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Using data from Proyecto SALTO, a 15-year follow-up study of a cohort of Mexican American women in a low-income community in San Antonio, Texas, this study examines emerging patterns of current methamphetamine (MA) use, including opioid co-use, among this understudied population. A bivariate analysis compared individuals with and without current MA use and identified sociodemographic correlates and co-occurring mental health and substance use. A secondary analysis compared those with current MA use, opioid use, and concurrent MA and opioid use. Nineteen percent of the sample had current MA use. MA use was associated with having a lower income (OR = 7.04–1.93, SE = 1.59–5.46), residential instability (OR = 5.19, SE = 1.99), and suicidal ideation (OR = 2.62, SE = 0.93). Participants with MA use had more than four times the odds of using opioids than those without MA use. Women with concurrent MA and opioid use differed in sociodemographics and behavioral risks compared to those with only MA or only opioid use. These findings explore the social, mental health, and structural inequities that exacerbate risks and harms associated with high-risk substance use among marginalized Latino populations. Prevention and intervention strategies should adopt a holistic approach that considers and addresses polysubstance use, mental health, and the sociocultural contexts in which individuals live. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) has dramatically reduced mortality in people with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), but it does not completely eradicate the virus from the brain. Patients with long-term HIV-1 infection often show neurocognitive impairment, which severely affects the quality of life of those infected. Methamphetamine (METH) users are at a significantly higher risk of contracting HIV-1 through behaviors such as engaging in high-risk sex or sharing needles, which can lead to transmission of the virus. In addition, HIV-1- infected individuals who abuse METH exhibit higher viral loads and more severe cognitive dysfunction, suggesting that METH exacerbates the neurotoxicity associated with HIV-1. Therefore, this review focuses on various mechanisms underlying METH and HIV-1 infection co-induced neurotoxicity and existing interventions targeting the sigma 1 receptor, dopamine transporter protein, and other relevant targets are explored. The findings of this review are envisaged to systematically establish a theoretical framework for METH abuse and HIV-1 infection co-induced neurotoxicity, and to suggest novel clinical treatment targets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The validity of self-reported methamphetamine use among treatment-seeking patients has been reported as inconsistent and therefore inconclusive. Objectives: To evaluate the validity of self-reported methamphetamine use versus urinalysis in patients with methamphetamine use disorder at a drug treatment center. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, we enrolled 71 individuals with methamphetamine use disorder who were referred to the Iranian National Center for Addiction Studies (INCAS) clinic. Self-reported methamphetamine use in the last 72 hours was compared to urinalysis, conducted using the immunoassay technique. Sensitivity, negative predictive value (NPV), Cohen's kappa statistics, percent agreement, and positive percent agreement were estimated. Results: Only 24.6% of participants reported methamphetamine use during treatment. Self-reported methamphetamine use had a sensitivity of 50.0% and a NPV of 86.0%. The percent agreement, positive percent agreement, and Cohen's kappa statistic between self-reported use and the urine test were 86.0%, 42.8%, and 52.4%, respectively. No significant factors were found to be associated with the agreement between self-reported use and the urine test. Conclusions: The validity of self-reported methamphetamine use appears to be relatively acceptable and can be used with caution for monitoring treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chemsex is a form of sexualized drug use commonly practiced among MSM with psychoactive substances, such as methamphetamine. While this phenomenon has gained global attention in the past two decades, there is a dearth of empirical data to inform culturally competent interventions. The current work investigates the socio-contextual factors related to chemsex and harm reduction practices among Malaysian MSM. Between February and August 2022, we conducted six online focus group sessions with Malaysian MSM who had engaged in chemsex during the previous 6 months (N = 22). We queried participants about perceived benefits and harms, harm reduction practices, and informational needs. Most participants' first chemsex experience occurred in a casual sexual encounter, often facilitated by mobile technology. Participants reported engaging in harm reduction practices before (e.g. medication reminders), during (e.g. peer support), and after (e.g. rest) chemsex. These findings have implications for future efforts to develop and implement tailored interventions to address the specific and acute needs of Malaysian MSM engaging in chemsex. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While much attention has been given to methamphetamine's wake-promoting properties and the concept of using methamphetamine to increase energy, little is known about the ways people who use methamphetamine manage their use to pursue their functional goals or the challenges they encounter doing so. This qualitative study explores the experiences of people who used methamphetamine to manage wakefulness and reduce sleep as a means to achieve functional goals. We conducted a grounded theory analysis of 202 anonymous letters submitted to an online forum. Five themes emerged from this process: (1) Using methamphetamine to extend wakefulness and reduce the need for sleep; (2) Losing control over wakefulness and the need for sleep; (3) Managing wakefulness and the need for sleep while on methamphetamine; (4) Getting caught in a cycle of wakefulness and sleep; and (5) Sleep disruptions even after ceasing methamphetamine use. Participants believed methamphetamine was critical to meeting their functional goals, and they went to great lengths to try to manage the substance's ill effects. Thus, clients in treatment for methamphetamine use disorder may benefit from interventions addressing their underlying motivations and perceived associations between methamphetamine and meeting functional goals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Substance use/abuse and suicide are two closely related phenomena, mostly due to neurobiological, psychological, and social impairments. In the present narrative review, the relationship between suicidal behavior (SB) and the use and abuse of common recreational drugs, such as alcohol, cannabis, cocaine, methamphetamine, heroin, nicotine, ketamine, psilocybin, MDMA, and LSD, has been explored. Furthermore, potential mechanisms linking the two have also been examined. According to current research, all substances appear to have a deleterious effect on SB except for ketamine and psilocybin, which could potentially confer a protective effect. Further studies are needed to understand the relationship between MDMA, LSD, and suicide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Methamphetamine use disorder (MuD) is a global health problem, with no FDA-approved medications. Our prior work demonstrated that repeated methamphetamine exposure alters the gut microbiota in male rats and results in depressive-like behaviors. In this study, we extend our findings to females and determine whether probiotics block these effects. Male and female rats were administered methamphetamine (2 mg/kg; SC) or saline twice daily with either a combination of two probiotics (Lactobacillus helveticus R0052 and Bifidobacterium longum R0175) or placebo solution for 14 days. Fecal samples were collected at baseline and other days after treatment cessation. Tests of anxiety- and depressive-like behaviors were conducted using open-field and forced-swim assays. Methamphetamine induced anxiety-like behavior in females and anxiety-like and depressive-like behaviors in males. Probiotics blocked the depressive-like effect in males but did not alter anxiety-like effects in either sex. Methamphetamine exposure decreased levels of alpha diversity in both sexes, but sex differences were seen in the ability of probiotics or methamphetamine to alter levels of various bacteria. These findings support the role of the gut–brain microbiome in the depressive effects of repeated methamphetamine exposure in males, suggesting that probiotics may be a viable treatment option for MuD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Methamphetamine (METH) is an addictive drug that threatens human health. The supramammillary nucleus (SuM) and its neural circuits play key roles in the regulation of spatial memory retrieval, and hippocampal contextual or social memory. Melatonin (MLT), a pineal hormone, can regulate hypothalamic‐neurohypophysial activity. Our previous study showed that MLT attenuates METH‐induced locomotor sensitization. However, whether MLT regulates SuM function and participates in METH‐induced contextual memory retrieval remains unclear. Using a mouse model of METH‐conditioned place preference (CPP) and sensitization, we found that METH activated c‐Fos expression and elevated calcium (Ca²⁺) levels in SuM neurons. Chemogenetic inhibition of SuM attenuates CPP and sensitization. Pretreatment with MLT decreased c‐Fos expression and Ca2+ levels in the SuM and reversed METH‐induced addictive behavior, effects that were blocked with the selective MT2 receptors antagonist 4P‐PDOT and the MT1 receptors antagonist S26131. Furthermore, MLT reduced SuM synaptic plasticity, glutamate (Glu) release, and neuronal oscillations caused by METH, which were blocked by 4P‐PDOT. In conclusion, our data revealed that MLT regulates neuronal synaptic plasticity in the SuM, likely through the MLT receptors (MTs), and plays a role in modulating METH‐addictive behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Blood–brain barrier (BBB) injury and dysfunction following infection with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) enables viral entry into the brain, infection of resident brain cells, neuronal injury and subsequent neurodegeneration leading to HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND). Although combination antiretroviral therapy has significantly reduced the incidence and prevalence of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome and increased the life expectancy of people living with HIV, the prevalence of HAND remains high. With aging of people living with HIV associated with increased comorbidities, the prevalence of HIV-related central nervous system (CNS) complications is expected to remain high. Considering the principal role of the brain endothelium in HIV infection of the CNS and HAND, the purpose of this manuscript is to review the current literature on the pathobiology of the brain endothelium structural and functional dysregulation in HIV infection, including in the presence of HIV-1 and viral proteins (gp120, Tat, Nef, and Vpr). We summarize evidence from human and animal studies, in vitro studies, and associated mechanisms. We further summarize evidence of synergy or lack thereof between commonly abused substances (cocaine, methamphetamine, alcohol, tobacco, opioids, and cannabinoids) and HIV- or viral protein-induced BBB injury and dysfunction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel photopolymerizable (meth)acrylate oligomer syrup modified with ferulic acid (FA) was verified as an antimicrobial coating binder against a biofilm of Staphylococcus epidermidis. A solution-free UV-LED-initiated photopolymerization process of aliphatic (meth)acrylates and styrene was performed to prepare the oligomer syrup. The influence of ferulic acid on the UV crosslinking process of the varnish coatings (kinetic studies using photo-DSC) as well as their chemical structure (FTIR) and mechanical (adhesion, hardness), optical (gloss, DOI parameter), and antibacterial properties against S. epidermidis were investigated. The photo-DSC results revealed that FA has a positive effect on reducing the early occurrence of slowing processes and has a favorable effect on the monomer conversion increment. It turned out, unexpectedly, that the more FA in the coating, the greater its adhesion to a glass substrate and hardness. The coating containing 0.9 wt. part of FA exhibited excellent antimicrobial properties against S. epidermidis, i.e., the bacterial number after 24 h was only 1.98 log CFU/mL. All the coatings showed relatively high hardness, gloss (>80 G.U.), and DOI parameter values (30–50 a.u.). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Consumption of stimulant drugs, a heterogeneous group of addictive substances, has significantly increased in recent years with rising numbers of stimulant-associated intoxication and deaths. Objective: To provide an overview of recent scientific evidence of the diagnosis and treatment of stimulant use disorders. Material and methods: A literature review of the neuropathology, clinical presentation, diagnostic criteria and evidence-based treatment for stimulant use disorders. Results: The chronic use of stimulant drugs is associated with significant physical (e.g., hypertension, tachycardia and dyspnoea) and psychological harm (e.g., dependence, psychotic disorders and affective disorders). Despite major advances in the research of the neuropathology of stimulant use disorder and the refinement of diagnostic criteria, the disorder still presents a challenge, not least because of the lack of effective treatments. There are currently no approved pharmacotherapeutic interventions for stimulant use disorder and meta-analyses show that the efficacy of behavioural interventions is low to moderate, similar to cognitive behavioural treatment. Conclusion: Despite growing insights into the neuropathology associated with stimulant use disorder, treatment remains a challenge. The lack of effective interventions makes it difficult to give clear recommendations for the clinical practice. Further scientific research is thus warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Methamphetamine (METH) is a highly addictive drug that directly affects the central nervous system. METH use not only harms the user's health but also poses risks and costs to society. Prolonged METH dependence has been shown to impair cognition, which may be the primary factor in impulsive drug-seeking behaviors and high relapse rates. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying METH addiction and METH-induced cognitive decline remain poorly understood. Methods: To illuminate the potential molecular mechanisms underpinning METH addiction, we compared serum protein expression levels between 12 long-term METH users and 12 healthy controls using label-free quantitative proteomics. Bioinformatic analyses were conducted to determine functional networks and protein-protein interactions. Results: In total, 23 differentially expressed proteins were identified between the two groups. The differentially expressed proteins were related to cognitive dysfunction, neuroinflammation, immune impairment, metabolic disturbances, and calcium binding and regulation. Conclusions: These 23 proteins may underpin the multi-system damage induced by chronic METH exposure. Our findings provide novel insights into the molecular basis of METH addiction and inform potential prevention and treatment strategies for individuals with METH dependence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sexual minority men (SMM) living with HIV report significantly greater methamphetamine use compared with heterosexual and HIV-negative peers. Greater use may be related to stressors (e.g., HIV-related stigma) faced by SMM living with HIV and subsequent psychological and behavioral sequelae. We tested an integrated theoretical model comprised of pathways between stigma, discrimination, childhood sexual abuse, psychological distress, sexual compulsivity, and cognitive escape in predicting methamphetamine use among SMM living with HIV. Among 423 SMM living with HIV, we tested a structural equation model examining factors hypothesized to be directly and indirectly associated with methamphetamine use. Analyses were adjusted for demographic covariates and sampling bias. The model showed good fit (CFI = 0.96, RMSEA = 0.01). Heterosexist discrimination was associated with psychological distress (β = 0.39, p < 0.001) and psychological distress was associated with sexual compulsivity (β = 0.33, p < 0.001). Sexual compulsivity was associated with cognitive escape (β = 0.31, p < 0.001), which was associated with methamphetamine use (β = 0.51, p < 0.001). Psychological distress was associated with methamphetamine use via serial indirect effects of sexual compulsivity and cognitive escape (β = 0.05, p < 0.05). Heterosexist discrimination contributed to psychological distress among SMM living with HIV. Psychological distress is linked to methamphetamine use via sexual compulsivity and cognitive avoidance. Interventions seeking to reduce the likelihood that SMM living with HIV use methamphetamine should include coping strategies specific to heterosexism and related psychological distress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The variation in improvement among individuals with addiction after abstinence is a critical issue. Here, we aimed to identify robust multimodal markers associated with high response to 8-month abstinence in the individuals with heroin use disorder (HUD) and explore whether the identified markers could be generalized to the individuals with methamphetamine use disorder (MUD). According to the median of craving changes, 53 individuals with HUD with 8-month abstinence were divided into two groups: higher craving reduction and lower craving reduction. At baseline, clinical variables, cortical thickness and subcortical volume, fractional anisotropy (FA) of fibers and resting-state functional connectivity (RSFC) were extracted. Different strategies (single metric, multimodal neuroimaging fusion and multimodal neuroimaging-clinical data fusion) were used to identify reliable features for discriminating the individuals with HUD with higher craving reduction from those with lower reduction. The generalization ability of the identified features was validated in the 21 individuals with MUD. Multimodal neuroimaging-clinical fusion features with best performance was achieved an 87.1 ± 3.89% average accuracy in individuals with HUD, with a moderate accuracy of 66.7% when generalizing to individuals with MUD. The multimodal neuroimaging features, primarily converging in frontal regions (e.g., the left superior frontal (LSF) thickness, FA of the LSF-occipital tract, and RSFC of left middle frontal-right superior temporal lobe), collectively contributed to prediction alongside dosage and attention impulsiveness. In this study, we identified the validated multimodal frontal neuroimaging markers associated with higher response to long-term abstinence and revealed insights for the neural mechanisms of addiction abstinence, contributing to clinical strategies and treatment for addiction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Brain can be a useful specimen for toxicology testing as it is a protected and isolated organ with lower metabolic activity than other tissues, but there is currently no published data supporting the stability of stimulant drugs in prepared brain homogenates. Brain homogenates were evaluated to determine the stability of the following stimulant drugs: amphetamine, benzoylecgonine, bupropion, cocaethylene, cocaine, ephedrine, methylenedioxyamphetamine, methylenedioxymethamphetamine, methamphetamine, and phentermine. Four different homogenates were prepared at a 1:4 dilution with deionized water and fortified at 500 ng/mL of: cocaine without sodium fluoride, cocaine with 1% sodium fluoride, stimulant drugs other than cocaine without sodium fluoride, and stimulant drugs other than cocaine with 1% sodium fluoride. The fortified homogenates were aliquoted into 13 × 100-mm screw cap tubes and stored at room temperature (∼20°C), refrigerated (2–8°C), or frozen (<−5°C) and analyzed in triplicate on Days 0, 1, 3, 7, 14, 30, 60, and 90. Analytes were considered stable as long as the difference in analyte/internal standard response ratio from Day 0 was less than 20% and the peaks met qualitative acceptance criteria. All analytes were stable for up to 90 days when stored frozen with or without sodium fluoride and had variable stability at all other evaluated conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: Recent increases in methamphetamine use among people seeking treatment for opioid use disorder (OUD) has created significant demand for effective approaches to support this clinical population. This study assessed the extent to which office‐based opioid treatment (OBOT) patients, who were diagnosed with methamphetamine use disorder (MUD), engaged with providers. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted of adult patients (n = 470) seeking treatment for OUD who attended at least one visit between March 2020 and March 2023 at a rural regional OBOT provider. Approximately one quarter (28.7%) of patients were diagnosed with MUD in addition to receiving an OUD diagnosis. Bivariate methods and multivariate negative binomial regression models were estimated to examine the associations between clinical measures and the numbers of office visits, peer visits, and telehealth visits. Results: Regression results indicated patients who met criteria for MUD in addition to OUD attended a higher rate of peer visits (incidence rate ratio [IRR] = 2.63, p =.036) when compared to patients who did not meet criteria for MUD. In contrast, patients with MUD and OUD diagnoses displayed significantly lower (IRR = 0.68, p <.001) engagement rates through fewer office visits relative to those who did not meet MUD criteria. Discussion and Conclusions: Patients seeking treatment for OUD who meet criteria for MUD are more likely to engage through peer support specialists rather than office visits. Scientific Significance: This study demonstrates the ways patients who meet criteria for OUD and MUD engage with providers to receive treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rationale: Methamphetamine addiction is a persistent and intractable pathological learning and memory, whereas no approved therapeutics is available. However, few attentions have been paid to how associative learning participates in the formation of intractable memory related to drug addiction Objectives and methods: To investigate the role of associative learning in methamphetamine addiction and the underlying neurobiological mechanism, methamphetamine self-administration, oral sucrose self-administration, chemogenetic neuromanipulation, and fiber photometry in mice were performed in this study. Results: We reported that associative learning increased methamphetamine-induced self-administration, but not oral sucrose self-administration. In addition, the enhancement of methamphetamine-induced self-administration was independent of more methamphetamine consumption, and remained with higher drug-taking and motivation in the absence of visual cues, suggesting the direct effects of the associative learning that enhanced methamphetamine-induced self-administration. Moreover, chemogenetic inactivation of the secondary visual cortex (V2) reduced the enhancement of the drug-taking induced by associative learning but did not alter sucrose-taking. Further fiber photometry of V2 neurons demonstrated that methamphetamine-associative learning elicits V2 neuron excitation, and sucrose-associative learning elicits V2 neuron inhibition. Conclusions: Therefore, this study reveals the neurobiological mechanism of V2 excitability underlying how associative learning participates in the formation of intractable memory related to drug addiction, and gives evidence to support V2 as a promising target for stimulation therapy for methamphetamine addiction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To explore the relationship between relapse tendency and childhood maltreatment in methamphetamine-dependent youths, and the role of impulsivity and quality of life in the relationship. Methods: Totally 287 methamphetamine-dependent youths (160 females, 127 males) were selected in compulsory drug rehabilitation centers. The Relapse Tendency Questionnaire (RTQ), Childhood Trauma Questionnaire-Short Form (CTQ- SF), Barrett Impulsivity Scale (BIS-11) and Quality of Life for Drug Addicts (QOL-DA) for Drug Addicts were used to conduct the survey. SPSS macro program PROCESS was used to test the mediating role. Results: The BIS- 11 total scores acted as a partial mediator between the total scores of CTQ-SF and RTQ, with an effect value of 0.03 (95% CI: 0.01-0.05), the QOL-DA total scores acted as a full mediator between the total scores of CTQ-SF and RTQ, with an effect value of 0.05 (95% CI: 0.02-0.08), and the scores of BIS-11 and QOL-DA acted as chain mediators between total scores of CTQ-SF and RTQ, with an effect value of 0.01 (95% CI: 0.00-0.03). Conclusion: Childhood maltreatment, impulsivity, and quality of life may be associated with relapse tendencies in methamphetamine-dependent youths. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim: Autophagy is a protected lysosome-dependent cellular degradation process that helps maintain homeostasis and metabolic adaptation of the cell. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of moderate intensity continuous training on the expression of C/EBPB and mTOR genes related to autophagy in the frontal cortex of methamphetamine-dependent rats. Materials and Methods: Thirty two male Wistar rats were randomly divided into four equal groups (n = 8) of saline, primary methamphetamine, secondary methamphetamine, and methamphetamine-training. Methamphetamine was injected in the amount of five mg/kg for 21 days. The exhausted endurance test and the average maximum speed of the rats were calculated in order to design the training program as it included 24 minutes of running with an intensity of 60-65% of the maximum speed on the treadmill for eight weeks (five sessions per week). At the end, to evaluate gene expression changes, C/EBPB-mTOR indices were extracted from the frontal cortex tissue of the rats. The results were extracted using one-way analysis of variance at a significance level of p <= 0.05 Results: Methamphetamine injection in the primary and secondary methamphetamine groups indicated a significant increase in C/EBPB gene expression compared to the saline group ( p = 0.001 and p = 0.005 respectively), but in the group early methamphetamine showed a significant decrease in mTOR gene expression compared to the saline group (p = 0.04) Moreover, moderate intensity continuous training in the methamphetamine- exercise group indicated a significant decrease in C/EBPẞ gene expression compared to the primary methamphetamine group (p = 0.04), but as compared to the primary and secondary methamphetamine groups showed significantly increased mTOR gene expression. Conclusion: Methamphetamine injection could probably increases the expression of C/EBPB autophagic gene in the frontal cortex of the brain; while continuous exercises with moderate intensity, as a preventive strategy, can moderate and regulate autophagy caused by methamphetamine, through increasing mTOR gene expression in the brain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Methamphetamine, pseudoephedrine, and related drugs are among the first drugs used for the stimulation of the central nervous system. In this study, two adsorbents based on graphene oxide (GO) were synthesized and used for the analysis of methamphetamine and pseudoephedrine. The prepared nano-adsorbents based on GO in this study were coated by polyaniline (PANI) and Fe3O4/C-nanodot/GO (magnetic adsorbent). The average size of nanoparticles (GO/PANI) was 18.43 nm. The specific surface area and pore size diameter of Fe3O4/C-nanodot/GO were 22.71 m2 g− 1 and 15.23 nm, respectively. Experimental variables affecting the extraction efficiency of the analytes such as pH of the sample solution, amount of adsorbent, extraction time, and type of eluents were investigated and optimized by response surface methodology. Under optimum conditions, GO/PANI and Fe3O4/C-nanodot/GO were considered appropriate solid phase extraction adsorbents for HPLC-based analyses of the studied drugs in human urine samples. However, GO/Fe3O4 nano adsorbent (Fe3O4/C-nanodot/GO) showed superior working condition than GO/PANI. The validated proposed analytical methods can be used for the quantitative determination of methamphetamine and pseudoephedrine in actual samples.

Abstract Background The substitution of cannabis for alcohol and other drugs has been conceptualised in a harm reduction framework as where cannabis is used to reduce the negative side-effects, addiction potential, and social stigma of other drugs. There is currently mixed evidence with recent reviews suggesting cannabis co-use patterns may vary by age and ethnicity. Yet few studies have had large enough samples to examine this demographic variation in detail. Aims To explore the co-use of cannabis with alcohol and other drugs within demographic subgroups of a large sample of people who use cannabis. Specifically: (1) whether cannabis is being substituted for other drugs, and (2), whether cannabis use leads to more, less or the same level of other drug use. Method Online convenience survey promoted via Facebook™ completed by 23,500 New Zealand respondents. Those who had used cannabis and any of eight other substances in the same six-month period were asked if their use of cannabis had any impact on their use of each other substance (“a lot more”, “little more”, “no impact/same”, “little less”, “a lot less”). Frequency and quantity used of each other drug was compared by co-use group. Generalised logistic regression models were developed to predict co-use categories. Results Significant proportions reported cannabis use led to “less” alcohol (60%), synthetic cannabinoid (60%), morphine (44%) and methamphetamine (40%) use. Those who reported using “less” had lower frequency and amount used of other drugs. Approximately seven-out-ten reported cannabis use had “no impact” on LSD, MDMA, and cocaine use. One-in-five reported using cannabis led to “more” tobacco use. Young adults (21–35-years) were more likely to report cannabis use led to “less” drinking and methamphetamine use. Adolescent co-users (16–20 years) reported mixed impacts. Māori were more likely to report cannabis use resulted in “less” alcohol, tobacco, methamphetamine, and LSD use. Students and those living in cities were less likely to report cannabis use lowering use of other substances. Conclusion Cannabis and other drug co-use patterns are moderated by life stages, lifestyles, cultural perspectives, and urbanicity. Harm reduction initiatives and policy reforms should take account of these moderating factors.

Abstract Introduction Polydrug use in the context of chemsex is commonplace among gay, bisexual, and other men-who-have-sex-with-men (GBMSM). This study aimed to examine the differences in experiences of physical, social, and psychological harms, as well as mental ill-health among GBMSM who use different combinations of methamphetamine and gamma-hydroxybutyric acid/gamma-butyrolactone (GHB/GBL) during chemsex. Method Adult GBMSM participants who had experience of chemsex in the past 12 months participated in a cross-sectional online survey in Taiwan and self-reported their sociodemographic background, sexual behaviours, mental health, and experiences of harm following a chemsex session. We used univariable and multivariable logistic regression to assess the different experiences of harm and mental ill-health among GBMSM who engaged in chemsex without using methamphetamine, used methamphetamine but not GHB/GBL, and who used both drugs. Results Out of 510 participants who completed all items included in the analysis, 24.1% engaged in chemsex without using methamphetamine, 36.9% used methamphetamine but not GHB/GBL, and 39.0% used both drugs. Eighty five percent of men who used both methamphetamine and GHB/GBL reported at least one kind of social harm after a chemsex session, such as missing dates or appointments, or appearing “high” at work, followed by used methamphetamine but not GHB/GBL (69.7%) and those without using methamphetamine (37.4%). After controlling for polydrug and frequency of drug use in the multivariable logistic regression, those who used methamphetamine but not GHB/GBL and those who used both drugs were more likely to report experiencing physical and psychological harms compared to those who did not use methamphetamine (p

Abstract Background Individuals using methamphetamine (METH) may experience psychosis, which usually requires aggressive treatment. Studies of the neural correlates of METH-associated psychosis (MAP) have focused predominantly on the default mode network (DMN) and cognitive control networks. We hypothesize that METH use alters global functional connections in resting-state brain networks and that certain cross-network connections could be associated with psychosis. Methods We recruited 24 healthy controls (CRL) and 54 men with METH use disorder (MUD) who were then divided into 25 without psychosis (MNP) and 29 with MAP. Psychotic symptom severity was assessed using the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), evaluating (1) large-scale alterations in regional-wise resting-state functional connectivity (rsFC) across 11 brain networks and (2) associations between rsFC and psychotic symptom severity. Results The MUD group exhibited greater rsFC between the salience network (SN)-DMN, and subcortical network (SCN)-DMN compared to the CRL group. The MAP group exhibited decreased rsFC in the sensory/somatomotor network (SMN)-dorsal attention network (DAN), SMN-ventral attention network (VAN), SMN-SN, and SMN-auditory network (AN), whereas the MNP group exhibited increased rsFC in the SMN-DMN and the frontoparietal network (FPN)-DMN compared to CRL. Additionally, the MAP group exhibited decreased rsFC strength between the SMN-DMN, SMN-AN, SMN-FPN, and DMN-VAN compared to the MNP group. Furthermore, across the entire MUD group, the PANSS-Positive subscale was negatively correlated with the DMN-FPN and FPN-SMN, while the PANSS-Negative subscale was negatively correlated with the DMN-AN and SMN-SMN. Conclusion MUD is associated with altered global functional connectivity. In addition, the MAP group exhibits a different brain functional network compared to the MNP group.

Background and Objective: Methamphetamine is a highly addictive drug associated with severe psychosocial consequences and is extensively abused. This study aimed to determine the effects of four weeks of aerobic exercise and berberine supplementation on the expression of dopamine 5 receptor and poly (adenosin diphosphat [ADP]-ribose polymerase (PARP) genes in the heart tissue of methamphetamine-exposed rats. Methods: In this experimental study, 30 female Wistar rats were randomly allocated into five groups of six: Control, methamphetamine, methamphetamine + aerobic exercise, methamphetamine + berberine, and methamphetamine + aerobic exercise + berberine. Intraperitoneal injections of methamphetamine (10 mg/kg) and aerobic exercise and berberine consumption (100 mg/kg) were administered for 4 weeks during the withdrawal period. The expression levels of dopamine 5 receptor and PARP genes was measured using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Results: There was no significant difference in PARP gene expression between the methamphetamine group (1.02±0.65) and the control group (1.02±0.24). Similarly, there was no significant difference in dopamine 5 receptor gene expression between the methamphetamine group (5.74±4.94) and the control group (4.76±2.63). The expression levels of PARP and dopamine 5 receptor genes following exercise (1.01±0.55 and 4.30±1.96, respectively), berberine supplementation (0.61±0.25 and 2.97±1.45, respectively), and the combined intervention (0.67±0.30 and 3.43±1.87, respectively) showed no significant differences between the groups. Conclusion: Short-term methamphetamine induction did not induce significant changes in the expression of dopamine 5 receptor and PARP genes in the hearts of methamphetamine-exposed rats.

Abstract Persistent neurochemical and biological disturbances resulting from repeated cycles of drug reward, withdrawal, and relapse contribute to drug dependence. Methamphetamine (MA) is a psychostimulant with substantial abuse potential and neurotoxic effects, primarily affecting monoamine neurotransmitter systems in the brain. In this study, we aimed to explore the progression of drug dependence in rat models of MA self-administration, extinction, and reinstatement through targeted and non-targeted metabolomics analyses. Metabolic profiles were examined in rat plasma during the following phases: after 16 days of MA self-administration (Group M); after 16 days of self-administration followed by 14 days of extinction (Group MS); and after self-administration and extinction followed by a reinstatement injection of MA (Group MSM). Each group of MA self-administration, extinction, and reinstatement induces distinct changes in the metabolic pathways, particularly those related to the TCA cycle, arginine and proline metabolism, and arginine biosynthesis. Additionally, the downregulation of glycerophospholipids and sphingomyelins in Group MSM suggests their potential role in MA reinstatement. These alterations may signify the progressive deterioration of these metabolic pathways, possibly contributing to drug dependence following repeated cycles of drug reward, withdrawal, and relapse. These results provide valuable insights into the metabolic changes associated with MA use at various stages, potentially facilitating the discovery of early diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets for MA use disorders.

Background: Methamphetamine use can provide a quick and pleasurable rush, increased energy, heightened attention, and euphoria, but may also result in many adverse effects. Various cell lines have been utilized in vitro to determine the adverse impacts of methamphetamine on those cells. As enough data are not available on the effect of methamphetamine on skin fibroblast cells, this study determined its in vitro effect on proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis of human skin fibroblast cells.Methods: Phenotypic characteristics of fibroblasts cells were determined and real-time PCR examined the expression of matrix metalloproteinase1 (MMP1), matrix metalloproteinase 3 (MMP3), integrin alpha 11 (ITGA11), CD106, CD10, and CD26 markers. MTT assay checked the toxicity of recreational doses of 6 and 60 μM of methamphetamine. Quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) assessed expression of Bax, Bcl-2 and PPARγ genes.Results: Fibroblast cells were morphologically spindle-shape and were positive for fibroblast markers of CD10, CD26, MMP1 and MMP3 and negative for mesenchymal markers of ITGA11 and CD106. MTT assay revealed a decline in proliferation of fibroblast cells when they were exposed to methamphetamine. The expression of Bax and PPARγ genes increased and decreased for Bcl-2 gene after exposure of cells to methamphetamine.Conclusion: Our results confirmed adverse effects of methamphetamine on proliferation, viability and differentiation of skin fibroblast cells revealing a reduction in cell proliferation and differentiation as well as an increase in cell apoptosis. These findings can open a window to health status of people who target methamphetamine use for recreational purposes.

ObjectiveWe describe the prevalence of COVID-19 vaccine uptake, substance use, and other factors associated with vaccine hesitancy among participants from nine North American cohort studies following a diverse group of individuals at risk for or living with HIV.MethodsBetween May 2021 and January 2022, participants completed a survey related to COVID-19 vaccination. Participants included those with and without substance use. Those responding as 'no' or 'undecided' to the question "Do you plan on getting the COVID-19 vaccine?" were categorized as vaccine hesitant. Differences between groups were evaluated using chi-square methods and multivariable log-binomial models were used to calculate prevalence ratios (PR) of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy with separate models for each substance.ResultsAmong 1,696 participants, COVID-19 vaccination was deferred or declined by 16%. Vaccine hesitant participants were younger, with a greater proportion unstably housed (14.8% vs. 10.0%; p = 0.02), and not living with HIV (48.% vs. 36.6%; p

We thank Augello and Wu [...].

BackgroundMethamphetamine use disorder (MethUD) disproportionately affects men who have sex exclusively with men or with men and women (collectively MSM/W), compared to men who have sex with women (MSW). This study is the first MethUD medication trial to compare treatment effect for these groups, hypothesizing that extended-release injectable naltrexone 380mg every 3 weeks plus oral extended-release bupropion 450mg daily would be less effective for MSM/W than MSW.MethodsData come from men (N = 246) in a multi-site, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial with sequential parallel comparison design. In Stage 1 (6-weeks), participants were randomized to active treatment or placebo. In Stage 2 (6-weeks), Stage 1 placebo non-responders were rerandomized. Treatment response was ≥3 methamphetamine-negative urine samples, out of four obtained at the end of Stages 1 and 2. Treatment effect was the active-versus-placebo between-group difference in the weighted average Stages 1 and 2 responses.ResultsMSM/W (n = 151) were more likely than MSW (n = 95) to be Hispanic, college-educated, and living with HIV. Adjusting for demographics, among MSM/W, response rates were 13.95 % (active treatment) and 2.78 % (placebo) in Stage 1; 23.26 % (active treatment) and 4.26 % (placebo) in Stage 2. Among MSW, response rates were 7.69 % (active treatment) and 5.80 % (placebo) in Stage 1; 3.57 % (active treatment) and 0 % (placebo) in Stage 2. Treatment effect was significantly larger for MSM/W (h = 0.1479) than MSW (h = 0.0227) (p = 0.04).ConclusionsFindings suggest efficacy of extended-release naltrexone plus bupropion for MSM/W, a population heavily burdened by MethUD. While a secondary outcome, this intriguing finding merits testing in prospective trials.

Stimulant use among unstably housed individuals is associated with increased risks of psychiatric co-morbidity, violence, HIV transmission, and overdose. Due to a lack of highly effective treatments, evidence-based policies targeting the prevention of stimulant use disorder are of critical importance. However, little empirical evidence exists on risks associated with initiating or returning to stimulant use among at-risk populations. In a longitudinal cohort of unstably housed women in San Francisco (2016-2019), self-reported data on stimulant use, housing status, and mental health were collected monthly for up to 6 months, and factors associated with initiating stimulants after a period of non-use were identified through logistic regression. Among 245 participants, 42 (17.1%) started using cocaine and 46 (18.8%) started using methamphetamine. In analyses adjusting for demographics and socio-structural exposures over the preceding month, experiencing street homelessness was associated with initiating cocaine use (AOR: 2.10; 95% CI: 1.04, 4.25) and sheltered homelessness with initiating methamphetamine use (AOR: 2.57; 95% CI: 1.37, 4.79). Other factors-including race, income, unmet subsistence needs, mental health, and treatment adherence-did not reach levels of significance, suggesting the paramount importance of policies directed toward improving access to permanent supportive housing to prevent stimulant use among unstably housed women.

A new highly effective sizing reagent based on grafted collagen copolymers has been proposed for cotton yarn. The copolymers were synthesized by reacting an aqueous solution of collagen with acrylic monomers--acrylic, matacrylic acids, and their amides in the presence of potassium persulfate. Based on Scanning electron microscopy--Energy dispersive (SEM-EDS) analysis data, the composition of the copolymers was determined. Unsaturated acids are more actively grafted onto collagen than their amides. When a polymer film is formed from a solution of a collagen copolymer with (meth)acrylic acid, microcracks appear on the surface of the sample; microcracks are absent in films of copolymers with (meth)acrylamide. Films of copolymers, especially methacrylamide, are quite flexible and contribute to a significant improvement in the properties of the yarn. The tensile strength of yarn sized with copolymers increases by 20%-65% compared to unsized yarn, and by 13%--38% compared to yarn sized with a starch solution. At the same time, the relative tensile elongation of the experimental yarn improves by 14%-58%, while this property of starch-size yarn deteriorates by 14%-22% compared to unsized yarn. The complete removal of graft copolymers from the surface of the yarn in the process of biochemical desizing using the enzyme protease is shown. Highlights * Graft copolymerization of (meth)aciylamide with collagen was carried out. * Grafting is initiated by the interaction of collagen with potassium persulfate. * The synthesized copolymers are effective sizing reagents for cotton yarn. * The copolymer with poly(meth)acrylamide forms a flexible and stable film. * The protease enzyme completely removes the size from the surface of the yarn. KEYWORDS acrylic monomer, collagen, cotton yam, graft copolymer, morphology, sizing, 1 | INTRODUCTION The preparation of cotton yarn for weaving is a technological link between the production of yarn and the production of fabric, therefore it plays a significant role [...]

Background: Methamphetamine addiction is a growing global concern associated with executive dysfunctions that negatively impact daily life. Traditional tests for assessing executive dysfunctions are often complex and time-consuming. Therefore, a valid, reliable, and simple instrument to assess these dysfunctions is crucial. This study aimed to assess the psychometric properties of the Persian version of the Dysexecutive Questionnaire in methamphetamine-abstinent individuals.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 100 participants aged 20 to 50, selected via convenience sampling. The Dysexecutive Questionnaire (informant and occupational therapist ratings), Behavioral Assessment of the Dysexecutive Syndrome, Stroop test, Wisconsin Card Sorting test, and Tower of London task were used to evaluate the participants. The study examined the face validity, convergent validity, internal consistency, test-retest reliability, and inter-rater reliability of the Dysexecutive Questionnaire. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS v.23.0 at a significance level 0.05.Results: The Dysexecutive Questionnaire demonstrated acceptable face validity (impact score: 1.95 to 3.86). Convergent validity was supported by significant correlations between the Dysexecutive Questionnaire - informant rating and other assessment tools (p < 0.001). The questionnaire showed good to excellent internal consistency (Dysexecutive Questionnaire - occupational therapist rating: α = 0.91; Dysexecutive Questionnaire - informant rating: α = 0.87). The test-retest reliability was high for the occupational therapist rating (ICC = 0.911) and informant rating (ICC = 0.925). Inter-rater reliability was also excellent (ICC = 0.980).Conclusion: The Dysexecutive Questionnaire - informant rating is a reliable and valid instrument for evaluating dysexecutive symptoms in methamphetamine-abstinent individuals.

Methamphetamine (METH), a stimulant that is extremely addictive, directly affects the central nervous system. METH's abuse and consumption are directly linked to mental illnesses, psychosis, and behavioral and cognitive impairments. It may disrupt the reward system and dopaminergic transmission. METH's rewarding qualities are associated with a rise in dopamine. Additionally, cannabidiol (CBD), one of the primary cannabinoid components of the cannabis plant, significantly affects dopaminergic transmission and may aid in reward- and addiction-related behaviors. To shed light on the role of the D2-like dopamine receptor (D2R) in the hippocampal dentate gyrus (DG), the present study examined the effects of CBD on the acquisition and expression of the conditioned place preference (CPP) induced by METH. The function of D2R was ascertained by delivering Sulpiride microinjections, as a D2R antagonist Sulpiride (0.25, 1, and 4 μg/0.5 μL DMSO12%) into the DG. Moreover, an intracerebroventricular injection of CBD at a dose of 10 μg/5 μL for CPP acquisition and 50 μg/5 μL for CPP expression was given to rats. According to the current research, CBD dramatically reduced the acquisition and expression of CPP resulting from METH. However, Sulpiride suppressed the effect of CBD on METH-induced CPP acquisition and expression, with a greater impact on expression experiments. Ultimately, this study proposed that the expression experiment of METH-induced CPP appears to be heavily dependent on D2R in the DG. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chronic exposure to methamphetamine (METH) has been suggested to cause METH use disorder and severe cognitive impairment. Paeoniflorin (PF) is a monoterpenoid glycoside with various beneficial effects, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antidepressant. The current study was designed to investigate the effect of PF (30 mg/kg, i.p.) on the rewarding effect of METH (2.5 mg/kg, i.p.) and the associated cognitive impairment, using the animal model of conditioned place preference, new location reorganization test, new object reorganization test and Y-maze test. METH induced conditioned place preference, accompanied by increased expression of synapse-associated proteins in the ventral target areas (VTA) and nucleus accumbens (NAc). In addition, METH induced significant cognitive impairment and decreased the expression of synapse-associated proteins in the hippocampus (Hip). Administration of PF decreased the rewarding effect of METH and the expression of synapse-associated proteins in the VTA or NAc. PF was also effective to improve METH-induced cognitive impairment by upregulating the expression of synapse-associated proteins in the Hip. Therefore, PF could be a potential agent for the treatment of METH use disorder and the associated cognitive impairment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Both physiological and epidemiological research suggest that certain psychoactive substances have a greater potential for abuse (e.g. heroin) than others (e.g. hallucinogens). The use of multiple substances is also associated with a higher risk of substance use disorder (SUD). The goal of the present study was to evaluate the association between the use of different substances and the risk of SUD while accounting for polysubstance use. Data from the 2021 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (n = 58,034, unweighted) were used. Eight different substances (i.e. Alcohol, Cannabis, Cocaine, Inhalants, Hallucinogens, Heroin, Methamphetamine, and Opiate Misuse) were compared with respect to their typical frequency of use; the prevalence of SUD among individuals using each substance; the odds of SUDs when controlling for polysubstance use; and the rate of other substance use among those with a substance-specific SUD. Notable differences were found regarding the frequency of use and the rate of SUD among individuals reporting past year use. Heroin and methamphetamine were associated with the highest risk of SUD across all analyses. In contrast, hallucinogens and inhalants were consistently identified as having the lowest risk. The present results confirm that certain substances appear to have an inherently greater association with SUD compared to other substances. While these findings are not fundamentally divergent from prior epidemiological studies or ranking systems, they provide a more solid empirical foundation for assumptions of differential risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rural communities in the US have increasing HIV burden tied to injection drug use, yet engagement in pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) care has been low among people who inject drugs (PWID). Syringe service programs (SSPs) are widely implemented in Kentucky's Appalachian region, presenting an important opportunity to scale PrEP services. This paper examines PrEP awareness, interest and preferences among PWID attending community-based SSPs in Appalachia. Eighty participants were enrolled from two SSP locations. Eligibility included: ≥ 18 years old, current injection drug use and SSP use, and an indication for PrEP as defined by CDC guidelines. Participants completed a structured baseline interview. Predictors of PrEP awareness, interest and formulation preferences were examined. 38.8% reported baseline awareness of PrEP, 50% expressed high interest in PrEP, and 48.1%reported a preference for injectable PrEP. Significant bivariate predictors of PrEP interest included: current worry about health, higher perceived HIV risk, higher community HIV stigma, and higher enacted substance use stigma in the past year; in the adjusted model, enacted substance use stigma remained significant. Findings demonstrate substantial interest in PrEP among rural PWID. Intrapersonal and social determinant factors were associated with PrEP interest, which suggests the importance of multi-level intervention targets to increase PrEP uptake. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Acrylate polymers and cross‐polymers (ACPs) are frequently used cosmetic ingredients. The British Society for Cutaneous Allergy (BSCA) and the UK Cosmetic, Toiletry and Perfumery Association (CTPA) collaborated to investigate the allergenic potential of three commonly‐used ACPs. Objectives: The objective of this study is to determine the prevalence of allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) to three ACPs: glyceryl acrylate/acrylic acid co‐polymer, sodium polyacrylate, and acrylates/C10‐30 alkyl acrylate cross‐polymer (Carbopol®). Materials and Methods: The BSCA prospectively audited data collected from 20 centres in the UK and Ireland between 1st September 2021 and 1st September 2022. Patients with suspected ACD to (meth)acrylates, with facial dermatitis, or consecutive patients, were patch tested to glyceryl acrylate/acrylic acid co‐polymer 10% aqueous (aq.) sodium polyacrylate 2% aq., and to acrylates/C10‐30 alkyl acrylate cross‐polymer 2% aq. (Carbopol®). The frequencies of positive, irritant, and doubtful reactions were recorded. Results: In total, 1302 patients were patch tested. To glyceryl acrylate/acrylic acid co‐polymer, there was one doubtful reaction in a patient allergic to multiple (meth)acrylates, and one irritant. To sodium polyacrylate, there were four irritant reactions, one doubtful, and one positive reaction; in all cases, relevance was unknown and there was no demonstrable (meth)acrylate allergy. There were no reactions to Carbopol®. Conclusions: Sensitisation to these concentrations of the three tested ACPs is rare. Elicitation of dermatitis in (meth)acrylate‐sensitised patients by exposure to these three ACPs appears unlikely. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]