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BackgroundMental illness during pregnancy has become a major public health problem in China over the recent years， and depression is the most common psychological symptom during pregnancy. Current research efforts are directed towards the therapy on prenatal depression， whereas the construction of prediction model for prenatal depression risk has been little studied.ObjectiveTo construct a simple model for predicting the risk of prenatal depression， thus providing a valuable reference for the prevention of maternal depression during pregnancy.MethodsA total of 803 pregnant women attending three hospitals in Nanchong city were consecutively recruited from May 2021 to February 2022. A self-administered questionnaire was developed for the assessment of social demographic variables， obstetrical and general medical indexes and psychological status of all participants， and Self-rating Depression Scale （SDS） was utilized to screen for the presence of maternal depression. Subjects were randomly assigned into modelling group （n=635） and validation group （n=168） at the ratio of 8∶2 under simple random sampling with replacement. The candidate risk factors of maternal depression during pregnancy were screened using binary Logistic regression analysis， and the predictive model was constructed. Then the performance of the predictive model was validated using receiver operating characteristics （ROC） curve.Results① Lack of companionship （β=-0.692， OR=0.501， 95% CI： 0.289~0.868）， low mood during the last menstrual period （β=-1.510， OR=0.221， 95% CI： 0.074~0.656）， emotional stress during the last menstrual period （β=-1.082， OR=0.339， 95% CI： 0.135~0.853）， unsatisfactory relationship between mother-in-law and daughter-in-law （β=-1.228， OR=0.293， 95% CI： 0.141~0.609）， and indifferent generally relationship between mother-in-law and daughter-in-law （β=-0.831， OR=0.436， 95% CI： 0.260~0.730） were risk factors for prenatal depression in pregnant women （P

Increasing tobacco control and public health awareness have increased smokers’ attempts to quit smoking. However, some smokers also seek alternative products claimed to pose less risks. The use of smokeless tobacco (ST) products may thus increase in some countries which are not traditionally ST markets. To provide a cross-sectional picture on ST usage in China, a survey was conducted from December 2019 to March 2020 in representative metropolitan cities (divided into three tiers by their populations and gross domestic product (GDP) sizes), from which 3,000 tobacco users and 801 ST users were randomly recruited to provide a snapshot of ST usage behaviour and other pertinent factors for Chinese tobacco users. The study included questionnaires designed to probe potential reasons behind ST use, usage habits, and nicotine dependence attributes. These questions were devised to cover the type of tobacco products used, users’ age, gender, city of residence, residence time, household monthly income, etc., and was supported by some verification questions. Mann-Whitney-analysis was used for significance analysis between different groups. The results showed that ST prevalence for Chinese tobacco users was around 2.1%. The proportion of exclusively ST use was about 8.99%, and the mean conversion time to habitual ST use was about three months. Demographic information such as the city tiers where ST users lived, their age, gender, educational and income levels appeared to correlate with ST use habits although more studies are needed to verify the observations. The fact that a small but measurable population of Chinese ST users exists has important implications for tobacco control. This study provides the first large-scale, single-time-point survey on Chinese ST user profiles, which may help the future research on tobacco control policy regarding ST products in China.

Nicotine lactate, nicotine tartrate, nicotine benzoate, and freebase nicotine (FBN) are four forms of nicotine salt systems that are present in tobacco products. However, few in vivo studies have compared their pharmacological (pK) efficacies, which are important for understanding their roles in the addiction and abuse of tobacco and nicotine products. In this work, the pK of the above nicotine salt systems was studied by subcutaneously injecting their aqueous solutions in rats and obtaining blood samples from the jugular vein. Nicotine levels in the blood were analyzed by LC–MS/MS. The results demonstrated that rapid nicotine absorption occurred in all nicotine systems. Of them, NB had the smallest Tmax, while FBN had the largest Tmax. The nicotine metabolic rate and clearance decreased for FBN, indicating that nicotine retention in the body was higher than for the other three salt‐based systems. Compared with nicotine salts, FBN could reach and maintain a higher concentration in the animal model. Additionally, as the benzoic acid ratios increased, the Cmax of the nicotine benzoate (NB) in the plasma decreased. This indicates that the lower the pH, the lower the Cmax. When different concentrations of NB were used, the higher the NB concentration, the greater the Cmax and AUC(0‐t). These results demonstrate that nicotine adsorption by NB in the animal model depended on both pH and concentration. This baseline information could be used to explain different clinical pharmacological observations in humans, though this study only considered the effects of nicotine on pharmacokinetics in vivo. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Researches have shown that chronic inhalation of cigarette smoke (CS) disrupts male reproductive system, but it is unclear about the mechanisms behind reproductive damages by tobacco toxicants in male rats. This study was designed to explore the effects of heated tobacco products (HTP) aerosols and CS exposure on the testicular health of rats. Materials and Methods: Experiments were performed on male SD rats exposed to filtered air, HTP aerosols at 10 μg/L, 23 μg/L, and 50 μg/L nicotine-equivalent contents, and also CS at 23 μg/L nicotine-equivalent content for 90 days in five exposure groups (coded as sham, HTP_10, HTP_23, HTP_50 and Cig_23). The expression of serum testosterone, testicular tissue inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, IL-10, TNF-α), reactive oxygen species (ROS), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA), NLRP3 inflammasome-related mRNAs and proteins (NLRP3, ASC, and Caspase-1), the degree of pyroptosis and histopathology were investigated. Results: The results demonstrated that HTP_50 and Cig_23 caused varying degrees of oxidative damage to rat testis, resulting in a decrease of sperm quantity and serum testosterone contents, an increase in the deformity rate, expression levels of proinflammatory cytokines, and NLRP3 inflammasome-related mRNA, and an increase in the NLRP3, ASC, and Caspase-1-immunopositive cells, pyroptosis cell indices, and histopathological damage in the testes of rats. Responses from the HTP_10 and HTP_23 groups were less than those found in the above two exposure groups. Conclusion: These findings indicate that HTP_50 and Cig_23 induced oxidative stress in rat testes, induced inflammation and pyroptosis through the ROS/NLRP3/Caspase-1 pathway, and destroyed the integrity of thetesticular tissue structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are different forms of nicotine in tobacco and tobacco products, and the differences in their contents significantly impact tobacco products. Based on a brief review of nicotine forms, the research on the differences in the release and physiological effects of different forms of nicotine is reviewed. It pointed out that: due to differences in physicochemical properties, freebase nicotine in tobacco products is more easily released into the aerosol; in terms of sensory effects and freebase nicotine is more irritating, and nicotine salts are relatively softer; in terms of absorption rate, due to the existence of multiple modes of administration, the absorption rate of different forms of nicotine exists in terms of toxicity, free nicotine is generally less toxic than nicotine salts, but the toxicity of nicotine salts varies depending on the type of acid ions; in terms of addictiveness, nicotine salts may be more addictive than free nicotine and may vary depending on the type of acid ions. In the future, the differences in ab- sorption rate, toxicity and addictive physiological effects of freebase nicotine and nicotine salts and their potential mechanisms should be thoroughly investigated to better guide the application of nicotine salts in tobacco products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rationale: "Tobacco‐free" or synthetic nicotine products have appeared in some markets, increasing potential health risks and regulatory compliance challenges. Currently, there are few reliable methods for the determination of authenticity of natural and synthetic nicotine. Analytical techniques based on stable isotopes have broad application prospects in the traceability and identification of agricultural products. Methods: Tobacco leaves from four main tobacco production regions in China and different types of tobacco products were extracted with n‐hexane and 5% sodium hydroxide to obtain nicotine extracts. Subsequent stable isotope mass spectrometry was performed by analyzing δ2H, δ13C, and δ15N values of nicotine. Results: Firstly, results from a batch of 233 samples indicated stable isotopes were closely related to climate and geographical locations and provide a basis for a determination of the origin of tobacco leaves. In addition, the δ2H values had significant differences between natural and synthetic nicotine and the results indicate a δ2H value of −163.0‰ could be the threshold for assessing synthetic and natural nicotine. Finally, a total of 239 results further validated the δ2H value as a metric for source authentication of commercial tobacco products. Conclusions: Synthetic (S)‐(−)‐nicotine could be accurately and quickly identified using the method developed by measuring δ2H values in a qualitative manner. To our knowledge, this is the first time a stable isotope mass spectrometry technique has been used for distinguishing the source of nicotine. This technique will aid in the accurate identification, labelling, and regulation of synthetic nicotine‐based tobacco products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Electronic cigarettes are gaining in popularity worldwide. However, information about chemical evaluations of refill solutions is very limited. Our study aimed to develop methods and to assess the levels of eight groups of compounds in 55 refill solutions for 17 brands. The eight chemical groups include mono/polyhydric alcohols, tobacco alkaloids, tobacco-specific nitrosamines (TSNAs), solanesol, phenolic compounds, carbonyl compounds, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs).Methods: Selected compounds were extracted from refill solutions and analyzed with appropriate chromatographic and spectroscopic methods.Results: The total mass percentage of propylene glycol and glycerol in most refill solutions ranged from 80%~97%. Triethylene glycol was detected in one sample and menthol was found in 16 samples, including in samples that were not labeled as "mint". The labeled concentrations of nicotine of the 25 samples were not consistent with, and were in most cases lower than the measured concentrations. The concentrations of nicotine in samples that were labeled at the same "strength" (eg, HIGH, MIDDLE, or LOW) differed significantly among brands. Selected groups of compounds including TSNAs, solanesol, VOCs, PAHs, phenolic compounds, and carbonyl compounds were all detectable, with varying levels and detection frequencies.Conclusions: A panel of methods were developed and validated and subsequently used to assess the levels of selected groups of compounds in electronic cigarette refill solutions. Propylene glycol and glycerol constituted the major ingredients of most refill solutions. The nicotine content was generally not labeled clearly or accurately. The exposure and health effects on consumers of these impurities, toxicants, or carcinogens should be further evaluated.Implications: Our study have developed methods and assessed the levels of eight groups of compounds in 55 refill solutions for 17 brands in the Chinese market. Our study shows that propylene glycol and glycerol constitute the major ingredients of most refill solutions, and also indicated the necessity for clearly and accurately labeling nicotine content of e-liquids. Compounds that may originate from tobacco, solvents or other sources, such as TSNAs, solanesol, VOCs, PAHs, phenolic compounds, and carbonyl compounds were all found with different levels and detection frequencies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Smoking is one of the most important predisposing factors of intestinal inflammatory diseases. Heated tobacco product (HTP) is a novel tobacco category that is claimed to deliver reduced chemicals to human those reported in combustible cigarette smoke (CS). However, the effect of HTP on intestine is still unknown., Methods: In the framework of Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development guidelines 413 guidelines, Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed to HTP aerosol and CS for 13 weeks. The atmosphere was characterized and oxidative stress and inflammation of intestine were investigated after exposure. Furthermore, the faeces we performed with 16S sequencing and metabolomics analysis., Results: HTP aerosol and CS led to obvious intestinal damage evidenced by increased intestinal pro-inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress in male and female rats After HTP and CS exposure, the abundance that obviously changed were Lactobacillus and Turiciacter in male rats and Lactobacillus and Prevotella in female rats. HTP mainly induced the metabolism of amino acids and fatty acyls such as short-chain fatty acids and tryptophan, while CS involved into the main metabolism of bile acids, especially indole and derivatives. Although different metabolic pathways in the gut mediated by HTP and CS, both to inflammation and oxidative stress were ultimately induced., Conclusions: HTP aerosol and CS induced intestinal damage mediated by different gut microbiota and metabolites, while both lead to inflammation and oxidative stress., Implications: The concentration of various harmful components in heated tobacco product aerosol is reported lower than that of traditional cigarette smoke, however, its health risk impact on consumers remains to be studied. Our research findings indicate that heated tobacco product and cigarette smoke inhalation induced intestinal damage through different metabolic pathways mediated by gut microbiome, indicating the health risk of heated tobacco product in intestine., (© The Author(s) 2024. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco. All rights reserved. For commercial re-use, please contact reprints@oup.com for reprints and translation rights for reprints. All other permissions can be obtained through our RightsLink service via the Permissions link on the article page on our site—for further information please contact journals.permissions@oup.com.)

Introduction: The distinctions in the biological impacts of distinct forms of nicotine have become a prominent subject of current research. However, relatively little research has been done on the addictive effects of different forms of nicotine., Methods: The aerosol self-administration device was briefly characterized by determining aerosol concentration, particle size, and distributional diffusion of the aerosol. And the aerosol self-administration model was constructed at 1, 5, and 10 mg/mL of nicotine to select the appropriate nicotine concentration. Subsequently, the model was used to explore the differences in aerosol self-administration behavior of freebase nicotine and nicotine salts and the behavioral differences after withdrawal., Results: We successfully constructed mouse aerosol self-administration models at 1, 5, and 10 mg/mL nicotine concentrations. In the study of the difference in addictive behaviors between freebase nicotine and nicotine salts, mice with freebase nicotine and different nicotine salts showed varying degrees of drug-seeking behavior, with nicotine benzoate showing the strongest reinforcement. During the withdrawal phase, nicotine salts mice showed more robust anxiety-like behaviors., Conclusions: These results confirm the successful development and stability of the nicotine aerosol self-administration model. Furthermore, they demonstrated that nicotine salts enhance drug-seeking behavior to a greater extent than freebase nicotine, with nicotine benzoate exhibiting the most significant effects., Implications: In this study, an aerosol self-administered model of mice was constructed, which can be used not only for comparing the effects of freebase nicotine and nicotine salts on the behavior, but also for other addictive drugs, such as fentanyl and cannabis. In addition, this study shows that nicotine salts may be more addictive compared to freebase nicotine, which is a reference for the future use of nicotine salts in tobacco products such as e-cigarettes., (© The Author(s) 2024. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco. All rights reserved. For commercial re-use, please contact reprints@oup.com for reprints and translation rights for reprints. All other permissions can be obtained through our RightsLink service via the Permissions link on the article page on our site—for further information please contact journals.permissions@oup.com.)

A reagent for colorimetric detection of Hg2+ in both solution and PMMA thin film has been investigated. It is found that 7-hydroxy-spiro-(2H-1-benzopyran-2,2'-indoline) shows highly selective colorimetric probing for Hg2+ in both solution and PMMA thin film. Addition of Hg2+ to the solution of reagent or dipping the reagent thin film into the solution of Hg2+ produces a distinct color change from colorless to red. Control experiments show that the colorimetric detection of Hg2+ is not affected by other competitive metal ions.