An interrupted time series analysis of gambling behavior based on gambling operator revenue-based taxation during the COVID-19 pandemic in Sweden.

OBJECTIVES: The impact of COVID-19 on gambling behavior and the gambling industry itself has been widely speculated. Prior studies have shown how boredom, social isolation, poor mental health, and financial hardships, all of which have been associated with COVID-19, can aggravate problem gambling behaviors in patients with gambling disorders while also luring newcomers. Few studies have used methods other than self-report to assess longitudinal behavioral changes in gambling behavior before versus during the pandemic. STUDY DESIGN: The present study addresses this gap by using an interrupted time series approach on data obtained from the Swedish Gambling Authority measuring taxation on gambling vendors' revenue between January 2019 and November 2021. METHODS: March, June, and October 2020 were chosen as interruption points as they correspond to the pandemic's commencement, the return of elite sports, and the second wave of cases in Sweden, respectively. We hypothesized that the pandemic would be associated with both temporary changes for select gambling types and long-term increases in online gambling. RESULTS: Results revealed the pandemic's onset was associated with transient effects at each point of interruption, as well as long-term upward trends in total gambling and commercial online gambling, excluding horse betting and the state-owned operator for online casinos and betting. CONCLUSIONS: The present study's findings, although consistent with the theory that gambling activity could increase during the pandemic, contradict previous studies that found no changes or a decrease from pre-COVID-19 levels. Findings indicate that the pandemic and Sweden's reaction to it were associated with increased use of some gambling products.

Pharmacokinetics of almitrine bismesylate: studies in patients.

Many pharmacokinetic studies have been undertaken following both intravenous and oral administration in diseased patients after acute or chronic administration. Studies were carried out on COLD patients (IV and PO routes), patients with renal insufficiency (PO route) and patients with hepatic insufficiency (PO route). Plasma almitrine bismesylate assays are performed by a simple, sensitive and specific technique using a thermoionic nitrogen detector. Pharmacokinetic results obtained are compared to those obtained on healthy volunteers and discussed in terms of absorption, distribution and elimination. Results show that for the same administered dose, pharmacokinetic profile in COLD patients is close to the pharmacokinetic profile obtained on healthy volunteers. After six months' treatment the levels are not dependent on the subject's age or weight. In patients with renal insufficiency total plasma clearance is unchanged, mean steady state levels will be the same as normal patients and almitrine bismesylate can be administered in renal subjects without a change in dosage. In patients with liver insufficiency results are more variable. Some subjects have the same profile as healthy volunteers but absorption is diminished in others. Regarding the variability in kinetics and potential for impaired elimination, almitrine bismesylate should be titrated carefully in hepatic insufficiency.