Decreasing alcohol use among young adults presenting for service in the U.S. Air Force: An epidemiological surveillance study.

U.S. surveys demonstrate recent decreases in the prevalence of alcohol use and binge drinking among young adults. The current study aims to determine whether similar trends are evident in a similarly aged cohort of service members in the US Air Force to inform ongoing prevention efforts. Participants were 103,240 Air Force personnel in entry-level training between 2016 and 2019. Participants anonymously completed the AUDIT (Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test) regarding their pre-service drinking. Logistic regression analyses and the Cochran-Armitage test were conducted to measure population trends over the study duration with stratification by age (<21 vs. ≥21) and evaluation of specific alcohol behaviors. Between 2016 and 2019, the proportion of young service members endorsing any alcohol use significantly decreased for both the <21 group (i.e. from 38.9% to 32.6%) and the ≥21 group (i.e. from 80.6% to 77.5%). Among those who endorsed drinking, a decrease over time in binge use was also observed from 46.6% to 37.8% for the <21 group and from 34.2% to 27.5% for the ≥21 group. Responses to other specific alcohol risk items and total AUDIT scores also demonstrated decreases. Binge use and risky drinking remained disproportionately common among those under the legal drinking age. It is encouraging to observe a shift toward abstinence and decreased binge use among this population of young military recruits. However, given the risk for many adverse health and legal consequences in this population, more work is needed to prevent problematic drinking, especially among those under the legal drinking age.

Degree of polarization of photoluminescence from facets of InP as a function of strain: some experimental evidence.

Previous work demonstrated a good fit to the degree of polarization (DOP) of luminescence measurements on {110} facets of InP using a simple dependence of DOP of luminescence on strain: ${-}{K_e} ({e_1} - {e_3})$, where ${K_e}$ is a positive calibration constant, and ${e_1}$ and ${e_3}$ are normal components of strain in the plane of the facet and along $\langle 1\bar 10\rangle$ and $\langle 001\rangle$ directions [Appl. Opt.43, 1811 (2004)APOPAI0003-693510.1364/AO.43.001811]. Recent analytic modeling, which by necessity to be analytic must make simplifying assumptions, has suggested that unless the measurements are along crystallographic axes, the dependence of the DOP of luminescence on strain is more complicated: ${-}{K_e} (1.315 {e_1} - 0.7987 {e_3})$ for measurements from an InP facet, with a similar "excess" ${e_1}$ for GaAs [Appl. Opt.59, 5506 (2020)APOPAI0003-693510.1364/AO.394624]. In this work, we fit finite element simulations (FEM) to DOP measurements of the photoluminescence from facets of InP bars with ${\{111\} _B}$ v-grooves that have been placed in a cylindrical bending moment. We find that the more complicated dependence of DOP on strain, as derived by the analytic model, fits the data better than the previously assumed simple dependence. This finding thus corroborates the analytical model and should have an impact on understanding the strain-dependent operation of optoelectronic devices.

RDX degradation by chemical oxidation using calcium peroxide in bench scale sludge systems.

The ability of calcium peroxide (CaO2) to degrade hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazine (RDX) in contaminated soil slurries using CaO2-based modified Fenton oxidation was investigated. Results showed that increasing the CaO2 dose increased degradation rates of RDX and pH. RDX concentrations decreased to below detection after 18 h with 2 M and 2.5 M CaO2, after 30 h with 1.5 M CaO2, after 54 h with 1 M CaO2, but 0.1 M CaO2 achieved no significant RDX removal. Increasing the soil organic matter content decreased the rate and extent of RDX degradation. RDX degradation products 4-nitro-2,4-diazabutanal (NDAB) and methylenedinitramine (MEDINA) were quantified, and the greater accumulation of NDAB than MEDINA suggests denitration of RDX was the most likely initial degradation step. Isotopic ratios for nitrogen and oxygen associated with RDX oxidation are also consistent with either nitrification of NH4+ from soil or precipitation. Existing technologies merely only extract energetics from soils for treatment ex situ, whereas the approach introduced herein destroys RDX in situ with a one-step application.

Sensitive detection of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons with gold colloid coupled chloride ion SERS sensor.

A simple surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) sensor based on an undecorated gold-colloid substrate was developed for the rapid and effective detection of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH). The SERS enhancement of the bare Au nanoparticles for PAH was achieved by adjusting chemical reduction conditions and Cl- content. The strongest SERS response of this system was achieved with 2.0 mL of trisodium citrate (1%) and 80 µL of NaCl (1 M). With this simple SERS sensor, qualitative and quantitative determination of trace-level naphthalene (NaP), phenanthrene (PHE) and pyrene (PYR) were achieved using a portable Raman spectrometer at detection limits of 1.38 µg L-1, 0.23 µg L-1, and 0.45 µg L-1, respectively. Plots of SERS intensity vs. PAH concentrations were linear, with correlation coefficients (R2) ranging from 0.8729 to 0.9994. More importantly, the SERS sensor was able to accurately identify each PAH in complex mixtures. This SERS technique shows great promise for the rapid and direct detection of aromatic hydrocarbons organic pollutants in field.

Availability, price and promotions for cigarettes and non-cigarette tobacco products: an observational comparison of US Air Force bases with nearby tobacco retailers, 2016.

INTRODUCTION: Active duty military personnel have higher cigarette and smokeless tobacco use rates than civilian populations. Although US Airmen (called Airmen regardless of gender or rank) are required to be tobacco-free during initial training, many resume use once this period ends, perhaps as a result of easy access to cheap tobacco products. METHODS: Between July and September 2016, we collected tobacco product, price and promotion information by visiting on-base (n=28) and off-base (n=80) tobacco retailers near the eight technical training bases where approximately 99% of Airmen attend training. We conducted mixed linear effects models to examine on-base versus off-base differences. RESULTS: Cigarette packs were 11%-12% cheaper at on-base retailers compared with off-base retailers. Newport Menthol and Marlboro Red cigarette packs were $0.87 and $0.80 lower on-base (p<0.001) while the cheapest pack available was $0.54 lower on-base (p<0.01). Copenhagen smokeless tobacco was also significantly cheaper on-base (B=-0.65, p<0.01). Interior price promotions were more common on-base. CONCLUSIONS: Retail stores located on Air Force bases sell cigarettes and smokeless tobacco products at prices well below those in nearby off-base retailers: the vast majority of these retailers feature interior price promotions for these products. Federal policies regulating prices of on-base tobacco sales, if implemented more effectively, have the potential to protect the health of Airmen by helping them remain tobacco-free after technical training.

Mapping of mechanical strain induced by thin and narrow dielectric stripes on InP surfaces.

We investigated deformation of InP that was introduced by thin, narrow, dielectric SiNx stripes on the (100) surface of InP substrates. Quantitative optical measurements were performed using two different techniques based on luminescence from the InP: first, by degree of polarization of photoluminescence; and second, by cathodoluminescence spectroscopy. The two techniques provide complementary information on deformation of the InP and thus together provide a means to evaluate approaches to simulation of the deformation owing to dielectric stripes. Ultimately, these deformations can be used to estimate changes in refractive index and gain that are a result of the stripes.

The effects of fluoxetine on attachment and righting behaviours in marine (Gibbula unbilicalis) and freshwater (Lymnea stagnalis) gastropods.

Recent studies have highlighted that antidepressants such as the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) entering aquatic systems through wastewater discharges might impact organisms at environmentally relevant concentrations. In this study, two snail species (Gibbula unbilicalis and Lymnea stagnalis) representing the marine and freshwater environments were exposed to a large range of fluoxetine concentrations (1 ng L-1-1 mg L-1) and two distinct behaviours (foot detachment and righting time) were recorded. Fluoxetine significantly caused foot detachment only at the higher of the concentrations (1 mg L-1) in both species during the course of this short term 1.5 h and 4 h exposures. In this study, lowest observed effect concentrations (LOECs) for foot detachment fell repeatedly within the range for other gastropod snails exposed to fluoxetine. Fluoxetine effected righting times in a concentration dependant manner but only significantly within G. unbilicalis in the highest concentration. Reviewing existing data on the effects of antidepressants on a range of endpoints in gastropod molluscs reveals wide variability of results. The importance of publishing 'negative' and/or non-dramatic results to aid risk assessment are discussed along with the variability between antidepressants, model species, experimental designs and endpoints.

Predictors of Suicidal Ideation Across Deployment: A Prospective Study.

OBJECTIVE: Concurrent and prospective predictors of suicidal ideation were examined in a sample of 318 United States Air Force Security Forces across a 1-year deployment in Iraq and 6- to 9-month follow-up. METHOD: Participants included 294 male and 24 female Airmen ranging in age from 18 to 46 years, predominantly (67%) Caucasian. Measures included self-reports of postdeployment suicidal ideation, posttraumatic stress and depressive symptoms, alcohol use, combat experiences, relationship distress, social support, and postdeployment readjustment. RESULTS: Problem drinking before deployment prospectively predicted postdeployment suicidal ideation in univariate analyses. Depressive symptoms and problem drinking were significant independent predictors of postdeployment suicidal ideation. Findings demonstrated a ninefold increase in suicidal ideation among service members with even mild depressive symptoms if moderate problem drinking was also present. CONCLUSIONS: Predeployment problem drinking may serve as a modifiable target for early intervention of suicidal ideation. Findings illuminate the compound risk of comorbid depressive symptoms and moderate problem drinking in predicting suicidal ideation.

Impact of combat deployment on psychological and relationship health: a longitudinal study.

Although previous research has indicated an elevated prevalence of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other mental health problems among veterans of Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom following deployment, most of this research has been cross-sectional and has focused on a limited range of military groups and outcome criteria. This investigation was a longitudinal study of U.S. Air Force security forces assigned to a year-long high-threat ground mission in Iraq to determine the degree to which airmen's emotional and behavioral health and committed relationships were adversely impacted by an extended deployment to a warzone. Participants were a cohort of 164 security forces airmen tasked to a 365-day deployment to train Iraqi police. Airmen completed study measures both prior to and 6-9 months following deployment. Rates of deterioration in individual and interpersonal adjustment were both significant and medium to large in magnitude of effect, d = 0.43 to 0.90. Results suggest that the negative effects of deployment are related to levels of traumatic experiences and do not spontaneously remit within the first 6-9 months following return from deployment-particularly among those service members having relatively lower levels of social support.

Cerebrospinal Fluid Testing in Leptomeningeal Progression of HER2-Negative Breast Cancer Reveals HER2 Positivity, Leading to HER2-Targeted Therapy: A Case Report.

The treatment of breast cancer is largely determined by protein expression assays of estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, and Her2/neu (HER2) status. These prognostic markers may vary due to tumor heterogeneityor the evolution of prognostic markers throughout the course of treatment. This report presents a case of a patient who initially presented with HER2-negative breast cancer and had rapidly progressed on numerous lines of treatment. An analysis of cerebrospinal fluid via next-generation sequencing and biopsy of metastasis to the liver identified HER2-positive cancer, which allowed for the use of trastuzumab deruxtecan, a HER2-targeted therapy. This led to an excellent clinical response with improvement in performance status and quality of life. This case report demonstrates the importance of continuing to follow a patient's cancer pathology to open the doors for other opportunities for treatment. Cancer has the potential to evolve and there is a benefit of obtaining rebiopsies to ensure the correct targeted therapies are provided to the patient.

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in final treated solids (Biosolids) from 190 Michigan wastewater treatment plants.

Trends in concentration, distribution, and variability of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in biosolids are characterized using an extensive dataset of 350 samples from 190 wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) across Michigan. All samples are comprised of final treated solids generated at the end of the wastewater treatment process. Concentrations of both individual and Σ24 PFAS are lognormally distributed, with Σ24 PFAS concentrations ranging from 1-3200 ng/g and averaging 108 ± 277 ng/g dry wt. PFAS with carboxyl and sulfonic functional groups comprise 29% and 71% of Σ24 PFAS concentrations, respectively, on average. Primary sample variability in concentration is associated with long-chain PFAS with higher tendency for partitioning to biosolids. Short-chain carboxylic compounds, most notably PFHxA, are responsible for secondary concentration variability. Usage of FTSA and PFBS replacements to long-chain sulfonic compounds also contributes to variance in biosolids concentrations. Sulfonamide precursor compounds as a collective group are detected at a similar frequency as PFOS and often have higher concentrations. Trends in PFAS enrichment for individual PFAS vary at least 3 orders-of-magnitude and generally increase with compound hydrophobicity; however, partitioning of PFAS onto solids in WWTPs is a complex process not easily described nor constrained using experimentally-derived partitioning coefficients.

PFAS distribution in cascade derived foam at wastewater treatment plants: The role of non-linear drainage, collapse induced enrichment, and implications for removal.

Per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS) enrichment in foam was investigated for the first time at a wastewater treatment plant cascade. A novel sampling device was utilized to allow spatial and temporal heterogeneity in PFAS concentrations and liquid content to be characterized. Concentrations of 8 PFAS compounds were normalized to liquid content and fit to a power law model revealing strong correlation (R2 = 0.91) between drainage induced enrichment and PFAS molar volume. Short chain PFAS such as perfluorobutanoate (PFBA) exhibited minor to no enrichment factors in foam (0.24-5.9) compared to effluent concentrations across the range of foam liquid contents (0.28-6.24 %), while long chain compounds such as perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) became highly enriched with factors of 295-143,000. A conceptual model is proposed to explain higher than expected enrichment of more surface-active PFAS relative to liquid content, which combines continuous partitioning of PFAS to air bubbles during foam formation with additional partitioning during non-linear drainage and foam collapse, both controlled by their affinity for the air-water interface. Scoping calculations suggest the majority of PFOS and other long chain PFAS may be removed if foam is continuously collected with potential to reduce waste volume under economic barriers for current destructive technologies.

Developing a Text Messaging Intervention to Prevent Binge and Heavy Drinking in a Military Population: Mixed Methods Development Study.

BACKGROUND: Alcohol misuse is the fourth leading cause of death in the United States and a significant problem in the US military. Brief alcohol interventions can reduce negative alcohol outcomes in civilian and military populations, but additional scalable interventions are needed to reduce binge and heavy drinking. SMS text messaging interventions could address this need, but to date, no programs exist for military populations. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to develop an SMS text messaging intervention to address binge and heavy drinking among Airmen in Technical Training in the US Air Force. METHODS: We implemented a 2-phase, mixed methods study to develop the SMS text messaging intervention. In phase 1, a total of 149 respondents provided feedback about the persuasiveness of 49 expert-developed messages, preferences regarding message frequency, timing and days to receive messages, and suggested messages, which were qualitatively coded. In phase 2, a total of 283 respondents provided feedback about the persuasiveness of 77 new messages, including those developed through the refinement of messages from phase 1, which were coded and assessed based on the Behavior Change Technique Taxonomy (BCTT). For both phases, mean persuasiveness scores (range 1-5) were calculated and compared according to age (aged <21 or ≥21 years) and gender. Top-ranking messages from phase 2 were considered for inclusion in the final message library. RESULTS: In phase 1, top-rated message themes were about warnings about adverse outcomes (eg, impaired judgment and financial costs), recommendations to reduce drinking, and invoking values and goals. Through qualitative coding of suggested messages, we identified themes related to warnings about adverse outcomes, recommendations, prioritizing long-term goals, team and belonging, and invoking values and goals. Respondents preferred to receive 1 to 3 messages per week (124/137, 90.5%) and to be sent messages on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday (65/142, 45.8%). In phase 2, mean scores for messages in the final message library ranged from 3.31 (SD 1.29) to 4.21 (SD 0.90). Of the top 5 highest-rated messages, 4 were categorized into 2 behavior change techniques (BCTs): valued self-identity and information about health consequences. The final message library includes 28 BCTT-informed messages across 13 BCTs, with messages having similar scores across genders. More than one-fourth (8/28, 29%) of the final messages were informed by the suggested messages from phase 1. As Airmen aged <21 years face harsher disciplinary action for alcohol consumption, the program is tailored based on the US legal drinking age. CONCLUSIONS: This study involved members from the target population throughout 2 formative stages of intervention development to design a BCTT-informed SMS text messaging intervention to reduce binge and heavy drinking, which is now being tested in an efficacy trial. The results will determine the impact of the intervention on binge drinking and alcohol consumption in the US Air Force.

Ascorbate depletion increases quiescence and self-renewal potential in hematopoietic stem cells and multipotent progenitors.

Ascorbate (vitamin C) limits hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) function and suppresses leukemia development by promoting the function of the Tet2 tumor suppressor. In humans, ascorbate is obtained from the diet while in mice it is synthesized in the liver. In this study, we show that deletion of the Slc23a2 ascorbate transporter severely depleted ascorbate from hematopoietic cells. Slc23a2 deficiency increased HSC reconstituting potential and self-renewal potential upon transplantation into irradiated mice. Slc23a2 deficiency also increased the reconstituting and self-renewal potential of multipotent hematopoietic progenitors (MPPs), conferring the ability to long-term reconstitute irradiated mice. Slc23a2-deficient HSCs and MPPs divided much less frequently than control HSCs and MPPs. Increased self-renewal and reconstituting potential were observed particularly in quiescent Slc23a2-deficient HSCs and MPPs. The effect of Slc23a2 deficiency on MPP self-renewal was not mediated by reduced Tet2 function. Ascorbate thus regulates quiescence and restricts self-renewal potential in HSCs and MPPs such that ascorbate depletion confers MPPs with long-term self-renewal potential.

Sex differences in US military personnel with insomnia, obstructive sleep apnea, or comorbid insomnia and obstructive sleep apnea.

STUDY OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate sex-related differences in symptoms of sleep disorders, sleep-related impairment, psychiatric symptoms, traumatic brain injury, and polysomnographic variables in treatment-seeking military personnel diagnosed with insomnia, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), or comorbid insomnia and OSA (COMISA). METHODS: Participants were 372 military personnel (46.2% women, 53.8% men) with an average age of 37.7 (standard deviation = 7.46) years and median body mass index of 28.4 (5.50) kg/m2. Based on clinical evaluation and video-polysomnography, participants were diagnosed with insomnia (n = 118), OSA (n = 118), or COMISA (n = 136). Insomnia severity, excessive daytime sleepiness, sleep quality, nightmare disorder, sleep impairment, fatigue, posttraumatic stress disorder, anxiety, depression symptoms, and traumatic brain injury were evaluated with validated self-report questionnaires. Descriptive statistics, parametric and nonparametric t-tests, and effect sizes were used to assess sex differences between men and women. RESULTS: There were no significant differences between women and men with insomnia or OSA in sleep-related symptoms, impairment, or polysomnography-based apnea-hypopnea index. Military men with COMISA had a significantly greater apnea-hypopnea index as compared to military women with COMISA, but women had greater symptoms of nightmare disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder, and anxiety. CONCLUSIONS: In contrast to civilian studies, minimal differences were observed in self-reported sleep symptoms, impairment, and polysomnography metrics between men and women diagnosed with the most frequent sleep disorders in military personnel (ie, insomnia, OSA, or COMISA) except in those with COMISA. Military service may result in distinct sleep disorder phenotypes that differ negligibly by sex. CITATION: Mysliwiec V, Pruiksma KE, Matsangas P, et al. Sex differences in US military personnel with insomnia, obstructive sleep apnea, or comorbid insomnia and obstructive sleep apnea. J Clin Sleep Med. 2024;20(1):17-30.

Glycosaminoglycan-mediated lipoprotein uptake protects cancer cells from ferroptosis.

Lipids are essential for tumours because of their structural, energetic, and signaling roles. While many cancer cells upregulate lipid synthesis, growing evidence suggests that tumours simultaneously intensify the uptake of circulating lipids carried by lipoproteins. Which mechanisms promote the uptake of extracellular lipids, and how this pool of lipids contributes to cancer progression, are poorly understood. Here, using functional genetic screens, we find that lipoprotein uptake confers resistance to lipid peroxidation and ferroptotic cell death. Lipoprotein supplementation robustly inhibits ferroptosis across numerous cancer types. Mechanistically, cancer cells take up lipoproteins through a pathway dependent on sulfated glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) linked to cell-surface proteoglycans. Tumour GAGs are a major determinant of the uptake of both low and high density lipoproteins. Impairment of glycosaminoglycan synthesis or acute degradation of surface GAGs decreases the uptake of lipoproteins, sensitizes cells to ferroptosis and reduces tumour growth in mice. We also find that human clear cell renal cell carcinomas, a distinctively lipid-rich tumour type, display elevated levels of lipoprotein-derived antioxidants and the GAG chondroitin sulfate than non-malignant human kidney. Altogether, our work identifies lipoprotein uptake as an essential anti-ferroptotic mechanism for cancer cells to overcome lipid oxidative stress in vivo, and reveals GAG biosynthesis as an unexpected mediator of this process.

High-power diode laser bars and shear strain.

The emitters at the edges of high-power laser bars tend to produce less power than emitters that are near the center of the bar. We suggest that shear strain, which owes to strain induced by bonding, creates through a photoelastic effect a weak birefringence that rotates the plane of polarization of the light. A rotation of the plane of polarization reduces the net gain for the lasing modes and hence leads to a lower output power for the emitters at the edges of the bars, where the shear strain is dominant.