Changes in coffee and caffeine intake during the pandemic in women smokers and non-smokers: a future challenge for cardiovascular prevention.

BACKGROUND: The recent pandemic has led to major lifestyle changes, especially in women, changes that will impact cardiovascular risk. The aim of the present observational study was to evaluate changes occurred during pandemic in coffee and caffeine intake in a group of adult women and compare changes in smoking versus non-smoking women. METHODS: A web questionnaire was sent through a online survey platform to a group of unselected adult women. The consumption of coffee and caffeine were investigated in 2 groups of women by comparing smokers and non-smokers. RESULTS: A total of 435 adult women (256 non-smokers and 179 smokers) answer to all questions. Smokers increase the number of cigarette/days (mean + 3.4 cig/day). Coffee intake was significantly increase in smokers compared to non-smokers (3.1+1.0 versus 1.5+0.6 cups/day p<0.01). In smokers, self-perception of increase stress was related to increased coffee intake (r = 0.84; p <0.001), increased sugar- rich foods (r=0.81; p<0.001), increased chocolate rich snacks (r=0.72; p<0.01), increased sitting time (r=0.79; p<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: These preliminary data must suggest to undertake social campaigns aimed at encouraging a return to a healthy lifestyle that certainly includes a healthy diet but also the suspension of smoking. These observational results need further evaluation with prospective studies in order to quantify the effects of pandemic-induced changes in lifestyle on cardiovascular risk in women.

Associations of selenium exposure with blood lipids: Exploring mediating DNA methylation sites in general Chinese urban non-smokers.

Selenium (Se) is widely distributed in the total environment and people are commonly exposed to Se, while the potential effects and mechanisms of Se exposure on blood lipids have not been well established. This study aimed to assess the associations of urinary Se (SeU) with blood lipids and explore the potential mediating DNA methylation sites. We included 2844 non-smoke participants from the second follow-up (2017-2018) of the Wuhan-Zhuhai cohort (WHZH) in this study. SeU and blood lipids [i.e., total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL)] for all participants were determined. The associations of SeU with blood lipids were analyzed by generalized linear models. Then, we conducted the blood lipids related epigenome-wide association studies (EWAS) among 221 never smokers, and the mediation analysis was conducted to explore the potential mediating cytosine-phosphoguanine (CpG) sites in the above associations. In this study, the SeU concentration of the participants in this study was 1.40 (0.94, 2.08) µg/mmol Cr. The SeU was positively associated with TC and LDL, and not associated with TG and HDL. We found 131, 3, and 1 new CpG sites related to TC, HDL, and LDL, respectively. Mediation analyses found that the methylation of cg06964030 (within MIR1306) and cg15824094 (within PLCH2) significantly mediated the positive association between SeU and TC. In conclusion, high levels of Se exposure were associated with increased TC and LDL among non-smokers, and the methylation of MIR1306 and PLCH2 partly mediated Se-associated TC increase. These findings provide new insights into the effects and mechanisms of Se exposure on lipids metabolism and highlight the importance of controlling Se exposure and intake for preventing high blood lipids.

Daily mocha coffee intake and psycho-cognitive status in non-demented non-smokers subjects with subcortical ischaemic vascular disease.

Coffee intake has been recently associated with better cognition and mood in mild vascular cognitive impairment (mVCI). As tobacco can reduce the caffeine half-life, we excluded smokers from the original sample. Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS), mini-mental state examination (MMSE), Stroop Colour-Word Interference Test (Stroop), activities of daily living (ADL0) and instrumental ADL were the outcome measures. Significant differences were observed in higher consumption groups (moderate intake for HDRS; high intake for MMSE and Stroop) compared to the other groups, as well as in age and education. With age, education and coffee used as independent predictors, and HDRS, Stroop and MMSE as dependent variables, a correlation was found between age and both MMSE and Stroop, as well as between education and MMSE and between HDRS and Stroop; coffee intake negatively correlated with HDRS and Stroop. Higher coffee consumption was associated with better psycho-cognitive status among non-smokers with mVCI.

Optimal Cutoff Concentration of Urinary Cyanoethyl Mercapturic Acid for Differentiating Cigarette Smokers From Nonsmokers.

INTRODUCTION: Cotinine is a widely used biomarker for classifying cigarette smoking status. However, cotinine does not differentiate between the use of combustible and noncombustible tobacco products. The increasing use of noncombustible tobacco drives the need for a complementary biomarker for distinguishing cigarette smokers from users of noncombustible tobacco products. AIMS AND METHODS: We evaluated the urinary acrylonitrile metabolite, 2CyEMA, as a biomarker of exposure to cigarette smoke in the US population-representative data from the National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey (NHANES). Smoking status was categorized based on the recent tobacco use questionnaire. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed to identify optimal cutoff concentrations by maximizing Youden's J index. The area under the curve (AUC) was used to compare 2CyEMA effectiveness with respect to serum cotinine. RESULTS: The overall cutoff concentration for the classification of cigarette smokers from nonsmokers was 7.32 ng/ml with high sensitivity and specificity (≥0.925). When stratified by demographic variables, the cutoff concentrations varied among subgroups based on age, sex, and race/Hispanic origin. Non-Hispanic Blacks had the highest cutoff concentration (15.3 ng/ml), and Hispanics had the lowest (4.63 ng/ml). Females had higher cutoff concentrations (8.80 ng/ml) compared to males (6.10 ng/ml). Among different age groups, the cutoff concentrations varied between 4.63 ng/ml (21-39 years old) and 10.6 ng/ml (for ≥60 years old). We also explored the creatinine adjusted cutoff values. CONCLUSIONS: 2CyEMA is an effective biomarker for distinguishing cigarette smokers from nonsmokers (users of noncombustible tobacco products or nonusers). IMPLICATIONS: Distinguishes smokers from noncombustible tobacco product users.

Opium and Cigarette Smoking are Independently Associated with Bladder Cancer: The Findings of a Matched Case - Control Study.

BACKGROUND: Bladder cancer disproportionally affects the communities. While it is the ninth most common cancer in the world, in some parts of Iran including Kerman province it is the most common cancer among men. This study aimed to determine potential risk factors of bladder cancer in Kerman province, Iran. METHODS: During February to July 2020, in this matched hospital-based case-control study, 100 patients with bladder cancer and 200 healthy individuals (matched in age and sex) were recruited. Socio-demographics status, occupational exposures, common diet, history of drug use and family history of cancer, were collected using a structured questionnaire. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression were applied and crude and adjusted odds ratios (AOR) along with their 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) were calculated. Data were analyzed using Stata version 14 software. RESULTS: Opium consumption, cigarette smoking and low level of income were associated with increased chance of bladder cancer. Compared to never use, use of opium up to 18000 Gram -year was associated with increased chance of bladder cancer (AOR: 6; 95% CI =2.3, 15.5). The chance was higher among those who used opium more than 18,000 Gram - year (AOR: 11.3; 95% CI =2.3, 15.5). In comparison with never smokers, the chance of bladder cancer increased among those who smoked up to 20 pack-year cigarette) (AOR: 3.4; 95%CI= 1.3, 8.9) and those who smoke ≥ 20 pack-year (AOR: 15.8; 95% CI= 5.9, 42.4). CONCLUSIONS: The observed strong dose-response association between opium consumption, cigarette smoking and bladder cancer highlights the need for extension of harm reduction programs especially in regions with high burden of disease.

Combined effects of cigarette smoking, DNA methyltransferase 3B genetic polymorphism, and DNA damage on lung cancer.

BACKGROUND: Smoking increases DNA methylation and DNA damage, and DNA damage acts as a vital cause of tumor development. The DNA methyltransferase 3B (DNMT3B) enhances promoter activity and methylation of tumor suppressor genes. Tea polyphenols may inhibit DNMT activity. We designed a case-control study to evaluate the combined effects of smoking, green tea consumption, DNMT3B - 149 polymorphism, and DNA damage on lung cancer occurrence. METHODS: Questionnaires were administered to obtain demographic characteristics, life styles, and family histories of lung cancer from 190 primary lung cancer cases and 380 healthy controls. Genotypes and cellular DNA damage were determined by polymerase chain reaction and comet assay, respectively. RESULTS: The mean DNA tail moment for lung cancer cases was significantly higher than that for healthy controls. Compared to nonsmokers carrying the DNMT3B - 149 CT genotype, smokers carrying the TT genotype had a greater lung cancer risk (odds ratio [OR]: 2.83, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.62-4.93). DNA damage levels were divided by the tertile of the healthy controls' values. Compared to nonsmokers with low DNA damage, smokers with moderate DNA damage (OR: 2.37, 95% CI: 1.54-3.63) and smokers with high DNA damage (OR: 3.97, 95% CI: 2.63-5.98) had elevated lung cancer risks. Interaction between smoking and DNA damage significantly affected lung cancer risk. CONCLUSIONS: Our study suggested that the DNMT3B - 149 TT genotype, which has higher promoter activity, can increase the lung cancer risk elicited by smoking, and DNA damage may further promote smoking related lung cancer development.

Influence of dietary total antioxidant capacity on the association between smoking and hypertension in Brazilian graduates (CUME project).

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Hypertension (HTN) is a chronic non-communicable disease influenced by non-modifiable risk factors, such as sex and age, as well as modifiable risk factors such as lifestyle, including diet and smoking. Moreover, diet quality among smokers is worse than that of non-smokers, mainly in terms of antioxidant content. Thus, the current study aimed to investigate whether dietary total antioxidant capacity (dTAC) influences the association between smoking and HTN. METHODS AND RESULTS: This cross-sectional study included 4303 graduates (69.35% women) from the Cohort of Minas Gerais Universities (CUME) project. An online food frequency questionnaire was administered to participants, and dTAC was estimated using the ferric reducing antioxidant power method. In the questionnaires, individuals reported smoking status, systolic and diastolic blood pressure values, previous HTN diagnosis, and use of antihypertensive drugs. Logistic regression models were used to estimate the odds ratio and 95% confidence interval between smoking and HTN, stratified by the median dTAC. Current and former smokers had higher dTAC values despite their lower fruit intake. Moreover, coffee was the main contributor to dTAC among them. Smoking was associated with a higher likelihood of HTN, mainly among individuals with a higher dTAC. However, after exclusion of coffee antioxidant capacity, there was an association between only smoking and HTN in individuals with lower dTAC. CONCLUSIONS: The controversial association between higher dTAC and HTN can result from high coffee intake. Higher dTAC without coffee intake may mitigate the association between smoking and HTN in this population.

Perceived efficacy of existing waterpipe tobacco warning labels versus novel enhanced generic and waterpipe-specific sets.

INTRODUCTION: Since 2008, Egypt has four existing generic bi-annually rotating warning labels (WLs) on 50% of the waterpipe tobacco packs (WTPs). The Ministry of Health Tobacco Control Unit proposed increasing WL size to 80%, removing colours and flavour imagery from WTPs, and plain packaging to help curb the rising epidemic of waterpipe tobacco smoking. Therefore, we measured the perceived efficacy of existing against novel enhanced (generic and waterpipe-specific) WTP WLs and the associated factors among Egyptian waterpipe smokers and nonsmokers. METHODS: A purposive quota sample of 2014 adults was surveyed in two rounds using face interviews. At each round, participants were randomly shown one of four existing WLs, then one of four novel WLs. Participants rated the perceived efficacy of existing and novel WLs regarding the salience, depth of processing, affective reactions, credibility, relevance, perceived harm and perceived behavioural control. Data were analysed using Generalized Estimating Equations. RESULTS: Participants rated novel WTP WLs with higher mean perceived efficacy scores than existing WLs for all measures, although both sets collectively scored modestly (59.7; 95% CI: 58.9-60.5 vs 53.0; 95% CI: 52.1-54.0, respectively; p<0.001). Relative to the existing WTP WLs, novel WLs were particularly able to induce higher salience, affective reactions, and depth of processing. Relative to the generic novel WTP WLs, waterpipe-specific WLs induced higher relevance, perceived harm, and affective reactions. Nonsmokers scored higher than waterpipe tobacco smokers, specifically for perceived behavioral control (65.0±32.5 vs 43.6±19.8, respectively; p<0.001). WTP WLs featuring proximal risks, such as dental effects (ß = 9.70; 95% CI: 7.00-12.40), fetal harm (ß = 9.42; 95% CI: 6.75-12.10), or toxic contents (ß = 9.14; 95% CI: 6.58-11.70) were strongly associated with participants' perceived efficacy scores. Among other independent factors, rural residence (ß = 24.09; 95% CI: 22.21-25.97), being a nonsmoker (ß = 10.51; 95% CI: 8.92-12.10), survey round 2 (ß = 6.96, 95% CI: 5.73-8.19), the novel WTP WL set (ß = 6.68; 95% CI: 6.19-7.17), and having higher education (ß = 6.31; 95% CI: 4.34-8.27) were highly associated with participants' perceived efficacy scores. CONCLUSIONS: Waterpipe-specific WLs on plain WTPs that feature proximal risks and address different population subgroups need to be developed in conjunction with awareness raising campaigns on WTS harms to reinforce the credibility of WTP WLs. Our findings suggest the proposed WTP WL enhancements by the Tobacco Control Unit may support a more effective WTP labelling policy within a comprehensive waterpipe-specific tobacco control framework.

Blood pressure-lowering effect of repeated Waon therapy in non-smokers with hypertension.

ABSTRACT: Waon therapy (WT) has been used as a thermal therapy in chronic heart failure patients. However, its effect in patients with hypertension is unclear. This study aimed to reveal the hypotensive effect of WT in patients with hypertension. WT was performed on 31 patients with hypertension (63.9 ±â€Š11.9 years, male: 17) on standard hypertension treatment focusing on lifestyle modification and medication. Systolic and diastolic blood pressures were measured before and after WT using an upper arm automated sphygmomanometer. We investigated the effect of single and repeated (1 time/d, >5 times) WT sessions on blood pressure and further compared its effect between current smoking (n = 11, 55.4 ±â€Š6.4 years, 8.5 ±â€Š2.4 times) and non-smoking (n = 11, 66.9 ±â€Š8.5 years, 12.2 ±â€Š5.9 times) groups. A total of 370 sessions of WT were conducted. Systolic and diastolic blood pressures significantly decreased after a single WT session (systolic blood pressure: 118.5 ±â€Š10.1 to 115.1 ±â€Š9.0 mm Hg, P < .001; diastolic blood pressure: 70.5 ±â€Š6.4 to 65.9 ±â€Š5.3 mm Hg, P < .001). The blood pressure decrease following repeated WT was not significant when all participants were considered (systolic blood pressure: 122.3 ±â€Š15.2 to 116.9 ±â€Š19.6 mm Hg; diastolic blood pressure: 73.8 ±â€Š16.7 to 68.2 ±â€Š13.2 mm Hg); however, it was significant in the non-smoking group (systolic blood pressure: 124.2 ±â€Š11.3 to 108.8 ±â€Š13.4 mm Hg, P < .001; diastolic blood pressure: 73.6 ±â€Š4.9 to 62.1 ±â€Š7.6 mm Hg, P < .001). Repeated WT (at least 5 sessions) decreased blood pressure in patients with hypertension, especially in non-smokers. WT is a simple method to reduce blood pressure in non-smoking patients with hypertension.

Photobiomodulation Therapy by 820 nm Diode Laser on Nonsurgical Periodontal Treatment of Smoker and Nonsmoker Patients: A Single-Blind Parallel Randomized Clinical Trial.

The effect of smoking on nonsurgical periodontal treatment (SRP) is known, but the adjunct use of photobiomodulation (PBMT) to SRP has not been fully investigated in smokers. This study aimed to assess the effect of 820 nm diode laser on SRP in smoker/nonsmoker. Sixty patients (smokers/n = 30, nonsmokers/n = 30) were enrolled in this parallel-arm clinical study. All patients were divided into two main groups: SRP and PBMT + SRP. In PMBT + SRP groups, 7.96 J cm-2 energy was applied by 820nm diode laser at baseline and first, second and third weeks after SRP. Periodontal pocket depth (PPD), gingival index (GI), plaque index (PI) and clinical attachment level (CAL) were recorded, and also gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) samples were collected at baseline and 6w after SRP. Total antioxidant capacity (TAOC) and total oxidative status (TOS) in GCF were analyzed. PBMT + SRP groups showed a statistically significant decrease in PPD and CAL, not in GI and PI compared with SRP alone. There were no statistically significant differences between smokers and nonsmokers in clinical data at six weeks after treatment. Although TAOC levels were increased in PMBT groups, TOS levels were decreased in all groups at the comparison of baseline and 6w after SRP. Adjunct use of 820 nm diode laser on SRP may improve the clinical parameters in smoker or nonsmoker patient with periodontitis.

Interactive Effects of Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids and Secondhand Smoke in Mice and Human Subjects.

Active smoking and secondhand smoke (SHS) exposure increase the risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Active smoking is associated with reduced levels of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFA) and studies show that n-3 PUFA supplementation can improve smoking-induced vascular dysfunction. However, the relationship between n-3 PUFA and SHS exposure has not been studied. Fat-1 transgenic mice, which convert n-6 to n-3 PUFA, were fed diets with n-3 PUFA or without (n-6 PUFA diet), exposed to air or SHS for 4 weeks, and vasoreactivity, antioxidant indices, and omega-3 index (percent eicosapentaenoic + docosahexaenoic acids in RBC) measured. Compared to air-exposed mice, SHS-enhanced aortic constriction in mice fed the n-6 PUFA diet (omega-3 index, 5.9 ± 0.2%; mean ± SE), but not in mice fed the n-3 PUFA diet (omega-3 index, 7.8 ± 0.6%). SHS also significantly induced mRNA expression of cytochrome P4501A1, NADPH:quinone oxidoreductase, heme oxygenase-1, and angiotensinogen in adipose tissue, and increased antioxidant capacity only in mice on the n-6 PUFA diet. Notably, SHS reduced the omega-3 index by 1.0 percentage point (p = 0.003), compared to air-exposed mice irrespective of diet. Additionally, we recruited human nonsmokers (NS) with and without SHS exposure (n = 40) 19-40 years old and measured the omega-3 index and antioxidant capacity. In human subjects SHS exposure was associated with a significantly lower omega-3 index (NS, 4.4 ± 1.1%; NS + SHS, 3.2 ± 1.0%; mean ± SD, p = 0.002) and higher antioxidant capacity (p < 0.001) than unexposed NS. Thus, SHS exposure is associated with lower levels of n-3 PUFA in mice and humans; however, an omega-3 index of ~ 8% in mice has vasoprotective and antioxidant properties.

Moderate coffee consumption is associated with lower risk of mortality in prior Acute Coronary Syndrome patients: a prospective analysis in the ERICO cohort.

This study examined the association between coffee consumption and all-cause mortality in patients with a prior acute myocardial infarction or unstable angina. Data were from the prospective study ERICO, totalising 928 patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS). During 4 years' follow-up, a total of 111 deaths occurred. Moderate coffee consumption (1-2 and 2-3 cups/day) was inversely associated with total mortality (HR 0.13, 95% CI: 0.06-0.29 and 0.22, 95% CI: 0.13-0.39, respectively). For patients with higher coffee consumption (>3 cups/day), there was a positive association with mortality (HR 2.12, 95% CI: 1.06-4.24). After stratification by smoking status, the analysis revealed lower risk of mortality in never and former smokers, drinking 1-2 and 2-3 cups/day. Among current smokers there was a positive association between >3 cups/day and mortality. The moderate consumption of coffee was associated with lower risk of all-cause mortality in patients with a prior ACS, particularly in non-smokers.

Is opium use associated with an increased risk of lung cancer? A case-control study.

BACKGROUND: In recent years, lung cancer (LC) incidence has increased in Iran. The use of opium and its derivatives (O&D) has increased as well. This study aimed to investigate the association between the use of O&D and LC incidence. METHODS: In this case-control study conducted in Kerman, Iran; 140 patients with lung cancer and 280 healthy controls matched by age, sex, and place of residence were included. Data, including O&D use, cigarette smoking, alcohol use, and diet, were collected using a structured questionnaire. The relation between the use of O&D and LC was evaluated using conditional logistic regression adjusted for tobacco smoking, education, daily intake of fruit, vegetables, red meat, and hydrogenated fats. RESULTS: Opium ever-use was associated with an increased risk of LC (Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) =5.95, 95% CI: 1.87-18.92). Participants were divided into low and high use groups based on the median of opium use in the control group. A significant dose-response relation was observed between the amount of daily O&D use and LC; and the relation was stronger in high users (AOR low users = 3.81% CI: 1.13-12.77 and OR high users = 9.36, 95% CI: 2.05-42.72). Also, LC was higher among participants starting the use of O&D at younger ages (≤ 41 years old vs never users AOR = 8.64, 95% CI: 1.90-39.18) compared to those who started at an older age (> 41 years old vs never users, AOR = 4.71, 95% CI: 1.38-16.08). The association between opium, and lung cancer among non-smokers was OR: 6.50 (95% CI: 2.89 to 14.64). CONCLUSION: The results of this study show that opium use is probably a dose related risk factor for lung cancer.

[Ten Years of Smoking Ban - Effects of the Federal Nonsmoker Protection Act Exemplified by the Traditional Pub District of Cologne's Südstadt]. / Zehn Jahre Rauchverbot − Auswirkungen des Nichtraucherschutzgesetzes am Beispiel des traditionellen Kneipenviertels der Kölner Südstadt.

BACKGROUND: Since September 2007, the Federal Nonsmoker Protection Act regulates a general legal ban on smoking in federal facilities, public transport vehicles and passenger stations. Other smoking bans are not uniformly regulated and vary from state to state. In addition to places of public interest, sports venues and the workplace, particular attention in political debates has always been paid to bars and restaurants, where smoking has always been part of the picture. The situation of the Südstadt pubs in Cologne considered in this paper is governed by the expanded law for the protection of non-smokers in North Rhine Westphalia (NRW) of December 20, 2007. METHODS: A survey using a specifically created questionnaire comprising 24 items was carried out. Persons over 26 years of age visiting selected bars were interviewed in order to ensure that at the time the Nonsmoker Protection Act was introduced, participants had reached the legal age for smoking. Data acquisition was carried out both by direct surveys of participants in selected pubs in Cologne's Südstadt and by means of online surveys, attention to which had been drawn in the press, television and through social media. RESULTS: A total of 1318 completed questionnaires were evaluated. Participants were on average 49 years old (±â€Š12.1). Of the 1318 respondents, 726 were active smokers in 2007 (55.1 %). In 2018, 518 (39.3 %) (p: < 0.001) respondents stated that they were still active smokers. Of the 726 active smokers, 289 (39.8 %) had been consuming more than 20 cigarettes a day in 2007. In 2018, 179 of 518 (34.6 %) (p: < 0.001) were heavy smokers. In 2007, 303 persons (41.7 % of smokers) fell into the group of medium smokers with 10 - 19 cigarettes per day, in 2018 there were 227 (43.8 %) (p: < 0.001). The group of people who smoked less and consumed 1 - 9 cigarettes per day included a total of 134 persons (18.5 %) in 2007 and 112 (21.6 %) in 2018 (p: < 0.001). Among active smokers, the smoking ban was the most relevant cause for a change in smoking behaviour in this survey. Among non-smokers or former smokers, health aspects as well as family and friends were the decisive factors in rejecting tobacco products. SUMMARY: Based on a sample of 1318 participants among pub visitors, the study showed that the number of active smokers had significantly and distinctly decreased since the introduction of the Nonsmoker Protection Act in 2007. Furthermore, the number of people with rather low cigarette consumption showed a significant increase.

The effect of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol on p50 of the oxygen haemoglobin dissociation curve.

Cannabis is one of the most chemically complex plants containing a large number of compounds, among which are cannabinoids; the main biologically active constituents of the plant. Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is known as the main psychoactive cannabinoid. Studies have shown that the effects of THC can be modulated by cannabidiol (CBD), another major cannabinoid which has several beneficial effects of its own. This study aims to look at the effect of different concentrations of THC and CBD separately and in combination on the release of oxygen from erythrocytes by measuring the p50 of the oxygen haemoglobin dissociation curve. Blood samples were collected from twenty four healthy adult male and female non-smokers. P50 values were measured using the Hemox Analyzer for different concentrations (0, 2.5, 25, 50 and 100 ng/ml) of THC and CBD respectively, as well as with combinations of THC and CBD in 4:1 and 1:1 ratios. The results indicate that there is a decrease in P50 with increasing concentrations of both THC and CBD separately and in combination. The decrease in P50 was significant (p < .05) at all concentrations of THC and CBD. The changes observed with increasing concentrations of both THC and CBD suggests that they have an increased affinity for oxygen. This may have implications for individuals who consistently use cannabis.

Nicotine enhances auditory processing in healthy and normal-hearing young adult nonsmokers.

RATIONALE: Electrophysiological studies show that systemic nicotine narrows frequency receptive fields and increases gain in neural responses to characteristic frequency stimuli. We postulated that nicotine enhances related auditory processing in humans. OBJECTIVES: The main hypothesis was that nicotine improves auditory performance. A secondary hypothesis was that the degree of nicotine-induced improvement depends on the individual's baseline performance. METHODS: Young (18-27 years old), normal-hearing nonsmokers received nicotine (Nicorette gum, 6mg) or placebo gum in a single-blind, randomized, crossover design. Subjects performed four experiments involving tone-in-noise detection, temporal gap detection, spectral ripple discrimination, and selective auditory attention before and after treatment. The perceptual differences between posttreatment nicotine and placebo conditions were measured and analyzed as a function of the pre-treatment baseline performance. RESULTS: Nicotine significantly improved performance in the more difficult tasks of tone-in-noise detection and selective attention (effect size = - 0.3) but had no effect on relatively easier tasks of temporal gap detection and spectral ripple discrimination. The two tasks showing significant nicotine effects further showed no baseline-dependent improvement. CONCLUSIONS: Nicotine improves auditory performance in difficult listening situations. The present results support future investigation of nicotine effects in clinical populations with auditory processing deficits or reduced cholinergic activation.

Salivary, Plasma, and Gingival Levels of Melatonin and TNF-α in Nonsmokers and Current Smokers with and without Periodontal Disease.

AIM: The aim of this study was to quantify the levels of gingival, salivary, and plasma melatonin and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in healthy individuals and chronic generalized periodontitis patients with and without cigarette smoking habit and to investigate whether a relationship exists between melatonin and TNF-α levels in the samples. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Blood of 5 mL, 5 mL of saliva, and gingival tissue samples were obtained from 30 periodontally healthy individuals without smoking habit (HP), 30 nonsmoking patients with chronic generalized periodontitis (CP), 30 periodontally healthy individuals with current smoking habit (SHP), and 30 current smoker patients with chronic generalized periodontitis (SCP). The levels of melatonin and TNF-α in the samples were measured using commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit. The results obtained were statistically analyzed using SPSS statistical software (23.0 version). RESULTS: This study demonstrated the presence of melatonin and TNF-α in all the saliva, plasma, and gingival tissue samples. Gingival tissue melatonin levels were highest in the HP group and least in the SCP groups, while TNF-α levels were least in the HP group and highest in the SCP groups. No significant difference was observed between the groups with regard to salivary and plasma melatonin. An overall significant difference was also observed between the groups with regard to salivary TNF-α but not with regard to plasma TNF-α. Binary logistic regression analysis was carried out after dividing the study groups into current smokers and nonsmokers. Results revealed that a reduction in gingival melatonin and an increase in gingival TNF-α were associated with a transition from periodontal health to chronic generalized periodontitis in current smokers but not in nonsmokers. CONCLUSION: This study sheds light on the anti-inflammatory actions of melatonin in the gingival tissues in states of periodontal health and disease in current smokers. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Melatonin could be used as a supplement to boost anti-inflammatory mechanisms in periodontal therapy especially in cigarette smokers.

The Effects of Dietary Supplements on Asthma and Lung Cancer Risk in Smokers and Non-Smokers: A Review of the Literature.

Smoking is one of the major global causes of death. Cigarette smoke and secondhand (passive) smoke have been causally related to asthma and lung cancer. Asthma is a potential risk factor for developing lung cancer in both smokers and non-smokers. Prospective studies and randomized control trials (RCTs) of dietary supplements and lung cancer risk in adult smokers and non-smokers have yielded inconsistent results. A few prospective studies have shown that long-term use of high doses of some supplements, such as retinol, ß-carotene, B vitamins, and vitamin E, increase lung cancer risk in current and former smokers. Limited evidence from RCTs suggests that vitamin D supplementation is effective in improving lung function and reducing asthma risk in current/former smokers. The relationship between dietary supplements and lung cancer risk has never before been examined in asthmatic smokers and non-smokers. This short review aims to examine the evidence from existing studies for the effects of dietary supplements on asthma/lung cancer risk and mortality in smokers and non-smokers.

Coffee and pancreatic cancer risk among never-smokers in the UK prospective Million Women Study.

Reported associations between coffee consumption and an increased risk of pancreatic cancer could be due to residual confounding by smoking and/or biased recall of coffee consumption in retrospective studies. Studying associations prospectively in never smokers should minimize these problems, but thus far such studies have included relatively small numbers of cases. In our study, 309,797 never-smoking women self-reported typical daily coffee consumption at a mean age of 59.5 years (SD 5.0 years) and were followed up for a median of 13.7 years (IQR: 12.2-14.9) through record linkage to national health cancer and death registries. During this period, 962 incident cases of pancreatic cancers were registered. Cox regression was used to calculate adjusted relative risks [RRs] of incident pancreatic cancer with 95% confidence intervals [CIs] in relation to coffee consumption at baseline. After adjustment for potential confounding factors, including body mass index and alcohol consumption, RRs of pancreatic cancer in never-smokers who reported usually consuming 1-2, 3-4, and ≥ 5 cups of coffee daily, compared to nondrinkers of coffee, were 1.02 (CI 0.83-1.26), 0.96 (0.76-1.22), and 0.87 (0.64-1.18), respectively (trend p = 0.2). A meta-analysis of results from this cohort and 3 smaller prospective studies found little or no statistically significant association between coffee consumption and pancreatic cancer risk in never smokers (summary RR = 1.00, CI 0.86-1.17 for ≥2 vs. zero cups of coffee per day).

Plasma tea catechins and risk of cardiovascular disease in middle-aged Japanese subjects: The JPHC study.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Although a potential benefit of drinking green tea has been suggested to reduce the development of cardiovascular disease, no study has investigated the relationship between plasma tea catechin and risk of cardiovascular disease. METHODS: A prospective, nested case-control study was conducted to examine the association between plasma tea catechin and risk of stroke and coronary heart disease (CHD) in a cohort of 29,876 men and women aged 40-69 years without history of heart disease, stroke or cancer. Participants completed a survey and donated blood samples between 1990 and 1994, and were followed-up through 2008. A total of 1132 stroke cases and 209 CHD cases, matched 1:1 to controls (n = 1132) for stroke and 1:2 to controls (n = 418) for CHD, were included in the analysis. RESULTS: We found no significant association between plasma tea catechin and the incidence of stroke or CHD in either men or women. However, we found that high plasma levels of epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) were associated with reduced risk of stroke in non-smoking men; the adjusted odds ratio (95% CI) for the highest vs. non-detectable levels was 0.53 (0.29-0.98). The respective OR in male smokers was 1.23 (0.75-2.16). A significant interaction by smoking status was found for the highest vs. non-detected plasma EGCG in relation to stroke (p-for-interaction: p = 0.09). CONCLUSIONS: Plasma tea catechin was not associated with reduced risks of either stroke or CHD, while a protective effect of certain tea catechin on stroke risk is suggested for male non-smokers.