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Introduction: Many smokers attempt to stop smoking every year, but the vast majority of quit attempts fail. This study examined prospectively the association between post‐quitting experiences and smoking relapse among ex‐smokers in Australia and the United Kingdom. Methods: Data came from 584 adult ex‐smokers from Australia and the United Kingdom who participated in Wave 9 of the International Tobacco Control Four Country Survey and successfully followed up a year later (Wave 10). Binary logistic regression was used to examine whether baseline post‐quitting experiences predicted relapse back to smoking at follow‐up. Results: Ex‐smokers who perceived their stress coping ability had gotten worse since quitting were more likely to relapse back to smoking compared to their counterparts who reported no change (odds ratio = 5.77, 95% confidence interval = 1.64, 20.31, P < 0.01). Ex‐smokers who reported their homes had become fresher and cleaner post quitting were less likely to relapse compared to those who did not notice any change (odds ratio = 0.34, 95% confidence interval = 0.13, 0.93, P < 0.05). Perceived changes in life enjoyment, negative affect control, social confidence, work performance, leisure time and financial situation did not independently predict relapse. No country differences were found. Discussion and Conclusions: The study showed that ex‐smokers' relapse risk was elevated if they perceived any negative impact of quitting on their stress coping whereas relapse risk was reduced if they perceived any positive impact of quitting on the home (e.g. fresher and cleaner). Helping ex‐smokers to develop alternative stress coping strategies and highlighting the positive impacts of quitting smoking on the homes may help protect against smoking relapse. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Resumen: Objetivo: Determinar la tasa de decepción o concordancia entre la respuesta de los pacientes con enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica (EPOC) sobre su hábito tabáquico y la medición del mismo por cooximetría en una consulta monográfica EPOC. Diseño: Estudio observacional prospectivo para determinar la concordancia entre los valores de cooximetría y la respuesta a entrevista clínica sobre hábito tabáquico. Emplazamiento: Consulta monográfica de EPOC, Neumología, Sevilla. Participantes: Pacientes con diagnóstico confirmado de EPOC en cualquier grado. Intervenciones: Entrevista clínica y medición de monóxido de carbono mediante cooximetría. Mediciones principales: Valores de cooximetría, respuestas sobre hábito tabáquico, variables sociodemográficas. Resultados: Se incluyó un total de 169 pacientes (n: 169) de los cuales, 107 presentaron valores menores o iguales 6 ppm frente a 62 con valores mayores a 6 ppm, determinando una prevalencia de tabaquismo activo del 36,7%.La tasa de decepción fue del 19,5% del total de la muestra (24,3% de entre todos los que afirmaban no fumar), con una kappa de Cohen de 0,48 y p < 0,000. El 40% de los pacientes confesó no haber dicho la verdad.No se encontró ninguna relación de este dato con la edad, el consumo acumulado de tabaco ni el FEV1. Se halló una relación significativa con el sexo (tasa de decepción: 31,8% en las mujeres vs. 15,2% en los hombres, p 0,017). Conclusiones: A pesar de nuestros intentos para que los pacientes dejen de fumar, la tasa de decepción en nuestra consulta fue considerable, mayor entre las mujeres, exfumadores recientes o en proceso de abandono, por lo que sería fundamental incorporar medidas objetivas como el cooxímetro en el abordaje de este tipo de pacientes. Summary: Objective: To determine the deception rate or concordance between the interview on smoking and cooximetry in COPD patients from a monographic consultation. Design: Prospective observational study to evaluate the concordance between the values of cooximetry and the response to a clinical interview on smoking. Setting: COPD monographic consultation, Pneumology, Seville. Participants: Patients with a confirmed diagnosis of COPD in any degree. Interventions: Clinical interview and measurement of carbon monoxide by cooximetry. Main measurements: Cooximetry values, responses on smoking, sociodemographic variables. Results: n: 169. 107 patients presented values less than or equal to 6 ppm compared to 62 with values greater than 6 ppm, determining a prevalence of active smoking of 36.7%.The deception rate was 19.5% of the total sample (24.3% of all those who claimed not to smoke), with a Cohen kappa of 0.48 and p < 0.000. 40% of patients confessed not having told the truth.No relationship of this data was found with age, accumulated tobacco consumption or FEV1. A significant relationship with sex was found (deception rate: 31.8% in women vs. 15.2% in men, p 0.017). Conclusions: In spite of our attempts to make patients stop smoking, a considerable deception rate was found in our consultation; higher among women, recent ex-smokers or in the process of abandonment, so it would be essential to incorporate objective measures such as the cooximeter in the approach of this type of patient.

Objective: Smoking is a modifiable cardiovascular risk factor closely related to arterial stiffness (AS). However, data are lacking regarding the chronic effects of smoking on AS, especially in ex-smoker (ES) who faces remnant cardiovascular risk when compared to never-smokers (NS). Methods: Among 1722 health screening participants, we retrospectively evaluated 652 healthy men with different smoking history [240 current smoker (CS) vs. 228 ES vs. 184 NS]. To assess AS, augmentation index (AIx), pulse pressure amplification (PPamp), and carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV) were measured and compared. Results: Baseline characteristics were similar except age and triglyceride level. AIx was lowest in NS, followed by ES, and was highest in CS. PPamp was highest in NS, lowest in CS, and ES was of intermediate level. The differences were more robust after adjustment for baseline covariates (AIx, p = 0.005; PPamp: p = 0.001). On the other hand, no significant intergroup difference was observed for cfPWV in our middle-aged population. With the regression analyses revealing an independent association between smoking duration and AS in ES, subgroup analysis demonstrated that long-term ES (smoking duration ≥20 years) had significantly higher AS than short-term ES (

Abstract Background Tobacco smoking is a recognized risk factor for many chronic diseases and previous study evidences have indicated that smokers receive smoking cessation service after the diagnosis of chronic diseases increases successful rate in quitting. But the prevalence of tobacco related chronic diseases (TCD) among smokers, as well as the role of TCD diagnosis in smoking cessation is still unclear in China. Methods From June 2016 to December 2017, we sampled 36, 698 residents aged over 18 years by a three stage sampling in Songjiang district, Shanghai. We conducted a cross-sectional study to understand the prevalence of TCD among smokers, and the role of TCD diagnosis in smoking cessation among ex-smokers as well as the smoking cessation attempt among current smokers. Results Over all, the prevalence of current smoking is 19.78% (48.36% for male and 0.22% for female). 15.93% of smokers have stopped smoking successfully (1, 376/8, 636). The prevalence of ten selected TCDs among smokers range from 0.63% (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, COPD) to 36.31% (hypertension). All of 1, 376 ex-smokers had at least one kind of TCD, and 52.33% of them stop smoking after the diagnosis of TCD, the time interval between TCD diagnosis and smoking cessation ranges from 0 to 65 years, with a median of 9 years. Smokers with TCD had higher prevalence of quit smoking, and current smokers with TCD had higher smoking cessation attempt proportion. Conclusions The prevalence of current smoking is still very high among male residents in rural area of Shanghai, and the occurrence of TCD even non-lethal one could provide an opportunity for doctors to assist the smoking cessation among smokers.

Objective: Smoking is a modifiable cardiovascular risk factor closely related to arterial stiffness (AS). However, data are lacking regarding the chronic effects of smoking on AS, especially in ex-smoker (ES) who faces remnant cardiovascular risk when compared to never-smokers (NS). Methods: Among 1722 health screening participants, we retrospectively evaluated 652 healthy men with different smoking history [240 current smoker (CS) vs. 228 ES vs. 184 NS]. To assess AS, augmentation index (AIx), pulse pressure amplification (PPamp), and carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV) were measured and compared. Results: Baseline characteristics were similar except age and triglyceride level. AIx was lowest in NS, followed by ES, and was highest in CS. PPamp was highest in NS, lowest in CS, and ES was of intermediate level. The differences were more robust after adjustment for baseline covariates (AIx, p = 0.005; PPamp: p = 0.001). On the other hand, no significant intergroup difference was observed for cfPWV in our middle-aged population. With the regression analyses revealing an independent association between smoking duration and AS in ES, subgroup analysis demonstrated that long-term ES (smoking duration ≥20 years) had significantly higher AS than short-term ES (<20 years) and NS, approaching levels comparable to CS (AIx and PPamp: p < 0.0001). Conclusions: Our study demonstrated impaired arterial elastic properties in long-term ES, suggesting that AS caused by chronic smoking might be irreversible even after smoking cessation. Further longitudinal studies are warranted to determine the impacts of past smoking on AS and its clinical relevance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Although smoking increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases, its quitting leads to weight gain due to increased appetite. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of face to face dietary counseling on metabolic syndrome (MetS) indices in cigarette quitter. Materials and Methods: This 9-week parallel randomized clinical trial was conducted by participation of 50 patients with metabolic syndrome who have recently quit smoking. Participants were assigned randomly into two groups. Intervention group (IG) received weekly nutritional education and consultation, while control group (CG) did not receive any intervention. Before and after the trial, both groups were evaluated nutritionally using 24-hour dietary recall questionnaire, and metabolic syndrome parameters were measured. Paired T-test and ANCOVA were used for statistical analysis. Results: After intervention, weight, body mass index (BMI), triglycerides and systolic blood pressure were significantly different between CG and IG, while indices of low-density lipoprotein (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein (HDL-C) and diastolic blood pressure were not significantly different between two groups. Amount of energy, lipid, protein, and carbohydrate intake were significantly lower in IG compare to CG. After adjustment of age, duration of smoking and the initial concentration of biochemical and anthropometric factors, significant differences were found between IG and CG in the changes of LDL-C (P-value 0.001), BMI (P-value 0.001), weight (P-value 0.001), waist circumference (P-value 0.002), and triglyceride (P-value 0.001).While the difference in changes of HDL-C, FBS, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, were not significant between two groups. Conclusion: Given the findings of this study, nutritional counseling could improve some indices of MetS in cigarette quitters.

Pulmonary emphysema usually arises in cigarette smokers, and often progresses after smoking cessation and even in ex-smokers. Lung-epithelial cell adhesion molecule 1 (CADM1), an immunoglobulin superfamily member, is extracellularly shed to produce a proapoptotic C-terminal fragment (CTF) within the cell and contribute to the development of emphysema. Here, we made an ex-smoker model using C57BL/6 mice; mice (6-week-old; 5 mice per group) were exposed to passive smoke of eight cigarettes twice a day 5 days a week until 18 weeks of age, and were then left untreated until 30 weeks of age. We calculated the mean linear intercept (Lm) and the alveolar septal thickness in the lung histologic sections to estimate the alveolar space dilatation. At 18 weeks of age, Lm was marginally enlarged (P = 0.023) with a marked increase in the septal thickness (P < 0.001) in comparison with age-matched control mice (5 mice per group), while at 30 weeks, the increase in Lm was much more prominent (P = 0.006) and the septal thickness was normalized, suggesting that emphysema progressed with septal remodeling during smoking cessation. Western blot analyses of the lungs were performed for CADM1, a possible CADM1 sheddase ADAM10, an epithelial marker pan-cytokeratin, and a myofibroblastic marker α-smooth muscle actin to estimate the expression levels of CTF and ADAM10 per epithelial cell and the levels of pan-cytokeratin and αSMA per tissue. CADM1 shedding was increased in the treated mice than in control mice at both ages, in association with an increase in the CTF level at 30 weeks (P = 0.021). In total of the treated and control mice of 30 weeks of age, Lm was positively correlated with the CTF and ADAM10 levels, and pan-cytokeratin was negatively correlated with CTF, suggesting an involvement of CADM1 shedding in emphysema progression. Positive correlations were also found between CTF and ADAM10, and between ADAM10 and αSMA, suggesting that increased septal myofibroblasts might be involved in increased CADM1 shedding. Taken together, persisting increase in ectodomain shedding of CADM1 appeared to contribute to the progression of emphysema in ex-smokers, and might be accounted for by alveolar septal remodeling.

ALK gene rearrangements are identified in 2-5 % of all non-small cell lung cancer and are more common in lifetime non-smokers with adenocarcinoma, but the prevalence of ALK rearrangements is not as well characterized in long-term ex-smokers (quit >10 years prior to diagnosis). Accurate and timely diagnosis of ALK-rearranged tumors is of clinical importance given the remarkable response to targeted inhibitors. ALK gene rearrangement may be detected by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), and abnormal expression of ALK protein may be detected by immunohistochemistry (IHC), the latter of which is faster and less expensive. The aim of this study is to evaluate the prevalence of ALK rearrangement in non-smokers and long-term ex-smokers with lung adenocarcinoma and to assess the performance of IHC for the detection of ALK+ tumors when compared to FISH. Two hundred fifty-one cases of resected lung adenocarcinoma were retrospectively reviewed, including non-smokers (n = 79) or long-term ex-smokers (n = 172). ALK IHC and ALK FISH were performed on each case. Four cases demonstrated ALK rearrangement by FISH (4/251; 1.6 %). All cases were non-smokers (4/79; 5.1 %), and all were positive for ALK by IHC. No additional cases were considered positive by IHC, and only 26 (10.4 %) cases were considered equivocal using a conservative approach to interpretation, resulting in a sensitivity of 100 % and specificity of 89.5 %. ALK rearrangement was not observed in lung adenocarcinoma arising in long-term ex-smokers, whereas it is seen in up to 5.1 % of lifetime non-smokers. ALK IHC using the 5A4 antibody demonstrates high sensitivity, supporting its use as a screening test. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Although smoking increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases, its quitting leads to weight gain due to increased appetite. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of face to face dietary counseling on metabolic syndrome (MetS) indices in cigarette quitter. Materials and Methods: This 9-week parallel randomized clinical trial was conducted by participation of 50 patients with metabolic syndrome who have recently quit smoking. Participants were assigned randomly into two groups. Intervention group (IG) received weekly nutritional education and consultation, while control group (CG) did not receive any intervention. Before and after the trial, both groups were evaluated nutritionally using 24-hour dietary recall questionnaire, and metabolic syndrome parameters were measured. Paired T-test and ANCOVA were used for statistical analysis. Results: After intervention, weight, body mass index (BMI), triglycerides and systolic blood pressure were significantly different between CG and IG, while indices of low-density lipoprotein (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein (HDL-C) and diastolic blood pressure were not significantly different between two groups. Amount of energy, lipid, protein, and carbohydrate intake were significantly lower in IG compare to CG. After adjustment of age, duration of smoking and the initial concentration of biochemical and anthropometric factors, significant differences were found between IG and CG in the changes of LDL-C (P-value 0.001), BMI (P-value 0.001), weight (P-value 0.001), waist circumference (P-value 0.002), and triglyceride (P-value 0.001). While the difference in changes of HDL-C, FBS, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, were not significant between two groups. Conclusion: Given the findings of this study, nutritional counseling could improve some indices of MetS in cigarette quitters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The relationship of coronary artery disease (CAD) in ex-smokers has not been elucidated, although smoking is considered to be one of the major risk factors of CAD. We investigate subclinical coronary atherosclerosis (SCA) in asymptomatic subjects with coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA), according to smoking status, and determine whether ex-smokers share a low probability of developing CAD with never-smokers. We retrospectively enrolled 6930 self-referred asymptomatic adults who underwent both coronary artery calcium score (CACS) and CCTA. The prevalence and characteristics of SCA were assessed according to smoking status (never-, ex- and current smokers). After adjusting for variable risk factors, we used multivariate logistic regression for adjusted odds ratios (AOR) of high CACS (>100), SCA (any plaque), significant stenosis (>50 % in luminal stenosis) and each plaque type (non-calcified, mixed and calcified plaque) among the three groups. The prevalence of SCA was highest in the ex-smokers (35.4 %) and the prevalence of significant stenosis in ex-smokers (6.9 %) was as high as in current smokers (6.4 %). However, after adjusting for variable risk factors, SCA was significantly correlated with both ex-smokers (AOR; 1.21) and current smokers (AOR; 1.25), whereas significant stenosis was correlated only with current smokers (AOR; 1.91). The association between SCA and ex-smokers is as strong as with current smokers, although significant stenosis is only correlated with current smokers; thus, not only quitting smoking but also never initiating smoking would be helpful to reduce the progression of the SCA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study describes for the first time the expression levels of genes encoding membrane transporters and drug-metabolizing enzymes in the lungs of ex-smoking patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Membrane transporters and drug-metabolizing enzymes are key determinants of drug uptake, metabolism, and elimination for systemically administered as well as inhaled drugs, with consequent influence on clinical efficacy and patient safety. In this study, while no difference in gene expression was found between healthy and COPD subjects, we identified a significant regional difference in mRNA expression of both membrane transporters and drug-metabolizing enzymes between central and peripheral tissue in both healthy and COPD subjects. The majority of the differentially expressed genes were higher expressed in the central airways such as the transporters SLC2A1 (GLUT1), SLC28A3 (CNT3), and SLC22A4 (OCTN1) and the drug-metabolizing enzymes GSTZ1, GSTO2, and CYP2F1. Together, this increased knowledge of local pharmacokinetics in diseased and normal lung may improve modeling of clinical outcomes of new chemical entities intended for inhalation therapy delivered to COPD patients. In addition, based on the similarities between COPD and healthy subjects regarding gene expression of membrane transporters and drug-metabolizing enzymes, our results suggest that clinical pharmacological studies in healthy volunteers could be a valid model of COPD patients regarding drug disposition of inhaled drugs in terms of drug metabolism and drug transporters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To assess the efficacy of nationwide anti-smoking campaign, we compared the findings of a study on worker smoking performed in 2005 with our latest cross-sectional study completed in 2010. It included 753 randomly selected workers, of whom 126 office, 108 construction, 93 agricultural, 97 petroleum refinery, 114 textile, 117 food processing workers, and 98 cleaners. Information was collected with a self-administered questionnaire. The prevalence of current smokers among all workers was 35.4 %, ranging from 30.2 % in office workers to 43.5 % in construction workers. It did not significantly differ from the prevalence recorded in 2005 (35.4 % vs. 36.8 %, respectively; P=0.441). Mean pack-years smoked among all smokers was 12.4±2.3, ranging from 10.9 in administrative workers to 13.7 in agricultural workers. We did not find any significant difference in the prevalence of current smokers between male and female workers and between workers aged less or more than 40 years, as well as between workers of higher and lower education. The prevalence of ex-smokers was 10.5 %, ranging from 8.4 % in construction workers to 12.1% in administrative workers, whereas the prevalence of passive smokers was 29.1%, ranging from 26.2 % in food processing workers to 32.9 % in agricultural workers. Our findings indicate that the prevalence of current and passive smokers has remained high regardless of the anti-smoking campaign and call for stricter implementation of anti-smoking regulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control defines a never-smoker as someone who has smoked <100 cigarettes per lifetime. In an attempt to explore differences among nonsmokers and to validate this cutpoint, we surveyed 69 nonsmokers who had smoked between 1 and 200 cigarettes in their lifetime on their experiences during the time they smoked. Of the 7 who classified themselves as ex-smokers, 2 met DSM-IV criteria for nicotine dependence, compared with none who classified themselves as never-smokers. No respondents provided data permitting the computation of a Fagerstrom Test for Nicotine Dependence (FTND) score. Withdrawal effects were minimal, but craving, tolerance, and subjective effects showed a pattern of significant differences that were most prominent between those who smoked only 1 cigarette and those who smoked at least a pack. Our data indicate a graded effect but also suggest that 19 cigarettes per lifetime is a more conservative cutpoint than 99 for defining the never-smoker phenotype. Further investigation of the smoking trajectory and characteristics associated with development of signs of dependence in never- vs. ever-smokers may help refine this cutpoint and shed light on what protects some people who experiment with smoking from becoming chronic users. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: The association between smoking and health status including healthful life habits was evaluated in subjects living in a rural Japanese area.Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted with subjects who were smokers and ex-smokers ranging in age from 40 to 59 years who participated in health examinations in 1993 in 17 towns of Gunma Prefecture, Japan. A total of 4,629 of 6,076 subjects (76.2%) agreed to an interview by our public health nurses. Numbers of smokers and ex-smokers among subjects were 2,681 and 245, respectively.Results: Percentages of subjects in their 40s (p <0.01) who ate breakfast daily and those of subjects in their 50s (p <0.05) who exercised more than once a week were significantly higher among ex-smokers than among smokers. Mean body mass index (BMI) was higher in ex-smokers than in current smokers in their 40s (p <0.05) and 50s (p <0.01), and mean high-density lipoprotein cholesterol level (HDLC) was also significantly higher in ex-smokers than in current smokers in their 40s (p <0.05). Furthermore, two-way analysis of variance on BMI and HDLC was conducted considering smoking and drinking habits. BMI was related only with smoking both in subjects in their 40s (p <0.05) and those in their 50s (p <0.001). HDLC was related with both smoking and drinking in subjects in their 40s and to only drinking in subjects in their 50s (p <0.001).Conclusions: Ex-smokers performed regular exercise more often and showed improvement of lipid metabolism. To clarify cause–effect relationship between smoking and health status or habits, a follow-up study including factors such as smoking status, pulmonary function, exercise habits, and obesity should be conducted. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objective: To determine the deception rate or concordance between the interview on smoking and cooximetry in COPD patients from a monographic consultation., Design: Prospective observational study to evaluate the concordance between the values of cooximetry and the response to a clinical interview on smoking., Setting: COPD monographic consultation, Pneumology, Seville., Participants: Patients with a confirmed diagnosis of COPD in any degree., Interventions: Clinical interview and measurement of carbon monoxide by cooximetry., Main Measurements: Cooximetry values, responses on smoking, sociodemographic variables., Results: n: 169. 107 patients presented values less than or equal to 6 ppm compared to 62 with values greater than 6 ppm, determining a prevalence of active smoking of 36.7%. The deception rate was 19.5% of the total sample (24.3% of all those who claimed not to smoke), with a Cohen kappa of 0.48 and p < 0.000. 40% of patients confessed not having told the truth. No relationship of this data was found with age, accumulated tobacco consumption or FEV1. A significant relationship with sex was found (deception rate: 31.8% in women vs. 15.2% in men, p 0.017)., Conclusions: In spite of our attempts to make patients stop smoking, a considerable deception rate was found in our consultation; higher among women, recent ex-smokers or in the process of abandonment, so it would be essential to incorporate objective measures such as the cooximeter in the approach of this type of patient., (Copyright © 2020 The Authors. Publicado por Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.)

Introduction and Aims: This study aimed to compare current and ex-smokers' sociodemographic and psychosocial characteristics, use of cessation aids and abrupt versus gradual quitting approaches.Design and Methods: A cross-sectional survey of financially disadvantaged adults attending a community service organisation was conducted in New South Wales, Australia, between February 2012 and December 2013. Sociodemographic and psychosocial factors, use of cessation aids and gradual versus abrupt quit approach were assessed. χ2 tests and logistic regression compared characteristics of current and ex-smokers.Results: Of 905 individuals who completed the survey, 639 (71%) were current smokers and 107 (12%) were ex-smokers. Ex-smokers were older [odds ratio (OR) = 1.03, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.01, 1.05], had higher odds of being female (OR = 1.67, 95% CI = 1.06, 2.65), lower odds of being financially stressed (OR = 0.87, 95% CI = 0.76, 0.99), lower odds of anxiety and depression symptoms (OR = 0.91, 95% CI = 0.84, 0.98) and lower odds of having friends and family who were smokers (ORs ranged from 0.30-0.43). Ex-smokers had lower odds of using cessation aids and higher odds of reporting abrupt quitting during their last quit attempt (OR = 4.48, 95% CI = 2.66, 7.54).Conclusions: Lower levels of disadvantage, less smoking in social networks, less use of cessation aids and abrupt (vs. gradual) quitting approaches were associated with being an ex-smoker. Lower use of evidence based methods to quit by disadvantaged ex-smokers requires further exploration. [Twyman L, Bonevski B, Paul C, Bryant J, West R, Siahpush M, D'este C, Oldmeadow C, Palazzi K. What factors are associated with abstinence amongst socioeconomically disadvantaged smokers? A cross-sectional survey of use of cessation aids and quitting approach. Drug Alcohol Rev 2017;00:000-000]. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pulmonary emphysema usually arises in cigarette smokers, and often progresses after smoking cessation and even in ex-smokers. Lung-epithelial cell adhesion molecule 1 (CADM1), an immunoglobulin superfamily member, is extracellularly shed to produce a proapoptotic C-terminal fragment (CTF) within the cell and contribute to the development of emphysema. Here, we made an ex-smoker model using C57BL/6 mice; mice (6-week-old; 5 mice per group) were exposed to passive smoke of eight cigarettes twice a day 5 days a week until 18 weeks of age, and were then left untreated until 30 weeks of age. We calculated the mean linear intercept (Lm) and the alveolar septal thickness in the lung histologic sections to estimate the alveolar space dilatation. At 18 weeks of age, Lm was marginally enlarged ( P = 0.023) with a marked increase in the septal thickness ( P < 0.001) in comparison with age-matched control mice (5 mice per group), while at 30 weeks, the increase in Lm was much more prominent ( P = 0.006) and the septal thickness was normalized, suggesting that emphysema progressed with septal remodeling during smoking cessation. Western blot analyses of the lungs were performed for CADM1, a possible CADM1 sheddase ADAM10, an epithelial marker pan-cytokeratin, and a myofibroblastic marker α-smooth muscle actin to estimate the expression levels of CTF and ADAM10 per epithelial cell and the levels of pan-cytokeratin and αSMA per tissue. CADM1 shedding was increased in the treated mice than in control mice at both ages, in association with an increase in the CTF level at 30 weeks ( P = 0.021). In total of the treated and control mice of 30 weeks of age, Lm was positively correlated with the CTF and ADAM10 levels, and pan-cytokeratin was negatively correlated with CTF, suggesting an involvement of CADM1 shedding in emphysema progression. Positive correlations were also found between CTF and ADAM10, and between ADAM10 and αSMA, suggesting that increased septal myofibroblasts might be involved in increased CADM1 shedding. Taken together, persisting increase in ectodomain shedding of CADM1 appeared to contribute to the progression of emphysema in ex-smokers, and might be accounted for by alveolar septal remodeling.

ALK gene rearrangements are identified in 2-5 % of all non-small cell lung cancer and are more common in lifetime non-smokers with adenocarcinoma, but the prevalence of ALK rearrangements is not as well characterized in long-term ex-smokers (quit >10 years prior to diagnosis). Accurate and timely diagnosis of ALK-rearranged tumors is of clinical importance given the remarkable response to targeted inhibitors. ALK gene rearrangement may be detected by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), and abnormal expression of ALK protein may be detected by immunohistochemistry (IHC), the latter of which is faster and less expensive. The aim of this study is to evaluate the prevalence of ALK rearrangement in non-smokers and long-term ex-smokers with lung adenocarcinoma and to assess the performance of IHC for the detection of ALK+ tumors when compared to FISH. Two hundred fifty-one cases of resected lung adenocarcinoma were retrospectively reviewed, including non-smokers (n = 79) or long-term ex-smokers (n = 172). ALK IHC and ALK FISH were performed on each case. Four cases demonstrated ALK rearrangement by FISH (4/251; 1.6 %). All cases were non-smokers (4/79; 5.1 %), and all were positive for ALK by IHC. No additional cases were considered positive by IHC, and only 26 (10.4 %) cases were considered equivocal using a conservative approach to interpretation, resulting in a sensitivity of 100 % and specificity of 89.5 %. ALK rearrangement was not observed in lung adenocarcinoma arising in long-term ex-smokers, whereas it is seen in up to 5.1 % of lifetime non-smokers. ALK IHC using the 5A4 antibody demonstrates high sensitivity, supporting its use as a screening test.

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of smoking among Spanish workers after a new smoking regulation became law. The researchers conducted a retrospective study with a worker sample. Information was collected via health examinations of 185 adults with a mean age of 35.93±9.13 for men and 36.16±9.52 for women who agreed to participate in the study in 2010, 2011, and 2012. The percentages of occasional smokers, light smokers, moderate smokers, and heavy smokers were compared by year for men and women. In 2010, 18% of women smokers were occasional, 45% light, 27% moderate, and 10% heavy smokers. Twenty-two percent of male smokers were occasional, 16% light, 28% moderate, and 34% heavy smokers. In 2011, 12% of ex-smokers were women and 14% were men. In 2012, 30% of ex-smokers were women and 22% were men. In conclusion, the percentage of ex-smokers has increased in this sample after the anti-smoking law was enacted., (© 2015 The Author(s).)

Introduction: Smoking can induce the onset of Crohn's disease in genetically susceptible patients and may accelerate progression and disease severity. There is a paucity of information as to patient knowledge of the impact of smoking on disease progression. The aim of this study was to assess patient awareness, initiate smoking cessation therapy and monitor the effectiveness of an active smoking cessation programme in patients with Crohn's disease., Methods: All patients with a diagnosis of Crohn's disease over a ten year period were identified from a prospectively managed database. Details of smoking history and patient knowledge of the link between Crohn's disease and smoking were collected through a telephone questionnaire. Current smokers who wished to quit were enrolled in a smoking cessation programme and followed prospectively for 12 months., Results: 340 patients were identified with 281 eligible for inclusion. 181 patients agreed to a telephone survey (64.4% patient uptake). Smokers had an increased incidence of surgical intervention (OR 2.2; CI 1.02, 4.78 P=0.043). Awareness of the link between smoking and Crohn's disease was highest in the current smoking cohort and lowest in the non-smoking cohort (CS:NS; 79.5%:43% p<0.001). 29% of patients with a smoking history had previously been offered smoking cessation therapy. 77% of current smokers opted for smoking cessation therapy. At 6 months 53% of these patients remained smoke free and 37% at 12 months., Conclusion: In patients with Crohn's disease, information alone is ineffective at achieving smoking cessation. Good cessation rates are achievable if information is supported by active smoking cessation therapy., (Copyright © 2012 European Crohn's and Colitis Organisation. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)