Value to smokers of improved cessation products: evidence from a willingness-to-pay survey.

The present study demonstrated the use of willingness to pay to value hypothetical new smoking cessation products. Data came from a baseline survey of participants in a clinical trial of medications for smoking cessation (N=356) conducted in New Haven, Connecticut. We analyzed individual willingness to pay for a hypothetical tobacco cessation treatment that is (a) more effective than those currently available and then (b) more effective and attenuates the weight gain often associated with smoking cessation. A majority of the respondents (n=280; 84%) were willing to pay for the more effective treatment, and, of those, 175 (63%) were willing to pay more if the increased effectiveness was accompanied by attenuation of the weight gain associated with smoking cessation. The present study suggests the validity of using willingness-to-pay surveys in assessing the value of new smoking cessation products and products with multifaceted improvements. From these data, we calculated estimates of the value of a quit. For the population studied, this survey suggests a substantial market for more effective smoking cessation treatments.     

Empirically derived latent classes of tobacco dependence syndromes observed in recent-onset tobacco smokers: epidemiological evidence from a national probability sample survey.

This study pursued a line of large-sample epidemiological research on tobacco dependence syndromes that may appear during the first 2 years of tobacco smoking, as clinical features begin to emerge. Focusing on smokers who just recently started using tobacco may provide insights into the transitions that lead from initial smoking toward tobacco dependence. A specific focus was a possible excess risk of tobacco dependence associated with early-onset smoking. Data came from public use files of the 1995-1998 National Household Surveys on Drug Abuse. Analyses were based on responses from 2,993 smokers, that is, those whose age at onset of tobacco smoking was either equal to the age at the time of the interview (n=1,030) or within 1 year of the age at the interview (n=1,963). Seven clinical features were assessed for a measure of the tobacco dependence syndrome, elicited during a standardized assessment. Findings from latent class analysis best support a model with three classes of smokers; features of tobacco dependence are prominent in just two of these classes, which in aggregate constitute 29% of the recent-onset smokers. Earlier-onset tobacco smokers may have a modestly higher probability of expressing dependence features within 2 years of smoking onset, compared with later-onset smokers (i.e., those starting after age 20). Clinical features of tobacco dependence emerge within 1-2 years after the onset of smoking. If the three-class model of tobacco dependence is correct, early-onset smoking may confer modest excess risk of becoming tobacco dependent during the first 2 years after smoking onset.     

"Withdrawal symptoms" in adolescents: a comparison of former smokers and never-smokers.

Since the early 1980s, investigators have been reporting that adolescent smokers felt "dependent" on cigarettes and that adolescents trying to quit smoking experienced the same withdrawal symptoms observed in adult quitters, including restlessness, insomnia, increased appetite and weight gain, irritability or anger, depression, craving for cigarettes, and trouble concentrating. We hypothesized that most of these symptoms might be attributed to adolescence itself. To investigate this hypothesis, we examined the prevalence of these seven "adult" withdrawal symptoms in a population of adolescent former smokers and never-smokers. Participants were high school students in Houston, Texas, participating in a nested, group-randomized control group study designed to estimate the impact of a CD-ROM intervention for smoking prevention and cessation. We measured differences in symptoms frequency between never-smokers and former smokers, matched in a 2:1 ratio on sex and race/ethnicity, and differences in symptoms among former smokers as a function of time since final quit attempt and prior level of smoking. Only former heavy smokers have shown significantly higher prevalence of withdrawal symptoms compared with never-smokers. Of the seven symptoms assessed, only craving incrementally increased with the intensity of smoking. Overall the individual withdrawal symptoms did not effectively differentiate between 112 never-smokers and 34 former lighter smokers (persons who used to smoke less than "a few cigarettes on most days"). Withdrawal symptoms can reliably differentiate former heavy smokers from light smokers and never-smokers, among adolescents. Because most adolescents tend to be lighter smokers, future tobacco use and cessation studies should interpret adult withdrawal symptoms among adolescents with caution.     

Use of a turbidity sensor to characterize micellar casein powder rehydration: influence of some technological effects

A simplified method to study rehydration of dairy powders was developed for native phosphocaseinate powder. The method involved dispersing powder in a stirred vessel equipped with a turbidity sensor under standardized conditions. The changes of turbidity occurring during powder rehydration highlighted several stages. These stages include particles wetting, and then swelling as the water penetrates into the powder bed, followed by a slow dispersion of the particles. With this tool, some technological effects on powder rehydration were analyzed. Ultrafiltrate incorporation to the casein concentrate before spray drying was found to greatly improve the rehydration, whereas mixing ultrafiltrate powder with casein powder after spray drying did not change the rehydration properties. The effect of granulation on powder rehydration stages was also investigated.     

The dog as a passive smoker: effects of exposure to environmental cigarette smoke on domestic dogs.

Of the few studies available regarding the effects of smoking on animals, most of them involve animals actively smoking through the use of a mask or tracheostomy. The present study investigated the effects of passive smoke exposure on domestic dogs. The sample comprised 30 Yorkshire terriers (18 males) ranging in age from 27 to 106 months (M = 38.6+/-15.8) and weighing 1.9-4.0 kg (M = 3.04+/-0.48). Half of the dogs came from homes where residents smoked at least 20 cigarettes/day for a minimum of 24 months, and the other half were from homes without smokers. All animals were subjected to bronchoalveolar lavage to determine cell populations and the presence of anthracosis in macrophage cytoplasm; in addition, a carinal biopsy was obtained. To characterize environmental cigarette smoke exposure, urinary cotinine was determined by an immunochromatographic assay. Cotinine was not detected in the urine of dogs not exposed to cigarette smoke, whereas exposed dogs tested positive. In dogs exposed to cigarette smoke, macrophage and lymphocyte populations were significantly increased (p<.05) and anthracosis was present in the cytoplasm of macrophages. The measurement of urinary cotinine by an immunochromatographic assay is an effective method that can be used to confirm environmental tobacco exposure. Cytological analysis of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid demonstrated airway alterations triggered by passive exposure to tobacco smoke in domestic animals.     

Serum concentrations of 11 polyfluoroalkyl compounds in the u.s. population: data from the national health and nutrition examination survey (NHANES)

We measured the concentrations of 11 polyfluoroalkyl compounds (PFCs), including perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), and perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS) in 1562 serum samples collected from a representative U.S. population 12 years of age and older in the 1999-2000 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Participants represented both sexes, three race/ethnicities (non-Hispanic blacks, non-Hispanic whites, and Mexican-Americans), and four age categories (12-19 years, 20-39 years, 40-59 years, and 60 years and older). PFCs were extracted from 100 microL of serum using on-line solid-phase extraction coupled to isotope dilution-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry; limits of detection ranged from 0.05 to 0.2 ng/ mL. PFOS, PFOA, PFHxS, and perfluorooctane sulfonamide were detected in all samples analyzed; 2-(N-ethyl-perfluorooctane sulfonamido) acetic acid, 2-(N-methyl-perfluorooctane sulfonamido) acetic acid, and perfluorononanoic acid were detected in more than 90% of samples, which suggests prevalent exposures to several PFCs in the U.S. population. The concentrations of most PFCs were similar regardless of the participants' ages but were higher in males than in females. Mexican Americans had lower concentrations than non-Hispanic blacks and non-Hispanic whites, whose concentrations were similar. Higher education was associated with higher concentrations of PFOS and PFOA. These data will serve as a nationally representative baseline of the U.S. population's exposure to PFCs to which other populations can be compared, and will play an important role in public health by helping set research priorities, ranging from health effects studies to defining sources and pathways of exposure.     

Smokers are unaware of the filter vents now on most cigarettes: results of a national survey

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate awareness and knowledge of cigarette filter ventilation in a national probability sample of smokers of Ultra-light, Light, and regular cigarettes. DESIGN: Random-digit-dialling and computer-assisted telephone interviewing was used on a probability sample of daily cigarette smokers (ages 18 and above). SUBJECTS AND SETTING: 218 Smokers of Ultra-light cigarettes, 360 smokers of Light cigarettes, and 210 smokers of Regular cigarettes living in the continental United States. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Percentage of respondents indicating knowledge of the presence of filter vents and the consequences of behavioural blocking of vents. RESULTS: Many smokers had not heard about or seen the filter holes: 43% (95% CI = 36 to 50%) of smokers of Ultra-lights, 39% (95% CI = 34 to 44%) of smokers of Lights, and 47% (95% CI = 40 to 54%) of smokers of Regulars. About two in three smokers either did not know of the existence of rings of small holes on the filters of some cigarettes, or did not know that blocking increases tar yields: 69% (95% CI = 63 to 75%) of Ultra- lights, 66% (95% CI = 61 to 71%) of Lights, and 69% (95% CI = 63 to 75%) of Regulars. CONCLUSIONS: Smokers are generally unaware of the presence and function of filter vents-a major design feature subject to behavioural blocking by smokers and now present on most cigarettes in the United States. Smokers and policy-makers need to be informed about the presence of filter vents and how vent blocking increases tar and nicotine yields from ostensibly very low-yield cigarettes.


     

Vibrio vulnificus and Vibrio parahaemolyticus in U.S. retail shell oysters: a national survey from June 1998 to July 1999.

From June 1998 to July 1999, 370 lots of oysters in the shell were sampled at 275 different establishments (71%, restaurants or oyster bars; 27%, retail seafood markets: and 2%, wholesale seafood markets) in coastal and inland markets throughout the United States. The oysters were harvested from the Gulf (49%). Pacific (14%), Mid-Atlantic (18%), and North Atlantic (11%) Coasts of the United States and from Canada (8%). Densities of Vibrio vulnificus and Vibrio parahaemolyticus were determined using a modification of the most probable number (MPN) techniques described in the Food and Drug Administration's Bacteriological Analytical Manual. DNA probes and enzyme immunoassay were used to identify suspect isolates and to determine the presence of the thermostable direct hemolysin gene associated with pathogenicity of V. parahaemolyticus. Densities of both V. vulnifcus and V. parahaemolyticus in market oysters from all harvest regions followed a seasonal distribution, with highest densities in the summer. Highest densities of both organisms were observed in oysters harvested from the Gulf Coast, where densities often exceeded 10,000 MPN/g. The majority (78%) of lots harvested in the North Atlantic, Pacific, and Canadian Coasts had V. vulnificus densities below the detectable level of 0.2 MPN/g; none exceeded 100 MPN/g. V. parahaemolyticus densities were greater than those of V. vulnificus in lots from these same areas, with some lots exceeding 1,000 MPN/g for V. parahaemolyticus. Some lots from the Mid-Atlantic states exceeded 10,000 MPN/g for both V. vulnificus and V. parahaemolyicus. Overall, there was a significant correlation between V. vulificus and V. parahaemolyticus densities (r = 0.72, n = 202, P < 0.0001), but neither density correlated with salinity. Storage time significantly affected the V. vulnificus (10% decrease per day) and V. parahaemolyticus (7% decrease per day) densities in market oysters. The thermostable direct hemolysin gene associated with V parahaemolyticus virulence was detected in 9 of 3,429 (0.3%) V. parahaemolyticus cultures and in 8 of 198 (4.0%) lots of oysters. These data can be used to estimate the exposure of raw oyster consumers to V. vulnificus and V. parahaemolyticus.     

Obtaining DNA from a geographically dispersed cohort of current and former smokers: use of mail-based mouthwash collection and monetary incentives.

The feasibility of collecting DNA through the mail from a cohort of current and former smokers was assessed. Also examined was whether monetary incentives would increase response rates. A random sample of 300 subjects, stratified by 20 U.S. communities, was selected to participate. The sampling frame included the 6,726 people who were in both the Community Intervention Trial for Smoking Cessation (COMMIT) between 1988 and 1993 and the follow-up study in 2001, and who consented to being contacted again. Subjects were further randomized within communities to incentive arms of 10 US dollars, 2 US dollars, or 0 US dollars. A total of 110 usable samples were returned (37%), and the 10 US dollars incentive arm had the highest response (43%). Logistic regression revealed no significant predictors of sending a DNA sample, although in a larger study, similar-sized odds ratios would be statistically significant for subjects who received the 10 US dollars incentive and for those who were White, female, or college graduates or whose household incomes were more than 60,000 US dollars per year. The spectrophotometer-determined median DNA yield was 44.93 microg (range=4.00-425.86 microg). Assuming that 50 ng of DNA would be needed for polymerase chain reaction amplification to determine any given genotype, 80-8,517 runs would be attainable. Qualitative findings suggest several methodological improvements to boost response rates. Institutional review board requirements, which are standardized on the inpatient, clinical protocol model, stipulated that noninstitutionally based subjects needed a witness to initial and date every page as well as sign the consent form. This pilot study showed that this requirement could pose some challenges in population-based research.     

News on the Maillard reaction of oligomeric carbohydrates: a survey.

The reaction behaviour of monosaccharides in the Maillard reaction is well investigated. Amadori compounds, for instance, form deoxyhexosuloses which are responsible for the formation of volatile flavour substances and melanoidins. These intermediates can be quantified by a trapping reaction with o-phenylendiamine as stable quinoxalines. However the reaction behaviour of oligo and polymeric carbohydrates in non-enzymatic browning reactions are hardly known. Therefore maltooligosaccharides and in some cases starch were used together with glycine as model substances to investigate the Maillard reaction mechanism of oligo and polysaccharides. In quasi waterfree reaction systems oligosaccharides form alpha-dicarbonyl compounds via a "peeling off" mechanism. The Maillard reaction with the amino compound starts at the reducing end of an alpha-glucane residue and results in the formation of 1,4-dideoxyhexosulose. This is the main alpha-dicarbonyl compound found by trapping reaction with o-phenylendiamine during thermally induced degradation of maltooligosaccharides. The thermal reaction of maltooligosaccharides is accompanied by transglycosylations leading to formation of branched carbohydrate structures and by dehydrations forming anhydrosugars. The reaction mechanism which is responsible for degradation of oligomeric carbohydrates in aqueous model systems differs significantly from pathways mentioned above for water free reaction conditions. As the main alpha-dicarbonyl compound 3-deoxypentosulose is formed which can be proved also by trapping reactions. Under aqueous reaction conditions the formation of other alpha-dicarbonyls plays only a marginal role in the Maillard reaction of oligomeric carbohydrates. In an aqueous system transglycosylation and dehydration of maltooligosaccharides are not important.     

Use of a multivariate approach to assess the incidence of Alicyclobacillus spp. in concentrate fruit juices marketed in Argentina: results of a 14-year survey

The purpose of this study was to determine the incidence of Alicyclobacillus spp. in fruit/vegetable juices (concentrated pulps and clarified and non-clarified juices) marketed in Argentina between 1996 and 2009.The presence of Alicyclobacillus was determined in a total of 8556 samples of fruit and vegetable juices (apple, pear, grape, peach, blend of juices, tangerine, pineapple, orange, mango, plum, guava, apricot, lemon, banana, kiwi, carrot, strawberry, grapefruit, and beetroot) collected in seven Argentinean provinces. Multiple factor analysis (MFA) was carried out on a data matrix that contained the percentage of positive samples, type of juice, raw material and production year.Except for kiwi and orange, Alicyclobacillus was found in juices from all the evaluated raw materials. The highest percentage of positive samples was found for beetroot, strawberry, banana, peach, mango, carrot and plum juices. The percentage of positive samples for these juices ranged from 100% to 24%.Furthermore, the application of multivariate techniques provided an insight on the relationship between the incidence of Alicyclobacillus and production variables. This approach enabled the identification of the most relevant variables that increased the percentage of positive samples among the juices, which could help in developing strategies to avoid the incidence of this bacterium.By means of hierarchical cluster analysis seven groups (clusters) of juices which showed different percentages of positive samples for Alicyclobacillus spp. were identified. This analysis showed that pineapple, peach, strawberry, mango and beetroot juices had higher rates of positivity for Alicyclobacillus than the rest of the evaluated juices. MFA analysis also showed that some clear relationships could be highlighted between the percentage of samples positive for Alicyclobacillus and five types of fruit juices (strawberry, beetroot, grapefruit, pineapple and mango). It was observed that a large proportion of juices produced in 2000, 2005 and 2008 were located in clusters with higher incidence of Alicyclobacillus spp., whereas a larger proportion of clarified concentrate juice and concentrate pulp samples showed higher probability of incidence of Alicyclobacillus in these products. Data presented in this study brings a contribution to the ecology of Alicyclobacillus in fruit/vegetable juices marketed in Argentina. This information would be useful to enhance the microbiological stability of fruit juices regarding the presence of Alicyclobacillus spp.     

Workplace smoking policies in the United States: results from a national survey of more than 100,000 workers

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of smoking policies in indoor work environments as reported by a nationally representative sample of workers in the United States. DESIGN: Cross-sectional survey of households within the United States. SETTING: All 50 state and the District of Columbia, 1992-93. PARTICIPANTS: Currently employed indoor workers 15 years of age and older who responded to the National Cancer Institute's Tobacco Use Supplement to the Current Population Survey (n = 100,561). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The prevalence and restrictiveness of workplace smoking policies as reported by workers currently employed in indoor workplaces in the United States. RESULTS: Most of the indoor workers surveyed (81.6%) reported that their place of work had an official policy that addressed smoking in the workplace; 46.0% reported that their workplace policy did not permit smoking in either the public/common areas--for example, restrooms and cafeterias--or the work areas of the workplace. The reporting of these "smoke-free" policies varied significantly by gender, age, race/ethnicity, smoking status, and occupation of the worker. CONCLUSIONS: Although nearly half of all indoor workers in this survey reported that they had a smoke-free policy in their workplace, significant numbers of workers, especially those in blue-collar and service occupations, reported smoke-free rates well below the national average. If implemented, the US Occupational Safety and Health Administration's proposed regulation to require worksites to be smoke-free has the potential to increase significantly the percentage of American workers covered by these policies and to eliminate most of the disparity currently found across occupational groups.


     

Perchlorate in groundwater: a synoptic survey of "pristine" sites in the coterminous United States

Perchlorate is widely used as an oxidant in solid rocket propellants and energetic applications, and it has frequently been detected in groundwaters at concentrations relevant to human health. The possibility of naturally occurring perchlorate has only recently received significant attention. Relying primarily on domestic, agricultural, and recreational wells, we utilized a network of volunteers to help collect 326 groundwater samples from across the coterminous United States. Care was taken to avoid known, USEPA-documented sites of perchlorate use or release, as well as perchlorate contamination due to disinfection using hypochlorite. Using IC-ESI-MS and a Cl18O4- internal standard, we achieved a method detection limit (MDL) of 40 ng/L perchlorate and a minimum reporting level (MRL) of 120 ng/L. Of the 326 samples, 147 (45%) were below the MDL, while 42 (13%) were between the MDL and the MRL. Of the 137 samples that could be quantified, most (109) contained < 1000 ng/L perchlorate; the remaining 28 samples contained from 1000 to 10400 ng/L. Our results support the notion that perchlorate occurs naturally in many groundwaters, but the unusually high concentrations (> 10000 ng/L) previously reported for the west-central Texas area appear to be anomalous. Perchlorate concentrations were positively correlated with nitrate levels (P < 0.001) but not with chloride concentrations. Opportunities exist for follow-up studies of perchlorate's origins using isotope forensics and for further elucidation of the role of atmospheric processes in the formation or transport of perchlorate.