bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cannabis: pharmacology and toxicology in animals and humans
Authors: ADAMS IRMA B. , MARTIN BILLY R. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractCannabis is one of the most widely used drugs throughout the world. The psychoactive constituent of cannabis, δ9‐tetrahydrocannabinol (δ9‐THC), produces a myriad of pharmacological effects in animals and humans. For many decades, the mechanism of action of cannabinoids, compounds which are structurally similar to δ9‐THC, was unknown. Tremendous progress has been made recently in characterizing cannabinoid receptors both centrally and peripherally and in studying the role of second messenger systems at the cellular level. Furthermore, an endogenous ligand, anandamide, for the cannabinoid receptor has been identified. Anandamide is a fatty‐acid derived compound that possesses pharmacological properties similar to δ9‐THC. The production of complex behavioral events by cannabinoids is probably mediated by specific cannabinoid receptors and interactions with other neurochemical systems. Cannabis also has great therapeutic potential and has been used for centuries for medicinal purposes. However, cannabinoid‐derived drugs on the market today lack specificity and produce many unpleasant side effects, thus limiting therapeutic usefulness. The advent of highly potent analogs and a specific antagonist may make possible the development of compounds that lack undesirable side effects. The advancements in the field of cannabinoid pharmacology should facilitate our understanding of the physiological role of endogenous cannabinoids.
On the emerging paradigm of drinking patterns and their social and health consequences
Authors: REHM JURGEN , ASHLEY MARY JANE , ROOM ROBIN , SINGLE ERIC , BONDY SUSAN , FERRENCE ROBERTA , GIESBRECHT NORMAN 
Published: March 2003

AbstractRecent epidemiological and social studies have increasingly pointed to the importance of drinking patterns in explaining consequences of alcohol consumption. This paper presents recommendations for research in the area based on the presentations and discussions of the first “International Conference on Social and Health Effects of Different Drinking Patterns” held in Toronto in November 1995. In particular, the social dimension in pattern research, and the relationship between patterns of drinking and causalities as well as social harm, are stressed. The paper also argues for better theories, incorporating knowledge from related basic disciplines. In addition, we emphasize the need for improved methodologies and standardized methods for assessing drinking patterns. Finally, implications of research on drinking patterns for polity and programme development are discussed.
Alcohol‐related violence: the impact of drinking pattern and drinking context
Authors: ROSSOW INGEBORG 
Published: March 2003

AbstractThe impact of alcohol consumption, drinking pattern and drinking context on involvement in alcohol‐related violence was assessed in a survey of 2711 Norwegian adults. Having taken pan in a fight while influenced by alcohol and halting been injured by an intoxicated person during the past year was reported by 3% and 2.4% of the respondents, respectively. Involvement in alcohol‐related violence was most often reported among younger people, among single people, and it was positively associated with alcohol consumption, frequency of intoxication and frequency of visiting public drinking places. Both frequency of intoxication and overall alcohol consumption were positively associated with the probability of having been in a fight while intoxicated. Frequency of visits to public drinking places was significantly associated with the risk of being injured by an intoxicated person, also when own drinking pattern was controlled for. The results also indicated that the more often drinking takes place in public drinking places, the less is the impact of intoxication on the probability of getting into a fight.
Risk factors for initiation of drug use among young males in southwest China
Authors: WU ZUNYOU , ZHANG JIAPENG , DETELS ROGER , DUAN SONG , CHENG HEHE , LI ZHIRONG , DONG LELONG , HUANG SUFEN , JIA MANHONG , BI XIUQIONG 
Published: March 2003

AbstractTo identify risk factors for drug use among young males in southwest China a cross‐sectional survey and a non‐concurrent cohort study were conducted. Demographic, behavioral and drug‐use information was collected from young males aged 18–29 years. The non‐concurrent cohort included the period 1 January 1991 to 1 August 1994. A total of 1548 subjects were interviewed. The cumulative incidence increased between 1991 and 1993. Multivariate analysis identified the following significant risk factors for drug use: being divorced/widowed/separated, having been encouraged by friends/others to ay drugs, smoking cigarettes, belonging to the fingpo ethnic group, and having a family member who used drugs in 1991. More than 6 years of education vjas a protective factor for drug use. Drug use in the community was associated with having been encouraged by friends or others to try drugs (71%), to smoking cigarettes (50%), and to belonging to the Jingpo group (24%). The results are consistent with community based prevention approaches which should be studied carefully because of the unique cultural and epidemiological situation in China.
Prevalence, reliability and bias of adolescents' reports of smoking and quitting
Authors: STANTON WARREN R. , McCLELLAND MARGUERITE , ELWOOD CANDACE , FERRY DON , SILVA PHIL A. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractA follow‐up of smoking behaviour to age 18 in a longitudinal study of a birth cohort enabled an assessment of the prevalence of smoking and quitting among adolescents approaching adulthood. There was a dramatic increase in number of daily smokers (15% at age 15 years to 31% at age 18 years), and in a climate of expected decreases in smoking, a history of never smoking to age 15 years was not as protective against future smoking as anticipated. Among 15–year‐olds who had experimented with smoking, only 11% per year stopped by age 18 years. Cessation rates for adolescent daily smokers were low (3% had not smoked in the last year at age 18 years), and previously have not been widely reported. We also examined some methodological issues related to self‐reported prevalence rates, in particular reliability, validity and sources of bias, finding confirmation of the accuracy of information from prospective longitudinal studies and supporting the conclusion that adolescents' recall for information beyond a 1‐year period is inconsistent.
Associations between drug use and behavioral repertoire in urban youths1
Authors: JOHANSON CHRIS‐ELLYN , DUFFY FARIFTEH F. , ANTHONY JAMES C. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractConverging with psycho‐social research findings, animal and human laboratory studies indicate that behavioral alternatives are important determinants of drug‐taking. To investigate associations between how early adolescents spend their time, i.e. their behavioral repertoire and drug use (use of marijuana, crack/cocaine or inhalants), we analyzed data from an epidemiological sample of 1516 urban middle‐school students who had completed private interviews in spring 1993. The interview included a 36‐item questionnaire to assess how frequently the youth engaged in different activities; history of drug‐taking was assessed separately. Multiple logistic regression was used to estimate associations between drug use and each of seven behavioral domains as well as sex, age and racial‐ethnic status. Youths spending a great deal of lime working for pay and assuming other adult‐like roles were more likely to have initiated drug use (estimated odds ratio, OR = 3.49; p= 0.002). Those who spent much time in religious activities were less likely (OR = 0.2, p < 0.001). An exploratory search for interactions disclosed other associations that merit attention in future research. These results corroborate evidence on the potential etiological significance of behavioral repertoire in relation to risk of drug use.
The history of alcoholism: Brühl‐Cramer's concepts and observations
Authors: KIELHORN FRIEDRICH‐WILHELM 
Published: March 2003

AbstractIn 1819 the German‐Russian doctor C. von Brühl‐Cramer published one of the most important books in the history of alcoholism. He coined the term Trunksucht (which was translated as dipsomania by Hufeland), and he defined it as a physical disease. He discussed aetiology (assuming the consumption of spirits as the main occasional cause and annoyance or depressive feelings as other causes), and pathogenesis (suspecting that repetitive or noxious stimuli provoke a craving for continued intoxication). His recommendations on therapy were influenced by the contemporary ideas on treatment by the laws of chemistry and by concepts of excitability. He offered a classification in terms of continuous, remittent, intermittent, periodic and mixed forms of dipsomania. He described different sequelte, including neuropathy (in which the paresis began at the most distant parts of the limbs), dementia, suppression of the immune system and fetal alcohol syndrome (considering the typical features as proneness to diseases, mental retardation, hyperactivity, facial dysmor‐phism, incomplete growth). He examined ethnological factors based on his observations in multi‐racial Russia. Passages of his work are presented. Relations with works of his contemporaries (especially with Trotter) and influences on later concepts of alcoholism are discussed.
Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco
Authors: PERKINS KENNETH A. , BENOWITZ NEAL , HENNINGFIELD JACK , NEWHOUSE PAUL , POMERLEAU OVIDE , SWAN GARY 
Published: March 2003

AbstractThe proceedings of the inaugural scientific meeting of the Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco (SRNT) are summarized. The primary objective of the meeting was to foster the exchange of information on the effects of nicotine and tobacco use, as well as factors which influence their use, drawing from biological, behavioral and social sciences. Much of this research can be viewed as a tale of “two” drugs–nicotine as a key to an important public health problem, and nicotine as a classical tool of physiological and pharmacological research. A historical overview of research on “both” drugs is provided first. Public policy alternatives for reducing the prevalence of tobacco use have been derived in part from basic and clinical research results and are briefly outlined. Evidence for genetic determinants on nicotine use and effects is presented using data from twin studies and from molecular genetic research with humans and animals. Consistent with this research, there is evidence of individual differences in pharmacokinetics and effects of nicotine, which could account for differences in smoking behavior and nicotine dependence. Finally, recent developments in the therapeutic uses of nicotine and novel nicotinic agonists with schizophrenia, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Tourette's syndrome and ulcerative colitis are presented. Overall, the research presented at the meeting demonstrated the vast diversity of areas of study involving nicotine and tobacco, as well as the rich opportunities for cross‐communication among researchers from different disciplines.
The future of smoking cessation therapy in the United States
Authors: HUGHES JOHN R. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractSix trends that are likely to influence the future content, format, delivery and reach of smoking cessation therapy in the United States are discussed: (1) changing characteristics of smokers (e.g. more likely to be poor, have psychiatric co‐morbidity and be more nicotine dependent), (2) health care reform demands for cost‐effectiveness, (3) development of guidelines/algorithms that recommend stepped‐care approaches, (4) continued emphasis on smoking as a form of drug dependence requiring intensive pharmacological and behavior therapy for some smokers, (5) interest in harm‐reduction strategies for smokers unable or unwilling to qua (and 6) smoking cessation therapies become reimbursable on par with other drug dependencies.
Gender differences in the risk of alcohol dependence: United States, 1992
Authors: DAWSON DEBORAH 
Published: March 2003

AbstractData from a representative sample of US adults revealed that 24% of male life‐time drinkers and 15% of female life‐time drinkers met the DSM‐IV criteria for life‐time alcohol dependence, i.e. dependence during the year preceding interview or in any 12‐month period prior to that year. The median interval from first drink to onset of dependence was 3.6 years for men and 3.0 years for women. After using survival techniques to adjust for potential gender differences in the exposure to risk of developing alcohol dependence, the cumulative conditional probability of having experienced onset of dependence was 35.1 % for men and 24.6% for women. The conditional probability of onset of dependence was equal for men and women in the first year after initiation of drinking, about 30% higher for men in the period 1‐4 years after the first drink, and about 45% higher for men thereafter. After using proportional hazards models to adjust for the effects of age cohort, race and ethnicity, family history of alcoholism and age at first drink, these period‐specific risk ratios remained virtually unchanged. Including a measure of average daily ethanol intake during periods of heaviest consumption rendered most of the gender differences statistically insignificant, revealing a slight excess risk of female dependence within the first year after initiation of drinking among the heaviest drinkers and leaving an excess male risk of dependence mostly among individuals with average daily intakes of less than one ounce of ethanol. The results suggest that different frequencies of binge drinking might help to account for these remaining gender differences and that men's and women's relative risks of developing alcohol dependence may vary as a function of life cycle stage, with men's excess risk greatest in the college/young adult years.
The New Zealand rugby injury and performance project: alcohol use patterns within a cohort of rugby players
Authors: QUARRIE K. L. , FEEHAN M. , WALLER A. E. , COOKE K. R. , WILLIAMS S. , McGEE R. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractAlthough heavy drinking has traditionally been associated with rugby, the drinking patterns of New Zealand rugby players have not been examined. Three hundred and forty‐eight rugby players (257 males and 91 females), completed the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) at the beginning of the 1993 rugby season. The mean AUDIT scores were 11.2 (SD = 5.1) for the males and 8.7 (4.1) for the females: a cut‐off of 8.0 has been recommended by the developers of the instrument for identifying alcohol use disorders. The consumption of large quantities of alcohol, and a high frequency of heavy drinking sessions were the norm for this group. Sixty‐one per cent of males and 38% of females consumed six or more drinks in a session at least weekly: typically, men drank 10 or more drinks in a session and women 5‐6 drinks. The patterns of drinking exhibited by the cohort give cause for concern regarding the health risks associated with suck behaviour.
Health status at entry to methadone maintenance treatment using the SF‐36 health survey questionnaire
Authors: RYAN CHRISTINA F. , WHITE JASON M. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractThis study used the SF‐36 general health questionnaire to measure the health status of heroin users at entry to a public methadone maintenance programme. Their results were compared to those from the general population and from three clinical groups: patients with minor medical, major medical and psychiatric problems. One hundred consecutive clients were interviewed in the first week on the programme using the SF‐36 health questionnaire. Data were also gathered on their drug use, use of medical services and HIV risk behaviour. The results showed that heroin users at entry to the methadone maintenance programme had significantly worse physical and psychological health than the general population. Their scores were most similar to the psychiatrically depressed patients, although they had worse physical health than this comparison group. The greater the amount of heroin used by clients before entering the programme, the more pain they reported. Alcohol and marijuana use were associated with better social and physical health. The relationship between general health status and amount or frequency of drug use is not a clear one. Heroin users experience severe emotional and physical problems at the time of entering methadone maintenance treatment.
Drug use in the high intensity drug trafficking area of the US Southwest border
Authors: HARRISON LANA D. , KENNEDY NANCY J. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractThis paper examines the prevalence of alcohol, tobacco and illicit drug use in the Southwest border region of the United States. Based on the seriousness of drug trafficking in the area, the Southwest border has been designated a “High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area.” Yet there is little quantitative data on the nature and magnitude of drug use in the Southwest border region. This paper examines the prevalence of drug use in the area by extracting data from the National Household Survey on Drug Abuse. The data show that drug use rates in the Southwest border area are very similar to those found throughout the remainder of the United States. Hispanics, who constitute about 41% of the Southwest border population, have lower prevalence rates for most classes of drugs than non‐Hispanics. The border Hispanics exhibit even lower prevalence rates than Hispanics in the remainder of the United States. However, many of these differences are attributable to the lower levels of drug use among women, and youth and older adults. As these demographic subgroups become increasingly acculturated, their drug use could come to more closely resemble that of their peers in the remainder of the United States.
The income‐generating behaviour of injecting drug‐users in Oslo
Authors: BRETTEVILLE‐JENSEN ANNE LINE , SUTTON MATTHEW 
Published: March 2003

AbstractDrug users’income‐generating behaviours, such as prostitution, acquisitive crime and small‐scale dealing, have a major influence on the harm caused w the non‐using population. Using data on the drug use and income sources of 900 drug‐injectors in Oslo, this paper has two aims: to present data on Oslo income‐generating behaviours and compare these with those in the Netherlands and Scotland; and to explore conceptual issues in the comparison of self‐reported dealing income with other sources. Eighty‐three per cent of respondents reported income from social benefit, and 43% had sold drugs in the last month. Half the females reported income from prostitution. The income‐generation differences found in the comparisons section do not seem to reflect variations in drug and other social policies, but may relate to differences in the profitability of dealing. Using self‐reported dealing income to compare the contributions of different income sources may be misleading, however, since it does not reflect financial profit or the value of dealers’drug consumption. Adjusted figures show that theft accounts for 23% of total drugs expenditure, while the corresponding figures for dealing and prostitution are 42% and 21%, respectively.
Psychological morbidity and route of administration among amphetamine users in Sydney, Australia
Authors: HALL WAYNE , HANDO JULIE , DARKE SHANE , ROSS JOANNE 
Published: March 2003

AbstractA sample of 301 amphetamine users were interviewed about their experiences of psychological symptoms prior to, and subsequent to, their initiation of amphetamine use. Psychological morbidity was common, with 44% scoring greater than a conservative cut‐off of 8 on the General Health Questionnaire. The most commonly reported symptoms subsequent to the onset of amphetamine use were depression (79%), anxiety (76%), paranoia (52%), hallucinations (46%) and violent behaviour (44%). All these symptoms increased in prevalence after the onset of amphetamine use. Route and frequency of amphetamine administration were significant independent predictors of overall psychological morbidity, while route of administration was related to the experience of hallucinations, violent behaviour and paranoia. The avoidance of injection as a route of administration and the use of amphetamines less than weekly are recommended as steps that users can take to reduce the psychological sequelae of amphetamine use.
On the importance of peer influence for adolescent drug use: commonly neglected considerations
Authors: BAUMAN KARL E. , ENNETT SUSAN T. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractPeer influence is generally believed to be a major cause of adolescent drug behavior. This paper reviews research findings on friend selection and projection to suggest that the magnitude of friend influence may be overestimated. This paper also observes that, although adolescent drug use is assumed to begin in response to peer group influence, peer groups have rarely been measured in studies of drug behavior. Social network analysis is identified as a promising method for measuring peer groups. The implications of this review for research and programs are considered.
Alcohol consumption and community hospital admissions in the United States: a dynamic regression analysis, 1950–1992
Authors: MULLER ANDREAS 
Published: March 2003

AbstractThe annual time‐series analysis examines the impact of changes in per capita alcohol consumption (NIAAA, AIDS) an changes in community hospital admission rates (AHA) in the United States from 1950 to 1992 (n = 43). Increases in per capita alcohol consumption were expected to increase hospital admission rates contemporaneously and several years thereafter following an exponential risk function. Distributed lag models based on differenced data controlling for changes in: (I) per capita cigarette consumption; (2) private hospital insurance coverage; (3) the drinking age population; (4) per capita disposable personal income; and (5) health care regulatory interventions show a contemporaneous effect of per capita alcohol consumption on hospital admission rates. The time‐series analyses imply that between 22–26% of US community hospital admissions are alcohol related. A comparable analysis indicates that per capita alcohol and tobacco expenditures contribute to approximately 28% of US community hospital admissions. The absence of statistically significant lagged effects is inconsistent with an exponentially declining risk function. However, the contemporaneous effects of per capita alcohol and tobacco consumption suggest that a reduction in smoking and drinking will produce quick reductions in morbidity and hospitalizations.
Longitudinal neuropsychological evaluation of HIV‐infected intravenous drug users
Authors: BONO GIORGIO , MAURI MARCO , SINFORIANI ELENA , BARBARINI GIORGIO , MINOLI LORENZO , FEA MAURIZIO 
Published: March 2003

AbstractThe present study aimed to describe the cognitive status of a group of HIV‐positive asymptomatic intravenous drug users (IVDU) and changes which occurred over a 12‐month follow‐up period. Forty‐two HIV positive IVDU were selected and matched for age, sex, educational level and pattern of drug abuse with 39 seronegative IVDU controls. Baseline and follow‐up evaluation included neuropsychological tests exploring attention, language, memory, logic and visuomotor abilities, biological markers and clinical parameters. About one‐third of both seropositive and seronegative subjects showed at baseline slight cognitive deficits, ‘which did not change during the follow‐up period.