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Background/Objectives: Adopting written nutrition standards for food sold or served by local governments is a strategy for increasing access to healthier options among employees and residents. Methods: We used data from a 2021 national survey of 1982 municipal governments serving populations of 1000 or more. Among municipalities that sell or serve food or beverages, we examined the prevalence and 95% confidence intervals (CI) of those with written nutrition standards. Logistic regression models were used to obtain odds ratios and 95% CIs of written nutrition standards by municipality characteristics. Finally, we examined the prevalence including nutrition standards in food purchasing agreements or food service contracts among municipalities that sell or serve food and have written nutrition standards. Results: Among U.S. municipalities in 2021, 32% reported selling and 21% reported serving food or beverages. Among U.S. municipalities that sell or serve food or beverages, the prevalence of municipalities with written nutrition standards was 19%, and of these, 78% reported including their written nutrition standards in city food purchasing agreements or food service contracts. In adjusted analyses, the region (West vs. Midwest adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 2.9 [95% CI: 1.7, 4.9]) and presence of a food policy council remained significantly associated with having written nutrition standards (aOR: 1.7 [1.1, 2.5]). Conclusions: Although only 1 in 5 municipalities that sell or serve food or beverages have written nutrition standards, of those that do, almost 80% reported including the standards in contracts, highlighting an important implementation lever and a public health opportunity for communities to adopt standards that offer healthy food and beverage options in public spaces.

The 2018 Federal Farm Bill created a loophole allowing intoxicating hemp-derived tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) products to be manufactured and sold with limited regulations. Unless restricted by the state, these products are available across many retailer types. We assessed the likelihood of sales of hemp-derived THC products to underage individuals in one large city in Minnesota, USA which had a minimum purchase age of 21 but few other restrictions. We conducted pseudo-underage purchase attempts at establishments that reported or were observed carrying hemp-derived THC products in 2023. Buyers, 21 or older but judged by a panel to look aged 18-20, attempted to purchase hemp-derived THC products without age identification. We assessed whether the availability and purchase rate differed by community economic advantage and establishment type. Approximately one-third (149/452) of establishments carried hemp-derived THC products. The overall pseudo-underage sales rate was 56% (70/125). Establishments in areas of higher (vs. lower) economic advantage were more likely to carry hemp-derived THC products (40% vs. 30%) but less likely to sell to a pseudo-underage individual (49% vs. 68%). Compared to establishments that primarily sell non-age-restricted items (e.g., gas stations, grocery stores), establishments that primarily sell age-restricted products (liquor stores, tobacco stores, hemp-dispensaries) were more likely to carry these products (69% vs. 20%) but equally as likely to sell to pseudo-underage individuals (54% vs. 57%). Our results suggest that underage people could easily access hemp-derived THC products. It is imperative that these products are considered in assessments on availability of cannabis.

Nipah virus (NiV) infection is considered one of the deadliest infectious diseases, with a case fatality rate of approximately 71%. In Bangladesh, the primary risk factor for NiV infection is the consumption of raw date palm sap (DPS) contaminated with excreta from fruit bats (ie, members of the Pteropodidae family). Recently, the increasing use of social media among Bangladeshi youth has enabled business groups to widely advertise and sell raw DPS. This increased access, combined with young people perceiving consumption of raw DPS as an "adventurous event," may facilitate an increase in incidences of NiV infection. We aimed to explore and document data from social media regarding raw DPS advertisements and consumption. Furthermore, we aimed to investigate the commercial distribution of raw DPS across the country. The data were accessed from common social media platforms used in Bangladesh, including Facebook and YouTube, between November 10, 2023, and January 31, 2024. We considered this period to capture public opinions, discussions, and reported incidents during the peak harvesting and consumption season of DPS. While DPS harvesting continues until March, early monitoring is essential for identifying the emerging concerns related to NiV transmission. Extracted variables were post dates and times, source locations, types of sources and posts, provider details (eg, sellers and gachis), post descriptions, user reactions, views, comments, and shares. Particular emphasis was placed on identifying the districts of both DPS suppliers and recipients. We used R version 4.3.2 and Stata version 15 for analyzing statistical data and QGIS for geographic data. Of 556 social media posts, 361 (64.9%) were advertisements promoting raw DPS. Few DPS-related posts (n= 10, 1.8%) were associated with raising awareness about DPS consumption and NiV infection. In total, 473,724 people interacted with the social media posts. The identification of supplier and recipient districts revealed 14 source districts of raw DPS. The majority of raw DPS were distributed from Rajshahi, Naogaon, Rajbari, and Faridpur, which are among the most NiV-prone districts. During the data collection period, we observed an average of 996 (SD 377) liters of raw DPS sold per day from multiple gachhis (sap collectors) and sellers (vendors) in Rajshahi. The marketing of raw DPS through digital media platforms has increased customer interest, as evidenced by the notably high level of public engagement observed on this topic within the Bangladeshi social media context. Distributing raw DPS using digital platforms is a marketing tool that significantly increases the availability of raw DPS to previously hard-to-reach markets and potentially increases individuals' exposure to NiV infection. This study recommends a multidisciplinary approach, which incorporates context-specific public health investigations, policymaking, and digital media surveillance to address emerging public health concerns.

Infected high-stage pressure injuries (IHPIs) in older, immobile patients lack validated biomarkers to distinguish infection-driven chronicity and guide therapy. We leveraged multi-omics integration to nominate biomarker candidates and mechanistic signatures of IHPI. An aged-rat IHPI model was established by combining deep-tissue magnetic compression with Staphylococcus aureus inoculation. Acute wounds (AW), non-infected high-stage pressure injuries (HPI), and IHPI were compared through laser-speckle perfusion imaging, in vivo bioluminescence for bacterial burden, histology, and immunohistochemistry. Serum IL-1β was measured by ELISA. Bulk RNA sequencing (AW n = 3, HPI n = 3, IHPI n = 5) and quantitative proteomics (AW n = 3, IHPI n = 5) were cross-layer integrated using network analysis. IHPI wounds exhibited delayed closure, purulent exudate, reduced angiogenesis, diminished collagen deposition, and elevated systemic inflammation. Transcriptomic data revealed activation of innate-immune, chemokine, and keratinization programs, while proteomics highlighted NF-κB, lysosomal, and extracellular-matrix (ECM) remodeling processes. Integration defined a translational immune biomarker panel-SELL (L-selectin)↑, ARG1↑, CD163↓, IL33↓-implicating sustained leukocyte recruitment and impaired resolution. Concurrently, MMP9-driven ECM degradation and enrichment of sarcomeric/calcium-handling proteins (Tnnt2, Casq2, Tnnc1, Myh8, Myl4) indicated deep-tissue and muscle-layer involvement. Multi-omics integration in an aged-rat IHPI model yields a translational immune biomarker panel (SELL↑/ARG1↑/CD163↓/IL33↓) for detection/stratification and a mechanistically coherent ECM-remodeling signature (MMP9↑) that explains tissue-level non-healing. Using accessible assays (IHC/ELISA), these candidates prioritize testable biomarkers for IHPI detection, stratification, and therapeutic targeting, while the model provides a translational platform for future validation.

Large-scale food fortification is a widely applied strategy to address micronutrient deficiencies, and in Kenya, all industrially processed and packaged maize flour is mandated to be fortified with micronutrients. However, policymakers lack information regarding the population's readiness to procure fortified foods. This study aims to measure the purchase rate of packaged (and presumably fortified) maize flour among households in two Kenyan cities and assess how food environment, household characteristics, and individual shopper perceptions influence consumption of this product. We conducted a survey of 1,507 households in urban and peri-urban Kisumu and Nairobi from May to June 2022 to gather information on food purchases, food-shopping behavior, awareness of fortification, and household demographics and socioeconomic status. Between June and August 2022, we conducted a census of food outlets to characterize the households' home food environment. To analyze the data, we first conducted a descriptive analysis with statistics disaggregated by study-region, household poverty status, and/or status as a consumer of packaged maize flour. We then used a probit regression to determine the differential influence of various factors on the households' likelihood of purchasing packaged (presumably fortified) maize flour. Across Kisumu and Nairobi, 67% of households purchased packaged maize flour, with higher rates seen in urban and peri-urban Nairobi (68% and 70%, respectively) and lower rates seen in urban and peri-urban Kisumu (50% and 34%, respectively). While almost 100% of households had some access to packaged maize flour in their home food environment, the density of outlets that sell this product varied from 12/km2 in peri-urban Kisumu to 54/km2 in urban Nairobi. Moreover, households that purchased packaged maize flour resided in neighborhoods with approximately 11 more outlets/km2, on average, than other households. The local price premium charged for packaged maize flour compared to unpackaged maize flour was a negative and statistically significant driver of the purchase decision. If the goal is to enhance the population's uptake of fortified maize meal, the government should encourage the private sector to invest more in food outlets that sell packaged maize flour; reduce the retail cost of packaged maize flour; raise awareness of the benefits of fortification (particularly in peri-urban Kisumu); and make relevant technologies available at the scale of smaller mills.

The evolving landscape of illicit drug markets necessitates effective approaches to harm reduction and addiction prevention for people who use drugs (PWUD). In response, integrated drug checking services (DCS), which combine chemical analyses and psychosocial interventions, have been shown to contribute to safer drug use behaviour, particularly in festival settings. However, little is known about how people who predominantly use drugs occasionally engage with and perceive fixed-site DCS and how specific service characteristics contribute to its overall impact. In this study, we qualitatively assess the impact of a well-established multimodal DCS in Vienna, Austria, from the viewpoint of actual and prospective users. From June 2024 through January 2025, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 23 PWUD (7 self-identified as female; 16 as male), of whom 12 were current users of at least one drug checking modality (mobile or fixed-site), and 11 had no prior experience with DCS. Including both groups provided a broader perspective, acknowledging the limited reach of the DCS and the access barriers faced by some individuals. Participants reported diverse drug use patterns, with many reporting occasional use. Interviews were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. During analysis, three central themes were developed: (1) "Knowledge creates safety and agency" illustrates how knowledge of the exact composition of a substance fosters a sense of safety and empowers individuals to make informed decisions about their drug use; (2) "Personal circumstances as key to engagement and impact" captures the effect of situational context and current needs in shaping the depth and engagement with DCS; and (3) "Social effects beyond the individual" reflects the broader impact of drug checking, on the level of peers, people who sell drugs, and the drug market. Our findings suggest that DCS can considerably promote safer use behaviour, as well as risk awareness and management among PWUD. To be effective as a tool for early intervention and addiction prevention, services must remain low threshold to address the diverse needs of PWUD, allowing for varying degrees of engagement, such as keeping psychosocial counselling optional. Acknowledging the critical role of peers in building trust, facilitating access, and sharing safer use information underscores the importance of social relations in extending the harm reduction impacts of DCS.

Voluntary blood donation remains a major public health challenge in many low- and middle-income countries. In Cameroon, only 35% of the annual blood requirement is met despite ongoing government efforts to improve donation rates. This study assessed willingness to donate blood and the key barriers to donation among community members in Yaound&#xe9;, capital city of Cameroon. A cross-sectional survey was conducted from January to July 2023 in Yaound&#xe9;, Cameroon. Using multistage cluster sampling, 404 adults completed a pretested and validated questionnaire. Data were analyzed using R Statistics (version 4.4.2), and the Akaike Information Criterion was applied to select the best model. Statistical significance was set at P < 0.05. Informed consent was obtained from all participants and the study was approved by the institutional review board of the University of Buea. Although 74.8% of participants (95% CI: 70.2-78.9%) expressed willingness to donate blood, only 36.1% (95% CI: 31.6-41.0%) had previously donated. The most cited barrier was the belief that hospitals sell donated blood (81.4%). Religious prohibitions were reported by 4.2% of respondents. Motivations for donation included saving lives in emergencies (56%) and helping relatives (15%). Barriers included concerns about donor health (46%), negative experiences with health-care staff (19%), lack of motivation (15%), and fear of adverse events (12%). On multivariable logistic regression analysis, belief that hospitals sell blood was significantly associated with reduced likelihood of previous donation (odds ratio [OR], 5.69; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.94 - 16.46; P = 0.001). Women were more likely to express unwillingness to donate blood compared to men (OR, 1.84; 95% CI: 1.02 -3.31; P = 0.042). Religious constraints were associated with higher unwillingness to donate (OR, 2.74; 95% CI: 1.004-7.49; P = 0.049), and increasing age was positively associated with unwillingness to donate blood (OR, 1.05; 95% CI: 1.02 - 1.09, P = 0.002 < 0.001). A substantial gap persists between expressed willingness and actual blood donation in Yaound&#xe9;, largely driven by systemic mistrust and cultural-religious barriers. Tailored interventions-such as community education, transparent blood management practices, and engagement with faith-based organizations-are critical to increasing voluntary blood donation rates and addressing Cameroon's ongoing blood supply shortage.

Unsafe abortion remains a major public health issue in Nigeria. Restrictive abortion laws and limited access to contraception mean that many abortions happen outside the formal healthcare system, often under unsafe conditions. This study examined whether women&#x2019;s clinical outcomes differed when they obtained abortion pills from a clinic compared to a patent medicine vendor (PMV). PMVs are drug sellers who lack formal pharmaceutical training but are allowed to sell certain medicines. We followed 1,572 women across three states in Nigeria who received abortion pills from either a clinic or a PMV. We found that self-managed abortion with pills received from PMVs can be as safe, effective, and acceptable as clinic-based provision for pregnancies under nine weeks. No abortion-related complications were reported by the study participants. These findings support global evidence that medication abortion can be managed successfully outside of clinical settings, even in restrictive contexts like Nigeria, where abortion services and post-abortion care are limited. Many women rely on PMVs to access abortion medication, and this study highlights the role they can play in expanding access to safe abortion in Nigeria.

In late spring 2024, CDC was alerted to an outbreak of poisoning potentially associated with eating Diamond Shruumz microdosing chocolate bars. Diamond Shruumz microdosing chocolate bars are edible products designed so that small doses of mushroom-derived psychoactive compounds and other psychoactive ingredients can be eaten in a presectioned serving. In response to this alert, CDC and the Food and Drug Administration coordinated a nationwide outbreak investigation to characterize the potential poisonings associated with eating Diamond Shruumz microdosing chocolate bars. A case of poisoning was defined as an illness with moderate or major clinical effects (i.e., symptoms) as defined by America's Poison Centers in a person who ate any Diamond Shruumz product or another mushroom-containing chocolate product during January-October 2024. In total, 180 cases were reported in 34 states. Among these, 73 persons were hospitalized, including 38 persons who required intensive care unit (ICU) admission, 29 who required endotracheal intubation, and two deaths. Eating Diamond Shruumz chocolate bars was associated with higher odds of hospitalization (odds ratio [OR]&#xa0;=&#xa0;3.29; 95% CI&#xa0;=&#xa0;1.51-7.40), ICU admission (OR&#xa0;=&#xa0;6.30; 95% CI&#xa0;=&#xa0;2.17-22.6), seizures (OR&#xa0;=&#xa0;8.45; 95% CI&#xa0;=&#xa0;3.00-27.9), and endotracheal intubation (OR&#xa0;=&#xa0;8.04; 95% CI&#xa0;=&#xa0;2.24-44.2), compared with eating other mushroom-containing chocolate products. Eating larger amounts of Diamond Shruumz chocolate bars was associated with an increased likelihood of hospitalization, ICU admission, and endotracheal intubation (p-value for trend tests [p-trend]&#xa0;=&#xa0;0.023, 0.004, and <0.001, respectively). Diamond Shruumz products were recalled, and the public was advised not to eat, sell, or serve any Diamond Shruumz products and to discard any Diamond Shruumz products previously purchased. Testing of some Diamond Shruumz products identified substances present in psychoactive mushrooms, including muscimol, psilocin (a Schedule I controlled substance), kavalactones, and other substances in some, but not all, tested products. Consumers should be aware of the poisoning risk associated with eating Diamond Shruumz products and other mushroom-containing microdosing chocolate products due to variability in ingredient composition, the absence of standardized regulatory oversight for sampling and testing finished products, and the potential toxicity of compounds intended to produce psychoactive effects.

The United Kingdom Government is committed to reducing alcohol consumption through increasing the availability of alcohol-free and low-alcohol (No/Lo) drinks; however, little is known about whether these products are equally available across different types of neighbourhoods, which may have implications for inequalities in potential health benefits or harms from exposure to No/Lo drinks. This study measured differences in the availability and sales of No/Lo products in small retailers across disparate types of neighbourhoods in Great Britain and over time. A longitudinal geographic design using retail transaction data collected over 20&#x2009;weeks seasonally distributed between 2018 and 2022. The study was conducted in Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales). 11&#x2009;278&#x2009;479 alcohol transactions across 1432 small retailers in neighbourhoods with varying levels of socioeconomic deprivation and urbanicity. No/Lo products were defined as alcoholic-mimic beverages containing &#x2264;1.2% alcohol by volume (ABV). Each week, we calculated retail-level outcomes measuring No/Lo product availability defined as product range and sales volume (standardised as the number of serving units). Zero-inflated Poisson regression models were used to assess differences in these outcomes by neighbourhood income deprivation and urbanicity over time. No/Lo sales volume tripled over the study period yet accounted for only 0.25% of total alcohol sales by 2022. In 2018, 34% of retailers reported sales of No/Lo products, rising to 68% by 2022. Retailers in low-deprivation areas were more likely to sell No/Lo products and sold a wider product range compared with those in high-deprivation areas ([incidence rate ratio (IRR)&#x2009;=&#xa0;2.30, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.60-3.30 in 2022). No/Lo alcohol sales volume was statistically significantly higher among retailers in the least deprived neighbourhoods (IRR&#x2009;=&#xa0;1.33, 95% CI = 1.14-1.57 in 2022) and rural areas compared with high-deprivation and urban areas, but only in the most recent years. Alcohol-free and low alcohol (No/Lo) product availability and sales increased among small retailers in Great Britain between 2018 and 2022, but these gains have been uneven, with greater access and uptake in more affluent and rural areas. This suggests emerging geographic disparities in access to and sales of No/Lo alternatives and their potential benefits or harms.

The interleukin-2 mutein, VIS171, was engineered to extend half-life and enhance selective binding and expansion of regulatory T cells (Tregs) expressing high levels of the trimeric interleukin-2 receptor. This study evaluated the effects of VIS171 on immune cell populations in nonhuman primates, focusing on its ability to selectively expand Tregs, and then characterized their phenotype during expansion and contraction. Na&#xef;ve rhesus macaques were treated subcutaneously with VIS171, along with daily rapamycin. VIS171 was well tolerated with repeated administration. Tregs, identified as cluster of differentiation CD4+CD25+FoxP3+ or CD4+CD25+CD127lo cells, expanded significantly after treatment. Peak Treg expansion was evident in the peripheral circulation between days 5 and 7 postdose, with frequency and absolute counts markedly increasing from 4- to 6-fold after administration. In contrast, no significant effect was found in cytotoxic T lymphocyte populations, highlighting the specificity of VIS171 for expanding Tregs. Single-cell RNA sequencing revealed 3 distinct Treg clusters: resting (SELLhigh) Tregs and 2 Treg subsets with distinct activation and metabolic profiles (HACD4high and TIGIThigh). The transcriptomic profile of expanded Tregs was consistent, with an effector Treg signature associated with immunoregulatory function. Differentiation signature scores indicated preserved Treg functionality after expansion. These findings suggest that VIS171 with rapamycin promotes robust, selective, and durable Treg expansion, offering a strategy to enhance transplant tolerance without broad immunosuppression.

The intensification of commercial chicken production has increased antimicrobial use and manure generation, raising concerns about residues and resistant pathogens entering the environment. Use of raw chicken manure can introduce antimicrobial compounds and resistance determinants into agricultural soils. This study examined antimicrobial use and manure management practices among chicken farmers in Morogoro, Dar es Salaam, and Unguja, and identified key gaps in national regulatory frameworks and their on-farm implementation. A structured questionnaire was administered to 351 farmers to assess the types and usage of antimicrobials and manure handling practices. Farmers reported using fourteen antibiotic classes and four antiparasitic agents, with tetracycline being the most frequently used (54.1%). Most farmers in Unguja (97.7%), Dar es Salaam (87.3%), and Morogoro (70.9%) either apply manure as fertilizer, sell it, or both. A large proportion (93.2%) reported that they do not process manure before use or sale, mainly due to lack of technical knowledge (77.4%). Awareness of the health hazards posed by pathogens (43.3%) and drug residues (57.5%) is low. This study revealed critical gaps, including weak regulatory enforcement, inadequate surveillance systems, limited cross-sectoral integration, irrational antimicrobial use, and limited farmer awareness. Strengthening regulatory frameworks, improving farmer training, and promoting safer manure management methods are recommended to reduce the environmental dissemination of antimicrobial residues and resistance.

Based on the theory of rational expectations equilibrium, this study examines the optimal decision-making of fresh retailer under strategic customer behavior. The paper focuses on analyzing the impact of perceived customer value on the retailer's investment in freshness preservation and configuration in inventory, as well as how market size moderates this influence. The findings reveal that in the face of strategic customer behavior and an increased perception of value for the freshness of products nearing their sell-by date, the retailer tends to lower retail prices, which subsequently affects their enthusiasm for investment in freshness preservation efforts and inventory configuration. The influence of perceived customer value on preservation effort and inventory volume is differential and significantly moderated by market size. When the market size is large, the retailer is inclined to implement optimal preservation measures, but inventory volume may be negatively impacted. With a medium market size, the retailer reduces preservation efforts and inventory levels. However, in situations where perceived customer value is low, the retailer increases inventory volumes. When the market size is small, the impact of strategic customer behavior and perceived customer value on preservation efforts and inventory volumes more pronounced.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is an emerging public health challenge globally, with poultry production recognized as a major contributor due to widespread and often indiscriminate use of antimicrobials. In Bangladesh, limited evidence remains on the social, economic, and behavioral factors shaping antimicrobial use at the farm level. Hence, this study aimed to explore the underlying drivers of antimicrobials in commercial poultry farms and to understand farmers' perceptions and decision-making process in antimicrobial use. We conducted an explorative qualitative study among poultry farms across three districts of Bangladesh between July and December 2021. Data were collected from 60 poultry farmers through in-depth interviews. Interviews were audio recorded with consent, transcribed verbatim in Bangla, and analyzed using inductive thematic coding based on the grounded theory approach. Farmers commonly reported administering antimicrobials for perceived illness without prior disease diagnosis or veterinary consultation. They believe that antimicrobials have no harmful side effects and do not pose a risk of residues being transmitted to humans through poultry products. Antimicrobials were routinely used throughout the production cycle, often within 14&#xa0;days before data collection. Antimicrobial use was strongly influenced by economic and relational factors, particularly farmers' reliance on poultry dealers who supplied chicks, feed, and medicines on credit. These credit-based arrangements created economic dependency, requiring farmers to sell poultry back to the same dealers and granting dealers substantial influence over decisions regarding the choice and frequency of antimicrobial use. Commercial influence from pharmaceutical representatives further shaped antimicrobial practices through product promotion and brand-driven recommendations. Additionally, veterinarians, including those affiliated with pharmaceutical companies, occasionally visited farms and prescribed multiple medicines, further influencing antimicrobial use practices. Farmers' self-belief and experiential confidence also contributed to the continued use of multiple antimicrobials, despite awareness of potential risks. This study reveals prevalent and largely unregulated antimicrobial use in commercial poultry farms in Bangladesh, driven by farmer perceptions, economic dependency on dealers, and limited veterinary oversight. Addressing AMR in poultry production will require coordinated One Health interventions, including strengthened regulation of antimicrobial distribution and access, improved veterinary services, and targeted farmer education to promote responsible antimicrobial use and protect animal and human health.

Women often experience greater disability after ischemic stroke than men, but the biological mechanisms underlying these differences remain unclear. Proteomic analysis may identify sex-specific molecular pathways that contribute to stroke rehabilitation and recovery. We analyzed plasma samples from 141 patients enrolled in the Blood and Clot Thrombectomy Registry and Collaboration (BACTRAC). Expression of 184 inflammatory and cardiometabolic proteins, measured proximal and distal to the clot, was quantified using Olink panels. Associations between protein expression and discharge outcomes - including the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) and modified Rankin Scale (mRS), and Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) - were evaluated with models including a sex by protein interaction term, adjusting for clinical and demographic covariates. The median age was 69 years, and 55% were women. After controlling the false discovery rate, systemic TGFBI was expressed at higher levels in men. Multiple proteins demonstrated sex-specific associations with discharge outcomes. For NIHSS, systemic PCOLCE and NT3, as well as intracranial FGF5, NT3, TNFSF14, and TWEAK, were differentially associated by sex, with higher expression generally linked to worse outcomes in women and protective trends in men. For mRS, systemic ICAM3 and TGFBI were associated with higher odds of poor mRS scores in women, while SELL showed a potential protective effect in men. Intracranial CD6 and LAP TGF-&#x3b2;1 also demonstrated sex-specific associations with mRS scores. No sex-specific associations were observed for MoCA. Several sex dependent proteins were associated with post-stroke discharge outcomes. These findings suggest that sex-specific molecular responses could contribute to disparities in post-stroke recovery and highlight the importance of incorporating sex as a biological variable in biomarker studies as well as stratifying clinical trials based on sex. Stroke is one of the leading causes of death and disability in the United States, affecting nearly 800,000 people every year. Men and women experience stroke differently, both in how often it occurs and in how well they recover. However, the biological reasons for these differences are not fully understood.In this study, we examined blood samples collected during emergency treatment for a severe type of stroke called a large vessel occlusion. Using a specialized technique to measure over 180 proteins, we compared blood samples taken directly from the brain&#x2019;s arteries. We wanted to know whether men and women show different molecular responses to stroke and whether these differences relate to their recovery.We found that several proteins were linked to stroke severity and recovery in different ways for men and women. For example, higher levels of certain proteins were linked to worse outcomes in women but not in men, and vice versa. These findings suggest that men and women may activate distinct biological pathways after a stroke.Understanding these sex-specific differences could help guide more personalized treatment and recovery strategies. Future research should explore these findings in larger groups of patients and over longer periods of time to determine whether these molecular differences can predict long-term recovery or guide new therapies.

Testing the lead content of new paints is important to inform governments of the potential hazard in countries that have yet to ban or regulate the lead content of these products. This study included a sample of paints for automotive, metal primer, architectural enamel, and road-marking applications in Mexico. Samples from 213 paint products manufactured by 54 domestic and 5 foreign paint companies were purchased from retail outlets and tested at an accredited laboratory in the United States for lead content. Samples were selected to be representative of the available brands of red and yellow coatings sold in small containers in retail outlets. A total of 118 (55%) of the 213 paint products sampled contained lead in excess of 90&#x2005;ppm (all ppm concentrations in this paper designate wt/wt values) and these samples were then analyzed for chromium content. A majority (91%) of the lead paints tested had a mass ratio of Pb:Cr consistent with pure lead chromate that has a ratio of 4:1 suggesting the presence of lead chromate pigments. Labels indicating that no lead was present were observed on 12 products that our testing demonstrated contained lead in concentrations ranging from 1,100&#x2005;ppm to 120,000&#x2005;ppm. The testing showed that Sherwin Williams, the largest global United States-based paint company, continues to sell lead paints in Mexico. These results have significant implications for workers in diverse industries in Mexico due to the lead hazards and the carcinogenicity of hexavalent chromium. National regulations and third-party conformity assessment procedures are desperately needed to control the widespread use of lead chromate pigments in Mexican paints.

Numerous studies have demonstrated a pathogenic association between rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), 2 chronic inflammatory diseases. This study integrates transcriptomic and bioinformatic analyses to elucidate the shared molecular mechanisms underlying RA-associated T2DM, aiming to identify effective therapeutic strategies. RNA expression profile datasets for RA and T2DM were downloaded from the gene. Expression Omnibus and Gene Network (Grein) databases. Common differentially expressed genes shared between RA and T2DM were identified and subsequently subjected to gene enrichment analysis, protein-protein interaction network construction, GeneMANIA analysis, immune microenvironment evaluation, and drug prediction. Additionally, the diagnostic performance of hub genes was assessed using receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. Finally, molecular docking was employed to facilitate computer-aided drug design and to investigate drug-gene interactions. We identified 352 common differentially expressed genes, and functional analyses showed that they were mainly involved in the immune regulation of RA-associated T2DM. Thirteen key genes were confirmed through the protein-protein interaction network analysis and validation cohort. Receiver operating characteristic curves confirmed the reliability of their diagnostic value. GeneMANIA analyses suggested these genes were mainly associated with leukocytes, particularly neutrophils. Results from the immune microenvironment revealed abnormal levels of neutrophils in RA and T2DM. Among them, 10 key genes (LYN, TLR1, TLR2, TLR8, FCGR1A, FCGR2A, CCR1, CXCL1, FPR1, and SELL) were considered as neutrophil-related genes. Mechanistically, these genes activate pro-inflammatory signaling pathways, exacerbating tissue inflammation and promoting insulin resistance, ultimately leading to the onset of T2DM, neutrophils play a pivotal role in this process. Drug prediction and molecular docking results indicated that PD-169316 is a potential immunotherapeutic for patients with RA in combination with T2DM. This study concludes that neutrophil-driven inflammatory responses and their associated genes may accelerate the progression of type 2 diabetes caused by RA.