Assessment of genetic variants in D2 dopamine receptor (DRD2) gene as risk factors for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and major depressive disorder (MDD): A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Many studies have performed assessments of genetic variants in the D2 dopamine receptor (DRD2) gene as risk factors for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and major depressive disorder (MDD). However, the results are inconsistent. This meta-analysis aimed to systematically summarize published data to evaluate the reliable association between the DRD2 genetic variants and the risk of PTSD and MDD. METHODS: A systematic literature search was conducted using the Web of Science, PubMed, Google Scholar, Excerpta Medica Database (EMBASE), Springer, ScienceDirect, Wiley Online Library, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database (CBM), WANFANG Data, CQVIP, and Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) databases before January 1st, 2022. RESULTS: A total of 27 genetic variants in the DRD2 gene were retrieved, and 7 of them met the inclusion criteria for meta-analysis. Our meta-analysis results indicated that the rs1800497 (TaqIA) polymorphism was significantly associated with the increased risk of PTSD (Dominant model (A1A1 + A1A2 vs. A2A2): OR = 1.49, 95 % CI, 1.08-2.04 Z = 2.46, P = 0.014). Subgroup analysis for ethnicity suggested that a significantly increased risk of PTSD was observed in Asians (Dominant model (A1A1 + A1A2 vs. A2A2): OR = 1.39, 95 % CI, 1.08-1.79, Z = 2.60, P = 0.009) and Caucasians (Dominant model (A1A1 + A1A2 vs. A2A2): OR = 1.87, 95 % CI 1.02-3.41, Z = 2.04, P = 0.042). Meanwhile, we detected significant association strengths between the rs1799978 and rs2075652 polymorphisms in the DRD2 gene and MDD (for rs1799978, Homozygote comparison (GG vs. AA): OR = 0.60, 95 % CI = 0.37-0.97, Z = 2.08, P = 0.038; for rs2075652, Homozygote comparison (AA vs. GG): OR = 1.82, 95 % CI = 1.32-2.50, Z = 3.67, P < 0.001). Our cumulative meta-analyses indicated a continuous trend toward association strength with PTSD and MDD. CONCLUSIONS: This meta-analysis indicated that genetic variants in the DRD2 gene might potentially contribute to genetic susceptibility for PTSD and MDD. The utilization of DRD2 genetic variants as risk factors for PTSD and MDD requires further validation by large well-designed case-control studies.

Intersectional Disparities in Youth Tobacco Use by Sexual and/or Gender Minority Status and Race and/or Ethnicity.

INTRODUCTION: The current study applied an intersectional lens to examine societal factors, individual psychological outcomes, and youth combustible tobacco and vape use at the intersection of sexual and/or gender minority (SGM) status and race and/or ethnicity. AIMS AND METHODS: Data were drawn from 133 969 youth respondents surveyed in the 2019-2020 California Student Tobacco Survey, a representative school-based survey of 8th and 10th-grade public school students throughout California. The impact of multiple marginalized group membership using four mutually exclusive intersectional positions (non-SGM white, SGM white, racial minority only, and both SGM and racial minority), in addition to specific differences across ten SGM by race and/or ethnicity groups (e.g. non-SGM black or African American, SGM black or African American, etc.) were assessed. RESULTS: Compared to heterosexual and cisgender white youth, SGM and racial minority adolescents were shown to experience poorer school tobacco education quality and cessation support, lower school and family connectedness, and higher anxiety and depression symptoms. SGM and racial minority youth had a higher prevalence of ever-combustible tobacco use but were less likely to be current vape users compared to non-SGM white respondents. In examining specific group differences, results revealed that SGM teens had the highest risk of ever combustible tobacco use. This disparity was amplified for those belonging to multiple marginalized groups, with black or AA SGM teens evidenced to be at the highest risk of current combustible tobacco. CONCLUSIONS: Information from this study has useful implications for SGM measurement in surveillance systems and highlights the usefulness of adopting an intersectional approach to inform equity-driven public health policy and intervention. IMPLICATIONS: This representative study of California youth supports that identifying as a sexual and/or gender minority (SGM) is an important risk factor for combustible tobacco use. Particularly, observed SGM disparities were magnified for the youth belonging to marginalized groups, as black or African American SGM teens were shown to be at the highest risk of current combustible tobacco use. Findings support that Intersectionality Theory represents a useful framework for examining tobacco-related disparities and underscores the importance of assessing how the intersection of multiple social categories impacts youth tobacco use.

Human total, basal and activity energy expenditures are independent of ambient environmental temperature.

Lower ambient temperature (Ta) requires greater energy expenditure to sustain body temperature. However, effects of Ta on human energetics may be buffered by environmental modification and behavioral compensation. We used the IAEA DLW database for adults in the USA (n = 3213) to determine the effect of Ta (-10 to +30°C) on TEE, basal (BEE) and activity energy expenditure (AEE) and physical activity level (PAL). There were no significant relationships (p > 0.05) between maximum, minimum and average Ta and TEE, BEE, AEE and PAL. After adjustment for fat-free mass, fat mass and age, statistically significant (p < 0.01) relationships between TEE, BEE and Ta emerged in females but the effect sizes were not biologically meaningful. Temperatures inside buildings are regulated at 18-25°C independent of latitude. Hence, adults in the US modify their environments to keep TEE constant across a wide range of external ambient temperatures.

Higher than predicted resting energy expenditure and lower physical activity in healthy underweight Chinese adults.

Contrary to popular opinion that lean individuals "eat what they want" and exercise more, Hu et al. study a cohort of healthy underweight volunteers and reveal them to have reduced physical activity relative to normal BMI controls and lower food intake. This cohort is also shown to have higher than expected resting energy expenditure, which is associated with elevations in thyroid hormones.

Assessment of Mitochondrial Dysfunction in a Murine Model of Supraspinatus Tendinopathy.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to assess mitochondrial dysfunction in a murine model of supraspinatus tendinopathy. METHODS: Eighty-four mice (168 limbs) were included in the study. Supraspinatus tendinopathy was induced by inserting a microsurgical clip in the subacromial space of 63 mice bilaterally (126 limbs). Forty-two of these limbs were harvested at 4 weeks postoperatively, 42 underwent clip removal at 4 weeks after the initial procedure and were harvested at 2 weeks, and 42 underwent clip removal at 4 weeks and were harvested at 4 weeks. Forty-two limbs in the remaining 21 mice did not undergo surgical intervention and were utilized as the control group. Outcomes included biomechanical, histological, gene expression, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analyses. RESULTS: Radiographs confirmed stable clip position in the subacromial space at 4 weeks. Biomechanical testing demonstrated a 60% decrease in failure force of the supraspinatus tendons at 4 weeks compared with the control group. The failure force gradually increased at 2 and 4 weeks after clip removal. Histological analysis demonstrated inflammation surrounding the tendon with higher modified Bonar scores at 4 weeks after clip placement followed by gradual improvement following clip removal. The expression of mitochondrial-related genes was decreased at 4 weeks after clip placement and then significantly increased after clip removal. SOD activity decreased significantly at 4 weeks after clip placement but increased following clip removal. TEM images demonstrated alterations in morphology and the number of mitochondria and cristae at 4 weeks after clip placement with improvement after clip removal. CONCLUSIONS: Mitochondrial dysfunction appears to be associated with the development of tendinopathy. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Mitochondrial protection may offer a potential strategy for delaying the development of tendinopathy and promoting tendon healing.

Smoking Behavior in Low- and High-Income Adults Immediately Following California Proposition 56 Tobacco Tax Increase.

Objectives. To compare the association of California Proposition 56 (Prop 56), which increased the cigarette tax by $2 per pack beginning on April 1, 2017, with smoking behavior among low- and high-income adults.Methods. Drawing on a sample of 17 206 low-income and 21 324 high-income adults aged 21 years or older from the 2012 to 2018 California Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System data, we explored 2 outcomes: current smoking prevalence and smoking intensity (average number of cigarettes per day among current smokers). For each income group, we estimated a multivariable logistic regression to analyze the association of Prop 56 with smoking prevalence and a multivariable linear regression to analyze the association of Prop 56 with smoking intensity.Results. Although we observed no association between smoking intensity and Prop 56, we found a statistically significant decline in smoking prevalence among low-income adults following Prop 56. No such association was found among the high-income group.Conclusions. Given that low-income Californians smoke cigarettes at greater rates than those with higher incomes, our results provide evidence that Prop 56 is likely to reduce income disparities in cigarette smoking in California.

Characterization of urinary concentrations of heavy metals among socioeconomically disadvantaged black pregnant women.

The objective of this study was to characterize exposures to metals using biological samples collected on socioeconomically disadvantaged black pregnant women. We obtained 131 anonymous urine samples provided by black pregnant women visiting a Medicaid-serving prenatal clinic in Houston, TX, from March 27, 2017 to April 11, 2017. We analyzed urine samples for 15 metals including cadmium (Cd), arsenic (As), lead (Pb), and nickel (Ni) and for creatinine and cotinine. We found that median concentrations of zinc (Zn), selenium (Se), and aluminum (Al) among black pregnant women in this study were 1.5 to 3 times higher than levels reported among a cohort of well-educated non-Hispanic white pregnancy planners. We also observed elevated levels of urinary Cd and antimony (Sb) as compared with those reported for a nationally representative sample of adult women in the USA. Based on the results of an exploratory factor analysis, potential sources of metal exposures in this population may arise in home environments or be due to diet, industrial and natural sources, or traffic.

Mind the Gap: Changes in Cigarette Prices After California's Tax Increase.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether California's 2017 cigarette tax increase was passed onto smokers equally. METHODS: Auditors recorded 4 cigarette prices in the same random sample of licensed tobacco retailers (N = 1049) before the tax increase (January-March 2017) and after (April-September 2018): Natural American Spirit (ultra-premium), Newport menthol (premium), and Pall Mall (value) all from the same manufacturer, and Marlboro (premium). Ordinary least squares regressions examined how the gap in prices (increase greater or less than $2.00 tax) varied by market segment and neighborhood demographics, controlling for store type and months since implementation. Paired t-tests assessed whether industry/retail revenue (price in excess of state and federal excise taxes) increased. RESULTS: Over-shifting (increase greater than tax) was evident for all 4 brands and was significantly greater for ultra-premium (Mean = $0.40, SD = 0.75) than premium (Mean = $0.25, SD = 0.78) and greater for premium than value brand (Mean = $0.16, SD = 0.67). However, under-shifting (increase less than tax) was evident for Newport in African-American neighborhoods and Pall Mall in Hispanic neighborhoods. After the tax increase, prices were significantly more likely to be discounted and significantly more stores advertised a discount on cigarettes. CONCLUSION: California's tax increase was not passed onto consumers equally. Non-tax mechanisms to increase price could support intended effects of tobacco taxes.

Clicking Health Risk Messages on Social Media: Moderated Mediation Paths Through Perceived Threat, Perceived Efficacy, and Fear Arousal.

This study drew on appraisal theory to examine how fear appeal messages and individual coping styles combined to drive users' intention to click (ITC) health risk messages on social media. A 2 × 2 × 2 mixed-design experiment was conducted, with threat and efficacy as between subject factors and message as the within subject factor. The results suggested that: (1) threat and efficacy message influenced ITC via the mediating effect of perceived threat, and perceived efficacy; (2) fear arousal was positively related to intention to click; (3) blunting style used by the participant suppressed fear arousal's ability to mobilize ITC; and (4) monitoring style had a positive main effect on ITC. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.

Neighborhood Variation in the Price of Cheap Tobacco Products in California: Results From Healthy Stores for a Healthy Community.

BACKGROUND: Retail marketing surveillance research highlights concerns about lower priced cigarettes in neighborhoods with a higher proportion of racial/ethnic minorities but focuses almost exclusively on premium brands. To remedy this gap in the literature, the current study examines neighborhood variation in prices for the cheapest cigarettes and a popular brand of cigarillos in a large statewide sample of licensed tobacco retailers in a low-tax state. METHODS: All 61 local health departments in California trained data collectors to conduct observations in a census of eligible licensed tobacco retailers in randomly selected zip codes (n = 7393 stores, completion rate=91%). Data were collected in 2013, when California had a low and stagnant tobacco tax. Two prices were requested: the cheapest cigarette pack regardless of brand and a single, flavored Swisher Sweets cigarillo. Multilevel models (stores clustered in tracts) examined prices (before sales tax) as a function of neighborhood race/ethnicity and proportion of school-age youth (aged 5-17). Models adjusted for store type and median household income. RESULTS: Approximately 84% of stores sold cigarettes for less than $5 and a Swisher Sweets cigarillo was available for less than $1 in 74% of stores that sold the brand. The cheapest cigarettes cost even less in neighborhoods with a higher proportion of school-age residents and Asian/Pacific Islanders. CONCLUSIONS: Neighborhood disparities in the price of the cheapest combustible tobacco products are a public health threat. Policy changes that make all tobacco products, especially combustible products, less available and more costly may reduce disparities in their use and protect public health. IMPLICATIONS: Much of what is known about neighborhood variation in the price of combustible tobacco products focuses on premium brand cigarettes. The current study extends this literature in two ways, by studying prices for the cheapest cigarette pack regardless of brand and a popular brand of flavored cigarillos and by reporting data from the largest statewide sample of licensed tobacco retailers. Significantly lower prices in neighborhoods with a higher proportion of youth and of racial/ethnic groups with higher smoking prevalence are a cause of concern. The study results underscore the need for policies that reduce availability and increase price of combustible tobacco products, particularly in states with low, stagnant tobacco taxes.

No seasonal variation in physical activity of Han Chinese living in Beijing.

BACKGROUND: Physical activity (PA) is widely acknowledged to be beneficial to health and wellbeing, and is potentially influenced by a variety of environmental factors such as ambient temperature, weather conditions and air pollution levels. Since these factors vary seasonally, physical activity participation may also respond seasonally. Current population studies to profile physical activity often sample individuals only once, and this may result in biased estimates if there is strong seasonal variation. METHODS: We conducted a study of 40 Han Chinese adults living in Beijing using GT3X accelerometers. We measured PA levels every two months across a complete year, while simultaneously monitoring ambient temperatures and air pollution levels. Average hourly vector magnitude (VM) and percentage time spent at each PA intensity (sedentary to light, moderate, vigorous and very vigorous) were measured. General Linear models (GLMs) were used to explore the effects of time of day, temperature and PM 2.5 levels on PA. One way ANOVA was used to test whether there were seasonal differences in body weight and body fatness. RESULTS: The main factors influencing activity levels were the time of day and individual characteristics including age and body fatness, but there was no significant difference between the months. In addition, there was no significant impact of either ambient temperature or air pollution levels (PM2.5). There were also no significant differences over the year in the time spent at sedentary-light, moderate and very vigorous PA levels, but for vigorous PA level which occupied less than 0.5% daily physical activity, both month and individual were significant factors. CONCLUSIONS: The relatively constant pattern of urban daily life, independent of time of year, may override the potential impacts of environmental factors that would be anticipated to impact PA levels. These subjects did not specifically avoid activity coincident with elevated air pollution levels (PM2.5). Single week long measurements of physical activity could provide a representative measurement of the physical active levels in this population.

Uncertainty analysis of primary water pollutant control in China's pulp and paper industry.

The total emission control target of water pollutants (e.g., COD and NH4-N) for a certain industrial sector can be predicted and analysed using the popular technology-based bottom-up modelling. However, this methodology has obvious uncertainty regarding the attainment of mitigation targets. The primary uncertainty comes from macro-production, pollutant reduction roadmap, and technical parameters. This research takes the paper and pulp industry in China as an example, and builds 5 mitigation scenarios via different combinations of raw material structure, scale structure, procedure mitigation technology, and end-of-pipe treatment technology. Using the methodology of uncertainty analysis via Monte Carlo, random sampling was conducted over a hundred thousand times. According to key parameters, sensitive parameters that impact total emission control targets such as industrial output, technique structure, cleaner production technology, and end-of-pipe treatment technology are discussed in this article. It appears that scenario uncertainty has a larger influence on COD emission than NH4-N, hence it is recommended that a looser total emission control target for COD is necessary to increase its feasibility and availability while maintaining the status quo of NH4-N. Consequently, from uncertainty analysis, this research recognizes the sensitive products, techniques, and technologies affecting industrial water pollution.

Construction of double- and triple-decker sandwich compounds from half-sandwich compounds: a theoretical assessment.

The viability and properties of double- (Cp2M) and triple-decker (Cp3M2) sandwiches formed from half-sandwiches (CpM, Cp = C5H5; M = Li, Na, K, Be, Mg, Ca, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, and Zn) are discussed based on the geometry, energy, HOMO-LUMO gap, and topological properties. The calculated results show that the alkali metals and transitional metals (Fe, Co, Ni) with more unpaired electron are more inclined to form high-symmetry sandwich complexes than the alkaline earth metals. The Cp2M and Cp3M2 symmetries for M = Cu and Zn are low. In Cp2M and Cp3M2, the electrostatic and π orbital interactions are dominant. For Cp3M2, the contributions of orbital interaction to the total M-C interaction and of σ-type interaction to the orbital interaction are larger than those in Cp2M. The nature of the M-C bond is well correlated to its bond length. The shorter the M-C bond, the more covalent it is.

Integrated control of emission reductions, energy-saving, and cost-benefit using a multi-objective optimization technique in the pulp and paper industry.

Reduction of water pollutant emissions and energy consumption is regarded as a key environmental objective for the pulp and paper industry. The paper develops a bottom-up model called the Industrial Water Pollutant Control and Technology Policy (IWPCTP) based on an industrial technology simulation system and multiconstraint technological optimization. Five policy scenarios covering the business as usual (BAU) scenario, the structural adjustment (SA) scenario, the cleaner technology promotion (CT) scenario, the end-treatment of pollutants (EOP) scenario, and the coupling measures (CM) scenario have been set to describe future policy measures related to the development of the pulp and paper industry from 2010-2020. The outcome of this study indicates that the energy saving amount under the CT scenario is the largest, while that under the SA scenario is the smallest. Under the CT scenario, savings by 2020 include 70 kt/year of chemical oxygen demand (COD) emission reductions and savings of 7443 kt of standard coal, 539.7 ton/year of ammonia nitrogen (NH4-N) emission reductions, and savings of 7444 kt of standard coal. Taking emission reductions, energy savings, and cost-benefit into consideration, cleaner technologies like highly efficient pulp washing, dry and wet feedstock preparation, and horizontal continuous cooking, medium and high consistency pulping and wood dry feedstock preparation are recommended.