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Brain and Behavior May 2024Smoking is a risk factor for multiple sclerosis (MS) development, symptom burden, decreased medication efficacy, and increased disease-related mortality. Veterans with...
BACKGROUND AND AIMS
Smoking is a risk factor for multiple sclerosis (MS) development, symptom burden, decreased medication efficacy, and increased disease-related mortality. Veterans with MS (VwMS) smoke at critically high rates; however, treatment rates and possible disparities are unknown. To promote equitable treatment, we aim to investigate smoking cessation prescription practices for VwMS across social determinant factors.
METHODS
We extracted data from the national Veterans Health Administration electronic health records between October 1, 2017, and September 30, 2018. To derive marginal estimates of the association of MS with receipt of smoking-cessation pharmacotherapy, we used propensity score matching through the extreme gradient boosting machine learning model. VwMS who smoke were matched with veterans without MS who smoke on factors including age, race, depression, and healthcare visits. To assess the marginal association of MS with different cessation treatments, we used logistic regression and conducted stratified analyses by sex, race, and ethnicity.
RESULTS
The matched sample achieved a good balance across most covariates, compared to the pre-match sample. VwMS (n = 3320) had decreased odds of receiving prescriptions for nicotine patches ([Odds Ratio]OR = 0.86, p < .01), non-patch nicotine replacement therapy (NRT; OR = 0.81, p < .001), and standard practice dual NRT (OR = 0.77, p < .01), compared to matches without MS (n = 13,280). Men with MS had lower odds of receiving prescriptions for nicotine patches (OR = 0.88, p = .05), non-patch NRT (OR = 0.77, p < .001), and dual NRT (OR = 0.72, p < .001). Similarly, Black VwMS had lower odds of receiving prescriptions for patches (OR = 0.62, p < .001), non-patch NRT (OR = 0.75, p < .05), and dual NRT (OR = 0.52, p < .01). The odds of receiving prescriptions for bupropion or varenicline did not differ between VwMS and matches without MS.
CONCLUSION
VwMS received significantly less smoking cessation treatment, compared to matched controls without MS, showing a critical gap in health services as VwMS are not receiving dual NRT as the standard of care. Prescription rates were especially lower for male and Black VwMS, suggesting that under-represented demographic groups outside of the white female category, most often considered as the "traditional MS" group, could be under-treated regarding smoking cessation support. This foundational work will help inform future work to promote equitable treatment and implementation of cessation interventions for people living with MS.
Topics: Humans; Male; Female; Veterans; Smoking Cessation; Multiple Sclerosis; Middle Aged; United States; Tobacco Use Cessation Devices; Healthcare Disparities; Adult; United States Department of Veterans Affairs; Smoking Cessation Agents; Aged; Bupropion; Varenicline
PubMed: 38698620
DOI: 10.1002/brb3.3513 -
Tobacco Induced Diseases 2024We aim to assess the association between smoking behavior and intracranial aneurysms (IAs) and the effect of smoking cessation medications on IAs at the genetic level.
INTRODUCTION
We aim to assess the association between smoking behavior and intracranial aneurysms (IAs) and the effect of smoking cessation medications on IAs at the genetic level.
METHODS
Causal effects of four phenotypes: 1) age at initiation of regular smoking, 2) cigarettes smoked per day, 3) smoking cessation, and 4) smoking initiation on IAs, were analyzed using two-sample inverse-variance weighted Mendelian randomization analyses. The effects of genes interacting with the smoking cessation medications were analyzed using cis-expression quantitative trait loci genetic instruments on IAs using summary statistics-based Mendelian randomization analyses. Colocalization analyses were then used to test whether the genes shared causal variants with IAs. The role of confounding phenotypes as potential causative mechanisms of IAs at these gene loci was tested.
RESULTS
Cigarettes smoked per day (OR=2.89; 95% CI:1.85-4.51) and smoking initiation on IAs (OR=4.64; 95% CI: 2.64-8.15) were significantly associated with IA risk. However, age at initiation of regular smoking (OR=0.54; 95% CI: 0.10-2.8) and smoking cessation (OR=6.80; 95% CI: 0.01-4812) had no overall effect on IAs. Of 88 genes that interacted with smoking cessation medications, two had a causal effect on IA risk. Genetic variants affecting HYKK levels showed strong evidence of colocalization with IA risk. Higher HYKK levels in the blood were associated with a lower IA risk. Gene target analyses revealed that cigarettes/day could be a main mediator of HYKK's effect on IA risk.
CONCLUSIONS
This study provides evidence supporting that smoking initiation on IAs and cigarettes/day may increase IA risk. Increased HYKK gene expression may reduce IA risk. This can be explained by the increased number of cigarettes consumed daily. HYKK could also reduce IA risk due to the positive effect of continuous abstinence and varenicline therapy on smoking cessation.
PubMed: 38690207
DOI: 10.18332/tid/186171 -
JAMA Network Open Apr 2024Smoking is the leading preventable cause of death and illness in the US. Identifying cost-effective smoking cessation treatment may increase the likelihood that health... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
IMPORTANCE
Smoking is the leading preventable cause of death and illness in the US. Identifying cost-effective smoking cessation treatment may increase the likelihood that health systems deliver such treatment to their patients who smoke.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of standard vs enhanced varenicline use (extended varenicline treatment or varenicline in combination with nicotine replacement therapy) among individuals trying to quit smoking.
DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS
This economic evaluation assesses the Quitting Using Intensive Treatments Study (QUITS), which randomized 1251 study participants who smoked into 4 conditions: (1) 12-week varenicline monotherapy (n = 315); (2) 24-week varenicline monotherapy (n = 311); (3) 12-week varenicline combination treatment with nicotine replacement therapy patch (n = 314); or (4) 24-week varenicline combination treatment with nicotine replacement therapy patch (n = 311). Study enrollment occurred in Madison and Milwaukee, Wisconsin, between November 11, 2017, and July 2, 2020. Statistical analysis took place from May to October 2023.
MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES
The primary outcome was 7-day point prevalence abstinence (biochemically confirmed with exhaled carbon monoxide level ≤5 ppm) at 52 weeks. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER), or cost per additional person who quit smoking, was calculated using decision tree analysis based on abstinence and cost for each arm of the trial.
RESULTS
Of the 1251 participants, mean (SD) age was 49.1 (11.9) years, 675 (54.0%) were women, and 881 (70.4%) completed the 52-week follow-up. Tobacco cessation at 52 weeks was 25.1% (79 of 315) for 12-week monotherapy, 24.4% (76 of 311) for 24-week monotherapy, 23.6% (74 of 314) for 12-week combination therapy, and 25.1% (78 of 311) for 24-week combination therapy, respectively. The total mean (SD) cost was $1175 ($365) for 12-week monotherapy, $1374 ($412) for 12-week combination therapy, $2022 ($813) for 24-week monotherapy, and $2118 ($1058) for 24-week combination therapy. The ICER for 12-week varenicline monotherapy was $4681 per individual who quit smoking and $4579 per quality-adjusted life-year (QALY) added. The ICER for 24-week varenicline combination therapy relative to 12-week monotherapy was $92 000 000 per additional individual who quit smoking and $90 000 000 (95% CI, $15 703 to dominated or more costly and less efficacious) per additional QALY.
CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE
This economic evaluation of standard vs enhanced varenicline treatment for smoking cessation suggests that 12-week varenicline monotherapy was the most cost-effective treatment option at the commonly cited threshold of $100 000/QALY. This study provides patients, health care professionals, and other stakeholders with increased understanding of the health and economic impact of more intensive varenicline treatment options.
Topics: Humans; Varenicline; Female; Male; Cost-Benefit Analysis; Middle Aged; Adult; Smoking Cessation; Smoking Cessation Agents; Tobacco Use Cessation Devices; Tobacco Use Cessation
PubMed: 38683609
DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.8727 -
Brain Sciences Apr 2024This scoping review explores the use of neuromodulation techniques in individuals with cannabis use. Our goal was to determine whether cannabis use alters cortical... (Review)
Review
This scoping review explores the use of neuromodulation techniques in individuals with cannabis use. Our goal was to determine whether cannabis use alters cortical excitation and inhibition in the context of neuromodulation and to determine whether neuromodulation affects craving and cannabis use patterns. A systematic search was conducted using PubMed, OVID Medline, and PsycINFO from inception to 20 December 2022. Our review identified ten relevant studies, eight of which used Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), while two employed Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS). Findings from TMS studies suggest that cannabis users exhibit altered cortical inhibition, with decreased short interval intracortical inhibition (SICI) compared to non-users. Single sessions of rTMS did not have any impact on cannabis craving. By contrast, two studies found that multiple sessions of rTMS reduced cannabis use, but these changes did not meet the threshold for statistical significance and both studies were limited by small sample sizes. The two included tDCS studies found contradictory results, with one showing reduced cannabis craving with active treatment and another showing no effect of active treatment on craving compared to sham. Future studies should further explore the effects of multiple treatment sessions and different neuromodulation modalities.
PubMed: 38672008
DOI: 10.3390/brainsci14040356 -
Ophthalmology and Therapy Jun 2024The purpose of this study is to evaluate the use of a varenicline solution nasal spray (VNS) for reducing the signs and symptoms of dry eye following laser in situ...
INTRODUCTION
The purpose of this study is to evaluate the use of a varenicline solution nasal spray (VNS) for reducing the signs and symptoms of dry eye following laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK).
METHODS
Subjects electing to undergo LASIK were randomized to VNS (study group) or placebo/vehicle (control group) and initiated treatment with the nasal spray twice daily 28 days prior to surgery with continued treatment for 84 days following LASIK. After initiation of treatment, subjects were seen on the day of surgery and postoperatively on Days 1, 7, 28, 84 (3 months) and 168 (6 months). The primary outcome measure was the mean change in NEI-VFQ-25, a 25-item dry eye questionnaire, from baseline to 3 months. The second primary outcome measure was the mean change in corneal fluorescein staining. Secondary outcome measures included evaluation of tear break-up time, Schirmer testing, tear osmolarity and eye dryness score (EDS).
RESULTS
Twenty subjects were enrolled in each group and successfully underwent LASIK. Both groups demonstrated an improvement in the National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire (NEI-VFQ) at 3 months. The study group demonstrated improved corneal staining scores at months 1 and 3. Similarly, the study group demonstrated improvement in tear osmolarity scores versus the placebo group at the same time points. Although the study group was numerically greater than placebo for each time point for both corneal staining and tear osmolarity, the differences were not statistically significant for any primary or secondary outcome measures.
CONCLUSION
VNS is a dry eye treatment option for patients following LASIK and may have potential benefit for patients hoping to avoid additional topical medications. The results were not statistically significant compared to placebo in this trial, and further investigation of the use of VNS following LASIK in a larger trial would be beneficial.
PubMed: 38662191
DOI: 10.1007/s40123-024-00949-4 -
European Journal of Medical Research Apr 2024To determine the effect of colchicine on cancer risk in patients with the immune-mediated inflammatory diseases (IMIDs)-related to colchicine use.
The effect of colchicine on cancer risk in patients with immune-mediated inflammatory diseases: a time-dependent study based on the Taiwan's National Health Insurance Research Database.
BACKGROUND
To determine the effect of colchicine on cancer risk in patients with the immune-mediated inflammatory diseases (IMIDs)-related to colchicine use.
METHODS
This is a time-dependent propensity-matched general population study based on the National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD) of Taiwan. We identified the IMIDs patients (n = 111,644) newly diagnosed between 2000 and 2012 based on the International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-9-CM)-274,712, 135, 136.1, 279.49, 518.3, 287.0, 696.0, 696.1, 696.8, 420, 429.4, 710.0, 710.1, 710.3, 710.4, 714.0, 720, 55.0, 55.1, 55.9, 556.
INCLUSION CRITERIA
aged ≧ 20 years, if a patient had at least these disease diagnosis requirements within 1 year of follow-up, and, these patients had at least two outpatient visits or an inpatient visit. After propensity-matched according to age, sex, comorbidities, medications and index date, the IMIDs patients enter into colchicine users (N = 16,026) and colchicine nonusers (N = 16,026). Furthermore, time-dependent Cox models were used to analyze cancer risk in propensity-matched colchicine users compared with the nonusers. The cumulative cancer incidence was analyzed using Cox proportional regression analysis. We calculated adjusted hazard ratios (aHRs) and their 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) for cancer after adjusting for sex, age, comorbidities, and use of medicine including acetylcysteine, medication for smoking cessation such as nicotine replacement medicines (the nicotine patch) and pill medicines (varenicline), anti-inflammatory drugs and immunosuppressant drugs.
RESULTS
Comparing the colchicine nonusers, all cancer risk were mildly attenuated, the (aHR (95% CI)) of all cancer is (0.84 (0.55, 0.99)). Meanwhile, the colchicine users were associated with the lower incidence of the colorectal cancer, the (aHRs (95% CI)) is (0.22 (0.19, 0.89)). Those aged < 65 years and male/female having the colchicine users were associated with lower risk the colorectal cancer also. Moreover, the colchicine > 20 days use with the lower aHR for colorectal cancer.
CONCLUSION
Colchicine was associated with the lower aHR of the all cancer and colorectal cancer formation in patients with the IMIDs.
Topics: Humans; Colchicine; Female; Male; Taiwan; Middle Aged; Neoplasms; Aged; Databases, Factual; National Health Programs; Adult; Risk Factors; Inflammation; Incidence
PubMed: 38649928
DOI: 10.1186/s40001-024-01836-1 -
Tobacco Induced Diseases 2024Smoking cessation is the best strategy for reducing tobacco-related morbimortality. The goal of this randomized controlled trial was to test whether using the...
Efficacy of bupropion and varenicline genetic markers in choosing pharmacological treatment for smoking cessation, and implications for combining drugs: A randomized controlled trial - GENTSMOKING.
INTRODUCTION
Smoking cessation is the best strategy for reducing tobacco-related morbimortality. The goal of this randomized controlled trial was to test whether using the genetically favorable markers to choose a smoking cessation drug treatment (precision medicine) was superior to using the most effective drug (varenicline) in terms of abstinence rates. Additionally, combination therapy was tested when monotherapy failed.
METHODS
This partially blind, single-center study randomized (1:1) 361 participants into two major groups. In the genetic group (n=184), CYP2B6 rs2279343 (genotype AA) participants started treatment with bupropion, and CHRNA4 rs1044396 (genotype CT or TT) participants started treatment with varenicline; when genetic favorable to both, participants started treatment with bupropion, and when favorable to neither, on both drugs. In the control group (n=177), participants started treatment with varenicline, regardless of genetic markers. Drug treatment lasted 12 weeks. Efficacy endpoints were abstinence rates at Weeks 4, and Weeks 8-12, biochemically validated by carbon monoxide in exhaled air. Participants who did not achieve complete abstinence at Week 4, regardless of group, were given the choice to receive combination therapy.
RESULTS
Abstinence rates were 42.9% (95% CI: 36-64) in the control group versus 30.4% (95% CI: 23-37) in the genetic group at Week 4 (p=0.01); and 74% (95% CI: 67-80) versus 52% (95% CI: 49-64) at Week 12 (p<0.001), respectively. The strategy of combining drugs after Week 4 increased abstinence rates in both groups and the significant difference between genetic and control groups was maintained.
CONCLUSIONS
Results show that using these selected genetic markers was inferior to starting treatment with varenicline (control group), which is currently the most effective smoking cessation drug; moreover, the addition of bupropion in cases of varenicline monotherapy failure improves the efficacy rate until the end of treatment.
CLINICAL TRIAL IDENTIFIER
NCT03362099.
PubMed: 38628555
DOI: 10.18332/tid/186072 -
CMAJ : Canadian Medical Association... Apr 2024
Topics: Humans; Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation; Smoking Cessation
PubMed: 38621778
DOI: 10.1503/cmaj.230806-f -
Brain Sciences Mar 2024Previous research has indicated that anticipating positive effects from cannabis use may be linked with increased frequency of cannabis consumption, yet these...
Previous research has indicated that anticipating positive effects from cannabis use may be linked with increased frequency of cannabis consumption, yet these expectancies remain poorly understood in adults with social anxiety disorder (SAD). Thus, our study aimed to investigate the expectancies of the effects of cannabis use in 26 frequently using adults with SAD (age: 27.9 ± 7.3 years; 54% female) and 26 (age: 27.4 ± 6.7 years; 50% female) without. While no between-group differences were observed, both groups reported expecting tension reduction and relaxation (F = 0.001; = 0.974), cravings, and physical effects (F = 1.10; = 0.300), but denied global negative effects (F = 0.11; = 0.744). The trajectory of cannabis use perceptions (further investigated in 12/26 participants/group) also showed no between-group differences. Before the initial use, positive perceptions may have led to initial and continuous cannabis consumption, while the symptoms of cannabis use disorder may have contributed to repeated use. Our data indicate that, regardless of psychiatric history, frequent cannabis-using adults are more likely to report positive expectancies, which are often associated with increased patterns of cannabis consumption. Psychoeducational programs and openly discussing the risks of cannabis may be beneficial in preventing and/or reducing cannabis use in people with SAD.
PubMed: 38539634
DOI: 10.3390/brainsci14030246 -
Cureus Feb 2024The smoking epidemic is the greatest threat to global public health that has ever existed. Teenagers constantly perceive smoking as a way to communicate with friends and... (Review)
Review
The smoking epidemic is the greatest threat to global public health that has ever existed. Teenagers constantly perceive smoking as a way to communicate with friends and express their emotions. Adolescent smokers should be noticed immediately before the extended period of tobacco addiction and being resistant to the interventions. The aim of this study is to assess the effectiveness of healthcare interventions targeting smoking cessation in adolescents within low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) and to summarize the options, benefits, and affordability of interventions for quitting smoking that may be implemented in LMICs. The review highlights the effectiveness of various pharmacological interventions, such as nicotine replacement therapy (NRT), bupropion, nortriptyline, varenicline, and cytosine, shedding light on their respective success rates in aiding smoking cessation. Additionally, the study delves into the realm of behavioral interventions, emphasizing the significant impact of counseling, brief advice, and automated text messaging in promoting smoking cessation among adolescents. Furthermore, the review examines the influence of external factors, such as an increase in cigarette prices and changes in the smoking environment, on smoking habits. It underscores the importance of creating smoke-free areas and leveraging community involvement to enhance the effectiveness of interventions. The study also evaluates the affordability and sustainability of smoking cessation interventions, emphasizing the need for a balanced combination of pharmacotherapy and behavioral support. The advantages of quitting smoking will improve the nation's health and boost economic productivity.
PubMed: 38481929
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.54051