E-cigarette use and prevalence of lung diseases among the U.S. population: a NHANES survey.

The primary aim of this study was to evaluate epidemiological characteristics and prevalence of lung disease among e-cigarettes users in the United States. A population-based, cross-sectional survey was performed using the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) of 2015-2018. Adults using e-cigarettes (SMQ900), traditional smoking (SMQ020: > 100 cigarettes in lifetime or SMQ040: current cigarettes use), and dual smoking (e-cigarettes and traditional smoking) were identified and compared in their sociodemographic characteristics and prevalence of lung diseases (Asthma: MCQ010 and COPD: MCQ160O). We used the chi square test (categorical variables) and Mann-Whitney test and unpaired-student t test (continuous variables). p-value <0.05 was used as a reference. We excluded respondents <18 years and missing data on demographics and outcomes. Out of 178,157 respondents, 7745 (4.35%), 48,570 (27.26%), and 23,444 (13.16%) were e-cigarette smokers, traditional smokers, and dual smokers, respectively. Overall prevalence of asthma was 15.16% and COPD was 4.26%. E-cigarette smokers were younger in comparison to traditional smokers (median: 25 years vs 62 years; p < 0.0001). In females (49.34% vs 37.97%), Mexican (19.82% vs 13.35%), annual household income above $100,000 (23.97% vs 15.56%), prevalence of e-cigarette smoking was higher in comparison to traditional smoking (p < 0.0001). The prevalence of COPD was higher among dual smokers in comparison to e-cigarette and traditional smoking (10.14% vs 0.25% vs 8.11%; p < 0.0001). Prevalence of asthma was higher among dual and e-cigarette smokers in comparison with traditional smokers and non-smokers (22.44% vs 21.10% vs 14.46% vs 13.30%; p < 0.0001). Median age (Q1-Q3) was lower at which asthma (7 years (4-12) vs 25 years (8-50)) was diagnosed first among e-cigarettes smokers in comparison with traditional smokers. In a mixed effect multivariable logistic regression analysis, we found higher odds of asthma among e-cigarette users in comparison with non-smokers (Odds ratio (OR): 1.47; 95% Confidence Interval (CI): 1.21-1.78; p = 0.0001). Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) respondents were also associated with 11.28 higher odds of e-cigarette utilization (Oddsratio (OR): 11.28; 95% Confidence Interval (CI): 5.59-22.72; p < 0.0001). We conclude the higher prevalence of e-cigarette users is seen among the younger population, female, Mexican race, and annual income above $100,000 in comparison to traditional smokers. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and asthma were both more prevalent in dual smokers. As asthma was more prevalent and diagnosed at an early age in e-cigarette smokers, more prospective studies are needed to understand the effects of e-cigarette among the population at risk to mitigate the sudden rise in utilization and to create awareness.

Diabetes Research and Resource Sharing During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Systematic Review and Experience from an Academic/Non-Profit Resource Website.

BACKGROUND: The magnitude of the response of the diabetes professional community to the COVID-19 pandemic is not known. We aimed to examine diabetes technology research trends and resources offered by professional organizations during this period. METHODS: We explored patterns of the response from the professional diabetes community to the pandemic by (1) systematically searching for articles related to diabetes, COVID-19, and diabetes technologies; (2) examining publication trends of research protocols (clinicaltrials.gov) and preprints (medRxiv); and (3) reviewing online resources from professional organizations including our website (COVIDinDiabetes.org; an Emory University-Diabetes Technology Society collaboration). RESULTS: We identified 492 articles published between December 2019 and December 2022 meeting our inclusion criteria. Telemedicine and continuous glucose monitoring were the most common reported technologies from most parts of the world. The largest number of preprint articles was published in 2020, with a decline in 2021 and 2022. The number of research protocols related to COVID-19 was the highest in 2020 and declined in 2021 and 2022. Resources from organizations included protocols adapted to treat patients with diabetes and COVID-19, training programs, emergency preparedness, and literature on diabetes and COVID-19. On our website (COVIDinDiabetes.org), there were 12 236 visits and 18 149 pageviews, with 1.6 actions per visits, with most visits coming from North America (N = 7233, 54.2%), South America (N = 2663, 21.8%), and Europe (N = 1219). CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that the COVID-19 pandemic promoted unprecedented global research productivity related to diabetes and COVID-19 and that the transition to the use of technology resources has been evident during this period.

A Rare Case of Thromboangiitis Obliterans of Bilateral Upper Extremities in an Adult Male.

Thromboangiitis obliterans (TAO) also known as Buerger's disease is a nonatherosclerotic vasculitis that is more common in adult male smokers. TAO predominantly affects lower extremities, however, cases with bilateral upper extremities involvement are a rare entity and difficult to manage. Symptoms of the disease mostly mimic that of acute ischemia of the limb. Diagnosis is mostly made clinically, however, radiographic vascular evaluation can strengthen the diagnosis. Herein we present a case of a 41-years-old male with a history of chronic smoking whose signs and symptoms were suggestive of TAO in bilateral upper extremities, however, the patient did not respond to smoking cessation and pharmacotherapy for a long time owing to which he underwent amputation after taking proper informed consent.

A Rare Case of Plexiform Schwannoma of the Little Finger and Its Management: A Case Report.

Schwannomas are tumors of the Schwann cells found in the myelin sheath. They cause 5% of all benign soft-tissue cancers, occur equally in males and females, and occur later in life. Since they remain asymptomatic, diagnosing and treating them becomes challenging; current guidelines recommend imaging followed by excision. Here, we present a case of a 19-year-old male who presents in an outpatient setting with a history of painless swelling of the fifth digit for the past four years. Past medical history and physicals are unremarkable. Microscopic findings from fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) confirmed the schwannoma diagnosis, showing loosely arranged spindle cells with elongated nuclei with pointed ends dispersed within the myxoid stroma.