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Rationale: Flavors can alter the orosensory properties of tobacco products. Specifically, flavors can serve as an oral cue for smokeless tobacco products. Objectives: We aimed to investigate the impact of oral vanillin, the principal chemical of vanilla flavor in tobacco products, on nicotine's taste, and nicotine choice, intake, and seeking behaviors. Methods: Experiments were performed in young adult Sprague Dawley rats. We employed a two-bottle free-choice test (2BC) to measure the preference for different concentrations of vanillin and its effect on nicotine preference. To explore the long-term effects of early exposure to sweetened vanillin, we utilized a combined 2BC and intraoral self-administration (IOSA) model. We assessed the nicotine taking and seeking behaviors in the presence or absence of vanillin. We performed a taste reactivity test (TRT) to quantify liking (ingestive) and disliking (aversive) taste responses to oral nicotine with or without vanillin. Results: In 2BC, female rats preferred vanillin containing solutions more than their male counterparts. In IOSA, vanillin alone and in combination with nicotine led to greater IOSA compared to water. Female rats self-administered vanillin plus nicotine more than male rats. Vanillin increased motivation to nicotine taking, but only in females. In TRT, vanillin increased nicotine's ingestive responses but blocked aversive responses in both sexes. Conclusions: These results indicate that vanilla flavor can increase oral nicotine intake. It can also increase liking and decrease disliking of nicotine's taste. Furthermore, the impact of vanilla flavor on nicotine taste and nicotine choice, intake, and seeking behaviors is concentration and sex dependent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tobacco pictorial warnings could employ a variety of emotional appeals to enhance effectiveness; however, little research exists to guide the selection of discrete emotional appeals. Further, it remains unclear how contextual pro-smoking norms might influence the persuasive impacts of discrete emotional appeals within pictorial warnings, especially in China, where the overall smoking rate and social acceptance remain high. To fill these gaps, this study leveraged the largest set of pictorial warnings (K = 510) tested to date. Using a randomized large-K multiple-message design, we evaluated the impacts of disgust, fear, self-anger, contempt, shame, and hope appeals among Chinese adult male smokers (N = 2,306) on perceived message effectiveness (PME). Results showed that fear, self-anger, shame, and hope appeals significantly increased PME, while disgust and contempt appeals appeared less effective. Importantly, the PME of nearly all emotional appeals – except hope appeals – was weakened for Chinese adult male smokers with higher pro-smoking normative perceptions, highlighting the importance of considering local contextual influences when implementing pictorial warnings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and aims: Tobacco product excise taxes are a cost‐effective method for reducing tobacco consumption, but industry pricing and marketing strategies encourage consumers to engage in price‐minimizing behaviours (PMBs). We investigated the relationship between tobacco tax increases and PMBs, measuring whether PMBs intensify following tax increases, whether low‐income consumers with higher nicotine dependence are more likely to engage in PMBs and whether PMBs are negatively related to smoking cessation. Method: This was a systematic review with meta‐analysis of cross‐sectional and longitudinal studies from seven databases up to March 2023, using studies that reported any product‐ and purchasing‐related smoking behaviours post‐tobacco tax increase in a general representative population. Sixty‐eight studies were quality‐assessed using the Newcastle–Ottawa scale. All studies were narratively synthesized, with five studies involving 13 068–26 575 participants providing data for pooled analyses on PMBs [purchasing lower‐priced brands, roll‐your‐own (RYO) tobacco and cartons] pre‐ and post‐tax increases using a random effects meta‐analytical model. Results: Fifty‐seven studies reported on legal PMBs, and 17 studies reported illicit cigarette purchasing. Meta‐analysis showed that consecutive tax increases were positively associated with purchasing RYO [odds ratio (OR) = 1.60, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.04–2.46], especially in higher tobacco taxing environments, with substantial heterogeneity (I2 = 96%). Lower income and higher nicotine dependence were associated with purchasing lower‐priced brands and RYO, whereas higher income and nicotine dependence were associated with purchasing cartons, large‐sized packs and cross‐border sales. Less evidence associated illicit tobacco purchases with tax increases or PMBs with smoking cessation. Conclusions: Tobacco purchasers' PMBs vary widely by state, country and time‐period within countries. Both legal and illegal PMBs, potentially influenced by industry pricing tactics, may exacerbate health inequalities and dilute the public health benefits of tobacco tax increases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims: Studies on adolescent alcohol use and cognition are often unable to separate the potential causal effects of alcohol use on cognition from shared etiological influences, including genetic influences or other substance use comorbidities also known to be associated with cognition, such as nicotine use. The present study aimed to fill this gap and clarify the relationship between adolescent alcohol use and young adult cognition by accounting for both measured and unmeasured confounders. Design: A random effects model accounting for nesting in families was used to control for measured confounders. Next, co‐twin comparisons were conducted within the full sample and in monozygotic twin pairs (MZ) to control for unmeasured genetic and environmental confounders shared by co‐twins. Participants/Setting: Participants were 812 individuals (58.6% female, 361 complete pairs, 146 MZ pairs) from the longitudinal FinnTwin12 study in Finland. Measurements Adolescent alcohol use was indexed with measures of frequency of use and intoxication averaged across ages 14 and 17. Cognitive outcomes were measured at average age 22 and included Trail Making Test, California Stroop test, Wechsler Adult Intelligence subtests (Vocabulary, Block Design, Digit Symbol), Digit Span subtest of Wechsler Memory Scale, Mental Rotation Test and Object Location Memory test. Covariates included sex, parental education, general cognitive ability, current alcohol use and nicotine use. Findings Greater frequency of alcohol use and frequency of intoxication across adolescence was associated with decreased vocabulary scores in the co‐twin control [freq: stnd beta = −0.12, 95% confidence interval (CI) = −0.234, −0.013] and MZ only co‐twin control models (freq: stnd beta = −0.305, 95% CI = –0.523, −0.087; intox: stnd beta = −0.301, 95% CI = ‐0.528, −0.074). Conclusions: In Finland, there appears to be little evidence that adolescent alcohol use causes cognitive deficits in young adulthood, except modest evidence for association of higher adolescent alcohol use with lower young adult vocabulary scores. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and aims: In Finland, nicotine pouches entered the national market abruptly in 2023, following a change in April 2023 from medicinal product classification into less regulated tobacco surrogate status. This study aimed to measure adolescent nicotine pouch use and associated characteristics. Design and setting: A cross‐sectional, nationwide school‐based survey among students in comprehensive schools (COMP), general upper secondary schools (GEN) and vocational institutes (VOC) in 2023 in Finland. Participants: A total of 151 224 respondents aged 14–20 years (mean age 16.18 years, standard deviation 1.20 years). Measurements: Nicotine pouch use was used as the outcome variable. Demographics included age, sex, school type and tobacco product use (smoking, snus use and e‐cigarette use). Covariates included parental education and parental smoking. All measures were self‐reported. Findings Unadjusted results showed that current nicotine pouch use was more common among boys (11.3%) than among girls (3.3%), adolescents in VOC (15.4%) compared with COMP (6.8%) and GEN (4.3%), whereas daily use of other tobacco and nicotine products was associated with current nicotine pouch use compared with never using such products and the association was especially strong for snus use. The fully adjusted estimates of current nicotine pouch use remained strong for daily use of other tobacco and nicotine products (snus use: adjusted prevalence ratio [aPR] = 74.95, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 65.65–84.25; smoking: aPR = 1.43, 95% CI = 1.36–1.50; e‐cigarette use: aPR = 2.15, 95% CI = 2.04–2.27) and for sex (boys aPR = 1.53, 95% CI = 1.48–1.57). There was no clear evidence of differences in current nicotine pouch use by school type, age or parental factors in the fully adjusted model. Conclusions: In Finland in 2023, during which the availability of nicotine pouches became less regulated, nicotine pouch use appeared to be more common among boys and adolescents who used other nicotine products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the decrease in cigarette smoking among American youths, which is considered one of the great public health victories of the century, as of November 2024. Topics include causes of the decrease in youth smoking, public perceptions of tobacco and nicotine, and the legacy of the disappearance of youth smoking.

Introduction: Self-reports of electronic cigarette (ECIG) device and liquid characteristics are not always accurate or consistent with characteristics as measured by researchers. Two methods for measuring ECIG characteristics were compared: user self-reports and rater-coded pictures. Methods: Exclusive ECIG users (N = 321) reported on device (disposable, refillable, adjustable power, brand) and liquid (nicotine concentration, formulation, flavor) characteristics. To measure device type, they chose the term that best described their device ("cig-alike," "vape pen," "mod," "pod," "don't know") and the picture that best resembled their device (cig-alike, vape pen, box mod, USB-shaped pod, teardrop-shaped pod, none). Respondents uploaded device and liquid pictures, and independent raters coded these same features. Agreement between methods was examined with Cohen's kappa and intra-class correlations, including with "don't know" responses included and excluded from analyses. Results: Regardless of how "don't know" responses were treated, agreement was highest for disposable (95.3–97.7%), refillable (96.3%), adjustable power (83.6–88.7%), and brand (77.9–80.4%), and lower for nicotine concentration (72.7%), nicotine formulation (58.6–79.4%), and flavor (66.2%). For device type, agreement was moderate using both term-based (67.9–78.8%) and picture resemblance-based (71.7%) items. For terms, the greatest discrepancy was for devices classified as "vape pens" by self-reports; of these, 70.6% were classified as "pods" by raters. For picture resemblance, ∼13% of users reported that their device resembled none of the pictures; raters classified these devices as USB-shaped pods (50.0%) and mods (23.8%). Conclusions: Self-reports may be sufficient for measuring some characteristics (brand, disposable, refillable, adjustable power), but not others (nicotine concentration and formulation, and some flavor). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: E-cigarettes are the most-used tobacco product among US adolescents and are associated with nicotine addiction. This qualitative investigation aimed to understand adolescents' experiences and perceptions with nicotine addiction, and related influences of addiction, to inform product regulation, health communication, and cessation resource development. Methods: Between May 2020 and December 2021, in-depth, semi-structured individual interviews were conducted with 47 California (United States) adolescents ages 13–17 who reported recent tobacco use (primarily e-cigarette use). The topic of addiction both arose organically and followed specific interviewer questions. Researchers used thematic analysis techniques to identify unifying themes related to addiction. Results: Adolescents described e-cigarette addiction in ways that reflected a loss of control over their routines and activities and as physical symptoms, including reward and withdrawal. While some viewed addiction risk as a reason not to vape, others perceived it possible to use e-cigarettes and avoid or manage addiction. Specific characteristics of e-cigarette devices, particularly disposable nicotine-salt products, including flavors, "cool" designs, concealable size and odor, low price, and ease-of-use, were seen as enhancing addiction risk. Quit attempts were difficult and usually unsupported by adults or formal cessation aids. Conclusions: For many adolescents, addiction is a major component of their experience with e-cigarettes, often in ways that disrupt their routines and reduce their quality of life. Tobacco control or regulation could target e-cigarette product characteristics to decrease potential for addiction among adolescents. Needed are youth-targeted public communication about nicotine addiction and adolescent-tailored, evidence-based cessation support. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Antenatal substance misuse is a significant problem and the effects on the developing child can be long lasting. It is estimated that 20–30% of pregnant women smoke, 15% drink alcohol, 3–10% use cannabis and 0.5–3% use cocaine worldwide. Many parents make efforts to stop or cut down alcohol, cigarette and drug use during pregnancy. However, many pregnancies are unplanned and may be recognized late. Addicted parents may not be able to stop drug and alcohol use without support. Illicit drugs, nicotine and alcohol in the maternal blood stream cross to the foetus via the placenta and have a direct effect of the developing foetus. These effects can include poor fetal growth, increased risk of stillbirth, congenital malformations, and long-lasting impacts on development. The impact of these antenatal exposures might not become apparent until much later in childhood. Children who have been exposed to drugs and alcohol in utero may present to paediatricians at any stage in childhood with a range of health and developmental problems. This article will explore the immediate and long-term impact of exposure to these substances in pregnancy and consider how to obtain an accurate history of exposure to drugs and alcohol in pregnancy as part of standard paediatric history taking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To identify risk factors for relaxing a strict e-cigarette ban in households with adolescents. Youth (ages 12–17) in the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health (PATH) Study whose parents held a strict vaping ban in 2016 (n = 6,514; 51.5% male) and their parents provided follow-up data on up to four occasions through 2020 on whether the ban was relaxed. 13.5% of households with strict vaping bans relaxed them in a subsequent wave. Results from a logistic regression model showed that the odds of relaxing strict bans were higher if, at baseline, parents vaped (OR = 2.20; 95% CI: 1.22–3.97; p <.01), parents smoked tobacco (OR = 2.55; CI: 2.00–3.26; p <.001), youth smoked tobacco (OR = 2.27; CI: 1.29–4.00; p <.01), parents reported no smoking ban (OR = 2.68; CI: 1.88–3.81; p <.001), youth did not know that their household had a vaping ban (OR = 1.95; CI: 1.50–2.54; p <.001), and parents perceived low harm from vaping (OR = 1.60; CI: 1.16–2.19; p <.01). Although most sociodemographic controls were not independently associated, parents were less likely to relax bans if they had a college degree (OR = 0.71; CI: 0.51–0.998; p <.05), graduate degree (OR = 0.50; CI: 0.43–0.72; p <.001), or children who were non-Hispanic Black (OR = 0.69; CI: 0.49–0.96; p <.05) or Hispanic (OR = 0.62; CI: 0.47–0.81; p <.001). While most households with adolescents prohibited e-cigarette use indoors, nearly one in seven relaxed prior strict vaping bans. Parents need support to maintain clear, consistent, and continuous restrictions that communicate that vaping is not safe or permissible for youth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Zeitschrift für Rheumatologie is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Nicotine acts as an angiogenic factor by stimulating endogenous cholinergic pathways. Several subtypes of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) have been demonstrated to be closely correlated to the formation and progression of different types of cancers. Recently, several studies have found that nicotinic acetylcholine receptors α9 (α9-nAChRs) are highly expressed in breast tumors, especially in tumors derived from patients diagnosed at advanced stages. In vitro studies have demonstrated that activation of α9-nAChRs is associated with increased proliferation and migration of breast cancer. To study the tumor-promoting role of α9-nAChRs in breast cancers, we generated a novel anti-α9-nAChR and methoxy-polyethylene glycol (mPEG) bispecific antibody (α9 BsAb) for dissecting the molecular mechanism on α9-nAChR-mediated tumor progression. Unexpectedly, we discovered the angiogenic role of α9-nAChR in nicotine-induced neovascularization of tumors. It revealed α9 BsAbs reduced nicotine-induced endothelial cell tube formation, blood vessel development in Matrigel plug assay and angiogenesis in microtube array membrane murine model (MTAMs). To unbraid the molecular mechanism of α9-nAChR in nicotine-mediated angiogenesis, the α9 BsAbs were applied and revealed the inhibitory roles in nicotine-induced production of hypoxia-inducible factor-2 alpha (HIF-2α), vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A), phosphorylated vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (p-VEGFR2), vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2) and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP9) from triple-negative breast cancer cells (MDA-MB-231), suggesting α9-nAChRs played an important role in nicotine-induced angiogenesis. To confirm our results, the shRNA targeting α9-nAChRs was designed and used to silence α9-nAChR expression and then evaluated the angiogenic role of α9-nAChRs. The results showed α9 shRNA also played an inhibitory effect in blocking the nicotine-induced angiogenic signaling. Taken together, α9-nAChR played a critical role in nicotine-induced angiogenesis and this bispecific antibody (α9 BsAb) may serve as a potential therapeutic candidate for treatments of the α9 positive cancers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tobacco, a extensively consumed plant recognized for its adverse health effects in humans, comprises various toxic compounds. Previous researches have solely delved into the impact of nicotine exposure on the reproductive and developmental aspects of fruit flies. Consequently, our investigation seeks to broaden the comprehension of the detrimental impacts encompassing all constituents of tobacco extract on the lifespan of fruit flies. Varied concentrations of tobacco extract (0.02, 0.04, 0.06, 0.08, and 0.1 g) were employed to establish a spectrum of exposure levels and the data included the number of fruit flies at each developmental stage in the new generation and the lifespan in each concentration group over the time. Our findings demonstrate a decline in population size within the first and second filial generations when transitioning from a normal condition to a high concentration of tobacco. Furthermore, our results reveal an inverse relationship between pupa size and tobacco concentration, resulting in smaller fruit flies when exposed to higher concentrations of tobacco extract. This suggests a detrimental impact of tobacco toxins on the embryonic development and overall well-being of fruit flies. The implications of our study extend to a broader understanding of potential risks associated with tobacco exposure in various organisms, including humans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Chronic cigarette smokers report withdrawal symptomology, including affective dysfunction and cognitive deficits. While there are studies demonstrating sex specific withdrawal symptomology in nicotine-dependent individuals, literature examining the underlying biological mediators of this is scant and not in complete agreement. Therefore, in this study, we evaluated the sex specific effects of nicotine and withdrawal on contextual fear memory, a hippocampally dependent aspect of cognition that is disrupted in nicotine withdrawal. Methods: Male and female B6/129F1 mice (8–13 weeks old) were used in all experiments. For the acute nicotine experiment, mice received intraperitoneal saline or nicotine (0.5 mg/kg) prior to contextual fear conditioning and test. For the chronic nicotine experiment, mice received nicotine (18 mg/kg/day) or saline for 11 days, then underwent contextual fear conditioning and test. Following the test, mice underwent minipump removal to elicit withdrawal or sham surgery, followed by the fear extinction assay. Bulk cortical tissue was used to determine nicotinic acetylcholine receptor levels via single point [3H]Epibatidine binding assay. Gene expression levels in the dorsal and ventral hippocampus were quantified via RT-PCR. Results: We found that female mice had a stronger expression of contextual fear memory than their male counterparts. Further, following acute nicotine treatment, male, but not female, subjects demonstrated augmented contextual fear memory expression. In contrast, no significant effects of chronic nicotine treatment on fear conditioning were observed in either sex. When examining extinction of fear learning, we observed that female mice withdrawn from nicotine displayed impaired extinction learning, but no effect was observed in males. Nicotine withdrawal caused similar suppression of fosb, cfos, and bdnf, our proxy for neuronal activation and plasticity changes, in the dorsal and ventral hippocampus of both sexes. Additionally, we found that ventral hippocampus erbb4 expression, a gene implicated in smoking cessation outcomes, was elevated in both sexes following nicotine withdrawal. Conclusions: Despite the similar impacts of nicotine withdrawal on gene expression levels, fosb, cfos, bdnf and erbb4 levels in the ventral hippocampus were predictive of delays in female extinction learning alone. This suggests sex specific dysfunction in hippocampal circuitry may contribute to female specific nicotine withdrawal induced deficits in extinction learning. Plain text summary: Smokers undergoing nicotine withdrawal report increased feelings of anxiety, depression, and cognitive deficits. However, there are sex differences in these symptoms, with women reporting higher feelings of anxiety compared to men and men having worse cognitive deficits than women. The mechanisms underlying these sex differences in nicotine withdrawal symptoms are not well understood. The hippocampus is a brain region highly implicated in both the cognitive and anxiety-like symptoms of nicotine withdrawal. Therefore, we evaluated the effects of nicotine and withdrawal on contextual fear memory, a hippocampally dependent learning and memory task, in male and female mice. We found that female mice had a stronger contextual fear memory expression than their male counterparts. However, following acute nicotine treatment male mice had enhanced contextual fear memory compared to non-nicotine treated males, while acute nicotine had no impact on female mice. When examining extinction of contextual fear, we found female mice withdrawn from nicotine displayed impaired extinction learning, but no effect was observed in males. The female specific deficits in extinction learning due to nicotine withdrawal were correlated to hippocampal gene expression related to neuronal activity. This suggests hippocampal dysfunction may be driving the female specific nicotine withdrawal induced deficits in extinction learning. Highlights: Female mice, but not males, showed deficits in contextual fear extinction during forced nicotine withdrawal. Despite the sex specific impact of nicotine withdrawal on contextual extinction learning, with females alone showing deficits in extinction, we observed suppression of immediate early genes in the dorsal and ventral hippocampus and increased erbb4 mRNA in the ventral hippocampus in both sexes. The deficits in female extinction were predicted by specific alterations in gene expression in the ventral hippocampus, highlighting a potential sex specific mechanism of nicotine withdrawal induced endophenotypes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Continuous nicotine exposure during adolescence can have profound implications on the development and well-being of individuals in this critical stage of life. As the prevalence of nicotine use among adolescents continues to be a significant public health concern, understanding the impact of this addictive substance on young minds and bodies is crucial. We explored the various dimensions of nicotine exposure in adolescents, from its effects on brain development and cognitive function to the social, emotional, and educational consequences. By looking into the complexities of adolescent nicotine addiction, we can better comprehend the challenges faced by this vulnerable population and develop potential strategies for prevention and intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractBackgroundMethodsResultsConclusionsNeighborhood 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.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.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).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]

AbstractObjectiveMethodsResultsConclusionsDespite the rising popularity of disposable e-cigarettes, little is known about their chemical characteristics, or their impact on users’ health. This work attempts to summarize current knowledge about chemical composition and known health effects of disposable e-cigarettes.The literature search was performed in February and March 2024 in Pub Med and Science Direct databases (no time range) by the terms ‘disposable electronic cigarette’, ‘disposable e-cigarette’, ‘disposable e-cigs’, ‘cig-a-like e-cigarette’, ‘cig-a-like electronic cigarette’.Disposable e-cigarettes contain: nicotine, humectants (propylene glycol, glycerin), flavoring agents (diacetyl, acetoin, triacetin, p-menthone, triethyl citrate, ethyl maltol, 3-hexen-1-ol, methyl anthranilate, α-terpineol, perillartine, benzyl alcohol, vanillin, melonal, methyl dihydrojasmonate, and γ-decalactone), cooling agents (WS-3, WS-23, menthol), carbonyl compounds (acetaldehyde, formaldehyde, propionaldehyde, acetone, acrolein) volatile organic compounds (VOCs) (benzene, ethanol, methanol, styrene, acetylpirazine and 2,3,5-trimethylpyrazine), metals and inorganic compounds (chromium, nickel, manganese, lead, aluminum, and zinc) and reactive oxygen species. Furthermore, there was some evidence of nicotine dependence, risk of cancer and adverse respiratory effects of using disposable e-cigarettes.Despite the fact that disposable e-cigarettes contain significantly less toxins compared to combustible cigarettes, they include compounds that are absent in such products that may provide health risk in prolonged usage. In addition, there is a limited number of data on the health effect of disposable e-cigarettes, especially in long time period, for never-smokers. Therefore, due to growing popularity of disposable e-cigarettes among young people, who choose them when initiating nicotine use, further research on their long-term impact of on the users’ health is necessary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nicotine is a chiral alkaloid; nitrogen-containing organic compound that occurs naturally. (S)-nicotine is extracted from Tobacco plants and used as the key addictive ingredient in many smoking products. Synthetic nicotine has gained the interest of many smoking product manufacturers over the last few decades due to the ease and low cost of manufacturing. Another claimed advantage of synthetic nicotine is the absence of genotoxic impurities that form during the extraction process of nicotine. These impurities are other plant alkaloids, phenolic compounds, and heavy metals. Additionally, the U. S. FDA has implemented new regulations on the quality control of synthetic nicotine. However, only a very few research articles have been published on assessing the complete impurity profile of synthetic nicotine. Therefore, the need to know the composition difference between tobacco-extracted nicotine vs. synthetic nicotine is highly necessary. In this research study, the impurity profile of thirteen different lots of synthetic nicotine was compared with fourteen lots of nicotine extracted from plants using in-house analytical methods. First, the samples were tested for other alkaloids and phenols by reversed-phase High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). Second, the chiral purity was analyzed by normal phase HPLC. Third, lead and arsenic content were tested by atomic absorption and fluorescence spectrometry. Fourth, nicotine-specific nitrosamines were tested by LC-MS. The reversed phase HPLC data suggested similar quantities of total impurities in both synthetic and tobacco-extracted nicotine (0.1%). However, synthetic nicotine lacks some impurities such as cotinine, nornicotine, and nicotine-N-oxide. Additionally, the synthetic nicotine lots used in this study have high enantiomeric purity similar to the tobacco-extracted nicotine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Tobacco use is not only a major risk factor for morbidity and mortality but also associated with alcohol misuse. While personality traits may be driving this association, the psychoactive component of tobacco, nicotine, may also be a major risk factor. The aim with this study was to further assess the prospective association between tobacco use and alcohol consumption, with special emphasis on the role of the tobacco product used (cigarettes and Swedish snus), frequency of use, and gender. Methods: Data was extracted from the prospective cohort Longitudinal Research on Development In Adolescence (LoRDIA), following Swedish adolescents over four waves (∼13 to 17 years of age). Tobacco use was reported with respect to product used and frequency of use, while alcohol use was assessed using AUDIT-C, as well as frequency of use within the last year. Results: Use of tobacco, independent of product used and gender, was associated with increased alcohol consumption. High frequency of use and dual use strengthened to association. Individuals initiating tobacco use during the study period progressively increased their frequency of alcohol consumption compared to non-users during consecutive waves. Furthermore, tobacco use was associated with at-risk consumption of alcohol at follow up, even when adjusting for previous alcohol inebriation, socioeconomical factors, gender and novelty seeking. Conclusions: The data presented here suggests that nicotine use during adolescence, and especially dual use, is a major risk factor for future hazardous alcohol intake. This finding is especially important considering the escalated use of nicotine pouches, which in many ways resembles Swedish snus. From a public health perspective, preventive measures and policies designed to counteract all forms of nicotine use among youths is warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of China Plastics / Zhongguo Suliao is the property of Journal Office of CHINA PLASTICS and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background: India bears the highest global burden of oral cancer, despite having an operational tobacco cessation framework. Occupational groups like solid waste management personnel face significant health challenges due to prevalent tobacco use, leading to oral potentially malignant lesions and oral cancer. Enhanced tobacco control strategies are essential for these groups. Methods: A pre-post interventional, community-based study enrolled 1200 municipal workers in Varanasi, India, from July 2022 to August 2023. 858 tobacco users underwent screening and were randomly assigned to one of three interventions: Very Brief Advice, Individual Behavioral Counseling, or Group Behavioral Therapy. Follow-up was conducted one year after the baseline interventions Effectiveness was measured by nicotine dependence reduction using the Fagerstrom Test for Nicotine Dependence (FTND) scores and cessation rates defined as at least 6-month abstinence. Appropriate statistical tests assessed the burden of tobacco use, oral potentially malignant lesions, and pre-post differences in FTND scores within and between groups. A p-value of < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Municipal workers exhibited a high prevalence (71.5%) of smokeless tobacco (SLT) use. One-third (32.9%) of the participants screened positive for oral potentially malignant lesions and oral cancer. Leukoplakia was the most common lesion. Screened positivity correlated with significant nicotine dependence. Among 494 follow-up participants, 47.1% reported a significant reduction in nicotine dependence across all intervention groups. Quade's ANCOVA indicated significant differences in post-test FTND scores, with individual behavioral counselling showing the greatest reduction. However, no cessation was achieved in any group despite the significant decline in dependence. Conclusion: Solid waste management personnel in Varanasi show heightened SLT use and associated oral potentially malignant lesions. The persistent tobacco use in these high-risk occupational populations undermines government tobacco control efforts and highlights the need for robust policy and implementation strategies. The study demonstrated a significant reduction in nicotine dependence following interventions, though tobacco cessation was not achieved. More frequent interventions and addressing quitting barriers—such as cultural norms, lack of awareness, easy accessibility, and adverse working conditions—are crucial. Developing a tailored workplace model to tackle tobacco use in occupational settings may facilitate cessation. Clinical trial registration number: Trial registration Clinical Trials Registry India CTRI/2020/07/026479. Date of registration 10/07/2020. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Individual animals differ in their traits and preferences, which shape their social interactions, survival, and susceptibility to disease, including addiction. Nicotine use is highly heterogenous and has been linked to the expression of personality traits. Although these relationships are well documented, we have limited understanding of the neurophysiological mechanisms that give rise to distinct behavioral profiles and their connection to nicotine susceptibility. To address this question, we conducted a study using a semi-natural and social environment called "Souris-City" to observe the long-term behavior of individual male mice. Souris-City provided both a communal living area and a separate test area where mice engaged in a reward-seeking task isolated from their peers. Mice developed individualistic reward-seeking strategies when choosing between water and sucrose in the test compartment, which, in turn, predicted how they adapted to the introduction of nicotine as a reinforcer. Moreover, the profiles mice developed while isolated in the test area correlated with their behavior within the social environment, linking decision-making strategies to the expression of behavioral traits. Neurophysiological markers of adaptability within the dopamine system were apparent upon nicotine challenge and were associated with specific profiles. Our findings suggest that environmental adaptations influence behavioral traits and sensitivity to nicotine by acting on dopaminergic reactivity in the face of nicotine exposure, potentially contributing to addiction susceptibility. These results further emphasize the importance of understanding interindividual variability in behavior to gain insight into the mechanisms of decision-making and addiction. What are the neurophysiological mechanisms of the relationship between individual traits and nicotine use? This study uses a semi-natural and social environment for mice and revealed neurophysiological markers within the dopamine system that were apparent upon nicotine challenge and were associated with specific behaviors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electronic cigarette use among adolescents is a growing concern, not only due to the high incidence of co‐use with other substances, such as alcohol, but also due to the fact brain is still maturing during this period. Combined exposure to alcohol and nicotine leads to plastic adaptation of crucial circuits in the brain, which can contribute to the development of addiction. It is well established that nicotine exposure can facilitate alcohol binge drinking, and vice‐versa, in a sex‐, age‐ and exposure‐dependent manner. Nonetheless, the central mechanisms underlying the synergistic relationship between these two substances and the emergence of differential behavioural traits dependent on these factors remain underexplored. Preclinical studies continue to provide valuable insights into such mechanisms. Here, we discuss recent preclinical findings that report behavioural changes characteristic of addiction following nicotine consumption, primarily in models of vaping and alcohol use; and insights into the neural mechanisms impacted by intake of these two substances, with a focus on the adolescent brain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fertilizer is one of the important factors affecting the yield and quality of tobacco leaves, among which the application of organic fertilizer can promote the increase of tobacco leaf yield and improve the quality of tobacco leaves. To explore the effect of increasing the application of organic fertilizers on the metabolism of tobacco leaves, Yunyan 87 was used as the material in this study. After applying three different gradients of carbon-based organic fertilizers at 0, 900 and 1 500 kg/hm², and by using the liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry method, the metabolites in tobacco leaves 7 days after topping were subjected to untargeted metabolome analysis. A total of 219 secondary metabolites were identified in tobacco leaves. Through comparative analysis of metabolites, it was found that 14 and 26 metabolites were reduced in the accumulation of 900 and 1 500 kg/hm² respectively compared with the control group; 7 metabolites in the two treatments were significantly reduced, which contained three nicotinic metabolites M780 (nornicotine), M1021 (nicotine) and M1328 (cotinine). Further analysis found that 9 of the 33 differential metabolites had accumulation differences between the two groups with additional application of 900 and 1 500 kg/hm²; the rest of the differential metabolites had no significant accumulation differences between the two groups. Correlation network analysis of differential metabolites found that phenylpropane pathway metabolites such as kaempferol were closely related to the accumulation changes of nicotine, and also had decreased trend. The above results showed that increasing the application of organic fertilizers could not only significantly reduce the accumulation of nicotinic metabolites in tobacco leaves, but also reduce the accumulation of metabolites in the phenylpropanoid pathway in tobacco leaves to a certain extent; there was no significant difference between adding 900 and 1 500 kg/hm² organic fer 2 tilizer on nicotine. In summary, this study clarified the effects of organic fertilizers on secondary metabolites of tobacco leaves, and provided certain theoretical guidance for the rational application of organic fertilizers in subsequent tobacco leaf production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Use of tobacco products in any form is unsafe, and nearly all tobacco product use begins during adolescence. CDC and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) analyzed data from the 2024 National Youth Tobacco Survey to determine tobacco product use among U.S. middle school (grades 6-8) and high school (grades 9-12) students. In 2024, current (previous 30-day) use of any tobacco product was reported by 10.1% of high school students (representing 1.58 million students) and 5.4% of middle school students (representing 640,000 students). Among all students, e-cigarettes were the most commonly reported tobacco product currently used (5.9%), followed by nicotine pouches (1.8%), cigarettes (1.4%), cigars (1.2%), smokeless tobacco (1.2%), other oral nicotine products (1.2%), heated tobacco products (0.8%), hookahs (0.7%), and pipe tobacco (0.5%). During 2023-2024, among all students, the estimated number who reported current use of any tobacco product decreased from 2.80 to 2.25 million students; e-cigarette use decreased (from 2.13 to 1.63 million students); and hookah use decreased (from 290,000 to 190,000 students). Among high school students, current use of any tobacco product decreased from 12.6% to 10.1% of students, and e-cigarette use decreased from 10.0% to 7.8%. Among middle school students, no statistically significant changes occurred. Evidence-based strategies can help prevent initiation and promote cessation of tobacco product use among U.S. youths. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

How nicotine acts on developing neurocircuitry in adolescence to promote later addiction vulnerability remains largely unknown, but may hold the key for informing more effective intervention efforts. We found transient nicotine exposure in early adolescent (PND 21-28) male mice was sufficient to produce a marked vulnerability to nicotine in adulthood (PND 60 +), associated with disrupted functional connectivity in dopaminergic circuits. These mice showed persistent adolescent-like behavioral and physiological responses to nicotine, suggesting that nicotine exposure in adolescence prolongs an immature, imbalanced state in the function of these circuits. Chemogenetically resetting the balance between the underlying dopamine circuits unmasked the mature behavioral response to acute nicotine in adolescent-exposed mice. Together, our results suggest that the perseverance of a developmental imbalance between dopamine pathways may alter vulnerability profiles for later dopamine-dependent psychopathologies. How nicotine impacts the adolescent development of neural circuitry is not fully understood. Here authors show that early adolescent nicotine exposure in male mice blocked the maturation of nicotine-evoked dopamine signaling, causing an immature, vulnerable behavioral response in adult mice. Restoring their adult-like nicotine-evoked signaling unmasks a mature behavioral response in male mice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The availability of well-established analytical methods is crucial to cope with the fast-ongoing research for the development of new drug delivery formulations. In this work, a rapid highly green chromatographic method was developed for the simultaneous determination of nicotine (NIC) and caffeine (CAF) to be applied for an in-vitro release study from a newly prepared quick mist mouth spray co-formula (QMS), as a complementary synergistic fast-onset relief of cravings during smoking cessation. The chromatographic resolution was accomplished on a cyano column using isocratically delivered (1.0 mL/ min) glycerol: orthophosphoric acid (OPA) (0.2 M) adjusted to pH 3.0 using 0.05 M triethylamine (5:95, v/v) and UV detection at 260 nm. Well resolved peaks of NIC and CAF were eluted at 2.1 and 3.9 min (Rs = 5.64), with linear responses between 0.1 and 20.0 µg/mL and 0.2–40.0 µg/mL, and detection limits of 0.03 and 0.07 µg/mL for NIC and CAF, respectively. The developed method showed good analytical performance (accuracy, precision, robustness, and selectivity) as well as superiority in practicality and ecological profile compared to reported methods applying GAPI, analytical eco-scale, AGREE, BAGI, and whiteness metric tool. The developed method was successfully applied for NIC and CAF determination in their pharmaceutical preparations, and artificial saliva with no significant differences from reported method results (F-test and t-test). Moreover, an in-vitro release study of NIC and CAF from QMS was performed employing the developed method that revealed diffusion-controlled release, compared to mixed diffusion/ polymer chain relaxation for marketed single component formulation, showing the superiority of QMS in reducing drug level fluctuations of NIC and CAF and improving their bioavailability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nicotine exhibits obvious heterosis, which can be used to create Nicotiana tabacum L. (tobacco) varieties with varying nicotine content. However, the reasons for the formation of nicotine heterosis and its relationship to nicotine transport and accumulation remain unknown. This study conducted a comprehensive analysis of six tobacco hybrids with varying heterosis levels and their parent materials from various aspects, such as phenotype, physiology, and transcriptomics. The results showed that the direct path coefficient of transport heterosis to nicotine heterosis was highest in hybrids, at 0.98, and a highly significant positive correlation between the two. The plant height, thick stalk circumference, large flow of tissue fluid in the stalk, and high nicotine concentration of tobacco were the underlying factors that led to the strong nicotine transport capacity of hybrids. The formation of nicotine transport heterosis in hybrids was mainly influenced by non-additive gene effects (accounting for 89.93%), with over-dominant effects playing a dominant role (accounting for 58.79%). Among non-additive expression DEGs, nicotine transporter related multi antimicrobial extrusion protein, drug/metabolite transporter, ABC family transporter, and glutathione S-transferase were significantly upregulated in hybrid strains. The RT-qPCR results indicated that these genes related nicotine transport also exhibited heterosis at the expression level. Our results revealed that the formation of nicotine heterosis is mainly achieved by enhancing the nicotine transport capacity in hybrids. The results are not only beneficial for promoting the theoretical study of nicotine heterosis in tobacco and the breeding and utilization of hybrids, but are also of great significance for guiding nicotine production and promoting its multipurpose utilization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Homeless-experienced adults smoke at rates 5 times that of the general adult population, and often have limited access to cessation treatments while homeless. Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) can be a catalyst for cessation treatment utilization, yet little is known about use of these treatments following PSH entry, or how to tailor and implement cessation care that meets homeless-experienced adults' vulnerabilities. Methods: Using Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) administrative data, we assessed smoking status (ie, current, former, non/never) among a cohort of homeless-experienced Veterans (HEVs) housed in Los Angeles-based PSH. We compared cessation treatment use rates (ie, nicotine replacement therapies, cessation medications, psychosocial counseling) pre- and post-housing using Chi-square tests. Predisposing (ie, demographics), enabling (eg, primary care, benefits), and need characteristics (ie, health, mental health, substance use diagnoses) were examined as correlates of cessation treatment utilization pre- and post-housing in univariable and multivariable logistic regression models. Results: Across HEVs (N = 2933), 48.6% were identified as currently-smoking, 17.7% as formerly-smoking, and 14.0% as non/never smoking. Among currently- and formerly-smoking HEVs (n = 1944), rates of cessation treatment use post-housing were significantly lower, compared to pre-housing, across all treatment types. Health, mental health, and substance use was more prevalent among currently- and formerly-smoking HEVs compared to non/never-smoking HEVs, and most diagnoses were positively associated with utilization univariably. However, in multivariable models, cessation clinic referrals and primary care engagement were the only significant (P <.001) predictors of pre-housing and post-housing cessation treatment utilization. Conclusion: Among HEVs, we found high smoking rates and low cessation treatment utilization pre- and post-PSH entry. Efforts to educate providers about this population's desire to quit smoking, support primary care engagement, and increase cessation clinic referrals may bolster their utilization. For homeless-experienced adults, optimizing cessation treatment accessibility by embedding cessation services within PSH and homeless service settings may reduce utilization impediments. [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]

Introduction Methods Results Discussion and Conclusions Most patients receiving opioid agonist treatment (OAT) smoke tobacco. Approved cessation interventions are less effective in this group than the wider population. We investigated how people on OAT experience nicotine vaping to quit smoking.Patients on OAT randomised to the vaping arm of a smoking cessation trial were invited to participate in structured interviews incorporating broad pre‐determined themes. A qualitative descriptive approach employing template analysis was used. Four authors coded transcripts, discussed discrepancies, modified the template using both inductive and deductive approaches. Authors made explicit their starting orientations and independent authors sought disconfirmatory data in a subsequent round of analysis.Four women and eight men (median age 44 years) participated, including four who identified as Aboriginal. Participants reported vaping as cheaper, more acceptable and less stigmatising than smoking but expressed concerns about ongoing accessibility due to the Australian prescription access model. Some found it technically challenging at first, but not more so than standard nicotine replacement therapies. Participants gave accounts of craving and withdrawal experiences, including supplementary use of nicotine patches, and compulsions to vape frequently and intensely, potentially indicating need for higher nicotine dosage. Participants generally reported that vaping helped them quit smoking, though some worried about swapping nicotine addictions. Others were glad to be using a lower‐risk alternative.This group reported varied experiences of nicotine vaping but were mainly optimistic that it could help them and others quit smoking. This was despite initial nicotine cravings and concerns about remaining addicted long‐term. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study identified contributing factors for tobacco-related inequities among parents (N = 331) during COVID-19. Compared to non-Hispanic White parents, Asian, Black, and multiracial parents experienced greater discrimination. Parents with a nicotine use history experienced greater discrimination and substance use coping relative to tobacco abstainers. Among parents who used nicotine during the pandemic (n = 45), experiencing financial loss, having COVID-19, and greater worries were positively associated with nicotine reductions during COVID-19. Being female, increased family members with COVID-19, discrimination, and substance use coping were negatively associated with nicotine reductions. Tobacco interventions that reduce substance use coping and increase alternative coping are needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Why do potentially traumatic events (PTEs) and substance use (SU) so commonly co‐occur during adolescence? Causal hypotheses developed from the study of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and substance use disorder (SUD) among adults have not yet been subject to rigorous theoretical analysis or empirical tests among adolescents with the precursors to these disorders: PTEs and SU. Establishing causality demands accounting for various factors (e.g. genetics, parent education, race/ethnicity) that distinguish youth endorsing PTEs and SU from those who do not, a step often overlooked in previous research. Methods: We leveraged nationwide data from a sociodemographically diverse sample of youth (N = 11,468) in the Adolescent Brain and Cognitive Development Study. PTEs and substance use prevalence were assessed annually. To account for the many pre‐existing differences between youth with and without PTE/SU (i.e. confounding bias) and provide rigorous tests of causal hypotheses, we linked within‐person changes in PTEs and SU (alcohol, cannabis, nicotine) across repeated measurements and adjusted for time‐varying factors (e.g. age, internalizing symptoms, externalizing symptoms, and friends' use of substances). Results: Before adjusting for confounding using within‐person modeling, PTEs and SU exhibited significant concurrent associations (βs =.46–1.26, ps <.05) and PTEs prospectively predicted greater SU (βs =.55–1.43, ps <.05) but not vice versa. After adjustment for confounding, the PTEs exhibited significant concurrent associations for alcohol (βs =.14–.23, ps <.05) and nicotine (βs =.16, ps <.05) but not cannabis (βs = ‐.01, ps >.05) and PTEs prospectively predicted greater SU (βs =.28–.55, ps >.05) but not vice versa. Conclusions: When tested rigorously in a nationwide sample of adolescents, we find support for a model in which PTEs are followed by SU but not for a model in which SU is followed by PTEs. Explanations for why PTSD and SUD co‐occur in adults may need further theoretical analysis and adaptation before extension to adolescents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Dupuytren's disease (DD) is a systemic connective tissue disorder of the palm. It particularly affects men of Northern European or Caucasian origin over the age of 55. In addition to the classical surgical therapy via limited fasciectomy, Dupuytren's contracture can also be treated minimally invasively. A relatively new treatment method is the use of collagenase injections (Xiapex) to reduce the contracture of the fingers. The data regarding the long-term success of this therapy are currently limited. Methods: In this monocentric retrospective study, we examined 35 patients who were treated with collagenase (Xiapex) for Dupuytren's contracture in the long fingers. Following the manufacturer's recommendations, the injection was administered intralesionally, and the cord was ruptured through the passive extension of the finger under local anesthesia with Mepivacain the following day. The clinical follow-up examination was conducted after an average of 5.7 years. The stages of Dupuytren's disease were documented using the Tubiana classification. Additionally, parameters of finger extension ability, differentiated by metacarpophalangeal (MCP), and proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joints, as well as patient-specific risk parameters, were evaluated Results: The long-term results of collagenase therapy after an average of 5.7 years showed a significant improvement in the contracture of the affected fingers. In the MCP joints, the flexion contracture decreased from 42° to 17° (p ≤ 0.001), and in the PIP joints, it decreased from 56° to 33° (p ≤ 0.001). The primary recurrence rate was 11% for the MCP joints and 19% for the PIP joints, respectively. The analysis of risk factors showed a significant risk for worse long-term outcomes in patients with diabetes and those with nicotine abuse. Conclusions: Collagenase therapy for Dupuytren's disease achieved significant long-term improvements in contracture in both MCP and PIP joints. In accordance with general risk factors for DD, patients with diabetes and those with nicotine abuse are at risk of worse long-term outcomes. Overall, it is a time-saving, low-risk, and straightforward technique for treating the disabling contracture component of this disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The early socio-economic differences in smoking build on the interplay between individual-, family-, peer-, and school-related factors. The present study aimed to add knowledge to this by examining susceptibility to smoking (S-SM), electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) use (S-EC), and smokeless tobacco (snus) use (S-SN) by educational aspirations in a country with advanced tobacco control policies. National cross-sectional School Health Promotion study survey was conducted among 8.–9. grade students (av. 15-year-olds) in 2017 with no prior smoking (n  = 47 589), e-cigarette use (n  = 49 382), or snus use (n  = 53 335). Gender-stratified, age-adjusted multilevel logistic regression analyses with S-SM, S-EC, and S-SN were considered as outcomes and student- and school-level (aggregated) factors were considered as independent variables. The highest prevalence was observed for S-EC (girls 29%, boys 35%), followed by S-SM (16%, 15%) and S-SN (10%, 16%). Compared to those planning for general upper secondary education, S-SM was the highest for those without educational aspirations (OR = 1.20, 95% CI = 1.04–1.40), S-EC for those planning for vocational education [1.15 (1.05–1.25)], and S-SN for those planning for extra year/discontinuation [1.65 (1.04–2.60)] among girls. Among boys, both S-SM [1.37 (1.23–1.52)] and S-EC [1.19 (1.09–1.29)] were the highest among those planning for vocational education, with no clear associations with S-SN. Current other tobacco/e-cigarette use [OR range 1.27–8.87], positive attitude towards product use in one's age group [3.55–6.63], and liking school [0.58–0.68] consistently associated with susceptibility. Students not planning for academically oriented education had higher susceptibility to different nicotine products. High S-EC warrants monitoring to strengthen policy evaluation and prevention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: To compare four a priori rival mediated pathways of frequent social media use, electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) use and internalizing mental health (MH) problems across five waves of nationally representative data. Design, setting and participants: This was a longitudinal study using data drawn from waves 2–5 (October 2014–November 2019) of the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health Study, a nationally representative cohort study spanning approximately 5 years, conducted in the United States. The analytical sample of participants included those who were aged 12–14 years at wave 2 and who provided data in subsequent waves until wave 4.5 (n = 4627, 69.7% were White and 51.4% were male). Measurements: Frequent social media use (several times a day), ENDS use (past 30‐day use) and internalizing MH problems (endorsed symptoms on four items in the past year) were dichotomized for analysis. Findings The weighted proportions of the three key variables increased over time. From wave 2 to wave 5, frequent social media use grew from 56.9 to 77.2%; internalizing MH problems from 18.9 to 29.0%; and ENDS use from 1.4 to 11.4%. In weighted logistic regressions using generalized linear mixed models with random effects, there was a significant within‐person association between frequent social media use at time t and greater ENDS use at t + 1 [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 1.87; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.47, 2.37] and worsened internalizing MH problems at t + 1 (aOR = 1.19; 95% CI = 1.04, 1.37). A model‐based causal mediation analysis and marginal structural models were fitted to estimate the average causal mediation effect. Among all four examined mediation pathways throughout the three constructs, partial mediation was observed, and all the pathways were significant for both boys and girls. Sex differences did not emerge in the examined prospective mediated pathways. Conclusions: Among youth in the United States, frequent social media use appears to mediate the prospective association between experiencing internalizing mental health problems and using electronic nicotine delivery systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Australia introduced a prescription only policy for e‐cigarettes in 2011 to prevent uptake among youth while allowing smokers to access e‐cigarettes for cessation. This is one of the restrictive forms of regulation for e‐cigarettes recommended by the World Health Organisation. Aims: To assess whether the policy has prevented e‐cigarette youth uptake and facilitated smokers' access to e‐cigarettes for cessation; and to examine a proposed toughening of the policy. Methods: An analysis of survey and administrative data on e‐cigarette use and smoking and a critical analysis of the contents of submissions to parliamentary inquiries into the policy. Results: E‐cigarette use among youth and young adults has increased steeply since 2016 but very few of these products have been obtained through the prescription system, because medical authorities discourage their use. A policy change in 2021 to increase the prescription of e‐cigarettes has not reduced e‐cigarette use among youth and only marginally increased rates of prescribing. Australian policy makers have nonetheless tightened the prescription system by banning any use of e‐cigarettes unless prescribed by a doctor and dispensed by a pharmacist. Implications: Australia's tightened prescription policy for e‐cigarettes may reduce adolescent vaping but at the risk of reducing smokers' access to e‐cigarettes and increasing the size of the illicit market for combustible cigarettes and e‐cigarettes. A more effective policy would allow vapes to be sold as consumer products by licensed tobacconists under regulations that require prior product approval, plain packaging, bans on their promotion and enforced age restrictions on purchases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Despite policies setting a minimum legal sales age, youth continue to access electronic cigarettes (ECs). Evidence of rising youth vaping prevalence in many countries suggests existing measures have serious loopholes and raise important questions about how youth source vaping products. Aims and Methods We explored how youth source ECs using in-depth interviews with 30 adolescents aged 16–17 who vaped at least once a month and lived in Aotearoa New Zealand. Our semistructured interview guide probed participants' vaping experiences and how they developed and used social, quasi-commercial, and commercial supply routes to access ECs. We used an inductive reflexive thematic analysis approach to interpret the data. Results Nearly all participants shared ECs with peers and sharing was the sole access route for some. Many used proxies, often older relatives or people they knew socially, to purchase ECs on their behalf; however, others recruited proxies by approaching previously unknown people they identified on social media. Participants also sourced ECs via quasi-commercial networks that existed within schools and on social media, and some purchased in their own right, usually from smaller retail outlets that did not ask for ID. Conclusions Disrupting social supply will be challenging, though reducing ECs' availability, appeal, and affordability could make social supply, including sharing and proxy purchasing, more difficult. Reports that youth purchase ECs from commercial retailers known to waive age verification suggest stronger monitoring and enforcement, along with escalating retailer penalties, are required. Implications Vaping access routes sit on a continuum from informal, spontaneous sharing to carefully planned commercial purchases. While supply via friends, siblings and other social contacts is an important means of access, nicotine dependence drives some to use riskier access routes, including approaching unknown people to act as proxy purchasers. Evidence young people identify noncompliant retailers suggests policy makers should monitor and enforce existing measures more stringently and consider additional penalties for recidivist underage suppliers. A more comprehensive response that reduces the appeal, addictiveness, affordability, and availability of vaping products would address factors fostering and maintaining youth vaping. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction The prevalence of adolescent nicotine vaping declined substantially after the COVID-19 pandemic onset in the United States during the Spring of 2020. This study examines whether the decline continued from 2022 to 2023, and the extent to which any decline reflects the lasting influence of lowered levels of initiation 3 years earlier, at the onset of the pandemic. Aims and Methods Data for this study come from nationally representative, cross-sectional surveys of U.S. 12th-grade (n  = 9854) and 10th-grade (n  = 14 663) students administered in the Spring of 2022 and 2023. The main outcomes are past 12-month nicotine vaping and grade first ever vaped nicotine. Results From 2022 to 2023 prevalence of past 12-month nicotine vaping declined a relative 20% for 12th-grade students, from 24.3% to 19.1%, and for 10th-grade students by a relative 16%, from 17.8% to 15.1%. Among 12th-grade students who vaped nicotine in the past 12 months, a significant decline in prevalence took place only among those who first ever vaped nicotine in ninth grade, and not among those who first ever vaped nicotine in any other grade. Among 10th grade students who vaped nicotine in the past 12 months, a significant decline in prevalence took place only among those who first ever vaped nicotine in seventh grade, and not among those who first ever vaped nicotine in any other grade. Conclusions These results contribute national-level evidence that forestalled initiation of nicotine use for 1 year may have a lasting effect that continues to lower adolescents' levels of use many years afterward. Implications These findings caution against looking to contemporaneous policy for explanations of the large, 1-year decline in nicotine vaping from 2022 to 2023. It can be tempting to interpret the decline as a victory for current efforts to restrict adolescent access to vaping products, or current education/media campaigns that warn adolescents of the dangers of vaping. The findings of this study suggest, instead, that the 1-year vaping declines primarily result from declines in initiation that were set into place 3 years ago during the pandemic onset, more so than the immediate result of contemporaneous policy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Smokers have a higher chance of developing peri-implant diseases and are therefore considered an at-risk population. Our aim was to compare peri-implant characteristics in users of electronic cigarettes (EC), waterpipes (WP), cigarettes (CS), smokeless tobacco (ST), and nonsmokers (nonusers of any nicotine and tobacco product; NS). Aims and Methods A systematic search of four electronic databases (PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and CENTRAL) was performed until April 2023, restricted to English language. Thirty-nine observational studies were included in the qualitative synthesis, of which 32 studies were included in a Bayesian network meta-analysis. Using a predesigned form, two researchers independently collected data about marginal bone loss (MBL), probing pocket depth (PPD), plaque index, bleeding on probing, modified plaque index, probing pocket depth > 4 mm (PPD > 4), gingival index, peri-implant sulcular fluid volume, and TNF-α and IL-1β levels. QUIPS and CINeMA were used to evaluate the risk of bias and certainty of evidence. Results Nonsmokers had the smallest MBL. Most nicotine-containing product users had significantly higher MBL (CS, mean difference [MD]: 1.34 credible interval [CrI]: 0.85, 1.79; WP, MD: 1.58 CrI: 0.84, 2.35; ST, MD: 2.53, CrI: 1.20, 3.87) than NS. Electronic cigarettes did not show significant difference compared to NS (MD: 0.52 CrI: −0.33, 1.36). In secondary outcomes, NS were ranked in first place. Subset analysis based on smoking habit, implant duration, and maintenance control revealed no differences in ranking probability. Conclusions Most nicotine-containing product users presented worse peri-implant parameters compared to NS, while EC users did not show significant differences to NS in many outcomes. Implications Alternative nicotine-containing products are gaining popularity and are often considered less harmful by the general public compared to traditional cigarettes. This is the first network meta-analysis comparing users of four nicotine-containing products and NS. This study shows that CS, WP, and ST have a detrimental effect on the overall health of peri-implant tissues. EC users also presented inferior parameters compared to NS; however, the difference was not significant in many outcomes. It is essential to educate patients who are using nicotine-containing products, and to provide proper maintenance and appropriate cessation support. Well-designed multiarmed studies are needed for direct comparison of different products, including heated tobacco products. Greater transparency of confounding factors is needed regarding smoking habit and oral hygiene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction The neural underpinnings underlying individual differences in nicotine-enhanced reward sensitivity (NERS) and smoking progression are poorly understood. Thus, we investigated whether brain resting-state functional connectivity (rsFC.) during smoking abstinence predicts NERS and smoking progression in young light smokers. We hypothesized that high rsFC between brain areas with high densities of nicotinic receptors (insula, anterior cingulate cortex [ACC], hippocampus, thalamus) and areas involved in reward-seeking (nucleus accumbens [NAcc], prefrontal cortex [PFC]) would predict NERS and smoking progression. Aims and Methods Young light smokers (N  = 64, age 18–24, M = 1.89 cigarettes/day) participated in the study. These individuals smoked between 5 and 35 cigarettes per week and lifetime use never exceeded 35 cigarettes per week. Their rsFC was assessed using functional magnetic resonance imaging after 14 hours of nicotine deprivation. Subjects also completed a probabilistic reward task after smoking a placebo on 1 day and a regular cigarette on another day. Results The probabilistic-reward-task assessed greater NERS was associated with greater rsFC between the right anterior PFC and right NAcc, but with reduced rsFC between the ACC and left inferior prefrontal gyrus and the insula and ACC. Decreased rsFC within the salience network (ACC and insula) predicted increased smoking progression across 18 months and greater NERS. Conclusions These findings provide the first evidence that differences in rsFCs in young light smokers are associated with nicotine-enhanced reward sensitivity and smoking progression. Clinical trial registration NCT02129387 (preregistered hypothesis: www.clinicaltrials.gov). Implications Weaker rsFC within the salience network predicted greater NERS and smoking progression. These findings suggest that salience network rsFC and drug-enhanced reward sensitivity may be useful tools and potential endophenotypes for reward sensitivity and drug-dependence research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction The implementation of tobacco control policies has been a neglected topic in tobacco research. A comprehensive Tobacco Action Plan including plain packaging, a point-of-sale display ban, a ban on characterizing flavors (in products other than cigarettes), a strengthening of the promotion and marketing ban, a ban on the sale of novel nicotine products to minors, smoke-and nicotine-free-school hours in all-schools with minors, and a significant increase in tobacco tax, was adopted in Denmark in 2019. Aims and Methods Eleven people involved or very close to the advocacy process were invited, two did not respond and nine attended our research center. We used the nominal group technique, a consensus method, to identify the most important driving factors for passing the Tobacco Action Plan. Results The round-robin identified 39 driving factors merged into 13 in the clarification phase. In the ranking phase, participants agreed on seven factors that they perceived have strongly influenced the political will to strengthen national tobacco control comprehensively. The most important factors were national data and evidence, a nationwide alliance with broad partnerships, a strict focus on young people, continuous media coverage, intensive lobbying by many different advocates, making it a community agenda—not a political one, and effective professional campaigns. Conclusions Our findings agree with experiences from other countries that significantly improved tobacco control. The Danish strategy, including a nationwide alliance with broad partnerships, had a high influence on the political agenda. Implications In this study, there was a consensus that seven factors strongly influenced the political will to comprehensively strengthen the national tobacco control in Denmark in a short time: national data and evidence; a nationwide alliance with broad partnerships; a strict focus on children and young people; continuous media coverage; intensive lobbying by many different advocates; making it a community agenda—not a political one, and effective professional campaigns. This is consistent with findings from other countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction The subjective experience of positive and negative effects of e-cigarette use has been shown to relate to e-cigarette use outcomes in adults, but no validated measure of e-cigarette subjective response exists for adolescents and young adults (AYAs). In the current study, the psychometric properties of the Modified E-cigarette Evaluation Questionnaire (MECEQ) were evaluated for use with AYAs. Aims and Methods Nine hundred and ninety-seven AYAs who endorsed using nicotine e-cigarettes at least 4 days per week completed an anonymous, online survey in 2022 (51.1% male; 17.39 [1.88] years old; 33.9% Hispanic; 68% White). Analyses included factor analysis to determine the latent structure of the MECEQ, internal consistency, measurement invariance, between-group differences, and test-criterion relationships with vaping frequency and dependence. Results The originally proposed, five-factor structure and a novel four-factor structure were supported, and each subscale was internally consistent. Both models reached scalar invariance for all participant subgroups tested (eg, sex and daily vaping status), and several between-group differences were observed. For instance, compared to less frequent vaping, daily vaping was associated with increased craving reduction (five-factor), reduced stimulant effects (four-factor), and reduced Aversion (five-factor; four-factor). Adjusted relationships between both MECEQ versions and vaping frequency and dependence provided evidence of concurrent validity. Conclusions Similar to adults, a five-factor and four-factor version of the MECEQ were supported and evidenced internal consistency, scalar measurement invariance, and concurrent relationships with vaping frequency and dependence. Moving forward, researchers are encouraged to include the MECEQ in future studies to better understand the importance of subjective response in AYA vaping behavior. Implications The Modified E-cigarette Evaluation Questionnaire (MCEQ), an e-cigarette-adapted version of the Modified Cigarette Evaluation Questionnaire (MCEQ), recently was validated to assess subjective e-cigarette effects among adults. Here, we demonstrate that the MECEQ can be used among AYAs. The MECEQ can be scored using the original, five-factor MCEQ structure or using a novel, four-factor structure. Both versions were internally consistent, reached scalar measurement invariance, and evidenced concurrent relationships with vaping frequency and dependence. In sum, this study provides the field with the first psychometrically sound measure of the subjective effects of e-cigarette use for use with AYAs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction This study aimed to assess the role of the rs16969968 variant of nicotinic receptor alpha-5 subunit in regulating smoking behavior and nicotine intake in response to nicotine manipulations among dependent smokers in a naturalistic environment. Aims and Methods Sixty-nine adults (19 females) smoking 10 or more cigarettes per day (CPD) were asked to complete four 2-week study phases during which they smoked exclusively one of two types of Spectrum nicotine research cigarettes (FTC nicotine yield 0.8 and 1.6 mg, respectively), their usual brand of cigarettes, or their usual brand of cigarettes while wearing a 21-mg nicotine patch. Measurements included rs16969968 genotype, number of CPD, smoking topography, and plasma cotinine. Results Compared to controls (G/G carriers), A allele carriers reported smoking 4 to 5 more CPD across all conditions (all p s < .05). Mean total smoke volume per day and cotinine were greater in A allele carriers than in controls (p s = .05,.046, respectively). No significant genotype differences were found in smoking compensation indices for the switch from medium to high-nicotine-yield cigarettes. Nicotine patch-induced reductions in cigarettes smoked per day and total smoke volume per day showed significant interactions between genotype and pre-patch levels, with heavier smokers showing greater effects of genotype (p = .052 and p  = .006, respectively). Conclusions Results suggest that the rs16969968 variants regulate the heaviness of smoking primarily by their impact on daily numbers of cigarettes smoked, but no genotype differences were found in smoking compensation after switching from medium to high-nicotine cigarettes. Implications The differences in daily cigarette consumption between rs16969968 risk-allele carriers and controls are shown to be consistent regardless of manipulations of cigarette nicotine content and transdermal nicotine supplementation and markedly greater among dependent smokers than those observed in the general smoker populations. G/G allele carriers, relative to A allele carriers, appeared to be more sensitive to the nicotine patch manipulation, reducing their smoking to a greater extent. These findings support continued efforts in the development of personalized intervention strategies to reduce the rs16969968-conveyed genetic propensity for heavy smoking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Tobacco use is a major threat to health globally. A number of countries have adopted "endgame goals" to minimize smoking prevalence. The INSPIRED project aims to describe and compare the experiences of the first six countries to adopt an endgame goal. Aims and Methods Data were collected on the initial experiences of endgame goals in Canada, Finland, Ireland, New Zealand (Aotearoa), Scotland, and Sweden up to 2018. Information was collated on the nature of the endgame goals, associated interventions and strategies, potential enablers and barriers, and perceived advantages and disadvantages. Results The INSPIRED countries had relatively low smoking prevalences and moderate-to-strong smoke-free policies. Their endgame goals aimed for smoking prevalences of 5% or less. Target dates ranged from 2025 to 2035. Except for New Zealand (Aotearoa), all countries had an action plan to support their goal by 2018. However, none of the plans incorporated specific endgame measures. Lack of progress in reducing inequities was a key concern, despite the consideration of equity in all of the country's goals and/or action plans. Experience with endgame goals was generally positive; however, participants thought additional interventions would be required to equitably meet their endgame goal. Conclusions There was variation in the nature and approach to endgame goals. This suggests that countries should consider adopting endgame goals and strategies to suit their social, cultural, and political contexts. The experiences of the INSPIRED countries suggest that further and more significant interventions will be required for the timely and equitable achievement of endgame goals. Implications By 2018, six countries (Canada, Finland, Ireland, New Zealand (Aotearoa), Scotland, and Sweden) had introduced government-endorsed "endgame goals," to rapidly reduce smoking prevalence to very low levels by a specified date. The nature and implementation of endgame goals were variable. Early experiences with the goals were generally positive, but progress in reducing smoking prevalence was insufficient, particularly for priority groups. This finding suggests more significant interventions ("endgame interventions") and measures to reduce inequities need to be implemented to achieve endgame goals. Variation in the nature and experience of endgame goals demonstrates the importance of designing endgame strategies that suit distinct social, cultural, and political contexts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To examine use and frequency patterns across e-cigarettes, cigarettes, and little cigars, cigars, and cigarillos (LCCs) over time and determine whether patterns differ by race and ethnicity. Methods: Data was obtained from the Truth Longitudinal Cohort of youth and young adults between September 2020 and June 2022. Latent class and transition analyses were used to classify participants (N = 4448) into subgroups, based on frequency of tobacco product use in the past 30 days, and to estimate the probability of use pattern transitions by race and ethnicity, adjusted for the effects of gender, financial situation, parental education, household tobacco use, and sensation seeking. Results: Four latent classes were identified: former/noncurrent users, predominantly frequent to daily (FTD) e-cigarette users, predominantly FTD e-cigarette and LCC users, and predominantly FTD cigarette with polytobacco users. Use trajectories differed by race and ethnicity. A lower proportion of those who identified as non-Hispanic Black (60.0%) remained e-cigarette and LCC users, relative to those who identified as non-Hispanic White (86.0%), Hispanic or Latino (86.0%), and another race and ethnicity (79.0%). A lower proportion of those who identified as Hispanic or Latino (54.0%) and another race and ethnicity (59.9%) remained cigarette with polytobacco users, relative to those who identified as non-Hispanic White (76.0%) and non-Hispanic Black (72.0%). A greater proportion of non-Hispanic Black respondents transitioned from e-cigarette and LCC user to former/noncurrent user (40.0%) and polytobacco user to e-cigarette and LCC user (11.0%), relative to other racial/ethnic groups. Conclusion: More research is needed to determine why tobacco use trajectories differ by race and ethnicity. Such research will be important in informing comprehensive approaches that promote evidence-based prevention policies and programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]