Nicotine Dependence Syndrome Research Articles

Nano-curcumin effects on nicotine dependence, depression, anxiety and metabolic parameters in smokers: A randomized double-blind clinical study

BackgroundSmoking is clearly associated with metabolic profiles/abnormalities, psychological dysfunction, and symptoms of nicotine dependence. Nano-Curcumin (Nano-CUR) is a medicinal herb with antianxiety, antioxidant antidepressant‐like effects, and anti-inflammatory properties. This RCT aimed to determine the therapeutic effects of Nano-CUR in smokers on clinical symptoms and metabolic parameters. MethodsThis trial was conducted on 70 participants with cigarette smoking. Smokers in two arms received soft gel capsules Nano-CUR 80 mg/daily for 3 months (n = 35) and placebo (n = 35), respectively. Primary outcomes (Nicotine dependence syndrome scale, depression, and anxiety beck score), and secondary outcomes (glycemic, lipid, stress oxidative, and inflammation profiles) were analyzed before and 3-months after the intervention in smokers. ResultsNano-CUR supplementation significantly decreased nitric oxide, malondialdehyde, and C-reactive protein levels (P < 0.05), compared to the control. Furthermore, no significant effect change was shown in nicotine dependence syndrome, depression, anxiety, and other metabolic parameters (p > 0.05). ConclusionNano-CUR intake may have favorable effects on C-reactive protein, malondialdehyde, and nitric oxide in subjects with cigarette smoking. More RCT are required to evaluate the effectiveness of Nano-CUR supplementations in smokers in order to reject or support these conclude.

Patterns and Characteristics of Nicotine Dependence Among Adults With Cigarette Use in the US, 2006-2019

Nicotine dependence increases the risk of persistent smoking, which is the leading preventable cause of morbidity and death. However, evidence regarding the associations of nicotine dependence with age, psychiatric conditions, and sociodemographic characteristics is limited. To assess whether and how nicotine dependence among US adults with cigarette use varies by year, age, psychiatric comorbidities, and sociodemographic characteristics. This exploratory serial cross-sectional study used data from 152 354 US community-dwelling individuals 18 years or older who participated in the 2006-2019 National Surveys on Drug Use and Health. Data analyses were conducted from January 15 to February 15, 2023. Past-month cigarette use. Past-year major depressive episode (MDE) and/or substance use disorder (SUD) based on criteria from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (Fourth Edition), Text Revision. Past-month nicotine dependence based on criteria from the Nicotine Dependence Syndrome Scale or the Fagerström Test of Nicotine Dependence. Among 152 354 adults with past-month cigarette use (54.1% male; 40.2% aged 18-34 years; 29.0% aged 35-49 years; 69.8% non-Hispanic White), the adjusted prevalence of nicotine dependence decreased from 59.52% (95% CI, 57.93%-61.10%) in 2006 to 56.00% (95% CI, 54.38%-57.60%) in 2019 (average annual percentage change [AAPC], -0.4%; 95% CI, -0.5% to -0.4%; P < .001) and among each examined age group, except for stability among those aged 18 to 25 years (AAPC, -0.5%; 95% CI, -1.4% to 0.4%; P = .27). Compared with those 50 years and older with past-month cigarette smoking, the adjusted prevalence of nicotine dependence among those aged 18 to 49 years was 32% lower for those aged 18 to 25 years (adjusted risk ratio [ARR], 0.68; 95% CI, 0.66-0.70), 18% lower for those aged 26 to 34 years (ARR, 0.82; 95% CI, 0.80-0.84), and 6% lower for those aged 35 to 49 years (ARR, 0.94; 95% CI, 0.92-0.96). The adjusted prevalence of nicotine dependence varied by age, MDE and/or SUD status, and sociodemographic characteristics. For example, by 2019, prevalence was 41.27% (95% CI, 39.21%-43.37%) among those aged 18 to 25 years and 64.43% (95% CI, 60.98%-67.74%) among those 50 years and older. Differences in nicotine dependence prevalence between those with co-occurring MDE and SUD and those without both conditions were more than 2 times larger for those 50 years and older vs those aged 18 to 49 years (eg, ages ≥50 years vs 18-25 years: 18.69 percentage point difference [83.32% vs 64.63%] vs 7.67 percentage point difference [48.88% vs 41.21%]; P < .001). In this cross-sectional study, there were significant reductions in nicotine dependence prevalence from 2006 to 2019 among US adults with cigarette use and all examined subgroups 26 years and older. Adults 50 years and older (especially those with MDE and/or SUD) had the highest nicotine dependence prevalence compared with other age groups, highlighting the importance of assisting with smoking cessation efforts and addressing nicotine dependence for this older population. Evidence-based tobacco cessation strategies tailored to age and comorbidities are needed.

Pattern Of Nicotine Use And Dependence In Psychiatric Patients

Abstract Background: Tobacco use is an epidemic known as “the brown plague” affecting one billion lives in the 21st century and 80% in developing countries. Prevalence of smoking is especially high in patients with psychiatric illness with an ongoing debate over which comes first. Studies about nicotine consumption in psychiatric patients are few from developing countries. Hence, this study is designed to identify socio-demographic and diagnostic correlates of nicotine use. Aims and Objectives:- To estimate the pattern of nicotine use and determine the association between socio-demographic profile, onset of nicotine use, it’s use as a coping mechanism, psychological association with nicotine use in psychologically ill patients. Material and methods:- A cross-sectional study including 101 patients with nicotine use and psychiatric illness were administered a semi structured questionnaire, Fagerstrom Test for Nicotine Dependence(FTND) and nicotine dependence syndrome scale. Data analyzed with mean, standard deviation, chi- square, ANOVA Results:-Nicotine use was more common in middle age group with alcohol dependence followed by depression. Nicotine use was not associated with background, socioeconomic status, gender. Majority tried to quit for health but what kept them with nicotine were drive, stereotypy, continuity, priority. Conclusions:- Nicotine is a commonly abused substance in psychiatric patients without a clear demarcation about the cause effect relationship. The existing study gives few insights into reasons for nicotine intake which was more so among the productive age group. Hence, there is a need for further research about psychotropic drug interactions with nicotine use and focus on integration of nicotine cessation into treatment of other psychiatric disorders rather than separate deaddiction clinics to alleviate the illness burden.

Associations between classic psychedelics and nicotine dependence in a nationally representative sample

Tobacco use is the single largest cause of preventable death worldwide, but none of the established treatments aimed at smoking cessation work for a majority of smokers. As such, there is an urgent need for interventions capable of reliably treating nicotine addiction. The use of classic psychedelics has been associated with lower odds of many forms of substance dependence. Here we tested whether lifetime use of classic psychedelics (tryptamine, lysergamide, and phenethylamine) is associated with lower odds of current nicotine dependence. We tested these associations in a sample of 214,505 adult participants in the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (2015–2019) using multivariable logistic regression models. Lifetime psilocybin use was associated with reduced odds of odds of current nicotine dependence (aOR 0.87–0.93). Lifetime use of peyote and mescaline also conferred reduced odds of multiple subdomains of a main nicotine dependence measure (Nicotine Dependence Syndrome Scale [NDSS]) (aOR 0.79–0.91). Conversely, lifetime use of LSD was associated with increased odds of nicotine dependence (aOR 1.17–1.24). Psilocybin, mescaline, and peyote use are associated with lowered odds of nicotine dependence. Experimental studies are needed to establish whether these associations are causal. These results make the case for further research into the efficacy of both tryptamine and phenethylamine psychedelics in promoting smoking cessation.

Prevalence and Associated Factors of Cigarette Smoking Among Medical Students in Wroclaw, Poland.

ObjectiveThe study aimed to evaluate the nicotine addiction syndrome among students of the medical university of Wroclaw.Materials and MethodsThe anonymous self-administered online questionnaire regarding tobacco and e-cigarettes smoking was sent to 5616 students. A total of 407 students from Wrocław Medical University who fulfilled the questionnaire were enrolled.ResultsOne-fourth of the surveyed medical students smoke or have smoked cigarettes in the past. About 75% of students report that there is no information about the harmfulness of smoking and its consequences in the course of teaching in medical studies. The majority of students, 74.5% of women and 62.8% of men, agree that nicotine dependence syndrome should become part of the curriculum of medical universities.ConclusionThe proportion of smokers among medical students is very high, and their knowledge of smoking is insufficient. It seems necessary to implement urgent education for medical students about the consequences of smoking and the treatment of nicotine dependence syndrome. The knowledge of future doctors about the harmfulness of smoking in the future will allow reducing the number of patients suffering from smoking-related diseases and may help reduce the number of smokers among students. It seems necessary to intensify the antismoking campaigns in Poland and worldwide.

Improving Spanish translations of tobacco dependence measures using cognitive interviewing

ABSTRACT Background Cognitive interviewing is the practice of systematically collecting feedback about survey items from members of the priority population, with the goal of identifying and rectifying problems to increase the comprehensibility of the survey. Evidence is limited on the extent to which this method of pretesting improves survey items. Objective The current study examined the utility of incorporating cognitive interviewing to improve the Spanish translations of two measures of tobacco dependence. Methods Items from the Spanish versions of the Wisconsin Inventory of Smoking Dependence Motives (68 items) and Nicotine Dependence Syndrome Scale (19 items) were subjected to cognitive interviews with Spanish-speaking smokers. Problematic items were revised based on participant feedback and re-assessed in a second round of interviews (N = 23, 78.3% male; 21.7% female). Results Twenty-three of the 87 items demonstrated comprehension problems, and 67 items elicited at least one problem report. Number of problems were significantly fewer pre- vs. post-revision (t [90] = 6.55, p < .001). Conclusions In combination with standard translation procedures, cognitive interviewing with the priority population appears to be a useful method for ensuring comprehensible and relevant item content.

Effects of Coping Skills and Personality Traits on Nicotine Dependence

Objectives: Objectives of this study were: 1) to compare coping skills and personality between smokers and non-smokers, 2) to examine correlations among coping styles, personality, and nicotine dependence, and 3) to determine predictors of nicotine dependence. Methods ： A descriptive correlation design was used. Data were collected from 137 smokers and 60 nonsmokers between September 2013 and February 2017 in Incheon, South Korea. The Eysenck Personality Inventory, the Nicotine Dependence Syndrome Scale, and the revised Multidimensional Coping Scale were used. Results ： Smokers were less likely to cope actively (p<0.001) and calm their emotions (p=0.013). However, they were more likely to express their emotions directly (p=0.031) than non-smokers. Moreover, smokers scored higher on personality dimensions of criminality, empathy, impulsiveness, and addiction but scored lower on the lie personality trait than non-smokers. Nicotine dependence was positively correlated with personality traits (such as addiction [r=0.329, p<0.001], criminality [r=0.314, p<0.001], and impulsiveness [r=0.366, p<0.001]) and coping skills such as perseverance (r=0.589, p<0.001). Smokers in the family, addiction personality trait, active coping, emotional expression, positive interpretation, downward comparison, and acceptance explained 73.2% of cigarette smoking. Conclusion： Results of this study revealed that smokers used more unhealthy coping skills with more vulnerable traits than non-smokers. In addition, coping skills and vulnerable personality traits could predict cigarette smoking.

Pattern of Tobacco Smoking Among Egyptian Patients With Bipolar Disorder

Background: Individuals with bipolar disorder (BD) have a higher prevalence of tobacco smoking than the general population. In Egypt, the accurate data about the pattern of tobacco smoking and prevalence of nicotine dependence among BD patients are still scarce. Objective: The objective of this study was to detect the pattern of tobacco smoking and to assess the occurrence of nicotine dependence syndrome among Egyptian cigarette and waterpipe smoker patients suffering from BD. Methods: A cross-sectional study using a semistructured interview to assess 100 patients with BD at the inpatient department and the outpatient mood clinic of The Institute of Psychiatry, Ain Shams University. The assessment tools included the Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview, Sixth Edition (M.I.N.I.), the Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS), the Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence (FTND), and the Lebanon Waterpipe Dependence Scale (LWDS-11). Results: Of the 100 recruited bipolar patients (43% women and 57% men), it was found that 45% of bipolar cases were cigarette smokers, 18% were waterpipe smokers, and 17% smoked both cigarette and waterpipe with a statistically significant difference. Bipolar I in the acute phase showed the most prevalent type of BDs with moderate (31%) and high (13.8%) nicotine dependence. Bipolar II cases have never smoked neither cigarette nor waterpipe; 5% of patients with bipolar I smoked waterpipe during disease activity. Conclusion: Patients with BD have a relatively high frequency of nicotine (cigarettes and waterpipe) dependence (17%) in relation to the general population (1.0%), especially bipolar I type.

Nicotine Dependence in Dual Users of Cigarettes and E-Cigarettes: Common and Distinct Elements.

In a sample of dual users of cigarettes and electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS; e-cigarettes), we evaluated psychometric properties of ENDS versions of the Nicotine Dependence Syndrome Scale (NDSS), the brief Wisconsin Inventory of Smoking Dependence Motives (WISDM), and the Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence (FTND). Using the NDSS, we tested the hypothesis that there would be one common underlying factor of dependence across the cigarette and ENDS scales and other product-specific factors. Adult dual users (N = 404) completed baseline cigarette and ENDS versions of the NDSS, WISDM, and FTND, and biweekly surveys of their smoking and vaping. Analyses included bifactor modeling, which helps to identify both a general and product-specific factor for each item, and exploratory factor analyses of the combined cigarette and ENDS NDSS items and examinations of concurrent and predictive validity. The bifactor model was not a good fit, suggesting the lack of one common underlying dependence factor. Factor analyses revealed separate, similar factors for both products, with only one factor (priority) showing overlap of cigarette and ENDS items. ENDS scales significantly predicted ENDS use over time, but not cigarette use. Cigarette scales did not predict ENDS use over time. Although the cigarette and ENDS NDSS versions showed similar factor structure, there was not a primary common underlying factor reflecting drive or tolerance, but rather product-specific factors. The cigarette scales were not valid for predicting ENDS use. These results highlight the importance of separately assessing dependence for cigarettes and ENDS in dual users. Although underlying dimensions of nicotine dependence may be similar for ENDS and cigarettes, separate, product-specific measures may be needed to understand differences in product-specific dependency and predict changes in use of each product over time.

Correlations Between Auricular Tenderness and Symptoms in Korean Adults.

The purpose of this study was to examine the correlation between auricular tenderness and subjective symptoms. A descriptive correlational study design was followed, which was also the second analysis of a randomized controlled trial. This study was performed in the Republic of Korea from September 2013 to February 2017. The Patient Health Questionnaire-9, the Constipation Assessment Scale, and the Nicotine Dependence Syndrome Scale were used. One hundred thirty-three participants displayed ear tenderness, whereas 84 participants did not. Adults with auricular tenderness reported more symptoms, such as sputum, rhinitis, constipation, stress, mood swings, and depressive symptoms compared with adults without (with tenderness: 4.14 ± 2.94, without tenderness: 2.92 ± 2.45; t = 3.32, P = .001). Finally, auricular acupressure points were positively correlated with various symptoms such as sputum, constipation, nicotine addiction, stress, cough, and rhinitis. Auricular palpation could be used to detect a disease at an early stage.

Very-low-nicotine-content cigarettes and dependence among non-daily smokers

BackgroundThe US Food and Drug Administration is considering reductions in the nicotine content of cigarettes to reduce smoking and tobacco dependence. A randomized study showed that even non-daily, intermittent smokers (ITS) reduced their cigarette consumption when switched to very-low-nicotine-content cigarettes (VLNCCs). This paper assesses whether switching ITS to VLNCCs results in decreased dependence and whether subsequent cigarette consumption is mediated by decreased dependence. MethodsITS randomized to VLNCCs (n = 118) or normal nicotine content cigarettes (n = 120) completed multiple measures of dependence (Fagerstrom Test of Nicotine Dependence [FTND], Nicotine Dependence Syndrome Scale [NDSS], Wisconsin Inventory of Smoking Dependence Motives [WISDM], and Hooked on Nicotine Checklist [HONC]) at Baseline and 2, 6, and 10 weeks after randomization. A principal component factor score captured common variance among these measures (except FTND). Cigarettes per day (CPD) was assessed by three convergent methods. ResultsSwitching ITS to VLNCCs reduced dependence on all measures except the WISDM Secondary Dependence Motives and HONC. Except for the effects on the factor score, these effects of VLNCCs could be accounted for by contemporaneous CPD. Week-2 dependence measures did not prospectively predict weeks 3–4 CPD, once antecedent dependence and CPD were accounted for. "Cheating" among participants who appear to have smoked conventional cigarettes did not affect the findings. DiscussionAmong ITS, switching to VLNCCs results in reduced tobacco dependence. However, the reductions in dependence appear to be secondary to effects on cigarette consumption, and do not appear to be an independent predictor or cause of reduced cigarette consumption.

Mediators of the effect of nicotine pre-treatment on quitting smoking.

Using smoking cessation medications for several weeks prior to quitting smoking facilitates quitting success, but how it does so is not clear. Candidate theories are that pre-cessation medication enhances self-efficacy, facilitates medication adherence post-quit, induces aversion to smoking, reduces reward from smoking or reduces the drive to smoke. We investigated these pathways using data from a large trial of nicotine pre-loading, using mediation analysis. Randomized controlled trial of nicotine pre-loading. Potential mediators were assessed at baseline and 1week into the pre-loading (3weeks prior to quitting). In addition to this, urges to smoke in abstainers were assessed 1week after the target quit date. England. A total of 1792 smokers who wanted to quit attending specialist smoking cessation services in England were enrolled between 13 August 2012 and 10 March 2015. Participants were randomized to either standard smoking cessation medications accompanied by behavioural support or the same treatment supplemented by nicotine 'pre-loading', i.e. 4weeks of 21mg nicotine patch use prior to quitting. The primary outcome, selected for its proximity in time to potential mediators, was biochemically validated abstinence from smoking at 4weeks post-target quit date. Potential mediators included the Modified Cigarette Evaluation Questionnaire, with subscales assessing satisfaction, reward, craving and aversion; ratings of strength and frequency of urges to smoke; the Mood and Physical Symptoms Scale assessing cigarette withdrawal symptoms; two items from the Nicotine Dependence Syndrome Scale assessing smoking stereotypy; self-reported reduction in cigarettes per day and in carbon monoxide (CO) reading; post-target quit day (TQD) medication adherence; self-efficacy; nausea. Pre-loading reduced urges to smoke at 3weeks pre-quit (P<0.001) and exhaled CO concentrations (P<0.001), and also urges to smoke post-quit in abstainers (P=0.001). At 3weeks pre-quit, it also reduced cigarette consumption, enjoyment of and satisfaction from smoking and smoking reward and increased nausea, aversion (all P<0.001) and smoking stereotypy (P=0.003). Only the first three variables, however (reduced smoke intake and reduced urges to smoke pre- and post-quit), mediated abstinence from smoking at 4weeks and only the latter two mediated abstinence at 6months (indirect mediating effects P<0.05). Nicotine pre-loading appears to facilitate smoking abstinence by reducing urges to smoke and smoke intake before quitting and urges to smoke after quitting.

Interaction between ethnicity and smoker type with dependence: A comparison of daily and intermittent African American and Caucasian smokers.

Ethnic differences in smoking patterns and dependence have been observed between Caucasian and African American smokers: African Americans who smoke are more likely to be intermittent smokers (ITS), and daily smokers (DS) consume fewer cigarettes yet report more dependence. Participants' (N = 482, 67% Caucasian, 54% ITS) dependence was assessed by primary and secondary dependence subscales of the Wisconsin Inventory of Smoking Dependence Motives, the Nicotine Dependence Syndrome Scale, the Hooked on Nicotine Checklist, the Fagerström Test of Nicotine Dependence, and time to first cigarette after waking. We tested associations with dependence for ethnicity, smoker type, and an Ethnicity × Smoker Type interaction, using multivariable linear regression, with adjustment for age, sex, and education. Additional models adjusted for cigarettes per day and history of daily smoking. There was a significant interaction between ethnicity and smoker type for 5 of 6 measures of dependence (each scale assessed separately), such that African American ITS reported more dependence than Caucasian ITS, whereas dependence did not differ by ethnicity among DS. African American ITS smoked more cigarettes per day and were more likely to have a history of daily smoking than Caucasian ITS; after further adjustments for these differences, there were no significant interactions of ethnicity and smoker type for any measure. Among DS, dependence did not differ by race. African American ITS were more dependent than Caucasian ITS; this difference was explained by higher cigarette consumption and a higher proportion converted from DS to ITS among African Americans versus Caucasians. (PsycINFO Database Record

The psychometric properties of the Persian version of the metacognitions about Smoking Questionnaire among smokers

ObjectivesIt has been shown that smoking may be affected by metacognitions. This study aimed to evaluate the factor structure, reliability and validity of the Persian version of the Metacognitions about Smoking Questionnaire (MSQ) among a sample of Iranian male smokers. MethodsWhen the English to Persian translation of the MSQ was performed, exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) were completed according to the four-factor solution of the original MSQ. Three hundred male treatment-seeking smokers (mean age = 41.37, SD = 15.90) filled out the Persian-translated version of the MSQ, the Smoking Effects Questionnaire (SEQ), and the Nicotine Dependence Syndrome Scale (NDSS). ResultsThe results of EFA revealed that the Persian version of the MSQ had a four-factor structure named positive metacognitions about cognitive regulation (PM-CR), positive metacognitions about emotional regulation (PM-ER), negative metacognitions about uncontrollability (NM-U), and negative metacognitions about cognitive interference (NM-CI). The findings of CFA also indicated that the four-factor structure of the Persian version of the MSQ had appropriate fit. Validity and reliability of the Persian version of the MSQ were found to be good. Negative metacognitions about smoking predicted nicotine dependence over and above smoking outcome expectancies. Positive metacognitions about emotion regulation explained daily cigarette use independent of smoking outcome expectancies. ConclusionsThe findings suggested that the Persian version of the MSQ had adequate psychometric properties among Iranian male treatment-seeking smokers.

Associations between opioid and nicotine dependence in nationally representative samples of United States adult daily smokers

IntroductionSmoking prevalence among adults with opioid dependence far exceeds that of the general population, and cessation outcomes in this group are one-fourth that of smokers without a substance use disorder. Understanding the reasons underlying these poor outcomes is critical for developing more effective smoking interventions in this group. Elevated baseline severity of nicotine dependence is associated with lower rates of smoking cessation over time. We examined whether nicotine dependence severity among smokers may vary as a function of opioid dependence status using nationally representative samples of adult smokers. MethodsData were derived from multiple years of the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH, 2006–2014; n = 58,971). Nicotine dependence was measured by the Nicotine Dependence Syndrome Scale (NDSS) and the first item (i.e., time to first cigarette) of the Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence (FTND). Opioid dependence was assessed using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders criteria. ResultsOpioid-dependent smokers exhibited greater severity of nicotine dependence compared to non-opioid dependent smokers, as evidenced by higher mean NDSS scores (p < 0.05). On both NDSS and FTND measures of nicotine dependence, opioid-dependent smokers were also approximately twice as likely to be dependent on nicotine than those not dependent on opioids (p’s < 0.05). ConclusionsOpioid dependence is associated with increased severity and prevalence of nicotine dependence among smokers. Considering the disproportionate societal and economic burdens of smoking and smoking-related consequences in this vulnerable population, continued investigations are needed to better understand opioid-dependent individuals’ poor cessation outcomes.

Evaluating the mutual pathways among electronic cigarette use, conventional smoking and nicotine dependence.

The implications of the rapid rise in electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) use remain unknown. We examined mutual associations between e-cigarette use, conventional cigarette use and nicotine dependence over time to (1) test the association between e-cigarette use and later conventional smoking (both direct and via nicotine dependence), (2) test the converse associations and (3) determine the strongest pathways predicting each product's use. Data from four annual waves of a prospective cohort study were analyzed. Path analysis modeled the bidirectional, longitudinal relationships between past-month smoking frequency, past-month e-cigarette frequency and nicotine dependence. Chicago area, Illinois, USA. A total of 1007 young adult smokers and non-smokers (ages 19-23years). Frequency of (1) cigarettes and (2) e-cigarettes was the number of days in the past 30 on which the product was used. The Nicotine Dependence Syndrome Scale measured nicotine dependence to cigarettes. E-cigarette use was not associated significantly with later conventional smoking, either directly (β=0.021, P=0.081) or through nicotine dependence (β=0.005, P=0.693). Conventional smoking was associated positively with later e-cigarette use, both directly (β=0.118, P<0.001) and through nicotine dependence (β=0.139, P<0.001). The strongest predictors of each product's use was prior use of the same product; this pathway was strong for conventional cigarettes (β=0.604, P<0.001) but weak for e-cigarettes (β=0.120, P<0.001). Nicotine dependence moderately strongly predicted later conventional smoking (β=0.169, P<0.001), but was a weak predictor of later e-cigarette use (β=0.069, P=0.039). Nicotine dependence is not a significant mechanism for e-cigarettes' purported effect on heavier future conventional smoking among young adults. Nicotine dependence may be a mechanism for increases in e-cigarette use among heavier conventional smokers, consistent with e-cigarettes as a smoking reduction tool. Overall, conventional smoking and, to a lesser extent, its resulting nicotine dependence, are the strongest drivers or signals of later cigarette and e-cigarette use.

Use of higher-nicotine/tar-yield (regular full-flavor) cigarettes is associated with nicotine dependence and smoking during pregnancy among U.S. women.

The present study examined full-flavor cigarette use among women of reproductive age to assess whether use is associated with greater nicotine dependence and smoking during pregnancy. We used data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (2005-2014). Consecutive years were combined to assure sufficient numbers of pregnant women. We examined whether use of full-flavor cigarettes was associated with greater odds of nicotine dependence using the Fagerstrom Test for Nicotine Dependence and Nicotine Dependence Syndrome Scale (NDSS), controlling for other smoking characteristics. We next compared prevalence of smoking and use of full-flavor versus lower-yield cigarettes among non-pregnant versus pregnant women and across trimesters. Lastly, we examined whether pregnancy was associated with greater odds of using full-flavor cigarettes after controlling for potential confounders. Use of full-flavor cigarettes was associated with greater adjusted odds of nicotine dependence compared to lower yields among non-pregnant (Fagerstrom: 2.50, 95% CI: 2.32,2.70; NDSS: 1.75, 95% CI: 1.62,1.88) and pregnant (Fagerstrom: 1.53, 95% CI: 1.13,2.05; NDSS: 1.53, 95% CI: 1.12,2.10) smokers. As smoking prevalence decreased among pregnant compared to non-pregnant women (14.31±0.55% versus 22.73±0.17%), prevalence of using full-flavor cigarettes increased (54.82±1.63% versus 38.86±0.35%). Similarly, as smoking prevalence decreased from 1st to 3rd trimester (19.65±1.2%, 12.50±0.84%, 11.3±0.83%), prevalence of using full-flavor cigarettes increased (53.12±2.53%, 50.57+2.92%, 63.63±3.19%). Overall, pregnancy was associated with 1.43 (95% CI: 1.22, 1.68) greater adjusted odds of full-flavor cigarette use. These results indicate that users of full-flavor cigarettes have greater nicotine-dependence risk and lower likelihood of quitting smoking during pregnancy, relationships with potential for serious adverse maternal-infant health impacts.

Evaluating nicotine dependence levels in e-cigarette users.

Despite the fact that electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) are rapidly growing in popularity and use worldwide, there is scarce scientific data on abuse liability among e-cigarette users, and about whether e-cigarette use is related to nicotine dependence or not. The aim of this study is to explore nicotine dependence levels in a sample of experienced e-cigarette users (n= 39) and to compare them with current tobacco cigarette smokers (n=42). We conducted several face-to-face interviews in order to assess sociodemographic and dependence related characteristics in both e-cigarette users and in smokers. Adapted versions of both the Fagerström test for nicotine dependence (FTND) and the nicotine dependence syndrome scale (NDSS) were used to analyze nicotine dependence in each of the groups. Biochemical markers of carbon monoxide and urinary cotinine analysis were also collected. Results showed that e-cigarette users scored lower than cigarette smokers in both FTND and all NDSS subscales. Our findings extend previous research on e-cigarette use and nicotine addiction and suggest that e-cigarette users are less dependent on nicotine than current tobacco cigarette smokers. Further prospective studies are needed to better ascertain their addictiveness potential, comparing those smokers who switched to e-cigarettes from smoking cigarettes, and those who had never been tobacco cigarette smokers.

Mitigating Boredom: Trait Curiosity, Condition, and Their Interaction in Reducing the Experience of Boredom

It has been shown that smoking may be affected by metacognitions. This study aimed to evaluate the factor structure, reliability and validity of the Persian version of the Metacognitions about Smoking Questionnaire (MSQ) among a sample of Iranian male smokers.When the English to Persian translation of the MSQ was performed, exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) were completed according to the four-factor solution of the original MSQ. Three hundred male treatment-seeking smokers (mean age = 41.37, SD = 15.90) filled out the Persian-translated version of the MSQ, the Smoking Effects Questionnaire (SEQ), and the Nicotine Dependence Syndrome Scale (NDSS).The results of EFA revealed that the Persian version of the MSQ had a four-factor structure named positive metacognitions about cognitive regulation (PM-CR), positive metacognitions about emotional regulation (PM-ER), negative metacognitions about uncontrollability (NM-U), and negative metacognitions about cognitive interference (NM-CI). The findings of CFA also indicated that the four-factor structure of the Persian version of the MSQ had appropriate fit. Validity and reliability of the Persian version of the MSQ were found to be good. Negative metacognitions about smoking predicted nicotine dependence over and above smoking outcome expectancies. Positive metacognitions about emotion regulation explained daily cigarette use independent of smoking outcome expectancies.The findings suggested that the Persian version of the MSQ had adequate psychometric properties among Iranian male treatment-seeking smokers.

Classification Tree Analysis as a Method for Uncovering Relations Between CHRNA5A3B4 and CHRNB3A6 in Predicting Smoking Progression in Adolescent Smokers.

Prior research suggests the CHRNA5A3B4 and CHRNB3A6 gene clusters have independent effects on smoking progression in young smokers. Here classification tree analysis uncovers conditional relations between these genes. Conditional classification tree and random forest analyses were employed to predict daily smoking at 6-year follow-up in a longitudinal sample of young smokers (N = 480) who had smoked at least one puff at baseline and were of European ancestry. Potential predictors included gender, lifetime smoking, Nicotine Dependence Syndrome Scale (NDSS), and five single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) tagging CHRNB3A6 and CHRNA5A3B4 Haplotypes A, B, and C. Conditional random forest analysis was used to calculate variable importance. The classification tree identified NDSS, the CHRNB3A6 SNP rs2304297, and the CHRNA5A3B4 Haplotype C SNP rs6495308 as predictive of year 6 daily smoking with the baseline NDSS identified as the strongest predictor. The CHRNB3A6 protective effect was contingent on a lower level of baseline NDSS, whereas the CHRNA5A3B4 Haplotype C protective effect was seen at a higher level of baseline NDSS. A CHRNA5A3B4 Haplotype C protective effect also was observed in participants with low baseline NDSS who had no CHRNB3A6 rs2304297 minor allele. The protective effects of CHRNA5A3B4 Haplotype C and CHRNB3A6 on smoking progression are conditional on different levels of baseline cigarette use. Also, duplicate dominant epistasis between SNPs indicated the minor allele of either SNP afforded comparable protective effects in the absence of a minor allele at the other locus. Possible mechanisms underlying these conditional relations are discussed. The substantive contributions of this paper are the demonstration of a difference in the protective effects of CHRNB3A6 and CHRNA5A3B4 Haplotype C in young smokers attributable to level of cigarette use, as well as observation of duplicate dominant epistasis between the two markers. The methodological contribution is demonstrating that classification tree and random forest statistical methods can uncover conditional relations among genetic effects not detected with more common regression methods.