Search Results (28)

This study evaluated the effects of conventional cigarette smoke compared to aerosol from a heat-non-burn tobacco product on the color stability of two UDMA-based dental composite resins, namely a monochromatic (Omnichroma) and a polychromatic (Vittra APS) resin. Twenty disc-shaped specimens were prepared, divided into two groups of ten, and exposed to 105 cigarettes or 105 aerosol tobacco sticks via a custom-made smoking chamber. Puff duration was 2 s, with a 60 s interval between puffs in which smoke saturated the chamber for 30 s; then, clean air was introduced into the chamber for 30 s. Six puffs and six intervals were simulated. Color parameters were measured before and after exposure and following brushing of each specimen with 15 strokes. Color differences were determined based on the CIEDE2000 formula. Significant color change was found in all specimens exposed to cigarette and tobacco aerosol. The highest color-change mean value was obtained from composite resin exposed to cigarette smoke. Although both cigarette and thermal heating systems cause discoloration, the aerosol causes reduced composite resin discoloration, which compromises aesthetics and increases patient dissatisfaction, impacting the overall dental care. Color stability is the hallmark of success, as it is the main reason for replacing dental restorations. Full article

The growing demand for energy biomass encourages the use of waste and by-products from agriculture. The aim of this study was to assess the suitability of tobacco stalks (TSs) for energy use in the combustion and anaerobic digestion (AD) process, as well as the technical and environmental effects of energy production from this waste raw material. Laboratory tests were conducted on the energy parameters of TS biomass, the chemical composition of ash from its combustion, and the efficiency and composition of biogas generated during the AD process of TS silage with various silage additives. The tests were conducted in accordance with the standards applicable to biomass fuels. The energy yield and emission reduction obtained by the replacement of conventional energy sources were calculated. The energy parameters of TS were inferior compared to the raw materials most often burned in boilers (wood, straw). The high ash content (7.31% in dry mass) and its chemical composition may adversely affect heating devices. Methane yield from TS silage was lower (18.55–24.67 m³/Mg FM) than from silage from crops grown for biogas plants (i.e., 105 m³/Mg for maize silage). Silage additives improved TS silage quality and methane yield (from 18.55 to 21.71–24.67 m³ CH₄/Mg in case of silages with additives. Energy yield and emission reduction were higher in the case of TS combustion, but AD is a process consistent with the circular economy. Both TS energy management processes are in line with the Sustainable Development Goals as they prevent the devaluation of agricultural waste, providing a valuable resource for bioenergy. Full article

Tobacco smoking remains a major global health concern, causing preventable deaths and economic strain. Although new tobacco products such as heat-not-burn (HnB) are safer alternatives to traditional cigarettes, research on their associated risks remains limited. This study aimed to investigate the effects of HnB smoke exposure on the lungs compared to those of traditional cigarettes and the combined use of HnB and cigarettes using experiments with a mouse model. We quantitatively analyzed changes in the levels of 92 blood plasma proteins using the proximity extension assay method and observed significant changes in their levels in mice exposed to different smoke conditions; specifically, the levels of certain proteins, including Ccl20, Cxcl1, and Pdgfb, increased in the HnB smoke-exposed group, suggesting activation of nicotine pathways. Comparative analysis with traditional cigarette smoke-exposed mice further highlighted similarities and differences in their protein expression profiles. This study contributes to an improved understanding of the biological mechanisms underlying the harmful effects of alternative nicotine delivery systems and identifies potential biomarkers associated with the harmful effects of HnB smoke exposure. However, the precise impact of nicotine on the immune system may be influenced by various factors, necessitating further research. Full article

The thermal decomposition of a heat-not-burn (HNB) tobacco at four temperatures (250–400 °C) was studied via thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and Multi-shot pyrolizer experiments (Py-GC/MS), and the effect of four potential additives, USY Beta and beta zeolites and Silica Lovel 6000 and SBA-15 silicates at three concentrations (5, 15 and 25% w/w) under an inert and oxidative atmosphere was analyzed. Different techniques were applied showing that the presence of the additives modifies the decomposition processes (TGA). Py-GC/MS showed that these tobaccos generate large amounts of Nicotine and Glycerine. Acid compounds are the most abundant compounds under an inert atmosphere, while Oxygenated compounds predominate under an oxidative atmosphere. In both atmospheres, Furans and Aromatics present in a significant abundance at high temperatures. The additives used reduce both the number and the concentration of most of the compounds generated, especially at high temperatures and concentrations. Moreover, SBA-15 shows good aptitudes to reduce the formation of some individual compounds included in the FDA’s HPHC list, such as Acetone and Acetaldehyde. Finally, smoking experiments corroborated that all additives produce marked reductions in TPM, i.e., the majority fraction obtained, and in practically all the compounds generated. Phenol, a toxicant compound that was detected in a significant amount, is also markedly reduced. SBA-15 is the material that presents a major reduction in the TPM and the principal compounds generated. These results may be of great interest for further reducing the toxicity of smoking this type of heat-not-burn tobacco product. Full article

Heated Tobacco Products (HTPs) purport to reduce exposure to tobacco-related toxicants compared to combustible cigarettes. This cross-sectional study examined the content of nicotine, two humectants (propylene glycol (PG) and vegetable glycerin (VG)), and four tobacco-specific nitrosamines (TSNAs: NNN, NNK, NAT, and NAB) in the tobacco filler of a popular HTP brand (IQOS). Non-menthol and menthol IQOS sticks were purchased from nine countries between 2017 and 2020 and were classified into two versions (“Bold” and “Light”) using Philip Morris’s flavor descriptors. The average nicotine concentration was 4.7 ± 0.5 mg/stick, and the highest nicotine concentration was found in products from Japan (5.1 ± 0.2 mg/stick). VG was the dominant humectant found in all sticks, with an average concentration of (31.5 ± 2.3 mg/stick). NNN, NNK, and NAT were substantially higher in the “Bold” sticks than the “Light” sticks. Significant differences between countries for TSNAs were also observed: the NAT and NAB contents were the highest in the “Light” products from Canada (192.5 ± 24.1 and 22.9 ± 1.0 ng/stick, respectively); the NNK concentration was the highest in the “Bold” products from Poland (64.8 ± 7.9 ng/stick); and the highest NNN concentrations were observed in the “Bold” products from South Africa (488.9 ± 26.7 ng/stick). As NNN and NNK are known human carcinogens, and as humectants like PG and VG can degrade into toxic carbonyl compounds upon heating, monitoring the concentration of these chemicals in HTPs is important for protecting users’ health and ensuring compliance with regulations. Full article

Tobacco heating systems (THS) are new products on the market, advertised as a less harmful alternative for smokers, in which tobacco is heated and not burned like in conventional cigarettes. This research explored the effect on periodontal tissues in contact with heating and burning tobacco residual products (smoke and tobacco). Methods: The sample included 66 subjects, patients of the Clinic of Dentistry in Rijeka, Croatia, aged 26–56 (median 38), 64% females. Three age- and gender-matched groups were formed (each N = 22): non-smokers, classic cigarettes smokers and THS smokers. Probing depth (PD) and clinical attachment loss (CAL) were primary research parameters. Results: Three groups differed in average PD and CAL (p ≤ 0.002), with cigarette smokers having the highest and non-smokers the lowest values (p ≤ 0.002). THS consumers generally had lower values of periodontal indices than smokers, but only CAL differed significantly (p = 0.011). Periodontal indices CAL and PD were worse in THS consumers than non-smokers, but they did not reach a level of statistical significance. Cigarette smoking was the only predictor of periodontitis (average CAL ≥ 4 mm) in logistic regression models, with an odds ratio of 4.7 (95% confidence interval 1.2–18.3; p = 0.027). Conclusions: Exposure to nicotine-containing aerosol of THS in adults has a less harmful effect on periodontal tissues, measurable through periodontal indices (PD and CAL), compared to burning tobacco of conventional cigarettes. THS, presented as an alternative product to classic cigarettes, also has a detrimental effect on the periodontium. Full article

The heated tobacco product (HTP) heats rather than burns tobacco to release an aerosol with significantly fewer toxicants than conventional cigarette smoke and has received global attention in recent years. To investigate whether changes in biomarkers of exposure could be detected after switching from conventional cigarettes (CCs) to HTPs, 224 subjects from four cities in China participated in this study. Nine biomarkers containing tobacco-specific nitrosamines (TSNAs), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and the biomarkers for acrolein and crotonaldehyde were determined by UPLC-MS/MS. The levels of the sum of nine biomarkers in CCs were 5.4 and 5.2 times higher than in an Original-HTP and Menthol-HTP, respectively. Among the nine biomarkers, 3HPMA and 3HMPMA accounted for the highest proportions. Switching from CCs to HTPs is good for both men and women because the changes in each biomarker in urine samples were the same in men and women. Among all the subjects, subjects aged 20–39 years had the greatest reduction in biomarker residues in urine. The findings of the present study provided useful information for the health risk research of HTPs in China. Full article

Electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) have become increasingly popular among adolescents, either as an alternative to conventional cigarettes (CCs) or as a newly acquired recreational habit. Although considered by most users as a safer option for nicotine intake, these devices pose significant health risks, resulting in multisystem damage. Heat-not-burn products, which, unlike ENDS, contain tobacco, are also alternatives to CCs that consumers use based on the idea that their safety profile is superior to that of cigarettes. Recent studies in the USA and EU show that adolescents are particularly prone to using these devices. Pediatric cardiologists, as well as other healthcare professionals, should be aware of the complications that may arise from acute and chronic consumption of these substances, considering the cardiovascular damage they elicit. This article summarized the known data about the impact of ENDS on the cardiovascular system, with emphasis on the pathophysiological and molecular changes that herald the onset of systemic lesions alongside the clinical cardiovascular manifestations in this scenario. Full article

Using tobacco stalks as a biomass fuel for flue-cured tobacco production creates a closed, green production cycle. Tobacco stalks are rich in cellulose and can be crushed to produce biomass pellet fuel (BPF). However, single flue-cured tobacco stalk (FCTs) BPF can easily slag during flue-cured tobacco heating (FTH), which affects the operation of biomass burners. In this study, five anti-slagging agents (ASAs), one organic (sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, CMC) and four inorganic (kaolin, KLN; diatomite earth, DTE; calcium carbonate, CCO; and calcium dihydrogen phosphate, CHO)], were compared. An ash fusibility test was conducted in two steps to optimize the proportion and treatments that were then screened using FTH. Compared with pure FCT-based BPFs, the slag resistance of 2% CCO and CHO could be controlled below 15%. The emission of particulate matter from chimneys burning BPF with 2% CCO was lower than that with other ASAs. The ASAs achieved complete combustion with low carbon monoxide content in the tail gas. Considering the anti-slagging effect and economic cost, 2% CCO was the best additive for the biomass burner. These results provide a reference for FCT-based BPF production. Full article

The aim of the present systematic review was to evaluate and possibly differentiate the effects of traditional cigarettes, heat-not-burn tobacco, and electronic cigarettes on periodontal and peri-implant health status. Electronic cigarettes and heat-not-burn tobacco have become very popular in recent years and have been proposed to consumers as a safer alternative to conventional tobacco smoke, although their effect on periodontal and peri-implant health remains unclear. The study protocol was developed according to PRISMA guidelines, and the focus question was formulated according to the PICO strategy. A literature search was conducted across PubMed/MEDLINE and the COCHRANE library from 2003 to April 2022. From the 1935 titles initially identified, 18 articles were finally included in the study and extracted data were qualitatively synthesized. It may be carefully concluded that e-cigarettes may cause attenuated clinical inflammatory signs of periodontitis and, hypothetically, of peri-implantitis when compared to conventional tobacco smoke. Both alternative smoking products, containing nicotine, may likewise exert negative effects on periodontal and peri-implant health, as demonstrated by in vitro studies. Further investigations are needed to assess the impact of electronic cigarettes and heat-not-burn tobacco products on periodontal and peri-implant health status. Full article

Background: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is an inflammatory disease characterized by airflow obstruction, commonly present in smokers and subjects exposed to noxious particles product of biomass-burning smoke (BBS). Several association studies have identified single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) in coding genes related to the heat shock proteins family-genes that codify the heat shock proteins (Hsp). Hsp accomplishes critical roles in regulating immune response, antigen-processing, eliminating protein aggregates and co-activating receptors. The presence of SNPs in these genes can lead to alterations in immune responses. We aimed to evaluate the association of SNPs in the HSP90 gene complex and COPD. Methods: We enrolled 1549 participants, divided into two comparison groups; 919 tobacco-smoking subjects (cases COPD-TS n = 294 and, controls SWOC n = 625) and 630 chronic exposed to BBS (cases COPD-BBS n = 186 and controls BBES n = 444). We genotyped 2 SNPs: the rs13296 in HSP90AB1 and rs2070908 in HSP90B1. Results: Through the dominant model (GC + CC), the rs2070908 is associated with decreased risk (p < 0.01, OR = 0.6) to suffer COPD among chronic exposed BBS subjects. We found an association between rs13296 GG genotype and lower risk (p = 0.01, OR = 0.22) to suffer severe COPD-TS forms in the severity analysis. Conclusions: single-nucleotide variants in the HSP90AB1 and HSP90B1 genes are associated with decreased COPD risk in subjects exposed to BBS and the most severe forms of COPD in tobacco-smoking subjects. Full article

Heated tobacco products (HTP) use a device that heats tobacco to generate an aerosol containing nicotine instead of burning it as it happens with combustion tobacco. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of heat-not-burn tobacco use among students of a Healthcare University Institution—Egas Moniz—and identify the factors that influence this use. A questionnaire adapted from the WHO Global Health Professional Students Survey was applied between May and July 2019 in the study population. Subsequently, an exploratory analysis of the data was carried out and a logistic regression was applied in order to determine the factors that influence students to consume heated tobacco. Full article

Heated tobacco products (HTP) are a form of nicotine delivery intended to be an alternative to traditional cigarettes. HTP tobacco products are sold to consumers as a less harmful alternative to traditional cigarettes, both for users and bystanders. The actual impact of HTP on the health of users and its overall impact on public health is still not fully known. A systematic search of the literature was carried out to identify relevant studies published in English from 2015 to February 2021. The following databases were used: PubMed, Scopus, Elsevier and ClinicalKey. 25 studies (independent and sponsored by the tobacco industry) were considered. The analysis of exposure biomarkers and cardiovascular and respiratory biomarkers showed differences between smokers and people using heated tobacco products. Improvements in clinically relevant risk markers, especially cholesterol, sICAM-1, 8-epi-PGF2α, 11-DTX-B2, HDL and FEV1, were observed compared to persistent cigarette smokers. On the other hand, exposure to IQOS has been reported to alter mitochondrial function, which may further exaggerate airway inflammation, airway remodeling and lung cancer. These products have the potential to increase oxidative stress and increase respiratory tract infections by increasing microbial adherence to the respiratory tract. Our review suggests that HTP products may be products with a reduced risk of chronic diseases, including respiratory and cardiovascular diseases and cancer compared to traditional smoking, although in the case of non-smokers so far, they may pose a risk of their occurrence. Research seems to be necessary to assess the frequency of HTP use and its potential negative health effects. Full article

This study aimed to compare Korean smokers’ smoking-related biomarker levels by tobacco product type, including heat-not-burn cigarettes (HNBC), liquid e-cigarettes (EC), and traditional cigarettes (TC). Nicotine dependence levels were evaluated in Korean adult study participants including TC-, EC-, HNBC-only users and nonsmokers (n = 1586) from March 2019 to July 2019 in Seoul and Cheonan/Asan South Korea using the Fagerström Test Score. Additionally, urine samples (n = 832) were collected for the measurement of urinary nicotine, cotinine, OH-cotinine, NNAL(4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanol), CYMA(N-acetyl-S-(2-cyanoehtyl)-L-cysteine), or CEMA (2-cyanoethylmercapturic acid) using LC–MS/MS. The median(interquartile range) nicotine dependence level was not different among the three types of smokers, being 3.0 (2.0–5.0) for TC- (n = 726), 3.0 (1.0–4.0) for EC- (n = 316), and 3.0 (2.0–4.0) for HNBC- (n = 377) only users. HNBC-only users presented similar biomarker levels compared to TC-only users, except for NNAL (HNBC: 14.5 (4.0–58.8) pg/mL, TC: 32.0 (4.0–69.6) pg/mL; p = 0.0106) and CEMA (HNBC: 60.4 (10.0–232.0) ng/mL, TC: 166.1 (25.3–532.1) ng/mL; p = 0.0007). TC and HNBC users showed increased urinary cotinine levels as early as the time after the first smoke of the day. EC users’ biomarker levels were possibly lower than TC or HNBC users’ but higher than those of non-smokers. Full article

In Italy, electronic cigarettes have spread since 2010 and heated tobacco products (HTP) since 2016. We investigated their public health consequences on conventional cigarette smoking, taking advantage of a series of cross-sectional studies annually conducted between 2001 and 2019 in Italy. Every year, the sample, including around 3000 individuals, was representative of the general Italian population aged ≥15 years. In Italy, smoking prevalence steadily declined from 29.1% in 2001 to 20.6% in 2013, then increased to 22.0% in 2019. In 2017–2019, current electronic cigarette users were 2.1% and in 2019 current HTP users were 1.1%. Among 498 ever electronic cigarette users, 23.2% started or re-started smoking and 15.7% quit smoking after electronic cigarette use; of 49 ever HTP users, 19.1% started or re-started smoking combusted cigarettes and 14.6% quit smoking after HTP use. The availability of novel products in Italy resulted in a halt of the decreasing trend in smoking prevalence. For the first time, we observed an increase of Italians inhaling nicotine, concurrently with the spread of novel (tobacco) products. More importantly, the use of novel products appears to increase—rather than decrease—the likelihood of smoking conventional cigarettes. Considering this evidence, we see no argument to justify the huge fiscal and regulatory benefits these products continue to have, at least in Italy. Full article