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Provides information on the White Paper on the Australian Aid Program being developed which aimed to provide a medium term blueprint for Australia's future overseas aid strategy to be delivered by the Government's international development agency AusAID. Strategic role that AusAID may play in HIV responses in the Asia-Pacific region as a result of the White Paper; Background on the development of a series of geographic and thematic Analytical Reports on key parts of the aid program to help prepare the White Paper; Key findings of the HIV Analytical Report.

Objective: Some additives counteract the harshness and bitterness of the aerosols of tobacco and nicotine products (TNPs), making them easier to inhale. This is a problem for public health, as it may stimulate the uptake and continued use of TNPs, especially by young people. This paper provides a conceptual framework of the processes, mechanisms and methods for assessing inhalation facilitation (IF). Specific additives in TNPs that may promote IF are reviewed and their potential health impact discussed. Methods: A targeted (non-systematic) search of PubMed and other bibliographic sources with no restrictions on time period, up to September 2022, included terms related to IF processes (e.g. “harshness”, “puff duration”), candidate additives (e.g. “menthol”) or candidate mechanisms (e.g. “TRPM8 [transient receptor potential cation channel, family 8] receptor”). Inclusion of studies in the review was agreed by consensus by the two authors. Results: We defined IF as a modification to a TNP that improves the user’s sensory experience of inhaling the product’s aerosol (reduced bitterness and harshness) and may alter inhalation behaviour, particularly more intense inhalation (e.g. deeper puffs, faster inhalation, larger puff volume) and also restoration of breathing patterns that are disturbed by inhaled irritants. The review showed that: (a) menthol and synthetic coolants decrease the irritation caused by nicotine and other TNP aerosol constituents by activating TRPM8 and other receptors and may promote dependence in inexperienced users; (b) acid additives and sugars, which yield acids upon combustion, lower the “pH” of TNP aerosol, resulting in higher levels of protonated nicotine, which is perceived as less harsh than free-base nicotine and may increase blood nicotine levels; (c) sweet flavourings in e-cigarettes reduce perceptions of bitterness and may escalate use, although their effects on perceived harshness are inconclusive; (d) sugars in tobacco impart sweet flavour sensations, but limited industry-independent data preclude a strong conclusion for IF; (e) some effects of additives on IF are amplified in non-smokers and younger populations; and (f) studies should be conducted on inhalation behaviour. Conclusions: Several additives may facilitate inhalation of tobacco smoke and/or e-cigarette aerosol by improving the sensory experience. IF additives may increase nicotine blood levels, dependence and, in some cases, inhalation behaviour, especially in young people and non-smokers. Further research on the effects of TNP additives on sensory attributes and inhalation behaviour may provide useful evidence for regulatory policy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents the issue on risk assessment policies in the paper by Millstone and colleagues. It states that the Codex Committee on Residues of Veterinary Drugs in Foods (CCRVDF) agrees on the need for risk assessment. However, it mentions the disparities among the practices of Joint Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations/World Health Organization Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) and text of Millstone including historical interaction between JECFA and CCRVDF.

The article focuses on the consideration given by the Joint Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) on the committee paper which deals on the assessment of residues of veterinary medicinal products (VMP). It mentions that one of the comments of the Committee is on the way how such assessment can fit to JECFA's evaluation of the residues of veterinary drugs. It is also recommended by JECFA that appropriate tools should be developed.

The impact of the form of nicotine, i.e. free base or salt, on its delivery from tobacco products and electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) has been debated by scientists and regulators. In this paper, we briefly discussed the various ways of modifying the ratio of nicotine forms in tobacco products and ENDS. We focus on partitioning of nicotine forms in ENDS liquids, especially in the recently introduced pod-based ENDS. We discuss the influence of various parameters on nicotine delivery from ENDS, such as the form of nicotine, counter-anions in nicotine salts, the power output of devices and user puffing topography. Recommendations are made on means to avoid capping nicotine concentrations in ENDS liquids as the sole measure for regulating nicotine delivery from ENDS and on adoption of "nicotine flux" as a regulatory tool that accounts for all the parameters that affect nicotine delivery from ENDS. We highlight the importance of including the form of nicotine in constructing a nicotine flux model and of minimizing possible customization of ENDS by users. While research is still necessary on methods for testing nicotine forms in ENDS liquids and aerosols and on absorption of the different forms by the body in the presence or absence of flavours, it is recommended that WHO urge countries to include nicotine flux and form in ENDS regulation to better inform users about nicotine delivery from their devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

e-Cigarettes heat and aerosolize e-liquids for inhalation. Many of the liquids contain nicotine (electronic nicotine delivery systems, ENDS), while others do not (electronic non-nicotine delivery systems, ENNDS). Although the basic design of ENDS or ENNDS is similar or the same, the devices that are used to heat liquids vary widely in details of their use, operation temperature or performance standards. The health risk depends not only on the properties of the device but also on the composition of the e-liquids, of which several thousand flavour varieties are commercially available or could be prepared at home. Initial assessments suggest that the toxicological risks of individual ENDS depend on the devices and e-liquids, but the risk associated with highpowered devices may be relatively high. In this paper, we summarize methods that can be used to quantify the health risks associated with the use of ENDS, ENNDS and heated tobacco products (HTPs), due to either the individual compounds or the mixture in emissions. Most methods require substantial data on both emissions and hazards, only some of which are available. Currently, quantitative risk assessment methods cannot be used in regulation, although the most promising approaches are based on the relative potency of the compounds in emissions. Because of the diversity of ENDS and ENNDS, risk assessments remain a challenge, and the results cannot be generalized to the entire spectrum of devices. The wide variety of both liquids and devices indicates that different health risk assessments should be conducted for different combinations of liquid and device and for individual products. Relevant indicators of high risk could be characterized, such as specific ingredients or specific device settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heated tobacco products (HTPs) are increasingly marketed by the tobacco industry as part of a newer portfolio of products that are claimed to pose fewer risks to users and non-users than conventional tobacco products. These products have gained a considerable market share since they became available and are now found on about 50 markets worldwide. The new generation of HTPs, owing to their novelty, their unconventional technology and industry claims that they pose fewer risks to health than conventional tobacco products, are classified in various ways by different countries. The classifications have filtered through to the mechanisms adopted by countries to regulate these products, resulting in inconsistencies among countries, including the extent to which they apply the provisions of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC). This paper reviews the markets on which HTPs are available, the common classifications of these products and how the classifications affect regulatory outcomes. Further, we describe commonly used regulatory frameworks, barriers to regulation, considerations for regulations and unforeseen consequences. We also present guidance from WHO and the WHO FCTC to countries in formulating regulatory strategies for HTPs according to their national laws and ensuring strong protection of human health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heated tobacco products (HTPs) have attracted interest in the past few years and are now available on approximately 50 markets. The interest is attributed to factors that include aggressive marketing by manufacturers, users' perception that HTPs represent a "safer alternative" to other smoked products, their capacity to deliver nicotine to users, the variety of flavours, including tobacco and menthol, technological advances and the variety of products and product features from which users can choose. The wide variation among the products, devices and their features result in the delivery of different levels of nicotine and toxicants, which has important regulatory implications. It is therefore important to understand how HTPs differ and how the differences affect the emissions of nicotine and other toxicants in order to formulate effective regulatory strategies and policies. The aim of this paper is thus to describe variations among the HTPs on the market in their characteristics and design features and how those features influence product toxicity, appeal and implications for regulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Decision FCTC/COP8(22) requests a report on several aspects of novel and emerging tobacco products, in particular heated tobacco products (HTPs). This paper addresses the aspect of addictive potential, perception and use, attractiveness, potential role in initiating and quitting smoking, marketing including promotional strategies and impacts, and claims of "reduced harm". We reviewed the attractive and addictive features of HTPs and the effects of those features on consumer perception and use. The available literature on HTPs was complemented by information from the wider body of knowledge on e-cigarettes. We searched the bibliographic database PubMed, with no restriction on time, up to January 2020. Studies on toxicity in users (i.e. toxicants in emissions, in-vitro studies, biomarkers of exposure) and environmental smoke and studies in a language other than English were excluded. We also included studies in the application of Philip Morris International (PMI) to the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for their IQOS modified risk tobacco product (MRTP) were also used. With regard to features that increase attractiveness, information was found on sensory attributes, ease of use, cost, reputation and image, and assumed risks and benefit. Little is known about how these different features affect consumer perception and use; a recent study reported that six important factors were health, cost, enjoyment and satisfaction, ease of use, use practices and social aspects. With regard to addictiveness, currently marketed HTPs deliver significant levels of nicotine in aerosol, and their pharmacokinetics and physiological and subjective effects are similar to those of contemporary ENDS products, suggesting comparable abuse liability. HTPs have become popular in some markets, probably due to factors such as marketing as a "clean", modern, elegant, "reduced harm" product. Their sensory properties and ease of use are generally rated lower than those of conventional cigarettes but are directly correlated with their attractiveness, perceived risk and appeal, thus determining their uptake. The history of e-cigarettes shows that any new tobacco and related product that comes onto the market can quickly become popular. Knowledge of e-cigarettes indicates that the factors of concern for HTPs, and therefore potential regulatory targets, are nicotine levels and "throat hit", flavour variety, design of the device, marketing and perception of reduced harm. Common regulatory principles for e-cigarettes include minimizing product appeal and thus potential uptake by young people, increasing product safety and minimizing false beliefs about health effects. A similar strategy could be followed for HTPs. Policy-makers are advised to monitor the HTP market, communicate the risks to the general public, limit marketing, consider regulating flavours and stimulate research, especially on perceptions and use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A recent paper published by HOLA (HIV Online Learning Australia) discusses HIV-related stigma and interventions. The paper provides definitions of HIV stigma, an overview of stigma theory and concepts, and various approaches to addressing stigma. It also explores how HIV-related stigma is measured. Stigma is described as a form of marginalization and social devaluation that negatively impacts the mental and physical health of individuals. The paper suggests that interventions should consider the desired outcomes, the level being targeted (individual, interpersonal, organizational, community, public policy), and the specific domain being addressed (drivers, facilitators, or manifestations) when designing stigma reduction activities. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the impact of several characteristics to the user perception and use in cigarettes including tobacco, filter tipping paper and filter ventilation. It highlights the increase of attractiveness and addictiveness of the smokers to the cigarettes through its filter flavour. It also cites the influence of cigarette product design to the smoking behaviour of the consumers.

Insists that a more detailed contextual information and explicit data are needed in order to provide a more scientific document in a paper which claimed that there has been an outcry over a proposed trial of the HIV antiviral tenofovir as prophylaxis against HIV infection among sex workers in Cambodia. Inability of the author to present adequate medical and social basis for the statements expressed in the paper; Objective description and analysis of the situation that arose in Cambodia; Controversy surrounding the clinical trail on tenofovir.

The article presents information on a research paper, presented to the Australian Homosexual Histories Conference in November 2013, which focuses on the history of dedicated health facilities for HIV and AIDS patients in Australian hospitals, including Immunology ward at St. Vincent's Hospital where first case of AIDS was diagnosed. It focuses on the role of nursing staff in caring for these patients, and lack of their voice in Australia's AIDS history

Information about several papers discussed at the second meeting of the World Health Organization (WHO) Subcommittee of the Expert Committee on the selection and use of essential medicines that was held in Geneva on September 29 to October 3, 2008 is presented. Topics include the disease mortality in children and challenges faced in providing access to essential medicines for children (EMLc). The meeting featured several pharmacologists including Hans Hogerzeil, Lisa A. Bero and Andy Grey.

Information about several papers discussed at the 17th meeting of the World Health Organization (WHO) Expert Committee on the selection and use of essential medicines that was held in Geneva, Switzerland on March 23-27, 2009 is presented. Topics include the implementation of the WHO Model List of essential medicines (EMLs) and the potential benefits of nicotine replacement therapy (NRT). The meeting featured several pharmacologists including Rohini Fernandopulle, Lisa A. Bero and Andy Grey.

The article discusses the general regulations to be followed with regards to the evaluation of veterinary drugs as stipulated within the terms of reference set by the Joint FOA/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives. Such regulations have been carried out basing from the recommendations that were suggested during the Bangkok workshop as well as the draft paper that was prepared by the Codex Committee on Residues of Veterinary Drugs in Foods.

The article presents a response to the recommendations to the concept paper which deals on an approach for the evaluation in terms of safety of the residues of veterinary drugs. It mentions that the approach gives importance of preliminary risk assessment for the effects of residues of the said drugs. It also adds that the hypothesis-driven decision tree approach further identifies additional tools for the evaluation of the residues of the said drugs.

A recently published paper from San Francisco on recent HIV-diagnoses among users of PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) found that almost all but one of the seroconverters had actually stopped taking the pills (1). Missed opportunities to prevent HIV infections among pre-exposure prophylaxis users: a population-based mixed methods study, San Francisco, United States. The Australasian Society of HIV Viral Hepatitis and Sexual Health Medicine. [Extracted from the article]

Information about the topics discussed at the 18th Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections (CROI) held from February 27-March 2, 2011 in Boston, Massachusetts is presented. The papers presented include the results of the trial that compares acceptability of tenofovir pills versus gel among HIV-negative American women and a study on risk behaviour of gay men diagnosed with HIV. The event featured several scientific researchers and clinicians.

The article discusses papers about the World Health Organization (WHO) Expert Committee's meeting held in Geneva, Switzerland from March 19 to 23, 2007 about the selection and use of essential medicines.

The article reports on the World Health Organization Expert Committee's review of the discussion paper, entitled "Rare essentials? Drugs for rare diseases on the Essential Medicines List." It reveals that the Committee has considered the issue of rare disease as a result of concerns expressed about the possible deletion of factor VIII and factor IX and medicines for other rare diseases.

Information about several papers discussed at the 69th Meeting of the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) in Rome, Italy on the function of the Committee are presented. Topics include the role of the committee in providing guidance and ensuring that measures on international food safety and quality are based on the state-of-the-art scientific principles. The meeting featured speakers which include Professor Andrew Renwick, Professor Ron Walker, and Doctor Ezzedine Boutrif.

The article presents information on various issues related to quality assurance in testing conditions discussed by the World Health Organization (WHO) Expert Committee on Specifications for Pharmaceutical Preparations at a meeting held in Geneva, Switzerland from October 25 to 29, 2004. In the meeting the Committee was provided with a discussion paper from the Association of South-East Asian Nations regarding long-term stability testing conditions. The stability testing conditions take account of the conditions of high humidity experienced in that region.