Light Smokers Research Articles

Can Exhaled Carbon Monoxide Be Used as a Marker of Exposure? A Cross-Sectional Study in Young Adults.

Carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning is a major public health issue worldwide. People are exposed to CO in their daily lives, with one of the common sources of CO being cigarette smoking. Inhalation of CO leads to elevated carboxyhaemoglobin (COHb) levels in the blood and also in exhaled CO concentration. Several factors have been shown to affect COHb concentration and COHb half-life. However, factors affecting exhaled CO concentration and exhaled CO half-life are not well understood. The present study aimed to investigate the potential factors related to baseline exhaled CO concentration and exhaled CO half-life among smokers. A cross-sectional study was conducted between 26 January and 30 June 2019, and young adults were recruited into the study. A total of 74 participants (mean age: 27.1 years, 71.6% males and 28.4% females) attended the study. They were invited to complete a questionnaire, including demographic, physiological, and behavioural factors. Then, exhaled CO measurements were taken. These measurements were taken before and after smoking a single cigarette for smokers and only once for non-smokers. The average baseline exhaled CO concentration was 6.9 ± 4.9 ppm for smokers and 1.9 ± 0.5 ppm for non-smokers. The mean of exhaled CO half-life was around 273.3 min (4.6 h) for smokers. No difference was seen in exhaled CO half-life between light smokers and heavy smokers in the smoking group. Gender and cigarettes smoked weekly affected baseline exhaled CO in smokers. Even though height seemed to positively associate with exhaled CO half-life, the relationship disappeared when adjusting by gender and weight. Therefore, exhaled CO could be used as a marker of CO exposure, but we cannot ignore the factors mentioned in the study. For future study, considering factors related to smoking habits and smoking style are recommended as these may affect total inhaled CO.

Relationship between smoking status and obesity risk in males aged 18-64 years in 9 provinces of China, 1991-2015

Objective: To investigate longitudinal association between smoking behavior and obesity risk in male adults in China from 1991 to 2015. Methods: A total of 32 169 male adults aged 18-64 years who participated in two or more rounds of China Health and Nutrition Survey (CHNS, 1991-2015) and had complete information of demographic characteristics, smoking status and physical measurements were selected as the study subjects. According to whether the subjects smoked or not and the number of cigarettes smoked per day, the subjects were divided into four groups: nonsmoker, light smoker (1-14 cigarettes/d), moderate smoker (15-24 cigarettes/d) and heavy smoker (≥25 cigarettes/d). The distribution of body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), general obesity and central obesity of subjects with different smoking status were observed. Two-level mixed effect linear regression model and logistic regression model were used to analyze the relationship between smoking status and obesity risk. Results: Compared with nonsmokers, the BMI decreased by 0.19 kg/m2 in light smokers (95%CI:-0.27--0.10), 0.40 kg/m2 in moderate smokers (95%CI:-0.49--0.31), and 0.36 kg/m2 in heavy smokers (95%CI:-0.53--0.19), respectively, and the WC decreased by 0.49 cm in light smokers (95%CI:-0.76--0.21), 0.80 cm in moderate smokers (95%CI:-1.08--0.51) and 0.79 cm in heavy smokers (95%CI:-1.38--0.36) in, respectively. Compared with nonsmokers, the odds ratio of the risk for general and abdominal obesity were 0.70 (95%CI:0.62-0.79) and 0.78 (95%CI:0.73-0.84) in light smokers, 0.61 (95%CI:0.55-0.69) and 0.74 (95%CI:0.70-0.79) in moderate smokers and 0.78 (95%CI:0.65-0.96) and 0.84 (95%CI:0.76-0.95) in heavy smokers, respectively. Conclusions: From 1991 to 2015, the BMI, WC, prevalence of general and abdominal obesity in male adults showed a significant upward trends in both nonsmokers and smokers (light, moderate and heavy) in China, suggesting that smoking is negatively associated with the risk for obesity in male adults.

Associations between smoking and accelerated brain ageing

Smoking accelerates the ageing of multiple organs. However, few studies have quantified the association between smoking, especially smoking cessation, and brain ageing. Using structural magnetic resonance imaging data from the UK Biobank (n = 33,293), a brain age predictor was trained using a machine learning technique in the non-smoker group (n = 14,667) and then tested in the smoker group (n = 18,626) to determine the relationships between BrainAge Gap (predicted age – true age) and smoking parameters. Further, we examined whether smoking was associated with poorer cognition and whether this relationship was mediated by brain age. The predictor achieved an appreciable performance in training data (r = 0.712, mean-absolute-error [MAE] = 4.220) and test data (r = 0.725, MAE = 4.160). On average, smokers showed a larger BrainAge Gap (+0.304 years, Cohens'd = 0.083) than controls, more explicitly, the extents vary depending on their smoking characteristic that active regular smokers had the largest BrainAge Gap (+1.190 years, Cohens'd = 0.321), and light smokers had a moderate BrainAge Gap (+0.478, Cohens'd = 0.129). The increased smoking amount was associated with a larger BrainAge Gap (β = 0.035, p = 1.72 × 10−20) while a longer duration of quitting smoking in ex-smokers was associated with a smaller BrainAge Gap (β = −0.015, p = 2.14 × 10−05). Furthermore, smoking was associated with poorer cognition, and this relationship was partially mediated by BrainAge Gap. The study provides insight into the association between smoking, brain ageing, and cognition, which provide more publicly acceptable propaganda against smoking.

Association between Smoking Habit and Pulmonary Tuberculosis at Dr. Soetomo General Academic Hospita

Introduction: Smoking has been reported as one of tuberculosis (TB) risk factor. The association between smoking and TB has been proven in multiple studies, but little known about the association between smoking degree and sputum smear positive. Methods: An analytic observational study using cross-sectional design. Data of patients with pulmonary TB conducted at DOTS (Directly Observed Treatment Short course)/MDR (Multi Drug Resistance) outpatient and inpatient ward in Dr Soetomo General Hospital Surabaya from January to October 2018. The degree of smoking was measured using Brinkman Index (BI). The odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were also estimated.Results: There were 94 patients with pulmonary TB, 56 non-smoker and 38 smoker. Light smoking (P = 0,120, OR = 0.200, 95% CI: 0.022-1.823), moderate smoking (P=0.377, OR = 1.667, 95% CI: 0.533-5.209), heavy smoking (P=0.076, OR= 0.333, 95% CI: 0.96-1.160). Moderate smoking compared to heavy smoking as a control (P=0.33, OR = 5.000, 95% CI=1.096-22.820). Conclusion: There’s no significant correlation between smoking habits and sputum smear positive, but the present study evidenced the patients with smoking habits had greater chance to get sputum smear positive than non-smokers. Patient with moderate smoking compared to heavy smoking had greater chance to get sputum smear positive.

Relationship Religious Coping with Smoking Behavior of Adolescent Students Islamic Boarding School Al Amin Paciran Lamongan

Smoking behavior in adolescents is caused by a lack of self-control, stress and imitating their peers. Religious coping is expected to reduce maladaptive behavior in adolescents. This study aims to determine the Relationship of Religuisity Coping with Smoking Behavior of Adolescent Students Islamic Boarding School Al Amin Paciran Lamongan. Research method uses correlational quantitative with a cross-sectional approach. Sampling used a total sampling method, the total sample was 32 respondents. The results of this study were 17 respondets had positive religiosity coping, 15 respondets had negative religiosity coping. Regarding smoking behavior, there were 16 respondets who did not smoke, 7 respondets adolescents had light smoking behavior, 4 respondets adolescents had moderate smoking behavior and 5 respondets had heavy smoking behavior. The results of the variable correlation test using the Kendal tau test obtained the Asymp.Sig (2-tailed) value of 0,000 where the value is less than <0.005 The correlation coefficient value is 0.654. Conclusion that there is a relationship between coping religiosity with smoking behavior of adolescent students islamic boarding school Al Amin Paciran Lamongan. Hopefully the results can be used to reduce smoking behavior in adolescents

Low testosterone accelerates vascular damage in hypertensive smokers with more than a 20-pack-year smoking history

Abstract Purpose Testosterone deficiency and cigarette smoking are both associated with increased cardiovascular (CV) mortality risk. Aim of the study is to investigate the impact of low testosterone level on vascular function and structure changes related to cumulative tobacco smoke exposure in patients with arterial hypertension. Methods Indices of vascular function and structure including carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (PWV) and carotid intima media thickness (cIMT) were measured in 263 hypertensive males divided into 4 age-matched groups according to pack-years of smoking as never smokers (0.0 pack-years), light smokers (0.1–20.0 pack-years), moderate smokers (20.1–40.0 pack-years), and heavy smokers (>40 pack-years). Plasma total testosterone (TT) levels were measured in all patients. Results PWV and cIMT progressively increased from never smokers and light smokers to moderate and heavy smokers (overall P<0.001 and P<0.01 respectively). The hypertensive males of each smoking group were further classified according to measured low or normal TT levels (low TT<3.5 ng/ml). Figure shows mean PWV and cIMT of the smoking/TT groups. Systolic and diastolic BP was higher in patients with TD compared to subjects with normal TT in moderate and severe heavy smokers (all P<0.05) and similar in light and never smokers. LDL-C levels were comparable between men with TD and normal TT across the four smoking groups. The difference in aortic PWV between TD and normal TT shows a progressive increase from light to moderate and heavy smokers. Similarly, the difference in cIMT between TD and normal TT is also positively correlated with cumulative tobacco exposure. All associations remained statistically significant even after adjustment for BP differences. Conclusions The deficiency in TT levels accelerates vascular wall damage of large arteries among hypertensive smokers with more than 20 pack-years tobacco exposure. Considering the predictive value of vascular biomarkers, the findings of this study imply the possibility that the measurement of baseline testosterone level could be an unfavourable marker of smoking-related cardiovascular risk among moderate and heavy smokers with arterial hypertension. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None. TT, tobacco smoke exposure, PWV and IMT

Study of a Fractal-Fractional Smoking Models with Relapse and Harmonic Mean Type Incidence Rate

This manuscript investigates fractal-fractional order smoking models with relapse and harmonic mean type incidence rate under the Caputo derivative. We derive the existence and unique results about the solution for the considered model via fixed point theory. For the stability of the considered system, Ulam-Hyers (UH) approach is used. We compute the numerical solution by using fractional Adams-Bashforth method. For the simulation of the model, we consider different values of fractional order δ and fractal dimension θ by using some real values of the parameters. The proposed scheme is used to simulate the available data for some smoking community including potential, light, and quit smokers. Various graphical presentations are given to understand the dynamics of the model at various fractional orders.

Indoor Radon Exposure and COPD, Synergic Association? A Multicentric, Hospital-Based Case–Control Study in a Radon-Prone Area

BackgroundCOPD is a multifactorial disease which causes considerable mortality and morbidity worldwide. Previous studies assessing the possible relationship between indoor radon exposure and COPD have shown inconclusive results. MethodsA multicentric, hospital-based, case-control study was conducted in a Spanish radon-prone area. COPD cases were confirmed by spirometry and controls were selected due to trivial surgery or procedures not related to tobacco consumption. All participants had to have lived for at least 15 years in the same dwelling. Radon measurements were conducted individually in dwellings using alpha-track detectors. Results were obtained using multivariate logistic regression. Results189 cases and 747 controls took part. There was no significant association between residential radon concentrations and COPD onset with a OR of 1.12 (95%CI 0.41–3.06) for individuals exposed to more than 200Bq/m3 compared to those exposed to less than 50Bq/m3. Heavy smokers seem to increase their COPD risk if exposed to higher radon concentrations vs those exposed to lower concentrations. There was a statistically significant synergy index between radon exposure and tobacco consumption, S-index 11.60 (95%CI 3.71–36.26). Indoor radon concentration was higher in never/light smokers with COPD compared to controls. ConclusionsNo association between indoor radon and COPD has been observed. However, there might be some effect modification on the COPD risk in heavy smokers when high radon exposure is present. This is supported by the additive synergy observed. Also, a possible association between indoor radon and COPD onset in never and light smokers needs to be further studied.

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor gene variants and obesity in former smokers

ObjectiveFrom genome-wide association studies, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) locus on chromosome 11 was the only SNP associated with both smoking and body mass index (BMI) in European, African and Asian population. This study aims to explore the unique genetic predisposition to obesity in former smokers by examining the effects of BDNF on BMI and waist circumference (WC).MethodsThe study design is case-control study with a cohort validation in supplementary. We included 15,072 ethnic Chinese participants in the Guangzhou Biobank Cohort Study (GBCS) with data of four BDNF SNPs related to both BMI and smoking behavior. We used baseline smoke exposure data in 2003–2007 and follow-up outcomes of general obesity (by BMI) and central obesity (WC) in 2008–2012. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for general obesity and central obesity associated with these SNPs were derived from logistic regression.ResultsOf 15,072 participants (3169 men and 11,903 women), 1664 (11.0%) had general and 7868 (52.2%) had central obesity. In 1233 former smokers, the rs6265 GG, versus AA, genotype was associated with higher risks of general obesity (OR = 1.79, 95% CI = 1.06–3.01) and central obesity (OR = 2.08, 95% CI = 1.47–2.92) after adjustment. These associations were not significant in never or current smokers. In former heavy (≥20 cigarettes/day) smokers, the rs6265 GG genotype showed a higher odds for general obesity (OR = 2.15, 95% CI = 1.05–4.40), while no association was found in former light (1–9 cigarettes/day) smokers. Similar results were found for the association of rs6265 with central obesity and for the associations of other two BDNF SNPs (rs4923457 and rs11030104) with both general and central obesity.ConclusionsWe firstly identified the genetic predisposition (BDNF SNPs) to general and central obesity in former smokers, particularly in former heavy smokers. The different associations of the SNPs for general/central obesity in different smoke exposure groups may be related to the competitive performance of the sites and epigenetic modification, which needs further study.

Cotinine Fluctuation in Maternal Saliva During and After Pregnancy: Implications for Perinatal Outcomes.

The purpose of this study was to determine maternal cotinine levels in saliva at the first (T-1) and third trimesters of pregnancy (T-2), and postpartum (T-3) among women who reported smoking a consistent number of cigarettes. The goal was to generate data to provide suggestions about how nurses can improve patient outcomes for women who smoke. Saliva cotinine values obtained from the randomized controlled trial (BabyBEEP) were used for this secondary analysis. We examined variations in saliva cotinine between the first and third trimesters of pregnancy and postpartum among light and heavy smokers. Cotinine values for pregnant smokers who were in the control group (not randomized to any intervention) and reported smoking the same range of cigarettes during and after pregnancy were used for the analyses (n = 43). Descriptive statistics and repeated-measures ANOVA were used for analyses. There were differences in maternal saliva cotinine levels across the different time points and between the groups. There was a significant interaction effect between time and group. Cotinine decreased from T-1 to T-2 in heavy smokers and increased from T-2 to T-3 among both light and heavy smokers. Cotinine at T-3 was higher than T-1 among light smokers. Findings support accelerated nicotine metabolism during pregnancy and need for smoking cessation efforts throughout pregnancy to help women stay smoke free during postpartum.

909Testing ‘hardening hypotheses’ in 30 Global Adult Tobacco Survey countries: an ecological study

Abstract Background Evidence from high-income countries suggests “softening” but not “hardening” occurs when smoking prevalence decreases; however, evidence is lacking from developing countries. Methods We constructed heaviness of smoking index (HIS) based on cigarettes smoked per day (CPD) and time-to-first-cigarette (TTFC) and a score of 4-6 was high nicotine dependence; Hardcore smokers (HCS) are daily smokers who smoked within 30 minutes after waking up, smoke ≥10 cigarettes per day, have not made any quit attempts in 12 months, and have no intention to quit at all or during next 12 months; light smokers (<10 CPD or occasional smokers). We plotted two-way linear prediction graphs using country-level data and estimated Spearmańs rank-correlation coefficient. On pooled data multi-level binary logistic regression analyses for HCS, high dependence and light smoker. Results Among men and women range (lowest vs. highest) of rates varied between countries and were lower among women. Daily smoking prevalence was moderately and positively correlated with hard-core smoking (Rsp=0.473), and high dependence (Rsp=0.384) but negatively correlated with light smoking (Rsp=-0.677). HCS and high dependence were associated with socio-economic factors but effect sizes were higher for women. Among GDP and tobacco control score showed protective effect for HCS and high dependence but increased risk for light smoking. Conclusions Positive relationship of daily smoking with HCS and high dependence and its negative relationship with light smoking is contrary to “hardening hypothesis”. Key messages Hardening may not happen in developing countries as well.

Clinical and Pathologic Complete Response to Gefitinib in a Patient with SqCLC Harboring EGFR p.E746_S752delinsV Mutation

Development of targeted therapies for squamous cell lung cancer (SqCLC) is currently limited by the prevalence of activating mutations and their predicting power of treatment efficacy. In the present study, we describe a case of treatment-naïve stage IIIB SqCLC that harbored a rare epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) p.E746_S752delinsV mutation with clinical complete response to neoadjuvant gefitinib. Pathological complete response was confirmed after surgical resection. No disease recurrence was documented after 20-month follow-up. This report suggested that first-generation EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) could be an option in neoadjuvant context for advanced SqCLC patients harboring EGFR p.E746_S752delinsV mutation and highlighted the clinical benefits of EGFR testing in SqCLC patients who are females and never/former light smokers.

Maternal cigarette smoking cessation and infant term low birth weight

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Smoking cessation during pregnancy is hypothesized to improve birth outcomes. However, the effect of the cessation time on birth weight among full-term infants merits further attention. We aimed to examine the association of maternal trimester-specific smoking cessation with term low birth weight (TLBW, 2500g). METHODS: We included 183,099 singleton, non-anomalous live births of 37-42 weeks gestation in Western New York between 2004-2018. Based on the self-reported average cigarettes per day during three months before pregnancy and during each trimester, we categorized pregnant women into six mutually exclusive groups: non-smokers; those who quit during the 1st, 2nd, or 3rd trimester; those who smoked throughout pregnancy; and inconsistent smokers. We examined the association between smoking cessation categories and TLBW using logistic regression, adjusting for potential confounders. We further explored the joint effect of smoking and illegal drug use during pregnancy on TLBW. RESULTS:Overall, 13.7% of pregnant women smoked throughout pregnancy; 3.4%, 1.8%, and 0.7% reported quitting smoking during the 1st, 2nd, or 3rd trimester, respectively. Compared to non-smokers, cessation during the 3rd trimester and smoking throughout pregnancy were associated with 1.73 (95% CI: 1.25, 2.39) and 2.28 (95% CI: 2.09, 2.49) times higher odds of TLBW, respectively. The associations were more pronounced for heavy smokers (≥10 cigarettes/day) than light smokers (1-9 cigarettes/day). Quitting smoking during the 1st trimester (OR=0.88, 95% CI: 0.71, 1.09), 2nd trimester (OR=1.22, 95% CI: 0.96, 1.56), or inconsistent smoking (OR=1.28, 95% CI: 0.71, 2.32) was not associated with TLBW. Infants of mothers who smoked throughout pregnancy and used illegal drugs had 2.84 (95% CI: 2.47, 3.25) times higher odds of TLBW compared to non-smokers without illegal drug use. CONCLUSIONS:Delayed smoking cessation, smoking throughout pregnancy, and the combination of smoking and illegal drug use were associated with an increased risk of TLBW. KEYWORDS: Cigarette smoking, Birth weight, Full-term infants, Illegal drug use

Hypomethylation of AHRR (cg05575921) Is Related to Smoking Status in the Mexican Mestizo Population.

Tobacco smoking results in a multifactorial disease involving environmental and genetic factors; epigenome-wide association studies (EWAS) show changes in DNA methylation levels due to cigarette consumption, partially reversible upon tobacco smoking cessation. Therefore, methylation levels could predict smoking status. This study aimed to evaluate the DNA methylation level of cg05575921 (AHRR) and cg23771366 (PRSS23) and their correlation with lung function variables, cigarette consumption, and nicotine addiction in the Mexican smoking population. We included 114 non-smokers (NS) and 102 current tobacco smokers (TS); we then further subclassified them as heavy smokers (HS) (n = 53) and light smokers (LS) (n = 49). We used restriction enzymes (MspI/HpaII) and qPCR to determine the DNA methylation level. We observed significant hypomethylation of cg05575921 in smokers compared to NS (p = 0.003); further analysis found a difference between HS and NS (p = 0.02). We did not observe differences between other groups or a positive correlation between methylation levels and age, BMI, cigarette consumption, nicotine addiction, or lung function. In conclusion, the cg05575921 site of AHRR is significantly hypomethylated in Mexican smokers, especially in HS (≥20 cigarettes per day).

Pictures Library of Smoking Cravings: Development and Verification of Smokers and Non-smokers.

Background: The cue-induced craving by addiction related materials is commonly employed in addiction research; however, no existing standardized picture database based on the expectation model of craving has been developed. We prepared and validated a Pictures Library of Smoking Cravings (PLSC) in this study.Methods: We captured pictures 366 smoking and 406 control pictures (matched in content). We selected 109 smoking pictures and 115 control pictures and asked participants to provide ratings of craving, familiarity, valence, and arousal induced in them. Participants were divided into three groups: non-smokers (n = 211), light smokers (n = 504), and heavy smokers (n = 101).Results: The results showed that smoking pictures evoked a greater craving, familiarity, and arousal than control pictures in smokers (ps < 0.01). In addition, craving caused by smoking pictures was positively associated with the Fagerström test for nicotine dependence score in dependent smokers.Conclusions: Overall, the contemporary results showed that PLSC is effective and can be used in smoking-related studies.

Clinical factors affecting pupillary light reflex parameters: a single-centre, cross-sectional study.

To evaluate the effects of stimulus intensity, aging, sex, smoking and eye symmetry on pupillary light reflex (PLR) parameters. We evaluated 2812 eyes from 1406subjects in a single-centre, cross-sectional study. PLR data were collected using four different stimulus intensities. We prepared two models for each of the eight PLR parameters, and defined the model with the lowest values of Akaike's information criterion (AIC) as being the best-fit. Model A was a linear regression model without adjustment for among-individual variability, while the Model B linear mixed-effects models (LMMs) were adjusted for among-individual variability. The regression coefficients of the two models were compared. Model B showed the lowest AIC values for all parameters and the best fit. For light stimulus intensity, age and eye symmetry, the two models yielded similar results for all PLR parameters. For sex and smoking index, some PLR parameters showed the opposite results, i.e., Model A showed significant effects while Model B did not. These results indicate that light stimulus intensity, aging, sex, smoking and eye symmetry are factors that affect PLR parameters. These should be adjusted when evaluating the clinical potential of PLR as a diagnostic tool. In addition, adjusting for among-individual variability due to LMMs can improve the model fit and reduce false positives. This can reveal the association between clinical factors and PLR parameters with increased accuracy.

Role of obligatory banning of smoking in 2014 - 2016 on the smoking habits of a group of men in Mosul, Iraq

Background and objective: Smoking is a risk factor for major non-communicable diseases and is an important cause of preventable death. Smoking cessation is a challenge for both the smoker and the health care provider. This study aimed to assess the role of obligatory banning of smoking in 2014 - 2016 on the smoking habits of a group of men in Mosul city. Methods: A convenience sample of 500 male smokers, aged 18 years and above who were living in Mosul on June 10, 2014 (the day of Mosul invasion by the Islamic State in Iraq and Sham, ISIS) and stayed living in the city for three years after that, were included in the study. The study design was cross-sectional, and data were collected by direct interview. Results: One fifth (100 persons) of the participants quit smoking (without medications) during banning. More than one third (36%) of them quit due to the high price of cigarettes. Unfortunately, the majority (75%) returned back to smoking after the liberation of Mosul. The factors found to be significantly associated with the high rate of quitting included short duration of smoking(&lt;9 years) before the banning period (P = 0.006), trial of quitting smoking before banning (P = 0.001), history of light smoking (P = 0.003), and smoking among second degree relatives, compared with the first degree relatives (P = 0.025). Conclusion: The rate of cessation was relatively low compared with the possible punishments by the ISIS. Smoking cessation is still a challenge to public health practitioners, as many factors play a role. Keywords: Smoking banning; ISIS; Mosul; Quitting smoking.

Evaluation of the relationship between nicotine dependence degree and periodontitis severity

INTRODUCTION: According to the World Health Organization, more than one billion people used tobacco in 2015. Smoking is considered a risk factor and is associated with several periodontal events. In addition, nicotine is an addictive substance that leads people to use tobacco products continuously. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to assess the correlation between the level of nicotine dependence and the severity of periodontitis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Fifty-four smoking patients with periodontitis were evaluated according to the degree of nicotine dependence (Fagerström questionnaire), and the number of cigarettes consumed per day (light smokers: 20 cigarettes). Periodontitis was classified according to its severity (mild, moderate and severe). The groups were compared using the ANOVA test and the Tukey test, and the correlation of the degree of nicotine dependence on the severity of periodontitis was assessed by the Spearman correlation test. The level of significance of the tests was 5%. RESULTS: The results showed a correlation between the degree of nicotine dependence and the severity of periodontal disease (r = 0.36, p = 0.006), the amount of cigarettes consumed per day (r = 0.76, p &lt;0.001), the patient's age when starting to smoke (r = -0.53, p = 0.001), the patient's age (r = 0.30, p = 0.02) and the duration of the smoking habit smoking (r = 0.51, p &lt; 0.001). CONCLUSION: It can be concluded that there is a relationship between the severity of periodontal disease and degree of nicotine dependence.

Foetal mouth movements: Effects of nicotine.

To assess whether foetal mouth movement frequency changes across gestation and whether there are differences between cigarette and e-cigarette exposure conditions in comparison to a non-exposed group of foetuses. Pregnant women underwent 4-dimensional (4D) foetal ultrasound scans at 32weeks (106 scans) and 36weeks of gestational age (87 scans) at James Cook University Hospital, UK. The 4D scans were coded using the Fetal Observable Movement System (FOMS). Measures of maternal smoking status, stress, depression, anxiety, attachment and time of scan were also collected. There were four exposure groups: non-smokers, light smokers (<10 per day), heavy smokers (11-20per day) and e-cigarette users. No significant differences in relative frequency of mouth movements between the exposure groups at 32- and 36weeks of gestational age were found. Foetal mouth movements declined from 32 to 36weeks of gestation for non-exposed and e-cigarette-exposed foetuses. Due to variability in foetal behaviour, examining mouth movements alone may not be the most appropriate method for assessing group differences. However, in line with other research, mouth movement frequency declined between 32- and 36weeks of gestational age. A combination of foetal behavioural assessments is needed to assess the effects of cigarette and e-cigarette exposure on foetal neurobehavioural development.

History and Correlates of Smoking Cessation Behaviors Among Individuals With Current or Past Major Depressive Disorder Enrolled in a Smoking Cessation Trial.

Smoking among adults with major depressive disorder (MDD) is at least double that of the general US population. More effective smoking cessation interventions for depressed smokers may be facilitated through a better understanding of the smoking and depression-related characteristics of this population. We used baseline data from 300 participants enrolled in randomized clinical trial for smokers with current or past MDD. We described history of smoking cessation behaviors (ie, quit attempts, quit motivation, and cessation treatment utilization) and used multivariate regression to identify demographic and depression-related correlates of these behaviors. Sixty-eight percent of participants reported at least one quit attempt in the past year, nearly 51% reported motivation to quit in the subsequent 30 days, and 83% reported prior use of a nicotine replacement therapy. A greater readiness to quit smoking was associated with increased age (p = .04) and lower cigarettes per day (p = .01). Greater use of smoking cessation medication was associated with greater education and nicotine dependence, minority race, and greater use of complementary reinforcers (eg, activities associated with increased reinforcing value of smoking; p's < .05). These data indicate that smokers with current or past MDD are highly motivated to quit smoking and have a history of engaging in efforts to quit. Interventions to promote smoking cessation behaviors should address younger and lighter smokers, who may perceive less risk from tobacco use, and efforts to promote smoking cessation medications and counseling should address minority smokers who are engaging in complementary reinforcers. These data are inconsistent with the assumption that smokers with serious mental illness are not willing to quit smoking and suggest the need for studies that test behavioral interventions that address complementary reinforcers to treat tobacco use in this community.