bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Illicit drug use and injection practices among drug users on methadone and buprenorphine maintenance treatment in France
Authors: Guichard Anne , Lert France , Calderon Christine , Gaigi Hind , Maguet Olivier , Soletti Jérôme , Brodeur Jean‐Marc , Richard Lucie , Benigeri Mike , Zunzunegui Maria‐Victoria 
Published: October 2003

ABSTRACTAims  To evaluate the associations between methadone and high‐dose buprenorphine maintenance treatment and illicit drug use and injection among drug users in France.Design  A cross‐sectional study. Data were gathered using a questionnaire administered containing closed‐ended questions.Setting  Drug dependence clinics (DDC) and general practitioners’ (GPs) offices in three French cities.Participants  Drug users undergoing maintenance treatment with methadone (n = 197) and buprenorphine (n = 142).Measurements  Interviews covered the use of illicit drugs (heroin, cocaine or crack) and injection practices (illicit drugs and/or substitution drugs) during the last month, current treatment modalities, socio‐demographic and health characteristics. Bivariate analysis and multivariate logistic regressions were conducted.Findings  Overall, 35.4% of respondents (34.5% in the methadone group, 36.6% in the buprenorphine group, P= 0.69) had used at least one illicit drug, 25.7% reported having injected drugs and 15.3% had injected the substitution drug. Injection was more common among buprenorphine‐maintained individuals (40.1%) than among users on methadone (15.2%) (P < 0.01). Multivariate analyses indicate that the type of substitution drug (buprenorphine versus methadone) was not associated with illicit drug use (OR = 1.1; 95% CI = 0.7–1.8). In the buprenorphine group, injection was related independently to social situation, as measured by housing (unstable versus stable housing, OR = 4.3; 95% CI = 1.6–11.5), but this was not the case in the methadone group. The risk of injection increased with buprenorphine dosage (high/low dosage OR = 6.2; 95% CI = 2.0–19.7), but this association was not observed in the methadone group.Conclusion  Further studies comparing the benefits of these two types of treatment should be carried out, taking outcomes such as physical health, mental health and social functioning into consideration.
The effects of drinking‐driving laws: a test of the differential deterrence hypothesis
Authors: Mann Robert E. , Smart Reginald G. , Stoduto Gina , Adlaf Edward M. , Vingilis Evelyn , Beirness Douglas , Lamble Robert , Asbridge Mark 
Published: October 2003

ABSTRACTAims  Ontario introduced an Administrative Driver's Licence Suspension (ADLS) law in 1996, whereby a person with a blood alcohol level over the legal limit of 80 mg%, or who refused to provide a breath sample, would have his or her driver's licence suspended immediately for a period of 90 days. We test the differential deterrence hypothesis which would predict that social or lighter drinkers would be more affected by the Administrative Driver's License Suspension law than heavier drinkers.Design  Data from the 1996 and 1997 cycles of the Ontario Drug Monitor, a general population survey of Ontario adults (monthly cross‐sectional surveys), were employed (response rate 64–67%). Analyses were restricted to drivers who reported at least some drinking during the last year (n = 3827). The total number of drinks consumed during the past 12 months was analysed with analysis of variance.Findings  We found that the mean alcohol consumption of those who reported drinking‐driving increased significantly after the ADLS was introduced, whereas the alcohol consumption of those who did not drive after drinking remained the same.Conclusions  The limits of this study include a lack of comparison data from regions without ADLS, a reliance on self‐report measures, possible age restrictions of the findings and the fact that only an inferential test of the differential deterrence hypothesis is permitted by the data. Despite these limitations, these findings are consistent with the prediction that lighter or more moderate drinkers will tend to stop driving after drinking completely, and thus drop out of the drinking‐driving population when the ADLS law was introduced, leaving heavier drinkers in this population. It will be important to continue to examine the dynamics of differential deterrence over a longer interval.
The Modified Reasons for Smoking Scale: factorial structure, gender effects and relationship with nicotine dependence and smoking cessation in French smokers*
Authors: Berlin Ivan , Singleton Edward G. , Pedarriosse Anne‐Marie , Lancrenon Sylvie , Rames Alexis , Aubin Henri‐Jean , Niaura Raymond 
Published: October 2003

ABSTRACTAims  To assess the validity of the French version of the Modified Reasons for Smoking Scale (MRSS), and to identify which smoking patterns differentiate male and female smokers, which are related to tobacco dependence (as assessed by the Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence, FTND), to mood (Beck Depression Inventory II), to affect (Positive and Negative Affect Schedule) and which are predictors of successful quitting.Participants  Three hundred and thirty smokers [(mean ± SD) aged 40 ± 9 years, 145 (44%) women, mean FTND score: 6.2 ± 2], candidates for a smoking cessation programme and smoking at least 15 cigarettes/day.Findings  Factor analysis of the 21‐item scale gave the optimal fit for a seven‐factor model, which accounted for 62.3% of the total variance. The following factors were identified: ‘addictive smoking’, ‘pleasure from smoking’, ‘tension reduction/relaxation’, ‘social smoking’, ‘stimulation’, ‘habit/automatism’ and ‘handling’. The ‘addictive smoking’ score increased in a dose‐dependent manner with number of cigarettes smoked per day; the ‘habit/automatism’ score was significantly higher, with more than 20 cigarettes per day than with ≤ 20 cigarettes per day. The reasons for smoking were different for males and females: females scored higher on ‘tension reduction/relaxation’, ‘stimulation’ and ‘social smoking’. A high level of dependence (FTND ≥ 6) was associated with significantly higher scores only on ‘addictive smoking’, the association being stronger in females. Time to first cigarette after awakening was associated with higher ‘addictive smoking’ and ‘habit/automatism’ (P < 0.001). In a multivariate logistic regression, failed quitting was predicted by higher habit/automatism score (odds ratio = 1.44, 95% CI = 1.06–1.95, P = 0.02) and greater number of cigarettes smoked per day (odds ratio = 1.03, 95% CI = 1.01–1.06, p = 0.03).Conclusions  The questionnaire yielded a coherent factor structure; women smoked more for tension reduction/relaxation, stimulation and for social reasons than men; addictive smoking and automatic smoking behaviour were similar in both sexes and were associated strongly with a high level of nicotine dependence; the ‘habit/automatism’ score predicted failure to quit over and above cigarettes per day.
Depression and cognitive functioning in alcoholism
Authors: Uekermann J. , Daum I. , Schlebusch P. , Wiebel B. , Trenckmann U. 
Published: October 2003

ABSTRACTAims  Studies on cognitive processes in alcoholism have reported changes with respect to executive functions and memory, which have been interpreted within the context of different neuropsychological models. The aims of the present study were to investigate (1) the validity of these models and (2) the influence of depression on cognitive functioning in alcoholism.Design, setting and participants  In the present investigation, patients suffering from alcoholism (Alc; n = 30), patients with depression but without alcoholism (Dep; n = 28) and healthy controls (HC; n = 28) were compared on a neuropsychological test battery.Measurements  The test battery included measurements of mood, memory and executive functions. The possible cumulative effect of alcohol and depression was analysed by comparison of depressed alcoholic patients (Dalc) and non‐depressed alcoholic patients (NDAlc).Findings  Group comparisons revealed impairments of alcoholic patients with respect to response inhibition, reasoning and free recall, irrespective of depression. Priming, short‐term memory as well as verbal fluency abilities were unaffected. Depressive patients showed verbal fluency as well as free recall deficits. However, there was no difference in performance between depressed and non‐depressed alcoholics.Conclusions  The specific pattern of neuropsychological deficits of the alcoholic patients supports the frontal lobe hypothesis. The results of the present investigation suggest that these deficits are not generally exacerbated by comorbid depressive symptoms. Further studies, however, are desirable to investigate the relation between executive deficits and depression in alcoholics with evidence of major depression.
Monitoring cigarette smoking prevalence in Britain in a timely fashion
Authors: Jarvis Martin J. 
Published: October 2003

ABSTRACTBackground  Available estimates of cigarette smoking prevalence from the General Household Survey (GHS), the source of official smoking data in Britain, can be over a year out of date. With a number of policy initiatives being undertaken at national level, it would be useful to be able to track changes in a more timely manner.Aims and design  We compared prevalence estimates from the Omnibus Survey, a monthly survey conducted by the Office for National Statistics, with those from the General Household Survey in order to examine whether they may provide a complementary and more timely source of cigarette smoking prevalence data.Findings  The age and socio‐economic structure of the samples from the Omnibus and GHS surveys was very similar. When data from monthly Omnibus Surveys for the year 2000 were combined, prevalence estimates were within 1% point of those from the GHS for 2000, and overall sample sizes were also similar. The Omnibus data show a significant linear decline in prevalence between 1999 and 2002 of about 0.4% per year. This coincides with the introduction of a national strategy for reducing smoking prevalence.Conclusions  The Omnibus Survey can be a useful additional tool for assessing changes in smoking prevalence.
A randomized trial comparing levo‐alpha acetylmethadol with methadone maintenance for patients in primary care settings in Australia
Authors: Ritter Alison J. , Lintzeris Nicholas , Clark Nicolas , Kutin Jozica J. , Bammer Gabriele , Panjari Mary 
Published: October 2003

ABSTRACTAims  The present study aimed to compare the efficacy of levo‐alpha‐acetylmethadol (LAAM) and methadone, as measured by retention in treatment and heroin use, in a randomized trial conducted under naturalistic conditions.Setting  This study is the first randomized trial comparing LAAM with methadone in the primary care setting. Participants were recruited through 29 medical practitioners working in specialist and generalist settings in Australia.Participants  Existing methadone maintenance patients, aged 18 years and over and able to give informed consent, were randomized to receive either LAAM or methadone. A total of 93 patients participated.Intervention  After being trained in the use of LAAM, existing methadone prescribers were then able to determine an individually tailored treatment regimen for each patient. The trial was an open‐label study. Methadone and LAAM dosing was supervised through local community pharmacies. Participation in ancillary services (e.g. counselling) was optional for all patients. The treatment period for the trial was 12 months.Measurements  Baseline, 3‐, 6‐ and 12‐month interviews were conducted. Outcome measures were retention in treatment, self‐reported heroin use and serious adverse events.Findings  There were no significant differences between LAAM and methadone on retention in treatment, nor heroin use. There was a trend for LAAM patients to have lower heroin use than methadone patients. Of the seven serious adverse events in the LAAM group, three were not drug‐related. There were two dosing errors.Conclusions  This study demonstrates (a) the efficacy of LAAM as a treatment for heroin dependence, and (b) the capacity for LAAM to be effectively delivered in primary care settings by trained general practitioners and pharmacists. The next challenge is to resolve outstanding safety concerns with LAAM.
Exposure to drugs among pre‐teenage schoolchildren
Authors: McIntosh James , Gannon Maria , McKeganey Neil , MacDonald Fiona 
Published: October 2003

ABSTRACTAims  To describe the nature and extent of exposure to drugs in a sample of pre‐teenage children and to examine some of the factors that might be associated with it.Participants and design  A survey of 1202 10–12‐year‐old children based on a questionnaire administered in schools under examination‐type conditions.Findings  A third of the children reported having been exposed to drugs in the sense of either having been in situations in which they were being used or of having been offered them. While the most common drug to which they were exposed was cannabis, considerable numbers had also been exposed to more dangerous drugs. The factors which were associated most closely with exposure were drug use by friends or family members, associating with peers who engaged in antisocial activities, the child's own involvement in problem behaviours and the regular consumption of alcohol. Boys and older children were also significantly more likely to be offered drugs.Conclusion  A large proportion of young children are exposed to illicit drugs primarily through use of these drugs by family members and peers. There is a strong association with antisocial behaviour. Attempting to influence such exposure is challenging but may be one avenue for reducing drug use in adolescents.
Tiagabine increases cocaine‐free urines in cocaine‐dependent methadone‐treated patients: results of a randomized pilot study
Authors: Gonzalez Gerardo , Sevarino Kevin , Sofuoglu Mehmet , Poling Jim , Oliveto Alison , Gonsai Kishor , George Tony P. , Kosten Thomas R. 
Published: October 2003

ABSTRACTAims We sought to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the GABAergic agent tiagabine in reducing cocaine use among methadone‐treated patients.Design Ten‐week randomized double‐blind placebo‐controlled trial.Setting Opiate Treatment Research Program, Veteran's Affairs Connecticut Healthcare System in West Haven, Connecticut, USA.Participants The participants were 45 cocaine‐dependent methadone‐treated patients who were predominately Caucasian (75.6%), male (77.8%) and never married (53%) with an average age of 38 years (SD = 6.5).Interventions Comparison groups received tiagabine 12 mg/day (n = 15), tiagabine 24 mg/day (n = 15) or placebo (n = 15).Measures Baseline assessments included the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM‐IV, the Addiction Severity Index, a urine drug test, self‐reported use and opiate withdrawal scales. Urine drug tests were performed thrice weekly.Findings Treatment retention was over 80% for all treatment groups. The sample mean (± SE) of cocaine‐free urines for the first week after study entry and before tiagabine was started was 1.16 (0.19) urines/week. During weeks 9 and 10 cocaine‐free urines increased significantly from baseline by 33% with high‐dose tiagabine (24 mg/day), by 14% with low‐dose tiagabine (12 mg/day) and decreased by 10% with placebo (hierarchical linear model,Z= 2.03;P < 0.05). Self‐reported cocaine use also decreased significantly more with active medications than with placebo.Conclusions Tiagabine at 24 mg/day was well tolerated among these methadone‐treated patients with only one reporting headache. Tiagabine appears to be a promising GABAergic medication that moderately improves cocaine‐free urines.
Buprenorphine withdrawal syndrome in newborns: a report of 13 cases
Authors: Kayemba‐Kay’s S. , Laclyde J. P. 
Published: October 2003

ABSTRACTAims  To assess neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) and neurodevelopmental outcome in infants born to addicted mothers under buprenorphine substitution therapy.Setting  District general hospital, Angoulême, France.Methods  Retrospective case records study of infants admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) and/or special care baby unit (SCBU) from January 1994 to December 2000 for surveillance and/or treatment of buprenorphine NAS.Results  Thirteen infants were born to addicted mothers under buprenorphine maintenance therapy during the study period. Eight were male and five were female; mean birth term and weight were 39 weeks gestation and 3000 g, respectively. Apgar scores were within normal limits; four infants were small for gestational age, none was dysmorphologic and none was extracted for fetal distress. NAS occurred in 11 cases (85%) and required treatment in 10 cases. Morphine chlorhydrate 0.5 mg/kg/day was administered in divided doses to seven children and gave better results than paregoric alone or in combination with diazepam. Upon follow‐up, seven children presented transient lower limbs hypertonia, jerky movements and jitteriness that lasted 3–9 months. The overall milestones acquisitions were within normal limits.Conclusion  Buprenorphine substitution seems to be safe during pregnancy, and has had no teratogenic effects reported to date. It induces NAS of variable intensity that is less prolonged in comparison to methadone; the neurodevelopmental outcome of exposed children is normal in the majority of cases, although some presented with transient motor abnormalities that resolved completely in 85% of those recruited to our study.
One size does not fit all: how the tobacco industry has altered cigarette design to target consumer groups with specific psychological and psychosocial needs
Authors: Cook Benjamin Lê , Wayne Geoffrey Ferris , Keithly Lois , Connolly Gregory 
Published: October 2003

ABSTRACTAims To identify whether the tobacco industry has targeted cigarette product design towards individuals with varying psychological/psychosocial needs.Design Internal industry documents were identified through searches of an online archival document research tool database using relevancy criteria of consumer segmentation and needs assessment.Findings The industry segmented consumer markets based on psychological needs (stress relief, behavioral arousal, performance enhancement, obesity reduction) and psychosocial needs (social acceptance, personal image). Associations between these segments and smoking behaviors, brand and design preferences were used to create cigarette brands targeting individuals with these needs.Conclusions Cigarette brands created to address the psychological/psychosocial needs of smokers may increase the likelihood of smoking initiation and addiction. Awareness of targeted product development will improve smoking cessation and prevention efforts.
Effects of treatment with Sandostatin®LAR®on small dense LDL and remnant‐like lipoproteins in patients with acromegaly
Authors: Tan K. C. B. , Pang R. W. C. , Tiu S. C. , Lam K. S. L. 
Published: October 2003

Summaryobjective Acromegalic patients have been shown to have an increase in the concentrations of small dense low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) and remnant‐like lipoprotein particles (RLP). These lipoproteins are atherogenic and may contribute to the cardiovascular risk of these patients. The aim of this study was to determine whether treatment of acromegaly using Sandostatin®LAR®could lower these atherogenic lipoproteins.methods Fourteen patients with active acromegaly were recruited and Sandostatin®LAR®, a long‐acting somatostatin analogue, was given every 4 weeks by intramuscular injection for 6 months. Fasting lipids, lipoproteins, lipolytic enzymes were determined at baseline, 12 and 24 weeks after treatment. Small dense LDL was measured using density gradient ultracentrifugation and RLP‐cholesterol (RLP‐C) by an immunoseparation assay.results There was already a marked reduction in GH and IGF‐1 by week 8 and, in all subjects, IGF‐1 levels within their respective age‐specific normal range were achieved. At week 12, plasma triglyceride significantly decreased (P < 0·01) and both HDL2(P < 0·01) and HDL3(P < 0·01) subfractions increased. A reduction was seen in small dense LDL concentration (P < 0·05) and RLP‐C (P < 0·05). Lipoprotein lipase (LPL) activity increased (P < 0·01) and the magnitude of the increase in LPL activity correlated with the increase in HDL at 3 months (r = 0·55,P< 0·05) but not with the changes in plasma triglyceride, small dense LDL or RLP‐C. The improvement in plasma lipids and lipoproteins persisted until the end of the study.conclusion Sandostatin®LAR®is effective in the treatment of acromegaly and is associated with favourable changes in plasma lipids and a reduction in small dense LDL and RLP‐C.
SPECT/CT hybrid imaging with 111In‐pentetreotide in assessment of neuroendocrine tumours
Authors: Krausz Yodphat , Keidar Zohar , Kogan Igor , Even‐Sapir Einat , Bar‐Shalom Rachel , Engel Ahuva , Rubinstein Rina , Sachs Jonathan , Bocher Moshe , Agranovicz Svetlana , Chisin Roland , Israel Ora 
Published: October 2003

Summaryobjective  Somatostatin receptor scintigraphy (SRS) of neuroendocrine (NE) tumours is often challenging because of minute lesion size and poor anatomic delineation. This study evaluates the impact of sequentially performed single‐photon emission computed tomography (SPECT)/CT fusion on SRS study interpretation and clinical management of these tumours.patients and design  Seventy‐two patients were studied with routine SRS and SPECT/CT at 4, 24 and optionally 48 h after injection of 222 MBq 111In‐pentetreotide. Forty‐five patients were evaluated for carcinoid, 15 for islet cell tumour, seven for metastatic NE tumour, four for medullary thyroid carcinoma, and one patient had ophthalmopathy. SPECT/CT induced improvement in the interpretation of SPECT and conventional CT and resultant clinical management changes were recorded.results  SRS was negative in 28 patients and positive in 44 patients. SPECT/CT provided no additional information in 48 patients, including all 28 negative studies. SPECT/CT improved localization of the SPECT‐detected lesions in 23 of the 44 positive studies. It defined the extent of disease in 17, showed unsuspected bone involvement in three, and differentiated physiological from tumour uptake in three studies. SPECT/CT affected the clinical management in 10 patients, altered the surgical approach in six, spared unnecessary surgery in two, and modified the therapeutic modality in two patients.conclusions  SPECT/CT affected the diagnostic interpretation of SRS in 32% of the patients and induced changes in management in 14% of the patients.