ORCID Profile
0000-0002-6651-8035
Current Organisations
University of Queensland
,
RMIT University
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Research Topics
In Research Link Australia (RLA), "Research Topics" refer to ANZSRC FOR and SEO codes. These topics are either sourced from ANZSRC FOR and SEO codes listed in researchers' related grants or generated by a large language model (LLM) based on their publications.
Top 5 Research Topics
ANZSRC Field of Research (FoR)
Environmental Chemistry (incl. Atmospheric Chemistry) | Environmental Science and Management | Public Health and Health Services | Environmental Monitoring | Health Information Systems (incl. Surveillance) | Public Health and Health Services not elsewhere classified | Health, Clinical and Counselling Psychology | Crime policy | Health Promotion | Water Treatment Processes | Public policy | Policy and administration |
ANZSRC Socio-Economic Objective (SEO)
Environmental Health | Expanding Knowledge in the Environmental Sciences | Substance Abuse | Behaviour and Health | Health Policy Evaluation
Related Links
Publications
Plasma and Synovial Fluid Cell-Free DNA Concentrations Following Induction of Osteoarthritis in Horses
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 14-03-2023
DOI: 10.3390/ANI13061053
Abstract: Biomarkers for osteoarthritis (OA) in horses have been extensively investigated, but translation into clinical use has been limited due to cost, limited sensitivity, and practicality. Identifying novel biomarkers that overcome these limitations could facilitate early diagnosis and therapy. This study aimed to compare the concentrations of synovial fluid (SF) and plasma cell-free DNA (cfDNA) over time in control horses with those with induced carpal OA. Following an established model, unilateral carpal OA was induced in 9 of 17 healthy Thoroughbred fillies, while the remainder were sham-operated controls. Synovial fluid and plasma s les were obtained before induction of OA (Day 0) and weekly thereafter until Day 63, and cfDNA concentrations were determined using fluorometry. The SF cfDNA concentrations were significantly higher for OA joints than for sham-operated joints on Days 28 (median 1430 μg/L and 631 μg/L, respectively, p = 0.017) and 63 (median 1537 μg/L and 606 μg/L, respectively, p = 0.021). There were no significant differences in plasma cfDNA between the OA and the sham groups after induction of carpal OA. Plasma cfDNA measurement is not sufficiently sensitive for diagnostic purposes in this induced model of OA. Synovial fluid cfDNA measurement may be used as a biomarker to monitor early disease progression in horses with OA.
Broad-Spectrum Solvent-free Layered Black Phosphorus as a Rapid Action Antimicrobial
Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)
Date: 12-04-2021
A longitudinal study of the bi-directional relationship between tobacco smoking and psychological distress in a community sample of young Australian women
Publisher: Cambridge University Press (CUP)
Date: 19-10-2011
DOI: 10.1017/S0033291711002261
Abstract: Tobacco smoking and poor mental health are both prevalent and detrimental health problems in young women. The temporal relationship between the two variables is unclear. We investigated the prospective bi-directional relationship between smoking and mental health over 13 years. Participants were a randomly selected community s le of 10 012 young women with no experience of pregnancy, aged 18–23 years at baseline (1996) from the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health. Follow-up surveys over 13 years were completed in 2000, 2003, 2006 and 2009, allowing for five waves of data. Measures included self-reported smoking and mental health measured by the Mental Health Index from the 36-item short-form health questionnaire and the 10-item Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale. Sociodemographic control variables included marital status, education level and employment status. A strong cross-sectional dose–response relationship between smoking and poor mental health was found at each wave [odds ratio (OR) 1.41, 95% confidence intervals (CI) 1.17–1.70 to OR 2.27, 95% CI 1.82–2.81]. Longitudinal results showed that women who smoked had 1.21 (95% CI 1.06–1.39) to 1.62 (95% CI 1.24–2.11) times higher odds of having poor mental health at subsequent waves. Women with poor mental health had 1.12 (95% CI 1.17–1.20) to 2.11 (95% CI 1.68–2.65) times higher odds of smoking at subsequent waves. These results held after adjusting for mental health history and smoking history and sociodemographic factors. Correlation analysis and structural equation modelling results were consistent in showing that both directions of the relationship were statistically significant. The association between poor mental health and smoking in young women appeared to be bi-directional.
Cigarette availability and price in low and high socioeconomic areas
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 08-2013
Abstract: To determine whether tobacco retailer density and cigarette prices differ between low and high socioeconomic status suburbs in South-East Queensland. A survey of retail outlets selling cigarettes was conducted in selected suburbs over a two-day period. The suburbs were identified by geographical cluster s ling based on their Index of Relative Socio-economic Advantage and Disadvantage score and size of retail complex within the suburb. All retail outlets within the suburb were visited and the retail prices for the highest ranking Australian brands were recorded at each outlet. A significant relationship was found between Index of Relative Socioeconomic Advantage and Disadvantage score (in deciles) and the number of tobacco retail outlets (r=0.93, p=0.003), with the most disadvantaged suburbs having a greater number of tobacco retailers. Results also demonstrate that cigarettes were sold in a broader range of outlets in suburbs of low SES. The average price of the packs studied was significantly lower in the most disadvantaged suburbs compared to the most advantaged. While cigarettes were still generally cheaper in the most disadvantaged suburbs, the difference was no longer statistically significant when the average price of cigarette packs was compared according to outlet type (supermarket, newsagent, etc). In South-East Queensland, cigarettes are more widely available in the most disadvantaged suburbs and at lower prices than in the most advantaged suburbs.
Public Attitudes Toward the Treatment of Nicotine Addiction
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 18-03-2013
DOI: 10.1093/NTR/NTT037
Abstract: The increasing use of medications for smoking cessation has concerned some commentators, who believe that emphasizing medications for smoking cessation may lead to a belief that there are "magic bullets" for nicotine dependence, or alternatively that unassisted quitting is very difficult, thereby discouraging such quit attempts. There is little evidence on which to test these speculations. This article aims to address this gap by examining public understandings of nicotine addiction in order to assess the extent to which medical explanations of smoking have permeated public beliefs about treatments for smoking cessation. Interviews were conducted with a representative s le of 55 members of the Australian public that included smokers, ex-smokers, and nonsmokers. The data were analyzed using a standard content analytic method to identify recurrent themes. The results revealed that although pharmacological cessation aids were the most commonly mentioned method for quitting, they were often recommended alongside methods such as behavioral strategies or counseling. Unassisted quitting was mentioned frequently, but there were mixed views on its effectiveness. Seeing a doctor was rarely recommended. Two common themes were that smokers had to "really want to quit," and that the best treatment method would depend on the in idual. Medical discourse of smoking cessation does not dominate public understandings of smoking cessation. Rather, ideas about in idual choice, motivation, and willpower are emphasized.
Global prevalence of heated tobacco product use, 2015–22: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 19-04-2023
DOI: 10.1111/ADD.16199
Abstract: Heated tobacco products (HTPs) are electronic devices that heat process tobacco to release an aerosol containing nicotine and other chemicals. Limited data exist on world‐wide HTP use prevalence. This meta‐analytic review estimated the prevalence of HTP use by country, World Health Organization (WHO) region, year, sex/gender and age. Five databases (Web of Science, Scopus, Embase, PubMed and PsycINFO) were searched between January 2015 and May 2022. Included studies reported the prevalence of HTP use in nationally representative s les post‐modern HTP device market entry (2015). A random‐effects meta‐analysis was used to estimate overall prevalence for life‐time, current and daily HTP use. Forty‐five studies ( n = 1 096 076) from 42 countries/areas from the European Region (EUR), Western Pacific Region (WPR), Region of the Americas (AMR) and African Region (AFR) met inclusion criteria. Estimated pooled prevalence for life‐time, current and daily HTP use was 4.87% [95% confidence interval (CI) = 4.16, 5.63], 1.53% (95% CI = 1.22, 1.87) and 0.79% (95% CI = 0.48, 1.18), respectively, across all years (2015–22). Life‐time HTP use prevalence significantly increased by 3.39% for WPR [0.52% (95% CI = 0.25, 0.88) in 2015 to 3.91% (95% CI = 2.30, 5.92) in 2019] and 5.58% for EUR [1.13% (95% CI = 0.59, 1.97) in 2016 to 6.98% (95% CI = 5.69, 8.39) in 2020]. Current HTP use increased by 10.45% for WPR [0.12% (95% CI = 0, 0.37) in 2015 to 10.57% (95% CI = 5.59, 16.88) in 2020] and 1.15% for EUR [0% (95% CI = 0, 0.35) in 2016 to 1.15% (95% CI = 0.87, 1.47) in 2020]. Meta‐regression revealed higher current HTP use in WPR [3.80% (95% CI = 2.88, 4.98)] compared with EUR [1.40% (95% CI = 1.09, 1.74)] and AMR [0.81% (95% CI = 0.46, 1.26)] and for males [3.45% (95% CI = 2.56, 4.47)] compared with females [1.82% (95% CI = 1.39, 2.29)]. Adolescents had higher life‐time HTP use prevalence [5.25% (95% CI = 4.36, 6.21) than adults [2.45% (95% CI = 0.79, 4.97)]. Most studies scored a low risk of s ling bias due to their nationally representative s ling. The prevalence of HTPs use increased in the EUR and WPR between 2015 and 2020, with nearly 5% of the included populations having ever tried HTP and 1.5% identifying as current users during the study period.
Medicalisation, smoking and e-cigarettes
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 30-11-2017
DOI: 10.1136/TOBACCOCONTROL-2016-053348
Abstract: There is debate in the tobacco control literature about the value of a medical model in reducing smoking-related harm. The variety of medical treatments for smoking cessation has increased, health professionals are encouraged to use them to assist smoking cessation and tobacco dependence is being described as a 'chronic disease'. Some critics suggest that the medicalisation of smoking undermines the tobacco industry's responsibility for the harms of smoking. Others worry that it will lead smokers to deny personal responsibility for cessation, create beliefs in 'magic bullets' for smoking cessation, or erode smokers' confidence in their ability to quit. We argue that the medicalisation of smoking will have limited impact due to the emphasis on population-based interventions in tobacco control, the ambiguous place of nicotine among other drugs and the modest efficacy of current pharmacotherapies. These factors, as well as lay understandings of smoking that emphasise willpower, personal choice and responsibility, have contributed to the limited success of medical approaches to smoking cessation. While the rapid uptake of e-cigarettes in some countries has provided an option for those who reject medical treatments for smoking cessation, current regulatory developments could limit the potential of e-cigarettes to provide non-therapeutic nicotine for those who currently smoke tobacco.
Framing, moral foundations and health taxes: interpretive analysis of Ethiopia's tobacco excise tax policy passage
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 10-2023
Comparison of tobacco use in a university town and a nearby urban area in China by intensive analysis of wastewater over one year period
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-2021
Correction: E-cigarettes and youth smoking: be alert but not alarmed
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 06-08-2018
From the editors
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 22-06-2012
Tobacco endgame intervention impacts on health gains and Māori:non-Māori health inequity: a simulation study of the Aotearoa/New Zealand Tobacco Action Plan
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 10-01-2023
Abstract: The Aotearoa/New Zealand Government is aiming to end the tobacco epidemic and markedly reduce Māori:non-Māori health inequalities by legislating: (1) denicotinisation of retail tobacco, (2) 95% reduction in retail outlets and (c) a tobacco free-generation whereby people born after 2005 are unable to legally purchase tobacco. This paper estimates future smoking prevalence, mortality inequality and health-adjusted life year (HALY) impacts of these strategies. We used a Markov model to estimate future yearly smoking and vaping prevalence, linked to a proportional multistate life table model to estimate future mortality and HALYs. The combined package of strategies (plus media promotion) reduced adult smoking prevalence from 31.8% in 2022 to 7.3% in 2025 for Māori, and 11.8% to 2.7% for non-Māori. The 5% smoking prevalence target was forecast to be achieved in 2026 and 2027 for Māori males and females, respectively. The HALY gains for the combined package over the population’s remaining lifespan were estimated to be 594 000 (95% uncertainty interval (UI): 443 000 to 738 000 3% discount rate). Denicotinisation alone achieved 97% of these HALYs, the retail strategy 19% and tobacco-free generation 12%. By 2040, the combined package was forcat to reduce the gap in Māori:non-Māori all-cause mortality rates for people 45+ years old by 22.9% (95% UI: 19.9% to 26.2%) for females and 9.6% (8.4% to 11.0%) for males. A tobacco endgame strategy, especially denicotinisation, could deliver large health benefits and dramatically reduce health inequities between Māori and non-Māori in Aotearoa/New Zealand.
Would vaccination against nicotine be a cost‐effective way to prevent smoking uptake in adolescents?
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 23-01-2012
DOI: 10.1111/J.1360-0443.2011.03718.X
Abstract: We used epidemiological modelling to assess whether nicotine vaccines would be a cost-effective way of preventing smoking uptake in adolescents. We built an epidemiological model using Australian data on age-specific smoking prevalence smoking cessation and relapse rates life-time sex-specific disability-adjusted life years lived for cohorts of 100,000 smokers and non-smokers government data on the costs of delivering a vaccination programme by general practitioners and a range of plausible and optimistic estimates of vaccine cost, efficacy and immune response rates based on clinical trial results. We first estimated the smoking uptake rates for Australians aged 12-19 years. We then used these estimates to predict the expected smoking prevalence in a birth cohort aged 12 in 2003 by age 20 under (i) current policy and (ii) different vaccination scenarios that varied in cost, initial vaccination uptake, yearly re-vaccination rates, efficacy and a favourable vaccine immune response rate. Under the most optimistic assumptions, the cost to avert a smoker at age 20 was $44,431 [95% confidence interval (CI) $40,023-49,250]. This increased to $296,019 (95% CI $252,307-$355,930) under more plausible scenarios. The vaccine programme was not cost-effective under any scenario. A preventive nicotine vaccination programme is unlikely to be cost-effective. The total cost of a universal vaccination programme would be high and its impact on population smoking prevalence negligible. For these reasons, such a programme is unlikely to be publicly funded in Australia or any other developed country.
BEWARE OF ALLOWING THE IDEAL TO BE THE ENEMY OF THE GOOD
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 05-08-2011
A new global GPS data set for testing and improving modelled GIA uplift rates
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 07-2018
DOI: 10.1093/GJI/GGY235
Association between the implementation of tobacco control policies and adolescent vaping in 44 lower‐middle, upper‐middle, and high‐income countries
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 11-05-2022
DOI: 10.1111/ADD.15892
Abstract: To (i) estimate the prevalence of adolescent vaping in 47 lower‐middle, upper‐middle and high‐income countries, and (ii) test the association between implementation of World Health Organisation (WHO) tobacco control policies and adolescent e‐cigarette use (also known as vaping) in 44 countries where implementation data were available. Cross‐sectional surveys. A total of 47 lower‐middle, upper‐middle and high‐income countries. A total of 151 960 adolescents (typically ages 13–15) who participated in WHO's Global Youth Tobacco Survey between 2015 and 2018. Prevalence of past‐30‐day vaping and past 30‐day frequent vaping (≥10 days) were estimated from the surveys. Data on the implementation of six tobacco control measures including monitoring, smoke‐free policies, cessation programs, warning about the dangers of tobacco, advertising bans and taxation were taken from WHO's report on global tobacco epidemic. The overall weighted prevalence of adolescent vaping and frequent vaping in the past 30 days was 8.6% (95% CI, 8.3‐8.9) and 1.7% (95% CI, 1.6‐1.8), respectively. For five of WHO's policies (monitoring, smoking‐free environment, cessation programs, health warning and advertising bans), their association with adolescent vaping was inconclusive because of large variation of their effects across countries. Higher tax on combustible tobacco products was associated with higher adolescent vaping ( = 75% tax vs 25% tax odds ratio = 2.58 95% CI, 1.25‐5.21). In 47 lower‐middle, upper‐middle and high‐income countries from 2015 to 2018, ~1 in 12 (8.6%) adolescents reported vaping in the past 30 days, but prevalence of frequent vaping was low (1 in 60 1.7%). A higher tobacco tax was associated with higher adolescent vaping.
The Australia Smoking and Vaping Model: The Potential Impact of Increasing Access to Nicotine Vaping Products.
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 08-09-2022
DOI: 10.1093/NTR/NTAC210
Abstract: We model the potential impact of relaxing current nicotine vaping product (NVP) restrictions on public health in Australia. A Restricted NVP Scenario was first developed to project current smoking and vaping rates, where a US smoking model was calibrated to recent Australian trends. To model less restrictive NVP policies, a Permissive NVP Scenario applied rates of switching from smoking to vaping, initiation into NVP and cigarette use, and cessation from smoking and vaping based on US trends. The model measures vaping risk relative to the excess mortality rate of smoking. The public health impacts are measured as the difference between smoking- and vaping-attributable deaths (SVADs) and life years lost (LYLs) in the Restricted and Permissive NVP Scenarios with sensitivity analysis regarding the NVP excess risk and other factors. Assuming an NVP excess risk of 5% that of smoking, 104.2 thousand SVADs (7.7% reduction) and 2.05 million LYLs (17.3% reduction) are averted during 2017-2080 in the Permissive NVP Scenario compared to the Restricted NVP Scenario. Assuming 40% NVP excess risk, 70 thousand SVADs and 1.2 million LYLs are averted. The impact is sensitive to the rate at which smokers switch to NVPs and quit smoking, and relatively insensitive to the smoking initiation and NVP initiation and cessation rates. The model suggests the potential for public health gains to be achieved by relaxing NVP access regulations. However, the model would benefit from better information regarding the impact of NVPs on smoking under a relaxation of current restrictions. Australia has implemented a strong array of cigarette-oriented policies, but has restricted access to nicotine vaping products (NVPs). The Smoking and Vaping Model offers a framework for modeling hypothetical policy scenarios. The Australian model shows the potential for public health gains by maintaining cigarette-oriented policies while relaxing the current restrictive NVP policy. Modeling results under a permissive NVP policy are particularly sensitive to the estimated rates of smoking cessation and switching to vaping, which are not well established and will likely depend on past and future cigarette-oriented policies and the specific NVP policies implemented in Australia.
Resonant Acoustic Mixing Method to Produce Lipid-Based Liquid-Crystal Nanoparticles
Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)
Date: 06-05-2021
Multiple genetic tests for susceptibility to smoking do not outperform simple family history
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 12-12-2008
DOI: 10.1111/J.1360-0443.2008.02392.X
Abstract: To evaluate the utility of using predictive genetic screening of the population for susceptibility to smoking. The results of meta-analyses of genetic association studies of smoking behaviour were used to create simulated data sets using Monte Carlo methods. The ability of the genetic tests to screen for smoking was assessed using receiver operator characteristic curve analysis. The result was compared to prediction using simple family history information. To identify the circumstances in which predictive genetic testing would potentially justify screening we simulated tests using larger numbers of alleles (10, 15 and 20) that varied in prevalence from 10 to 50% and in strength of association [relative risks (RRs) of 1.2-2.1]. A test based on the RRs and prevalence of five susceptibility alleles derived from meta-analyses of genetic association studies of smoking performed similarly to chance and no better than the prediction based on simple family history. Increasing the number of alleles from five to 20 improved the predictive ability of genetic screening only modestly when using genes with the effect sizes reported to date. This panel of genetic tests would be unsuitable for population screening. This situation is unlikely to be improved upon by screening based on more genetic tests. Given the similarity with associations found for other polygenic conditions, our results also suggest that using multiple genes to screen the general population for genetic susceptibility to polygenic disorders will be of limited utility.
Animal medical genetics: a historical perspective on more than 50 years of research into genetic disorders of animals at Massey University
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 16-06-2021
Smoking Cessation Counseling in Practice: A Qualitative Analysis of Quitline Conversations in Queensland, Australia
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 17-10-2023
Blog fog? Using rapid response to advance science and promote debate
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 20-02-2017
Spatial variations in the consumption of illicit stimulant drugs across Australia: A nationwide application of wastewater-based epidemiology
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 10-2016
DOI: 10.1016/J.SCITOTENV.2016.05.207
Abstract: Obtaining representative information on illicit drug use and patterns across a country remains difficult using surveys because of low response rates and response biases. A range of studies have used wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) as a complementary approach to monitor community-wide illicit drug use. In Australia, no large-scale WBE studies have been conducted to date to reveal illicit drug use profiles in a national context. In this study, we performed the first Australia-wide WBE monitoring to examine spatial patterns in the use of three illicit stimulants (cocaine, as its human metabolite benzoylecgonine meth hetamine and 3,4-methylendioxymeth hetamine (MDMA)). A total of 112 daily composite wastewater s les were collected from 14 wastewater treatment plants across four states and two territories. These covered approximately 40% of the Australian population. We identified and quantified illicit drug residues using liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry. There were distinctive spatial patterns of illicit stimulant use in Australia. Multivariate analyses showed that consumption of cocaine and MDMA was higher in the large cities than in rural areas. Also, cocaine consumption differed significantly between different jurisdictions. Meth hetamine consumption was more similar between urban and rural locations. Only a few cities had elevated levels of use. Extrapolation of the WBE estimates suggested that the annual consumption was 3tonnes for cocaine and 9tonnes combined for meth hetamine and MDMA, which outweighed the annual seizure amount by 25 times and 45 times, respectively. These ratios imply the difficulty of detecting the trafficking of these stimulants in Australia, possibly more so for meth hetamine than cocaine. The obtained spatial pattern of use was compared with that in the most recent national household survey. Together both WBE and survey methods provide a more comprehensive evaluation of drug use that can assist governments in developing policies to reduce drug use and harm in the communities.
Can e-cigarettes improve the well-being of people with mental health disorders?
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-2019
Flushing out smoking: measuring population tobacco use via wastewater analysis
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 11-12-2014
Smokeless tobacco use in Australia
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 05-2009
DOI: 10.1111/J.1465-3362.2009.00058.X
Abstract: There has been little research published on the use of smokeless tobacco (SLT) in Australia. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of SLT use and the potential for harm reduction in current SLT users and smokers. We undertook secondary analysis of data from a national household survey of drug use and surveyed 108 Australian SLT users about their patterns of SLT use and tobacco smoking. The low prevalence of SLT use in the past year in Australia (0.57% 95% confidence interval 0.48–0.66) might reflect the difficulty in importing these products. Prevalence of recent use was highest among males aged 18–29 who were current weekly smokers. US style oral snuffs were the most popular SLT products in Australia. Most of those surveyed were introduced to SLT by a personal contact and about half had used SLT to quit smoking. Australians who import SLT pay per can AU$21.30 on average and face substantial delays before receiving the product. Cost and poor access present a substantial barrier to SLT use as a tobacco harm reduction measure for Australian smokers. Permitting low nitrosamine varieties of SLT to be sold in Australia might reduce harm in current SLT users and provide a viable alternative to cigarettes for some current smokers.
Do Current Smokers and Ex-Smokers Who Use Nicotine Vaping Products Daily Versus Weekly Differ on Their Reasons for Vaping? Findings from the 2020 ITC Four Country Smoking and Vaping Survey
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 10-10-2019
Abstract: This study examined reasons why adults who currently smoke or formerly smoked cigarettes use nicotine vaping products (NVPs) by vaping frequency (daily vs. weekly) stratified by smoking status. This cross-sectional study included 3070 adults from the 2020 ITC Four Country Smoking and Vaping Survey (Australia, Canada, England, United States) who reported using a NVP (vaping) at least weekly and who either currently smoke (n = 2467) or formerly smoked (n = 603). Respondents were asked to select the reason(s) they use NVPs, including to manage their smoking (reduce/quit or remain quit) and/or for reasons unrelated to managing smoking (e.g., to save money, enjoyment, flavours). We found that both current and former smokers endorsed an average of six reasons for vaping, with those vaping daily reporting significantly more reasons than those vaping weekly. Among current smokers, 72.8% reported vaping may help them quit smoking, 13.0% reported vaping to reduce smoking but not to quit, and 14.2% reported vaping only for reasons other than to reduce or quit smoking. The most common reason for vaping among current smokers was to reduce smoking (81.3%). Current smokers vaping daily were significantly more likely than those vaping weekly to report using a NVP to reduce smoking, for enjoyment, to reduce harm to themselves and others, to quit smoking, likeable flavours, and to save money. The most common reason cited for vaping by respondents who formerly smoked was enjoyment, with those who vaped daily more likely than those who vaped weekly to report vaping for enjoyment and to reduce harm to themselves. Nearly all reported vaping to help stay abstinent from smoking (92.3%), with no significant difference by vaping frequency. In conclusion, a majority of respondents reported using NVPs to manage their smoking (reduce/quit smoking or remain quit), particularly those vaping daily. Those who were vaping daily also endorsed a greater number of reasons other than managing smoking relative to those who were vaping weekly.
Differential access to health care and support? A qualitative analysis of how Australian smokers conceptualise and respond to stigma
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 20-12-2017
Modeling the Influence of Fatty Acid Incorporation on Mesophase Formation in Amphiphilic Therapeutic Delivery Systems
Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)
Date: 10-02-2016
DOI: 10.1021/ACS.MOLPHARMACEUT.5B00848
Abstract: Dispersed hiphile-fatty acid systems are of great interest in drug delivery and gene therapies because of their potential for triggered release of their payload. The mesophase behavior of these systems is extremely complex and is affected by environmental factors such as drug loading, percentage and nature of incorporated fatty acids, temperature, pH, and so forth. It is important to study phase behavior of hiphilic materials as the mesophases directly influence the release rate of the incorporated drugs. We describe a robust machine learning method for predicting the phase behavior of these systems. We have developed models for each mesophase that simultaneous and reliably model the effects of hiphile and fatty acid structure, concentration, and temperature and that make accurate predictions of these mesophases for conditions not used to train the models.
Challenges in Reducing the Disease Burden of Tobacco Smoking
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 18-03-2009
Extending survival for people with hepatitis C using tobacco dependence treatment
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-2017
Smokers’ Understandings of Addiction to Nicotine and Tobacco: A Systematic Review and Interpretive Synthesis of Quantitative and Qualitative Research
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 29-08-2017
DOI: 10.1093/NTR/NTX186
Abstract: Despite the centrality of addiction in academic accounts of smoking, there is little research on smokers' beliefs about addiction to smoking, and the role of nicotine in tobacco dependence. Smokers' perspectives on nicotine's role in addiction are important given the increasing prevalence of nontobacco nicotine products such as e-cigarettes. We conducted a systematic review of studies investigating smokers' understandings and lay beliefs about addiction to smoking and nicotine. We searched PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, and PsycINFO for studies investigating lay beliefs about addiction to smoking. Twenty-two quantitative and 24 qualitative studies met inclusion criteria. Critical interpretive synthesis was used to analyze the results. Very few studies asked about addiction to nicotine. Quantitative studies that asked about addiction to smoking showed that most smokers believe that cigarettes are an addictive product, and that they are addicted to smoking. Across qualitative studies, nicotine was not often mentioned by participants. Addiction to smoking was most often characterized as a feeling of "need" for cigarettes resulting from an interplay between physical, mental, and social processes. Overall, we found that understandings of smoking were more consistent with the biopsychosocial model of addiction than with more recent models that emphasize the biological aspects of addiction. Researchers should not treat perceptions of addiction to smoking interchangeably with perceptions of addiction to nicotine. More research on lay beliefs about nicotine is required, particularly considering the increasing use of e-cigarettes and their potential for long-term nicotine maintenance for harm reduction. Quantitative studies show that most smokers believe that smoking is addictive and that they are addicted. A feeling of "need" for cigarettes was central to qualitative accounts of addiction, but nicotine was not often discussed. Overall, smokers' understandings of addiction reflect a biopsychosocial model rather than a neurobiological one. Given the growing market for e-cigarettes and therapeutic nicotine, more research is required on lay beliefs about nicotine and addiction.
A critical analysis of Australia’s ban on the sale of electronic nicotine delivery systems
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 18-03-2019
Informed Choice in the Context of Tobacco Use Disorder
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 14-10-2021
DOI: 10.1093/NTR/NTAB215
Smoking and mental health in young women – challenges in interpretation: a reply
Publisher: Cambridge University Press (CUP)
Date: 22-10-2012
Predicting the future prevalence of cigarette smoking in Australia: how low can we go and by when?
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 29-01-2009
Abstract: In Australia, smoking prevalence has declined in men since the 1950s and in women since the 1980s. Future smoking prevalence in Australia is predicted from estimates of previous and current age-specific and sex-specific cessation rates and smoking uptake in young people derived from national survey data on the prevalence of smoking between 1980 and 2007. A dynamic forecasting model was used to estimate future smoking prevalence in the Australian population based on a continuation of these current trends in smoking uptake and cessation. The results suggest that Australia's smoking prevalence will continue to fall while current rates of initiation and cessation are maintained. But a continuation of current smoking cessation and initiation patterns will see around 14% of adults still smoking in 2020. Smoking cessation rates will need to double for Australian smoking prevalence to reach a policy target of 10% by 2020.
Analysis of national data shows mixed evidence of hardening among Australian smokers
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 10-2012
DOI: 10.1111/J.1753-6405.2012.00908.X
Abstract: According to the 'hardening hypothesis', the proportion of smokers that are 'low-probability quitters' will increase as societal disapproval of smoking increases. This paper examines whether there has been increased hardening in Australian smokers over the past decade as reflected in an increased prevalence of psychological distress and social disadvantage among current smokers. The relationship between psychological distress, living in a disadvantaged area and level of education was determined using logistic regression at two time points 7 to 10 years apart in three cross-sectional household survey series: National Drug Strategy Household Survey (NDSHS), National Health Survey (NHS) and National Survey of Mental Health and Well-being (NSMHW). The relationships between smoking and living in the most disadvantaged areas and having completed less than 12 years of schooling strengthened between 2001 and 2010 in the NDSHS, but there were no significant changes between survey years in the NHS and NSMHW. There was no significant change in the relationship between smoking and psychological distress between survey years in any of the survey series. Social disadvantage may be increasing among current smokers, but the results were inconsistent between survey series, presenting weak evidence that the population of Australian smokers hardened as smoking prevalence declined by approximately 4% over the last decade. A greater focus on intensive in idual-level tobacco cessation interventions does not appear warranted at this time.
Smoke-free law compliance and predictive factors in Ethiopia: observational assessment of public places and workplaces
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 03-2023
Abstract: The primary objective of this observational study was to assess the status of public place and workplace compliance with smoke-free provisions in Ethiopia. This study was conducted in four regions of Ethiopia (Oromia Sidama Harari and Southern Nations, Nationalities, and Peoples’ Region) from September to October 2021. Data were collected using a standardised smoke-free checklist. Χ 2 tests were used to assess the association between categorical variables and the smoke-free status. Multivariable binary logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with the presence of at least one person actively smoking. Approximately 97% (95% CI 93.1%, 98.8%) of government buildings, 92.5% (95% CI 85.7%, 96.2%) of educational institutions, 89.8% (95% CI 86.3%, 92.5%) of bars, restaurants and cafés, 88.4% (95% CI 82.9%, 92.3%) of food establishments and 84.0% of hotels (95% CI 79.5%, 87.6%) were non-compliant with the tobacco control law. Overall, only 12.3% of sites met the requirements of the current smoke-free law. The multivariable logistic regression models showed that transit facilities (adjusted OR (AOR)=26.66 (95% CI 7.53, 94.41)) and being located in the Harari region (AOR=4.14 (95% CI 2.30, 7.45)) were strongly associated with the presence of active smoking observed during the site visit. This study indicated that public place and workplace non-compliance level was very high in all sites. This calls for more effective implementation of complete smoke-free provisions across all government buildings and institutions in all regions, such as public educational c aigns about the laws and enforcement action for non-compliance. Furthermore, all regional states should adopt Federal Proclamation 1112/2019.
A case of an odontogenic cyst in a Kunekune (Sus scrofa domestica) pig: clinical and pathological findings and attempted treatment
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 24-10-2023
Reducing inequalities in lung cancer incidence through smoking policies
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 09-2011
DOI: 10.1016/J.LUNGCAN.2011.01.009
Abstract: Lower social class has higher lung cancer incidence, largely attributable to higher smoking prevalence among the lower social classes. We assessed the magnitude and time dimension of potential impact of targeted interventions on smoking on socioeconomic inequalities in lung cancer. Using population dynamic modelling, we projected lung cancer incidence up to 2050 in lowest and highest socioeconomic groups under two intervention scenarios (annual 10% increase in cigarette prices and health advertisement) and compared this to a scenario of no intervention. For the analysis we retrieved smoking prevalence data from the General Household Survey of England and Wales between 1980 and 2006 and cancer incidence data from the national cancer registry. By 2050, the model projected that lung cancer incidence inequality would almost double (Incidence Rate Ratio (IRR)=4.2 in 2050 vs. 2.5 in 2005) in men and slightly decrease (IRR=2.4 in 2050 vs. 2.7 in 2005) in women compared to what was observed in 2005. If annual increase in cigarette price targeting the lowest socioeconomic group was implemented, socioeconomic inequality in lung cancer incidence in 2050 might be largely reduced (IRR=1.5 and 1.4 among men and women, respectively). If in addition to annual price increase (targeted to the lowest socioeconomic group) health advertisement was implemented and successfully reduced smoking prevalence in the highest socioeconomic group, the lung cancer gap between the socioeconomic groups would be reduced by 78% and 58% in men and women by 2050. Even under the best scenarios, inequality in lung cancer was not fully eliminated within 45 years period. Though the process is lengthy, rigorous interventions may reduce the expected widening of the future inequalities in lung cancer. Modelling exercise such as ours relies heavily on the quality of the input data and the assumptions, thus caution is needed in interpretation of our findings and should consider all the assumptions taken in the analysis.
Barriers and facilitators to switching from smoking to vaping: Advice from vapers.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 10-02-2019
DOI: 10.1111/DAR.12907
Smokeless tobacco products: Unrecognised regulatory and policy opportunities
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 03-2010
The EVALI outbreak makes a strong case for better regulation of all vaporizer products
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 16-02-2021
DOI: 10.1111/ADD.15437
Describing the role of Australian community pharmacists in oral healthcare
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 25-01-2016
DOI: 10.1111/IJPP.12241
Abstract: To investigate community pharmacist's attitudes, beliefs and practices towards oral health in the Australian setting, describe the frequency and nature of consumer enquiries relating to oral health, and gain insight regarding smoking cessation support for people experiencing oral health problems. An online questionnaire was developed based on previous research, validated to ensure accuracy and reliability, and convenience s ling used to advertise across major pharmacy organisational websites and newsletters to maximise community pharmacist responses. One hundred and forty-four valid community pharmacist responses were descriptively analysed. The majority of pharmacists (93%) believed it was their role to deliver oral health advice in the community and almost all (97%) pharmacists believed further education would benefit their practice. The top four consumer enquiries pharmacists reported confidence in handling related to analgesic medication to relieve oral-related pain (95.8%), mouth ulcers (95.1%), oral thrush (94.4%) and toothache (93.8%) and the most frequently reported consumer enquires were those where the majority of pharmacists reported high confidence in handling. A small proportion of pharmacists (8%) always enquired about patient smoking status, and nearly all pharmacists (97%) desired further education and training to benefit their practice in oral healthcare. This study highlights that Australian pharmacists have an important role in oral health and there is opportunity to enhance this role, and address risk factors such as smoking with further training, support and education. The findings from this study can guide future research into the development of appropriate training programmes, standards, and best oral healthcare practices for Australian pharmacists.
Views and Preferences for Nicotine Products as an Alternative to Smoking: A Focus Group Study of People Living with Mental Disorders
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 23-11-2016
Stuck in the catch 22: Attitudes towards smoking cessation among populations vulnerable to social disadvantage
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 05-01-2016
DOI: 10.1111/ADD.13253
Abstract: To explore how smoking and smoking cessation is perceived within the context of disadvantage, across a broad cross-section of defined populations vulnerable to social disadvantage. Qualitative focus groups with participants recruited through community service organizations (CSO). Metropolitan and regional settings in Queensland, Australia. Focus groups were held at the respective CSO facilities. Fifty-six participants across nine focus groups, including people living with mental illness, people experiencing or at risk of homelessness (adult and youth populations), people living with HIV, people living in a low-income area and Indigenous Australians. Thematic, in-depth analysis of focus group discussions. Participant demographic information and smoking history was recorded. Smoking behaviour, smoking identity and feelings about smoking were reflective of in idual circumstances and social and environmental context. Participants felt 'trapped' in smoking because they felt unable to control the stressful life circumstances that triggered and sustained their smoking. Smoking cessation was viewed as an in idual's responsibility, which was at odds with participants' statements about the broader factors outside of their own control that were responsible for their smoking. Highly disadvantaged smokers' views on smoking involve contradictions between feeling that smoking cessation involves personal responsibility, while at the same time feeling trapped by stressful life circumstances. Tobacco control programmes aiming to reduce smoking among disadvantaged groups are unlikely to be successful unless the complex interplay of social factors is carefully considered.
Child Maltreatment and Persistent Smoking From Adolescence Into Adulthood: A Birth Cohort Study
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 15-03-2019
DOI: 10.1093/NTR/NTZ039
Abstract: A prospective record-linkage analysis to examine whether notified and/or substantiated child maltreatment is associated with the prevalence and persistence of smoking in early adulthood. The s le consisted of 3758 participants enrolled in a population-based birth cohort study in Brisbane, Australia, who were followed up at both 14 and 21 years of age. Suspected experience of child maltreatment was measured by linkage with state child protection agency data. The two main outcomes were the prevalence and persistence of smoking at 21-year follow-up, as well as the 12-month prevalence of nicotine use disorder for participants who completed the Composite International Diagnostic Interview-Auto version. Of the 3758 young people at the 21-year follow-up, 7.5% (n = 282) had a history of notified maltreatment by the age of 16 years. Of these, 167 cases were substantiated. There were 1362 (35.3%) smokers at 21-year follow-up, although only 220 (5.9%) smoked more than 20 cigarettes daily. Of the 602 participants who smoked at 14 years, 289 were still smoking 7 years later. On adjusted analyses, participants who had experienced any form of notified and/or substantiated maltreatment were approximately twice as likely to be smokers at 21 years old and persistent smokers from 14 years of age. Any form of maltreatment, except sexual abuse, was also associated with an increase in the 12-month prevalence of nicotine use disorders. Child maltreatment is associated with both an increased onset and persistence of smoking from adolescence into young adulthood. This may have implications for smoking cessation programs and early interventions for in iduals who have experienced maltreatment.
Vaping on TikTok: a systematic thematic analysis
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 26-07-2023
DOI: 10.1136/TOBACCOCONTROL-2021-056619
Abstract: The rising popularity of TikTok among adolescents may influence their awareness and perceptions of e-cigarette use via user-generated content. This study aimed to examine how e-cigarette/vaping-related videos are portrayed on TikTok. The nine most viewed hashtag based keywords were used to identify popular e-cigarette/vaping-related videos on TikTok (n=1000) from its inception (earliest upload date: January 2019) to November 2020. Five researchers independently coded the number of views, likes, user category and theme. A final s le of 808 e-cigarette/vaping-related videos that met study criteria were included. Collectively, these videos were viewed over 1.5 billion times, with a median view count of 1 000 000 (range 112 900–78 600 000) and a median ‘likes’ count of 143 000 (range 10 000–1 000 000). A majority of the videos portrayed e-cigarette use positively (63% collectively viewed over 1.1 billion times). Neutral depictions of e-cigarette use were viewed a total of 290 million times (24%) and negative depictions of e-cigarettes were viewed a total of 193 million times (13%). The video themes included (not mutually exclusively): ‘comedy and joke’ (52% total of 618 million views), ‘lifestyle and acceptability’ (35% 459 million), ‘marketing’ (29% 392 million), ‘vaping tricks’ (20% 487 million), ‘nicotine and addiction’ (20% 194 million), ‘creativity’ (16% 322 million) and ‘warning’ (11% 131 million). Our findings illustrated that positively framed e-cigarette and vaping-related postings available without age restrictions on TikTok—a rising video-sharing platform that is popular among adolescents—have been viewed many times. Effective age restrictions are needed to reduce adolescents’ potential exposure to videos that portray vaping positively.
The tobacco industry in the time of COVID-19: time to shut it down?
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 06-04-2020
Survey of Australian oral health practitioners and their smoking cessation practices
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 26-02-2015
DOI: 10.1111/ADJ.12270
Abstract: Smoking is a significant health and economic burden in Australia. Studies of smoking cessation practices in dental settings have primarily concentrated on dentists rather than other oral health practitioner (OHP) groups (dental hygienists, dental therapists and oral health therapists). The aim of this study was to measure Australian OHPs' attitudes, behaviours, interest and barriers to delivering smoking cessation interventions. Members of the two peak professional bodies representing Australian OHPs were invited to participate in an anonymous online questionnaire. There were discrepancies between practitioner attitudes and current smoking cessation practices. While the majority of practitioners (90.1%) frequently screened for smoking behaviour, fewer (51.1%) assisted patients to quit smoking. The principal form of assistance was referral to Quitline (45.7%) or to a general medical practitioner (44.4%). The most prevalent barriers identified were lack of knowledge of pharmacological treatments (45.8%) and lack of access to smoking cessation resources (44.2%). Contrary to international studies, time and financial incentive were not commonly cited barriers to delivering smoking cessation interventions. This survey identifies a need for continuing education in smoking cessation practice. Dissemination of policies, guidelines and resources may assist OHPs to become more engaged and confident in delivering smoking cessation interventions as part of their routine practice.
Protectors or puritans? Responses to media articles about the health effects of e-cigarettes
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 21-04-2019
Mull it over: cannabis vaporizers and harm reduction
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 16-10-2015
DOI: 10.1111/ADD.13139
Abstract: Legalization of cannabis is likely to lead to greater use. Balanced regulation of potentially less harmful modes of administration, such as vaporizers, is needed. Further research is warranted not only on the direct health effects of vaping cannabis, but also on its potential to decrease co-administration of tobacco with cannabis.
Direct-to-Consumer Genome-Wide Scans: Astrologicogenomics or Simple Scams?
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 22-06-2009
Electronic nicotine delivery systems (e-cigarettes) as a smoking cessation aid: A survey among pharmacy staff in Queensland, Australia
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 04-2019
DOI: 10.1016/J.ADDBEH.2018.09.013
Abstract: This study examined views of pharmacy staff regarding the safety of e-cigarettes compared to nicotine replacement therapies (NRTs) and conventional cigarettes, as well as views on their regulation in Australia. We conducted a cross-sectional survey among pharmacy staff (64 pharmacists and 76 pharmacy assistants) from the greater Brisbane region, Queensland, Australia. The self-administered questionnaire included closed- and open-ended questions that explores pharmacy staff perception on harms of e-cigarettes versus NRT and traditional cigarettes, knowledge of current e-cigarette regulations, views on how they should be regulated and information needs regarding e-cigarettes. Pearson's chi-square test was employed for computing differences between variables. A content analysis of responses to open-ended questions was also performed. Over 90% of pharmacy staff regarded e-cigarettes without nicotine and NRTs as less harmful than regular tobacco cigarettes. This reduced to 72% for e-cigarettes containing nicotine, with 24% of respondents believing they are equally as harmful as conventional cigarettes. Moreover, few respondents were confident about the short and long term safety of e-cigarettes containing nicotine (36% and 15% respectively) whereas pharmacy staff were more comfortable with the safety of NRTs for short (88%) and long term (35%) use. The majority of respondents believed that e-cigarettes with nicotine should be regulated as a medicine, either requiring a prescription (24%) or sold only by pharmacies (22%), though many believed that they should be regulated in the same way as regular tobacco cigarettes (27%). Some pharmacy staff (39%) reported having been asked about e-cigarettes by customers and 75% believed that their customers would be interested in using e-cigarettes as a smoking cessation aid. There is a need to provide evidence-based and customised education for pharmacists regarding e-cigarettes to help them guide their clients.
Tobacco taxes have mixed effects on socioeconomic disparities
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2019
Social, demographic, and economic correlates of food and chemical consumption measured by wastewater-based epidemiology
Publisher: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences
Date: 07-10-2019
Abstract: To date, wastewater-based epidemiology has focused on reporting drug and pharmaceutical consumption patterns by analyzing domestic wastewater. Here we explore the relationships between chemicals in wastewater and social, demographic, and economic parameters of the respective populations. We show the extent to which consumption of chemicals such as opioids and illicit drugs are associated with sociodemographics. We also examine chemicals that reflect in iduals’ consumption of food components in wastewater and show that disparities in diet are associated with educational level. Our study shows that chemicals in wastewater reflect the social, demographic, and economic properties of the respective populations and highlights the potential value of wastewater in studying the sociodemographic determinants of population health.
Publicly subsidised smoking cessation medicines in times of COVID‐19 in Australia: An interrupted time series analysis
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 29-09-2023
DOI: 10.1111/DAR.13557
Abstract: In Australia, the available published literature demonstrated a spike in dispensed prescription medicines after the onset of the COVID‐19 pandemic that subsequently returned to expected levels. Smoking cessation medicines may not follow this pattern because quit attempts are influenced by a range of factors. Knowledge of whether dispensing of these medicines has changed since the pandemic is lacking. We explored the change in dispensing of publicly subsidised smoking cessation medicines since the pandemic. Australia's universal health‐care system provides access to government‐subsidised medicines via the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme and records of dispensed medicines are publicly available on a nationally aggregated level. We retrieved Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme data from January 2016 to January 2021. We used interrupted time series modelling to quantify the impact of COVID‐19 on dispensing of nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) patches, varenicline and all smoking cessation treatments combined separately. After an initial spike in medicines at the onset of the pandemic, the monthly rate of prescriptions dispensed for varenicline was predominantly within predicted ranges, while that of NRT patches was predominantly below predicted ranges. There has been a differential change in the number of subsidised smoking cessation medicines supplied in Australia since the COVID‐19 pandemic, with varenicline prescriptions largely within, and NRT patches largely lower than, expected ranges. The reasons for the apparent change in dispensing of subsidised smoking cessation medicines are unclear.
Systematic and day-to-day effects of chemical-derived population estimates on wastewater-based drug epidemiology
Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)
Date: 26-12-2015
DOI: 10.1021/ES503474D
Abstract: Population size is crucial when estimating population-normalized drug consumption (PNDC) from wastewater-based drug epidemiology (WBDE). Three conceptually different population estimates can be used: de jure (common census, residence), de facto (all persons within a sewer catchment), and chemical loads (contributors to the s led wastewater). De facto and chemical loads will be the same where all households contribute to a central sewer system without wastewater loss. This study explored the feasibility of determining a de facto population and its effect on estimating PNDC in an urban community over an extended period. Drugs and other chemicals were analyzed in 311 daily composite wastewater s les. The daily estimated de facto population (using chemical loads) was on average 32% higher than the de jure population. Consequently, using the latter would systemically overestimate PNDC by 22%. However, the relative day-to-day pattern of drug consumption was similar regardless of the type of normalization as daily illicit drug loads appeared to vary substantially more than the population. Using chemical loads population, we objectively quantified the total methodological uncertainty of PNDC and reduced it by a factor of 2. Our study illustrated the potential benefits of using chemical loads population for obtaining more robust PNDC data in WBDE.
Australian mental health care practitioners’ practices and attitudes for encouraging smoking cessation and tobacco harm reduction in smokers with severe mental illness
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 03-02-2018
DOI: 10.1111/INM.12314
Abstract: Reducing the burden of physical illness among people living with severe mental illnesses (SMI) is a key priority. Smoking is strongly associated with SMIs resulting in excessive smoking related morbidity and mortality in smokers with SMI. Smoking cessation advice and assistance from mental health practitioners would assist with reducing smoking and smoking-related harms in this group. This study examined the attitudes and practices of Australian mental health practitioners towards smoking cessation and tobacco harm reduction for smokers with SMI, including adherence to the 5As (ask, assess, advise, assist and arrange follow up) of smoking cessation. We surveyed 267 Australian mental health practitioners using a cross-sectional, online survey. Most practitioners (77.5%) asked their clients about smoking and provided health education (66.7%) but fewer provided direct assistance (31.1-39.7%). Most believed that tobacco harm reduction strategies are effective for reducing smoking related risks (88.4%) and that abstinence from all nicotine should not be the only goal discussed with smokers with SMI (77.9%). Many respondents were unsure about the safety (56.9%) and efficacy (39.3%) of e-cigarettes. Practitioners trained in smoking cessation were more likely (OR: 2.9, CI: 1.5-5.9) to help their clients to stop smoking. Community mental health practitioners (OR: 0.3, CI: 0.1-0.9) and practitioners who were current smokers (OR: 0.3, CI: 0.1-0.9) were less likely to adhere to the 5As of smoking cessation intervention. The results of this study emphasize the importance and need for providing smoking cessation training to mental health practitioners especially community mental health practitioners.
Content analysis of cannabis vaping videos on YouTube
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 09-02-2021
DOI: 10.1111/ADD.15424
Abstract: There has been an increase in the potency of cannabis during the last two decades and adoption of a novel method of administration—vaping. YouTube, a social media platform, has become a popular source to access cannabis‐related information. This study aimed to identify cannabis vaping YouTube videos from 2016 to 2020 and examine the themes and metrics. Cross‐sectional s le of 200 YouTube videos. YouTube, an on‐line video sharing platform. Videos related to cannabis vaping were identified using the search terms: ‘vaping cannabis’, ‘vaping weed’, ‘vaping marijuana’ and ‘vaping THC’ [tetrahydrocannabinol]. Videos were independently coded by two researchers. The number of views, likes, dislikes and comments were also collected. Robust regression was used to analyse the relationship between identified video themes and video metrics. Six themes were identified: ‘advertisement’, ‘product review’, ‘celebratory’, ‘reflective’, ‘how‐to’ and ‘warning’. The ‘how‐to’ and ‘celebratory’ videos received the highest number of views and likes. The most popular video was viewed more than 4 000 000 times. Many videos portrayed risky behaviour (e.g. vaping a whole THC cartridge in a single setting). Fifty‐two percent of these videos had no age access restrictions. The robust regression model also found that engagement metric was positively associated with ‘reflective’ videos and negatively associated with ‘advertisement’ videos. A large number of videos on cannabis vaping are available on‐line without age‐restriction. Videos that portrayed risky behaviour appear to be prevalent.
Engineering the Interface: Nanodiamond Coating on 3D-Printed Titanium Promotes Mammalian Cell Growth and Inhibits Staphylococcus aureus Colonization
Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)
Date: 14-06-2019
Abstract: Additively manufactured selective laser melted titanium (SLM-Ti) opens the possibility of tailored medical implants for patients. Despite orthopedic implant advancements, significant problems remain with regard to suboptimal osseointegration at the interface between the implant and the surrounding tissue. Here, we show that applying a nanodiamond (ND) coating onto SLM-Ti scaffolds provides an improved surface for mammalian cell growth while inhibiting colonization of
A National Wastewater Monitoring Program for a better understanding of public health: A case study using the Australian Census
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2019
DOI: 10.1016/J.ENVINT.2018.12.003
Abstract: Wastewater contains a large range of biological and chemical markers of human activity and exposures. Through systematic collection and analysis of these markers within wastewater s les it is possible to measure the public health of whole populations. The analysis of effluent and biosolids can also be used to understand the release of chemicals from wastewater treatment plants into the environment. Wastewater analysis and comparison with catchment specific data (e.g. demographics) however remains largely unexplored. This manuscript describes a national wastewater monitoring study that combines influent, effluent and biosolids s ling with the Australian Census. An archiving program allows estimation of per capita exposure to and consumption of chemicals, public health information, as well as per capita release of chemicals into the environment. The paper discusses the study concept, critical steps in setting up a coordinated national approach and key logistical and other considerations with a focus on lessons learnt and future applications. The unique combination of archived s les, analytical data and associated census-derived population data will provide a baseline dataset that has wide and potentially increasing applications across many disciplines that include public health, epidemiology, criminology, toxicology and sociology.
Development of an Evidence and Gap Map (EGM) of interventions to increase smoking cessation: A study protocol
Publisher: E.U. European Publishing
Date: 22-07-2020
DOI: 10.18332/TPC/124117
Associations between smokers’ knowledge of causes of smoking harm and related beliefs and behaviors: Findings from the International Tobacco Control (ITC) Four Country Smoking and Vaping Survey
Publisher: Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Date: 24-10-2023
The Acceptability and Effectiveness of Videos Promoting Smoking Cessation Among Australians Experiencing Mental Illness
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 08-09-2022
DOI: 10.1177/10901981211034738
Abstract: There are high rates of tobacco smoking among people who experience mental illness (MI). While videos are an effective method of disseminating health-related information, there is limited research investigating the effectiveness of video-delivered education promoting smoking cessation among people living with MI. This formative study aimed to investigate the effectiveness and acceptability of targeted video resources providing smoking cessation information and advice to smokers with MI. This study used a mixed-method design 29 Australian smokers living with MI completed a preinterview survey including 12 questions assessing knowledge about smoking cessation, watched six videos developed by the research team providing information about smoking cessation, took part in semistructured interviews about the videos’ quality, content, and format, and then completed a postinterview survey identical to the preinterview survey to assess changes in smoking cessation-related knowledge. A Wilcoxon signed rank test was used to calculate changes in cessation-related knowledge, and thematic analysis was used to identify common themes in qualitative data. We found a statistically significant increase in participants’ smoking cessation-related knowledge scores after watching the videos. Participants indicated an overall high level of acceptability of the videos’ quality, content, and format, and findings from the semistructured interviews reflected these favorable views. This study’s findings provide a new understanding of the effectiveness and acceptability of customized video-based education to promote smoking cessation among people living with MI, and can be used to inform the content and focus of video resources aimed at increasing knowledge about smoking cessation for people experiencing MI.
Sewage-based Epidemiology Requires a Truly Transdisciplinary Approach
Publisher: Oekom Publishers GmbH
Date: 10-10-2014
Abstract: If asked whether you had consumed illicit drugs recently, would you admit it? If yes, could you precisely recall types of drug, times and amounts used? If you were the person commissioned with the task of quantifying drug use, what approach would you use given the social stigma attached with such behavior? We measure drug residues in sewage, which represents urine of entire populations, to provide an objective estimate of total drug use in a region. In transdisciplinary projects, sewage-based results provide valuable information at unrivaled spatiotemporal resolution complementing traditional data.
Genetic effects on the timing of parturition and links to fetal birth weight
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 04-2023
DOI: 10.1038/S41588-023-01343-9
Abstract: The timing of parturition is crucial for neonatal survival and infant health. Yet, its genetic basis remains largely unresolved. We present a maternal genome-wide meta-analysis of gestational duration ( n = 195,555), identifying 22 associated loci (24 independent variants) and an enrichment in genes differentially expressed during labor. A meta-analysis of preterm delivery (18,797 cases, 260,246 controls) revealed seven associated loci and large genetic similarities with gestational duration. Analysis of the parental transmitted and nontransmitted alleles ( n = 136,833) shows that 15 of the gestational duration genetic variants act through the maternal genome, whereas 7 act both through the maternal and fetal genomes and 2 act only via the fetal genome. Finally, the maternal effects on gestational duration show signs of antagonistic pleiotropy with the fetal effects on birth weight: maternal alleles that increase gestational duration have negative fetal effects on birth weight. The present study provides insights into the genetic effects on the timing of parturition and the complex maternal–fetal relationship between gestational duration and birth weight.
Miscommunication about the causes of the US outbreak of lung diseases in vapers by public health authorities and the media
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 2020
DOI: 10.1111/DAR.13024
Potential Country-level Health and Cost Impacts of Legalizing Domestic Sale of Vaporized Nicotine Products
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 05-2019
One does not simply sell e-cigarettes in Australia: an overview of Australian e-cigarette regulations
Publisher: Edward Elgar Publishing
Date: 30-08-2019
Assessing the place of nicotine vaporisers in tobacco control
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 31-03-2016
Paclitaxel-Loaded Self-Assembled Lipid Nanoparticles as Targeted Drug Delivery Systems for the Treatment of Aggressive Ovarian Cancer
Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)
Date: 02-07-2018
Abstract: Chemotherapy using cytotoxic agents, such as paclitaxel (PTX), is one of the most effective treatments for advanced ovarian cancer. However, due to nonspecific targeting of the drug and the presence of toxic solvents required for dissolving PTX prior to injection, there are several serious side effects associated with this treatment. In this study, we explored self-assembled lipid-based nanoparticles as PTX carriers, which were able to improve its antitumour efficacy against ovarian cancer. The nanoparticles were also functionalized with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) antibody fragments to explore the benefit of tumor active targeting. The formulated bicontinuous cubic- and sponge-phase nanoparticles, which were stabilized by Pluronic F127 and a lipid poly(ethylene glycol) stabilizer, showed a high capacity of PTX loading. These PTX-loaded nanoparticles also showed significantly higher cytotoxicity than a free drug formulation against HEY ovarian cancer cell lines in vitro. More importantly, the nanoparticle-based PTX treatments, with or without EGFR targeting, reduced the tumor burden by 50% compared to PTX or nondrug control in an ovarian cancer mouse xenograft model. In addition, the PTX-loaded nanoparticles were able to extend the survival of the treatment groups by up to 10 days compared to groups receiving free PTX or nondrug control. This proof-of-concept study has demonstrated the potential of these self-assembled lipid nanomaterials as effective drug delivery nanocarriers for poorly soluble chemotherapeutics, such as PTX.
Dual-modality NIRF-MRI cubosomes and hexosomes: High throughput formulation and in vivo biodistribution
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 02-2017
DOI: 10.1016/J.MSEC.2016.10.028
Abstract: Engineered nanoparticles with multiple complementary imaging modalities are of great benefit to the rapid treatment and diagnosis of disease in various organs. Herein, we report the formulation of cubosomes and hexosomes that carry multiple hiphilic imaging contrast agents in their self-assembled lipid bilayers. This is the first report of the use of both near infrared fluorescent (NIRF) imaging and gadolinium lipid based magnetic resonance (MR) imaging modalities in cubosomes and hexosomes. High-throughput screening was used to rapidly optimize formulations with desirable nano-architectures and low in vitro cytotoxicity. The dual-modal imaging nanoparticles in vivo biodistribution and organ specific contrast enhancement were then studied. The NIRF in vivo imaging results indicated accumulation of both cubosomes and hexosomes in the liver and spleen of mice up to 20h post-injection. Remarkably, the biodistribution of the nanoparticle formulations was affected by the mesophase (i.e. cubic or hexagonal), a finding of significant importance for the future use of these compounds, with hexosomes showing higher accumulation in the spleen than the liver compared to cubosomes. Furthermore, in vivo MRI data of animals injected with either type of lyotropic liquid crystal nanoparticle displayed enhanced contrast in the liver and spleen.
Toward Cell Membrane Biomimetic Lipidic Cubic Phases: A High-Throughput Exploration of Lipid Compositional Space
Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)
Date: 07-12-2019
Supping with the Devil? The role of law in promoting tobacco harm reduction using low nitrosamine smokeless tobacco products
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 03-2009
DOI: 10.1016/J.PUHE.2008.12.018
Abstract: In Sweden, male cigarette smoking has declined as snus, a smokeless tobacco product which is low in carcinogenic nitrosamines, has gained popularity among male tobacco users. Epidemiological modelling based on the Swedish experience indicates that there would be major public health gains if a substantial number of current smokers in other countries could also be persuaded to switch to this product. This form of 'tobacco harm reduction' is very controversial in the public health community for many reasons. These include: objections in principle to the use of less harmful but still addictive nicotine products uncertainties about the long-term effects of these products on health doubts about the likely interest in and uptake of these products among existing smokers concerns that increasing the availability of these products will increase the number of new tobacco users and eventually the number of smokers in the population and anxiety about how the tobacco industry may use these products to undermine current tobacco control policies. This paper concludes with suggestions for a graduated series of policies that may allow exploration of the public health costs and benefits of encouraging smokers to switch to snus.
Commentary on P edersen & von S oest (2014): Increasing snus use among N orwegian adolescents—evidence of harm reduction effects?
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 06-06-2014
DOI: 10.1111/ADD.12586
Identification of shared risk loci and pathways for bipolar disorder and schizophrenia
Publisher: Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Date: 06-02-2017
Response to W inter: ‘Hardcore smoking does not necessarily indicate hardening’
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 07-02-2014
DOI: 10.1111/ADD.12462
Expression of Phosphatonin-Related Genes in Sheep, Dog and Horse Kidneys Using Quantitative Reverse Transcriptase PCR
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 05-10-2020
DOI: 10.3390/ANI10101806
Abstract: The aim of this preliminary study was to determine the relative expression of phosphatonin pathway-related genes in normal dog, sheep and horse kidneys and to explore the relationships between the different genes. Kidneys were collected post-mortem from 10 sheep, 10 horses and 8 dogs. RNA was extracted, followed by reverse transcriptase quantitative polymerase chain reaction for fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 IIIc (FGFR1IIIC), sodium-phosphate co-transporter (NPT) 1 (SLC17A1), NPT2a (SLC34A1), NPT2c (SLC34A3), parathyroid hormone 1 receptor (PTH1R), klotho (KL), vitamin D receptor (VDR), 1a-hydroxylase (CYP27B1) and 24-hydroxylase (CYP24A1). NPT2a was highly expressed in the dog kidneys, compared with those of the horses and sheep. NPT1 had greatest expression in horses and sheep, although the three different NPTs all had relatively similar expression in sheep. There was little variability in FGFR1IIIc expression, particularly in the dogs and horses. FGFR1IIIc expression was negatively correlated with NPT genes (except NPT2a in sheep), while NPT genes were all positively correlated with each other. Unexpectedly, klotho was positively correlated with NPT genes in all three species. These results provide the basis for further research into this important regulatory system. In particular, species differences in phosphatonin gene expression should be considered when considering the pathogenesis of chronic kidney disease.
Discussions between health professionals and smokers about nicotine vaping products: results from the 2016 ITC Four Country Smoking and Vaping Survey
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 07-03-2019
DOI: 10.1111/ADD.14527
Vaporised nicotine and tobacco harm reduction for addressing smoking among people living with HIV: A cross-sectional survey of Australian HIV health practitioners’ attitudes
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 08-2017
DOI: 10.1016/J.DRUGALCDEP.2017.03.023
Abstract: Tobacco smoking is a major cause of morbidity and mortality among people living with HIV (PLHIV). Due to the limited success of standard abstinence-focused smoking cessation strategies in this population, there is growing interest in tobacco harm reduction (THR) approaches as an additional strategy to address these high smoking rates. This study explored the attitudes of health practitioners who provide healthcare to PLHIV towards THR. 179 Australian health practitioners who provide healthcare to PLHIV completed an online survey that measured their attitudes towards THR approaches, including switching from cigarettes to e-cigarettes or vaporised nicotine products (VNPs). Respondents supported the concept of THR but were undecided on the role of VNPs. Respondents most commonly reported 'don't know' or 'undecided' responses to statements regarding VNPs. More respondents, however, agreed than disagreed that switching from smoking to long-term vaping could reduce risk (36% and 22% respectively) and be an effective strategy to help PLHIV to quit smoking (37% agree and 17% disagree). Only a minority of respondents (20%) agreed that VNPs are too harmful to recommend to patients, however around half (53%) were undecided. Despite supporting the principle of THR, health practitioners may require more evidence and knowledge about VNPs before being willing to consider them as a suitable intervention strategy.
Highly uniform polycrystalline diamond coatings of three-dimensional structures
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 02-2021
A licence to vape: Is it time to trial of a nicotine licensing scheme to allow Australian adults controlled access to electronic cigarettes devices and refill solutions containing nicotine?
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 06-2015
DOI: 10.1016/J.DRUGPO.2015.02.003
Abstract: Australia has some of the most restrictive laws concerning use of nicotine in e-cigarettes. The only current legal option for Australians to legally possess and use nicotine for vaping is with a medical prescription and domestic supply is limited to compounding pharmacies that prepare medicines for specific patients. An alternative regulatory option that could be implemented under current drugs and poisons regulations is a 'nicotine licensing' scheme utilising current provisions for 'dangerous poisons'. This commentary discusses how such a scheme could be used to trial access to nicotine solutions for vaping outside of a 'medicines framework' in Australia.
Should we encourage smokers with severe mental illness to switch to electronic cigarettes?
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 08-03-2017
Reactions on Twitter towards Australia's proposed import restriction on nicotine vaping products: a thematic analysis
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2021
Abstract: In June 2020, the Australian Government announced that personal importation of nicotine vaping products (NVP) would be prohibited, pending a 12-month classification and regulation review by the Therapeutic Goods Administration. This brief report examines the themes of responses on Twitter to this announcement. Simple random s ling was used to retrieve tweets containing keywords from 19 to 26 June 2020. Tweets were manually coded and descriptive statistics calculated for themes and policy position. The vast majority of the 1,168 tweets were anti-policy. Themes included: criticism towards government (59.8%), activism against NVP restriction (38%), potential adverse consequences (30.8%) and support for NVP restriction (1.4%). Tweets that identified potential adverse consequences of NVP restriction cited: smoking relapse for in iduals currently using NVPs (75.6%) the impact of policy enforcement (8.6%) illicit market (8.3%) panic buying (3.6%) difficulty obtaining prescriptions (2.8%) and impacts on NVP businesses (2.8%). Tweets predominately objected to the policy announcement. Approximately three-quarters of tweets that cited potential adverse consequences of the policy mentioned smoking relapse as their primary concern. Implications for public health: User-generated content on Twitter was primarily used to lobby against the proposed policy, which was subsequently amended.
Intracisternal enzyme replacement therapy in lysosomal storage diseases: routes of absorption into brain
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 06-2011
DOI: 10.1111/J.1365-2990.2010.01158.X
Abstract: The research concerns enzyme replacement therapy in lysosomal storage diseases with central nervous system involvement. The principle aim was to understand the routes of entry of enzyme into the brain when delivered directly into the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) via the cerebellomedullary cistern. Pathways for absorption of replacement enzyme were investigated in dogs with mucopolysaccharidosis IIIA (MPSIIIA) following intracisternal injections of human recombinant N-sulphoglucosamine sulphohydrolase (rhSGSH, EC3.10.1.1) by light and confocal microscopy using chromogenic and fluorescent immune probes. Enzyme entered the brain superficially by penetration of the pia/glia limitans interface, but the main route was perivascular along large veins, arteries and arterioles extending onto capillaries. It further dispersed into surrounding neuropil to be taken up by neurones, macrophages, astrocytes and oligodendroglia. Enzyme also entered the lateral ventricles adjacent to the choroid plexus, probably also by the tela choroidea and medullary velum, with further spread throughout the ventricular system and spinal canal. There was secondary spread back across the ependyma into nervous tissue of brain and spinal cord. Enzyme mainly enters the brain by a perivascular route involving both arteries and veins with subsequent spread within the neuropil from where it is taken up by a proportion of neurones and other cells. Penetration of enzyme through the pia/glia limitans is minor and superficial.
Is It Safe to Vape? Analyzing Online Forums Discussing E-Cigarette Use during Pregnancy
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2017
DOI: 10.1016/J.WHI.2016.09.008
Abstract: Electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) use, or vaping, is increasing against a backdrop of declining smoking rates. E-cigarettes contain fewer toxicants than cigarettes, but their appearance and mode of use has the potential to satisfy the habitual aspects of smoking. To date, we know little about lay perceptions of the safety of using e-cigarettes in pregnancy. We conducted a thematic discourse analysis of 13 online discussion forum threads that discussed e-cigarette use during pregnancy. We focused on the major discursive strategies that forum posters used to debate the safety of e-cigarette use during pregnancy. We identified three distinct ways in which forum posters debated the safety of using e-cigarettes during pregnancy: 1) quitting (nicotine) cold turkey is unsafe, 2) vaping is the lesser of two evils, and 3) vaping is not worth the risk. Discussions about the safety of e-cigarettes drew on the premise that 1) immediate cessation of nicotine was potentially harmful and unsafe, 2) e-cigarettes were a harm reduction tool, or 3) vaping could be dangerous and should be avoided. Although these arguments are not necessarily specific to pregnancy (beside mentions of fetal-specific risks), this analysis points to the need to educate and support women about harm reduction options. Health professionals should be aware that some women may be currently using or considering using e-cigarettes in an effort to quit or reduce smoking. It is important that health professionals are equipped to educate women with accurate, up-to-date, and balanced information about the risks and benefits of e-cigarette use during pregnancy.
A case study of an academic‐stakeholder partnership: Evaluation of the ‘10 000 Lives’ smoking cessation health promotion program
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 10-01-2023
DOI: 10.1002/HPJA.689
Abstract: In Australia, smoking prevalence is higher in regional areas than in metropolitan cities Central Queensland, a central‐east district of Queensland, has substantially higher smoking rates than the state average. In November 2017, Central Queensland Public Health Unit (CQPHU) launched the ‘10 000 Lives’ initiative to reduce the smoking prevalence in the region. The initiative partnered with local hospitals and community organisations to increase the uptake of interventions like Quitline in the region. Evaluating a program like ‘10 000 Lives’ is critical for evidence‐based health promotion practice. CQPHU partnered with a large metropolitan Australian university to evaluate the ‘10 000 Lives’ through a scheme that provided a stipend for a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) student. This narrative report describes the experience of evaluating ‘10 000 Lives’ in a collaborative partnership between CQPHU and the public health academia. A PhD student was recruited to join this collaboration, and both developed a program logic model and completed a process and impact evaluation. This evaluation provided an ideal ‘living’ case study to embed in the Master of Public Health curriculum and provided the PhD student with teaching experience delivering a demonstration of public health in practice. The collaboration project was highly successful, exemplifying research, learning and practical integration for all partners. The partnership demonstrated how universities can work with government health agencies to build practice‐based evidence, and importantly give public health students authentic learning opportunities.
Tobacco purchasing in Australia during regular tax increases: findings from the International Tobacco Control Policy Evaluation Project
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 31-08-2023
Abstract: We examined Australian tobacco purchasing trends, the average self-reported price paid within each purchase type and the association between type of tobacco product purchased and participant characteristics, including quit intentions, between 2007 and 2020. We analysed data collected from adults who smoked factory-made and/or roll-your-own (RYO) cigarettes in nine waves (2007–2020) of the International Tobacco Control Policy Evaluation Project Australia Survey (n s le =5452, n observations =11 534). The main outcome measures were type of tobacco products purchased: RYO, carton, pack or pouch size and brand segment. Logistic regression, fit using generalised estimating equations, was estimated the association between the outcome and participant characteristics. The reported price-minimising purchasing patterns increased from 2007 to 2020: any RYO (23.8–43.9%), large-sized pack (2007: 24.0% to 2016: 34.3%) shifting from large-sized to small-sized packs (2020: 37.7%), and economy brand (2007: 37.2% to 2020: 59.3%) shifting from large (2007: 55.8%) to small economy packs (2014: 15.3% to 2020: 48.1%). In iduals with a lower income, a higher nicotine dependence level and no quit intention were more likely to purchase RYO and large-sized packs. RYO, large-sized packs and products with a low upfront cost (eg, small RYO pouches and small-sized economy brand packs) may appeal to people on low incomes. Australia’s erse tobacco pack and pouch sizes allow the tobacco industry to influence tobacco purchases. Standardising pack and pouch sizes may reduce some price-related marketing and especially benefit people who have a low income, are highly addicted and have no quit intention.
The medium is not the message: A content analysis of public information about vaping product regulations in Australia
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 26-06-2019
DOI: 10.1111/DAR.12961
Abstract: Vaping products have been growing in popularity in recent years, including in Australia. Australian laws covering vaping products are complex and vary significantly between jurisdictions. It has been acknowledged that there is public confusion about these laws. This study aims to explore publically-available information about vaping products-related laws disseminated via mainstream media and key stakeholder websites. A content analysis was conducted on 302 news articles identified in the Factiva database, and on 73 key stakeholder websites that provided information about vaping product regulations in Australia between January 2005 and January 2018. Items were coded for the type of regulations discussed, the source of information and the information provided about the legal status of vaping products. Public advice covered regulations around sales, public use, nicotine importation, nicotine's classification as a poison and nicotine possession. In the majority of news articles, journalists did not cite the source of the information pertaining to vaping products laws, making it difficult for the public to judge its accuracy. We identified several inconsistencies in the information being disseminated through both channels. The inconsistent information provided to the public regarding vaping products likely reflects Australia's complex and varying laws governing the sale, use and possession of vaping products with and without nicotine. We recommend that relevant Australian federal, state and territory health agencies provide a clear and consistent message that covers all relevant information pertaining to vaping products and nicotine within respective jurisdictions.
The Emergence of New Nicotine Products in Malaysia
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 10-2019
Pregnancy and parental leave policies at Australian and New Zealand medical schools
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 2022
DOI: 10.1177/17455057221142698
Abstract: Research into how medical schools support students who are pregnant or with current parental responsibilities has been mostly limited to the US context. To review pregnancy and parental leave policies for students at Australian/New Zealand medical schools. A cross-sectional survey. Data were collected between June and September 2021. Websites of Australian/New Zealand medical schools (n = 23) were searched for freely available information on pregnancy and parental leave policies. Each school was contacted to provide supplementary information on the processes to support students who apply for pregnancy and/or parental leave. Outcome harvesting techniques were used to analyse the key attributes and processes used by medical schools. None of the 23 accredited Australian/New Zealand medical schools had specific pregnancy and/or parental leave policies. Fourteen of the 23 Australian/New Zealand medical schools responded to the request for more information. All confirmed, beyond their University’s general student leave policies, they had no additional pregnancy and parental leave policy. Analysis of each school’s processes identified the following themes: lack of school specific pregnancy and/or parental leave policies lack of public statements of support for medical students who are pregnant and/or with current parental responsibilities and lack of attention to the specific needs of medical students who are pregnant and/or with current parental responsibilities, including those with pregnant partners or are a birth support person. There was a lack of documentation and formalized processes related to the support of this group of students. By creating easily accessible information on pregnancy and parental leave which is nuanced to the challenges of medical school and clinical placements, medical schools and medical education accreditation bodies in Australia/New Zealand can address the needs of medical students who are pregnant and/or with current parental responsibilities and normalize pregnancy and parental status within entry-to-practice medical courses.
Impact of the ‘10,000 lives’ program on Quitline referrals, use and outcomes by demography and Indigenous status
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 13-07-2022
DOI: 10.1111/DAR.13499
Abstract: In November 2017, Central Queensland Public Health Unit launched the ‘10,000 Lives’ initiative to reduce smoking prevalence in Central Queensland. The program partnered with local ch ions and other programs (e.g. ‘Deadly Choices’) to promote the use of smoking cessation services (e.g. Quitline) in Central Queensland. This study assesses the program's impact on Quitline use by participant demographics and Indigenous status. We compared the number of referred in iduals who participated in and completed the Quitline program, and quit smoking during 26‐months before (July 2015 to August 2017) and after (November 2017 to December 2019) the ‘10,000 Lives’ launch. We conducted an interrupted time series analysis of monthly referrals to and use of Quitline for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Overall, 3207 in iduals were referred to Quitline during the 26‐months‐post‐launch compared to 1594 during 26‐months‐pre‐launch period of ‘10,000 Lives’. The number of referred in iduals who completed Quitline program increased by 330.7% and quit smoking by 308.3% in post‐launch period. The increase was substantially higher among aged 45+ years, females and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The result for referrals and use of Quitline was validated by interrupted time series analysis for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The ‘10,000 Lives’ collaborative approach to partner with local ch ions and targeted smoking cessation programs was effective in increasing the use of Quitline and smoking cessation among all demographic groups, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. This approach can be used in other regions to address higher smoking prevalence.
Personalized Medicine and Tobacco-Related Health Disparities: Is There a Role for Genetics?
Publisher: Annals of Family Medicine
Date: 07-2011
DOI: 10.1370/AFM.1244
Beliefs and Self-reported Practices of Health Care Professionals Regarding Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems: A Mixed-Methods Systematic Review and Synthesis
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 02-04-2019
DOI: 10.1093/NTR/NTZ046
Abstract: This review explores the (1) beliefs and attitudes of health care professionals (HCPs) toward electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) including use as a smoking cessation aid and/or harm reduction, safety and regulation, and (2) the extent and content of patient–HCP communication about ENDS. PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, and PsycINFO were searched to identify articles published since 2003. The Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool and Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology checklists were used to assess the quality of studies. Thematic synthesis was used to analyze qualitative data. A total of 45 articles (32 quantitative, 12 qualitative, and 1 mixed) were included. There was wide variation regarding beliefs about the efficacy of ENDS as a cessation aid. Although the majority of HCPs believes that ENDS are safer than combustible cigarettes, they also have concern about the short and long-term safety of ENDS, uptake by adolescents, and the potential for ENDS to act as a “gateway” to smoking cigarettes. Beliefs about ENDS are influenced by media stories and experiences provided by patients. Although most HCPs do not proactively recommend ENDS, they are more likely to support ENDS use among patients with smoking related comorbidities, heavy smokers with previous unsuccessful quit attempts, or patients who express interest in trying them. Overall, HCPs hold erse views about the efficacy of ENDS and expressed wariness over their potential health effects. HCP endorsement of ENDS use seems to depend largely on patient health status, the presence of other competing risk factors and patient preferences. Although evidence on safety and efficacy of ENDS is emerging, HCPs should be honest with their clients, stating that the long-term safety is not yet established but what is known is that they appear to be a lower risk alternative to cigarettes. Our review highlights a need for further training and support for HCPs regarding ENDS use, which would enable them to guide their clients in making evidence-based decisions.
Addressing smoking among people living with HIV: a cross-sectional survey of Australian HIV health practitioners’ practices and attitudes
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 19-07-2018
DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2018.1500007
Abstract: People living with HIV (PLHIV) have high rates of tobacco smoking, and smoking is a leading cause of premature mortality and morbidity. It is important to understand HIV healthcare providers' practices and attitudes towards addressing smoking with their patients. An online survey that measured: (i) use of the 5A framework for addressing smoking (Ask, Assess, Advise, Assist, Arrange) and (ii) attitudes and barriers to addressing smoking cessation was distributed by relevant professional bodies. Eligible participants were Australian health practitioners providing healthcare to PLHIV. Of the 179 respondents, most reported practising at least one of the 5As: Ask (94%) Assess (78%) Advise (82%) Assist (89%) and Arrange (73%). Practising the full 5A framework (completing at least one activity from each A) was less common (62%) and associated with having undertaken smoking cessation training (OR 2.1, CI 1.1-3.9), being a medical practitioner (OR 6.0, CI 3.1-11.6), having greater perceived knowledge and resources (OR 1.7, CI 1.3-2.4) and more positive attitudes (OR 1.5, CI 1.1-2.0). Common barriers to delivering cessation assistance related to knowledge and availability of resources. Development and greater dissemination of effective smoking cessation training and resources may be required to ensure healthcare practitioners have the capacity to complete all aspects of the 5A framework for smoking cessation and support their patients with HIV who smoke.
The challenge of reducing smoking in people with serious mental illness.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 10-2016
Vape Club: Exploring Non-Profit Regulatory Models for the Supply of Vaporised Nicotine Products
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 14-08-2018
Abstract: Vaporised nicotine products (VNPs) that are not approved as therapeutic goods are banned in some countries, including Australia, Singapore, and Thailand. We reviewed two non-profit regulatory options, private clubs and the Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration Special Access Scheme (SAS) that have been applied to other controlled substances (such as cannabis) as a potential model for regulating VNPs as an alternative to prohibition. The legal status of private cannabis clubs varies between the United States, Canada, Belgium, Spain, and Uruguay. Legal frameworks exist for cannabis clubs in some countries, but most operate in a legal grey area. Kava social clubs existed in the Northern Territory, Australia, until the federal government banned importation of kava. Access to medical cannabis in Australia is allowed as an unapproved therapeutic good via the SAS. In Australia, the SAS Category C appears to be the most feasible option to widen access to VNPs, but it may have limited acceptability to vapers and smokers. The private club model would require new legislation but could be potentially more acceptable if clubs were permitted to operate outside a medical framework. Consumer and regulator support for these models is currently unknown. Without similar restrictions applied to smoked tobacco products, these models may have only a limited impact on smoking prevalence. Further research could explore whether these models could be options for regulating smoked tobacco products.
Do Smokers’ Perceptions of the Harmfulness of Nicotine Replacement Therapy and Nicotine Vaping Products as Compared to Cigarettes Influence Their Use as an Aid for Smoking Cessation? Findings from the
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 03-04-2022
DOI: 10.1093/NTR/NTAC087
Abstract: This study examined whether smokers’ harm perceptions of nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) and nicotine vaping products (NVPs) relative to cigarettes predicted their subsequent use as smoking cessation aids during their last quit attempt (LQA). We analyzed data from 1,315 current daily smokers (10+ cigarettes per day) who were recruited at Wave 1 (2016), and who reported making a quit attempt by Wave 2 (2018) of the International Tobacco Control Four Country Smoking and Vaping Surveys in Australia, Canada, England, and the United States. We used multinomial logistic regression models to examine prospective associations between harm perceptions of (a) NRT and (b) NVPs and their use at LQA, controlling for socio-demographic and other potential confounders. Smokers who perceive that (a) NRT and (b) NVPs are much less harmful than cigarettes were more likely to subsequently use the respective product as an aid than using no aid or other aids during LQA (adjusted relative risk ratio [aRRR] = 3.79, 95%CI = 2.16–6.66 and aRRR = 2.11, 95%CI = 1.29–3.45, respectively) compared to smokers who perceive these products as equally or more harmful. Additionally, those who perceive NVPs as much less harmful than cigarettes were less likely to use NRT as a quit aid (aRRR = 0.34, 95%CI = 0.20–0.60). No country variations for these associations were found. This study found that smokers’ perceptions of the harmfulness of (a) NRT and (b) NVPs relative to cigarettes predicted the respective product use when trying to quit smoking. Corrective education targeting misperceptions of nicotine products’ relative harmfulness may facilitate their use for smoking cessation. Nicotine replacement therapy and nicotine vaping products are two commonly used smoking cessation aids. This study demonstrates that misperceptions of the harms of nicotine products relative to cigarettes influence their use for smoking cessation. Believing that nicotine vaping products are much less harmful than cigarette smoking may lead some smokers to prefer these products over nicotine replacement therapy to aid smoking cessation. Education targeting misperceptions of nicotine products’ harmfulness relative to cigarettes may enable smokers to make informed choices about which are appropriate to aid smoking cessation.
Changes in patterns of youth multiple tobacco and/or e-cigarette product use in the US between 2014 and 2020: a multiple-group latent class analysis
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 06-06-2022
DOI: 10.1136/TOBACCOCONTROL-2022-057266
Abstract: Multiple tobacco and e-cigarette product (MTEP) use, the concurrent use of two or more different types of tobacco and/or e-cigarettes products, is common among young people in the US. Changes in patterns of MTEP use among US youth between 2014 and 2020 were identified and the determinants of MTEP use were examined. Four years of repeated cross-sectional data from the US National Youth Tobacco Survey of middle and high school students from grade 6 to 12 (N total =77 402). Multigroup latent class analysis (LCA) was applied to the data series to allow for simultaneous identification of MTEP use patterns between 2014 and 2020. Logistic regression was used to predict class membership on demographic and tobacco-related variables. Over the 7-year period, LCA identified three patterns: minimal/non-users (MNU: ~89.8%), mostly occasional e-cigarette and cigarette users (MOEC: ~9%) and polytobacco users (POLY: ~1.2%). From 2014 to 2020, MNU increased from 86.4% to 92% (p .05), while MOEC and POLY decreased from 11.2% to 7.9% and from 2.4% to 0.1%, respectively. The probability of regular e-cigarette use increased from 0 to 2.3% among MNU, 6% to 31.9% among MOEC and 29.6% to 67.6% among POLY (p .05). In binomial logistic regression, being male, in high school, non-heterosexual, living with someone who uses tobacco at home, having cognitive difficulties, having lower perceptions of tobacco’s danger and exposure to tobacco marketing were associated with greater odds of MOEC and POLY than MNU. There was an increase in regular e-cigarette use in all three classes, but a corresponding decrease in the proportion of MTEP use. Public health interventions to discourage uptake of e-cigarettes, such as tighter restrictions on marketing to minors, are warranted and there is a need to consider disparities in the determinants of MTEP use.
Trends in nicotine consumption between 2010 and 2017 in an Australian city using the wastewater-based epidemiology approach
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 04-2019
DOI: 10.1016/J.ENVINT.2019.01.053
Abstract: Monitoring smoking prevalence is key to assessing responses to tobacco control measures, and evaluating associated health and economic costs. Estimates of tobacco consumed in Australia are based on various data sources - tax excise clearances, sales, and self-report surveys. There are limitations with each of these data sources which makes triangulation of cigarette use estimates by multiple methods important. Wastewater-based epidemiology, the systematic s ling and analysis of wastewater, is now a routine method to measure and monitor human exposure to a range of chemicals. This study provides a high frequency long-term temporal assessment of exposure to nicotine, the main addictive component of tobacco, using this approach. 291 archived wastewater s les collected from a regional city catchment from 2010 to 2017 were analysed for human-specific nicotine metabolites (cotinine and trans-3'-hydroxycotinine), to estimate per capita nicotine use. Temporal trends in nicotine use determined by wastewater-based epidemiology were compared with national sales and survey data. Wastewater analysis showed a 25% reduction in the mean number of cigarette equivalents consumed from 2010 to 2017, representing a 3% annual decline. These findings are in good agreement with estimates based on surveys and sales data, indicating annual declines of 5% and 4%, respectively. Findings of this study demonstrate WBE to be a relatively cost-effective and objective approach to reporting long-term data on nicotine consumption. When combined with alternative data sources, and valuable sociodemographic information of surveys, wastewater-based epidemiology helps to refine our estimates and understanding of the total impacts of smoking.
Protein-Eye View of the in Meso Crystallization Mechanism
Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)
Date: 12-06-2019
DOI: 10.1021/ACS.LANGMUIR.9B00647
Abstract: For evolving biological and biomedical applications of hybrid protein?lipid materials, understanding the behavior of the protein within the lipid mesophase is crucial. After more than two decades since the invention of the in meso crystallization method, a protein-eye view of its mechanism is still lacking. Numerous structural studies have suggested that integral membrane proteins preferentially partition at localized flat points on the bilayer surface of the cubic phase with crystal growth occurring from a local fluid lamellar L
Duelling letters: which one would you sign?
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 13-08-2014
Janus particles: Recent advances in the biomedical applications
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 08-2019
DOI: 10.2147/IJN.S169030
Why don't smokers want help to quit? A qualitative study of smokers' attitudes towards assisted vs. unassisted quitting
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 10-06-2015
Should the Health Community Promote Smokeless Tobacco (Snus) as a Harm Reduction Measure?
Publisher: Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Date: 03-07-2007
Micellar Fd3m cubosomes from monoolein – long chain unsaturated fatty acid mixtures: Stability on temperature and pH response
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 04-2020
DOI: 10.1016/J.JCIS.2020.01.041
Abstract: Control of the nanostructure of self-assembled systems may be achieved through manipulation of surfactant molecular packing and interfacial curvature. In order to phase engineer the inverse micellar cubosomes in some monoolein-fatty acid systems, lipids with wedge shaped molecular geometry were incorporated to promote the formation of this phase, that is of interest as potential sustained released nanocarriers. Liquid crystalline nanoparticle dispersions of monoolein with some cis unsaturated fatty acids were prepared and their partial temperature-composition phase diagrams and structure were established using high throughput Small Angle X-ray Scattering (SAXS) and cryogenic transmission electron microscopy (cryo-TEM). The pH responsiveness of these systems was evaluated in the presence of phosphate buffered saline (PBS). The partial temperature-composition phase diagrams of five nanoparticle formulations containing monoolein and unsaturated fatty acids were established and identified the presence of micellar cubosomes in each of these systems. The results indicate that temperature, fatty acid concentration and structure, as well as pH all directly impact the formation and stability of this phase. Low energy inverse micellar cubic to emulsion phase transformations were identified in the monoolein with oleic acid and vaccenic acid systems at physiological temperatures that may be advantageous for staged therapeutic release strategies in nanomedicine.
Australian policymakers do not have to choose between protecting youth and allowing smokers to use nicotine vaping products
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 14-04-2021
DOI: 10.1111/ADD.15512
The effectiveness, safety and cost-effectiveness of cytisine versus varenicline for smoking cessation in an Australian population: a study protocol for a randomized controlled non-inferiority trial.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 03-02-2019
DOI: 10.1111/ADD.14541
Abstract: Smoking cessation medications are effective, but often underutilized because of costs and side effects. Cytisine is a plant-based smoking cessation medication with more than 50 years of use in central and eastern Europe. While cytisine has been found to be well-tolerated and more effective than nicotine replacement therapy, direct comparisons with varenicline have not been conducted. This study evaluates the effectiveness, safety and cost-effectiveness of cytisine compared with varenicline. Two-arm, parallel group, randomized, non-inferiority trial, with allocation concealment and blinded outcome assessment. Australian population-based study. Adult daily smokers (n = 1266) interested in quitting will be recruited through advertisements and Quitline telephone-based cessation support services. Eligible participants will be randomized (1 : 1 ratio) to receive either cytisine capsules (25-day supply) or varenicline tablets (12-week supply), prescribed in accordance with the manufacturer's recommended dosing regimen. The medication will be mailed to each participant's nominated residential address. All participants will also be offered standard Quitline behavioural support (up to six 10-12-minute sessions). Assessments will be undertaken by telephone at baseline, 4 and 7 months post-randomization. Participants will also be contacted twice (2 and 4 weeks post-randomization) to ascertain adverse events, treatment adherence and smoking status. The primary outcome will be self-reported 6-month continuous abstinence from smoking, verified by carbon monoxide at 7-month follow-up. We will also evaluate the relative safety and cost-effectiveness of cytisine compared with varenicline. Secondary outcomes will include self-reported continuous and 7-day point prevalence abstinence and cigarette consumption at each follow-up interview. If cytisine is as effective as varenicline, its lower cost and natural plant-based composition may make it an acceptable and affordable smoking cessation medication that could save millions of lives world-wide.
The environmental impact of tobacco products: Time to increase awareness and action
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 27-09-2023
DOI: 10.1111/ADD.16046
Profiles of illicit drug use during annual key holiday and control periods in Australia: wastewater analysis in an urban, a semi-rural and a vacation area
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 05-12-2013
DOI: 10.1111/ADD.12006
Abstract: To examine changes in illicit drug consumption between peak holiday season (23 December-3 January) in Australia and a control period two months later in a coastal urban area, an inland semi-rural area and an island populated predominantly by vacationers during holidays. Analysis of representative daily composite wastewater s les collected from the inlet of the major wastewater treatment plant in each area. Three wastewater treatment plants. Wastewater treatment plants serviced approximately 350, 000 persons in the urban area, 120,000 in the semi-rural area and 1100-2400 on the island. Drug residues were analysed using liquid chromatography coupled to a tandem mass spectrometer. Per capita drug consumption was estimated. Changes in drug use were quantified using Hedges' g. During the holidays, cannabis consumption in the semi-rural area declined (g = -2.8) as did meth hetamine (-0.8), whereas cocaine (+1.5) and ecstasy (+1.6) use increased. In the urban area, consumption of all drugs increased during holidays (cannabis +1.6, cocaine +1.2, ecstasy +0.8 and meth hetamine +0.3). In the vacation area, meth hetamine (+0.7), ecstasy (+0.7) and cocaine (+1.1) use increased, but cannabis (-0.5) use decreased during holiday periods. While the peak holiday season in Australia is perceived as a period of increased drug use, this is not uniform across all drugs and areas. Substantial declines in drug use in the semi-rural area contrasted with substantial increases in urban and vacation areas. Per capita drug consumption in the vacation area was equivalent to that in the urban area, implying that these locations merit particular attention for drug use monitoring and harm minimisation measures.
Circadian rhythm of calciotropic hormones, serum calcium, phosphorus and magnesium during the shortest and longest days of the year in horses in New Zealand
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 03-02-2016
DOI: 10.1111/JPN.12477
Abstract: A study was conducted to determine the circadian rhythms and trends of vitamin D metabolites including 25-hydroxyvitamin D
Pathophysiology of humeral fractures in a sample of dairy heifers
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 18-04-2016
DOI: 10.1080/00480169.2016.1171173
Abstract: To investigate the pathophysiology of humeral fractures in first-lactation dairy heifers in the North Island of New Zealand. Ten 2-year-old dairy heifers with humeral fractures were subject to euthanasia and the fractured and non-fractured contralateral humeri were collected. Humeri were also collected from 10 unaffected 2-year-old dairy heifers sent for slaughter. Humeri from heifers with and without fractures were examined using computed tomography (CT), and four slices of the diaphysis and lower metaphysis (D1-4) were analysed using the Bone J plug-in for Image J. The humeri were sectioned sagittally and 5 mm bone slabs were processed for histopathology. There were no differences in bone length between the humeri from heifers with or without fractures (p=0.31). Median cortical bone mineral density at D1 was increased in humeri from affected compared with unaffected heifers (810 vs. 783 mg/cm(3) p=0.03), cortical area at D1 was reduced (816 vs. 1,037 mm(2) p=0.04), the median stress strain index, a calculated theoretical measure of bone strength, at D1 was decreased (7,288 vs. 9,072 mm(3) p<0.01), and the median ratio of overall bone volume (BV) to total volume (TV) was decreased (0.32 vs. 0.38 p<0.01). The median periosteal circumference at D1 was also reduced in humeri from affected compared with unaffected heifers (151 vs. 173 mm p<0.01). Using a binary logistic regression model, BV/TV was the only variable associated with humeral fractures (p=0.03).In nine of 10 fractured humeri the fracture appeared to have started just distal to the head of the humerus and spiralled distally down the diaphysis to end just above the humeral condyles. Histopathological findings included a reduction in the number, and thickness, of trabeculae in the metaphysis metaphyseal growth arrest lines, and osteoclastic resorption in fractured humeri. Concentrations of copper in serum from four of five animals with fractures were within, and one was below, normal reference ranges, while concentration of copper in the livers of three heifers with fractures were below adequate ranges. The CT and histological findings were consistent with a diagnosis of osteoporosis. We propose that humeral fractures in dairy heifers are associated with osteoporosis, possibly as a result of insufficient deposition of bone during growth because of protein-calorie malnutrition. Increased osteoclastic resorption of bone associated with calcium mobilisation for lactation, and periods of copper deficiency may contribute to bone weakening.
3D printed dual macro-, microscale porous network as a tissue engineering scaffold with drug delivering function
Publisher: IOP Publishing
Date: 26-04-2019
Abstract: Tissue engineering macroporous scaffolds are important for regeneration of large volume defects resulting from diseases such as breast or bone cancers. Another important part of the treatment of these conditions is adjuvant drug therapy to prevent disease recurrence or surgical site infection. In this study, we developed a new type of macroporous scaffolds that have drug loading and release functionality to use in these scenarios. 3D printing allows for building macroporous scaffolds with deterministically designed complex architectures for tissue engineering yet they often have low surface areas thus limiting their drug loading capability. In this proof-of-concept study, we aimed to introduce microscale porosity into macroporous scaffolds to allow for efficient yet simple soak-loading of various clinical drugs and control their release. Manufacturing of scaffolds having both macroporosity and microscale porosity remains a difficult task. Here, we combined porogen leaching and 3D printing to achieve this goal. Porogen microparticles were mixed with medical grade polycaprolactone and extruded into scaffolds having macropores of 0.7 mm in size. After leaching, intra-strut microscale pores were realized with pore size of 20-70 μm and a total microscale porosity of nearly 40%. Doxorubicin (DOX), paclitaxel (PTX) and cefazolin (CEF) were chosen as model drugs of different charges and solubilities to soak-load the scaffolds and achieved loading efficiency of over 80%. The microscale porosity was found to significantly reduce the burst release allowing the microporous scaffolds to release drugs up to 200, 500 and 150 h for DOX, PTX and CEF, respectively. Finally, cell assays were used and confirmed the bioactivities and dose response of the drug-loaded scaffolds. Together, the findings from this proof-of-concept study demonstrate a new type of scaffolds with dual micro-, macro-porosity for tissue engineering applications with intrinsic capability for efficient loading and sustained release of drugs to prevent post-surgery complications.
Getting there together: highlights, challenges and opportunities for tobacco control in the Oceania region.
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 03-2022
DOI: 10.1136/TOBACCOCONTROL-2021-056542
Abstract: The paper focuses on the geographical region of Oceania. We highlight the tobacco control leadership demonstrated in this region and describe the challenges and opportunities to achieving country-specific smoke-free goals. Significant achievements include smoke-free nation goals, world-leading initiatives such as plain packaging, and a bold plan by New Zealand to reduce the retail availability of smoked tobacco products and remove virtually all the nicotine from cigarettes and rolling tobacco. There are significant challenges and opportunities before reaching smoke-free status including implementation pathways requiring strong governance and leadership and compliance monitoring and enforcement. We conclude that achieving a smoke-free Oceania is possible through already existing bold country and regional smoke-free goals, excellent tobacco control leadership, experience and resources, and an understanding of how to work collectively. However, a commitment to focus tobacco control efforts regionally is required to achieve a smoke-free Oceania together.
Geodetic measurements reveal similarities between post–Last Glacial Maximum and present-day mass loss from the Greenland ice sheet
Publisher: American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)
Date: 02-09-2016
Abstract: Present destabilization of marine-based sectors in Greenland may increase sea level for centuries to come.
Influence of blanketing and season on vitamin D and parathyroid hormone, calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium concentrations in horses in New Zealand
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 07-2016
DOI: 10.1016/J.DOMANIEND.2016.03.003
Abstract: The aims of the study were to determine the effect of season and blanketing on vitamin D synthesis in horses and examine the interaction between vitamin D and other analytes involved in calcium homeostasis. Twenty-one healthy horses at pasture were included 5 were covered with standard horse blankets including neck rugs. Blood s les were collected for 13 mo and analyzed for 25-hydroxyvitamin D2 (25OHD2) and 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (25OHD3), 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (1,25[OH]2D), ionized calcium (iCa), total calcium (tCa), phosphorus (P), total magnesium (tMg), and parathyroid hormone (PTH). Grass and hay s les were collected and analyzed for vitamin D, calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium. Climate data were also collected. The serum concentration of 25OHD3 in horses was either undetectable or below the detection limit of the assay, and the main form of 25OHD was 25OHD2. No differences in serum 25OHD2, 1,25(OH)2D, iCa, tCa, P, tMg, and PTH (P ≥ 0.05) concentrations were seen between the 2 groups. Associations were seen between iCa and PTH (P < 0.05), iCa and tMg (P < 0.05), and dietary vitamin D and 25OHD2 (P < 0.05). A strong seasonal trend was seen in serum 25OHD2 (P < 0.0001), which was higher during spring and summer when the amount of sunshine and UV radiation was higher. Parathyroid hormone and 1,25(OH)2D showed opposing trends with PTH higher in winter whereas 1,25(OH)2D was higher in summer. The results suggest that dietary vitamin D may be necessary for horses to fulfill their vitamin D requirements however, further research is required to determine the contribution of vitamin D3 synthesis in the skin to the vitamin D status of the horse.
Protocol for a randomised pragmatic policy trial of nicotine products for quitting or long-term substitution in smokers
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 06-10-2015
Smoking and HIV: what are the risks and what harm reduction strategies do we have at our disposal?
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 12-2018
Tobacco harm reduction in people with serious mental illnesses
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 06-2015
Framing and scientific uncertainty in nicotine vaping product regulation: An examination of competing narratives among health and medical organisations in the UK, Australia and New Zealand
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 04-2020
Views and Preferences for Nicotine Products as an Alternative to Smoking: A Focus Group Study of People Living with Mental Disorders
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 17-10-2016
DOI: 10.20944/PREPRINTS201610.0065.V1
Abstract: Aims and Background: People living with mental disorders experience a disproportionately higher burden of tobacco-related disease than the general population. Long-term substitution with less harmful nicotine products could reduce the tobacco-related harm among this population. This study investigated the views and preferences of people with mental health disorders about different nicotine products and their use as long-term substitutes for cigarettes. Methods: Semi-structured focus group discussion followed by a brief questionnaire. The discussion transcripts were analysed for content and themes and quantitative data summarised with descriptive statistics. Results: Twenty-nine participants took part in four focus groups. Vaping devices were the most acceptable nicotine products discussed, however preferences for nicotine products were idiosyncratic and varied along aesthetic, pragmatic, sensory and symbolic dimensions. The concept of tobacco harm reduction was unfamiliar to participants, however they generally agreed with the logic of replacing cigarettes with less harmful nicotine products. Barriers to activating tobacco harm reduction included the symbolism of smoking and quitting the importance placed on health the consumer appeal of alternatives and cost implications. Discussion and Conclusion: Engaging this population in tobacco harm reduction options will require communication that challenges black and white thinking (a conceptual framework in which smoking cigarettes or quitting all nicotine are the only legitimate options) as in practice this serves to support the continuance of smoking. Consumers should be encouraged to trial a range of nicotine products to find the most acceptable alternative to smoking that reduces health harms. Providing incentives to switch to nicotine products could help overcome barriers to using less harmful nicotine products among mental health consumers.
Did hardening occur among smokers in E ngland from 2000 to 2010?
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 28-10-2013
DOI: 10.1111/ADD.12359
Is it the nicotine? Australian smokers’ accounts of nicotine addiction
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 30-12-2016
Predicting vaping uptake, vaping frequency and ongoing vaping among daily smokers using longitudinal data from the International Tobacco Control (ITC) Four Country Surveys
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 21-01-2019
DOI: 10.1111/ADD.14537
The tobacco endgame for the Asia Pacific
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 06-02-2023
DOI: 10.1111/RESP.14465
A Systematic Review of Peer-Support Programs for Smoking Cessation in Disadvantaged Groups
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 28-10-2013
Tobacco Harm Reduction with Vaporised Nicotine (THRiVe): The Study Protocol of an Uncontrolled Feasibility Study of Novel Nicotine Replacement Products among People Living with HIV Who Smoke
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 18-07-2017
Roles, experiences and perspectives of the stakeholders of “10,000 Lives” smoking cessation initiative in Central Queensland: Findings from an online survey during COVID‐19 situation
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 11-04-2022
DOI: 10.1002/HPJA.598
Abstract: The “10,000 Lives” initiative was launched in Central Queensland in November 2017 to reduce daily smoking prevalence to 9.5% by 2030 by promoting available smoking cessation interventions. One of the main strategies was to identify and engage possible stakeholders (local ch ions for the program) from hospitals and community organisations to increase conversations about smoking cessation and referrals to Quitline. We aimed to understand the roles, experiences and perceptions of stakeholders (possible ch ions for delivering smoking cessation support) of the “10,000 Lives” initiative in Central Queensland, Australia. We conducted a mixed‐method online survey during the COVID‐19 situation (23 June 2020 to 22 August 2020) with a cross‐section of possible stakeholders who were targeted for involvement in “10, 000 Lives” using a structured questionnaire with mostly closed‐ended questions. Questions were asked regarding their roles, experiences and perceptions about smoking cessation and “10,000 Lives”. Among the 110 respondents, 52 (47.3%) reported having provided smoking cessation support, including referral to Quitline, brief intervention and promoting existing interventions. Among them (n = 52), 31 (59.6%) were from hospitals and health services, 14 (26.9%) were from community services and three (5.8%) were from private medical practices while four of them did not report their setting. Twenty‐five respondents (22.7%) self‐identified as being directly involved with the “10, 000 Lives” initiative, which significantly predicted provision of smoking cessation support (OR 6.0, 95% CI: 2.1‐19.8). However, a substantial proportion (63.5%) of those (n = 52) who reported delivering cessation support did not identify as contributing to “10,000 Lives”. Stakeholders from hospitals, health services and community services are the main providers of smoking cessation support in Central Queensland. More could be done to support other stakeholders to feel confident about providing cessation support and to feel included in the initiative. Engaging with a range of stakeholders is critical for health promotion program success, to further develop the program and to ensure its sustainability. As such, funding needs to be allocated to the activities that enable this process to occur.
Treatment ofStaphylococcus aureusskin infectionin vivousing rifampicin loaded lipid nanoparticles
Publisher: Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC)
Date: 2020
DOI: 10.1039/D0RA06120D
Abstract: We report a novel cubosome formulation that is effective at killing Staphylococcus aureus in vitro .
Views of Addiction Neuroscientists and Clinicians on the Clinical Impact of a ‘Brain Disease Model of Addiction’
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 19-01-2013
What is the hype on #MedicinalCannabis in the United States? A content analysis of medicinal cannabis tweets
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 21-02-2023
DOI: 10.1111/DAR.13618
Abstract: Medicinal cannabis is now legal in 44 US jurisdictions. Between 2020 and 2021 alone, four US jurisdictions legalised medicinal cannabis. The aim of this study is to identify themes in medicinal cannabis tweets from US jurisdictions with different legal statuses of cannabis from January to June 2021. A total of 25,099 historical tweets from 51 US jurisdictions were collected using Python. Content analysis was performed on a random s le of tweets accounting for the population size of each US jurisdictions ( n = 750). Results were presented separately by tweets posted from jurisdictions where all cannabis use (non‐medicinal and medicinal) is ‘fully legalised’, ‘illegal’ and legal for ‘medical‐only’ use. Four themes were identified: ‘Policy’, ‘Therapeutic value’, ‘Sales and industry opportunities’ and ‘Adverse effects’. Most of the tweets were posted by the public. The most common theme was related to ‘Policy’ (32.5%–61.5% of the tweets). Tweets on ‘Therapeutic value’ were prevalent in all jurisdictions and accounted for 23.8%–32.1% of the tweets. Sales and promotional activities were prominent even in illegal jurisdictions (12.1%–26.5% of the tweets). Fewer than 10% of tweets were about intoxication and withdrawal symptoms. This study has explored if content themes of medicinal cannabis tweets differed by cannabis legal status. Most tweets were pro‐cannabis and they were related to policy, therapeutic value, and sales and industry opportunities. Tweets on unsubstantiated health claims, adverse effects and crime warrants continued surveillance as these conversations could allow us to estimate cannabis‐related harms to inform health surveillance.
Should Australia reconsider its ban on the sale of electronic nicotine delivery systems?
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 08-2014
How can a coordinated regional smoking cessation initiative be developed and implemented? A programme logic model to evaluate the ‘10,000 Lives’ health promotion initiative in Central Queensland, Australia
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 03-2021
DOI: 10.1136/BMJOPEN-2020-044649
Abstract: This study used a programme logic model to describe the inputs, activities and outputs of the ‘10,000 Lives’ smoking cessation initiative in Central Queensland, Australia. A programme logic model provided the framework for the process evaluation of ‘10,000 Lives’. The data were collected through document review, observation and key informant interviews and subsequently analysed after coding and recoding into classified themes, inputs, activities and outputs. The prevalence of smoking is higher in the Central Queensland region of Australia compared with the national and state averages. In 2017, Central Queensland Hospital and Health Services set a target to reduce the percentage of adults who smoke from 16.7% to 9.5% in the Central Queensland region by 2030 as part of their strategic vision (‘Destination 2030’). Achieving this target is equivalent to 20,000 fewer smokers in Central Queensland, which should result in 10,000 fewer premature deaths due to smoking-related diseases. To translate this strategic goal into an actionable smoking cessation initiative, the ‘10,000 Lives’ health promotion programme was officially launched on 1 November 2017. The activities of the initiative coordinated by a senior project officer included building clinical and community taskforces, organising summits and workshops, and regular communications to stakeholders. Public communication strategies (e.g., Facebook, radio, community exhibitions of ‘10,000 Lives’ and health-related events) were used to promote available smoking cessation support to the Central Queensland community. The ‘10,000 Lives’ initiative provides an ex le of a coordinated health promotion programme to increase smoking cessation in a regional area through harnessing existing resources and strategic partnerships (e.g., Quitline). Documenting and describing the process evaluation of the ‘10,000 Lives’ model is important so that it can be replicated in other regional areas with high prevalence of smoking.
An appraisal of practice guidelines for smoking cessation in people with severe mental illness
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 31-08-2017
Abstract: To review the quality of current smoking cessation guidelines that include recommendations for people with severe mental illness. A systematic search of scientific databases, central government health authority websites, psychiatry peak bodies, guideline clearing houses and Google was undertaken for relevant smoking cessation guidelines. Three reviewers independently assessed guideline quality using the AGREE II (Appraisal of Guidelines for REsearch and Evaluation II) instrument. Two reviewers extracted recommendations specific to smokers with severe mental illness. Thirteen guidelines met the inclusion criteria. Seven guidelines scored ⩾60% in at least four domains. Median scores for ‘Editorial independence’, ‘Rigour of development’, ‘Stakeholder Involvement’ and ‘Applicability’ were less than 60%. The highest median scores were for ‘Scope and purpose’ (87%, 69–96%) and ‘Clarity of presentation’ (87%, 56–98%). ‘Editorial independence’ (33.3%, 0–86%) and ‘Rigour of development’ (54%, 11–92%) had the lowest median domain scores. The guidelines varied greatly in their recommendations but the majority recommended nicotine replacement therapy, bupropion or varenicline as first-line pharmacotherapy, along with behavioural support. Many guidelines did not adequately report their methods or the competing interests of the authors. Future guidelines development may benefit from more specifically addressing AGREE II criteria and the needs of smokers with severe mental illness.
Motivations to Change Smoking Behaviors Between 2007 and 2019 in Australia: A Repeated Cross-sectional Study.
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 16-08-2022
DOI: 10.1093/NTR/NTAC176
Abstract: In 2010, Australian tobacco excise (administered federally) increased by 25%, and by 12.5% annually from 2013 to 2020, with additional increases on roll-your-own (RYO) tobacco between 2017 and 2020. We estimated past year changes in smoking behavior among Australian adults who smoked (daily and non-daily) in the past year, and the association between consumer characteristics and stated motivations to change/attempt to change smoking behavior between 2007 and 2019. Logistic regression analysis of combined data from national representative triennial cross-sectional surveys in Australia (N = 22 977). The main motivation cited for changing smoking behavior switched from health-related from 2007 to 2010 to cost-related from 2013 to 2019. Among those who quit between one and 12 months ago, living in a lower socioeconomic area (odds ratio (OR) = 1.61, 95% CI = 1.18% to -2.18%), was associated with reporting the cost of smoking motivated them to quit. Among those who reduced their smoking, smoking daily and >20 cigarettes/day vs. non-daily smoking (OR = 2.11, 95% CI = 1.60% to 2.78%), having high/very high psychological distress (OR = 1.33, 95% CI = 1.12% to 1.59%), and alcohol consumption (ORdaily drinking = 1.38, 95% CI = 1.05% to 1.81%) was associated with cost as a motivation. Exclusive (OR = 0.65, 95% CI = 0.53% to 0.80%) and non-exclusive (OR = 0.77, 95% CI = 0.65% to 0.91%) RYO use was associated with being less likely to report the cost of tobacco as motivation for cutting down. The cost of smoking became the most cited motivator to change smoking behavior (eg, quitting and cutting down), particularly for those who lived in low socioeconomic areas, smoked more cigarettes per day, drank alcohol, and had high/very high psychological distress. A change in the main federal tobacco control intervention implemented in Australia from mass-media c aigns to tobacco tax increases has likely led to cost, rather than health, being the main motivation cited for changing smoking behavior in Australia since 2013. Further monitoring is needed to ensure the harmonization in tax rates for RYO and factory-made cigarettes has effectively reduced the price difference between these products because the lower cost of RYO may have reduced the effectiveness of tax increases as a motivator to change smoking behavior.
Vapers' perspectives on electronic cigarette regulation in Australia
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 06-2015
DOI: 10.1016/J.DRUGPO.2015.01.019
Abstract: The use of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes), also known as personal vaporisers (PVs), has increased rapidly in Australia despite legal barriers to the sale, possession and use of nicotine for non-therapeutic purposes. Australia is one of many countries in the process of developing regulations for these devices yet knowledge of consumers' views on e-cigarette regulation is lacking. An online survey was completed by 705 e-cigarette users recruited online. Participants answered questions about their smoking history, e-cigarette use, as well as their opinions on appropriate regulation of e-cigarettes. Most participants were male (71%), employed (72%), and highly educated (68% held post-school qualification). They tended to be former heavy smokers who had stopped smoking entirely and were currently vaping. Participants generally agreed that the government should enforce minimum labelling and packaging standards and there was majority support for minimum quality standards. Most supported making e-cigarettes available for sale to anyone over the age of 18, but expressed concern about the government's motivation for regulating e-cigarettes. There was strong opposition to restricting sales to a medicines framework (prescription only or pharmacy only sales). E-cigarette users in Australia are in favour of e-cigarettes being regulated as long as those regulations do not impede their ability to obtain devices and refill solutions, which they view as important for them to remain smoke free. These views align with some aspects of appropriate policy designed to maximise the public health potential of e-cigarettes in society, but conflict with some of the proposed regulatory models. Governments should consider how future regulation of e-cigarettes will affect current consumers while helping to maximise the number of smokers who switch to e-cigarettes and minimise the possibility of non-smokers becoming addicted to nicotine.
‘Money up in smoke’: The financial benefits of smoking cessation may be more motivating to people who are homeless than potential health gains
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 07-04-2021
DOI: 10.1111/DAR.13293
Abstract: High rates of tobacco smoking among people who are homeless or living in temporary accommodation exacerbate poor health outcomes and financial disadvantage. There is limited research on this population's perceptions of smoking cessation benefits or support strategies. We conducted a cross‐sectional survey of 68 male smokers living in a temporary accommodation hostel in Brisbane, Australia. The survey measured smoking and quit attempt history, perceptions of cessation aids and benefits of cessation, and awareness of the Intensive Quit Support program—a free Queensland government‐funded program comprising 12 weeks of nicotine replacement therapy supplemented with weekly calls from Quitline. Participants (56% aged ≤40 years) spent a high proportion of their income on smoking (median $80/week). Although the most commonly reported perceived benefit of smoking cessation was improved health, more participants were interested in a c aign promoting the financial savings of quitting rather than the health benefits. Twice as many participants reported the high cost of smoking‐provoked thoughts of quitting than graphic health warning labels on cigarette packs (70.6% vs. 30.9%). Participants reported a high level of interest in e‐cigarettes as a cessation aid. There was a low level of awareness but moderate level of interest in the Intensive Quit Support program. Smoking cessation c aigns promoting the financial savings of cessation may be more salient than health‐focused c aigns among relatively young men who smoke and experience homelessness. There is a clear need for innovative, targeted strategies promoting smoking cessation among this population.
A latent class analysis of patterns of tobacco and cannabis use in Australia and their health‐related correlates
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 13-02-2023
DOI: 10.1111/DAR.13614
Abstract: The shifting landscape in Australia's tobacco and cannabis policies and emerging new products and modes of administration may increase experimentation and the risks of addiction to these drugs. We analysed cross‐sectional data from the 2019 National Drug Strategy and Household Survey ( n = 22,015) of Australians aged 14 and above. Latent class analysis was used to identify distinct groups based on types of tobacco and cannabis products used. The socio‐demographic, health‐rated correlates and past‐year substance use of each latent class was examined. A four‐class solution was identified: co‐use of tobacco and cannabis (2.4%), cannabis‐only (5.5%), tobacco‐only (8.0%) and non‐user (84.0%). Males (odds ratio [OR] range 1.5–2.9), younger age (OR range 2.4–8.4), moderate to high psychological distress (OR range 1.3–3.0), using illicit substances in the last year (OR range 1.41–22.87) and high risk of alcohol use disorder (OR range 2.0–21.7) were more likely to be in the tobacco/cannabis use classes than non‐users. Within the co‐use class, 78.4% mixed tobacco with cannabis and 89.4% had used alcohol with cannabis at least once. Approximately 16% of respondents used tobacco or cannabis, or both substances, and no major distinct subgroups were identified by the use of different product types. Mental health issues and the poly‐substance use were more common in the class who were co‐users of cannabis and tobacco. Existing policies need to minimise cannabis and tobacco‐related harms to reduce the societal burden associated with both substances.
Rethinking therapeutic and recreational nicotine products: a commentary on Hatsukamiet al
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 21-04-2016
Visitors' wayfinding strategies and navigational aids in unfamiliar urban environment
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 12-2019
Gender differences in cigarette smoking cessation attempts among adults who smoke and drink alcohol at high levels: Findings from the 2018–2020 International Tobacco Control Four Country Smoking and V
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2023
Gateway or common liability? A systematic review and meta‐analysis of studies of adolescent e‐cigarette use and future smoking initiation
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 05-10-2021
DOI: 10.1111/ADD.15246
Measuring spatial and temporal trends of nicotine and alcohol consumption in Australia using wastewater-based epidemiology.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 26-02-2018
DOI: 10.1111/ADD.14157
Abstract: Tobacco and alcohol consumption remain priority public health issues world-wide. As participation in population-based surveys has fallen, it is increasingly challenging to estimate accurately the prevalence of alcohol and tobacco use. Wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) is an alternative approach for estimating substance use at the population level that does not rely upon survey participation. This study examined spatio-temporal patterns in nicotine (a proxy for tobacco) and alcohol consumption in the Australian population via WBE. Daily wastewater s les (n = 164) were collected at 18 selected wastewater treatment plants across Australia, covering approximately 45% of the total population. Nicotine and alcohol metabolites in the s les were measured using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Daily consumption of nicotine and alcohol and its associated uncertainty were computed using Monte Carlo simulations. Nation-wide daily average and weekly consumption of these two substances were extrapolated using ordinary least squares and mixed-effect models. Nicotine and alcohol consumption was observed in all communities. Consumption of these substances in rural towns was three to four times higher than in urban communities. The spatial consumption pattern of these substances was consistent across the monitoring periods in 2014-15. Nicotine metabolites significantly reduced by 14-25% (P = 0.001-0.008) (2014-15) in some catchments. Alcohol consumption remained constant over the studied periods. Strong weekly consumption patterns were observed for alcohol but not nicotine. Nation-wide, the daily average consumption per person (aged 15-79 years) was estimated at approximately 2.5 cigarettes and 1.3-2.0 standard drinks (weekday-weekend) of alcohol. These estimates were close to the sale figure and apparent consumption, respectively. Wastewater-based epidemiology is a feasible method for objectively evaluating the geographic, temporal and weekly profiles of nicotine and alcohol consumption in different communities nationally.
Is the socioeconomic gap in childhood exposure to secondhand smoke widening or narrowing?
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 30-03-2012
DOI: 10.1136/TOBACCOCONTROL-2011-050297
Abstract: The social gradient in smoking contributes substantially to the health gap between the rich and poor. Passive smoking by children is associated with increased risk of more severe asthma, respiratory diseases and infections, middle ear disease and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. This study examined trends in the social gradient of children's exposure to secondhand smoke in Australian households between 2001 and 2010. Series of cross-sectional national household surveys. Between 2001 and 2010, the proportion of Australian households containing a child aged under 15 years and a smoker declined by 22%. However, there was no change in the most disadvantaged households, with half of these households still containing at least one smoker in 2010. There was a social gradient in outdoor smoking in all survey years but the prevalence of outdoor-only smoking increased in all socioeconomic groups by around 50% between 2001 and 2010. The presence of a child aged 5 years or younger in the household increased the chances that smokers only smoked outdoors. Children's exposure to indoor smoking in households that contain a smoker is declining in all socioeconomic groups but the social class differentials in such exposure remain. The proportion of children who live with a smoker declined in all social groups except the most disadvantaged households, with half of these households still containing a smoker in 2010. More needs to be done to reduce secondhand smoke exposure of children in socially disadvantaged households.
Ethical issues raised by a ban on the sale of electronic nicotine devices
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 05-04-2015
DOI: 10.1111/ADD.12898
Abstract: Some countries have banned the sale of electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS). We analyse the ethical issues raised by this ban and various ways in which the sale of ENDS could be permitted. We examine the ban and alternative policies in terms of the degree to which they respect ethical principles of autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence and justice, as follows. Respect for autonomy: prohibiting ENDS infringes on smokers' autonomy to use a less harmful nicotine product while inconsistently allowing in iduals to begin and continue smoking cigarettes. Non-maleficence: prohibition is supposed to prevent ENDS recruiting new smokers and discouraging smokers from quitting, but it has not prevented uptake of ENDS. It also perpetuates harm by preventing addicted smokers from using a less harmful nicotine product. Beneficence: ENDS could benefit addicted smokers by reducing their health risks if they use them to quit and do not engage in dual use. Distributive justice: lack of access to ENDS disadvantages smokers who want to reduce their health risks. Different national policies create inequalities in the availability of products to smokers internationally. We do not have to choose between a ban and an unregulated free market. We can ethically allow ENDS to be sold in ways that allow smokers to reduce the harms of smoking while minimizing the risks of deterring quitting and increasing smoking among youth.
Nanostructure and cytotoxicity of self-assembled monoolein–capric acid lyotropic liquid crystalline nanoparticles
Publisher: Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC)
Date: 2015
DOI: 10.1039/C5RA02604K
Abstract: Monoolein–capric acid combinations form into particles with internal nanostructures, including inverse hexagonal and bicontinuous cubic mesophases, with differing cytotoxicity.
Correlates of electronic cigarette use in the general population and among smokers in Australia - Findings from a nationally representative survey.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 08-2019
DOI: 10.1016/J.ADDBEH.2019.02.012
Abstract: In Australia, sales of nicotine containing electronic cigarettes (also known as e-cigarette) are banned unless approved as a therapeutic good. The aims of this study were to estimate the prevalence of e-cigarette use and its correlates in Australia using a nationally representative survey. We analysed data from the largest drug use survey in Australia (the National Drug Strategy Household Survey [NDSHS] N = 22,354). We estimated that 227,000 Australians (1.2% of the population) were current e-cigarettes users, and 97,000 (0.5%) used them daily. In iduals who were male, younger, had higher level of psychological distress, and smoked were more likely to use electronic cigarettes. Among smokers, an intention to quit and reduction in smoking was associated with experimentation and daily use of e-cigarette, but not with occasional use. Recent quitting was associated with daily use. Overall, the prevalence of e-cigarette use was low in 2016 in Australia. Smoking status was the strongest correlates of e-cigarette use. Patterns of vaping were differentialy associated with an intention to quit smoking, smoking reduction and recent quitting. Some smokers may attempt to use e-cigarettes to cut-down their tobacco use, and those who vaped daily were mostly likely to be recent quitters.
Closing the gaps in tobacco endgame evidence: a scoping review
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 03-2022
DOI: 10.1136/TOBACCOCONTROL-2021-056579
Abstract: Tobacco endgame policies aim to rapidly and permanently reduce smoking to minimal levels. We reviewed evidence syntheses for: (1) endgame policies, (2) evidence gaps, and (3) future research priorities. Guided by JBI scoping review methodology, we searched five databases (PubMed, CINAHL, Scopus, Embase and Web of Science) for evidence syntheses published in English since 1990 on 12 policies, and Google for publications from key national and international organisations. Reference lists of included publications were hand searched. Two reviewers independently screened titles and abstracts. Inclusion criteria were broad to capture policy impacts (including unintended), feasibility, public and stakeholder acceptability and other aspects of policy implementation. We report the results according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews checklist. Eight policies have progressed to evidence synthesis stage (49 publications): mandatory very low nicotine content (VLNC) standard (n=26) product standards to substantially reduce consumer appeal or remove the most toxic products from the market (n=1) moving consumers to reduced risk products (n=8) tobacco-free generation (n=4) ending sales (n=2) sinking lid (n=2) tax increases (n=7) and restrictions on tobacco retailers (n=10). Based on published evidence syntheses, the evidence base was most developed for a VLNC standard, with a wide range of evidence synthesised. VLNC cigarettes have attracted the most attention, in terms of synthesised evidence. Additional focus on policies that reduce the availability of tobacco is warranted given these measures are being implemented in some jurisdictions.
Understandings of the component causes of harm from cigarette smoking in Australia.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 11-2019
DOI: 10.1111/DAR.12995
Abstract: To investigate relationships between smoking-related behaviours and knowledge of the disease risks of smoking and the causes of smoking harms, using a four-way ision of 'component causes': nicotine, other substances found in unburned tobacco, combustion products of tobacco and additives. The data were collected using an on-line survey in Australia with 1047 participants in three groups young non-smokers (18 to 25), young smokers (18 to 25) and older smokers (26 and above). Most participants agreed that cancer and heart disease are major risks of smoking but only a quarter accurately quantified the mortality risk of lifetime daily smoking. Very few (two of 1047) correctly estimated the relative contributions of all four component causes. Post-hoc analyses reinterpreting responses as expressions of relative concern about combustion products and nicotine showed that 29% of participants rated combustion products above nicotine. We delineated six relative concern segments, most of which had distinctive patterns of beliefs and actions. However, higher levels of concern about combustion products were only weakly positively associated with harm reducing beliefs and actions. Most smokers do not appear to understand the risks of smoking and their causes well enough to be able to think systematically about the courses of action open to them to reduce their health risk. To facilitate informed decision-making, tobacco control communicators may need to better balance the dual aims of creating fear/negative affect about smoking and imparting knowledge about the health harms and their mechanisms.
YouTube as a source of quit smoking information for people living with mental illness: Table 1
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 12-01-2016
DOI: 10.1136/TOBACCOCONTROL-2015-052713
Abstract: YouTube is the most popular video sharing website, and is increasingly used to broadcast health information including smoking cessation advice. This study examines the quality and quantity of YouTube quit smoking videos targeted at people living with mental illness (MI). We systematically searched YouTube using selected relevant search terms. The first 50 videos obtained for each search term were screened for relevance and further videos screened through snowball s ling. Forty unique, English language videos focussing on people with MI were included in the assessment and evaluated for general video characteristics, themes, format, targeted smoking cessation and harm reduction information. Most videos either discussed the problem of high smoking rates among people with MI (n=12) or smoking cessation programmes and policies at an institutional level (n=13). Only nine videos were aimed at providing quit smoking advice to this population. One video recommended higher doses of nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) for people with MI while six videos referred to possible changes in medication dosage on quitting smoking. Four videos suggested cutting down smoking for harm reduction. Very few YouTube videos specifically focus on the problem of high smoking rates among people with MI and even fewer provide targeted smoking cessation and harm reduction advice for this priority population. There is a need to develop comprehensive, evidence based, quit smoking video resources for smokers with a MI.
Describing the inputs, activities and outputs of “10,000 Lives”, a coordinated regional smoking cessation initiative in Central Queensland, Australia
Publisher: Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory
Date: 09-09-2020
DOI: 10.1101/2020.09.08.20190264
Abstract: This study utilised a program logic model to describe the inputs, activities and outputs of the “10,000 Lives” smoking cessation initiative in Central Queensland, Australia A program logic model provided the framework for the process evaluation of “10,000 Lives”. The data were collected through document review, observation and key informant interviews, and subsequently analysed after coding and re-coding into classified themes, inputs, activities and outputs. The prevalence of smoking is higher in the Central Queensland region of Australia compared to the national and state averages. In 2017, Central Queensland Hospital and Health Services set a target to reduce the percentage of adults who smoke from 16.7% to 9.5% in the Central Queensland region by 2030 as part of their strategic vision (‘Destination 2030’). Achieving this target is equivalent to 20,000 fewer smokers in Central Queensland, which should result in 10,000 fewer premature deaths due to smoking-related diseases. To translate this strategic goal into an actionable smoking-cessation initiative, the “10,000 Lives” health promotion program was officially launched on 1 November 2017. The activities of the initiative coordinated by a senior project officer included building clinical and community taskforces, organising summits and workshops, and regular communications to stakeholders. Public communication strategies (e.g., Facebook, radio, community exhibitions of “10,000 Lives”, and health-related events) were utilised to promote available smoking cessation support to the Central Queensland community. The “10,000 Lives” initiative provides an ex le of a coordinated health promotion program to increase smoking cessation in a regional area through harnessing existing resources and strategic partnerships (e.g., Quitline). Documenting and describing the process evaluation of the “10,000 Lives” model is important so that it can be replicated in other regional areas with a high prevalence of smoking. The study considered a standard evaluation framework (logic model) to describe the program. Multiple sources of data were collected and included to describe the process of the program The plan for impact evaluation of the program is discussed in the article. Some outputs may have been omitted due to lack of systematic documentation of all activities within the project field notes.
Projecting the future smoking prevalence in Norway
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 28-09-2016
Inverse hexagonal and cubic micellar lyotropic liquid crystalline phase behaviour of novel double chain sugar-based amphiphiles
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 03-2017
DOI: 10.1016/J.COLSURFB.2016.12.004
Abstract: The lyotropic phase behaviour of a library of sugar-based hiphiles was investigated using high-throughput small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS). Double unsaturated-chain monosaccharide hiphiles formed inverse hexagonal and cubic micellar (Fd3m) lyotropic phases under excess water conditions. A galactose-oleyl hiphile from the library was subsequently formulated into hexosome nanoparticles, which have potential uses as drug delivery vehicles. The nanoparticles were shown to be stable at elevated temperatures and non-cytotoxic up to at least 200μgmL
'It's all the other stuff!' How smokers understand (and misunderstand) chemicals in cigarettes and cigarette smoke.
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 24-02-2021
Abstract: Many people understand chemicals as entities that do not occur naturally, and which are also invariably toxic. Tobacco control messages liberally use the term 'chemicals' to evoke these meanings and create concern among smokers. This may reinforce misunderstandings, potentially leading to smokers making harmful choices. To investigate smokers' understandings of chemicals, we conducted qualitative research using 18 in idual interviews and three focus groups with Australian smokers and recently quit smokers. The research was guided by the 'mental models' framework and the recently developed Context, Executive, and Operational Systems theory. We discerned two clusters of mental models: the first cluster focused on combustion as the overarching cause of harm (and were largely consistent with the science) and the second cluster focused on additives as causes of harm. We found most participants displayed limited knowledge of the causes of harm from smoking and some held mutually incompatible beliefs. Most participants believed that cigarettes differ significantly in harmfulness according to whether or not they were believed to contain additives. Only a minority understood that the bulk of the toxicants to which smokers are exposed are combustion products. These findings are directly relevant to tobacco control but also have broader relevance to risk communications about toxic exposures.
Generation of programmable dynamic flow patterns in microfluidics using audio signals.
Publisher: Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC)
Date: 2021
DOI: 10.1039/D1LC00568E
Abstract: Customised audio signals, such as musical notes, can be readily generated by audio software on smartphones and played over audio speakers. Audio speakers translate electrical signals into the mechanical motion of the speaker cone. Coupling the inlet tube to the speaker cone causes the harmonic oscillation of the tube, which in turn changes the velocity profile and flow rate. We employ this strategy for generating programmable dynamic flow patterns in microfluidics. We show the generation of customised rib and vortex patterns through the application of multi-tone audio signals in water-based and whole blood s les. We demonstrate the precise capability to control the number and extent of the ribs and vortices by simply setting the frequency ratio of two- and three-tone audio signals. We exemplify potential applications of tube oscillation for studying the functional responses of circulating immune cells under pathophysiological shear rates. The system is programmable, compact, low-cost, biocompatible, and durable. These features make it suitable for a variety of applications across chemistry, biology, and physics.
Increased nicotine consumption in Australia during the first months of the COVID-19 Pandemic
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 09-03-2023
DOI: 10.1093/NTR/NTAC275
Abstract: Mixed findings have been reported about the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on smoking behavior in different populations. In this study, we aimed to quantify changes in smoking prevalence through the proxy of nicotine consumption in the Australian population from 2017 to 2020 inclusive. Estimates of nicotine consumption between 2017 and 2020 were retrieved from a national wastewater monitoring program that covers up to 50% of the Australian population. National sales data for nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) products from 2017 to 2020 were also acquired. Linear regression and pairwise comparison were conducted to identify data trends and to test differences between time periods. The average consumption of nicotine in Australia decreased between 2017 and 2019 but increased in 2020. Estimated consumption in the first half of 2020 was significantly higher (~30%) than the previous period. Sales of NRT products increased gradually from 2017 to 2020 although sales in the first half of the year were consistently lower than in the second half. Total nicotine consumption increased in Australia during the early stage of the pandemic in 2020. Increased nicotine consumption may be due to people managing higher stress levels, such as from loneliness due to control measures, and also greater opportunities to smoke/vape while working from home and during lockdowns in the early stage of the pandemic. Tobacco and nicotine consumption have been decreasing in Australia but the COVID-19 pandemic may have temporarily disrupted this trend. In 2020, the higher impacts of lockdowns and working from home arrangements may have led to a temporary reversal of the previous downward trend in smoking during the early stage of the pandemic.
Ethical and policy issues in using vaccines to treat and prevent cocaine and nicotine dependence
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 05-2011
Swedish snus for tobacco harm reduction – Authors' reply
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 10-2007
Patterns of tobacco smoking among illicit drug users in A ustralia 2001–2010
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 29-07-2014
DOI: 10.1111/DAR.12187
Abstract: This study aimed to investigate whether there were changes from 2001 to 2010 in the characteristics of young adults who used party drugs or other illicit drugs and to determine if the prevalence of tobacco smoking differed depending on the type of drugs used. We analysed confidentialised data from the 2001 and 2010 National Drug Strategy Household Surveys. We compared young adults (aged 18-29) who used party drugs to other drug users and non-users on demographic variables. We assessed relationships between (i) illicit drug use and smoking (ii) illicit drug use and smoking while controlling for social and demographic differences and (iii) illicit drug use and smoking after controlling for social and demographic variables along with cannabis and alcohol use. There was little difference between 2001 and 2010 in drug user characteristics and smoking. Party drug users were more educated and of higher socioeconomic status than illicit drug users and non-users. Party drug users and users of other illicit drugs were far more likely to smoke tobacco however, a large part of this relationship was explained by the higher rate of cannabis and alcohol use in these groups. Over the last decade, party drug users have been a relatively socially advantaged sub-population, yet smoking prevalence among these and other drug users has remained higher than among non-users. This might be explained by the common sequence of drug involvement in which people initiate smoking, then cannabis use and followed by other drugs.
Long-term safety for patients with tisagenlecleucel-treated relapsed/refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma
Publisher: American Society of Hematology
Date: 18-08-2022
Five Genetic Variants Associated with Prostate Cancer
Publisher: Massachusetts Medical Society
Date: 19-06-2008
DOI: 10.1056/NEJMC080680
Lipid–PEG Conjugates Sterically Stabilize and Reduce the Toxicity of Phytantriol-Based Lyotropic Liquid Crystalline Nanoparticles
Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)
Date: 22-09-2015
DOI: 10.1021/ACS.LANGMUIR.5B02797
Abstract: Lyotropic liquid crystalline nanoparticle dispersions are of interest as delivery vectors for biomedicine. Aqueous dispersions of liposomes, cubosomes, and hexosomes are commonly stabilized by nonionic hiphilic block copolymers to prevent flocculation and phase separation. Pluronic stabilizers such as F127 are commonly used however, there is increasing interest in using chemically reactive stabilizers for enhanced functionalization and specificity in therapeutic delivery applications. This study has explored the ability of 1,2-distearoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine conjugated with poly(ethylene glycol) (DSPE-PEGMW) (2000 Da ≤ MW ≤ 5000 Da) to engineer and stabilize phytantriol-based lyotropic liquid crystalline dispersions. The poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) moiety provides a tunable handle to the headgroup hydrophilicity/hydrophobicity to allow access to a range of nanoarchitectures in these systems. Specifically, it was observed that increasing PEG molecular weight promotes greater interfacial curvature of the dispersions, with liposomes (Lα) present at lower PEG molecular weight (MW 2000 Da), and a propensity for cubosomes (QII(P) or QII(D) phase) at MW 3400 Da or 5000 Da. In comparison to Pluronic F127-stabilized cubosomes, those made using DSPE-PEG3400 or DSPE-PEG5000 had enlarged internal water channels. The toxicity of these cubosomes was assessed in vitro using A549 and CHO cell lines, with cubosomes prepared using DSPE-PEG5000 having reduced cytotoxicity relative to their Pluronic F127-stabilized analogues.
Tobacco Industry Pseudo-Transformation: The Role of “Vested Interests,” Allies and Third Parties
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 02-07-2023
DOI: 10.1093/NTR/NTAD109
Self-assembled Lyotropic Liquid Crystalline Phase Behavior of Monoolein–Capric Acid–Phospholipid Nanoparticulate Systems
Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)
Date: 27-02-2017
DOI: 10.1021/ACS.LANGMUIR.6B04045
Abstract: We report here the lyotropic liquid crystalline phase behavior of two lipid nanoparticulate systems containing mixtures of monoolein, capric acid, and saturated diacyl phosphatidylcholines dispersed by the Pluronic F127 block copolymer. Synchrotron small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) was used to screen the phase behavior of a library of lipid nanoparticles in a high-throughput manner. It was found that adding capric acid and phosphatidylcholines had opposing effects on the spontaneous membrane curvature of the monoolein lipid layer and hence the internal mesophase of the final nanoparticles. By varying the relative concentration of the three lipid components, we were able to establish a library of nanoparticles with a wide range of mesophases including at least the inverse bicontinuous primitive and double diamond cubic phases, the inverse hexagonal phase, the fluid lamellar phase, and possibly other phases. Furthermore, the in vitro cytotoxicity assay showed that the endogenous phospholipid-containing nanoparticles were less toxic to cultured cell lines compared to monoolein-based counterparts, improving the potential of the nonlamellar lipid nanoparticles for biomedical applications.
Using quantitative wastewater analysis to measure daily usage of conventional and emerging illicit drugs at an annual music festival
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 19-06-2013
DOI: 10.1111/DAR.12061
Abstract: Wastewater analysis provides a non-intrusive way of measuring drug use within a population. We used this approach to determine daily use of conventional illicit drugs [cannabis, cocaine, meth hetamine and 3,4-methylenedioxymeth hetamine (MDMA)] and emerging illicit psychostimulants (benzylpiperazine, mephedrone and methylone) in two consecutive years (2010 and 2011) at an annual music festival. Daily composite wastewater s les, representative of the festival, were collected from the on-site wastewater treatment plant and analysed for drug metabolites. Data over 2 years were compared using Wilcoxon matched-pair test. Data from 2010 festival were compared with data collected at the same time from a nearby urban community using equivalent methods. Conventional illicit drugs were detected in all s les whereas emerging illicit psychostimulants were found only on specific days. The estimated per capita consumption of MDMA, cocaine and cannabis was similar between the two festival years. Statistically significant (P < 0.05 Z = -2.0-2.2) decreases were observed in use of meth hetamine and one emerging illicit psychostimulant (benzyl piperazine). Only consumption of MDMA was elevated at the festival compared with the nearby urban community. Rates of substance use at this festival remained relatively consistent over two monitoring years. Compared with the urban community, drug use among festival goers was only elevated for MDMA, confirming its popularity in music settings. Our study demonstrated that wastewater analysis can objectively capture changes in substance use at a music setting without raising major ethical issues. It would potentially allow effective assessments of drug prevention strategies in such settings in the future.
High-Throughput Screening of Saturated Fatty Acid Influence on Nanostructure of Lyotropic Liquid Crystalline Lipid Nanoparticles
Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)
Date: 26-04-2016
DOI: 10.1021/ACS.LANGMUIR.5B03769
Abstract: Self-assembled lyotropic liquid crystalline lipid nanoparticles have been developed for a wide range of biomedical applications with an emerging focus for use as delivery vehicles for drugs, genes, and in vivo imaging agents. In this study, we report the generation of lipid nanoparticle libraries with information regarding mesophase and lattice parameter, which can aid the selection of formulation for a particular end-use application. In this study we elucidate the phase composition parameters that influence the internal structure of lipid nanoparticles produced from monoolein, monopalmitolein and phytantriol incorporating a variety of saturated fatty acids (FA) with different chain lengths at varying concentrations and temperatures. The material libraries were established using high throughput formulation and screening techniques, including synchrotron small-angle X-ray scattering. The results demonstrate the rich polymorphism of lipid nanoparticles with nonlamellar mesophases in the presence of saturated FAs. The inclusion of saturated FAs within the lipid nanoparticles promotes a gradual phase transition at all temperatures studied toward structures with higher negative surface curvatures (e.g., from inverse bicontinuous cubic phase to hexagonal phase and then emulsified microemulsion). The three partial phase diagrams produced are discussed in terms of the influence of FA chain length and concentration on nanoparticle internal mesophase structure and lattice parameters. The study also highlights a compositionally dependent coexistence of multiple mesophases, which may indicate the presence of multicompartment nanoparticles containing cubic/cubic and cubic/hexagonal mesophases.
Nicotine vaping products as a harm reduction tool among smokers: Review of evidence and implications for pharmacy practice
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 09-2020
A first pass, using pre‐history and contemporary history, at understanding why Australia and England have such different policies towards electronic nicotine delivery systems, 1970s–c. 2018
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 19-01-2021
DOI: 10.1111/ADD.15391
Abstract: The United Kingdom and Australia have developed highly ergent policy responses to electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS). To understand the historical origins of these differences, we describe the history of tobacco control in each country and the key roles played in setting ENDS policy in its early stages by public health regulations and policy networks, anti‐smoking organizations, ‘vaper’ activist networks and advocates of harm reduction policies towards injecting drug use. We analysed key government reports, policy statements from public health bodies and non‐government organizations (e.g. cancer councils and medical organizations) on ENDS submissions to an Australian parliamentary inquiry media coverage of policy debates in medical journals and the history of tobacco control policy in Australia and England. Key discourses about ENDS were identified for each country. These were compared across countries during a multi‐day face‐to‐face meeting, where consensus was reached on the key commonalities and ergences in historical approaches to nicotine policy. This paper focuses on England, as different policy responses were apparent in constituent countries of the United Kingdom, and Scotland in particular. Policymakers in Australia and England differ markedly in the priority that they have given to using ENDS to promote smoking cessation or restricting smokers’ access to prevent uptake among young people. In understanding the origins of these ergent responses, we identified the following key differences between the two countries’ approaches to nicotine regulation: an influential scientific network that favoured nicotine harm reduction in the United Kingdom and the absence of such a network in Australia the success of different types of health activism both in England and in Europe in opposing more restrictive policies and the greater influence on policy in England of the field of illicit drug harm reduction. An understanding of the different policy responses to electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) in England and Australia requires an appreciation of how actors within the different policy structures, scientific networks and activist organizations in each country and region have interpreted the evidence and the priority that policymakers have given to the competing goals of preventing adolescent uptake and encouraging smokers to use ENDS to quit smoking.
Nicotine vaping product use, harm perception and policy support among pharmacy customers in Brisbane, Australia
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 09-2019
DOI: 10.1111/DAR.12984
Abstract: Despite regulatory barriers for accessing nicotine liquid, use of nicotine vaping products (NVPs) has increased rapidly in Australia. Legal use of NVPs to aid smoking cessation requires a prescription, and pharmacies report receiving enquiries about the use of and access to NVPs. In this study, we assessed vaping product use, harm perception and policy support among community pharmacy customers. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among customers (n = 470) from a large community pharmacy chain in Brisbane, Australia. Multivariable logistic regression was used to examine perception of NVPs as less harmful than combustible cigarettes and regulatory recommendations in relation to demographics, smoking status and NVP use. Almost one-third of the s le (31%) had either tried NVPs in the past (16%) or were current vapers (15%), the majority of them being current smokers (67%) who are trying to quit (31%) or substitute smoking (41%). Vapers primarily depended on family/friends as a source of information (76%). Current smokers and vapers were more likely to perceive NVPs as less harmful than cigarettes than non-smokers and non-vapers. Perceiving NVPs as safer than cigarettes was correlated with a recommendation to regulate as a tobacco product. There was widespread misperception about relative risk of nicotine-containing products, with 37% of respondents perceiving nicotine-containing NVPs to be as harmful as combustible cigarettes. Community pharmacies represent an ideal setting for educating smokers about smoking and vaping. Thus, pharmacy staff needs educational support to ensure that they are equipped to provide current evidence-based information to customers.
Non-lamellar lyotropic liquid crystalline nanoparticles enhance the antibacterial effects of rifampicin against Staphylococcus aureus
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 06-2018
DOI: 10.1016/J.JCIS.2018.02.048
Abstract: The fight against infection in an era of emerging antibiotic resistant bacteria is one of the grandest scientific challenges facing society today. Nano-carriers show great promise in improving the antibacterial activity of antibiotics as they are able to enhance their solubility, provide sustained release and reduce toxic side effects via specifically targeting infection sites. Here, we investigate the antibacterial effect of two lipidic nano-carriers that contain the poorly soluble antibiotic rif icin in their bilayers. One nanoparticle is assembled solely from the lipid monoolein, thus is neutral at physiological pH and the other contains a mixture of monoolein and the cationic lipid N-[1-(2,3-Dioleoyloxy)propyl]-N,N,N-trimethylammonium methyl-sulfate (DOTAP), thus is positively charged. Our results show that rif icin-loaded nanoparticles reduce the minimum inhibitory concentration against Staphylococcus aureus compared to rif icin alone, however this reduction was most pronounced for the positively charged nanoparticles. Fluorescent microscopy revealed binding of all nanoparticles to the bacteria and enhanced binding was observed for the charged nanoparticles. This suggests that the cationic lipids promote electrostatic interactions with the negatively charged bacterial membrane. Förster resonance energy transfer demonstrated that the cationic charged nanoparticles were able to fuse with bacterial membranes whilst atomic force microscopy and transmission electron microscopy revealed structural damage to the bacterial membranes caused by the nanoparticles. Significantly, we identified a concentration window in which the nanoparticles exhibited antibacterial activity while not affecting HeLa and CHO cell viability. This ability to improve the efficacy of antibiotics without affecting their eukaryotic cytotoxicity is of significant importance for future development of nanomedicine based strategies to combat infections.
Motivations and Limitations Associated with Vaping among People with Mental Illness: A Qualitative Analysis of Reddit Discussions.
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 22-12-2016
Secondhand smoke in public places in Vietnam: An assessment 5 years after implementation of the tobacco control law
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 29-08-2020
DOI: 10.1136/TOBACCOCONTROL-2020-055753
Abstract: This study quantified the secondhand smoke (SHS) concentration in a s le of public places in Vietnam to determine changes in SHS levels 5 years after a public smoking ban was implemented. Two monitoring c aigns, one in 2013 (before the tobacco control law was implemented) and another in 2018 (5 years after the implementation of the law) were conducted in around 30 restaurants, cafeterias and coffee shops in major cities of Vietnam. Concentrations of PM 2.5 , as an indicator of SHS, were measured by portable particulate matter monitors (TSI SidePak AM510 and Air Visual Pro). The geometric mean PM 2.5 concentration of all monitored venues was 87.7 µg/m 3 (83.7–91.9) in the first c aign and 55.2 µg/m 3 (53.7–56.7) in the second c aign. Pairwise comparison showed the PM 2.5 concentrations in the smoking observed area was triple and double those in the non-smoking area and the outdoor environment. After adjusting for s ling locations and times, the SHS concentration 5 years after the implementation of the tobacco control law reduced roughly 45%. The study results indicate an improvement in air quality in public places in Vietnam via both the reduction in PM 2.5 levels and the number of people observed smoking. However, greater enforcement of the free-smoke legislation is needed to eliminate SHS in public places in Vietnam.
Tobacco industry corporate social responsibility activities and other interference after ratification of a strong tobacco law in Ethiopia
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 15-09-2023
Refining the estimation of illicit drug consumptions from wastewater analysis: Co-analysis of prescription pharmaceuticals and uncertainty assessment
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 10-2011
DOI: 10.1016/J.WATRES.2011.05.042
Abstract: Wastewater analysis is a promising monitoring tool to estimate illicit drug consumption at the community level. The advantage of this technique over traditional surveys and other surveillance methods has been emphasized in recent studies. However, there are methodological challenges that can affect reliability. The objectives of this study were to systematically reduce and assess uncertainties associated with s ling (through a stringent optimization of the s ling method) and the back calculation of per capita drug consumption (through a refined estimation of the number of people actively contributing to the wastewater in a given period). We applied continuous flow-proportional s ling to ensure the collection of representative raw wastewater s les. Residues of illicit drugs, opioids, prescription pharmaceuticals and one artificial sweetener were analyzed by liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry. A parameter estimating the number of people actively contributing to wastewater over a given period was calculated from the measured loads of prescription pharmaceuticals, their annual consumption and relative excretion data. For the calculation of substance loads in sewage, uncertainties were propagated considering five in idual components: s ling, chemical analysis, flow measurements, excretion rates and the number of people contributing to the wastewater. The daily consumption per 1000 inhabitants was estimated to be almost 1000 mg for cannabis and several hundred mg for cocaine, meth hetamine and ecstasy. With the best s ling practice and current chemical analysis, we calculated the remaining uncertainty to be in the range of 20-30% (relative standard deviation, RSD) for the estimation of consumed drug masses in the catchment RSDs for the per capita consumption were lower (14-24%), as one of the biggest uncertainty components (i.e. error in flow measurements) cancels out in the proposed method for the estimation of the number of people contributing to the daily wastewater volume. In this study, we provide methodological improvements that substantially enhance the reliability of the estimation method--a prerequisite for the application of this technique to meaningfully assess changes in drug consumption and the success of drug intervention strategies in future studies.
Addiction Neuroscience and Tobacco Control
Publisher: Elsevier
Date: 2012
Framing tobacco dependence as a brain disease
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 21-01-2017
DOI: 10.1093/NTR/NTX006
Abstract: Like other forms of drug dependence, tobacco dependence is increasingly being described as a "chronic brain disease." The potential consequences of this medical labelling have been examined in relation to other addictions, but the implications for tobacco control have been neglected. Some have posited that biomedical conceptions of addiction will reduce stigma and increase uptake of efficacious treatments. Others have countered that it could increase stigma, reduce treatment seeking, and deter unassisted quitting. We explored how smokers respond to the labelling of smoking as a brain disease. Semi-structured interviews with 29 Australian smokers recruited using purposive s ling. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the results. Most participants questioned the accuracy of the brain disease label as applied to smoking. They believed that smoking was not a chronic disease because they perceived smoking to be an in idual's choice. In addition, many believed that this label would increase the stigma that they already felt and, did not want to adopt a "sick role" in relation to their smoking. Describing smoking as a brain disease is more likely to alienate smokers than to engage them in quitting. The application of overly medical labels of smoking are inconsistent with smokers own conceptualizations of their smoking, and may have unintended consequences if they are widely disseminated in healthcare settings or antismoking c aigns. The participants in this project believed that biomedical labels of smoking as a "brain disease" or a "chronic disease" were discordant their existing understandings of their smoking. Explanations of addiction that downplay or ignore the role of choice and autonomy risk being perceived as irrelevant by smokers, and could lead to suspicion of health professionals or an unwillingness to seek treatment.
Smart suture with iodine contrasting nanoparticles for computed tomography
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2023
The genetics of nicotine addiction liability: ethical and social policy implications
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 09-01-2008
DOI: 10.1111/J.1360-0443.2007.02070.X
Abstract: To assess the promise and risks of technological applications of genetic research on liability to develop nicotine dependence. We reviewed (i) the evidence on the genetics of nicotine dependence (ii) the technical feasibility of using genetic information to reduce smoking uptake and increase cessation and (iii) policy and ethical issues raised by the uses of genetic information on addiction liability. (i) Despite evidence from twin studies that genes contribute to addiction susceptibility, research to date has not identified commonly occurring alleles that are strongly predictive of developing nicotine addiction. Nicotine addiction is likely to involve multiple alleles of small effect that interact with each other and with the environment. (ii) Population screening for susceptibility alleles is unlikely to be effective or cost-effective. Tailoring of smoking cessation treatments with genetic information is more plausible but results to date have been disappointing. Population health strategies such as increased taxation and reduced opportunities to smoke are more efficient in reducing cigarette smoking. Tobacco harm reduction policies applied to populations may also play a role in reducing tobacco-related harm. (iii) Future uses of genomic information on addiction risk will need to assess the risks of medicalising addiction (e.g. pessimism about capacity to quit) and community concerns about genetic privacy. Nicotine genomics is a very new and underdeveloped field. On the evidence to date, its advocates would be wise to avoid extravagant claims about its preventive applications.
The use of asthma and allergy medicines is associated with exposure to smoking
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 20-04-2023
Psychological Distress is Associated with Tobacco Smoking and Quitting Behaviour in the Australian Population: Evidence from National Cross-Sectional Surveys
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 02-2011
DOI: 10.3109/00048674.2010.534070
Abstract: Objective: To investigate the association between levels of psychological distress and smoking and quitting behaviours. Method: Data were from two large Australian national household surveys of in iduals over 20 years of age. Level of psychological distress was measured by the Kessler 10 scale. Tobacco smoking measures included current smoking status (never, former, current) ex-smokers’ time since quitting current smokers’ abstinent period in the last 12 months, cigarettes smoked per day, reasons for smoking, and self-report of factors that would motivate quitting and self-report of factors that motivated smokers to quit in the last 12 months. Multinomial logistic regression was used to assess the relationships between smoking behaviours and psychological distress, while controlling for socio-demographic factors. Results: Current smokers, especially those who smoke more cigarettes per day and those who report less success at quitting or reducing smoking, had higher levels of psychological distress. Ex-smokers were also more likely to experience psychological distress than those who never smoked, but the association weakened with more years since quitting. Current smokers with psychological distress were just as, or more likely, to report planning to quit as those without psychological distress. Smokers who did not plan to quit due to addiction, past failure at quitting, and using smoking for relaxation or to deal with stress were more likely to report psychological distress than those who did not report these reasons. Conclusions: Current smoking and unsuccessful quit attempts in the Australian community were strongly associated with symptoms of psychological distress. Quitting aspirations and influence from general public health interventions were not associated with the smokers’ level of psychological distress.
Is There Evidence of ‘Hardening’ Among Australian Smokers Between 1997 and 2007? Analyses of the Australian National Surveys of Mental Health and Well-Being
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 12-2010
DOI: 10.3109/00048674.2010.520116
Abstract: Objectives: To use data from the 1997 and 2007 National Surveys of Mental Health and Well-Being (NSMHWB) to assess whether Australian smokers in 2007 have higher rates of mental distress and social disadvantage than smokers in 1997. Method: We compared symptoms of mental distress and social disadvantage in Australian smokers in the 1997 and 2007 National Surveys of Mental Health and Well-Being (N = 10 373 in 1997 and N = 8135 in 2007). Both surveys used multistage probability s les of Australians living in private dwellings. Participants were classified into smokers and non-smokers (which included former and never smokers). We used the Kessler 10 (K10) symptom score to classify smokers into three levels of psychological distress (low, medium or high) and socioeconomic disadvantage was measured using an area-based index of relative disadvantage converted into quintiles. We used logistic regressions to: (i) examine associations between smoking status (smoker/non-smoker) and psychological distress and socioeconomic disadvantage in 1997 and 2007 surveys and (ii) to test whether the prevalence of psychological distress and social disadvantage among smokers increased between 1997 and 2007. Results: Psychological distress and social disadvantage were more common among smokers than non-smokers in both surveys but there was no evidence that the prevalence of psychological distress or social disadvantage was more common among smokers in 2007 than in 1997. Conclusion: We find no evidence that the declining smoking prevalence in Australia (over the last decade) has been accompanied by a ‘hardening’ of continuing smokers in terms of rates of mental disorders and socioeconomic disadvantage.
The potential impact of vaporized nicotine products on vulnerable subpopulations
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 06-05-2016
DOI: 10.1111/ADD.13404
Cocaine, MDMA and methamphetamine residues in wastewater: Consumption trends (2009–2015) in South East Queensland, Australia
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 10-2016
DOI: 10.1016/J.SCITOTENV.2016.05.181
Abstract: Wastewater analysis, or wastewater-based epidemiology, has become a common tool to monitor trends of illicit drug consumption around the world. In this study, we examined trends in cocaine, 3,4-methylenedioxymeth hetamine (MDMA) and meth hetamine consumption by measuring their residues in wastewater from two wastewater treatment plants in Australia (specifically, an urban and a rural catchment, both in South East Queensland) between 2009 and 2015. With direct injection of the s les, target analytes were identified and quantified using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Cocaine and MDMA residues and metabolites were mainly quantifiable in the urban catchment while meth hetamine residues were consistently detected in both urban and rural catchments. There was no consistent trend in the population normalised mass loads observed for cocaine and MDMA at the urban site between 2009 and 2015. In contrast, there was a five-fold increase in meth hetamine consumption over this period in this catchment. For meth hetamine consumption, the rural area showed a very similar trend as the urban catchment starting at a lower baseline. The observed increase in per capita loads of meth hetamine via wastewater analysis over the past six years in South East Queensland provides objective evidence for increased meth hetamine consumption in the Australian population while the use of other illicit stimulants remained relatively stable.
What Do People Want in a Smoking Cessation App? An Analysis of User Reviews and App Quality
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 30-08-2021
DOI: 10.1093/NTR/NTAB174
Abstract: Mobile smoking cessation (mCessation) apps have the potential to complement and enhance existing interventions, but many are of low quality. Exploring app reviews can provide a broader understanding of user experiences and engagement, to enhance the quality, acceptability, and effectiveness of future developments. Publicly available user reviews and ratings of smoking cessation apps were mined from Google Play and the App Store via a targeted two-stage search strategy. English language smoking cessation apps with at least 20 consumer reviews between 2011 and 2020 were included. User reviews were thematically analyzed using Braun and Clarke’s framework. Apps were independently scored using the Mobile Apps Rating Scale (MARS) and compared to average user star ratings. Forty-eight versions of 42 apps, encompassing 1414 associated reviews, met eligibility criteria. Inductive coding of reviews produced 1084 coding references including reviews coded across multiple nodes. Themes generated included: (1) supportive characteristics/tools (2) useability (3) influence on smoking behavior (4) benefits of quitting and (5) role as a supplementary tool for quitting. The mean MARS score of 36 free and accessible apps was 3.10 (SD 0.71) with mean scores ranging from 2.00 to 4.47. An inverse relationship between MARS scores and average user star ratings was observed. App personalization, relationality, functionality, and credibility were important to users, and should be considered as key design components for future apps. Differences between user star ratings and MARS scores may illustrate competing priorities of consumers and researchers, and the importance of a codesign development method. This is the first study to use unsolicited user reviews from a large population to understand the general mCessation user experience in relation to making a quit attempt. Our findings highlight specific features favored and disliked by users, including their influence on engagement, and supports previous findings that mCessation applications need to be highly tailorable, functional, credible, and supportive. We recommend a consumer-driven, co-design approach for future mCessation app developments to optimize user acceptability and engagement.
Electronic Cigarettes: Awareness, Recent Use, and Attitudes Within a Sample of Socioeconomically Disadvantaged Australian Smokers
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 16-09-2015
DOI: 10.1093/NTR/NTV183
Abstract: Electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) awareness, trial of e-cigarettes in the past 12 months, source and perceptions of safety and effectiveness was assessed within a disadvantaged s le of adult Australian smokers receiving welfare aid. A cross-sectional survey was administered to clients who smoke at two community service organizations in New South Wales, Australia from October 2013 to July 2014. E-cigarette awareness, trial in past 12 months, sources of e-cigarettes and perceptions of the safety and effectiveness of e-cigarettes to help people quit were assessed along with sociodemographic and smoking-related variables. In total, 369 participants completed the survey (77% response rate). Awareness and trial of e-cigarettes were reported by 77% (n = 283) and 35% (n = 103) of the s le, respectively. E-cigarettes were most commonly obtained from friends/strangers followed by tobacco shops (tobacconists). Trying e-cigarettes in the past 12 months was significantly associated with positive perceptions of their safety (odds ratio [OR] = 1.8, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1, 3.1) and effectiveness (OR = 1.9, 95% CI = 1.1, 3.2). Motivation to quit tobacco smoking was also significantly positively associated with positive perceptions of e-cigarette safety (OR = 1.2, 95% CI = 1.1, 1.4) and effectiveness (OR = 1.2, 95% CI = 1.0, 1.3). Rates of awareness and trial of e-cigarettes within a disadvantaged s le of Australian smokers are comparable to rates found within representative s les of the general Australian population. Previously trying e-cigarettes and higher levels of motivation to quit were associated with more positive perceptions of e-cigarette safety and effectiveness. This study demonstrates that socioeconomically disadvantaged smokers are aware of and accessing e-cigarettes in a country with relatively high restrictions covering e-cigarette sale and use.
Smoking behaviour and preferences for cessation support among clients of an Indigenous community‐controlled health service
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 02-03-2018
DOI: 10.1111/DAR.12691
Abstract: Reducing smoking prevalence among Indigenous Australians is a vital part of closing the health gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians. Community-controlled health clinics are an important setting for delivering smoking cessation advice and assistance. This study measured tobacco and e-cigarette use, knowledge of smoking-related health effects, motivations to quit and interest in cessation aids. Clients of Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Community Health Service dental clinics in Southeast Queensland (n = 421) completed a brief written questionnaire while in the waiting room. Nearly half (n = 184, 47%) of the participants currently smoked daily, of which 9% (n = 7) currently used e-cigarettes. Few smokers (8%, n = 13) had no intention to quit smoking. For current smokers, previously used quit methods were abrupt cessation (42%, n = 78), nicotine replacement therapies (NRT 25%, n = 45), prescription medications (23%, n = 43), e-cigarettes (9%, n = 17) and other methods (3%, n = 6). Current smokers were most interested in cutting down (85%, n = 110), abrupt cessation (75%, n = 98) and free NRT (72%, n = 101). Fewer (34%, n = 36) were interested in purchasing NRT for smoking cessation. Our study found there was interest in accessing smoking cessation aids among the clients of this community-controlled health clinic, particularly if provided free of charge. Embedding smoking cessation advice and assistance into a range of community-controlled health clinics could provide opportunities for addressing the high smoking prevalence among Indigenous Australians.
Evaluation and Comparison of Vitamin D Responsive Gene Expression in Ovine, Canine and Equine Kidney
Publisher: Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Date: 15-09-2016
Amphiphilic brush polymers produced using the RAFT polymerisation method stabilise and reduce the cell cytotoxicity of lipid lyotropic liquid crystalline nanoparticles
Publisher: Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC)
Date: 2016
DOI: 10.1039/C6FD00039H
Abstract: Self-assembled lipid lyotropic liquid crystalline nanoparticles such as hexosomes and cubosomes contain internal anisotropic and isotropic nanostructures, respectively. Despite the remarkable potential of such nanoparticles in various biomedical applications, the stabilisers used in formulating the nanoparticles are often limited to commercially available polymers such as the Pluronic block copolymers. This study explored the potential of using Reversible Addition-Fragmentation chain Transfer (RAFT) technology to design hiphilic brush-type polymers for the purpose of stabilising phytantriol and monoolein-based lipid dispersions. The synthesised brush-type polymers consisted of a hydrophobic C12 short chain and a hydrophilic poly(ethylene glycol)methyl ether acrylate (PEGA) long chain with multiple 9-unit poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) brushes with various molecular weights. It was observed that increasing the PEO brush density and thus the length of the hydrophilic component improved the stabilisation effectiveness for phytantriol and monoolein-based cubosomes. Synchrotron small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) experiments confirmed that the RAFT polymer-stabilised cubosomes had an internal double-diamond cubic phase with tunable water channel sizes. These properties were dependent on the molecular weight of the polymers, which were considered in some cases to be anisotropically distributed within the cubosomes. The in vitro toxicity of the cubosomes was assessed by cell viability of two human adenocarcinoma cell lines and haemolytic activities to mouse erythrocytes. The results showed that phytantriol cubosomes stabilised by the RAFT polymers were less toxic compared to their Pluronic F127-stabilised analogues. This study provides valuable insight into designing non-linear hiphilic polymers for the effective stabilisation and cellular toxicity improvement of self-assembled lipid lyotropic liquid crystalline nanoparticles.
Using Machine Learning to Predict the Self-Assembled Nanostructures of Monoolein and Phytantriol as a Function of Temperature and Fatty Acid Additives for Effective Lipid-Based Delivery Systems
Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)
Date: 08-02-2019
Polycrystalline Diamond Coating of Additively Manufactured Titanium for Biomedical Applications
Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)
Date: 22-02-2018
Abstract: Additive manufacturing using selective laser melted titanium (SLM-Ti) is used to create bespoke items across many erse fields such as medicine, defense, and aerospace. Despite great progress in orthopedic implant applications, such as for "just in time" implants, significant challenges remain with regards to material osseointegration and the susceptibility to bacterial colonization on the implant. Here, we show that polycrystalline diamond coatings on these titanium s les can enhance biological scaffold interaction improving medical implant applicability. The highly conformable coating exhibited excellent bonding to the substrate. Relative to uncoated SLM-Ti, the diamond coated s les showed enhanced mammalian cell growth, enriched apatite deposition, and reduced microbial S. aureus activity. These results open new opportunities for novel coatings on SLM-Ti devices in general and especially show promise for improved biomedical implants.
How do you solve a problem like youth vaping?
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 09-05-2023
DOI: 10.1111/DAR.13666
A qualitative study of smokers' views on brain-based explanations of tobacco dependence
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 03-2016
DOI: 10.1016/J.DRUGPO.2015.12.011
Abstract: The role the brain plays in the creation and maintenance of tobacco dependence has become increasingly prominent in explanations of smoking that are presented to the public. The potential for brain-based explanations of smoking to influence smokers' understandings of their addiction, their sense of self-efficacy, and perhaps even their treatment preferences, has been raised by some working in the addiction field. However, little empirical evidence exists in this area. This paper reports on semi-structured interviews with 29 daily smokers. Participants were shown a brief presentation about the neuroscience of nicotine dependence. They were then queried about their awareness of the role of the brain in smoking, and the consequences of this knowledge for their understandings of smoking and their treatment preferences. Our results indicated that many participants displayed some awareness of the link between the brain and addiction. While there was a ersity of ideas about the potential impacts of neuroscience knowledge about smoking, there was an overall tendency to maintain pre-existing treatment preferences, and to assert in idual responsibility for smoking. Emergent themes that arose were the brain as a special organ, the discourse of the "other" smoker, and the distinction between physical and psychological facets of addiction. While brain-based explanations of smoking are unlikely to revolutionise lay understandings of smoking, neuroscience information should be presented in a way that does not negate people's sense of agency and self-efficacy in relation to quitting smoking.
Are Australian smokers with mental illness receiving adequate smoking cessation and harm reduction information?
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 02-05-2018
DOI: 10.1111/INM.12465
Abstract: Provision of smoking cessation support in the form of advice and information is central to increasing quit rates, including among people with mental illness (MI), who have 3-5 times higher odds of smoking than those without MI. This study investigated the extent and perceived utility of quit smoking advice and information available to Australian smokers with MI through face-to-face, semi-structured, in-depth interviews with 29 current smokers with MI. Qualitative analysis identified four major sources of quit smoking advice and information: (i) mental health practitioners (ii) Quitline (iii) social networks and (iv) Internet and media. All identified sources, including formal sources (mental health practitioners and Quitline), were perceived as providing inadequate information about quitting smoking, particularly regarding optimal usage of nicotine replacement therapy (NRT). Social networks emerged as a substantial source of quit smoking advice and information, especially for nontraditional methods such as vaping. Participants showed high interest in receiving support from peer-led smoking cessation groups. A minority of participants reported that they had received quit smoking information from Internet and media this was largely restricted to negative reports about e-cigarettes and short advertisements for nicotine replacement therapy. Our findings suggest that more can be done to provide smokers with MI with practical smoking cessation advice and support. Comprehensive information resources tailored for smokers with MI should be developed and disseminated via multiple pathways. We also recommend a number of policy and practice reforms to promote smoking cessation among those with MI.
Nuances in the ethical regulation of electronic nicotine delivery systems
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 12-06-2015
DOI: 10.1111/ADD.12984
How can we protect youth from putative vaping gateway effects without denying smokers a less harmful option?
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 11-01-2018
DOI: 10.1111/ADD.14126
‘Anytime, anywhere’: vaping as social practice
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 11-2016
β-Mannosidosis in German Shepherd Dogs
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 14-04-2019
Abstract: A neurological disease was investigated in 3 German Shepherd pups from the same litter that failed to grow normally, appeared stiff, were reluctant to move, and were deaf. They developed intermittent seizures and ataxia and had proprioceptive defects. Histopathology showed severe vacuolation of neurons, astrocytes in nervous tissue, renal tubular epithelial cells, and macrophages in nervous tissue, spleen, and liver. Vacuoles appeared empty with no storage material stained by periodic acid–Schiff (PAS) or Sudan black stains, leading to a diagnosis of a lysosomal storage disease and in particular an oligosaccharidosis. Biochemical and genomic studies showed that this was β-mannosidosis, not previously diagnosed in dogs. A c.560T A transition in exon 4 of the MANBA gene was found, which segregated in these and other family members in a manner consistent with it being the causative mutation of an autosomal recessive disease. This mutation led to substitution of isoleucine to asparagine at position 187 of the 885 amino acid enzyme, a change expected to have functional significance.
How are nicotine vaping products represented to pharmacists? A content analysis of Australian pharmacy news sources
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 20-04-2020
DOI: 10.1111/IJPP.12623
Abstract: With the growing popularity and use of nicotine vaping products (NVPs), it is important that pharmacists have evidence-based information in order to provide guidance to their customers. The news media can play an important role in shaping how pharmacists think, feel and act regarding NVPs. This paper examines how NVPs are portrayed and framed in Australian pharmacy news sources. Four leading Australian online pharmacy professional news sources were searched for articles published between 2007 and August 2019. A combination of qualitative and quantitative methods was employed to explore how the safety, efficacy and regulation of NVPs was communicated. We identified and analysed 103 relevant articles. Academic research findings and/or expert opinions were either cited or referenced most often, appearing in a total of 59% of articles analysed, followed by government sources quoted in 41% of articles. Health effects and safety issues of NVPs were the most frequently mentioned topic appearing in a total of 79% of the stories, followed by NVP-related regulatory issues (47%). The majority of NVP-related articles were framed in a loss rather than gain contexts, with more emphasis given to the concern that NVPs have the potential to addict youth to nicotine and undermine Australia’s progress in tobacco control. Australian pharmacy news media have more often reported the potential risks than the potential benefits of NVPs. Such portrayal is likely to contribute to misperceptions about the relative harm of NVPs. Pharmacy staff need access to unbiased and evidence-based guidance on how to handle customer enquiries regarding NVPs.
Options for global tobacco control beyond the Framework Convention in Tobacco Control
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 14-12-2009
Using wastewater-based epidemiology to estimate consumption of alcohol and nicotine in major cities of China in 2014 and 2016
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 03-2020
DOI: 10.1016/J.ENVINT.2020.105492
Abstract: Monitoring the use of alcohol and tobacco in the population is important for public health planning and evaluating the efficacy of intervention strategies. The aim of this study was to use wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) to estimate alcohol and tobacco consumption in a number of major cities across China and compare WBE estimates with other data sources. Daily composite influent wastewater s les were collected from wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) across China in 2014 (n = 53) and 2016 (n = 45). The population-normalized daily consumption estimated by WBE were compared with other data sources where available. The average consumption of alcohol was 8.1 ± 7.0 mL ethanol erson aged 15+/day (EPD) in the investigated cities of 2016 while those involved in 2014 had an average consumption of 4.7 ± 3.0 EPD. The average tobacco consumption was estimated to be 3.7 ± 2.2 cigarettes erson aged 15+/day (CPD) in 2016 and 3.1 ± 1.9 CPD in 2014. The changes in the average consumption in those cities from 2014 to 2016 were supported by the results from a limited number of WWTPs where s les were collected in both years. Consumption of alcohol and tobacco in urban China is at a medium level compared with other countries on a per capita basis. WBE estimates of tobacco consumption were relatively comparable with results of traditional surveys and sales statistics. WBE estimates of alcohol consumption were lower than WHO survey results, probably due to EtS degradation and uncertainty in the EtS excretion factor.
A Pragmatic Randomized Comparative Trial of e-Cigarettes and Other Nicotine Products for Quitting or Long-Term Substitution in Smokers
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 20-12-2021
DOI: 10.1093/NTR/NTAB266
Abstract: Tobacco harm reduction has potential to improve in idual and population health. However, little research exists on low-intensity interventions, such as encouraging longer-term NRT or e-cigarette use. We aimed to determine whether: (1) encouraging use of nicotine products as long-term tobacco substitutes is more effective for smoking abstinence than standard treatment, and (2) offering e-cigarettes is more effective than NRT. An open-label, parallel-group randomized trial was conducted in Australia between 2014 and 2015, with 1563 adult daily smokers, randomized to: (A) standard cessation advice and NRT: advice to use NRT short-term, (B) quit or substitute advice and NRT: advice to use NRT as a longer-term substitute for smoking if required to maintain smoking cessation, or (C) Quit or substitute advice and NRT and/or e-cigarettes. Participants were offered an initial supply of products they could then purchase for up to 7 months. The primary outcome was self-reported continuous smoking abstinence at 7 months. Point prevalence, dual use, and cigarette reduction were secondary outcomes. At 7 months, 2.8% (N = 9) of group A (N = 324) were abstinent, compared with 1.8% (N = 11) in B (N = 620) and 1.3% (N = 8) in C (N = 619) (adjusted odds ratio [ORs]: B vs. A 0.66, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.27−1.63 C vs. A 0.46, 95% CI: 0.17−1.21 C vs. B 0.69, 95% CI 0.27–1.73). There were no suspected unexpected serious adverse reactions associated with trial products. A free trial of NRT and first generation e-cigarettes and advice on long-term substitution was no better for smoking abstinence than usual care. The trial was registered with the Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration under their Clinical Trials Notification scheme and the Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN12612001210864). This pragmatic trial allowed the comparison of existing and alternative policy options under semi-realistic conditions, such as product choice and financial cost. All trial arms had low rates of smoking cessation. The findings suggest that providing unflavored cigalike e-cigarettes without additional support may not increase quitting compared with advice to use standard NRT in a general population of Australians who smoke. More intensive support and education, and/or opportunity to try a range of e-cigarette products, may be required to motivate quit attempts using e-cigarettes.
Forecasting future tobacco control policy: where to next?
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 10-2010
DOI: 10.1111/J.1753-6405.2010.00588.X
Abstract: Effective tobacco control policies include price increases through taxes, restrictions on smoking in public and work places, adequately funded mass media c aigns, bans on advertising, health warnings on packages and cessation assistance. As these policies have been largely implemented in Australia, what next should the country do in tobacco control? Ninety-one Australian tobacco control stakeholders took part in a web-based survey about the future of tobacco control policies. The policy deemed most important in decreasing smoking was to increase excise and customs duty by 30%. Other policies receiving high support included: funding mass media c aigns through tax hypothecation introducing retail display bans plain packaging of tobacco products and banning smoking in outdoor dining areas. Reintroducing the sale of smokeless tobacco products received the least support. Countries that have largely implemented the provisions of the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control must maintain commitments to proven tobacco control measures, but also provide global leadership through the adoption of innovative policies. The release of the Australian 2009 National Preventative Health Taskforce's report presents an opportunity to translate these ideas into action.
Perspectives on limiting tobacco access and supporting access to nicotine vaping products among clients of residential drug and alcohol treatment services in Australia
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 11-10-2023
E-cigarettes and youth smoking: be alert but not alarmed
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 08-09-2018
Application of Fluconazole-Loaded pH-Sensitive Lipid Nanoparticles for Enhanced Antifungal Therapy
Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)
Date: 18-07-2022
Whither tobacco product regulation?: Table 1
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 16-02-2012
DOI: 10.1136/TOBACCOCONTROL-2011-050258
Abstract: Despite decades of industry innovation and regulatory efforts, the harmfulness of conventional cigarettes has not changed. There are several pitfalls in this area, including the long time lag before health impacts of product regulatory changes become apparent, the danger of consumers deriving false reassurance of lesser harm in the interim period, the lack of relevant expertise and the lack of an internationally agreed and evidence-based strategic approach. Articles 9 and 10 of the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control provide the potential for such a global strategy, and knowledge and research has increased significantly over recent years. However, there are huge opportunity costs in implementing product disclosure and regulatory strategies: most national regulators have very limited human and financial resources, which should be focused on other evidence-based tobacco control interventions. We believe therefore that it is now time to abandon the notion of safe or safer cigarettes while moving consumers towards cleaner nicotine products as soon as possible. In parallel to this, we recommend a number of other strategies be implemented including: reducing the appeal of all tobacco products, forbidding new tobacco products or brand variants being marketed without evidence of reduced harm, appeal or addictiveness, and developing a tobacco industry resourced, but industry independent, Framework Convention on Tobacco Control global repository to assist national regulators in understanding and regulating the products on their markets.
Efficacy of smokeless tobacco for smoking cessation: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 02-0099
DOI: 10.1136/TOBACCOCONTROL-2021-057019
Abstract: Smoking remains prevalent in many countries despite rigorous tobacco control strategies. The use of Swedish snus, a type of low-nitrosamine smokeless tobacco, has been promoted as a tobacco harm reduction strategy. Three databases were searched for studies that assessed the effectiveness of snus in promoting smoking abstinence. A total of 28 studies were reviewed (5 randomised controlled trials (RCTs), 7 longitudinal and 16 cross-sectional studies). Separate meta-analyses were conducted by study type, pooling effect estimates where outcome measures and design were sufficiently comparable. Study details and quality assessment (Risk of Bias 2 for RCTs, Newcastle-Ottawa Scale for observational studies) are provided for each study. While the meta-analysis of RCTs did not show a significant association between snus use and smoking cessation (risk ratio (RR)=1.33, 95% CI 0.71 to 2.47 and RR=0.62, 95% CI 0.27 to 1.41), the results of the meta-analysis of longitudinal cohort studies (RR=1.38, 95% CI 1.05 to 1.82, p=0.022) and cross-sectional studies (OR=1.87, 95% CI 1.29 to 2.72, p=0.001) indicated that use of snus was associated with an increased likelihood of quitting or having quit smoking. There was significant heterogeneity in the cross-sectional studies, and leave-one-out analysis indicated that the longitudinal cohort results were driven by one study. Most studies examined were subject to an elevated risk of bias. There is weak evidence for the use of snus for smoking cessation. Better RCTs and longitudinal studies are needed meanwhile, existing cessation aids may be better placed than snus to promote abstinence.
3D-Printed Diamond–Titanium Composite: A Hybrid Material for Implant Engineering
Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)
Date: 24-12-2019
Abstract: Diamond-based implant materials make up an emerging research area where the materials could be prepared to promote cellular functions, decrease bacteria attachment, and be suitable for potential
Epidermal growth factor receptor-targeted lipid nanoparticles retain self-assembled nanostructures and provide high specificity
Publisher: Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC)
Date: 2015
DOI: 10.1039/C4NR05200E
Abstract: Lyotropic liquid crystalline lipid nanoparticles demonstrate high bioconjugation efficiency with therapeutic antibody fragments for targeted drug delivery.
Do Neurobiological Understandings of Smoking Influence Quitting Self-Efficacy or Treatment Intentions?
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 22-06-2018
DOI: 10.1093/NTR/NTX144
Abstract: Addiction is increasingly defined as a "brain disease" caused by changes to neurochemistry. While nicotine addiction has historically been excluded in the brain disease model of addiction (BDMA), it is beginning to be labeled a chronic brain disease. We investigated whether Australian smokers endorse brain-based explanations of smoking, and whether these beliefs are associated with quitting self-efficacy or treatment intentions. Cross-sectional study of Australian smokers (N = 1538) who completed a survey measuring their agreement with statements on the brain's role in smoking. Logistic regressions tested associations between these items and socio-demographic variables, quitting self-efficacy and intention to use cessation medications. The majority (57.9%) agreed that smoking changed brain chemistry and 34.4% agreed that smoking was a brain disease. Younger participants and those with more education were more likely to endorse brain-based understandings of smoking. Participants who agreed smoking changed brain chemistry were more likely to report an intention to use cessation medicines (OR 1.5, 95% CI = 1.0-2.2) as were those who agreed that smoking was a brain disease (OR 1.5, 95% CI = 1.1-2.1). Self-efficacy did not differ between those who agreed and disagreed that smoking changed brain chemistry. However, those who agreed that smoking was a brain disease had higher self-efficacy than those who disagreed (OR 1.7, 95% CI = 1.3-2.3). A neurobiological view of smoking does not dominate public understandings of smoking in Australia. Endorsement of neurobiological explanations of smoking were associated with increased intention to use cessation aids, but were not associated with reduced self-efficacy. Explaining tobacco dependence in neurobiological terms is unlikely to induce feelings of fatalism in relation to smoking cessation. Those who endorse biomedical explanations of smoking may be more open to using cessation pharmacotherapies. Describing smoking in terms of alterations in brain chemistry may be more acceptable to smokers than labeling smoking a "brain disease" or "brain disorder."
Assessing the effectiveness of High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) for smoking cessation in women: HIIT to quit study protocol
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 12-2015
Introducing the SRNT Oceania Chapter
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 12-06-2018
DOI: 10.1093/NTR/NTY118
Predicting the long-term effects of electronic cigarette use on population health: a systematic review of modelling studies
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 09-06-2023
Abstract: To systematically review and synthesise the findings of modelling studies on the population impacts of e-cigarette use and to identify potential gaps requiring future investigation. Four databases were searched for modelling studies of e-cigarette use on population health published between 2010 and 2023. A total of 32 studies were included. Data on study characteristics, model attributes and estimates of population impacts including health outcomes and smoking prevalence were extracted from each article. The findings were synthesised narratively. The introduction of e-cigarettes was predicted to lead to decreased smoking-related mortality, increased quality-adjusted life-years and reduced health system costs in 29 studies. Seventeen studies predicted a lower prevalence of cigarette smoking. Models that predicted negative population impacts assumed very high e-cigarette initiation rates among non-smokers and that e-cigarette use would discourage smoking cessation by a large margin. The majority of the studies were based on US population data and few studies included factors other than smoking status, such as jurisdictional tobacco control policies or social influence. A population increase in e-cigarette use may result in lower smoking prevalence and reduced burden of disease in the long run, especially if their use can be restricted to assisting smoking cessation. Given the assumption-dependent nature of modelling outcomes, future modelling studies should consider incorporating different policy options in their projection exercises, using shorter time horizons and expanding their modelling to low-income and middle-income countries where smoking rates remain relatively high.
Survey of dental clinic patients: smoking and preferences for cessation support
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 27-05-2016
DOI: 10.1111/ADJ.12345
Abstract: Smoking cessation interventions delivered by dental practitioners can be as effective as those delivered by general medical practitioners. However, concern that addressing smoking may cause offence to their patients is a reason cited by dental practitioners for not regularly addressing patient smoking behaviours, despite believing they should play a role in smoking cessation. This study aimed to elicit the smoking behaviour and smoking cessation preferences of dental patients to determine if these concerns accurately reflect patient attitudes. We surveyed 726 adult dental patients attending The University of Queensland's School of Dentistry dental clinics, Brisbane Dental Hospital and four private dental practices in South-East Queensland. Most (80%) current daily smokers had tried to quit smoking. Smokers and non-smokers both agreed that dentists should screen for smoking behaviour and are qualified to offer smoking cessation advice (99% and 96% respectively). Almost all participants (96%) said they would be comfortable with their dentist asking about their smoking and that if their smoking was affecting their oral health their dentist should advise them to quit. Patients are receptive to dental practitioners inquiring about smoking behaviour and offering advice on quitting. Smoking patients showed considerable motivation and interest in quitting smoking, particularly in the context of health problems related to smoking being identified. These results should encourage dentists to raise the issue with their patients.
Fifty-year forecasts of daily smoking prevalence: can Australia reach 5% by 2030?
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 22-05-2023
Abstract: To compare 50-year forecasts of Australian tobacco smoking rates in relation to trends in smoking initiation and cessation and in relation to a national target of ≤5% adult daily prevalence by 2030. A compartmental model of Australian population daily smoking, calibrated to the observed smoking status of 229 523 participants aged 20–99 years in 26 surveys (1962–2016) by age, sex and birth year (1910–1996), estimated smoking prevalence to 2066 using Australian Bureau of Statistics 50-year population predictions. Prevalence forecasts were compared across scenarios in which smoking initiation and cessation trends from 2017 were continued, kept constant or reversed. At the end of the observation period in 2016, model-estimated daily smoking prevalence was 13.7% (90% equal-tailed interval (EI) 13.4%–14.0%). When smoking initiation and cessation rates were held constant, daily smoking prevalence reached 5.2% (90% EI 4.9%–5.5%) after 50 years, in 2066. When initiation and cessation rates continued their trajectory downwards and upwards, respectively, daily smoking prevalence reached 5% by 2039 (90% EI 2037–2041). The greatest progress towards the 5% goal came from eliminating initiation among younger cohorts, with the target met by 2037 (90% EI 2036–2038) in the most optimistic scenario. Conversely, if initiation and cessation rates reversed to 2007 levels, estimated prevalence was 9.1% (90% EI 8.8%–9.4%) in 2066. A 5% adult daily smoking prevalence target cannot be achieved by the year 2030 based on current trends. Urgent investment in concerted strategies that prevent smoking initiation and facilitate cessation is necessary to achieve 5% prevalence by 2030.
RELIABILITY OF SELF-REPORTED ENVIRONMENTAL EXPOSURE DATA IN AN EPIDEMIOLOGICAL STUDY OF PARKINSONʼS DISEASE
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 09-2003
Nicotine replacement treatment, e-cigarettes and an online behavioural intervention to reduce relapse in recent ex-smokers: a multinational four-arm RCT
Publisher: National Institute for Health and Care Research
Date: 12-2020
DOI: 10.3310/HTA24680
Abstract: Relapse remains an unresolved issue in smoking cessation. Extended stop smoking medication use can help, but uptake is low and several behavioural relapse prevention interventions have been found to be ineffective. However, opportunistic ‘emergency’ use of fast-acting nicotine replacement treatment or electronic cigarettes may be more attractive and effective, and an online behavioural Structured Planning and Prompting Protocol has shown promise. The present trial aimed to evaluate the clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of these two interventions. A randomised controlled trial. English stop smoking services and Australian quitlines, Australian social media and St Vincent’s Hospital Melbourne, Fitzroy, VIC. Ex-smokers abstinent for at least 4 weeks, with some participants in Australia also recruited from 1 week post quit date. The planned s le size was 1400, but the trial was curtailed when 235 participants were recruited. Participants were randomised in permuted blocks of random sizes to (1) oral nicotine replacement treatment/electronic cigarettes to use if at risk of relapse, plus static text messages ( n = 60), (2) the Structured Planning and Prompting Protocol and interactive text messages ( n = 57), (3) oral nicotine replacement treatment/electronic cigarettes plus the Structured Planning and Prompting Protocol with interactive text messages ( n = 58) or (4) usual care plus static text messages ( n = 59). Owing to delays in study set-up and recruitment issues, the study was curtailed and the primary outcome was revised. The original objective was to determine whether or not the two interventions, together or separately, reduced relapse rates at 12 months compared with usual care. The revised primary objective was to determine whether or not number of interventions received (i.e. none, one or two) affects relapse rate at 6 months (not biochemically validated because of study curtailment). Relapse was defined as smoking on at least 7 consecutive days, or any smoking in the last month at final follow-up for both the original and curtailed outcomes. Participants with missing outcome data were included as smokers. Secondary outcomes included sustained abstinence (i.e. no more than five cigarettes smoked over the 6 months), nicotine product preferences (e.g. electronic cigarettes or nicotine replacement treatment) and Structured Planning and Prompting Protocol coping strategies used. Two substudies assessed reactions to interventions quantitatively and qualitatively. The trial statistician remained blinded until analysis was complete. The 6-month relapse rates were 60.0%, 43.5% and 49.2% in the usual-care arm, one-intervention arm and the two-intervention arm, respectively ( p = 0.11). Sustained abstinence rates were 41.7%, 54.8% and 50.9%, respectively ( p = 0.17). Electronic cigarettes were chosen more frequently than nicotine replacement treatment in Australia (71.1% vs. 29.0% p = 0.001), but not in England (54.0% vs. 46.0% p = 0.57). Of participants allocated to nicotine products, 23.1% were using them daily at 6 months. The online intervention received positive ratings from 63% of participants at 6 months, but the majority of participants (72%) completed one assessment only. Coping strategies taught in the Structured Planning and Prompting Protocol were used with similar frequency in all study arms, suggesting that these are strategies people had already acquired. Only one participant used the interactive texting, and interactive and static messages received virtually identical ratings. The inability to recruit sufficient participants resulted in a lack of power to detect clinically relevant differences. Self-reported abstinence was not biochemically validated in the curtailed trial, and the ecological momentary assessment substudy was perceived by some as an intervention. Recruiting recent ex-smokers into an interventional study proved problematic. Both interventions were well received and safe. Combining the interventions did not surpass the effects of each intervention alone. There was a trend in favour of single interventions reducing relapse, but it did not reach significance and there are reasons to interpret the trend with caution. Further studies of both interventions are warranted, using simpler study designs. Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN11111428. This project was funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Health Technology Assessment programme and will be published in full in Health Technology Assessment Vol. 24, No. 68. See the NIHR Journals Library website for further project information. Funding was also provided by the National Health and Medical Research Council, Canberra, ACT, Australia (NHMRC APP1095880). Public Health England provided the funds to purchase the nicotine products in England.
Policy debates regarding nicotine vaping products in australia: A qualitative analysis of submissions to a government inquiry from health and medical organisations
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 18-11-2019
Abstract: Australia has maintained a highly restrictive regulatory framework for nicotine vaping products (NVPs) and the regulatory approach differs from most other high income countries. This paper employed a thematic analysis to assess policy consultation submissions made to a government inquiry regarding use and marketing of NVPs. We included in the analysis submissions (n = 40) made by Australian institutions that influence or contribute to health policy-making including government agencies, health bodies and charities (n = 23), and public health academics and healthcare professionals (n = 18). Submissions from commercial entities and consumers were excluded. The majority of submissions from representatives of government agencies, health bodies and charities recommended maintaining current restrictions on NVPs. Arguments against widening access to NVPs included the demand for long-term evidence on safety and efficacy of an unusually high standard. There was widespread support for restrictions on sales, advertising and promotion, with most submissions supporting similar controls as for tobacco products. In contrast, the majority of in idual submissions from healthcare professionals and public health academics advocated for widening access to NVPs for smokers and emphasized the potential benefits of smokers switching to vaping and the policy incoherence of regulating less harmful nicotine products more strictly than tobacco cigarettes. Progress in resolving the policy debate concerning NVP regulation in Australia will require policy makers, clinicians and the public health community to engage in a meaningful dialogue which gives due consideration to both intended and unintended consequences of proposed policies.
Harm reduction policies for tobacco users
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 03-2010
DOI: 10.1016/J.DRUGPO.2009.10.008
Abstract: Tobacco harm reduction is a controversial policy due to the experience with filtered and 'light' cigarettes and concerns that the tobacco industry will use reduced harm products to undermine tobacco control strategies. The most promising harm reduction products are high dose pharmaceutical nicotine preparations and low nitrosamine smokeless tobacco, such as Swedish snus. However, despite widespread availability, existing pharmaceutical nicotine preparations have not been taken up by smokers as an alternative to smoking. In Sweden, increased snus use was associated with decreased cigarette smoking and mortality from tobacco-related disease. We suggest a graduated series of policies to explore of the public health costs and benefits of encouraging smokers to switch to these less harmful nicotine products.
Tobacco endgame and priority populations
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 31-01-2023
Abstract: To summarise the research literature on the impacts or perceptions of policies to end tobacco use at a population level (ie, tobacco endgame policies) among people from eight priority population groups (experiencing mental illness, substance use disorders, HIV, homelessness, unemployment or low incomes, who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or intersex (LGBTQI+) or who have experienced incarceration). Guided by JBI Scoping Review Methodology, we searched six databases for original research examining the impacts or perceptions of 12 tobacco endgame policies among eight priority populations published since 2000. We report the results according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews checklist. Of the 18 included studies, one described perceptions of five endgame policies among people on low incomes in Aotearoa (New Zealand), and 17 focused on the effectiveness or impacts of a very low nicotine content (VLNC) cigarette standard among people experiencing mental illness (n=14), substance use disorders (n=8), low incomes (n=6), unemployment (n=1) or who identify as LGBTQI+ (n=1) in the USA. These studies provide evidence that VLNC cigarettes can reduce tobacco smoking, cigarette cravings, nicotine withdrawal and nicotine dependence among these populations. Most of the tobacco endgame literature related to these priority populations focuses on VLNC cigarettes. Identified research gaps include the effectiveness of endgame policies for reducing smoking, impacts (both expected and unexpected) and policy perceptions among these priority populations.
Australian urban Indigenous smokers' perspectives on nicotine products and tobacco harm reduction
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 10-05-2017
DOI: 10.1111/DAR.12549
Abstract: Indigenous Australians experience a significant gap in life expectancy compared with non-Indigenous Australians. Indigenous communities have high-smoking prevalence and low engagement with cessation therapies. This qualitative research, conducted in an urban Australian Indigenous community, explored smokers' views on smoking, quitting and engagement with current nicotine replacement therapies. Opinions on acceptability of tobacco harm reduction were sought. We explored the acceptability of novel nicotine products, that is, new or unfamiliar products, including non-therapeutic options, such as e-cigarettes. Focus groups and in idual interviews with adult Indigenous daily smokers (n = 27) were used. Current and novel nicotine products were displayed and demonstrated. Discussions were audio-recorded, transcribed and analysed thematically. Participants expressed interest in trying existing and novel nicotine products. Short-to-medium term use of nicotine replacement therapy for quitting was generally acceptable views on long-term use were mixed. Interest in use of tobacco substitutes depended on their perceived effectiveness, providing a 'kick' and 'relieving stress'. Desirable qualities for tobacco substitutes were identified with gender differences and product preferences noted. The unpleasant taste of existing products is a barrier to both short-term and long-term use. We found substantial interest in trying some existing and novel nicotine products, mostly for short-term use. A number of attributes were identified that would make nicotine products potentially acceptable as a long-term substitute. Some participants were interested in long-term substitution if acceptable products were available. Improvements in current products and access to novel products are needed if tobacco harm reduction is to be acceptable. [Yuke K, Ford P, Foley W, Mutch A, Fitzgerald L, Gartner C. Australian urban Indigenous smokers' perspectives on nicotine products and tobacco harm reduction. Drug Alcohol Rev 2018 :87-96].
Multimodal Blockade of the Renin-Angiotensin System Is Safe and Is a Potential Cancer Treatment for Cats
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 05-08-2022
Abstract: The role of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) in cancer growth and progression is well recognized in humans. However, studies on RAS inhibition with a single agent have not shown consistent anticancer effects, potentially due to the neoplastic cells utilizing alternative pathways for RAS activation. To achieve more complete RAS inhibition, multimodal therapy with several medications that simultaneously block multiple steps in the RAS has been developed for use in humans. In the present study, the safety of multimodal RAS inhibition using atenolol, benazepril, metformin, curcumin, and meloxicam was assessed in six cats with squamous cell carcinomas. Cats were treated for 8 weeks, with blood pressure measured and blood s led five times during the treatment period. None of the cats developed hypotension, azotemia, or increased serum liver enzyme concentrations. The packed cell volume of one cat decreased to just below the reference range during treatment. One cat was reported to have increased vomiting, although this occurred infrequently. One cat was withdrawn from the study due to difficulties administering the medications, and another cat died of an unrelated cause. Two cats were euthanatized during the study period due to cancer progression. Two cats completed the 8-week study period. One was subsequently euthanized due to cancer progression while the other cat is still alive 32 weeks after entering the study and is still receiving the multimodal blockade of the RAS. This is the first evaluation of multimodal blockade of the RAS in veterinary species. The study showed that the treatment is safe, with only mild adverse effects observed in two treated cats. Due to the small number of cats, the efficacy of treatment could not be evaluated. However, evidence from human studies suggests that a multimodal blockade of RAS could be a safe and cost-effective treatment option for cancer in cats.
Non-Lamellar Lyotropic Liquid Crystalline Lipid Nanoparticles for the Next Generation of Nanomedicine
Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)
Date: 13-05-2019
Abstract: Nonlamellar lyotropic liquid crystalline (LLC) lipid nanomaterials have emerged as a promising class of advanced materials for the next generation of nanomedicine, comprising mainly of hiphilic lipids and functional additives self-assembling into two- and three-dimensional, inverse hexagonal, and cubic nanostructures. In particular, the lyotropic liquid crystalline lipid nanoparticles (LCNPs) have received great interest as nanocarriers for a variety of hydrophobic and hydrophilic small molecule drugs, peptides, proteins, siRNAs, DNAs, and imaging agents. Within this space, there has been a tremendous amount of effort over the last two decades elucidating the self-assembly behavior and structure-function relationship of natural and synthetic lipid-based drug delivery vehicles in vitro, yet successful clinical translation remains sparse due to the lack of understanding of these materials in biological bodies. This review provides an overview of (1) the benefits and advantages of using LCNPs as drug delivery nanocarriers, (2) design principles for making LCNPs with desirable functionalities for drug delivery applications, (3) current understanding of the LLC material-biology interface illustrated by more than 50 in vivo, preclinical studies, and (4) current patenting and translation activities in a pharmaceutical context. Together with our perspectives and expert opinions, we anticipate that this review will guide future studies in developing LCNP-based drug delivery nanocarriers with the objective of translating them into a key player among nanoparticle platforms comprising the next generation of nanomedicine for disease therapy and diagnosis.
Self-reported depression and anxiety and healthcare professional interactions regarding smoking cessation and nicotine vaping: Findings from 2018 International Tobacco Control Four Country Smoking and
Publisher: E.U. European Publishing
Date: 02-08-2023
DOI: 10.18332/TPC/168288
[Commentary] THE POTENTIAL ROLE OF SNUS IN TOBACCO HARM REDUCTION
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 03-08-2009
Test-retest repeatability of self-reported environmental exposures in Parkinson's disease cases and healthy controls
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 08-2005
DOI: 10.1016/J.PARKRELDIS.2005.04.002
Abstract: There is substantial disagreement among published epidemiological studies regarding environmental risk factors for Parkinson's disease (PD). Differences in the quality of measurement of environmental exposures may contribute to this variation. The current study examined the test-retest repeatability of self-report data on risk factors for PD obtained from a series of 32 PD cases recruited from neurology clinics and 29 healthy sex-, age- and residential suburb-matched controls. Exposure data were collected in face-to-face interviews using a structured questionnaire derived from previous epidemiological studies. High repeatability was demonstrated for 'lifestyle' exposures, such as smoking and coffee/tea consumption (kappas 0.70-1.00). Environmental exposures that involved some action by the person, such as pesticide application and use of solvents and metals, also showed high repeatability (kappas>0.78). Lower repeatability was seen for rural residency and bore water consumption (kappa 0.39-0.74). In general, we found that case and control participants provided similar rates of incongruent and missing responses for categorical and continuous occupational, domestic, lifestyle and medical exposures.
Passive smoking and Parkinson disease
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 10-07-2006
Evaluation of housekeeping genes for quantitative gene expression analysis in the equine kidney
Publisher: Japan Society of Equine Science
Date: 2016
DOI: 10.1294/JES.27.165
Policy-based evidence on e-cigarette, or vaping product, use–associated lung injury
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 14-04-2020
DOI: 10.1111/DAR.13072
Manipulating the Ordered Nanostructure of Self-Assembled Monoolein and Phytantriol Nanoparticles with Unsaturated Fatty Acids
Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)
Date: 13-02-2018
DOI: 10.1021/ACS.LANGMUIR.7B03541
Abstract: Mesophase structures of self-assembled lyotropic liquid crystalline nanoparticles are important factors that directly influence their ability to encapsulate and release drugs and their biological activities. However, it is difficult to predict and precisely control the mesophase behavior of these materials, especially in complex systems with several components. In this study, we report the controlled manipulation of mesophase structures of monoolein (MO) and phytantriol (PHYT) nanoparticles by adding unsaturated fatty acids (FAs). By using high throughput formulation and small-angle X-ray scattering characterization methods, the effects of FAs chain length, cis-trans isomerism, double bond location, and level of chain unsaturation on self-assembled systems are determined. Additionally, the influence of temperature on the phase behavior of these nanoparticles is analyzed. We found that in general, the addition of unsaturated FAs to MO and PHYT induces the formation of mesophases with higher Gaussian surface curvatures. As a result, a rich variety of lipid polymorphs are found to correspond with the increasing amounts of FAs. These phases include inverse bicontinuous cubic, inverse hexagonal, and discrete micellar cubic phases and microemulsion. However, there are substantial differences between the phase behavior of nanoparticles with trans FA, cis FAs with one double bond, and cis FAs with multiple double bonds. Therefore, the material library produced in this study will assist the selection and development of nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems with desired mesophase.
Does the content and source credibility of health and risk messages related to nicotine vaping products have an impact on harm perception and behavioural intentions? A systematic review
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 08-04-2021
DOI: 10.1111/ADD.15473
Abstract: To systematically review the literature on (i) whether and how various risk messages about nicotine vaping products (NVPs) alter harm perception and behavioural intentions of smokers and non‐smokers and (ii) how trust in sources of NVP risk communication affects message reception and behavioural intentions. Seven electronic databases and reference lists of relevant articles were searched for articles published up to April 2020. Experimental and quasi‐experimental studies on message effects and cross‐sectional studies on source credibility were included. The Newcastle–Ottawa Scale and the Evidence Project Risk of Bias Tool were used to assess the quality of observational and intervention studies, respectively. For each outcome variable, we indicated whether there was an effect (as a ‘yes’ or ‘no’) and used effect direction plots to display information on the direction of effects. Nicotine addiction messages resulted in greater health and addiction risk perceptions, relative risk messages comparing the health risks of NVPs to cigarette smoking increased the perception that NVPs are less harmful than combustible cigarettes, and a nicotine fact sheet corrected misperceptions of nicotine and NVPs. Smokers’ intention to purchase, try or switch to NVPs was higher when exposed to a relative risk message and lower when exposed to nicotine addiction warnings. Trust in NVP risk information from public health agencies was associated with lower odds of (i) NVP use and (ii) perceiving NVPs as less harmful, whereas those who trusted information from NVP companies were more likely to perceive NVPs as less harmful than combustible cigarettes. Relative risk messages may help improve the accuracy of harm perceptions of nicotine vaping products and increase smokers’ intentions to quit smoking and/or to switch to vaping, although the literature is nascent.
Assessment of Swedish snus for tobacco harm reduction: an epidemiological modelling study
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 06-2007
Trends and Socio-Demographic Differences of Cannabis Vaping in the USA and Canada
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 03-11-2022
Abstract: Given the rise in cannabis vaping, it is important to highlight the heterogeneity in vaping different cannabis product because of the potential differences in their health risks. This study aims to estimate the trends and socio-demographic correlates of the use of various cannabis vaping products across jurisdiction with different legal status. Data from the 2018 (n = 27,169) and 2019 (n = 47,747) waves of the International Cannabis Policy Study (ICPS) were used. Respondents aged 16–65 completed web-based surveys. In 2019, proportions of past year vaping of cannabis oil, dried flower and concentrates in the overall s le were highest in U.S. jurisdictions where cannabis was legalized for non-medical use (17.4%, 6.0%, 4.9%), followed by U.S. jurisdiction where non-medical cannabis use is illegal (13.7%, 5.8%, 2.9%), and lowest in Canada (8.1%, 4.4%, 2.1%). Vaping dried flower decreased from 2019 to 2018 in U.S. legal jurisdictions and Canada, while vaping cannabis oil and concentrates increased in all jurisdictions (p 0.001). The odds of vaping all forms of products were higher among younger respondents (16–55 years), males, respondents with some college education, and persons with low-risk perceptions on daily cannabis vaping. In both ICPS surveys (2018 and 2019), cannabis oil was the most frequently vaped products, followed by dried flower, and concentrates. Detailed measures of product forms for cannabis vaping should be considered in future surveys.
Prevalence of Parkinson’s disease in metropolitan and rural Queensland: A general practice survey
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 04-2006
DOI: 10.1016/J.JOCN.2005.04.015
Abstract: The prevalence of idiopathic Parkinson's disease (IPD) in Australia is unclear. We estimated the prevalence of IPD, and other forms of parkinsonism, through the study of typical caseloads in general practice. A random s le of general practitioners (GPs) throughout Queensland (401 responses from 528 validated practice addresses) was asked to estimate the numbers of patients with IPD and parkinsonism seen in the preceding year. The estimated prevalence of diagnosed IPD in Queensland was 146 per 100,000 (95% CI=136-155). A further 51 per 100,000 in the population were suspected by doctors to have IPD without formal diagnosis, whereas another 51 per 100,000 people may have non-idiopathic parkinsonism. Idiopathic Parkinson's disease was more common in rural than metropolitan areas. Although most GPs were confident in making diagnoses of IPD, the majority had little or no confidence in their ability to treat the disease, especially in its later stages. Support from neurologists was perceived by GPs to be very good in cities, but poor in remote areas.
Electronic nicotine devices to aid smoking cessation by alcohol- and drug-dependent clients: protocol for a pilot randomised controlled trial
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 02-08-2018
Technical, Ethical and Social Issues in the Bioprediction of Addiction Liability and Treatment Response
Publisher: Elsevier
Date: 2012
Author Correction: Genetic effects on the timing of parturition and links to fetal birth weight
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 10-05-2023
Lessons from the public health responses to the US outbreak of vaping-related lung injury
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 30-05-2021
DOI: 10.1111/ADD.15108
Understanding the Prevalence of Smoking Among People Living with HIV (PLHIV) in Australia and Factors Associated with Smoking and Quitting
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 21-05-2019
DOI: 10.1007/S10461-019-02535-3
Abstract: Understanding contributors to smoking and quitting cigarettes is important to developing effective cessation programs and addressing smoking related morbidity and mortality among people living with HIV (PLHIV). Using data from a large cross-sectional study of Australian PLHIV we provide a smoking prevalence estimate and explore the relationship between socio-demographic variables and smoking status. We also explore the relationship between HIV diagnosis and antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation and quitting smoking. Of the 1011 respondents included in the analysis, 30.6% were current smokers. The strongest predictor of smoking was regular cannabis use (AOR 6.2, 95% CI 3.6-10.8) while the strongest predictor of being a past smoker was receiving ART (AOR 2.4, 95% CI 1.2-4.7). Quitting also increased around the time of diagnosis and ART initiation, highlighting the potential for these events to be optimal times to address smoking among PLHIV.
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