The Evaluation Of Smoking Cessation Treatment Success and Related Factors in Adults Age 65 Years and Older.

OBJECTIVES: The aim was to evaluate smoking cessation treatment success and factors associated in older adults. METHODS: In the retrospective cohort study, the patients' sociodemographic data, smoking history, Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence scores (FTND), type of treatments (Pharmacological treatments, behavioral counseling, and/or both) and the number of follow-up sessions in the Smoking Cessation Outpatient Clinic were taken from hospital files of the patients. Treatment success was evaluated as one year of abstinence from smoking. RESULTS: Participants' reported with 53% classified as high-very high nicotine dependence. Overall, 36% reported abstinence from smoking for one year or more. Treatment success was associated with higher attendance at follow-up sessions. Using pharmacologic treatments and behavioral counseling together was proved to be more effective than behavioral counseling alone. CONCLUSIONS: One-year smoking cessation was achieved in one-third of older adults attending a smoking cessation clinic. In older adults in this sample low FTND scores, use of combined pharmacologic and behavioral treatment, and attendance at follow up sessions were associated with one year smoking abstinence. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Older adults should be referred for smoking cessation treatment. Use of combined pharmacological and behavioral counseling is recommended. Efforts to enhance attendance at follow-up sessions should be considered.

Radioiodination of Pimonidazole as a Novel Theranostic Hypoxia Probe.

BACKGROUND: Tumors are defined as abnormal tissue masses, and one of the most important factors leading to the growth of these abnormal tissue masses is Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor, which stimulates angiogenesis by releasing cells under hypoxic conditions. Hypoxia has a vital role in cancer therapy, thus it is important to monitor hypoxia. The hypoxia marker Pimonidazole (PIM) is a candidate biomarker of cancer aggressiveness. OBJECTIVE: The study aimed to perform radioiodination of PIM with Iodine-131 (131I) to join a theranostic approach. For this purpose, PIM was derived as PIM-TOS to be able to be radioiodinated. METHODS: PIM was derived via a tosylation reaction. Derivatization product (PIM-TOS) was radioiodinated by using iodogen method and was analyzed by High-Performance Liquid Chromatography and Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Thin layer radiochromatography was utilized for its quality control studies. RESULTS: PIM was derived successfully after the tosylation reaction. The radioiodination yield of PIM-TOS was over 85%. CONCLUSION: In the current study, radioiodination potential of PIM with 131I, as a potential theranostic hypoxia agent was investigated. Further experimental studies should be performed for developing a novel hypoxia probe including theranostics approaches.