Articles

The Heat-Affected Zone (HAZ) is one of the major parameters which determines the structural integrity in welded API 5L X52 pipelines, especially in a sour gas service containing Hydrogen Sulphide (H2S) [1]. This thorough review paper performed the analysis of different international standards including Det Norske Veritas Germanischer Lloyd DNVGL-ST-F101, American Petroleum Institute API 1104, National Association of Corrosion Engineers NACE MR0175 and American Society of Mechanical Engineers ASME B31.8. The researcher analysed the governing and regulation of Heat Affected Zone microstructure and associated properties including strength, hardness and toughness through the specifications like heat values, time between passes and Post Weld Heat Treatment (PWHT), welding specifications and qualification of welding procedures, welders and consumables [2]. By collecting and analysing the data from recent studies (2018-2025), the researchers found out that the standards focusing on prescribing strict recipes for welding and qualification procedures like DNVGL-ST-F101, including explicit heat input limits (typically 1.0-2.0 kJ/mm), obligatory post-weld heat treatment (PWHT), and rigorous consumable qualifications, perform well in Heat Affected Zone in sour gas service. The maximum hardness retirement i.e. 22 HRC (248 HV) obligated for sour media creates a critical limitation that forces optimization of welding procedures. The standards which focus on final quality or the end results rather than prescribing any specific method for producing the weld (Performance-based standards) like API 1104 remains less stringent which results in greater variation in properties around the weld i.e. the HAZ area impacting the service reliability in a worse manner during the sour media [3]. Contemporary world adopting new digital welding techniques for monitoring during weld production, prediction of the microstructural properties of HAZ based on machine learning and other advanced methods like hybrid welding processes which combines different precision welding techniques provide promising results for production of high quality and reliable welds which offer enhanced safety and reliability during sour service [4].

The pachychoroid spectrum is a new entity grouping pathologies with common choroidal features. First described in 2013 by American ophthalmologist Bailey Freund and his team [1]. It is defined by a diffuse or focal increase in choroidal thickness with dilatation of choroidal vessels adjacent to Bruch's membrane, associated with retinal pigment epithelial dysfunction, loss of the choriocapillaris and thinning of Sattler's layer [1, 2]. At present, the pachychoroid spectrum includes well-known pathologies such as central serous chorioretinitis (CSCR) and polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV), as well as pathologies of more recent description such as epitheliopathy or type 1 neovessels secondary to pachychoroid, pachydrusen, choroidal excavation and peripapillary pachychoroid. The morphological changes of the lens which is a cataract can be unilateral or bilateral and occur symmetrically or not over variable durations. A cataract is said to be mature when the opacification occupies the entire lens, it induces a complete loss of vision. It makes the visualization of the fundus reflection impossible, which explains the impossibility of visualizing hemorrhages and other lesions of the eye with the possibility of concealing a pachychoroid spectrum during the ocular examination in patients. The aim of our study is to describe the symptomatology and therapeutic approach of SPC.

<b>Purpose:</b> Although the effect of loss of a loved one on depression is well established, very limited knowledge exists on racial differences in this effect. <b>Aim: </b>In the current study we compared Non-Hispanic White (NHW) and Non-Hispanic Black (NHB) Californians for the effects of loss of a loved one on depression in a representative sample of adults in California. <b>Methods:</b> This cross-sectional study used data from the Survey of California Adults on Serious Illness and End-of-Life 2019. Overall, 1603 people entered our study. We compared 901 (56.2%) NHB and 702 (43.8%) NHW adults (age 18 and older). Race/ethnicity, demographics (age and gender), socio-economic factors (education, income, employment, and marital status), religiosity, and health (self-rated health and number of chronic medical conditions), and depression were measured. To perform data analysis, we used logistic regression models. <b>Results:</b> In the pooled sample, loss of a loved one was not associated with self-reported depression, net of all covariates. Race, however, interacted with loss of a loved one on depression, suggesting a larger association for NHBs compared to NHWs. In race-specific models, loss of a loved one predicted depression for NHBs (<i>OR</i> = 1.54) but not NHWs (<i>OR</i> = 0.99). <b>Conclusion:</b> There are differences between NHBs and NHWs in the effect of loss of a loved one on depression. NHBs show a stronger association between loss of a loved one and depression than NHWs. This result is not in line with the NHB mental health paradox or with NHB resilience but is consistent with the notion that social relations may be more salient for NHBs than for NHWs.

<b>Background: </b>Socioeconomic status (SES) is widely associated with improved health, behavioral, and educational outcomes. However, emerging research suggests that these benefits are not uniformly experienced across populations or contexts. The theory of Marginalization-related Diminished Returns (MDRs) has primarily focused on racial and ethnic disparities, showing that individuals from racially marginalized groups often experience weaker protective effects of SES. There is a lack of evidence on geography—particularly rural residence—as a moderator of SES effects. <b>Objective:</b> This review explores how place, especially rural contexts in the U.S., shapes the extent to which SES translates into improved outcomes. We extend the MDRs framework to include place-based and geography-based marginalization, arguing that even among non-Hispanic White populations, rural residence can lead to diminished returns on education, income, and other forms of capital. <b>Content:</b> Drawing on theoretical models such as Fundamental Cause Theory and Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Systems Theory, and synthesizing empirical findings from studies of academic achievement, substance use, and educational aspirations, this review highlights how structural disadvantages in rural areas weaken the effectiveness of individual and family-level resources. <b>Conclusion: </b>Rural health and educational disparities are not solely due to a lack of resources but may also reflect systemic conditions that erode the value of existing resources. Policy interventions must be place-aware and address the contextual constraints that limit opportunity. Future research should more explicitly test how geography moderates the effects of SES across a range of outcomes and populations.

A man in his 60s with multiple vascular comorbidities presented with sudden, painless vision loss in one eye. Although he had a high risk for atherosclerotic events, initial evaluation for stroke was negative for acute ischemia, but found to have markedly elevated inflammatory markers. Accordingly, giant cell arteritis was investigated and Ophthalmologic findings and fulfillment of the 2022 American College of Rheumatology/European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology classification criteria supported the diagnosis of giant cell arteritis, despite a negative temporal artery biopsy. Management included high-dose glucocorticoids and delayed tocilizumab initiation due to the need for multiple vascular surgeries. Vision loss was irreversible, but systemic symptoms resolved and vascular interventions were successful. This case highlights the diagnostic and management complexities of biopsy-negative giant cell arteritis in patients with severe atherosclerotic vascular disease, emphasizing the importance of clinical judgment and established classification criteria when imaging and biopsy results are inconclusive.

<b>Background:</b> Chronic kidney disease (CKD) affects over 35.5 million US adults. Serum α1-acid glycoprotein (α1-AGP), an acute-phase protein, exhibits anti-inflammatory properties in animal models, but its association with CKD in younger women remains underexplored. This study investigated the relationship between serum α1-AGP and CKD risk in US women aged 20–49 years. <b>Methods:</b> This nationally representative cross-sectional study used data on female adults in the US aged 20–49 years from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2015–2018 cycles. 2,137 individuals were included in the study after excluding individuals without serum α1-AGP, urine albumin, and creatinine data. Multivariate logistic regression models evaluated the association between serum α1-AGP and CKD. Moreover, we performed stratified and interaction analyses to see if the relationship was stable in different subgroups. <b>Results:</b> Among 2,137 participants (mean age 34.6 years, mean eGFR 111.7 mL/min/1.73 m²), CKD prevalence was 8.8% (n=188). Higher serum α1-AGP levels were associated with lower CKD risk in the fully adjusted model (OR 0.37, 95% CI 0.16–0.84, P = 0.017), with a dose-response trend across quartiles (P = 0.041). The association was stronger in women aged 40–49 years (OR 0.20, 95% CI 0.05–0.76) and Mexican Americans (OR 0.07, 95% CI 0.01–0.56), though interaction terms were not significant (P > 0.05). <b>Conclusions:</b> Higher serum α1-AGP levels are associated with lower CKD prevalence in young women, suggesting a protective role. Longitudinal studies are needed to confirm causality and explore α1-AGP as a biomarker for CKD risk stratification.

<b>Background:</b> Minorities’ Diminished Returns (MDRs) theory posits that the health benefits of socioeconomic resources, such as education, are smaller for marginalized and minoritized populations, including immigrants. While MDRs have been extensively documented for racial and ethnic minorities, less is known about whether these diminished returns extend to immigrant populations. This study tested MDRs of education on various health and cognitive outcomes, including self-rated health (SRH), cognitive function, numeracy, number of chronic medical conditions, and limitations in activities of daily living (ADLs) among immigrants compared to non-immigrants in the United States. <b>Objective</b><b>. </b>To examine whether educational attainment confers weaker protective effects on SRH, cognitive function, numeracy, chronic medical conditions, and ADLs in immigrants compared to non-immigrants, confirming the presence of MDRs across these domains. <b>Methods</b><b>:</b><b> </b>We used data from the Understanding America Study (UAS), a nationally representative survey of U.S. adults. We tested the association between educational attainment and five outcomes—SRH, cognitive function, numeracy, number of chronic medical conditions, and limitations in ADLs—across immigrant and non-immigrant groups. Multivariate regression models were employed, adjusting for key sociodemographic covariates. <b>Results</b><b>:</b><b> </b>The protective effects of education on a range of health outcomes were significantly weaker for immigrants compared to non-immigrants. Education level showed weaker associations with SRH, cognitive function, numeracy, number of chronic conditions, and ADLs among immigrants. These findings suggest that even at higher levels of educational attainment, immigrants experience poorer health and cognitive functioning than their U.S.-born counterparts.<b> </b><b>Conclusion</b><b>:</b><b> </b>This study offers strong evidence for the MDRs of education on multiple health outcomes among U.S. immigrants. One possible explanation is that, despite achieving higher levels of education, immigrants often face structural barriers—such as discrimination, limited access to resources, and economic inequities—that constrain the health-related benefits typically associated with educational attainment. Additionally, a portion of immigrant education may be acquired outside the United States, where credentials may not be fully recognized or rewarded within the U.S. labor market. These findings highlight the importance of policies aimed at addressing systemic inequities and improving access to healthcare, employment opportunities, and social support for immigrant communities. Future research should further explore the mechanisms underlying these diminished returns and identify policy solutions to reduce their impact. <b>Keywords: </b>Educational Attainment, Immigrants, Nativity, Self-Rated Health, Chronic Disease, Activities of Daily Living (ADL), Cognitive Function

<b>Background:</b> Educational attainment is strongly linked to increased employment opportunities, higher income, and greater financial security, making its inverse relationship with reliance on social welfare programs well-documented.<b> </b>However, consistent with the Minorities' Diminished Returns (MDRs) theory, the protective effects of education may be weaker for racial and ethnic minority groups compared to non-Latino Whites. This study examines whether the impact of educational attainment (measured as years of schooling) on social welfare use differs between Caribbean Black and White adults in the United States, focusing on outcomes since age 18 and in the past year. <b>Objective:</b><b> </b>To investigate the relationship between years of schooling and the likelihood of using social welfare programs, while exploring whether this association varies between Caribbean Black and White adults, in alignment with the MDRs framework. <b>Methods:</b><b> </b>Data were derived from the National Survey of American Life (NSAL), a nationally representative dataset with a robust sample of Black and White adults in the United States. The study focused on Caribbean Black and White participants aged 18 and older. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was employed to examine the relationship between years of schooling and social welfare use, adjusting for covariates including age, gender, employment status, and marital status. Interaction terms were used to assess potential differences in the returns of education across racial groups. <b>Results:</b><b> </b>Higher educational attainment was associated with reduced likelihood of using social welfare programs overall. However, consistent with the MDRs framework, the protective effect of education was weaker for Caribbean Black individuals compared to their White counterparts. Caribbean Blacks with similar levels of education as Whites were more likely to report using social welfare programs since age 18 and in the past year, highlighting diminished returns on education for this population. <b>Conclusion:</b><b> </b>This study extends the MDRs framework to Caribbean Black populations, a group rarely studied in the U.S., revealing significant disparities in the economic benefits of education. The findings underscore the need for policies that address systemic barriers limiting the economic returns of education for racial and ethnic minorities, including Caribbean Blacks, to promote greater equity in social and economic outcomes.

<b>Background:</b><b> </b>High educational attainment is a well-recognized protective factor against health problems such as diabetes. However, the theory of Minorities' Diminished Returns (MDRs) suggests that this protective effect is weaker for ethnic minorities compared to non-Latino Whites. This diminished effect is thought to result from structural inequalities, such as lower-quality education and fewer occupational opportunities, faced by ethnic minorities. <b>Objective:</b><b> </b>This study examined the protective effect of years of schooling—used as a proxy for educational attainment—on diabetes mellitus (DM), overall and by ethnicity. Based on the MDRs framework, we hypothesized that the protective effect of education would be weaker for Latino individuals compared to non-Latinos. <b>Methods:</b><b> </b>Data were drawn from the 2012 wave of the Understanding America Study (UAS), a nationally representative, internet-based panel. The outcome of interest was self-reported doctor diagnosis of DM. Logistic regression models were used to assess the association between educational attainment and DM, with an interaction term to explore differences between Latino and non-Latino individuals. Models were adjusted for age, sex, employment, immigration status, and marital status. Findings were presented as adjusted odds ratios (OR), p-values, and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). <b>Results:</b><b> </b>Higher educational attainment was associated with lower odds of DM in both Latino and non-Latino individuals (p < 0.001). An interaction between education and ethnicity (p < 0.05) indicated that the protective effect of education was weaker for Latino individuals compared to non-Latinos. <b>Conclusion:</b><b> </b>The findings align with the MDRs framework, which suggests that the health benefits of education are not equally distributed across ethnic groups. For Latino individuals, structural barriers such as lower educational quality and labor market discrimination may limit the protective effect of education against DM. While education is a key determinant of health, its unequal returns contribute to ethnic health disparities. Policymakers must address structural inequalities in education and employment that disproportionately affect ethnic minorities. Tackling these disparities through multi-sector policy interventions will require bipartisan political support.

(1) <b>Background</b>: Psychological flexibility, the ability to adapt to changing demands while staying true to personal values, is linked to better health behaviors. However, its relationship with cardiovascular health behaviors, particularly in Filipino populations, remains underexplored. (2) <b>Aim</b>: This study aimed to examine the relationship between psychological flexibility and cardiovascular health behaviors among outpatients in Rizal, Philippines, focusing on BMI, smoking, physical activity, and dietary habits. (3) <b>Methods</b>: A cross-sectional, descriptive-correlational design was used with 100 outpatient participants from selected hospitals. Psychological flexibility was measured using the Acceptance and Action Questionnaire-II (AAQ-II), and cardiovascular health behaviors were assessed using a modified version of the American Heart Association’s Life Simple 7 tool. Descriptive statistics and Pearson’s correlation were applied. (4) <b>Results</b>: The findings showed that respondents had neutral levels of psychological flexibility. While most exhibited intermediate BMI and physical activity, dietary habits varied. A significant positive correlation was found between psychological flexibility and whole grain consumption. However, no significant associations were found with BMI, smoking, or physical activity. (5) <b>Conclusions</b>: Psychological flexibility appears to influence specific health behaviors, such as dietary choices, but does not strongly correlate with other cardiovascular health behaviors. Further research is needed to explore its broader role in cardiovascular disease prevention.

<b>Background</b><b> </b>Adolescent substance use is often influenced by socioeconomic and geographical factors. While higher parental education is typically associated with lower substance use, these protective effects may be weaker for marginalized groups facing structural disadvantages that limit the utility and returns of their economic and social resources. Rural areas, characterized by fewer employment opportunities and limited recreational activities, may contribute to marginalization-related diminished returns (MDRs) of parental education on adolescent substance use, including inhalant use. <b>Objectives</b><b> </b>This study applies the MDRs framework to examine whether the protective effect of higher parental education on current inhalant use (past 30 days) among 12th-grade American adolescents varies by geographic location. Specifically, we assess whether youth from highly educated families in rural areas are at a disproportionate risk of inhalant use compared to their urban and suburban peers. <b>Methods</b><b> </b>Using data from the 2024 Monitoring the Future (MTF) study, a nationally representative survey of 12th-grade adolescents in the U.S., we tested main effects and statistical interactions between parental education and residence (rural vs. urban/suburban) in predicting the odds of inhalant use over the past 30 days. Logistic regression models, both with and without interaction terms, were applied to evaluate whether the protective effects of parental education varied by residence location, controlling for relevant demographic and socioeconomic factors. <b>Results</b><b> </b>Findings indicate a significant interaction between parental education and rural residence. While higher parental education was associated with lower odds of inhalant use in urban and suburban areas, this protective effect was substantially weaker in rural settings. Adolescents from highly educated families in rural areas exhibited a higher-than-expected risk of inhalant use, suggesting that geographic marginalization attenuates the benefits of parental socioeconomic resources. <b>Conclusions</b><b> </b>These results highlight the role of place-based marginalization in shaping adolescent substance use disparities, demonstrating that MDRs extend beyond race and ethnicity to location-based disadvantages. Rural youths from highly educated families may face unique structural and social challenges that counteract the protective effects of parental education. Public health efforts should consider place-based interventions that address the economic, recreational, and social limitations of rural environments to reduce substance use risk among high-SES adolescents residing in rural areas.

<b>Background: </b>While the link between depression and smoking is known, less is known about<b> </b>the relationship between hopelessness and smoking in large national community-based sample of Black people.<b> </b><b>Aims: </b>This study investigates the association between hopelessness and smoking status, using data from the National Survey of American Life (NSAL), which is the only ethnically diverse nationally representative sample of Black adults.<b> </b><b>Methods: </b>Data from the NSAL were analyzed. Hopelessness and smoking status were assessed using structured interviews. Logistic regression was employed to assess the link between hopelessness and smoking status, controlling for potential confounders such as demographic factors and socioeconomic indicators as well as depression.<b> </b><b>Results: </b>4,939 participants entered our analysis. Hopelessness was significantly associated with higher odds of smoking status. This association remained robust after adjusting for confounders such as demographic factors, socioeconomic status, and depression.<b> </b><b>Conclusions: </b>Hopelessness<b> </b>may be a critical risk factor for smoking in Black adults. Promoting hope as a component of targeted tobacco cessation programs may help reduce tobacco use of Black populations.

<b>Background:</b><b> </b>Menthol-flavored tobacco products are disproportionately used in low-income African American communities, a result of decades of targeted marketing and systemic inequities. Menthol use has been associated with lower quit rates, often compounded by factors such as lower trust in healthcare systems, reduced access to cessation programs, and other structural barriers. Despite this, few studies have systematically examined the explanatory mechanisms that might clarify why menthol-flavored tobacco is linked to poorer cessation outcomes among participants in tobacco cessation programs. <b>Aims:</b><b> </b>This study aimed to investigate the potential mechanisms by which menthol tobacco use is associated with lower quit rates across three types of smoking cessation interventions. <b>Methods:</b><b> </b>Participants were randomized into one of three smoking cessation interventions: in-person (CEASE), self-help, or online/hybrid programs. Smoking abstinence was assessed three months post-intervention as the primary outcome. Secondary analyses explored whether demographic, socioeconomic, or behavioral factors mediated the association between menthol use and quit rates across the intervention arms. <b>Results:</b><b> </b>Menthol tobacco use was significantly associated with lower quit rates (p < 0.01). This association was not explained by demographic, socioeconomic, health, or addiction-related factors. While menthol use was associated with lower education and employment levels, demographic characteristics, physical or mental health, or addiction did not explain the effect of menthol on tobacco cessation. These findings suggest that the lower quit rates observed among menthol users cannot be attributed to any third factors assessed in this study. <b>Conclusions:</b><b> </b>Menthol tobacco use independently predicts lower quit rates, and the mechanisms behind this disparity remain unclear. The consistent findings across different intervention types highlight the need for further research to uncover the underlying pathways and to design targeted strategies to improve cessation outcomes for menthol users.

<b>Background: </b>Educational attainment is often regarded as a pathway to economic stability and social mobility. However, the Minorities’ Diminished Returns (MDRs) framework has demonstrated that the effects of educational attainment on various economic, behavioral, and health outcomes are weaker for marginalized populations, including racial/ethnic minorities, immigrants, LGBTQ+ individuals, and those living in disadvantaged areas. While MDRs have been documented for various marginalized demographic groups, the role of trauma in moderating socioeconomic outcomes remains underexplored. <b>Objective:</b> This study examines whether lifetime trauma exposure diminishes the positive association between educational attainment and poverty-to-income ratio (PIR), a key indicator of economic well-being. <b>Methods:</b> Using data from the National Survey of American Life (NSAL), we analyzed a nationally representative sample of 6,008 adults, including Black, White, Latino, and Other racial/ethnic groups. We employed linear regression models to evaluate the association between the independent variable educational attainment and the outcome PIR. We then tested lifetime trauma as a moderator of this association. Models controlled for age, gender, employment, and race/ethnicity. <b>Results:</b> Educational attainment was positively associated with PIR across all groups, but the strength of this association was significantly attenuated for individuals with a history of lifetime trauma. These effects were independent of covariates. <b>Conclusions:</b> These findings extend the MDRs framework by highlighting trauma as a potential contributor to diminished returns of education on socioeconomic wellbeing. Structural inequities that increase trauma exposure in minoritized populations may also limit the economic benefits of education, particularly for groups with multiple trauma exposures. Policies aimed at addressing economic inequality must integrate social policies that reduce trauma and stress.

<b>Background</b>: While educational attainment is generally associated with reduced reliance on Social Security and disability benefits, Minorities' Diminished Returns (MDRs) theory suggests that the socioeconomic benefits of educational attainment are not equally distributed across racial groups and are weaker for minoritized populations. This study explores the association between educational attainment and reliance on Social Security and disability benefits among Black and White adults in the United States. <b>Objective</b>: Building on the MDRs framework, we analyzed data from the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) 2023 to examine how educational attainment impacts reliance on Social Security disability income, disability benefits, and public assistance for Black and White adults. <b>Methods</b>: We used a nationally representative sample of Black and White adults from the NHIS 2023 dataset. The outcomes assessed were reliance on three income sources: (1) Social Security disability income, (2) disability benefit income, and (3) public assistance disability income. Educational attainment was classified into three levels: less than high school (reference), high school diploma to some college, and college graduate or more. Logistic regression models assessed the relationship between educational attainment and reliance on each income source, with separate analyses for Black and White adults to evaluate differential effects. <b>Results</b>: Higher levels of educational attainment (high school diploma to some college and college graduate or more) were associated with lower odds of relying on Social Security disability, disability benefits, and public assistance. However, the protective effects of educational attainment were notably stronger for White adults than for Black adults. Among Black adults, even high educational attainment showed limited effectiveness in reducing reliance on these income sources, underscoring the Minorities' Diminished Returns (MDRs) phenomenon. <b>Conclusions</b>: Although educational attainment reduces reliance on Social Security and disability-related income sources, these protective effects are less pronounced for Black adults compared to White adults. The findings reveal persistent racial disparities in the economic returns of education, suggesting that structural factors may undermine the socioeconomic and health benefits of educational achievement for Black Americans. Targeted policy interventions may be needed to improve economic stability for Black adults, including those with higher educational credentials.

<b>Background:</b><b> </b>Educational attainment is generally associated with reduced reliance on Social Security and disability benefits; however, the Minorities' Diminished Returns (MDRs) theory suggests that the socioeconomic benefits of education are weaker for minoritized populations. This study investigates the relationship between educational attainment and welfare receipt among American Indian/Alaska Native (AIAN) and White adults in the United States. <b>Objective:</b><b> </b>Using the MDRs framework, we analyzed data from the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) 2023 to examine how educational attainment impacts welfare receipt among AIAN and White adults. <b>Methods:</b><b> </b>We analyzed a nationally representative sample of AIAN and White adults from the NHIS 2023 dataset. Welfare receipt was assessed as the receipt of any public assistance or welfare payments from state or local welfare offices. Educational attainment was categorized into three levels: less than high school (reference), high school diploma to some college, and college degree or higher. Logistic regression models were used to assess the relationship between educational attainment and welfare receipt, with separate analyses for AIAN and White adults to evaluate differential effects. <b>Results:</b> Higher educational attainment (high school diploma to some college and college degree or higher) was associated with lower odds of welfare receipt across both groups. However, the protective effect of a college degree was significantly weaker for AIAN adults compared to White adults. Consequently, AIAN adults remain at a higher risk of welfare reliance even with higher education, consistent with the Minorities' Diminished Returns (MDRs) framework. <b>Conclusions:</b> Although educational attainment generally reduces welfare reliance, this protection is less pronounced for AIAN adults than for White adults. This discrepancy suggests that structural factors, segregation, and social stratification may undermine the economic and health benefits of education for racialized groups in the U.S. Addressing these disparities requires policy interventions that extend beyond education, emphasizing quality job opportunities, healthcare access, and reduced labor market discrimination for individuals with advanced educational credentials, regardless of race.

<b>Background:</b><b> </b>Despite advancements in smoking cessation interventions, few programs have demonstrated sustained effectiveness among low-income, underserved populations. The Communities Engaged and Advocating for a Smoke-free Environment (CEASE) program was developed to address this gap and support tobacco cessation in these communities. However, it remains unclear whether self-reported outcome measures in this context are in line with more objective outcome measures.<b> </b><b>Aims:</b><b> </b>This study aimed to validate self-reported quit rates using the Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence (FTND) as a gold standard outcome measure for evaluation of the effectiveness of the CEASE smoking cessation intervention compared to a self-help approach among low-income, underserved adult smokers. <b>Methods:</b><b> </b>A quasi-experimental design was employed to evaluate this community-based intervention. Although participants were initially assigned to three groups, this report focuses on two arms that show the major difference in the efficacy of the program: (1) the self-help group (reference; Arm 1) and (2) the in-person CEASE group (Arm 2). Outcomes included successful quitting, assessed through self-reports, and changes in FTND scores. To examine the concordance between these measures, we tested whether changes in FTND scores fully explained the relationship between the intervention and self-reported quitting. Potential confounders included demographic, socioeconomic, and health-related variables. Data were analyzed using regression and structural equation modeling (SEM). <b>Results:</b><b> </b>The majority of participants were Black Americans, followed by White individuals and those of other racial backgrounds. The CEASE intervention (Arm 2) demonstrated effectiveness in reducing nicotine dependence (measured by FTND) and increasing self-reported quit rates compared to the self-help group. Importantly, changes in FTND scores fully explained the effect of the CEASE intervention on self-reported quitting, highlighting the program’s impact on addiction severity. <b>Conclusion:</b><b> </b>Successful quitting measured using self-report is in line with the decline in nicotine addiction severity among low-income racial minority populations. CEASE holds promise as a scalable solution to address smoking disparities in underserved communities.

<b>Background: </b>Chronic medical conditions are major drivers of healthcare spending, morbidity, and mortality in the United States, as well as critical indicators of health disparities. The disproportionately high rates of chronic medical conditions among Black, Latino, and American Indian and Alaska Native adults compared to non-Latino Whites highlight the urgent need to examine the factors contributing to these disparities. While higher socioeconomic status is generally associated with better health outcomes, this benefit may be diminished for racialized and minoritized populations. <b>Objective:</b> This study investigates the protective effects of educational attainment and income-to-poverty ratio on the prevalence of chronic medical conditions and examines whether these effects vary across racial and ethnic groups, specifically among Black, Latino, and American Indian and Alaska Native adults compared to non-Latino White adults. <b>Methods:</b> Using data from the 2023 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS), this cross-sectional study analyzed the association between educational attainment and chronic medical conditions across racial and ethnic groups. Logistic regression models were employed to assess whether the strength of the relationship between education and chronic medical conditions differed by racial/ethnic group, controlling for key demographic and socioeconomic covariates. Sample size was 29,373 which was reflective of 256,566,689 US population. <b>Results:</b> Consistent with the theory of Minorities' Diminished Returns, findings showed that the protective effects of higher educational attainment on chronic medical conditions were significantly weaker for Black, Latino, and American Indian and Alaska Native adults than for their non-Latino White counterparts. Even among individuals with higher education, Black, Latino, and American Indian and Alaska Native adults faced elevated risks of chronic medical conditions. <b>Conclusion:</b> While educational attainment generally reduces the prevalence of chronic medical conditions, this protective effect is moderated by racial and ethnic background. Structural barriers limit the health benefits of educational attainment. This underscores the need for policies that address structural inequities—such as low-quality education and occupational segregation—that constrain the protective health effects of educational attainment for minoritized groups.

<b>Background: </b>Research on Minorities’ Diminished Returns (MDRs) consistently reveals that social determinants of health, especially educational attainment, do not yield equal health benefits across racial and ethnic groups in the United States. MDRs suggest that social stratification, segregation, lower education quality, and labor market discrimination contribute to diminished health returns of education among minoritized groups. However, few studies have tested the relevance of MDRs in American Indian and Alaska Native (AIAN) populations compared to non-Hispanic White adults. <b>Objectives:</b> This study aimed to examine the strength of the inverse association between educational attainment and hypertension prevalence, hypothesizing that the protective effect of education on hypertension risk is reduced among AIAN adults relative to non-Hispanic Whites. <b>Methods:</b> Using data from the 2023 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS), we analyzed a nationally representative sample of adults aged 18 and older. Logistic regression models examined the association between educational attainment and self-reported hypertension diagnosis, stratified by racial/ethnic group (AIAN vs. non-Hispanic White). Models were adjusted for key covariates, including age, gender, income, and insurance status. <b>Results:</b> Higher educational attainment was associated with a lower prevalence of hypertension in the combined sample of AIAN and non-Hispanic White adults. However, this protective association was significantly weaker among AIAN adults compared to non-Hispanic White adults, as evidenced by a significant interaction between race and education. <b>Conclusion:</b> AIAN adults exhibit a higher prevalence of hypertension even at higher levels of educational attainment compared to non-Hispanic White adults, supporting the relevance of MDRs for AIAN populations. This finding underscores the need for public health interventions that address structural barriers and contextual factors unique to AIAN populations. Policies focused solely on educational access may be insufficient to reduce hypertension risk among AIAN adults without addressing broader social and structural inequities.

<b>Background:</b> Retirement is a universal life stage, marking the culmination of an individual's working years. However, many people face financial challenges during retirement due to insufficient financial planning. Retirement preparedness is essential for ensuring economic security and maintaining a high quality of life in later years. Education is often viewed as a key driver of retirement preparedness, as it is linked to higher earnings, better financial literacy, and improved decision-making. However, the Minorities' Diminished Returns (MDRs) theory suggests that the economic, cognitive, and behavioral benefits of education are weaker for racial and ethnic minorities compared to non-Latino Whites. <b>Objective:</b><b> </b>This study aims to examine the relationship between educational attainment and retirement preparedness, focusing on whether this association differs among Black, Latino, and non-Latino White individuals, using data from the Understanding America Study (UAS). <b>Methods:</b><b> </b>Data were drawn from the UAS, a nationally representative internet-based panel survey. The sample included participants from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds. Linear regression models were used to evaluate the association between educational attainment, measured in years of schooling, and retirement preparedness. Interaction terms were included to test whether the association varied by race and ethnicity. Models were adjusted for potential confounders, including age, sex, marital status, employment status, and immigration. <b>Results:</b><b> </b>In the overall sample, higher educational attainment was significantly and positively associated with better retirement preparedness (p < 0.001). However, consistent with the MDRs framework, the strength of this association was significantly weaker for Black and Latino participants compared to non-Latino White participants (p < 0.05). Non-Latino Whites with higher education levels reported substantially better retirement preparedness, while the same level of education yielded smaller gains in retirement preparedness for Black and Latino individuals. <b>Conclusion:</b><b> </b>The findings support the Minorities' Diminished Returns theory, showing that although educational attainment enhances retirement preparedness for all groups, Black and Latino individuals derive fewer benefits compared to their non-Latino White counterparts. These disparities point to persistent structural inequalities and systemic barriers within the education system and labor market, as well as the effects of segregation and discrimination, which undermine the economic benefits of education for marginalized populations. Addressing these disparities requires targeted policy interventions aimed at eliminating racial and ethnic inequalities in retirement outcomes and ensuring equitable benefits from educational attainment for all groups.