Smoking Conditions Research Articles

Radiative characteristics of aerosol during extreme fire event over Siberia in summer 2012

Abstract. Microphysical and optical properties of aerosol were studied during a mega-fire event in summer 2012 over Siberia using ground-based measurements of spectral solar radiation at the AERONET site in Tomsk and satellite observations. The data were analysed using multi-year (2003–2013) measurements of aerosol characteristics under background conditions and for less intense fires, differing in burning biomass type, stage of fire, remoteness from observation site, etc. (ordinary smoke). In June–August 2012, the average aerosol optical depth (AOD, 500 nm) had been 0.95 ± 0.86, about a factor of 6 larger than background values (0.16 ± 0.08), and a factor of 2.5 larger than in ordinary smoke. The AOD values were extremely high on 24–28 July and reached 3–5. A comparison with satellite observations showed that ground-based measurements in the region of Tomsk not only reflect the local AOD features, but are also characteristic for the territory of Western Siberia as a whole. Single scattering albedo (SSA, 440 nm) in this period ranged from 0.91 to 0.99 with an average of ∼ 0.96 in the entire wavelength range of 440–1020 nm. The increase in absorptance of aerosol particles (SSA(440 nm) = 0.92) and decrease in SSA with wavelength observed in ordinary smoke agree with the data from multi-year observations in analogous situations in the boreal zone of USA and Canada. Volume aerosol size distribution in extreme and ordinary smoke had a bimodal character with significant prevalence of fine-mode particles, but in summer 2012 the mean median radius and the width of the fine-mode distribution somewhat increased. In contrast to data from multi-year observations, in summer 2012 an increase in the volume concentration and median radius of the coarse mode was observed with growing AOD. The calculations of the average radiative effects of smoke and background aerosol are presented. Compared to background conditions and ordinary smoke, under the extreme smoke conditions the cooling effect of aerosol considerably intensifies: direct radiative effects (DRE) at the bottom (BOA) and at the top of the atmosphere (TOA) are −13, −35, and −60 W m−2 and −5, −14, and −35 W m−2 respectively. The maximal values of DRE were observed on 27 July (AOD(500 nm) = 3.5), when DRE(BOA) reached −150 W m−2, while DRE(TOA) and DRE of the atmosphere were −75 W m−2. During the fire event in summer 2012 the direct radiative effect efficiency varied in range: at the BOA it was −80–−40 W m−2, at the TOA it was −50–−20 W m−2 and in the atmosphere it was −35–−20 W m−2.

Smoking selectivity among Mexican immigrants to the United States using binational data, 1999-2012.

Mexican immigrants have lower smoking rates than US-born Mexicans, which some scholars attribute to health selection-that individuals who migrate are healthier and have better health behaviors than their non-migrant counterparts. Few studies have examined smoking selectivity using binational data and none have assessed whether selectivity remains constant over time. This study combined binational data from the US and Mexico to examine: 1) the extent to which recent Mexican immigrants (<10years) in the US are selected with regard to cigarette smoking compared to non-migrants in Mexico, and 2) whether smoking selectivity varied between 2000 and 2012-a period of declining tobacco use in Mexico and the US. We combined repeated cross-sectional US data (n=10.901) on adult (ages 20-64) Mexican immigrants and US-born Mexicans from the 1999/2000 and 2011/2012 National Health Interview Survey, and repeated cross-sectional Mexican data on non-migrants (n=67.188) from the 2000 Encuesta Nacional de Salud and 2012 Encuesta Nacional de Salud y Nutrición. Multinomial logistic regressions, stratified by gender, predicted smoking status (current, former, never) by migration status. At both time points, we found lower overall smoking prevalence among recent US immigrants compared to non-migrants for both genders. Moreover, from the regression analyses, smoking selectivity remained constant between 2000 and 2012 among men, but increased among women. These findings suggest that Mexican immigrants are indeed selected on smoking compared to their non-migrating counterparts, but that selectivity is subject to smoking conditions in the sending countries and may not remain constant over time.

Current smoking improves ulcerative colitis patients' disease behaviour in the northwest of China.

IntroductionThe incidence of ulcerative colitis has increased tremendously over the past few decades, and caused much more attention in China. Several studies have revealed that both environmental and genetic factors play crucial roles in the formation and development of this disease. Among the environmental factors, the smoking condition is highly significant. Although current smoking has been associated with a protective effect on both the development and progression of ulcerative colitis (UC), the clinical characteristics of UC patients with current smoking in China is still unclear.AimTo clarify the relationship between current smoking and the UC in the northwest of China, patients diagnosed with ulcerative colitis in the General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University from 2003.03 to 2012.09 were assessed.Material and methodsData were collected about clinical features, cigarette smoking conditions, disease location, and therapeutic requirements. A total of 421 patients were included in this study, at diagnosis, 341 (81%) patients were non-smokers, and the current smokers amounted to 80 (19%).ResultsAs for disease location, there were no differences between the current smokers and non-smokers regarding proctitis and extensive colitis, but the current smokers had less left-sided colitis than non-smokers (p = 0.049). Based on the Modified Mayo score, heavier smokers had lower scores than other smokers and non-smokers. For the therapeutic requirements, current smokers needed fewer corticosteroids than non-smokers (p = 0.048).ConclusionsWe found that current smoking is closely associated with a protective factor for UC.

Chemical Characterization of Mainstream Smoke from SPECTRUM Variable Nicotine Research Cigarettes.

Our objective was to characterize mainstream smoke constituent deliveries from SPECTRUM variable nicotine research cigarettes under 2 machine smoking regimens. SPECTRUM cigarettes are manufactured by the 22nd Century company for the National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health to contain varying (including reduced) levels of nicotine. Mainstream smoke constituent deliveries of "tar," nicotine, carbon monoxide, tobacco-specific nitrosamines (N'-nitrosonornicotine (NNN) and 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone (NNK)), benzo[a]pyrene, aromatic amines, and carbonyls were analyzed in 23 varieties of SPECTRUM cigarettes using ISO 17025 accredited methods. Data are presented as means and standard deviations of 5 replicates for all analytes. Under the ISO smoking regimen, mean levels of many smoke emissions for SPECTRUM varieties were comparable to the 3R4F research cigarette. Calculated SPECTRUM elasticity ranged from 1.6 to 4.0. Accordingly, under intense machine smoking conditions differences in emissions of SPECTRUM cigarettes were apparent. In addition, NNN increased with smoke nicotine while the same rate of change was not seen for NNK. It is important to monitor levels of chemicals of public health concern and regulatory interest as technologies emerge to reduce levels of nicotine or other targeted chemicals in tobacco products.

Positive Pressure Ventilation for fighting wind-driven high-rise fires: Simulation-based analysis and optimization

In high-rise buildings wind can greatly impact fires, creating extremely dangerous and life-threatening environments for both the firefighters and the building's occupants. Positive pressure ventilation (PPV) is found to be a successful tactic, not only to mitigate wind driven fires in high-rises, but also to significantly improve firefighters’ safety. The efficacy of PPV is strongly influenced by various parameters, mainly structural layouts, wind conditions, and fan deployment configurations. To optimize the application of PPV in high-rise fires, this paper investigates the impact of wind speed (0–10m/s; 0–5 Beaufort wind scale) and relevant operational parameters on temperatures and smoke conditions using computational fluid dynamics model - the Fire Dynamics Simulator (FDS 5.0). The temperature results demonstrate that the effectiveness of PPV decreases with increasing wind speed necessitating the use of wind control devices (WCDs) in conjunction with deployment of PPV fans to mitigate the flow of heat and reduce the temperatures at primary vantage points (stairwell and public hallway). This tactic ultimately provides a safer environment for firefighters.

Association between novel arterial stiffness indices and risk factors of cardiovascular disease.

BackgroundPrevention and early detection of arterial stiffness are required to avoid severe cardiovascular events. Recently, new noninvasive arterial stiffness indices, the arterial pressure volume index (API) and the arterial velocity pulse index (AVI), have been developed. The purpose of this study was to examine the clinical validity of these new indices by investigating the association between known risk factors of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and API or AVI in a large population.MethodsThis cross-sectional survey included 7248 adults who underwent an annual medical checkup at a single medical institution. API and AVI were measured using cuff oscillometry by trained nurses. We used correlation coefficients, t-tests, and multiple regression analyses to evaluate associations, and calculated intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) to examine test-retest reliabilities of these indices.ResultsMean age was 45.5 years (SD = 5.8), and 4083 (56.3 %) participants were men, while 3165 were women. Mean values of API and AVI were 25.1 (SD = 7.0) and 16.6 (SD = 5.4), respectively. API was strongly correlated with body mass index (BMI), systolic blood pressure (sBP), and diastolic blood pressure (dBP) (r > 0.3, p < 0.001). AVI was strongly correlated with age, sBP, and API (r > 0.3, p < 0.001). Multiple regression analyses showed that sex, age, BMI, and sBP were independently associated with API. Sex, age, BMI, sBP, fasting plasma glucose (FPG), and smoking condition were also independently associated with AVI. As reliabilities of measurements, the ICC of API was 0.74, and the ICC of AVI was 0.80.ConclusionsThese new noninvasive arterial stiffness indices, which had high test-retest reliabilities, were associated with known risk factors of CVD. Further study is warranted to determine the clinical validity of these indices.

The Acute Exercise-Induced Inflammatory Response: A Comparison of Young-Adult Smokers and Nonsmokers

Purpose: This study examined postexercise inflammatory and leukocyte responses in smokers and nonsmokers, as well as the effects of cigarette smoking on the acute postexercise inflammatory and leukocyte response in habitual smokers. Method: Eleven recreationally active male smokers and 11 nonsmokers matched for age and aerobic fitness were familiarized and underwent baseline fitness testing. Participants then completed 40 min of cycling at 50% peak aerobic workload. Smokers performed 2 randomized exercise sessions, including an acute postexercise smoking condition (2 cigarettes in 15 min of 12 mg tar and 1 mg nicotine) and a no-smoking condition, while nonsmokers performed 1 exercise session without smoking. Venous blood was obtained preexercise and postexercise for analysis of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1 receptor antagonist (ra), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and c-reactive protein (CRP). Results: No differences existed between groups for resting CRP (d = 0.25–0.46; p = .374–.617). Despite no baseline difference (d = 0.03–0.07; p = .141–.70), exercise-induced increases were observed for IL-1 ra in smokers (d = 0.50; p = .024–.033), which was not observed in the never-smoker group. No between-group difference was observed for IL-6 across all points (d = 0.09–0.5; p = .102–.728); however, all groups observed significant within-group change (d = 0.27–1.09; p = .001–.042). Further, TNF-α for smokers smoking was elevated above both smokers not smoking and nonsmokers at baseline and across the protocol (d = 1.20–1.80; d = 0.20–1.0; p = .001–.035). Additionally, a marked postexercise increase in leukocyte and neutrophil concentrations was evident in smokers smoking compared with nonsmokers and smokers not smoking as indicated by a moderate-to-large effect size (d = 0.72; d = 0.78). Conclusion: Consequently, male smokers exhibit an altered postexercise proinflammatory profile compared with age- and fitness-matched nonsmokers.

A Qualitative Study Among Mexican Americans to Understand Factors Influencing the Adoption and Enforcement of Home Smoking Bans.

One-third of Mexican-American children, in addition to nonsmoker adults, are exposed to secondhand smoke at home, yet few interventions target Mexican-American households. An effective, brief English language program, tested with United Way 2-1-1 callers in Atlanta, increased home smoking bans (confirmed by air monitors). Two randomized controlled trials in North Carolina and Texas replicated those results. We explored factors determining adoption and enforcement of smoking bans in Mexican-American households to inform program linguistic and cultural adaptation to broaden program reach and relevance. Bilingual interviewers recruited convenience samples of Mexican-American smokers and nonsmokers living with at least one smoker in Houston and San Diego households and asked open-ended questions regarding conditions for implementing home and vehicle smoking bans and conditions for varying acceptance of bans. Investigators independently reviewed English transcripts and completed a descriptive analysis using ATLAS.ti. Participants (n = 43) were predominantly female (n = 31), current smokers (n = 26), interviewed in Spanish (n = 26), had annual household incomes less than $30000 (n = 24), and allowed smoking inside the home (n = 24). Themes related to difficulty creating and enforcing bans included courtesy, respect for guests and heads of household who smoke, and gender imbalances in decision making. Participants viewed protecting children's health as a reason for the ban but not protecting adult nonsmokers' health. A dual-language, culturally adapted intervention targeting multigenerational Mexican-American households should address household differences regarding language and consider influences of cultural values on family dynamics and interactions with guests that may weaken bans. Qualitative interviews suggested cultural and family considerations to address in adapting a brief evidence-based smoke-free homes intervention for Mexican Americans, including traditional gender roles, unique contexts of multigenerational households, and language preferences. Our work confirms previous research among Latinos regarding importance of common cultural constructs, such as respeto (deference), simpatia (courtesy and agreeability), and familismo (family attachment), which inform behaviors that may impede or facilitate adopting and enforcing home smoking bans. Decision-making gender imbalances, high regard for head-of-household and guest smokers, and less sensitivity to the health of nonsmoker adults compared with children may lead to permission to smoke indoors.

일 지역 대학생의 흡연 실태와 흡연에 영향을 미치는 요인에 관한 연구

본 연구는 일 지역 대학생들의 흡연 실태와 흡연에 영향을 미치는 요인을 확인하고자 수행되었다. 자료는 H군의 일개 대학에서 2015년 10월 26일부터 10월 30일까지 181명으로부터 설문지와 측정을 통하여 수집하였다. 수집한 자료는 SPSS/WIN 18.0 통계프로그램을 이용하여 X2-test, t-test, Spearman rho Correlation과 Logistic Regression으로 분석하였다. 흡 연유무와 체중, 신장, 흡연을 하지 않을 자신감, 우울은 양(+)의 상관관계를 보였고, 흡연유무와 흡연태도는 음(-)의 상관관계 를 보였다. 체중, 신장, 흡연태도, 흡연하지 않을 자신감, 우울, 음주유무 중에서 대상자의 흡연유무에 영향을 미치는 요인을 검정하기 위해 로지스틱 회귀분석 한 결과 회귀모형은 유의한 것으로 나타났으며(X2=72.854, p<.001), 모형의 설명력은 36.4%, Negelkerke의 결정계수(R2)도 62.0%의 설명력을 보여 주고 있다. 흡연에 영향을 미치는 요인으로 흡연에 대한 태도가 부정적인 경우(OR 0.717 , 95% CI 0.543-0.945), 흡연을 하지 않을 자신감이 높은 경우(OR 1.281, 95% CI 1.117-1.470)로 확인되었다. 따라서 일 지역 대학생들에게 적합한 금연 프로그램을 개발하기 위해서는 흡연에 대한 부정적인 태도를 증가시 키고 금연을 할 수 있다는 자신감을 향상시킬 필요가 있다고 생각된다.

Transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion versus instrumented posterolateral fusion In degenerative spondylolisthesis: An attempt to evaluate the superiority of one method over the other

BackgroundVarious surgical procedures have been recommended for the treatment of degenerative spondylolisthesis,but Controversy still exists regarding the optimal surgical technique . In this study,we compared the clinical and radiologic outcome of the Transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion(TLIF) method with the Instrumented Posterolateral fusion(PLF) in these patients. MethodsThe study population in this retrospective study consisted of 145 consecutive patients of degenerative spondylolisthesis who had undergone lumbar fusion in our institute between September 2010 and October 2013. The patients were divided into two treatment groups, where either instrumented PLF with pedicle screw(180° fusion) or TLIF procedure(360° fusion) was done. The follow-up was performed clinically using the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), visual analogue scale (VAS)and global outcome. Outcome scores were assessed at 3, 6, 12, and 24 months after surgery. Radiographs were obtained postoperatively and at regular intervals for 24 months. Perioperative outcomes such as surgery time, blood loss, length of hospital stay and incidence of surgical complications were also recorded. Results80 patients underwent TLIF procedure and 65 patients were included in the instrumented PLF group. There were no significant differences between the groups with respect to age,gender,Body Mass Index,smoking and comorbid conditions(p>0.05). No significant difference existed in Pre-operative VAS for back pain,VAS for leg pain and ODI between the two groups(p>0.05). There were no significant group differences in the operation level,hospital stay and surgical complications(all p>0.05). Blood loss, operation time and fusion success rate were significantly greater in the TLIF group than in the PLF group (all P<0.05). Significant differences between groups concerning VAS for back pain,ODI and Global outcome were present at final follow-up. There was no significant difference between the two groups with respect to VAS for leg pain. ConclusionOur study showed that TLIF is superior to PLF with respect to functional outcome and fusion rate.

Antioxidant responses following active and passive smoking of tobacco and electronic cigarettes

Context: It has been indicated that acute active and passive tobacco cigarette smoking may cause changes on redox status balance that may result in significant pathologies. However, no study has evaluated the effects of active and passive e-cigarette smoking on redox status of consumers.Objective: To examine the acute effects of active and passive e-cigarette and tobacco cigarette smoking on selected redox status markers.Methods: Using a randomized single-blind crossover design, 30 participants (15 smokers and 15 nonsmokers) were exposed to three different experimental conditions. Smokers underwent a control session, an active tobacco cigarette smoking session (smoked 2 cigarettes within 30-min) and an active e-cigarette smoking session (smoked a pre-determined number of puffs within 30-min using a liquid with 11 ng/ml nicotine). Similarly, nonsmokers underwent a control session, a passive tobacco cigarette smoking session (exposure of 1 h to 23 ± 1 ppm of CO in a 60 m3 environmental chamber) and a passive e-cigarette smoking session (exposure of 1 h to air enriched with pre- determined number of puffs in a 60 m3 environmental chamber). Total antioxidant capacity (TAC), catalase activity (CAT) and reduced glutathione (GSH) were assessed in participants’ blood prior to, immediately after, and 1-h post-exposure.Results: TAC, CAT and GSH remained similar to baseline levels immediately after and 1-h-post exposure (p > 0.05) in all trials.Conclusions: Tobacco and e-cigarette smoking exposure do not acutely alter the response of the antioxidant system, neither under active nor passive smoking conditions. Overall, there is not distinction between tobacco and e-cigarette active and passive smoking effects on specific redox status indices.

Intelligent evacuation guidance systems for improving fire safety of Italian-style historical theatres without altering their architectural characteristics

Abstract Fire risk in Architectural Heritage represents a fundamental problem for occupants’ safety. Italian-style historical theatres are one of the most interesting examples because of their historic and artistic value, high fire vulnerability, fire sources and occupants’ features (many people are not familiar with the architectural spaces). Current fire safety regulations approaches for similar Architectural Heritage generally suggest massive and irreversible interventions in order to improve the occupants’ level of safety: main related solutions concern with interventions on building layout (e.g. introduction of fire-proof elements; increasing dimension and number of evacuation paths and exits). This really implies a conflict in preserving original architectural characteristics. Besides, experiments demonstrate how these adopted solutions can be insufficient in improving the individuals’ safety level, especially in case of high occupants’ density and people who are unfamiliar with the building itself, because of individuals’ behaviours in emergency conditions. An efficient emergency evacuation layout has to be able to help evacuating occupants, especially in smoke or blackout conditions. “Intelligent Evacuation Guidance Systems” (IEGS) could monitor human behaviours (how people move) and related criticisms in the evacuation process (e.g. slowing down along paths, paths blockage). Then, they could elaborate these data through smart inducing algorithm so as to suggest dynamic evacuation paths to occupants. In this way, IEGS can effectively suggest the “best” evacuation path to occupants depending on the effective human behaviours. In this paper, an IEGS is firstly defined by introducing suggested low impact environmental components and their related requirements. In particular, occupants’ behaviours are associated to evacuees’ density along egress paths, doors and exits, by using indoor individuals’ tracking systems (e.g. RFID, Wireless localization). A density-based algorithm based on Level-of-Service conditions is adopted for evaluating possible overcrowding phenomena and identify the best evacuation paths. Directional electrically-illumined signs are used so as to indicate the proper direction to occupants. Wireless communication between the system elements is required. Each element is provided with backup power supply. Then, the proposed IEGS is evaluated by applying it to a significant case study (the “Gentile da Fabriano theatre” in Fabriano, AN). Interactions between occupants and IEGS are reproduced within a validated fire evacuation simulator (FDS + EVAC), and the system effectiveness is evaluated by performing evacuation simulation for the whole building. Comparisons of evacuation times between the original scenario and the IEGS-related one are proposed. Total maximum egress time is reduced down to 26% in the IEGS scenario (40% for levels with 3 or more different possible paths). The number of people using secondary paths (that are also the less crowded ones) raises to 88%. IEGS elements correctly and fully interact with people by understanding their evacuation behaviour and suggesting them the most appropriate (clearest) path: hence, the overall evacuation efficiency can be so increased by virtue of this “behavioural design” approach. Besides, it is strongly important to underline how IEGS elements provide no architectural modifications.

Method for the Determination of Ammonia in Mainstream Cigarette Smoke Using Ion Chromatography

Ammonia in mainstream smoke is present in both the particulate and vapor phases. The presence of ammonia in the cigarette filler material and smoke is of significance because of the potential role ammonia could have in raising the “smoke pH.” An increased smoke pH could shift a fraction of total nicotine to free-base nicotine, which is reportedly more rapidly absorbed by the smoker. Methods measuring ammonia in smoke typically employ acid filled impingers to trap the smoke. We developed a fast, reliable method to measure ammonia in mainstream smoke without the use of costly and time consuming impingers to examine differences in ammonia delivery. The method uses both a Cambridge filter pad and a Tedlar bag to capture particulate and vapor phases of the smoke. We quantified ammonia levels in the mainstream smoke of 50 cigarette brands from 5 manufacturers. Ammonia levels ranged from approximately 1μg to 23μg per cigarette for ISO smoking conditions and 38μg to 67μg per cigarette for Canadian intense smoking conditions and statistically significance differences were observed between brands and manufacturers. Our findings suggest that ammonia levels vary by brand and are higher under Canadian intense smoking conditions.

Effects of a settings-based intervention to promote student wellbeing and reduce smoking in vocational schools: A non-randomized controlled study

RationaleSchool dropout and health risk behavior such as cigarette smoking represent major problems among students attending upper secondary vocational education. Modifications to the social environment may promote educational attainment as well as health and wellbeing of young people. However, there is a need for more evidence-based intervention programs. ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of an intervention targeting the socio-environmental setting at vocational schools on student wellbeing and smoking. MethodsWe conducted a non-randomized controlled trial of 5794 students (mean age 21 years; 81% male) in 10 (four intervention and six comparison) large vocational schools in Denmark. The intervention involved changes in everyday school practices focusing on four themes: (i) introduction activities, (ii) daily class meetings, (iii) scheduled breaks and (iv) pleasant non-smoking environment. Outcomes were student wellbeing (four subscales: school connectedness, student support, teacher relatedness, positive valuing of the profession) and daily smoking measured at 10-week follow-up. ResultsWe found statistically significant between-group difference in school connectedness, but not in student support, teacher relatedness and valuing the profession. The intervention had no effect on daily smoking. However, we found a statistically significant interaction between baseline smoking status and condition. This interaction suggested that baseline occasional smokers in the intervention group had significantly reduced odds ratio (OR) of becoming a daily smoker compared to baseline occasional smokers in the control group (8% versus 16%; OR = 0.44). ConclusionThe positive effects on school connectedness and in preventing occasional smokers becoming daily smokers indicate that it is possible to tackle school-related wellbeing and smoking in a high risk population through settings-based interventions.

Assessing the mutagenic activities of smoke from different cigarettes in direct exposure experiments using the modified Ames Salmonella assay

The Ames assay is useful for evaluating the mutagenic potentials of chemicals, and it has been used to evaluate the mutagenic potential of cigarette smoke (CS). In vitro direct exposure systems have been developed to mimic CS exposure in the human respiratory tract, and the Ames assay has been used with such systems. Ames tests were performed using the Vitrocell® direct exposure system in this study. The mutagenic potentials of whole mainstream CS and gas/vapor phase fractions produced by conventional combustible cigarettes under two smoking regimens were compared. Salmonella Typhimurium TA98 and TA100 were used with and without metabolic activation, and the number of revertants induced by exposure to each CS was determined. The amount of smoke particles to which cells were exposed were also determined, and dose-response curves describing the relationships between exposure to smoke particles and the number of revertants induced were plotted. The slopes of linear regressions of the dose-response curves were determined, and the slope for each CS was used as a mutagenic activity index for that CS. A new heated cigarette was also tested and smoke from the heated cigarette had a lower mutagenic activity in TA98 and TA100 with metabolic activation than did the conventional CS. The results indicate that the direct exposure system and the Ames test can be used to determine the mutagenic potentials of CS produced by different cigarettes under different conditions (i.e., using different Salmonella Typhimurium strains with and without metabolic activation, and using different smoking conditions).

Rūkymo ypatumai tarp psichiatrijos ir nepsichiatrijos stacionaruose gydomų pacientų Lietuvoje

Tyrimo tikslas. Išsiaiškinti rūkymo paplitimo ypatumus įvairiuose Lietuvos gydymo įstaigų stacionaruose. Tyrimo metodas. Buvo atliktas vienmomentis, kiekybinis, anoniminis, anketinis tyrimas psichiatrijos ir nepsichiatrijos stacionaruose Vilniuje, Klaipėdoje ir Šiauliuose. Apklausti 228 asmenys: 113 psichiatrijos (49,6%) ir 115 nepsichiatrijos (50,4%) stacionaruose besigydančių asmenų, tarp jų moterų buvo 116 (50,9%) ir vyrų 112 (49,1%). Respondentų amžius buvo nuo 18 iki 92 (54,5 ± 18,5) metų. Tyrimo rezultatai. Psichiatrijos stacionaruose rūkančių asmenų gydosi 3,5 karto daugiau – 48,7%, nei nepsichiatrijos stacionaruose 13,9% (p = 0,001). Iš visų rūkančių pacientų psichiatrijos ir nepsichiatrijos stacionaruose beveik dvigubai dažniau rūko vyrai, atitinkamai 65,5% ir 62,5%. Net 96,3% rūkančių psichiatrijos ir 75% nepsichiatrijos stacionarų respondentų tęsia rūkymą besigydydami stacionare (p=0,008). Psichikos sutrikimus gydantys pacientai surūkydavo vidutiniškai 5,6 cigaretėmis daugiau, t. y. vidutiniškai po 16,3 cigaretes per dieną lyginant su gydančiais somatinius sutrikimus – 10,7. Net 55,8% psichiatrijos stacionarų respondentų pažymėjo rūkantys vidutinio stiprumo cigaretes, o nepsichiatrijos stacionarų pacientai dažniau rūkė lengvas – 43,8% (p = 0,013). Dažniausiai rūkantys pacientai rūko lauke: psichiatrijos – 46,9%, nepsichiatrijos – 75,0%. Be to psichiatrijos skyrių pacientai rūkė tualetuose ir net palatose. Pagrindiniai du rūkymą palaikantys faktoriai abejose grupėse buvo tie patys: tai raminantis ir gerinantis nuotaiką poveikis, o psichiatrijos stacionaruose gydomi rūkaliai išskyrė dar ir vaistų šalutinius reiškinius mažinantį poveikį. Taip pat atkreipiamas dėmesys į tai, kad 85,5% rūkančių ir 23,8% nerūkančių asmenų psichiatrijos stacionaruose pažymėjo reikalingumą specialių rūkyti skirtų vietų, kai nepsichiatrijos stacionaruose dauguma rūkančių 68,7% bei 100% nerūkančių pasisakė priešingai (p = 0,001). Svarbu atkreipti dėmesį į tai, kad nei vienam pacientui nebuvo nustatyta su rūkymo problemomis susijusi diagnozė ir nebuvo skirtas gydymas. Metant rūkyti psichiatrijos skyrių respondentai daugiausia vilčių teikė rūkymo metimo konsultacijoms, gydymui, elektroninėms cigaretėms, o nepsichiatrijos skyrių: elektroninėms cigaretėms, griežtiems draudimams ir gydymui. Įdomu pažymėti, kad literatūrai apie rūkymo žalą abiejų grupių rūkoriai teikė mažiausiai reikšmės. Išvados. Lietuvoje stacionaruose gydomiems pacientams rūkymo problema yra aktuali, ypač tarp psichiatrijos stacionarų ligonių. Psichiatrijos stacionarų pacientai turi sunkesnius rūkymo požymius ir patiria daugiau diskomforto sprendžiant rūkymo problemą. Rūkymo sukeltai psichikos ir elgesio sutrikimų diagnostikai, profilaktikai ir gydymui nėra skiriama adekvataus dėmesio, priemonių ir resursų. Sąlygų rūkyti nebuvimas veda į rūkančių ir nerūkančių pacientų žeminimą, diskriminaciją ir psichiatrijos stigmatizavimą.

The role of smoking and metabolic enzyme polymorphisms in the organic solvent induced chronic encephalopathy

The organic solvents and other exogenous compounds of metabolic enzymes genetic variation may affect the risk of the toxic effect of organic solvents exposure. Therefore, this research we observed the glutathione transferase M1 and T1 (GSTM1, GSTT1) deletion mutation genotype, two kinds of microsomal epoxide hydrolase (mEPHX) genetic polymorphism, organic solvents exposure and smoking effection in chronic cases of toxic encephalopathy (CTE) correlation. The object was 115 patients who had a long history of organic solvents exposure, were divieded into two groups: CTE (n=83) , no CET (n=32) according to clinical diagnosis. DNA was isolated from patients in white blood cells through the multiple-polymerase chain reaction to determine the loss of GSTM1 and GSTT1 genotype. two kinds of mEPHX polymorphism were analysised through the PCR-RFLP (restriction fragment length polymorphism). The relative risk has obviously improved when lack of GSTM1 genotypes to CTE (RR=2.35, 95% CI 2.35 0.96). in according to the patient's Smoking condition and classify genotype, patients lack of GSTM1 genotypes had a significantly higher risk CTE than GSTM1+genotype patients (RR=3.13, 95% CI 3.13 1.2) , both mEPHX polymorphisms had nothing to do with an increased risk of CTE. The GSTM1 genotypes played an important role in the organic solvent induced the CTE of susceptibility.it was Influenced by the interaction between smoking at the same time.

The lack of aspirin resistance in patients with coronary artery disease.

BackgroundAspirin resistance established by different laboratory methods is still a debated problem. Using COX1 specific methods no aspirin resistance was detected among healthy volunteers. Here we tested the effect of chronic aspirin treatment on platelets from patients with stable coronary artery disease. The expression of COX2 mRNA in platelets and its influences on the effect of aspirin was also investigated.MethodsOne hundred and forty four patients were enrolled in the study. The direct measurement of COX1 acetylation was carried out by monoclonal antibodies specific to acetylated and non-acetylated COX1 (acCOX1 and nacCOX1) using Western blotting technique. Arachidonic acid (AA) induced TXB2 production by platelets was measured by competitive immunoassay. AA induced platelet aggregation, ATP secretion and VerifyNow Aspirin Assay were also performed. COX2 and COX1 mRNA expression in platelets were measured in 56 patients by RT-qPCR.ResultsIn 138 patients only acCOX1 was detected, in the remaining six patients nacCOX1 disappeared after a compliance period. AA induced TXB2 production by platelets was very low in all patients including the 6 patients after compliance. AA induced platelet aggregation, secretion and with a few exceptions the VerifyNow Assay also demonstrated the effect of aspirin. Smoking, diabetes mellitus and inflammatory conditions did not influence the results. The very low amount of COX2 mRNA detected in 39 % of the investigated platelets did not influence the effect of aspirin.ConclusionsNo aspirin resistance was detected among patients with stable coronary artery disease. COX2 expression in platelets did not influence the effect of aspirin.

In vitro metabolism of the synthetic cannabinoid 3,5-AB-CHMFUPPYCA and its 5,3-regioisomer and investigation of their thermal stability.

Recently, the pyrazole-containing synthetic cannabinoid N-(1-amino-3-methyl-1-oxobutan-2-yl)-1-(cyclohexylmethyl)-3-(4-fluorophenyl)-1H-pyrazole-5-carboxamide (3,5-AB-CHMFUPPYCA) has been identified as a 'research chemical' both in powdered form and as an adulterant present in herbal preparations. Urine is the most common matrix used for abstinence control and the extensive metabolism of synthetic cannabinoids requires implementation of targeted analysis. The present study describes the investigation of the in vitro phase I metabolism of 3,5-AB-CHMFUPPYCA and its regioisomer 5,3-AB-CHMFUPPYCA using pooled human liver microsomes. Metabolic patterns of both AB-CHMFUPPYCA isomers were qualitatively similar and dominated by oxidation of the cyclohexylmethyl side chain. Biotransformation to monohydroxylated metabolites of high abundance confirmed that these species might serve as suitable targets for urine analysis. Furthermore, since synthetic cannabinoids are commonly administered by smoking and because some metabolites can also be formed as thermolytic artefacts, the stability of both isomers was assessed under smoking conditions. Under these conditions, pyrolytic cleavage of the amide bond occurred that led to approximately 3 % conversion to heat-induced degradation products that were also detected during metabolism. These artefactual 'metabolites' could potentially bias in vivo metabolic profiles after smoking and might have to be considered for interpretation of metabolite findings during hair analysis. This might be relevant to the analysis of hair samples where detection of metabolites is generally accepted as a strong indication of drug use rather than a potential external contamination. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Incidence and Variation of Discrepancies in Recording Chronic Conditions in Australian Hospital Administrative Data.

Diagnostic data routinely collected for hospital admitted patients and used for case-mix adjustment in care provider comparisons and reimbursement are prone to biases. We aim to measure discrepancies, variations and associated factors in recorded chronic morbidities for hospital admitted patients in New South Wales (NSW), Australia. Of all admissions between July 2010 and June 2014 in all NSW public and private acute hospitals, admissions with over 24 hours stay and one or more of the chronic conditions of diabetes, smoking, hepatitis, HIV, and hypertension were included. The incidence of a non-recorded chronic condition in an admission occurring after the first admission with a recorded chronic condition (index admission) was considered as a discrepancy. Poisson models were employed to (i) derive adjusted discrepancy incidence rates (IR) and rate ratios (IRR) accounting for patient, admission, comorbidity and hospital characteristics and (ii) quantify variation in rates among hospitals. The discrepancy incidence rate was highest for hypertension (51% of 262,664 admissions), followed by hepatitis (37% of 12,107), smoking (33% of 548,965), HIV (27% of 1500) and diabetes (19% of 228,687). Adjusted rates for all conditions declined over the four-year period; with the sharpest drop of over 80% for diabetes (47.7% in 2010 vs. 7.3% in 2014), and 20% to 55% for the other conditions. Discrepancies were more common in private hospitals and smaller public hospitals. Inter-hospital differences were responsible for 1% (HIV) to 9.4% (smoking) of variation in adjusted discrepancy incidences, with an increasing trend for diabetes and HIV. Chronic conditions are recorded inconsistently in hospital administrative datasets, and hospitals contribute to the discrepancies. Adjustment for patterns and stratification in risk adjustments; and furthermore longitudinal accumulation of clinical data at patient level, refinement of clinical coding systems and standardisation of comorbidity recording across hospitals would enhance accuracy of datasets and validity of case-mix adjustment.