Search Results (63)

Chinese Americans who smoke have low use of nicotine replacement therapy (NRT). This study explored perceptions of NRT and decision-making around product choice among Chinese American smokers who received NRT. From September 2023 to January 2024, we conducted in-depth phone interviews with 20 participants recruited in New York City from a WeChat-based cessation pilot trial and a community-based cessation program, both providing free nicotine patches, gum, or lozenges. Participants (aged 26–72; 85% male; 60% current smoking) included 12 consistent NRT users (≥2 weeks), four trial users (<2 weeks), and four non-users. Five participants (25%) had never heard of NRT before program enrollment, and 14 (70%) had never used it previously. Consistent users generally viewed NRT as helpful in reducing cravings. Others reported barriers, including culturally rooted skepticism toward pharmacotherapy, preference for unassisted quitting, lack of readiness to quit, prior negative experiences, and unpleasant taste or side effects. Product choice was influenced by lay knowledge, ease of integrating NRT into daily routines, perceived effectiveness, and taste and side effects. Cessation programs addressing cultural beliefs, reframing willpower, engaging individuals not ready, and providing diverse NRT options with guidance on side effect management and routine integration may increase NRT use among this population. Full article

Nicotine is the main substance responsible for the development of tobacco addiction. The α3β4 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) are a potential key target for mitigating nicotine reward. Preliminary studies in our laboratory suggest that α-conotoxin [S9K]TxID serves as a selective and potent antagonist targeting α3β4 nAChRs, which may be beneficial in addressing nicotine addiction. However, the mechanisms of [S9K]TxID treatment in nicotine addiction are still to be determined. This study aimed to identify the differential metabolic profiles of [S9K]TxID treatment in nicotine addiction using an untargeted metabolomic profiling method. As demonstrated by behavioral experiments, [S9K]TxID effectively attenuated nicotine-induced conditioned place preference (CPP) expression without exerting inhibitory effects on the central nervous system (CNS). The results of untargeted metabolomics revealed that eight metabolites were significantly altered after [S9K]TxID treatment, particularly phenylalanine. [S9K]TxID also attenuated nicotine-induced metabolic disorders by regulating phenylalanine, tyrosine and tryptophan biosynthesis. In conclusion, our findings suggest that [S9K]TxID could be a potential therapeutic compound for nicotine addiction. Full article

Background/Objectives: Thirdhand smoke (THS), residual tobacco pollutants persisting on surfaces, dust, and fabrics, poses specific risks to infants and children, yet its implications for nursing remain underexplored. This scoping review mapped existing evidence on THS in neonatal and pediatric contexts and synthesized nursing implications, focusing on nurses’ knowledge, unintentional environmental contamination, and educational roles. Methods: Following JBI methodology and reported according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, a three-step search was performed across MEDLINE, CINAHL, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, and OpenGrey. Studies were included if they addressed (1) nurses’ knowledge, beliefs, and attitudes toward THS-related risks in infants and children; (2) nurses’ contribution to unintentional environmental THS contamination; or (3) nurse-led educational or preventive interventions targeting parents or communities. Results: Among 563 records, 8 met inclusion criteria. Four investigated nurses’ awareness and perceptions, revealing limited understanding of THS despite recognition of its harmfulness. One study examined contamination, detecting nicotine residues on nurses’ fingers, suggesting possible in-hospital transmission. No nurse-led interventions specifically targeting THS were found, though broader smoke-exposure education programs showed benefits when supported by nursing staff. Conclusions: Evidence is scarce but underscores significant gaps in nurses’ knowledge, clinical guidance, and educational initiatives concerning THS. Strengthening nursing education and research is essential to mitigate THS exposure in neonatal and pediatric settings and enhance nurses’ preventive and advocacy roles. Full article

Background: Tobacco use remains a major public health concern among young adults and is often complicated by co-occurring addictive behaviors. Objective: This study analyzed motivation for change, assessed with the decisional balance framework, in relation to multiple addictions among young smokers seeking treatment. Methods: Ninety-eight participants from the University of Granada enrolled in either an app-based cognitive–behavioral therapy (CBT) program (n = 35) or a traditional face-to-face CBT program (n = 63). Recruitment relied on self-identification and voluntary participation. Standardized instruments were applied to measure nicotine dependence (FTND), behavioral and substance-related addictions (MULTICAGE CAD-4), cannabis dependence (SDS), and motivation for change (DBQ). Logistic and stepwise regression analyses were conducted to identify predictors of treatment choice and motivational outcomes. Results: Younger participants and students were more likely to choose the app-based program. Compulsive buying was linked to perceiving more disadvantages of smoking, whereas sex addiction, cannabis dependence, and other substance addictions were associated with perceiving fewer disadvantages. Conclusions: Treatment preferences and motivational profiles differ according to age, academic status, and co-occurring addictions. These findings highlight the need to tailor smoking cessation strategies to individual profiles and support the role of mobile health tools in engaging digitally oriented populations. Full article

Natural gene variants of metabotropic glutamate receptor subtype 7 (Grm7), coding for mGluR7, affect individuals’ alcohol-drinking preference. Psychopharmacological investigations have suggested that mGluR7 is also involved in responses to cocaine, morphine, and nicotine exposures. We review the pleiotropic effects of Grm7 and the principle of recombinant quantitative trait locus introgression (RQI), which led to the discovery of the first mammalian quantitative gene accounting for alcohol-drinking preference. Grm7/GRM7 can play important roles in mammalian ontogenesis, brain development, and predisposition to addiction. It is also involved in other behavioral phenotypes, including emotion, stress, motivated cognition, defensive behavior, and pain-related symptoms. This review identified pleiotropy and the modulation of neurobehavioral processes by variations in the gene Grm7/GRM7. Patterns of pleiotropic genes can form oligogenic architectures whosecombined additive and interaction effects can significantly predispose individuals to the expressions of disorders. Identifying and characterizing pleiotropic genes are necessary for understanding the expressions of complex traits. This requires tasks, such as discovering and identifying novel genetic elements of the genetic architecture, which are unsuitable for AI but require classical experimental genetics. Full article

Background/Objectives: There is limited research on vaping during pregnancy and the postpartum period. Amid the legalization of cannabis in Canada, and evolving patterns of nicotine use, there is a growing need to understand how women experience using nicotine and cannabis vaping during pregnancy and postpartum. This information is essential to inform both women and healthcare providers (HCPs) and to develop resources and best practices for supporting women and healthcare services. Methods: In this descriptive study, a sample of 111 women who vaped nicotine and/or cannabis during pregnancy/postpartum was recruited via social media to answer survey questions on reasons for vaping, perceptions of the risks to fetal and maternal health, attitudes toward vaping, and reasons for consulting HCPs regarding vaping during pregnancy. Results: Among the 111 women, 51.4% vaped nicotine, 27.9% vaped cannabis, and 20.7% vaped both. Of the respondents, 63.1% were currently pregnant, while 36.9% were postpartum. Most participants (64.9%) reported vaping daily, followed by 15.3% with an inconsistent pattern, 9.9% vaping 1–2 days a week, and 9% vaping 5–6 days a week. Flavor preferences were prevalent, with fruit flavors being the most popular, followed by menthol/mint and candy, dessert, or sweet flavors. The primary reasons for vaping were relaxation, managing anxiety/depression, enjoyment, and the belief that vaping is less harmful than smoking. Women commonly consulted HCPs about potential harm to their pregnancy, fetal health, and their child’s health. Conclusions: The findings suggest that vaping among pregnant and postpartum women, particularly cannabis vaping, is perceived as healthier than smoking and is often used to manage mental and physical symptoms. These findings were used to create knowledge products to help guide HCPs’ conversations with women and provide evidence-based information on vaping. Full article

Background: E-cigarettes, initially designed for nicotine consumption, are now increasingly being used to smoke cannabis, resulting in a growing trend known as “dual vaping”. This term describes individuals, referred to as “dual users”, who use e-cigarettes for both substances. This study aims to review and analyze existing research on dual vaping, with a focus on the associated health risks and behavioral patterns. Methods: A narrative review of the literature was conducted using PubMed. Studies focusing on individuals who use electronic cigarettes for vaping tobacco and cannabis, either chronically or episodically, were examined. Relevant articles were identified and thematically synthesized to provide a comprehensive overview of the topic. Results: Dual vaping was found to be prevalent among younger men, White and Hispanic populations, and individuals with higher economic status and educational level. The use of one substance was shown to predispose individuals to the use of the other, often leading to concurrent use of both substances. Peer influence and positive expectations regarding e-cigarettes were identified as significant predictors of dual use. Dual vapers exhibited a higher susceptibility to respiratory and systemic symptoms compared to those who exclusively vaped nicotine or cannabis. Moreover, a notable prevalence of psychiatric disorders, such as substance use disorders, anxiety, and depression, was observed in this group. Fruit-flavored e-cigarettes were the most preferred option among dual vapers when using both nicotine and cannabis. Conclusions: Current evidence is insufficient to fully elucidate the long-term impacts of dual vaping on physical and mental health, particularly when compared to individuals who have never vaped. Further studies are needed to gain a more comprehensive understanding of this behavior. Full article

Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) cofactor metabolism plays a significant role in cancer development. Tumor cells have an increased demand for NAD and ATP to support rapid growth and proliferation. Limiting the amount of available NAD by targeting critical NAD biosynthesis enzymes has emerged as a promising anticancer therapeutic approach. In mammals, the enzyme nicotinamide/nicotinic acid adenylyltransferase (NMNAT) catalyzes a crucial downstream reaction for all known NAD synthesis routes. Novel nicotinamide/nicotinic acid adenine dinucleotide (NAD/NaAD) analogues 1–4, containing a methyl group at the ribose 2′-C and 3′-C-position of the adenosine moiety, were synthesized as inhibitors of the three isoforms of human NMN-adenylyltransferase, named hNMNAT-1, hNMNAT-2, and hNMNAT-3. An NMR-based conformational analysis suggests that individual NAD-analogues (1–4) have distinct conformational preferences. Biological evaluation of dinucleotides 1–4 as inhibitors of hNMNAT isoforms revealed structural relationships between different conformations (North-anti and South-syn) and enzyme-inhibitory activity. Among the new series of NAD analogues synthesized and tested, the 2′-C-methyl-NAD analogue 1 (K_i = 15 and 21 µM towards NMN and ATP, respectively) emerged as the most potent and selective inhibitor of hNMNAT-2 reported so far. Finally, we rationalized the in vitro bioactivity and selectivity of methylated NAD analogues with in silico studies, helping to lay the groundwork for rational scaffold optimization. Full article

Achieving high follow-up rates after smoking cessation interventions (SCIs) is a general challenge. The aim of this study was to identify preferences among patients and therapists for improving follow-up rates and to assess smoking status at 6 months among patients lost to follow-up. From the Danish STOPbase for Tobacco and Nicotine, which collects data on SCI across health care, 20 representative patients lost to follow-up by routine procedures were identified together with 11 therapists. All participated in individual semi-structured phone interviews, which for patients also included 6-month smoking status. Deductive and inductive analyses were performed. Four themes emerged from the analyses with several subthemes, all regarding contacts. Both patients and therapists preferred to intensify the follow-up process by boosting it with additional attempts and using voice messages, e-mail and/or SMS, calling at specified times of the day and avoiding calls from unknown numbers. In addition, some patients mentioned that they were busy or were not carrying their mobile devices at the time of a call as a barrier. Some therapists mentioned that barriers could include an expectation of relapse, but also a poor mental state, the time of day and patient fear of public systems. Among the patients originally lost to follow-up, 35% (95% CI 16%–59%) experienced continuous smoking cessation for 6 months, and the overall national rate was 22% (21.6–23.3%). In conclusion, both patients and therapists preferred intensified follow-up. The 6-month smoking status for patients lost to follow-up seemed to be similar to that of the routinely followed-up patients. These findings will be examined experimentally in a larger study. Full article

Background: Electronic cigarettes or vapes are battery-operated devices that heat a liquid, often containing nicotine and flavouring substances, to produce an inhalable aerosol. Despite being used as an alternative to traditional smoking, many studies have reported their health risks and ineffectiveness in smoking cessation. The impact of e-cigarettes on weight control behaviours, a known effect of traditional cigarette smoking, is unclear. Herein, a systematic review was conducted to explore the relationship between e-cigarette use and body weight changes in adolescents and young adults. Methods: The existing literature from databases such as PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, Science Direct, Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar until October 2023 was searched and included in the review. The methodological quality of all selected studies was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute’s (JBI) Critical Appraisal Checklists for Studies. Results: Out of 5117 citations, 20 publications featuring cross-sectional studies with adolescent participants were qualitatively analysed. The high rates of e-cigarette usage seemed to correlate with increased weight concerns, particularly among females. Regular e-cigarette users who reported being overweight and used calorie restriction for weight reduction were more likely to view vaping as a weight loss or control strategy. Young adults (<24 years) may consume more flavoured e-cigarettes than older users (>25 years). Conclusions: This study revealed a significant use of e-cigarettes among high school students, driven by taste preferences, weight management, and perceived harm reduction. Particularly among girls facing body image pressures, vaping serves as a weight control method. This highlights the need to assess cardiovascular risks and advocate for further research, including longitudinal studies, to inform public health strategies effectively. Full article

This study examined the influence of genetic background on cognitive performance in a selectively bred high nicotine-preferring (NP) rat line. Using the novel object recognition (NOR), novel location recognition (NLR), and Morris water maze (MWM) tests, we evaluated object memory, spatial memory, and spatial navigation in nicotine-naive NP rats compared to controls. Our results demonstrate that in the NOR test, both male and female NP rats spent more time exploring the novel object (higher discrimination index) compared to sex-matched controls. In the NLR, the discrimination index differed significantly from zero chance (no preference) in both NP males and females but not in controls, indicating enhanced spatial memory in the NP line. During MWM acquisition, the NP groups and control males took a shorter path to reach the platform compared to control females. On the probe trial, the distance traveled in the target quadrant was longer for NP males and females compared to their respective controls, suggesting enhanced spatial navigation and learning in the NP rats. The interesting preference for novel objects and locations displayed by NP rats may indicate a potential novelty-seeking phenotype in this line. These results highlight the complex interplay between genetic factors, cognitive function, and nicotine preference. Full article

Introduction: Smoking in pregnancy is associated with negative health outcomes for both mothers and babies; e-cigarettes, which contain nicotine without hazardous tobacco, may offer an additional smoking cessation strategy for pregnant women. Although e-cigarettes are being increasingly offered within services, there is limited understanding about whether e-cigarettes can improve smoking cessation support for pregnant individuals. This study aimed to explore service users’ experiences of using e-cigarettes as a tool for smoking cessation during pregnancy. Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 14 women who had accepted one of two pilots and were analysed using inductive reflexive thematic analysis. The findings from each site were integrated to develop qualitative insight. Results: Participants largely had positive perceptions of the free and easy-to-use e-cigarette, preferring it to nicotine replacement therapies. The desire to have a healthy pregnancy and baby and the inclusion of non-judgemental behavioural support facilitated motivation to quit. Many participants reduced or quit tobacco use, with positive social and health implications reported. However, numerous barriers to quitting were present and intentions about long-term quitting of combustible cigarettes and e-cigarettes were mixed and uncertain. Conclusions: Providing e-cigarettes within smoking cessation services was indicated to be a positive and effective strategy for pregnant women trying to quit tobacco. However, numerous barriers to quitting and staying quit remained, suggesting scope for further improvements to smoking cessation support for pregnant women. Full article

Sensory attributes strongly influence consumers’ preferences for products. The inoculation of the Klebsiella variicola H8 strain in a reconstituted tobacco leaf concentrate (RTLC) solution increased neutral aroma-enhancing compound (NAEC) production by 45%, decreased the nicotine level by 25%, decreased the water-soluble total sugar content by ~36%, and improved the sensory quality by 5.71%. The production of NAECs such as dihydrokiwi lactone (DHKL: 192.86%), 1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-1,1,6-trimethylnaphthalene (THTMN: 177.77%), 2,4-di-tert-butylphenol (DTBP: 25%), 4-oxoisofolkone (OIFK: 116.66%,) 1,9-heptadecadiene-4,6-diyn-3-ol (HDD: 116.67%), β-damastrone (BDS: 116.67), and megastigmatrienone A (MSTA: 116.67%) was increased. A metagenomics analysis of the microbial community in the fermented RTLC (FRTLC) was performed to elucidate the mechanism by which NAECs were produced. As a result, 24 groups of functional genes were identified, and among them, five families of carbohydrate-active enzymes, (i) glycoside hydrolase (GH), (ii) glycosyltransferase (GT), (iii) polysaccharide lyase (PL), (iv) carbohydrate esterase (CE), and (v) auxiliary active enzyme (AA), were found to be positively correlated with the production of NAECs. However, among the GHs, the GHs annotated from the H8 strain chromosome displayed the highest relative abundance and a positive correlation with the production of NAECs. Specifically, the GH13-14, GH13-20, GH13-38, GH13-25, GH13-10, GH42, and GH28 genes of the H8 strain were relatively more abundant and were key contributors to the production of NAECs. The correlation analyses revealed that the H8 strain plays a leading role among all the microorganisms in FRTLC in the production of NAECs. Our findings support the application of Klebsiella variicola in NAEC production and a reduction in nicotine content in tobacco products. Full article

To maximize the advantages offered by Caenorhabditis elegans as a high-throughput (HTP) model for nicotine dependence studies, utilizing its well-defined neuroconnectome as a robust platform, and to unravel the genetic basis of nicotine-motivated behaviors, we established the nicotine conditioned cue preference (CCP) paradigm. Nicotine CCP enables the assessment of nicotine preference and seeking, revealing a parallel to fundamental aspects of nicotine-dependent behaviors observed in mammals. We demonstrated that nicotine-elicited cue preference in worms is mediated by nicotinic acetylcholine receptors and requires dopamine for CCP development. Subsequently, we pinpointed nAChR subunits associated with nicotine preference and validated human GWAS candidates linked to nicotine dependence involved in nAChRs. Functional validation involves assessing the loss-of-function strain of the CACNA2D3 ortholog and the knock-out (KO) strain of the CACNA2D2 ortholog, closely related to CACNA2D3 and sharing human smoking phenotypes. Our orthogonal approach substantiates the functional conservation of the α2δ subunit of the calcium channel in nicotine-motivated behavior. Nicotine CCP in C. elegans serves as a potent affirmation of the cross-species functional relevance of GWAS candidate genes involved in nicotine seeking associated with tobacco abuse, providing a streamlined yet comprehensive system for investigating intricate behavioral paradigms within a simplified and reliable framework. Full article

Vaping electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) has become a popular alternative to smoking tobacco. When an e-cigarette is activated, a liquid is vaporized by heating, producing an aerosol that users inhale. While e-cigarettes are marketed as less harmful than traditional cigarettes, there are ongoing concerns about their long-term health effects, including potential lung damage. Therefore, it is essential to closely monitor and study the composition of e-liquids. E-liquids typically consist of propylene glycol, glycerin, flavorings and nicotine, though there have been reports of non-compliant nicotine concentrations and the presence of illegal additives. This study explored spectroscopic techniques to examine the conformity of nicotine labeling and detect the presence of the not-allowed additives: the caffeine, taurine, vitamin E and cannabidiol (CBD) in e-liquids. A total of 236 e-liquid samples were carefully selected for analysis. Chemometric analysis was applied to the collected data, which included mid-infrared (MIR) and near-infrared (NIR) spectra. Supervised modeling approaches such as partial least squares-discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) and soft independent modeling of class analogy (SIMCA) were employed to classify the samples, based on the presence of nicotine and the targeted additives. This study demonstrates the efficacy of MIR and NIR spectroscopic techniques in conjunction with chemometric methods (SIMCA and PLS-DA) for detecting specific molecules in e-liquids. MIR with autoscaling data preprocessing and PLS-DA achieved 100% classification rates for CBD and vitamin E, while NIR with the same approach achieved 100% for CBD and taurine. Overall, MIR combined with PLS-DA yielded the best classification across all targeted molecules, suggesting its preference as a singular technique. Full article