The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has occurred in Massachusetts in multiple waves led by a series of emerging variants. While the evidence has linked obesity with severe symptoms of COVID-19, the effect of obesity on susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 infection remains unclear. Identification of intrinsic factors, which increase the likelihood of exposed individuals succumbing to productive SARS-CoV-2 infection could help plan mitigation efforts to curb the illness. We aim to investigate whether obese individuals have a higher susceptibility to developing productive SARS-CoV-2 infection given comparable exposure to nonobese individuals. This case–control study leveraged data from the Mass General Brigham's (MGB) electronic medical records (EMR), containing 687,813 patients, to determine whether obesity at any age increases the proportion of infections. We used PCR results of 72,613 subjects who tested positive to SARS-CoV-2 or declared exposure to the virus independently of the result of the test. For this study, we defined susceptibility as the likelihood of testing positive upon suspected exposure. We demonstrate evidence that SARS-CoV-2 exposed obese individuals were more prone to become COVID positive than nonobese individuals [adjusted odds ratio = 1.34 (95% CI: 1.29–1.39)]. Temporal analysis showed significantly increased susceptibility in obese individuals across the duration of the pandemic in Massachusetts. Obese exposed individuals are at a higher risk of getting infected with SARS-CoV-2. This indicates that obesity is not only a risk factor for worsened outcomes but also increases the risk for infection upon exposure. Identifying such populations early will be crucial for curbing the spread of this infectious disease.

Background: E-cigarettes, initially designed for nicotine consumption, are now increasingly being used to smoke cannabis, resulting in a growing trend known as “dual vaping”. This term describes individuals, referred to as “dual users”, who use e-cigarettes for both substances. This study aims to review and analyze existing research on dual vaping, with a focus on the associated health risks and behavioral patterns. Methods: A narrative review of the literature was conducted using PubMed. Studies focusing on individuals who use electronic cigarettes for vaping tobacco and cannabis, either chronically or episodically, were examined. Relevant articles were identified and thematically synthesized to provide a comprehensive overview of the topic. Results: Dual vaping was found to be prevalent among younger men, White and Hispanic populations, and individuals with higher economic status and educational level. The use of one substance was shown to predispose individuals to the use of the other, often leading to concurrent use of both substances. Peer influence and positive expectations regarding e-cigarettes were identified as significant predictors of dual use. Dual vapers exhibited a higher susceptibility to respiratory and systemic symptoms compared to those who exclusively vaped nicotine or cannabis. Moreover, a notable prevalence of psychiatric disorders, such as substance use disorders, anxiety, and depression, was observed in this group. Fruit-flavored e-cigarettes were the most preferred option among dual vapers when using both nicotine and cannabis. Conclusions: Current evidence is insufficient to fully elucidate the long-term impacts of dual vaping on physical and mental health, particularly when compared to individuals who have never vaped. Further studies are needed to gain a more comprehensive understanding of this behavior.

Resumo A bicicleta é um transporte barato e saudável, porém os acidentes constituem sua externalidade negativa. Objetivou-se descrever as características dos óbitos de ciclistas, sua evolução recente e o papel da estrutura cicloviária no município de São Paulo. Estudo descritivo utilizando informações do Sistema de Informações de Mortalidade (SIM-DATASUS) entre 2000-2017. A relação entre taxa de mortalidade de ciclistas e malha cicloviária foi avaliada por meio de teste de correlação de Pearson. Foi realizada uma comparação com as viagens de bicicleta no mesmo período. O perfil sociodemográfico dos óbitos foi comparado com o da população geral. A taxa de mortalidade atingiu pico de 7,91/milhão de habitantes em 2006 e diminuiu até 1,8/milhão em 2017; neste período houve aumento das viagens de bicicleta e da estrutura cicloviária. Observou-se correlação negativa entre a taxa de mortalidade e a estrutura cicloviária. A análise dos óbitos indica perfil predominantemente masculino, branco, jovem, com ≤7 anos de estudo; 65% morreram em colisão com veículos. Observou-se diminuição dos óbitos de ciclistas no município de São Paulo correlacionada ao incremento de ciclovias a partir de 2008, em um cenário de aumento da demanda por transporte em bicicleta.

Background: E-cigarettes, initially designed for nicotine consumption, are now increasingly being used to smoke cannabis, resulting in a growing trend known as "dual vaping." This term describes individuals, referred to as "dual users," who use e-cigarettes for both substances. This study aims to review and analyse existing research on dual vaping, with a focus on the associated health risks and behavioral patterns. Methods: A systematic search on PubMed was performed up to August 2023. Studies investigating individuals who use electronic cigarettes for vaping tobacco and cannabis, either chronically or episodically, were included. Articles that met the inclusion criteria were thoroughly reviewed and analysed. Results: A total of 1,778 studies were screened, of which 53 articles were reviewed, and 25 met the inclusion criteria. Four main characteristics emerged: the demographic variables of users, their health risks, behaviours, and predisposing factors to smoking. Dual Vaping was found to be prevalent among younger men, White and Hispanic populations, and individuals with higher economic status and educational level. The use of one substance was shown to predispose individuals to the use of the other, often leading to concurrent use of both substances. Peer influence and positive expectations regarding e-cigarettes were identified as significant predictors of dual use. Dual Vapers exhibited a higher susceptibility to respiratory and systemic symptoms compared to those who exclusively vaped nicotine or cannabis. Moreover, a notable prevalence of psychiatric disorders, such as substance use disorders, anxiety, and depression, was observed in this group. Fruit-flavored e-cigarettes were the most preferred option among Dual Vapers when using both nicotine and cannabis. Conclusion: Current evidence is insufficient to fully elucidate the long-term impacts of dual vaping on physical and mental health, particularly when compared to individuals who have never vaped. Further studies are needed to gain a more comprehensive understanding of this behaviour.