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Nudges have been shown to be successful behavioral interventions. However, nudges have also been criticized to be paternalistic and infringe upon decision makers’ (DMs) autonomy. One solution that has been proposed is self-nudges—let DMs nudge themselves. Using default nudges, we tested whether self-nudges are as effective as traditional nudges. Participants were presented with a choice between two videos. We either nudged the participants by preselecting one video as default on their behalf, or asked participants to self-nudge by preselecting a video for themselves prior to their choice. We found that a much larger percentage of participants stayed with the default option and watched the preselected video when they preselected the video themselves (82.5% on average between the two videos) than when we preselected the video for them (59.5% on average between the two videos). Our findings provide preliminary evidence for the efficacy of self-nudges.

Following the enactment of a generic ban in China in 2021, the synthetic cannabinoid market has been evolving, now encompassing even wider structural diversity. Compounds carrying a brominated core such as ADB‐5′Br‐BUTINACA (ADMB‐B‐5Br‐INACA) and tail‐less analogs, such as ADB‐5′Br‐INACA (ADMB‐5Br‐INACA), MDMB‐5′Br‐INACA, and ADB‐INACA (ADMB‐INACA), have been detected since late 2021. This study investigated the cannabinoid receptor (CB) activation potential of synthesized (S)‐enantiomers of these substances, as well as of two predicted analogs MDMB‐5′Br‐BUTINACA (MDMB‐B‐5Br‐INACA) and ADB‐5′F‐BUTINACA (ADMB‐B‐5F‐INACA), using CB1 and CB2 β‐arrestin 2 recruitment assays and a CB1 intracellular calcium release assay. Surprisingly, the tail‐less (S)‐ADB‐5′Br‐INACA and (S)‐MDMB‐5′Br‐INACA retained CB activity, albeit with a decreased potency compared to their tailed counterparts (S)‐ADB‐5′Br‐BUTINACA and (S)‐MDMB‐5′Br‐BUTINACA, respectively, which were potent and efficacious CB1 agonists. Also, at CB2, tail‐less analogs showed a lower potency but increased efficacy. Removing the bromine substitution ((S)‐ADB‐INACA) resulted in a reduced activity at CB1; however, this effect was less prominent at CB2. Looking at tailed analogs, replacing the bromine with a fluorine substitution ((S)‐ADB‐5′F‐BUTINACA) resulted in an increased potency and efficacy at both receptors. Furthermore, as ADB‐5′Br‐INACA and MDMB‐5′Br‐INACA have been frequently detected together in Scottish prisons, this study also evaluated the CB1 receptor activation potential of different mixtures of their respective reference standards, showing no unexpected cannabimimetic effect of combining both substances. Lastly, two powders seized by Belgian Customs and confirmed to contain ADB‐5′Br‐INACA and MDMB‐5′Br‐INACA, respectively, were assessed for CB activity. Based on the comparison with their reference standards, varying degrees of purity were suspected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drug use within prisons is increasingly complex and unpredictable. Benzodiazepines are currently one of the most common drugs detected in individuals leaving Scottish prisons; however, understanding illicit benzodiazepine use within prisons and assessing the potential harm to individuals is challenging due to the lack of available analytical data on the substances circulating. Increasingly, materials, such as paper and clothing, infused with novel benzodiazepines have been identified as a smuggling route into Scottish prisons. Methods were developed for the qualitative and quantitative analysis of benzodiazepines using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) and applied to 495 seized samples from 11 Scottish prisons, including papers, cards, blotters, powders, tablets, and clothing. Evolution in the benzodiazepines being detected was demonstrated, with etizolam being the most prevalent throughout 2020/2021 following which flubromazepam and bromazolam detections increased. Additionally, significant changes in the smuggling methods and drug formats detected occurred over time following policy changes within prisons. These data represent the first reported widescale etizolam quantitation data and demonstrate high levels of variability across all sample types, most notably within tablets (0.34–2.33 mg per tablet). Additionally, concentration mapping of a whole seized card sample revealed the total concentration of drug present (312.5 mg) and demonstrated variability across the surface of the card (1.16–1.87 mg/cm2). These data highlight the challenges of consistent dosing for individuals and the high risks of unintentional overdose. Increased understanding of the challenge of such drug smuggling and benzodiazepine use will aid in the development of strategies to reduce supply and mitigate harm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article discusses the need for a better understanding of allergen immunotherapy (AIT) and the identification of early biomarkers that can predict treatment outcomes. The authors propose that changes in specific surface proteins on allergen-specific memory B cells can serve as biomarkers for successful AIT. They conducted a study using recombinant protein tetramers and single-cell RNA sequencing to identify changes in transcriptional profiles and surface protein expression on allergen-specific B cells. The authors found that the expression of CD23, CD29, and CD124 on allergen-specific B cells can be prognostic biomarkers for AIT effects after 2-4 months of treatment. These biomarkers can be used to evaluate the effectiveness of new treatments or treatment combinations in clinical trials. The functional relevance of these proteins in the context of AIT is still unclear and requires further investigation. The study was supported by grants and in-kind support from various organizations. The authors also disclose that they are inventors on the presented patent application. [Extracted from the article]