News Briefs

Tobacco-Related Science & Tobacco Control News

Small proportions of actively-smoking patrons and high PM2.5 levels in southern California tribal casinos: support for smoking bans or designated smoking areas

A study found that 10% of casino patrons are actively smoking on average and these individuals substantially increase PM2.5 exposure for all patrons in smoking and unenclosed nonsmoking areas.

Selection of intervention components in an internet stop smoking participant preference trial: Beyond randomized controlled trials

A TRDRP-supported study found that depressed participants selecting an online mood management module were more likely to report a 7-day quit attempt at 12-month follow-up. Providing the ability to customize previously validated resources may be a successful way to widely disseminate interventions.

A Ban on Menthol Cigarettes: Impact on Public Opinion and Smokers' Intention to Quit

40% of menthol smokers reported intention to quit if menthol cigarettes were banned, only 13% would switch to a nonmenthol brand, and 25% would switch and try to quit. Support for a menthol brand was highest among Latinos (36%), African Americans (29%) and participants with less than a high school education (29%). Read more ...

Varenicline to Stop Long-term Nicotine Replacement Use: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial

Varenicline for 12 weeks combined with supportive counseling was superior to placebo in assisting long-term nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) users to quit NRT.

Tobacco smoking among doctors in mainland China: a study from Shandong Province and review of the literature

A survey found a smoking prevalence of 36% among doctors at a teaching hospital in China’s Shandong province. Significant gender differences were found (males: 47% and females: 5%).

Tobacco in the Retail Environment – Fact sheet

High levels of tobacco advertising and promotion remain in retail stores while tobacco advertising in most other areas – such as television and billboards – is restricted.

Assessing secondhand smoke using biological markers

This article presents the scientific evidence on the use of biomarkers to assess secondhand smoke exposure (SHSe), analytical methods, biological matrices and their interpretation.

In vitro models for assessing the potential cardiovascular disease risk associated with cigarette smoking

Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease is a prevalent human disorder and a significant cause of human morbidity and mortality. In this review the use of in vitro models of cardiovascular disease and one of the contributory factors, oxidative stress, is discussed in the context of assessing the risk potential of both conventional and modified cigarettes.

Electronic cigarettes: medical device or consumer product?

As the UK considers regulating e-cigarettes as a medicinal product, Jonathan Gornall asks if this is good news for public health.

September 25, 2012 - Read More...

Development of Novel Pharmacotherapeutics for Tobacco Dependence: Progress and Future Directions

There is much effort directed toward developing novel small molecule therapeutics and biological agents such as nicotine vaccines for smoking cessation that act by modulating nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) activity. Our increasing knowledge of the neurobiology of nicotine addiction has revealed new targets for novel smoking cessation therapeutics.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Tens of millions of people around the world find it distressingly difficult to breathe owing to a combination of emphysema and chronic asthmatic bronchitis — a deadly duo known as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). New treatments for COPD are in development.