Effects of a fruit-ice combination flavor on appeal and sensory experience of vaping and moderation by preexisting e-cigarette flavor preference.

E-cigarettes with ice flavors, which are products with a cooling agent added to a characterizing flavor (e.g., grape-ice), are widely sold. Whether ice flavors appeal to only those who already use them or a to wider population is not widely understood. This secondary analysis of a clinical laboratory experiment tested effects of experimental exposure to e-cigarettes with fruit-ice versus other flavors on the appeal and sensory attributes of vaping and whether fruit-ice effects are moderated by preexisting e-cigarette flavor preference. In a controlled double-blind within-subject randomized online experiment, adults who currently use e-cigarettes, N = 85, M (SD) = 35.5 (13.2) years, 50% female, 54.3% White, self-administered e-liquids varying in flavors (fruit-ice [grape + menthol], tobacco-only, dessert-only [caramel], and fruit-only [strawberry]). Participants rated each product's appeal (liking, disliking, willingness to use again) and sensory attributes (sweetness, smoothness, harshness, bitterness, and coolness). In the overall sample, fruit-ice flavor produced (a) higher appeal, sweetness, smoothness, and coolness and lower bitterness and harshness compared to tobacco and dessert-only flavors and (b) higher coolness and lower sweetness than fruit-only flavors. The appeal-enhancing effect of fruit-ice (vs. tobacco and dessert-only flavors) was stronger among those with preexisting preferences for menthol/mint, fruit, and ice flavors, but not for those who typically used tobacco-only flavors. Our findings suggest that restrictions on fruit-ice-flavored e-cigarettes may reduce the appeal of vaping, particularly among vapers with preferences for products with cooling, fruit, and/or sweet sensory attributes. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Association between cannabis use and nicotine use persistence among adolescents.

INTRODUCTION: Prospective associations of adolescent cannabis use with nicotine use persistence are not well characterized but are important for informing prevention and policy. This study examined the association of 4 types of cannabis product use with subsequent persistent nicotine product use among adolescents. METHODS: We used prospective data from an adolescent cohort (14-17 years) from Southern California surveyed at baseline and at approximately 6-month follow-up (2022-2023). We incorporated three mutually non-exclusive analytic samples comprised of individuals with baseline past 6-month use of: (1) any nicotine product (N=308 [mean[SD] age = 16.3[0.6] years]), (2) e-cigarettes (n = 276), and (3) any combustible tobacco product (n = 137). Baseline past 6-month cannabis smoking, vaping, edible use, cannabidiol [CBD] or hemp product use, and any cannabis product use (yes/no) were separately modeled as predictors of past 6-month persistent use of any nicotine products, e-cigarettes, and combustible tobacco at follow-up. RESULTS: Baseline use of any cannabis product was associated with increased odds of persistent use of e-cigarettes or any nicotine product (adjusted odds ratio[OR] range: 1.96-2.66). Cannabis smoking was positively associated with persistent any nicotine product use (adjusted OR=2.19, 95 % CI=1.20-4.02). Cannabis smoking, vaping, and edible use predicted persistent use of e-cigarettes (adjusted OR range: 2.22-2.79). Cannabis product use did not predict combustible tobacco use persistence. Associations of CBD/hemp product use with nicotine use persistence outcomes were all non-significant. CONCLUSIONS: Adolescents who use cannabis may be at elevated risk for persistent nicotine use.

Vaping Transitions and Incident Depressive Symptoms among Young Adults: A Marginal Structural Model Analysis.

The extent to which vaping influences depression is unclear, but could be estimated through application of novel epidemiologic methods. Among a prospective cohort of young adults from California who screened negative for depression, we estimated repeated measures marginal structural models to examine the association of four vaping transitions from time T to T+1 (persistent use, discontinuation, initiation, persistent nonuse) with risk of clinically significant depressive symptoms at T+1, simultaneously across three ~1.5 year time-intervals between 2017-2021. Stabilized inverse probability of treatment and censoring weights adjusted for time-dependent confounders and selection bias. Among n=3,496 observations (1,806 participants, mean pooled baseline age=19.5), 8.1% reported persistent vaping from T to T+1, 6.2% reported discontinuation (i.e., use at T and no use at T+1), 6.5% initiated e-cigarettes (i.e., no use at T and use at T+1), and 79.2% reported persistent nonuse at both time-points. Compared to persistent vaping at two waves, persistent nonuse (RR=0.76, 95%CI:0.62-0.93) and discontinuation (RR=0.71, 95%CI:0.52-0.96) were associated with lower risk of depression. Associations were robust to sensitivity analyses, including restricting to tobacco naïve participants and varying temporal assumptions to reduce potential for reverse causation. Young adults who consistently avoid or discontinue vaping may be protected from depressive symptom occurrence.

Disposable E-Cigarette Use and Subsequent Use Patterns in Adolescents and Young Adults.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Disposable electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) are widely used by adolescents and young adults (AYAs). Whether using disposable devices is associated with future e-cigarette use patterns is unknown but important for informing e-cigarette regulation. METHODS: Prospective longitudinal study combining data from adolescent (14-17 years) and young adult (21-24 years) cohorts from Southern California surveyed at baseline and approximately 8-month follow-up during 2021 to 2022. The analyses included AYAs who used e-cigarettes in the past 30 days at baseline and had exposure and outcome data (N = 403; adolescent n = 124, young adult n = 279). RESULTS: In the pooled sample of AYAs who used e-cigarettes at baseline (57.2% cis-gender female, 56.2% Hispanic), 278 (69.0%) reported past 30-day disposable e-cigarette use, and 125 (31.0%) used only nondisposable e-cigarettes. Baseline use of disposable (versus only nondisposable) devices was associated with higher odds of continued e-cigarette use (adjusted odds ratio = 1.92; 95% confidence interval = 1.09-3.42) and a greater number of times used e-cigarettes per day at follow-up (adjusted incidence rate ratio = 1.29; 95% confidence interval = 1.02-1.63). In supplemental analyses, disposable e-cigarette use was associated with greater odds of no changes (versus reductions) in e-cigarette use frequency and puffs per episode from baseline to follow-up but was not associated with increases in use frequency and intensity. No differences in e-cigarette use outcomes were found between those with poly-device (disposable and nondisposable) versus only disposable device use. CONCLUSIONS: Use of disposable e-cigarette devices among AYAs may be associated with higher risks for persistent e-cigarette use patterns, which should be considered in tobacco product regulation designed to protect AYAs.

Longitudinal Transitions Between Use of Combustible, Noncombustible, and Multiple Cannabis Products From Adolescence to Young Adulthood and Intersections With Nicotine Use.

Understanding transitions across use of different types of cannabis products and multiple cannabis products and how they intersect with nicotine use in young people can inform etiology and prevention. In this study, we examined transitions across use of combustible and noncombustible forms of cannabis and multiple types of cannabis from adolescence to young adulthood and the role of nicotine use in transitions. In a Southern California longitudinal cohort study (n = 3,298; baseline mean age = 16.1 (standard deviation, 0.4) years) with 9 semiannual survey waves (2015-2021), we used Markov multistate transition modeling to estimate short-term (2-wave) and long-term (9-wave) probabilities of transition across 5 cannabis use states: never use of any product, prior use with no past-6-month (P6M) use of any product, and P6M use of exclusively noncombustible products, exclusively combustible products, and multiple (noncombustible + combustible) products. Sizable transition probabilities from prior and exclusive P6M noncombustible or combustible cannabis use to P6M poly-cannabis-product use were observed in short-term (10.7%-38.9%) and long-term (43.4%-43.8%) analyses. P6M nicotine use increased risk of transitioning from never and prior use to exclusive P6M noncombustible and combustible cannabis use. Cannabis use in any form, even temporary use, during midadolescence may often be followed by poly-cannabis-product use. Nicotine use may amplify the probability of future cannabis use onset or recurrence.

Parenting practices, mental health, and electronic cigarette use among U.S. young adolescents: A longitudinal panel analysis, 2013-2018.

PURPOSE: This study examined prospective association of parenting practices related to tobacco use with adolescent e-cigarette use and the moderating role of mental health among U.S. young adolescents. METHODS: We study used multi-wave longitudinal data (2013-2018) drawn from the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health Study. A total of 5114 young adolescents (12-14 years) who were not lost to follow-ups across four waves (Wave 1-4) comprised the study sample. Weighted logistic regression models along with generalized linear mixed modeling assessed the within-subject associations of parenting practices related to tobacco use (tobacco availability at parent/guardian's home, past-year parent talk about tobacco use, and rules about non-combustible tobacco use at home) with adolescent current e-cigarette use. RESULTS: Prevalence of having home rules about non-combustible tobacco use increased (74.5%-80.2%) and that of parent talk about tobacco use decreased (52.0%-33.9%) over time while tobacco availability at home did not show a specific trend. Tobacco availability at home was associated with increased odds of adolescent e-cigarette use (adjusted odd ratio[OR] = 2.25, 95% confidence interval[CI] = 1.72-2.95), and having home rules about non-combustible tobacco use was linked to decreased likelihood of e-cigarette use (adjusted OR = 0.72, 95% CI = 0.55-0.92). The magnitude of negative association between having rules about non-combustible tobacco and adolescent e-cigarette use was stronger among adolescents with internalizing problems but weaker among those with externalizing problems. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings highlight the important role of home-based interventions in discouraging young adolescents from e-cigarette use. Parents/guardians should consider adolescents' mental health to provide more efficient home- and/or clinical-based e-cigarette use prevention.

Application of a cognitive program with a comprehensive strategy feedback for Korean older adults.

This study assesses the effect of a cognitive program with a comprehensive strategy feedback on the cognitive function and memory self-efficacy of community-dwelling older adults and explores its applicability in Korea. The study employed a group pre-posttest design on 10 cognitively normal older participants. The four-week cognitive program involved daily completion of cognitive tasks at home using CoTras-Pro 2 and remotely provided individual non-face-to-face feedback. Additionally, biweekly face-to-face group feedback sessions were conducted with five participants. The Korean version of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment, the Korean-Color Word Stroop Test, and the Memory Self-Efficacy Questionnaire were used. Post-interviews were conducted to collect feedback. The program exerted a notable positive impact on cognitive function and memory self-efficacy. A study designed as a large-scale program conducted in collaboration with community-based public and private organizations holds the potential to be modeled for similar intervention programs involving a large number of participants.

Association of over the counter "hangover remedy" use with alcohol use problems and consumption patterns among young adults.

This cross-sectional study of young adults examined associations of hangover remedy use with alcohol use problems. Results suggest that ever-use of hangover remedy products was positively associated with alcohol use problem score, drinks per typical drinking day, and alcohol use disorder symptom count. Use of hangover remedies among young adults merits further scientific and regulatory attention.

Activated somatostatin interneurons orchestrate memory microcircuits.

Despite recent advancements in identifying engram cells, our understanding of their regulatory and functional mechanisms remains in its infancy. To provide mechanistic insight into engram cell functioning, we introduced a novel local microcircuit labeling technique that enables the labeling of intraregional synaptic connections. Utilizing this approach, we discovered a unique population of somatostatin (SOM) interneurons in the mouse basolateral amygdala (BLA). These neurons are activated during fear memory formation and exhibit a preference for forming synapses with excitatory engram neurons. Post-activation, these SOM neurons displayed varying excitability based on fear memory retrieval. Furthermore, when we modulated these SOM neurons chemogenetically, we observed changes in the expression of fear-related behaviors, both in a fear-associated context and in a novel setting. Our findings suggest that these activated SOM interneurons play a pivotal role in modulating engram cell activity. They influence the expression of fear-related behaviors through a mechanism that is dependent on memory cues.

Imaging features and clinical significance of atypical pleural plaques mimicking bone tumors: a retrospective case series.

This study aimed to examine the imaging characteristics and clinical implications of atypical pleural lesions that mimic bone tumors and form along the inner margins of consecutive ribs. This retrospective analysis included 45 atypical pleural lesions arising from 13 patients who underwent chest computed tomography (CT) between April 2021 and March 2023. The clinical features, CT findings, and radiologic diagnoses prior to pathologic identification were examined. Pathological findings were reviewed in the surgically resected case. Subgroup analysis was performed based on the presence of concurrent typical pleural plaques. The mean age of the patients was 69.3±8.4 years with a predominance of males (76.9%). The lesions primarily exhibited unilateral involvement (84.6%), being most frequently located in the right mid-level posterior region. Calcification was present in 75.6% of cases, typically seen continuously along the ribs (82.4%). Adjacent rib changes were observed in 28.9% of cases. These lesions were frequently misdiagnosed as osteochondromas or bony spurs (55.6%) by thoracic radiologists. No significant growth was observed during follow-up (n=11, 47±41 months), and the pathological findings were consistent with pleural plaques. Patients with concurrent typical pleural plaques had more atypical pleural lesions without statistical significance (P=0.071) and showed a more even distribution (P=0.039). In conclusion, atypical pleural lesions resembling bone tumors along consecutive ribs represent a distinct subset of pleural plaques. Their unique distribution and morphology should be recognized by radiologists to avoid misinterpretation and unnecessary interventions.

Molecular Cloning, In Silico Analysis, and Characterization of a Novel Cellulose Microfibril Swelling Gene Isolated from Bacillus sp. Strain AY8.

A novel cellulose microfibril swelling (Cms) gene of Bacillus sp. AY8 was successfully cloned and sequenced using a set of primers designed based on the conserved region of the gene from the genomic database. The molecular cloning of the Cms gene revealed that the gene consisted of 679 bp sequences encoding 225 amino acids. Further in silico analysis unveiled that the Cms gene contained the NlpC/P60 conserved region that exhibited a homology of 98% with the NlpC/P60 family proteins found in both the strains, Burkholderialata sp. and Burkholderia vietnamiensis. The recombinant Cms enzyme had a significant impact on the reduction of crystallinity indices (CrI) of various substrates including a 3%, a 3.97%, a 4.66%, and a substantial 14.07% for filter paper, defatted cotton fiber, avicel, and alpha cellulose, respectively. Additionally, notable changes in the spectral features were observed among the substrates treated with recombinant Cms enzymes compared to the untreated control. Specifically, there was a decrease in band intensities within the spectral regions of 3000-3450 cm-1, 2900 cm-1, 1429 cm-1, and 1371 cm-1 for the treated filter paper, cotton fiber, avicel, and alpha cellulose, respectively. Furthermore, the recombinant Cms enzyme exhibited a maximum cellulose swelling activity at a pH of 7.0 along with a temperature of 40 °C. The molecular docking data revealed that ligand molecules, such as cellobiose, dextrin, maltose 1-phosphate, and feruloyated xyloglucan, effectively bonded to the active site of the Cms enzyme. The molecular dynamics simulations of the Cms enzyme displayed stable interactions with cellobiose and dextrin molecules up to 100 ns. It is noteworthy to mention that the conserved region of the Cms enzyme did not match with those of the bioadditives like expansins and swollenin proteins. This study is the initial report of a bacterial cellulose microfibril swellase enzyme, which could potentially serve as an additive to enhance biofuel production by releasing fermentable sugars from cellulose.

Effects of 'Ice' flavoured e-cigarettes with synthetic cooling agent WS-23 or menthol on user-reported appeal and sensory attributes.

BACKGROUND: This clinical experiment tested the effects of exposure to e-cigarettes with WS-23 or menthol cooling additives on user appeal and sensory attributes, and, secondarily, whether WS-23 effects generalised across base characterising flavour, nicotine concentration, or nicotine/tobacco product use status. METHODS: In this within-participant double-blind experiment, adult tobacco/nicotine users administered standardised puffs of 18 different e-cigarette solutions in randomised sequences using a pod-style device. Each of three base characterising e-cigarette flavour solutions ('bold tobacco', 'mango,' 'wintergreen') in both 2% and 4% concentrations of nicotine benzoate salt were manipulated by adding either: (1) Menthol (0.5%), (2) WS-23 (0.75%) or (3) No cooling agent. After each administration, participants rated 3 appeal and 5 sensory attributes (0-100 scales). RESULTS: Participants (n=84; M(SD)=38.6 (13.6) years old) were either exclusive e-cigarette (25.0%), cigarette (36.9%) or dual (38.1%) users. WS-23 versus no coolant products produced higher liking, willingness to use again, smoothness, and coolness and lower disliking, bitterness, and harshness ratings (|B|difference range: 4.8 to 20.1; ps<0.005). Menthol (vs no coolant) increased willingness to use again and reduced harshness and coolness (ps<0.05). Flavours with WS-23 (vs menthol) were rated as smoother, cooler and less harsh (ps<0.05). Coolant effects did not differ by base flavour, nicotine concentration, or tobacco use status. CONCLUSIONS: Adding synthetic coolant WS-23 to e-cigarettes appears to make the vaping user experience more appealing, regardless of characterising base flavour. Regulatory agencies should be aware that the manufacturing process of adding synthetic coolants may increase the attractiveness of various e-cigarette products.Cite Now.

Dosimetric response of Gafchromic™ EBT-XD film to therapeutic protons.

EBT-XD model of Gafchromic™ films has a broader optimal dynamic dose range, up to 40 Gy, compared to its predecessor models. This characteristic has made EBT-XD films suitable for high-dose applications such as stereotactic body radiotherapy and stereotactic radiosurgery, as well as ultra-high dose rate FLASH radiotherapy. The purpose of the current study was to characterize the dependence of EBT-XD film response on linear energy transfer (LET) and dose rate of therapeutic protons from a synchrotron. A clinical spot-scanning proton beam was used to study LET dependence at three dose-averaged LET (LETd) values of 1.0 keV/µm, 3.6 keV/µm, and 7.6 keV/µm. A research proton beamline was used to study dose rate dependence at 150 Gy/second in the FLASH mode and 0.3 Gy/second in the non-FLASH mode. Film response data from LETd values of 0.9 keV/µm and 9.0 keV/µm of the proton FLASH beam were also compared. Film response data from a clinical 6 MV photon beam were used as a reference. Both gray value method and optical density (OD) method were used in film calibration. Calibration results using a specific OD calculation method and a generic OD calculation method were compared. The four-parameter NIH Rodbard function and three-parameter rational function were compared in fitting the calibration curves. Experimental results showed that the response of EBT-XD film is proton LET dependent but independent of dose rate. Goodness-of-fit analysis showed that using the NIH Rodbard function is superior for both protons and photons. Using the "specific OD + NIH Rodbard function" method for EBT-XD film calibration is recommended.

Arteria Praebronchialis (AP) Found on MDCT: An Updated Incidence and Branching Patterns.

Preoperative detection of the arteria praebronchialis (AP), a rare variant mediastinal branch of the left pulmonary artery, can be crucial to a successful left-lung surgery; if the AP is overlooked and ligated during surgery, the blood supply to the remaining lobe may be compromised. The purpose of this study was to update the incidence and branching patterns of the AP. From 18 April 2012 to 31 December 2022, contrast-enhanced CT was screened by one radiologist for the presence of AP. Branching patterns of the AP were analyzed by three thoracic radiologists. The incidence of AP was updated to 0.068% (18/26,310) from the previously reported 0.03%; the incidence of AP for male and female patients was 0.110% and 0.017%, respectively. AP supplied only the LLL in 10 cases and both the lingular division of LUL and LLL in nine cases. Dual segmental supply by both the AP and the normal left descending pulmonary artery existed in 15 cases; exclusive segmental supply by either artery existed in four cases. The AP supplies either the LLL alone or both LLL and the lingular division of LUL, and its incidence is not negligible in the male population, necessitating routine surveillance prior to pulmonary resection.

mRNA vaccine quality analysis using RNA sequencing.

The success of mRNA vaccines has been realised, in part, by advances in manufacturing that enabled billions of doses to be produced at sufficient quality and safety. However, mRNA vaccines must be rigorously analysed to measure their integrity and detect contaminants that reduce their effectiveness and induce side-effects. Currently, mRNA vaccines and therapies are analysed using a range of time-consuming and costly methods. Here we describe a streamlined method to analyse mRNA vaccines and therapies using long-read nanopore sequencing. Compared to other industry-standard techniques, VAX-seq can comprehensively measure key mRNA vaccine quality attributes, including sequence, length, integrity, and purity. We also show how direct RNA sequencing can analyse mRNA chemistry, including the detection of nucleoside modifications. To support this approach, we provide supporting software to automatically report on mRNA and plasmid template quality and integrity. Given these advantages, we anticipate that RNA sequencing methods, such as VAX-seq, will become central to the development and manufacture of mRNA drugs.

The interaction of e-cigarette use and mental health symptoms on risk of cigarette smoking initiation among young adults in the United States.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: It is unknown whether young adults who vape nicotine and have poor mental health have greater risk of smoking initiation than expected based on individual risks of vaping and mental health alone. This study aimed to estimate the joint association of vaping and mental health symptoms with smoking initiation among young adults, and test for additive interaction between vaping and mental health in smoking initiation risk. DESIGN: Using five waves of the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health (wave 1, 2013-2014; wave 2, 2014-2015; wave 3, 2015-2016; wave 4, 2016-2018; wave 5, 2018-2019), we estimated risk differences (RD) for the association of time-varying and time-lagged vaping and internalizing (e.g., anxiety, depressive) and externalizing (e.g., inattention/hyperactivity) mental health symptoms with cigarette smoking initiation at follow-up, over four 1-year intervals. We calculated interaction contrasts (IC) to estimate the excess risk of smoking initiation attributable to the interaction of vaping and mental health symptoms. SETTING: United States. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 6908 cigarette-naïve individuals aged 18-24 years. MEASUREMENTS: Exposures included current (past-30 day) vaping and internalizing and externalizing mental health symptoms (high vs moderate/low symptoms). The outcome was smoking initiation (ever cigarette use) after 1 year. FINDINGS: The per-interval risk of smoking initiation was 7.6% (1039 cases/13 712 person-intervals). Compared with noncurrent vaping and moderate/low mental health symptoms, adjusted RDs for current vaping and high mental health symptoms were 17.2% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 7.2% to 27.3%) for internalizing and 18.7% (95%CI: 8.1% to 29.2%) for externalizing symptoms. The excess risk attributed to interaction of current vaping and high externalizing symptoms was IC = 11.3% (95%CI: 1.3% to 21.2%; P = 0.018), with inconclusive findings for internalizing symptoms (IC = 7.7% [95%CI: -2.2% to 17.7%; P = 0.097]). CONCLUSIONS: There is possible, but inconclusive, superadditivity between vaping and mental health in risk of smoking initiation among young adults in the United States.

Ubiquitination of the GluA1 Subunit of AMPA Receptors Is Required for Synaptic Plasticity, Memory, and Cognitive Flexibility.

Activity-dependent changes in the number of AMPA-type glutamate receptors (AMPARs) at the synapse underpin the expression of LTP and LTD, cellular correlates of learning and memory. Post-translational ubiquitination has emerged as a key regulator of the trafficking and surface expression of AMPARs, with ubiquitination of the GluA1 subunit at Lys-868 controlling the post-endocytic sorting of the receptors into the late endosome for degradation, thereby regulating their stability at synapses. However, the physiological significance of GluA1 ubiquitination remains unknown. In this study, we generated mice with a knock-in mutation in the major GluA1 ubiquitination site (K868R) to investigate the role of GluA1 ubiquitination in synaptic plasticity, learning, and memory. Our results reveal that these male mice have normal basal synaptic transmission but exhibit enhanced LTP and deficits in LTD. They also display deficits in short-term spatial memory and cognitive flexibility. These findings underscore the critical roles of GluA1 ubiquitination in bidirectional synaptic plasticity and cognition in male mice.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Subcellular targeting and membrane trafficking determine the precise number of AMPA-type glutamate receptors at synapses, processes that are essential for synaptic plasticity, learning, and memory. Post-translational ubiquitination of the GluA1 subunit marks AMPARs for degradation, but its functional role in vivo remains unknown. Here we demonstrate that the GluA1 ubiquitin-deficient mice exhibit an altered threshold for synaptic plasticity accompanied by deficits in short-term memory and cognitive flexibility. Our findings suggest that activity-dependent ubiquitination of GluA1 fine-tunes the optimal number of synaptic AMPARs required for bidirectional synaptic plasticity and cognition in male mice. Given that increases in amyloid-ß cause excessive ubiquitination of GluA1, inhibiting that GluA1 ubiquitination may have the potential to ameliorate amyloid-ß-induced synaptic depression in Alzheimer's disease.

Appeal of e-cigarette flavors: Differences between never and ever use of combustible cigarettes.

BACKGROUND: Characterizing the appeal of flavored e-cigarette solutions by tobacco product use status can inform regulations to reduce vaping in those who never smoked without discouraging adopting e-cigarettes as a quit-smoking aid. METHODS: Adults aged 21+ who currently use tobacco products (N = 119) self-administered standardized puffs of eight non-tobacco flavored and two tobacco-flavored e-cigarette solutions using a pod-style device. Participants rated appeal (0-100 scale) following each administration. Mean differences in flavor appeal ratings were compared between four groups: people who never smoked/currently vape, formerly smoked/currently vape, currently smoke/currently vape, and currently smoke/do not vape (with interest in vaping). RESULTS: The Global Flavor (all non-tobacco vs. tobacco)×Group interaction (p = .028) revealed higher appeal for non-tobacco vs. tobacco flavors in adults who never smoked/currently vape (B[95 %CI] = 13.6[4.1-23.1]), formerly smoked/currently vape (B[95 %CI] = 11.6[4.2-18.9]), and currently smoke/currently vape (B[95 %CI] = 9.3[2.5-11.6]), but not adults who currently smoke/never vaped (B[95 %CI] = -0.1[-5.1 to 4.9]). In flavor-specific analyses, adults who never smoked/currently vape rated strawberry (p = .022), peppermint (p = .028), and menthol (p = .028) more appealing than tobacco flavors. Among adults who formerly smoked/currently vape, strawberry (p < .001), peppermint (p = .009), and vanilla (p = .009), were more appealing than tobacco. Adults who currently smoked/currently vape rated peppermint (p = .022) and vanilla (p = .009) as more appealing than tobacco. No non-tobacco flavors were more appealing than tobacco in adults who currently smoke/never vaped. CONCLUSIONS: E-cigarette sales restrictions on non-tobacco flavors, including menthol, may eliminate products preferred by adults who vape, including those who never smoked, without discouraging adults who currently smoke and never vaped from trying e-cigarettes.

Migratory Pneumonia in Prolonged SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Patients Treated With B-cell Depletion Therapies for B-cell Lymphoma.

OBJECTIVE: To report the clinical and radiological characteristics of patients with underlying B-cell lymphoma and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) showing migratory airspace opacities on serial chest computed tomography (CT) with persistent COVID-19 symptoms. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From January 2020 to June 2022, of the 56 patients with underlying hematologic malignancy who had undergone chest CT more than once at our hospital after acquiring COVID-19, seven adult patients (5 female; age range, 37-71 years; median age, 45 years) who showed migratory airspace opacities on chest CT were selected for the analysis of clinical and CT features. RESULTS: All patients had been diagnosed with B-cell lymphoma (three diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and four follicular lymphoma) and had received B-cell depleting chemotherapy, including rituximab, within three months prior to COVID-19 diagnosis. The patients underwent a median of 3 CT scans during the follow-up period (median 124 days). All patients showed multifocal patchy peripheral ground glass opacities (GGOs) with basal predominance in the baseline CTs. In all patients, follow-up CTs demonstrated clearing of previous airspace opacities with the development of new peripheral and peribronchial GGO and consolidation in different locations. Throughout the follow-up period, all patients demonstrated prolonged COVID-19 symptoms accompanied by positive polymerase chain reaction results from nasopharyngeal swabs, with cycle threshold values of less than 25. CONCLUSION: COVID-19 patients with B-cell lymphoma who had received B-cell depleting therapy and are experiencing prolonged SARS-CoV-2 infection and persistent symptoms may demonstrate migratory airspace opacities on serial CT, which could be interpreted as ongoing COVID-19 pneumonia.