Commercial Tobacco Research Articles

Smoking out Australia's growing illicit tobacco market: Current trends and future challenges

Data from the Australian Taxation Office and Australian Border Force show notable recent increases in illicit tobacco seizures across Australia. The illicit tobacco market results in substantial losses in tax revenue, funds organised crime, and perpetuates tobacco use, threatening to undermine Australia's ability to achieve its national commercial tobacco endgame goal of 5 % or less smoking prevalence by 2030. This commentary discusses recent trends in Australia's illicit tobacco trade, reasons why this is of concern, potential drivers of Australians’ illicit tobacco use, and policy measures that could be implemented to mitigate increasing illicit tobacco trade such as implementing a track and trace system, increased investment in the Australian Border Force to enhance detection of illicit tobacco shipments at Australia's borders, and encouraging public tip-offs of illicit tobacco sales.

Breaking the habit: isolating nicotine-degrading bacteria in undergraduate microbiology teaching labs.

Nicotine is a major alkaloid in tobacco plants and an addictive component of tobacco products. Some bacteria grow on tobacco plants and have evolved the ability to metabolize nicotine. As part of our microbiology teaching lab, we used minimal media with nicotine as the sole carbon source to isolate nicotine-degrading bacteria from tobacco leaves and commercial tobacco products. Students then identified these bacteria using 16S rRNA sequencing and biochemical assays and assessed their ability to catabolize nicotine using UV spectroscopy. Students were able to isolate and identify 14 distinct genera that can metabolize nicotine. This modification of the commonly used unknown project gave students firsthand experience using selective media, and students got the opportunity to work with largely uncharacterized microbes with a real-world connection to public health, which increased student engagement. Students had the opportunity to think critically about why nicotine-degrading microorganisms associate with tobacco plants, why there are different bacteria that use the same specialized metabolism, and how these organisms are isolated from other bacteria using selective media.

Characterization and genome analysis of Cucumber mosaic virus on commercial tobacco plants in Ecuador

Characterization and genome analysis of Cucumber mosaic virus on commercial tobacco plants in Ecuador

Commercial Tobacco Endgame Goals: Early Experiences From Six Countries.

Tobacco use is a major threat to health globally. A number of countries have adopted "endgame goals" to minimize smoking prevalence. The INSPIRED project aims to describe and compare the experiences of the first six countries to adopt an endgame goal. Data were collected on the initial experiences of endgame goals in Canada, Finland, Ireland, New Zealand (Aotearoa), Scotland, and Sweden up to 2018. Information was collated on the nature of the endgame goals, associated interventions and strategies, potential enablers and barriers, and perceived advantages and disadvantages. The INSPIRED countries had relatively low smoking prevalences and moderate-to-strong smoke-free policies. Their endgame goals aimed for smoking prevalences of 5% or less. Target dates ranged from 2025 to 2035. Except for New Zealand (Aotearoa), all countries had an action plan to support their goal by 2018. However, none of the plans incorporated specific endgame measures. Lack of progress in reducing inequities was a key concern, despite the consideration of equity in all of the country's goals and/or action plans. Experience with endgame goals was generally positive; however, participants thought additional interventions would be required to equitably meet their endgame goal. There was variation in the nature and approach to endgame goals. This suggests that countries should consider adopting endgame goals and strategies to suit their social, cultural, and political contexts. The experiences of the INSPIRED countries suggest that further and more significant interventions will be required for the timely and equitable achievement of endgame goals. By 2018, six countries (Canada, Finland, Ireland, New Zealand (Aotearoa), Scotland, and Sweden) had introduced government-endorsed "endgame goals," to rapidly reduce smoking prevalence to very low levels by a specified date. The nature and implementation of endgame goals were variable. Early experiences with the goals were generally positive, but progress in reducing smoking prevalence was insufficient, particularly for priority groups. This finding suggests more significant interventions ("endgame interventions") and measures to reduce inequities need to be implemented to achieve endgame goals. Variation in the nature and experience of endgame goals demonstrates the importance of designing endgame strategies that suit distinct social, cultural, and political contexts.

Quasi-targeted metabolomics revealed isoliquiritigenin and lauric acid associated with resistance to tobacco black shank

ABSTRACT Tobacco black shank (TBS), caused by Phytophthora nicotianae, is a severe disease. Plant root exudates play a crucial role in mediating plant-pathogen interactions in the rhizosphere. However, the specific interaction between key secondary metabolites present in root exudates and the mechanisms of disease resistance remains poorly understood. This study conducted a comprehensive comparison via quasi-targeted metabolomic analysis on the root exudate metabolites from the tobacco cultivar Yunyan87 and K326, both before and after inoculation with P. nicotianae. The results showed that the root exudate metabolites changed after P. nicotianae inoculation, and the root exudate metabolites of different tobacco cultivar was significantly different. Furthermore, homovanillic acid, lauric acid, and isoliquiritigenin were identified as potential key compounds for TBS resistance based on their impact on the mycelium growth of the pathogens. The pot experiment showed that isoliquiritigenin reduced the incidence by 55.2%, while lauric acid reduced it by 45.8%. This suggests that isoliquiritigenin and lauric acid have potential applications in the management of TBS. In summary, this study revealed the possible resistance mechanisms of differential metabolites in resistance of commercial tobacco cultivar, and for the first time discovered the inhibitory effects of isoliquiritigenin and homovanillic acid on P. nictianae, and attempt to use plants secondary metabolites of for plant protection.

National Trends in Sales and Price for Commercial Tobacco and Nicotine Products, 2018-2022

This cross-sectional study explores recent trends in sales and price of tobacco and nicotine products in the US.

16S rDNA-Based Amplicon Analysis Unveiled a Correlation Between the Bacterial Diversity and Antibiotic Resistance Genes of Bacteriome of Commercial Smokeless Tobacco Products.

The distribution of bacterial-derived antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in smokeless tobacco products is less explored and encourages understanding of the ARG profile of Indian smokeless tobacco products. Therefore, in the present investigation, ten commercial smokeless tobacco products were assessed for their bacterial diversity to understand the correlation between the inhabitant bacteria and predicted ARGs using a 16S rDNA-based metagenome analysis. Overall analysis showed the dominance of two phyla, i.e., Firmicutes (43.07%) and Proteobacteria (8.13%) among the samples, where Bacillus (9.76%), Terribacillus (8.06%), Lysinibacillus (5.8%), Alkalibacterium (5.6%), Oceanobacillus (3.52%), and Dickeya (3.1%) like genera were prevalent among these phyla. The phylogenetic investigation of communities by reconstruction of unobserved states (PICRUSt)-based analysis revealed 217 ARGs which were categorized into nine groups. Cationic antimicrobial polypeptides (CAMP, 33.8%), vancomycin (23.4%), penicillin-binding protein (13.8%), multidrug resistance MDR (10%), and β-lactam (9.3%) were among the top five contributors to ARGs. Staphylococcus, Dickeya, Bacillus, Aerococcus, and Alkalibacterium showed their strong and significant correlation (p value < 0.05) with various antibiotic resistance mechanisms. ARGs of different classes (blaTEM, blaSHV, blaCTX, tetX, vanA, aac3-II, mcr-1, intI-1, and intI2) were also successfully amplified in the metagenomes of SMT samples using their specific primers. The prevalence of ARGs in inhabitant bacteria of smokeless tobacco products suggests making steady policies to regulate the hygiene of commercial smokeless tobacco products.

Public support for tobacco endgame policies in South Korea: Findings from the 2020 International Tobacco Control Korea Survey

BackgroundStrong public support can increase the likelihood of adopting tobacco control policies. We assessed support for six commercial tobacco endgame policies in South Korea: limiting the nicotine in cigarettes, banning...

Usefulness of the Biomass of Tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) for The Elimination of Chromium (VI) from Polluted Waters

The tobacco plant is capable of accumulating heavy metals in its different parts, making it a good candidate for use in bioremediation, although there are few reports in which the biomass of this plant is used for the removal of heavy metals in solution. Also, cigarette residues are an environmental problem, so the use of these residues is an opportunity to obtain biomass for the removal of heavy metals from polluted environments. The objective of this work was to determine the removal capacity of Cr (VI) by commercial tobacco biomass, finding that 1 g of biomass removal 72 mg/L of the metal at 24 h, pH 2.0, 28 °C and 100 rpm, while at higher temperatures the removal is higher, and if the concentration of the metal is increased (1 g/L), its removal capacity is reduced, since 64.72% is removed at 24 h at 28 °C, although at 60 °C, 1 g/L is removal at 8 hours. If the concentration of the bioadsorbent is increased, the metal removal does not increase. Finally, 5 g of biomass eliminates 66.1% and 74% of Cr (VI) present in naturally contaminated soil (100 mg/g) and water (100 mg/L), respectively.

The social determinants of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults who do not smoke in regional Australia.

Commercial tobacco use was systematically embedded as a valuable commodity through colonisation that continues to be exploited for profit by the Tobacco Industry. There have been significant declines in current smoking prevalence among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples 18 years and over, from 55% in 1994 to 43% in 2018-2019. This paper seeks to better understand smoke-free behaviours, and to systematically quantify associations between a range of SDOH and non-smoking/never-smoking among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults (≥18) living in regional Australia. To explore the social determinants of health (SDOH) related to non- and never-smoking among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in regional Australia. Cross-sectional analysis of the NATSIHS, weighted to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adult population living in regional Australia, was conducted. Participants were characterised as people who were current smokers, never-smokers and non-smokers (ex- and never-smokers). The social determinants of health exposures related to socioeconomic position, well-being and access to healthcare. Regional Australia is distinct from urban and remote areas, based on the ASGS Remoteness Structure (ABS) 2018-2019. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults (≥18 years) who were selected, consented and asked questions about smoking in the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Survey (NATSIHS 2018/19). High income was associated with non-smoking (Prevalence Ratio [PR] = 2.07; 95% CI: 1.66-2.57) and never-smoking (PR = 2.02; 1.46-2.79), as was completing year 10 (non-smoking PR = 1.34; 1.12-1.61 and never-smoking PR = 1.56; 1.20-2.03). Better food security was associated with a higher prevalence of never-smoking (PR = 2.42; 1.48-3.98). Lower psychological distress scores were associated with non-smoking (PR = 1.30; 1.10-1.53) and never-smoking (PR = 1.56; 1.21-2.01). Never-smoking was more frequent in participants reporting no experiences of unfair treatment (PR = 1.59; 1.22-2.06). Having a usual healthcare provider was associated with non-smoking (PR = 1.38; 1.02-1.86). Positive exposure to the SDOH were associated with non- and never-smoking among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults in regional Australia. Structural and systemic changes to address the SDOH, including discrimination and racism, are expected to accelerate non-smoking behaviours and improve health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Co-Use of Tobacco Products and Cannabis Is Associated with Absenteeism and Lower Grades in California High School Students

To examine the association between co-use of commercial tobacco product (hereafter referred to as tobacco) and cannabis with educational outcomes among high school students. We analyzed high school student data from the 2021-2022 California Healthy Kids Survey (n=287 653). Current (past-month) or ever tobacco and cannabis use was categorized as co-use, only tobacco or cannabis, or neither. Two self-reported educational outcomes were examined: absenteeism and grades. Adjusted logistic and linear regression models were used to examine the association between tobacco/cannabis use and absenteeism or grades, respectively. Estimates were adjusted for individual, peer, and school covariates, and clustering within schools. Current co-use of tobacco and cannabis was more than double the use of only tobacco (3.7% vs 1.7%) and similar to only cannabis (3.7%). Almost 18% of students reported absenteeism. Compared with students who used neither substance, students with current co-use had greater odds of absenteeism (aOR 1.41, 95% CI 1.33-1.49) and lower grades (β=-0.87, 95% CI -0.92 to -0.82). Compared with students using tobacco alone, students with co-use also had a significant elevated odds of absenteeism (aOR1.19, 95% CI 1.10-1.29) and lower grades (β=-0.39, 95% CI -0.46 to -0.32). Similar results were found for students who ever used tobacco and cannabis. California youth who co-use tobacco and cannabis were most likely to have absenteeism and lower grades. Comprehensive efforts to prevent or reduce youth substance use may improve educational outcomes.

Commercial tobacco endgame themes in the Australian media from 2000 to 2021

BackgroundConventional tobacco control is dominated by demand-reduction measures, whereas commercial tobacco endgame (endgame) policies address the key drivers that maintain the tobacco epidemic, such as Tobacco Industry interference in policymaking,...

"I think we can do without [tobacco]": support for policies to end the tobacco epidemic among California adolescents.

The tobacco endgame, policies aiming to end the commercial tobacco epidemic, requires sustained public support, including among youth. We assessed endgame support among California (USA) adolescents, including their reasons and associated participant and policy-specific factors. Teens, Nicotine and Tobacco Project online surveys (n=4827) and focus groups were conducted in 2021 and 2022 among California residents aged 12-17 years. Cross-sectional survey participants were asked their agreement level with eight policy statements related to tobacco and/or cannabis sales restrictions, use in public places and use in multiunit housing. Ordered logistic regression modelled level of agreement according to respondent characteristics, behaviours and statement content. Qualitative data were collected through focus groups (n=51 participants), which were analysed to provide insight into support for different policies. Most survey participants agreed or strongly agreed with tobacco product sales restrictions (72%-75%, depending on the policy), bans on use in public spaces (76%-82%) and smoke-free (79%) and vape-free (74%) apartment buildings. Support was stronger among younger, female, Asian and tobacco non-using participants and for policies directed at 'tobacco' (vs 'vapes' or cannabis), at flavoured tobacco (compared with all tobacco), and when statements featured 'should end' (vs 'not allowed'). Focus group participants who were supportive viewed policies as protecting children from harmful products, while those less supportive cited concerns about limiting adults' freedoms and unintended consequences. Most participants supported strong tobacco control policies. Public communication that promotes broader endgame benefits besides protecting youth and accelerates industry denormalisation may counter youth concerns and further bolster their support.

Awareness of electronic cigarette industry practices and their associations with anti-electronic cigarette attitudes among susceptible US young adults.

Public education exposing cigarette industry practices have been effective in changing attitudes and preventing smoking among young people. It is unclear how much young adults are aware of e-cigarette industry practices, and how this awareness relates to anti-e-cigarette attitudes. We examined demographic correlates of awareness of e-cigarette industry practices and anti-e-cigarette attitudes, and the association between awareness of these practices with anti-e-cigarette attitudes. A US sample of young adults aged 18-30 years who do not use commercial tobacco products but are susceptible to e-cigarette use were cross-sectionally surveyed through online panel services from August 2021 to January 2022. Respondents reported their demographics, awareness of cigarette industry practices, awareness of e-cigarette industry practices and their level of agreement with four anti-e-cigarette attitude statements. We used multivariable linear regressions to examine demographic associations and the relationship between awareness of e-cigarette industry practices with each anti-e-cigarette attitude, adjusting for demographics and awareness of cigarette industry practices. Generally, Hispanic and Black young adults (vs White) and those with <US$75 000 annual household income (vs ≥US$75 000) knew of fewer e-cigarette industry practices. Black young adults (vs White) and those with <US$75 000 annual household income (vs ≥US$75,000) also had lower levels of agreement with anti-e-cigarette attitudes. Awareness of e-cigarette industry practices (vs awareness of zero practices) were associated with stronger agreement with each of the four anti-e-cigarette attitudes. Public education exposing e-cigarette industry practices may promote anti-e-cigarette attitudes among susceptible young adults who do not use commercial tobacco products. Future research should investigate the utility of anti-e-cigarette industry messaging.

Economic effects for citizens and the government of a country-level tobacco endgame strategy: a modelling study

BackgroundAotearoa-New Zealand (A/NZ) was the first country to pass a comprehensive commercial tobacco endgame strategy into law. Key components include the denicotinisation of smoked tobacco products and a major reduction...

Indoor air quality in remote first nations communities in Ontario, Canada.

A recent study of the health of Indigenous children in four First Nations Communities in remote northwestern Ontario found that 21% of children had been admitted to hospital for respiratory infections before age 2 years. Here we report a detailed analysis of the housing conditions in these communities. We employed a variety of statistical methods, including linear regression, mixed models, and logistic regression, to assess the correlations between housing conditions and loadings of biocontaminants (dust mite allergens, fungal glucan, and endotoxin) and indoor concentrations of PM2.5, CO2, benzene, and formaldehyde. The houses (n = 101) were crowded with an average of approximately 7 people. Approximately 27% of the homes had sustained CO2 concentrations above 1500 ppm. Most homes had more than one smoker. Commercial tobacco smoking and the use of non-electric heating (e.g., wood, oil) were associated with increased fine particle concentrations. Over 90% of the homes lacked working Heat Recovery Ventilators (HRVs), which was associated with increased fine particle concentrations and higher CO2. Of the 101 homes, 12 had mold damage sufficient to increase the relative risk of respiratory disease. This resulted from roof leaks, through walls or around the windows due to construction defects or lack of maintenance. A similar percentage had mold resulting from condensation on windows. Endotoxin loadings were much higher than any previous study in Canada. This work provides evidence for the need for more effort to repair existing houses and to ensure the HRVs are properly installed and maintained.

Evaluation of fluoride levels in areca nut, tobacco, and commercial smokeless tobacco products: a pilot study

Oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) is a premalignant condition associated with chewing areca nut and tobacco products. We observed increased fluoride levels in some OSMF-endemic regions,and the observation suggested that fluoride exposure may contribute to its pathogenesis. This study aimed to assess the fluoride content of various smokeless tobacco items as a potential influencing source. Fluoride concentration was analysed in commercial areca nut products, including gutkha, pan masala, and raw areca nut, along with tobacco, slaked lime, and catechu samples from Karnataka, India. Fluoride was measured using alkali fusion and the ion selective electrode method. All products showed high fluoride, with catechu having the highest mean concentration at 51.20 mg/kg, followed by tobacco, gutkha, pan masala, processed areca nut, and raw areca nut. Fluoride was also elevated in soil, but not in water. The findings demonstrate substantial fluoride levels in popular types of smokeless tobacco, and highlight an overlooked source of exposure among consumers of gutkha, pan masala and similar oral tobacco-products. The fluoride content warrants an investigation of potential links with the occurrence and severity of OSMF.

Investigating the Impact of Smoking Traditional and E-Cigarettes on Acute Myeloid Leukemia Progression

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a highly heterogeneous disease with a variable prognosis. The exact mediators of AML are not fully understood but there are several factors that may contribute to the development of the disease. These can be split into genetic and non-genetic causes. cytogenetic abnormalities have been identified such as FLT 3 gene which frequently mutated in AML and associated with a poor prognosis. As for non-genetic causes: prior exposure to chemotherapy or radiation therapy have been implicated. Lately cigarette smoking in AML has been shown to have poor survival outcome for AML patients relative to non-smokers. Cigarette smoke contains many compounds, some of which have been associated with increased risk for AML. Benzene, radioactive components, and possibly other carcinogens are present in tobacco and tobacco smoke which lead to production of chromosomal defects. Cigarette smoke exposure globally alters DNA methylation in blood cells and these changes can persist for decades. All commercial tobacco products, including smokeless tobacco, cigarette smoke and E cigarettes contain tobacco-specific nitrosamines such asN′-nitrosonornicotine (NNN), 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone (NNK). NNK and NNN promotes tumor growth by enhancing and deregulating cell proliferation, survival, migration, and invasion, thereby creating a microenvironment for tumor growth. This calls for a need for to understand the molecular changes in AML especially when exposed to agents that can impact survival. Therefore, we hypothesize when FLT-3 AML model is exposed to smoking metabolites such as cigarettes smoking condensate (CSC), NNN, NNK and E cigarettes can lead to increased leukemia burden. To test this in vitro CSC treatment of AML cells was used to evaluate how chemicals from cigarette smoke can impact AML cells without the high heat combustion from cigarettes. NNN and NNK treatment were separately used for treatment of AML cells. Two FLT-3 AML cell lines used (MOLM-13 and MV-4-11) and non-FLT-3 AML cell line (OCI-AML3) as control.Cells were treated in vitro with 10 ug/ml cigarette smoke condensate (CSC) or 1uM NNN or 1 uM NNK or vehicle (DMSO). Viability and cell proliferation were measured with each passage every 48-72 hours. There was no difference in cell proliferation and viability with CSC, NNN or NNK exposure. This suggests possibly that microenvironment is needed to evaluate the impact of smoking on AML progression. To test this in vivo, luciferase tagged MOLM13 cells were treated in vitro with 10ug/ml cigarette smoke condensate (CSC) or vehicle DMSO for two weeks then injected into mice. Mice injected with MOLM 13 cells treated with CSC had significantly more leukemia burden than control. Similar findings were replicated in MV-4-11 mouse model. Next, we wanted to evaluate if this increased leukemia burden leads to DNA methylation changes. We Found 8 genes to be significantly hypermethylated from the CSC two-week in vitro treatment. This was also found in the vivo experiment where mice were exposed to Cigarette smoking in vivo. (Table 1) This study shows that CSC treated AML cell lines can lead to increase leukemia burden in vivo but not in vitro. There are difference in DNA methylation between AML cells lines exposed to CSC compared to control. Our future directions will include evaluate leukemia burden in FLT-3 AML mouse model exposed to NNN, NNK and E- cigarettes Study ROS changes, protein expression and DNA methylation impacted by smoking.

Access to Lung Cancer Screening Among American Indian and Alaska Native Adults: A Qualitative Study

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer mortality among American Indian and Alaska Native populations. American Indian and Alaska Native people use commercial tobacco products at higher rates compared with all other races and ethnicities. Moreover, they show lower adherence to cancer screening guidelines. How do American Indian and Alaska Native adults perceive and use lung cancer screening? We conducted a study in which we recorded and transcribed data from three focus groups consisting of American Indian and Alaska Native adults. Participants were recruited through convenience sampling at a national health conference. Transcripts were analyzed by inductive coding. Participants (n= 58) of 28 tribes included tribal Elders, tribal leaders, and non-Native volunteers who worked with tribal communities. Limited community awareness of lung cancer screening, barriers to lung cancer screening at health care facilities, and health information-seeking behaviors emerged as key themes in discussions. Screening knowledge was limited except among people with direct experiences of lung cancer. Cancer risk factors such as multigenerational smoking were considered important priorities to address in communities. Limited educational and diagnostic resources are significant barriers to lung cancer screening uptake in addition to limited discussions with health care providers about cancer risk. Limited access to and awareness of lung cancer screening must be addressed. American Indian and Alaska Native adults use several health information sources unique to tribal communities, and these should be leveraged in designing screening programs. Equitable partnerships between clinicians and tribes are essential in improving knowledge and use of lung cancer screening.

Identifying Novel Motivation Phase-Specific Cessation Targets for Youth Experiencing Homelessness in the United States.

Of youth experiencing homelessness (YEH; 14-24 years old), 70%+ smoke combustible, commercial tobacco. Though many have tried to quit, most use ineffective methods. Drop-in centers for YEH are opportune places to link YEH to evidence-based treatment. Using the Phase-Based Model (PBM) for Cessation Research, the aim of this study was to identify "Motivation" phase-specific challenges impacting YEH's willingness to make a quit attempt-the goal of this cessation phase. Surveys were interview administered with 96 past-week combusted tobacco users accessing drop-in services. Regression models were fit to confirm hypothesized challenges impacting YEH's willingness to quit. Moderate nicotine dependence was noted-a key Motivation phase cessation mechanism targeted-and was associated with population challenges including, but not limited to, replacing food with tobacco, accidental oxygen-deprivation events, and smoking to socialize. While 67.1% of participants made a past-year quit attempt, 45.8% expressed 30-day quit interest. Dimensions of coping with housing were associated with quit attempts and quit interest. Quit attempts were also associated with nicotine dependence, working, and smoking to socialize. Whereas, quit interest was associated with less endorsement of smoking to regulate affect and more endorsement to avoid danger. Though common challenges targeted in Motivation phase cessation exist among YEH, other challenges may also need to be addressed to promote quitting. Future research in optimizing evidence-based cessation access for YEH through drop-in centers may consider addressing the challenges of housing, food security, social context, violence, and neurotrauma sequela to bolster YEH willingness to make a quit attempt.