Assessing the Quality and Behavior Change Potential of Vaping Cessation Apps: Systematic Search and Assessment.

Background: An increasing number of people are using vapes (e-cigarettes), and with growing evidence of associated harms, there is a need for acceptable cessation support and interventions. Smartphone apps for health and well-being have increased in popularity and use. Limited published literature assesses the potential of apps to support vaping cessation. Objective: A systematic search of vaping cessation apps currently available in Australia for iOS and Android platforms was conducted. Apps were assessed against established health app assessment tools for quality and behavior change potential. Methods: A systematic search through the Australian Apple iTunes and Google Play stores was conducted using the search terms "vape"; "vaping"; "e-cigarette"; and "cessation," "quit," or "quitting" in May 2023. Only apps that encouraged the cessation of vaping were included. App descriptions were reviewed to determine if they were relevant for inclusion in this study, and relevant apps were downloaded onto the appropriate mobile device for review. The Mobile App Rating Scale (MARS) was used to rate the quality (engagement, functionality, aesthetics, and information) of the apps using an overall score out of 5. The App Behavior Change Scale (ABACUS) was used to assess the behavior change potential of each app using a score out of 21. Results: An initial search of the app stores yielded 220 Android apps and 124 iOS apps. Screening against the inclusion criteria left 20 iOS apps and 10 Android apps for review. Six apps were available on both operating systems, and these were downloaded, reviewed, and reported separately for each operating system. The average MARS score for all apps assessed in this review was 3.1 (SD 0.41) out of 5. The reviewed apps overall performed well for the MARS elements relating to functionality, such as ease of use and navigation, but had the lowest scores for information-related elements, such as credibility. The number of ABACUS behavior change features per app ranged from 0 to 19 out of 21, with a mean of 8.9 (SD 4.51). The apps commonly included information-related features, such as requesting baseline information. The least common behavior change features were those relating to goal-setting, such as asking about the user's willingness for behavior change and providing feedback on current actions in comparison to future goals. Conclusions: The identified vaping cessation apps had moderate levels of quality and some behavior change components. Future vaping cessation apps could benefit from including more features that are known to support behavior change, such as goal-setting, to improve the potential benefit of these apps to support people to stop vaping. As guidelines for vaping cessation continue to be established, future apps need to reference these in their development.

Passive Sampler Derived Profiles and Mass Flows of Perfluorinated Alkyl Substances (PFASs) across the Fram Strait in the North Atlantic.

Per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS) are a family of pollutants of high concern due to their ubiquity and negative human health impacts. The long-range marine transport of PFAS was observed during year-long deployments of passive tube samplers in the Fram Strait across three depth transects. Time weighted average concentrations ranged from 2.4-360 pg L-1, and 10 different PFAS were regularly observed. PFAS profiles and concentrations were generally similar to those previously characterized for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) at these sites. The detection of several anionic PFAS in "old" water demonstrated that they are not perfect water mass tracers, but are also transported to depth via settling particles. Mass flows of PFAS through the Fram Strait in and out of the Arctic Ocean were basically similar (112 ±82 Mg year-1 northward flow, 100 ±54 Mg year-1 southward flow). For FOSA, export from the Arctic Ocean via the Fram Strait exceeded import by Atlantic Water, likely due to preferential transport and deposition in the Arctic Ocean. These observations suggest PFAS in the Arctic are governed by the feedback loop previously described for PAHs in the region - with additional atmospheric transport delivering volatile PFAS to the Arctic, which then get exported further.

Understanding mechanisms of racial disparities in breast cancer: an assessment of screening and regular care in the Carolina Breast Cancer Study.

PURPOSE: Screening history influences stage at detection, but regular preventive care may also influence breast tumor diagnostic characteristics. Few studies have evaluated healthcare utilization (both screening and primary care) in racially diverse screening-eligible populations. METHODS: This analysis included 2,058 women age 45-74 (49% Black) from the Carolina Breast Cancer Study, a population-based cohort of women diagnosed with invasive breast cancer between 2008 and 2013. Screening history (threshold 0.5 mammograms per year) and pre-diagnostic healthcare utilization (i.e. regular care, based on responses to "During the past ten years, who did you usually see when you were sick or needed advice about your health?") were assessed as binary exposures. The relationship between healthcare utilization and tumor characteristics were evaluated overall and race-stratified. RESULTS: Among those lacking screening, Black participants had larger tumors (5 + cm) (frequency 19.6% vs 11.5%, relative frequency difference (RFD) = 8.1%, 95% CI 2.8-13.5), but race differences were attenuated among screening-adherent participants (10.2% vs 7.0%, RFD = 3.2%, 0.2-6.2). Similar trends were observed for tumor stage and mode of detection (mammogram vs lump). Among all participants, those lacking both screening and regular care had larger tumors (21% vs 8%, RR = 2.51, 1.76-3.56) and advanced (3B +) stage (19% vs 6%, RR = 3.15, 2.15-4.63) compared to the referent category (screening-adherent and regular care). Under-use of regular care and screening was more prevalent in socioeconomically disadvantaged areas of North Carolina. CONCLUSIONS: Access to regular care is an important safeguard for earlier detection. Our data suggest that health equity interventions should prioritize both primary care and screening.

Barriers and enablers to antenatal care attendance for women referred to social work services in a Victorian regional hospital: A qualitative descriptive study.

BACKGROUND: Women referred to social work services during pregnancy are more likely to experience social disadvantage than those who are not, resulting in reduced antenatal care attendance. Lack of antenatal care engagement leads to poor identification and management of concerns that can have immediate and long-term health consequences for women and their babies. Identifying the barriers and enablers to antenatal care attendance for women referred to social work services is important for designing models of care that promote effective engagement. AIMS: This study aimed to explore the barriers and enablers to antenatal care attendance by women referred to social work services from the perspectives of women, and clinicians who provide antenatal healthcare. METHODS: A qualitative descriptive study using constructivist grounded theory methods was undertaken. Ten women referred to social work services and 11 antenatal healthcare providers were purposively recruited for interviews from a regional maternity service in Victoria, Australia. FINDINGS: Continuity of care and healthcare providers partnering with women were central to effective engagement with antenatal care services. Three interrelated concepts were identified: 1) experiences of the hospital environment and access to care; 2) perceptions of care influence engagement, and 3) motivations for regularly attending services. CONCLUSIONS: Continuity of care is essential for supporting women referred to social work services to attend antenatal appointments. Women are better equipped to overcome other barriers to antenatal service attendance when they have a strong partnership with clinicians involved in their care.

Role of CAMK2D in neurodevelopment and associated conditions.

The calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase type 2 (CAMK2) family consists of four different isozymes, encoded by four different genes-CAMK2A, CAMK2B, CAMK2G, and CAMK2D-of which the first three have been associated recently with neurodevelopmental disorders. CAMK2D is one of the major CAMK2 proteins expressed in the heart and has been associated with cardiac anomalies. Although this CAMK2 isoform is also known to be one of the major CAMK2 subtypes expressed during early brain development, it has never been linked with neurodevelopmental disorders until now. Here we show that CAMK2D plays an important role in neurodevelopment not only in mice but also in humans. We identified eight individuals harboring heterozygous variants in CAMK2D who display symptoms of intellectual disability, delayed speech, behavioral problems, and dilated cardiomyopathy. The majority of the variants tested lead to a gain of function (GoF), which appears to cause both neurological problems and dilated cardiomyopathy. In contrast, loss-of-function (LoF) variants appear to induce only neurological symptoms. Together, we describe a cohort of individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders and cardiac anomalies, harboring pathogenic variants in CAMK2D, confirming an important role for the CAMK2D isozyme in both heart and brain function.

Disparities in OncotypeDx Testing and Subsequent Chemotherapy Receipt by Geography and Socioeconomic Status.

BACKGROUND: OncotypeDx is a prognostic and predictive genomic assay used in early-stage hormone receptor-positive, HER2- (HR+/HER2-) breast cancer. It is used to inform adjuvant chemotherapy decisions, but not all eligible women receive testing. We aimed to assess variation in testing by demographics and geography, and to determine whether testing was associated with chemotherapy. METHODS: For 1,615 women in the Carolina Breast Cancer Study with HR+/HER2-, Stage I-II tumors, we estimated prevalence differences (PD) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for receipt of OncotypeDx genomic testing in association with and sociodemographic characteristics. We assessed associations between testing and chemotherapy receipt overall and by race. Finally, we calculated the proportion of eligible women receiving OncotypeDx by county-level rurality, census tract-level socioeconomic status, and Area Health Education Center regions. RESULTS: 38% (N = 609) of potentially eligible women were tested, with lower testing prevalences in Black (31%; PD, -11%; 95% CI, -16%-6%) and low-income women (24%; PD, -20%; 95% CI, -29% to -11%) relative to non-Black and higher income women. Urban participants were less likely to be tested than rural participants, though this association varied by region. Among women with low genomic risk tumors, tested participants were 29% less likely to receive chemotherapy than untested participants (95% CI, -40% to -17%). Racial differences in chemotherapy were restricted to untested women. CONCLUSIONS: Both individual and area-level socioeconomics predict likelihood of OncotypeDx testing. IMPACT: Variable adoption of OncotypeDx by socioeconomics and across geographic settings may contribute to excess chemotherapy among patients with HR+/HER2- cancers. See related In the Spotlight, p. 635.

Unregulated Active and Closed Textile Mills Represent a Significant Vector of PFAS Contamination into Coastal Rivers.

Despite concerns over the ubiquity of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), little is known about the diversity of input sources to surface waters and their seasonal dynamics. Frequent use of PFAS in textiles means both active and closed textile mills require evaluation as PFAS sources. We deployed passive samplers at seven sites in an urban river and estuary adjacent to textile mills in Southern Rhode Island (USA) over 12 months. We estimated monthly mass flows (g month-1) of perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA: 45±56), and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA: 30±45) from the upstream river influenced by an active mill. Average mass flows were 73-155% higher downstream, where historical textile waste lagoons contributed long chain perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAA). Mass flows of PFNA increased from 7.5 to 21 g month-1 between the upstream and downstream portions of the rivers. Distinct grouping of the two main PFAS sources, active textile mills and historical waste lagoons, were identified using principal components analysis. Neither suspect screening nor extractable organofluorine analysis revealed measurable PFAS were missing beyond the targeted compounds. This research demonstrates that both closed and active textile mills are important ongoing PFAS sources to freshwater and marine regions and should be further evaluated as a source category.

Investigating the methods and characteristics of the trafficking of performance and image enhancing drugs in Australia.

INTRODUCTION: Using case law, the aims of this study were to document the methods for trafficking of performance and image-enhancing drugs (PIED) into Australia, and the characteristics of individuals and groups involved. METHODS: Data was collected from judges' sentencing comments. Searches were conducted using the Australasian Legal Information Institute database across all states in Australia, for the period of January 2010 to December 2021. After removing duplicates and cases which did not meet the inclusion criteria, 31 cases were included in the analysis. RESULTS: Across the 31 cases, 37 individuals were named as being involved in the supply and/or trafficking of PIEDs, with three cases involving an unknown number of individuals. One case named four actors involved in the supply and/or trafficking of PIEDs, three cases involved three actors, four cases involved two actors and 17 cases involved one actor. In 20 of the 31 cases, individuals operated alone. Over half (19 of the 37) of the individuals were health professionals. The majority (n = 17) of cases involved prescription as the method of acquisition, while seven cases involved the importation of PIEDs. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: The small number of cases identified, with the majority involving only a single actor, and half of the cases involving those in the medical profession. The findings suggest that discrete occurrences of trafficking involves individuals or small groups that do not appear to be linked to large-scale networks or networks involving the supply and trafficking of other illicit substances.

A Review of the Published Literature in Global Population-Based Studies of Childhood Blindness and Vision Impairment.

PURPOSE: Reducing childhood blindness and vision impairment (BVI) remains a global health priority. Our purpose was to summarize the peer-reviewed literature to date on measuring and reporting childhood BVI using population-based surveys and vision examinations. METHODS: We conducted a scoping review of published studies that aimed to report BVI prevalence in children or studies that aimed to report BVI prevalence in the general population but which also included children. There were 201 articles identified for abstract review, and 86 studies were included in the final review. RESULTS: There were 52 studies (60%) that specifically aimed to investigate prevalence of blindness and/or vision impairment among child populations, while the remaining 34 studies aimed to study BVI in the general population but still reported data for age ranges that included children. The majority of researchers used the WHO criteria for blindness and vision impairment, sometimes with modifications. Age definitions for children varied considerably, with maximum cutoffs ranging from 3 to 20 years. CONCLUSION: The available literature on childhood blindness indicates that while there has been substantial progress towards establishing an evidence base, more remains to be accomplished in terms of addressing gaps in understanding of the true prevalence and impacts of childhood blindness and vision loss. All studies in this review cited the need for improved vision care services, either for all ages or for the childhood years in particular.

Reduced small-scale structural complexity on sponge-dominated areas of Indo-Pacific coral reefs.

Corals provide a complex 3D framework that offers habitat to diverse coral reef fauna. However, future reefs are likely to experience reduced coral abundance. Sponges have been proposed as one potential winner on future coral reefs, but little is known of how they contribute to reef 3D structure. Given the ecological importance of structural complexity, it is critical to understand how changes in the abundance of structure-building organisms will affect the three-dimensional properties of coral reefs. To investigate the potentially important functional role of coral reef sponges as providers of structural complexity, we compared the structural complexity of coral- and sponge-dominated areas of an Indonesian coral reef, using 3D photogrammetry at a 4 m2 spatial scale. Structural complexity of 31 4 m2 quadrats was expressed as rugosity indicating reef contour complexity (R), vector dispersion indicating heterogeneity of angles between reef surfaces (1/k), and fractal dimension indicating geometrical complexity at five different spatial scales between 1 and 120 cm (D1-5). Quadrats were identified as high- or low-complexity using hierarchical clustering based on the complexity metrics. At high structural complexity, coral- and sponge-dominated quadrats were similar in terms of R and 1/k. However, smallest-scale refuge spaces (1-5 cm) were more abundant in coral-dominated quadrats, whereas larger scale refuge spaces (30-60 cm) were more abundant in sponge-dominated quadrats. Branching and massive corals contributed the most to structural complexity in coral-dominated quadrats, and barrel sponges in sponge-dominated quadrats. We show that smaller-scale refugia (1-5 cm) are reduced on sponge-dominated reefs at the spatial scale considered here (4 m2), with potential negative implications for smaller reef fauna.

How, why and for whom does a basic income contribute to health and wellbeing: a systematic review.

Ensuring that people have a sufficient income to meet their basic needs and that it keeps pace with costs of living are important when considering ways to reduce health inequities. Many have argued that providing a basic income is one way to do this. The aim of this review is to provide an overview of the existing peer reviewed evidence on the health and wellbeing impacts of basic income interventions. A systematic search of ten electronic databases was conducted in June 2022. Eligible publications examined any effect on health and wellbeing from unconditional cash transfers. All study designs were included, and no limitations were placed on duration of cash transfer trials, location of study, study population or on amount of money provided through the cash transfer. Ten studies were included in this review. Studies employed a range of methods. All studies reported on a trial of Universal Basic Income in either a region or a town. Studies explored a range of health and wellbeing related outcomes including crime, quality of life, employment, subjective wellbeing, tuberculosis and hospitalization. Basic income programs can mitigate poverty in a time of economic upheaval and have the potential to become a powerful policy tool to act upon the determinants of health and reduce health inequality. This review found a small number of trials indicating a positive impact on health and wellbeing. More trials which track recipients over a longer period are needed to provide more robust evidence for the impact of basic income programs.

Is the use of performance and image enhancing drugs (PIEDs) in women an issue of concern? The findings from a stakeholder consultation.

OBJECTIVES: There is limited research into the use of performance and image enhancing drugs among women who participate in sport, despite evidence that women do use these substances and experience related harms. The aim of this project is to capture stakeholder perspectives on the current research, policy, and practice landscape in Australia regarding women's performance and image enhancing drug use in regulated and unregulated sport settings. DESIGN: Qualitative interviews. METHODS: Thirty-two semi-structured interviews were conducted online with stakeholders from Australia between September and December 2021. Interviews ranged between 15 and 90 min in duration. Data were imported into the NVivo (Version 12) platform and analysed using thematic analysis. RESULTS: Thirty-two participants (20 females and 12 males) who held a variety of roles (e.g., coach/strength coaches, gym owners, anti-doping agents, athletes) were interviewed. Fourteen participants reported performance and image enhancing drug use. There were four overarching themes generated from the data: 'participation in untested sports'; 'environmental factors driving use'; 'individual rationalisation'; and, 'the dark side of performance and image enhancing drug use'. CONCLUSIONS: Performance and image enhancing drug use was identified as an issue of concern for women competing in non-elite strength and power-based sports. Of particular concern is the influence of unqualified advice from third parties (i.e., coaches and partners) regarding performance and image enhancing drug use. The environments in which performance and image enhancing drug use occurs can impact individual decisions of women and eventuate in significant and long-lasting physical and psychological harms.

Transchromosomic bovine-derived anti-SARS-CoV-2 polyclonal human antibodies protects hACE2 transgenic hamsters against multiple variants.

Pandemic SARS-CoV-2 has undergone rapid evolution resulting in the emergence of many variants with mutations in the spike protein, some of which appear to evade antibody neutralization, transmit more efficiently, and/or exhibit altered virulence. This raises significant concerns regarding the efficacy of anti-S monoclonal antibody-based therapeutics which have failed against variant SARS-CoV-2 viruses. To address this concern, SAB-185, a human anti-SARS-CoV-2 polyclonal antibody was generated in the DiversitAb platform. SAB-185 exhibited equivalent, robust in vitro neutralization for Munich, Alpha, Beta, Gamma, and Δ144-146 variants and, although diminished, retained PRNT50 and PRNT80 neutralization endpoints for Delta and Omicron variants. Human ACE2 transgenic Syrian hamsters, which exhibit lethal SARS-CoV-2 disease, were protected from mortality after challenge with the Munich, Alpha, Beta, Delta, and Δ144-146 variants and clinical signs after non-lethal Omicron BA.1 infection. This suggests that SAB-185 may be an effective immunotherapy even in the presence of ongoing viral mutation.

Voices represented and voices silenced: Represented voices in the media coverage of the implementation of a supervised injecting facility.

BACKGROUND: Victoria's first medically supervised injecting room (MSIR) has remained controversial despite mounting evidence in support of the facility. The opposition to a policy idea is subject to a myriad of factors including the media. Favouring the opinions of various actors, the media are a fundamental element of the narrative formation process. In this article, we examine the voices represented and voice silenced in print news media and the possible effects of such reporting. METHODS: A quantitative content and qualitative thematic analysis of Victorian print media (n=645) focusing on the implementation and continued operation of North Richmond Community Health's medically supervised injecting room was conducted. RESULTS: The representations of the MSIR were debated by three predominant actors - politicians, public, and residents. Politicians largely relied on the 'saving lives' rhetoric when supporting the facility. In addition, competing representations of 'public amenity' were presented by both advocates and proponents of the MSIR. We found the voices of people who inject drugs were inadequately represented within the data. Instead, overdose statistics were featured as were discursive descriptions of people who inject drugs such as 'addicts', 'junkies', and 'druggies'. CONCLUSION: Despite people who inject drugs being the population the MSIR is designed to benefit, their experiences and voices were lacking, highlighting social power structures, denying the silenced power, and obstructing social change. Overdose rates were consistently presented as numbers, negating personal experiences and lacking meaningful debate. Further, negative discourse referring to people who inject drugs may have implications regarding internalised and externalised stigma and drug policy.

Mouse phenome database: curated data repository with interactive multi-population and multi-trait analyses.

The Mouse Phenome Database continues to serve as a curated repository and analysis suite for measured attributes of members of diverse mouse populations. The repository includes annotation to community standard ontologies and guidelines, a database of allelic states for 657 mouse strains, a collection of protocols, and analysis tools for flexible, interactive, user directed analyses that increasingly integrates data across traits and populations. The database has grown from its initial focus on a standard set of inbred strains to include heterogeneous mouse populations such as the Diversity Outbred and mapping crosses and well as Collaborative Cross, Hybrid Mouse Diversity Panel, and recombinant inbred strains. Most recently the system has expanded to include data from the International Mouse Phenotyping Consortium. Collectively these data are accessible by API and provided with an interactive tool suite that enables users' persistent selection, storage, and operation on collections of measures. The tool suite allows basic analyses, advanced functions with dynamic visualization including multi-population meta-analysis, multivariate outlier detection, trait pattern matching, correlation analyses and other functions. The data resources and analysis suite provide users a flexible environment in which to explore the basis of phenotypic variation in health and disease across the lifespan.

"They sent it away for testing and it was all bunk": Exploring perspectives on drug checking among steroid consumers in Queensland, Australia.

INTRODUCTION: Research supports the feasibility and acceptance of drug checking among nightlife and festival attendees. Interest in expanding drug checking to other groups of people who use drugs, including those who inject drugs, has grown. However, understanding the acceptability and feasibility of drug checking among specific cohorts, like anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) consumers, remains a research gap. This study explores AAS consumers' perspectives on drug checking and service preferences, aiding the preparation for drug checking delivery in Queensland, Australia. METHODS: A purposive sampling technique was used to recruit 15 AAS consumers (9 males, 6 females; Mage = 36.80 years, SD = 6.12) from Australia. One-on-one semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted with questions exploring participants' views on drug checking/testing and their preferences for AAS analysis. Thematic analysis was conducted with final themes established through iterative consensus. RESULTS: Consumers expressed frustration with the prevailing stereotypes, social stigma, and the perception of criminality associated with the use of AAS. There was a strong dependence on personal connections and trusted suppliers, with coaches exerting significant influence. Participants expressed concerns about the widespread availability of counterfeit products and underground operations. The act of using unknown AAS was likened to a game of Russian roulette, underscoring the importance of obtaining accurate information and access to reliable drug checking services. Consumers expressed a preference for a web-based platform that enables individuals to access their own test results while contributing to a comprehensive database of brand-specific testing outcomes. DISCUSSION: AAS consumers recognise the significance of monitoring their AAS use and seek a service that can not only assist them in making informed decisions regarding AAS usage but also potentially contribute to the knowledge of the wider AAS-consuming community. These findings underscore the importance of tailored education, drug checking services, and harm reduction measures to address the diverse needs of AAS consumers.

Impact of harm reduction practice on the use of non-prescribed performance and image-enhancing drugs: The PUSH! Audit.

METHOD: The PUSH! Audit was a cross-sectional study performed from May 2019 to May 2021. With each audit submitted, general practitioners (GPs) were asked about the impact of their engagement with their patients. RESULTS: In all, 144 audit responses were collected, with 81.6% of audits showing a change in behaviour. The changes noted were better monitoring (71.3%), treatment of adverse effects (64.4%), modified use (44.4%) and stopped use (12.2%). DISCUSSION: This study asking GPs about outcomes with each of their patients using non-prescribed PIEDs has shown significant changes in behaviour. There has been no previous work done to evaluate the potential impact of such engagement. The findings of this exploratory study of the PUSH! Audit suggest harm reduction for people who use non-prescribed PIEDs when engaged with GP clinics.

Gendered perspectives on women's anabolic-androgenic steroid (AAS) usage practices.

BACKGROUND: The masculinizing effects from anabolic-androgenic steroid (AAS) appear to be different between men and women, leading to calls for more gender-specific information regarding women and AAS use. This study sought to gather perspectives from both men and women on the unique challenges surrounding women's use of AAS, irrespective of their personal use. Secondly, the study interrogated how women's AAS practices differ from those of men specifically. METHODS: The data presented in this paper come from a subsample of participants who participated in a larger study investigating women and performance and image enhancing drug (PIED) use in Australia. Participants were included in the current analysis if they were: (i) males or females who competed with or coached female strength athletes using AAS and (ii) female and male strength athletes who used AAS. The final sample comprised 21 participants of which there was a proportion of males (n = 7) and females (n = 7) using AAS. RESULTS: Women's choices in AAS selection were predominantly around oral compounds (e.g. Oxandrolone) as well as other PIEDs (e.g. Clenbuterol). Some women report the use of injectable AAS represents a change in the profile of the typical female user as it reportedly comes alongside drastic physical and psychological changes. CONCLUSIONS: The unique challenges facing women who use AAS are largely isolation and stigma, with little evidence-based practice or education being available to them online or through peer-groups. Future work may consider piloting harm reduction strategies that may be co-designed with this group.

'My mind pretty much went to mush': A qualitative exploration of trenbolone in the performance and image enhancing drug community.

INTRODUCTION: There are a variety of harms associated with anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS), with some AAS associated with an increased risk profile for users. Despite potentially different risk profiles, these harms are seldom discussed with respect to specific compounds although recent ethnographic research has identified a need to do so. Specifically, myth has developed among users with trenbolone reportedly having more dramatic effects on individuals, with reports of aggression, violent behaviour and extreme mood disturbances, and this is reflected in extant literature. This paper aims to report on the narrative surrounding the use of trenbolone among AAS users. METHOD: As part of a larger qualitative study, a number of AAS users were interviewed regarding their usage practices. A narrative emerged regarding the physical and psychological harms which accompanied their AAS use of which trenbolone played a central role (N = 16). RESULTS: Of all the AAS, trenbolone was viewed as having the most deleterious consequences for those who used it. Users reported an extreme shift in risk profile for psychosocial harms, particularly increased aggression and violent behaviour, as well as impulsivity regulation issues. AAS-using peers and family members of users reported the readily observable effect of trenbolone. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: Users should be cognisant of the potential for significant harms and health-care providers working with this group may consider more focused screening strategies. Future policy decisions regarding AAS may wish to consider the pivotal role trenbolone plays in adverse outcomes for this unique group of substance users.

Mouse Phenome Database: towards a more FAIR-compliant and TRUST-worthy data repository and tool suite for phenotypes and genotypes.

The Mouse Phenome Database (MPD; https://phenome.jax.org; RRID:SCR_003212), supported by the US National Institutes of Health, is a Biomedical Data Repository listed in the Trans-NIH Biomedical Informatics Coordinating Committee registry. As an increasingly FAIR-compliant and TRUST-worthy data repository, MPD accepts phenotype and genotype data from mouse experiments and curates, organizes, integrates, archives, and distributes those data using community standards. Data are accompanied by rich metadata, including widely used ontologies and detailed protocols. Data are from all over the world and represent genetic, behavioral, morphological, and physiological disease-related characteristics in mice at baseline or those exposed to drugs or other treatments. MPD houses data from over 6000 strains and populations, representing many reproducible strain types and heterogenous populations such as the Diversity Outbred where each mouse is unique but can be genotyped throughout the genome. A suite of analysis tools is available to aggregate, visualize, and analyze these data within and across studies and populations in an increasingly traceable and reproducible manner. We have refined existing resources and developed new tools to continue to provide users with access to consistent, high-quality data that has translational relevance in a modernized infrastructure that enables interaction with a suite of bioinformatics analytic and data services.