Number Of Puffs Research Articles

The association between smoking/vaping habits and self-reported respiratory symptoms.

Smoking is well known for its harmful effect on the respiratory system, but whether vaping is less harmful is unknown. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the association of smoking/vaping habits with self-reported respiratory symptoms in vapers and cigarette smokers. An online survey was developed and shared on different vaping and smoking social media platforms and communities. Out of the 891 respondents, 788 were vapers (77 pure vapers and 711 ex-smokers) and 103 were cigarette smokers. Smokers reported more frequently respiratory symptoms such as chest pain, wheezing and whistling, sputum production, cough, dry mouth, and smokers suffered from more shortness of breath, sore throat and disturbed sleep compared to vapers. The self-reported respiratory symptoms in vapers were mainly related to the nicotine strength of the product and number of puffs per use. There were no significant differences between pure vapers and vapers who were ex-smokers. Self-reported severe respiratory symptoms were less frequent in vapers than smokers, irrespective of their smoking history. This suggests that vaping is less harmful than cigarette smoking.

Methods for a Non-Targeted Qualitative Analysis and Quantification of Benzene, Toluene, and Xylenes by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry of E-Liquids and Aerosols in Commercially Available Electronic Cigarettes in Mexico.

The chemical components of the e-liquids and aerosols contained in electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDSs), better known as vapes, were evaluated. The analytical technique used was gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, where the extraction and injection methods were established in this study. The work consisted of the analysis of twenty samples of disposable electronic cigarettes prefilled with new e-liquid, of a known brand, flavor, volume, and, in some of them, the percentage of nicotine and the number of puffs per device were indicated on the label. We detected the presence of many substances (at a qualitative and semi-quantitative level), and we achieved the quantification of benzene, toluene, and xylenes (BTX), dangerous substances that cause severe damage to health. Several of the e-liquids and aerosols present BTX concentrations above the permissible exposure limit (PEL), recommended by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA): benzene in aerosol samples 80% > PEL, and toluene in aerosol samples 45% > PEL. The number of chemical compounds found in the samples increases from 13 to 167, the average being 52 compounds for the water extraction method, 42 compounds for the methanol extraction method of e-liquids, and 107 compounds for the direct aerosol analysis. It is a fact that many of those compounds, especially BTX, can cause serious effects on human health, affecting the respiratory, digestive, cardiovascular, pulmonary, and immune systems, as well as the brain. Therefore, the use of these devices should be considered with caution, since the substances and their chemical nature may pose significant health risks to both users and those exposed to secondhand emissions.

Understanding the motivational mechanisms for smoking and vaping among dual users and exclusive smokers

BackgroundUnderstanding the motivational processes that influence e-cigarette use in a laboratory setting may help elucidate mechanisms that support long-term ecigarette use, which could have significant clinical and public health consequences. MethodsSecondary analyses were conducted on data from exclusive smokers (N=47) and dual users (N=88) who underwent a laboratory ad lib use session. Participants were given 10minutes to smoke (exclusive smokers) or vape (dual users) as much as they wanted. Withdrawal was assessed pre- and post-use. Smoking and vaping behavior was coded from session videos. Person-level predictors included cigarette/ecigarette craving-relief expectancies, demographics, and cigarette/e-cigarette use and dependence. Smoking and vaping status was assessed at Year 1 using self-reported 30-day point prevalence. Data were analyzed using general linear models and logistic regressions. ResultsBoth groups reported reductions in withdrawal after product use, including cigarette craving. Baseline e-cigarette craving-relief expectancies, pre-session ecigarette craving, heaviness of e-cigarette use, and relative e-cigarette dependence were significant univariate predictors of continued vaping in dual users at Year 1 (ORs>1.04, ps<.05). Dual users and exclusive smokers did not differ on use behavior (i.e., average number of puffs, ps>.16). ConclusionsE-cigarette use alleviated withdrawal, including cigarette and e-cigarette craving, in dual users. Laboratory use behavior did not differ between dual users using e-cigarettes and exclusive smokers using cigarettes. Greater e-cigarette craving-relief expectancies, e-cigarette craving, heaviness of e-cigarette use, and morning product use pattern (‘relative dependence’) may reflect mechanisms that sustain e-cigarette use.

Measures of youth e-cigarette use: strengths, weaknesses and recommendations.

This perspective discusses how to best define "e-cigarette use" among youth in a way that is relevant to individual and human health. Commonly-used definitions of youth e-cigarette use have been adapted from measures validated for tobacco cigarette smoking among adults, but may not carry the same meaning for a different product (with a much lower risk profile and very different patterns of use) and a different population (whose use is more often transient and experimental, rather than frequent and persistent). We discuss strengths and weaknesses of different definitions, and recommend improvements in defining youth e-cigarette use. We find that current literature employs a range of definitions of e-cigarette use, from lifetime use ("even a puff") to daily use. More lenient measures capture more potentially at-risk youth, but much of this is transient experimentation that has negligible risks in and itself, if not persistent. More stringent measures such as daily use are more relevant to individual and public health. Future research should examine possible improvements to definitions which include intensity of use (e.g., number of puffs per day) and persistence/duration of use, either via self-report or technology-assisted data capture.

Vaping Frequency in Young Users: The Role of Gender and Age Among Regular Users

Background: Vaping is popular among adolescents and emerging adults; however, little is known about regular vaping patterns in older adolescents and emerging adults. Objective: The current study explored whether gender and age are associated with nicotine-based vaping frequency to ascertain ascertaining which subgroups of youth are most at-risk for frequent use. Methods: In a cross-sectional survey, participants using nicotine-based vaping devices (N=535, age range 16-24) reported frequency measured as vaping days in a week, number of episodes during which participants vaped, and puff numbers for each episode. A two-way multivariate analysis of variance was used to test the effects and interactions of gender and age groups on the three frequency outcomes. Results: Emerging adults and males vaped more frequently than their older adolescent and female counterparts, respectively. Specifically, emerging adults vaped more days per week in comparison to older adolescents, whereas males vaped more days per week and had more vaping episodes per day relative to females. Further, emerging adult males had more vaping episodes in comparison to other subgroups, and adolescent females as well as emerging adult males took more puffs per episode in comparison to emerging adult females. Conclusion: Vaping differences among subgroups suggests the need for policies to reduce regular nicotine vaping targeted toward specific gender and age groups.

Lidocaine spray vs mepivacaine local infiltration for suturing 1st/2nd grade perineal lacerations: a randomised controlled non-inferiority trial

BackgroundPerineal lacerations are a very common complication of post-partum. Usually, the repair of 1st and 2nd-grade lacerations is performed after the administration of local anesthesia. Despite the great relevance of the problem, there are only a few studies about the best choice of local anesthetic to use during suturing. We performed a randomised controlled trial to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the use of a local anesthetic spray during the suturing of perineal lacerations in the post-partum.MethodsWe compared the spray with the standard technique, which involves the infiltration of lacerated tissues, using the NRS scale. 136 eligible women who had given birth at University Hospital of Udine were enrolled and randomly assigned to receive nebulization of Lidocaine hydrochloride 10% spray (experimental group) or subcutaneous/submucosal infiltration of mepivacaine hydrochloride (control group) during suturing of perineal laceration.ResultsThe lacerations included 84 1st-grade perineal traumas (61.7%) and 52 2nd-grade perineal traumas (38.2%). All the procedures were successfully completed without severe complications or serious adverse reactions. There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in terms of blood losses or total procedure time. Moreover, there were no statistically significant differences in terms of NRS to none of the intervals considered. Regarding the application of the spray in the B group, in 36 cases (52.9%) it was necessary to improve the number of puffs previously supposed to be sufficient (5 puffs). Just in 3 cases, an additional injection was necessary (4.4%).ConclusionsOur study demonstrates that lidocaine spray alone can be used as a first line of local anesthetic during the closure of I-II-grade perineal lacerations, as it has comparable efficacy to mepivacaine infiltration.Trial registrationThe trial was recorded on https://clinicaltrials.gov. Identification number: NCT05201313. First registration date: 21/01/2022. Unique Protocol ID: 0042698/P/GEN/ARCS.

Biomarkers of metal exposure in adolescent e-cigarette users: correlations with vaping frequency and flavouring

BackgroundYouth vaping poses a significant public health concern as metals have been detected in e-cigarette aerosols and liquids. This study investigated factors associated with biomarkers of metal exposure.MethodsData were drawn...

Measurement of volatile organic compounds from indoor cannabis smoking and vaping: Direct effects and secondary transport

Cannabis smoking and vaping are emerging sources of indoor air pollutants, given the current trends of decriminalization and legalization across different jurisdictions. Secondhand exposure at the drug consumption site and thirdhand effects through the potential transfer of cannabis emissions to a secondary area, are of public health significance. Here, we present data from an exploratory observational study that examined emissions from cannabis smoking and vaping within a realistic indoor environment by analyzing the gas-phase composition of the indoor air. Additionally, we explored the transfer of emissions to another indoor space as individuals departed from the initial drug consumption site. We observed no significant (p-value < 0.1) difference across smoking and vaping samples regarding total primary and transferred effects. Primary emissions of light aromatics and some sesquiterpenoids from cannabis smoking led to median indoor concentration enhancements 1.5 to more than 3 times higher than cannabis vaping. On the other hand, vaping primary indoor concentration enhancements were comparable to or higher than smoking values up to a factor of 4 among monoterpenoids. Sesquiterpenoids and some monoterpenoids showed median non-zero concentration enhancements in the secondary indoor space, underscoring the importance of cannabis emissions’ thirdhand transport effects. The thirdhand transport was more efficient for semivolatile species, which have a higher affinity to consumers’ body and clothing. We observed a positive and significant correlation between cannabis cigarette weight change during smoking and cannabinoids enhancement in the secondary space. Vapers’ puff number was significantly and positively correlated with light aromatics enhancement in the secondary space. The correlation between the time spent within the primary smoking/vaping site and cannabinoids transport was significantly negative. These insights can facilitate the design and implementation of future projects to illustrate further cannabis smoking/vaping impacts on indoor air quality.

Effect of Individual Patient Characteristics and Treatment Choices on Reliever Medication Use in Moderate-Severe Asthma: A Poisson Analysis of Randomised Clinical Trials.

Even though increased use of reliever medication, including short-acting beta agonists (SABA), provides an indirect measure of symptom worsening, there have been limited efforts to assess how different patterns of reliever use correlate with symptom control and future risk of exacerbations. Here, we evaluate the effect of individual baseline characteristics on reliever use in patients with moderate-severe asthma on regular maintenance therapy with fluticasone propionate (FP) or combination therapy with fluticasone propionate/salmeterol (FP/SAL) or budesonide/formoterol (BUD/FOR). A drug-disease model describing the number of 24-h puffs and overnight occasions was developed with data from five clinical studies (N = 6212). The model was implemented using a nonlinear mixed effects approach and a Poisson function, considering clinical and demographic baseline characteristics. Goodness of fit and model predictive performance were assessed. Heatmaps were created to summarise the effect of concurrent baseline factors on reliever utilisation. The final model accurately described individual patterns of reliever use, which is significantly increased with time since diagnosis, smoking, higher Asthma Control Questionnaire (ACQ-5) score and higher body mass index (BMI) at baseline. Whilst the number of puffs decreases slowly after an initial drop relative to the start of treatment, exacerbating patients utilise significantly more reliever than those who do not exacerbate. The mean effect of FP/SAL (median dose: 250/50μg BID) on reliever use was slightly higher than that of BUD/FOR (median dose: 160/4.5μg BID), i.e. a 75.3% vs 69.3% reduction in reliever use, respectively. The availability of individual-level patient data in conjunction with a parametric approach enabled the characterisation of interindividual differences in the patterns of reliever use in patients with moderate-severe asthma. Taken together, individual demographic and clinical characteristics, as well as exacerbation history, can be considered an indicator of the degree of asthma control. High SABA reliever use suggests suboptimal clinical management of patients on maintenance therapy.

Categorizing Vaping Intensity Among Youth.

Increasing electronic cigarette use among youth has led to a need for a novel intensity measure of e-cigarette use and its association with nicotine addiction variables. Using a cross-sectional study of the 2018-2019 PATH Wave 5 Youth survey, a new intensity metric of e-cigarette use, the average number of puffs per month as a function of frequency (days of use per month), number of uses per day and number of puffs per use, was developed for adolescent e-cigarette users. Using logistic regression, standard addiction measures were tested for association with higher quartile (Q) of e-cigarette intensity: Q1 (1-5 puffs), Q2 (6-50 puffs), Q3 (51-528 puffs), and Q4 (529 + puffs). Among 1051 current youth e-cigarette users, cravings were associated with greater intensity of use (Q2: aOR = 1.90, 95% CI: 0.94-3.87; Q3: aOR = 6.91, 95% CI: 3.25-14.69; and Q4: aOR = 21.48, 95% CI: 10.03-45.97). Craving associations exceeded the corresponding aORs for the identical regression using the frequency of use. Higher intensity was significantly associated with being an older adolescent (aOR = 1.85), best friend use (aOR: 3.35), not thinking about quitting (aOR: 2.51), and lower perceived addiction (aOR: 1.95). This study found that an intensity metric (puffs per month) was strongly associated with cravings, best friend use, harm perception, and lack of intention to quit. This metric provides a more accurate picture of the intensity of youth e-cigarette use than other commonly used measures and may be important for understanding the current and future impact of the youth e-cigarette epidemic. Adolescent addiction to e-cigarettes affects learning, memory, and attention. However, it is unknown whether the intensity of use, puffs per month, differs from frequency, days of use per month, and in relation to addiction measures. This study provides evidence that high-intensity use characterized by puffs per month has a stronger association with cravings compared to frequency, which suggests puffs per month may be a better measure of nicotine exposure. This new intensity metric may give insights into youth e-cigarette use patterns, addiction, and appropriate treatment of intense but intermittent users.

Comparison of the effects of high-flow nasal cannula and bilevel positive airway pressure treatments as respiratory physiotherapy interventions for children with asthma exacerbation: a randomized clinical trial.

A high-flow nasal cannula is a practical and safe instrument that can be used for children with asthma exacerbation and promotes beneficial outcomes such as improved asthma severity scores and reduced hospitalization durations, salbutamol use, and oxygen use. To evaluate and compare the efficacy of high-flow nasal cannula treatment and that of bilevel positive airway pressure treatment as respiratory physiotherapy interventions for pediatric patients who are hospitalized because of asthma exacerbation. During a randomized clinical trial, treatment was performed using a high-flow nasal cannula and bilevel positive airway pressure for hospitalized children with asthma. After randomization, data regarding lung function, vital signs, and severity scores (pulmonary index, pediatric asthma severity, and pediatric asthma scores) were collected. Fifty patients were included in this study (25 in the Bilevel Group and 25 in the high-flow nasal cannula group). After 45 minutes of therapy, an improvement in the forced expiratory volume in 1 second was observed. The high-flow nasal cannula group required fewer days of oxygen (O2) use, used fewer bronchodilators (number of salbutamol puffs), and required shorter hospitalization periods than the Bilevel Group (6.1±1.9 versus 4.3±1.3 days; 95% confidence interval, -5.0 to -0.6). A high-flow nasal cannula is a viable option for the treatment of asthma exacerbation because it can reduce the hospitalization period and the need for O2 and bronchodilators. Additionally, it is a safe and comfortable treatment modality that is as effective as bilevel positive airway pressure.ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04033666.

The Effect of Se ect of Several Electric Cigar al Electric Cigarette Puffs on Nanohybrid ette Puffs on Nanohybrid Composite Resin Surface Roughness

Nanohybrid composite resin is a dental restorative material comprising micro and nano-sized fillers. When accompanied by smoking habits, it can alter the surface roughness of composite resin. Objective: This study aimed to determine the effect of several electric cigarette (e-cigarette) puffs on the surface roughness of nanohybrid composite resin. Methods: This study was conducted in the experimental laboratory with a pretest-posttest control group design using 48 nanohybrid composite resin specimens divided into six groups. Subsequently, the experimental groups were exposed to 75, 150, 225, 300, and 450 puffs of e-cigarette, and the control group was given artificial saliva immersion without exposure for 21 days. The surface roughness of specimens was measured with a surface roughness tester and evaluated through statistical analysis, including One-Way ANOVA and Post-Hoc LSD. Results: The average pre-test and post-test differences between groups I, II, III, IV, V, and VI were 0.013, 0.022, 0.033, 0.044, 0.065, and 0.005 μm. These results showed a significant difference in the surface roughness of nanohybrid composite resin (p &lt; 0.05), with variations between all groups. Conclusion: This study showed that the number of e-cigarette puffs had a significant effect on the surface roughness of nanohybrid composite resin. Specifically, an increase in the number of e-cigarette puffs led to a rise in the surface roughness value of nanohybrid composite resin.

Influence of nicotine form and nicotine flux on puffing behavior and mouth-level exposure to nicotine from electronic nicotine delivery systems

BackgroundNicotine form (freebase/protonated) and nicotine flux (rate at which nicotine is emitted) are two factors that can affect the dose of nicotine inhaled by individuals using electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) because they can influence puffing behavior. The nicotine dose for each puff also is directly proportional to nicotine flux (i.e., dose/puff=nicotine flux*puff duration). This study examines the effect of nicotine form and flux on puffing parameters and mouth-level nicotine exposure. MethodsThirty-two dual ENDS and combustible cigarette participants completed five visits that differed by nicotine form (freebase or protonated) and nicotine flux (14 or 35µg/sec); a zero-nicotine condition was a negative control. Participants used a Subox Mini C ENDS, powered at 20W, during a 10-puff directed bout (B1) followed by a one-hour ad libitum bout (B2). Puffing parameters and mouth-level nicotine exposure were assessed using the American University of Beirut REALTIME instrument. ResultsRelative to protonated nicotine, freebase nicotine was associated with lower total puff duration (puff duration*number of puffs), lower flow rate in B1, lower liquid consumption, and lower mouth-level nicotine exposure. Increasing nicotine flux from 14 to 35µg/sec was associated with lower total puff duration in both bouts, as well as lower liquid consumption. Increasing nicotine flux was associated with higher mouth-level nicotine exposure in B1 only. ConclusionENDS with protonated nicotine may enhance nicotine exposure by promoting longer puffing and thus greater dose delivered. This work highlights the importance of accounting for interactions between nicotine form and flux when considering nicotine regulation for ENDS.

Effects of Aftermarket Electronic Cigarette Pods on Device Power Output and Nicotine, Carbonyl, and ROS Emissions.

Aftermarket pods designed to operate with prevalent electronic nicotine delivery system (ENDS) products such as JUUL are marketed as low-cost alternatives that allow the use of banned flavored liquids. Subtle differences in the design or construction of aftermarket pods may intrinsically modify the performance of the ENDS device and the resulting nicotine and toxicant emissions relative to the original equipment manufacturer's product. In this study, we examined the electrical output of a JUUL battery and the aerosol emissions when four different brands of aftermarket pods filled with an analytical-grade mixture of propylene glycol, glycerol, and nicotine were attached to it and puffed by machine. The aerosol emissions examined included total particulate matter (TPM), nicotine, carbonyl compounds (CCs), and reactive oxygen species (ROS). We also compared the puff-resolved power and TPM outputs of JUUL and aftermarket pods. We found that all aftermarket pods drew significantly greater electrical power from the JUUL battery during puffing and had different electrical resistances and resistivity. In addition, unlike the case with the original pods, we found that with the aftermarket pods, the power provided by the battery did not vary greatly with flow rate or puff number, suggesting impairment of the temperature control circuitry of the JUUL device when used with the aftermarket pods. The greater power output with the aftermarket pods resulted in up to three times greater aerosol and nicotine output than the original product. ROS and CC emissions varied widely across brands. These results highlight that the use of aftermarket pods can greatly modify the performance and emissions of ENDS. Consumers and public health authorities should be made aware of the potential increase in the level of toxicant exposure when aftermarket pods are employed.

Effect of sweet flavouring on the rewarding and reinforcing value of cigarillo use among young adults

IntroductionCigarillos dominate the US cigar market, and young adults largely drive use. While young adults prefer flavoured to non-flavoured cigarillos, especially those flavoured to taste like fruit or other sweets,...

Racial and ethnic disparities in biomarkers of exposure and potential harm among U.S. adult exclusive e-cigarette users: 2013–2019

ObjectiveProvide evidence on racial and ethnic differences in biomarkers of exposure from rising e-cigarette use among U.S. adults. MethodsData were drawn from Waves 1–5 of the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health study (September 2013-November 2019). Differences in biomarkers of exposure and potential harm (BOE/BoPH) across non-Hispanic (NH)-Whites, NH Blacks, Hispanic/Latinos, and NH others were examined using generalized estimation equations. ResultsAmong exclusive e-cigarette users, mean concentrations of BOEs/BoPHs were not significantly different across NH Blacks (n=97), NH others (n=122), and NH Whites (n=1062), after adjustment by wave, age, sex, education, exposure to the secondhand smoke, and the number of recent puffs. Compared to NH Whites, Hispanics (n=151) had lower concentrations of nicotine equivalents (0.5[0.2–1.7] vs. 15.5 [12.5–19.1] nmol/mg creatinine, p<.0001), cotinine (33.4[9.7–114.7] vs. 1008.3 [808.3–1257.9] ng/mg creatinine, p<.0001), and 4-(methylnitrosamino)−1-(3-pyridyl)−1-butanol (NNAL) (2.6[1.5–4.4] vs. 5.7 [4.9–6.6] pg/mg creatinine, p=.004), but similar concentrations of BOEs for heavy metals, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, volatile organic compounds, and oxidative stress. Differences between Hispanics and NH Whites are expected, given different e-cigarette use profiles. Specifically, Hispanics were less likely to be daily vapers (49.4[35.1–63.8]% vs 81.3[77.7–84.5]%, p<.0001) and nicotine e-cigarette users (72.7 [64.0–79.9]% vs. 89.2 [86.4–91.5]%, p=.0002] and reported a lower number of recent puffs (mean[standard error]=16.7[3.6] vs. 28.6[2.0], p=.02] than their NH-White counterparts. Hispanic vapers were also less likely than NH Whites to have previously smoked cigarettes (49.7 [37.2–62.3]% vs. 88.5 [84.7–91.5]%, p<.0001]). ConclusionsHispanic vapers exhibited lower exposure to nicotine metabolites and carcinogens than their non-Hispanic White counterparts. The harm reduction potential from e-cigarette use are likely to be realized across diverse racial and ethnic groups.

Recency of Cannabis Vaping in Sexual Minorities in Wave 5 of the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health (PATH) Study

Background Cannabis vaping is increasing in the United States. Among populations at-risk are sexual minorities (SM) who are more likely to vape cannabis compared to their heterosexual counterparts. Cannabis vaping has been associated with negative health outcomes and concomitant use of other substances with increased risk with more recent use. Objectives This study examined the association between SM identification and recency of cannabis vaping (the last occasion that a participant used their vape device with cannabis) and number of puffs (the count of puffs that the participant took during their most recent use of their vape device with cannabis) using Wave 5 of the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health (PATH) Study. Results In a weighted sample of participants who reported ever vaping cannabis (N = 5,331), 15% identified as SM, about 60% vaped cannabis in the past 3 or more days, and the mean number of puffs was 2 (SE = 0.17). Using multinomial logistic regression and zero-inflated negative binomial regression, the results showed that compared to heterosexual adults who reported not recently vaping cannabis, SM had higher probabilities of vaping cannabis in the past 3 or more days, 1-2 days, and the day of interview. Conclusion SM individuals were more likely to recently vape cannabis, placing them at higher risk for respiratory diseases and use of other substances. Public health researchers and practitioners need to identify reasons for cannabis vaping in this population and implement targeted public health messaging to inform SM communities of the potential health effects of cannabis vaping.

Determination of chemical constituent yields in e-cigarette aerosol using partial and whole pod collections, a comparative analysis.

Literature reports the chemical constituent yields of electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) aerosol collected using a range of aerosol collection strategies. The number of puffs to deplete an ENDS product varies widely, but collections often consist of data from the first 50-100 puffs. However, it is not clear whether these discrete puff blocks are representative of constituent yields over the life of a pod. We aimed to assess the effect of differing aerosol collection strategies on reported yields for select chemical constituents in the aerosol of closed pod-based ENDS products. Constituents analyzed were chosen to reflect important classes of compounds from the Final Premarket Tobacco Product Application Guidance. Yields were normalized to total device mass loss (DML). Collection strategies that consisted of partial pod collection were valid for determining yields of constituents whose DML normalized yields were consistent for the duration of pod life. These included primary aerosol constituents, such as propylene glycol, glycerol, and nicotine, and whole pod yields could be determined from initial puff blocks. However, changes were observed in the yields of some metals, some carbonyl compounds, and glycidol over pod life in a chemical constituent and product dependent manner. These results suggest that collection strategies consisting of initial puff block collections require validation per chemical constituent/product and are not appropriate for chemical constituents with variable yields over pod life. Whole pod collection increased sensitivity and accuracy in determining metal, carbonyl, and glycidol yields compared to puff block-based collection methodologies for all products tested.

Biochemical validation of self-reported electronic nicotine delivery system and tobacco heaviness of use.

Research on tobacco use disorder relies on a combination of self-reported use (e.g., cigarettes per day) and biochemical validation to quantify heaviness of use. However, electronic nicotine delivery system (ENDS) users may be unaware of how much they have vaped per day. The aim of this study was to test the relationship between self-reported heaviness of ENDS/tobacco use and nicotine biomarkers. Young adults (n = 30) who currently use ENDS and other tobacco products completed a detailed tobacco use history, timeline follow-back, and an ENDS topography session. We evaluated the self-reports of own-brand ENDS use and tested correlations to determine which self-report measures of own-brand use, and which self-reported measures of puff topography, had the strongest correlations with urine and/or blood biomarkers of nicotine use. Participants reported using a variety of different ENDS devices and had a range of usage. The sum of the self-reported number of occasions or hours of ENDS use, along with the number of cigarettes and other tobacco products used, over the past 24 hr was significantly correlated with plasma cotinine levels. Puff topography measures correlated with increased nicotine concentrations, although participants underestimated the number of puffs they took during the topography session. This study provides preliminary evidence that summing together the hours of ENDS use, or the number of occasions of ENDS use, in addition to the number of other tobacco products used (i.e., cigarettes) based on self-report may be an accurate method of quantification. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).

Sensory appeal and puffing intensity of e-cigarette use: Influence of nicotine salts versus free-base nicotine in e-liquids

BackgroundIn the US, nicotine salts (with protonated nicotine instead of free-based nicotine) have been reported to lower the harshness and bitterness of e-cigarette aerosols, making it easier to inhale high levels of nicotine. This study aimed to determine whether nicotine salts also increase sensory appeal at lower concentrations (< 20mg/mL). Moreover, and novel, inhalation intensity of both types of e-liquids was compared. MethodsIn a randomized, double-blinded, within-participants design, healthy adults who use e-cigarettes (n=68) vaped tobacco-flavored e-liquids containing 12mg/mL of free-based nicotine or nicotine salt ad libitum, using their own device, during two online sessions (June-July 2021, Utrecht, The Netherlands). The sensory parameters perceived liking, nicotine intensity, harshness, and pleasantness were rated on a 100-unit visual analog scale. The intensity of use was determined by the recorded puff number, duration and interval. ResultsTest scores on appeal, harshness and puffing behavior parameters showed no significant differences between the nicotine salt and the free-base condition. The average inhalation time was 2.5seconds. Additional analyses found no significant effect of liquid order, age, gender, smoking status, vaping frequency and familiarity with nicotine salts. Significant positive correlations were found between the sensory parameters except for harshness. ConclusionsContrary to a previous study that used higher nicotine concentrations and standardized puffing conditions in a laboratory setting, we did not observe the effects of nicotine salts on sensory appeal in our real-life study paradigm. Moreover, we did not see effects on study parameters related to puffing intensity.