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Competing Interests: Conflicts of interest J.L.-B. is an Associate Editor for Evidence Synthesis for the BJD. C.F. is the Section Editor for the Evidence-​Based Dermatology section of the BJD. G.S. and L.L.C. are Associate Editors for the Evidence-Based Dermatology section of the BJD.

Introduction: Unsupported attempts to quit smoking during pregnancy have a low success rate. Chances of quitting successfully are higher with an interpersonal treatment programme but there is low uptake of this in the United Kingdom (UK). Delivering a pregnancy-specific treatment programme digitally may provide an alternative treatment route. This study explored pregnant smokers' perceptions of barriers and facilitators to using digital cessation support, along with identifying modes of delivery and engagement enhancers., Methods: Semi-structured interviews were carried out with an ethnically and socioeconomically diverse sample of 25 participants with recent experience of attempting to quit smoking in pregnancy, aged 20 - 40, from the UK. An inductive thematic analysis approach was used., Results: Digital smoking cessation support, particularly a smartphone app, for pregnancy was felt to overcome many barriers to engaging with interpersonal support, being viewed as more convenient and non-judgemental, providing better consistency of advice, and enhancing privacy and autonomy. However, some participants felt that removing access to a human could undermine a digital support package and reduce engagement. Popular engagement enhancers included self-monitoring (e.g. digital recording of smoking; smartphone-linked carbon monoxide monitoring), online communities, and remote access to nicotine substitution options. Digital support was viewed as having potential as a stand-alone intervention or working in conjunction with standard interpersonal treatment., Conclusions: The findings support the investigation of a digital support package as both a stand-alone and adjunct to standard interpersonal cessation support in pregnancy to increase the proportion of pregnant smokers who make a supported quit attempt., Implications: In many countries like the UK, there are few smoking cessation options routinely available that provide effective support for smoking cessation in pregnancy. To maximise impact, health services need an effective range of strategies to engage with and support quit attempts made by all pregnant smokers, particularly as interpersonal support options are not often well engaged with. Development of a pregnancy-specific digital support package for smoking cessation in pregnancy may represent a means to help address this gap., (© The Author(s) 2024. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco.)

Introduction: Digital cessation support appeals to pregnant smokers. In two pooled RCTs, MiQuit, a pregnancy-specific tailored text messaging intervention, did not show effectiveness for validated prolonged abstinence. However, secondary outcomes and potential moderators and mediators have not been investigated. We aimed to determine, using pooled RCT data: (1) MiQuit effectiveness on a range of smoking outcomes; (2) whether baseline tobacco dependence or quit motivation moderate effectiveness; (3) whether hypothesized mechanisms of action (quitting determination, self-efficacy, baby harm beliefs, lapse prevention strategies) mediate effectiveness., Methods: Pooled data analysis from two procedurally identical RCTs comparing MiQuit (N = 704) to usual care (N = 705). Participants were smokers, <25 weeks pregnant, recruited from 40 English antenatal clinics. Outcomes included self-reported 7-day abstinence at 4 weeks post-baseline and late pregnancy, and prolonged abstinence. Late pregnancy outcomes were also biochemically validated. We used hierarchical regression and structural equation modeling., Results: MiQuit increased self-reported, 7-day abstinence at 4 weeks (OR = 1.73 [95% CI 1.10-2.74]) and was borderline significant at late pregnancy (OR = 1.34 [0.99-1.82]) but not for prolonged or validated outcomes. Effectiveness was not moderated by baseline dependence (heaviness of smoking "low" vs. "moderate-high") or motivation (planning to quit ≤30 days [high] vs. >30 days [low]), but effects on self-reported outcomes were larger for the high motivation sub-group. MiQuit had a small effect on mean lapse prevention strategies (MiQuit 8.6 [SE 0.17], UC 8.1 [SE 0.17]; P = .030) but not other mechanisms., Conclusions: MiQuit increased short-term but not prolonged or validated abstinence and may be most effective for those motivated to quit sooner., Implications: Digital cessation support appeals to pregnant smokers. MiQuit, a tailored, theory-guided text messaging program for quitting smoking in pregnancy, has not shown effectiveness for validated prolonged abstinence in two previous RCTs but its impact on other smoking outcomes and potential mechanisms of action are unknown. When pooling trial data, MiQuit increased self-reported short-term abstinence, including making a quit attempt and abstinence at 4-week follow-up, but not late pregnancy, sustained, or validated abstinence. MiQuit appeared effective at late pregnancy for participants with high quitting motivation, but its mechanisms of action remain uncertain. Additional support components are likely required to enhance effectiveness., (© The Author(s) 2024. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco.)

Aims: To explore the effect or potential effect of alcohol marketing in people with an alcohol use disorder, in recovery from an alcohol use disorder, and hazardous and harmful drinkers., Methods: Relevant literature was identified by searching Medline (OVID), EMBASE (OVID), and PsycINFO (OVID) and relevant websites. Both quantitative and qualitative studies were eligible for inclusion. A narrative approach was used to synthesize the findings., Results: The review included 10 studies. Two quantitative and three qualitative studies focused on participants recovering from an alcohol use disorder and five quantitative studies on those with hazardous or harmful consumption levels of alcohol. The effect of alcohol advertising on alcohol use was only assessed in one study, a small experimental study of young adult heavy drinkers, which found no significant association. Studies looking at other outcomes found that people with or at risk of alcohol problems were likely to notice alcohol advertisements and find them appealing, and that advertisements may have an effect on positive alcohol-related emotions and cognitions. Among people in recovery from an alcohol use disorder, findings suggested that there could be an effect on craving, and that alcohol marketing may be perceived to trigger a desire to drink., Conclusions: Alcohol marketing is likely to have an effect on alcohol consumption in people with, or at increased risk of, an alcohol problem. Studies have also found that alcohol marketing is perceived to act as a trigger by people in recovery from alcohol problems., Summary: A rapid review explored the effect of alcohol marketing in people with an alcohol use disorder, in recovery from an alcohol use disorder, and hazardous and harmful drinkers. The findings of the 10 included studies suggest that an effect of alcohol marketing in these populations is likely., (© The Author(s) 2024. Medical Council on Alcohol and Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.)

Background: Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common cancer affecting white-skinned individuals, and the worldwide incidence is increasing. Although rarely fatal, BCC is associated with significant morbidity and costs., Objectives: To assess the effects of interventions for primary BCC in immunocompetent adults., Methods: We updated our searches of the following databases to November 2019: Cochrane Skin Group Specialised Register, CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL and LILACS. Certainty of evidence was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation method. We used standard methodological procedures expected by Cochrane., Results: We included 52 randomized controlled trials with 6990 participants (median age 65 years; range 20-95). Mean study duration was 13 months (range 6 weeks-10 years). Ninety-two per cent (n = 48/52) of studies exclusively included histologically low-risk BCC (nodular and superficial subtypes). The certainty of evidence was predominantly low or moderate for the outcomes of interest. Overall, surgical interventions have the lowest recurrence rates, and there may be slightly fewer recurrences with Mohs micrographic surgery over surgical excision for primary, facial BCC (high-risk histological subtype or located in the 'H-zone' or both) (low-certainty evidence). Nonsurgical treatments, when used for low-risk BCC, are less effective than surgical treatments, but recurrence rates are acceptable and cosmetic outcomes are probably superior., Conclusions: Surgical interventions have lower recurrence rates and remain the gold standard for high-risk BCC. Of the nonsurgical treatments, topical imiquimod has the best evidence to support its efficacy for low-risk BCC. Priorities for future research include agreement on core outcome measures and studies with longer follow-up., (© 2021 The Authors. British Journal of Dermatology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of British Association of Dermatologists.)

Background: Limited research exists on interest in and use of smoking cessation support in pregnancy and postpartum., Methods: A longitudinal cohort of pregnant smokers and recent ex-smokers were recruited in Nottinghamshire, United Kingdom (N = 850). Data were collected at 8-26 weeks gestation, 34-36 weeks gestation, and 3 months postpartum and used as three cross-sectional surveys. Interest and use of cessation support and belief and behavior measures were collected at all waves. Key data were adjusted for nonresponse and analyzed descriptively, and multiple regression was used to identify associations., Results: In early and late pregnancy, 44% (95% CI 40% to 48%) and 43% (95% CI 37% to 49%) of smokers, respectively, were interested in cessation support with 33% (95% CI 27% to 39%) interested postpartum. In early pregnancy, 43% of smokers reported discussing cessation with a midwife and, in late pregnancy, 27% did so. Over one-third (38%) did not report discussing quitting with a health professional during pregnancy. Twenty-seven percent of smokers reported using any National Health Service (NHS) cessation support and 12% accessed NHS Stop Smoking Services during pregnancy. Lower quitting confidence (self-efficacy), higher confidence in stopping with support, higher quitting motivation, and higher age were associated with higher interest in support (ps ≤ .001). A recent quit attempt and greater interest in support was associated with speaking to a health professional about quitting and use of NHS cessation support (ps ≤ .001)., Conclusions: When asked in early or late pregnancy, about half of pregnant smokers were interested in cessation support, though most did not engage. Cessation support should be offered throughout pregnancy and after delivery., Implications: There is relatively high interest in cessation support in early and late pregnancy and postpartum among smokers; however, a much smaller proportion of pregnant or postpartum women access any cessation support, highlighting a gap between interest and engagement. Reflecting women's interest, offers of cessation support should be provided throughout pregnancy and after delivery. Increasing motivation to quit and confidence in quitting with assistance may enhance interest in support, and promoting the discussion of stopping smoking between women and health practitioners may contribute to higher support engagement rates., (© The Author(s) 2019. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco.)

Background: The association between cigarette smoking and schizophrenia is well established. However, up to 90% of people with schizophrenia begin smoking before the onset of their illness; thus, smoking could be an independent risk factor for schizophrenia. Prenatal exposure to maternal cigarette smoke is also associated with psychiatric problems in adolescence. Therefore, our aim was to undertake a systematic review and meta-analysis to explore the effect of smoking, and prenatal smoke exposure, on risk of schizophrenia., Method: We systematically searched Medline, EMBASE, PsychInfo, Maternity and Infant Care, and Web of Science (from inception to February 2018) to identify comparative observational studies of the risk of schizophrenia in relation to smoking status. Measures of relative risk (RR) were pooled in a meta-analysis with 95% confidence intervals (CI), using random effects model., Results: Twelve studies (9 cohort, 3 case-control) were included. Odds ratios (OR) and hazard ratios (HR) were pooled together to estimate pooled relative risks and estimates combined in a meta-analysis on an assumption of constant risk over time. Smokers had a significantly increased risk of schizophrenia compared with nonsmokers (RR = 1.99, 95% CI = 1.10% to 3.61%, I2 = 97%, 5 studies). Exposure to prenatal smoke increased the risk of schizophrenia by 29% (95% CI = 1.10% to 1.51%, I2 = 71%, 7 studies). Sensitivity analyses identified no significant differences between the results from studies reporting OR and hazard ratio., Conclusions: Our findings suggest smoking, and prenatal smoke exposure, may be an independent risk factor for schizophrenia. Care should be taken when inferring causation, given the observational nature of the studies., Implications: In this meta-analysis of 12 studies, smokers had a significantly increased risk of schizophrenia compared with nonsmokers. Exposure to prenatal tobacco smoke also increased the risk of schizophrenia by 29% compared with those with no exposure to prenatal tobacco smoke. Our findings suggest that smoking, and prenatal tobacco smoke exposure, may be independent risk factors for schizophrenia. These results may have important public health implications for decreasing the incidence of schizophrenia. The possibility of a causal link between smoking and schizophrenia warrants further investigation., (© The Author(s) 2018. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.)

Background: While evidence exists to support the effectiveness of neuraminidase inhibitors (NAIs) in reducing mortality when given to hospitalized patients with A(H1N1)pdm09 virus infection, the impact of outpatient treatment on hospitalization has not been clearly established. We investigated the impact of outpatient NAI treatment on subsequent hospitalization in patients with A(H1N1)pdm09 virus infection., Methods: We assembled general community and outpatient data from 9 clinical centers in different countries collected between January 2009 and December 2010. We standardized data from each study center to create a pooled dataset and then used mixed-effects logistic regression modeling to determine the effect of NAI treatment on hospitalization. We adjusted for NAI treatment propensity and preadmission antibiotic use, including "study center" as a random intercept to account for differences in baseline hospitalization rate between centers., Results: We included 3376 patients with influenza A(H1N1)pdm09, of whom 3085 (91.4%) had laboratory-confirmed infection. Eight hundred seventy-three patients (25.8%) received outpatient or community-based NAI treatment, 928 of 2395 (38.8%) with available data had dyspnea or respiratory distress, and hospitalizations occurred in 1705 (50.5%). After adjustment for preadmission antibiotics and NAI treatment propensity, preadmission NAI treatment was associated with decreased odds of hospital admission compared to no NAI treatment (adjusted odds ratio, 0.24; 95% confidence interval, 0.20-0.30)., Conclusions: In a population with confirmed or suspected A(H1N1)pdm09 and at high risk of hospitalization, outpatient or community-based NAI treatment significantly reduced the likelihood of requiring hospital admission. These data suggest that community patients with severe influenza should receive NAI treatment., (© The Author 2017. Published by Oxford University Press for the Infectious Diseases Society of America.)

Introduction: In nonpregnant "quitters," adherence to nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) increases smoking cessation. We investigated relationships between adherence to placebo or NRT patches and cessation in pregnancy, including an assessment of reverse causation and whether any adherence: cessation relationship is moderated when using nicotine or placebo patches., Methods: Using data from 1050 pregnant trial participants, regression models investigated associations between maternal characteristics, adherence and smoking cessation., Results: Adherence during the first month was associated with lower baseline cotinine concentrations (β -0.08, 95% confidence interval [CI] -0.15 to -0.01) and randomization to NRT (β 2.59, 95% CI 1.50 to 3.68). Adherence during both treatment months was associated with being randomized to NRT (β 0.51, 95% CI 0.29 to 0.72) and inversely associated with higher nicotine dependence. Adherence with either NRT or placebo was associated with cessation at 1 month (odds ratio [OR] 1.11, 95% CI 1.08 to 1.13) and delivery (OR 1.06, 95% CI 1.03 to 1.09), but no such association was observed in the subgroup where reverse causation was not possible. Amongst all women, greater adherence to nicotine patches was associated with increased cessation (OR 2.47, 95% CI 1.32 to 4.63) but greater adherence to placebo was not (OR 0.98, 95% CI: 0.44 to 2.18)., Conclusion: Women who were more adherent to NRT were more likely to achieve abstinence; more nicotine dependent women probably showed lower adherence to NRT because they relapsed to smoking more quickly. The interaction between nicotine-containing patches and adherence for cessation suggests that the association between adherence with nicotine patches and cessation may be partly causal., Implications: This study used placebo randomized controlled trial data to investigate both associations between women's characteristics and adherence to NRT patch treatment, and the relationship between adherence to NRT patch treatment and odds of cessation in pregnant quitters. Greater adherence was seen with NRT patches, and greater adherence with NRT patches increased the odds of smoking cessation. A likely explanation for findings is that NRT patches, if used sufficiently, may be effective for at least some pregnant women who try to stop smoking. Trials testing interventions which encourage women's adherence to higher dose NRT are indicated., (© The Author 2016. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco.)

Vitiligo affects around 1% of the world's population. Despite it being relatively common, there is still no effective treatment. The objective of this study was to update the Cochrane systematic review of randomized clinical trials (RCTs) to evaluate the efficacy of treatments for vitiligo. We carried out searches of a range of databases to October 2013 for RCTs of interventions for vitiligo regardless of language or publication status. At least two reviewers independently assessed study eligibility and methodological quality and extracted data using data extraction forms approved by the Cochrane Skin Group. Our primary outcomes of interest were quality of life, > 75% repigmentation and adverse effects. We retrieved 96 studies, of which 39 were new studies, with an overall total of 4512 participants. Repigmentation was assessed in all studies, although only five reported on all three of our primary outcomes. Regarding our two secondary outcomes, six studies measured cessation of spread but none assessed long-term permanence of repigmentation at 2 years' follow-up. Most of the studies evaluated combination treatments, which generally showed better repigmentation than monotherapies. Of the new studies, seven were surgical interventions. The majority of the studies had fewer than 50 participants. The quality of the studies was poor to moderate at best. Very few studies specifically included children or participants with segmental vitiligo. Five years after the last update of this review, there are still important variations in study design and outcome measures in clinical trials for vitiligo, limiting the evidence for the efficacy of different therapeutic options. The best evidence from individual trials showed short-term benefit from topical corticosteroids and various forms of ultraviolet radiation combined with topical preparations. Long-term follow-up and patient-rated outcomes should be incorporated into study design, and more studies should assess psychological interventions., (© 2015 British Association of Dermatologists.)

Introduction: Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) helps nonpregnant smokers quit, but there is no evidence that standard dose NRT is effective in pregnancy. As nicotine metabolism increases in pregnancy, this could reduce NRT efficacy. Using the ratio of trans-3'-hydroxycotinine to cotinine, the nicotine metabolite ratio (NMR), we investigated relationships between the rate of nicotine metabolism, maternal characteristics and smoking cessation in pregnant women recruited to a randomized controlled trial of NRT., Methods: Data from 1,050 pregnant smokers in the Smoking, Nicotine and Pregnancy trial who were of 12-24 weeks gestation had exhaled carbon monoxide readings of ≥8 ppm at recruitment and who were randomized to NRT or placebo patches were used. Linear and logistic regression investigated associations between maternal characteristics and NMR and also between NMR and subsequent validated cessation from smoking., Results: Six hundred and sixty-two women (63%) provided blood samples for NMR estimation. Higher NMR was associated with increased cigarette consumption prior to pregnancy. At 1 month (odds ratio [OR] = 0.87; 95% CI = 0.76-0.99; p = .043) and delivery (OR = 0.79; 95% CI = 0.66-0.95; p = .010), there was a significant negative association between a 0.1 unit increase in NMR and odds of achieving cessation after adjusting for possible confounders. There was no evidence for an interaction between a 0.1 unit increase in NMR and treatment assignment on the odds of cessation at 1 month post-quit date (p = .556)., Conclusion: Pregnant women who metabolize nicotine more rapidly are less likely to achieve cessation when they try to quit smoking. There is no evidence that NRT is more effective in women who metabolize nicotine more slowly., (© The Author 2015. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.)

Background: Most studies have reported that corticosteroid therapy adversely influences influenza-related outcomes., Methods: Electronic databases were searched from inception to March 2013 for experimental and observational studies investigating systemic corticosteroid therapy for presumed influenza-associated complications. Meta-analysis of Observational Studies in Epidemiology guidelines were adopted. Pooled odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated using random-effects models, and heterogeneity was assessed using the I(2) statistic. Quality of evidence was assessed using the Grading Assessment, Development, and Evaluation system., Results: We identified 16 eligible studies (3039 individuals), all of which were observational; 10 (1497 individuals) were included in the meta-analysis of mortality, of which 9 studied patients with 2009 pandemic influenza A virus subtype H1N1. Risk of bias was greatest in the comparability domain of the Newcastle-Ottawa scale, consistent with potential confounding by indication, and data specific to mortality were of low quality. Meta-analysis found an increased odds of mortality (OR, 2.12; 95% CI, 1.36-3.29) associated with corticosteroid therapy. Subgroup analysis of adjusted estimates from 4 studies with very low statistical heterogeneity found a similar association (OR, 2.58; 95% CI, 1.39-4.79)., Conclusions: No completed clinical trials were identified. Evidence from observational studies, with important limitations, suggests that corticosteroid therapy for presumed influenza-associated complications is associated with increased mortality., (© The Author 2014. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Infectious Diseases Society of America. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.)

Introduction: Previous studies have found partners' smoking status, multiparity, and nicotine dependence to be associated with smoking cessation in pregnancy. However, no studies have investigated influences on cessation among women using nicotine replacement therapy (NRT). We analyzed data from a trial of NRT in pregnancy to determine factors associated with shorter- and longer-term cessation., Methods: Data were collected at baseline, 1 month, and delivery from 1,050 pregnant women. Two multivariable logistic models for validated cessation at 1 month and delivery were created with a systematic strategy for selection of included factors., Results: All findings are from multivariable analyses. At 1 month, odds of cessation were greater among those who completed full time education at >16 years of age (odds ratio [OR] = 1.82, 95% confidence interval CI = 1.24-2.67, p = .002) but they were lower in women with higher baseline cotinine levels (OR = 0.93, 95% CI = 0.90-0.95, p < .001). At delivery, the odds of cessation were greater among those who completed full time education at >16 years of age (OR = 1.89, 95% CI = 1.16-3.07, p = 0.010) but were inversely associated with higher baseline cotinine levels (OR = 0.96, 95% CI = 0.92-0.99, p = .010)., Conclusions: Women who are better educated and have lower pretreatment cotinine concentrations had higher odds of stopping smoking and factors associated with shorter and longer term cessation were similar.

Background: Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is one of the most common types of nonmelanoma skin cancer affecting the white population; however, little is known about how the incidence varies across the U.K., Objectives: To determine the variation in BCC throughout the U.K., Methods: Data from 2004 to 2010 were obtained from The Health Improvement Network database. European and world age-standardized incidence rates (EASRs and WASRs, respectively) were obtained for country-level estimates and levels of socioeconomic deprivation, while strategic health-authority-level estimates were directly age and sex standardized to the U.K. standard population. Incidence-rate ratios were estimated using multivariable Poisson regression models., Results: The overall EASR and WASR of BCC in the U.K. were 98.6 per 100,000 person-years and 66.9 per 100,000 person-years, respectively. Regional-level incidence rates indicated a significant geographical variation in the distribution of BCC, which was more pronounced in the southern parts of the country. The South East Coast had the highest BCC rate followed by South Central, Wales and the South West. Incidence rates were substantially higher in the least deprived groups and we observed a trend of decreasing incidence with increasing levels of deprivation (P < 0.001). Finally, in terms of age groups, the largest annual increase was observed among those aged 30-49 years., Conclusions: Basal cell carcinoma is an increasing health problem in the U.K.; the southern regions of the U.K. and those in the least deprived groups had a higher incidence of BCC. Our findings indicate an increased incidence of BCC for younger age groups below 49 years., (© 2013 British Association of Dermatologists.)

Background: The impact of neuraminidase inhibitor (NAI) treatment on clinical outcomes of public health importance during the 2009-2010 pandemic has not been firmly established., Methods: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis, searching 11 databases (2009 through April 2012) for relevant studies. We used standard methods conforming to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Pooled odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated using random effects models., Results: Regarding mortality we observed a nonsignificant reduction associated with NAI treatment (at any time) versus none (OR, 0.72 [95% CI, .51-1.01]). However we observed significant reductions for early treatment (≤48 hours after symptom onset) versus late (OR, 0.38 [95% CI, .27-.53]) and for early treatment versus none (OR, 0.35 [95% CI, .18-.71]). NAI treatment (at any time) versus none was associated with an elevated risk of severe outcome (OR, 1.76 [95% CI, 1.22-2.54]), but early versus late treatment reduced the likelihood (OR, 0.41 [95% CI, .30-.56])., Conclusions: During the 2009-2010 influenza A(H1N1) pandemic, early initiation of NAI treatment reduced the likelihood of severe outcomes compared with late or no treatment., Prospero Registration: CRD42011001273.

Background:   Nonmelanoma skin cancer (NMSC) is the most common cancer affecting white-skinned individuals and the incidence is increasing worldwide., Objectives: This systematic review brings together 75 studies conducted over the past half century to look at geographical variations and trends worldwide in NMSC, and specifically incidence data are compared with recent U.K. cancer registry data., Methods: Following the development of a comprehensive search strategy, an assessment tool was adapted to look at the methodological quality of the eligible studies., Results: Most of the studies focused on white populations in Europe, the U.S.A. and Australia; however, limited data were available for other skin types in regions such as Africa. Worldwide the incidence for NMSC varies widely with the highest rates in Australia [>1000/100, 000 person-years for basal cell carcinoma (BCC)] and the lowest rates in parts of Africa (< 1/100, 000 person-years for BCC). The average incidence rates in England were 76·21/100, 000 person-years and 22·65/100, 000 person-years for BCC and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), respectively, with highest rates in the South-West of England (121·29/100, 000 person-years for BCC and 33·02/100, 000 person-years for SCC) and lowest rates by far in London (0·24/100, 000 person-years for BCC and 14·98/100, 000 person-years for SCC). The incidence rates in the U.K. appear to be increasing at a greater rate when compared with the rest of Europe., Conclusions: NMSC is an increasing problem for health care services worldwide. This review highlights a requirement for prevention studies in this area and the issues surrounding incomplete NMSC registration. Registration standards of NMSC should be improved to the level of other invasive disease., (© 2012 The Authors. BJD © 2012 British Association of Dermatologists.)

Background: In high-income countries, those with low-to-middle incomes have been observing stagnating median wages and marginal improvements in their living standards. Smokers in financial difficulties appear to be less likely to quit smoking. Understanding the reasons for this is essential to intervening to improve cessation outcomes in this population, and reduce smoking-related health inequalities., Methods: We used longitudinal data from Waves 4 to 7 of the ITC Four Country Survey (ITC-4), and included those with data from at least two consecutive waves. Associations between financial difficulties and making a quit attempt, and quit success were analysed using generalised estimating equations, with adjustment for confounders. Mediation analysis was conducted to identify potential mediators of the observed effects of financial difficulties on cessation outcomes., Results: Having financial difficulties had little impact on making quit attempts (adjusted OR 0.84, 95% CI 0.70-1.01). Smokers with financial difficulties were substantially less likely to succeed at quitting (adjusted OR 0.55, 95% CI 0.39-0.76); an effect which was consistent over the survey years. Among the potential mediators examined, those relating to cognition of health-related and quality of life-related consequences of smoking were the most important mediators, though the proportion of the effect mediated by the largest mediator was small (6.8%)., Conclusion: Having financial difficulties remains an important barrier to smokers achieving quit success. This effect does not appear to be due to anticipated factors such as reduced use of cessation services or treatment. Further research is required to determine strong mediators of the financial difficulties effect on quit success and to tailor more effective cessation programmes.

Background: nasogastric tube (NGT) feeding is commonly used after stroke, but its effectiveness is limited by frequent dislodgement., Objective: the objective of the study was to evaluate looped NGT feeding in acute stroke patients with dysphagia., Methods: this was a randomised controlled trial of 104 patients with acute stroke fed by NGT in three UK stroke units. NGT was secured using either a nasal loop (n = 51) or a conventional adhesive dressing (n = 53). The main outcome measure was the proportion of prescribed feed and fluids delivered via NGT in 2 weeks post-randomisation. Secondary outcomes were frequency of NGT insertions, treatment failure, tolerability, adverse events and costs at 2 weeks; mortality; length of hospital stay; residential status; and Barthel Index at 3 months., Results: participants assigned to looped NGT feeding received a mean 17% (95% confidence interval 5-28%) more volume of feed and fluids, required fewer NGTs (median 1 vs 4), and had fewer electrolyte abnormalities than controls. There was more minor nasal trauma in the loop group. There were no differences in outcomes at 3 months. Looped NGT feeding cost 88 pounds sterling more per patient over 2 weeks than controls., Conclusion: looped NGT feeding improves delivery of feed and fluids and reduces NGT reinsertion with little additional cost.