No improvement in long-term survival for epithelial ovarian cancer patients: A population-based study between 1989 and 2014 in the Netherlands

Publication date: January 2018
Source:European Journal of Cancer, Volume 88
Author(s): M. Timmermans, G.S. Sonke, K.K. Van de Vijver, M.A. van der Aa, R.F.P.M. Kruitwagen
AimThis study investigates changes in therapy and long-term survival for patients with epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) in the Netherlands.MethodsAll patients with EOC, including peritoneal and fallopian tube carcinoma, diagnosed in the Netherlands between 1989 and 2014 were selected from the Netherlands Cancer Registry. Changes in therapy were studied and related to overall survival (OS) using multivariable Cox regression models.ResultsA total of 32,540 patients were diagnosed with EOC of whom 22,047 (68%) had advanced stage disease. In early stage, lymph node dissection as part of surgical staging procedures increased over time from 4% in 1989–1993 to 62% in 2009–2014 (P < 0.001). In advanced stage, the number of patients receiving optimal treatment with surgery and chemotherapy increased from 55% in 1989–1993 to 67% in 2009–2014 (P < 0.001). Five-year survival rates improved in both early stage (74% versus 79%) and advanced stage (16% versus 24%) as well as in all patients combined (31% versus 34%). Ten-year survival rates, however, slightly improved in early stage (62% versus 67%) and advanced stage (10% versus 13%) but remained essentially unchanged at 24% for all patients combined.ConclusionDespite intensified treatment and staging procedures, long-term survival for women with EOC has not improved in the last 25 years. The observed improvements in 5-year OS reflect a more prolonged disease control rather than better chances for cure. Furthermore, the apparent better long-term outcome, when early and advanced stage patients are analysed separately, is largely due to improved staging procedures and the ensuing stage migration. These effects disappear in a combined analysis of all patients.



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Effects of genetic and environmental risk for schizophrenia on hippocampal activity and psychosis-like behavior in mice

Publication date: 26 February 2018
Source:Behavioural Brain Research, Volume 339
Author(s): Daniel Scott, Carol A. Tamminga
Schizophrenia is a serious mental illness most notably characterized by psychotic symptoms. In humans, psychotic disorders are associated with specific hippocampal pathology. However, animal model systems for psychosis often lack this pathology, and have been weak in providing a representation of psychosis. We utilized a double-risk model system combining genetic risk with environmental stress. We hypothesized these factors will induce hippocampal subfield pathology consistent with human findings, as well as behavioral phenotypes relevant to psychosis. To address this, we exposed wild-type and transgenic Disc1 dominant negative (Disc1-deficient) mice to maternal deprivation. In adulthood, hippocampal subfields were examined for signs of cellular and behavioral pathology associated with psychosis. Mice exposed to maternal deprivation showed a decrease in dentate gyrus activity, and an increase in CA3/CA1 activity. Furthermore, results demonstrated a differential behavioral effect between maternal deprivation and Disc1 deficiency, with maternal deprivation associated with a hyperactive phenotype and impaired prepulse inhibition, and Disc1 deficiency causing an impairment in fear conditioning. These results suggest distinct consequences of environmental and genetic risk factors contributing to psychosis, with maternal deprivation inducing a state more wholly consistent with schizophrenia psychosis. Further research is needed to determine if this pathology is causally related to a specific behavioral phenotype. The development of a strong inference animal model system for psychosis would satisfy a high medical need in schizophrenia research.



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Predicting Violent Behavior: What Can Neuroscience Add?

Publication date: Available online 25 November 2017
Source:Trends in Cognitive Sciences
Author(s): Russell A. Poldrack, John Monahan, Peter B. Imrey, Valerie Reyna, Marcus E. Raichle, David Faigman, Joshua W. Buckholtz
The ability to accurately predict violence and other forms of serious antisocial behavior would provide important societal benefits, and there is substantial enthusiasm for the potential predictive accuracy of neuroimaging techniques. Here, we review the current status of violence prediction using actuarial and clinical methods, and assess the current state of neuroprediction. We then outline several questions that need to be addressed by future studies of neuroprediction if neuroimaging and other neuroscientific markers are to be successfully translated into public policy.



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Facial Contouring Surgery—Malarplasty

No abstract available

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Review of 494 Consecutive Breast Augmentation Patients: System to Improve Patient Outcomes and Satisfaction

Background: Breast augmentation continues to be one of the most common surgical procedures performed by plastic surgeons. As implant options expand, controlling the numerous variables required for a successful result will prove increasingly challenging. The purpose of this study was to outline specific steps that can be taken during the patient consultation and during surgery to decrease complications and improve overall patient satisfaction and patient outcomes. Methods: A retrospective review of 494 consecutive patients who underwent primary augmentation mammaplasty performed by a single surgeon was undertaken. Surgical outcomes were recorded and compared with previously published results. Patient satisfaction was measured using the BREAST-Q Augmentation Module. Results: Patients were followed for an average of 6 months (range, 0–45 months). Of the 494 patients, 1.3% developed capsular contracture. Other complications included 0.6% asymmetry, 0.4% malposition, 0.2% hematoma, and 0.2% rippling. The median BREAST Q score for the patient's overall satisfaction with outcome was 86%. The median BREAST Q score for patient's satisfaction with the plastic surgeon, medical team, and office staff was 100% in each case. The median score for psychological well-being, physical well-being, and sexual well-being was 100%, 90%, and 88%, respectively. Conclusions: The system outlined in this study showed very low rates of complications and high scores for patient satisfaction. Following a system like this will become increasingly important as breast augmentation continues to become more popular, implant options continue to expand, and social media continues to be used by patients to share surgical experiences.

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Kisspeptin, GnRH, and ERα colocalise with nNOS neurones in prepubertal female sheep

Abstract

Puberty is a process which integrates multiple inputs that ultimately cause an increase in gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) secretion. While kisspeptin neurones play an integral role in GnRH secretion and puberty onset, other systems are also likely important. One potential component is nitric oxide (NO), a gaseous neurotransmitter synthesized by nitric oxide synthase (NOS). In this study, we sought to neuroanatomically characterise neuronal NOS (nNOS) in prepubertal female sheep and determine if oestradiol would exert effects on this system. Luteinising hormone secretion was reduced by oestradiol treatment in prepubertal ovariectomised ewes. Neurones immunoreactive for nNOS were identified in several areas with the greatest number present in the ventrolateral portion of the ventromedial hypothalamus followed by the ventromedial hypothalamus, preoptic area (POA) and arcuate nucleus (ARC). Next, we determined if nNOS neurones contained oestrogen receptor α (ERα) and could potentially communicate oestradiol (E₂) feedback to GnRH neurones. Neuronal nitric oxide synthase neurones contained ERα with the percentage of coexpression (12 to 40%) depending upon the area analyzed. We next investigated if a neuroanatomical relationship existed between nNOS and kisspeptin or nNOS and GnRH neurones. A high percentage of kisspeptin neurones in the POA (79%) and ARC (99%) colocalised with nNOS. Kisspeptin close-contacts were also associated with nNOS neurones. A greater number of close-contacts were observed in the ARC than the POA. A high percentage of POA GnRH neurones (79%) also expressed nNOS, but no GnRH close-contacts were observed onto nNOS neurones. Neither the numbers of nNOS neurones in the POA or hypothalamus nor the percentage of nNOS coexpression with GnRH, kisspeptin or ERα were influenced by oestradiol. These experiments reveal that a neuroanatomical relationship exists between both nNOS and kisspeptin and nNOS and GnRH in prepubertal ewes. Therefore, nNOS may act both directly and indirectly to influence GnRH secretion in prepubertal sheep.

This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

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Nematicidal potential and specific enzyme activity enhancement potential of neem ( Azadirachta indica A. Juss.) aerial parts

Abstract

Nematodes are considered as major plant parasites damaging most of the crops, and neem plant exhibits potential nematicidal and insecticidal properties. This study aimed to check nemato-toxic potential of neem (Azadirachta indica) plant using in vitro and in-planta trials against Meloidogyne incognita. The findings suggested that the neem extracts were lethal to second-stage juvenile (J₂) and egg hatching with simultaneous enhancement in treated tomato plant growth. The egg numbers of M. incognita found less sensitive to the aqueous and alcoholic extracts than those of J₂ as per LC₅₀ values. Complete mortality of J₂s was recorded at 40, 60, and 80% of neem standard extract (SE) dilutions and for undiluted SE of neem. The undiluted SE extract showed 100% inhibition of egg production. The highest reductions in the number of galls/root system, J₂ population, and egg production were observed with 80, 85, and 82% SE as compared control (untreated distilled water). The maximum 250% growth increment was observed in the length of tomato roots supplemented with neem extracts. Resistance-related enzyme [phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL), polyphenol oxidase (PPO), and peroxidase (POX)] activities in tomato plant have been increased significantly by supplementation with neem extracts. It appears that the aerial parts of neem (A. indica) extracts showed significant and sustainable eco-friendly nemato-toxic potential towards M. incognita growth inhibition and eradication using alcoholic extracts compared to aqueous. From this study, it was concluded that the neem aerial parts were useful for the control of M. incognita and could be a possible replacement for synthetic nematicides in crop protection with utilization in enhancement of specific enzyme activity in tomato plants.

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Trace metal accumulation by Ranunculus sceleratus : implications for phytostabilization

Abstract

This study investigated the growth response of Ranunculus sceleratus to pollution and its capacity to accumulate trace metals for its use as a phytoremediator in Lake Maruit, Egypt. Three basins (main basin, fish farm, and southwestern basin) representing the natural distribution of the plant as well as the pollution loads in the lake, were chosen for collecting plant and sediment samples. In each basin ten quadrats (0.5 m × 0.5 m), distributed equally along two sites, were selected for measuring growth parameters, nutrients, and trace metal concentration. The highest biomass of the shoot and root (610 and 236 g m⁻²) was recorded in the main basin and fish farm, respectively. R. sceleratus accumulated high concentrations of Cu and Pb (27.7 and 9.9 mg kg⁻¹), while toxic concentration of Mn (2508.0 mg kg⁻¹) in their roots compared to shoots. The bioaccumulation factor (BF) for the investigated metals was greater than one, and in the decreasing order: Ni (27.1) > Zn (20.0) > Cd (16.4) > Cu (7.7) > Mn (3.9) > Pb (3.6). The translocation factor of all analyzed trace metals was less than one. The ability of R. sceleratus to accumulate Mn, Ni, Cu, and Pb in its roots indicates the potential use of this species for phytostabilization of these metals (mainly Mn) in contaminated water bodies.

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Elemental composition of PM 2.5 in the urban environment of San Juan, Argentina

Abstract

This study contributes to the current knowledge about air pollution in the province of San Juan, Argentina. Sampling was carried out to measure the fine particulate matter in the atmosphere (PM_2.5) of the city of San Juan. PM_2.5 was collected continuously during the winter and spring seasons of 2014 and 2015, and the concentrations of 14 elements (Pb, Ca, K, Cd, Ni, Cr, Mn, V, Cu, Ti, Ba, Co, Sr, and Fe) were determined in PM_2.5 filters using the technique of X-ray fluorescence by synchrotron radiation (SR-XRF). The results revealed that PM_2.5 presented annual and seasonal variations, showing a higher concentration during the winter seasons. In addition, for the elements quantified in the filters, a multivariate analysis (Positive Matrix Factorization) was performed to identify the main sources of emission of these elements in the study area, with a series of components being obtained that corresponded to their compositions, which were assigned physical meanings. The first factor, which was the most important in contribution of the sum of the measured elements (45%), was determined mainly by the elements K, Ti, V, Mn, and Fe, which came predominantly from soil particles. The second factor contributed 30% to the measured species in PM_2.5, with higher Ba and Zn content perhaps being related to emissions from vehicular traffic. Finally, the third factor, in which Pb, Cr, and Ca predominated, may be an indicator of industrial activity and contributed 25% of the sum of the measured elements of PM_2.5. The results of this study provide the first PM composition database in the province, and this can now be used in the development of mitigation and prevention programs.

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How tapeworm infection and consumption of a Cd and Zn hyperaccumulating plant may affect Cu, Fe, and Mn concentrations in an animal—a plant consumer and tapeworm host

Abstract

This study evaluated the effects of a hyperaccumulator plant (Arabidopsis halleri), containing surplus of cadmium (Cd) and zinc (Zn) and being an admixture to the rat feed, on concentrations of copper (Cu), iron (Fe), and manganese (Mn) in the tissues of experimental rats infected/uninfected with the tapeworm (Hymenolepis diminuta). Male Wistar rats were divided into three groups (00, P0, and PT); the P0 and PT animals were fed a standard mixture for rats (ST-1) supplemented with the plant A. halleri at a weekly Zn and Cd dosage of 123 and 1 mg, respectively. Moreover, rats from the group PT were infected with the tapeworm. The group 00 served as control animals fed only ST-1 having no tapeworm infection. Rats were euthanized after 6 weeks, and Cu, Fe, and Mn levels were determined in rat and tapeworm tissues. The results indicated that both the consumption of hyperaccumulator plant and/or presence of tapeworms did have significant effect on Cu, Fe, and Mn concentrations in the host tissues. Concentrations of all the elements were higher in the rat liver and partially kidneys than in the tapeworms, and the concentrations of Cu, Fe, and Mn were affected by the consumption of Cd/Zn hyperaccumulator plants. Particularly, Fe concentrations in all rat tissues were significantly increased by consumption of A. halleri while decreased by the presence of tapeworms. Overall, the consumption of a Cd/Zn hyperaccumulator plant and tapeworm infection cause an imbalance in Cu, Fe, and Mn concentrations in the tissues of a consumer (experimental rats).

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Editorial Board

Publication date: February 2018
Source:Addictive Behaviors, Volume 77





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Patterns of adverse childhood experiences and substance use among young adults: A latent class analysis

Publication date: March 2018
Source:Addictive Behaviors, Volume 78
Author(s): Sunny H. Shin, Shelby Elaine McDonald, David Conley
IntroductionAdverse childhood experiences (ACEs) have been strongly linked with subsequent substance use. The aim of this study was to investigate how different patterns of ACEs influence substance use in young adulthood.MethodsUsing a community sample of young individuals (N=336; ages 18–25), we performed latent class analyses (LCA) to identify homogenous groups of young people with similar patterns of ACEs. Exposure to ACEs incorporates 13 childhood adversities including childhood maltreatment, household dysfunction, and community violence. Multiple linear and logistic regression models were used in an effort to examine the associations between ACEs classes and four young adult outcomes such as alcohol-related problems, current tobacco use, drug dependence symptoms, and psychological distress.ResultsLCA identified four heterogeneous classes of young people distinguished by different patterns of ACEs exposure: Low ACEs (56%), Household Dysfunction/Community Violence (14%), Emotional ACEs (14%), and High/Multiple ACEs (16%). Multiple regression analyses found that compared to those in the Low ACEs class, young adults in the High/Multiple ACEs class reported more alcohol-related problems, current tobacco use, and psychological symptoms, controlling for sociodemographic characteristics and common risk factors for substance use such as peer substance use.ConclusionsOur findings confirm that for many young people, ACEs occur as multiple rather than single experiences. The results of this research suggest that exposure to poly-victimization during childhood is particularly related to substance use during young adulthood.



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Who is watching user-generated alcohol posts on social media?

Publication date: March 2018
Source:Addictive Behaviors, Volume 78
Author(s): Eilin K. Erevik, Ståle Pallesen, Cecilie S. Andreassen, Øystein Vedaa, Torbjørn Torsheim
AimTo examine students' exposure to user-generated alcohol content on social media, and identify characteristics (i.e. demographics, personality traits, alcohol use, alcohol-related cognitions, and social media factors) associated with monthly or more frequent exposure.MethodCollege/university students (N=11,236) in Bergen, Norway, completed a web-survey measuring exposure to alcohol on social media – both frequency and interpretations of alcohol content. The survey included questions regarding demographics, personality, alcohol-related cognitions, and general use of social media and alcohol. Binary logistic regressions were run to identify characteristics associated with monthly or more frequent exposure to alcohol-related posts on social media.ResultsA total of 96.7% had been exposed to alcohol-related posts, exposure to posts with a positive valence of alcohol were more frequently reported than exposure to content with a negative valence of alcohol. Reports of monthly or more frequent exposure to alcohol on social media were associated with a range of characteristics, among these younger age, being native Norwegian, lower extroversion and higher agreeableness and self-monitoring scores, higher alcohol use, stronger descriptive norms for alcohol use among online-friends, and more frequent logins to social media.ConclusionsStudents' potential inflated alcohol norms (originating from social media) should be addressed. The results suggest that exposure may be determined by high alcohol use and membership in demographical groups associated with high alcohol use, an increased attentiveness towards others' behavior, and excessive social media use. Future studies investigating the relationship between alcohol exposure on social media and later alcohol use should control for such factors.



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Tobacco product use and mental health status among young adults

Publication date: February 2018
Source:Addictive Behaviors, Volume 77
Author(s): Jessica L. King, Beth A. Reboussin, John Spangler, Jennifer Cornacchione Ross, Erin L. Sutfin
BackgroundIndividuals with mental health conditions represent a priority population for tobacco control. This population smokes cigarettes at disproportionately higher rates than the general population, but less is known about the relationship between non-cigarette tobacco use and mental health status.MethodIn 2013, 2370 young adults recruited from 11 colleges in North Carolina and Virginia completed an online survey on tobacco use. We compared past 6-month self-reported mental health diagnosis, past 30-day depression score, and past 7-day stress score to past 30-day cigarette, e-cigarette, waterpipe, cigar, and smokeless tobacco use. Models adjusted for age, gender, race, ethnicity, and mother's education. Non-cigarette products were also adjusted for past 30-day cigarette use.ResultsAmong participants, 249 (10.5%) reported a mental health diagnosis, most commonly depression (5.5%), ADHD/ADD (4.5%), and anxiety (0.8%). Those who reported a mental health diagnosis had greater odds of using cigarettes (AOR=1.55; CI=1.01, 2.27). Mean stress score was 16.0 (SD=6.9) of possible 40. Higher stress scale score was associated with increased odds of e-cigarette (AOR=1.03; CI=1.01, 1.05), waterpipe (AOR=1.04; CI=1.01, 1.06), and cigarette (AOR=1.02; CI=1.00, 1.04) use. Mean depression score was 7.2 (SD=5.6) of possible 33. Higher depression scale score was associated with increased odds for e-cigarette (AOR=1.04; CI=1.01, 1.08) and cigarette (AOR=1.03; CI=1.01, 1.06) use.ConclusionFindings in this study provide further evidence of a potential relationship between non-cigarette tobacco products and mental health status. Tobacco control efforts aimed at reducing tobacco use disparities among mental health populations should focus on non-cigarette tobacco products in addition to cigarettes.



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Characteristics of prospectively identified negative alcohol-related events among college students

Publication date: March 2018
Source:Addictive Behaviors, Volume 78
Author(s): Matthew K. Meisel, Shannon R. Kenney, Nancy P. Barnett
BackgroundThroughout the first two years of college, the majority of drinkers experience one or more alcohol-related consequences. Research that examines the characteristics surrounding negative consequences typically utilizes global retrospective survey methods. The objective of the current study was to apply an event-based methodology to describe the circumstances of a recent drinking episode that resulted in one or more alcohol-related consequences among first- and second-year college students.MethodsWe used a prospective web-based survey method to identify participants (N=296) who had one or more alcohol-related consequences in the past week. Shortly after reporting the consequence(s), participants attended an in-person interview during which they described the circumstances that preceded and followed the consequence(s), including the use of alcohol and other substances, proximal contextual factors including peer drinking, the characteristics of the negative alcohol-related consequence(s), and the reaction of others to the event.ResultsThe majority of participants reported experiencing the event at either their own (32.4%) or a friend's (32.8%) residence, and 87.1% of participants were with peers when the event happened. Most (85.0%) of the sample indicated that their closest friend knew about their event.ConclusionThe high peer involvement at all stages of the event suggest the potential for training college students to help each other avoid or prevent consequences.



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Trends and key correlates of prescription opioid injection misuse in the United States

Publication date: March 2018
Source:Addictive Behaviors, Volume 78
Author(s): Christopher M. Jones
BackgroundDespite concerns over increasing harms associated with prescription opioid injection misuse, there is a paucity of research on the magnitude, characteristics, injection practices, and syringe sources for people who inject prescription opioids; limiting the implementation of targeted policy and programmatic initiatives.Materials and methodsData from the 2003 through 2014 National Surveys on Drug Use and Health were used to estimate prescription opioid injection trends and examine risky injection practices and syringe sources for people who inject prescription opioids. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify characteristics associated with prescription opioid injection.ResultsAmong people 12years or older, the rate of prescription opioid injection misuse increased from 1.6 per 1000 in 2003–2005 to 2.7 per 1000 in 2012–2014 (p value for trend <0.05). Groups with increased odds of prescription opioid injection included: males, non-Hispanic whites, having an annual household income <$50,000, the uninsured, people with Medicaid, and people with past-year use disorders for cocaine, heroin, or prescription opioids. Risky injection practices such as reusing a needle and sharing needles were common among people with a history of prescription opioid injection misuse.ConclusionThis study found significant increases in prescription opioid injection misuse trends in the U.S. These findings underscore the need to bring to scale evidence-based interventions to increase the provision of medication-assisted treatment for opioid use disorders and expand access to comprehensive risk-reduction services for people who inject drugs.



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Thinking while drinking: Fear of negative evaluation predicts drinking behaviors of students with social anxiety

Publication date: March 2018
Source:Addictive Behaviors, Volume 78
Author(s): Margo C. Villarosa-Hurlocker, Robert B. Whitley, Daniel W. Capron, Michael B. Madson
College students with social anxiety disorder experience more alcohol-related negative consequences, regardless of the amount of alcohol they consume. Social anxiety refers to psychological distress and physiological arousal in social situations due to an excessive fear of negative evaluation by others. The current study examined within-group differences in alcohol-related negative consequences of students who met or exceeded clinically-indicated social anxiety symptoms. In particular, we tested a sequential mediation model of the cognitive (i.e., fear of negative evaluation) and behavioral (protective behavioral strategies) mechanisms for the link between social anxiety disorder subtypes (i.e., interaction and performance-type) and alcohol-related negative consequences. Participants were 412 traditional-age college student drinkers who met or exceeded the clinically-indicated threshold for social anxiety disorder and completed measures of fear of negative evaluation, protective behavioral strategies (controlled consumption and serious harm reduction), and alcohol-related negative consequences. Fear of negative evaluation and serious harm reduction strategies sequentially accounted for the relationship between interaction social anxiety disorder and alcohol-related negative consequences, such that students with more severe interaction social anxiety symptoms reported more fear of negative evaluation, which was related to more serious harm reduction strategies, which predicted fewer alcohol-related negative consequences. Future directions and implications are discussed.



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Depression symptoms and reasons for gambling sequentially mediate the associations between insecure attachment styles and problem gambling

Publication date: March 2018
Source:Addictive Behaviors, Volume 78
Author(s): Matthew T. Keough, Trinda L. Penniston, Natalie Vilhena-Churchill, R. Michael Bagby, Lena C. Quilty
One of the central pathways to problem gambling (PG) is gambling to cope with negative moods, which is a cardinal feature of depression. Insecure attachment styles are also etiologically related to depression; and, therefore, by extension, those who are insecurely attached may engage in excessive gambling behaviors to cope with depression. In this study, we aimed to evaluate this and to this end predicted that depression severity and coping motives for gambling would conjointly mediate the relations between insecure attachment styles and PG. Data came from a larger investigation of PG within mood disorders. Participants exhibited a lifetime depressive or bipolar disorder and endorsed a mood episode within the past ten years. Participants (N=275) completed self-report measures during a two-day assessment. Path analysis supported two main indirect effects. First, anxious attachment predicted elevated depression, which in turn predicted increased coping motives for gambling, which subsequently predicted greater PG severity. Second, this double mediational pathway was also observed for avoidant attachment. Results suggest that insecure attachment relates to PG via depressive symptoms and coping-related gambling motives. Mood symptoms and associated gambling motives are malleable and are promising targets of gambling interventions for insecurely attached individuals.



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Parachuting psychoactive substances: Pharmacokinetic clues for harm reduction

Publication date: March 2018
Source:Addictive Behaviors, Volume 78
Author(s): Amélie Daveluy, Hélène Géniaux, Marie Baumevieille, Louis Létinier, Marie-Noëlle Matta, Aurélie Lazès-Charmetant, Françoise Haramburu, Pascale Guéroult
BackgroundParachuting, also called bombing, is a way to ingest psychoactive substances wrapped into cigarette paper, toilet paper, etc. There is little data describing parachuting in terms of substances use, context of use and, most importantly, the motivations for using such wrappers, although some authors hypothesized that parachute could be used for pharmacokinetic reason. However, inconsistently, some authors report that parachutes are used for sustained-release whereas others report that users are looking for an immediate effect.Research design and methodsConsidering parachute as a "home-made" dosage form, we have applied the dissolution testing to characterize the dissolution performance of a substance wrapped into a parachute and to characterize whether a parachute represents an immediate-release form or not.ResultsThis in-vitro study provides the first pharmacokinetic data for drugs wrapped in parachutes. It shows that parachute acts as sustained-release form when made with a cigarette paper wrapper, but as immediate release form in the presence of alcohol or if wrapped with toilet paper.ConclusionsAn important message to harm reduction is that users must be aware that a parachute can have unexpected pharmacokinetics and have to avoid taking another parachute in the absence of an immediate-effect to avoid overdose.



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Understanding sexual assault risk perception in college: Associations among sexual assault history, drinking to cope, and alcohol use

Publication date: March 2018
Source:Addictive Behaviors, Volume 78
Author(s): Elizabeth C. Neilson, Elizabeth R. Bird, Isha W. Metzger, William H. George, Jeanette Norris, Amanda K. Gilmore
IntroductionSexual assault history and alcohol use are associated with higher likelihood of subsequent sexual assault. Alcohol use and drinking to cope are associated with re-assault, but it is unclear whether these factors are associated with malleable constructs like sexual assault risk perception. This study examined typical weekly drinking and drinking to cope motive as factors underlying the association between sexual assault history and risk perception.MethodsBoth perceived likelihood of experiencing incapacitated sexual assault and when to leaving a hypothetical sexual assault scenario were assessed as indicators of sexual assault risk perception. 660 female college students recruited from psychology courses completed questionnaires online.ResultsResults revealed that sexual assault history severity was positively associated with perceived incapacitated sexual assault likelihood and when to leave a risky scenario. Drinking to cope with anxiety was positively associated with perceived incapacitated sexual assault likelihood. Among women who reported regular drinking, typical weekly drinking was positively associated with when to leave a risky scenario, such that women who reported more weekly drinks stayed in a potentially risky scenario longer than women who reported fewer weekly drinks.ConclusionsThese findings suggest that alcohol use and drinking to cope with anxiety are associated with risk perception. Sexual assault history was associated with both perceived incapacitated sexual assault likelihood and when to leave a hypothetical scenario. Alcohol use and drinking to cope are two potential points of intervention for sexual assault risk reduction programs, but further examination is needed.



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