Dietary exposure to polyaromatic hydrocarbons of the Hong Kong population.

Polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are ubiquitous in the environment and food. The Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives concluded 13 individual PAHs are carcinogenic and genotoxic in vitro and in vivo. Food is recognized as the main source of exposure to PAHs for adult non-smokers, which contributed to more than 90% of total exposure. In this study, 300 food samples were collected in Hong Kong, analysed the levels of 16 European Union priority PAHs, the dietary exposure to these PAHs by the local adult population from these food items, and the associated health risk. The most predominant detectable PAH was chrysene (CHR) (14.4%), followed by benzo[c]fluorene (11.2%), benzo[a]anthracene (BaA) (10.6%) and benzo[b]fluoranthene (BbFA) (7.8%). The dietary exposures for average consumers of benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) and PAH4 (sum of BaP, CHR, BaA and BbFA) were 0.13-0.90 and 1.4-4.2 ng/kg bw/day respectively for lower and upper bound approaches. Cereal and its products contributed more than 50% to BaP and PAH4 for average consumers in a lower-bound approach. The margin of exposure (MOE) approach was used to assess the health risks of consumers. The calculated MOE values for both BaP and PAH4 of the average and high consumers (90th percentile) were >50,000, indicating a low concern for the health of the Hong Kong population.

Jellyfish in Hong Kong: a citizen science dataset.

The Hong Kong Jellyfish Project is a citizen science initiative started in early 2021 to enhance our understanding of jellyfish in Hong Kong. Here, we present a dataset of jellyfish sightings collected by citizen scientists from 2021 through 2023 within local waters. Citizen scientists submitted photographs and other data (time, date, and location) using a website, iNaturalist project, and social media. Sightings were validated using references from the literature. A total of 1,020 usable observations are included in this dataset, showing the occurrence and distribution of jellyfish in Hong Kong in 2021-2023. This dataset is now publicly available and discoverable in the Global Biodiversity Information Facility database and is available for download. This data can be used to enhance our understanding of the biodiversity of local marine ecosystems.

Regulation and impact of tumor-specific CD4+ T cells in cancer and immunotherapy.

CD4+ T cells are crucial in generating and sustaining immune responses. They orchestrate and fine-tune mammalian innate and adaptive immunity through cell-based interactions and the release of cytokines. The role of these cells in contributing to the efficacy of antitumor immunity and immunotherapy has just started to be uncovered. Yet, many aspects of the CD4+ T cell response are still unclear, including the differentiation pathways controlling such cells during cancer progression, the external signals that program them, and how the combination of these factors direct ensuing immune responses or immune-restorative therapies. In this review, we focus on recent advances in understanding CD4+ T cell regulation during cancer progression and the importance of CD4+ T cells in immunotherapies.

Measurement Invariance and Differential Relationship to Substance Use of the Short UPPS-P Impulsive Behavior Scale Across Racial Groups.

The Short UPPS-P Impulsive Behavior (SUPPS-P) scale assesses impulsive traits; however, its use among racial/ethnic minorities needs further testing. The aims of this study are to (a) test the measurement invariance of the SUPPS-P scale between White and racial/ethnic minority groups and (b) determine whether impulsive personality traits differentially relate to substance use outcomes across these groups. Participants were 1,301 young adults and recruited through a large public university or Amazon's Mechanical Turk. Multigroup confirmatory factor analysis concluded strong measurement invariance for Black, Asian American, and Hispanic/Latino groups, each compared with a White group. Most relationships between SUPPS-P traits and substance use did not differ across the groups compared, although two differences emerged with alcohol use. The SUPPS-P can validly and reliably measure impulsive traits in Black, Hispanic/Latino, and Asian American young to middle adults. Previous findings on risk patterns with the SUPPS-P likely generalize to these groups.

Chronic interleukin-13 expression in mouse olfactory mucosa results in regional aneuronal epithelium.

BACKGROUND: Olfactory dysfunction is highly associated with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP), and the severity of loss has been linked with biomarkers of type 2 inflammation. The ability of dupilumab to rapidly improve the sense of smell prior to improvement in polyp size suggests a direct role of IL-4/IL-13 receptor signaling in the olfactory epithelium (OE). METHODS: We created a transgenic mouse model in which IL-13 is inducibly expressed specifically within the OE. Gene expression analysis and immunohistology were utilized to characterize the effect of IL-13 on the structure of the OE. RESULTS: After induction of olfactory IL-13 expression, there is a time-dependent loss of neurons from OE regions, accompanied by a modest inflammatory infiltrate. Horizontal basal cells undergo morphologic changes consistent with activation and demonstrate proliferation. Mucus production and increased expression of eotaxins is observed, with marked expression of Ym2 by sustentacular cells. DISCUSSION: Chronic IL-13 exposure has several effects on the OE that are likely to affect function. The neuronal loss is in keeping with other models of allergic type 2 nasal inflammation. Future studies are needed to correlate cellular and molecular alterations in olfactory cell populations with findings in human CRSwNP, as well as to assess olfactory function in behavioral model systems.

Turkish adaptation and validation of the Short-UPPS-P in adolescents and examination of different facets of impulsivity in adolescents with ADHD.

The short form of the Impulsive Behavior scale (S-UPPS-P) is a widely used scale to measure multiple impulsive personality traits; although it has been translated into many languages, no Turkish translation has been studied to date. Our study had two aims. First, we tested the validity and reliability of the Turkish version of the S-UPPS-P for adolescents. Second, we examined impulsive trait characteristics exhibited by adolescents with ADHD, compared to a community sample. We evaluated the psychometric properties of the Turkish S-UPPS-P scale in 384 adolescents aged 11-18 and tested correlations with ADHD symptoms by assessing 41 adolescents diagnosed with ADHD. Our results showed that with a few slight modifications the Turkish translation of the S-UPPS-P scale can validly assess impulsive trait characteristics for Turkish adolescents. The subscales of lack of premeditation, positive urgency, and negative urgency efficiently distinguished between adolescents with ADHD and control subjects. This is the first scale to evaluate the multidimensional nature of impulsivity in Turkish adolescents. This scale is capable of screening various facets of impulsivity in typically developing adolescents as well as those with ADHD, enabling us to enhance our understanding of possible risks for comorbid diseases in the latter group.

Psychological outcomes and culturally relevant moderators associated with events of discrimination among Asian American adults.

OBJECTIVES: Incidents of discrimination against Asian Americans have increased in the United States during the COVID-19 pandemic. The aims of this study are to (a) examine the overall psychological impact of incidents of discrimination on Asian Americans adults, (b) identify whether East Asians experience worse psychological outcomes following experiences of discrimination compared to other Asian Americans, and (c) identify culturally relevant factors that moderate the relationship between incidents of discrimination and psychological outcomes. METHOD: Two hundred eighty-nine participants who identified racially as Asian American (Mage = 33.1 years, ±10.5 SD, 57.1% male, and 54.3% East Asian) completed an online survey including measures of demographics, psychological outcomes, culturally relevant factors (e.g., acculturative stress, collective self-esteem), and racial discrimination. RESULTS: We found that, overall, experiencing increased frequency of discrimination related to more depressive symptoms and alcohol use (ps < .05). When comparing Asian subgroups (East Asian vs. other Asian), there were no significantly different relationships between discrimination frequency and attribution to race on psychological outcomes (ps > .098). Collective self-esteem (p = .041) weakened, while acculturative stress strengthened (p < .001) the relationship between discrimination frequency and alcohol use; collective self-esteem weakened the relationship between attribution to race and social anxiety (p = .021); and internalized racism weakened the relationship between discrimination frequency and depression (p = .038). CONCLUSIONS: We identified moderators of the relationship between experiences of discrimination and psychological outcomes in Asian Americans. Because the moderators held for all Asian groups under study, they are strong candidates for points of intervention to mitigate the harmful effects of discrimination for Asian Americans. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved).

Trying is believing: A pilot study of in-vivo nicotine replacement therapy sampling in disadvantaged Black adults who smoke cigarettes.

INTRODUCTION: While nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) is a frontline tobacco treatment that doubles smoking quit rates, only about 18% of Black adults who smoke cigarettes report lifetime use of NRT. A promising approach for increasing NRT use is in-session (in-vivo) NRT sampling within cessation interventions. The present pilot study examined the effectiveness of an in-vivo NRT sampling intervention within a single-session, culturally-targeted motivational intervention trial in Black adults who smoke cigarettes. METHODS: Non-treatment-seeking disadvantaged Black adults (N = 60) were offered the choice to sample nicotine lozenge, patch, or both in-session with the counselor present. Regardless of their choice, they were offered a one-week starter kit of both products. Data were analyzed at baseline and 1-month follow-up. Primary outcomes were 1) differences in motivation to quit smoking among NRT samplers versus non-samplers, 2) in-vivo NRT sampling preferences, and 3) in-vivo sampling's association with NRT use and improved smoking outcomes at follow up. RESULTS: Almost all participants accepted a take-home NRT starter kit, and approximately half of those offered in-vivo sampling agreed to sample. Participants preferred sampling lozenges in session (75.8% lozenge only vs. 12.1% nicotine patch only or 12.1% both; p < .001). Motivation to quit smoking was not related to likelihood of in-vivo NRT sampling (p > .05). At 1-month follow-up, in-vivo samplers were more likely to use NRT (94% vs. 35%, respectively; p < .001) and report a quit attempt (81.8% vs. 53.9%, p < .05) compared to non-samplers. CONCLUSION: In-vivo NRT sampling is a promising strategy to improve NRT uptake among Black adults who smoke cigarettes, regardless of motivation to quit smoking.

One Health Analysis of mcr-Carrying Plasmids and Emergence of mcr-10.1 in Three Species of Klebsiella Recovered from Humans in China.

The global dissemination of the mobile colistin resistance (mcr) gene illustrates how the use of colistin in veterinary medicine can affect human health, exemplifying the concept of One Health. This study screened for the existence of mcr variants (from mcr-1 to mcr-10) in a 5-year collection of clinical Klebsiella short-read whole-genome sequencing (WGS) data from a tertiary hospital in China (2013 to 2018) and aimed to identify the mechanisms of mcr spread. MICs were measured for the mcr-positive isolates, and long-read sequencing was performed to complete the mcr-positive genome sequences. Six variants (mcr-1.1, mcr-8.1, mcr-8.2, mcr-9.1, mcr-9.2, and mcr-10.1) were identified in 20 genomes, with plasmids from the IncFIIK, IncHI2, IncI2, and IncX4 groups. Highly similar plasmids (coverage, >75%; nucleotide identity, >98.5%) isolated from silver gulls, chickens, pigs, wastewater treatment plants, and hospital sewage were identified in GenBank. The MICs of the mcr-1- and mcr-8-carrying isolates were ≥4 µg/mL; however, the MICs of the mcr-9- and mcr-10-carrying isolates ranged from 0.5 µg/mL to 1 µg/mL (colistin susceptible). The variants mcr-1 to mcr-9 were found only in Klebsiella pneumoniae, while mcr-10.1 was found in K. pneumoniae, Klebsiella quasipneumoniae subsp. quasipneumoniae, and Klebsiella variicola. A pair of inverted repeats (IRs) was identified for hsdSMR-ISEc36-mcr-10.1-xerC; IR-1 (5'-TCAAACGTA) was inside the attL site of xerC, indicating that mcr-10.1 was originally integrated by xerC and mobilized by ISEc36 afterwards. In conclusion, this is the first report of mcr-10.1 susceptible to colistin in three species of Klebsiella. This study shows the genetic events that happened to mcr-10.1 in a stepwise manner, with the first step being XerC integration and the second being ISEc36 mobilization. Finally, this study also highlights mcr transmission between humans and nature. IMPORTANCE Reports of mcr-1 and mcr-8 are common in China; however, few studies have reported mcr-9 and mcr-10. One reason is that the newly described variants can be phenotypically colistin susceptible and thus may not be identified. This study identified the mcr-positive clinical isolates by investigating WGS data for 2,855 Klebsiella isolates (including K. pneumoniae, K. quasipneumoniae subsp. quasipneumoniae, and K. variicola) and found three mcr-9 and three mcr-10 cases (MICs, 0.5 µg/mL to 1 µg/mL; colistin susceptible). This study also reveals a pair of perfect 9-bp IRs of ISEc36 and the precise mcr-10.1 integration and insertion events that happened to the IncFIIK plasmids. A One Health analysis of highly similar plasmid structures from human and nonhuman sources emphasizes the plasmid transmission and evolution process.

Comprehensive investigation of antibiotic resistance gene content in cfiA-harboring Bacteroides fragilis isolates of human and animal origins by whole genome sequencing.

INTRODUCTION: The emergence of multidrug resistance in Bacteroides fragilis, especially the phylogenetic lineage carrying the carbapenemase gene cfiA, represents an increasing threat to human health. However, knowledge on the diversity of the multidrug-resistant strains and the genetic elements carrying the antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) remains limited. AIM: The objective of the study was to describe the resistome in cfiA-positive B. fragilis. METHODS: A collection of cfiA-positive B. fragilis from diverse human (8 bacteremias, 15 wound infections) and animal (2 chickens, 2 pigs, 6 dogs, 3 cats) sources in Hong Kong, 2015-2017 was analysed by whole genome sequencing. RESULTS: In the 36 isolates, 13 distinct ARGs (total number 83, median 2, range 0-7 per isolate) other than cfiA were detected. ARGs encoding resistance to aminoglycosides, ß-lactams, macrolides, sulphonamides and tetracyclines were carried by CTn341-like, CTnHyb-like, Tn5220-like, Tn4555-like and Tn613-like transposons and were detected in phylogenetically diverse isolates of different host sources. Only few ARGs encoding resistance to metronidazole and tetracyclines were localized on plasmids. In two chicken isolates, a novel transposon (designated as Tn6994) was found to be involved in the dissemination of multiple ARGs mediating resistance to multiple antibiotics, including metronidazole and linezolid that are critically important for treatment of anaerobic infections. In mating experiments, Tn6994 and the associated phenotypic resistance could be transferred to Bacteroides nordii recipient. CONCLUSION: This study illustrates the importance of transposons in the dissemination of ARGs in the cfiA-positive division of B. fragilis. One Health approach is necessary to track the dissemination of ARGs.

Mixed methods prospective findings of the initial effects of the U.S. COVID-19 pandemic on individuals in recovery from substance use disorder.

The beginning of the U.S. COVID-19 pandemic interrupted integral services and supports for those in recovery from substance use disorders. The current study used qualitative and quantitative data to identify 1) pandemic-related barriers/stressors, 2) coping strategies employed, and 3) how the stressors and strategies predicted subsequent substance use frequency. Participants were 48 adults (40.5% female; 90.2% White) between 26 and 60 years old (M = 42.66, SD = 8.44) who were part of a larger, multi-year longitudinal study of individuals in recovery from substance use disorders. Individuals completed two interviews, one during the six weeks of initial stay-at-home orders in the state in which data were collected and the second within six to twelve months of their initial interview. Common barriers to recovery included cancelled support meetings, changes in job format (i.e., being fired or furloughed), and lack of social support. Common coping strategies included self-care, leisure activities/hobbies, taking caution against exposure, and strengthening personal relationships. The relationship between cravings at baseline and substance use at follow up was stronger for those who experienced worsening of their mental health (B = 21.80, p < .01) than for those who did not (B = 5.45, p = 0.09), and for those who were taking caution against exposure (B = 24.57, p < .01) than for those who were not (B = 1.87, p = 0.53). Those who engaged in self-care (B = 0.00, p>.99) had lower rates of substance use at follow-up than those who did not employ self-care as a coping mechanism (B = 16.10, p < .01). These findings inform research priorities regarding prospective effects of the pandemic on treatment endeavors, particularly emphasizing treating mental health and encouraging self-care strategies.

Diversity of genomic clusters and CfiA/cfiA alleles in Bacteroides fragilis isolates from human and animals.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the phylogeny of cfiA-positive Bacteroides fragilis isolates from diverse human and animal sources. METHOD: Complete genome sequences were obtained from 42 cfiA-positive B. fragilis isolates (Hong Kong, 2015-2017) and additional 24 genomes deposited in the GenBank (multiple countries, 1985-2019) were included. The genomic clusters were constructed using PopPUNK. The CfiA alleles and polymorphism in the cfiA locus were analyzed in silico. RESULTS: The 66 isolates were grouped into 12 genomic clusters (BFSC-1 to 12). Human infection isolates were distributed in diverse clusters, being many of them common to fecal isolates from both human and animals. Thirteen CfiA alleles including 2 novel ones were identified. CfiA-1 (n = 28) is the predominating allele, following by CfiA-13 (n = 8), CfiA-4 (n = 7) and CfiA-14 (n = 6). The other CfiA alleles were identified in 1-3 isolates. Six patterns of gene context were identified in the regions flanking cfiA locus. No consistent association between genomic clusters and CfiA alleles could be detected. Similarly, markedly elevated imipenem MIC was linked to the integration, immediately upstram of cfiA of an IS element but not the CfiA allele or gene context. CONCLUSION: The phylogeny of cfiA-positive B. fragilis isolates causing human diseases was diverse and overlaped with those from human and animal carriage.

A dataset of sea turtle occurrences around the Taiwan coast.

Background: We describe a dataset of sea turtle sightings around the coast of Taiwan and its islands (Hoh and Fong 2022). This data collection was initiated by TurtleSpot Taiwan, a citizen-science project that collects sea turtle sighting data. This dataset includes 3,515 sighting data dated from March 2010, except most of the data (n = 3,128; 89%) were collected between June 2017 to December 2021. Sightings were reported by citizen scientists to the Facebook Group of TurtleSpot Taiwan by providing occurrence information. We also requested photos and videos for species identification and to record any physical abnormality of the turtle, if observable. In addition to recording data often associated with an occurrence, TurtleSpot aims to identify each sea turtle up to the individual level using the Photo Identification (Photo ID) method. Hence, if photos of left facial scutes were available, the sighted individual can be identified and given a unique turtle ID. In total, 762 individuals were assigned a turtle ID, comprising 723 Greens (Cheloniamydas), 38 Hawksbills (Eretmochelysimbricata) and one Olive Ridley (Lepidochelysolivacea) turtle. This dataset is now publicly opened in Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) and available for download. It is hoped that the data may assist in future ecological studies and the development of conservation measures. New information: This dataset contains 3,515 occurrence records of sea turtles (Cheloniidae) and is currently the largest public dataset of sea turtle sighting records in Taiwan. Post-publication of this dataset to the GBIF platform demonstrated that the number of Green sea turtle Cheloniamydas records in Taiwan is one of the largest in the world (last accessed date: 15-10-2022). The data served as the foundation for understanding biogeography and sea turtle ecology in Taiwan's coastal waters.

Improved Detection of mecA-Mediated ß-Lactam Resistance in Staphylococcus lugdunensis Using a New Oxacillin Salt Agar Screen.

Oxacillin resistance mediated by mecA in Staphylococcus lugdunensis is emerging in some geographic areas. We evaluated cefoxitin disk diffusion (DD) and a new oxacillin agar (supplemented with 2 µg/ml oxacillin and 2% sodium chloride) screen for the detection of mecA-mediated resistance in S. lugdunensis. A total of 300 consecutive, non-duplicated clinical S. lugdunensis isolates from diverse sources in Hong Kong in 2019 were tested. The categorical agreement and errors obtained between cefoxitin DD test, oxacillin agar screen and mecA PCR were analyzed. Isolates with discordant results were further tested by MIC, penicillin binding protein 2a (PBP2a) assays, population analysis and molecular typing. PCR showed that 62 isolates were mecA-positive and 238 isolates were mecA-negative. For cefoxitin DD results interpreted using S. aureus/S. lugdunensis breakpoints, the categorical agreement (CA) for two brands of Muller-Hinton agars, MH-II (Becton Dickinson) and MH-E (bioMérieux) were both 96.0%; MEs were both 0%; and VMEs were 19.4 and 12.9%, respectively. The new oxacillin agar reliably differentiated mecA-positive and mecA-negative isolates (100% CA) without any ME or VME results. The 8 isolates with false susceptibility in the cefoxitin DD testing had cefoxitin and oxacillin MICs in the susceptible range. The isolates showed heterogeneous oxacillin resistance with resistant subpopulations at low frequencies. All had positive PBP2a results and were typed as sequence type 27/SCCmec V. The findings highlight the inability of cefoxitin DD and MIC tests for reliable detection of some mecA-positive S. lugdunensis isolates.

Proteome Landscape of Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) of Retinal Pigment Epithelium Shares Commonalities With Malignancy-Associated EMT.

Stress and injury to the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) often lead to dedifferentiation and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). These processes have been implicated in several retinal diseases, including proliferative vitreoretinopathy, diabetic retinopathy, and age-related macular degeneration. Despite the importance of RPE-EMT and the large body of data characterizing malignancy-related EMT, comprehensive proteomic studies to define the protein changes and pathways underlying RPE-EMT have not been reported. This study sought to investigate the temporal protein expression changes that occur in a human-induced pluripotent stem cell-based RPE-EMT model. We utilized multiplexed isobaric tandem mass tag labeling followed by high-resolution tandem MS for precise and in-depth quantification of the RPE-EMT proteome. We have identified and quantified 7937 protein groups in our tandem mass tag-based MS analysis. We observed a total of 532 proteins that are differentially regulated during RPE-EMT. Furthermore, we integrated our proteomic data with prior transcriptomic (RNA-Seq) data to provide additional insights into RPE-EMT mechanisms. To validate these results, we have performed a label-free single-shot data-independent acquisition MS study. Our integrated analysis indicates both the commonality and uniqueness of RPE-EMT compared with malignancy-associated EMT. Our comparative analysis also revealed that multiple age-related macular degeneration-associated risk factors are differentially regulated during RPE-EMT. Together, our integrated dataset provides a comprehensive RPE-EMT atlas and resource for understanding the molecular signaling events and associated biological pathways that underlie RPE-EMT onset. This resource has already facilitated the identification of chemical modulators that could inhibit RPE-EMT, and it will hopefully aid in ongoing efforts to develop EMT inhibition as an approach for the treatment of retinal disease.

Early Impact of the U.S. COVID-19 Pandemic on Drinking Motives and Alcohol Use.

Background: The goal of this study was to empirically examine the degree to which alcohol use and drinking motives changed during the first month of the pandemic and to examine individual differences associated with such changes. Methods: A U.S. nationwide survey of 500 adults was conducted; data from 201 individuals (Mage=38.98, SD=12.04, 52.2% female, 76.1% White) who endorsed current alcohol use were included in this study. Results: Paired-samples t-tests indicated that there was a significant decrease in drinking quantity [t(199)=3.74, p<.001], but no change in drinking frequency [t(198)=0.19, p=.849] overall during the first month of the U.S. pandemic. There were significant decreases in enhancement [t(201)=4.55, p<.001], social [t(201)=9.39, p<.001] and conformity [t(201)=3.58, p<.001] motives, but a significant increase in coping motives [t(201)=-3.71, p<.001]. Regression analyses showed that increases in enhancement [ß=0.46, p<.001] and coping [ß=0.27, p=.004] motives were significantly related to increases in drinking frequency, and increases in coping motives [ß=0.32, p=.002] were related to increases in drinking quantity. Riskier drinking prior to the pandemic was significantly related to greater increase in drinking quantity in the first month of the U.S. pandemic [ß=0.31, p<.001]. Conclusion: Results of this study provide initial support that changes in drinking motives were important predictors for changes in alcohol use during the first month of the U.S. pandemic. Contrary to anecdotal reports, drinking decreased overall during the first month of the U.S. pandemic; however, those with existing risky patterns of drinking prior to the start of the U.S. pandemic were at greatest risk for drinking escalation during this time.

Transcriptome Landscape of Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition of Human Stem Cell-Derived RPE.

Purpose: RPE injury often induces epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT). Although RPE-EMT has been implicated in a variety of retinal diseases, including proliferative vitroretinopathy, neovascular and atrophic AMD, and diabetic retinopathy, it is not well-understood at the molecular level. To contribute to our understanding of EMT in human RPE, we performed a time-course transcriptomic analysis of human stem cell-derived RPE (hRPE) monolayers induced to undergo EMT using 2 independent, yet complementary, model systems. Methods: EMT of human stem cell-derived RPE monolayers was induced by either enzymatic dissociation or modulation of TGF-ß signaling. Transcriptomic analysis of cells at different stages of EMT was performed by RNA-sequencing, and select findings were confirmed by reverse transcription quantitative PCR and immunostaining. An ingenuity pathway analysis (IPA) was performed to identify signaling pathways and regulatory networks associated with EMT. Results: Proteocollagenolytic enzymatic dissociation and cotreatment with TGF-ß and TNF-α both induce EMT in human stem cell-derived RPE monolayers, leading to an increased expression of mesenchymal factors and a decreased expression of RPE differentiation-associated factors. Ingenuity pathway analysis identified the upstream regulators of the RPE-EMT regulatory networks and identified master switches and nodes during RPE-EMT. Of particular interest was the identification of widespread dysregulation of axon guidance molecules during RPE-EMT progression. Conclusions: The temporal transcriptome profiles described here provide a comprehensive resource of the dynamic signaling events and the associated biological pathways that underlie RPE-EMT onset. The pathways defined by these studies may help to identify targets for the development of novel therapeutic targets for the treatment of retinal disease.

Effects of a brief motivational smoking intervention in non-treatment seeking disadvantaged Black smokers.

Objective: While the U.S. adult smoking rate has declined, Black smokers disproportionately face more barriers to accessing brief effective tobacco cessation treatments compared with other racial groups. This study developed and tested the effects of a novel, evidence-based, brief smoking intervention culturally targeted for disadvantaged Black smokers (ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT04460417). Method: In this randomized controlled trial, primarily low-income Black non-treatment-seeking smokers (N = 204, 51% female) were randomized to enhanced care (EC) or treatment as usual (TAU). The EC group received a 30-min session with personal feedback on smoking, education on health outcomes and tobacco advertising targeting Black smokers, and nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) starter kits. TAU included provision of self-help materials. Primary outcome was motivation to change smoking behavior, and secondary outcomes included NRT knowledge and use, quit attempts, and number of cigarettes smoked per day. Data were collected at baseline, 1- and 6-month follow-ups. Results: Compared with TAU, EC increased motivation to change (p = .02), accuracy in NRT knowledge, (p < .001), NRT use (p = .01), and likelihood of making a serious quit attempt as well as reduced cigarettes smoked per day (p < .01) through 6-month follow-up. Conclusions: A brief motivational intervention for Black non-treatment-seeking smokers increased motivation to change smoking and resulted in improvements in NRT knowledge, use, and quit-relevant behaviors. Findings support cultural-targeting and provision of NRT to enhance motivation in Black smokers to reduce cultural and institutional barriers to tobacco cessation. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved).

Laryngotracheal Mucosal Surface Expression of Candidate Biomarkers in Idiopathic Subglottic Stenosis.

OBJECTIVES: Idiopathic subglottic stenosis (iSGS) is an inflammatory process leading to fibrosis and narrowing of the laryngotracheal airway. There is variability in patient response to surgical intervention, but the mechanisms underlying this variability are unknown. In this pilot study, we measure expression of candidate targets at the mucosal surface of the subglottis in iSGS patients. We aim to identify putative biomarkers for iSGS that provide insights into the molecular basis of disease progression, yield a gene signature for the disease, and/or predict a response to therapy. STUDY DESIGN: In vitro comparative study of human cells. METHODS: Levels of candidate transcripts and proteins were measured in healthy and stenotic laryngotracheal tissue specimens taken from the mucosal surface in 16 iSGS patients undergoing endoscopic balloon dilation. Pre- and post-operative pulmonary function test and patient reported voice and breathing outcomes were also assessed. Unsupervised clustering was used to define patient subgroups based on expression profile. RESULTS: Pulmonary function and voice and breathing outcome metrics demonstrated significant post-operative improvement. Transcript levels of αSMA, CCL2, COL1A1, COL3A1, FN1, IFNG, and TGFB1 and protein levels of CCL2, IFNG, and IL-6 were significantly upregulated in stenotic as compared to healthy tissues. Marked heterogeneity was observed in the patterns of expression of candidate markers across individuals and tissue types. Patient subgroups defined by expression profile did not show a statistically significant difference in dilation interval. CONCLUSION: Pro-inflammatory and pro-fibrotic pathways are significantly upregulated along the mucosal surface of stenotic laryngotracheal tissues, and CCL2 and IFNG merit further investigation as potential iSGS biomarkers. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4 Laryngoscope, 131:342-349, 2021.