Journal Articles and Book Chapters

Motivation to quit smoking and startle modulation in female smokers : context specificity of smoking cue reactivity

Emotional modulation of the startle reflex was examined in 32 female smokers exposed to affective stimuli and tobacco cues. The tobacco cues produced a greater startle magnitude in the group with high motivation to quit smoking than the group with low motivation, which was independent of craving level.

Use of nicotine replacement therapy and the risk of acute myocardial infarction, stroke, and death

In 33,247 patients prescribed nicotine replacement therapy (NRT), there was an increase in incidence of myocardial infarction and stroke in the 56 days prior to initial NRT treatment, and no increase in the 56 days after. NRT was not correlated with an increase of myocardial infarction, stroke, or mortality.

Age-related macular degeneration and smoking cessation advice by eye care providers : a pilot study

Authors conducted a pilot study among eye care providers and AMD patients to assess smoking cessation preferences and cessation services offered at a large academic medical center. Most patients who smoke reported never being advised to quit smoking, although most eye care providers reported that they had advised smokers to quit.

Estimating the cost of smoking to the NHS in England and the impact of declining prevalence

Smoking cost the National Health Service (NHS) in England in 1996 an estimated £1.4–£1.7 billion. This paper estimates 2006 costs and the impact of declining prevalence. The 2006 cost is estimated to be 13% lower than if smoking had remained at 1996 levels.

A controlled trial of a Quit and Win contest

Participants in the Quit and Win contest were significantly more likely than the control group to quit (as measured by self-reported smoking and urine cotinine levels) during a one-year post-intervention follow-up. Authors suggest that since this contest was minimally intensive and produced a high quit result, it has the potential to be successful.

The relationship between posttraumatic stress disorder and smoking outcome expectancies among US military veterans who served since September 11, 2001

Consistent with previous work suggesting that smokers with PTSD smoke in an effort to reduce negative affect, unadjusted analyses indicated that smokers with PTSD (n = 38) had higher expectations that smoking reduces negative affect than smokers without PTSD.

The efficacy of moderate-intensity exercise as an aid for smoking cessation in women : a randomized controlled trial

Female smokers were assigned either to a cognitive behavioral cessation program plus moderate intensive exercise (CBT + EX) or cessation program plus equal contact (CBT). Both groups were equally likely to have quit by the end of the program; however, the CBT + EX group was slightly more likely to stay quit.

Proactive, motivationally enhanced smoking cessation counseling among women with elevated cervical cancer risk

Female smokers with an elevated risk of cervical cancer were divided into two groups: usual care (UC) and UC plus motivationally enhanced phone counseling (MEC). With 90% of females completing three out of four calls, the MEC group attained a higher 7-day point prevalence at six months and was more likely to seek outside treatment.

Effects of smoking abstinence on impulsive behavior among smokers high and low in ADHD-like symptoms

As hypothesized, abstinence decreased response inhibition and prepulse inhibition (PP)I. Although ADHD symptoms moderated abstinence effects on impulsive choice and response inhibition, the pattern was opposite to authors predictions: the low-ADHD group responded more impulsively when abstinent, whereas the high-ADHD group was relatively unaffected by abstinence.

Effect of incorporating a 10 minute point of care test for salivary nicotine metabolites into a general practice based smoking cessation programme : randomised controlled trial

Including personalized feedback from a 10 minute point of care test for salivary nicotine metabolites as part of a cessation program offered in a general practice setting increased cessation rates by 17% and decreased tobacco use.

Effects of tobacco smoke on immunity, inflammation and autoimmunity

Smoking is a central factor in many pathological conditions. Its role in neoplasm, lung and cardiovascular diseases has been well established for years. The current review underlines the importance of smoking prevention and eradication not only in respiratory disorders but also in autoimmune conditions as well.

Marijuana use and tobacco smoking cessation among heavy alcohol drinkers

In a randomized clinical trial that recruited 236 heavy drinkers seeking smoking cessation treatment, authors examined whether current marijuana smokers (n = 57) differed from the rest of the sample in tobacco smoking and alcohol use outcomes and whether the patterns of marijuana use changed during treatment.

Factors predicting recruitment to a UK wide primary care smoking cessation study (the ESCAPE trial)

Predictor variables included geographical region, level of deprivation, practice characteristics and the number and timing of mailings of questionnaires. Multivariable analysis showed region and length of time between mailings were the main predictors of recruitment.

Is stress management training a useful addition to physician advice and nicotine replacement therapy during smoking cessation in women? : results of a randomized trial

The addition of stress management (SM) sessions to usual care (UC) neither increased abstinence nor reduced stress in women wanting to quit smoking. At 2 months, point prevalence abstinence rates were 26.2% and 31.7% for UC and SM groups respectively. At 12 months, rates were 18.5% and 20.7%.

Waterpipe smoke : a considerable source of human exposure against furanic compounds

To obtain more information on the ingredients present in waterpipe smoke authors utilized two different approaches. Based on headspace-solid-phase microextraction-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (HS-SPME-GC-MS) instrumentation authors identified new compounds present in the waterpipe smoke. Additional reversed-phase-high performance liquid chromatography-diode array detection (RP-HPLC-DAD) then led authors to perform reliable quantification of the newly detected chemical species.

A survey of smoking prevalence and interest in quitting among social and community service organisation clients in Australia : a unique opportunity for reaching the disadvantaged

More than half of all participants (52.8%) reported that they would like help from SCSO staff to quit smoking. For those interested in receiving help, the preferred types of help were access to free NRT (77%), cash rewards (52%) and non-cash rewards (47%) for quitting, and to receive support and encouragement from SCSO staff to quit (45%).

Secondhand smoke exposure in young people and parental rules against smoking at home and in the car

Authors assessed the impact of family rules about smoking in the home and car on SHS exposure prevalence in students in grades six to 12. Young people from families that made and enforced strong rules against smoking in homes and cars were much less likely to report SHS exposure.

Linking measures of adult nicotine dependence to a common latent continuum and a comparison with adolescent patterns

Using a hierarchical item response model (IRM), we examined evidence for a common continuum underlying ND symptoms among adults and adolescents. Despite marked differences in the relative severity of specific ND symptoms in each group, common instrumentation of ND can apply to adults and adolescents.

Smoking behaviour in European patients with established coronary heart disease

The EUROASPIRE II survey studied smoking behaviour in patients treated for coronary heart disease. The proportion of smokers was highest among those under 50. 48% had quit smoking as advised by their physician (elderly, 53%; university educated, 56%; patients with myocardial infarction as index event, 52%).

Lower levels of occupation, income and education are strongly associated with a longer smoking duration : multivariate results from the 2001 Australian national drug strategy survey

A subsample of ever smokers reveals smoking duration is 14% longer among blue collar workers than for professionals. Furthermore, the fact that smoking increases the probability of financial stress implies that smokers with low socioeconomic status are more likely to experience a longer period of comprised living standards than smokers in a higher status.

English language proficiency and smoking prevalence among California's Asian Americans

Smoking prevalence among males is nearly three times to that of smoking prevalence among females. In addition, Asian men with high English proficiency were less likely to smoke than men with lower English proficiency. However, Asian females had the opposite effect. Prevalence rates varied significantly by gender, ethnicity, and English proficiency.

Effect on trend estimates of the difference between survey respondents and non-respondents : results from 27 populations in the WHO MONICA project

Socio-economic and health profiles of respondents and non-respondents varied across 27 populations. Therefore, estimates of population trends stemming from respondent information are likely to be biased. For example, using information solely from respondents over-estimates trends in smoking prevalence. Non-respondents were more likely to be single, have low educational attainment, and have poorer lifestyles and health profiles.

Collecting saliva by mail for genetic and cotinine analyses in participants recruited through the internet

Of 145 saliva samples analyzed from daily smokers, cotinine concentrations were detected in 141 samples (97%). Successful DNA extractions were achieved in 82% of 285 samples. The authors conclude that gathering saliva samples by mail provided good quality results and was cost effective.

Religiosity and the validity of self-reported smoking : the third national health and nutrition examination survey

With two exceptions, underreporting of smoking did not differ significantly with frequency of religious attendance among smokers 20 years old and older. Infrequent attendee non-African American men between the ages of 20-59 years and African American men 60 years and older demonstrated greater reporting bias, even after controlling for socio-demographic factors.

Craving to smoke in orthodox Jewish smokers who abstain on the Sabbath : a comparison to a baseline and a forced abstinence workday

Cravings and irritability were weaker during Sabbath than during a normal workday or a forced abstinence workday. Evening cravings preceding a test day were always significantly stronger than those the next morning, despite abstinence the previous night. This study supports previous findings that cravings are largely due to smoking-related habits, cues, and expectations.

Effects of nativity, age at migration, and acculturation on smoking among adult Houston residents of Mexican descent

Abstract in English available soon.

Spousal influence on smoking behaviors in a US community sample of newly married couples

During the first two years of marriage, spouses do have an influence on the smoking behaviour of their partner. Women were more likely to relapse if their significant other smoked. In general, a partner’s smoking status can influence spousal smoking, although the support was stronger for effect on relapse rather than cessation.

Patient smoking cessation advice by health care providers : the role of ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and health

Abstract in English available soon.

Prevalence and correlates of smoking during pregnancy : a comparison of Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal women in Manitoba

A significantly higher rate of Aboriginal (61.2%) than non-Aboriginal women (26.2%) smoked while pregnant. Though no specific correlates of smoking were observed among Aboriginal women, several maternal characteristics (insufficient pre-natal care, being single, and Aboriginal race/ethnicity, etc.) were associated with smoking and pregnancy for the total sample. Cessation and prevention programs are needed for Aboriginal women.

Financial stress, smoking cessation and relapse : results from a prospective study of an Australian national sample

Smokers with financial worries are less likely to quit, reducing the odds of cessation by 13% per unit of the financial stress index. Relapse was more probable amongst former smokers with financial stress. Unique programs are needed to prevent the possible harmful effects of cigarette price increases on smokers with financial pressures who cannot quit.

Prospective prediction of children's smoking transitions : role of parents' and older siblings' smoking

Parents who smoke influenced their children at three transition points: to experimentation with smoking (32% probability); to monthly smoking (15% probability); to daily smoking (28% probability). Probability of sibling influence was 29%, 0%, and 20% respectively. These findings offer new proof implying family smoking influences children’s escalation and initiation.

The association between adolescent smokers' desire and intentions to quit smoking and their views of parents' attitudes and opinions about smoking

This cross-sectional study of high school students revealed smoking and non-smoking parents may have a large part in influencing their children to quit smoking. Whether or not their parents smoked, youth who valued their parents’ opinion have thought about quitting smoking and have tried within the last six months.

Tobacco associated mortality in Mumbai (Bombay) India. Results of the Bombay cohort study

Of 7,531 deaths (89% in the study area) reported in a Mumbai cohort of 97,244, authors found that relative risk of mortality was 1.37 for (male) cigarette smokers and 1.64 for bidi smokers, with a dose response relationship between consumption and risk. Relative risk for smokeless tobacco users (mainly women) was 1.25.

Cigarette smoking and the risk of glioma : a prospective cohort study

Female ever smokers who had quit less than 10 years prior to baseline were at 51% greater risk for glioma compared to never smokers. Current smokers did not seem to have an increase in risk. Smoking duration, number of cigarettes smoked and pack-years of smoking were correlated with a relatively modest increase risk of glioma.

Overall obesity, abdominal adiposity, diabetes and cigarette smoking in relation to the risk of pancreatic cancer in two Swedish population-based cohorts

Smokers with greater than or equal to 40 pack years had five times the elevated risk for pancreatic cancer compared to never smokers. Former smokers moved toward the rate ratio (RR) of non- smokers within 5 to 10 years following cessation. Results indicate a positive correlation of overall obesity, abdominal adiposity, diabetes and smoking with a risk of pancreatic cancer.

Risk factors for subarachnoid hemorrhage : an updated systematic review of epidemiological studies

This overview included 3936 (892 cases in 14 longitudinal studies and 3044 cases in 23 case-control studies) patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Smoking, hypertension, and excessive alcohol consumption were found to be risk factors. There was a slightly protective factor in Caucasian ethnicity, hormone replacement therapy, hypercholesterolemia and diabetes that remained uncertain.

Early atherosclerosis in rheumatoid arthritis : effects of smoking on thickness of the carotid artery intima media

In 101 rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients and 75 controls, current smokers had higher mean carotid intima media thickness (IMT) and internal carotid artery IMT than former smokers. Smoking is an important factor in early onset atherosclerosis in RA patients.

Prevalence of undetected persistent airflow obstruction in male smokers 40–65 years old

This cross-sectional study consisted of 805 male smokers. Of the 702 participants with acceptable spirometric curves, 210 had previously undetected airflow obstruction: 182 had mild airflow obstruction while 28 had moderate airflow obstruction. Prevalence of undetected persistent airflow obstruction in middle-aged smokers was high; therefore, this age group should be targetted for screening.

Smoking and development of type 2 diabetes in patients with decreased functional capacity

In this study of 630 non-diabetic patients (522 non-smokers and 78 smokers), 98 patients at follow-up had developed diabetes (80 non-smokers and 18 smokers). There was no difference of diabetes incidence among subgroups of non-smokers. Therefore, smoking carries an independent two-fold increased risk for development of type II diabetes in patients with impaired functionality capacity.

Relationship between smoking and the clinical severity of psoriasis

High consumption (>20 cigarettes daily) vs. lower consumption (10 cigarettes daily) correlated with more than a 2-fold increased risk of clinically more severe psoriasis after adjustment for confounders (e.g. sex, age, body mass index). Cessation is a significant tool for patients trying to control psoriasis.

The effect of smoking on flap and donor-site complications in pedicled TRAM breast reconstruction

This retrospective review of 224 pedicled transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous (TRAM) flaps among 200 patients over 10 years reveals both active and former smokers have a higher incidence of multiple flap complications compared to non-smokers. Active smokers also had a statistically significant higher rate of infection, as well as a slower healing period, than nonsmokers.

Risk factors for painful bladder syndrome in women seeking gynecologic care

In a cross-sectional study of 645 women, 29.5% qualified for broader criteria of painful bladder syndrome while 8.5% met more stringent specifications. After adjusting for confounders, bladder pain was significantly related to current smoking, irritable bowel syndrome, and a generalized pain disorder.

Maternal smoking during pregnancy increases the risk of recurrent wheezing during the first years of life (BAMSE)

A birth cohort study of 4089 newborns followed for two years revealed that there was an increased risk of wheezing in children born to women who smoked during pregnancy but not afterwards. Smoking during pregnancy (without postnatal secondhand smoke exposure) increased the risk of physician diagnosis of asthma up to two years of age.

Effects of prenatal exposure to cigarette smoke on offspring tumor susceptibility and associated immune mechanisms

Pregnant mice exposed to smoke inhalation for 5 days a week reveal that their male offspring demonstrated a greater than two-fold increase in tumor incidence based on smoke concentration equal to that of <1 pack of cigarettes a day. This lends credence to other data that prenatal exposure increases offspring chances of developing cancer later in life.

Legislation for smoke-free workplaces and health of bar workers in Ireland : before and after study

Comparing workers in public houses (329 particpants, 158 non-smokers) in the Republic (intervention) and Northern Ireland (control) reveal salivary cotinine concentrations in Republic workers declined by 80% after legislation was enacted, compared to a 20% decrease in Northern Ireland's workers. Respiratory symptoms decreased significantly in the Republic, but not in Northern Ireland.

Assessment of smoking behaviors in the home and their influence on children's passive smoking : development of a questionnaire

Authors successfully developed a questionnaire that was able to differentiate between different levels of secondhand smoke exposure and indicate when exposure should be tested in children. The questionnaire showed differences between children of non-smokers and smokers; further, there were differences in exposure between children whose parent smoked outdoors and parents who smoked indoors.

Penile cancer : importance of circumcision, human papillomavirus and smoking in in situ and invasive disease

In the 137 cases of in situ (n=75) and invasive (n=62) penile cancer assessed, most risk factors were the same. There were three significant factors that increased risk only for invasive cancer: lack of childhood circumcision, phimosis, and cigarette smoking. Cigarette smoking increased the risk of invasive cancer 4.5-fold.

Early atherosclerotic lesions in infancy : role of parental cigarette smoking

Coronary arteries and the histological and biological features of early atherosclerotic lesions were examined in 34 infants, aged 1-36 months. In 18 cases, a variable thickening of the coronary walls from preatherosclerotic lesions to juvenile atherosclerotic plaques in relation to parental smoking habit.

Decreased total antioxidant capacity and increased oxidative stress in passive smoker infants and their mothers

This study randomly selected infants and mothers either exposed to secondhand smoke on a daily basis (n=29) or never exposed (infants n=30, mothers=24). For exposed infants and mothers, antioxidant capacity was significantly lower; lipid peroxidation and oxidative stress index were significantly higher. Never exposed infants and mothers were protected from potent oxidative stress.

TNF-308 modifies the effect of second-hand smoke on respiratory illness-related school absences

This cohort study showed that children with at least one copy of TNF-308 A variant and exposed two or more household smokers had twice the risk of a school absence due to respiratory illness (four times the risk for lower respiratory illness-related school absence) compared to unexposed children with the homozygous TNF-308 G allele.

The total lifetime health cost savings of smoking cessation to society

Total health lifetime cost savings is highest amongst younger adults. Although economic savings vary with age at cessation, gender, and amount of daily tobacco consumption, all former smokers (males and females) who quit smoking between 35 to 55 years old, produced substantial total lifetime cost savings.

A twin registry study of the relationship between posttraumatic stress disorder and nicotine dependence in men

Authors analyzed data from 6744 male-male twins who served in the military during the Vietnam era to search for associations between nicotine dependence (ND) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Most, but not all, of the associations were explained by genetics. The strongest association was an increase in PTSD in individuals with preexisting ND.

Prenatal exposure to cigarettes, alcohol, and coffee and the risk for febrile seizures

In this study of children in 2 population-based birth cohorts, authors found that there was no association between moderate prenatal alcohol and caffeine consumption and febrile seizures in children. In one cohort, there was a slightly increased risk for children exposed to 10 or more cigarettes per day; this association was weak in the other cohort.

Ethnic disparities in the use of nicotine replacement therapy for smoking cessation in an equal access health care system

In a cohort of 1606 male current smokers who received care through the Veterans Health Administration, authors found that African American and Hispanic smokers were far less likely to have used nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) than white smokers. These differences could not be explained by social, physiologic, psychological factors or facility policy.

TP53 and KRAS mutation load and types in lung cancers in relation to tobacco smoke : distinct patterns in never, former, and current smokers

Primary lung tumors were studies for genetic mutations at TP53 (exons 5-9) and KRAS (codon 12) in 40 never smokers, 27 former smokers, and 64 current smokers. KRAS mutations were only found in 15.3% of cases. TP53 mutations were found in 47.5% of never smokers, 55.6% of former smokers, and 77.4% current smokers (mutations increased with consumption).

Closing the youth access gap : the projected health benefits and cost savings of a national policy to raise the legal smoking age to 21 in the United States

A computer simulation model evaluating several scenarios, including one in which smoking initiation probabilities for individuals under 21 shift 3 years older, showed that raising the smoking age would reduce smoking prevalence for adults (age 18+) from the status quo level of 22.1% to 15.4% after 50 years, reducing medical costs and accumulating quality-adjusted life-years.

Abstinence-induced changes in self-report craving correlate with event-related fMRI responses to smoking cues

Researchers scanned the brains of 13 dependent smokers using event-related functional magnetic resonance imaging after smoking as usual and after overnight abstinence. All subjects responded more to smoking-related cues than control cues. As a group there was no difference in hemodynamic reponse amplitudes between after smoking and after abstinence imaging, though there were some differences in individuals.

Reducing the cancer burden of lifestyle factors : opportunities and challenges of the internet

The internet presents an opportunity to bridge gaps between basic science, clinical trials and public health; it could be used to decrease behavioural risk factors at the population level and disseminate risk factor interventions. Authors address four areas: scientific basis for internet delivery; need for evaluation; evaluation methodology; recommendations for intervention development and evaluation.

Registered Indians and tobacco taxation : a culturally appropriate strategy?

While Native communities can collect tax on tobacco products and direct use of these profits, this tactic is seldom employed. Taxation could have significant health and economic advantages; however, this is may not be culturally appropriate. To provide more help, governments and other agencies need to look more closely at this course of action through a native standpoint.

A therapeutic vaccine for nicotine dependence : results of a phase I and a randomized phase II study

A nicotine vaccine would neutralize nicotine in the blood and reduce nicotine uptake into the brain. In Phase I, a multicentre, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled efficacy study, 40 healthy non-smokers tolerated Cytos002-NicQb vaccine well, and showed significant anti-nicotine IgG titers. Phase II is a similar study including 300 smokers; results will be released in Q2, 2005.

From strange bedfellows to natural allies : the shifting allegiance of fire service organisations in the push for federal fire-safe cigarette legislation

This case study uses tobacco industry documents, archives, and key informant interviews to research industry strategies for preventing fire-safe cigarette legislation in the United States Congress. The authors used a framework that assumes three forces create policymaking: interests, institutions, and industry behaviour. Tobacco control advocates need to continue pursuing federal legislation.

Neuroscience : a home for the nicotine habit

Nicotine has both benefits and deleterious effects. Scientists have found a single nicotinic receptor in just one section of the brain; this may allow humans to harness the benefits while avoiding the side effects from tobacco use.

Cigarette smoke inhibits hamster oocyte pickup by increasing adhesion between the oocyte cumulus complex and oviductal cilia

When oviduct infundibulum of hamsters were pretreated with solutions of mainstream and sidestream whole, gas or particulate smoke, researchers found that oocyte pick up rate dropped 40% to 80% and adhesion rates increased 52% to 91% above control levels. Both the oocyte cumulus complex and the infundibulum are targets of cigarette smoke.

Tobacco smoke stimulates the transcription of amphiregulin in human oral epithelial cells : evidence of a cyclic AMP-responsive element binding protein-dependent mechanism

Researchers sought to understand the way in which tobacco smoke elevates levels of amphiregulin, a ligand of epidermal growth factor receptor, which has been implicated in tobacco-induced cancers. They found the following signaling pathway: tobacco smoke-induced AhR->cAMP->PKA, which enhanced AR transcription and increased DNA synthesis.

Tobacco industry influence on the definition of tobacco related disorders by the American Psychiatric Association

The tobacco industry saw the inclusion of tobacco dependence in the DSM-III as unfavorable. Thus, the industry and its allies used various tactics to lobby for a narrower definition in serial revisions of the DSM-II. These measures reflect industry tactics to influence medical research and policy in various situations worldwide.

Workplace smoking policies in Taiwan and their association with employees' smoking behaviours

In Taiwan, only half of manufacturing and service companies have instituted a smoke-free workplace strategy, with facilities of >750 employees making up 57% of smoke-free institutions. Employees in smoke-free workplaces had lower prevalence and consumption rates, as well as less exposure to secondhand smoke. Most smokers agreed with smoke-free policies.

Compliance and support for smoke-free school policies

A smoke-free ban on school campuses for everyone was instituted in 1995. Data from the California Tobacco Survey was analysed for 12-17 year old in the years 1993, 1996, 1999, and 2002. Perceived compliance of students rose from 43.7% in 1993 to 71.5% in 2002. Student smoker support fell If teachers were seen smoking in school.

Comparative efficacy of rapid-release nicotine gum versus nicotine polacrilex gum in relieving smoking cue-provoked craving

In this study, 319 smokers were exposed to smoking cue provocation and then randomly assigned to chew either rapid-release nicotine gum (RRNG) or nicotine polacrilex gum (NPG). Smokers who chewed RRNG experienced a quicker reduction in cravings reduce than smokers who chewed NPG. This demonstrates a need for more research on RRNG in cessation effectiveness trials.

Disruption of PTEN coupling with 5-HT2C receptors suppresses behavioral responses induced by drugs of abuse

A physical interaction between the tumor suppressor PTEN (phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome 10) with a section of the brain in the third intracellular loop (3L4F) of the serotonin 5-HT2C receptor (5-HT2cR, formerly 5-HT1c receptor2) in cell cultures is demonstrated. The peptide Tat-3L4F blocks conditioned place preference of nicotine, providing a possible treatment method for tobacco dependence.

Recent advances in the treatment of tobacco dependence

This manuscript reviews 3 mechanisms that may serve as therapeutic targets for pharmacologic treatment of tobacco dependence. First, the function of the endocannabinoid system in dependence; second, how heterogeneity among different subtypes of nicotinic receptors can be used; and third, how selective inhibitors of monoamine oxidase (MAO) might be used as adjunctive treatments for dependence.

Legislating "sound science" : the role of the tobacco industry

In the late 1990s, Philip Morris tried to cast doubt on the link between lung cancer and secondhand smoke. They pushed to enact legislation making more data available to industry researchers. They created coalitions and workgroups with other corporations, developed a “data integrity” outreach program and drafted language for the new acts.

The power of paperwork : how Philip Morris neutralized the medical code for secondhand smoke

Philip Morris was able to prevent use of a 1994 diagnostic code for secondhand smoke by hiring a consultant to influence Washington, hiring lobbyists, backing an alternative code, and through Paperwork Reduction Act challenges. Their budget for this project was $2 million USD.

The effect of involuntary job loss on smoking intensity and relapse

Researchers found that the 6.8% of men who lost their jobs between baseline (1992) and follow-up (1994) changed their smoking behaviour. Those who were former smokers at baseline were twice as likely to relapse as their employed counterparts. Those who were smokers at baseline increased their cigarette consumption.

Safety and immunogenicity of a nicotine conjugate vaccine in current smokers

Smokers (n=68) were assigned to 1 of 3 (50, 100, 200 μg) doses of a nicotine conjugate vaccine (NicVAX) or placebo. Results indicated that the vaccine was safe and tolerated. Abstinence rates were highest among recipients of the 200 µg dose. This vaccine seems to be a potential medication for tobacco dependence.

Use and effectiveness of tobacco telephone counseling and nicotine therapy in Maine

Overall, 12,479 adult smokers used the Maine Tobacco HelpLine in 2003/04. Callers were more likely to be female, between 45-64 years old or uninsured. Of all callers eligible for nicotine replacement therapy (NRT), 82.3% acquired free NRT. Quit rates at 6 months were 12.3% for counseling and 22.5% for counseling plus NRT, making this a successful program.

Putting it on the line : telephone counseling for adolescent smokers

This article described the experimentally validated protocol of a successful youth telephone-counseling program, which is aimed at youth’s developmental needs. Also, this program can demonstrate a significant increase in clients' 6-month prolonged abstinence rate. Client assessment, motivation, self-efficacy, friends and family support, planning, coping, are examples of clinical issues discussed.

A randomized controlled trial of multiple tailored messages for smoking cessation among callers to the cancer information service

Smokers were assigned to four conditions ranging from a single cessation guide to four (multiple) printed materials. Participants in the multiple printed materials groups together had significantly higher abstinence rates than the single message groups combined. This study verifies the efficacy of multiple tailored printed materials on cessation over a single telephone counseling session.

Nicotine replacement therapy and cardiovascular disease

In this article, the mechanisms of harm correlated with smoking are reviewed as well as the safety of nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) in both the overall population and in those individuals with cardiovascular disease. Researchers did not find any evidence of increased cardiovascular incidents with NRT use in either population.

Genetic influences on smoking : a brief review

This review highlighted information from a few candidate gene association studies and discussed some discrepancies discovered in the literature. The authors also reviewed recent studies analyzing how genetic differences in drug-metabolizing enzymes and drug targets can influence the response to drug treatments such as bupropion.

Determinants of smoking status : cross-sectional data on smoking initiation and cessation

Questionnaires were self-administered to 11,967 adults between 20-65 years old. Both male and female smokers had a higher probability for cessation if they were older, married, and smoked many cigarettes per day. Initiation was also correlated with adverse childhood events and personality characteristics, while cessation was connected more with socio-demographic and tobacco-related factors.

Nicotine dependence treatment : perceived health status improvement with 1-year continuous smoking abstinence

Smokers were treated for nicotine dependence and completed a quality of life questionnaire (SF-36). At the 1-year follow-up, smokers treated for dependence and who ceased smoking for one year (n=60) stated an improved quality of life in comparison to those smokers who continued to smoke (n=146).

22 years on : the impact and relevance of the UK No smoking day

Various methods were used to triangulate awareness and smoking behaviour changes after No Smoking Day. Follow up at one week revealed awareness was lower in 2004 than in 1986 but still high at 70% of smokers. Results indicated that after 22 years, this campaign continues to be successful in reaching smokers.

Are comprehensive environmental changes as effective as health education for smoking cessation?

The cessation rates of habitual male smokers after a period of environmental change (8.9% quit) were compared cessation rates after a health education program (7.1% quit). Environmental changes were quite effective in promoting cessation, and may produce similar rates as a health education intervention reaching all smokers regardless of their willingness to quit.

Medicaid reimbursement for prenatal smoking intervention influences quitting and cessation

This study compared 7,153 post-partum women from 15 states with three levels of Medicare coverage for prenatal smoking cessation: extensive (pharmacotherapies and counseling), some (pharmacotherapies or counseling), or none. Women with extensive coverage had 1.6 greater odds of quitting smoking and maintaining cessation compared to women with none.

Tobacco sales in pharmacies : time to quit

1168 licensed pharmacists and 1518 pharmacy students completed surveys. Telephone interviews were conducted with 988 adult consumers. Most pharmacists were against selling tobacco in pharmacies (<2% in favour). Discontinuing tobacco sales would not change the behaviour of most consumers. There is little support for tobacco sales in pharmacies.

New tobacco products : do smokers like them?

Most smokers who tried potentially reduced exposure products (PERPs) did not like them and did not endorse them to others. However, some smokers believed populations such as young women or health conscious people could be target markets. The majority of smokers first tried PERPs because they were free or reasonably priced.

Smokers’ reactions to reduced ignition propensity cigarettes

Smokers in New York state were three times more likely (17. 3%) than smokers in other states (5.6%) to report that their cigarettes often went out between puffs following implementation of the RIP (reduced ignition propensity) law. They did not report noticing any difference in taste, and did not change their smoking behaviour.

Tobacco industry litigation strategies to oppose tobacco control media campaigns

Tobacco companies RJ Reynolds and Lorillard tried to stop California’s tobacco control media campaign, claiming that it spoiled jury proceedings and violated First Amendment rights because they were forced to pay for anti-industry ads. The tobacco industry lost these court cases. Tobacco control professionals need to foresee these actions and be prepared to fight against them.

MGMT genotype modulates the associations between cigarette smoking, dietary antioxidants and breast cancer risk

Heavy smoking considerably heightened the risk of breast cancer in women with the codon 84 variant T-allele. An inverse correlation was observed between fruits and vegetable consumption and breast cancer risk in women. Polymorphisms in MGMT may alter the inverse relation between fruit and vegetable consumption, dietary antioxidants and breast cancer risk.

Levels of toxins in oral tobacco products in the UK

Ten of the 11 brands tested (7 British, 4 international) had detectable levels of two carcinogens: tobacco specific nitrosamines and benzo(a)pyrene. Levels of these carcinogens varied extremely from brand to brand, making some brands safer than others. Smokeless tobacco products should be controlled and measures set for low maximum levels of toxins.

Limitation of cigarette consumption by CYP2A6*4, *7 and *9 polymorphisms

The correlation between smoking activity of Japanese smokers (n=200) and polymorphisms *4, *7 and *9 was investigated. All 3 polymorphisms were noted in three out of four Japanese smokers and the number of cigarettes smoked per day was modified by these polymorphisms.

A randomised control study of a fully automated internet based smoking cessation programme

Participants (n=351) were assigned to treatment group (receiving tailored counselling through a video based internet site), or control group (receiving no treatment for 90 days). Abstinence at 90-day follow up was 24.1% (n=21) and 8.2% (n=9) for treatment and control groups respectively. Internet cessation programs have at least short-term value.

Use of oral topiramate to promote smoking abstinence among alcohol-dependent smokers : a randomized controlled trial

This 12-week clinical trial involved 94 alcohol-dependent smokers assigned either topiramate or placebo. Those using topiramate (dose escalated from 20 to 300 mg/d) were significantly more likely to abstain from smoking and were 4.97 times more likely to be non-smokers. This trial demonstrates topiramate (up to 300 mg/d) as a safe and potential medication for alcohol-dependent smokers.

Manufacturing uncertainty : contested science and the protection of the public’s health and environment

Although the tobacco industry is the chief proponent of attacking the validity of scientific evidence proving a point antithetical to their product, other manufacturers have used this tactic as well. It is not in the public’s best interest that corporations be allowed to label findings that supports regulations limiting their products as "junk science."

How tobacco-friendly science escapes scrutiny in the courtroom

Based on industry document research, three lawyers argue that most scientific testimony presented in court by the tobacco industry should be discounted since it is produced by and for their lawyers, rather than independent scientists.

Industry sponsored anti-smoking ads and adolescent reactance : test of a boomerang effect

Youth responded to three sets of prevention ads (industry sponsored, sponsored by a non-profit organization, drunk driving prevention ads). Industry ads were rated less positively for effectiveness than other ads, but they did improve industry image for the youth. Industry sponsored anti-smoking ads do more to promote company image than youth smoking prevention.

Lung cancer mortality at ages 35-54 in the European Union : ecological study of evolving tobacco epidemics

Trends in smoking in the European Union (including newer member states from central and eastern Europe) can be extrapolated from lung cancer mortality. In most countries rates of lung cancer mortality are falling amongst 35-54 year old men and rising amongst 35-54 year old women. Overall, rates are higher in newer member states.

Impact of CYP2A6 genotype on pretreatment smoking behaviour and nicotine levels from and usage of nicotine replacement therapy

In this nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) clinical trial, Caucasian smokers with the CYP2A6 genotype (which is predicted by slow metabolism of nicotine) consumed less cigarettes per day relative to normal metabolizers. Thus, the CYP2A6 genotype impacts smoking behaviour among Caucasian smokers and it also impacts plasma levels from use of NRT.

Tobacco components stimulate Akt-dependent proliferation and NFKB-dependent survival in lung cancer cells

Authors found that both nicotine and the tobacco specific carcinogen 4-(methylnitrosoamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone (NNK) started two cellular processes (Akt-dependent cancer cell proliferation; NFKB-dependent cancer cell survival) that might explain why lung cancer patients who smoke experience higher mortality rates and poorer response to treatment than patients who quit.

Science, industry, and tobacco harm reduction : a case study of tobacco industry scientists' involvement in the National Cancer Institute's smoking and health program, 1964-1980

Using tobacco industry documents and other archival documents such as congressional testimony, this study explained the extent to which the tobacco industry developed a relationship with the US Public Health Service in order to influence research activities during the 1960s and 1970s.