Filter Tip Research Articles

Assessment of Nicotine Exposure From Active Human Cigarette Smoking Time

Summary The burning of a cigarette is a series of consecutive sequences of both passive and active burnings when a smoking cycle is applied to the cigarette. A previous study, using a smoking machine, showed that cigarette nicotine yields are dependent linearly on the difference between the time of smouldering (passive burning) and the time of smoking (active burning). It is predicted that the smoker’s nicotine yield increases when the intensity of smoking increases, i.e., when the time to smoke a cigarette (smoking time) decreases. Note that observations made on machines might not be comparable to human behaviours. The aim of this study was to determine whether nicotine mouth-level exposure could be predicted through measurement of human smoking time. A smoking behaviour study was conducted to compare human smoking nicotine yields obtained from both filter tip analysis and the cigarette burning time model. Results showed that smokers’ exposure to the smoke depends essentially on the speed at which the cigarette is smoked. An increase in human smoking intensity, resulting in a decrease in smoking time, generates an increase in smoke exposure, whatever the puff number, puff duration, puff volume and filter ventilation (open or blocked). The association of a machine smoking yield with a corresponding smoking time, and the time taken by a consumer to smoke the cigarette would provide information on the exposure to smoke constituents in a simple and effective manner.

Can Pre-Retrieval Computed Tomography Predict the Difficult Removal of an Implementing an Inferior Vena Cava Filter?

Purpose:Implementing an inferior vena cava (IVC) filter is a relatively safe procedure but potential negative long-term effects. The complications for filter retrieval have been noted. We examined filter characteristics on pre-retrieval computed tomography (CT) that were associated with complicated retrieval (CR) of IVC filters.Materials and Methods:A retrospective review of IVC filter retrievals between January 2008 and June 2014 was performed to identify patients who had undergone a pre-retrieval CT for IVC filter retrieval. CR was defined as the use of nonstandard techniques, procedural time over 30 min, filter fractures, filter tip incorporation into the IVC wall, and retrieval failure. Pre-retrieval CT images were evaluated for tilt angle in the mediolateral and anteroposterior directions, tip embedding into the IVC wall, degree of filter strut perforation, and distance of the filter tip from the nearest renal vein.Results:Of seventy-six patients, twenty-four patients (31.6%) with CRs and 56 patients (73.7%) with non-CR were evaluated for pre-retrieval CT. For IVC filter retrieval with a dwelling time of over 45 days, a tilt of over 15 degrees, the appearance of tip embedding and grade 2 perforation were associated with CR on multivariate analysis. However, for IVC filter retrievals with a dwelling time of less than 45 days, there were no factors associated with CR.Conclusion:Pre-retrieval CTs may be more effective for IVC filters with a dwelling time of over 45 days. Therefore, a pre-retrieval CT may be helpful in predicting CR of IVC filters with long dwelling times.

Cigarette stick as valuable communicative real estate: a content analysis of cigarettes from 14 low-income and middle-income countries

BackgroundThe current cigarette market is heavily focused on low-income and middle-income countries. Branding of tobacco products is key to establishing and maintaining a customer base. Greater restrictions on marketing and...

Study on a Fractional Model of Filtration Effect of Cigarette Filter Tip

This paper, with fractional calculus theory and Maple as tools, takes cigarettes as porous media to establish a fractional model describing filtration effect of cigarette filter tip, and explains the relationship between the functions of filter tip and filter materials, and reveals the relationship between the role of filter tip and the filter length. The results show that the improvement of the absorption rate of toxics and increasement of filter length can exponentially improve the filtering effect. Moreover, the speed lowering of the smoke smog spreading can also improve the filtering effect.

Retrospective Review of 516 Implantations of Option Inferior Vena Cava Filters at a Single Health Care System

PurposeTo retrospectively evaluate the safety, efficacy, and retrievability of Option inferior vena cava (IVC) filters. Materials and MethodsAll patients (N = 516; 247 women; mean age, 67.1 y ± 15.1; range, 19.5–101.6 y) who received an Option filter between August 2009 and March 2015 at a single health care system were analyzed. ResultsThe study duration was 68 months, with median clinical follow-up of 7.1 months (range, 1 d to 61.8 mo). During follow-up, 73 of 83 patients (88.0%) underwent successful filter retrieval, 153 died (including three after successful retrieval), and 293 remained alive with filters in situ. Seventeen cases of breakthrough pulmonary embolism (PE) occurred (3.4%). Among 323 patients with direct filter imaging, there were two cases of tilt > 15°, one case of filter deformity, 16 cases of intracaval migration > 2 cm, and no cases of filter fracture. There were six cases of caval occlusion, nine cases of thrombus trapped inside the filter, and 57 cases of limb penetration on computed tomography scans or radiographs of the IVC. Retrieval failures were attributed to filter tilt or tip embedment in the caval wall (n = 4), complete IVC thrombosis (n = 3), thrombus inside the filter (n = 2), or inability to disengage filter legs (n = 1). Recurrent deep vein thrombosis occurred in 34 patients, including 32 with filters in situ and two whose filters had been removed. ConclusionsMost Option filters were left in situ for permanent indications. Rates of successful retrieval, device-related complications, and breakthrough PE were similar to those associated with other retrievable filters.

Filter presence and tipping paper color influence consumer perceptions of cigarettes.

BackgroundCigarettes are marketed in a wide array of packaging and product configurations, and these may impact consumers’ perceptions of product health effects and attractiveness. Filtered cigarettes are typically perceived as less hazardous and white tipping paper (as opposed to cork) often conveys ‘lightness’.MethodsThis study examined cigarette-related perceptions among 1220 young adult (age 18-35) current, ever, and never smokers recruited from three eastern U.S. cities (Buffalo NY, Columbia SC, Morgantown WV). Participants rated three cigarette sticks: two filtered cigarettes 85 mm in length, differing only in tipping paper color (cork versus white), and an unfiltered 70 mm cigarette.ResultsOverall, the cork-tipped cigarette was most commonly selected on taste and attractiveness, the white-tipped on least dangerous, and the unfiltered on most dangerous. Current smokers were more likely to select white-tipped (OR = 1.98) and cork-tipped (OR = 3.42) cigarettes, while ever smokers more commonly selected the cork-tipped (OR = 1.96), as most willing to try over the other products. Those willing to try the filtered white-tipped cigarette were more likely to have rated that cigarette as best tasting (OR = 11.10), attracting attention (OR = 17.91), and lowest health risk (OR = 1.94). Similarly, those willing to try cork tipped or unfiltered cigarettes rated those as best testing, attracting attention, and lowest health risk, respectively.ConclusionsFindings from this study demonstrate that consumer product perceptions can be influenced by elements of cigarette design, such as the presence and color of the filter tip.

Reduction of Harmful Substances in Cigarette Smoke Using TiO<sub>2</sub><sub> </sub>Nanoparticles

Both qualitative and quantitative effect of TiO2 suspension presence in cigarette filter have been analyzed in order to reduce harmful substances in cigarette smoke, optimizing the capability of TiO2 suspension as nano filter in cigarette filters and reviewing the analysis in order to obtain results with the best variation. Samples in the form of filter paper that has passed of the smoke with some variation treatment as it become ready to be tested and analyzed. Parameter such as concentration and volume variation of TiO2 suspension, and also the inputting method of TiO2 suspension into cigarette filter. Samples were characterized using FT-IR spectrophotometer and samples data absorbance obtained in each catchment area. The results showed that by reducing absorbance value percentage of each catchment area, with inputting method of TiO2 suspension through the cigarette filter tip and base, it appears that the most stable and lowest reduction present in C3 and H3, which is sample with 1.85 mol/liter concentration and 0.3 ml suspension volume. Both sample reduced particulate matters significantly after confirmed with X-Ray Fluorescence and SEM-EDS results, and was compared to sample filter without TiO2. Inputting method of TiO2 suspension through a base of cigarette butt is better and safer than through end of cigarette filter.

Ciliatoxicity in human primary bronchiolar epithelial cells after repeated exposure at the air–liquid interface with native mainstream smoke of K3R4F cigarettes with and without charcoal filter

Mucociliary clearance is the primary physical mechanism to protect the human airways against harmful effects of inhaled particles. Environmental factors play a significant role in the impairment of this defense mechanism, whereas cigarette smoke is discussed to be one of the clinically most important causes.Impaired mucociliary clearance in smokers has been connected to changes in ciliated cells such as decreased numbers, altered structure and beat frequency. Clinical studies have shown that cilia length is reduced in healthy smokers and that long-term exposure to cigarette smoke leads to reduced numbers of ciliated cells in mice.We present an in vitro model of primary normal human bronchiolar epithelial (NHBE) cells with in vivo like morphology to study the influence of cigarette mainstream smoke on ciliated cells. We exposed mucociliary differentiated cultures repeatedly to non-toxic concentrations of mainstream cigarette smoke (4 cigarettes, 5 days/week, 8 repetitions in total) at the air–liquid interface. Charcoal filter tipped cigarettes were compared to those being equipped with standard cellulose acetate filters.Histopathological analyses of the exposed cultures showed a reduction of cilia bearing cells, shortening of existing cilia and finally disappearance of all cilia in cigarette smoke exposed cells. In cultures exposed to charcoal filtered cigarette smoke, little changes in cilia length were seen after four exposure repetitions, but those effects were reversed after a two day recovery period. Those differences indicate that volatile organic compounds, being removed by the charcoal filter tip, affect primary bronchiolar epithelial cells concerning their cilia formation and function comparable with the in vivo situation. In conclusion, our in vitro model presents a valuable tool to study air-borne ciliatoxic compounds.

Effect of Mesoporous Catalysts on the Mainstream Tobacco Smoke of 3R4F and 1R5F Reference Cigarettes

The effect of three synthesised mesoporous catalysts (a SBA-15 and two MCM-41) on the smoke of two reference tobaccos (1R5F and 3R4F) has been studied. Mixtures of the catalysts and each tobacco were smoked under the ISO 3388 standard conditions. The gaseous compounds and the particulate matter condensed in the filter tip (TPM-F) and in a trap located downstream (TPM-T) from the mainstream smoke were analysed separately. The results obtained show that these catalysts directly mixed with tobacco are capable of reducing the yield of most of the compounds studied in the mainstream tobacco smoke. SBA-15 is a better additive for reducing the amount of the compounds analysed in 1R5F and 3R4F tobaccos, both in the liquid fraction (TPM-F and TPM-T) and in the gas fraction. The effect of the studied catalysts is higher on the full-flavour cigarette than on the ultra-low one. As an example, the reductions observed for CO and nicotine in TPM-T from 3R4F as a consequence of the SBA-15 addition were 46% and 77%, respectively. Thus, although the three checked materials are able to provide noticeable reductions, the best is the one having the higher size of pores (SBA-15).

Use of noncontrast computed tomography of the inferior vena cava for real-time imaging guidance for the placement of inferior vena cava filters.

Appropriate placement of an inferior vena cava (IVC) filter necessitates imaging of the renal veins because when an IVC filter is deployed its tip should be at or below the inferior aspect of the inferiormost renal vein. Traditionally, imaging during placement of IVC filters has been with conventional cavography and fluoroscopy. Recently, intravascular ultrasound has been used for the same purpose but with additional expense. Morbidly obese patients often exceed the weight limit of fluoroscopy tables. In addition, short obese patients are at risk of falling from narrow fluoroscopy tables. For such patients, computed tomography (CT) guidance is a viable alternative to conventional fluoroscopic guidance. IVC placement was performed in the CT suite for two obese patients who exceeded the weight limits of the available fluoroscopy tables. In one case, a Vena-Tech filter (Braun Medical, Melsungen, Germany) was placed using CT fluoroscopy. In the second case, a Recovery (Bard, Murray Hill, NJ) filter was placed using intermittent limited z-axis scanning. In the first case, the filter was placed below the level of the renal veins and above the confluence of the iliac veins, which is acceptable placement. In the second case, with refinement of technique, the filter tip was placed less than 1 cm below the inferiormost renal vein, which is considered optimal placement. CT of the IVC precisely images the renal veins and can characterize their number and their confluence with the IVC. CT guidance is a viable alternative to fluoroscopic guidance for the placement of IVC filters in morbidly obese patients.

Desorption corona beam ionisation (DCBI) mass spectrometry for in-situ analysis of adsorbed phenol in cigarette acetate fiber filter

The study of spatial distribution characteristics of the adsorbed compounds for absorbent materials has significant importance in understanding the behaviors of aerosols while they migrating in the absorbent materials. Herein, for the first time, desorption corona beam ionization–mass spectrometry (DCBI–MS) has proposed for direct in-situ analysis of adsorbed aerosol for absorbent materials. DCBI is a novel atmospheric pressure chemical ionization (APCI)-related technique developed by our group in recent years. It can facilitate accurately localizing sampling by forming a visible thin corona beam and avoid the risk of sample contamination and matrix interference compared with other similar techniques. The advantages of DCBI–MS allow rapid screening of the spatial distribution characteristics of the adsorbed compounds for absorbent materials. The distribution characteristic of phenol in cigarette filter tip filled with cellulose acetate fiber was studied as a model case for demonstrating the feasibility of the developed method. As a comparison, conventional HPLC was also used for the study of the distribution characteristic of phenol. The results revealed DCBI–MS had highly improved assay simplicity in spatial distribution characteristic analysis of phenol for the acetate fiber tip, therefore, exhibiting a great potential for convenient, rapid and cost-efficient analysis of the spatial distribution characteristic investigation of adsorbed compounds for adsorbent materials.

Filtration performance of cigarette filter tip containing electrospun nanofibrous filter

Nanofibrous filters made of electrospun nanofibers are used in different types of filtration. In this study, nanofibrous filters comprising of electrospun filter media between two nonwoven layers were placed in cigarette filter tip and the performance of the new filter was assessed. Electrospinning conditions were varied to achieve ultrafine cellulose acetate nanofibers for this purpose. Nanofibers of different diameters and different layer thickness (based on unit area weight) were used. Tar removal efficiency increased by increasing the unit area weight of filter media. Nanofibrous filter containing nanofibers with a mean diameter of 280 nm increased efficiency from 47.7 to 71.6% for filter tip and efficiency sharply decreased by increasing the diameter of nanofibers. Double layer electrospun filter media showed higher efficiency and lower pressure drop than those of single one with the same unit area weight. Tar removal efficiency increased significantly by using nanofibrous filters, whereas the pressure drop was not affected severely. On the other hand, tar/nicotine ratio reduced.

Reducing Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Cigarette Smoke by Pyrene Molecular Imprinted Polymers

The molecularly imprinted terpolymer was synthesized using pyrene as the template molecules by bulk polymerization. The adsorption ability and selectivity of the polymer were investigated by selectivity experiment. Scatchard analysis was employed to study the binding characteristics of molecularly imprinted polymer( MIP). Adsorption of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons( PAHs) was carried out to verify the interaction of MIP by solid phase extraction. The PAHs contents in the smoke of cigarette samples added with the MIPs to the filter were analyzed by GC/MS. The results show that the PYR-MIP is superior in terms of removing more than about 28% PAHs in the tobacco smoke. And the reduction rate of benzo[a]pyrene( B[a]P),benz( a) anthracene( B[a]A) and chrysene( CHR) are 31. 08%,25. 69% and 27. 33%, respectively,compared the commercial filter tip.

GC–MS Investigation of the Transfer Behavior of Alkalescent Flavors in Moderate/Low-Tar Cigarettes

Experiments employing a technique involving solvent extraction and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) analysis were conducted to investigate the distributions and transfer behavior of alkalescent flavors in moderate/low-tar cigarettes. In the current study, the transfer behavior of eleven flavors, including two alkalescent ketones, eight heterocyclic compounds, and perillartine, were evaluated by examining their retention ratios in tobacco (%r1), their ratios of immigration into the filter tip (%r2), their transfer ratios into the mainstream smoke (%r3), and their ratios of interception by the filter tip (%r4), which varied from 3.94 to 44.10, from 0 to 35.36, from 0 to 17.14, and from 7.36 to 50.53 %, respectively. The analytical results indicated that flavor transfer behavior is likely dependent on the molecular weight and boiling point of the flavor, the configuration of the cigarette, and/or other factors (e.g., intermolecular tension, chemical polarity, etc.), although no further studies of these aspects were performed as part of this work. These findings may lead to improvements in the flavoring procedure during the future development of novel cigarettes.

Immediate surgery for acute internal carotid artery dissection and thrombosis during filter deployment prior to stenting: a case report

Carotid artery stenting (CAS) is a validated option in the treatment of selected extracranial carotid artery stenosis. Carotid artery dissection during CAS is a rare but potentially devastating complication. We report a case of acute dissection and thrombosis of the left internal carotid artery during filter tip wire engaging maneuvers, complicated by intraoperative complete blindness of the left eye. Immediate conversion to carotid endarterectomy was performed under general anesthesia with electroencephalographic monitoring. The patient was discharged home symptomless and remains asymptomatic eight months after the operation, with normal left internal carotid patency and fully recovered eyesight. In conclusion, the management of acute carotid occlusion during CAS requires emergent evaluation and definitive endovascular or open surgical repair to minimize neurologic morbidity. We advocate that all endovascular procedures are carried out in a well-established surgical environment.

9:12 AM Abstract No. 184 - Inferior vena cava (IVC) filter position and its effect on the incidence of deep venous thrombosis

Purpose Inferior vena cava (IVC) filters are placed in patients with risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) when chemical anticoagulation is not feasible or sufficient. However it has been demonstrated that IVC filters can actually increase the risk of VTE. Most filters are placed in an infrarenal location but there are no studies that explore whether the location of filter placement has an effect on the risk of a DVT. The purpose of this study was to determine whether IVC filter position can affect the risk of development of a DVT. Materials and Methods Patients who had IVC filters placed at the University of Michigan from January 1, 2005 to January 1, 2012 were identified. Filter position and other relevant data including potential risk factors for VTE were abstracted. Then their histories were used in order to determine whether they experienced deep venous thrombosis (DVT) after filter placement. Results Rates of thrombosis were 35/189 (18.5%) infrarenal compared to 6/62 (9.7%) suprarenal position and 13/129 (10.1%) when the filter tip was placed at the renal veins. Postoperative state was found to be protective of thrombosis (hazard ratio = 0.28; p Conclusion The position of IVC filters may affect patient outcomes, with infrarenal filters carrying a greater risk of DVT. Contrary to previous studies, postoperative state is protective of thrombosis. This may be due to greater attention to DVT prophylaxis in surgical patients.

Preparation and characterization of AA/AMPS grafted polypropylene by two-steps electron beam irradiation for filtration of cigarette smoke

Novel filter tip PP-g-(AA+AMPS) has been prepared by grafting of acrylic acid (AA) and 2-acrylamido-2-methyl-1-propanesulfonic acid (AMPS) onto polypropylene (PP) fiber matrix using two-steps electron beam irradiation method. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectra and scanning electron microscope indicates that grafting of AA and AMPS on PP matrix were achieved. The maximum grafting degree of AMPS on PP-g-(AA+AMPS) reached 16.54 % with the maximum AA grafting degree of 12.14 % when the grafting reactions were controlled at iniferter concentration of 1.25 wt.‰, AMPS monomer concentration of 20 % and the irradiation time of 20 min. The thermal stability of PP-g-(AA+AMPS) was up to 374.5 °C. The smoking tests indicated that PP-g-(AA+AMPS) based filter tip had better filtration efficiency than PP based filter tip (64 % vs. 28 %). The adsorption capacity of PP-g-(AA+AMPS) was 16.38 mg/g and 8.9 mg/g for nicotine and tar, respectively.

Particle image velocimetry (PIV) study of rotating cylindrical filters for animal cell perfusion processes

In the present work, the main fluid flow features inside a rotating cylindrical filtration (RCF) system used as external cell retention device for animal cell perfusion processes were investigated using particle image velocimetry (PIV). The motivation behind this work was to provide experimental fluid dynamic data for such turbulent flow using a high-permeability filter, given the lack of information about this system in the literature. The results shown herein gave evidence that, at the boundary between the filter mesh and the fluid, a slip velocity condition in the tangential direction does exist, which had not been reported in the literature so far. In the RCF system tested, this accounted for a fluid velocity 10% lower than that of the filter tip, which could be important for the cake formation kinetics during filtration. Evidence confirming the existence of Taylor vortices under conditions of turbulent flow and high permeability, typical of animal cell perfusion RCF systems, was obtained. Second-order turbulence statistics were successfully calculated. The radial behavior of the second-order turbulent moments revealed that turbulence in this system is highly anisotropic, which is relevant for performing numerical simulations of this system.

Complicated Inferior Vena Cava Filter Retrievals: Associated Factors Identified at Preretrieval CT

To examine filter characteristics at preretrieval computed tomography (CT) that are associated with complicated inferior vena cava (IVC) filter retrieval procedures. This study was HIPAA compliant, and informed consent was waived. Institutional review board-approved retrospective review of IVC filter retrievals between January 2002 and July 2011 was performed to identify patients with preretrieval CT in whom a complicated retrieval was performed, as defined by use of nonstandard techniques, filter fracture, filter tip incorporation into the IVC wall, and retrieval failure. Age- and sex-matched control subjects with standard IVC filter retrieval were used for comparison. Preretrieval CT images were evaluated for tilt angle in mediolateral and anteroposterior directions, CT appearance of tip embedding, degree of filter strut perforation, and distance of filter tip from the nearest renal vein. Dwell time was also recorded. Statistical analysis was performed by using the Fisher exact test, Student t test, and Wilcoxon signed-rank test, depending on the variables being evaluated, as well as multivariate logistic regression. Forty-eight patients with complicated retrievals and 48 control subjects with uncomplicated retrievals were evaluable for preretrieval CT characteristics. Mediolateral and anteroposterior tilt angle, degree of perforation, and dwell time were higher for the complicated versus non-complicated retrieval group (P < .01). Odds of complicated retrieval were increased 129-fold with CT appearance of tip embedding (P < .0001), with an odds ratio of 33 with a tilt angle of more than 15° in any direction (P < .0001), while perforation and dwell time increased risk of a complicated retrieval by 10.7 (P < .0001) and 2.3 (P < .05) times, respectively. Distance from renal veins was noncontributory. CT appearance of tip embedding, increased tilt angle, higher-grade perforation, and longer dwell times are associated with complicated IVC filter retrieval. Therefore, preretrieval CT may be warranted in select patients for identification of these characteristics to tailor retrieval approach or to arrange a referral to a tertiary center if necessary.

Reduction of tobacco smoke components yields by zeolites and synthesized Al-MCM-41

Three commercial zeolites (HUSY, Hβ and HZSM-5) and a synthesized Al-MCM-41 catalyst have been mixed with a commercial tobacco brand of cigarettes in order to study the modifications in the components of the tobacco smoke. Cigarettes with different tobacco-catalyst mixtures were prepared and smoked in a smoking machine, and the mainstream smoke was collected and analyzed. The mainstream smoke was divided in three fractions; the gaseous compounds, and the total particulate matter condensed in the filter tip (TPM-F), and in the traps (TPM-T). The same compounds were found in TPM-F and TPM-T but the distribution was different. The lowest molecular weight products were preferably retained in the filter of the cigarette, while the heaviest (and less polar) appeared in the trap in a higher concentration than in the filter. The results obtained show that the studied catalysts directly mixed with tobacco are capable of reducing the yields of most of the compounds which could be inhaled by active smokers, with Al-MCM-41 being the most efficient from this point of view. The CO yield and that of most of gaseous compounds generated are also reduced in the presence of catalysts. In the case of the condensable matter, the compounds were classified by their chemical nature and it was found that the yield of carbonyls and phenolics were markedly reduced by HZSM-5 and Al-MCM-41, and the last one shows a remarkable ability to reduce the yield of nitrogenated compounds. As an example, the Al-MCM-41 catalyst reduces the nicotine content in the traps by 41%.