Cigarette Smoking Research Articles

Change in vaping, smoking and dual-use identities predicts quit success and cigarette usage: A prospective study of people quitting smoking with electronic cigarette support.

Electronic cigarettes (ECs) are an efficacious support for some but not all people wishing to stop using tobacco. While advice and practical support have been identified as increasing quit success, little research has explored the role of changes in smoking and EC-related social identities. A prospective study following 573 people attempting to quit smoking with EC support. Self-report measures of identification with being a smoker, non-smoker, vaper and dual user (people using ECs and tobacco products) were taken prior to the quit attempt and at a 12-week follow-up. Baseline identifications with being a smoker, non-smoker or dual user were not associated with smoking outcomes. Baseline vaper identity baseline was linked to more frequent tobacco abstinence at follow-up and lower levels of cigarette smoking. Levels of social identification at follow-up were consistently linked with outcomes, with vaper identity and non-smoking identities being protective and dual user identity being related to lower abstinence rates but decreased tobacco usage. Changes in identity over time were the most consistent predictor of outcomes. Findings have implications for smoking cessation practice, informing how and when identity-based interventions may be effective and our understanding of how identity transitions occur.

Unequal effects of adolescent health behaviors on adult cardiometabolic conditions: a cohort study

Abstract Background Health behaviors in adolescence could have a life-long effect on cardiometabolic health and differ by parental socioeconomic conditions. Adopting a life course perspective and a causal inference framework, we aimed to quantify the differential effect of adolescent unhealthy behaviors on adult cardiometabolic conditions by parental financial situation. Methods Using the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health in the United States (n = 3,772), we estimated conditional causal effect by parental financial situation through inverse probability-weighted marginal structural models. Exposures were adolescent health behaviors (dietary habits, cigarette smoking, alcohol consumption and physical activity) and the effect modifier was parental financial situation (difficulty paying bills vs. no difficulty), both measured at ages 12-19 (1994-1995). Outcomes were cardiometabolic conditions (hypertension, stroke, cardiac failure, diabetes, chronic kidney disease), measured at ages 33 - 43 (2016-2018) using biomarkers and self-reports. Results There were 1,206 participants with cardiometabolic conditions after 20 years of follow-up. Alcohol consumption among adolescents with parental financial difficulty led to 325 more cardiometabolic cases (95% confidence interval: 2 - 647) compared to alcohol consumption by their peers without financial difficulty. This differential effect is driven more by cardiovascular conditions (hypertension, stroke, or cardiac failure) than by metabolic conditions (diabetes or chronic kidney disease). There were no differential effects of dietary habits, cigarette smoking and physical inactivity on the occurrence of adult cardiometabolic conditions. Conclusions Public health initiatives targeting alcohol consumption during adolescence could mitigate socioeconomic inequalities in adult cardiometabolic conditions. Key messages • Socioeconomically disadvantaged adolescents are more susceptible to the long-term detrimental health effects of alcohol consumption. • These susceptible groups may need targeted interventions to mitigate the cardiometabolic effect of alcohol consumption.

Smoking cessation medicines and e-cigarettes in smokers with obesity

Abstract Purpose The interaction between obesity and smoking is complex. Aim of this study is to compare the abstinence rates of smoking cessation pharmacotherapies vs electronic cigarettes in obese smokers. Methods 57 obese smokers (aged 41±8 years, BMI: 33.8 ±2.4 Kg/m2) visiting our unit from January 2016 to November 2022 were randomized into three smoking cessation therapy groups: 1. NRT (nicotine patch), 2. NRT + bupropion (NRT+bupr) and 3. Electronic cigarette (EC). Results There were not significant differences in severity of nicotine dependence and cigarette consumption (pack-years) between the three treatment groups. Furthermore, the three groups had similar age and prevalence of traditional risk factors. At the end of treatment period (3 months), 5/19 (26 %) and 9/19 (47%) of subjects under therapy with NRT alone and NRT + bupropion combination respectively, were abstinent from smoking while 10/19 (53%) of individuals using EC did not smoke combustible cigarettes. Left plot shows the continuous abstinence rates at 6 months. Continuous abstinence rates were similar in the NRT and NRT+bupropion group at 6 months compared to 3 months (end of treatment), while 8/19 (42%) of individuals using EC did not smoke. Interestingly , at 6 months among users of EC 6 continued vaping nicotine alone, 7 continued to smoke tobacco cigarettes while vaping and 4 continued smoking cigarettes alone. Nevertheless only 2 out of 19 participants in that group stayed abstinent from both combustible cigarette smoking and vaping. Blood pressure remained unchanged in all groups while weight decreased in the group treated with the combination of bupropion and NRT compared to NRT alone and EC groups (right plot, P<0.01). Conclusions Our preliminary data indicate that continuous abstinence rates at 6 months were higher in obese smokers receiving NRT+bupropion combination therapy compared to those of individuals who used NRT alone. There is also a low abstinence rate of both cigarette smoking and vaping among individuals using EC as an aid for smoking cessation. The NRT+bupropion combination therapy was associated with a favorable effect on weight change in obese smokers.EC vs pharmacotherapy in obese smokers

The Effect of Heated Cigarette Smoking on Voice In Comparison to Combustion Cigarette Smoking: Self-Perceived Evaluation.

The Effect of Heated Cigarette Smoking on Voice In Comparison to Combustion Cigarette Smoking: Self-Perceived Evaluation.

Tobacco and nicotine products use among adolescents in Serbia – Latent class analysis

Abstract Background In parallel with a decline in cigarette smoking in the previous decade, other tobacco and nicotine products (TNPs), that are often used concurrently, have gained popularity among adolescents. The purpose of this study was to identify patterns of tobacco and nicotine product use among Serbian adolescents. Methods Data for this study were obtained from Health Behavior in School-aged Children (HBSC), a WHO collaborative cross-national study of adolescent health and well-being, that was conducted in Serbia in 2022 on a sample of 3713 students 11,13 and 15 years old. Descriptive statistics was used as well as latent class analysis to classify students based on their past-month use of cigarettes, e-cigarettes, heated tobacco products, waterpipes, and oral tobacco/nicotine products. Results Among students 11,13 and 15 years old, 10.2% smoke cigarettes, 13% use e-cigarettes, 11.1% waterpipes, 3.7% oral tobacco/nicotine products, and 4.5% heated tobacco products with differences by age and sex. We found high percentages of dual use of TNPs among cigarette smokers. Among students who smoke cigarettes, 61.6% also use e-cigarettes, 36.2% smoke waterpipes, 30.2% heated tobacco products, and 24.1% oral tobacco/nicotine products. Latent class analysis identified three classes as optimal solution: (1) dual e-cigarette and cigarette users (6.9%); (2) minimal/non-users (83.2%) and (3) poly tobacco and nicotine products users (9.9%). Statistically significant differences between classes were found in age and sex. Conclusions Dual and poly-tobacco and nicotine use is common among Serbian adolescents and presents a challenge for monitoring and public health response. Findings contribute to a better understanding of patterns and heterogeneity of TNPs use among adolescents and might have implications for prevention and cessation interventions for youth. Key messages • Among students 11,13 and 15 years old, tobacco and nicotine products, other than cigarettes is gaining popularity and with the e-cigarettes being the most popular product. • Dual and poly tobacco and nicotine products use is new challenged that should be taken into account in tobacco and nicotine monitoring, cessation and prevention.

Lifestyle habits and openness to alternative tobacco products: insights from the Minerva Project

Abstract Background Recent studies have suggested that the use of alternative tobacco products (ATPs) is a significant predictor of cigarette smoking, particularly among young individuals. The present study evaluates the association between dietary patterns, specifically junk food consumption, and the willingness to try ATPs among non-smokers. Methods MINERVA (My changINg lifEstyles, our Research, and eVeryone’s heAlth) is an ongoing prospective international cohort study primarily focused on investigating the link between smoking habits and the dietary and lifestyle habits of participants. Subjects are given a web-based survey to report socio-demographic characteristics, dietary and lifestyle habits, smoking habits, and attitudes towards ATPs. This analysis concentrates on respondents from Italy who do not smoke traditional tobacco products. Results The survey included 7,535 respondents from Italy; of these, 40% (2,992 subjects) were non-smokers. Among the non-smokers, 219 (7%) were identified as fast-food consumers (defined as consuming fast-food at least once a week). Fast-food consumers were significantly more likely to consume junk food as snacks (87% vs. 62%) and were less likely to report daily consumption of fruits and vegetables. Notably, fast-food consumers were 2.5 times more likely to be willing to try ATPs compared to those who do not consume junk food (Odds Ratio [OR] 2.55, 95% Confidence Interval [CI] 1.68-3.88). Conclusions Junk food consumption has been identified as being associated with an increased willingness to use ATPs among non-smokers. This finding is significant from a public health standpoint, highlighting the crucial influence of unhealthy eating habits in fostering an interest in ATP use. Key messages • The Minerva study evaluates the association between dietary patterns, specifically junk food consumption, and the willingness to try alternative tobacco products among non-smokers. • The study underscores the public health importance of addressing dietary patterns alongside smoking habits.

Nicotine use in Polish adolescents and sociodemographic factors correlations - PolNicoYouth study

Abstract Background & aim Almost 36% of Polish smokers started their addiction before the age of 17. Polish youth exhibit a higher prevalence of e-cigarette use (29.5%) than traditional cigarettes (26.2%). This study aimed to outline the prevalence of tobacco and nicotine product use based on usage frequency, poly-product use patterns among ever/former/naive users. Methods In the 2020 cross-sectional study, secondary school students from 200 schools, were selected nationwide using a stratified and random approach, making the sample representative of the entire Polish population. Data were collected through Computer-Assisted Web Interviews, using a questionnaire based on the Global Youth Tobacco Survey. Bayesian linear regression was used to assess correlations. Results The study consisted of 16,712 pupils aged 15-18. Almost 30% of participants admitted to current e-cigarette usage. Questions on parental smoking habits showed that 45.95% of parents smoke traditional cigarettes, 13.89% use e-cigarettes, and 13.80% use heated tobacco products (HTP). There was a very strong positive correlation between the female gender and the initiation of smoking with regular cigarettes (log[BF]=10.76). A very strong positive correlation between those studying in vocational schools and with initiation with regular cigarettes during initiation (log[BF]=18.13), while high school students had a greater association with e-cigarettes (log[BF]=11.08). There was also a very strong positive correlation between adolescents initiating smoking with regular cigarettes when their parents are also regular cigarette smokers (log[BF]=8.11) - no corresponding correlations were observed for e-cigarettes and HTP. There is a moderate positive correlation indicating a relationship between younger age (15 vs 18) and initiation by e-cigarette (log[BF]=1.8). Key messages • The type of nicotine product used by adolescents for nicotine initiation correlates differently with various socio-demographic factors and the type of nicotine product used by parents. • Taking these relationships into consideration enables the development of tailored nicotine prevention.

Differential effects of heat-not-burn, electronic cigarettes and conventional cigarettes on endothelial glycocalyx

Abstract Background Heat-not-burn cigarette (HNBC) and electronic cigarette (Ecig) constitute non-combustible smoke products. Their effect on endothelial glycocalyx has not been investigated so far. Patients and Methods: Out of 100 subjects attending smoking cessation clinic: α) 50 smokers were randomized to usage of HNBC (n=25) or Ecig (n=25) and β) 50 smokers were used as control group. Participants randomized to the newer tobacco products had similar clinical and demographic characteristics to the control group. Smoking status was verified by measuring the concentration of exhaled carbon monoxide [(e CO) (ppm), Bedfont Scientific, Maidstone, Kent UK]. Perfused Boundary Region (PBR), which is inversely related to endothelial glycocalyx thickness in sublingual arterioles (range 5–25 μm) and blood levels of cotinine, a stable metabolite of nicotine, was assessed in all participants. Exhaled CO, endothelial glycocalyx, and blood cotinine were assessed at baseline and after 1 month. Results Conventional cigarette smokers were aged: 48 ± 5 years, 53% female and used 27 ± 9 cigarettes/day, 29 ± 9 pack-years. HNBC users were aged: 46 ± 14 years, 55% female and used 26 ± 8 cigarettes/day, 30 ± 8 pack-years. Ecig users were aged: 45 ± 8 years, 51% female and used 27 ± 10 cigarettes/day, 28 ± 10 pack-years. Compared to baseline, switching to HNBC for 1 month improved only PBR20-25 (2.55±0.49 vs 2.34±0.34 μm, p=0.002). Ecig use did not alter endothelial glycocalyx in any range of microvessels throughout the study (p>0.05). In contrast, Tcig smoking for one month further worsened endothelial glycocalyx in all microvessels ranges compared to baseline (p<0.05). Blood cotinine levels were similar at baseline and after 1 month using HNBC (p=0.432), Ecig (p=0.535) or conventional cigarette (p=0.489). Compared to baseline, exhaled CO decreased in HNBC or Ecig users (mean percent change: -55% and -58% respectively p<0.001), while remained unchanged in Tcig smokers (p=0.312) at 1 month. Thus, Tcig smokers had higher CO than those who switched to HNBC or E-cig after one month (p<0.01). Conclusion Conventional cigarette users further worsened endothelial glycocalyx after continuing to smoke for one month. In contrast, smokers who switched to Ecig maintained glycocalyx integrity, while those who switched to HNBC showed modest improvement in glycocalyx integrity in microvessels ranging from 20 to 25 μm. Cotinine levels, which reflect nicotine exposure, were similar between the Tcig, HNBC and Ecig groups. Thus, endothelial glycocalyx impairment in the conventional cigarette group was independent of nicotine consumption and possibly related to greater exposure to toxic emissions, such as CO, after Tcig use than after switching to HNBC or Ecig.

Unrealistic risk perceptions of Iranian current cigarette smokers on developing lung cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD): a cross-sectional study

Cigarette smoking causes serious complications and diseases in a person’s life, such as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and some cancers, including lung cancer. On the other hand, studies have shown that smokers do not have a real understanding of the health hazards of smoking. This study was conducted to determine the perceived risk of lung cancer and COPD in current smokers. This cross-sectional study which was conducted between January-May 2023, recruited 380 current smokers by convenience sampling in community setting. The data were collected face to face using three questionnaires (1) the risk perception for lung cancer and COPD questionnaire, (2) the smoking stage of change questionnaire, and (3) the Fagerström test for nicotine dependence. We examined the relationship between the included variables and the smokers’ perceived risk of lung cancer and COPD by using multiple linear regression. We found that lower education (coefficient = 3.60, 95%CI [1.00, 6.19], P < 0.0001) for elementary level and (coefficient = 2.81, 95% CI [0.36, 5.26], P < 0.05) for secondary level had greater lung cancer perceived risk. Besides, smoking age onset for 20 + years (coefficient=-1.36, 95%CI [-2.42, -3.17], P < 0.0001) lower than those who started before the age of 20 were associated with lower perceived risk for lung cancer. Regarding COPD, results indicated that lower education (coefficient = 4.54, 95% CI [1.87, 7.21], p < 0001) for elementary level (coefficient = 3.35, 95% CI [0.83, 5.87], p < 0.001) for secondary level and (coefficient = 3.03, 95% CI[-0.67, 4.25], P < 0.05) for high school dropout, and employment status (coefficient = 3.62, 95% CI[0.66, 6.59], p < 0.05) of employer and (coefficient = 3.23, 95% CI [0.14, 6.33], p < 0.05) for homemaker reported greater perceived risk. This study’s results showed that participants’ perceived risk was relatively low. It seems necessary to carry out interventions to inform about the harms of smoking and to enhance public awareness about the heightened risks of diseases such as lung cancer and COPD among cigarette smokers.

Lipid-associated GWAS loci as important markers of the risk, severity, and clinical course of peripheral artery disease

ABSTRACT Background This study investigated the relationship between lipid-associated loci identified through genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and the risk of peripheral artery disease (PAD), its severity, as well as clinical and laboratory features. Research design and methods A study included 1263 unrelated Russian subjects, consisting of 620 patients diagnosed with PAD and 643 healthy controls. Thirteen single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) were genotyped using the MassArray-4 system. Results Polymorphisms rs1689800, rs55730499 and rs881844 were found to be associated with an increased risk of PAD, whereas SNPs rs1883025, rs3136441, rs3764261 and rs6065906 showed protective effects against disease (Pperm ≤ 0.05). SNPs rs1689800, rs217406, rs1883025, and rs3136441 exhibited combined effects with cigarette smoking on the PAD risk (Pperm ≤ 0.05). Polymorphisms rs55730499 (beta = 0.124, Pperm = 0.04), rs9987289 (beta = 0.558, Pperm = 0.03), and rs881844 beta = −0.171, Pperm = 0.03) correlated with the ankle-brachial index. Multiple associations have been found between the SNPs and clinically significant characteristics, including disease severity, risk of gangrene, early disease onset, plasma procoagulant and atherogenic lipid changes (Pperm ≤ 0.05). Conclusions We identified novel genetic markers associated with PAD susceptibility and disease-related clinical and laboratory features. The identified biomarkers enhance the potential for predictive genetic testing related to the risk and progression of PAD, facilitating the integration of molecular diagnostics into clinical decision-making processes.

A Case for a Maternal Culturally Tailored Smoking Cessation Research Agenda

Background/Objectives: Despite national efforts, smoking rates during pregnancy remain high among certain demographics, particularly American Indian/Alaska Native and younger women. This study examines the causal link between maternal smoking, maternal and fetal mortality, and social determinants of health, highlighting disparities faced by Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) and American Indian/Alaskan Native (AIAN) pregnant persons. Methods: Data from various sources, including national reports and committee findings, were analyzed to assess trends in maternal smoking, mortality rates, and associated factors. While smoking rates among all groups have declined, disparities persist. Young women, BIPOC, and American Indian/Alaska Native women, and those with lower educational attainment, have higher smoking rates. Black women exhibit significantly higher maternal mortality rates, often linked to cardiac/coronary conditions. Stress, exacerbated by social determinants of health like poverty and housing insecurity, emerges as a key factor driving smoking behavior, particularly among African Americans. The leading causes of pregnancy-related deaths vary by race and ethnicity, with preventability noted in 80% of cases. Perinatal exposure to cigarette smoking is also identified as a leading cause of poor infant health outcomes, emphasizing the importance of addressing smoking behavior during and after pregnancy. Results: This report advocates for a comprehensive approach to reducing maternal and fetal mortality rates, with a focus on adapting existing smoking cessation programs to adopt culturally tailored agendas in order to address social and political determinants of health as well as behavioral drivers of tobacco use among pregnant persons.

Trends in non-daily cigarette smoking in England, 2006–2024

BackgroundCigarette smoking is incredibly harmful, even for people who do not smoke every day. This study aimed to estimate trends in non-daily smoking in England between 2006 and 2024, how these differed across population subgroups, and to explore changes in the profile of non-daily smokers in terms of their sociodemographic and smoking characteristics and vaping and alcohol consumption.MethodsData were collected monthly between November 2006 and April 2024 as part of a nationally representative, repeat cross-sectional survey of adults (≥ 18 years; n = 353,711). We used logistic regression to estimate associations between survey wave and non-daily smoking and used descriptive statistics to characterise the profile of non-daily smokers across 3-year periods.ResultsThe proportion who smoked non-daily was relatively stable between November 2006 and November 2013, at an average of 10.5% [10.1–10.9%] of cigarette smokers, then increased to 27.2% [26.0–28.4%] of cigarette smokers (4.0% [3.7–4.2%] of adults) by April 2024. This increase was particularly pronounced among younger adults (e.g. reaching 52.8%, 20.4%, and 14.4% of 18-, 45-, and 65-year-old cigarette smokers by April 2024) and those who vape (reaching 34.2% among vapers vs. 23.1% among non-vapers). Over time, there were reductions in non-daily smokers’ mean weekly cigarette consumption (from 34.3 in 2006–2009 to 21.1 in 2021–2024), urges to smoke (e.g. the proportion reporting no urges increased from 29.2 to 38.0%), and motivation to stop smoking (e.g. the proportion highly motivated to quit within the next 3 months decreased from 30.8 to 21.0%).ConclusionsAn increasing proportion of adults in England who smoke cigarettes do not smoke every day, particularly younger adults. Although non-daily smokers report smoking fewer cigarettes and weaker urges to smoke than they used to, which may make it easier for them to stop smoking, they appear to be decreasingly motivated to quit.

Use of E-Cigarette, Traditional Cigarettes, and C-Reactive Protein: The Cross Cohort Collaboration

This cross-sectional study included 18,797 participants from six longitudinal cohorts (CARDIA, FHS Gen III, HCHS/SOL, MESA, MiHeart, and REGARDS). 5,806 of them were with high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) measurements. We found that among exclusive electronic cigarette (EC) use was associated with significantly lower high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels compared to exclusive combustible cigarette use, suggesting a potentially lower inflammatory burden. hs-CRP levels in dual users and former smokers currently using EC were comparable to those observed in exclusive cigarette smokers. In contrast, individuals who exclusively used ECs showed no significant difference in hs-CRP levels compared to never smokers. These findings have important implications for tobacco regulation, public health, and clinical practice, highlighting the need for continued monitoring of EC-related health impacts.

Behavioral interventions for tobacco use in HIV-infected smokers: systematic review and pairwise, network meta-analysis of randomized trials.

Smoking among persons living with HIV infection (PLWH) is estimated to be 2-3 times greater than that in the general population. Data suggest that cigarette smoking is more common among PLWH because of several factors, including lower socioeconomic status, previous, or concurrent illicit drug and alcohol use, younger age, lower education level, and concomitant depressive symptoms. Cigarette smoking among PLWH has been associated with a higher risk of certain cancers and infections as well as lowered response to antiretroviral therapy. Randomized controlled trials on behavioral interventions for tobacco use among smokers with HIV were searched in the PubMed, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, and Web of Science databases. The retrieval period was from the inception of databases to November 2023. Network meta-analysis (NMA) was performed using the Stata 18.0 software with 19 studies (3190 subjects), of which 15 reported 7-day point prevalence abstinence and seven of which reported continuous abstinence. The NMA results showed that compared with general advice plus self-help brochure, text messaging (relative risk [RR] = 4.60, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.12-18.81) and cell phone counseling (RR = 3.29, 95% CI, 1.71-6.32) were the most effective for 7-day point prevalence abstinence among smokers with HIV infection. Moreover, the meta-analysis showed that compared with smoking counseling and self-help brochures, continuous abstinence was statistically significantly enhanced after behavioral interventions (RR = 2.52, 95% CI, 1.51-4.20). The study revealed very low-to-high-quality evidence that text messaging, telephone counseling, and smoking cessation websites were effective for smokers with HIV infection.

Regular cannabis smoking and carotid artery calcification in the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA).

Studies on cannabis use and adverse cardiovascular outcomes have reported conflicting results. Research on its relationship to calcified arterial plaque remains limited. Cross-sectional data from 2152 participants at Exam 6 (2016-2018) in the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA) were analyzed, including self-reported cannabis smoking patterns and carotid artery calcification (CAC) as measured via computed tomography. Multivariable relative and absolute risk regression models were used to estimate adjusted prevalence ratios (PRs) and prevalence differences, respectively, for the presence of calcified plaque. Multivariable linear regression was then used to compare group differences in the extent of CAC in those with calcified plaque. A minority of participants (n = 159, 7.4%) reported a history of regular cannabis smoking. Among all participants, 36.1% (n = 777) had detectable CAC. In models adjusted for demographics, behavioral, and clinical cardiovascular disease factors, a history of regular cannabis smoking was not associated with the prevalence of CAC in either common carotid artery (PR: 1.14, 95% CI: 0.88 to 1.49). In the subset of participants with calcified plaque, and in separate fully adjusted multivariable linear regression models, a history of regular cannabis smoking was not associated with increased calcium volume (difference = 7.7%, 95% CI: -21.8 to 48.5), calcium density (difference = 0.4%, 95% CI: -6.6 to 7.9), or Agatston score (difference = 32.1%, 95% CI: -31.8 to 155.8) in either carotid artery. Models exploring potential effect modification by age, race/ethnicity, and tobacco smoking status showed no significant association, except for higher CAC prevalence in men with a history of regular cannabis smoking. In a racially and ethnically diverse cohort of older adults with a moderately high prevalence of CAC, no associations were found between a history of regular cannabis smoking, duration, or recency of cannabis smoking, and the prevalence of carotid calcified plaque. These findings were consistent across age, race/ethnicity, and cigarette smoking, except for an increased prevalence in men with a history of regular cannabis smoking. Similarly, in a subgroup with CAC, no association was found between a history of regular cannabis smoking and extent of calcification as measured by volume, density, and Agatston score.

Effect of electronic smoking (Vaping) on thyroid hormones level and lipid profile in men

In the last period, the market quickly became saturated with vaping devices available in many flavors and forms appealing to youth. Both traditional cigarette and e-cigarette smoking are known to potentially alter metabolic processes, including hormone production and to increase the risk of lung, heart and kidney diseases. The aim of the study was to estimate the level of thyroid hormones and lipids in the blood of young men who smoked traditional or e-cigarettes. A case-control study involved 200 men aged 24-25 years who smoked 5-7 h per day, divided into two groups (100 e-cigarette smokers and 100 cigarette smokers) and 50 healthy men who did not smoke. The levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), free thyroxine (FT4), and free triiodothyronine (FT3) were measured using COBAS E411. The levels of total cholesterol, TG, LDL and HDL were estimated spectrophotometrically. No significant changes were found in thyroid hormone levels or lipid profiles, except for an increased TG content in the group of traditional cigarette smokers compared to the control group. Whereas in the blood of e-smokers, the increase in the level of FT3 and FT4 and a significant decrease in that of TSH, as well as the elevated content of total cholesterol, TG, and LDL, were detected compared to the control group. The results obtained indicate that e-smoking affects the function of the thyroid gland and lipid metabolism. Keywords: blood samples, lipid profile, thyroid hormones, vaping

Factors influencing sleep duration among middle-aged women in Korea: insights from the community health survey.

This study aimed to investigate the influence of demographic and health-related characteristics on sleep duration among middle-aged women aged 44-64. Utilizing raw data from the 2022 Community Health Survey, a cross-sectional analysis was conducted. The study included middle-aged women who participated in the survey, with data collected through structured interviews. χ2 tests and logistic regression analysis were employed to assess associations between sleep duration and demographic as well as health-related factors. The findings revealed that sleep duration in middle-aged women was significantly associated with multiple factors. Age (p < .001), spouse status (p = .001), occupation (p < .001), self-rated health (p = .004), perceived stress (p < .001), depression (p < .001), cognitive impairment (p = .009), unmet medical needs (p = .034), current cigarette smoking (p = .001), and binge drinking (p = .006) were all identified as important determinants of sleep duration. The results highlight the need for targeted interventions that address both health and psychological risk factors contributing to sleep disturbances among middle-aged women. An integrated approach, considering these factors, is essential to improve sleep health in this vulnerable population.

May Measurement Month 2020: An Analysis of Blood Pressure Screening Results From China.

We reported the blood pressure data obtained in the May Measurement Month (MMM) China project in 2020 during the COVID-19 control period. The study participants were adults (≥ 18 years), ideally in whom blood pressure had not been measured in the previous year. Blood pressure was measured three times consecutively with a 1-min interval in the sitting position, using a validated automated BP monitor (Omron HEM-7081IT), and transmitted to a central database via a smartphone app. The measurement was performed at 136 sites across 29 China provinces. The 100 728 participants had a mean (±SD) age of 45.6 (±18.3) years and included 56 097 (55.7%) women. The mean systolic/diastolic blood pressure was 120.0/76.9mm Hg. The proportion of hypertension was 28.9% (n = 29 135), and the awareness, treatment, and control rates of hypertension were 45.3% (n=13 212), 39.7% (n= 1573), and 24.4% (n=7101), respectively. After adjustment for age, gender, and use of antihypertensive medication, systolic/diastolic BP were significantly higher with cigarette smoking (n=8070, +0.5/+1.0mm Hg, p < 0.05), mild (n=4369, +1.2/+1.3mm Hg, p<0.001) and moderate or heavy alcohol drinking (n=3871, +0.4/+0.7mm Hg, p<0.05), and overweight (+1.8/+1.4mm Hg, p<0.001) and obesity (+2.3/+1.5mm Hg, p<0.001). In conclusion, our study provided unique blood pressure data during the COVID-19 period, and suggested that hypertension management might have been even more challenging when the medical professionals had to shift their focus on other urgencies.

Semaglutide and smoking cessation in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus: there is no smoke without fire!

Tobacco use represents the leading preventable risk factor for premature deaths worldwide. A meta-analysis of 74 epidemiological studies, including 3.2 million individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) from 33 countries, reported a pooled prevalence of smoking of 20.8% among individuals with T2DM. Cigarette smoking further aggravates existing deleterious vascular effects of T2DM. Namely, chronic hyperglycemia and exposure to cigarette smoke cause additive injurious effect on the endothelium, leading to an acceleration of vascular complications seen in persons with T2DM and tobacco use disorders (TUD). In a recent study, Wang and colleagues found that semaglutide use was associated with a significantly lower risk for medical encounters for TUD, when compared to other antidiabetic drug classes; indeed, this effect was strongest compared with insulins and weakest compared with other glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists. Semaglutide was associated with reduced smoking cessation medication prescriptions and counseling. Similar findings were observed irrespective of the presence of obesity. Therefore, semaglutide use might be useful in terms of smoking cessation among individuals with T2DM, thus offering an additional benefit for this constantly growing population. However, those interesting findings should be confirmed through dedicated, large-scale randomized controlled trials.

Nitrosamine and nicotine exposure after switching from filtered to unfiltered cigarette smoking: a cross-over clinical trial

BackgroundThe cellulose acetate filter is a plastic attachment on nearly all commercial cigarettes sold worldwide. It is the main component of discarded cigarette butts, and the most prevalent waste item...