a convenient and useful tool for researchers examining smoking topography. IntroductionDetailed examination of smoking behavior has been of interest for decades (e.g., Djordjevic, Hoffman, & Hoffman, 1997 ;Donny, Houtsmuller, & Stitzer, 2007 ;Epstein et al., 1982 ;Robinson & Forbes, 1975). It involves quantitative measurement of puff topography: number of puffs/cigarette, puff duration (milliseconds), puff volume (milliliters), and interpuff interval (IPI; time between successive puffs, in seconds). The ability to measure topography has allowed researchers to understand many factors that maintain regular tobacco use. For example, puff topography has been used to explain why low-yield cigarettes failed to reduce smoking-related harm; smokers take more, bigger, and/ or longer puffs when they switch from full-fl avor to low-yield brands (e.g., Herning, Jones, Bachman, & Mines, 1981 ). Topography measurement also has demonstrated the effects of cigarette abstinence. Following a period of cigarette deprivation, smokers may increase the number of cigarettes smoked or the number of puffs taken per cigarette, or they may take larger puffs (e.g., Zacny & Stitzer, 1985 ). Consequently, this research tool has facilitated the understanding of novel tobacco products and periods of smoking cessation.Given the utility of puff topography measurement, various methods have been tested in an attempt to maximize the reliability and validity of this tool. Early studies relied on observational methods such as trained observers ( Lichtenstein & Antonuccio, 1981 ) and video cameras ( Frederiksen, Miller, & Peterson, 1977 ). Eventually, research efforts turned to specialized devices: pneumotachographs ( Adams, Lee, Rawbone, & Guz, 1983 ), pocket calculators ( Henningfi eld, Yingling, Griffi ths, & Abstract Introduction : Understanding factors that infl uence tobacco use often involves detailed assessment of smoking behavior (i.e., puff topography) via mouthpiece-based, computerized devices. Research suggests that the use of a mouthpiece to evaluate topography may alter natural smoking behavior. This study was designed to compare topography measurement using mouthpiece-based methods (i.e., desktop and portable computerized devices) to methods that do not use a mouthpiece (i.e., direct observation). Methods :A total of 30 smokers ( ≥ 15 full-fl avor or light cigarettes/day) participated in six Latin square -ordered, 2.5-hr experimental sessions that were preceded by at least 8 hr of objectively verifi ed tobacco abstinence (carbon monoxide level ≤ 10 ppm). Each session consisted of participants smoking four cigarettes (own brand or Merit ultra-light) ad libitum , conventionally or using a desktop or portable device. Sessions were v ideotaped using a digital camcorder.Results : All three measurement methods were sensitive to oftreported brand-and bout-induced changes. Topography measurement differed little between methods (across methods, all r values > .68), and each method was reliable (across bouts within each condition, most r values >...

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Waterpipe (hookah, narghile, shisha) use has become a global phenomenon, with numerous product variations. One variation is a class of products marketed as “tobacco-free” alternatives for the “health conscious user”. In this study toxicant yields from waterpipes smoked using conventional tobacco-based and tobacco-free preparations were compared. A human-mimic waterpipe smoking machine was used to replicate the puffing sequences of 31 human participants who completed two double-blind ad libitum smoking sessions in a controlled clinical setting: once with a tobacco-based product of their choosing and once with a flavor-matched tobacco-free product. Outcome measures included yields of carbon monoxide, nitric oxide, volatile aldehydes, nicotine, tar, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Smoke from both waterpipe preparations contained substantial quantities of toxicants. Nicotine yield was the only outcome that differed significantly between preparations. These findings contradict advertising messages that “herbal” waterpipe products are a healthy alternative to tobacco products.

An aversive tobacco abstinence syndrome, thought to reflect an underlying level of nicotine dependence, contributes to cigarette smokers' failed quit attempts. Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) suppresses tobacco abstinence, but high relapse rates suggest room for improvement. Improving NRT's efficacy might begin with identifying factors that influence tobacco abstinence symptom suppression. Two such factors are smokers' gender and NRT dose. The purpose of this study was to determine the dose-related effects of transdermal nicotine (TN) on tobacco abstinence symptoms in 75 men and 53 women who regularly smoked cigarettes but who had abstained from smoking for at least 8-12 hr. Participants completed 4 double-blind, randomized 6.5-hr laboratory sessions that differed by TN dose (0, 7, 21, or 42 mg). Each session included blood sampling for plasma nicotine level, measurement of heart rate, participants' ratings of tobacco abstinence symptoms and effects of nicotine, and psychomotor performance. Increases in plasma nicotine level were related to TN dose and were independent of gender. TN-induced abstinence symptom suppression was dose-related for items assessing craving and urge to smoke and largely was independent of gender. TN increased heart rate and ratings of aversive side effects (e.g., nausea, lightheadedness) in a dose-related manner, and women were more sensitive at higher doses. Results from this laboratory study support the continued use of TN as a pharmacotherapy. Higher doses may ameliorate some abstinence symptoms, although the side effect profile, at least in the short term, may limit effectiveness, especially for women.

Introduction A revised indoor air quality law has been implemented in Virginia to protect the public from the harmful effects of secondhand smoke exposure. This legislation contains exemptions that include allowances for smoking in a room that is structurally separated and separately ventilated. The objective of the current study was to examine the impact of this law on air quality in waterpipe cafés, as well as to compare the air quality in these cafés to restaurants that allow cigarette smoking and those where no smoking is permitted. Methods Indoor air quality in 28 venues (17 waterpipe cafés, five cigarette smoking-permitted restaurants and six smoke-free restaurants (five with valid data)) in Virginia was assessed during 4 March to 27 May 2011. Real-time measurements of particulate matter (PM) with 2.5 µm aerodynamic diameter or smaller (PM2.5) were obtained and occupant behaviour/venue characteristics were assessed. Results The highest mean PM2.5 concentration was observed for waterpipe café smoking rooms (374 µg/m3, n=17) followed by waterpipe café non-smoking rooms (123 µg/m3, n=11), cigarette smoking-permitted restaurant smoking rooms (119 µg/m3, n=5), cigarette smoking-permitted restaurant non-smoking rooms (26 µg/m3, n=5) and smoke-free restaurants (9 µg/m3, n=5). Smoking density was positively correlated with PM2.5 across smoking rooms and the smoke-free restaurants. In addition, PM2.5 was positively correlated between smoking and non-smoking rooms of venues. Conclusions The PM2.5 concentrations observed among the waterpipe cafés sampled here indicated air quality in the waterpipe café smoking rooms was worse than restaurant rooms in which cigarette smoking was permitted, and state-required non-smoking rooms in waterpipe cafés may expose patrons and employees to PM2.5 concentrations above national and international air quality standards. Reducing the health risks of secondhand smoke may require smoke-free establishments in which tobacco smoking sources such as water pipes are, like cigarettes, prohibited.