Sex differences in the subjective and reinforcing effects of cigarette nicotine dose

RATIONALE: Some research with novel nicotine delivery methods suggests that nicotine itself may be less reinforcing in women than in men. However, sex differences in the reinforcing effects of nicotine dose via cigarette smoking have received little attention. OBJECTIVES: Sex differences in the subjective and reinforcing effects of smoking were examined as a function of two cigarette nicotine "dose" levels (moderate - subjects' preferred brand, > or = 0.7 mg yield; low - Carlton "ultra-light", 0.1 mg yield). METHODS: Male and female smokers ( n = 30) participated in three sessions, the first two involving independent assessment (only one brand available), and the third involving concurrent assessment (both brands available), of subjective ratings (e.g. "liking") and reinforcement for the two cigarette brands. Subjects were blind to the brand of each cigarette, and subjects abstained overnight prior to each session. Reinforcement was determined by responses on a computer task to earn single puffs on the designated cigarette. RESULTS: Subjective ratings differed between the low versus moderate cigarette nicotine dose under both independent and concurrent assessment conditions, as expected. Notably, this dose difference was smaller in women than in men (i.e. significant sex by dose interactions). The dose effect on smoke reinforcement also was smaller in women than men, but only under the independent and not concurrent assessment condition. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that cigarette nicotine dose is a less important influence on the subjective and, under some conditions, reinforcing effects of smoking in women than in men.     

吸烟和交通废气污染联合作用对交通警察健康影响的研究

目的 调查唐山市交通废气污染现状，探讨吸烟和交通废气污染联合作用对交通警察的健康影响。方法 选择三个有代表性路口进行环境监测，包括可吸入性颗粒物(IP)、氮氧化物(NOx)、一氧化碳(CO)、总烃(CmHn)和铅尘(Pb)浓度。采用现况研究的方法，以唐山市196名男性外勤交通警察(外勤警)和148名男性内勤交通警察(内勤警)为研究对象，进行问卷调查和各种症状的体检，并测定了血碳氧血红蛋白饱和度(HbCO%)、肺最大呼气流速(PEF)，抽样测定部分调查对象血铅含量。结果各监测点的CO、NOx的浓度明显超标，Pb尘差异无显著性。外勤警的各种症状出现率、HbCO％显著高于内勤警，PET低于内勤警，血Pb差异无显著性。按是否吸烟分层后，内、外勤警中吸烟者的各症状出现率、HbCO％均高于不吸烟者，PET低于不吸烟者；吸烟内勤警的神经衰弱及心血管系统症状出现率、血铅甚至高于不吸烟的外勤警。结论交通废气污染是引起外勤警症状出现率升高、HbCO％升高、PET下降的一个重要因素，吸烟可使神经衰弱、心血管系统症状出现率、血铅增高更明显。吸烟和交通废气污染联合作用加重了对吸烟外勤警的健康损害。     

烟草凝集物对家兔胚泡乳酸脱氢酶及过氧化脂质的影响

为探讨吸烟对胚泡发育的影响,观察了烟草凝集物对孕７天兔胚泡的过氧化脂质和乳酸脱氢酶的影响,结果表明,体外培养４ｈ时ＬＰＯ水平比２ｈ显示升高,４ｈＬＤＨ与２ｈＬＤＨ相比差异不显著。ＬＤＨ活力与ＣＳＣ剂量不相关,但ＬＰＯ有随ＣＳＣ剂量增加上升的趋势,其ｒ值接近Ｐ＝０．０５的显著性水平。提示ＣＳＣ有促进脂质过氧化反应的趋势。     

Airway inflammation and remodeling of cigarette smoking exposure ovalbumin-induced asthma is alleviated by CpG oligodeoxynucleotides via affecting dendritic cell-mediated Th17 polarization

Cigarette smoking (CS) is common in asthma, aggravating inflammatory reactions. However, the current treatment strategies for asthma are still not effective enough, and novel therapeutic approaches are required for CS-induced asthmatic disorders. We here investigated the ability of CpG oligodeoxynucleotides (CpG-ODNs) to inhibit airway inflammation and remodeling in ovalbumin (OVA)-associated asthma in mice exposed to chronic CS, revealing potential mechanistic insights. Lung tissue specimens were histologically analyzed. Th1/Th2/Th17 associated cytokines in serum, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), and lung specimens were quantitated by ELISA, qRT-PCR and immunoblot. Parameters of bone marrow-derived dendritic cells (BMDCs) functions were evaluated as well. The results showed that BALB/c mice after CS and OVA treatments developed an asthmatic phenotype with airway inflammation involving both eosinophils and neutrophils, goblet cell metaplasia, airway remodeling, and elevated OVA-specific serum IgE, serum IL-17A, and BALF Th17/Th2 associated cytokines. CpG-ODNs and budesonide were found to synergistically inhibit inflammatory cell recruitment in the lung, airway remodeling, IgE synthesis, and Th17/Th2 associated cytokines. Mechanistically, CpG-ODNs and budesonide acted synergistically on BMDCs via downregulation of TSLP receptor (TSLPR) and IL-23 production, and subsequently contributed to dampen Th17/Th2 polarization in CS-associated asthma. In conclusion, combined administration of CpG-ODNs and budesonide, in a synergistic manner, inhibits airway inflammation, and tissue remodeling mediated by BMDCs by regulating IL-23 secretion and blocking TSLP signaling, which subsequently contribute to alleviate Th17/Th2 imbalance in CS-associated asthma.     

Inhibitory effects of cigarette smoke extracts on neural differentiation of mouse embryonic stem cells

Maternal smoking during the perinatal period is linked to adverse neonatal outcomes such as low birth weight and birth defects. Numerous studies have shown that cigarette smoke or nicotine exposure has a widespread effect on fetal nerve development. However, there exists a lack of understanding of what specific changes occur at the cellular level on persistent exposure to cigarette smoke during the differentiation of embryonic stem cells (ESCs) into neural cells. We previously investigated the effects of cigarette smoke extract (CSE) and its major component, nicotine, on the neural differentiation of mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs). Differentiation of mESCs into neural progenitor cells (NPCs) or neural crest cells (NCCs) was induced with chemically defined media, and the cells were continuously exposed to CSE or nicotine during neural differentiation and development. Disturbed balance of the pluripotency state was observed in the NPCs, with consequent inhibition of neurite outgrowth and glial fibrillary acidic protein (Gfap) expression. These inhibitions correlated with the altered expression of proteins involved in the Notch-1 signaling pathways. The migration ability of NCCs was significantly decreased by CSE or nicotine exposure, which was associated with reduced protein expression of migration-related proteins. Taken together, we concluded that CSE and nicotine inhibit differentiation of mESCs into NPCs or NCCs, and may disrupt functional development of neural cells. These results imply that cigarette smoking during the perinatal period potentially inhibits neural differentiation and development of ESCs cells, leading to neonatal abnormal brain development and behavioral abnormalities.     

Predictors and Patterns of Cigarette and Smokeless Tobacco Use Among Adolescents in 32 Countries, 2007–2011

PurposeThis study compared data from 32 countries to assess predictors and patterns of cigarette and smokeless tobacco (SLT) use among students aged 13–15 years old.MethodsData from the 2007–2008 Global Youth Tobacco Surveys were analyzed for students aged 13–15 years in 31 countries located in all six World Health Organization regions. In addition, the 2011 National Youth Tobacco Survey was analyzed for U.S. students aged 13–15 years. Country-specific prevalence of current smoking, current SLT use, and concurrent use patterns were assessed.ResultsThe national prevalence of current cigarette smoking among students aged 13–15 years ranged from 1.8% (Rwanda) to 32.9% (Latvia), whereas current SLT use ranged from 1.1% (Montenegro) to 14.4% (Lesotho). In the U.S. and most European countries surveyed, current smoking prevalence was significantly higher than SLT prevalence, in contrast to patterns observed in low- and middle-income countries. Also, in most of the surveyed countries outside of Europe and the United States, SLT use among girls was as common as their use of cigarettes, and not significantly different from use by boys. When compared with U.S. adolescents, the odds of SLT use were highest among African adolescents (adjusted odds ratio = 3.98; 95% CI: 2.19–7.24) followed by those in the Southeast Asian region (adjusted odds ratio = 2.76; 95% CI: 1.38–5.53).ConclusionsRegion-specific patterns of tobacco use were noticed. Furthermore, it is alarming that in several low- and middle-income countries, the prevalence of SLT use among females did not differ from that among males, suggesting the possibility of a future shared burden of disease between both males and females.     

Impulsivity,Sensation-Seeking,and Part-Time Job Status in Relation to Substance Use and Gambling in Adolescents

PurposeAlthough impulsivity, sensation-seeking, and part-time employment have each been linked to risky behaviors in adolescents, their inter-relationships are less well-understood. We examined data from adolescents to assess the following predictions: (1) sensation-seeking would relate closely to substance use and gambling; (2) impulsivity would relate closely to alcohol, drug, and gambling problems; and (3) these relationships would be particularly strong among those holding part-time jobs.MethodHigh-school students (N = 3,106) were surveyed to provide data on impulsivity, sensation-seeking, and part-time job status. Bivariate and logistic regression analyses were conducted to examine relationships with gambling, substance use (i.e., alcohol, cigarettes, and marijuana) and related problems.ResultsBoth impulsivity and sensation-seeking related significantly to substance use and impulsivity to gambling. Impulsivity had stronger associations with drug and gambling problems than sensation-seeking did. Students with paid part-time jobs were more likely to drink alcohol, binge drink, and use marijuana. Sensation-seeking had a particularly strong relationship to heavy cigarette smoking among students with part-time jobs. Conversely, there was little relationship between part-time job status and smoking among low sensation-seekers.ConclusionsThese findings further support the relevance of sensation-seeking, impulsivity, and part-time job status to risky behaviors among adolescents. Sensation-seeking and impulsivity had unique relationships to risky behaviors, in accordance with theory and prior evidence. Impulsive adolescents may be in particular need for interventions to reduce drug use and gambling. Although part-time jobs can be beneficial, parents and caregivers should be mindful of potential negative ramifications of paid work outside the home.     

乌兰浩特卷烟厂技术改造项目职业病危害预评价

目的识别、分析乌兰浩特卷烟厂技术改造项目在生产过程中可能产生的职业病危害,为该项目的职业病危害防护提供必要的建议和措施。方法采用现场调查、类比法和检查表法相结合的方法进行综合分析。结果该项目在生产过程中可能产生的职业病危害因素主要有烟草尘、煤尘、矽尘、CO、NO2、SO2、H2S、噪声、微波辐射和高温。类比检测结果显示,烟草尘浓度的合格率为90%,有毒物质浓度全部合格,噪声强度的合格率为81.25%。结论该项目职业病危害较重,职业病危害防护需进一步完善。     

Poly-Ingredient Formulation Bresol? Ameliorates Experimental Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) in Rats

In the present study, the protective effect of Bresol^® – a polyherbal formulation – was evaluated in an experimental model of cigarette smoke (CS)-induced COPD in rats. Ten minutes daily exposure to CS for 7 weeks caused significant elevation of TNF-α (p<0.01) and total protein (p<0.01) in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) of positive untreated control animals, indicating ongoing inflammatory process in the lungs. Further, histopathological findings have confirmed the presence of pathological lesions in the trachea and lungs. Five weeks of post-treatment with Bresol^® (250 and 500 mg/kg, p.o.) showed significant and dose-dependent anti-inflammatory effects against CS-induced lung abnormalities by maintaining the TNF-α and total protein levels within the normal range. Additionally, Bresol^®-treated animals showed normal cyto-architecture of the trachea and lungs. In conclusion, Bresol^® showed dose-dependent protection against CS-induced lung and tracheal injury in rats, which further indicates, Bresol^® is a useful healing agent, may help to decelerate the progression of COPD, and reduce the exacerbations in patients.