E-cigarette use in New Zealand-a systematic review and narrative synthesis.

AIM: This study aimed to systematically review the literature on e-cigarette use in New Zealand, focusing on prevalence, rationale for use, perceptions and exposure to the devices. METHODS: Six databases were systematically searched for articles regarding e-cigarette use in New Zealand, supplemented with a grey literature search. Seven hundred and eighteen abstracts were identified and full text of 100 articles reviewed. Studies addressing prevalence of and rationale for use, perceptions of and exposure to e-cigarettes were included. Relevant data were synthesised in a narrative summary. RESULTS: Fourteen studies addressed aspects of e-cigarette use in New Zealand, published between 2010 and 2017. Ever-use of e-cigarettes among adults and adolescents has increased, although current use remains low. Smoking strongly predicts use, and ever-use may decrease with age. Investigation of other predictors has been hindered by low prevalence and small samples. While curiosity is commonly cited for sampling e-cigarettes, many smokers are drawn by harm reduction or cessation. More complex motivators are becoming evident. Although exposure to e-cigarettes is common, many remain uncertain about their harm relative to tobacco. CONCLUSION: While the available evidence provides an overview of current use, exposure and acceptance of e-cigarettes in New Zealand, it highlights knowledge deficits and informs future monitoring.

Bismuth subgallate/borneol (suile) is superior to bacitracin in the human forearm biopsy model for acute wound healing.

BACKGROUND: The human forearm biopsy model can evaluate the effect of novel agents on acute wounds. Bismuth subgallate/borneol (Suile) is a new product cleared by the Food and Drug Administration for treating partial-thickness wounds. Anecdotal reports suggest that Suile may be effective for full-thickness wounds because of its antimicrobial and hemostatic properties. METHODS: In a randomized, investigator-blinded study, 20 normal healthy volunteers underwent 2 6-mm full-thickness skin punch biopsies on the flexor surface of each forearm (2 wounds per subject). Biopsies were randomly assigned to control (bacitracin) and test article (Suile). Wounds were examined, measured by digital planimetry, and photographed daily until healed. Adverse events and pain levels were monitored. Time-to-complete closure was determined. RESULTS: Direct quantitative and qualitative comparisons of wound healing were made. The Suile group trended strongly toward more rapid healing (log-rank analysis). Individual subject arm analysis identified which biopsies healed first. Suile-treated biopsies healed more rapidly (P = .03, paired t-test). CONCLUSION: Although this study was powered to demonstrate equivalence, convincing evidence indicates that Suile is superior to bacitracin in this model. Based on the results, future studies in full-thickness wounds with Suile are warranted. The biopsy model provides these advantages: direct comparison within subjects, rapid study completion, good patient compliance, and experience with products before embarking on larger clinical trials in wounds.