This issue marks a turning point in the history of BeiträgezurTabakforschung International. From its first issue in 1961, our Journal has been published and funded by the Verband der Cigarettenindustrie (VdC). After the liquidation of the VdC in 2007 we had to find a new publisher as well as sponsors, who are willing to provide the funds required for the continuation of the publishing process. During the last two years, we asked various corporations to financially support Beiträge and thus ensure its survival. Our call has been honoured by a number of the addressees approached so that we were able to continue our work for the Journal. We would like to express our cordial thanks for the opportunity to dedicate this issue to all our friends and sponsors who made this possible.
