The hidden impact: the rate of nicotine metabolism and kidney health.

Objectives: The effects of nicotine metabolism on the kidneys of healthy individuals have not been determined. The nicotine metabolite ratio (NMR) indicates the rate of nicotine metabolism and is linked to smoking behaviors and responses to tobacco treatments. We conducted this study in order to investigated the relationship between nicotine metabolite ratio (NMR) and kidney function. Methods: An analysis of cross-sectional data of adults was conducted using a population survey dataset (National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey Data 2013/2018 of the United States). A weighted multivariate regression analysis was conducted to estimate the correlation between NMR and kidney function. Furthermore, we apply fitting smooth curves to make the relationship between NMR and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) more visualized. Results: The research included a total of 16153 participants. Weighted multivariate regression analyses adjusted for possible variables showed a negative relationship between NMR and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR).The ß (95%CI) of the regression equation between NMR and eGFR was -2.24 (-2.92, -1.55), the trend testing showed consistent results. NMR is positively correlated with urinary albumin creatinine ratio (uACR), but it is not statistically significant. A stratified analysis found a negative correlation between NMR and eGFR in all age, gender and diabetes subgroups, the results were not statistically significant among Mexican Americans and other races. Notably, each unit rise in NMR corresponded to a 4.54 ml/min·1.73m² lower eGFR in diabetic participants and a 6.04 ml/min·1.73m² lower eGFR in those aged 60 and above. Conclusions: Our study shows that nicotine metabolite ratio is negatively associated with kidney function among most adults. It will be necessary to conduct more well-designed prospective clinical trials in order to determine the exact causal interactions between NMR and kidney function. Specific mechanisms also need to be further explored in basic experiments.

Detection and Characterization of Online Substance Use Discussions Among Gamers: Qualitative Retrospective Analysis of Reddit r/StopGaming Data.

BACKGROUND: Video games have rapidly become mainstream in recent decades, with over half of the US population involved in some form of digital gaming. However, concerns regarding the potential harms of excessive, disordered gaming have also risen. Internet gaming disorder (IGD) has been proposed as a tentative psychiatric disorder that requires further study by the American Psychological Association (APA) and is recognized as a behavioral addiction by the World Health Organization. Substance use among gamers has also become a concern, with caffeinated or energy drinks and prescription stimulants commonly used for performance enhancement. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to identify substance use patterns and health-related concerns among gamers among a population of Reddit users. METHODS: We used the public streaming Reddit application programming interface to collect and analyze all posts from the popular subreddit, r/StopGaming. From this corpus of posts, we filtered the dataset for keywords associated with common substances that may be used to enhance gaming performance. We then applied an inductive coding approach to characterize substance use behaviors, gaming genres, and physical and mental health concerns. Potential disordered gaming behavior was also identified using the tentative IGD guidelines proposed by the APA. A chi-square test of independence was used to assess the association between gaming disorder and substance use characteristics, and multivariable logistic regression was used to analyze whether mental health discussion or the mention of any substance with sufficient sample size was significantly associated with IGD. RESULTS: In total, 10,551 posts were collected from Reddit from June 2017 to December 2022. After filtering the dataset for substance-related keywords, 1057 were included for further analysis, of which 286 mentioned both gaming and the use of ≥1 substances. Among the 286 posts that discussed both gaming and substance use, the most mentioned substances were alcohol (n=132), cannabis (n=104), and nicotine (n=48), while the most mentioned genres were role-playing games (n=120), shooters (n=90), and multiplayer online battle arenas (n=43). Self-reported behavior that aligned with the tentative guidelines for IGD was identified in 66.8% (191/286) posts. More than half, 62.9% (180/286) of the posts, discussed a health issue, with the majority (n=144) cited mental health concerns. Common mental health concerns discussed were depression and anxiety. There was a significant association between IGD and substance use (P<.001; chi-square test), and there were significantly increased odds of IGD among those who self-reported substance use (odds ratio 2.29, P<.001) and those who discussed mental health (odds ratio 1.64, P<.03). CONCLUSIONS: As gaming increasingly becomes highly prevalent among various age groups and demographics, a better understanding of the interplay and convergence among disordered gaming, substance use, and negative health impacts can inform the development of interventions to mitigate risks and promote healthier gaming habits.

Effects of in vivo NRT sampling on smoking abstinence and NRT adherence: A randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) is an effective treatment but is associated with poor adherence during smoking cessation attempts. This study aimed to determine if In Vivo Sampling, an experiential intervention that includes sampling of NRT in-session, increases NRT adherence and smoking abstinence compared to standard smoking cessation behavioral counseling. METHODS: Eligible participants were under community corrections supervision and smoked five or more cigarettes per day for the past year. Participants were randomly assigned to receive either In Vivo Sampling or standard smoking cessation behavioral counseling. Both interventions involved four 30-minute sessions and received 12 weeks of combination NRT. Self-reported NRT adherence, quit attempts, and carbon monoxide (CO)-verified smoking cessation were measured at one, three-, and six-months post-intervention. RESULTS: From 2017-2022, 515 participants were enrolled and randomized. The In Vivo Sampling group had significantly greater mean adherence to patch and lozenge NRT regimens (71 % vs. 60 %, OR: 1.63, 95 % CI: 1.36-1.96, p<.001). The In Vivo group had a significantly higher likelihood of quit attempts across time (61 % vs. 53 %, OR: 1.4, 95 % CI: 1.05-1.87, p=.021). Groups did not significantly differ on the percent of participants who had quit smoking at 6 months post-intervention (17 % In Vivo Sampling vs. 13 % standard counseling, OR: 1.43, p=.24). CONCLUSION: In Vivo Sampling demonstrated better NRT adherence and quit attempts but similar cessation rates to standard behavioral counseling. The In Vivo Sampling intervention represents a novel approach that increased behaviors typically associated with successful cessation over standard behavioral counseling.

Smoking & autonomy: the generational tobacco endgame.

New Zealand and Malaysia have abandoned plans to introduce a generational smoking ban because of concerns that such a policy is incompatible with liberal democracy as it undermines autonomy. This paper challenges this claim by showing that smoking is not an autonomous act. Autonomy requires a deliberation of preferences, wills and inclinations. This does not occur in smokers because of three related factors: nicotine addiction, cognitive biases and psychosocial development in addiction. Nicotine addiction results in strong physical and psychological desires to seek pleasure and to avoid withdrawal. This is further potentiated by conditioned behaviour. Cognitive biases explain why smokers act in ways that are detrimental to their health. Psychosocial development explains how the brains of smokers are unable to make rational decisions. This combination renders smokers unable to reflect on their actions and thus act autonomously. This stance is compatible with Mill's view that actions that devalue autonomy cannot be considered autonomous. Defenders of liberalism should not be quick to dismiss a smoking ban and can instead foster autonomy by supporting it.

Comparative evaluation of cigarette smoke and a heated tobacco product on microglial toxicity, oxidative stress and inflammatory response.

BACKGROUND: Tobacco smoking is the leading cause of preventable death and disease worldwide, with over 8 million annual deaths attributed to cigarette smoking. This study investigates the impact of cigarette smoke and heated tobacco products (HTPs) on microglial function, focusing on toxicological profiles, inflammatory responses, and oxidative stress using ISO standard and clinically relevant conditions of exposure. METHODS: We assessed cell viability, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, lipid peroxidation, mitochondrial function, unfolded protein response, and inflammation in human microglial cells (HMC3) exposed to cigarette smoke, HTP aerosol or nicotine. RESULTS: Our findings show that cigarette smoke significantly reduces microglial viability, increases ROS formation, induces lipid peroxidation, and reduces intracellular glutathione levels. Cigarette smoke also alters the expression of genes involved in mitochondrial dynamics and biogenesis, leading to mitochondrial dysfunction. Additionally, cigarette smoke impairs the unfolded protein response, activates the NF-κB pathway, and induces a pro-inflammatory state characterized by increased TNF and IL-18 expression. Furthermore, cigarette smoke causes DNA damage and decreases the expression of the aging marker Klotho ß. In contrast, HTP, exhibited a lesser degree of microglial toxicity, with reduced ROS production, lipid peroxidation, and mitochondrial dysfunction compared to conventional cigarettes. CONCLUSION: These results highlight the differential toxicological profile of cigarette smoke and HTP on microglial cells, suggesting a potential harm reduction strategy for neurodegenerative disease for smokers unwilling or unable to quit.

The therapeutic effect of DX2 inhibition in nicotine-induced lung cancer progression.

Alternative splicing products of AIMP2 and AIMP2-DX2 (DX2) have been reported to be associated with human lung cancer. In fact, DX2 expression is elevated in human lung cancers, and DX2 transgenic mice also develop lung cancer, in particular small cell lung cancer (SCLC). However, the mechanism by which DX2 is induced during cancer progression has not been clearly elucidated. Here, we show that DX2 is induced by nicotine, the main component of smoking-related chemicals, which can stabilize the human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) protein and transcriptionally increase sonic hedgehog (Shh). Indeed, nicotine showed tumorigenicity via DX2 by promoting spheroid formation and in vivo lung and kidney cancer progression. Moreover, the elimination of DX2 using small interfering RNA (siRNA) or an optimized inhibitor (SNU-14) blocked the induction of HER2 and Shh and completely suppressed tumor sphere formation in response to nicotine. These results indicate that DX2 is critical for lung cancer progression, and a specific DX2 inhibitor would be useful for the treatment of human cancers, including SCLC and non-SCLC (NSCLC).

Understanding e-Cigarette Addictiveness: Triangulation of Focus Group and Netnographic Data.

BACKGROUND: Numerous studies have shown that e-cigarettes are addictive. For example, we previously showed that users of e-cigarette online forums discuss experiences of addiction in a netnographic analysis. However, it is unclear what makes e-cigarettes addictive apart from nicotine. In a focus group analysis, we recently identified 3 unique features of e-cigarettes that users linked to experiences of addiction: the pleasant taste, unobtrusiveness, and unlimited usability of e-cigarettes. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to validate the previously identified features of e-cigarette addictive potential by triangulating data from the netnographic analysis and focus group discussions. METHODS: Drawing on a netnographic analysis of 3 popular, German-language e-cigarette forums, we studied whether experiences of addiction were linked to specific e-cigarette features. We included 451 threads in the analysis that had been coded for addictive experiences in a previous study by our team. First, we conducted a deductive analysis with preregistered codes to determine whether the features of pleasant taste, unobtrusiveness, and unlimited usability were mentioned in relation to the addictive potential of e-cigarettes in the online forums. Second, an inductive approach was chosen to identify further possible addictive features of e-cigarettes. RESULTS: Our deductive analysis confirmed that the features highlighted in our previous focus group study (pleasant taste, unobtrusiveness, and unlimited usability) were also frequently discussed in online forums in connection to addictive symptoms. In addition, our inductive analysis identified nicotine dosage as a significant feature linked to addiction. Users reported varying their nicotine doses for different reasons, leading to the identification of four distinct user types based on dosing patterns: (1) high doses for intermittent, (2) high doses for constant use, (3) low doses for constant use, and (4) switching between high and low doses depending on the situation. CONCLUSIONS: Our comprehensive analysis of online forum threads revealed that users' experiences of addiction are linked to 4 specific features unique to e-cigarettes: pleasant taste, unobtrusiveness, unlimited usability, and nicotine dosage. Recognizing these addictive features of e-cigarettes is crucial for designing cessation programs and informing public health policies to reduce the addictiveness of e-cigarettes.

Effects of acute smoking abstinence among people with schizophrenia: A systematic review and meta-analysis of laboratory studies.

BACKGROUND: Smoking rates in schizophrenia are exceptionally high; however, cessation rates remain low with limited research on effective interventions. A critical component of intervention development is identifying the effects of abstinence that are most salient and therefore may contribute to lapse and relapse. OBJECTIVES: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of controlled laboratory studies investigating acute smoking abstinence effects among people with schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder. METHODS: This review is reported according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement. OVID (MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO) and PubMed databases were searched from inception until November 2023. RESULTS: We identified (k = 16) articles meeting inclusion criteria; all assessed smoking abstinence (ranging 2-120 h). Acute abstinence resulted in large increases in reward-oriented craving and moderate increases in relief-oriented craving; these effects were greater in studies with longer abstinence duration (high certainty). We also observed significant increases in negative affect and global withdrawal symptoms, as well as memory disruption (moderate certainty). Qualitative synthesis suggests restlessness, irritability, anxiety, and visuospatial working memory may be additionally impacted. Findings with respect to negative symptoms and movement were mixed. CONCLUSIONS: Reward-oriented craving may constitute a key target of smoking cessation interventions for people with schizophrenia. In addition, identification of pharmacological and psychosocial interventions that address abstinence-induced changes in relief-oriented craving, memory, negative affect, restlessness, irritability, and anxiety may strengthen treatment outcomes.

The effect of a nicotine-rich diet with/without redistribution of dietary protein on motor indices in patients with Parkinson's disease: A randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: The aim of designing this clinical trial is to investigate the impact of a nicotine-rich diet with/without protein redistribution on the motor indices of patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). METHODS: We randomly divided 45 patients (age > 50) with PD into three groups including: nicotine-rich diet (20 µg per day) group (group N; n = 15), nicotine-rich diet with protein redistribution group (group N + P; n = 15), and control group (group C; n = 15). In all group, the diet was isocaloric, and participants received six meals and snacks. After 12 weeks, the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale part III (UPDRS), serum alpha-synuclein levels, serum apolipoprotein A1, serum cotinine, and anthropometric parameters were measured in the three groups before and 12 weeks after the beginning of the study. RESULTS: All of the enrolled patients completed the study. The UPDRS score was improved by 1.47 and 1.95 units in the N and N + P groups compared to the placebo (P < 0.001). On the other hand, effect size of N and N + P diets for α-synuclein were -52.82 and -175.85, respectively. The differences were significant compared to the control group (P < 0.05). Also, the effect of the both diets on serum cotinine compared to the control group was significant (P < 0.05). Although the effect size for UPDRS, α-synuclein, and cotinine in N + P diet were higher than N group, the differences were not statistically significant (P > 0.05). Also, the obtained results showed that there were no significant effects on anthropometric variables and serum levels of Apolipoprotein A1 in diet-receiving groups (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The results of our study indicated that nicotine consumption in an isocaloric diet, while preventing a decrease in anthropometric indices, leads to improvements in motor indices and a reduction in alpha-synuclein levels. Additional and larger controlled trials are required to validate these findings.

Flavor & device choices among people who use ENDS: Results from the PATH Study.

INTRODUCTION: In guidance published in February 2020, the FDA described their intent to prioritize enforcement against the sale of flavored cartridge-based electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) except tobacco and menthol flavors. This guidance was specific to cartridge-based ENDS and did not apply to other ENDS types or e-liquids sold in the United States (U.S.). It remains unknown if use of certain types of ENDS devices and flavors changed following the publication of this guidance. METHODS: This analysis includes PATH Study data from Wave 5 (W5, 2018-2019) and Wave 6 (W6, 2021) and examines cross-sectional estimates of 1) use of flavored ENDS and 2) use of different device types. All analyses in this study were stratified by self-reported age (youth - aged 12-17 years at W5 and aged 14-17 years at W6, and adults - aged 18-20, 21-24, and 25+). Analyses were conducted in 2023-2024. RESULTS: Among adults aged 21 years and over, there were significant increases in the use of menthol or mint flavored ENDS. There were no substantial changes in flavors of ENDS used among youth or adults aged 18-20 years. Among all age groups, the use of cartridge-based ENDS was lower in 2021 than 2018-2019, with a notable shift to disposable-style ENDS. CONCLUSIONS: Federal-level tobacco control actions taken in the U.S. in early 2020 prioritized enforcement against "any flavored, cartridge-based ENDS product (other than a tobacco- or menthol-flavored ENDS product)". Based on this analysis, there was a shift following the policy to menthol or mint-flavored ENDS and disposable-style ENDS.

Vaping to quit smoking: Qualitative study of people receiving opioid agonist treatment.

INTRODUCTION: 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. METHODS: 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. RESULTS: 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. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: 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.

Identifying the ways in which tobacco cessation interventions have been tailored for sexual and gender minority individuals: A systematic review.

Sexual and gender minority (SGM) individuals smoke at higher rates than their heterosexual and cisgender peers. SGM persons, especially transgender and gender diverse (TGD) individuals, face unique, adverse health effects associated with smoking. As such, SGM individuals may benefit from smoking cessation interventions that are tailored to meet their needs. This systematic review aims to describe the ways in which these interventions have been tailored for SGM individuals and summarize available acceptability and efficacy data. Four databases were searched to identify smoking cessation interventions adapted for SGM populations. Thirteen articles were identified, with tailored aspects focusing on culturally tailored references, SGM-specific psychoeducation, and intra-community support strategies. No clear patterns of efficacy were identified, and only one study included bioverified abstinence. Preliminary evidence suggests that smoking cessation interventions can be acceptably tailored to SGM individuals, however, additional research is needed to determine if SGM-tailored interventions are more efficacious than non-tailored approaches.

Exploring the potential of selenium nanoparticles and fabricated selenium nanoparticles @vitamin C nanocomposite in mitigating nicotine-induced testicular toxicity in rats.

Background: The tobacco epidemic signifies a major public health threat. Nicotine (NIC), a major active constituent in tobacco, impedes male fertility and semen quality. This work is implemented to explore the potential of selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) and the newly fabricated SeNPs @vitamin C (SeNPs@VITC) nanocomposite in mitigating testicular toxicity induced by NIC. Materials and methods: The six groups of 48 adult Wistar rats were designed as follows: the control group injected intraperitoneally with normal saline, the SeNPs group treated orally with 2 mg/kg of SeNPs, the SeNPs@VITC nanocomposite group treated orally with 2 mg/kg of SeNPs@VITC nanocomposite, the NIC group injected intraperitoneally with 1.25 mL/kg of NIC, the NIC+ SeNPs group received SeNPs plus NIC, and the NIC+ SeNPs@VITC nanocomposite group received SeNPs@VITC nanocomposite plus NIC. Treatments were administered over a 28-day period. Results: NIC treatment significantly caused poor sperm quality, decreased serum testosterone, increased follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH) concentrations, reduced hemoglobin levels, leukocytosis, disrupted testicular oxidant/antioxidant balance, and disorganized testicular structure. The construction of the novel SeNPs@VITC nanocomposite, compared to NIC plus SeNPs alone, demonstrated a more potent ameliorative effect on NIC-induced reproductive toxicity in adult rats. The SeNPs@VITC nanocomposite significantly increased sperm count, reduced the percentage of sperm head abnormalities, lowered both serum FSH and LH concentrations, and improved the hemoglobin response. Conclusions: Both SeNPs and SeNPs@VITC nanocomposite alleviated the testicular toxicity induced by NIC, but the SeNPs@VITC nanocomposite exhibited superior efficacy. The SeNPs@VITC nanocomposite could be employed to advance enhanced therapeutic strategies for addressing male infertility.

The Impact of Yogic Breathing Exercises on Pulmonary Functions in Asymptomatic Smokers.

Introduction Smoking is a serious public health problem that leads to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Its harmful effects are more significantly seen in the respiratory system. Approximately 30% of smokers experience compromised lung functions. However, asymptomatic smokers exhibit alteration in lung morphology. This study will give us a better understanding of the respiratory damages that may occur in asymptomatic smokers and if we can delay or prevent the same by the simple practice of Pranayama and Om chanting. Materials and methods An interventional study was conducted in the Department of Physiology at the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Shree Guru Gobind Singh Tricentenary (SGT) University, Gurugram, Haryana, India. The study duration was eight weeks, and a total of 135 subjects, including both male and female participants aged between 18 and 25 years, were included in this study. Baseline recordings of anthropometric parameters, spirometric parameters like forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume (FEV) in 1 second (FEV1), FEV1/FVC ratio, forced expiratory flow (FEF) between 25% and 75% of vital capacity (FEF25-75%), peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR), forced inspiratory vital capacity (FIVC), peak inspiratory flow rate (PIFR) and for respiratory endurance - breath holding time at the end of inspiration (BHTi), breath holding time at the end of expiration (BHTe), 40 mmHg were recorded before the start of the study and again after eight weeks of alternate nostril breathing and om chanting performed for 10 minutes (5 minutes for each protocol). We also recorded nicotine dependence score with the help of Fagerstrom Test for Nicotine Dependence (FTND). A comparison of spirometric parameters, respiratory endurance, and FTND was done using the paired t-test. Result All spirometric measures and respiratory endurance parameters showed significant increases, with the exception of FVC, FEV1, FEV1/FVC, and FTND, which showed no significant improvement. Conclusion Pranayama and Om chanting were found to increase respiratory muscle endurance and support better utilization of the alveolo-bronchial tree, which may help in better oxygenation and delay in onset of the symptoms of COPD.

Nicotine promotes pathogenic bacterial growth and biofilm formation in peri-implant.

Introduction. Peri-implantitis is a plaque-associated disease that leads to implant loss and arises from bacterial biofilms on the surface of the implant. Smoking is a risk factor for peri-implantitis and impedes treatment effectiveness. Additionally, aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR), IL-6, and IL-22 levels are related to peri-implantitis.Aim. We aimed to investigate the effects of nicotine on inflammatory response, bacterial growth and biofilm formation.Hypothesis/Gap Statement. We hypothesized that nicotine promoted pathogenic bacterial growth and biofilm formation, thereby aggravating inflammation.Methodology. The expression of AHR, IL-6 and IL-22 was measured in peri-implant sulci fluid using quantitative PCR and Western blot analyses. The cementum was incubated with bacterial suspension including Porphyromonas gingivalis, Streptococcus sanguinis and Fusobacterium nucleatum and treated with 100, 200, 250 and 300 µg ml-1 nicotine, and then, the absorbance and number of colony-forming units were detected. Biofilm formation was evaluated using the tissue culture plate method and safranin O staining. Carbohydrates and proteins were measured by the phenol-sulfuric acid method and the bicinchoninic acid method, respectively.Results. The results indicated that smoking increased the levels of AHR, IL-6 and IL-22. Functionally, nicotine promoted the growth of P. gingivalis, S. sanguinis and F. nucleatum. Additionally, it promoted the biofilm formation of these bacteria and increased the contents of carbohydrates and proteins.Conclusion. Nicotine promoted bacterial growth and biofilm build-up, suggesting that smoking may aggravate the progression of peri-implantitis.

Urine levels of nicotine and its metabolites in young population exposed to second-hand smoke in nightclubs: a pilot study.

The aim of this study was to investigate the extent of second-hand smoke exposure in younger population visiting nightclubs in Croatia by comparing the levels of nicotine and its main metabolites cotinine and trans-3'-hydroxycotinine (3HC) in urine samples taken from 22 participants before and after spending about three hours in a nightclub, stratified by smoking status (smokers and non-smokers). The samples were prepared by liquid-liquid extraction and analysed with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The presence of nicotine, cotinine, and 3HC was confirmed in all urine samples. Their median concentrations significantly differed between the two measurements in non-smokers. Our findings show that even a three-hour exposure to second-hand smoke can significantly increase the levels of nicotine and its metabolites in urine, which are indicative of exposure to other, harmful tobacco smoke substances. They also call for raising awareness of the health risks of exposure to second-hand smoke in the general population and among individuals who frequent nightclubs in particular.

Prevalence and correlates of e-cigarette source and use of e-cigarettes with nicotine: A case study of Mexico, where e-cigarettes are banned.

BACKGROUND: Low- and middle-income countries have increasingly banned e-cigarettes, as in Mexico. In these countries, little is known about where adults obtain e-cigarettes or who uses e-cigarettes with nicotine. METHODS: Data were analyzed from eight online surveys of Mexican adults who both smoked and used e-cigarettes (November 2018-March 2021; n = 2,060). For the e-cigarette they used most often, participants reported how they acquired it (social sources=reference; online purchase; vape shop purchase; other retail purchase) and if it contained nicotine (no=reference group; yes; don't know). Multinomial models regressed each of these outcomes on smoking- and e-cigarette-related factors, as well as sociodemographics. RESULTS: Almost half the sample (45.9 %) reported obtaining their e-cigarettes from social sources, with online purchase being the second most common source (28.7 %). Being male, having recently attempted to quit smoking, and more frequent e-cigarette use were positively associated with purchasing e-cigarettes (vs social sources) across all venues. Most reported that their e-cigarettes contained nicotine (58.2 %), a third reported using e-cigarettes without nicotine (35.9 %), and some did not know (5.8 %). More frequent smoking and e-cigarette use, using closed e-cigarette devices and purchasing e-cigarettes online were positively associated with using e-cigarettes with nicotine. CONCLUSIONS: Despite Mexico's e-cigarette ban, adults who smoke access e-cigarettes through multiple sources, including online and vape shop purchases. Most participants reported using e-cigarettes with nicotine, though many did not or did not know.

Mapping brain activity and neurotransmitters pre-cigarette smoking evolution: A study of male subjects.

BACKGROUND: The impact of tobacco smoking on global health persists and it is essential to understand the progression of addiction and the involvement of neurotransmitters. METHODS: This study assessed 47 participants with tobacco use disorder (TUD) categorized based on changes in Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence (FTND) scores over 6 years: progressive TUD (pTUD), regressive TUD (rTUD), and stable TUD (sTUD). Additionally, 35 healthy controls were included. Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging was used to evaluate brain regional homogeneity (ReHo) and correlations with neurotransmitter distributions using JuSpace. RESULTS: Significant differences in ReHo were observed among pTUD, rTUD, sTUD, and controls. After strict Bonferroni correction, rTUD exhibited increased ReHo in the dorsolateral superior frontal gyrus compared to sTUD (p < 0.001) and controls (p < 0.001). Both pTUD (p < 0.001) and rTUD (p < 0.001) showed decreased ReHo in the superior temporal gyrus compared to sTUD. sTUD had increased ReHo in the supramarginal gyrus compared to all other groups (p < 0.001, p < 0.001, p = 0.002, separately). The strongest association, which survived rigorous Bonferroni correction, was between the ReHo changes in rTUD compared to sTUD and neurotransmitter distribution. This includes 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor 2A (p = 0.001), gamma-aminobutyric acid type A receptor (p < 0.001), norepinephrine transporter (p < 0.001), and N-Methyl-D-Aspartate (p = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS: This study provides insights into how smoking behaviors correlate with alterations in brain activity and neurotransmitter function. By elucidating these neural links to tobacco use disorder progression, our findings contribute to a deeper understanding of smoking's neurological impact and potentially inform more targeted therapeutic strategies.

Effects of racial teasing on adolescent marijuana use and nicotine vaping: An analysis of the Virginia Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System.

BACKGROUND: Despite adverse effects of tobacco and marijuana use on the adolescent brain, its use among youth remains high. Previous research shows associations between bullying and risks of substance use; less is known about racial teasing. This study examines associations of racial teasing, marijuana and/or electronic vapor products (EVP) use among adolescents, using 2021 Virginia Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System (VYRBSS). METHODS: VYRBSS is a self-reported survey which collects information on experiences with racial teasing and substance use. This analysis included 3,083 high school students ≥ 12 years old. Descriptive analysis and logistic regression models were performed for categorical variables. Multivariable models were adjusted for confounders. RESULTS: Racial teasing was associated with marijuana (AOR 1.89; CI 1.43-2.48) and EVP use (AOR 2.52; CI 1.91-3.31). Compared to Whites; Asians, Blacks, and Latinos were more likely to report racial teasing. Older heterosexual females reported higher use of marijuana and EVP. Blacks reported greater use of marijuana, whereas Whites were more likely to use EVP. EVP use was higher in females (AOR 1.73, CI 1.34-2.23), bisexual youth (AOR 1.68, CI 1.23, 2.30) and poor mental health (AOR 1.49, CI 1.16, 1.92). Marijuana use was associated with bisexuality (AOR 1.75, CI 1.28-2.39) and poor mental health (AOR 1.62, CI 1.27-2.07) as well. CONCLUSIONS: Every effort should be made by public health professionals in Virginia to prevent racial teasing among adolescents because it increases the odds of substance use, particularly in older females, youth who identify as bisexual, and those reporting poor mental health.