bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Relationships of measures of alcohol consumption with alcohol‐related problems in multiple studies: a research synthesis from the collaborative alcohol‐related longitudinal project
Authors: FILLMORE KAYE MIDDLETON , GOLDING JACQUELINE M. , LEINO E. VICTOR , MOTOYOSHI F. MICHELLE , ACER G. CATHERINE R. , FERRER HEIDI P.
Published: January 2006

Two measures of alcohol consumption were used to predict groups of alcohol problems in 21 general population studies from 11 countries to determine (a) if quantity of drinking per occasion or frequency of drinking per month constituted significant “risk” for alcohol problems, having controlled for each as well as individual‐level and aggregate‐level variables winch might confound these relationships and (b) if these associations mere homogeneous across studies. A two‐tiered analysis assessed these relationships within each study by modeling age, sex, quantity per occasion and frequency per month as predictors of alcohol problems. Mela‐analysis combined test statistics to determine if they were homogeneous across studies. The meta‐analysis was repealed, blocking for per capita consumption of alcohol (a trait of nations thought to measure drinking norms) and the female rate of suicide (a trail of nations thought to measure societal‐level stress). When only individual‐level variables were controlled (age and sex), both quantity and frequency were risk factors for each drinking problem. However, except in the case of the association of quantity with alcohol treatment, the magnitude of these risks were heterogeneous across studies. When blocking for the societal‐level traits, each had more relevance for some, but not all, of the relationships between consumption and problems. Particularly striking was the welt‐documented finding that per capita consumption of alcohol significantly distinguished the relationships of frequency of drinking and health problems (while the female suicide rate did not) and the previously undocumented finding that the female suicide rate significantly distinguished the relationships of both quantity and frequency with treatment (while the per capita consumption of alcohol did not). These findings suggest that the impact of norms and the impact of societal stress in groups have different but significant consequences for the relationships of consumption to problems.
Parenting behavior of adolescent children of alcoholics
Authors: BENSLEY LILLIAN SOUTHWICK , SPIEKER SUSAN J. , McMAHON ROBERT J.
Published: January 2006

We compared the parenting behavior of children of alcoholics (COAs) and non‐COAs within a sample of adolescent mothers. COAs and their children showed dyadic behaviors that were less problematic than those of their peers on mother‐child teaching interactions at 1 year of age, mother‐child interactions during structured play at pre‐school age and child attachment behavior at pre‐school age. COAs reported feeling relatively more rejection as compared to love from the alcoholic parent, but this was not related to their own parenting scores. Similar to other research, COAs reported more historical life stress, more family disruption and more drug use compared to non‐COAs, but these measures also were not related to parenting scores. These results suggest that, although adolescent mothers are at risk for parenting difficulties compared to adult mothers, adolescent COAs do not necessarily encounter more problems in parenting their own children compared to other adolescent mothers.
Drug‐related behavior change for HIV transmission among American injection drug users
Authors: CELENTANO DAVID D. , MUÑOZ ALVARO , CORN SYLVIA , NELSON KENRAD E. , VLAHOV DAVID
Published: January 2006

While high risk drug‐related behaviors for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) transmission among injection drug users (IDUs) are asserted to have declined over time in response to the AIDS epidemic, evidence from longitudinal cohorts has been sparse. In a cohort of 810 IDUs (442 seronegatives and 368 seropositives) in Baltimore, we identified drug‐related risk behaviors at four consecutive semi‐annual visits. Using robust methods for repeated measurements and multiple logistic regression, we estimated the probabilities of maintaining and reducing risk behaviors according to HIV serostatus and time in the study. Seropositive participants were more likely to maintain lower risk behaviors, and behavior maintenance increased with time in study for both seronegative and seropositive IDUs. Greater risk reduction (towards non‐use and not sharing injection equipment) was seen among seropositive IDUs, with behavior change occurring soon after enrollment in the study. While behavior changes have been reported, many active IDUs, especially those still at risk for acquiring HIV infection, have not adequately reduced their risk. Continuing prevention programs and efforts in vaccine development are imperative to reduce the risk of HIV infection among IDUs.
3,4‐Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, “Ecstasy”): pharmacology and toxicology in animals and humans
Authors: STEELE THOMAS D. , McCANN UNA D. , RICAURTE GEORGE A.
Published: January 2006

(±)3,4‐Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, “Ecstasy”), a ring‐substituted amphetamine derivative first synthesized in 1914, has emerged as a popular recreational drug of abuse over the last decade. Pharmacological studies indicate that MDMA produces a mixture of central stimulant and psychedelic effects, many of which appear to be mediated by brain monoamines, particularly serotonin and dopamine. In addition to its pharmacologic actions, MDMA has been found to possess toxic activity toward brain serotonin neurones. Serotonergic neurotoxicity after MDMA has been demonstrated in a variety of experimental animals (including non‐human primates). In monkeys, the neurotoxic dose of MDMA closely approaches that used by humans. While the possibility that MDMA is also neurotoxic in humans is under investigation, other adverse effects of MDMA in humans have been documented, including various systemic complications and a number of untoward neuropsychiatric sequelae. Notably, many of the adverse neuropsychiatric consequences noted after MDMA involve behavioral domains putatively influenced by brain serotonin (e.g., mood, cognition and anxiety). Given the restricted status of MDMA use, retrospective clinical observations from suspecting clinicians will probably continue to be a primary source of information regarding MDMA's effects in humans. As such, this article is intended to familiarize the reader with the behavioral pharmacology and toxicology of MDMA, with the hope that improved recognition of MDMA‐related syndromes will provide insight into the function of serotonin in the human brain, in health as well as disease.
Social characteristics of urban cafe guests in Norway
Authors: TRÆEN BENTE , ROSSOW INGEBORG
Published: January 2006

Which factors may influence the number of hours spent per week in cafes, and the amount of alcohol consumed in licensed premises, by urban cafe guests in Norway? In 1991 a comprehensive questionnaire survey was undertaken among 1053 visitors to 41 licensed cafes in Oslo, Norway. The five most important predictors of time spent in cafes were: household situation (β=0.20), occupation (β= 0.18), personal economic resources and sex (both β= 0.15) and age (β= 0.11). These factors were also significant predictors of the number of days during the past 4 weeks the respondents had drunk jour glasses or more of alcohol in cafes. Men, people living with others, people with poor economic resources and people not engaged in paid employment or education were the ones who reported spending the most hours per week and the most episodes of “heavy” drinking in cafes during a 4‐week period. Visiting and drinking in cafes may be a way of structuring everyday life.
Long‐term benzodiazepine users—a mixed bag
Authors: KING MICHAEL B.
Published: January 2006

In this article it is argued that long‐term benzodiazepine (BZD) users can be classified into four broad groups, namely medical, daytime, night‐time and polydrug users. Although the groups are not exhaustive or mutually exclusive, such a classification may go some way to clarify our understanding of the complex psychological and sociological phenomena involved in long‐term consumption of BZDs.
Stimulant withdrawal
Authors: LAGO JÉSUS A. , KOSTEN THOMAS R.
Published: January 2006

The current paper is a review of the literature on abstinence symptomatology after stimulant use. The studies performed indicate biological and physical changes during abstinence. One outpatient study suggests a phasic model of stimulant abstinence which is characterized by a ‘crash’, ‘withdrawal’, and ‘extinction’ phase. However, two inpatient studies do not confirm these findings. In contrast, these latter two studies did not find a crash phase and reported a gradual improvement of mood during these 21‐day and 28‐day inpatient stays. Biological measures suggest changes in receptor, endocrinological and neurochemical activity. One study found hyperprolactinemia throughout the 4‐week period, while another study using PET and FDG ([18FJ‐Fluorodeoxyglucose) found increased brain glucose metabolism in the dopamine‐rich areas of the basal ganglia and orbitofrontal cortex. Another study using PET and F18‐Methylspiroperidol found decreased dopamine D2 receptor binding during cocaine withdrawal and also a separate study using PET and F‐18‐Dopa discovered low dopaminergic brain activity. To date, few studies have been performed, and the lack of clear‐cut physical withdrawal symptoms as seen in alcohol, sedative, and opiate withdrawal makes it difficult to demonstrate definitively the presence of withdrawal during stimulant abstinence. Amphetamine withdrawal has been less studied, but empirical data suggest that the symptoms are similar to cocaine withdrawal. Further studies are needed to better delineate the presence of acute versus chronic post‐use symptoms.
Treatment of alcohol problems
Authors: HODGSON RAY
Published: January 2006

This paper gives an overview of the variety of approaches that have been used in the treatment of alcohol problems. There is good evidence that approaches directed at improving social and marital relationships, self‐control and stress management are effective. There is at present little to suggest that aversion therapies, confrontational interventions, educational lectures or films and group psychodynamic therapy are effective, nor is there good evidence yet that use of psychotropic medications is effective. However, it may be that therapies that have not proved effective with the broad range of individuals with alcohol problems might prove effective with selected cases. Future research should place more emphasis on determining the kinds of alcohol problems that are likely to respond to different kinds of treatments directed at different kinds of goals and by different kinds of practitioners. The base of treatment should be broadened to include the large numbers of individuals with alcohol problems but who could not be considered as alcohol‐dependent. This would have to involve a wide range of primary care and generic workers and include use of brief interventions.
A comparison of DSM‐III‐R, DSM‐IV and ICD‐10 substance use disorders diagnoses in 1922 men and women subjects in the COGA study
Authors: SCHUCKIT MARC A. , HESSELBROCK VICTOR , TIPP JAYSON , ANTHENELLI ROBERT , BUCHOLZ KATHLEEN , RADZIMINSKI SHELLEY
Published: January 2006

A research interview was used to evaluate the relationship relationships between DSM‐IV, DSM‐III‐R and ICD‐10 diagnostic criteria for substance use disorders. The sample of 1992 subjects, including both men and women, was composed of subjects and their relatives from the Collaborative Study on the Genetics of Alcohoism (COGA) study. With regard to diagnoses of substance dependence, the analyses revealed that the proportions of individuals diagnosed in the three systems were similar, with the highest numbers observed for DSM‐III‐R, the lowest for ICD‐10 and the figures for DSA4‐IV between the two. The kappas for dependence diagnoses ranged from 0.54 to 0.83, with the majority at 0.7 and higher, indicating that the same subjects were being given the same labels in the three systems. However, the criteria for abuse or harmful use resulted in rather disparate proportions labeled across the three systems, with kappas that rarely exceeded 0.10.
Paul‐Maurice Legrain (1860‐1939)
Authors: PRESTWICH PATRICIA E.
Published: January 2006

Paul‐Maurice Legrain was the most prominent, yet least representative, figure in the late nineteenth century French temperance movement. He founded the first popular temperance organization and was France's hading expert in the treatment of alcoholics. Yet Legrain advocated total abstinence from alcohol, a concept that, even among French temperance supporters, was considered foreign and fanatical. Permanently on the margins of the temperance movement, Legrain campaigned for abstinence within the trade union movement and developed the production of fruit juice. He was also instrumental in establishing the first public facility for the treatment of alcoholics. His life‐long efforts to convince the French of the virtues of abstinence may illustrate the dangers of an uncritical acceptance of foreign models, but his openness to these different ideas resulted in unique insights and opportunities.
Pre‐ and post‐admission attrition of homeless, mentally ill chemical abusers referred to residential treatment programs
Authors: NUTTBROCK LARRY H. , NG‐MAK DAISY S. , RAHAV MICHAEL , RIVERA JAMES J.
Published: January 2006

Aims.To assess the magnitude and psychopathologic predictors of attrition among homeless, mentally ill chemical abusers (MICAs) referred to residential treatment programs in New York City.Design.Homeless, MICAs were randomly referred to a therapeutic community (TC) or community residence (CR) and monitored with regard to pre‐ and post‐admission attrition.Settings.Community based treatment facilities modified to treat both substance abuse and major menial illness.Participants.Homeless individuals with a major mental illness (DSM‐IH‐R) and a history of abusing alcohol or other drugs.Measurements.Attrition rates and selected scales of psychopathology.Findings.From an initial pool of 694 treatment candidates, 147 (22%) were rejected for admission at their assigned facility; 247 (36%) failed to show up for treatment; and 212 (31%) dropped out of treatment at some point during the first 12 months. Contrary to expectation, those with severe levels of psychotic ideation, depressive symptoms and hostility were admitted to treatment more frequently and stayed in treatment longer at the TC, a high demand approach, than the CR, a low demand approach.Conclusion.Clinicians should consider the TC as a viable treatment option for MICAs.
Musical preference as an indicator of adolescent drug use
Authors: FORSYTH ALASDAIR J. M. , BARNARD MARINA , McKEGANEY NEIL P.
Published: January 2006

Aims. This paper aims to demonstrate whether a relationship exists between adolescent drug use and identification with styles of music linked to specific youth culture. Design. Survey data were collected by researchers, under exam conditions, from two contrasting samples of Scottish secondary schoolchildren. Setting. Fieldwork was conducted in five comprehensive schools in the city of Dundee in 1994 and five comprehensive schools in the rural area of Perth and Kinross District in 1996. Participants. Questionnaires were administered to two randomly selected mixed ability classes in each of the four compulsory school years (S1 to S4), at each participating school. The eventual sample (n= 1523) was approximately 10% of all children in these school years from the geographical areas surveyed. Measurements. Comparisons were made between life‐time measures of legal and illegal drug use and current favourite style of music. Findings. Although few children in this study had ever taken the drug ecstasy (MDMA),‘fans’ of rave music were more likely to have used drugs than those who preferred other styles of music. This relationship held true across a range of drugs used, across two geographical areas, over time and controlling for age, gender and parental social class. Conclusions. The paper is one of the first to quantify a possible relationship between drug use and music style. On the basis of the evidence presented, a significant relationship was found between identification with rave music and life‐time drug use.
A natural classification of alcoholics by means of statistical grouping methods
Authors: PETERS DRIES
Published: January 2006

Aims.The results of previous studies using statistical grouping methods for subtyping of alcoholics did not converge to a coherent natural classification, probably among other things as a consequence of improper selection of methods. As an alternative an analytic strategy is formulated and tested. First, a cluster procedure tests a categorical model of the data. If no compact isolated groups are detected non‐metric multi‐dimensional scaling is used to unravel the complex relations in the data by reconstructing a low dimensional spatial solution.Design.Cross‐sectional study.Setting.In and outpatient treatment programs of the Amsterdam health region in The Netherlands.Participants.A consecutive sample of 277 men and women voluntarily seeking treatment for their alcohol problems. No exclusion criteria were applied.Measurements.A sample of 102 symptoms reflecting various aspects of alcoholism measured by structured self‐report questionnaire (93 symptoms) or derived from a semi‐structured interview taken by treatment staff (nine symptoms).Findings.The cluster procedure failed to show a fitting categorical model. Non‐metric multi‐dimensional scaling produced a three‐dimensional spatial solution. The first dimension reflects the alcohol dependence syndrome. The second bipolar dimension reveals a male‐dominated anti‐social alcoholism, and a female‐dominated pattern of isolated home drinking. The third bipolar dimension represents chronic alcoholism, and young quarrelsome people from troubled families.Conclusions.The three‐dimensional solution obtained has a high face validity and incorporates a number of aspects of previous classifications. The results illustrate the strength of the analytic strategy in unravelling complex symptomatology. Limitations of the classification obtained are stressed and directions for subsequent validation research are given.
An evaluation of two primary care Interventions for alcohol abuse among Mexican‐American patients
Authors: BURGE SANDRA K. , AMODEI NANCY , ELKIN BERNICE , CATALA SELINA , ANDREW SYLVIA RODRIGUEZ , LANE PATRICIA A. , SEALE J. PAUL
Published: January 2006

Aims. This study examined the effects of two primary care interventions (a physician intervention and a clinic‐based psychoeducational group) on drinking patterns, psychosocial problems and blood test results (MCV, GGT, SGOT and SGPT). Design. Subjects were randomized into one of four treatment groups: physician intervention, psychoeducation, both interventions, or no intervention. Follow‐up data were collected at 12 and 18 months. Setting. Subjects were recruited from a family practice outpatient clinic managed by a public hospital. Participants. Included 175 Mexican‐American female and male primary care patients who screened positive for alcohol abuse or dependence. These patients were not seeking help for alcohol problems. Interventions. Included a brief physician intervention and a 6‐week patient psychoeducational group. Measurements. The Diagnostic Interview Schedule assessed subjects for alcohol abuse; the Addiction Severity Index measured alcohol‐related problems, including psychosocial issues. Findings. All four treatment groups demonstrated significant improvement over time, with few differences between intervention and control groups. Conclusions. Assessment can be confounded with brief interventions; future investigators should use non‐assessed control groups.
Correlates of college student marijuana use: results of a US National Survey
Authors: BELL RICK , WECHSLER HENRY , JOHNSTON LLOYD D.
Published: January 2006

This study examines which personal student background and college characteristics are associated with marijuana use. A self‐administered survey was mailed to a national representative sample of 17 592 students at 140 American colleges. One of four (24.8%) students reported using marijuana within the past year. Rates of use among the colleges ranged from zero per cent at the lowest use schools to 54% at the highest use schools. Multiple regression models, constructed to determine the college and student characteristics predicting marijuana use, suggest that use was higher among students at non‐commuter colleges and at colleges with pubs on campus. Student characteristics associated with marijuana use included being single, white, spending more time at parties and socializing with friends, and less time studying. Marijuana use was higher among students who participate in other high risk behaviors such as binge drinking, cigarette smoking and having multiple sexual partners, and among students who perceived parties as important, and religion and community service as not important. The study points to the social nature of drug use in college, and demonstrates that this behavior is of continuing concern for public health.
Are reconstructed self‐reports of drinking reliable?
Authors: GRANT KATHRYN A. , ARCINIEGA LISA T. , TONIGAN J. SCOTT , MILLER WILLIAM R. , MEYERS ROBERT J.
Published: January 2006

When follow‐up interviews are missed, researchers sometimes try to reconstruct the data that would have been obtained by asking clients to recall the missed interval when they are interviewed at a later point. Are such data reliable? The reliability of remote reconstruction was estimated by asking 57 participants in a clinical trial to recall their drinking for the 12‐month follow‐up interval when interviewed, on average, 33 weeks later. These reports were obtained after delays averaging 231 days. These reconstructed reports were compared with the same clients' self‐reports obtained during the 12‐month interview. Reconstructed data were found to be reasonably accurate estimates of clients' reports at the time of original interview on global alcohol use variables including percentage of drinking days and total volume of consumption. No systematic bias was found for over‐reporting or under‐reporting at the point of reconstruction. However, on some variables (e.g. total drinks consumed), clients on average reported more drinking at the reconstruction period than during the initial interview. Discrepancies between initial and reconstructed reports were found to be unrelated to the length of delay in the second interview or to client characteristics.
Heroin smoking by ‘chasing the dragon’: origins and history
Authors: STRANG JOHN , GRIFFITHS PAUL , GOSSOP MICHAEL
Published: January 2006

The history of heroin smoking and the subsequent development and spread of ‘chasing the dragon’ are examined. The first heroin smoking originated in Shanghai in the 1920s and involved use of porcelain bowls and bamboo lubes, thereafter spreading across much of Eastern Asia and to the United States over the next decode. ‘Chasing the dragon’ was a later refinement of this form of heroin smoking, originating in or near Hong Kong in the 1950s, and refers to the ingestion of heroin by inhaling the vapours which result when the drug is heated‐typically on tin‐foil above aflame. Subsequent spread of ‘chasing the dragon’ included spread to other parts of South East Asia during the 1960s and 1970s, to some pans of Europe during the late 1970s and early 1980s, and to much of the Indian sub‐continent during the 1980s. At the time of writing, ‘chasing the dragon’ has now been reliably reported from many parts of the world but no: from others with an established heroin problem‐such as the United States and Australia. The significance of this new form of heroin use is examined, including consideration of the role of the different effect with this new form of use, the different types of heroin, and changing public attitudes to injecting.
Altering alcohol price by ethanol content: results from a Swedish tax policy in 1992
Authors: PONICKI WILLIAM , HOLDER HAROLD D. , GRUENEWALD PAUL J. , ROMELSJÖ ANDERS
Published: January 2006

In July 1992, the Swedish alcohol retail monopoly reset the taxes for alcohol sold in state stores according to absolute alcohol content. This provided a unique opportunity to examine the effects on alcohol sales within the three beverage classes (beer, wine and spirits) in a situation where price is purposely linked to alcohol content. The most notable effects of the taxation change were a substantial compression of the range of prices for spirits and wine and a corresponding expansion of the price spectrum for beer. Consumers appear to have responded to these tax changes by shifting away from beverage brands that became relatively more expensive. These results suggest that alcohol policy strategies to reduce total alcohol consumption should consider the entire price/quality spectrum as well as differences in absolute alcohol per volume across the three alcohol beverage types.
Why have attitudes to industry funding of research changed?
Authors: BERRIDGE VIRGINIA
Published: January 2006

This paper discusses the history of the changing relationship between research and industrial funding, using the tobacco industry as its example. It seeks to explain why funding which was once acceptable is now unacceptable. The hypotheses advanced include: the changing nature of the industry's interest in research and the role of marketing; the rise of the ‘new public health’ alliance focused on abstention rather than on harm minimization; the role of government funding and control of research; and the changing meaning of tobacco and especially nicotine.
Costing substance misuse services
Authors: COYLE DOUGLAS , GODFREY CHRISTINE , HARDMAN GEOFFREY , RAISTRICK DUNCAN
Published: January 2006

Aims. To develop a methodology for obtaining the detailed costs of different substance misuse services and illustrate some of the specific problems by means of a case study. Design. Data on the resources required, clinical activity, and patient characteristics for one year were combined to provide detailed costs for different types of clinical events and patients. Setting. The clinical services of a publicly funded addiction unit in a large industrial city in the UK. The unit provides for alcohol and other drug misusers mainly on an outpatient basis but with inpatient care. Participants. Over 1500 patients were included in the analysis with 75 per cent being male, and 80 per cent aged between 20 and 49. Nearly half of the clients had alcohol as their main drug of misuse with opiate users being the next largest group. Measurement. Detailed costing by event and patient was possible as the staff type and time taken for each event were routinely recorded. A cost for each individual event was estimated and summed for each individual patient to give a cost estimate by patient for the financial year 1992/3. Findings. Core treatment outpatient events had an average cost of£48, with new assessments costing £87 but these averages hid high variations. The average cost per year for those receiving only outpatient care was £358; it was £1857 for those receiving both outpatient and inpatient care. Opiate misusers were on average more costly than alcohol misusers. The costs were skewed with 10 per cent of patients accounting for 56 per cent of the total annual costs. Conclusions. Dealing with costs of non attendance, including all resource use, and coping with large individual variations in costs across individuals and intervention types are the main problems in devising cost figures. Cost data are useful but need to be combined with outcome data if they are to be used to improve patient services.
HIV infection among victims of accidental fatal drug overdoses in New York City
Authors: TARDIFF KENNETH , MARZUK PETER M. , LEON ANDREW C. , HIRSCH CHARLES S. , PORTERA LAURA , HARTWELL NANCY
Published: January 2006

Aims. To determine the factors associated with HIV seroprevalence rates for victims of drug overdoses. Design. Descriptive epidemiologic survey of a complete 3‐year sample of accidental fatal drug overdoses. Setting. New York City (population 7322564). Participants. All people over 15 years of age (h = 2159) who died of accidental fatal drug overdoses during 1991–93. Measurements. Using medical examiner data and logistic regression analyses were conducted to examine the association between HIV seroprevalence and gender, race, age and type of drug overdose. Findings. There were 646 (29.9%) victims who were HIV positive. Women (37.5%) were more likely than men (27.9%) to be HIV positive. African‐Americans (39.4%) had a higher rate of HIV infection than Latinos (27.5%), whites (19.2%) or Asians (8.3%). Victims residing in communities with higher levels of poverty had higher rates of HIV infection but poverty did not account for the high rates of HIV infection among African‐Americans. The highest rates of HIV infection were found among victims aged 35–44 years (38.8%) and 45–54 years (33.7%). Dying from an opiate overdose was associated with a 2.4 times increase in the likelihood of being HIV positive. Conclusion. If opiate abuse continues to rise in the United States, HIV infection will increase in the next few years. Women who abuse drugs participate in risky sexual practices and are more likely than men to develop HIV infection from receptive sex as well as sharing of needles. Harm reduction programs should address risky sex as well as needle programs. There should be further study of why African‐Americans who died of drug overdoses have the highest rates of HIV infection.
The role of non‐governmental organizations
Authors: CRAPLET MICHEL
Published: January 2006

Non‐governmental organizations (NGOs) intervening in the area of alcohol problems are varied and have different histories depending on their political, social and cultural contexts; some are long‐established and often bear a heavy heritage, while others have recently arisen from the upheavals in eastern Europe and the developing countries. All of them, however, must solve certain ethical problems if they are to move away from a hygiene‐based approach and focus on individual responsibility. The role of NGOs is located between dreaming of a better world and rising up against a market‐based system where health and the quality of life take second place to commercial interests. Furthermore, their role is to be found between the impulsive nature of action and the often demotivating process of scientific reasoning and analysis. NGOs can intervene flexibly in all the fields of information, training, advocacy and assistance. They can readily position themselves in the long time‐frame required for prevention and in a space freed from burdensome administrative procedures. Their actions often appear to entail criticism of the authorities; in fact, however, they complement the latter, by countering the “hands off” or fatalistic approach of certain communities in the face of the alcohol risk.
The effect of alcohol consumption on craving to smoke
Authors: BURTON SUSAN M. , TIFFANY STEPHEN T.
Published: January 2006

This research investigated the effect of alcohol consumption on smokers' general levels of craving for cigarettes and their reactivity to smoking‐related cues. Cue reactivity was evaluated across multiple trials of exposure to both imaginal and in vivo presentations of smoking and non‐smoking stimuli. On imagery trials, subjects imagined either smoking and non‐smoking scenarios; during in vivo trials subjects watched an experimenter either smoke a cigarette or drink water. Measures included self‐reported craving to smoke and selected somatovisceral responses. Subjects (n = 60) completed two sessions, the first examined cue reactivity in the absence of alcohol. In Session 2 subjects were told they were consuming alcohol; half received placebo and the other half were given ethanol (0. 75 ml/kg). Following beverage consumption, subjects were exposed to the cue manipulation. In both sessions, exposure to smoking stimuli enhanced craving in each presentation mode and increased skin conductance levels in the in vivo mode. Alcohol intoxication produced a generalized increase in craving but did not selectively enhance craving or physiological reactivity to smoking stimuli. The results are discussed in terms of models of craving and processes through which alcohol may influence craving to smoke.
Effectiveness of a 24‐hour transdermal nicotine patch in conjunction with a cognitive behavioural programme: one year outcome
Authors: RICHMOND ROBYN L. , KEHOE LINDA , de ALMEIDA NETO ABILIO CESAR
Published: January 2006

Hospital‐based outpatients participating in a cognitive‐behavioural group programme (2 hours/week over 5 weeks) were studied to evaluate the effectiveness of a 24‐hour transdermal nicotine patch in assisting smokers to stop smoking when used as an adjunct to a cognitive‐behavioural group programme:, and to assess weight gain following cessation, using a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial with 12 months' follow‐up. The main outcome measure was a comparison between point prevalence abstinence, continuous abstinence and 12‐months sustained, biochemically validated abstinence. The validated abstinence rates at 12 months for point prevalence, sustained and continuous abstinence for subjects in the active and placebo groups were all statistically significant: 28 vs. 12%; 24 vs. 11%; and 19 vs. 9%, respectively. Moderately dependent smokers using the nicotine patch were more successful than highly dependent smokers at 3 and 6 months (p <0.05). Weight gain was greater among sustained abstainers at 12 months compared to continuing smokers (p < 0.001) When the active nicotine patch was used in combination with cognitive‐behavioural therapy in an outpatient hospital clinic, 12‐months sustained abstinence rates were more than double those of a placebo patch.
Validation of the amphetamine dependence syndrome and the SAmDQ
Authors: TOPP LIBBY , MATTICK RICHARD P.
Published: January 2006

The Severity of Amphetamine Dependence Questionnaire (SAmDQ) was administered to 132 subjects who were amphetamine dependent by DSM‐III‐R criteria. The structural characteristics of the questionnaire were examined and findings compared with those reported previously for both the SAmDQ and its forebear, the SODQ. There was a high degree of consistency in the present psychometric analyses and those reported earlier; and comparisons between samples of differing dependence seventies indicated that the SAmDQ is capable of discriminating between these groups. The findings support the existence of an amphetamine dependence syndrome, and help to explicate the dimensions underlying such a syndrome and the characteristics of the population in which it may be manifest.
Buying research
Authors: Lemmens Paul H.
Published: January 2006

Doubts have been raised in the popular press about the credibility and desirability of alcohol research funded by the industry. In this paper, it is asserted that little independent, empirical research is available on the effects commercial sponsorship has on the research topic and outcome. The author proposes further research in this area that would be helpful in clearing the menaces of unwanted funding practices. It is suggested to draw up guidelines or rules of conduct similar to those that are being developed in, particularly, pharmacological research, an area that is highly dependent upon sponsorship by commercial industry.
Influencing physician response to prenatal substance exposure through state legislation and work‐place policies
Authors: Zellman Gail L. , Jacobson1 Peter D. , Bell Robert M.
Published: January 2006

Little research attention has focused on ways to encourage physician response to prenatal substance exposure. We report initial results from a study examining the impact of state laws and work‐place policies on physician response by combining legal analyses and data from a national physician survey. Our findings indicate that the message that laws and policies exist usually does not reach physicians. However, when the message does come through, some physician behaviors are influenced. In particular, physicians in states with clearer policies and behavioral expectations are significantly more likely to know and understand the law than physicians in other states. Further, believing that a work‐place protocol on prenatal substance exposure exists is associated with significantly increased likelihood of an active response in case vignettes portraying prenatal substance exposure. The findings suggest that state legislative behaviors may increase physician response to prenatal substance exposure, but that response depends on the nature of the policy and on efforts to disseminate it.
Mandated AA attendance for recidivist drinking drivers: policy issues
Authors: Speiglman Richard
Published: January 2006

Mandates for recidivist drinking drivers to attend AA meetings raise concerns about whether AA referral practices could have an adverse impact on both alcohol problems and traffic safety, whether routine and unregulated referrals to AA may prove detrimental to AA as an organization, and over ethical issues and possible loss of civil liberties. Similar issues arise in criminal justice and other agencies' handling of a variety of situations beyond the DUI arena. As a result institutions mandating involvement in mutual aid programs such as AA, and a variety of treatment settings, should adopt cautious referral practices, support rigorous research and create and evaluate targeted programs and integrated services.
The path to Australia's tobacco health warnings
Authors: Borland Ron , Hill David
Published: January 2006

Australia introduced new health warnings and contents labelling on cigarettes and other tobacco products from January 1995. The changes were based on recommendations emerging from research commissioned for that purpose. The research demonstrated the need for changes, that changes could increase the noticeability of the warnings and contribute to an increase in relevant knowledge, and that the changes were acceptable to the public. The tobacco industry fought the changes and some modifications resulted, but new stronger warnings with elaborations on the back of the pack, an information number to call and elaborated contents labelling have been implemented.
Methadone versus buprenorphine in pregnant addicts: a double‐blind, double‐dummy comparison study
Authors: Fischer Gabriele , Ortner Romana , Rohrmeister Klaudia , Jagsch Reinhold , Baewert Andjela , Langer Martin , Aschauer Harald
Published: January 2006

Aims  To evaluate the efficacy and safety of methadone versus buprenorphine treatment in pregnant opioid‐dependent women.

 Design  Randomized, double‐dummy, double‐blind, flexible‐dosing comparison study.

Setting  Addiction Clinic at the Medical University of Vienna, Austria.

Participants  Eighteen women were assigned randomly to receive either methadone (n = 9) or buprenorphine (n = 9) during weeks 24–29 of pregnancy. After dropouts, data were available from 14 cases (six in the methadone and eight in the buprenorphine group).

Intervention  Sublingual buprenorphine tablets (8–24 mg/day) or oral methadone solution (40–100 mg/day), with matched placebos.

 Measurements  Mothers: retention in treatment, urine toxicology and nicotine use. Neonates: Routine birth data, neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) in severity and duration.

Findings  There was somewhat greater retention in the buprenorphine group but significantly lowered use of additional opioids in the methadone group (P = 0.047).Neonates: There was earlier onset of NAS in neonates born to the methadone (mean 60 hours) than to the buprenorphine groups (mean 72 hours after last medication); 43% did not require NAS‐treatment with short treatment duration in both groups (mean 5 days).

Conclusion  This preliminary study had limited power to detect differences but the trends observed suggest this kind of research is practicable and that further studies are warranted.
Effects of lasofoxifene on the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of single‐dose warfarin
Authors: Ouellet Daniele , Bramson Candace , Carvajal‐Gonzalez Santos , Roman Doina , Randinitis Edward , Remmers Ann , Gardner Mark J.
Published: January 2006

Aim

To investigate the effect of steady‐state lasofoxifene on the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of warfarin.

Methods

Twelve healthy postmenopausal women received warfarin (single 20‐mg dose) alone and during lasofoxifene. R‐ and S‐warfarin concentrations, prothrombin time (PT) and international normalized ratio (INR) were determined with each treatment.

Results

Lasofoxifene had no clinically meaningful effect on R‐ or S‐warfarin pharmacokinetics. The S‐warfarin area under the plasma concentration–time curve (AUC) was 23% and 67% larger in subjects with *1/*2 and *1/*3 heterozygous mutations, relative to *1/*1, respectively. The mean PT AUC and Cmax ratio (90% confidence interval) was 91.9 (89.6, 94.2) and 84.2 (80.6, 87.8), respectively. INR results were similar.

Conclusions

Lasofoxifene has no clinically meaningful effect on the pharmacokinetics of warfarin. Although the decrease in PT/INR may not be clinically meaningful, more frequent INR monitoring may be considered during lasofoxifene introduction and discontinuation, consistent with warfarin’s label.
Differentiation and immune function of human dendritic cells following infection by respiratory syncytial virus
Authors: Jones A , Morton I , Hobson L , Evans G S , Everard M L
Published: January 2006

RSV causes annual epidemics of bronchiolitis in winter months resulting in the hospitalization of many infants and the elderly. Dendritic cells (DCs) play a pivotal role in coordinating immune responses to infection and some viruses skew, or subvert, the immune functions of DCs. RSV infection of DCs could alter their function and this could explain why protection after natural RSV infection is incomplete and of short duration. In this study, this interaction between DCs and RSV was investigated using a human primary culture model. DCs were generated from purified healthy adult volunteer peripheral blood monocytes. Effects of RSV upon DC phenotype with RSV primed DCs was measured using flow cytometry. Changes to viability and proliferation of cocultured DCs and T-cells were determined using microscopy with fluorescent dyes (Hoechst 33342 and propidium iodide). DC maturation was not prevented by the RSV challenge. RSV infected a fraction of DCs (10–30%) but the virus replicated slowly in these cells with only small reduction to cell viability. DCs challenged with RSV stimulated T-cell proliferation less well than lipopolysaccharide. This is the first study to demonstrate RSV infection of human monocyte derived DCs and suggests that the virus does not significantly interfere with the function of these cells and potentially may promote cellular rather than humoral responses.
Anthropogenic fire and bark thickness in coastal and island pine populations from Alta and Baja California
Authors: Stephens Scott L. , Libby William J.
Published: January 2006

Aim Native American fire use influenced bark thickness of coastal and island Monterey pine (Pinus radiataD. Don) and bishop pine (Pinus muricataD. Don) populations.

Methods Basal bark thickness and d.b.h. were measured in two common‐garden pine plantations that included all five native Monterey pine populations and nine of 10 native bishop pine populations. One‐factor analysis of covariance was used to determine if significant differences in bark thickness existed between island and coastal populations.

Results Bark thickness was measured on 228 Monterey and 42 bishop pines. Bark thickness in coastal and island Monterey pine populations was significantly different. Bark thickness in coastal and island bishop pine populations was not significantly different.

Main conclusions Basal bark was thick in populations where there was a history of Native American burning. Basal bark was thin in two island populations where Native Americans have been absent or distant from the pine populations. While other influences no doubt affect the evolution of lower‐bole bark thickness, it appears that frequent anthropogenic fires may be a powerful selection force.
Listening to the views of people affected by cancer about cancer research: an example of participatory research in setting the cancer research agenda
Authors: Wright David , Corner Jessica , Hopkinson Jane , Foster Claire
Published: January 2006

Aim  The study ‘Listening to the Views of People Affected by Cancer About Cancer Research’ is currently exploring the views people affected by cancer have about cancer research and identifying their research priorities. Integral to this is the broader aim of ensuring an effective, collaborative participation of patients and carers in the design and conduct of the study. On the basis of experiences with the study to date, the latter is explored in this paper.

Design  The study adopts a ‘participatory research’ approach entailing the formation of a ‘reference group’ and a subsequent patient and carer co‐researcher group. Patient and carer members of these groups were identified through the patient forums of UK cancer networks and by approaching ‘hard to reach’ representatives directly through community groups and participating study sites.

Findings  Experiences from this study illustrate that a ‘participatory research’ approach is appropriate in engaging patients and carers in the research process. Establishing a group of people affected by cancer in the study was found to be particularly effective in enhancing the design and conduct of the research.

Conclusions  ‘Participatory research’ offers an effective means of involving patients and carers throughout the research process, thus strengthening the relevance and appropriateness of research findings and methods.
Rhizomorph production and stump colonization by co‐occurring Armillaria cepistipes and Armillaria ostoyae: an experimental study
Authors: Prospero S. , Holdenrieder O. , Rigling D.
Published: January 2006

In managed spruce forests, Armillaria cepistipes and A. ostoyae are efficient stump colonizers and may compete for these resources when they co‐occur at the same site. The aim of this experiment was to quantify the mutual competitive ability of the two Armillaria species in producing rhizomorphs and in colonizing Norway spruce (Picea abies) stumps. Five isolates of A. cepistipes and two isolates of A. ostoyae were simultaneously inoculated pair‐wise into pots containing a 4‐year‐old spruce seedling. For comparison, each isolate was also inoculated alone. One year after inoculation, stumps were created by cutting down the seedlings. Six months after creation of the stumps, rhizomorph production and stump colonization were assessed. Armillaria spp. were identified from 347 rhizomorphs and 48 colonized stumps. Armillaria cepistipes dominated both as rhizomorphs in the soil and on the stumps. Nevertheless, A. ostoyae was relatively more frequent on the stumps than in the soil and A. cepistipes was relatively more frequent in the soil than on the stumps. In both species, the ability to colonize the stumps in simultaneous inoculations was significantly reduced compared with single inoculations. In respect to rhizomorph production, simultaneous co‐inoculations had a slightly stimulatory effect on A. cepistipes and no significant effect on A. ostoyae. Our study suggests a rather neutralistic co‐existence of A. cepistipes and A. ostoyae as rhizomorphs in the soil. Concerning the ability to colonize stumps, the two species experience a mutual negative effect from the interaction, probably because of interspecific competition.