Vapor Exposure Research Articles

Anxiety-Like Behavior in Rats During Periods of Abstinence Following E-Cigarette Vapor and Cigarette Smoke Exposure: Role of Inflammatory Cytokines and Glutamate Receptors.

Anxiety-Like Behavior in Rats During Periods of Abstinence Following E-Cigarette Vapor and Cigarette Smoke Exposure: Role of Inflammatory Cytokines and Glutamate Receptors.

Individual differences in punished alcohol self-administration are unaltered by alcohol vapor exposure.

Individual differences in punished alcohol self-administration are unaltered by alcohol vapor exposure.

Complementary Hydrogen-bonded Functionalized Mixed Conducting Terpolymers for High Performance n-type Organic Electrochemical Transistors and Healable Inverters.

High-performing n-type organic electrochemical transistors (OECTs),crucial for integrated circuits in wearable bioelectronics,demand organic mixed ion-electron conductors (OMIECs) that exhibit efficient mixed conduction and biological functionality for practical applications.However,the development of self-healing OMIECs has not yet been achieved due to the lack of suitable synthetic strategies.Here,we present a design concept through incorporating dynamic cross-linked hydrogen-bonded in the polymer backbone for the first demonstration of self-healing polymeric mixed conductors, enabling high-performing OECTs and high gain, self-healing inverters. These devices exhibit a mixed conducting figure of merit µC* of 118 F cm-1 V-1 s-1, three times higher than the copolymer without hydrogen bond, along with simultaneously improved volumetric capacitance and electron mobility. These improvements are attributed to the unique microstructure created by hydrogen bond, which results in a closer π-π stacking distance within smaller crystalline domain sizes. Additionally, a cost-effective post-processing side chain removal method is proposed, which retains high performance in n-type OECTs. Remarkably, inverters based on the hydrogen-bonded terpolymer demonstrate high gain and self-healing capabilities through solvent vapor exposure and annealing treatment. Insights from these terpolymers emphasize the use of dynamic hydrogen bonds in the conjugated backbone to enhance performance and enable self-healing high-gain inverters, advancing wearable bioelectronics for practical applications.

Triply Periodic Minimal Surfaces Mullite Structures for Humidity Detection

Three-dimensional-printed complex mullite structures based on triply periodic minimal surfaces (TPMSs, namely, Schwartz and Gyroid) with two different thicknesses (Schwartz 1 and Gyroid 1–4 mm, Schwartz 2 and Gyroid 2–6 mm) were fabricated and tested as humidity sensors. The samples were sintered at 1450 °C and tested in the range from 0% to 89% relative humidity (RH) at room temperature to evaluate the effect of geometry and thickness on humidity sensitivity. After water vapor exposure at room temperature, the response was 2.84 under 89 RH% for the Schwartz 1 structure (1.36 for the Schwartz 2 structure) and 1.21 for the Gyroid 1 structure (7.00 for the Gyroid 2 structure). The results showed that, at 89% RH, the best response of the sensors was achieved for the Gyroid 2 structure. Sensors exhibit good repeatability, and there was no interference in the presence of other gases.

Effects of daridorexant on rest/wake activity patterns and drinking in adult rats exposed to chronic ethanol vapor in adolescence.

Effects of daridorexant on rest/wake activity patterns and drinking in adult rats exposed to chronic ethanol vapor in adolescence.

Characterization of a novel oronasal-restricted nicotine vaping self-administration model in mice.

Characterization of a novel oronasal-restricted nicotine vaping self-administration model in mice.

Inkjet Printing of Cadmium-Free Quantum Dots-Based Electroluminescent Devices.

InP quantum dots (QDs) have excellent optoelectronic properties and less toxicity than Cd-based QDs, making them excellent candidates for QD-based light-emitting diodes (QLEDs). Inkjet printing is a promising technology to replace other methods, such as spin coating, vacuum evaporation, and lithography, for assembling lower-cost and high-resolution QLEDs. However, inkjet printing faces the challenge of a coffee ring effect. To address this, we combined the solutal and thermal Marangoni effects by employing a binary solvent system (cyclohexylbenzene and decane) and heating the substrate during printing. The thermal Marangoni effect, which has been underexplored in previous studies of inkjet-printed QLEDs, is a focal point of this work. Uniform patterns were obtained with a volume ratio of 20% decane and a substrate temperature of 60 °C. The evaporation of the solvents from QD ink droplets behaved differently at different substrate temperatures, i.e., stick-jump mode at 20 and 40 °C and stick-slide mode at 60 °C. Consequently, the inkjet-printed InP QLEDs without the coffee ring effect were successfully assembled. Furthermore, increasing the electron transport layer (ETL) thickness reduced trap density when it was exposed to the air and prevented the deterioration of the QD layer from water vapor and oxygen exposure. This is likely due to the decrease in oxygen vacancies in the ETL, mitigating the defect-dependent exciton quenching at the ETL/QD interface.

Spectroscopic change of rhodamine 3B incorporated in layered titanate/decyltrimethylammonium hybrid solid by exposure of phenol vapors

Abstract Phenol, a critical raw material in resins and pharmaceuticals, presents environmental and health risks owing to its high volatility and water solubility. Rapid, on-site detection methods are urgently needed but remain underdeveloped. This study explores the use of decyltrimethylammonium-modified layered titanate hybridized with rhodamine 3B (R3B/C10TMA/LT) as a solid material for phenol detection through spectroscopic changes. Phenol adsorption increased the interlayer spacing from 2.37 nm to 2.71 nm, with an adsorption capacity of 5.2 mmol/g-hybrid (486 mg/g-hybrid). Significant spectroscopic changes, including diffuse reflectance darkening and pronounced photoluminescence quenching, were observed, resulting from interactions between phenol's π-conjugated system and the hybrid material. In contrast, cyclohexanol, a non-aromatic compound, showed minimal interaction, confirming the material's specificity for phenol. Under high humidity, phenol detection remained effective despite a reduced adsorption capacity (3.1 mmol/g-hybrid), demonstrating its robustness under varying conditions. These results underscore the potential of R3B/C10TMA/LT for atmospheric phenol sensing. Future research should focus on developing this material into films or bulk devices for practical applications.

Effects of chronic ethanol exposure on dorsal medial striatal neurons receiving convergent inputs from the orbitofrontal cortex and basolateral amygdala.

Effects of chronic ethanol exposure on dorsal medial striatal neurons receiving convergent inputs from the orbitofrontal cortex and basolateral amygdala.

Preparation of Copper Oxide Film at Low Temperature in Basic Conditions on a Copper Substrate.

Copper is widely used in both its metallic form and as oxide across numerous scientific and industrial domains. The primary copper oxides, cuprite (Cu2O) and tenorite (CuO), naturally form on the copper surface and play a crucial role in advanced technologies, such as solar cells, lithium batteries, and sensors. Tenorite is appreciated for its optical properties, stability, low toxicity, and reactivity. While copper oxide thin films are traditionally synthesized through thermal treatments and oxidation in alkaline environments, these conventional high-temperature methods not only require significant energy consumption but can also compromise the metal-film interface. This study aims to develop a sustainable alternative approach for forming a homogeneous CuO layer on a copper substrate through environmentally friendly treatments based on low temperature, cost-effective, and time-saving procedures. Three different eco-conscious treatments were investigated: (i) immersion in NaOH basic solution, (ii) exposure to NaOH basic solution vapours, and (iii) a combined treatment involving both immersion and vapour exposure. This green synthesis approach significantly reduces energy consumption compared to traditional thermal methods while maintaining product quality. The surface oxide layer was investigated through an optical microscope (OM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), spectrocolorimetric analysis, peel-off test, µ-Raman and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis to investigate the surface oxidation state.

Effect of Electronic Cigarette Vapour Exposure on Ca2+- and cAMP-Dependent Ion Transport in Human Airway Epithelial Cells

PurposeThe popularity of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) has grown exponentially over the past few years, and teenagers now prefer them to tobacco cigarettes. We determined whether exposure to e-cigarette vapour (e-vapour) adversely affects ion transport using human airway epithelial cell lines 16HBE14o- and Calu-3 and well-differentiated primary human bronchial epithelial cells (HBEs).MethodsWe concurrently measured fluorescent signals and short-circuit current (ISC), an indicator of electrogenic ion transport, in polarised epithelia. The P2Y receptor-mediated signalling pathway was used to induce an increase in intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) and ISC. We used a single-polypeptide fluorescence resonance energy transfer reporter based on exchange proteins directly activated by cAMP (Epac) to measure forskolin-induced changes in cAMP and ISC.ResultsWe compared the effects of e-vapour to those of traditional cigarette smoke (CS) on the human airway cell models. In all three cell types, e-vapour, similar to CS, significantly reduced agonist-induced increases in Ca2+ or cAMP signalling and ISC. However, reductions in the epithelial electrolyte transport activities did not correlate with any changes in the protein levels of various ion channels and transporters.ConclusionOur data suggest that e-vapour is not harmless and causes ion transport dysfunction similar to CS, thereby predisposing e-cigarette users to vaping-induced lung injury.

Vitamin E-Mediated Modulation of Pulmonary Toxicity and Mineral Homeostasis in Experimental Rats Exposed to Crude Oil Vapor

This study investigated the biochemical and mineral alterations in the lungs of experimental rats exposed to varying concentrations of crude oil vapor, focusing on tissue injury markers and mineral homeostasis. The experimental design included six groups (A–F) subjected to increasing exposure levels, with Group A serving as the control. Key biochemical parameters assessed included Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH), Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase (GGT), Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT), and Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST). Additionally, serum Total Protein (TP), Calcium (Ca), and Phosphorous (P) levels were evaluated to determine systemic effects. Results revealed dose-dependent increases in all enzyme activities, indicating significant tissue damage and oxidative stress. LDH levels increased significantly at higher exposure levels, with Groups E and F showing mean values of 14.76 U/L and 15.75 U/L, respectively. GGT activity exhibited a progressive rise across all groups, with Group F reaching 9.87 U/L. ALT levels showed modest increases (1.57–2.28 U/L), suggesting partial tissue protection by vitamin E. AST levels also rose significantly, peaking at 5.71 U/L in Group F, highlighting systemic toxicity. Regression analysis identified ALT (coefficient = 3.024) and GGT (coefficient = 0.909) as the most significant predictors of AST levels (R² = 0.897), underscoring the interdependence of oxidative stress and tissue injury. Mineral analysis demonstrated progressive increases in TP (0.31–0.77 g/dL), Ca (4.21–7.53 mg/dL), and P (2.30–7.07 mg/dL), indicating disruptions in mineral homeostasis potentially linked to lung tissue damage and dysfunction. The close association between elevated calcium and phosphorus levels suggests possible soft tissue calcification at higher exposure levels. In conclusion, crude oil vapor exposure induces dose-dependent pulmonary toxicity characterized by oxidative stress, tissue injury, and mineral imbalances. Although vitamin E provided partial protection, the findings highlight the need for higher antioxidant doses or combined protective strategies to mitigate the toxicological impacts of crude oil vapor exposure.

Direct and Volatile Potential Applications of Essential Oils for Post-Harvest Fungal Control.

Around one-third of food production is lost globally, significantly impacting food security, primarily due to post-harvest deterioration from phytopathogenic fungi. This study aimed to assess the antifungal properties of essential oils (EOs) from Syzygium aromaticum, Origanum vulgare L., Cymbopogon martinii, C. citratus, Mentha spicata, and Mentha piperita against three fungi affecting tropical fruits: Lasiodiplodia theobromae, Alternaria alternata, and Fusarium solani. The antifungal efficacy was evaluated using direct contact and volatilization methods, determining the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) needed to completely inhibit fungal growth. Scanning electron microscopy was employed to observe the effects of EOs on fungal cells. Among the tested oils, O. vulgare showed the most promise, with MIC values ranging from 40 to 200µL/L for volatile exposure and from 125 to 500µL/L for direct contact. The results indicated that vapor exposure was more effective, requiring lower concentrations for fungal control. Thus, these EOs, particularly that of O. vulgare, present a viable alternative to synthetic fungicides for managing post-harvest fungal infections in tropical fruits, promoting sustainable agricultural practices.

Transcriptomic changes in oxidative stress, immunity, and cancer pathways caused by cannabis vapor on alveolar epithelial cells

As legalization of cannabis increases worldwide, vaping cannabis is gaining popularity due to the belief that it is less harmful than smoking cannabis. However, the safety of cannabis vaping remains untested. To address this, we developed a physiologically relevant method for in vitro assessment of cannabis vapor on alveolar epithelial cell cultures. We compared the transcriptional response in three in vitro models of cannabis vapor exposure using A549 epithelial cells in submerged culture, pseudo-air liquid interface (ALI) culture, and ALI culture coupled with the expoCube™ advanced exposure system. Baseline gene expression in ALI-maintained A549 cells showed higher expression of type 2 alveolar epithelial (AEC2) genes related to surfactant production, ion movement, and barrier integrity. Acute exposure to cannabis vapor significantly affected gene expression in AEC2 cells belonging to pathways related to cancer, oxidative stress, and the immune response without being associated with a DNA damage response. This study identifies potential risks of cannabis vaping and underscores the need for further exploration into its respiratory health implications.Graphical • Vaporizing cannabis is increasingly popular but remains largely untested.• We used three in vitro models to assess the effects of cannabis vapor on alveolar epithelial cells.• Cannabis vapor exposure alters pathways linked to cancer and metabolism, without causing DNA damage.

A Dynamic Covalent Organic Framework with Entangled 2D Layers.

Dynamic covalent organic frameworks (COFs) represent an emerging class of porous materials with an inherent structural flexibility. However, due to the challenges in their synthesis and structural characterization, research on dynamic COFs remains at an early stage and requires further exploration. Herein, we report the designed synthesis of a novel COF with entangled 2D layers that exhibits interesting dynamic behavior in response to organic vapor exposure. By employing the continuous rotation electron diffraction technique, we precisely resolved the crystal structures of the COF before and after vapor adsorption. Structural analysis revealed that the vapor-induced conformational changes, such as anthracene unit rotation, triggered layer adjustments and reduced entanglement angles, leading to significant pore structure alterations. This study not only introduces a new class of dynamic COFs but also provides a foundation for the rational design of entangled frameworks with structural flexibility for diverse applications.

Chronic Ethanol Exposure Produces Persistent Impairment in Cognitive Flexibility and Decision Signals in the Striatum.

Lack of cognitive flexibility is a hallmark of substance use disorders and has been associated with drug-induced synaptic plasticity in the dorsomedial striatum (DMS). Yet the possible impact of altered plasticity on real-time striatal neural dynamics during decision-making is unclear. Here, we identified persistent impairments induced by chronic ethanol (EtOH) exposure on cognitive flexibility and striatal decision signals. After a substantial withdrawal period from prior EtOH vapor exposure, male, but not female, rats exhibited reduced adaptability and exploratory behavior during a dynamic decision-making task. Reinforcement learning models showed that prior EtOH exposure enhanced learning from rewards over omissions. Notably, neural signals in the DMS related to the decision outcome were enhanced, while those related to choice and choice-outcome conjunction were reduced, in EtOH-treated rats compared to the controls. These findings highlight the profound impact of chronic EtOH exposure on adaptive decision-making, pinpointing specific changes in striatal representations of actions and outcomes as underlying mechanisms for cognitive deficits.

Acute nicotine vapor attenuates sensorimotor gating deficits in HIV-1 transgenic rats.

Despite improved life expectancy of people with HIV (PWH), HIV-associated neurocognitive impairment (NCI) persists, alongside deficits in sensorimotor gating and neuroinflammation. PWH exhibit high smoking rates, possibly due to neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, and cognitive-enhancing effects of nicotine, suggesting potential self-medication. Here, we tested the effects of acute nicotine vapor exposure on translatable measures of sensorimotor gating and exploratory behavior in the HIV-1 transgenic (HIV-1Tg) rat model of HIV. Male and female HIV-1Tg (n = 28) and F344 control rats (n = 29) were exposed to acute nicotine or vehicle vapor. Sensorimotor gating was assessed using prepulse inhibition (PPI) of the acoustic startle response, and exploratory behavior was evaluated using the behavioral pattern monitor (BPM). Vehicle-treated HIV-1Tg rats exhibited PPI deficits at low prepulse intensities compared to F344 controls, as seen previously. No PPI deficits were observed in nicotine-treated HIV-1Tg rats, however. Nicotine vapor increased locomotor activity across genotypes. Cotinine analyses confirmed comparable levels of the primary metabolite of nicotine across genotypes. Previous findings of PPI deficits in HIV-1Tg rats were replicated and, importantly, attenuated by acute nicotine vapor administration. Evidence for similar cotinine levels suggest a nicotine-specific effect in HIV-1Tg rats. Therefore, acute nicotine administration may be beneficial for attenuating sensorimotor deficits in PWH. Future studies should determine the long-term effects of nicotine vapor on similar HIV/NCI-relevant behaviors.

Chronic intermittent ethanol produces nociception through endocannabinoid-independent mechanisms in mice.

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) affects millions of people and represents a significant health and economic burden. Pain represents a frequently under-treated aspect of hyperkatifeia during alcohol withdrawal, yet to date no drugs have received FDA approval for the treatment of this indication in AUD patients. This study aims to evaluate the potential of targeting bioactive lipid signaling pathways as a therapeutic approach for treating alcohol withdrawal-related pain. We utilized a chronic intermittent ethanol (CIE) vapor exposure model in C57BL/6J mice of both sexes to establish alcohol dependence, and demonstrated that CIE mice developed robust tactile allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia during withdrawal that was independent of prior blood alcohol levels. Next, we evaluated four drugs for their efficacy in reversing tactile allodynia during abstinence from CIE using a cross-over treatment design that included FDA-approved naltrexone as well as commercially available inhibitors targeting inflammatory lipid signaling enzymes including fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH), monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL), and 15-Lipoxygenase (LOX). None of these compounds produced significant therapeutic benefit in reversing established CIE-induced tactile allodynia, despite attenuating pain-like behaviors at these doses in other chronic pain models. Additionally, we assessed plasma endocannabinoid levels in both sexes during withdrawal. We found that there is an inherent sex difference in the endogenous anti-inflammatory endocannabinoid tone in naive mice and CIE treatment affected endocannabinoids levels in female mice only. These findings underscore the need to better understand the driving causes of AUD induced pain and to develop novel therapeutic approaches to mitigate pain in AUD patients.

Exposure to third hand e-cigarette vapour impairs cognitive function in young mice.

Exposure to third hand e-cigarette vapour impairs cognitive function in young mice.

Abstract TP345: Electronic Cigarette Exposure Worsens Stroke Induced Inflammation in Female Rats

Introduction: The rise in popularity of nicotine-containing electronic cigarettes (ECs) globally necessitates a deeper understanding of their effects on stroke outcomes. This study investigates the influence of EC exposure on post-ischemic inflammation. Methods: Adult Sprague-Dawley rats of both sexes were randomly assigned to either air or EC vapor exposure (5% nicotine Juul pods) for 16 nights, followed by transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO; 90 minutes) or sham surgery. Post-surgery, animals were divided into two cohorts. In the first cohort, cortical brain tissue was collected 24 hours after tMCAO or sham surgery for Western blot analysis of inflammasome proteins, including Caspase-1, Interleukin-1β (IL-1β), apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a caspase recruitment domain (ASC), and gasdermin-D (GSDMD). The second cohort was sacrificed 21 days post-tMCAO for immunohistochemical analysis of microglial marker ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule-1 (Iba-1). De-ramified microglia were quantified across three serial coronal sections (10 μm) using the optical fractionator probe in StereoInvestigator software, with a counting frame of 100x100 μm and approximately 40 sampling sites per section. Microglial morphology and Sholl analysis were performed by capturing three cortical images per slide, each containing at least three microglia, and across three slides per subject, resulting in 18 images for peri-infarct and contralateral areas. Analysis was conducted using ImageJ software. Results: Western blot analysis revealed a significant increase in Caspase-1 and ASC protein levels in the ipsilateral cortex of EC-exposed female rats compared to males after tMCAO (p<0.05). Quantification of Iba-1 indicated an increase in de-ramified microglia in the cortex of EC-exposed female rats as compared to air-exposed after tMCAO, potentially exacerbating post-stroke infarction. Microglial morphology analysis showed increased cell soma size and decreased branch length in EC-exposed female rats. Sholl analysis demonstrated reduced microglial complexity in EC-exposed group as compared to air-exposed after tMCAO, with a smaller area under the curve and fewer peak intersections in the cortex. Conclusion: EC exposure exacerbates stroke-induced inflammation and cognitive deficits in female rats. Future research should explore whether EC withdrawal mitigates ischemic severity and determine the necessary duration of withdrawal for potential recovery.