Using structural equation modeling to assess pathways between structural stigma and tobacco use among sexual and gender minority young adults living in the United States.

Sexual and gender minority young adult (SGM YA) populations use tobacco at higher rates than their non-SGM YA peers. Prior studies have identified significant correlations between interpersonal stigma and tobacco use, yet structural stigma may also influence tobacco use among SGM YA. This study aimed to assess the indirect effects of structural stigma on current tobacco use among SGM YA and non-SGM YA via depletion of economic resources, interpersonal discrimination, and perceived psychological stress.

Lignin nano/micro-particles from agricultural biomasses: Developing direct precipitation for integrated biorefinery.

The state-of-the-art, simple and scalable methods for lignin micro-/nano-particles recovery from agricultural biomasses were evaluated in this review. Being non-wood biomasses, these materials can be easily fibrillated, supporting the usage of mild soda or organic solvent pretreatment. Different approaches in particle recovery were compared to conclude that the bottom-up approach facilitates smaller particles towards the nano-size range whereas mechanical treatment can act as a supporting method to increase uniformity and reduce particle sizes after bottom-up precipitation.

Cisnormative Language and Erasure of Trans* and Genderqueer Student Representation in Biology Education Research.

Trans* and genderqueer student retention and liberation is integral for equity in undergraduate education. While STEM leadership calls for data-supported systemic change, the erasure and othering of trans* and genderqueer identities in STEM research perpetuates cisnormative narratives. We sought to characterize how sex and gender data are collected, analyzed, and described in biology education research.

Development of a sterilization process for amniotic membrane allograft tissue using supercritical carbon dioxide and NovaKill.

Amniotic membrane is arguably one of the most popular biological wound dressings on the market today. Various growth factors and cytokines inherent to amniotic membrane tissue have been recognized as key mediators in wound healing and tissue regeneration, giving the tissue its clinical utility. Sterilization methodologies using irradiation are recognized as the gold standard in the field and routinely used to prepare tissue allografts, including amniotic membrane for transplantation.

The role of the microbiome in immune checkpoint inhibitor colitis and hepatitis.

Immune checkpoint inhibitors have revolutionised management for a variety of different types of malignancies. However, gastrointestinal adverse effects, in particular colitis and hepatitis, are relatively common with up to 30 % of patients being affected. The gut microbiome has emerged as a potential contributor to both the effectiveness of immune checkpoint inhibitors and their side effects.