Cigarette Brands Research Articles

Cumulative cigarette tar exposure and lung cancer risk among Japanese smokers.

Tar concentration in cigarette brands is chronologically decreasing in the USA and Japan. However, studies investigating lung cancer risk with cumulative tar exposure in Western and Asian countries are insufficient. To investigate the risk of lung cancer with cumulative cigarette tar exposure, we conducted a case-control study among Japanese current smokers. This study used data from the US-Japan lung cancer joint study in 1993-1998. A total of 282 subjects with histologically confirmed lung cancer and 162 hospital and 227 community controls were included in the study, and two control groups were combined. The information regarding tar concentration was obtained from the published documents and additional estimation using the equation of regression. Cumulative tar concentration was calculated by multiplying the annual value of brand-specific tar concentration by years of smoking. The odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals for lung cancer with cumulative tar exposure were estimated using a logistic model. The odds ratios for lung cancer with both lower (1-59.8×105mg) and higher (>59.8×105mg) total cumulative tar exposure were statistically significant (3.81, 2.23-6.50 and 11.64, 6.56-20.67, respectively) with increasing trend (P<0.001). The stratification analysis showed higher odds ratios in subjects with higher cumulative tar exposure regardless of inhalation, duration of smoking filtered cigarettes and histological type. This study showed that cumulative tar exposure is a dose-dependent indicator for lung cancer risk, and low-tar exposure was still associated with increased cancer risk.

How intensely nondaily smokers smoke in laboratory topography sessions correlates with cigarette smoking intensity in the field.

This study examines how well exposure in topography sessions correlates with exposure when smoking ad libitum in the field, by measuring material deposited on the filters of cigarettes smoked in the lab and in the field. The data were collected in a study of the effect of very low-nicotine-content versus normal-nicotine-content cigarettes in nondaily smokers. A total of 4,771 cigarette filters (323 from laboratory topography sessions, 4,448 from the field) from 123 nondaily smokers were analyzed. Optical scanning assessed density of deposits on cigarette filters, an indicator of smoke drawn through the cigarette and thus of exposure. Both during baseline, when participants smoked their own cigarettes, and during treatment, when smoking experimental cigarettes, lab and field exposure were well correlated (both rs = .62, p < .0001; r = .69, p < .0001, when analyzing all available data). Total puff volume also correlated with field exposure (p < .0001). In all analyses, exposure was slightly lower in the lab than in the field (p < .001). Exposure in laboratory topography sessions is a good indicator of exposure during ad libitum smoking in the field, both when smokers are smoking their own, varied, brands of cigarettes and when they are smoking uniform research cigarettes with very low or normal nicotine content. At least among nondaily smokers, topography measures of smokers' exposure are generalizable. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved).

Mentholation triggers brand-specific shifts in the bacterial microbiota of commercial cigarette products.

Bacterial communities are integral constituents of tobacco products. They originate from tobacco plants and are acquired during manufacturing processes, where they play a role in the production of tobacco-specific nitrosamines. In addition, tobacco bacterial constituents may play an important role in the development of infectious and chronic diseases among users. Nevertheless, tobacco bacterial communities have been largely unexplored, and the influence of tobacco flavor additives such as menthol (a natural antimicrobial) on tobacco bacterial communities is unclear. To bridge this knowledge gap, time series experiments including 5 mentholated and non-mentholated commercially available cigarettes-Marlboro red (non-menthol), Marlboro menthol, Newport menthol box, Newport menthol gold, and Newport non-menthol-were conducted. Each brand was stored under three different temperature and relative humidity conditions. To characterize bacterial communities, total DNA was extracted on days 0 and 14. Resulting DNA was purified and subjected to PCR of the V3V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene, followed by sequencing on the Illumina HiSeq platform and analysis using the QIIME, phyloseq, metagenomeSeq, and DESeq software packages. Ordination analyses showed that the bacterial community composition of Marlboro cigarettes was different from that of Newport cigarettes. Additionally, bacterial profiles significantly differed between mentholated and non-mentholated Newports. Independently of storage conditions, tobacco brands were dominated by Proteobacteria, with the most dominant bacterial genera being Pseudomonas, unclassified Enterobacteriaceae, Bacillus, Erwinia, Sphingomonas, Acinetobacter, Agrobacterium, Staphylococcus, and Terribacillus. These data suggest that the bacterial communities of tobacco products differ across brands and that mentholation of tobacco can alter bacterial community composition of select brands. KEY POINTS: • Bacterial composition differed between the two brands of cigarettes. • Mentholation impacts cigarette microbiota. • Pseudomonas and Bacillus dominated the commercial cigarettes. Graphical abstract.

Differences in Smoking Topography and Subjective Responses to Smoking Among African American and White Menthol and Non-Menthol Smokers.

It has been suggested that menthol increases exposure to harmful elements of smoking and makes smoking more rewarding, easier to initiate, and harder to quit. Isolating the direct effects of menthol is challenging as African American (AA) race and menthol preference are highly overlapping. This study evaluated smoking behavior and subjective responses among a balanced sample of AA and white menthol and non-menthol smokers. In addition, smoking topography (ST) was compared to naturalistic smoking (NS) and interactions with menthol and race were explored. Smokers (N = 100) smoked and rated their preferred brand of cigarettes via ST or NS during two laboratory visits (counterbalanced). Controlling for baseline differences among the groups (eg, nicotine dependence), menthol smokers took shorter and smaller puffs and AA smokers took longer puffs, but there were no differences in total puff volume, carbon monoxide, or other ST parameters. Menthol smokers reported greater urge reduction and lower sensory stimulation. The smoking method (ST vs. NS) had no effects on smoking behavior or exposure. Cigarettes smoked via ST were rated stronger. Differences in satisfaction based on the smoking method interacted with race and menthol status. Ratings of aversion differed by race and menthol status. Menthol was not associated with increased smoke exposure or reward (except for urge reduction). ST caused minimal experimental reactivity relative to NS. Additional research that isolates the effects of menthol and examines potential interactive effects with race and other variables is needed to better understand its role in smoking-related health disparities. Menthol and non-menthol smokers differed on some demographic variables and menthol preference was associated with greater nicotine dependence and greater urge reduction after smoking. Menthol was not associated with greater smoke exposure. Future research that investigates the unique risks associated with menthol and examines potential interactive effects with race and other related variables is warranted to better understand the role of menthol in smoking-related health disparities.

Trends in cigarette brand preference among Mexican smokers: the rise of Pall Mall

ObjectiveTo analyse trends in cigarette brand preference among Mexican smokers during the implementation period of key WHO’s Framework Convention on Tobacco Control recommendations.MethodsData came from two nationally representative, comparable surveys,...

Free Radical and Nicotine Yields in Mainstream Smoke of Chinese Marketed Cigarettes: Variation with Smoking Regimens and Cigarette Brands.

Free radicals and nicotine are components of cigarette smoke that are thought to contribute to the development of smoking-induced diseases. China has the largest number of smokers in the world, yet little is known about the yields of tobacco smoke constituents in different Chinese brands of cigarettes. In this study, gas-phase and particulate-phase free radicals as well as nicotine yields were quantified in mainstream cigarette smoke from five popular Chinese brands and two research cigarettes (3R4F and 1R6F). Mainstream smoke was generated under International Organization of Standardization (ISO) and Canadian Intense (CI) smoking regimens using a linear smoking machine. Levels of free radicals and nicotine were measured by electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy (EPR) and gas chromatography with flame-ionization detection, respectively. Under the ISO puffing regimen, Chinese brand cigarettes produced an average of 3.0 ± 1.2 nmol/cig gas-phase radicals, 118 ± 44.7 pmol/cig particulate-phase radicals, and 0.6 ± 0.2 mg/cig nicotine. Under the CI puffing regimen, Chinese brand cigarettes produced an average of 5.6 ± 1.2 nmol/cig gas-phase radicals, 282 ± 92.1 pmol/cig particulate-phase radicals, and 2.1 ± 0.4 mg/cig nicotine. Overall, both gas- and particulate-phase free radicals were substantially lower compared to the research cigarettes under both regimens, whereas no significant differences were observed for nicotine levels. When Chinese brands were compared, the highest free radical and nicotine yields were found in "LL" and "BS" brands, while lowest levels were found in "YY". These results suggested that the lower radical delivery by Chinese cigarettes compared to United States reference cigarettes may be associated with reductions in oxidant-related harm.

Menthol, Nicotine, and Flavoring Content of Capsule Cigarettes in the US.

Characterize physical design features of cigarette brands sold in the US according to the delivery method of menthol that may affect sensory perception among users. Twelve cigarette brands, mentholated and non-mentholated, were purchased for analyses of the physical design characteristics, quantification of nicotine and menthol, and identification of flavor additives. Physical design characteristics did not differ significantly between the various cigarette brands. However, significant differences were seen in levels of menthol. Menthol levels were greatest in products that had dual delivery methods of menthol (6.7mg/cigarette; SE=0.27) followed by products mentholated in a filter capsule only (5.7mg/cigarette; SE=0.25), and those mentholated in the tobacco only (3.8mg/cigarette; SE=0.12); products that were not mentholated had the least (0.38mg/cigarette; SE=0.31). Finally, flavor additives with a mint flavor profile other than menthol were identified, such as pulegone and limonene, and differed between cigarette brands, which are likely contributing to the menthol flavor experience associated with use of these products. The regulation of menthol delivery method, flavorings added to the capsule, and/or menthol concentration may be beneficial for the public health as these factors are likely creating unique sensory experiences.

A Comparison between Cigarette Topography from a One-Week Natural Environment Study to FTC/ISO, Health Canada, and Massachusetts Department of Public Health Puff Profile Standards.

Standardized topography protocols for testing cigarette emissions include the Federal Trade Commission/International Standard Organization (FTC/ISO), the Massachusetts Department of Health (MDPH), and Health Canada (HC). Data are lacking for how well these protocols represent actual use behavior. This study aims to compare puff protocol standards to actual use topography measured in natural environments across a range of cigarette brands. Current smokers between 18 and 65 years of age were recruited. Each participant was provided with a wPUM™ cigarette topography monitor and instructed to use the monitor with their usual brand cigarette ad libitum in their natural environment for one week. Monitors were tested for repeatability, and data were checked for quality and analyzed with the TAP™ topography analysis program. Data from n = 26 participants were analyzed. Puff flow rates ranged from 17.2 to 110.6 mL/s, with a mean (STD) of 40.4 (21.7) mL/s; durations from 0.7 to 3.1 s, with a mean (STD) of 1.5 ± 0.5 s; and volumes from 21.4 to 159.2 mL, with a mean (STD) of 54.9 (29.8) mL. Current topography standards were found to be insufficient to represent smoking across the wide range of real behaviors. These data suggest updated standards are needed such that emissions tests will provide meaningful risk assessments.

Smokers Awareness and Risk Perceptions of Filter Ventilation.

The addition of tiny rows of holes in the tipping paper (filter ventilation) of cigarettes allows air to mix with the smoke, which can change risk perceptions. In this study, we examine smokers' knowledge and beliefs about filter ventilation. Web-based panel surveys conducted in 2016 and 2017 of current adult cigarette smokers (N = 2355) provided data on awareness and understanding of filter vents in their cigarettes, whether they believed blocking the holes would change the taste of their cigarettes, and their perceptions about their future risk of being diagnosed with lung cancer. The most commonly used cigarette brands reported by participants also were characterized on the presence and level of ventilation holes. Approximately 40% of participants (mostly younger and male) reported awareness of the filter ventilation in their cigarettes. Only 30% of the participants were both aware of and understood the function of filter ventilation; they also were significantly more likely to worry about developing lung cancer. Although misleading descriptors associated with filter ventilation are prohibited, most smokers still smoked cigarettes with filter vents, and many are unaware and misunderstand the potential risks of filter ventilation.

The effect of vaping on the development and craniofacial morphology of Xenopus laevis embryos.

Vaping is a type of nicotine usage in which an artificial cigarette is used as the delivery system. Originally marketed as the healthier alternative to smoking cigarettes, vaping has led to an increase in the amount of pulmonary issues by users. Our objective for this research was to test whether the consumption of nicotine and flavor additives through vaping is as harmful to developing embryos as that obtained through smoking traditional cigarettes. For this research, we exposed developing Xenopus laevis embryos to nicotine from vaping solution with 3 differing propylene glycol: vegetable glycerin ratios (30:70, 50:50, 70:30) as well as smoke from a well-known cigarette brand, all of which contain 12 mg of nicotine. We exposed the embryos to the same amount of nicotine and byproducts that would be consumed by the average pregnant American woman who either vapes or smokes traditional cigarettes. Embryos were exposed from Stage 10 (yolk plug) to Stage 43 (freeswimming tadpole with most yolk consumed). Tadpoles were sacrificed and mounted, and Image J was used to determine if there were any differences in craniofacial morphology between treatments. Preliminary results are encouraging and indicate possible developmental effects of different VG: PG ratios. This research was funded by a NASA Space Grant awarded to Camden Cutlip.

Impact of a ban on the open display of tobacco products in retail outlets on never smoking youth in the UK: findings from a repeat cross-sectional survey before, during and after implementation

BackgroundIn the UK, a ban on the open display of tobacco products at the point of sale (POS) was phased in between 2012 and 2015. We explored any impact of...

Following in the footsteps of Natural American Spirit: the emergence of Manitou cigarettes

Natural American Spirit (NAS) is a premium cigarette brand that is manufactured by Santa Fe Natural Tobacco Company (SFNTC), which has been a subsidiary of Reynolds American (RAI) since 2002....

Determination and distribution of 210Po in different morphological parts of tobacco plants and radiation dose assessment from cigarettes in Turkey.

Both sides of tobacco leaves accumulate 210Po through their sticky hairs (trichomes) by means of diffusive deposition. It is known that tobacco leaves may contain high amounts of 210Po concentrations. However, there is less information about radionuclides in tobacco plants. In the study, the 210Po concentrations were determined monthly in different morphological parts of tobacco plants (leaf, stem, root) and soil samples and soil-to-plant transfer factor for 210Po was determined and the activity concentrations of 210Po radionuclide in 16 different popular brands of cigarettes were investigated in order to estimate the annual effective doses of 210Po to smokers. Besides the study investigated (focused on) the correlation between the amount of rainfall and 210Po concentration of tobacco leaf. The results of the present study indicated that the activity concentration of 210Po in cigarettes distributed in Turkey ranged from 16.1±1.0 to 37.6±2.6mBq per cigarette and the mean value of their activity concentrations was 22.4±1.5mBq per cigarette. The mean value of annual effective doses of 210Po to smokers (20 cigarettes smoked by an individual per day) obtained from these activity concentrations was estimated to be 188.5±12.4μSv y-1.

High Particulate Matter Burden of Cigarettes from the United Arab Emirates and Germany: Are There Country-Specific Differences?

Although the big tobacco companies offer the same cigarette brands across countries, little is known about the potential regional differences of the particulate matter (PM) emissions of apparently equal brands. PM emissions of three cigarette brands (Marlboro Gold, Winston Red resp. Classic, Parliament Platinum resp. Night Blue) from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Germany were analysed. Second-hand smoke was produced in a 2.88 m3 measuring cabin by an automatic environmental tobacco smoke emitter. PM size fractions PM10, PM2.5, and PM1 were detected in real-time using laser aerosol spectrometry. Depending on the PM fraction Marlboro cigarettes from UAE showed 33%–35% higher PM amounts. Moreover, Winston cigarettes from UAE showed distinctly higher PM values (28–31%) than the German counterparts. The “lighter” Parliament from UAE emitted 3%–9% more PM than the German one. The measured mean PM10 values laid between 778 and 1163 µg/m3 (mean PM2.5: 777–1161 µg/m3; mean PM1: 724–1074 µg/m3). That means smoking in enclosed rooms causes massive PM burden. The PM emission of equal or similar tobacco products from different countries can differ distinctly. Hence, the declaration of PM emission values, besides nicotine, tar, and carbon monoxide amounts, should be obligatory worldwide. Furthermore, complete information about the ingredients and production processes of tobacco products should be provided to health officials and the public. This can help to minimise or ban substances or product designs that make smoking even more harmful, and to enhance the awareness of the risks of smoking.

Social media use by leading US e-cigarette, cigarette, smokeless tobacco, cigar and hookah brands

BackgroundYouth and young adults frequently use social media and are susceptible to tobacco use. This study is the first to provide a systematic overview of how leading tobacco product brands...

Differentiation of Candida albicans Species Complex by Tobacco Agar Obtained from Different Cigarette Brands Available in Colombia.

Aim To evaluate the efficacy of different brands of cigarettes in the preparation of tobacco agar, for the differentiation of these related yeasts. Methodology. Tobacco agar was prepared using six brands and four varieties of cigarettes, and 125 clinical isolates previously identified by PCR and Maldi-Tof were used. To determine whether the results of the microbiological tests were associated with similarities in the chemical components of cigarettes, thin-layer chromatography was performed. Results Candida dubliniensis colonies presented hue differences according to the incubation temperature and the brand or variety of cigarette used, except in the tobacco agar produced with Marlboro Xpress cigarette, where its differentiation was not possible. The chromatograms showed few differences among apolar and medium polarity extract components. Conclusions Tobacco agar is a low-cost tool used for the differentiation of Candida dubliniensis; however, incubation temperature and cigarette brand affect the performance of the media. No relationship was found between the microbiological results and the chemical similarity of the extracts of the cigarettes by chromatography.

Using point-of-sale data to examine tobacco pricing across neighbourhoods in Scotland

ObjectivesTo assess the geographical variation in tobacco price (cigarettes and roll-your-own (RYO) tobacco) in convenience stores across Scotland and how this relates to neighbourhood income deprivation, tobacco retail outlet density...

How and Why California Young Adults Are Using Different Brands of Pod-Type Electronic Cigarettes in 2019: Implications for Researchers and Regulators

PurposeThe aim of the study was to describe young adult use and perceptions of different brands of pod-based electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) and compare with earlier types of non-pod-based e-cigarettes (e.g., mods and tanks). MethodsData were collected from January to March 2019 and derive from the final wave of a cohort study recruited in 2013–2014 using a convenience sample from 10 large California high schools with racially/ethnically and socioeconomically diverse populations. A total of 445 participants completed an online survey (mean age = 20.1 years [SD = 1.66], 64.8% female [n = 278], 38.8% white [n = 161], 23.9% each for Asian and “more than one race” [n = 99], 13.5% other [n = 56], and 36.9% Hispanic [n = 160]). The main outcomes were description of and reasons to use pods, perceived nicotine content, and use patterns. ResultsAlthough <25% of participants reported smoking cigarettes and using non-pod-based e-cigarettes, >25% reported ever use of JUUL. Similarly, <33% of cigarette smokers and non-pod-based e-cigarette users reported use in the past 30 days, and >50% of JUUL ever users did. The most agreed upon reason (58%) for using pods was because they are “easy to hide.” About half of pod users “do not know” if they mix brands of e-juice and pods, the nicotine concentration in their e-juice cartridges, nor time to finish a cartridge. Of the 50% of participants who shared their pod, 23 (15%) did “sometimes,” 20 (13%) “always,” and 16 (11% each) “about half the time” or “often.” There was no consensus about how to refer to different brands of pods. ConclusionsOur findings indicate young adults harbor confusion about pod-based e-cigarettes, including nicotine content, usage patterns, and labeling, and that pod use is largely because of the ease with which they can “stealth” vape. The findings suggest needed regulation and education about these products.

Investigation and regional fuzzy health risk management of lead and cadmium in best-selling cigarettes across China

China is home to the world’s largest cigarette maker, and with more than 320 million smokers, accounts for a fifth of world annual deaths from smoking-related diseases. Basic tobacco characteristics and its lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) contents of the 20 best-selling Chinese cigarette brands were detected using wet digestion-inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Pb and Cd contents of the selected brands of cigarettes ranged from 1.3861 μg/g to 7.7124 μg/g and 2.9137 μg/g to 5.4841 μg/g, respectively, showing a significant correlation with tobacco weight per cigarette. Fuzzy health risk assessment via inhaling pathway of mainstream smoke was carried out for Pb and Cd based on the regional exposure parameters and fuzzification of the key variables. Results indicated the indexes of (non-)carcinogenic risk of tobacco Pb in all studied brands were below the corresponding general acceptable risk criteria, while that of tobacco Cd exceeded. Cd was identified as the priority control metal in the studied cigarettes. Moreover, the maximum membership probabilities of E08, E09, S11, S18 and S19 were in marginal range of 50%–60%, showing existed uncertainties and possibly misleading decision-makers. Spatially, the carcinogenic risks posed by regional cigarette Cd showed a relatively high level in the Southern, Southwestern and Northern China. Based on Level II for carcinogenic risk (1.00E-05), the limit daily consumption and limit concentration of Cd were obtained for each brand, and the result ranges were generally 2–4 cigarettes per day and 0.5–1.7 μg/g. Presently, it is of significance for the related international/local decision-makers to establish a comprehensive supervisory framework and system for Cd (and other typical toxic metals) in cigarettes from its life cycle perspective.

Evaluate the exposure of toxic metals via drinking water and smoking nonbranded cigarette in malnourished women by modified single/two-step cloud point extraction.

Presently, the exposure of heavy metals (cadmium and lead) was determined in biological sample (serum) of women (pregnant and nonpregnant) who belong to low socioeconomic group (malnutrition). The cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) were determined in drinking water and locally produced cigarette (bidi), smoking by women of childbearing age. The preconcentration of heavy metals in serum, water, and tobacco of bidi were carried out by cloud point extraction at single and two-step methods before determination by atomic absorption spectrometry with flame mode. The Cd and Pb in the water- and acid-digested serum and tobacco samples were treated with a complexing reagent 1-(2-pyridylazo)-2-naphthol (PAN). The hydrophobic complex of Cd and Pb was entrapped in Triton X-114. For the first step, the entrapped analytes in Triton X-114 was diluted with alcoholic acid (0.2mol/L of HNO3) and subjected to FAAS, whereas for the second step of CPE, the surfactant-rich analyte was subjected to the second round of enrichment method. Lastly, the analyte was back-extracted in acidic solution (0.2mol/L) and analyzed by FAAS. The all significant variable was optimized for optimal recovery of Cd and Pb. The recommended single/two-step cloud point extraction method was validated by simultaneously evaluated matrices matched certified reference materials of water, serum, and tobacco. The resulted data indicated that the groundwater samples contained elevated concentrations of Cd and Pb than recommended values for drinking water by WHO, while the contents of Cd and Pb were observed about two-fold higher in nonbranded cigarette (bidi) than branded cigarette. It was observed that there were about 3 to 4 times higher concentrations of both toxic metals in blood serum of smoker malnourished women group than in referent nonsmoker women. Graphical abstract.