Aromatase, testosterone, TMPRSS2: determinants of COVID-19 severity.

Background: Male sex has been identified as a risk factor for worse COVID-19 outcomes. This sex difference has been mostly attributed to the complex role of sex hormones. Cell surface entry of SARS-CoV-2 is mediated by the transmembrane protease serine 2 (TMPRSS2) which is under transcriptional regulation by androgens.

Using coupons to encourage healthier child snack purchases in corner stores: results from the CHOMPS study.

Objectives: To examine youths' (ages 6-15 years) autonomous snack purchases in corner stores and pilot use of coupons to encourage more healthful snack purchases.

Methods: This pilot study involved four corner stores proximal to K-8 schools in Massachusetts. Kids-only coupons of varying discounts were provided in store and paired with simple visual and verbal economic and health messages.

Correct dosing of Prothrombinex-VF in normalising elevated international normalised ratio in critically ill patients: a prospective cohort pilot study.

Background: Prothrombinex-VF is being increasingly used as an off-label therapy to correct non-warfarin-related elevations in international normalised ratio (INR) in the critically ill. Currently there are no dosing guidelines for such use.

Aims: To validate a prediction equation, embedded in a smartphone application (app), to guide dosing of Prothrombinex-VF in critically ill patients.

Direct Outreach in Bars and Clubs to Enroll Cigarette Smokers in Mobile Cessation Services: Exploratory Study.

Background: Cigarette smoking and alcohol use are well known to be concomitant behaviors, but there is a lack of studies related to recruitment of smokers for mobile cessation services at places where alcohol is consumed, such as bars and clubs. Adapting recruitment strategies to expand the reach of cessation programs to where tobacco users are located may help decrease the health-equity gap in tobacco control by improving reach and enrollment of underserved smokers residing in low-income and rural areas who are not reached by traditional cessation services.

Objective: The purpose of this exploratory study was to assess the feasibility of direct outreach in bars, clubs, and restaurants to recruit smokers to Quitxt, our mobile smoking cessation service.

Pilot study of peer modeling with psychological inoculation to promote coronavirus vaccination.

Promoting coronavirus vaccination is deterred by misinformation, ranging from elaborate conspiracy theories about sinister purposes to exaggeration of side effects, largely promulgated by social media. In this pilot study, we tested the effects of different messages on actions leading to vaccination. Two theory-based advertisements were produced for Facebook, which provided video testimonials from peer role models recommending vaccination and its benefits while providing psychological inoculation through the models' acknowledging misinformation, rejecting it and receiving the vaccine.