Tobacco

[CubbieBlue]

Re: Chantix - What we know on this around here.?

They sure as shit are. They range from very acidic (5.24 - Hawken Wintergreen) to very alkaline (8.35 - Kodiak Wintergreen). . They know very well, probably better than anyone, that you can be every bit as addicted to "the burn" as the nicotine.

Yeah, that "burn" is the only reason I will occasionally throw in a dip.

I sometimes also want to buy a pack of cigarettes because I love how a fresh pack of newports smell.

 

[BBC3]

Re: Chantix - What we know on this around here.?

Cubbie, If you did not read you are missing. Gman is not describing the "burn", as a coveted sensation - So much...... I believe it is a fececious banther regarding the correctness of my suspicions. The fact is that either acids or bases will burn skewed far enough past 7.0 either way. The "Burn" is also a result of the particular flavoring in many cases. Defensively, PH is a very important aspect of science. It can change flavor, preserve consitution, empower or degrade. This is the most important point I would like to transfer to the rhelm of mens health. So this is a very interesting property in human biology that I feel goes overlooked...

Girly, I am impressed with that information pull.! You must have found that whilst motivating to quit. Many searches and I did not come up with such a succinct rendition. Amazingly, I was supprised to see that my memory may had served on every concept there. They kinda only brushed the compound that is a significant carcinogen that I was trying to recall the name (tircinmites - I dont know just rings in my head something like that). But they discussed the pulonium as well as the PH factor.

So now you can at least give me my due as I once argued kodiak was the strongest on the market, you of course declined to copenhagen. If you look at the figures on free nicotine levels, the kodiak is right there. If you consider the pinch size variation of the "average user", who would tend to pluck excessive amounts from a moist batch of Kodiak, surely you can see where I got the notion. You really got to be all pro to be able to scoop up, and then deal with the same amount of Copen fine cut. Sadly, I could amaze friends as I have reached the dimented level that I can just shake some copen out directly from the can to the mouth, quickly sort it with the licker, and then even chew it like leaf product. SAD,, And I knock on wood.....

I am gonna make a run at it in a day or two as I have pretty much removed alchol from my diet at this point. I may stand a chance.......

Yeah, that "burn" is the only reason I will occasionally throw in a dip.

I sometimes also want to buy a pack of cigarettes because I love how a fresh pack of newports smell.

 

[Michael Scally MD]

Re: Chantix - What we know on this around here.?

Graphic Warnings for Cigarette Labels
MMS: Error

 

[GirlyMan]

Re: Chantix - What we know on this around here.?

Sadly, I could amaze friends as I have reached the dimented level that I can just shake some copen out directly from the can to the mouth, quickly sort it with the licker, and then even chew it like leaf product. SAD,,

I was there, BBC. Upper and lower lips stuffed so full it looked like I just got my ass kicked in the boxing ring. Coughing up black shit lining my esophagus. Nasty ass spit cups ruining perfectly innocent keyboards. I couldn't go cold turkey. My nicotine levels were just way too high. Nicorette literally saved my life. Of course, then I was addicted to it for another 15 years. But at least I wasn't coughing up black shit.

Good Luck!

 

[Crazy Crew]

Re: Chantix - What we know on this around here.?

I . Nicorette literally saved my life. Of course, then I was addicted to it for another 15 years. But at least I wasn't coughing up black shit.

Good Luck!

I tried Nicorette a few years ago, the flavor reminded me of the smell an old ash tray presents. Very unpleasant.

 

[BBC3]

Re: Chantix - What we know on this around here.?

Yes I think I am going with Gum for once. What the hell. There is only so saturated I can get my receptors I am thinking. Better than the poisons in the tobacco as processed. ( I am actually so dimented I just looking into growing it in my back yard...LOL)

As for you signature quote gman... My thoughts are to defeat a monster, we must first understand it. To do that we must flirt dangerously close with becomming one. This is the real trick of the circle of life. As I am sure you are aware. With regard to his description of "the abyss" - The trick is not to look at one spot too long....

I was there, BBC. Upper and lower lips stuffed so full it looked like I just got my ass kicked in the boxing ring. Coughing up black shit lining my esophagus. Nasty ass spit cups ruining perfectly innocent keyboards. I couldn't go cold turkey. My nicotine levels were just way too high. Nicorette literally saved my life. Of course, then I was addicted to it for another 15 years. But at least I wasn't coughing up black shit.

Good Luck!

 

[GirlyMan]

Re: Chantix - What we know on this around here.?

My thoughts are to defeat a monster, we must first understand it. To do that we must flirt dangerously close with becomming one.

I don't see another way.

With regard to his description of "the abyss" - The trick is not to look at one spot too long....

I like it. I like it a lot.

And make sure you click on the signature to see one insane bastard filmed by one crazyass bitch who ain't afraid of no fucking abyss.

 

[Michael Scally MD]

Re: Chantix - What we know on this around here.?

Early Morning Smokers Have Increased Risk of Lung and Head and Neck Cancers
Early morning smokers have increased risk of lung and head and neck cancers, study finds

ScienceDaily (Aug. 8, 2011) — Two new studies have found that smokers who tend to take their first cigarette soon after they wake up in the morning may have a higher risk of developing lung and head and neck cancers than smokers who refrain from lighting up right away.

Published early online in Cancer, a peer-reviewed journal of the American Cancer Society, the results may help identify smokers who have an especially high risk of developing cancer and would benefit from targeted smoking interventions to reduce their risk.

Cigarette smoking increases one's likelihood of developing various types of cancers. But why do only some smokers get cancer? Joshua Muscat, PhD, of the Penn State College of Medicine in Hershey, and his colleagues investigated whether nicotine dependence as characterized by the time to first cigarette after waking affects smokers' risk of lung and head and neck cancers independent of cigarette smoking frequency and duration.

The lung cancer analysis included 4,775 lung cancer cases and 2,835 controls, all of whom were regular cigarette smokers. Compared with individuals who smoked more than 60 minutes after waking, individuals who smoked 31 to 60 minutes after waking were 1.31 times as likely to develop lung cancer, and those who smoked within 30 minutes were 1.79 times as likely to develop lung cancer.

The head and neck cancer analysis included 1,055 head and neck cancer cases and 795 controls, all with a history of cigarette smoking. Compared with individuals who smoked more than 60 minutes after waking, individuals who smoked 31 to 60 minutes after waking were 1.42 times as likely to develop head and neck cancer, and those who smoked within 30 minutes were 1.59 times as likely to develop head and neck cancer.

These findings indicate that the need to smoke right after waking in the morning may increase smokers' likelihood of getting cancer. "These smokers have higher levels of nicotine and possibly other tobacco toxins in their body, and they may be more addicted than smokers who refrain from smoking for a half hour or more," said Dr. Muscat. "It may be a combination of genetic and personal factors that cause a higher dependence to nicotine."

According to the authors, because smokers who light up first thing in the morning are a group that is at high risk of developing cancer, they would benefit from targeted smoking cessation programs. Such interventions could help reduce tobacco's negative health effects as well as the costs associated with its use.


Muscat JE, Ahn K, Richie JP, Stellman SD. Nicotine dependence phenotype, time to first cigarette, and risk of head and neck cancer. Cancer. Nicotine dependence phenotype, time to first cigarette, and risk of head and neck cancer - Muscat - 2011 - Cancer - Wiley Online Library

BACKGROUND: A behavioral phenotype that characterizes nicotine dependence, the time to first cigarette after waking, is hypothesized to increase the risk of head and neck cancer.

METHODS: A case-control study of histologically confirmed head and neck cancer was conducted that included 1055 cases and 795 controls with a history of cigarette smoking.

RESULTS: The pack-years–adjusted odds ratio was 1.42 (95% confidence interval [95% CI], 1.02-1.99) for an interval of 31 minutes to 60 minutes to first cigarette after waking and 1.59 (95% CI, 1.19-2.11) for an interval of 1 minute to 30 minutes. The risk estimates were similar when smoking was modeled as total years, smoking status (current vs former), number of cigarettes smoked per day, years since quitting, and excess odds ratio. Findings were consistent for cancers of the floor of the mouth, palate, and pharynx.

CONCLUSIONS: Time to first cigarette is an indicator of increased nicotine dependence, smoke uptake, and risk of head and neck cancer. This high-risk group of individuals would benefit from targeted smoking interventions.


Muscat JE, Ahn K, Richie JP, Stellman SD. Nicotine dependence phenotype and lung cancer risk. Cancer. Nicotine dependence phenotype and lung cancer risk - Muscat - 2011 - Cancer - Wiley Online Library

BACKGROUND: A behavioral phenotype that characterizes nicotine dependence, the time to first cigarette after waking, is hypothesized to increase the risk of lung cancer.

METHODS: A case-control study of histologically confirmed lung cancer was conducted. The current analysis included 4775 lung cancer cases and 2835 controls who were regular cigarette smokers.

RESULTS: Compared with subjects who smoked their first cigarette > 60 minutes after waking, the pack-years–adjusted odds ratio was 1.31 (95% confidence interval [95% CI], 1.11-1.54) for subjects who smoked 31 minutes to 60 minutes after waking and 1.79 (95% CI, 1.56-2.07) for subjects who smoked within 30 minutes of waking. The risk estimates were similar when smoking was modeled as total years, smoking status (current vs former), number of cigarettes smoked per day, years since quitting, and excess odds ratio. The findings were consistent for all histologic types of lung cancer.

CONCLUSIONS: The findings of the current study indicate that a specific nicotine dependence phenotype that is associated with the amount of smoke uptake per cigarette is independently associated with lung cancer risk. These findings may help to identify high-risk individuals who would benefit from targeted interventions.

 

[Michael Scally MD]

Re: Chantix - What we know on this around here.?

Smokers Who Regularly Lifted Weights More Likely To Quit Smoking

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 46 million American adults were current smokers in 2009 – or about one out of five people. Smoking costs the United States approximately $193 billion each year in health care expenditures and lost productivity.

Resistance training, or weight lifting, can do more than just build muscle: it may also help smokers kick the habit, say researchers from The Miriam Hospital's Centers for Behavioral and Preventive Medicine. The Miriam study, published online by the journal Nicotine & Tobacco Research, is the first to examine resistance training as an aid for smoking cessation.

According to the findings, male and female smokers who completed a 12-week resistance training regimen as part of a standard smoking cessation treatment program were twice as likely to successfully quit compared to those who did not regularly lift weights.

In their pilot study, Ciccolo and colleagues enrolled 25 male and female smokers between the ages of 18 and 65 who reported smoking at least five cigarettes a day for the past year or more. All participants received a 15-20 minute smoking cessation counseling session as well as an 8-week supply of the nicotine patch before being randomized into two groups.

The resistance training group engaged in two, 60-minute training sessions per week for 12 weeks. The full-body routine involved 10 exercises, with researchers gradually increasing weight and intensity every three weeks. Participants in the control group watched a brief health and wellness video twice a week.

At the end of the 12 weeks, 16 percent of smokers in the resistance training group had not only quit smoking, but they also decreased their body weight and body fat. In comparison, 8 percent of individuals in the control group had quit smoking, yet they increased their body weight and fat. The effects appear to be long-lasting: three months after the study was completed, 15 percent of those in the resistance training group had successfully maintained their quit attempt compared to 8 percent of the control group.


Ciccolo JT, Dunsiger SI, Williams DM, et al. Resistance Training as an Aid to Standard Smoking Cessation Treatment: A Pilot Study. Nicotine & Tobacco Research 2011;13(8):756-60. Resistance Training as an Aid to Standard Smoking Cessation Treatment: A Pilot Study

Introduction: Research indicates that exercise may be helpful for smoking cessation; however, the majority of studies have focused only on women and only on aerobic exercise. This pilot study explored the use of resistance training (RT) (i.e., weight lifting) as an adjunctive strategy for quitting smoking for both men and women.

Methods: A sample of 25 smokers received a brief smoking cessation counseling session and the nicotine patch prior to being randomized into a 12-week RT or contact control (CC) group. Assessments were conducted at baseline, 3-month, and at a 6-month follow-up.

Results: Participants (52% female) averaged 36.5 years (SD = 12.0) of age and 19.1 years (SD = 12.0) of smoking. At the 3-month assessment, objectively verified 7-day point prevalence abstinence (PPA) rates were 46% for the RT group and 17% for CC; prolonged abstinence rates were 16% and 8%, respectively. At the 6-month assessment, objectively verified 7-day PPA rates were 38% for the RT group and 17% for CC; prolonged abstinence rates were 15% and 8%, respectively. Mean body weight decreased 0.6 kg (SD = 1.7) in the RT group and increased 0.6 kg (SD = 2.8) in the CC group. Mean body fat decreased 0.5% (SD = 1.8) in the RT group and increased 0.6% (SD = 0.7) in the CC.

Conclusions: This is the first study reporting on the use of a RT program as an aid to smoking cessation treatment. The findings suggest that such a program is feasible as an adjunctive treatment for smoking cessation. An adequately powered trial is warranted.

 

[BBC3]

Re: Chantix - What we know on this around here.?

Now theres a skewed study..... So I think what they are differtiating is a real smoker vs. a bar room dabbler-soon to become a real smoker[)]. I dont think there is a nicotine addicated person that does not start the day out with a hit. Hell, you cant even take a crap without one for that matter.. Once tolerated, nicotine's effect on the CNS is essential to stimulate many normal functions. The bottom line is that the body becomes so used to being speeded up, the condition of "normal" or without nicotine becomes a SLOWED one, as the body is constantly fighting to normalize and slow back down. Hence the weight gain when quitting. It has nothing to do with something in your hands or mouth. Its flat out cns and metabolism. I suspect the weight gain is two fold. There is at first the initial metabolism slow down to the negative side upon cessation. How long this really lasts is probably up in the air. I bet that a switch to exercise would completely neutralize this, even if extended. But I think also that nicotine users get "spoiled" in the excess amount of calories they can consume while using. Even if only a sum total 2-300 per day (I speculate)..

Early Morning Smokers Have Increased Risk of Lung and Head and Neck Cancers
Early morning smokers have increased risk of lung and head and neck cancers, study finds

ScienceDaily (Aug. 8, 2011) — Two new studies have found that smokers who tend to take their first cigarette soon after they wake up in the morning may have a higher risk of developing lung and head and neck cancers than smokers who refrain from lighting up right away.

Published early online in Cancer, a peer-reviewed journal of the American Cancer Society, the results may help identify smokers who have an especially high risk of developing cancer and would benefit from targeted smoking interventions to reduce their risk.

Cigarette smoking increases one's likelihood of developing various types of cancers. But why do only some smokers get cancer? Joshua Muscat, PhD, of the Penn State College of Medicine in Hershey, and his colleagues investigated whether nicotine dependence as characterized by the time to first cigarette after waking affects smokers' risk of lung and head and neck cancers independent of cigarette smoking frequency and duration.

The lung cancer analysis included 4,775 lung cancer cases and 2,835 controls, all of whom were regular cigarette smokers. Compared with individuals who smoked more than 60 minutes after waking, individuals who smoked 31 to 60 minutes after waking were 1.31 times as likely to develop lung cancer, and those who smoked within 30 minutes were 1.79 times as likely to develop lung cancer.

The head and neck cancer analysis included 1,055 head and neck cancer cases and 795 controls, all with a history of cigarette smoking. Compared with individuals who smoked more than 60 minutes after waking, individuals who smoked 31 to 60 minutes after waking were 1.42 times as likely to develop head and neck cancer, and those who smoked within 30 minutes were 1.59 times as likely to develop head and neck cancer.

These findings indicate that the need to smoke right after waking in the morning may increase smokers' likelihood of getting cancer. "These smokers have higher levels of nicotine and possibly other tobacco toxins in their body, and they may be more addicted than smokers who refrain from smoking for a half hour or more," said Dr. Muscat. "It may be a combination of genetic and personal factors that cause a higher dependence to nicotine."

According to the authors, because smokers who light up first thing in the morning are a group that is at high risk of developing cancer, they would benefit from targeted smoking cessation programs. Such interventions could help reduce tobacco's negative health effects as well as the costs associated with its use.


Muscat JE, Ahn K, Richie JP, Stellman SD. Nicotine dependence phenotype, time to first cigarette, and risk of head and neck cancer. Cancer. Nicotine dependence phenotype, time to first cigarette, and risk of head and neck cancer - Muscat - 2011 - Cancer - Wiley Online Library

BACKGROUND: A behavioral phenotype that characterizes nicotine dependence, the time to first cigarette after waking, is hypothesized to increase the risk of head and neck cancer.

METHODS: A case-control study of histologically confirmed head and neck cancer was conducted that included 1055 cases and 795 controls with a history of cigarette smoking.

RESULTS: The pack-years–adjusted odds ratio was 1.42 (95% confidence interval [95% CI], 1.02-1.99) for an interval of 31 minutes to 60 minutes to first cigarette after waking and 1.59 (95% CI, 1.19-2.11) for an interval of 1 minute to 30 minutes. The risk estimates were similar when smoking was modeled as total years, smoking status (current vs former), number of cigarettes smoked per day, years since quitting, and excess odds ratio. Findings were consistent for cancers of the floor of the mouth, palate, and pharynx.

CONCLUSIONS: Time to first cigarette is an indicator of increased nicotine dependence, smoke uptake, and risk of head and neck cancer. This high-risk group of individuals would benefit from targeted smoking interventions.


Muscat JE, Ahn K, Richie JP, Stellman SD. Nicotine dependence phenotype and lung cancer risk. Cancer. Nicotine dependence phenotype and lung cancer risk - Muscat - 2011 - Cancer - Wiley Online Library

BACKGROUND: A behavioral phenotype that characterizes nicotine dependence, the time to first cigarette after waking, is hypothesized to increase the risk of lung cancer.

METHODS: A case-control study of histologically confirmed lung cancer was conducted. The current analysis included 4775 lung cancer cases and 2835 controls who were regular cigarette smokers.

RESULTS: Compared with subjects who smoked their first cigarette > 60 minutes after waking, the pack-years–adjusted odds ratio was 1.31 (95% confidence interval [95% CI], 1.11-1.54) for subjects who smoked 31 minutes to 60 minutes after waking and 1.79 (95% CI, 1.56-2.07) for subjects who smoked within 30 minutes of waking. The risk estimates were similar when smoking was modeled as total years, smoking status (current vs former), number of cigarettes smoked per day, years since quitting, and excess odds ratio. The findings were consistent for all histologic types of lung cancer.

CONCLUSIONS: The findings of the current study indicate that a specific nicotine dependence phenotype that is associated with the amount of smoke uptake per cigarette is independently associated with lung cancer risk. These findings may help to identify high-risk individuals who would benefit from targeted interventions.

 

[CubbieBlue]

Re: Chantix - What we know on this around here.?

I was there, BBC. Upper and lower lips stuffed so full it looked like I just got my ass kicked in the boxing ring. Coughing up black shit lining my esophagus. Nasty ass spit cups ruining perfectly innocent keyboards. I couldn't go cold turkey. My nicotine levels were just way too high. Nicorette literally saved my life. Of course, then I was addicted to it for another 15 years. But at least I wasn't coughing up black shit.

Good Luck!

GM,

DId you ever encounter any dental problems from the gum? I have chewed the gum on and off and just recently have been trying to quit because I came across a TON of reports on askapatient and other sites about people having MASSIVE dental problems from the gum. My teeth have been very sensitive and sometimes painful lately so I am wondering if the gum had anything to do with it.

Of course, some of these people were chewing like 15 pieces a day, I was only doing like 3-4 but still..tooth loss is scary.

 

[OhNoYo]

Re: Chantix - What we know on this around here.?

GM,

DId you ever encounter any dental problems from the gum? I have chewed the gum on and off and just recently have been trying to quit because I came across a TON of reports on askapatient and other sites about people having MASSIVE dental problems from the gum. My teeth have been very sensitive and sometimes painful lately so I am wondering if the gum had anything to do with it.

Of course, some of these people were chewing like 15 pieces a day, I was only doing like 3-4 but still..tooth loss is scary.

Do you floss? If not, then plz start! Gum Disease is correlated w/ CVD!

 

[CubbieBlue]

Re: Chantix - What we know on this around here.?

Do you floss? If not, then plz start! Gum Disease is correlated w/ CVD!

Oh I floss my friend. I like using those little flosses with the handles.

Buy CVS Dental Flossers Fine Mint online at CVS.com

 

[GirlyMan]

Re: Chantix - What we know on this around here.?

I tried Nicorette a few years ago, the flavor reminded me of the smell an old ash tray presents. Very unpleasant.

Yeah, that taste is not that far from Copenhagen. That's why it worked for me. They have all sorts of flavors now. I tried a few different ones back when I was still on it but none of them had that nasty old ash tray taste like the original.

I dont think there is a nicotine addicated person that does not start the day out with a hit. Hell, you cant even take a crap without one for that matter.. Once tolerated, nicotine's effect on the CNS is essential to stimulate many normal functions. The bottom line is that the body becomes so used to being speeded up, the condition of "normal" or without nicotine becomes a SLOWED one, as the body is constantly fighting to normalize and slow back down. Hence the weight gain when quitting.

Now there's a man who knows the monster inside and out. I used to put a piece of Nicorette in my mouth just before bed, chew it up a bit and then tuck it away. I stopped doing it after I woke up more than a few times with gum in my hair, on my sheets, on my pillows, on my wife ... yeah, that last one was why I really stopped. It probably was sufficient grounds for divorce as she pointed out at the time.

DId you ever encounter any dental problems from the gum? ... Of course, some of these people were chewing like 15 pieces a day,

Nope. And I think I read somewhere that chewing gum is good for the teeth because it promotes salivary excretion which fights off the bacteria. I was chewing 15-20 pieces/day (60-80 mg) for more than a decade. But what will fuck up your gums and teeth is snuff. 20 years after stopping and I can still see parts of my teeth that should never have been exposed to air.


... Damn, now I feel like some nicotine.

 

[Michael Scally MD]

Re: Chantix - What we know on this around here.?

Tobacco Companies Sue FDA Over Graphic Warnings Rule
FDA Law Blog: Tobacco Companies Sue FDA Over Graphic Warnings Rule

Earlier this week, a group of five tobacco companies (R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company, Lorillard Tobacco Company, Commonwealth Brands, Inc., Liggett Group LLC, and Santa Fe Natural Tobacco Company, Inc.) filed a four-count Complaint against FDA in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia challenging the Agency’s June 22, 2011 final rule, promulgated pursuant to the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act (“Tobacco Control Act”), requiring the display of certain health warnings and graphics on cigarette packages and in cigarette advertisements. As we noted back in November 2010 when FDA issued its proposed rule, a court challenge seemed inevitable.

 

[Michael Scally MD]

Re: Chantix - What we know on this around here.?

Sniffer Dogs Can Be Used to Detect Lung Cancer
Sniffer dogs can be used to detect lung cancer, research suggests

ScienceDaily (Aug. 17, 2011) — Sniffer dogs could be used for the early detection of lung cancer, according to new research published in the European Respiratory Journal.

The study, carried out by researchers from Schillerhoehe Hospital in Germany, is the first to find that sniffer dogs can reliably detect lung cancer.

Lung cancer is the second most frequent form of cancer in men and women across Europe with over 340,000 deaths per year. It is also the most common cause of death from cancer worldwide.

The disease is not strongly associated with any symptoms and early detection is often by chance. Current methods of detection are unreliable and scientists have been working on using exhaled breath specimens from patients for future screening tests.

This method relies on identifying volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that are linked to the presence of cancer. Although many different technological applications have been developed, this method is still difficult to apply in a clinical setting as patients aren't allowed to smoke or eat before the test, sample analysis can take a long time and there is also a high risk of interference. Because of these reasons, no lung cancer-specific VOCs have yet been identified.

This new study aimed to assess whether sniffer dogs could be used to identify a VOC in the breath of patients. The researchers worked with 220 volunteers, including lung cancer patients, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients and healthy volunteers. They used dogs that had been specifically trained.

The researchers carried out a number of tests to see if the dogs were able to reliably identify lung cancer compared with healthy volunteers, volunteers with COPD and whether the results were still found with the presence of tobacco.

The dogs successfully identified 71 samples with lung cancer out of a possible 100. They also correctly detected 372 samples that did not have lung cancer out of a possible 400.

The dogs could also detect lung cancer independently from COPD and tobacco smoke. These results confirm the presence of a stable marker for lung cancer that is independent of COPD and also detectable in the presence of tobacco smoke, food odours and drugs.

Author of the study, Thorsten Walles from Schillerhoehe Hospital, said: "In the breath of patients with lung cancer, there are likely to be different chemicals to normal breath samples and the dogs' keen sense of smell can detect this difference at an early stage of the disease. Our results confirm the presence of a stable marker for lung cancer. This is a big step forward in the diagnosis of lung cancer, but we still need to precisely identify the compounds observed in the exhaled breath of patients. It is unfortunate that dogs cannot communicate the biochemistry of the scent of cancer!"


Ehmann R, Boedeker E, Friedrich U, et al. Canine scent detection in the diagnosis of lung cancer: Revisiting a puzzling phenomenon. European Respiratory Journal. Canine scent detection in the diagnosis of lung cancer: Revisiting a puzzling phenomenon

Patient prognosis in lung cancer (LC) largely depends on early diagnosis. Exhaled breath of patients may represent the ideal specimen for future LC screening. However, the clinical applicability of current diagnostic sensor technologies based on signal pattern analysis remains incalculable due to their inability to identify a clear target. To test the robustness of the presence of a so far unknown volatile organic compound in the breath of patients with LC, sniffer dogs were applied.

Exhalation samples of 220 volunteers (healthy individuals, confirmed LC, or COPD) were presented to sniffer dogs following a rigid scientific protocol. Patient history, drug administration and clinicopathological data were analysed to identify potential bias or confounders.

LC was identified with an overall sensitivity of 71% and a specificity of 93%. LC detection was independent from COPD and the presence of tobacco smoke and food odors. Logistic regression identified two drugs as potential confounders.

It must be assumed, that a robust and specific volatile organic compound (or pattern) is present in the breath of patients with LC. Additional research efforts are required to overcome the current technical limitations of electronic sensor technologies to engineer a clinically applicable screening tool.

 

[BBC3]

Re: Chantix - What we know on this around here.?

Dipping promotes saliva glands too...

I have started chewing the gum I am amazed at how insufficient the 2mg pieces are. I have to chew 4-6 pieces at a shot just to get by. Got pulled over for a wrong turn yesterday, probably due to the confusion created as the nicotine disruption. When the cop got back to the window, I think I had already popped 4 pieces. He let me off and I chewed them savagly down the highway.

Funny though. I still keep a can. I ACKNOWLEDGE the fix, but its not the same. I will have to up my resolve. The walmart gum is pretty solid and identical to brand.

Tastes like an ashtray?!? I think not. Heaven on earth...[)]

Yeah, that taste is not that far from Copenhagen. That's why it worked for me. They have all sorts of flavors now. I tried a few different ones back when I was still on it but none of them had that nasty old ash tray taste like the original.



Now there's a man who knows the monster inside and out. I used to put a piece of Nicorette in my mouth just before bed, chew it up a bit and then tuck it away. I stopped doing it after I woke up more than a few times with gum in my hair, on my sheets, on my pillows, on my wife ... yeah, that last one was why I really stopped. It probably was sufficient grounds for divorce as she pointed out at the time.



Nope. And I think I read somewhere that chewing gum is good for the teeth because it promotes salivary excretion which fights off the bacteria. I was chewing 15-20 pieces/day (60-80 mg) for more than a decade. But what will fuck up your gums and teeth is snuff. 20 years after stopping and I can still see parts of my teeth that should never have been exposed to air.


... Damn, now I feel like some nicotine.

 

[BBC3]

Re: Chantix - What we know on this around here.?

[)]Yes I have seen this stuff out there. Kinda scares the shit out of me. Did you see the one where the dogs actually smelled breast cancer, or at least I am sure some lung markers.... As far as lung cancer goes its kinda a no brainer. Dogs LOVE the smell of dead shit, etc... This does not even need to be trained, just paid attention to. I think anyone who's dogs is hell bend on licking their face needs to run to the doc...

Really, you can smell the GRIM REAPER if you think about it. If you have ever been around anyone riddled with cancer, flat out, you can smell the dead tissue being breathed out. I have no doubt a dog could smell lung cancer.. If my dog ever comes up licking my mouth, I am writing my will...

I am not sure how he will detect the prostate cancer though. After all, dogs allready have a great natural affinity for ASS....!

Sniffer Dogs Can Be Used to Detect Lung Cancer
Sniffer dogs can be used to detect lung cancer, research suggests

ScienceDaily (Aug. 17, 2011) — Sniffer dogs could be used for the early detection of lung cancer, according to new research published in the European Respiratory Journal.

The study, carried out by researchers from Schillerhoehe Hospital in Germany, is the first to find that sniffer dogs can reliably detect lung cancer.

Lung cancer is the second most frequent form of cancer in men and women across Europe with over 340,000 deaths per year. It is also the most common cause of death from cancer worldwide.

The disease is not strongly associated with any symptoms and early detection is often by chance. Current methods of detection are unreliable and scientists have been working on using exhaled breath specimens from patients for future screening tests.

This method relies on identifying volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that are linked to the presence of cancer. Although many different technological applications have been developed, this method is still difficult to apply in a clinical setting as patients aren't allowed to smoke or eat before the test, sample analysis can take a long time and there is also a high risk of interference. Because of these reasons, no lung cancer-specific VOCs have yet been identified.

This new study aimed to assess whether sniffer dogs could be used to identify a VOC in the breath of patients. The researchers worked with 220 volunteers, including lung cancer patients, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients and healthy volunteers. They used dogs that had been specifically trained.

The researchers carried out a number of tests to see if the dogs were able to reliably identify lung cancer compared with healthy volunteers, volunteers with COPD and whether the results were still found with the presence of tobacco.

The dogs successfully identified 71 samples with lung cancer out of a possible 100. They also correctly detected 372 samples that did not have lung cancer out of a possible 400.

The dogs could also detect lung cancer independently from COPD and tobacco smoke. These results confirm the presence of a stable marker for lung cancer that is independent of COPD and also detectable in the presence of tobacco smoke, food odours and drugs.

Author of the study, Thorsten Walles from Schillerhoehe Hospital, said: "In the breath of patients with lung cancer, there are likely to be different chemicals to normal breath samples and the dogs' keen sense of smell can detect this difference at an early stage of the disease. Our results confirm the presence of a stable marker for lung cancer. This is a big step forward in the diagnosis of lung cancer, but we still need to precisely identify the compounds observed in the exhaled breath of patients. It is unfortunate that dogs cannot communicate the biochemistry of the scent of cancer!"


Ehmann R, Boedeker E, Friedrich U, et al. Canine scent detection in the diagnosis of lung cancer: Revisiting a puzzling phenomenon. European Respiratory Journal. Canine scent detection in the diagnosis of lung cancer: Revisiting a puzzling phenomenon

Patient prognosis in lung cancer (LC) largely depends on early diagnosis. Exhaled breath of patients may represent the ideal specimen for future LC screening. However, the clinical applicability of current diagnostic sensor technologies based on signal pattern analysis remains incalculable due to their inability to identify a clear target. To test the robustness of the presence of a so far unknown volatile organic compound in the breath of patients with LC, sniffer dogs were applied.

Exhalation samples of 220 volunteers (healthy individuals, confirmed LC, or COPD) were presented to sniffer dogs following a rigid scientific protocol. Patient history, drug administration and clinicopathological data were analysed to identify potential bias or confounders.

LC was identified with an overall sensitivity of 71% and a specificity of 93%. LC detection was independent from COPD and the presence of tobacco smoke and food odors. Logistic regression identified two drugs as potential confounders.

It must be assumed, that a robust and specific volatile organic compound (or pattern) is present in the breath of patients with LC. Additional research efforts are required to overcome the current technical limitations of electronic sensor technologies to engineer a clinically applicable screening tool.

 

[GirlyMan]

Re: Chantix - What we know on this around here.?

I have started chewing the gum I am amazed at how insufficient the 2mg pieces are.

Good God Man! I never went lower than than the 4 mg in over 15 years on it. Save your money and buy the 4 mg. I mean it ain't like the 2 mg is 1/2 the price. Cut a 4 mg in half if you want 2 mg.

The walmart gum is pretty solid and identical to brand.

Tastes like an ashtray?!? I think not. Heaven on earth...[)]

I tried the WalMart, Target, and CVS brands but by the time the generics came out I was already 5 years in and addicted to the taste of Nicorette.

Funny though. I still keep a can. I ACKNOWLEDGE the fix, but its not the same. I will have to up my resolve.

I kept a tin around for years. The same tin. Every time I opened it up was dried out and worthless. I used it as a motivational tool.

 

[Michael Scally MD]

Re: Chantix - What we know on this around here.?

Novartis seeks approval for new smoker's cough drug
http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/09/27/novartis-idUSL5E7KQ3EW20110927

AMSTERDAM, Sept 27 (Reuters) - Swiss drugmaker Novartis said it has applied to start selling its experimental drug to treat smoker's cough -- which afflicts 80 million people worldwide -- after tests showed that it helped patients breathe more easily.