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Background: Age of onset is an important factor in the development and trajectory of psychiatric disorders; however, little is known regarding the age of onset in relation to disordered gambling in treatment seeking samples in the UK. Utilising a large residential treatment seeking gambler cohort, the current study examined the relationship between age of gambling onset and a range of variables thought to be associated with disordered gambling. Method: Data were collected from 768 gamblers attending residential treatment for disordered gambling. Individuals were grouped per the age they started gambling as either a child (≤12), adolescent (13-15), or young adult / adult (≤16). Data were analysed using linear, backward stepwise, and multinomial logistic regressions to identify significant relationships between age of onset and variables of theoretical significance. Results: Results indicate the younger age of gambling onset was associated with increased gambling severity. Those who began gambling at an earlier age were more likely to have abused drugs or solvents, committed an unreported crime, been verbally aggressive and experienced violent outbursts. They are less likely to report a positive childhood family environment and are more likely to have had a parent with gambling and / or alcohol problems. Discussion: Gamblers who began gambling at an earlier age experience negative life events and exhibit some antisocial behaviors more than later onset gamblers, indicating that when addressing gambling behavior, it is important to consider the developmental trajectory of the disorder, rather than merely addressing current gambling behavior. However, the direction of the relationship between gambling and significant variables is in some instance unclear, indicating a need for further research to define causality.

Within the cohort of individuals who seek treatment for disordered gambling, over half fail to complete treatment. The current study sought to identify predictors of treatment dropout in a sample of gamblers attending a residential treatment facility for disordered gamblers in the UK and to report differences in voluntary and enforced dropout. Data on 658 gamblers seeking residential treatment with the Gordon Moody Association (GMA) was analysed, collected between 2000 and 2015. Measurements included demographic data, self-reported gambling behavior, (including the Problem Gambling Severity Index), mental and physical health status, and a risk assessment. Binary logistic regression models were used to examine predictors of treatment termination. Results confirm a high percentage of treatment dropout among disordered gamblers (51.3%). Significant predictors of treatment dropout included older age of the client, higher levels of education, higher levels of debt, online gambling, gambling on poker, shorter duration of treatment, higher depression, experience of previous treatment programmes and medication, and adverse childhood experiences. Within non-completers, significant predictors of enforced dropout included lifetime homelessness, less debt, sports gambling, depression and lifetime smoking. Those who were on a longer treatment programme and had previously received gambling treatment or support were less likely to be asked to leave. Clinicians working in inpatient support need to be aware of the increased psychopathogical and psychosocial problems in those who are at risk of termination and make attempts to retain them in treatment and increase patient compliance.

Background Disordered gambling can have serious negative consequences for the individual and those around them. Previous research has indicated that disordered gamblers are at an increased risk of suicidal thoughts, ideation and attempts. The current study sought to utilise data from a clinical sample to identify factors that are associated with prior suicide attempts. Methods The sample included 621 patients entering a gambling-specific residential facility in the UK. A series of Chi-Square analyses and binary logistic regressions were run to identify clinical and sociodemographic variables associated with suicide attempts. Results Of the 20 variables analysed using Chi-square statistics, five were significantly associated with the outcome variable (lifetime attempted suicide): loss of family relationships, loss of home, prior depression, prior suicidal thoughts, and medication use. Regression analysis showed that individuals were more likely to have reported suicide attempts if they had experienced loss of family relationships (1.65 times), loss of a home (1.87 times), prior depression (3.2 times), prior suicidal thoughts (6.14 times), or were taking medication (1.95 times) compared to those not reporting such individual events. Conclusions Disordered gamblers are vulnerable to suicide; a number of factors have been identified in the current study that predict an increased likelihood of attempted suicide. The factors mainly revolve around loss: not financial loss, but rather disintegration of an individual’s support network and deterioration in the individual’s mental health. Findings indicate that isolation and negative affect associated with gambling are most influential in attempted suicide and should therefore be more strongly considered when creating and providing the legislative, educational and treatment environments for those experiencing gambling related harm.

Open letter from UK based academic scientists to the secretaries of state for digital, culture, media and sport and for health and social care regarding the need for independent funding for the prevention and treatment of gambling harms.

Background and aims Gambling is an activity that for some can become disordered, with severe negative consequences. Existing literature does little to inform us regarding changing gambling habits of treatment seeking gamblers; the current study sought to measure trends and patterns in UK treatment seeking gambler behaviour and demographics over a 15-year period. Methods Case files for 768 gamblers seeking residential treatment with the Gordon Moody Association (GMA) were analysed, collected between 2000 and 2015. Case files comprised initial assessment questionnaires, demographic data, current gambling behaviour, mental and physical health status, and a risk assessment. Chi-squared analyses were used to measure change in categorical distribution. Results Prevalence of different forms of gambling identified as problematic have changed over time: Fixed Odds Betting Terminals (FOBTs), sports betting, and poker have become more common; horse and dog racing, and the National Lottery have become less common. Online gambling has also increased over time. In more recent years, gamblers are also more likely to have attempted suicide, to report a co-occurring mental health disorder, and to start treatment having already been prescribed medication. Discussion and conclusions This is the first study to demonstrate that UK treatment seeking gambler behaviour has changed over time; major changes relate to the forms of gambling engaged in problematically, and the mental health of disordered gamblers. Whilst much media focus is directed towards one form of gambling, this should not detract focus from other forms and associated disorders, and the impact of the legislative environment.

Background: Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) is associated with problems with processing complex social scenarios. Little is known about the relationship between distinct AUD-related factors (e.g., years of problematic drinking), aspects of cognitive function and dysfunction in individuals diagnosed with AUD, and the relative impact these may have on social cognition. Aims: To explore differences in social cognition between a group of participants diagnosed with AUD and controls, using a clinical measure, the Mini Social and Emotional Assessment (mini-SEA). The mini-SEA was used to evaluate social and emotional understanding through a facial emotional recognition task and by utilising a series of social scenes some of which contain a faux pas (social error). Methods: Eighty-four participants (individuals with AUD and controls) completed demographic and a general cognitive and social cognitive test battery over three consecutive days. Results: Between group analyses revealed that the participants with AUD performed less well on the faux pas test, and differences were also revealed in the emotional facial recognition task. Years of problematic alcohol consumption was the strongest predictor of poor ToM reasoning. Conclusion: These results suggest a strong link between AUD chronicity and social cognition, though the direction of this relationship needs further elucidation. This may be of clinical relevance to abstinence and relapse management, as basic social cognitive skills and ability to maintain interpersonal relationships are likely to be crucial to recovery.

Background and aims: The relationship between violence and problem gambling in general population samples is under-researched and requires further attention to inform treatment and prevention efforts. We investigated the relationship between gambling problems and violence among men and sought to determine if the link can be accounted for by mental disorders, alcohol and drug dependence and impulsivity. Design: A cross-sectional survey. Setting: A United Kingdom representative general population survey conducted in 2009. Participants: 3025 UK men aged 18-64 years. Measurements: Binary logistic regression was used to examine relationships. Outcome measures included gambling behaviour and self-reports of violence. Covariates included alcohol and drug dependence, mental illness, impulsivity and socio-demography. Findings: Problem gambling and probable pathological gambling were associated with increased odds of the perpetration of violence (Adjusted Odd Ratios (AOR) 3.09 (CI =1.9- 5.0) and 4.09 (CI =2.8-6.3) respectively), and a range of other behaviours such as using a weapon, (AORs 4.93 (CI =2.5-9.6) and 6.33 (CI =3.5-11.4)), and the perpetration of intimate partner violence (AOR 9.80 (CI =2.5-39.0)). The results were attenuated when adjusted for comorbid mental illness, and impulsivity but remained statistically significant. Alcohol and drug dependence had the most impact; relationships were most attenuated when they added into the models, with the latter having the largest effect. Conclusions: Among men in the United Kingdom, self-reports of problem/pathological gambling remain predictive of a range of measures of violent behaviour after adjusting for alcohol and drug dependence, comorbid mental disorder and impulsivity; of the covariates, alcohol and drug dependence have the greatest effect in attenuating the gambling-violence association.

Background and Objectives Treatment models developed for substance use disorders (SUDs) are often applied to behavioral addictions (BAs), even though the correspondence between these forms of addiction is unclear. This is also the case for noninvasive brain stimulation (NIBS) techniques being investigated as potential treatment interventions for SUDs and BAs. Objectives: to contribute to the development of more effective NIBS protocols for BAs. Methods Two literature searches using PubMed and Google Scholar were conducted identifying a total of 35 studies. The first search identified 25 studies examining the cognitive and neurophysiological overlap between BAs and SUDs. The second search yielded 10 studies examining the effects of NIBS in BAs. Results Impulsivity and cravings show behavioral and neurophysiologic overlaps between BAs and SUDs, however, other outcomes like working‐memory abilities or striatal connectivity, differ between BAs and SUDs. The most‐employed NIBS target in BAs was dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), which was associated with a decrease in cravings, and less frequently with a reduction of addiction severity. Conclusions and Scientific Significance Direct comparisons between BAs and SUDs revealed discrepancies between behavioral and neurophysiological outcomes, but overall, common and distinctive characteristics underlying each disorder. The lack of complete overlap between BAs and SUDs suggests that investigating the cognitive and neurophysiological features of BAs to create individual NIBS protocols that target risk‐factors associated specifically with BAs, might be more effective than transferring protocols from SUDs to BAs. Individualizing NIBS protocols to target specific risk‐factors associated with each BA might help to improve treatment interventions for BAs. (Am J Addict 2019;00:1–23)

The original version of this article contained errors in Table 1. The numbers (N) and percentages (%) in the ‘completed treatment’ column were incorrect. It is now corrected with this erratum.

Objective—This paper aims to review findings from a longitudinal study of prenatal methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, “ecstasy”) on infant development. Methods—In a prospective, longitudinal cohort design, we followed 28 MDMA-exposed and 68 non-MDMA-exposed infants from birth to 2 years of age. Women recruited voluntarily into a study of recreational drug use during pregnancy were interviewed to obtain type, frequency, and amount of recreational drug use. Their children were followed for a 2-year period after birth. A large number of drug and environmental covariates were controlled. Infants were seen at 1, 4, 12, 18, and 24 months using standardized normative tests of mental and motor development. Results—There were no differences between MDMA-exposed and non-MDMA-exposed infants at birth except that MDMA-exposed infants were more likely to be male. Motor delays were evident in MDMA infants at each age and amount of MDMA exposure predicted motor deficits at 12 months in a dose-dependent fashion. Conclusions—Prenatal MDMA exposure is related to fine and gross motor delays in the first 2 years of life. Follow-up studies are needed to determine long-term effects.

Very limited research has looked at the use of cognitive behavioural therapy on paraphilic infantilism. Two case descriptions of paraphilic infantilism coexisting with substance use disorders and anxiety and/or a mood disorder are discussed. Both cases presented with a history of childhood physical and sexual abuse. One of the cases also reported engaging in transvestism during periods of stimulant abuse and paraphilic infantilism during substance misuse stabilisation or opiate intoxication. The application of cognitive behavioural techniques revealed that both cases’ paraphilic conduct was associated with their substance misuse and whilst they attended a drug maintenance programme, they did not wish to pursue any treatment intervention regarding their paraphilic behaviours. Both case descriptions of paraphilic behaviour are discussed in the context of substance misuse, mental health and the triggers associated with relapse.

Objective The illicit recreational drug 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) or Ecstasy has strong neurohormonal effects. When taken by recreational users at dance clubs and raves, it can generate an 800% increase in the stress hormone cortisol, whereas drug-free users show chronically raised levels of cortisol. The aim here is to critically debate this neurohormonal influence for the children of pregnant MDMA-using mothers. Methods High levels of cortisol are known to be damaging for neuropsychobiological well-being in adult humans. MDMA can damage foetal development in laboratory animals, and the prospective Drugs and Infancy Study was established to monitor the effects of MDMA taken recreationally by pregnant women. Results The Drugs and Infancy Study revealed that young mothers, who took MDMA during the first trimester of pregnancy, gave birth to babies with significant gross psychomotor retardation . These mothers would have experienced high levels of cortisol due to Ecstasy/MDMA use, and since cortisol can cross the placenta, this is likely to have also occurred in the foetus. Conclusions In terms of causation, the developmental problems may reflect a combination of neurotransmitter and neurohormonal effects on the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis, with serotonergic activity being influenced by the high levels of cortisol. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. key words—Ecstasy; MDMA; cortisol; stress; hormone; pregnancy

Aims to characterize e-cigarette use, users, and effects, in a sample of Electronic Cigarette Company (TECC) and Totally Wicked E-Liquid (TWEL) users. Design and Setting Online survey hosted at the University of East London with links from TECC/TWEL websites between September 2011 to May 2012. Measurements Online questionnaire. Participants 1347 respondents from 33 countries (72% European), mean age 43 years, 70% male, 96% Causacian, 44% educated to degree level or above. Findings 74% reported not smoking for at least a few weeks since using the e-cigarette and 70% reported reduced urge to smoke. 72% of participants used a ‘tank’ system, most commonly, the eGo-C (23%). Mean duration of use was 10 months. Only 1% reported exclusive use of non-nicotine (0mg) containing liquid. E-cigarettes were generally considered to: be satisfying to use; elicit few side effects; be healthier than smoking; improve cough/breathing; and be associated with low levels of craving. Among ex-smokers, ‘time to first vape’ was significantly longer than ‘time to first cigarette’(t1104=11.16, P

It is well established that nicotine improves, and deprivation impairs, cognitive performance and mood in smokers. Prospective memory (PM), remembering to execute a delayed intention at a given time point, is under-explored in smokers. Whilst a handful of studies have shown improved PM with nicotine, the effects of nicotine delivered via the electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) have not been investigated.This study explores whether, by comparison with placebo, nicotine delivered via the e-cigarette can improve PM, tobacco withdrawal symptoms and desire to smoke in abstinent smokers.Twenty smokers, abstinent for 8-10 h, each completed two experimental sessions under nicotine (18 mg) and placebo (0 mg) e-cigarette conditions. Participants completed a single-item desire-to-smoke scale and the Mood and Physical Symptoms Scale. PM was measured using the Cambridge Prospective Memory Test.Compared with placebo, the nicotine e-cigarette reduced the desire to smoke and tobacco withdrawal symptoms, and improved time-based but not event-based PM. There was a moderate, marginally significant negative correlation between PM performance during abstinence and nicotine dependence.This is the first study to show that nicotine derived via e-cigarette can improve PM in abstinent smokers, suggesting efficient nicotine delivery. The finding that the effect of nicotine was restricted to time-based rather than event-based PM is consistent with the view that nicotine acts to improve performance on strategic (effortful) rather than automatic processing. These findings add to the growing body of evidence that the e-cigarette can replace some of the effects of nicotine derived from tobacco smoking, thus highlighting its potential for smoking cessation.

Adult electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) use is increasing globally, and early studies have suggested that similar trends may be observed among the adolescent population, albeit at lower levels. The current literature review presents data collected since 2014 from 21 cross-sectional studies and one cohort study that were all published in English. In particular, it focuses on awareness, ever use, past 30-day use, and regular use of e-cigarettes. The article suggests that adolescents are nearing complete awareness of e-cigarettes. Furthermore, in relation to ever use and past 30-day use, higher prevalence rates continue to be reported across time, especially in the United States. Nonetheless, reported regular use of e-cigarettes remains much lower than past 30-day use, although conclusions are limited due to inconsistencies with measurement and consequent lack of cross-cultural applicability. The majority of studies do not report whether adolescents use non-nicotine e-cigarettes. There is a current absence of longitudinal studies that explore any association between e-cigarettes and tobacco use and little qualitative data that may illuminate how and why adolescents use e-cigarettes. Through addressing these methodological limitations, future research will be able to inform health care and policy more effectively.

Objective: Caffeine has been shown to have effects on certain areas of cognition, but in executive functioning the research is limited and also inconsistent. One reason could be the need for a more sensitive measure to detect the effects of caffeine on executive function. This study used a new non-immersive virtual reality assessment of executive functions known as JEF© (the Jansari Assessment of Executive Function) alongside the ‘classic’ Stroop Colour-Word task to assess the effects of a normal dose of caffeinated coffee on executive function. Method: Using a double-blind, counterbalanced within participants procedure 43 participants were administered either a caffeinated or decaffeinated coffee and completed the ‘JEF©’ and Stroop tasks, as well as a subjective mood scale and blood pressure pre- and post condition on two separate occasions a week apart. JEF© yields measures for eight separate aspects of executive functions, in addition to a total average score. Results: Findings indicate that performance was significantly improved on the planning, creative thinking, event-, time- and action-based prospective memory, as well as total JEF© score following caffeinated coffee relative to the decaffeinated coffee. The caffeinated beverage significantly decreased reaction times on the Stroop task, but there was no effect on Stroop interference. Conclusion: The results provide further support for the effects of a caffeinated beverage on cognitive functioning. In particular, it has demonstrated the ability of JEF© to detect the effects of caffeine across a number of executive functioning constructs, which weren’t shown in the Stroop task, suggesting executive functioning improvements as a result of a ‘typical’ dose of caffeine may only be detected by the use of more real-world, ecologically valid tasks.

Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) are battery operated devices that deliver nicotine via inhaled vapour. Few studies have evaluated acute effects on craving and mood, and none have explored effects on cognition. This study aimed to explore the effects of the White Super e-cigarette on desire to smoke, nicotine withdrawal symptoms, attention and working memory. Eighty-six smokers were randomly allocated to either: 18mg nicotine e-cigarette (nicotine), 0mg e-cigarette (placebo), or just hold the e-cigarette (just hold) conditions. Participants rated their desire to smoke and withdrawal symptoms at baseline (T1), and five (T2) and twenty (T3) minutes after using the e-cigarette ad libitum for five minutes. A subset of participants completed the Letter Cancellation and Brown-Peterson Working Memory Tasks. After 20 minutes, compared with the just hold group, desire to smoke and some aspects of nicotine withdrawal were significantly reduced in the nicotine and placebo group; the nicotine e-cigarette was superior to placebo in males but not in females. The nicotine e-cigarette also improved working memory performance compared with placebo at the longer interference intervals. There was no effect of nicotine on Letter Cancellation performance. To conclude, the White Super e-cigarette alleviated desire to smoke and withdrawal symptoms 20 minutes after use although the nicotine content was more important for males. This study also demonstrated for the first time that the nicotine e-cigarette can enhance working memory performance. Further evaluation of the cognitive effects of the e-cigarette and its efficacy as a cessation tool is merited.

Abstract Ecstasy [3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA)] use has been associated with a number of psychopathological problems. However, research suggests that reported symptoms might be associated more with heavy polydrug use in general rather than ecstasy per se. The current study aimed to determine the role of other drug use in reports of long-term effects by some ecstasy-polydrug users. Problematic ecstasy users ( n = 53), reporting problems which they attributed to ecstasy use, were compared with non-problematic ecstasy users ( n = 62), polydrug ( n = 62) and alcohol/nicotine using controls ( n = 111). Drug use was recorded, and positive and negative life changes were assessed along with which previous drug use, if any, they attributed these changes too. Both ecstasy groups reported higher drug use compared with polydrug controls. Polydrug and ecstasy users more often reported life changes compared with non-drug users, and ecstasy users appeared to experience more life changes than polydrug users, with problematic ecstasy users experiencing most alterations. Ecstasy users reported changes more to a combination of drugs than to one specific drug, suggesting that polydrug use in these groups has an impact on their life experiences. These findings emphasise that research into the psychological effects of ecstasy should not underestimate the role of other polydrug use.

The commercial potential for molten salt reactors (MSRs) fuelled with thorium is discussed. Specific technical, regulatory, and organisational challenges are highlighted, which could prevent, or limit, commercial realization. These include materials, safety, reprocessing, and proliferation concerns. Potential issues are also discussed regarding the MSRs’ likely competitors, and how this may affect research and development. It is concluded that thorium and MSRs are complementary technologies, and that the introduction of the thorium fuel cycle will likely be tied to MSR development.

Background:\ud Recreational use of 3,4 methylenedioxymethamphetamine (ecstasy, MDMA) is increasing worldwide. Its use by pregnant women causes concern due to potentially harmful effects on the developing fetus. MDMA, an indirect monoaminergic agonist and reuptake inhibitor, affects the serotonin and dopamine systems. Preclinical studies of fetal exposure demonstrate effects on learning, motor behavior, and memory. In the first human studies, we found prenatal MDMA exposure related to poorer motor development in the first year of life. In the present study we assessed the effects of prenatal exposure to MDMA on the trajectory of child development through 2 years of age. We hypothesized that exposure would be associated with poorer mental and motor outcomes.\ud \ud Materials and Methods:\ud The DAISY (Drugs and Infancy Study, 2003–2008) employed a prospective longitudinal cohort design to assess recreational drug use during pregnancy and child outcomes in the United Kingdom. Examiners masked to drug exposures followed infants from birth to 4, 12, 18, and 24 months of age. MDMA, cocaine, alcohol, tobacco, cannabis, and other drugs were quantified through a standardized clinical interview. The Bayley Scales (III) of Mental (MDI) and Motor (PDI) Development and the Behavior Rating Scales (BRS) were primary outcome measures. Statistical analyses included a repeated measures mixed model approach controlling for multiple confounders.\ud \ud Results:\ud Participants were pregnant women volunteers, primarily white, of middle class socioeconomic status, average IQ, with some college education, in stable partner relationships. Of 96 women enrolled, children of 93 had at least one follow-up assessment and 81 (87%) had ≥ two assessments. Heavier MDMA exposure (M = 1.3 ± 1.4 tablets per week) predicted lower PDI (p < .002), and poorer BRS motor quality from 4 to 24 months of age, but did not affect MDI, orientation, or emotional regulation. Children with heavier exposure were twice as likely to demonstrate poorer motor quality as lighter and non-exposed children (O.R. = 2.2, 95%, CI = 1.02–4.70, p < .05).\ud \ud Discussion:\ud Infants whose mothers reported heavier MDMA use during pregnancy had motor delays from 4 months to two years of age that were not attributable to other drug or lifestyle factors. Women of child bearing age should be cautioned about the use of MDMA and MDMA-exposed infants should be screened for motor delays and possible intervention.

Recreational ecstasy (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine; MDMA) use has been increasingly associated with a number of psychiatric symptoms and psychological problems. However, previous studies assessing possible psychopathological effects have not identified whether users consider their ecstasy use ‘problematic’ or not. In addition, research has generally failed to address the potential role of premorbid psychiatric status. This study aimed to assess whether premorbid psychiatric history and/or patterns of ecstasy use would be associated with the degree of selfreported problems attributable to ecstasy. Problematic ecstasy users (n 53) who had reported problems attributable to their ecstasy use were compared with non-problematic ecstasy users (n 62), polydrug controls (n 62) and illegal drug-naive controls (n 111) on a recreational drug use questionnaire; a questionnaire, which ascertained personal and family psychiatric histories, and the Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI). Problematic ecstasy users exhibited significantly higher scores on a number of dimensions of the BSI compared to illegal drugnaive and/or polydrug controls. Problematic ecstasy users also exhibited significantly elevated scores on somatization, depression, anxiety and negative psychobiology compared to non-problematic ecstasy users. BSI scores for the non-problematic ecstasy users did not differ from polydrug or illegal drug-naive controls. Problematic ecstasy users reported significantly higher levels of ecstasy use, including lifetime consumption, average dosage and binge consumption compared to non-problematic ecstasy users. Additionally, a greater number of problematic ecstasy users reported personal and family psychiatric histories compared to controls and non-problematic ecstasy users. This study demonstrates two distinct ecstasy using groups: non-problematic ecstasy users who are not showing signs of psychopathology and problematic ecstasy users who are showing evidence of a range of symptoms. This data therefore partially supports the link between ecstasy dosage and negative psychological sequalae, but highlights the importance of the need to consider ecstasy-related attributions, pre-existing mental health status and vulnerability.

Cannabis is one of the most common 'co-drugs' for ecstasy users. The aim of the present study was to explore self-reported psychobiological problems in ecstasy polydrug users in relation to their pattern of cannabis use. Two hundred and eighty ecstasy polydrug users were allocated into five cannabis groups according to the frequency of their cannabis use. The control group comprised 121 alcohol-tobacco users. There were no significant group differences with regard to age, diagnosed family psychiatric history and level of self-rated stress experienced during 6 months prior to the study. The present study produced three main findings: (a) Ecstasy users with no concomitant use of cannabis displayed more self-rated aggression and somatic symptoms compared with ecstasy users who were smoking cannabis on a monthly or weekly basis. (b) Ecstasy users who reported heavy cannabis use in the past displayed higher paranoid symptoms compared with ecstasy weekly and daily cannabis users. (c) Former heavy cannabis users were the most likely to complain of a variety of ecstasy related long-term problems. In conclusion, moderate cannabis use may help to ameliorate or mask MDMA-induced aggressivity and somatic symptoms. However, this study confirms that heavy cannabis and ecstasy use is associated with several psychobiological problems, which may emerge after a period of abstinence from both drugs.

Coopworth ewes in a farm system study mated from 21 June had a lambing percentage (lambs weaned/ ewe mated) of 126% in Southland New Zealand (lat 46o 12'S), 13% lower than the farm September lambing average of 139%. Total farm production records showed that 221 kg/ha of lamb meat and 127 kg/ha of wool were produced. Pasture production was 15800 kg DM/ha, while 58% of the farm area was used for silage making in late October. Extra inputs required included fertiliser where silage was made, labour for silage feeding in winter, the costs of silage making and feeding out, concentrate feeds during winter, and extra shearing costs. Savings were made in crutching costs and labour costs at lambing due to lambing ease. November lambing systems provide the opportunity to produce heavyweight lambs for slaughter at 9 to 11 months of age but price structures need to account for the increased production costs. Keywords: Coopworth, farm systems, November lambing, pasture production

Rationale: Recreational drug use is increasingly widespread amongst young people, but there are concerns that psychoactive drugs may be associated with psychiatric symptoms or psychobiological problems. Objectives: To assess the psychiatric health status of a large, non-clinical sample of young adults from Italy and the UK, and relate it to their use of ecstasy/MDMA and other recreational drugs. Methods: The UEL Recreational Drug Use Questionnaire was completed by 768 young people (mean age 21.7 years) from four European cities. The subjects comprised 150 non-drug users, 185 alcohol/tobacco users, 97 cannabis and alcohol/tobacco users, 102 illicit polydrug but not ecstasy users, 115 light ( 20 times) ecstasy polydrug users. The unpaid volunteers completed the SCL-90 self-rating inventory for psychiatric symptoms when off drug, with 30 additional questions covering positive moods and life experiences. Results: Heavy ecstasy polydrug users reported significantly higher scores than non-drug users on several SCL-90 factors, including phobic anxiety, obsessive–compulsive behaviour, anxiety, psychoticism, somatisation, and significantly higher rates of 'loss of sex interest or pleasure'. Self-rated symptom scores increased in line with greater drug use, so that polydrug users who had never taken ecstasy also reported a variety of psychobiological impairments. In contrast, positive moods and life experiences were broadly similar across subgroups. Conclusions: The recreational use of ecstasy/MDMA is associated with a range of psychiatric symptoms and psychobiological problems. However, these problems are not specific to ecstasy users but are also evident in other recreational polydrug users.

Previous research has shown drug-free Ecstasy users to demonstrate selective cognitive impairment However, there seems to be a degree of individual variation in the occurrence of such deficits. The present study aimed to assess whether these cognitive deficits are related to an awareness of problematic Ecstasy use, or to past drug dosage. Twenty regular Ecstasy users who reported experiencing Ecstasy-related problems were compared with 20 Ecstasy users who had not reported any previous problems. The two groups displayed similar past histories in relation to a range of illicit drugs, and were divided into low, medium and high users. The controls comprised 20 illicit recreational drug users who had never taken Ecstasy. Executive task measures comprised the Tower of London (TOL), the Wisconsin Card Sorting Task (WCST) and spatial working memory. Immediate and delayed word recall, matched verbal recognition and recall and simple reaction time were also included. Both Ecstasy groups performed significantly worse than controls on two executive measures: TOL planning time and spatial working memory score. There were no differences in cognitive impairment between the Ecstasy users who complained of problems and those who did not. In both groups, decrement on executive tasks was demonstrated as a function of previous drug dose. The study confirms that heavy Ecstasy polydrug use may culminate in selective executive deficits. It also demonstrates that two differently self-perceived Ecstasy groups showed similar cognitive impairment, despite only one group complaining of problems. Because all Ecstasy participants also consumed a range of other illicit drugs, the results are reflective of Ecstasy polydrug use in individuals who use Ecstasy as a drug of preference.

Drug-free Ecstasy polydrug users have shown impairment on tasks of verbal working memory and memory span. Current research aims to investigate how these deficits may affect the learning of verbal material by administration of the Auditory Verbal Learning Task (AVLT) (Rey, 1964). The task provides a learning curve by assessing immediate memory span over multiple trials. Learning strategies are further analysed by tendencies to confabulate as well as demonstrate either proactive or retroactive interference elicited by a novel ‘distractor’ list. Three groups completed the task: two groups of 14 Ecstasy users (short- and long-term) and one group of 14 polydrug controls. Compared with controls both Ecstasy groups recalled significantly fewer words and made more confabulation errors on the initial three recall trials as well as a delayed recall trial. Long-term users demonstrated increased confabulation on the initial trials and the novel ‘distractor7’ trial, compared with short-term users. Only following repeated presentations were both short- and long-term users shown to perform at control levels. As such, deficits in verbal learning may be more related to storage and/or retrieval problems than problems associated with capacity per se. No interference errors were demonstrated by either of the Ecstasy groups. However, a high level of intrusion errors may indicate selective working memory problems associated with longer-term use of the drug. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA or Ecstasy) has been implicated in the onset of a number of psychological disorders and associated with a number of psychiatric symptoms that have persisted after cessation of the drug. This paper is a review of the published psychiatric case studies from the last 10 years involving MDMA. Only 24% of patients had a previous psychiatric history and 34% had a psychiatric illness amongst first degree relatives. The percentage of patients not having had a personal or family history of psychiatric illness and the temporal relationship between MDMA ingestion and the experience of recurring symptoms strongly suggest a causal relationship between the drug and neuropsychiatric manifestations. Further supporting evidence comes from several studies using non-clinical samples. Ecstasy users that don't present themselves in healthcare settings as having clinical symptoms have significantly higher scores on certain subscales of the SCL-90 compared with Ecstasy-naive controls, with higher pathology scores in heavier Ecstasy users. The full-blown psychiatric cases may represent the broad end of this problematic spectrum. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Twelve heavy recreational ecstasy drug users (30-1000 occasions), 16 light ecstasy users (1-20 occasions) and 22 non ecstasy user controls, with group mean ages around 21 years, were compared. Three self-rating questionnaires were completed when drug-free: the SCL-90 (an outpatient psychiatric symptom checklist), the impulsiveness venturesomeness and empathy (IVE) scale; and the uplifts, hassles, stresses and cognitive failures questionnaire. Heavy Ecstasy users reported significantly higher scores than controls on the following SCL-90 factors: paranoid ideation, psychoticism, somatisation, obsessionality, anxiety, hostility, phobic anxiety, altered appetite and restless sleep, together with greater IVE impulsiveness. Light ecstasy users generally produced intermediate scores, with significantly higher scores than controls on two factors and significantly lower scores than heavy ecstasy users on another two. Previous reports have described various psychiatric and psychobiological disorders in recreational ecstasy users, but it is not known how typical they are, being mainly based on individual case studies. This is the first study to describe psychological problems in a non clinical sample of young recreational ecstasy users. However, our ecstasy users were polydrug users, with both groups showing significantly greater usage of amphetamine, LSD and cocaine, than the controls. These other illicit drugs probably contributed to their adverse psychobiological profiles, while there is also the possibility of pre-existing differences between ecstasy users and non users. However, since repeated MDMA can cause serotonergic neurotoxicity in laboratory animals and man, these problems may reflect reduced serotonin activity induced by regular ecstasy use.

(2000). Glass ceilings in Evolutionary Psychology. Psychology, Evolution & Gender: Vol. 2, No. 1, pp. 75-79.

Every discussant at the Novartis symposium was invited to submit a 250-word abstract, giving their views upon the question: ‘Is MDMA a human neurotoxin?’. These abstracts are presented here. They illustrate a wide range of viewpoints and opinions, as might be expected from experts in such diverse fields: animal neuroscience, human cognitive testing, police pathology laboratory, psychotherapeutic institute and psychiatric hospital. Some abstracts emphasized the methodological weaknesses of the human empirical data: the uncertain nature of ‘Ecstasy’ tablets, the reliance on self-report data, and the contributory factors of heat, dancing/exertion, poor diet and other illicit drugs. These factors may lead to psychobiological changes, which could be misinterpreted as neural damage. The absence of gliosis in animal models was also noted, which led to suggestions that there might be alternative interpretations for the neural changes which have been observed in rats and monkeys. Others noted the absence of neural/behavioural change following a single Ecstasy tablet, or commented upon the therapeutic benefits of MDMA in a quiet supportive environment. Nevertheless, novel studies from England, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Scotland and Wales confirmed and extended the range of cognitive, behavioural, EEG and neurological deficits, displayed by drug-free Ecstasy users. Moreover, these deficits often remained when other illicit drug use was statistically controlled. In conclusion: If MDMA neurotoxicity in humans is a myth, then it is a myth with a heavy serotonergic component.

Epithelial, fibroblast and intermediate cell lines were employed to examine the mechanism(s) essential for heterocellular gap junction intercellular communication in vitro. These cell lines were characterized extensively for cell type based on morphology, intermediate cytoskeletal proteins, cell adhesion molecules and their associated proteins, tight junction proteins as well as functional differentiation. All cell types expressed connexin43 and were dye-coupled in homocellular culture. Epithelial and intermediate cells or fibroblasts and intermediate cells readily assembled heterocellular connexin43-positive gap junction plaques when co-cultured, while gap junction plaques in mixed cultures of epithelial cells and fibroblasts were rare. Dye microinjection studies were used to show that there was little gap junction intercellular communication between epithelial cells and fibroblasts. However, intermediate cells were able to communicate with epithelial cells and, to a lesser extent, fibroblasts and could transfer dye to both epithelial cells and fibroblasts when all three cell types were cultured together. Fibroblasts that were stably transfected with a cDNA encoding E-cadherin had a greater tendency to aggregate and exhibited a more epithelial-like phenotype but heterocellular gap junction intercellular communication with epithelial cells, which endogenously express E-cadherin, was not enhanced. These results suggest that mutual expression of E-cadherin is insufficient to stimulate gap junction formation between epithelial cells and fibroblasts. Moreover, our results also demonstrate that communication gaps between epithelial cells and fibroblasts can be bridged by intermediate cells, a process that may be important in mammary gland development, growth, differentiation and cancer.

The authors present a comparison between different estimates of the shielding effectiveness (SE) of cavities containing apertures and predictions made using a rigorous variational solution. Although the rigorous solution is computationally intensive, the method can be used as a standard against which more practical approximations, numerical methods and laboratory measurements can be compared. SE predictions from three methods are compared to the rigorous solution. These are: electromagnetic time domain modelling using the transmission line modelling (TLM) method, experimental measurements in a screened room, and an approximate solution based on the interaction of the lowest order waveguide mode and the aperture field. These comparisons of shielding effectiveness evaluations were made for a rectangular cavity with a range of aperture sizes and for frequencies in the range 200 MHz to 1.0 GHz. The results show that the measurements compare well with the rigorous solution, time domain simulations have a relatively long computation time and may still have noticeable discrepancies while the approximate solutions are computationally very efficient but may be significantly in error in particular for observation points close to the aperture.

Radiated emissions were measured for simple digital circuits designed to operate with various logic families. Emissions in the near and far field were found to depend both on the circuit layout and the choice of logic family. However, the difference in peak emissions between any two logic families was found to be independent of the circuit layout. The greatest difference in peak emissions was between high-speed 74ACT logic and low-speed 4000 CMOS logic devices, with a mean value of approximately 20 dB. Emissions from a more complex circuit were compared with the measurements on simple loop circuits. Test circuits were used to measure the propagation delay, the rise and fall times, the maximum operating frequency and the transient switching currents between two successive logic gates for each logic family. Empirical formulas have been derived that relate relative peak emissions to these switching parameters. It is hoped that these will assist designers to assess the effect of choice of logic family on electromagnetic compatibility.

Background: The recreational drug MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine) or ‘Ecstasy’ is associated with heightened psychiatric distress and feelings of depression. The Drugs and Infancy Study (DAISY) monitored the psychiatric symptom profiles of mothers who used Ecstasy/MDMA while pregnant, and followed them over the first year post-partum. Methods: We compared 28 young women whom took MDMA during their pregnancy with a polydrug control group of 68 women who took other psychoactive drugs while pregnant. The Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI) was completed for several periods: The first trimester of pregnancy; and 1, 4 and 12 months after childbirth. Recreational drug use was monitored at each time point. Results: During the first trimester of pregnancy, MDMA-using mothers reported higher depression scores than the polydrug controls. At 1 year after childbirth, their BSI depression scores were significantly lower, now closer to the control group values. At the same time point, their self-reported use of MDMA became nearly zero, in contrast to their continued use of Cannabis/marijuana, nicotine and alcohol. We found significant symptom reductions in those with BSI obsessive-compulsive and interpersonal sensitivity, following Ecstasy/MDMA cessation. Conclusions: The findings from this unique prospective study of young recreational drug-using mothers are consistent with previous reports of improved psychiatric health after quitting MDMA.

The effects of the 5-HT3 receptor antagonists. WAY-100,579 and ondansetron (both at doses of 0.001, 0.01 and 0.1 mg/kg s.c.) and the muscarinic receptor agonist arecoline (1.0 mg/kg s.c.), on spatial learning and memory in the water maze were examined in rats after combined S-AMPA lesions to the nucleus basalis and medial septal brain regions. Lesioned rats showed substantially increased latency to find the submerged platform, and spent less time searching in the correct quadrant, and more time circling the periphery of the pool, relative to controls. Lesioned rats treated with WAY-100,579, ondansetron and arecoline exhibited marked improvement in these parameters of learning relative to lesioned animals, with arecoline-treated animals showing the most substantial recovery. Linear dose-related trends of improvement were seen with both of the 5-HT3 antagonists. In probe trials, testing retention of the platform position 24 and 72 h after the end of training, control rats exhibited substantial superiority relative to lesioned rats in accuracy of search in the training quadrant and former platform area, matched by rats treated with arecoline on the first, and by rats treated with the two higher doses of WAY-100,579 and ondansetron on the second probe trial. These results are consistent with our previous studies which demonstrated that another selective 5-HT3 receptor antagonist. WAY-100,289, significantly reversed the cognitive deficits in water maze performance induced by ibotenic acid lesions of forebrain cholinergic projection system. Therefore, selective 5-HT3 receptor antagonists may provide a novel effective therapy for treating cognitive deficits associated with degeneration of central cholinergic neurones, such as Alzheimer's disease or age-associated memory impairment.

Growth hormone-releasing factor is the main endogenous stimulator of somatotropin secretion. Our objective was to compare the effects of recombinant growth hormone-releasing factor and recombinant bST on somatotropin secretion, mammary function, and body composition of lactating, primiparous dairy cows. Cows (118 d of lactation) served as uninfused controls or were infused for 63 d with 12 mg/d of releasing factor or with 29 mg/d of bST. These doses elevated somatotropin in serum to concentrations of similar magnitude. The releasing factor and bST each similarly increased milk yield, yield of milk components, weight of most organs, mobilization of adipose tissue, accretion of lean tissue in the carcass, and metabolic activity (RNA) of mammary tissue. Relative to controls, neither releasing factor nor bST significantly affected cell numbers (DNA) in mammary glands or concentrations of plasmin in milk. None of the variables measured provided evidence for galactopoietic effects of releasing factor independent of somatotropin.

OBJECTIVE: A widely used illicit recreational drug among young adults, 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) or ecstasy, is an indirect monoaminergic agonist/reuptake inhibitor affecting the serotonin system. Preclinical studies found prenatal exposure related to long-term learning and memory impairments. There are no studies of sequelae of prenatal MDMA exposure in humans, despite potential harmful effects to the fetus. METHODS: A total of 96 women in the United Kingdom (28 MDMA users; 68 non-MDMA) were interviewed about recreational drug use during pregnancy. Their infants were seen at 12 months using standardized assessments of cognitive, language, and motor development (Preschool Language Scale, Bayley Mental and Motor Development and Behavior Rating Scales [Mental Development Index, Psychomotor Development Index, Behavioral Rating Scale]). Mothers completed the Child Domain Scale of the Parenting Stress Index, The Home Observation of the Environment Scale (in interview), the Brief Symptom Inventory, and the Drug Abuse Screening Test. Women were primarily middle class with some university education, in stable partner relationships, and polydrug users. MDMA and other drug effects were assessed through multiple regression analyses controlling for confounding variables, and analysis of covariance comparing heavier versus lighter and nonexposed groups. RESULTS: Amount of prenatal MDMA exposure predicted poorer infant mental and motor development at 12 months in a dose-dependent manner. Heavily exposed infants were delayed in motor development. Lighter-exposed infants were comparable to nonexposed infants. There were no effects on language, emotional regulation, or parenting stress. CONCLUSIONS: Findings document persistent neurotoxic effects of heavier prenatal MDMA exposure on motor development through the first year of life.

The resistance of a thick-film piezoresistor as a function of temperature has previously been shown to exhibit a parabolic characteristic. Through experimental research, a new model for this characteristic has been derived, which better explains the underlying mechanisms. The temperature characteristics of resistivity and resistance of z-plane thick-film resistors have been determined, and are shown to be exponential. The temperature characteristic of resistance of a conventional x-plane thick-film resistor is shown to result from a combination of this characteristic and a positive linear response. This linear response is due to the change in resistance caused by a strain resulting from the temperature coefficient of expansion mismatch between the resistor and substrate. These results will facilitate accurate temperature compensation of thick-film strain sensors, and further promote the adoption of a z-plane thick-film resistor as an ideal strain-sensor configuration.

Special-purpose finishing areas must achieve the maximum output of carcass gain to ensure their cost effectiveness. Liveweight and carcass weight gain were measured from lambs finished on Puna chicory (Cichorium inrybus)/Hakari upland brome (Bromus sitchensis)lPawera red (Trifolium prutense) and Huia white clover (Trifolium repens) pasture for periods of 3 to 18 weeks after grazing medium or low quality pastures over two summers at the Gore Research Station. The relationship between growth of lambs and time on finishing pasture was quadratic in year 1 when chicory comprised 37% of the pasture on offer. Highest live and carcass weight gains were achieved by finishing for between 9 and 18 weeks. In year 2 with a chicory content of 7% all finishing periods produced similar live weight and carcass weight gains. Carcass gain on low quality pasture (year 2) averaged only 3.5 g/100 g liveweight gain compared with of 42 g/l00 g liveweight gain and 47 g/100 g liveweight gain for medium quality and finishing pastures, respectively, averaged over two years. A finishing period of 9 weeks is recommended when chicory levels are high. Increased lamb performance was still evident when chicory content d65lined. No detrimental fat deu. osition was found in faster growing lambs. Skin and wool weights were significantly (P ~0.05) improved through high quality diets. Keywords: carcass weight gains, Cichorium intybus, fat deposition, finishing time, liveweight gain

This paper examines how the spring management options of making silage or planting brassicas can change hogget performance. Research by Gore Research Station staff compared winter hogget growth on various winter forages including brassicas, Italian ryegrass, perennial pasture and silage from several pasture types over 5 years. Liveweight gains varied from 0 to 160 g/day for silage made from various pasture options. Specific brassicas or brassica plus Italian ryegrass combinations provided average gains of up to 146 g/day. The yields of forage turnips for summer and autumn use were also compared. An initial harvest of 90 days with two subsequent cuts of 30- day intervals maximised yields from the treatments examined. The combining of these spring forage management options is discussed and used to outline options which will help farmers to maximise hogget performance. Keywords: Brussica, Cichorium intybus, hoggets, liveweight gain, L&urn multiflorum, perennial pasture, sheep, silage, summer, winter

This paper explores the use of a thick-film strain gauge for the sensing element within an accelerometer, suitable for use at low frequencies. Theoretical and practical considerations for the use of a thick-film strain gauge in which the applied strain is perpendicular to the substrate are given. A mechanism for the transmission of an acceleration into a strain perpendicular to the substrate is given, along with preliminary results for the device.

Evaluations of Kahu timothy (Phleum prutense L.) included agronomy under mowing (1976-1979) and grazing (1980-1983), and animal performance from grazed pasture (1988-1993) and silage feeding (1989-1991). Agronomic testing showed that Kahu timothy was slow to establish, producing only 28% of the Grasslands Ruanui ryegrass (L.&urn perenne L.) swards in the 6 months after sowing. Frequent, close defoliation severely reduced the yields of timothy and caused losses of plants, reducing longevity. A less frequent defoliation regime with a residual sward height of 30-50 mm gave the greatest sustainable yields. Under mowing Kahu produced significantly less than S51 timothy in summer and winter but under grazing Kahu was superior in spring and summer, resulting in significantly greater annual production. Animal performance testing showed hoggets grazing timothy in spring grew at 218 g/day, significantly greater than the 164 g/day achieved on Grasslands Nui ryegrass. The spring stocking rate on timothy was also significantly greater than on ryegrass, though utilisation of the forage was similar. When fed timothy/red clover silage lambs fed in winter grew at 98 g/day while lambs on standard ryegrass/ cocksfoot/white clover silage averaged a growth rate of only 44 g/day. From the assessment of the physiological state of individual tillers it was observed that timothy had a significantly higher proportion of its tillers with growing points present above ground through late spring and summer than ryegrass. This is suggested as a major reason for the depletion of timothy populations -under close grazing. When grazed correctly in late spring and summer timothy can provide a perennial forage of high feeding value for livestock systems. Keywords: animal performance, Grasslands Kahu, pasture quality, Phleum pratense

The development of a Appellation Marketing Strategy by the New Zealand Game Industry Board will change the requirements of the venison industry. High deer liveweight gains throughout the year will be required to ensure a consistent supply of high quality venison. The improvement of spring and summer pasture availability and quality are being investigated at the Invermay Agricultural Centre. Tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.) and tall fescuelchicory/(Cichoorium intybusL.) red clover (Trifolium pratense L.) pastures were compared with high and low endophyte ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) pastures. Liveweight gain and carrying capacity were measured in spring and summer one year after establishment. Pasture parameters were measured to explain differences in animal perFormance. Liveweight gain was similar on all treatments, though was 21-35% lower in summer than in spring. The tall fescue-based pastures had significantly higher carrying capacities because of a better clover balance throughout the trial. This led to significantly higher per ha production on fust year tall fescue-based pastures. Though ryegrass endophyte had no effect on pasture or animal production, animal behaviour might have been affected. Keywords Acremonium lolii, carrying capacity, Cichorium intybus, deer, Festuca arundinacea, liveweight gain, Loliumperenne, pasture parameters, Trifolium pratense, Trijolium repens

High quality pasture feed is a direct consequence of species/cultivar choice and subsequent management. The pasture mixture must be selected according to the environment in which they are to grow, end use and speed of establishment. Important establishment factors are seedingrate, seedbed preparation, sowing time and soil nutrient status. Once established, correct grazing management and maintenance will ensure longevity of pasture life and continued availability of high quality animal feed. Keywords cultivars, establishment, grazing, growth environment, pasture quality, seedbed, seed rate, soil nutrients, sowing time