Search Results (116)

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

Background: Secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA) plays a key role in oral and mucosal immunity, serving as a first-line defense against pathogens. Smoking is known to negatively affect immune function, but data on the impact of heated tobacco products such as IQOS^® on sIgA levels are limited. Objective: To assess and compare the effects of conventional cigarette smoking and IQOS^® use on the concentration of salivary sIgA in healthy individuals. Methods: A total of 200 participants were enrolled and divided into three groups: 60 non-smokers, 70 conventional cigarette smokers, and 70 IQOS^® users. Unstimulated whole saliva samples were collected and analyzed for sIgA concentration using ELISA method. Statistical analysis was performed using IBM SPSS Statistics 25. Results: Mean salivary sIgA levels were significantly lower in both cigarette smokers (246.03 μg/mL) and IQOS^® users (243.54 μg/mL) compared to non-smokers (380.74 μg/mL, p < 0.05). No significant difference was observed between cigarette smokers and IQOS^® users. A pronounced reduction in sIgA was seen in female users of both tobacco products, whereas male users did not show a statistically significant decline. Conclusions: Both cigarette smoking and IQOS^® use are associated with a significant decrease in salivary sIgA levels, particularly in females. The findings suggest that IQOS^® does not offer an immunological advantage over conventional smoking in terms of preserving mucosal immunity. Further studies are needed to confirm these findings and explore underlying mechanisms. Full article

Tobacco control policies have aimed to reduce the global prevalence of smoking. Unfortunately, the recent survey data shows that about 24% of Europeans still smoke. Although combustible cigarettes remain the most used tobacco product, the tendency made evident in the prevalence of smoking-alternative nicotine-containing products increases. Studies that can objectively assess the long-term health effects of the latter products are lacking, so assessing toxic substances associated with smoking-alternative products and comparing them to substances from combustible cigarettes could inform future public health efforts. The manufacturers of these alternative products claim that the use of alternatives to combustible cigarettes reduces exposure to toxic compounds, but the reality is unclear. This study compares the concentrations of toxic substances in generated aerosols and performs calculations based on mainstream cigarette smoke and aerosols from smoking-alternative products. It summarizes the amounts of harmful and potentially harmful constituents per single puff. Alternative smoking products are undoubtedly harmful to non-smokers. Still, based on the analysis of the latest independent studies’ empirical data, the concentrations of inhaled HPHCs using heated tobacco products or e-cigarettes are reduced up to 91–98%, respectively; therefore, for those who cannot quit, these could provide a less harmful alternative. However, more well-designed studies of alternative product emissions are needed, including an analysis of the compounds that are not present in conventional tobacco products (e.g., thermal degradation products of propylene glycol, glycerol, or flavorings) to evaluate possible future health effects objectively. Full article

The term ‘vaping’ refers to the use of electronic cigarettes or other devices to inhale a variety of heated and aerosolized substances. Vaping has been promoted as a less harmful and potentially oncogenic alternative to nicotine cigarettes, particularly to help heavy smokers quit. While vaping products do not produce the same carcinogenic substances—such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons—generated by the combustion of tobacco, and while their fluids lack tobacco-related carcinogens like nitrosamines, it is now well established that they still generate harmful and potentially oncogenic byproducts. Several mechanisms have been proposed to explain the potential oncogenic effects of vaping fluids, including direct chemical action, epithelial–mesenchymal transition induction, redox stress, mitochondrial toxicity, and DNA damage. In addition to cancer risk, there have been reports of adverse effects on cardiovascular health, reproductive function, and non-oncologic lung injuries. These include exogenous lipoid pneumonia, diffuse alveolar hemorrhage with proven alveolar injury, and vaping-associated bronchiolitis obliterans. The aim of this review is to examine vaping devices, their potential role in lung carcinogenesis, vaping-associated lung injury, and other clinical implications, including impacts on cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, and respiratory diseases, and also pregnancy and fetus health. Full article

Background/Objectives: Smoking remains a major public health concern, and healthcare professionals (HCPs) play a crucial role in smoking cessation efforts. This study aimed to assess the awareness, knowledge, and smoking behaviors of Italian students and graduates in dental hygiene from different regional areas (Group A) and students in health disciplines at a single university (Group B). Methods: Two separate surveys were conducted using a specifically designed online questionnaire administered to voluntary participants between February and April 2024. The questionnaire collected data on smoking habits, awareness of smoke-free products, sources of information, and perceptions of health effects. Results: A total of 878 questionnaires were completed. While 49.8% of participants had never smoked, 16.3% were regular smokers and 14% were occasional users of either traditional cigarettes or alternative smoke-free products. Awareness of non-combustion products was high, with social circles (74%) and social media (47.9%) being primary sources of information. Users of smoke-free products reported subjective improvements in halitosis, dental discoloration, cough, exercise capacity, and sense of taste. Despite 78% of participants receiving specific training on smoking-related diseases, gaps in knowledge persisted, particularly regarding the toxicological nature of smoking and the role of nicotine in smoking-related diseases. Conclusions: These findings highlight the need for continued education and training on smoking cessation and tobacco harm reduction among future HCPs. Strengthening evidence-based knowledge could enhance their ability to manage smoking-related diseases and promote effective cessation strategies. Full article

The aesthetics of clear aligners is a critical factor that can influence patient satisfaction and psychological and social well-being. However, their transparency can be compromised by exposure to staining agents. This study aimed to evaluate the color stability of PET-G aligners following prolonged exposure to common daily substances, including food, tobacco products, and cleaning agents. Flat samples of PET-G (n = 220) were immersed in various solutions, including coffee, tea, Coca-Cola, red wine, a colloidal silver-based disinfectant, nicotine, artificial saliva, cigarette smoke, and mixtures of saliva with smooth, coffee, and nicotine. Immersion times of 10 (n = 110) and 15 days (n = 110) were randomly assigned. Colorimetric assessments were conducted by measuring L*a*b* parameters before and after immersion, and total color change (ΔE) was calculated. Non-parametric statistical tests revealed significant color changes in PET-G samples after both immersion durations, with pairwise comparisons indicating notable differences in ΔE values among groups exposed to different substances, particularly coffee, tea, and Coca-Cola. The findings highlight the psychological and social impact of aligner staining on patient confidence and compliance. Understanding these effects highlights the need for enhanced patient education to improve aligner aesthetics and satisfaction. Full article

Background/Objectives: Little is currently known of the impact of heated tobacco on health. The aim of this study is to evaluate the impact of heated tobacco use on selected health assessment parameters among people aged 18–30 to determine the effect on health status. Methods: A case-control study was conducted from April 2022 to February 2025. A total of 195 young, healthy adult residents of Lodz, Poland, took part. The participants were divided into three groups: IQOS (I-Quit-Ordinary-Smoking) smokers who had never smoked or who had quit smoking six months previously (n = 65); daily smokers who had smoked at least five cigarettes per day for at least one year and had not used any other smoking substitutes for at least one year (n = 65); and people who have never smoked or used tobacco products (n = 65). Blood samples from 37 IQOS users (57%), 28 traditional cigarette smokers (43%), and 45 non-smokers (69%) were submitted for laboratory analysis. The tested parameters were determined in the diagnostic laboratory of the Bonifratów Hospital in Lodz. Results: No significant differences (p > 0.05) were found between the groups with regard to blood count (white blood cell count (WBC), red blood cell count (RBC), lymphocytes, monocyte number (MONO), hemoglobin concentration (HGB)), biochemical biomarkers (C-reactive protein (CRP), fibrinogen, apolipoprotein A1 (apo A1), apolipoprotein B (apo B), glucose), or lipid profile (total cholesterol, triglycerides (TG), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL)). The cigarette smokers demonstrated significantly higher uric acid levels compared to the IQOS users and non-smokers: 5.22 vs. 4.77 vs. 4.40 mg/dL (p < 0.01). The IQOS users demonstrated significantly higher platelet count levels compared to cigarette smokers and non-smokers: 290.27 vs. 267.14 vs. 256.33 × 10³/ μL (p < 0.05). Among the IQOS users (n = 37), the level of glucose (ρ = −0.47; p = 0.01), WBC (ρ = −0.36; p = 0.03), lymphocytes (ρ = −0.38; p = 0.02), and uric acid (ρ = −0.34; p = 0.04) was negatively correlated with the daily number of heated tobacco sticks. The HDL level was positively correlated (ρ = 0.39; p = 0.02) with the daily number of heated tobacco sticks. Conclusions: Further cohort studies assessing the health status of young users of heated nicotine products and prospective analyses are necessary. Full article

Background/Objectives: Rural populations in the US bear a disproportionate burden of cancer mortality, which may be partly due to their elevated tobacco use and the limited receipt of tobacco use interventions in rural healthcare settings. Here, we examine providers’ use of the 5As (Ask, Advise, Assess, Assist, and Arrange), a brief tobacco cessation intervention, with their patients to assess intervention gaps. Methods: Provider practices in substance use treatment centers (SUTCs) and medical healthcare centers (MHCs), each serving rural and/or medically underserved areas (MUAs) of Texas, were compared. In total, 347 providers from 10 SUTCs (n = 174) and 9 MHCs (n = 173) responded to an anonymized survey about their cigarette and non-cigarette screening and intervention delivery, along with their perceived importance and workforce’s preparedness to help patients stop using tobacco. Linear mixed and generalized linear mixed models were used to assess differences between practices at SUTCs and MHCs. Results: More MHC than SUTC providers reported that cigarette and non-cigarette tobacco use cessation intervention were (respectively) important parts of their job (p = 0.0009; p = 0.0023) and that their workforce was prepared to help their patients quit tobacco (p = 0.0275), although less than half of all respondents endorsed preparedness. Relative to those at SUTCs, MHC providers reported higher rates of asking (SUTCs = 59.57% and MHCs = 77.21%; p = 0.0182) and advising (SUTCs = 45.34% and MHCs = 72.35%; p = 0.0017) their patients to quit cigarette smoking and advising them to quit non-cigarette tobacco products (SUTCs = 43.94% and MHCs = 71.76%; p = 0.0016). Conclusions: Overall, providers in both settings may benefit from greater preparation to deliver tobacco cessation care; needs were more prevalent within SUTCs than MHCs. Our findings can inform strategic planning to improve centers’ capacity to comprehensively address their patients’ tobacco use in rural/MUAs of Texas, US. Full article

The habit of smoking in its various forms represents a significant public health concern due to its wide range of pathological effects, included the oral cavity. In recent years, alternatives to traditional cigarettes, such as heated tobacco products and electronic cigarettes, have gained popularity and are often marketed as potentially less harmful options. This study seeks to evaluate and compare the morphometric characteristics of oral mucosal capillaries in individuals who consume combusted tobacco, heated tobacco, vaporized liquid, and non-smokers. Using videocapillaroscopy, we assessed both parametric and non-parametric data from 60 patients, divided into four groups according to their smoking habits. The analysis revealed significant differences in capillary morphology among the groups. Users of combusted tobacco exhibited pronounced reductions in capillary diameter, alongside increased tortuosity and the presence of microaneurysms. These alterations are indicative of chronic inflammation and vasoconstriction, likely driven by exposure to nicotine and the high temperatures associated with combustion. Conversely, users of heated tobacco and vaporized liquid exhibited comparatively fewer vascular abnormalities, although angiogenic effects attributable to nicotine were still observable. These findings suggest that alternative tobacco products may have a comparatively lesser impact on the oral microcirculation when compared to traditional smoking. However, the potential long-term effects of these products remain unclear. Further longitudinal research is required to fully understand the risks associated with prolonged use of heated tobacco and electronic cigarettes. Full article

Background/objectives: Smoking increases the risk for multiple lifestyle-related diseases. In Japan, consumption of heated tobacco products (HTPs), a novel cigarette type, is rising. However, no studies have yet compared dietary habits among HTP smokers. This study assessed food and nutrient intake and alcohol consumption by smoking status (non-smokers, cigarette smokers, HTP smokers). Methods: This cross-sectional study included 237 HTP smokers, 242 cigarette smokers, and 178 non-smokers (50% each male and female). The Brief Self-Administered Diet History Questionnaire was administered as a nutritional survey, and smokers were asked about their smoking status, including smoking history and the number of puffs smoked per day. Results: A significantly higher intake of meat was seen in HTP smokers than in cigarette smokers (p = 0.038), and HTP smokers showed the lowest intake of vitamin D in all groups. HTP and cigarette smokers had a lower intake of certain vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber compared with non-smokers. The rate of habitual drinkers (at least one drink a month) and their alcohol consumption (g/day) were significantly lower in non-smokers (58%, 1.3 g) than in HTP smokers (67%, 4.8 g) and cigarette smokers (70%, 7.1 g) (p = 0.031). Additionally, after adjusting for sex and smoking status in a multiple regression analysis, the number of puffs was a significant contributor to alcohol intake in HTP smokers (β = 0.296, p < 0.001). Conclusions: This study identified significant dietary, nutritional, and alcohol consumption differences based on smoking status, underscoring the need to consider both diet and smoking type in nutritional counseling and smoking cessation guidance. Full article

Background: There is limited evidence on how the United States Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) proposed ban on menthol cigarettes and flavored cigars will impact individuals with mood disorders who smoke menthol cigarettes. This study aimed to evaluate how individuals with mood disorders who smoke menthol cigarettes might respond to a hypothetical ban on menthol cigarettes, explore the reasons for their current use, and examine how these reasons are associated with participants’ characteristics. Methods: Study data were collected at baseline from adults (18+ years) with mood disorders who participated in a randomized controlled trial evaluating the impact of gradual nicotine reduction. Participants were individuals who smoked and had no plan to quit in the next six months. They reported demographics and tobacco consumption patterns, interest in quitting, and responded to a hypothetical question on a potential ban on menthol cigarettes. The question asked participants which actions they would most likely take if menthol-flavored cigarettes were banned. Means and frequencies were used to describe the sample. Logistic regression was used to determine factors associated with each reason for menthol use (less harmful, better flavor, less harsh on the throat, and less harsh on the chest). Results: Participants (n = 77) were an average age of 42.5 (SD 12.5) years, 61% (n = 47) were female, 68.8% (n = 53) identified as White, and 5.2% (n = 4) identified as Hispanic. On average, participants reported currently smoking 18.1 (SD 9.9) cigarettes per day and had smoked for 23.9 (SD 13.6) years. About 58.4% of participants (n = 45) expressed their intention to switch to non-menthol cigarettes, 19.5% (n = 15) intended to transition to a different type of tobacco product, and 22.1% (n = 17) intended to quit smoking entirely without substitution. The most endorsed reason for using menthol cigarettes was better flavor (89.6%, n = 69/77), followed by less harshness on the throat (41.3%, n = 31/75) and chest (40%, n = 30/75), and the belief that they were less harmful than non-menthol cigarettes (24%, n = 18/75). Older age was associated with the belief that menthol cigarettes were less harmful (OR = 1.06; p = 0.02). Conclusion: Among individuals with mood disorders and who smoke menthol cigarettes and have no plans to quit smoking, 22.1% may try to quit smoking if a menthol ban is implemented, while the majority (58.4%) stated that they would switch to non-menthol cigarettes. As the reasons for using menthol cigarettes included perceived lower harm, there is a need for targeted public awareness campaigns to correct misconceptions about the harms of menthol cigarettes. Full article

Limited research has examined attention to these cigar-specific health warnings and their perceived effectiveness among young people. The objective of our study was to evaluate the attention to and perceptions of a set of cigar-specific health warnings among young adult tobacco users and non-users. Methods: Young adults ages 18–24 in Columbus, Ohio, were recruited into an eye-tracking experiment examining cigarillo packaging between May 2022 and February 2023. Participants (n = 124) were shown 12 unique, branded cigarillo packages featuring a rotation of four of the Food and Drug Administration’s mandated health warnings: (1) Cigar smoking can cause lung cancer and heart disease (“disease”); (2) tobacco smoke increases the risk of lung cancer and heart disease, even in nonsmokers (“nonsmokers”); (3) cigar smoking can cause cancers of the mouth and throat, even if you do not inhale (“inhale”); and (4) cigars are not a safe alternative to cigarettes (“alternative”). Software captured visual attention to each product package, including the health warning. Participants also ranked the most effective message to motivate people to quit; one week later, the participants (n = 118) self-reported unaided recall of the experiment. Results: Study participants were an average of 21.2 years old, 54.2% were female, 73.7% were White, 65.3% had some college education, and 26.3% reported tobacco use in the previous month. The health warning, “Cigar smoking can cause cancers of the mouth and throat, even if you do not inhale” was ranked the most effective cigar warning (41.5%) and drew the greatest proportion of visual attention (26.1%). More than half (52.5%) recalled details regarding the health warning messages one week following the experiment, with few recalling (17.7%) specific warning message themes. Conclusions: Understanding the best performing health warnings is a crucial strategy to share accurate information on the risks of tobacco use. Our findings suggest that the warning on cancer risk even without inhaling drew the greatest visual attention and highest rating of perceived effectiveness among this sample of young adult cigarillo users and non-users. Full article

Background: This systematic review assesses the current literature (2020–2024) evaluating the impact of smoking on dental implant failure rates. Methods: A non-funded Pubmed database review was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines, and the results were tabulated to extract the study design, patient characteristics, follow-up time, comparison, outcome, and strengths and weaknesses, including risk of bias. This review included 33 studies with 29,519 implants placed in over 18,301 patients. We included prospective and retrospective clinical studies, randomized and non-randomized controlled trials, cohort studies, and observational studies that examined smoking’s effects on implant failure rates. Studies had to classify individuals into two groups, smokers and non-smokers, with at least ten implants. Exclusions included reviews, case reports, experimental studies, guidelines, non-English publications, studies lacking comparative data on failure rates, those excluding smokers, and studies focusing on head and neck cancer patients or specialized implants. Results: Our findings indicate a significant correlation in 25 out of 33 studies between smoking and increased implant failure rates, affecting both early and late stages of implant integration and survival as well as revealing a dose–response relationship, with higher daily cigarette consumption significantly increasing the risk of implant failure. Conclusions: This review highlights the importance of smoking cessation efforts, patient education, and tailored patient care in dental implantology. Future research should explore the effects of smoking frequency and alternative tobacco products, such as e-cigarettes, aiming to improve success rates among smokers. Full article

Electronic cigarette (e-cig) use, otherwise known as “vaping”, is widespread among adolescent never-smokers and adult smokers seeking a less-harmful alternative to combustible tobacco products. To date, however, the long-term health consequences of vaping are largely unknown. Many toxicants and carcinogens present in e-cig vapor and tobacco smoke exert their biological effects through epigenetic changes that can cause dysregulation of disease-related genes. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have emerged as prime regulators of gene expression in health and disease states. A large body of research has shown that lncRNAs regulate genes involved in the pathogenesis of smoking-associated diseases; however, the utility of lncRNAs for assessing the disease-causing potential of vaping remains to be fully determined. A limited but growing number of studies has shown that lncRNAs mediate dysregulation of disease-related genes in cells and tissues of vapers as well as cells treated in vitro with e-cig aerosol extract. This review article provides an overview of the evolution of e-cig technology, trends in use, and controversies on the safety, efficacy, and health risks or potential benefits of vaping relative to smoking. While highlighting the importance of lncRNAs in cell biology and disease, it summarizes the current and ongoing research on the modulatory effects of lncRNAs on gene regulation and disease pathogenesis in e-cig users and in vitro experimental settings. The gaps in knowledge are identified, priorities for future research are highlighted, and the importance of empirical data for tobacco products regulation and public health is underscored. Full article

Background: Urothelial bladder carcinoma (UBC) is the most frequent histologic form of bladder cancer, constituting 90% of the cases. It is important to know the risk factors of UBC to avoid them and to decrease its recurrence after treatment. The aim of this review was to provide an overview of the risk factors associated with UBC incidence. Methods: A comprehensive literature search from 2012 to 2024 was carried out in databases such as PubMed, Google Scholar, and Medline with potential keywords such as “bladder cancer”, “urothelial bladder cancer”, “incidence of urothelial bladder cancer worldwide”, “mortality rate of bladder cancer”, “incidence according to gender”, “treatment for bladder cancer”, and “risk factors of bladder cancer”. Smoking tobacco was comprehended to be the major risk factor for UBC. Smoke from tobacco products contains polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and aromatic amines such as 4-aminobiphenyl, which are known to cause UBC. Smoking-related bladder cancer mortality ranks just second to smoking-related lung cancer mortality. For non-smokers, pollution became a major risk factor associated with UBC. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are linked to many cancers, especially to UBC. Indoor and outdoor pollution generates VOCs (volatile organic compounds) and PAHs. Small-particle matter < 2.5 is linked to UBC and lung cancers. Drinking chlorinated water is linked to UBC. Also, swimming in chlorinated pools that produce trihalomethanes increases the risk of many cancers, and especially of bladder cancer. Occupational exposure to carcinogens, specifically aromatic amines, is a significant UBC risk factor. It has been estimated that approximately 20% of all UBCs may be linked to this type of exposure, primarily in industrial settings that treat dye, paint, petroleum chemicals, and metal. The other risk factors included genetics, diet, and medical conditions. Alcohol, consumption of processed meat and whole milk, and higher intakes of selenium and vitamins A and E also contribute to the development of UBC. Further, chemotherapeutic agents, oral hypoglycemic drugs, and radiation therapy are positively associated with UBC. Conclusions: The significance of the initial prevention of UBC must be emphasized, and especially programs for quitting cigarettes should be encouraged and supported. However, smoking is not the only risk factor for UBC. For non-smokers, other risk factors should be investigated. Air and water pollution are linked to UBC. Indoor and outdoor pollution should be more controlled. Patients and people should be informed of the risk of drinking chlorinated water and swimming in chlorinated pools. Full article