and only four of the six patients had completed a full 2-dose MenB series. Isolates were available from 5 patients, and all contained sub-family A FHbp. The four isolates from MenB-4C recipients expressed NhbA but were mismatched for the other MenB-4C vaccine antigens. These four isolates were relatively resistant to MenB-4C-induced SBA, but predicted by gMATS to be covered. Overall, patient risk factors, incomplete vaccine series completion, waning immunity, and strain resistance to SBA likely contributed to disease in these six patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Population health research on racial discrimination is hampered by a paucity of psychometrically validated instruments that can be feasibly used in large-scale studies. We therefore sought to investigate the validity and reliability of a short self-report instrument, the “Experiences of Discrimination” (EOD) measure, based on a prior instrument used in the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) study. Study participants were drawn from a cohort of working class adults, age 25–64, based in the Greater Boston area, Massachusetts (USA). The main study analytic sample included 159 black, 249 Latino, and 208 white participants; the validation study included 98 African American and 110 Latino participants who completed a re-test survey two to four weeks after the initial survey. The main and validation survey instruments included the EOD and several single-item discrimination questions; the validation survey also included the Williams Major and Everyday discrimination measures. Key findings indicated the EOD can be validly and reliably employed. Scale reliability was high, as demonstrated by confirmatory factor analysis, Cronbach''s alpha (0.74 or greater), and test–re-test reliability coefficients (0.70). Structural equation modeling demonstrated the EOD had the highest correlation () with an underlying discrimination construct compared to other self-report discrimination measures employed. It was significantly associated with psychological distress and tended to be associated with cigarette smoking among blacks and Latinos, and it was not associated with social desirability in either group. By contrast, single-item measures were notably less reliable and had low correlations with the multi-item measures. These results underscore the need for using validated, multi-item measures of experiences of racial discrimination and suggest the EOD may be one such measure that can be validly employed with working class African Americans and Latino Americans. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

We have examined 138 cases of a disorder previously described in people of Portuguese origin and which has received many names. By computer analysis of 46 different items of a standardized neurological examination carried out in each patient, we have been able to delineate the main components of the clinical presentation, to conclude that the marked variability in clinical expressions does not negate the homogeneity of the disorder, and to describe the natural history of this entity which should be called, for historical reasons, "Machado-Joseph Disease". This hereditary disease has an autosomal dominant pattern of inheritance, presenting as a progressive ataxia with external ophthalmoplegia, and should be classified within the group of "Ataxic multisystem degenerations". When the disease starts before the age of 20, it may present with marked spasticity, of a non progressive nature but often so severe that it can be accompanied by "Gegenhalten" countermovements and dystonic postures but little frank dystonia. There are few true extrapyramidal symptoms except akinesia. When the disease starts after the age of 50, the clinical spectrum is mostly that of an amyotrophic polyneuropathy with fasciculations accompanying the ataxia. For all the other cases the clinical picture is a continuum between these two extremes, the main determinant of the clinical phenotype being the age of onset and a secondary factor, the place of origin of the given kindred. The ataxic and amyotrophic components are clearly progressive with time in contrast to the spasticity component. Although the majority of known cases are of Portuguese origin, this is not obligatory. The next research endeavour should be a search for the chromosomal site of the gene, using molecular biology technology such as those for recombinant DNA.

Oculopharyngeal muscular dystrophy is an autosomal dominant transmitted condition seen mainly in French Canada. The largest number of publications on these patients concerns a Quebec family whose descendants have spread throughout the United States. Families of different ethnic origins have also been reported from around the world, although there is no evidence that the neuromuscular disease reported is the same, despite the similarity of the syndrome. When severe oropharyngeal dysphagia results, these patients can significantly benefit from a cricopharyngeal myotomy.