Cue-reactivity in experienced electronic cigarette users: Novel stimulus videos and a pilot fMRI study

Introduction:
This text discusses a study that aimed to investigate the relationship between electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) cues, craving, and use behaviors. The study developed a set of e-cigarette-specific stimuli and used them in a pilot fMRI study of experienced e-cigarette users to assess the neurocognitive response to e-cigarette cues. The study also examined if neural responses to the stimuli were moderated by whether or not participants had recently used an e-cigarette.

Key Points:

* The study developed a set of e-cigarette-specific stimuli, consisting of 12 e-cigarette (salient) and 12 electronic toothbrush (neutral) videos.
* The videos were designed to reduce potential confounding effects and maintain consistency between video sets.
* Participants were recruited from an online survey and were screened for eligibility. Seven participants were included in the final analysis.
* Participants were instructed to abstain from nicotine for at least 14 hours prior to the lab visit. During the lab visit, participants provided expired-air carbon monoxide samples, completed baseline questionnaires, and performed cognitive tasks.
* Participants were placed in the fMRI scanner and viewed half of the e-cigarette and toothbrush videos in two sets. Following the video presentation, participants performed the N-back task.
* After the first scan session, participants began an e-cigarette use protocol, where they took one puff on their own e-cigarette every 20 seconds for 10 minutes. Nursing staff sampled blood periodically throughout the protocol and participants completed paper-and-pencil VAS questionnaires.
* After the second scan session, participants were debriefed and the study concluded.

Main Message:
The study demonstrates the potential utility of using e-cigarette-specific stimuli in fMRI studies of e-cigarette users. The results suggest that viewing e-cigarette cues may elicit a distinct neural response in experienced e-cigarette users, and that this response may be modulated by recent e-cigarette use. The study also highlights the importance of considering individual differences in e-cigarette use and device preferences in future research. Overall, the study provides valuable insights into the relationship between e-cigarette cues, craving, and use behaviors, and has implications for the development of effective interventions for e-cigarette addiction.

Nichols, T. T., Foulds, J., Yingst, J. M., Veldheer, S., Hrabovsky, S., Richie, J., Eissenberg, T., & Wilson, S. J. (2016). Cue-reactivity in experienced electronic cigarette users: Novel stimulus videos and a pilot fMRI study. Brain research bulletin, 123, 23–32. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.brainresbull.2015.10.003