Investigations into the cognitive effects of tobacco smoking have generally focused on nicotine and its effect on nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) in the brain. However, it is now known that chronic smokers exhibit robust inhibition of the monoamine oxidase (MAO) enzyme through the actions of non-nicotine components in tobacco smoke. Therefore, the primary aim of this thesis is to elucidate the effects of nicotine and MAO-inhibition on electroencephalographic (EEG) and event-related potential (ERP) measures of cognition. 24 healthy nonsmoking males were administered 75 mg of moclobemide, and chewed 6 mg nicotine gum, in order to simulate the effects of acute smoking. Four experimental conditions included placebo, nicotine, moclobemide, and a combination of nicotine and moclobemide. Early auditory ERPs were used as measures of cognition, such as the auditory P50 sensory gating paired-stimulus paradigm, the acoustic-change-elicited mismatch-negativity (MMN), the novel sound-elicited P3a, and the target sound-elicited P3b. Three minutes of eyes closed EEG were also recorded. Because these ERPs are often identified as biomarkers for schizophrenia, drug effects were also measured after individuals were stratified for low-baseline amplitude of each ERP measure, as a laboratory model of cognitive deficits in schizophrenia. Overall results showed a synergistic improvement in sensory gating via nicotine combined with moclobemide, accompanied by a reduction in theta band power. Nicotine in the absence of moclobemide increased P3b amplitude, accompanied by an increase in alpha2 band power. Moclobemide in the absence of nicotine increased P3a amplitude, accompanied by a decrease in beta2 power. Stratifying participants by placebo amplitude revealed both nicotine and moclobemide exhibited an inverted-U pattern of effect, i.e. showing greater amplitude increases in individuals with the lowest baseline amplitudes. Overall, this thesis demonstrates how these two components of tobacco smoke affect different facets of auditory processing in different ways, with synergistic effects in some paradigms but antagonizing effects in others. Therefore, chronic smokers and schizophrenia patients who seek transient cognitive improvement through smoking may actually experience cognitive detriments overall, possibly contributing to withdrawal symptoms and/or an exacerbation of already-present psychiatric symptoms.

The main goal of this thesis is to revise the view of tobacco issues and try to answer the question where ends and where begins costs and revenues from tobacco consumption from the perspective of state budget. Thesis defines own model, which try to identify some distortions from the reality, revising controversial Phillip Morris study (Little (2001)). The results of testing reveal inconsistent approach in calculating effects of smoking on the state budget, especially non-standard arrangement of revenue side of the state budget. Analysis also uncovers systematic overestimation of selected cost items of the state budget. The work is extended by the practical part, which discuss methodology of calculation of foreign papers and applies some findings to the Czech environment. Analysis is based on the principle of expenditure-based cost, which quantifies the limits of revenues and expenses from smoking for the end of 2010.

Background: In addition to the influence of an individual’s socioeconomic status, the neighbourhoods in which people live may influence health-related behaviours including smoking. This study therefore sought to determine the influence of the socioeconomic context in which South African adults lived on their smoking behaviour, and explore the potential gender differences of contextual influences. Method: This study involved a representative sample of South African adults (≥16 years) who participated in the 2010 (n=3,112) and 2011 (3,003) South African Social Attitude Survey (SASAS). The 2009 General Household Survey (n =25,548 households) was used to obtain the socioeconomic characteristics of the neighbourhoods where SASAS participants lived, including proportion of households with access to tap water, access to flush toilets and the level of employment in the area (3-item deprivation index; α=0.84). Information obtained from SASAS included participants’ tobacco use status and socio-demographic characteristics, including participants’ self-rated socioeconomic position within the society. Data analysis included a multi-level Poisson regression analysis. Results: Of the respondents who participated in the 2010/2011 survey, 19.4% (n=1302) were current smokers (30% men and 9.8% women). Smoking was more prevalent among those living in areas in the upper-third socioeconomic status (SES) than in areas in the lower-third SES (22.9% vs. 13.5%; p= 0.01). The neighbourhood socioeconomic context had a greater influence on the prevalence of smoking among women than among men. In particular, the gender gap in smoking prevalence was higher among those living in areas in the lowest-third SES (24.6% men vs. 4.6% women) than among those in areas of highest-third SEP (31.5% men vs. 15% women). Overall, smoking was less likely among those with greater than high school education than among those with less than high school education (OR=0.68; 95%CI=0.56-0.82). Conclusion: The findings suggest a greater neighbourhood socioeconomic contextual influence on women than men and highlight the need for community-level interventions targeting the least educated living in areas of highest socioeconomic position in South Africa. Interventions and public health policies to decrease tobacco smoking should be developed with some neighbourhood-specific modifications and should also be actively implemented. / Dissertation (MPH)--University of Pretoria, 2015. / tm2015 / School of Health Systems and Public Health (SHSPH) / MPH / Unrestricted

Orientador: Antonio Wilson Sallum / Dissertação (mestrado) - Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Faculdade de Odontologia de Piracicaba / Made available in DSpace on 2018-07-31T15:15:35Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Pereira_AdrianadeFatimaVasconcelos_M.pdf: 2257759 bytes, checksum: 984f7789e8f218a9b8d01a755a8863ae (MD5) Previous issue date: 2001 / Resumo: O fumo é considerado fator de risco para a doença periodontal. Os fumantes apresentam maior profundidade de sondagem, recessão gengival, perda de inserção clínica, perda óssea e perda dentária, quando comparados com os não fumantes.O propósito desse estudo foi analisar a influência do consumo de cigarros no desenvolvimento da doença em 40 indivíduos de 25 a 70 anos, bem como a quantidade de cigarros consumidos por dia em fumantes leves « 1 O cigarros) e fumantes pesados ( > 10 cigarros) e tempo de duração do hábito de fumar em curta duração « 10 anos) e longa duração (> 10 anos), necessários para observar valores significantes do índice de placa, índice gengival, recessão gengival, profundidade de sondagem e perda de inserção clínica. Os resultados demonstraram que os valores dos parâmetros clínicos adotados foram similares, havendo diferença estatisticamente significante ( p < O, 01) na comparação entre sextantes anteriores e posteriores, bem como os fumantes leves apresentaram valores maiores para o IP, IG, R e PS e os fumantes de longa duração obtiveram valores maiores para todos os critérios. Isto nos permite concluir que o fumo é um fator modificador da progressão da doença periodontal / Abstract: Smoking is considered a risk factor for periodontal disease. Smokers have shown higher probing depth, gingival recession, clinical attachment loss, bone loss and tooth loss when compared to non- smokers. The purpose of this study was to analyze the influence of cigarette smoking on development of disease in 40 individuais aged 25 to 70 years old as well as the quantity of cigarette smoked by day in light smokers ( < 10 cigarettes) and heavy smokers ( > 10 cigarettes)and smoking duration habit in short duration ( < 10 years) and long duration ( > 10 years), which is necessary to observe significant values for plaque index, gingival index, gingival recession, probing depth and clinical attachment loss. The results have shown that the values of ali the parameters used were similar regarding to significant statistical ( p < O, 01) in comparison of anterior and posterior sextants, as well as light smokers showed higher values to PI, GI R, PD and CAL. Heavy smokers have showed higher values to ali the parameters . It leads us to conclude that smoking is a modifying factor for the progression of periodontal disease / Mestrado / Periodontia / Mestre em Clínica Odontológica

A sample of 1,031 pregnant women from five prenatal practices participated in Tennessee Intervention for Pregnant Smokers (TIPS), an expanded 5A’s (Ask, Advise, Assess, Assist, Arrange) program. Stress, self-esteem, depressive symptoms, and disordered eating were hypothesized to differ among three groups: pregnant women who never smoked, pregnant women who smoked but quit prior to birth, and pregnant women who smoked and did not quit prior to birth. Smokers who quit were lower in stress and higher in self-esteem than those who did not quit. Non-smokers were lowest in stress and depression, and highest in self-esteem. These findings may lead to improved intervention programs and reduction of adverse health effects in children born to mothers who smoke.

Philosophiae Doctor - PhD / In South Africa there are currently 44.8 million people under the age of 20 years accounting for approximately 44% of the total South African population. Literature has indicated a number of lifestyle behaviors which account for most of the mortality, morbidity and social problems in adolescents. These behaviors include tobacco uses, unhealthy dietary behaviors, physical inactivity, alcohol and other drug use, risky sexual behaviors, and behaviors that result in unintentional and intentional injuries. Adolescent women are profoundly affected by a number of health risks related to their behavior. Many of these also affect their male peers such as smoking, drinking, use of other drugs, and violence, but have a special effect on women because of either higher prevalence or a relationship to other risks. Another set of risky behaviors are those uniquely linked to women's reproductive potential. The health of young people today, and the adults they will become, is critically linked to the health related behaviors they choose to adopt. It is thus vitally important for health professionals to address adolescent health issues with targeted health-related interventions and effective health-promoting programmes. The heightened adverse health effects of many risk behaviors for adolescent women and the unique risks associated with being female point to the need for gender-specific prevention efforts. The purpose of this study was to investigate health risk behaviours among black female high school learners. The study used a mixed method approach, specifically the sequential explanatory strategy. Quantitative data was collected using two self-administered questionnaires assessing six domains of health risk behaviours including cigarette use, alcohol use, drug use, sexual activity, behaviours leading to violence and behaviours related to physical activity.

Background: Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) constitute a network of chromatin fibres containing histone and antimicrobial peptides that are released by activated neutrophils. NETs protect the host against infection by trapping and facilitating phagocytosis of potentially harmful pathogens. Objectives: The aim of the current study was to investigate the effects cigarette smoke condensate (CSC) on phorbol-ester (PMA)-mediated NETosis in vitro, as well as the effects of cigarette. Methods: Isolated human blood neutrophils were exposed to PMA (6.25 ng/ml) in the presence or absence of CSC (40-80 μg/ml) for 90 min at 37oC. Alternatively neutrophils of non-smokers and smokers were activated with PMA (6.25 ng/ml) for 90 min at 37oC. NET formation was measured using a spectrofluorimetric procedure to detect extracellular DNA and fluorescence microscopy was used to visualize nets. Oxygen consumption by PMA-activated neutrophils was measured using an oxygen sensitive electrode. Cotinine levels were measured in smokers and non-smokers for objective confirmation of smoking status Results: Activation of neutrophils with PMA was associated with induction of NETosis that was significantly attenuated in the presence of CSC (40 and 80 μg/ml), with mean fluorescence intensities of 65% and 66% of that observed with untreated cells, respectively, and confirmed by fluorescence microscopy. The rate and magnitude of oxygen consumption by activated neutrophils pre-treated with CSC (80 μg/ml) was significantly less than that observed with untreated cells (73% of the control system), indicative of decreased production of reactive oxidant species in the presence of CSC. When comparing smokers and non- smokers, neutrophils from smokers showed a decrease in both oxygen consumption and the number of NET-forming cells consistent with attenuation of NET formation due to inhalation of cigarette smoke. Conclusion: The inhibition of NETosis observed in the presence of CSC and CS (in smokers) correlated with attenuation of oxygen consumption by PMA-activated neutrophils suggesting a mechanistic relationship between these events. Smoking-related attenuation of NETosis may impair host immune responses and increase the risk of respiratory infections, in vivo. / Dissertation (MSc)--University of Pretoria, 2016. / Immunology / MSc / Unrestricted

ABSTRACT   ADDICTION IS A SPECIAL KIND OF HELL. IT TAKES THE SOUL OF THE ADDICT   AND BREAKS THE HEARTS OF EVERYONE WHO LOVES THEM” Research problem: A quantitative study to assess the knowledge and reasons of Smoking among young people in Sweden       The aim of the study is to assess the reasons for smoking among young people in Sweden. To associate the level of knowledge with the demographical variables such as age, sex, marital status, socio-economic level, education, father’s education, and mother’s education. To assess the attitude about a cigarette, use, and willingness to stop smoking addiction.       The theoretical framework is based on social learning theory.  Pearson’s chi-square test and non-experimental descriptive research design were applied. A total of 100 samples were selected, and the data was collected by structured interview questionnaire. Two kinds of Non- probability sampling techniques namely, convenience and snowball sampling were used. Data were compiled and analyzed for completeness. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS ‑ version 20.0) (IBM Corp. Released 2011. IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 20.0. Armonk, NY: IBM Corp) was used for analysis and measure the central tendency of the data. According to the results, the male percentage is more than the female. The overall status of smoking people in 100 samples 84 peoples smoke and 16 are non -smoker. More than half of people are educated.  The participants agreed that usually, smoking habits start in youth. People who start smoking for relaxation are 22(26%), curiosity 15 (17.8%), and reduction of stress. Many of them started smoking because of their friends13(15.4%). The majority of people 14(16.6%) agree that habit starts because of their loneliness and boredom.   Keywords Young people, smoking, reasons, Sweden

The diploma thesis "Social acceptability of smoking and unintended consequences of tobacco control in the Czech Republic" offers an understanding of the question whether the smokers in the Czech Republic are stigmatized in connection with denormalization strategies, whether and how public policies contribute to them and what their unintended negative consequences on the health of citizens in various forms. Research from a semi-structured in- depth interview with smokers revealed that they perceive that smoking is neither normal nor modern. While there was no stigmatization among respondents, as demonstrated abroad, some elements suggesting stigmatization were present. Some smokers feel that they are negatively perceived by the neighborhood, as manifested by their relatives, as well as negative verbal and nonverbal expressions from the wider environment. The negative consequences of stigmatization in respondents to this research, unlike foreign experiences, did not show up in the social and health spheres and did not imply a significant change in cigarette consumption of a given smoker. The influence of public policies on stigmatization of smokers has also not significantly materialized in this research.

Title of the Master's Thesis: Tobacco Products Regulation Abstract: The submitted diploma thesis focuses on the issue of tobacco products regulation. The aim of the work is to analyse substantive law governing tobacco products in all its aspects so that the work provides a comprehensive overview of substantive law with regards to tobacco product's "life cycle", from production to consumer. The first chapter describes the methodology and existing literature, providing the reader with an overview of key sources on which it was possible to base the writing of the work. The second chapter deals with historical developments and applicable law at the European and international level. The following chapters deal with the individual aspects of tobacco product's regulation. Chapter 3 deals in great detail with the regulation of the product itself (i.e. product layout, content and ingredients, requirements for its packaging, and requirements for traceability and traceability of products). In the Czech Republic relatively benevolent regulation of tobacco products advertising is covered in Chapter 4. The issue of restrictions on use and sale of tobacco products can be found in Chapter 5, including the recently introduced ban on smoking in restaurants, bars, cafes and similar premises. To provide full overview, the last...