Psychosocial factors associated with reverse smoking: A qualitative research.

OBJECTIVES: Reverse smoking is a peculiar form of smoking in which the smoker puts the lit end of the cigarette into the mouth and then inhales the smoke. There may be many predisposing factors that influence an individual to cultivate this habit, of which psychosocial habits could be the predominating factor. Hence, the present study was undertaken to evaluate the psychosocial factors that influence an individual to undertake this peculiar habit of reverse smoking. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 128 habitual reverse smokers were included in the study, out of which 121 were females and 7 were males. A pretested open-ended questionnaire was used for data collection. Data was collected by direct interview method. Snowball sampling technique was employed in collecting the information regarding regular reverse smokers. Interviews were continued until new information did not provide further insights into the categories. The people who could not understand verbal commands and questions and who did not give an informed consent were excluded from the study. Statistical analysis was done using MS Office Excel using Chi-square test of Goodness of fit. RESULTS: In contrast to the conventional smokers, various new reasons were identified for starting reverse smoking, of which the most important was that they had learned this habit from their mothers. This was followed by other reasons such as peer pressure, friendship, and cold climatic conditions. CONCLUSION: This study provided an insight into the various factors that could influence an individual to take up this peculiar habit of reverse smoking.

In vitro testing of rationally designed spermicides for selectively targeting human sperm in vagina to ensure safe contraception.

BACKGROUND: Rational synthesis of novel structures resulted in two unique molecules (DSE-36 and DSE-37, disulphide esters of carbothioic acid) that killed sperm 25 times more strongly and with a precisely targeted action than nonoxynol-9 (N-9). We examine the effects of DSE-36 and DSE-37 on human spermatozoa versus HeLa cells to establish specificity and safety compared with N-9. METHODS AND RESULTS: At spermicidal EC(100) (20 microg/ml) DSE-36 and DSE-37 killed 100% sperm in <30 s (Sander-Cramer assay) and at EC(50) induced apoptosis in sperm (Annexin-V-fluorescein isothiocyanate and JC-1 labelling and Flow Cytometry) in 3 h. However, at EC(100) these molecules had no effect on HeLa cells by 24 h or on cell viability [3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay], surface ultrastructure (scanning electron microscopy), Annexin-V and JC-1 labelling pattern and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. N-9, with a spermicidal EC(100) of 500 microg/ml, decreased HeLa cell viability at 20 microg/ml in 24 h (P < 0.001), accompanied by acute damage to cell surface ultrastructural topography, induction of apoptosis and ROS generation. Unlike DSE-36 and DSE-37, N-9 also significantly induced mRNA levels (RT-PCR) of pro-inflammatory biomarkers (interleukin (IL)-1 alpha, IL-6, IL-8, RANTES) in HeLa cells and increased IL-6 and IL-8 secretion (P < 0.001, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay). Furthermore, DSE-36 and DSE-37 did not inhibit Lactobacillus growth at EC(100) and exhibited mild microbicidal activity against Trichomonas vaginalis, while N-9 inhibited Lactobacillus and Trichomonas growth but had a lower prophylactic index. CONCLUSIONS: The ability of these novel spermicides to kill sperm almost instantaneously at innocuously low concentration indicates their worth as improved active ingredients for vaginal contraceptive preparations compared with N-9.

The spermicidal and antitrichomonas activities of SSRI antidepressants.

The study investigated spermicidal and antitrichomonas activities of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressants with a view to generate new lead for development of dual-function spermicidal microbicides, which is an urgent global need. Fluoxetine, Sertraline, and Fluvoxamine exhibited both spermicidal and anti-STI (antitrichomonas) activities in vitro, whereas Paroxetine and Citalopram showed only the spermicidal activity. Fluoxetine exhibited better activity profile than the other antidepressant drugs with its spermicidal and antitrichomonas activities being comparable to that of the OTC contraceptive Nonoxynol-9. The non-detergent nature of Fluoxetine and a much lower spermicidal ED50 value (than N-9) may add considerably to its merit as a candidate for microbicidal contraceptive. Thus, the antidepressants exhibiting both spermicidal and antitrichomonas activities might provide useful lead for the development of novel, dual-function spermicidal contraceptives.

Investigation of degradation products in a topical gel containing erythromycin and benzoyl peroxide by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry.

Benzamycin, combining benzoyl peroxide and erythromycin, is a topical gel used in the treatment of acne vulgaris. Because of the reactivity of benzoyl peroxide, preparations containing both erythromycin and benzoyl peroxide might be unstable and degradation products could be formed. To investigate and identify these latter products, a gradient-based liquid chromatographic method using volatile mobile phase constituents was developed. Mass spectrometry data were acquired on solutions containing erythromycin and benzoyl peroxide and on freshly prepared, 2-month-old and 18-month-old samples of Benzamycin. With the reference spectra as interpretative templates, it was concluded that erythromycin undergoes oxidation, followed by benzoylation.