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The electrochemical property of Mo2C nanoparticles (NPs) depends on the structure and crystal planes. Herein, Mo2C nanoparticles were prepared and dispersed on carbon nanosheets by the construction of a biomass-derived carbon precursor, and the exposed dual crystal planes were also controlled by optimal conditions. The structure, compositions, and morphology of the carbon-based Mo2C were characterized, and the Mo2C NPs were well dispersed on the carbon nanosheets. The electrochemical study shows that optimal Mo2C exhibits excellent electrochemical properties for the oxidation of nicotine compared with other materials in the broad linear range of 0.2–300 μM. In particular, it displays a remarkable oxidation ability for the low-concentration nicotine (0.2–5 μM), and the detection limit is about 0.17 μM. Furthermore, the exposed dual crystal planes of Mo2C play a critical role in the oxidation. Notably, this characteristic of Mo2C NPs makes it possible to detect nicotine from the extracted solution and be used for chip electrodes to detect nicotine quickly via wireless response, which exhibits actual application prospects for portable detection. The results indicate that the as-prepared Mo2C material could be effective and low-cost for nicotine analysis in the sectors of health management and medical fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A "blunt" is a hollowed-out cigar/cigarillo from which much of the loose tobacco has been removed, and the remaining tobacco wrapper filled with cannabis. Although blunts contain significant levels of tobacco/nicotine, they are often treated as if they were exclusive cannabis products and omitted from surveys of tobacco products. Whereas the prevalence of virtually all other tobacco products is on the decline in the USA, available data suggest that the prevalence of blunt smoking is not — and in fact, it may be increasing. Blunts are most frequently used by people who self-identify as Black. As a result of misperceptions and perhaps biases, there is a dearth of scientific investigation, hence knowledge, surrounding the health effects associated with blunt smoking. Co-use of tobacco and cannabis has been reported to have additive and even synergistic adverse health effects. Lack of investigations into the health effects of tobacco products most frequently used by Black people may contribute to tobacco-related health disparities. We argue that the scientific and public health communities must treat blunts as the potentially lethal tobacco product that they are, studying their prevalence and use patterns, and investigating their adverse health effects, both short and long term. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the alveolar repair process in rats exposed to nicotine after tooth extraction, using ozonised water and low-power laser therapy (LPLT) as therapeutic adjuvants. Materials and methods: Thirty wistar rats (Rattus Norvegicus) were used and given the nicotine solution via subcutaneous tissue. After 7 days, the upper right central incisor was surgically extracted. Three days after the surgical procedure, the animals continued to receive nicotine until the day of euthanasia, totalling 21 days after extraction. Results: The result was that the groups that received coadjuvant therapy had neoformed mature bone, unlike the group that did not receive it. Conclusions: Based on the literature and the results obtained, we can conclude that nicotine negatively influenced the healing process and bone repair in the alveoli; however, the use of ozonised water and LPLT, even in the presence of nicotine, was effective, as it enhanced the repair process, making them good options for surgical procedures in patients who smoke. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose of review: The purpose of this review is to characterize the combined effects of tobacco smoking and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection in people with HIV (PWH) and identify possible therapeutic targets through shared mechanisms for neurotoxicity. Recent findings: HIV and tobacco smoke can exert neurotoxicity through shared mechanisms such as brain volume changes, microglial dysregulation, and dysregulation of the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway (CAP) through the alpha7-nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR). Evidence also suggests the potential for synergistic effects of HIV and tobacco smoking on neurotoxicity. Summary: People with HIV (PWH) are disproportionately affected by both neurocognitive impairment (NCI) and tobacco smoking compared to the general population. Both HIV and tobacco smoking are known to have neurotoxic effects and have the potential for clinically significant impacts on brain health and cognitive functioning. Less, however, is known about how PWH may be uniquely affected by the interactive neurotoxic effects of both HIV and tobacco smoking. Evidence suggests that smoking and HIV can have synergistic effects on neurotoxicity and NCI in PWH. Some mechanisms for neurotoxicity include increased oxidative stress from microglial activation and dysfunction in the alpha7- nAChR cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway leading to increased neuroinflammation and neuronal apoptosis. Mechanisms may vary by cell type and brain region, however, and there is a need for more human-facing, longitudinal studies on smoking in PWH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Traditional Miao and Dai Chinese medicines have used nicotine-rich leaf tobacco to treat traumatic injuries by promoting hemostasis. While nicotine is known to enhance platelet aggregation, its effects on other platelet functions and underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Methods and Results: This study aimed to thoroughly investigate nicotine's effects on human platelets and its pharmacological mechanisms, using thromboelastography to assess nicotine's impact on platelet function during coagulation. This study aimed to investigate the functional effects of nicotine on human platelets and elucidate its pharmacological mechanisms. The impact of nicotine on platelet function during the coagulation process was assessed using thromboelastography. Further studies showed that nicotine fully activates washed platelets, promoting aggregation, granule release, adhesion, spreading, and plaque retraction. Concurrently, nicotine was found to enhance the intracellular concentration of calcium ions in platelets ([Ca2+]i). To explore the underlying mechanisms, molecular docking software was employed to identify the platelet membrane receptors PAR1 and PAR4, which exhibited the highest docking scores with nicotine. Intervention with two receptor inhibitors demonstrated that only the PAR4 inhibitor could reverse the stimulatory effects of nicotine on platelet granule release. Through the examination of alterations in the downstream signaling pathways of PAR4 receptors, it was determined that nicotine promo-facilitates the phosphorylation of PI3K, AKT, and ERK1/2 proteins, subsequently contributing to the activation of αIIbβ3 receptors in platelets. Conversely, the application of PAR4 inhibitors was found to reverse these effects. Discussion: In conclusion, nicotine activates αIIbβ3 receptors and significantly enhances platelet function by promoting the phosphorylation of the platelet PAR4 receptor signaling pathway. These findings suggest the potential utility of nicotine as a hemostatic agent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Objectives: There is limited research on vaping during pregnancy and the postpartum period. Amid the legalization of cannabis in Canada, and evolving patterns of nicotine use, there is a growing need to understand how women experience using nicotine and cannabis vaping during pregnancy and postpartum. This information is essential to inform both women and healthcare providers (HCPs) and to develop resources and best practices for supporting women and healthcare services. Methods: In this descriptive study, a sample of 111 women who vaped nicotine and/or cannabis during pregnancy/postpartum was recruited via social media to answer survey questions on reasons for vaping, perceptions of the risks to fetal and maternal health, attitudes toward vaping, and reasons for consulting HCPs regarding vaping during pregnancy. Results: Among the 111 women, 51.4% vaped nicotine, 27.9% vaped cannabis, and 20.7% vaped both. Of the respondents, 63.1% were currently pregnant, while 36.9% were postpartum. Most participants (64.9%) reported vaping daily, followed by 15.3% with an inconsistent pattern, 9.9% vaping 1–2 days a week, and 9% vaping 5–6 days a week. Flavor preferences were prevalent, with fruit flavors being the most popular, followed by menthol/mint and candy, dessert, or sweet flavors. The primary reasons for vaping were relaxation, managing anxiety/depression, enjoyment, and the belief that vaping is less harmful than smoking. Women commonly consulted HCPs about potential harm to their pregnancy, fetal health, and their child's health. Conclusions: The findings suggest that vaping among pregnant and postpartum women, particularly cannabis vaping, is perceived as healthier than smoking and is often used to manage mental and physical symptoms. These findings were used to create knowledge products to help guide HCPs' conversations with women and provide evidence-based information on vaping. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nicotine, the primary alkaloid in tobacco products, has been shown to have immunoregulatory function in at least 20 diseases. The biological mechanism of action of nicotine immunoregulation is complex, resulting in an improvement of some disease states and exacerbation of others. Given the central role of the NLRP3 inflammasome in macrophages among multiple inflammatory diseases, this study examined how nicotine alters NLRP3 inflammasome activation in macrophages. NLRP3 inflammasome activation was examined mechanistically in the context of different nicotine dosages. We show NLRP3 inflammasome activation, apoptosis-associated speck-like protein (ASC) expression, caspase-1 activity and subsequent IL-1β secretion were positively correlated with nicotine in a dose-dependent relationship, and destabilization of lysosomes and ROS production were also involved. At high concentrations of nicotine surpassing 0.25 mM, NLRP3 inflammasome activity declined, along with increased expression of the anti-inflammatory Alpha7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7nAChR) and the inhibition of TLR4/NF-κB signaling. Consequently, high doses of nicotine also reduced ASC expression, caspase-1 activity and IL-1β secretion in macrophages. Collectively, these results suggest a dual regulatory function of nicotine on NLRP3 inflammasome activation in macrophages, that is involved with the pro-inflammatory effects of lysosomal destabilization and ROS production. We also show nicotine mediates anti-inflammatory effects by activating α7nAChR at high doses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Test the hypothesis that smoking, fast-food consumption, and binge drinking were negatively associated with academic performance in Canadian undergraduate students. Participants: Undergraduate students across Canada [n = 411 (335♀) aged: 22 ± 4 years] completed a questionnaire regarding their lifestyle behaviors and academic grades. Methods: Relationships between lifestyle behaviors and academic performance were assessed via covariate-adjusted multiple regressions. Mediation models were used to test whether significant relationships between smoking/fast-food and grades were explained by binge drinking. Results: Smoking (β= −4.00, p <.001) and binge drinking (β= −1.98, p =.002) were independent predictors of grades (average: 84 ± 8%). Binge drinking partially mediated the relationships between smoking (indirect effect β= −1.19, 95%CI [−2.49, −0.08] and fast-food consumption (indirect effect: β= −.75, 95%CI [−1.20, −0.29]), with grades. Conclusions: These findings highlight the negative influence of binge drinking, smoking, and fast-food consumption on academic success, with binge drinking as a partial mediator of these relationships. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article "Tobacco, Alcohol, Heroin, Binge Eating, and Behavioral Addictions" explores the relationship between reward-related behaviors and addiction, focusing on substance use disorders, binge eating disorder, behavioral addictions, and depression. It includes studies on the bidirectional associations between tobacco use and mental health, the efficacy of smoking cessation treatments in depressed individuals, affective changes during alcohol consumption in individuals with alcohol use disorder and comorbid depression, a translational neuroscience approach in rats related to opioid use disorder, and the effectiveness of combining lisdexamfetamine with cognitive behavioral therapy in treating binge eating disorder. The findings provide insights into addictive behaviors and brain reward systems, highlighting the importance of tailored interventions for different populations. [Extracted from the article]

Objective: The aim of this study was to compare the safety and efficacy of the leading smoking cessation medications among individuals with current versus past major depressive disorder (MDD). Methods: This was a secondary analysis of a randomized, double-blind trial over 12 weeks with varenicline or bupropion, followed by a 12-week assessment, in participants ages 18–75 with past (N=2,174) or current (N=451) MDD or without psychiatric disorders (N=4,028). Interventions included 12 weeks of pharmacotherapy with placebo, nicotine replacement therapy (NRT; nicotine patch), bupropion, or varenicline, and brief counseling. The primary safety outcome was occurrence of one or more moderate to severe neuropsychiatric adverse events. Efficacy was assessed as biochemically verified continuous abstinence during weeks 9–12. Results: Among all 6,653 participants, the risk of neuropsychiatric adverse events did not differ by medication within the past-MDD, current-MDD, or nonpsychiatric cohorts. The MDD cohorts had higher risk difference (p<0.001) for neuropsychiatric adverse events compared with the nonpsychiatric cohort (past-MDD cohort, risk difference=−0.03, 95% CI=−0.05, −0.02; current-MDD cohort, risk difference=−0.02, 95% CI=−0.05, 0.00). Within the past-MDD cohort, the odds ratios compared with placebo were 3.0 (95% CI=2.0, 4.5) for varenicline, 2.1 (95% CI=1.6, 2.7) for bupropion, and 2.1 (95% CI=1.4, 3.2) for NRT. Within the current-MDD cohort, varenicline differed from placebo (odds ratio=2.67, 95% CI=1.2, 6.15) and NRT (odds ratio=2.93, 95% CI=1.2, 7.2). Conclusions: All medications were generally safe in both MDD cohorts. NRT and bupropion were not more effective than placebo for those with current MDD. Varenicline plus counseling may be the best treatment for individuals with past or current MDD, given its greater efficacy, similar risk of adverse events, and, for those with current depression, reductions in anxiety and depression while trying to quit smoking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rationale: Pain and nicotine use are co-occurring conditions with a significant impact on health. Experimental evidence supports an acute analgesic effect of nicotine which may reinforce nicotine use among those with chronic pain. Evidence for nicotine analgesia have primarily been gathered in combustible cigarette users and have not been extended to electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS or vaping). Furthermore, the mechanisms of nicotine analgesia in humans are not well understood. Objectives: Assess the effect of acute vaped nicotine on subjective and behavioral indices of pain sensitivity using three tasks designed to probe distinct mechanisms of analgesia. Methods: This study recruited ENDS users (N = 86) to undergo a paced vaping protocol followed by pain tasks in counterbalanced order. Across four sessions, participants vaped e-liquid containing nicotine or placebo, and flavor or no-flavor in a 2 × 2 within-subject design. Assessments included cold pressor, submaximal effort tourniquet to induce ischemic pain, and temporal summation of heat pain, an index of central sensitization. Results: Compared to placebo, nicotine increased cold pressor pain tolerance (ηp2 = 0.031), ischemic pain threshold (ηp2 = 0.073) and tolerance (ηp2 = 0.056) but had no effect on temporal summation of pain. Flavor did not affect pain sensitivity. Females reported greater ischemic pain sensitivity (ηp2 = 0.027) and greater reductions in craving (ηp2 = 0.086). Conclusions: Consistent with research from tobacco smoking, analgesia may be reinforcing and contribute to nicotine dependence among ENDS users. More research on sex differences is warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plants produce an immense diversity of defensive specialized metabolites. However, despite extensive functional characterization, the relative importance of different defensive compounds is rarely examined in natural settings. Here, we compare the efficacy of three Nicotiana benthamiana defensive compounds, nicotine, acylsugars and a serine protease inhibitor, by growing plants with combinations of knockout mutations in a natural setting, quantifying invertebrate interactions and comparing relative plant performance. Among the three tested compounds, acylsugars had the greatest defensive capacity, affecting aphids, leafhoppers, spiders and flies. Nicotine mutants displayed increased leafhopper feeding and aphid colonization. Plants lacking both nicotine and acylsugars were more susceptible to flea beetles and thrips. By contrast, knockout of the serine protease inhibitor did not affect insect herbivory in the field. Complementary experiments under controlled laboratory conditions with caterpillars, grasshoppers and aphids confirmed results obtained in a natural setting. We conclude that the three metabolite groups collectively provide broad‐spectrum protection to N. benthamiana. However, there is a gradient in their effects on the interacting invertebrates present in the field. Furthermore, we demonstrate that, even if individual metabolites do not have a measurable defensive benefit on their own, they can have an additive effect when combined with other defensive compounds. Summary statement: Knockout mutations in biosynthetic genes for nicotine, acylsugars, a protease inhibitor and their combinations variably increase invertebrate susceptibility of field‐grown Nicotiana benthamiana. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Policies limiting electronic cigarette (ECIG) device and liquid characteristics have been considered to prevent dependence potential and youth product appeal. "Open-system" ECIGs allow people to adjust device and liquid characteristics, which may undermine these policies. This study examined anticipated reactions to a policy prohibiting the sale of open-system ECIG devices in the United States using concept mapping. Methods In 2020, adults who reported ECIG use in the past 30 days (n  = 70; 45.1% women; mean age = 33.0, SD = 10.6) recruited from a research registry of individuals from across the United States provided statements into a shared list that completed a prompt: "If open-system vaping devices were no longer sold in the US and only closed-system vaping devices were available, what is a specific reaction or response you would have?" at a study website. Participants rated statements (1–7) on how true the statements were for them. Multidimensional scaling and hierarchical cluster analyses were used to identify thematic clusters. Mean ratings of statements were calculated and compared based on the type of ECIG used and current cigarette smoking status. Results Participants generated 85 unique statements. The analysis identified eight themes that were organized into two broad groups. The first group of five clusters described behavioral responses to the hypothetical policy (Loopholes , Switch to Closed-System ECIGs , Legal Approaches to Use Open-System ECIGs , ECIG Use Cessation , Switch to non-ECIG Products). The second group of three clusters described psychological responses to the hypothetical policy (Closed-System ECIG Cons , Psychological Responses , Policy Outcome Concerns). Conclusions While a ban on open-system ECIG devices may have positive impacts on public health, policy loopholes, and consumer behaviors may undermine the policy. Efforts to support policy enforcement could increase policy effectiveness. Implications Open-system electronic cigarettes (ECIGs) that allow people who use ECIGs to modify ECIG device and liquid characteristics may limit the effectiveness of policies that establish product standards which attempt to limit nicotine delivery and flavor content in ECIG liquids. This study identified predicted reactions to a hypothetical policy prohibiting the sale of open-system ECIGs in the United States. Results suggest that people who use ECIGs may view a policy prohibiting open-system ECIGs unfavorably, but would be willing to use closed-system ECIGs. However, many ECIG users may attempt to find loopholes in the policy or alternative sources to purchase open-system ECIGs if open-systems were banned. Future research should identify strategies for tobacco regulatory policy enforcement to increase effectiveness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Smoking cessation is a critical public health goal. This study examined the ability of e-cigarettes and very low nicotine cigarettes (VLNCs) to serve as cigarette substitutes and whether a substitution was supported by steady-state nicotine from a nicotine patch. Aims and Methods This mixed design experiment with study product (between-subjects) and patch (within-subjects) factors recruited adults smoking cigarettes daily and not motivated to quit (N  = 160). Participants were randomized to 4 weeks of: (1) VLNCs; (2) e-cigarettes; or (3) no product. During two switch weeks, one with an active nicotine patch and one with a placebo patch (in a double-blind and counterbalanced fashion), participants were told to not smoke their usual cigarettes. Results During the switch weeks, participants in the VLNC (M  = 2.88, SD = .65) and e-cigarette (M  = 3.20, SD = .63) groups smoked fewer of their own cigarettes per day than did no product group participants who continued to smoke their own cigarettes (M  = 5.48, SD = .63); the VLNC and e-cigarette groups did not differ. There was no main effect of patch on mean usual brand cigarettes smoked per day (P  = .09), nor was there a product × patch interaction (P  = .51). There was a product × age interaction (P  = .03); smokers aged 60–74 smoked more of their own cigarettes if they were randomized to no product group. Conclusions VLNCs and e-cigarettes appear to reduce usual brand cigarettes smoked per day to a similar degree, regardless of patch condition. Behavioral factors, in addition to nicotine dependence, play an important role in sustaining smoking behavior and need to be addressed in smoking cessation treatment. Implications This study found that behavioral substitutes for cigarettes, whether or not they delivered nicotine, reduced the number of usual brand cigarettes smoked. Specifically, both e-cigarettes delivering nicotine and VLNCs equally reduce usual brand cigarettes smoked among adults who smoke daily and do not want to quit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Sexual and gender minority (SGM) youth have higher rates of nicotine vaping than other youth in the United States. While social media can be effective in reaching youth and discouraging vaping, informed cultural tailoring is necessary to ensure effective messaging to SGM youth. This study aimed to understand SGM youth perspectives on anti-vaping social media messages and tailoring approaches. Aims and Methods In-depth, qualitative videoconference interviews were conducted from February to July 2022 with 34 SGM youth recruited in the United States via social media ads. The interview guide addressed participants' beliefs about vaping, the context of vaping, perspectives on tailoring messages, and responses to examples of social media anti-vaping messages. Coding and thematic analysis followed a team-based approach. Results SGM youth perspectives fell into four categories—representation and diversity, facts and evidence, empowering messages, and source credibility. Participants stressed the importance of accurate, genuine representation of SGM youth in messages, but also noted that more overt representation may be seen as tokenizing. Participants recommended partnering with known LGBTQ + influencers who can promote or share anti-vaping messages on social media platforms. They also recommended using culturally tailored language, including statistics specific to SGM youth, and invoking themes of empowerment to improve the relevance, reach, and effectiveness of anti-vaping campaigns. Conclusions Findings can inform future efforts to develop anti-vaping messages for SGM youth with effective reach through social media. Nuanced perspectives on SGM representation in messages suggest a careful approach to tailoring. Concerns around inauthenticity may be minimized by ensuring SGM youth are included in message development and dissemination. Implications This study describes the importance of being attentive to the tailoring preferences among the current generation of SGM youth. Findings will inform social media-based messaging strategies that discourage nicotine vaping tailored for SGM youth in health campaign material design and evaluation, ensuring that tailored messages are designed in ways that avoid unintended consequences. The study also describes methods for effectively engaging SGM youth in research to improve the relevance of health education materials for this population and increase reach, which in turn can lead to a reduction in vaping practices among SGM youth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction The tobacco industry has a long history of circumventing regulations to present their products, inaccurately, as less harmful. Greenwashing (portraying a product as natural/eco-friendly) is increasingly used by tobacco companies and may mislead consumers to believe that certain cigarettes are less harmful than others. This study assesses the effect of some common greenwashing tactics on consumer product perceptions. Aims and Methods We conducted an online experiment with 1504 participants ages 18–29, randomized to view a cigarette ad manipulated for presence–absence of a combination of four different greenwashing techniques: greenwashed ad text, greenwashed ad imagery, recycled paper ad background, and image of greenwashed cigarette pack. Participants rated perceived absolute harm, relative harm to other cigarettes, absolute addictiveness, relative addictiveness, and relative nicotine content. Results Participants who viewed ads containing greenwashed text were more likely to have inaccurate perceptions about absolute harm (AOR = 1.72), relative harm (AOR = 3.92), relative addictiveness (AOR = 2.93), and nicotine content (AOR = 2.08). Participants who viewed ads containing greenwashed imagery were more likely to have inaccurate perceptions of relative harm (AOR = 1.55), absolute addictiveness (AOR = 1.72), relative addictiveness (AOR = 1.60), and nicotine content (AOR = 1.48). Forty-two percent of those who saw an ad with all greenwashed features believed the product was less harmful than other cigarettes versus 2% of those who saw an ad without greenwashed features. Conclusions We found that greenwashed text and imagery produced inaccurate risk perceptions. More active U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) enforcement against such greenwashing and new FDA rulemaking to prohibit unnecessary imagery in tobacco advertising and establish plain packaging requirements would help protect consumers and public health. Implications These findings provide evidence that greenwashing tactics used by the tobacco industry increase inaccurate product risk perceptions. These tactics could be a way for the industry to make implicit modified risk claims, despite applicable U.S. Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act prohibitions. Findings from this study support the need for prohibitions on these tactics, and the potential for such prohibitions to help protect public health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction A national nicotine reduction policy could reduce the public health toll of smoking. However, reducing nicotine in cigarettes may lead to changes in the use of other tobacco products such as nicotine vaping devices, particularly among young people. Product use outcomes may depend on the characteristics of available nicotine vaping devices. We aimed to determine the impact of cigarette nicotine content, vaping device nicotine concentration, and vaping device flavors on choices to smoke, vape, or abstain. Aims and Methods Early young adults (ages 18–20 inclusive, N = 80) who reported smoking daily and vaping nicotine at least twice in their lifetime participated in a laboratory study. Participants received either very low nicotine content (VLNC; 0.4 mg nicotine/g of tobacco) or normal nicotine content (NNC; 15.8 mg/g) cigarettes. First, participants chose between their assigned cigarette or abstaining. Subsequently, participants chose between 2 cigarette puffs, 2 vape puffs, or abstaining. Vaping device nicotine concentration (3 mg vs. 18 mg/mL) and flavor (tobacco vs. non-tobacco) were manipulated within subjects. Results When only cigarettes were available, there were no differences between the VLNC and NNC groups on cigarette choices. When the nicotine vaping device was concurrently available, the VLNC group made fewer choices to smoke than the NNC group. Non-tobacco flavors and lower vaping device nicotine concentration were associated with fewer choices to smoke. Conclusions Nicotine vaping device availability reduced choices to smoke VLNC cigarettes, and vaping devices with lower nicotine and non-tobacco flavors led to the fewest choices to smoke. Regulators should consider that the availability and characteristics of alternative tobacco products can moderate the product standard's impact. Implications The U.S. Food and Drug Administration may enact a reduced nicotine product standard that would affect all commercially available cigarettes. One important population affected by this policy would be early young adults who smoke. We aimed to determine the impact of cigarette nicotine content, vaping device nicotine concentration, and vaping device flavors on choices to smoke, vape, or abstain. Lower nicotine in cigarettes, along with non-tobacco flavors and lower nicotine concentration in the vaping device, were associated with the fewest choices to smoke. Regulators should consider that the availability and characteristics of alternative tobacco products can moderate the product standard's impact. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Neighborhood disadvantage is associated with a higher concentration of tobacco, cannabis and alcohol retailers and greater risk of certain substance use behaviors among youth. Less is known about the impact of subjective neighborhood disorder, which captures distinct exposures that may be relevant to substance use outcomes, including neighborhood social processes, safety, physical characteristics, and neighborhood drug use. Methods: Data are from two waves (Feb-Dec 2022) of a prospective cohort of Southern California high school students (n = 2,139; mean[SD] age = 15.7.[0.6]). We examined associations of perceived neighborhood disorder at baseline with (a) perceived ease of purchase (continuous scale 0-100) for alcohol, cannabis, e-cigarettes, cigarettes, hookah, cigars/cigarillos, and oral nicotine at baseline and follow-up, and (b) repeated measures of past 6-month and past-30-day alcohol, vaped cannabis, smoked cannabis, cannabis edibles, e-cigarette, cigarette, cigarillo, hookah, and oral nicotine use. Results: E-cigarettes were perceived to be the easiest product to purchase. Participants in the highest (vs. lowest) quartile of neighborhood disorder reported greater mean ease of purchasing scores for all products (mean difference range = 5.43 [95%CI: 1.64-9.21] for mint/menthol oral nicotine products to 9.40 [95%CI: 6.16-12.64] for hookah) and greater odds of e-cigarette, smoked cannabis, edibles, vaped THC, and alcohol use (odds ratio range = 1.52 [95%CI: 1.05 to 2.18] for past 6-month alcohol to 5.40 [95% CI: 3.46 to 8.42] for 30-day smoked cannabis). Conclusions: Interventions that shape youth perceptions of their neighborhood and reduce youth retail access in disadvantaged neighborhoods are needed and may help to prevent youth substance use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Despite growing concern regarding over-prescription of narcotic pain medication following ambulatory surgery, little is known about the analgesic prescribing practices following endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) in obese patients in comparison to non-obese patients. Objective: To compare the rates of opioid versus non-opioid prescriptions, the need for steroids, and post-operative adverse events between obese and non-obese adult patients undergoing ESS. Methods: Using TriNetX Live database, we identified all patients aged ≥18 years who underwent ESS (n = 1303) between 2014 and 2022 across several healthcare institutions across the state of Tennessee. We 1:1 propensity score-matched obese (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2) and non-obese (18.5 kg/m2 ≤ BMI < 30 kg/m2) cohorts for age, gender, race, and comorbidities including asthma, nicotine dependence, and sleep apnea. Rates of prescriptions and post-operative adverse events between cohorts were analyzed using risk ratios (RR) and confidence intervals (CI). Results: A toal of 532 obese patients were compared to 532 propensity score-matched non-obese patients in the first 14 post-operative days following ESS. The obese cohort was significantly more likely to be prescribed analgesics generally (RR = 1.72; 95% CI = 1.20-2.47), non-opioid analgesics (RR = 1.73; 95% CI = 1.19-2.50), and opioid analgesics (RR = 1.64; 95% CI = 1.14-2.36) than non-obese patients. There was no difference in rates of antibiotic or antiemetic prescription, prednisone/methylprednisolone, dexamethasone, ED visits, critical care service, epistaxis, transfusion, anemia, revision sinus surgery, mechanical ventilation, CPAP, or inhalation airway treatments. Conclusion: Obese patients undergoing ESS were significantly more likely to be prescribed non-opioid and opioid analgesia in the first 14 days post-operatively compared to non-obese patients. There were no differences in post-operative adverse events or other prescriptions. Otolaryngologists should be aware that obese patients are at increased risk of opioid induced airway obstruction and steroid induced hyperglycemia, especially in patients with comorbid sleep apnea or diabetes. Emphasis on non-opioid analgesics and multimodal pain management should be advocated for this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lawesson's reagent reacted with racemic diethyl malate to yield O-(1,2-bis(ethylcarboxylate)ethyl-1 4-methoxyphenyl dithiophosphonic acid. The acid formed pyridinium dithiophosphonate salts with 3-(hydroxymethyl)pyridine, pyridoxine, and (S)-(–)-nicotine. The salts revealed antifungal activity against Candida albicans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Low temperatures disrupt nitrogen metabolism in tobacco, resulting in lower nicotine content in the leaves. 24-epibrassinolide (EBR) is a widely used plant growth regulator known for its roles in enhancing cold tolerance and nitrogen metabolism. Nevertheless, it remains unclear whether EBR enhances leaf nicotine content under low temperature conditions during the mature stage of flue-cured tobacco. Results: To investigate the effects of EBR on leaf nicotine content under low temperature conditions during the mature stage of 'Yunyan 87' flue-cured tobacco, four treatments (foliar spraying of 0, 0.1, 0.2 and 0.4 mg·L− 1 EBR solutions) were performed by using a single-factor randomized complete block design. The result showed that foliar spraying of different concentrations of EBR notably improve the agronomic and economic traits of flue-cured tobacco to varying degrees, as well as increase the total nitrogen and nicotine content in the tobacco leaves. 0.2 mg·L− 1 EBR treatment showed better results, with nicotine content in the middle and upper leaves after curing increasing by 11.11% and 19.90%, respectively, compared to CK. Compared to the single EBR, foliar spraying of EBR compound containing α-Cyclodextrin and Tween 80 prolongs the effect of EBR, promotes the growth and development of tobacco plants. Combining EBR with CaCl2 and ZnSO4·7H2O significantly enhances the cold resistance of tobacco plants. Furthermore, combining EBR with higher concentrations of KH2PO4 is more effective in promoting the maturation and yellowing of the upper leaves than those with lower concentrations. Conclusions: This study provides new insights that foliar application of EBR enhances leaf nicotine content under low temperature conditions during the mature stage of flue-cured tobacco by regulating cold stress tolerance. The integration of EBR with α-Cyclodextrin, Tween 80, CaCl2, ZnSO4·7H2O and KH2PO4 showcases a novel approach to extending the effectiveness of plant growth regulators and improving agricultural sustainability. Furthermore, these findings may be applicable to other cold-sensitive crops, offering broader benefits for improving resilience and productivity under low temperatures. However, the research focuses on two growth cycles, without investigating the long-term impact of EBR on soil health, crop sustainability, and ecosystem. And further research is needed to elucidate the molecular mechanisms of EBR on enhancing leaf nicotine content. Clinical trial number: Not applicable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Cigarette smoking is a well-established risk factor for renal dysfunction. Smoking associated with renal damage bears distinct physiological correlations in conditions such as diabetic nephropathy and obesity-induced glomerulopathy. However, the cellular and molecular basis of such an association remains poorly understood. High mobility group box 1(HMGB1) is a highly conserved non-histone chromatin associated protein that largely contributes to the pathogenesis of chronic inflammatory and autoimmune diseases such as sepsis, atherosclerosis, and chronic kidney diseases. Hence, the present study tested whether HMGB1 contributes to nicotine-induced podocyte injury. Methods and Results: Biochemical analysis showed that nicotine treatment significantly increased the HMGB1 expression and release compared to vehicle treated podocytes. However, prior treatment with glycyrrhizin (Gly), a HMGB1 binder, abolished the nicotine-induced HMGB1 expression and release in podocytes. Furthermore, immunofluorescent analysis showed that nicotine treatment significantly decreased the expression of podocyte functional proteins- podocin and nephrin as compared to control cells. However, prior treatment with Gly attenuated the nicotine‐induced nephrin and podocin reduction. In addition, nicotine treatment significantly increased desmin expression and cell permeability compared to vehicle treated podocytes. However, prior treatment with Gly attenuated the nicotine-induced desmin expression and cell permeability. Mechanistic elucidation revealed that nicotine treatment augmented the expression of toll like receptor 4 (TLR4) and pre-treatment with Gly abolished nicotine induced TLR4 upregulation. Pharmacological inhibition of TLR4 with Resatorvid, a TLR4 specific inhibitor, also attenuated nicotine induced podocyte damage. Conclusion: HMGB1 is one of the important mediators of nicotine‐induced podocyte injury through TLR4 activation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Prenatal nicotine exposure (PNE) from maternal smoking disrupts regulatory processes vital to fetal development. These changes result in long-term behavioral impairments, including mood and anxiety disorders, that manifest later in life. However, the relationship underlying PNE, and the underpinnings of mood and anxiety molecular and transcriptomic phenotypes remains elusive. Methods: To model nicotine exposure during prenatal development, our study used human cerebral organoids that were chronically exposed to nicotine and collected for molecular analyses. Results: Short-term, nicotine altered molecular markers of neural identity, mood and anxiety disorders and those involved in maintaining the excitatory/inhibitory (E/I) balance in the cortex. RNA sequencing further revealed transcriptomic changes in genes pertaining to embryonic development, neurogenesis, and DNA binding. Long-term, mature organoids demonstrated similar disruptions in E/I balance, decreased expression of neural identity markers, and altered dopamine receptor expression. Discussion: Collectively, our results demonstrate that nicotine-induced alterations occur acutely and persist at later stages of development. These findings validate an in vitro model of PNE to better comprehend the emergence of neuropsychiatric molecular and transcriptomic endophenotypes resulting from gestational nicotine exposure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Rural regions generally report higher smoking rates than urban centers, which increases the risk of tobacco related harms and consequences, and makes promoting smoking cessation in these areas a priority. Mass distribution of nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) by postal mail has been found to increase the odds of successful cessation attempts. Understanding factors that contribute to the use of NRT could help maximize this intervention's effectiveness. Methods: People who smoke cigarettes and live in rural areas of Canada were recruited from December 2020 to February 2022 using random digit telephone dialing. Participants were either randomized to be mailed a free, 5-week supply of NRT patches (experimental condition; n=252) or not (control condition; n=246). This secondary analysis used data from this randomized controlled trial to conduct an ordinal regression to determine if any variables measured at baseline predicted which participants in the experimental condition used none, some, or all of the NRT patches. Results: Greater confidence in ability to quit (AOR=1.07; 95% CI: 1.00–1.15) independently predicted more patch use, while living in more remote places (AOR=0.25; 95% CI: 0.07–0.90) and past substance use (compared to having no history) (AOR=0.68; 95% CI: 0.45–1.04) independently predicted less use. Conclusions: Understanding what contributes to NRT use in rural mass distribution programs could help maximize the odds of successful cessation attempts, personalize treatment recommendations, and target limited rural resources. Future research focused on rural NRT use and smoking cessation is merited. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Many tobacco smokers try to quit with electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS or e-cigarettes). We aimed to describe e-liquid flavors and nicotine concentration use over 6 months in a prospective cohort of smokers willing to quit with ENDS. Methods: We included 622 participants from the intervention group of the Efficacy, Safety and Toxicology of ENDS randomized controlled trial. Participants were adult smokers smoking at least five cigarettes a day. They received free ENDS and a choice of 6 e-liquid flavors in 4 nicotine concentrations and smoking cessation counseling. We tracked flavor choice and nicotine concentration at 1, 2, 4, and 8 weeks, and at 6 months, after the target quit date, comparing participants who reported only vaping (exclusive e-cigarette users) to those who vaped and smoked (dual users) over the last 7 days. We applied multivariable regression models to compute adjusted risk ratios (ARR). Results: At Week 1, 66% (n=409) were exclusive e-cigarette users, and 21% (n=129) were dual users. At Month 6, 43% (n=266) were exclusive e-cigarette users, and 16% (n=102) were dual users. While flavor choices were similar at Week 1, at 6 months, exclusive e-cigarette users reported using more fruity flavors than dual users (31% vs 22%, ARR=2.10; 95% CI: 1.21–3.66). The nicotine concentration used initially was similar in both groups and diminished over time. At 6 months, exclusive e-cigarette users used a lower mean nicotine concentration than dual users (6.3 vs 8.2 mg/mL, difference= -1.55; 95% CI: -2.84 – -0.25 mg/mL). Conclusions: After 6 months, exclusive e-cigarette users used more fruity-flavored e-liquids and chose a lower mean nicotine concentration than dual users. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: To determine whether nicotine mouth spray provides rapid and prolonged relief of urges to vape and measure the steady‐state plasma nicotine levels during vaping and ad libitum mouth spray usage in e‐cigarette users. Design: Randomized, parallel group, double‐blind trial. Setting: Single site at Hammersmith Medicines Research Ltd (HMR), London, UK. Participants: 216 (25.9% females, average age 27.6 ± 7.63 [standard deviation, SD]) exclusive vapers who used their e‐cigarette within 30 minutes of waking up and had vaped about 2 years on average. Interventions: Two sprays of 1 mg nicotine mouth spray (Nicorette QuickMist Freshmint, n = 109), or placebo (identical in appearance and presentation, n = 107). Measurements Urge to vape was rated on a 100 mm visual analogue scale before and repeatedly for 2 hours after administration. The primary outcome measured average change from baseline in urges to vape ratings during the first hour. Findings Nicotine mouth spray achieved statistically significantly greater reductions in urges to vape than placebo from the first assessment point at 30 seconds to 1 hour, when the estimated mean treatment difference was 11.90 mm (95% confidence interval [CI] = 6.86–16.95, P < 0.001). The integrated urge to vape over 11 hours ad libitum usage showed a statistically significant benefit compared with placebo (2.00 [0.88 SD] vs 2.51 [0.84 SD], P < 0.001). Mean steady‐state plasma nicotine concentrations were lower after nicotine mouth spray usage compared with vaping (6.22 [4.70 SD] ng/ml vs 9.91 [7.59 SD] ng/ml, respectively). Adverse events were more commonly reported in the nicotine mouth spray group and were mostly mild. Conclusions: Among regular e‐cigarette users, nicotine mouth spray provided statistically significant and fast relief of urges to vape one hour after dosing. Nicotine mouth spray showed statistically significant reductions in urges to vape as soon as 30 seconds and up to 2 hours after dosing compared with placebo, and nicotine mouth spray was well‐tolerated and safe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Schizophrenia is a chronic mental disorder affecting mood, perception, and most importantly cognition. This severely interferes with the functioning of such patients. On the other hand, nicotine use (both smoke and smokeless tobacco) is very much prevalent in schizophrenic patients, much more than normal population. This study aims to find the relation between nicotine use and cognition in schizophrenic patients. Methodology: Fifty-six new patients diagnosed with schizophrenia of both sexes between ages 18 and 60 years, giving valid and informed consent, were selected for the study. Fagerstrom test for nicotine dependence was done and the patients were divided into two groups: scores 4 or less (low-to-moderate dependence) and scores 5 or more (severe dependence). The Cognitive Assessment Interview was performed. Then, an independent sample t -test was used to compare the scores on various cognitive domains between the two groups. Results: The cognitive scores were better in the group with severe tobacco dependence, both globally and across individual domains. These associations were statistically significant (P = 0.001). The mean difference was highest in the social cognition group. Among all the domains, the t -value was highest for the speed of processing domain, indicating that this particular cognitive domain has the best discriminative value when compared between two groups of nicotine users. Conclusions: Hence, to conclude, whether nicotine has indeed a beneficial effect on cognition in schizophrenia has to be investigated longitudinally so that a possible treatment option to address cognitive impairment in schizophrenia is obtained. Extensive longitudinal studies needs to be conducted to better understand the long-term effect of tobacco use and cognition in schizophrenia patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In recent years, drug abuse among the student population has increased to an alarming rate in India and that too among medical students. Substance abuse among medical students has important implications for their personal health, training, and clinical practice. Aims and Objectives: To plan effective interventions, it is essential to have information on the extent, type, and factors associated with substance abuse among medical students. Hence this study was undertaken to find the prevalence and pattern of substance abuse. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among undergraduate medical college students of all professional years. Students were assessed for their pattern and prevalence of substance abuse with the help of a structured self-administered questionnaire entitled "Pattern of substance abuse among medical students" as a tool for data collection. The questionnaire had three domains viz. demographic characteristics, short Michigan alcohol screening test, and Fagerstrom test for assessment of level of nicotine dependence. The World Health Organization-Alcohol, Smoking, and Substance Involvement Screening Test Scale was also used to increase the validity of results. Results: Alcohol and Nicotine were the most commonly abused substances among medical students. The trend of abusing a substance increases as per increase in the ladder of professionalism. The majority of students initiated abuse because of peer pressure and mental stress during their academic life. The problem was more among hostellers. Most of the students continued the abuse because of the feeling of enjoyment and to increase their performance in the exams. Conclusion: Awareness creation and academic counseling camps along with stress interventions are recommended and needed to curb drug abuse among medical students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Secondhand smoke affects nearly 40% of children worldwide, leading to serious health and behavioral problems. Being neurotoxic, it poses potential risks for child health and learning. In Cuba, there is limited research on the association of secondhand smoke with children's brain health, especially in vulnerable populations like young children at home. The overall purpose of this study is two-fold. First, we determined the relationship between household smoke exposure and risks to brain health in Cuban children. Second, we analyzed the role of family environment factors, such as socio-economic status, in our estimates. Although this research represents the first investigation of its kind in Cuba, we expect to find evidence of neurotoxic associations with household smoke. We collected data between 2015 and 2018 using the medical records of 627 Cuban preschool children to explore the link between brain health indicators and exposure to tobacco smoke at home. We assessed archival reports on parental smoking, duration and frequency of exposure, and several indicators of brain health, including executive function, language development, sleep quality, and fluid intelligence. The findings indicate that exposure to tobacco smoke at home has a negative association with children's brain health, affecting both the cognitive (executive and linguistic functions) and non-cognitive aspects (sleep quality) of child development. Continuous exposure (five to seven times per week) and transient exposure (two to three times per week) were found to be more negatively related to sleep quality than in cognitive functions, particularly in children of middle socio-economic status. This highlights the need to implement parental information campaigns in Cuba. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

China is the largest producer and consumer of tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.) in the world, and the cultivation and production of tobacco have extremely high economic value and social influence. Applying organic-inorganic fertilizer is a key strategy for boosting tobacco yield and quality. This meta-analysis examines 632 observations from 169 articles to determine the precise influence of organic-inorganic fertilizer on tobacco. It evaluates the effects of different tobacco types and fertilizer compositions on yield and quality after fertilizer application. The application of organic-inorganic fertilizer significantly increased the yield (3.4%), but it mainly improved the balance of chemical composition and enhance the quality of tobacco (high-grade tobacco, 10.3%; reducing sugar content, 5.5%; nicotine content, –5.6%). The Y85 and Y87 varieties showed the most positive response to fertilization, with yield increases of 5.59% and 5.82%, respectively, and high-grade tobacco leaf rates increased by 14.92% and 11.04%, respectively. Fertilizers with a low organic nitrogen ratio (15%-30%) are more effective for increasing yield, while those with a medium to high ratio (50%-60%) improve tobacco's chemical quality. The application of organic-inorganic fertilizer balanced the nutrient distribution within the tobacco plants, leading to simultaneous increases in both yield and quality. This study quantitatively assessed the effects of organic-inorganic fertilizer on the yield and quality of tobacco and provides a solid theoretical foundation for the scientific and high-quality application of organic-inorganic fertilizer in various tobacco cultivation areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The elemental analysis and classification of nicotine pouches using machine learning assisted Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) is reported for the very first time. Nicotine pouches are widely recognized as non-tobacco products. These pouches have become popular among individuals. LIBS analysis has identified many elements present in the pouches such as Aluminium, Barium, Calcium, Chromium, Copper, Iron, Magnesium, Sodium, Scandium, Strontium, and Titanium. Twenty-nine machine-learning classification models from the classification learner app were utilized to classify the nicotine pouches. In the context of classification, our analysis was focused on two separate classes. In 1st Class, the flavors remain the same while the nicotine strength changes. Contrarily, in 2nd Class, flavors change while the nicotine strength remains the same. The application of supervised machine learning classification techniques yielded noteworthy outcomes. In 1st Class, the highest test accuracy achieved was 98%, while in 2nd Class, a multitude of models achieved a remarkable 100% test accuracy, emphasizing the precision achieved in this configuration. This shows machine learning models are really good in classification based on flavors of nicotine pouches as well as on nicotine strength. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: E-cigarettes (ECIG) are proposed as an alternative for regular tobacco users with less dangerous effects for health. Several studies demonstrated that ECIG exert deleterious cardiovascular effects and promote platelet dependent thrombosis. However, ECIG role on Tissue Factor-dependent thrombosis is still unknown. Dysfunctional endothelial cells (ECs) are known to express Tissue Factor (TF) on their surface. Aim of the present study was to investigate whether ECIG might promote TF expression in ECs, shifting them to a pro thrombotic phenotype. Methods: Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells (HUVEC) were incubated with increasing doses of ECIG (commercially available and mix of propylene glycol/vegetable glycerine/nicotine 18 mg/mL) up to 1.8 mg/mL. TF gene expression and protein levels were assessed at different time points by Real Time PCR and Western Blot, respectively. TF surface expression and activity were also measured by FACS analysis and coagulation assay. Finally, NF-kB translocation was investigated as possible mechanism of action. Potential protective effects by Rosuvastatin were also investigated. Results: ECIG significantly increased TF expression at both gene and protein levels in a time and dose dependent manner. Surface expression and procoagulant activity were increased as well. These phenomena appeared modulated by the NF-κB pathway. Rosuvastatin reduced ECIG effects on TF-mRNA. Conclusions: Although in vitro, we indicate that ECIG promote a pro thrombotic phenotype in ECs via expression of functional TF. Data of the present study permit to shed a brighter light on the still partially unresolved issue about the role of ECIG in development of cardiovascular diseases suggesting that they might represent a potential risk factor for thrombotic cardiovascular events. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An analysis of 1771 Canadian adults who smoke or used to smoke cigarettes was conducted using data from the 2022 International Tobacco Control Four Country Smoking and Vaping Survey. Using weighted data, we estimated the prevalence of Canadian adults who tried to quit smoking between 2020 and 2022, and the use of a nicotine vaping product (NVP) and the flavours and devices used most often at their most recent quit attempt. Overall, 36.5% made a quit attempt; of those, 19.4% used an NVP. Those who were younger and quit smoking were more likely to have used an NVP. Prefilled cartridges or pods (36.3%) and fruit flavours (39.5%) were used most frequently [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Introduction: Cardiovascular health is a crucial aspect of overall health. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors among children and adolescents during the COVID‐19 pandemic based on the Life's Essential 8 domains. Methods: PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science were systematically searched until 24 February 2023. Studies had to meet the following criteria: (1) observational studies, (2) studies reporting proportion of selected risk factors, (3) studies involving children or adolescents, (4) studies that collected data during the COVID‐19 pandemic and (5) studies with representative samples. The outcomes included were diet, physical activity, nicotine exposure, sleep health, obesity, dyslipidaemia, diabetes and elevated blood pressure. Results: Sixty‐two studies with 1 526 173 participants from 42 countries were included. Of these, 41 studies were used in the meta‐analyses. The overall pooled prevalence of risk factors in the behavioural domain was as follows: poor quality diet 26.69% (95% CI 0.00%–85.64%), inadequate physical activity 70.81% (95% CI 64.41%–76.83%), nicotine exposure 9.24% (95% CI 5.53%–13.77%) and sleep disorders 33.49% (95% CI 25.24%–42.28%). The overall pooled prevalence of risk factors in the health domain was as follows: obesity 16.21% (95% CI 12.71%–20.04%), dyslipidaemia 1.87% (95% CI 1.73%–2.01%), diabetes 1.17% (95% CI 0.83%–1.58%) and elevated blood pressure 11.87% (95% CI 0.26%–36.50%). Conclusions: These results highlight the need for prevention strategies to maintain better cardiovascular health from an early age, particularly by increasing physical activity levels, sleep time and promoting the consumption of more fruits and vegetables. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Introduction To examine legislative efforts to regulate new and emerging tobacco and nicotine products (NETNPs) in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) between 2017 and 2022. Aims and Methods Analysis of online national legislation databases to track NETNP bills using standard snowball search methods. Results Bills were identified in 15 out of the 33 LAC countries, accounting for a total of 91 bills targeting NETNPs. Mexico had the highest number (n  = 38) of bills, followed by Brazil (n  = 16), Argentina (n  = 10), Colombia (n  = 8), and Chile (n  = 5). The remaining countries introduced two or fewer NETNP bills. Among the identified 91 bills, the majority (n  = 60) addressed both electronic cigarettes and heated tobacco products (HTPs), almost one-third of bills (n  = 29) applied only to electronic cigarettes, and only two focused solely on HTPs. Six of the fifteen countries with identified bills, enacted one NETNP law including Barbados, Bolivia, Costa Rica, Guyana, Mexico, and Panama. Since 2019, there has been a steady increase in the amount of NETNP bills introduced in LAC. In 2017 and 2018, 10 NETNP bills were introduced each year followed by 23 NETNP bills introduced in each 2019 and 2020, 19 in 2021, and 16 by August 2022. Conclusions The substantial increase in the number of NETNP bills introduced since 2019 indicates the growing importance of regulating NETNPs in LAC. As NETNPs continue to evolve and grow it is important to continue monitoring and evaluating tobacco and nicotine regulatory initiatives while also staying ahead of the evolving market of NETNPs. Implications Previous studies have analyzed the regulatory environment of NETNPs but it is less known about legislative and regulatory efforts and attempts. This is the first known study to analyze legislative bills to regulate NETNPs in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC). The substantial increase in the number of NETNP bills introduced in LAC since 2019 indicates the growing importance of regulating NETNPs in LAC. As NETNPs continue to evolve and grow it is important to continue monitoring and evaluating tobacco and nicotine regulatory initiatives while also staying ahead of the evolving market of NETNPs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Reducing the disease burden from tobacco smoking may encompass switching to noncombustible (NCs), along with cessation. This study evaluates factors associated with switching to NCs (e-cigarettes, smokeless, and snus) versus continued smoking, complete cessation, or dual use. Aims and Methods Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health adult data were analyzed in three 2-year wave pairs across 2013–2019 to assess product transitions among people who exclusively smoked tobacco. Generalized estimating equations examined demographics, smoking characteristics, perceptions, and messaging exposure as predictors of transitions from cigarette smoking. Results Ages 18–44 years (ref = 65+; aORs = 3.79–5.92), males (aOR = 1.18, 95% CI [1.01, 1.37]), and perceiving NCs as less harmful than smoking (ref = not; aOR = 1.47, 95% CI [1.28, 1.69]) were positively associated with switching to NCs versus continued smoking, while being Black (ref = White; aOR = 0.36, 95% CI [0.26, 0.48]) or Hispanic (ref = non-Hispanic; aOR = 0.59, 95% CI [0.45, 0.78]) were negatively associated. Ages 18–64 years (aORs = 2.49–5.89), noticing promotional ads (ref = not; aOR = 1.34, 95% CI [1.14, 1.58]), daily light or heavy smoking (ref = nondaily; aORs = 2.33–3.72), and smoking within 30 minutes of waking (ref=>30 minutes; aOR = 1.47, 95% CI [1.18, 1.85]) were positively associated with switching to NCs versus cessation, while being Black (aOR = 0.55, 95% CI [0.38, 0.74]) or Hispanic (aOR = 0.52, 95% CI [0.38, 0.71]) were negatively associated. Incomes of $10 000–≥$100 000 (ref ≤ $10 000; aORs = 2.08–3.13) and daily heavy smoking (aOR = 1.96, 95% CI [1.11, 3.48]) were positively associated with switching to NCs versus dual use, while being male (aOR = 0.44, 95% CI [0.29, 0.65]) was negatively associated. Conclusions Transitioning to NCs was unequally distributed among sociodemographic groups and smoking characteristics. The mere availability of NCs may not promote health equity. Continued market and regulatory efforts that promote both smoking cessation and transitioning to NCs among various populations may promote public health gains. Implications This study examines factors associated with transitioning from smoking to noncombustible tobacco product use. We examined three different product use scenarios that may be associated with varied levels of exposure to harm. We observed that younger ages and perceiving NCs as less harmful than cigarettes were more likely to transition to NCs as compared to continued smoking and cessation, while Black or Hispanic individuals were less likely to transition to NCs. This highlights the need for more focused harm reduction efforts for racial and ethnic minority populations as a complementary strategy to cessation to reduce health disparities from smoking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction The Tobacco and Related Products Regulations (TRPR) 2016 require consumers in the United Kingdom to be informed about the presence of nicotine in vaping products. However, there is misunderstanding among some young people and adults around the strength of products. We examined how nicotine content is displayed on the front of vape packaging in the United Kingdom. Aims and Methods Between August and December 2022, we systematically analyzed a representative, stratified selection of vapes and refill packs (n  = 156) on the UK market to assess TRPR compliance. This paper presents an analysis of free-text responses collected to indicate the presence of nicotine information on the front-of-pack including metric, percentage, graphic, and text indicators. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics produced for the sample as a whole and for five product categories. Results Most packs (n  = 126, 81%) displayed at least one front-of-pack nicotine descriptor, including the majority of disposables (n  = 43, 90%), e-liquid (n  = 42, 88%) and refill pods (n  = 36, 100%). Many packs (n  = 107, 69%) contained a nicotine-related metric (eg mg/ml), a quarter (n  = 37, 24%) included a percentage indicator and most (n  = 126, 81%) displayed at least one of these. Almost two-fifths (n  = 57, 37%) mentioned nicotine beyond the warning. Less observed indicators included graphic and textual depictions of strength, dosage information, and an equivalent number of cigarettes. Conclusions The front of vape packaging communicates important product information to consumers. There is inconsistency in how nicotine content is currently displayed. Future research should examine how best to display nicotine content to promote consumer understanding and informed decision making. Implications This pack analysis of a representative sample of UK vape packaging highlights the varied ways in which nicotine content and strength are currently communicated to consumers on the front of vape packaging. The inconsistent presentation of nicotine content on the front of packs may contribute to misperceptions around product strength. A consistent and easily understood way of communicating nicotine content on the front of vape packaging may help consumers make more informed choices about vape products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Cigarette use and smoking intensity increase risk of suicidal ideation. Less is known about e-cigarette use. Here we examine direct influences of cigarette versus e-cigarette use on suicidal ideation among 16- to 23-year-olds in Texas. Aims and Methods Since 2019, the Texas Adolescent Tobacco and Marketing Surveillance Study collected data on suicidal ideation every 6 months covering the previous 2 weeks. Youths answering that they had "thoughts that you would be better off dead, or of hurting yourself" on more than 2 of 14 days were categorized as having suicidal ideation. Generalized linear mixed-effects logistic regressions examined the influence of ever and past 30-day (P30D) use of cigarettes, e-cigarettes, impulsivity, and anxiety on suicidal ideation, controlling for gender, race/ethnicity, socioeconomic status (SES), and grade in school. Interactions between ever and P30D use of both products and (a) impulsivity and (b) gender were examined. Results Of the 2329 participants, 29.1% reported ever and 6.5% reported P30D cigarette use, 48.2% reported ever and 11.6% reported P30D e-cigarette use, and 18.5% reported suicidal ideation. Ever cigarette use among females (aOR = 1.83; 95% CI: 1.36 to 2.46), P30D e-cigarette use (aOR = 1.30; 95% CI: 1.00 to 1.68), and P30D cigarette use (aOR = 1.47; 95% CI: 1.06 to 2.05) were independently associated with higher risk for suicidal ideation after adjusting for covariates. Impulsivity and anxiety directly increased risk of suicidal ideation regardless of product type used. Hispanic youth had higher risk of suicidal ideation than White youth, while higher levels of SES were protective. Conclusions Cigarette/e-cigarette use, as well as impulsivity and anxiety, directly increase the risk of suicidal ideation. Implications Clinicians should ask young adults with a history of tobacco use, anxiety, or impulsive behavior about suicidal ideation. Nicotine prevention and cessation programs might be more effective if they simultaneously target substance use and mental health. Culturally appropriate support is needed for ethnic and racial minority youth and young adults in school, college, and at work. When evaluating and understanding risk, the role of multiple social identities (such as minority status, gender, and SES) is important. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Efficient sampling materials are essential for assessing nicotine levels in vape shops and other settings where nicotine exposures may exist. Two different treatments of Whatman glass fiber type A (GF/A) filters (sodium bisulfate treated and citric acid treated) were evaluated for nicotine capture, desorption efficiency, and holding capacity using Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (GC–MS). The Filters were treated with 0.8 mL of 0.1 M sodium bisulfate or citric acid solution and oven-dried (80 °C) for 30 min. Nicotine was desorbed off the filters using a modified analytical method. The average nicotine desorption efficiency for sodium bisulfate-treated GF/A filters (98.4%) was significantly higher than that of citric acid-treated GF/A filters (60.9%) over a range of 1–100 µg nicotine. Sodium bisulfate-treated and citric acid-treated GF/A filters experienced a 10% nicotine breakthrough after being dosed with about 550 and 2,750 µg of nicotine, respectively compared to 75 µg for untreated GF/A filters. Citric acid-treated GF/A filters had a much greater nicotine-holding capacity, but nicotine desorption from citric acid-treated GF/A filters was below the recommended criteria. Therefore, we recommend that sodium bisulfate-treated GF/A filters are employed for sample of nicotine with the GC–MS method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Objectives: Ghrelin and growth hormone-releasing peptide 6 (GHRP-6) are peptides which can stimulate GH release, acting through the same receptor. Ghrelin and its receptor have been involved in reward sensation and addiction induced by natural and artificial drugs, including nicotine. The present study aimed to investigate the impacts of ghrelin and GHRP-6 on the horizontal and vertical activity in rats exposed to chronic nicotine treatment followed by acute nicotine withdrawal. Methods: Male and female Wistar rats were exposed daily to intraperitoneal (ip) injection with 2 mg/kg nicotine or saline solution for 7 days, twice a day (at 8:00 and at 20:00). In parallel, the rats were exposed daily to an intracerebroventricular (icv) injection with 1 μg/2 μL ghrelin or 1 μg/2 μL GHRP-6 or saline solution for 7 days, once a day (at 8:00). On the morning of the eighth day (12 h after the last ip administration) and the ninth day (24 h after the last ip administration), the horizontal and vertical activity were monitored in a conducta system. Results: On the eighth day, in nicotine-treated rats a significant hyperactivity was observed, that was reduced significantly by ghrelin and GHRP-6. On the ninth day, in nicotine-treated rats a significant hypoactivity was assessed that was reversed significantly by ghrelin and GHRP-6. Conclusions: Based on the present results, the changes in horizontal and vertical activity observed after 12 and 24 h of nicotine withdrawal can be attenuated by ghrelin and GHRP-6. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Snus is a tobacco-containing product particularly popular in Scandinavian countries. It comes in the form of a pouch filled with tobacco, which is typically placed under the upper lip, allowing nicotine to be absorbed through the mucous membrane. Due to the absence of combustion during snus use--and consequently the lack of substances produced by this process--many manufacturers claim that snus is a healthier alternative to cigarettes. The aim of this article is to review scientific studies examining the effects of snus on the human body and to objectively summarize its impact on human health. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted by collecting scientific articles from the PubMed database and other online scientific databases. The articles were identified using keywords such as "snus," "smokeless tobacco," and "snus health impact." Results: Snus cannot be considered a healthier alternative to tobacco use. While it does not cause many of the diseases associated with smoking and the toxic compounds produced during combustion, it is still addictive and contributes to other health issues caused by the substances it contains and the way it is consumed. This product requires more detailed scientific research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The advent of heated tobacco products (HTPs) has introduced new variables in the study of nicotine delivery systems and their health implications. Amidst concerns over cardiovascular effects, this study aims to elucidate the acute impact of HTP inhalation on extracellular vesicles (EV) levels in young, healthy individuals. In this controlled, acute exposure study, 23 young, healthy volunteers were subjected to HTP inhalation. EV levels of endothelial and platelet origin were quantified through flow cytometry before and after exposure. Data analysis was performed using multiple measures ANOVA to assess changes in EV concentrations. Our findings reveal a significant increase in EVs of endothelial and platelet origin following short-term HTP inhalation with nicotine. Notably, no significant change was observed in leukocyte- and neutrophil-derived EVs. This increase in EVs suggests acute vascular stress, with peak levels observed 4 h post-exposure. The rise in endothelial and platelet-derived EVs aligns with documented responses to acute vascular injury, paralleling the effects seen with traditional cigarette and e-cigarette use. Despite HTPs being marketed as safer alternatives, our results indicate that nicotine-containing HTPs may still pose significant vascular risks. These findings contribute to the growing body of evidence cautioning against the perceived safety of HTPs and reinforce the importance of regulatory oversight and public health initiatives targeting nicotine delivery technologies. Trial Registrations: ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT04824495, registered 2021–01-07. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: There are many aspects in the relationship between smoking and sleep that have not been investigated thoroughly yet, especially in regards to obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS). Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 2359 participants, who have visited the sleep clinic of our hospital during a 13-year period and were former or current smokers, were included. Their smoking history, measured in packyears of smoking, and their nicotine dependence, measured with the Fagerström scale, were correlated with various epidemiological and sleep-related variables. Results: Patients with respiratory, cardiovascular and metabolic comorbidities were older, more obese and presented a significantly greater history in packyears of smoking. Packyears were positively correlated with the Epworth sleepiness scale (ESS) (r = 0.06, p = 0.007), with %REM sleep time (r = 0.19, p = 0.042), apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) (r = 0.10, p < 0.001), oxygen desaturation index (ODI) (r = 0.10, p < 0.001), mean and maximum apnea duration (r = 0.10, p < 0.001 and r = 0.11, p < 0.001, respectively), while they were negatively correlated with mean and minimum SaO2 (r = −0.18, p < 0.001 and r = −0.13, p < 0.001, respectively). Furthermore, smoking history exhibited a significantly increasing trend with increasing OSA diagnosis and severity (p < 0.001). Patients with abnormal movements during sleep and those with restless sleep showed a significantly higher nicotine dependence, measured with the Fagerström scale, compared to those without abnormal movements or restless sleep (5.4 ± 2.8 vs. 4.7 ± 2.8, p = 0.002 and 5.1 ± 2.9 vs. 4.7 ± 2.7, p = 0.043). Conclusions: Smoking history in packyears probably affects OSAHS characteristics, while nicotine dependence seems to be related more with abnormal sleep behaviors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Several studies indicate that smoking is one of the major risk factors for bladder cancer. Nicotine and its metabolites, the main components of tobacco, have been found to be strongly linked to the occurrence and progression of bladder cancer. However, the function of nicotine metabolism-related genes (NRGs) in bladder urothelial carcinoma (BLCA) are still unclear. Methods: NRGs were collected from MSigDB to identify the clusters associated with nicotine metabolism. Prognostic differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were filtered via differentially expression analysis and univariate Cox regression analysis. Integrative machine learning combination based on 10 machine learning algorithms was used for the construction of robust signature. Subsequently, the clinical application of signature in terms of prognosis, tumor microenvironment (TME) as well as immunotherapy was comprehensively evaluated. Finally, the biology function of the signature gene was further verified via CCK-8, transwell migration and colony formation. Results: Three clusters associated with nicotine metabolism were discovered with distinct prognosis and immunological patterns. A four gene-signature was developed by random survival forest (RSF) method with highest average Harrell's concordance index (C-index) of 0.763. The signature exhibited a reliable and accurate performance in prognostic prediction across TCGA-train, TCGA-test and GSE32894 cohorts. Furthermore, the signature showed highly correlation with clinical characteristics, TME and immunotherapy responses. Suppression of MKRN1 was found to reduce the migration and proliferation of bladder cancer cell. In addition, enhanced migration and proliferation caused by nicotine was blocked down by loss of MKRN1. Conclusions: The novel nicotine metabolism-related signature may provide valuable insights into clinical prognosis and potential benefits of immunotherapy in bladder cancer patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nicotine, an exceedingly noxious alkaloid, has been reported as an emerging anthropogenic waste water contaminant for decades. The current study investigated the photocatalytic degradation of nicotine in aqueous medium. Novel g-C3N4/ZnO-W/Snx composites were fabricated by impregnation of g-C3N4 with ZnO-W and SnCl2.H2O. The XRD and FTIR data strappingly evidenced the proficient blending of g-C3N4, metal oxide and the metal used as dopant. SEM and EDS micrographs showed agglomerated morphology; layered structure with loopholes, which invetrate the elementalconfiguration of fabricated nanocomposites. Spectroscopic analysis shows red shift in the vicinity of 240–270 nanometre as a confirmation of increased Sn content. Optical analysis shows band gap tailoring (2.32–1.78 eV) with increased dopant metal content, which constrains the electron hole pair recombination. This results in the production of more ROS species in the reaction system, leading to significant increase in photoactive nicotine degradation from 24% g-C3N4/ZnO-W to 98% g-C3N4/ZnO-W/Sn(0.011). The rate constant R2 values 0.985, 0.988, 0.990, 0.992, 0.996 and 0.997 for the synthesised composites confirmed the pseudo-first-order kinetics and maximum photodegradation in acidic medium. Efficient outcomes of 98% degradation under visible light and striking recyclability results for the grown composite g-C3N4/ZnO-W/Sn (0.011) even after the fifth cycle was 93% evidenced that synthesised composite exhibits high reusability and mechanical stability. Inclusively, the present research provides an innovative approach for the fabrication of photo-catalysts in wastewater treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Originally native to South America, tobacco and is now distributed worldwide as a major cash crop. Nicotine is the main harmful component of tobacco leaves, cigarette smoke and tobacco waste, which severely affects not only the flavor of the tobacco leaf, but also causes great damage to human health. As the anti-smoking movement continued to grow since the 1950s, and consumers become more aware of their health and environmental protection, the world tobacco industry has been committed to research, develop and produce low nicotine cigarette products with relatively low risk to human health. Among various approaches, the use of microorganisms to reduce nicotine content and improve tobacco quality has become one of the most promising methods. Due to increasing interest in nicotine-degrading microorganisms (NDMs), this article reviews recent reports on NDMs, nicotine-degrading enzymes, regulation of nicotine-degrading bacterial consortia and optimization of fermentation conditions, aiming to provide updated references for the in-depth research and application of microorganisms for the degradation of nicotine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Striatal cholinergic interneurons (ChIs) provide acetylcholine tone to the striatum and govern motor functions. Nicotine withdrawal elicits physical symptoms that dysregulate motor behavior. Here, the role of striatal ChIs in physical nicotine withdrawal is investigated. Mice under RNAi‐dependent genetic inhibition of striatal ChIs (ChIGI) by suppressing the sodium channel subunit NaV1.1, lessening action potential generation and activity‐dependent acetylcholine release is first generated. ChIGI markedly reduced the somatic signs of nicotine withdrawal without affecting other nicotine‐dependent or striatum‐associated behaviors. Multielectrode array (MEA) recording revealed that ChIGI reversed ex vivo nicotine‐induced alterations in the number of neural population spikes in the dorsal striatum. Notably, the drug repurposing strategy revealed that a clinically‐approved antimuscarinic drug, procyclidine, fully mimicked the therapeutic electrophysiological effects of ChIGI. Furthermore, both ChIGI and procyclidine prevented the nicotine withdrawal‐induced reduction in striatal dopamine release in vivo. Lastly, therapeutic intervention with procyclidine dose‐dependently diminished the physical signs of nicotine withdrawal. The data demonstrated that the striatal ChIs are a critical substrate of physical nicotine withdrawal and that muscarinic antagonism holds therapeutic potential against nicotine withdrawal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]