Impacts of Passive Smoking on Learning and Memory Ability of Mouse Offsprings and Intervention by Antioxidants

Objective To determine the impact of passive smoking and the protective effect of antioxidants such as vitamin E and quercetin on learning and memory ability of mouse offsprings. Methods A passive smoking model of pregnant mice was established. Learning and memory ability was evaluated by the water maze test and long term potentiation （LTP）. Nitric oxide （NO）, content, nitric oxide synthase （NOS）, acetylcholinesteras （Ache） activity in brain, vitamin E concentration, and reactive oxygen species （ROS） in serum were determined. The latency period （the time during which the mice swim from the starting position to the ending position） and errors （the number of mice entering the blind end） in control and antioxidant intervention groups were compared with those in the smoke exposure group after 6 days. Results The latency period as well as errors in the air, control diet, tobacco smoke （TS）, and vitamin E diet groups were decreased significantly as compared with the TS and control diet groups （P〈O.05）. LTP was restrained in the TS and control diet groups. LTP in all the antioxidant diet groups was significantly increased compared with the TS and control diet groups. In addition, NOS and acetylcholinesteras （Ache） activitiy was significantly higher in the TS and control diet groups than in the air and control diet group. NO content was not significantly different among the different groups, and significantly lower in the TS and vitamin E diet groups than in the TS group, control diet group, quercetin diet group, and mixture diet group （P〈0.05）. Vitamin E concentration and ROS activity in serum were correlated with the outcome of water maze and LTP. Conclusion Passive smoking reduces LTP formation by disturbing the hippocampus function of mice, by decreasing NOS （especially vitamin E） partially improve the learning and memory smoke during pregnancy. and Ache activity and increasing NO content. Antioxidants ability of offsprings whose mothers are exposed to tobacco

Effect of Bushen Yiqi Huoxue Recipe on Placental Vasculature in Pregnant Rats with Fetal Growth Restriction Induced by Passive Smoking

Interactions of vascular endothelial growth factor （VEGF） with receptors VEGFR1/Fltl and VEGFR2/Flk1, and those of angiopoietins （Ang-1, Ang-2） with receptor Tie2 play important roles in placental angiogenesis. This study investigated vascular morphology and expression of these angiogenic factors in rat placenta on the day 15, 18, 21 of gestation （D 15, D 18 and D21）. The rats were randomly assigned into 3 groups： normal group, model group [fetal growth restriction （FGR） model], and Bushen Tqi Huoxue （BYHR） recipe treatment group （BYHR group, the pregnant rats with FGR were treated with BYHR recipe）. Morphological analysis indicated that during initial villous formation, fetal nucle- ated erythrocytes （FNEs） appeared in maternal blood sinus （MBS）. Subsequently, FNEs were sur- rounded by endothelial cells to form fetal capillary （FC） and then by trophoblast cells to form villi. As pregnancy proceeded, FC density increased progressively with increasing endothelial identification staining （EIS） in normal and BYHR groups. Whereas, villous formation was suppressed, normal in- crease in FC density was impaired and EIS was weakened in model group. Quantitative PCR analysis showed that VEGF and Flkl mRNA increased over gestation in all groups, indicating that VEGF might play a pivotal role in FC growth during late gestation. VEGF mRNA was increased on D15, while de- creased on D21 in model group as compared with normal group and BYHR group. Immunohistochemi- cally, Ang-2 protein was highly expressed in FNEs, gradually disappeared as villi matured, and decreased over gestation in all groups, indicating that Ang-2 might play a pivotal role in villous formation, which was further supported by decreased Ang-2 mRNA and protein expression in model group on D 15. Ang-1 mRNA, Tie2 mRNA and Ang-1/Ang-2 ratio increased from D15 to D18 in all groups as placenta matured. Ang-1 mRNA, Tie2 mRNA and Ang-1/Ang-2 ratio were decreased on D18 in model group as compared with normal and BYHR groups, indicating delayed maturity of FGR placenta. Alterations in angiogenic factors may result in altered placental vasculature and cause placental insufficiency. BYHR recipe could balance the angiogenic factors to promote the formation and maturation of FGR placental vasculature.

Socio-economic and Psychosocial Determinants of Smoking and Passive Smoking in Older Adults

Objective To determine the associations of socio-economic and psychosocial factors with active and passive smoking in older adults. Methods Using a standard interview method, we examined random samples of 6071 people aged 〉 60 years in 5 provinces of China during 2007-2009. Results World age-standardised prevalence for current and former smoking in men was 45.6% and 20.5%, and in women 11.1% and 4.5%. Current smoking reduced with older age but increased with men, low socioeconomic status （SES）, alcohol drinking, being never-married, pessimistic and depressive syndromes. Former smoking was associated with men, secondary school education, a middle-high income, being a businessman, being widowed, less frequencies of visiting children/relatives and friends, and worrying about children. Among 3774 never-smokers, the prevalence of passive smoking was 31.5%, and the risk increased with women, low SES, alcohol drinking, being married, having a religious believe, and daily visiting children/relatives. There were sex differences in the associations, and an interaction effect of education and income on smoking and passive smoking. Conclusion Older Chinese had a higher level of smoking and passive smoking than those in high income countries, reflecting China＇s failures in controlling smoking. The associations with low SES and different psychosocial aspects and sex differences suggest preventative strategies for active and passive smoking.

Association between head-and-neck cancers and active and passive cigarette smoking

Although there have been many reports on the toxicity of tobacco smoke, fewer studies have reported the relationship between the smoke and carcinogenesis of head-and-neck cancers. It is assumed that direct stimulations due to tobacco smoke, such as chemical and mechanical stimulations, strongly influence the epithelium of the nasal cavity, paranasal sinuses, pharynx, and larynx. We investigated the influence of active and passive cigarette smoking on head-and-neck cancers. The subjects were 283 head-and-neck cancer patients examined at the otolaryngology department of Showa University Northern Yokohama Hospital in a 9-year and 2-month period from April 2001 to June 2010, in whom the presence or absence of active and passive cigarette smoking could be confirmed in detail. The active and passive smoking rates and the Brinkman index were retrospectively investigated according to the primary cancer site, gender, and histopathological classification. The active and passive smoking rates were high (about 90%) in patients with hypopharyngeal, laryngeal, and cervical esophageal cancers, and the Brinkman index was high in all. Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) patients accounted for a high ratio of the head-and-neck cancer patients, and the active and passive smoking rates were significantly higher in SCC than in non-squamous cell carcinoma (non-SCC) patients (p < 0.0003). The active and passive smoking rates and the Brinkman index were high in patients with head-and-neck cancers in regions receiving strong direct stimulation from tobacco smoke, and the Brinkman index was also high in these patients, suggesting that carcinogenesis of head-and-neck cancers is strongly influenced by direct tobacco smoke stimulation.

Effect of "Jia Wei Fo Shou San" on Erythrocyte Membrane Calcium,Zinc Concentration in Pregnant Rats with Asymmetrical Intrauterine Growth Retardation Induced by Passive Smoking

Using experimental model of pregnant rats with asymmetrical intrauterine fetal growth retardation induced by passive smoking, the effects of natural herb 'Jia Wei Fo Shou San' on erythrocyte membrane calcium, zinc concentration were observed by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The results showed that the mean fetal birth weight, zinc concentration of erythrocyte membrane were found to be decreased in the model group as compared with the control group (P＜0. 01, P＜0. 01). On the other hand, the element of calcium onto erythrocyte membrane were higher in model group than that in control group(P＜0. 05). These changes were significantly mild in the treated group and were similar to those of the control group (P＜0.05). Furthermore,our findings indicated that the zinc concentration of erythrocyte membrane seems to be positively correlated with the birth weight(P＜0. 01). Calcium composition of red cell membrane showed a significant negative relation to the birth weight (P＜0.05). Our results provided an experimental evidence that normal concentrations of calcium and zinc onto erythrocyte play an important part in fetal growth. One of the mechanisms of 'Jia Wei Fo Shou San' in improving fetal growth may have something to do with modulation of erythrocyte calcium,zinc element,thereby protecting bio-functions of erythrocyte and promoting blood circulation.

The Impact of Electronic Cigarettes (e-Cigs) Smoking Habit on Periodontal Status and Salivary pH among Some Passive e-Cigs Smokers Referred to the College of Dentistry Clinics, King Khalid University

Background: Electronic cigarette (e-cigs) smoking is substitutional to traditional cigarette smoking to reduce the dangerous combustion of products. Moreover, passive smoking is involuntarily tobacco smoking due to the exposure to cigarette or tobacco smoke among non-smokers and due to there being little knowledge about the impact of passive e-cigs smoking on periodontal status and salivary pH. Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate the effect of e-cigs smoking habit on periodontal tissue and salivary pH among some passive e-cigs smokers referred to the college of dentistry clinics, King Khalid University. Material and Methods: Ninety male participants who were referred to the college of dentistry clinics at King Khalid University were included in the study. Age, gender, e-cigs smoking, and general health were recorded. The participants were divided into three equal groups (n = 30) as follows: Group I (Non-passive e-cigs smokers and non-smokers) as the control group, Group II (e-cigs users), and Group III (Passive e-cigs smokers). Salivary pH, plaque control record (PCR), gingival bleeding index (GBI), clinical attachment loss (CAL), percentage of radiographic bone loss (% RBL), periodontal pocket depth (PPD), more than 5 missing teeth due to periodontal diseases (>5 MTDP), tooth mobility (TM), furcation involvement (FI), Bite collapse (BC), and less than 20 remaining teeth (10 Opposing pairs) (L20RT) as well as HbA1c were recorded. ANOVA test was used to the comparison between Groups I, II, and III in the participants’ ages and periodontitis staging clinical findings. The mean of participants’ age groups, the mean of salivary pH values of study groups, and the periodontitis staging complexity and HbA1c were compared between groups with the ANOVA test, Tukey’s test, and the chi-square test. P-value was recorded, and less than 0.5 was considered a statistically significant difference (p Results: The e-cigs users group revealed higher means of PCR, GBI %RBL values, and the participants percentages of >5 MTDP, TM, FI, L20RT, and diabetes mellitus (DM) among participants compared to the passive e-cigs smokers group and control group except for the participants percentage of BC among the participants, which was higher among the control group participants. The differences were not significant in PCR, GBI, %RBL and DM (p > 0.5) and significant in >5 MTDP, TM, FI, L20RT and smoking (p 7% values compared to the e-cigs users group and control group participants. The differences were not significant in CAL and PPD (p > 0.5) and significant in the participants percentages of salivary pH values (p Conclusion: The e-cigs smoking habit was the cause of an increase in periodontal disease severity among the electronic smokers rather than passive e-cigs smokers, although the salivary pH was higher in the latter.

Stability Analysis of Chain, Mild and Passive Smoking Model

In this paper, the global stability of free smoking equilibrium point was evaluated and presented graphically. The linear stability of a developed mathematical model illustrates the effect on the population of chain, mild and passive smokers. MATLAB programming was used to simulate the solutions, the reproduction number R0 and the nature of the equilibria.

Effect of Huoxuequyu Recipe on Erythrocyte Membrane Ca^(2+)-ATPase Activity in Pregnant Rats with Asymmetrical Intrauterine Growth Retardation Induced by Passive Smoking

The effect of Huoxuequyu recipe on erythrocyte membrane Ca2+-ATPase activity in pregnant rats with passive smoking induced asymmetrical intrauterine growth retardation(IUGR)was observed.The rats were divided into three groups:control group,model group and treated group.The fetal mean birth weight and erythrocyte membrane Ca2+-ATPase activity were found to be decreased in the model group as compared with the control and treated groups.There was a significant difference between the model group and the control group(P<0.01),while no significant difference existed between the treated group and the control group(P>0.05).Furthermore,the findings indicated that the erythrocyte membrane Ca2+-ATPase activity seem to be positively correlated with the birth weight(P<0.05).On the basis of our observation,it is believed that the Huoxuequyu decoction could increase erythrocyte membrane Ca2+-ATPase activity and promote blood circulation, thereby exerting a beneficial effect on fetal development.

Smoking and Passive Smoking

Objective:To review the literature on associations between cardiovascular diseases and tobacco use,including recent trends in smoking behaviors and clinical approaches for cessation of smoking.Methods:A literature review of recent scientifi c fi ndings for smoking and cardiovascular diseases and recommendations for obtaining cessation.Results:Tobacco smoking is causally related to cardiovascular disease,with nearly a half million deaths annually attributed to cigarette smoking in the United States.The human,economic,medical,and indirect costs are enormous.Secondhand smoke as inhaled from the environment also plays an important role in the genesis of cardiovascular diseases.A recent trend in the use of e-cigarettes is noted particularly among youth.For children,prevention is the best strategy.For adult smokers,behavioral treatments,self-help approaches,and pharmacologic therapies are readily available.Clinicians can have a signifi cant impact on patients’smoking habits.Adding to individual strategies,regulatory community and public health approaches provide the potential for eliminating the use of tobacco.Conclusion:Tobacco smoke causes cardiovascular morbidity and death.Clinicians can play a role in preventing smoking and promoting cessation.

Active and passive smoking with breast cancer risk for Chinese females: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Previous studies suggested that smoking and passive smoking could increase the risk of breast cancer, but the results were inconsistent, especially for Chinese females. Thus, we systematically searched cohort and case-control studies investigating the associations of active and passive smoking with breast cancer risk among Chinese females in four English databases(PubMed, Embase, ScienceDirect, and Wiley) and three Chinese databases(CNKI, WanFang, and VIP). Fifty-one articles(3 cohort studies and 48 casecontrol studies) covering 17 provinces of China were finally included in this systematic review. Among Chinese females, there was significant association between passive smoking and this risk of breast cancer [odds ratio(OR): 1.62; 95% confidence interval(CI): 1.39–1.85; I2 = 75.8%, P < 0.001; n = 26] but no significant association between active smoking and the risk of breast cancer(OR: 1.04; 95% CI: 0.89–1.20; I2 = 13.9%, P = 0.248; n = 31). The OR of exposure to husband's smoking and to smoke in the workplace was 1.27(95% CI: 1.07–1.50) and 1.66(95% CI: 1.07–2.59), respectively. The OR of light and heavy passive smoking was 1.11 and 1.41, respectively, for women exposed to their husband's smoke(< 20 and ≥ 20 cigarettes per day), and 1.07 and 1.87, respectively, for those exposed to smoke in the workplace(< 300 and ≥ 300 min of exposure per day). These results imply that passive smoking is associated with an increased risk of breast cancer, and the risk seems to increase as the level of passive exposure to smoke increases among Chinese females. Women with passive exposure to smoke in the workplace have a higher risk of breast cancer than those exposed to their husband's smoking.

Ultrastructural changes in embryoic neuroepithelial cells caused by passive smoking in golden hamsters at different periods of pregnancy: A randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND： Tobacco smoke exposure is recognized as a health risk for pregnant women and it is increasingly evident that tobacco smoke affects the development of brain. Recently, associations between maternal smoking during pregnancy and subsequent mental health problems in offspring have been reported. OBJECTIVE： To observe the effect of passive smoking on the morphology of nerve tissues and the ultrastructure of neuroepithelial cells during embryogenesis in golden hamster at different pregnant period. DESIGN： A randomized control study. SETTING： Department of Histology and embryology, Qingdao University. MATERIALS： Adult golden hamsters, including 40 males and 40 females that had not delivered, weighing （105±5） g, were provided by Shenyang Changsheng Biotechnology, Co.,Ltd. At 20 ： 00 - 21 ： 00, one male and one female were matched in each cage, and their mating was observed. The vaginal swabs were examined the next day and the day of positive sperm was taken as embryonic day 1 （E1）. METHODS： The experiment was completed in the Department of Histology and Embryology of Qingdao University from September 2001 to September 2003. （1） Abnormality caused by smoking, grouping and model establishment： A total of 40 healthy pregnant golden hamsters were randomly divided into control group （n =20） and experimental group （n =20）. The hamsters in the experimental group were exposed to tobacco smoke from embryonic day 4 to 7, 3 times per day, continuously 1 hour per time, 1 cigarette per golden hamster, for 4 consecutive days in the self-made chamber. The animals in the control group were given the same conditions as those in the experimental group except exposure to smoke. （2） Observation with transmission electron microscope： According to different gestational ages, the experimental group and the control group were all divided 4 subgroups （Groups A, B, C and D） respectively, and 5 hamsters in each subgroup. The pregnant golden hamsters were anaesthetized with 1 g/L pentobarbital sodium at 12 ： 00 and 18 ： 00 at E8, 8 ： 00 at E9 and 8 ： 00 at E10, and all the pregnant uteruses were divulsed under the stereomicroscope. The development of the neural plate, neural groove and neural tube were observed. Meanwhile, the amount of normal embryos and abnormal embryos including the neural tube defect ratios were recorded. （3） Electron microscopic specimen preparation and observation： Three embryos of each group ad libtium were fixed. The alternations of neuroepithelial ultrastrnctures were observed with transmission and scanning electron microscopes. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： （1） The incidences of abnormality of nervous system development were observed under stereomicroscope and scanning electron microscope in smoking group and the control group; （2） Alternations of neuroepithelial ultrastructures were observed with transmission electron microscope. RESULTS： All the 40 pregnant golden hamsters were involved in the final analysis. （1） Manifestations and incidence of nervous system dysplasia： Passive smoking could induce dymorphogenesis during neurnlation, which mainly presented as growth retardation, spina bifida and failure of formation of neural tubes; The incidences of the nervous system dysplasia in the experimental groups [20%（10/49）, 27%（14/51）, 32% （19/59）, 27% （17/63）] were higher than those in the corresponding control groups [0. 2% （1/57）, 4% （2/53）, 4% （2/52）, P 〈 0.01]. （2） Histomorphological changes at different time points after spermatiation observed with transmission and scanning electron microscopes： In the control group, the embryos formed C-shape columned embryos, anterior and posterior neuropores were all closure at 10 ： 00 on E10; In the experimental group, unfused anterior and posterior neuropores still could be found, and some embryos presented spina bifida at 10 ： 00 on E10. In the control group, neuroepithelial cell arranged tidily and closely, the boundary of the cells was clear, the flee surface of neuroepithelial had a mass of long and regular microvillus, and the surface of mesenchymal cell around the neuroepithelium had many processes which mutually related at 12 ： 00 on E8. In the experimental group, the neuroepithelial cells arranged irregularly and the intercellular spaces became wide at 12 ： 00 on E8. The apical portion of many neuroepithelial cells bulged into the lumen and many microvilli were shorted and swollen. The quantity of the microvillus reduced gradually, evenly disappeared with the increasing of gestational age at 18：00 on E8. Under transmission electron microscope, the neuroepithelial cells in experimental embryos arranged irregularly. There were many visible materials in the intercellular space which increased the breadth and anomaly. It was apparent that passive smoking evoked major alterations in neuroepithelial cytoarchitecture. Junctional complex reduced. Many microvilli were shorted and swollen, even the apical portion of many neuroepithelial cells bulged, and abscised into the lumen. A lot of vacuolation appeared in the cytoplasm of neuroepithelia and mesenchymal cell around the neuroepithelium. The cristae of mitochondria reduced even disappeared, and some mitochondria became elongate. Irregular nuclear, increased heterochromatin and karyopycnosis/karyorrhexis were observed easily. Perinuclear cisternae partially swelled and embraced tangible material （maybe the material from nuclear）. Some death cells separated into a lot of apoptotic bodies. Some apoptotic bodies were found in the cytoplasm of other healthy-looking or healthy cells. CONCLUSION： Passive smoking may induce degeneration, apoptosis, and cells loss in the neural epithelium, thereby result in failure of formation and differentiation of neural tube. It is an important way by which passive smoking caused neural tube defects.

Does Smoking Weaken the Immune System: A Narrative Review

Smoking has a complex impact on the immune system, affecting both innate and adaptive immunity. It can exacerbate pathogenic immune responses and attenuate defensive immunity, leading to a higher susceptibility to infections and certain diseases. The chemicals in cigarette smoke, such as nicotine and carbon monoxide, can alter immune cell functions and inflammatory responses. Smoking can also have long-term effects on the immune system, with some changes persisting even after quitting [1]. According to a Penn Medicine Physician, the Medical Oncologist Dr. David Porter, “People who are smokers tend to get sicker from infections”, “It may be that smoking impacts the immune system’s ability to respond appropriately”. Thus, such individuals within smoking exposure history might be considered as immunocompromised due to the altered and weakened immune system. Cigarette smoking is a prevalent habit with far-reaching health implications. Among its many adverse effects, smoking significantly alters the immune system’s functionality [1].

Exploring the Impact of Alcohol Consumption and Smoking on Primary Open Angle Glaucoma: A Mendelian Randomization Study

Objective: Utilizing Mendelian Randomization, this study employs Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) as instrumental variables to explore the causal relationships between bibulosity, smoking, and Primary Open Angle Glaucoma (POAG). Methods: GWAS data for bibulosity, smoking, and POAG were obtained from the Social Science Genetic Association Consortium website and the IEU OpenGWAS Project website, respectively. Using a P-value threshold of −8, a linkage disequilibrium coefficient (r2) of 0.001, and a linkage disequilibrium region width of 10,000 kb, the data were aggregated, resulting in 6 SNPs for bibulosity and 253 SNPs for smoking. Three regression models, MR-Egger, Weighted Median Estimator (WME), and Random-Effects Inverse-Variance Weighted (IVW) were applied to analyze the causal impact of bibulosity and smoking on POAG. Results: The GWAS data for alcohol consumption and smoking were derived from European populations, while the GWAS data for Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma (POAG) were sourced from East Asian populations, with no gender restrictions. Analysis using three different regression models revealed that neither excessive alcohol consumption nor smoking significantly increased the risk of developing POAG. Specifically, the odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals for the alcohol consumption group were 0.854 (0.597 - 1.221) in MR-Egger regression, 0.922 (0.691 - 1.231) in WME regression, and 0.944 (0.711 - 1.252) in IVW regression. For the smoking group, the odds ratios were 1.146 (0.546 - 2.406) in MR-Egger regression, 0.850 (0.653 - 1.111) in WME regression, and 0.939 (0.780 - 1.131) in IVW regression. Given the significant heterogeneity in the SNPs associated with smoking, the focus was primarily on the results from the IVW regression model. Conclusion: Alcohol consumption and smoking are not significant risk factors for the development of POAG.

The Prevalence of Smoking in Caribbean Towns and Correlation with Disease States: A Survey

Background: Smoking continues to be one of the most popular recreational practices despite its known harmful effects. Aim: The purpose of this survey was to assess the prevalence of smoking in the Caribbean and the correlation of smoking with the disease states of high blood pressure, diabetes and high cholesterol whose risk is known to be higher among smokers. Findings: Our study found a smoking prevalence of 22% in the population, similar to that reported by the World Health Organization (20%) and a positive correlation between smoking and diabetes. Conclusion: The survey shows that smoking numbers within the population are still high and that smoking increases the risk of certain disease states within smokers. Aggressive global efforts to reduce smoking should continue so as to minimize the negative impact of smoking on health.

Analysis of a passive ankle exoskeleton for reduction of metabolic costs during walking

Modern conflicts demand substantial physical and psychological exertion,often resulting in fatigue and diminished combat or operational readiness.Several exoskeletons have been developed recently to address these challenges,presenting various limitations that affect their operational or everyday usability.This article evaluates the performance of a dual-purpose passive ankle exoskeleton developed for the reduction of metabolic costs during walking,seeking to identify a force element that could be applied to the target population.Based on the 6-min walk test,twenty-nine subjects participated in the study using three different force elements.The results indicate that it is possible to reduce metabolic expenditure while using the developed exoskeleton.Additionally,the comfort and range of motion results verify the exoskeleton's suitability for use in uneven terrain and during extended periods.Nevertheless,the choice of the force element should be tailored to each user,and the control system should be adjustable to optimise the exoskeleton's performance.

Net Effect of Short-Term Smoking Cessation on Mental Health Changes:Inverse Probability of Treatment Weighting and Difference-in-Differences Method

Background:In response to the need for research clearly demonstrating the net effect of smoking cessation on mental health status,considering the causal relationship between smoking cessation and changes in mental health status,this study was undertaken.Thus,this study aimed to examine the net effect of short-term smoking cessation on five specific mental health metrics and the overall mental health status score.Methods:We used data from the first wave of the Korean Health Panel(KHP)Survey(2011–2013,2016–2018)and focused on men aged 19 years and older,to explore the effects of smoking cessation.We compared mental health status before and after cessation among current non-smokers who had quit smoking and continuous smokers.We ensured homogeneity between the two groups via inverse probability of treatment weighting(IPTW)and employed a difference-in-differences(DID)analysis to assess changes in mental health status.This study controlled for factors that could influence mental health and explored the net effect of short-term smoking cessation through difference-in-differences model using multiple regression analysis.Results:The results showed that short-term smoking cessation significantly alleviated mental and physical stress(p<0.1),reduced experiences of frustration(p<0.01),and improved the overall mental health status score(p<0.1).Conclusion:Thus,these results highlight a meaningful link between positive health behavior changes,such as smoking cessation,and enhanced mental health.Moreover,the application of temporal variables further improved the understanding of the causal relationship between health behaviors and mental health.

Smoking cessation prior to elective total joint arthroplasty results in sustained abstinence postoperatively

BACKGROUND Tobacco use is a well-documented modifiable risk factor for perioperative complications.AIM To determine the tobacco abstinence rates of patients who made cessation efforts prior to a total joint arthroplasty(TJA)procedure.METHODS A retrospective evaluation was performed on 88 self-reported tobacco users who underwent TJA between 2014-2022 and had tobacco cessation dates within 3 mo of surgery.Eligible patients were contacted via phone survey to understand their tobacco use pattern,and patient reported outcomes.A total of 37 TJA patients participated.RESULTS Our cohort was on average 61-years-old,60%(n=22)women,with an average body mass index of 30 kg/m^(2).The average follow-up time was 2.9±1.9 years.A total of 73.0%(n=27)of patients endorsed complete abstinence from tobacco use prior to surgery.Various cessation methods were used perioperatively including prescription therapy(13.5%),over the counter nicotine replacement(18.9%),cessation programs(5.4%).At final follow up,43.2%(n=16)of prior tobacco smokers reported complete abstinence.Patients who were able to maintain cessation postoperatively had improved Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System(PROMIS)-10 mental health scores(49 vs 58;P=0.01),and hip dysfunction and osteoarthritis outcome score for joint replacement(HOOS.JR)scores(63 vs 82;P=0.02).No patients in this cohort had a prosthetic joint infection or required revision surgery.CONCLUSION We report a tobacco cessation rate of 43.2%in patients undergoing elective TJA nearly 3 years postoperatively.Patients undergoing TJA who were able to remain abstinent had improved PROMIS-10 mental health scores and HOOS.JR scores.The perioperative period provides clinicians a unique opportunity to assist active tobacco smokers with cessation efforts and improve postoperative outcomes.

Effect of smoking on the risk of gastrointestinal cancer after cholecystectomy: A national population-based cohort study

BACKGROUND The role of smoking in the incidence of colorectal cancer(CRC)or gastric cancer(GC)in populations undergoing cholecystectomy has not been investigated.AIM To evaluate the effect of smoking on CRC or GC development in cholecystectomy patients.METHODS A total of 174874 patients who underwent cholecystectomy between January 1,2010 and December 31,2017 were identified using the Korean National Health Insurance Service claims database.These patients were matched 1:1 with mem-bers of a healthy population according to age and sex.CRC or GC risk after cholecystectomy and the association between smoking and CRC or GC risk in cholecystectomy patients were evaluated using adjusted hazard ratios(HRs)and 95%CIs.RESULTS The risks of CRC(adjusted HR:1.15;95%CI:1.06-1.25;P=0.0013)and GC(adjusted HR:1.11;95%CI:1.01-1.22;P=0.0027)were significantly higher in cholecystectomy patients.In the population who underwent cholecystectomy,both CRC and GC risk were higher in those who had smoked compared to those who had never smoked.For both cancers,the risk tended to increase in the order of non-smokers,ex-smokers,and current smokers.In addition,a positive correlation was observed between the amount of smoking and the risks of both CRC and GC.CONCLUSION Careful follow-up and screening should be performed,focusing on the increased risk of gastrointestinal cancer in the cholecystectomy group,particularly considering the individual smoking habits.

Joint Active and Passive Beamforming Design for Hybrid RIS-Aided Integrated Sensing and Communication

Integrated sensing and communication(ISAC) is considered an effective technique to solve spectrum congestion in the future. In this paper, we consider a hybrid reconfigurable intelligent surface(RIS)-assisted downlink ISAC system that simultaneously serves multiple single-antenna communication users and senses multiple targets. Hybrid RIS differs from fully passive RIS in that it is composed of both active and passive elements, with the active elements having the effect of amplifying the signal in addition to phase-shifting. We maximize the achievable sum rate of communication users by collaboratively improving the beamforming matrix at the dual function base station(DFBS) and the phase-shifting matrix of the hybrid RIS, subject to the transmit power constraint at the DFBS, the signal-to-interference-plus-noise-ratio(SINR) constraint of the radar echo signal and the RIS constraint are satisfied at the same time. The builtin RIS-assisted ISAC design problem model is significantly non-convex due to the fractional objective function of this optimization problem and the coupling of the optimization variables in the objective function and constraints. As a result, we provide an effective alternating optimization approach based on fractional programming(FP) with block coordinate descent(BCD)to solve the optimization variables. Results from simulations show that the hybrid RIS-assisted ISAC system outperforms the other benchmark solutions.

Persuasive Technology for the Future of Smoking Cessation*

This paper explores the integration of persuasive technology into smoking cessation efforts through the development and evaluation of a mobile app, “No-Smoke.” Leveraging compelling features like social support, tracking, planning, and motivation, the app aims to augment user engagement and support the process of quitting smoking. The efficacy of these features has been substantiated through both automated testing and user feedback, highlighting their potential to enhance awareness, motivation, and behavior modification. Despite notable successes, limitations, including a limited user base and uncertainties regarding long-term efficacy, have been acknowledged, stemming from the inherent complexities of smoking cessation. Nevertheless, based on user experiences and feedback, “No-Smoke” represents a promising advancement in the use of technology for public health interventions, particularly in the realm of smoking cessation. To address existing challenges, future research is recommended to encompass a comprehensive, long-term study involving a larger and more diverse user base. Additionally, further investigation should focus on personalization enhancements and the integration of machine learning algorithms to better understand and respond to user behavior.