Activity of the Tobacco Industry in Research and Scientific Literature.

Introduction: Tobacco companies conduct and fund research. They are not always interested in open-ended research. They promote their interests through public relations campaigns. It's a proven fact that they influence the scientific community by impairing scientific reputation, especially in the case of health-related research. Methods: To obtain a comprehensive picture of research and funding activities of the tobacco industry as well as studies about the tobacco industry, respective scientific articles were analyzed in terms of temporal aspects, research areas, networking, and funding sources using established and advanced bibliometric methods. Results: We found the foci of publications with tobacco industry involvement or funding were mainly in chemistry, toxicology, pharmacology, and agricultural sciences. Health-related scopes occurred much less frequently. In contrast, health and medical sciences were the main focus of publications on the tobacco industry. The Chinese state-owned CNTC was the most research-involved tobacco company and often networked with Chinese academic institutions. Whereas, Western universities, on the other hand, collaborated with tobacco companies to a much lesser extent. Conclusion: Conflicts of interest of researchers or academic institutions with the tobacco industry occur repeatedly. That is highly problematic and should not be ignored by the scientific community. The science and the public should be skeptical about tobacco industry-supported research.

Artificial intelligence and neoantigens: paving the path for precision cancer immunotherapy.

Cancer immunotherapy has witnessed rapid advancement in recent years, with a particular focus on neoantigens as promising targets for personalized treatments. The convergence of immunogenomics, bioinformatics, and artificial intelligence (AI) has propelled the development of innovative neoantigen discovery tools and pipelines. These tools have revolutionized our ability to identify tumor-specific antigens, providing the foundation for precision cancer immunotherapy. AI-driven algorithms can process extensive amounts of data, identify patterns, and make predictions that were once challenging to achieve. However, the integration of AI comes with its own set of challenges, leaving space for further research. With particular focus on the computational approaches, in this article we have explored the current landscape of neoantigen prediction, the fundamental concepts behind, the challenges and their potential solutions providing a comprehensive overview of this rapidly evolving field.

Comparison Between Smoked Tobacco and Medical Cannabis Cigarettes Concerning Particulate Matter.

Introduction: Cannabis is a widely used drug like tobacco and alcohol. In the meantime, it is also prescribed for medical treatment in some countries. Tobacco smoke contains chemical carcinogens and particulate matter (PM) that are both harmful to health. Method: In this study, we investigated PM levels in second-hand smoke (SHS) of hand-tamped cannabis cigarettes compared to cigarettes with tubing tobacco and the 3R4F reference cigarette. Results: It could be demonstrated that the largest proportion of the particle mass is attributable to particles with a diameter of less than 1µm and that every tested cigarette emitted more PM than the 3R4F reference cigarette. In addition, our data clearly revealed that cannabis smoke contains higher PM levels in SHS than tobacco cigarettes. Compared to the reference cigarette, the PM1 emissions of cannabis were 105% higher. Also, the cannabis mixed cigarettes had higher PM levels than the 3R4F cigarettes. For instance, the PM10 emissions were 93% higher. Also, the Gauloises Mélange tubing tobacco also reached higher PM concentrations than the 3R4F cigarette. Discussion: Regardless of negative health effects, cannabis is seen as a harmless drug in the public eye. We found strong indications for potential health risks by PM from cannabis products and, therefore, the public should be educated about a potential harm.

Small Warriors of Nature: Novel Red Emissive Chlorophyllin Carbon Dots Harnessing Fenton-Fueled Ferroptosis for In Vitro and In Vivo Cancer Treatment.

The appeal of carbon dots (CDs) has grown recently, due to their established biocompatibility, adjustable photoluminescence properties, and excellent water solubility. For the first time in the literature, copper chlorophyllin-based carbon dots (Chl-D CDs) are successfully synthesized. Chl-D CDs exhibit unique spectroscopic traits and are found to induce a Fenton-like reaction, augmenting photodynamic therapy (PDT) efficacies via ferroptotic and apoptotic pathways. To bolster the therapeutic impact of Chl-D CDs, a widely used cancer drug, temozolomide, is linked to their surface, yielding a synergistic effect with PDT and chemotherapy. Chl-D CDs' biocompatibility in immune cells and in vivo models showed great clinical potential.Proteomic analysis was conducted to understand Chl-D CDs' underlying cancer treatment mechanism. The study underscores the role of reactive oxygen species formation and pointed toward various oxidative stress modulators like aldolase A (ALDOA), aldolase C (ALDOC), aldehyde dehydrogenase 1B1 (ALDH1B1), transaldolase 1 (TALDO1), and transketolase (TKT), offering a deeper understanding of the Chl-D CDs' anticancer activity. Notably, the Chl-D CDs' capacity to trigger a Fenton-like reaction leads to enhanced PDT efficiencies through ferroptotic and apoptotic pathways. Hence, it is firmly believed that the inherent attributes of Chl-CDs can lead to a secure and efficient combined cancer therapy.

Impact of different ventilation conditions on tobacco smoke-associated particulate matter emissions in a car cabin using the TAPaC platform.

Despite antagonizing attempts from the tobacco industry, passive inhalation of tobacco smoke is known to be cancerogenic and toxic to human health for decades. Nonetheless, millions of non-smoking adults and children are still victims of second-hand smoke. Accumulation of particulate matter (PM) in confined spaces such as the car are particularly harmful due to high concentrations. We here aimed to analyze the specific effects of ventilation conditions in the setting of a car. By the use of the measuring platform TAPaC (tobacco-associated particulate matter emissions inside a car cabin), 3R4F reference cigarettes, Marlboro red, and Marlboro gold were smoked in a car interior with a volume of 3.709 m3. Seven different ventilation conditions (C1-C7) were analyzed. Under C1, all windows were closed. Under C2-C7, the car ventilation was turned on power level 2/4 with the air directed towards the windshield. Only the passenger side window was opened, where an outer placed fan could create an airstream speed of 15.9-17.4 km/h at one meter distance to simulate a driving car. C2: Window 10 cm opened. C3: Window 10 cm opened with the fan turned on. C4: Window half-opened. C5: Window half-opened with the fan turned on. C6: Window fully opened. C7: Window fully opened with the fan turned on. Cigarettes were remotely smoked by an automatic environmental tobacco smoke emitter and a cigarette smoking device. Depending on the ventilation condition the cigarettes emitted different mean PM concentrations after 10 min under condition C1 (PM10: 1272-1697 µg/m3, PM2.5: 1253-1659 µg/m3, PM1: 964-1263 µg/m3) under C2, C4, and C6 (PM10: 68.7-196.2 µg/m3, PM2.5: 68.2-194.7 µg/m3, PM1: 66.1-183.8 µg/m3) C3, C5, and C7 (PM10: 73.7-139 µg/m3, PM2.5: 72-137.9 µg/m3, PM1:68.9-131.9 µg/m3). Vehicle ventilation is insufficient to protect passengers from toxic second-hand smoke completely. Brand-specific variations of tobacco ingredients and mixtures markedly influence PM emissions under ventilation conditions. The most efficient ventilation mode to reduce PM exposure was achieved by opening the passenger´s window 10 cm and turning the onboard ventilation on power level 2/4. In-vehicle smoking should be banned to preserve innocent risk groups (e.g., children) from harm.

Watching the release of a photopharmacological drug from tubulin using time-resolved serial crystallography.

The binding and release of ligands from their protein targets is central to fundamental biological processes as well as to drug discovery. Photopharmacology introduces chemical triggers that allow the changing of ligand affinities and thus biological activity by light. Insight into the molecular mechanisms of photopharmacology is largely missing because the relevant transitions during the light-triggered reaction cannot be resolved by conventional structural biology. Using time-resolved serial crystallography at a synchrotron and X-ray free-electron laser, we capture the release of the anti-cancer compound azo-combretastatin A4 and the resulting conformational changes in tubulin. Nine structural snapshots from 1 ns to 100 ms complemented by simulations show how cis-to-trans isomerization of the azobenzene bond leads to a switch in ligand affinity, opening of an exit channel, and collapse of the binding pocket upon ligand release. The resulting global backbone rearrangements are related to the action mechanism of microtubule-destabilizing drugs.

TAPaC-tobacco-associated particulate matter emissions inside a car cabin: establishment of a new measuring platform.

BACKGROUND: Particulate matter (PM) emission caused by tobacco combustion leads to severe health burdens worldwide. Second-hand smoke exposure is extraordinarily high in enclosed spaces (e.g., indoor rooms, car cabins) and poses a particular threat to the health of vulnerable individuals (e.g., children, elderly, etc.). This study aimed to establish a new measuring platform and investigate PM emissions under four different ventilation conditions inside a car cabin without exposing any person to harmful tobacco smoke. METHODS: PM concentrations were measured during the smoking of 3R4F reference cigarettes in a Mitsubishi Space Runner (interior volume 3.709 m3). The cigarettes were smoked with a machine, eliminating exposure of the researchers. Cigarettes were extinguished 4.5 min after ignition, and PM measurements continued until 10 min after ignition. RESULTS: High mean PM concentrations were measured for cigarettes without ventilation after 4.5 min (PM10: 1150 µg/m3, PM2.5: 1132 µg/m3, PM1: 861.6 µg/m3) and after 10 min (PM10: 1608 µg/m3, PM2.5: 1583 µg/m3, PM1: 1133 µg/m3). 3R4F smoked under conditions with turned on ventilation resulted in reduction of PM compared to those smoked without ventilation after 4.5 min (PM10:-47.5 to -58.4%, PM2.5:-47.2 to -58%, PM1:-39.6 to -50.2%) and after 10 min (PM10:-70.8 to -74.4%, PM2.5:-70.6 to -74.3%, PM1:-64.0 to -68.0%). Cigarettes smoked without ventilation generated high PM peaks at 4.5 min (PM10: 2207 µg/m3, PM2.5: 2166 µg/m3, PM1: 1421 µg/m3) and at 10 min (PM10: 1989 µg/m3, PM2.5: 1959 µg/m3, PM1: 1375 µg/m3). PM peaks of cigarettes smoked under different ventilation modes varied at 4.5 min (PM10: 630-845 µg/m3, PM2.5: 625-836 µg/m3, PM1: 543 - 693 µg/m3) and 10 min (PM10: 124 - 130 µg/m3, PM2.5: 124 - 129 µg/m3, PM1: 118 - 124 µg/m3). CONCLUSION: The new measuring platform provides a safer way for researchers to investigate PM emissions of cigarettes. These data are comparable to published research and show that smoking in a parked vehicle with the windows closed generates harmful PM emissions even when the vehicle ventilation is in operation. Future studies should be carried out using the new measuring platform investigating PM exposure and PM distribution of in-vehicle smoking under a wide range of conditions.

Do Budget Cigarettes Emit More Particles? An Aerosol Spectrometric Comparison of Particulate Matter Concentrations between Private-Label Cigarettes and More Expensive Brand-Name Cigarettes.

Private-label cigarettes are cigarettes that belong to the retailer itself. Private-label cigarettes from discounters or supermarkets are cheaper than brand-name cigarettes, and their lower price has allowed them to garner an ever-increasing share of the tobacco product market, especially among lower socioeconomic groups. Particulate matter (PM), a considerable component of air pollution, is a substantial health-damaging factor. Smoking is the primary source of PM in smokers' homes. In a 2.88 m3 measuring chamber, the PM emission fractions PM10, PM2.5, and PM1 from three private-label cigarette brands and three brand-name cigarette brands with identical nicotine, tar, and carbon monoxide content were measured and compared to those of a reference cigarette by laser aerosol spectroscopy. All cigarette brands emitted PM in health-threatening quantities. The measurement results ranged from 1394 µg/m3 to 1686 µg/m3 PM10, 1392 µg/m3 to 1682 µg/m3 PM2.5, and 1355 µg/m3 to 1634 µg/m3 PM1, respectively. Only one private-label brand differed significantly (p < 0.001) from the other cigarette brands, which were tested with slightly lower PM levels. All other brands differed only marginally (not significant, p > 0.05) from one another. Significant (p < 0.05) negative correlations between private-label and brand-name cigarettes were found for PM10, PM2.5, and PM1 when accounting for tobacco filling densities, and for PM1 when accounting for filter lengths. The especially health-hazardous fraction PM1 accounted for the largest proportion of PM emissions from the cigarettes tested. The results of this study suggest that- cheaper tobacco products are as harmful as more expensive ones, at least regarding PM emissions. This highlights the importance of anti-smoking campaigns, especially for lower socioeconomic groups, where smoking is more widespread. Governments should reduce the price gap between cheap and more expensive tobacco products by implementing specific tobacco taxes. In such a case, at increasing prices of tobacco products, a downward shift to private-label cigarettes would probably decrease.

Base-Free Synthesis and Photophysical Properties of New Schiff Bases Containing Indole Moiety.

Schiff bases represent an essential class in organic chemistry with antitumor, antiviral, antifungal, and antibacterial activities. The synthesis of Schiff bases requires the presence of an organic base as a catalyst such as piperidine. Base-free synthesis of organic compounds using a heterogeneous catalyst has recently attracted more interest due to the facile procedure, high yield, and reusability of the used catalyst. Herein, we present a comparative study to synthesize new Schiff bases containing indole moieties using piperidine as an organic base catalyst and Au@TiO2 as a heterogeneous catalyst. In both methods, the products were isolated in high yields and fully characterized using different spectral analysis techniques. The catalyst was reusable four times, and the activity was slightly decreased. The presence of Au increases the number of acidic sites of TiO2, resulting in C=O polarization. Yields of the prepared Schiff bases in the presence of Au@TiO2 and piperidine were comparable. However, Au@TiO2 is an easily separable and recyclable catalyst, which would facilitate the synthesis of organic compounds without applying any hazardous materials. Furthermore, the luminescence behavior of the synthesized Schiff bases exhibited spectral shape dependence on the substituent group. Interestingly, the compounds also displayed deep-blue fluorescence with Commission Internationale de l'Éclairage (CIE) coordinates of y < 0.1. Thus, these materials may contribute to decreasing the energy consumption of the emitting devices.

Kretek Cigarettes and Particulate Matter Emissions-An Aerosol Spectrometric Study on Typical Indonesian Brands Flavored With Cloves.

INTRODUCTION: In Indonesia, smoking is widespread. The same applies to second-hand smoke (SHS) exposure. More than 90% of Indonesian smokers smoke clove cigarettes, so-called Kreteks. They often contain more tar and nicotine than conventional cigarettes, but little is known about particulate matter (PM) emissions. In smokers' homes, SHS is the main source of PM that is hazardous to health. This study presents data of PM emissions from Kreteks. METHODS: SHS was generated in a closed 2.88 m³ measuring chamber. PM fractions (PM10, PM2.5, PM1) of three popular Kretek brands (two king-sized and one slim-sized) in comparison to conventional cigarettes and a reference cigarette were measured by laser aerosol spectroscopy in real-time. RESULTS: The king-sized Kreteks reached PM10 and PM2.5 mean concentrations of up to about 3000 µg/m³, and PM1 mean concentrations of up to about 2700 µg/m³. Consequently, these Kreteks emitted up to about 100% more PM10 and PM2.5, respectively 84% more PM1 than the reference cigarette, and up to about 260% more PM10 and PM2.5, respectively 234% more PM1 than the other investigated cigarettes. CONCLUSIONS: PM emissions from Kreteks can be very high. The Indonesian public should be informed and warned about it, considering the high prevalence of smoking and SHS exposure, in particular. The Indonesian tobacco control regulation is limited, and it is overdue to start with a serious and effective tobacco control policy. PM declaration to government authorities could be useful in smoking prevention and tobacco control. IMPLICATIONS: Research data are limited for Kretek cigarettes, including data on particulate matter (PM). The clove buds in Kretek cigarettes are for flavoring the smoke and shall soften the smoke feeling. That makes them very popular in Indonesia, in particular. The declaration of PM data of Kreteks and other tobacco products can play a key role in a more effective tobacco policy to reduce consumption of tobacco products, not only in Indonesia. To provide data on PM emissions, this study ascertained PM amounts in passive smoke from Indonesian Kreteks.

Changes in Exosomal miRNA Composition in Thyroid Cancer Cells after Prolonged Exposure to Real Microgravity in Space.

As much as space travel and exploration have been a goal since humankind looked up to the stars, the challenges coming with it are manifold and difficult to overcome. Therefore, researching the changes the human organism undergoes following exposure to weightlessness, on a cellular or a physiological level, is imperative to reach the goal of exploring space and new planets. Building on the results of our CellBox-1 experiment, where thyroid cancer cells were flown to the International Space Station, we are now taking advantage of the newest technological opportunities to gain more insight into the changes in cell-cell communication of these cells. Analyzing the exosomal microRNA composition after several days of microgravity might elucidate some of the proteomic changes we have reported earlier. An array scan of a total of 754 miRNA targets revealed more than 100 differentially expressed miRNAs in our samples, many of which have been implicated in thyroid disease in other studies.

High particulate matter burden by cigarillos: A laser spectrometric analysis of second-hand smoke of common brands with and without filter.

Although the global tobacco market of cigarillos is substantial, little is known about their particulate matter (PM) emissions. For exposure risk assessment of cigarillos, the PM fractions PM10, PM2.5, and PM1 of eight cigarillo brands (four with filters) and a reference cigarette were measured. For this purpose, second-hand smoke was generated by an automatic smoke pump in a measuring chamber with a volume of 2.88 m³. The mean particle concentrations of the cigarillos ranged from 2783 µg/m³ to 6686 µg/m³ for PM10, from 2767 µg/m³ to 6585 µg/m³ for PM2.5, and from 2441 to 4680 µg/m³ for PM1. Mean concentrations of the reference cigarette for PM10, PM2.5, and PM1 were 4400 µg/m³, 4335 µg/m³, and 3289 µg/m³, respectively. Filter-tipped cigarillos showed between 5% and 38% lower PM10 and PM2.5 levels, respectively, and between 4% and 30% lower PM1 levels. Our findings show generally high PM emissions for all investigated tobacco products. Therefore, the declaration of PM amounts to government authorities should be mandatory for all tobacco products. Policymakers should ensure that corresponding information will be provided in the future.

Transient Near-UV Absorption of the Light-Driven Sodium Pump Krokinobacter eikastus Rhodopsin 2: A Spectroscopic Marker for Retinal Configuration.

We report a transient signature in the near-UV absorption of Krokinobacter eikastus rhodopsin 2 (KR2), which spans from the femtosecond up to the millisecond time scale. The signature rises with the all-trans to 13-cis isomerization of retinal and decays with the reisomerization to all-trans in the late photocycle, making it a promising marker band for retinal configuration. Hybrid quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics simulations show that the near-UV absorption signal corresponds to an S0 → S3 and/or an S0 → S5 transition, which is present in all photointermediates. These transitions exhibit a negligible spectral shift by the altering protein environment, in contrast to the main absorption band. This is rationalized by the extension of the transition densities that omits the Schiff base nitrogen. Further characterization and first steps into possible optogenetic applications were performed with near-UV quenching experiments of an induced photostationary state, yielding an ultrafast regeneration of the parent state of KR2.

The impact of second-hand smoke on nitrogen oxides concentrations in a small interior.

Nitrogen oxides (NOx), especially nitrogen dioxide (NO2), are among the most hazardous forms of air pollution. Tobacco smoke is a main indoor source of NOx, but little information is available about their concentrations in second-hand smoke (SHS), particularly in small indoors. This study presents data of NOx and its main components nitric oxide (NO) and NO2 in SHS emitted by ten different cigarette brands measured in a closed test chamber with a volume of 2.88 m3, similar to the volume of vehicle cabins. The results show substantial increases in NOx concentrations when smoking only one cigarette. The NO2 mean concentrations ranged between 105 and 293 µg/m3, the NO2 peak concentrations between 126 and 357 µg/m3. That means the one-hour mean guideline of 200 µg/m3 for NO2 of the World Health Organization was exceeded up to 47%, respectively 79%. The measured NO2 values show positive correlations with the values for tar, nicotine, and carbon monoxide stated by the cigarette manufacturers. This study provides NO2 concentrations in SHS at health hazard levels. These data give rise to the necessity of health authorities' measures to inform about and caution against NOx exposure by smoking in indoor rooms.

Changes in Exosome Release in Thyroid Cancer Cells after Prolonged Exposure to Real Microgravity in Space.

Space travel has always been the man's ultimate destination. With the ability of spaceflight though, came the realization that exposure to microgravity has lasting effects on the human body. To counteract these, many studies were and are undertaken, on multiple levels. Changes in cell growth, gene, and protein expression have been described in different models on Earth and in space. Extracellular vesicles, and in particular exosomes, are important cell-cell communicators, being secreted from almost all the cells and therefore, are a perfect target to further investigate the underlying reasons of the organism's adaptations to microgravity. Here, we studied supernatants harvested from the CellBox-1 experiment, which featured human thyroid cancer cells flown to the International Space Station during the SpaceX CRS-3 cargo mission. The initial results show differences in the number of secreted exosomes, as well as in the distribution of subpopulations in regards to their surface protein expression. Notably, alteration of their population regarding the tetraspanin surface expression was observed. This is a promising step into a new area of microgravity research and will potentially lead to the discovery of new biomarkers and pathways of cellular cross-talk.

Gastric Cancer: Bibliometric Analysis of Epidemiological, Geographical and Socio-Economic Parameters of the Global Research Landscape.

BACKGROUND: Although the incidence and mortality of gastric cancer (GC) decreased in the last years, some countries remain highly affected. Especially in high-income economies the cases of cardia types are steadily increasing. Currently, GC is ranked third as cause for cancer death worldwide, whereby two-thirds of deaths still occur in low-income countries. But the global numbers are changing, and new regional challenges must be addressed. METHODS: Therefore, this disease has been chosen for in-depth bibliometric analyses that combines the evaluation of publication meta-data with density equalizing visualization techniques. This study focuses on the chronological and geographical characteristics of GC research worldwide. Epidemiological and socio-economic parameters were analyzed and the influence of political framework conditions was examined. In addition, international collaborations and research priorities were evaluated. RESULTS: In the last years, the publication numbers are rising more extensively in comparison to other cancer types. Albeit the usual leading positions, the United States is not the most publishing country on GC. It occupies the third position. Instead, China and Japan are the most publishing countries and together with South Korea also the key players as well as the most affected countries. These countries' governments are also the main donors for GC-research. The number of articles and the expenditures for research and development (R??D) as well as the incidence rate are correlated. Despite the scarce contribution of low-economic countries to the publication output, international collaborations lead to a modest output in those regions. CONCLUSION: This study pools background information for scientists, practitioners, funders and decision-makers by providing information on the development and priorities of GC research. Adaptive international approaches and partnerships are crucial to meet future changing epidemiological features worldwide.

Influence of Second-Hand Smoke and Prenatal Tobacco Smoke Exposure on Biomarkers, Genetics and Physiological Processes in Children-An Overview in Research Insights of the Last Few Years.

Children are commonly exposed to second-hand smoke (SHS) in the domestic environment or inside vehicles of smokers. Unfortunately, prenatal tobacco smoke (PTS) exposure is still common, too. SHS is hazardous to the health of smokers and non-smokers, but especially to that of children. SHS and PTS increase the risk for children to develop cancers and can trigger or worsen asthma and allergies, modulate the immune status, and is harmful to lung, heart and blood vessels. Smoking during pregnancy can cause pregnancy complications and poor birth outcomes as well as changes in the development of the foetus. Lately, some of the molecular and genetic mechanisms that cause adverse health effects in children have been identified. In this review, some of the current insights are discussed. In this regard, it has been found in children that SHS and PTS exposure is associated with changes in levels of enzymes, hormones, and expression of genes, micro RNAs, and proteins. PTS and SHS exposure are major elicitors of mechanisms of oxidative stress. Genetic predisposition can compound the health effects of PTS and SHS exposure. Epigenetic effects might influence in utero gene expression and disease susceptibility. Hence, the limitation of domestic and public exposure to SHS as well as PTS exposure has to be in the focus of policymakers and the public in order to save the health of children at an early age. Global substantial smoke-free policies, health communication campaigns, and behavioural interventions are useful and should be mandatory.

High Particulate Matter Burden of Cigarettes from the United Arab Emirates and Germany: Are There Country-Specific Differences?

Although the big tobacco companies offer the same cigarette brands across countries, little is known about the potential regional differences of the particulate matter (PM) emissions of apparently equal brands. PM emissions of three cigarette brands (Marlboro Gold, Winston Red resp. Classic, Parliament Platinum resp. Night Blue) from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Germany were analysed. Second-hand smoke was produced in a 2.88 m3 measuring cabin by an automatic environmental tobacco smoke emitter. PM size fractions PM10, PM2.5, and PM1 were detected in real-time using laser aerosol spectrometry. Depending on the PM fraction Marlboro cigarettes from UAE showed 33%-35% higher PM amounts. Moreover, Winston cigarettes from UAE showed distinctly higher PM values (28-31%) than the German counterparts. The "lighter" Parliament from UAE emitted 3%-9% more PM than the German one. The measured mean PM10 values laid between 778 and 1163 µg/m3 (mean PM2.5: 777-1161 µg/m3; mean PM1: 724-1074 µg/m3). That means smoking in enclosed rooms causes massive PM burden. The PM emission of equal or similar tobacco products from different countries can differ distinctly. Hence, the declaration of PM emission values, besides nicotine, tar, and carbon monoxide amounts, should be obligatory worldwide. Furthermore, complete information about the ingredients and production processes of tobacco products should be provided to health officials and the public. This can help to minimise or ban substances or product designs that make smoking even more harmful, and to enhance the awareness of the risks of smoking.

Global research on Fabry's disease: Demands for a rare disease.

BACKGROUND: Fabry disease (FD), the second most prevalent lysosomal storage disorder, is classified as a rare disease. It often leads to significant quality of life impairments and premature death. Many cases remain undiagnosed due to the rarity and heterogeneity. Further, costs related to treatment often constitute a substantial financial burden for patients and health systems. While its epidemiology is still unclear, newborn screenings suggest that its actual prevalence rate is significantly higher than previously suspected. METHODS: Based on well-established methodologies, this study gives an overview about the background of the development of FD-related research and provides a critical view of future needs. RESULTS: On the grounds of benchmarking findings, an increasing research activity on FD can be observed. Most publishing countries are the USA, some European countries, Japan, Taiwan, and South Korea. In general, high-income countries publish comparably more on FD than low- or middle-income economies. The countries' financial and infrastructural background are unveiled as crucial factors for the FD research activity. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, there is a need to foster FD research infrastructure in developing and emerging countries with focus on cost-intensive genetic research that is independent from economic interests of big pharmaceutical companies.