scholarly journals Snus undermines quit attempts but not abstinence: a randomised clinical trial among US smokers

2016 ◽  
Vol 26 (2) ◽  
pp. 202-209 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matthew J Carpenter ◽  
Amy E Wahlquist ◽  
Jessica L Burris ◽  
Kevin M Gray ◽  
Elizabeth Garrett-Mayer ◽  
...  

BackgroundObservational studies and a few clinical trials suggest that use of low nitrosamine smokeless tobacco (snus) can facilitate smoking cessation. To better understand the real-world impact of snus on smoking behaviour, a large-scale, long-term clinical trial of naturalistic snus use among smokers is needed.Study designA nationwide clinical trial compared abstinence outcomes among smokers who were randomised to receive free samples of snus versus not. Participants (N=1236) were recruited throughout the US and assessed for 1 year following a 6-week naturalistic sampling period, with high retention throughout. Primary outcomes included self-reported quit attempts, floating abstinence (any 7-day period of non-smoking) and 7-day point-prevalence abstinence at 6 months and 12 months. Secondary outcomes were changes in smoking, motivation and confidence to quit and adverse events. No tobacco industry support was provided.ResultsWithin snus group, 82% used at least once, and 16% were using regularly at end of sampling period. Compared to control participants, smokers in the snus group were less likely to make any quit attempt (RR=0.83; 95% CI 0.70 to 1.00), and any 24 h quit attempt (RR=0.77; 95% CI 0.63 to 0.95). There were no group differences on any measure of abstinence.ConclusionsProvision of snus in a naturalistic context resulted in minimal uptake, and as a whole, undermined quit attempts and did not increase smoking abstinence. Results do not support the unguided, free provision of snus among smokers not motivated to quit as a means to facilitate quit attempts.Trial registration numberNCT01509586, Results.

Open Heart ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. e001614
Author(s):  
Mohammad R Ostovaneh ◽  
Raj R Makkar ◽  
Bharath Ambale-Venkatesh ◽  
Deborah Ascheim ◽  
Tarun Chakravarty ◽  
...  

BackgroundMost cell therapy trials failed to show an improvement in global left ventricular (LV) function measures after myocardial infarction (MI). Myocardial segments are heterogeneously impacted by MI. Global LV function indices are not able to detect the small treatment effects on segmental myocardial function which may have prognostic implications for cardiac events. We aimed to test the efficacy of allogeneic cardiosphere-derived cells (CDCs) for improving regional myocardial function and contractility.MethodsIn this exploratory analysis of a randomised clinical trial, 142 patients with post-MI with LVEF <45% and 15% or greater LV scar size were randomised in 2:1 ratio to receive intracoronary infusion of allogenic CDCs or placebo, respectively. Change in segmental myocardial circumferential strain (Ecc) by MRI from baseline to 6 months was compared between CDCs and placebo groups.ResultsIn total, 124 patients completed the 6-month follow-up (mean (SD) age 54.3 (10.8) and 108 (87.1%) men). Segmental Ecc improvement was significantly greater in patients receiving CDC (−0.5% (4.0)) compared with placebo (0.2% (3.7), p=0.05). The greatest benefit for improvement in segmental Ecc was observed in segments containing scar tissue (change in segmental Ecc of −0.7% (3.5) in patients receiving CDC vs 0.04% (3.7) in the placebo group, p=0.04).ConclusionsIn patients with post-MI LV dysfunction, CDC administration resulted in improved segmental myocardial function. Our findings highlight the importance of segmental myocardial function indices as an endpoint in future clinical trials of patients with post-MI.Trial registration numberNCT01458405.


BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. e041458
Author(s):  
Vicki Anderson ◽  
Vanessa C Rausa ◽  
Nicholas Anderson ◽  
Georgia Parkin ◽  
Cathriona Clarke ◽  
...  

IntroductionWhile most children recover from a concussion shortly after injury, approximately 30% experience persistent postconcussive symptoms (pPCS) beyond 1-month postinjury. Existing research into the treatment of pPCS have evaluated unimodal approaches, despite evidence suggesting that pPCS likely represent an interaction across various symptom clusters. The primary aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of a multimodal, symptom-tailored intervention to accelerate symptom recovery and increase the proportion of children with resolved symptoms at 3 months postconcussion.Methods and analysisIn this open-label, assessor-blinded, randomised clinical trial, children with concussion aged 8–18 years will be recruited from The Royal Children’s Hospital (The RCH) emergency department, or referred by a clinician, within 17 days of initial injury. Based on parent ratings of their child’s PCS at ~10 days postinjury, symptomatic children (≥2 symptoms at least 1-point above those endorsed preinjury) will undergo a baseline assessment at 3 weeks postinjury and randomised into either Concussion Essentials (CE, n=108), a multimodal, interdisciplinary delivered, symptom-tailored treatment involving physiotherapy, psychology and education, or usual care (UC, n=108) study arms. CE participants will receive 1 hour of intervention each week, for up to 8 weeks or until pPCS resolve. A postprogramme assessment will be conducted at 3 months postinjury for all participants. Effectiveness of the CE intervention will be determined by the proportion of participants for whom pPCS have resolved at the postprogramme assessment (primary outcome) relative to the UC group. Secondary outcome analyses will examine whether children receiving CE are more likely to demonstrate resolution of pPCS, earlier return to normal activity, higher quality of life and a lower rate of utilisation of health services, compared with the UC group.Ethics and disseminationEthics were approved by The RCH Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC: 37100). Parent, and for mature minors, participant consent, will be obtained prior to commencement of the trial. Study results will be disseminated at international conferences and international peer-reviewed journals.Trial registration numberACTRN12617000418370; pre-results.


BMJ Open ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (5) ◽  
pp. e038300
Author(s):  
Nick Daneman ◽  
Asgar H Rishu ◽  
Ruxandra L Pinto ◽  
Yaseen M Arabi ◽  
Deborah J Cook ◽  
...  

IntroductionBloodstream infections are a leading cause of mortality and morbidity; the duration of treatment for these infections is understudied.Methods and analysisWe will conduct an international, multicentre randomised clinical trial of shorter (7 days) versus longer (14 days) antibiotic treatment among hospitalised patients with bloodstream infections. The trial will include 3626 patients across 60 hospitals and 6 countries. We will include patients with blood cultures confirming a pathogenic bacterium after hospital admission. Exclusion criteria will include patient factors (severe immunosuppression), infection site factors (endocarditis, osteomyelitis, undrained abscesses, infected prosthetic material) and pathogen factors (Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus lugdunensis, Candida and contaminant organisms). We will leave the selection of specific antibiotics, doses and route of delivery to the discretion of treating physicians; no placebo control will be used given the diversity of pathogens and sources of bacteraemia. The intervention will be assignment of treatment duration to be 7 versus 14 days. We will minimise selection bias via central randomisation with variable block sizes, with concealed allocation until day 7 of adequate antibiotic treatment. The primary outcome is 90-day survival; we will test whether 7 days is non-inferior to 14 days of treatment, with a non-inferiority margin of 4% absolute mortality. Secondary outcomes include hospital and intensive care unit (ICU) mortality, relapse rates of bacteraemia, hospital and ICU length of stay, mechanical ventilation and vasopressor duration, antibiotic-free days, Clostridium difficile infection, antibiotic allergy and adverse events and colonisation/infection with antibiotic-resistant organisms.Ethics and disseminationThe study has been approved by the ethics review board at each participating site. Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre is the central ethics committee. We will disseminate study results via the Canadian Critical Care Trials Group and other collaborating networks to set the global paradigm for antibiotic treatment duration for non-staphylococcal Gram-positive, Gram-negative and anaerobic bacteraemia, among patients admitted to hospital.Trial registration numberThe BALANCE (Bacteremia Antibiotic Length Actually Needed for Clinical Effectiveness) trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov (registration number: NCT03005145).


2020 ◽  
pp. bjophthalmol-2020-316414
Author(s):  
Zelin Zhao ◽  
Siteng Wu ◽  
Weina Ren ◽  
Qinxiang Zheng ◽  
Cong Ye ◽  
...  

AimsTo compare the efficacy of compression sutures combined with intracameral air injection (CSAI) and thermokeratoplasty (TKP) for the management of acute corneal hydrops in keratoconus.MethodsIn this multi-centre randomised clinical trial, 20 patients with keratoconus (20 eyes) with acute corneal hydrops were enrolled and randomised to receive either CSAI or TKP and followed-up for a period of 6 months.ResultsThere were no significant differences in patient demographics, severity of corneal hydrops and preoperative duration of symptoms between the two groups. In both groups, corneal oedema resolved within 2 weeks. The maximum thickness of the corneal scars following CSAI and TKP was not significantly different. Best spectacle-corrected visual acuity was superior in the CSAI group at 6-month follow-up (CSAI vs TKP, 0.52 (0.37, 0.85) vs 0.96 (0.70, 1.34) LogMAR, p=0.042). CSAI resulted in greater corneal endothelial cell density (CSAI vs TKP, 2677.8±326.7 vs 1955.3±298.1 cells/mm2, p<0.001) and flatter corneal curvature (CSAI vs TKP: mean keratometry value, 52.13±4.92 vs 63.51±5.83D, p<0.001; maximum keratometry value, 65.21±7.42 vs 77.13±12.01D, p=0.016) at the 6-month follow-up.ConclusionAlthough both CSAI and TKP resulted in resolution of acute corneal hydrops in keratoconus, CSAI was associated with superior clinical outcomes in this study.Chinese Clinical trial registration numberChiCTR-IOR-17013764


2019 ◽  
Vol 105 (3) ◽  
pp. 236-240 ◽  
Author(s):  
Raphaelle Jaquet-Pilloud ◽  
Marie-Elise Verga ◽  
Michel Russo ◽  
Mario Gehri ◽  
Jean-Yves Pauchard

ObjectivesTo investigate whether nebulised hypertonic saline (HS) treatment would decrease length of hospital stay (LOS) among infants with moderate-to severe-bronchiolitis compared with standard supportive care (SC).MethodsWe conducted an open, multicentre, randomised clinical trial from 1 April 2013 to 31 March 2016, in Swiss children’s hospitals. Patients aged 6 weeks to 24 months with a primary diagnosis of moderate or severe bronchiolitis were included. Children with previous episodes of wheezing, cardiac disease, chronic respiratory disease, immunodeficiency, prematurity (gestational age <34 weeks), corticotherapy in the preceding 2 weeks or inhaled bronchodilators within 24 hours before presentation were excluded. Patients were randomised to receive standard SC with nebulisation of 4 mL of 3% sodium chloride every 6 hours versus SSC. Main outcomes and measures were LOS duration of oxygen therapy, transfer to intensive care unit (ICU), readmission within 7 days following discharge and adverse events.Results121 children were randomised. No statistically significant differences were found between treatment groups at baseline (age, Wang Score, atopic history, smoking exposure). Children in the HS group had a non-significant difference in length of stay −2.8 hours (−10; 16) compared with the SC group. There were no differences in oxygen therapy duration, transfer to ICU, readmission rate or adverse events. The intervention was discontinued at the parents’ request in 16% of the cases.ConclusionOur study does not support the use of HS nebulisation in children with moderate to severe bronchiolitis.Trial registration numberNCT01812525.


2012 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 47-54
Author(s):  
Lucy Hackshaw ◽  
Linda Bauld ◽  
Andy McEwen

This study aimed to explore smoker's perspectives of continued smoking and smoking cessation following the introduction of smoke-free legislation in England. Seventeen semi-structured interviews were conducted with smokers who were making a quit attempt with the support of stop smoking services delivered by the National Health Service. Interviews explored opinions of smoke-free legislation before it was implemented in July 2007, as well as attitudes towards the legislation, beliefs about the influence of legislation on smoking behaviours, as well as changes to public attitudes about smoking. Framework analysis highlighted five key themes: attitudes towards smoke-free legislation prior to its introduction, support for smoke-free legislation following implementation, smoke-free legislation and smoking behaviour, stigma, and returning to smoking. Overall, smokers were positive about smoke-free legislation and reported reductions in smoking and an increase in quit attempts after introduction of the legislation. Change in attitudes towards smoking and smokers were noted, which at times could transpire to stigmatisation felt by the participants. Few quitters expressed a wish to return to smoking if the legislation was reversed.


2017 ◽  
Vol 27 (2) ◽  
pp. 163-169 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael O Chaiton ◽  
Graham Mecredy ◽  
Joanna Cohen

IntroductionThe availability of tobacco is thought to influence smoking behaviour, but there are few longitudinal studies examining if the location and number of tobacco outlets has a prospective impact on smoking cessation.MethodsThe Ontario Tobacco Survey, a population-representative sample of Ontario adult smokers who were followed every 6 months for up to 3 years, was linked with tobacco outlet location data from the Ontario Ministry of Health. Proximity (distance), threshold (at least one outlet within 500 m) and density (number of outlets within 500 m) with respect to a smokers’ home were calculated among urban and suburban current smokers (n=2414). Quit attempts and risk of relapse were assessed using logistic regression and survival analysis, adjusted for neighbourhood effects and individual characteristics.ResultsIncreased density of tobacco outlets was associated with decreased odds of making a quit attempt (OR: 0.54; 95% CI 0.35 to 0.85) in high-income neighbourhoods, but not in lower income ones. There was an increased risk of relapse among those who had at least one store within 500 m (HR: 1.41 (95% CI 1.06 to 1.88). Otherwise, there was no association of proximity with quit attempts or relapse.ConclusionsThe existence of a tobacco retail outlet within walking distance from home was associated with difficulty in succeeding in a quit attempt, while the increased density of stores was associated with decreased attempts in higher income neighbourhoods. The availability of tobacco may influence tobacco use through multiple mechanisms.


2020 ◽  
Vol 54 (23) ◽  
pp. 1416-1422 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mark Matthews ◽  
Michael Skovdal Rathleff ◽  
Andrew Claus ◽  
Tom McPoil ◽  
Robert Nee ◽  
...  

ObjectivesTo test (i) if greater foot pronation (measured as midfoot width mobility) is associated with better outcomes with foot orthoses treatment, compared with hip exercises and (ii) if hip exercises are superior to foot orthoses, irrespective of midfoot width mobility.MethodsA two-arm parallel, randomised superiority clinical trial was conducted in Australia and Denmark. Participants (18–40 years) were included who reported an insidious onset of knee pain (≥6 weeks duration); ≥3/10 numerical pain rating, that was aggravated by activities (eg, stairs, squatting, running). Participants were stratified by midfoot width mobility (high ≥11 mm change in midfoot width) and site, randomised to foot orthoses or hip exercises and blinded to objectives and stratification. Success was defined a priori as much better or better on a patient-perceived 7-point scale at 12 weeks.ResultsOf 218 stratified and randomised participants, 192 completed 12-week follow-up. This study found no difference in success rates between foot orthoses versus hip exercises in those with high (6/21 vs 9/20; 29% vs 45%, respectively) or low (42/79 vs 37/72; 53% vs 51%) midfoot width mobility. There was no association between midfoot width mobility and treatment outcome (Interaction effect p=0.19). This study found no difference in success rate between foot orthoses versus hip exercises (48/100 vs 46/92; 48% vs 50%).ConclusionMidfoot width mobility should not be used to help clinicians decide which patient with patellofemoral pain might benefit most from foot orthoses. Clinicians and patients may consider either foot orthoses or hip exercises in managing patellofemoral pain.Trial registration numberACTRN12614000260628.


2021 ◽  
pp. tobaccocontrol-2020-056259
Author(s):  
Janet Chung-Hall ◽  
Geoffrey T Fong ◽  
Gang Meng ◽  
K Michael Cummings ◽  
Andrew Hyland ◽  
...  

ObjectiveTo evaluate the impact of menthol cigarette bans in seven Canadian provinces between 2016 and 2018.MethodsLongitudinal data from the Canadian arm of the 2016 and 2018 ITC Four Country Smoking and Vaping Survey. 1098 non-menthol and 138 menthol smokers were surveyed pre-menthol and post-menthol cigarette bans. Multivariate logistic regression models examined associations between pre-post ban changes in smoking behaviour, including differences between menthol and non-menthol smokers in quit attempts and quitting.ResultsAt follow-up, 59.1% of pre-ban menthol smokers switched to non-menthol cigarettes; 21.5% quit smoking and 19.5% still smoked menthols, primarily purchased from First Nations reserves. Menthol smokers were more likely than non-menthol smokers to make a quit attempt (adjusted OR (aOR)=1.61, 95% CI 1.03 to 2.51), and to remain quit (aOR=2.30, 95% CI 1.06 to 5.01). Menthol smokers did not differ significantly from non-menthol smokers in quit success (aOR=1.72, 95% CI 0.98 to 3.01); however, daily menthol smokers were more likely than daily non-menthol smokers to quit (aOR=2.21, 95% CI 1.15 to 4.24), and daily menthol smokers who quit before the ban were more likely than daily non-menthol smokers to remain quit (aOR=2.81, 95% CI 1.15 to 6.85).ConclusionsAlthough menthol smokers were most likely to switch to non-menthol cigarettes, the menthol ban was also significantly associated with higher rates of quit attempts and quit success among menthol smokers compared with non-menthol smokers, and may have helped to prevent relapse among menthol smokers who had quit smoking before the ban. Results confirm and extend evaluation of Ontario’s menthol ban across provinces covering 83% of the Canadian population.


2017 ◽  
Vol 53 (3) ◽  
pp. 195-195 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrée-Anne Ledoux ◽  
Nicholas J Barrowman ◽  
Kathy Boutis ◽  
Adrienne Davis ◽  
Sarah Reid ◽  
...  

IntroductionRest until symptom-free, followed by a progressive stepwise return to activities, is often prescribed in the management of paediatric concussions. Recent evidence suggests prolonged rest may hinder recovery, and early resumption of physical activity may be associated with more rapid recovery postconcussion. The primary objective is to determine whether the early reintroduction of non-contact physical activity beginning 72 hours postinjury reduces postconcussive symptoms at 2 weeks in children following an acute concussion as compared with a rest until asymptomatic protocol.Methods and analysisThis study is a randomised clinical trial across three Canadian academic paediatric emergency departments. A total of 350 participants, aged 10–17.99 years, who present within 48 hours of an acute concussion, will be recruited and randomly assigned to either the study intervention protocol (resumption of physical activity 72 hours postconcussion even if experiencing symptoms) or physical rest until fully asymptomatic. Participants will document their daily physical and cognitive activities. Follow-up questionnaires will be completed at 1, 2 and 4 weeks postinjury. Compliance with the intervention will be measured using an accelerometer (24 hours/day for 14 days). Symptoms will be measured using the validated Health and Behaviour Inventory. A linear multivariable model, adjusting for site and prognostically important covariates, will be tested to determine differences between groups. The proposed protocol adheres to the RCT-CONSORT guidelines.DiscussionThis trial will determine if early resumption of non-contact physical activity following concussion reduces the burden of concussion and will provide healthcare professionals with the evidence by which to recommend the best timing of reintroducing physical activities.Trial registration numberTrial identifier (Clinicaltrials.gov) NCT02893969.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document