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Methamphetamine and HIV impair thyroid function, but few studies have investigated their combined effects on thyroid dysregulation. This study examined the associations of methamphetamine use alone and in combination with HIV on thyroid function among men in South Florida. Measures of thyroid function in methamphetamine-using, HIV-infected (METH+HIV+; n = 127) and HIV-negative (METH+HIV-; n = 46) men who have sex with men (MSM) were compared to non-methamphetamine-using, HIV-negative men (METH-HIV-; n = 136). Thyroid function was dysregulated in methamphetamine-using MSM, irrespective of HIV status. Both meth-using groups had greater odds of abnormal thyroid stimulating hormone levels and significantly higher mean free triiodothyronine (T3) levels. Elevated free T3 was associated with greater depressive symptoms. Overall, outcomes have important implications for assessment of thyroid function in methamphetamine users, particularly among those presenting with depression., Author(s): Deborah L. Jones [sup.1] , Adam W. Carrico [sup.2] , Suat Babayigit [sup.1] , Violeta J. Rodriguez [sup.1] [sup.3] , Carlos Aguila [sup.1] , Mahendra Kumar [sup.1] Author Affiliations: [...]

Byline: Cathy H. McKinney (1), Frederick C. Tims (1), Adarsh M. Kumar (1), Mahendra Kumar (1) Keywords: music; imagery; [beta]-endorphin Abstract: This study explored the effect of music and imagery on plasma [beta]-endorphin in 78 undergraduates. Subjects screened for relevant psychological and health criteria were assigned to music imaging, silent imaging, music listening, and control conditions. Subjects donated 15 ml of blood prior to and following the 2-hr intervention period. There were no group differences in potential confounding variables. Split-plot factorial analysis controlling for individual differences in pretest level of [beta]-endorphin revealed that those in the music imaging group experienced a significant pre--post decline in [beta]-endorphin, while no other group demonstrated any significant pre--post difference. These data suggest that music imaging may lower peripheral [beta]-endorphin levels in healthy subjects. Further exploration of the effects of music and imagery interventions on physiology and health may be warranted. Author Affiliation: (1) University of Miami, USA Article History: Registration Date: 28/09/2004