Food Insecurity and Ideal Cardiovascular Health Risk Factors Among US Adolescents

BACKGROUND

Food insecurity, a social and economic condition of limited availability of healthy food, is a risk factor for adverse cardiovascular health outcomes among adults; few studies have been conducted in adolescents. This study explores the association between food insecurity and cardiovascular health risk factors among a nationally representative sample of US adolescents, adopting the American Heart Association's Life's Essential 8 metric.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We analyzed data from 2534 adolescents aged 12 to 19 years from the 2013 to 2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys. In the sample, 24.8% of adolescents lived in food-insecure households. After multivariable adjustment, food insecurity was associated with a 3.23-unit lower total Life's Essential 8 score (95% CI, -6.32, -0.15) and lower scores on diet quality (β=-5.39 [95% CI, -8.91, -1.87]) and nicotine exposure (β=-4.85 [95% CI, -9.24, -0.45]). Regarding diet, food insecurity was associated with 5% lower Healthy Eating Index-2015 scores [95% CI, -7%, -2%], particularly lower intakes of whole grains and seafood/plant proteins and marginally higher intake of added sugar. Regarding nicotine exposure, food insecurity was associated with ever use of a tobacco product among m (odds ratio, 1.74 [95% CI, 1.20-2.53]). Compared with their food-secure counterparts, food-insecure male (odds ratio, 1.98 [95% CI, 1.07-3.65]) and female (odds ratio, 3.22 [95% CI, 1.60-6.45]) adolescents had higher odds of living with a current indoor smoker.

CONCLUSIONS

In this nationally representative sample of adolescents, food insecurity was associated with multiple indicators of cardiovascular health risk. These findings underscore the need for public health interventions and policies to reduce food insecurity and improve cardioprotective behaviors during adolescence, with particular efforts targeting diet quality and nicotine exposure.

Comparative evaluation of ten blood biomarkers of inflammation in regular heated tobacco users and non-smoking healthy males-a pilot study

Heated tobacco products (HTPs) are novel tobacco products that are alternatives to cigarettes. The study aimed to investigate the effect of HTPs on blood biomarkers of inflammation as well as to provide a comparative evaluation between daily heated tobacco users and healthy men who do not use nicotine products. This case-control study was carried out among 92 healthy males in Poland (Lodz-Province) aged 20-56 years: 44 daily heated tobacco users (daily use in the past 90 days) and 48 controls who do not use nicotine products. The history of use of the nicotine-containing products was self-reported and verified using a saliva cotinine test. A 20 ml blood sample was collected and the levels of ten blood biomarkers were analyzed. Among all heated tobacco users (n = 44), only the levels of interleukin 8 (IL-8) were significantly higher when compared to controls: 6.86 vs. 3.95 (p = 0.01). Among exclusive heated tobacco users (n = 33), the levels of IL-8 were also significantly higher when compared to controls: 7.76 vs. 3.95 (p = 0.01). IL-8 level was positively correlated (r = 0.37; p = 0.01) with the daily number of heated tobacco sticks. Out of 10 different biomarkers of inflammation, only IL-8 levels were significantly elevated in heated tobacco use compared to controls.

Social Determinants of Cardiovascular Risk Factors Among Asian American Subgroups

BACKGROUND

Social determinants of health (SDOH) play a significant role in the development of cardiovascular risk factors. We investigated SDOH associations with cardiovascular risk factors among Asian American subgroups.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We utilized the National Health Interview Survey, a nationally representative survey of US adults, years 2013 to 2018. SDOH variables were categorized into economic stability, neighborhood and social cohesion, food security, education, and health care utilization. SDOH score was created by categorizing 27 SDOH variables as 0 (favorable) or 1 (unfavorable). Self-reported cardiovascular risk factors included diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, obesity, insufficient physical activity, suboptimal sleep, and nicotine exposure. Among 6395 Asian adults aged ≥18 years, 22.1% self-identified as Filipino, 21.6% as Asian Indian, 21.0% as Chinese, and 35.3% as other Asian. From multivariable-adjusted logistic regression models, each SD increment of SDOH score was associated with higher odds of diabetes among Chinese (odds ratio [OR], 1.45; 95% CI, 1.04-2.03) and Filipino (OR, 1.24; 95% CI, 1.02-1.51) adults; high blood pressure among Filipino adults (OR, 1.28; 95% CI, 1.03-1.60); insufficient physical activity among Asian Indian (OR, 1.42; 95% CI, 1.22-1.65), Chinese (OR, 1.58; 95% CI, 1.33-1.88), and Filipino (OR, 1.24; 95% CI, 1.06-1.46) adults; suboptimal sleep among Asian Indian adults (OR, 1.20; 95% CI, 1.01-1.42); and nicotine exposure among Chinese (OR, 1.56; 95% CI, 1.15-2.11) and Filipino (OR, 1.50; 95% CI, 1.14-1.97) adults.

CONCLUSIONS

Unfavorable SDOH are associated with higher odds of cardiovascular risk factors in Asian American subgroups. Culturally specific interventions addressing SDOH may help improve cardiovascular health among Asian Americans.

Vaping Behaviors and Criminal Activity among a Nationally Representative Sample of U.S. Adults

Background: Prior research has discovered an association between vaping activities and increased delinquent behaviors. However, this relationship has been exclusively studied among adolescents and has not been examined among an adult sample. Methods: The current study uses a nationally representative sample of approximately 45,000 adults from the 2021 National Survey on Drug Use and Health. Logistic regression and negative binomial regression are employed to assess the association between three types of vaping (marijuana, nicotine, flavor) and five crime measures (arrest, sold drugs, stole >$50, attack, crime index), net of covariates. A vaping index is also examined to determine whether the number of substances vaped is related to criminal outcomes. Results: Results indicate that past year and past month marijuana and nicotine vaping are associated with higher odds of almost all crime measures, but flavor vaping was not significantly associated with the crime outcomes. Additionally, the vaping index suggests that the number of substances vaped is associated with the likelihood of engaging in certain crimes. Conclusions: The findings of the current study indicate the need for more awareness of the negative social consequences associated with vaping, particularly marijuana vaping. Additionally, the crime patterns among adults in this study are different from previous studies using adolescent samples. Specifically, flavor vaping is not associated with criminal behavior among the adult only sample. Thus, vaping studies that use adolescent samples may not generalize to adults.

Photochemical Degradation of the New Nicotine Pesticide Acetamiprid in Water

Acetamiprid is a novel nicotinic pesticide widely used in modern agriculture because of its low toxicity and specific biological target properties. The objective of this study was to understand the photolysis pattern of acetamiprid in the water column and elucidate its degradation products and mechanism. It was observed that acetamiprid exhibited different photolysis rates under different light source conditions in pure water, with ultraviolet > fluorescence > sunlight; furthermore, its photolysis half-life ranged from 17.3 to 28.6 h. In addition, alkaline conditions (pH 9.0) accelerated its photolysis rate, which increased with pH. Using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, five direct photolysis products generated during the exposure of acetamiprid to pure water were successfully separated and identified. The molecular structure of acetamiprid was further analyzed using density functional theory, and the active photodegradation sites of acetamiprid were predicted. The mechanism of the photolytic transformation of acetamiprid in water was mainly related to hydroxyl substitution and oxidation. Based on these findings, a comprehensive transformation pathway for acetamiprid was proposed.

Nicotine-derived NNK promotes CRC progression through activating TMUB1/AKT pathway in METTL14/YTHDF2-mediated m6A manner

Cigarette smoking substantially promotes tumorigenesis and progression of colorectal cancer; however, the underlying molecular mechanism remains unclear. Among 662 colorectal cancer patients, our investigation revealed a significant correlation between cigarette smoking and factors, such as large tumor size, poor differentiation, and high degree of invasion. Among the nicotine-derived nitrosamines, 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone (NNK) emerged as the most critical carcinogen, which significantly promoted the malignant progression of colorectal cancer both in vivo and in vitro. The results of methylated RNA immunoprecipitation and transcriptome sequencing indicated that NNK upregulated transmembrane and ubiquitin-like domain-containing protein 1 (TMUB1) via N6-adenosine methylation, which was regulated by methyltransferase-like 14 (METTL14) and YTH N6-methyladenosine RNA binding protein 2 (YTHDF2). Elevated TMUB1 levels were associated with a higher risk of cancer invasion and metastasis, leading to a high mortality risk in patients with colorectal cancer. Additionally, TMUB1 promoted lysine63-linked ubiquitination of AKT by interacting with AMFR, which led to the induction of malignant proliferation and metastasis in colorectal cancer cells exposed to NNK. In summary, this study provides a new insight, indicating that targeting TMUB1 expression via METTL14/YTHDF2 mediated N6-adenosine methylation may be a potential therapeutic and prognostic target for patients with colorectal cancer who smoke.

Neurogenetic underpinnings of nicotine use severity: Integrating the brain transcriptomes and GWAS variants via network approaches

Our study focused on human brain transcriptomes and the genetic risks of cigarettes per day (CPD) to investigate the neurogenetic mechanisms of individual variation in nicotine use severity. We constructed whole-brain and intramodular region-specific coexpression networks using BrainSpan's transcriptomes, and the genomewide association studies identified risk variants of CPD, confirmed the associations between CPD and each gene set in the region-specific subnetworks using an independent dataset, and conducted bioinformatic analyses. Eight brain-region-specific coexpression subnetworks were identified in association with CPD: amygdala, hippocampus, medial prefrontal cortex (MPFC), orbitofrontal cortex (OPFC), dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, striatum, mediodorsal nucleus of the thalamus (MDTHAL), and primary motor cortex (M1C). Each gene set in the eight subnetworks was associated with CPD. We also identified three hub proteins encoded by GRIN2A in the amygdala, PMCA2 in the hippocampus, MPFC, OPFC, striatum, and MDTHAL, and SV2B in M1C. Intriguingly, the pancreatic secretion pathway appeared in all the significant protein interaction subnetworks, suggesting pleiotropic effects between cigarette smoking and pancreatic diseases. The three hub proteins and genes are implicated in stress response, drug memory, calcium homeostasis, and inhibitory control. These findings provide novel evidence of the neurogenetic underpinnings of smoking severity.

Nicotine use among reservation-area American Indian adolescents compared with a national sample

BACKGROUND

Past research has found significant nicotine use disparities for reservation-area American Indian adolescents when compared to national levels. However, adolescent nicotine use has changed markedly, with reduced smoking and rapid increases in nicotine vaping. This study presents 2021-2022 prevalence estimates of tobacco product use, perceived harm and availability for reservation-area American Indian youth, with comparisons to the Monitoring the Future (MTF) national study.

METHODS

Participants were 8th, 10th and 12th grade students. American Indian data were 33 reservation-area schools in 2021-2022 (n=2420); MTF data were 308 schools in Spring 2022 (n=31,438). Measures were lifetime, 30-day cigarette smoking, smokeless tobacco use, and nicotine vaping; past-year nicotine vaping; daily smoking; perceived harmfulness and availability of these tobacco products. Prevalence and 95% confidence intervals were computed by grade.

RESULTS

Estimated prevalence of lifetime, monthly and daily cigarette smoking among American Indian 8th and 10th graders was higher than national levels. Nicotine vaping prevalence was similar between samples. American Indian students were less likely to report tobacco product use poses great risk, but also less likely to report tobacco products are easily available.

CONCLUSIONS

Although estimated smoking prevalence among American Indian 8th and 10th graders was higher than national levels, prevalence appears lower than reported in earlier studies, suggesting declining disparities. Prevalence of nicotine vaping among reservation-area American Indian adolescents generally mirrors the national population; however, a lower percentage reported regular nicotine vaping poses a serious risk. This discrepancy suggests a need for prevention and intervention efforts culturally tailored for this population.

Disrupted brain state dynamics in opioid and alcohol use disorder: attenuation by nicotine use

Substance use disorder (SUD) is a chronic relapsing disorder with long-lasting changes in brain intrinsic networks. While most research to date has focused on static functional connectivity, less is known about the effect of chronic drug use on dynamics of brain networks. Here we investigated brain state dynamics in individuals with opioid use (OUD) and alcohol use disorder (AUD) and assessed how concomitant nicotine use, which is frequent among individuals with OUD and AUD, affects brain dynamics. Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging data of 27 OUD, 107 AUD, and 137 healthy participants were included in the analyses. To identify recurrent brain states and their dynamics, we applied a data-driven clustering approach that determines brain states at a single time frame. We found that OUD and AUD non-smokers displayed similar changes in brain state dynamics including decreased fractional occupancy or dwell time in default mode network (DMN)-dominated brain states and increased appearance rate in visual network (VIS)-dominated brain states, which were also reflected in transition probabilities of related brain states. Interestingly, co-use of nicotine affected brain states in an opposite manner by lowering VIS-dominated and enhancing DMN-dominated brain states in both OUD and AUD participants. Our finding revealed a similar pattern of brain state dynamics in OUD and AUD participants that differed from controls, with an opposite effect for nicotine use suggesting distinct effects of various drugs on brain state dynamics. Different strategies for treating SUD may need to be implemented based on patterns of co-morbid drug use.

Comparing identity, attitudes, and indicators of effectiveness in people who smoke, vape or use heated tobacco products: A cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

There is limited long-term and independent research on heated tobacco products (HTPs). We compared people who used HTPs with those who used nicotine vaping products (NVP) or cigarettes on smoker identity, indicators of effectiveness and, among NVP/HTP users, perceptions of these products.

METHODS

Adults exclusive cigarette smokers (N = 45) and ex-smokers with medium/long-term (>3months) NVP (N = 46) or HTP use (N = 45) were recruited in London, UK. Participants completed a questionnaire assessing socio-demographics, smoking characteristics, smoker identity, dependence, intention to stop and attitudes towards HTP/NVP.

RESULTS

In adjusted analysis, people who used cigarettes (Mean Difference (MD) = 1.4, 95%Confidence Intervals (CI) 0.7,2.0) and HTPs (MD = 0.8, 95%CI 0.1, 1.5) reported stronger smoker identities than those who used NVPs. Compared with smokers, HTP/NVP users had lower cravings for cigarettes (MD = 3.0, 95%CI 1.6, 4.3; MD = 3.1, 95%CI 1.9, 4.3, respectively), and higher intention to stop product use (MD = -0.8, 95%CI -1.7,-0.01; MD = -1.2, 95%CI -2.0, -0.3, respectively). People using HTPs or NVPs reported similar perceived product satisfaction (HTP:M = 3.4, 95%CI 2.8, 3.9; NVP:M = 3.0, 95%CI 2.5, 3.5), efficacy for smoking cessation (HTP:M = 4.5, 95%CI 4.2, 4.9; NVP:M = 4.6, 95%CI 4.3, 4.9) and safety (HTP:M = 2.1, 95%CI 2.0, 2.2; NVP:M = 2.0, 95%CI 1.8, 2.1). HTP users reported greater perceived addictiveness than NVPs (MD = 0.3, 95%CI 0.2, 0.6).

CONCLUSIONS

HTP and NVP users perceived products to be similarly acceptable and effective suggesting that HTPs, like NVPs, may support smoking cessation. However, since HTP use appears to maintain a stronger smoker identity and perceived addiction, this may suggest a more limited role of HTP for a permanent transition away from cigarettes.

A novel abuse liability assessment of e-cigarettes in young adults ii: Reinforcement enhancement and follow-up assessment

A double-blind study was performed to test the abuse liability of electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) in young adults; in particular, the influence of nicotine on reward sensitivity was assessed. A total of 53 healthy nonusers participated in experimental sessions during which they played a video game made available on a progressive ratio schedule of reinforcement and self-administered nicotine via ENDS. Participants were randomized into one of three groups. Two groups received either a dedicated concentration of nicotine (6 and 12 mg) or a placebo, and whether they received the placebo or their dedicated nicotine dose was randomly determined on a session-by-session basis to mask the sequencing of drug administration. The third group received only a 0 mg (placebo) vaping device during all sessions. In comparison to all placebo conditions, nicotine-induced reward sensitization was evidenced on behavioral measures of video game reinforcement, but not subjective appraisals of the vaping experience. A 1-month follow-up survey provided evidence that reinforcement enhancement by nicotine predicts increased abuse liability of ENDS. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

An on-line school-based substance use harm reduction programme: The Illicit Project randomized controlled trial results

AIMS

The aim of this study was to measure the effectiveness of an on-line, neuroscience-based harm reduction intervention (The Illicit Project) on substance use, harms and knowledge over a 12-month period.

DESIGN

We used a two-arm cluster-randomized controlled trial.

SETTING

The study was conducted at eight secondary schools across New South Wales, Australia.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 950 (mean age = 15.9; standard deviation = 0.68) in grades 10-12 at participating schools in 2020 took part.

INTERVENTION AND COMPARATOR

The Illicit Project intervention group (schools = five, n = 681) received an on-line, universal substance use and harm reduction programme over three classes. The active control group (schools = three, n = 269) received school-based health education as usual.

MEASUREMENTS

Self-report questionnaires assessed primary [alcohol, nicotine, cannabis, 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), cocaine and prescription drug misuse] and secondary outcomes (alcohol-related harms and drug literacy) at baseline and the 6- and 12-month follow-up assessment.

FINDINGS

Approximately 63% (n = 595) of the sample completed the 12-month follow-up assessment, including 58% of the intervention group (n = 396/679) and 66% of the active control group (n = 179/271). Participants in the intervention group had slower annual increases in binge drinking [odds ratio (OR) = 0.33, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.12-0.89], nicotine use (OR = 0.80, 95% CI = 0.52-1.23), MDMA use (OR = 0.14, 95% CI = 0.02-1.00), cocaine use (OR = 0.06, 95% CI = 0.01-0.64) and prescription drug misuse (OR = 0.07, 95% CI = 0.01-0.54) compared with the active control group. There was limited evidence of an intervention effect on cannabis use and alcohol-related harm (P > 0.5). The secondary outcomes showed that the intervention group maintained higher levels of drug literacy knowledge (β = 3.71, 95% CI = 1.86-5.56) and harm reduction help-seeking skills (β = 1.55, 95% CI = 0.62-2.48) compared with the active control group.

CONCLUSION

The Illicit Project (an on-line, neuroscience-based substance use harm reduction intervention) was effective in slowing the uptake of risky substance use and improving drug literacy skills among late secondary school students in Australia, compared with school-based health education as usual.

Using Project Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes to Enhance Substance Use Disorder Care in Primary Care: Mixed Methods Study

BACKGROUND

Substance use and overdose deaths make up a substantial portion of injury-related deaths in the United States, with the state of Ohio leading the nation in rates of diagnosed substance use disorder (SUD). Ohio's growing epidemic has indicated a need to improve SUD care in a primary care setting through the engagement of multidisciplinary providers and the use of a comprehensive approach to care.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to assess the ability of the Weitzman Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes (ECHO): Comprehensive Substance Use Disorder Care program to both address and meet 7 series learning objectives and address substances by analyzing (1) the frequency of exposure to the learning objective topics and substance types during case discussions and (2) participants' change in knowledge, self-efficacy, attitudes, and skills related to the treatment of SUDs pre- to postseries. The 7 series learning objective themes included harm reduction, team-based care, behavioral techniques, medication-assisted treatment, trauma-informed care, co-occurring conditions, and social determinants of health.

METHODS

We used a mixed methods approach using a conceptual content analysis based on series learning objectives and substances and a 2-tailed paired-samples t test of participants' self-reported learner outcomes. The content analysis gauged the frequency and dose of learning objective themes and illicit and nonillicit substances mentioned in participant case presentations and discussions, and the paired-samples t test compared participants' knowledge, self-efficacy, attitudes, and skills associated with learning objectives and medication management of substances from pre- to postseries.

RESULTS

The results of the content analysis indicated that 3 learning objective themes-team-based care, harm reduction, and social determinants of health-resulted in the highest frequencies and dose, appearing in 100% (n=22) of case presentations and discussions. Alcohol had the highest frequency and dose among the illicit and nonillicit substances, appearing in 81% (n=18) of case presentations and discussions. The results of the paired-samples t test indicated statistically significant increases in knowledge domain statements related to polysubstance use (P=.02), understanding the approach other disciplines use in SUD care (P=.02), and medication management strategies for nicotine (P=.03) and opioid use disorder (P=.003). Statistically significant increases were observed for 2 self-efficacy domain statements regarding medication management for nicotine (P=.002) and alcohol use disorder (P=.02). Further, 1 statistically significant increase in the skill domain was observed regarding using the stages of change theory in interventions (P=.03).

CONCLUSIONS

These findings indicate that the ECHO program's content aligned with its stated learning objectives; met its learning objectives for the 3 themes where significant improvements were measured; and met its intent to address multiple substances in case presentations and discussions. These results demonstrate that Project ECHO is a potential tool to educate multidisciplinary providers in a comprehensive approach to SUD care.

Marijuana and E-cigarette Initiation Among Adolescents: A Survival Analysis

PURPOSE

Prior literature suggests marijuana and e-cigarette initiation among adolescents is surpassing combustible cigarette uptake. Marijuana and nicotine co-use is also a concern as these products grow in popularity. Initiation trajectories for marijuana and e-cigarette products are not well understood, let alone how the use of one product may impact initiation susceptibility for the other.

METHODS

We used national longitudinal data from the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health study from 2013 to 2018. Eighth graders in Wave 1 made up the analytic sample (N = 2,270). We employed discrete time survival analyses to determine the likelihood of initiating marijuana and e-cigarettes between Waves 2 and 5. We used survival analyses to estimate the relationships between prior cigarette and marijuana use and subsequent e-cigarette initiation, as well as prior cigarette and e-cigarette use and subsequent marijuana initiation.

RESULTS

Previous marijuana initiation was associated with later e-cigarette initiation (odds ratio = 6.88, 95% confidence interval [4.89, 9.67]). Previous e-cigarette initiation was associated with later marijuana initiation (odds ratio = 9.28, 95% confidence interval [6.86, 12.56]). By wave 5, adolescents were more than 42% likely to initiate marijuana and e-cigarettes.

DISCUSSION

Susceptibility to marijuana and e-cigarette products starts as early as eighth grade and increases over time. The use of one product is significantly related to later initiation for the other. Rather than addressing marijuana and nicotine as separate concerns, interventions may benefit by recognizing the closely related nature of these products.

Factors associated with child and adolescent electronic nicotine and non-nicotine delivery systems use: A scoping review

OBJECTIVES

To identify, characterise and broadly synthesise factors associated with child and adolescent electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) and/or electronic non-nicotine delivery systems (ENNDS) ever-use and/or current use.

METHODS

Four electronic databases were searched from inception to 3rd June 2022. Non-experimental studies that provided quantitative factors associated with adolescent and/or child ENDS or ENNDS ever-use and/or current use were included. Factors associated with ever-use (any lifetime use) and/or current use (use in past 30 days) were included. All screening and data extraction was conducted independently by paired review authors. Frequencies for country, study design, sample size, measure of ENDS/ENNDS use and factors examined were calculated. Factors were categorised according to the Theory of Triadic Influence domains and sub-domains.

RESULTS

The search of electronic databases identified 4756 records, 240 of which were included. The majority of studies examined factors categorised within the Biology and Personality domain of the Theory of Triadic Influence (89.2%; 95%CI 84.6, 82.5), followed by the Social Context (50.8%; 95%CI 44.5, 57.2) and Broader Environment domains (30.4%; 95%CI 24.6, 36.3). The proportion of factors significantly associated with ENDS/ENNDS use was >75% for the Behavioural (78.0%; factors included use of tobacco, other drugs and alcohol), Peer Attitudes and Behaviours (80.0%; factors included peer use of ENDS/ENNDS and tobacco), and Legislation/Policy sub-domains (78.6%; factors included accessibility and advertising).

CONCLUSIONS

The evidence base on factors associated with ENDS/ENNDS use in children and adolescents is rapidly developing, predominately by research concentrated in high income regions and focused on behavioural- and personality-related factors.

Changes in distinct brain systems identified with fMRI during smoking cessation treatment with varenicline: a review

BACKGROUND

Varenicline is considered one of the most effective treatment options for smoking cessation. Nonetheless, it is only modestly effective. A deeper comprehension of the effects of varenicline by means of the in-depth review of relevant fMRI studies may assist in paving the development of more targeted and effective treatments.

METHODOLOGY

A search of PubMed and Google Scholar databases was conducted with the keywords "functional magnetic resonance imaging" or "fMRI", and "varenicline". All peer-reviewed articles regarding the assessment of smokers with fMRI while undergoing treatment with varenicline and meeting the predefined criteria were included.

RESULTS

Several studies utilizing different methodologies and targeting different aspects of brain function were identified. During nicotine withdrawal, decreased mesocorticolimbic activity and increased amygdala activity, as well as elevated amygdala-insula and insula-default-mode-network functional connectivity are alleviated by varenicline under specific testing conditions. However, other nicotine withdrawal-induced changes, including the decreased reward responsivity of the ventral striatum, the bilateral dorsal striatum and the anterior cingulate cortex are not influenced by varenicline suggesting a task-dependent divergence in neurocircuitry activation. Under satiety, varenicline treatment is associated with diminished cue-induced activation of the ventral striatum and medial orbitofrontal cortex concomitant with reduced cravings; during the resting state, varenicline induces activation of the lateral orbitofrontal cortex and suppression of the right amygdala.

CONCLUSIONS

The current review provides important clues with regard to the neurobiological mechanism of action of varenicline and highlights promising research opportunities regarding the development of more selective and effective treatments and predictive biomarkers for treatment efficacy.

First experience with nicotine products and transition to regular tobacco use: a secondary data analysis in 28 European countries

OBJECTIVE

The majority of tobacco users have had their first contact with nicotine at a young age. The aim of this study was to explore the association between the first tobacco or nicotine product tried and the transition to regular product use in 28 European countries.

METHODS

A secondary analysis of participants aged 15-40 years (n=8884) from 28 countries was conducted (Eurobarometer wave 93.2; August-September 2020). Participants who reported having ever tried tobacco or nicotine products were asked which product they tried first. Self-reported history of tobacco use determined whether they were established users (≥1 time weekly) of a range of products at any point in their life. Multilevel logistic regression was used to measure the association between first product tried and becoming a regular user of tobacco or nicotine products.

RESULTS

There was large variation between countries in the proportion of participants aged ≤40 years that ever tried tobacco or nicotine; Estonia had the highest proportion of ever users (85.8%) and Poland had the lowest (38.9%). Among those who had ever tried tobacco or nicotine, boxed cigarettes were the most common first product (72.3%) and pipe was the least common (0.4%). Compared with those who first tried e-cigarettes, the odds of ever becoming a regular user of any tobacco or nicotine product were higher among those who first had hand-rolled cigarettes (adjusted OR, aOR 2.23; 95% CI 1.43 to 3.48) or boxed cigarettes (aOR 2.08; 95% CI1.43 to 3.02) and lower among those who first tried waterpipe (aOR 0.22; 95% CI 0.14 to 0.34).

CONCLUSIONS

Although this study cannot infer causality, the findings show that odds of becoming a regular tobacco user differs widely depending on the first product used. Better understanding of the associations between first product use and regular tobacco use could be informative to tobacco control policy-makers and help tailor prevention programmes.

Immunological Signatures in Blood and Urine in 80 Individuals Hospitalized during the Initial Phase of COVID-19 Pandemic with Quantified Nicotine Exposure

This research analyzes immunological response patterns to SARS-CoV-2 infection in blood and urine in individuals with serum cotinine-confirmed exposure to nicotine. Samples of blood and urine were obtained from a total of 80 patients admitted to hospital within 24 h of admission (tadm), 48 h later (t48h), and 7 days later (t7d) if patients remained hospitalized or at discharge. Serum cotinine above 3.75 ng/mL was deemed as biologically significant exposure to nicotine. Viral load was measured with serum SARS-CoV-2 S-spike protein. Titer of IgG, IgA, and IgM against S- and N-protein assessed specific antiviral responses. Cellular destruction was measured by high mobility group box protein-1 (HMGB-1) serum levels and heat shock protein 60 (Hsp-60). Serum interleukin 6 (IL-6), and ferritin gauged non-specific inflammation. The immunological profile was assessed with O-link. Serum titers of IgA were lower at tadm in smokers vs. nonsmokers (p = 0.0397). IgM at t48h was lower in cotinine-positive individuals (p = 0.0188). IgG did not differ between cotinine-positive and negative individuals. HMGB-1 at admission was elevated in cotinine positive individuals. Patients with positive cotinine did not exhibit increased markers of non-specific inflammation and tissue destruction. The blood immunological profile had distinctive differences at admission (MIC A/B↓), 48 h (CCL19↓, MCP-3↓, CD28↑, CD8↓, IFNγ↓, IL-12↓, GZNB↓, MIC A/B↓) or 7 days (CD28↓) in the cotinine-positive group. The urine immunological profile showed a profile with minimal overlap with blood as the following markers being affected at tadm (CCL20↑, CXCL5↑, CD8↑, IL-12↑, MIC A/B↑, GZNH↑, TNFRS14↑), t48h (CCL20↓, TRAIL↓) and t7d (EGF↑, ADA↑) in patients with a cotinine-positive test. Here, we showed a distinctive immunological profile in hospitalized COVID-19 patients with confirmed exposure to nicotine.

Dopamine and Norepinephrine Tissue Levels in the Developing Limbic Brain Are Impacted by the Human CHRNA6 3'-UTR Single-Nucleotide Polymorphism (rs2304297) in Rats

We previously demonstrated that a genetic single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP, rs2304297) in the 3' untranslated region (UTR) of the human CHRNA6 gene has sex- and genotype-dependent effects on nicotine-induced locomotion, anxiety, and nicotine + cue-induced reinstatement in adolescent rats. This study aims to investigate how the CHRNA6 3'-UTR SNP influences dopaminergic and noradrenergic tissue levels in brain reward regions during baseline and after the reinstatement of drug-seeking behavior. Naïve adolescent and adult rats, along with those undergoing nicotine + cue reinstatement and carrying the CHRNA6 3'-UTR SNP, were assessed for dopamine (DA), norepinephrine (NE), and metabolites in reward pathway regions. The results reveal age-, sex-, and genotype-dependent baseline DA, NE, and DA turnover levels. Post-reinstatement, male α6GG rats show suppressed DA levels in the Nucleus Accumbens (NAc) Shell compared to the baseline, while nicotine+ cue-induced reinstatement behavior correlates with neurotransmitter levels in specific brain regions. This study emphasizes the role of CHRNA6 3'-UTR SNP in the developmental maturation of the dopaminergic and noradrenergic system in the adolescent rat brain, with tissue levels acting as predictors of nicotine + cue-induced reinstatement.

A Study on the Antibacterial, Antispasmodic, Antipyretic, and Anti-Inflammatory Activity of ZnO Nanoparticles Using Leaf Extract from Jasminum sambac (L. Aiton)

The green synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) using plants has grown in significance in recent years. ZnO NPs were synthesized in this work via a chemical precipitation method with Jasminum sambac (JS) leaf extract serving as a capping agent. These NPs were characterized using UV-vis spectroscopy, FT-IR, XRD, SEM, TEM, TGA, and DTA. The results from UV-vis and FT-IR confirmed the band gap energies (3.37 eV and 3.50 eV) and the presence of the following functional groups: CN, OH, C=O, and NH. A spherical structure and an average grain size of 26 nm were confirmed via XRD. The size and surface morphology of the ZnO NPs were confirmed through the use of SEM analysis. According to the TEM images, the ZnO NPs had an average mean size of 26 nm and were spherical in shape. The TGA curve indicated that the weight loss starts at 100 °C, rising to 900 °C, as a result of the evaporation of water molecules. An exothermic peak was seen during the DTA analysis at 480 °C. Effective antibacterial activity was found at 7.32 ± 0.44 mm in Gram-positive bacteria (S. aureus) and at 15.54 ± 0.031 mm in Gram-negative (E. coli) bacteria against the ZnO NPs. Antispasmodic activity: the 0.3 mL/mL sample solution demonstrated significant reductions in stimulant effects induced by histamine (at a concentration of 1 µg/mL) by (78.19%), acetylcholine (at a concentration of 1 µM) by (67.57%), and nicotine (at a concentration of 2 µg/mL) by (84.35%). The antipyretic activity was identified using the specific Shodhan vidhi method, and their anti-inflammatory properties were effectively evaluated with a denaturation test. A 0.3 mL/mL sample solution demonstrated significant reductions in stimulant effects induced by histamine (at a concentration of 1 µg/mL) by 78.19%, acetylcholine (at a concentration of 1 µM) by 67.57%, and nicotine (at a concentration of 2 µg/mL) by 84.35%. These results underscore the sample solution's potential as an effective therapeutic agent, showcasing its notable antispasmodic activity. Among the administered doses, the 150 mg/kg sample dose exhibited the most potent antipyretic effects. The anti-inflammatory activity of the synthesized NPs showed a remarkable inhibition percentage of (97.14 ± 0.005) at higher concentrations (250 µg/mL). Furthermore, a cytotoxic effect was noted when the biologically synthesized ZnO NPs were introduced to treated cells.

Tobacco and nicotine use among active component U.S. military service members: a comparison of 2018 estimates from the Health Related Behaviors Survey and the Periodic Health Assessment

This study compared estimates of the prevalence of and risk factors for tobacco and nicotine use obtained from the 2018 Health Related Behaviors Survey (HRBS) and Periodic Health Assessment (PHA) survey. The HRBS and the PHA are important Department of Defense sources of data on health behavior collected from U.S. military service members. While their collection methods differ, some survey questions are similar, which provides an opportunity to compare survey estimates. Active duty service members consistently reported a much lower prevalence of all types of tobacco and nicotine use on the PHA compared to the HRBS: cigarettes (11.1% vs. 18.4%), e-cigarettes (7.3% vs. 16.2%), chewing tobacco (9.7% vs. 13.4%), any tobacco or nicotine use (25.3% vs. 37.8%), and use of 2 or more tobacco or nicotine products (5.8% vs. 17.4%). Associations between tobacco and nicotine use as well as demographic and other behavioral variables were fairly similar, including age, sex, education, race and ethnicity, rank, and alcohol use. The associations with service branch, body mass index, and sleep were inconsistent. This results of this study suggest that the PHA can provide timely information on trends in military tobacco and nicotine use over time, but much higher estimates from the confidential, voluntary HRBS reported in this study suggest that the command-directed PHA may substantially underestimate the prevalence of all types of tobacco and nicotine use.

Nicotiana alkaloids-intervened phospholipid ozonolysis at the air-water interface

Cigarette nicotiana alkaloids associated with lung and cardiovascular diseases attack enormous attention. However, the mechanism at the molecular level between nicotiana alkaloids and phospholipid ozonolysis remains elusive. Herein, we investigated the interfacial ozonolysis of a hung droplet containing 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-phosphatidylglycerol (POPG) intervened by nicotiana alkaloids (4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone, NNK; rac-N'-nitrosonornicotine, NNN; nicotine; and (R,S)-N-nitrosoanasabine, NAT) and followed by on-line mass spectrometry analysis. NNK and NNN showed an acceleration on the interfacial ozonolysis, while nicotine and NAT inhibited this chemistry. Such acceleration/inhibition on POPG ozonolysis was positively correlated with nicotiana alkaloid concentrations. The reaction rate constants suggested that the ozonolysis of lung phospholipids exposed to cigarette smoke at the air-water interface occurred rapidly. A possible mechanism of the hydrophilic/oleophilic nature of nicotiana alkaloids mediating the packing density of POPG was proposed. NNK and NNN with a hydrophilic nature inserted into the POPG monolayer loosed the packing, but nicotine and NAT with an oleophilic nature let the POPG closely pack and shield the CC double bonds exposed to ozone (O3). These results gain the knowledge of nicotiana alkaloids mediated phospholipid ozonolysis at the molecule level and provide a method for online interfacial reaction studies associated with elevated indoor pollutants on public health.

Should menthol e-cigarettes be banned? Reaction of adult smokers and users of e-cigarettes to hypothetical bans

INTRODUCTION

This study examines how current smokers using menthol cigarettes or flavoured cigars, and current users of flavoured e-cigarettes may respond to three hypothetical flavour-ban scenarios: (1) banning only menthol cigarettes and flavoured cigars; (2) also banning e-cigarettes with any non-tobacco flavours except menthol; and (3) also banning e-cigarettes with any non-tobacco flavours, including menthol.

METHODS

Recruited from mTurk, respondents were asked if they would quit all tobacco-nicotine use or continue or start using products that were still legally available. The patterns of responding to each ban scenario, for both flavoured smokers and users of non-tobacco flavoured e-cigarettes, were summarised. Multinomial logistic regressions were used to estimate associations between demographics, smoking or e-cigarette use status and reactions to a ban.

RESULTS

A ban on menthol cigarettes and flavoured cigars would lead to 12%-20% of flavoured smokers trying to quit all tobacco use and 32%-52% switching to non-flavoured smoking, with the remaining switching to e-cigarettes or other products. Compared with a ban on only menthol cigarettes and flavoured cigars, also banning flavoured e-cigarettes would increase the likelihood of quitting all tobacco-nicotine use (OR=2.58) but also increase the likelihood of switching to non-flavoured smoking (OR=1.74).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results indicate that a ban on menthol cigarettes and flavoured cigars would decrease smoking. However, it is unclear if adding a ban of menthol e-cigarettes would lead to additional benefits because without menthol e-cigarettes as an alternative, some smokers and e-cigarette users may switch to non-flavoured tobacco smoking, rather than quit all tobacco use.

Effect of chronic vapor nicotine exposure on affective and cognitive behavior in male mice

Nicotine use is a leading cause of preventable deaths worldwide, and most of those who attempt to quit will relapse. While electronic cigarettes and other electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) were presented as a safer alternative to traditional cigarettes and promoted as devices to help traditional tobacco smokers reduce or quit smoking, they have instead contributed to increasing nicotine use among youths. Despite this, ENDS also represent a useful tool to create novel preclinical animal models of nicotine exposure that more accurately represent human nicotine use. In this study, we validated a chronic, intermittent, ENDS-based passive vapor exposure model in mice, and then measured changes in multiple behaviors related to nicotine abstinence. First, we performed a behavioral dose curve to investigate the effects of different nicotine inter-vape intervals on various measures including body weight, locomotor activity, and pain hypersensitivity. Next, we performed a pharmacokinetic study to measure plasma levels of nicotine and cotinine following chronic exposure for each inter-vape interval. Finally, we utilized a behavior test battery at a single dosing regimen that produces blood levels equivalent to human smokers in order to characterize the effects of chronic nicotine, vehicle, or passive airflow and identified nicotine-induced impairments in cognitive behavior.