Search Results (331)

Smoking is a major lifestyle factor associated with impaired male reproductive health, affecting both active smokers and individuals exposed to secondhand smoke. It also represents a significant source of cadmium (Cd) exposure, a toxic metal associated with altered sperm quality. This study aimed to evaluate the association between active and passive smoking and semen parameters, sperm DNA fragmentation, and chromatin decondensation, as well as cadmium (Cd) and zinc (Zn) levels in seminal plasma. A total of 280 men from infertile couples were included and categorized into three groups: 104 non-smokers (control), 90 active smokers, and 86 passive smokers. Semen samples were analyzed according to the WHO 2021 guidelines. Cadmium and zinc concentrations in seminal plasma were determined using inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES), and sperm DNA fragmentation and chromatin decondensation were evaluated. The findings indicated that both active and passive smoking were associated with impaired semen parameters, increased sperm DNA fragmentation and chromatin decondensation, decreased zinc levels, and elevated cadmium concentrations in seminal plasma. Full article

Background: Tuberculosis (TB) remains a major global health challenge, with Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tuberculosis) causing significant morbidity and mortality mainly in high-burden countries. Following exposure to M. tuberculosis, individuals may become infected, developing TB infection (TBI) through inhalation of the bacillus: this affects approximately one-fourth of the global population and serves as a critical reservoir for potential disease reactivation and transmission. The risk of being infected with M. tuberculosis is shaped by bacterial load of people with TB, contact patterns, environmental factors, and host susceptibility, particularly in high-risk congregate settings. Elucidating these determinants is instrumental for optimising TB prevention and control strategies. Methods: A preliminary PubMed search was conducted on 25 August 2024, using the keywords “latent tuberculosis infection,” “risk factors,” and “systematic review.” Targeted reviews were then performed in November 2024 to examine factors influencing progression from exposure to M. tuberculosis to TBI. Systematic reviews published between January 2000 and November 2024 were included. Results: The scoping review analysed eight systematic reviews, grouping findings into three key themes: (1) proximity and behavioural risk factors; (2) environmental risk factors; and (3) host immune vulnerabilities. Close contact with people with TB in crowded settings, such as dormitories, healthcare facilities, and prisons, was strongly associated with an elevated risk of TBI. Healthcare workers travelling from low- to high-incidence regions faced the highest risk due to frequent exposure to M. tuberculosis, while military personnel and general travellers had lower risks. Environmental exposures, including second-hand smoke and inadequate ventilation, further heightened susceptibility among children and adults. Host immune risk factors, such as advanced age, low body mass index, lack of BCG vaccination, and metabolic disorders such as diabetes, markedly increase susceptibility to TBI. The interplay between proximity, behavioural and environmental risk factors, and host immune vulnerabilities highlights the multifactorial nature of TBI risk. Conclusion: Effective TBI control demands a multifaceted approach, combining robust infection prevention and control measures, comorbidity management, and mitigation of behavioural risk factors like smoking. Tailored strategies are crucial for high-risk settings such as healthcare facilities and prisons. Multisectoral collaboration is essential to address key risk factors and protect vulnerable populations from progressing to TBI. Full article

Background: While smoking is the dominant global driver of lung cancer, less than a quarter of Ethiopian patients have ever smoked, pointing to locally relevant risk factors. Evidence to guide prevention and early detection in resource-limited settings is scanty. Methods: To address this gap, we conducted a multicenter matched case–control study including 351 histopathologically confirmed primary lung cancer cases and 702 hospital-based controls matched by sex, age (±5 years), and residence. Directed acyclic graphs informed the selection of variables, and multivariable hierarchical conditional logistic regression was used to identify risk factors beyond smoking. Results: The analysis shows that lung cancer was independently associated with low education, wealth, solid-fuel use, occupational exposure, insufficient physical activity, meat-based and processed food dietary patterns, secondhand smoke (SHS), prior tuberculosis, and family history of cancer. Subgroup analysis by sex revealed consistent associations across males and females, but exposure distributions explained sex-specific patterns: smoking, occupational exposure, meat-based diets, and family history were more common among males, whereas SHS, the use of solid fuels, and processed food dietary patterns predominated in females. Conclusions: Lung cancer in Ethiopia appears to be associated with several factors in addition to smoking. Gender-sensitive public health interventions targeting these locally relevant risk factors are essential for effective prevention and early detection. Full article

Background: Despite a decline observed in smoking rates amongst adults in many high-income countries, tobacco usage among adolescents remains a significant concern, particularly in Central and Eastern Europe, Romania being no exception. This cross-sectional study aims to assess the prevalence of smoking among teenagers enrolled in several public schools in Bucharest and the surrounding county, Ilfov, while also exploring their attitudes, perceptions, and experiences regarding tobacco. Methods: A public health campaign, conducted in collaboration with multiple institutions between September 2023 and March 2024, sought to provide secondary school students with updated information on smoking and its implications through presentations at schools. Following these presentations, students voluntarily completed anonymous on-paper questionnaires consisting of 10 multiple-choice questions designed to gauge their knowledge and attitudes towards smoking, conceptually inspired by internationally validated instruments such as the Global Youth Tobacco Survey. Results: A total of 945 teenagers participated in our study, with a median age of 13.04 years (standard deviation of ±1.08). Results indicate that 22.85% (n = 216) of teenagers had attempted smoking at the time of the investigation. Additionally, 57.88% (n = 547) of respondents reported exposure to second-hand smoke at home, and 40.42% (n = 382) had been invited to smoke previously. Conclusions: Various factors influence smoking behaviors among teenagers, with peer pressure and familial background playing significant roles in shaping their attitudes toward smoking. Our study highlights the vulnerability of the young Romanian population to these influences, emphasizing the need for initiatives aimed at mitigating tobacco use and fostering a healthier future environment. Nonetheless, these findings shall serve as an instrument for the development of school-based prevention programs and stricter tobacco usage policies. Full article

Background: Tobacco smoke exposure in the home remains common among U.S. families and has been increasingly associated with adverse mental health outcomes, including anxiety and depression, among children and adolescents. Rising rates of youth anxiety and depression, coupled with evidence that secondhand smoke and related psychosocial stressors may disrupt emotional development, underscore the importance of examining household smoking exposures as a modifiable risk factor for youth mental health. This study examines associations between exposure to smoke in households and the likelihood of caregiver-reported anxiety and depression in US children and adolescents aged 6–17 years, using data from the 2022–2023 National Survey of Children’s Health (NSCH). Methods: A retrospective analysis of NSCH data for two age cohorts, children (6–11 years) and adolescents (12–17 years), for the years 2022–2023 was conducted. Descriptive statistics were generated for the selected sample by frequencies and counts for each of the dependent and independent variables, followed by binary logistic regressions for each measured mental health variable based on current diagnosis, severity levels (not severe, mild, moderate, severe) and household tobacco use. Results: This study found significant associations between parental smoking and increased odds of caregiver-reported anxiety and depression in both children and adolescents. Specifically, children living with parents who smoke had 1.55 times the odds of severe anxiety, while adolescents had 1.38 times the odds of currently experiencing anxiety and 1.31 times the odds of currently experiencing depression. Smoking inside the household was not significantly associated with caregiver-reported anxiety or depression. These findings suggest that parental smoking serves as a marker for broader psychosocial and environmental stressors that contribute to youth mental health outcomes. Conclusions: Parental smoking is a significant, modifiable risk factor for anxiety and depression among US children and adolescents. These results emphasize the need for targeted, evidence-based interventions to reduce parental smoking, improve awareness of associated mental health risks, and address social determinants of health. Policies promoting smoke-free households, integrated cessation support, and culturally tailored education programs are essential to mitigate the impact of parental smoking on child and adolescent mental health. Full article

This study investigates the use of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) in the development of a filter capable of capturing toxic and carcinogenic compounds found in cigarette smoke dispersed in the environment. The aim is to contribute to the reduction in passive exposure to these substances, with potential benefits for public health and air quality. Carbon nanotubes were selected for their exceptional adsorption properties, attributed to their high specific surface area and porous structure. The material’s adsorptive performance was evaluated based on the quantity used, to determine the optimal mass that ensures the best filtering capacity. To test the system, an experimental setup was assembled to simulate real-world smoke emission conditions. Filters containing CNTs were subjected to gravimetric analysis to measure the amount of retained substances, and to gas chromatography to identify the adsorbed chemical compounds. The results confirm the potential of carbon nanotubes as an advanced filtering material, paving the way for robust solutions to mitigate the environmental impact of secondhand smoke. The results indicate that CNT-based filters, particularly those containing 0.06 g of material, are highly effective in retaining several toxic components of cigarette smoke, including nicotine. This configuration achieves a strong reduction in harmful organic species while using a moderate amount of adsorbent, suggesting a promising selectivity of CNTs toward the most hazardous molecules. Full article

Background/Objectives: Pediatric asthma remains a pressing public health issue, especially among low-income, minority children living in subsidized housing. Methods: This study employed a community-based participatory research approach to explore barriers and potential solutions for improving asthma management in this vulnerable population. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 22 caregivers of children with asthma and 8 community health workers in Washington, DC—a city marked by high childhood asthma rates and concentrated subsidized housing. Results: Thematic analysis identified six core findings: (1) families frequently encountered multiple home environmental asthma triggers, including pests, mold, secondhand smoke, leaks, poor ventilation, and aging infrastructure; (2) healthy housing services were under implemented, often due to unresponsive landlords, inadequate inspections, and poor maintenance; (3) existing services such as pest control, mold remediation, and smoke-free policies were ineffectively implemented; (4) challenges to service delivery included difficulties faced by landlords and structural barriers tied to geography, race, and socioeconomic status; (5) substandard housing conditions contributed to residents’ feelings of powerlessness, frustration, and distrust, with some taking legal action to address persistent hazards; and (6) participants recommended stronger housing code enforcement, sustained funding for home-based environmental interventions, housing-health liaisons, strengthened landlord accountability, support for landlords to facilitate repairs, centering families’ voices, and advocacy. Conclusions: This study underscores the persistent challenges caregivers face in managing asthma triggers in subsidized housing. The findings highlight the critical need for improved housing conditions, greater landlord and housing authority accountability, and policy reforms to ensure consistent, equitable, and sustainable healthy housing services that reduce pediatric asthma disparities. Full article

Inflammation underpins pulmonary disease progression during tobacco smoke exposure, which may culminate in irreversible pulmonary disease. While primary smoke poses a notable risk, nearly half of the US population is also susceptible due to frequent exposure to secondhand smoke (SHS). In the present study, we assessed the potential role of VYN202, a novel small molecular bromodomain and extra-terminal inhibitor, as a possible means of attenuating SHS-mediated inflammation. We exposed wild-type mice to an acute time course of room air (RA), SHS via a nose-only delivery system (Scireq Scientific, Montreal, Canada), or to both SHS and 10 mg/kg VYN202 (efficacious dose from prior inflammatory models) via oral gavage three times a week. Specific smoke exposure delivery to mice involved SHS from two cigarettes over 10 min, equilibration in room air for 10 min, followed by exposure to SHS from one cigarette for an additional 10 min, for a total SHS exposure of 20 min per day, five days a week for 30 days. We evaluated leukocyte abundance and the secretion of inflammatory mediators in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). We also assessed general morphology via histology staining and the activation of receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) family members. While standard hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining resulted in unchanged morphology, SHS-mediated increases in BALF protein abundance, total cellularity, and percent PMNs were attenuated with concomitant administration of VYN202. We also discovered SHS-induced activation of RTKs that were pro-inflammatory (JAK1, JAK3, ABL1, and ACK1), as well as RTKs related to endothelial and vascular remodeling (VEGFR3, VEGFR2, EphB4, EphB6, and FAK). Furthermore, inflammatory cytokines including GCSF, IFN-γ, IL-12p70, IL-17A, LIX, and TNF-α were all augmented by SHS exposure. Despite SHS exposure, each of these RTKs and cytokines/chemokines was significantly attenuated by VYN202. In summary, inflammatory responses induced by SHS exposure were mitigated by VYN202. These data reveal fascinating potential for the utility of VYN202 in lessening smoke-induced pulmonary exacerbations. Full article

Antioxidant intake from natural sources may enhance defense systems against oxidative stress induced by environmental factors such as cigarette smoke. Watercress (Nasturtium officinale) is an abundant source of antioxidants. This study aimed to determine the antioxidant effects of watercress consumption in people exposed to cigarette smoke in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Forty-five participants (15 non-smokers, 15 non-smokers with self-reported exposure to secondhand smoke (SHS), and 15 smokers) aged 20–60 years consumed 60 g of fresh watercress with three meals daily for seven days. Clinical characteristics, lipid profiles, total antioxidant capacity, and oxidative stress markers were evaluated before and after the intervention. After 7 days of watercress consumption, body mass index (BMI) and hip circumference significantly decreased among non-smokers. Watercress consumption reduced total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels in smokers and in SHS-exposed non-smokers; however, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) significantly decreased in SHS-exposed non-smokers. Catalase activity increased, and malondialdehyde levels decreased in all groups. One of the measures of plasma total antioxidant capacity significantly improved in non-smokers. These findings suggest that watercress consumption may improve lipid profiles and mitigate oxidative stress, and that these beneficial effects differ across people with different levels of exposure to cigarette smoke. However, further studies are suggested to clarify these results. Full article

To understand the pulmonary function and main influencing factors of homemakers in rural Xi’an, a representative city in Northwest China, 72 housewives (61 ± 9 years old) were randomly selected from the rural area of Lantian, Xi’an. The questionnaire survey and pulmonary function test were performed on the subjects in winter and summer, respectively. The general linear model and variance analysis were used to analyze the influencing factors of pulmonary function. Key lung function indices included Vital Capacity (VC: 2.06 ± 0.48 L), Forced Expiratory Volume in First Second (FEV1: 1.91 ± 0.52 L), Forced Vital Capacity (FVC: 2.23 ± 0.59 L), and the FEV1/FVC ratio (0.86 ± 0.07). Several factors were found to cause impairment of pulmonary function. Age has the greatest effect on various indicators of lung function (Eta: 22.3%); the effect of indoor ventilation, season, and second-hand smoke (SHS) exposure on pulmonary function was comparable (3.2–5.9%). There were significant differences on most pulmonary function indices between four age groups (p = 0.000–0.005), and the age of <57 years old displayed the highest lung function index values. The lung function of the ventilation group was better than that of the non-ventilation group. And the lung function of the non-SHS exposure group was better than that of the SHS exposure group. No clear seasonal pattern of pulmonary function was found in this study. Aging, SHS exposure, and poor ventilation showed negative effects on most pulmonary function indices. It is recommended to actively publicize the harm of smoking and strengthen house ventilation to improve lung function in local homemakers. Full article

Secondhand smoke (SHS), found in about 57.6% of global public areas as a widespread environmental hazard, has been associated with negative effects during pregnancy, such as preeclampsia (PE) and intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). Our research investigated the impact of SHS on placental issues in a C57BL/6 model that simulates PE and IUGR in mice. We administered SHS to pregnant mice through a nose-only delivery method, beginning either on embryonic day 12.5 (prior to spiral artery (SA) invasion; labeled SHS-6D) or day 14.5 (following SA invasion; labeled SHS-4D), continuing up to E18.5. Control animals received only ambient air. We employed bulk RNA sequencing to assess and describe changes in placental gene expression patterns. For the SHS-4D group, which mimicked IUGR, compared to untreated controls, results showed elevated levels of inflammation-related genes (IL11RA, CHI3L1) alongside likely interference in pathways for antibody-triggered complement activation, marked by reduced expression of C1QA, C1QB, and C1QC. Immune profiling also indicated decreased macrophage activity in the placentas of the SHS-4D group relative to those from normal pregnancies at term. In contrast, the SHS-6D versus control analysis revealed lowered expression of collagen-related genes (COL1A1, COL4A5, COL4A6, COL17A1). Additionally, SHS-6D exhibited higher levels of genes associated with cell-based lysis processes compared to SHS-4D. An evaluation of the existing literature revealed that nearly every differentially expressed gene (DEG) identified in our work has been reported in studies associated with SHS exposure. Yet, few of these DEGs are discussed alongside PE or IUGR in prior reports, highlighting gaps in knowledge about how SHS triggers these conditions. Overall, we determined that the timing of SHS exposure in pregnant mice results in unique patterns of gene regulation and involvement in biological pathways. Full article

Cigarette smoking is known to be an unhealthy activity that can cause a number of human diseases, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and lung cancer. It was further reported that even being exposed to secondhand cigarette smoke can affect human health. To assess the toxicity of the smoke from different cigarette brands, an artificial smoking device was developed, and three fractions designated, Filter Fraction, Smoke Fraction and Tar Fraction, were prepared from the smoke of each brand. Then, to elucidate possible effects of some of the toxins found in cigarette smoke, we investigated their effects in vitro using a bioluminescent bacterial array that comprises three bacterial strains. Using this array, we compare smoke from three cigarette brands, each with different tar and nicotine contents. GC-MS analysis showed that the cigarette smoke extracts (fractions) from different brands differed in their compositions and chemical concentrations. The results further showed that, in general, cigarette smoke triggered mainly an oxidative stress reaction in our bacterial models. The Smoke Fraction was tested for sequential smoking rounds and found to produce cumulative effects following each subsequent smoking cycle for all three cigarette brands. Finally, it was found that cigarette smoke and its specific components are toxic at various degrees with the Smoke Fraction, acting as oxidative stressors, and that this can be effectively analyzed using bioreporter panel arrays. Full article

Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer among women worldwide and remains a significant cause of cancer-related mortality. Alcohol consumption is linked to an increased risk of several cancers and is a controversial risk factor for developing cervical cancer. This review updates existing information on the correlation between alcohol consumption and the risk of developing cervical cancer. Several comprehensive studies from different geographical regions have shown that moderate and heavy drinking is positively correlated with the development of cervical cancer. There is a synergistic relationship between human papillomavirus (HPV) viral load and alcohol use among drinkers with a high HPV viral load. Excessive alcohol consumption and exposure to second-hand smoke may elevate the risk of persistent HPV infection. Furthermore, high-risk behaviors associated with Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/HPV co-infection are more common among binge drinkers. However, several observations failed to establish a relationship between these factors. Despite some inconsistency in the literature, evidence suggests a modest association between alcohol consumption and increased risk of persistent HPV infection, causing cervical cancer. Full article

Introduction: Increased exposure to air pollution poses a burden to society and healthcare systems worldwide, with increased risk of morbidity and mortality. Indoor concentrations of air pollutants, such as particulate matter, are a public health concern because they can be present in higher concentrations than outside. Unlike the effects of indoor environmental tobacco smoke (ETS), there is a dearth of research that includes the impact of e-cigarettes on particulate matter concentrations in the home, which is the focus of this study. Method: Participant, household, and sensor information were obtained from 164 lower-income households located in Cornwall, South West of England. Daily sensor readings were obtained for PM_2.5 for one year. Descriptive statistics were used to describe study participant characteristics and health status. Mean indoor averages, median PM_2.5 measurements, and two-tailed tests were used to assess differences in concentrations of PM_2.5. Results: The 164 surveyed households included 315 residents (67% female) with a mean adult age of 57 (22–92). Half of all homes were in the 10% most deprived neighbourhoods in England. Thirty-four per cent of participants were current smokers, and of these 36% have asthma and had seen a doctor in the last year (cf. never smokers 14%, ex-smokers 25%). Mean annual PM_2.5 was highest in smoking households (14.07 µg/m³) and smoking and vaping households (9.18 µg/m³), and lower in exclusive vaping households (2.00 µg/m³) and smoke and vape-free households (1.28 µg/m³). Monthly levels of PM_2.5 fluctuated seasonally for all groups, with the highest recordings in winter and the lowest in summer. Discussion and Conclusion: In this preliminary study, we conducted secondary data analyses using monitoring data from a large health and housing study to assess factors leading to elevated indoor concentrations of particulate matter. Indoor concentrations appeared to be highest in homes where residents smoked indoors. The use of e-cigarettes in the home also appeared to modify concentrations of particulate matter, but levels were lower than in homes with tobacco smoke. We were not able to determine the relationship between smoking and/or vaping indoors and particulate matter, which supports the need for studies of larger sample sizes and more complex longitudinal monitoring. This will help assess the timing and extent of exposures resulting from smoking and vaping indoors, along with a range of other chemical and biological exposures and their corresponding health effects. Full article

Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is characterized by sinonasal inflammation, mucus overproduction, and edematous mucosal tissue. This inflammatory condition is characterized by mucosal thickening, nasal obstruction, facial pain or pressure, hyposmia, and nasal discharge. The aim of this research was to clarify a potential role for the receptor for advanced glycation end-products (RAGE) in mouse nasoantral epithelium in perpetuating pro-inflammatory cytokine elaboration similarly expressed by CRS patients. Specifically, wild-type (WT) mice and transgenic (TG) mice overexpressing RAGE in sinonasal epithelium (RAGE TG mice) were maintained in room air or subjected to secondhand smoke exposure using a nose-only delivery system (Scireq Scientific, Montreal, QC, Canada) for five days per week over a 30-day period. Histological analysis was performed using staining for RAGE. Tissue lysates were analyzed for pro-inflammatory cytokines. We observed increased RAGE expression in sinus tissue following SHS exposure and in sinuses from RAGE TG mice in the absence of SHS. We also discovered elevated T helper (Th)1 products (TNF-α, IL-1β, IFN-γ) and Th2/Th17 (IL-5, IL-13, IL-17A) cytokine abundance in SHS-exposed WT and SHS-exposed RTG tissues compared to room air controls. These findings highlight the pivotal role of RAGE signaling in the exacerbation of inflammatory processes, particularly in the context of chronic inflammation induced by smoke exposure. The study expands our understanding of the RAGE signaling axis as a key contributor to the progression of smoke-related lung and sinonasal pathologies. Targeting RAGE-mediated pathways could represent a novel therapeutic strategy to mitigate the progression of chronic sinusitis associated with smoke exposure. Full article