Passive Electronic Cigarette Exposure Initiates Squamous Metaplasia in a Developing 3D Human Tracheobronchial Epithelial Tissue in-vitro Model

The prevalence of vaping has rapidly increased. ECs are often perceived as less harmful than tobacco cigarettes. A recent meta-analysis showed electronic cigarette (EC) aerosols adversely affected the respiratory system, similar to cigarette smoke, with some effects specific to EC use. Failure to prevent these alterations could lead to life-long comorbidities, and predisposition to respiratory diseases, including COPD and squamous cell carcinoma. While these effects are the result of active vaping, EC aerosols can also settle on indoor surfaces, be absorbed passively through the skin or orally, enter the blood stream, and subsequently expose internal organs, including the airway basal stem cells (ABSCs). Toddlers and children who often crawl and frequently mouth household objects are particularly vulnerable to this type of exposure. While prior reports have described the effects of thirdhand smoke (THS) on the respiratory system, no studies have examined how THS and EC chemicals in the blood effect development of the human tracheobronchial epithelium (hTET). In this study, we developed and used a 3D in vitro model derived from ABSCs to simulate hTET during development. We looked at the marker involucrin, which is associated with squamous metaplasia in epithelial tissue. Furthermore, we looked at the marker MUC5AC, a goblet cell marker and Acetylated Tubulin, a marker for cilia. Additionally, we measured tissue width to see if changes occurred in the epithelium associated with cigarette and EC use. We hypothesized that ABSCs passively exposed to ECs form abnormal hTETs. To test this hypothesis, ABSCs were differentiated in vitro into 3D hTET. During the 4-week differentiation phase, the ABSCs were exposed on the basolateral surface to medium with dissolved Marlboro Red smoke or dissolved aerosol from FDA authorized ECs (Vuse Solo and NJOY) or a non-authorized EC (JUUL). Cigarette smoke was collected without impingers at 5 total puff equivalents. EC aerosol was collected using the impinger method at 6 total puff equivalents (TPE). Both cigarette smoke and EC aerosol stock concentrations were then diluted to 0.00001, 0.0001, and 0.001 TPE, which have nicotine concentrations similar to or below those in the blood of smokers and vapers. En-face immunofluorescence showed that involucrin, a marker of squamous metaplasia, was elevated in tissues exposed to all treatments (Marlboro Red, Vuse Solo, NJOY, and JUUL), and these markers were significantly increased in the highest concentrations. Western blots confirmed elevated expression of involucrin. Histology further confirmed elevated expression of involucrin and MUC5AC in treatments. Epithelial hyperplasia, thickening of the tissue, was also observed in histological sections of Marlboro Red and Vuse Solo exposed groups. These data show that passive exposure to chemicals in EC aerosols can negatively impact the developing respiratory epithelium when exposure occurs from the basal surface. Additionally, no safety advantages were observed with FDA authorized ECs compared non-FDA authorized ECs to cigarettes. Furthermore, all treatments had nicotine concentrations found in the blood of smokers. This information will be valuable to health care workers and may affect EC regulation and policymaking

Diversity in Social Work Organizations

This research proposal explores social workers’ attitudes toward diversity within organizations. The goal is to measure individual perception, beliefs, and receptiveness to diversity. The ATD scale measures attitudes across different dimensions, including race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, disability, and cultural differences. Bachelor\u27s of social work and Master’s of social work professionals working within an organization will answer the scale and results analyzed. Diversity is the presence of a wide range of differences among people and groups. These characteristics can be visible or invisible and make individuals unique. Diversity also involves recognizing, valuing, and respecting those individual differences. Diversity fosters inclusive environments where everyone feels included, heard, or empowered to contribute. It is important that social workers understand their attitudes toward diversity. Social workers can use this information to guide them in providing culturally competent, equitable, and effective services. The ATD can help identify biases, guide professional growth, and support culturally inclusive training programs. Furthermore, diversity is important in social work organizations as it promotes culturally competent services, reduces biases and strengthens advocacy, enhances problem-solving and innovation, and reflects the communities they serve. The proposed research focuses on existing literature and diversity scales to discuss social workers’ attitudes towards diversity within organizations

LEGACY OF LEARNING: THE JOURNEY OF MALES OF COLOR AND THE SUSTAINING POWER OF COMMUNITY CULTURAL WEALTH

ABSTRACT This phenomenological study explores how males of color in South Los Angeles utilize Community Cultural Wealth (CCW) to navigate educational pathways from high school through community college and university. Grounded in Yosso’s (2005) CCW framework—which includes aspirational, linguistic, familial, social, navigational, and resistance capital—this study centers the voices of ten first-generation African American and Latino/Latinx males from low socioeconomic backgrounds. Using a mixed methods design, the research combined participant intake surveys, structured questionnaires, and semi-structured interviews to capture how these students persist in the face of systemic barriers. The qualitative data were analyzed using thematic analysis, while survey responses were used to triangulate findings and provide context on students’ perceptions of CCW in their academic journeys. The findings revealed that CCW functions as a critical tool for persistence and resilience. Participants described strong familial and community ties that provided emotional and instrumental support. Social and linguistic capital—through bilingualism and peer relationships—enhanced their ability to navigate complex systems. Aspirational capital remained high, and resistance capital was evident through participants’ engagement in redefining academic success on their terms. Institutional resources were often insufficient, but intergenerational mentorship—especially from community-based sources—emerged as a vital support mechanism. This study challenges deficit-based narratives by highlighting the strategic ways males of color activate their cultural wealth to overcome educational inequities. The findings underscore the need for asset-based, culturally responsive practices in higher education, particularly in community college settings. By uplifting the lived experiences of historically marginalized students, this research provides a roadmap for educators, policymakers, and community leaders to reimagine academic success through the lens of cultural wealth and community empowerment

Pedro Aceves MFA Thesis

My Work is about looking at Cruising through a queer decolonial lens. Using multiple mediums such as photo, glass, Augmented reality, and film, I explore these queer histories and aesthetics through not just an anthropological approach but also an artistic epistemological approach weaving together narratives of prehispanic and modern queer Latinidad

THE EFFECTS OF POLICE BRUTALITY UPON MARGINALIZED COMMUNITIES: AN EXPLORATORY STUDY

Background: A 2018 study revealed that members of the African American community and those from marginalized communities experience sadness, depression, anxiety and an overall decrease in mental health after the shooting or killing of an unarmed African American or Latino by a white police officer in their city or state (Bor et al., 2018). Experiencing, witnessing or hearing stories of others who have been victims of police brutality has contributed to increased levels of anxiety when anticipating an encounter with law enforcement or when needing assistance from law enforcement (Alang et al., 2017; Davis & Jackson, 2023). Studies have also shown that individuals who have been victims of police brutality or witnessed it, may begin to experience PTSD after the incident (Radford et al., 2023). Objective: The aim of this study is to explore the effects of police brutality on marginalized communities. Methods: The researcher will use an exploration and qualitative research approach. Due to limited data on the topic, an exploratory study will be conducted. The researcher will recruit approximately 20 participants or more. Participants must be 18 and older who are of African American descent or from other marginalized groups, live in Southern California and have experienced police brutality. Participants will be recruited by using non-probability sample techniques, specifically convenience sampling. Convenience sampling allows participants to inform the researcher that they meet the criteria and are interested in participating in the study