bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
"It's a beer!": Brain functional hyperconnectivity during processing of alcohol‐related images in young binge drinkers
Authors: Almeida‐Antunes Natália , Antón‐Toro Luis , Crego Alberto , Rodrigues Rui , Sampaio Adriana , López‐Caneda Eduardo 
Published: February 2022

AbstractAlcohol attentional bias has been pointed as a major marker of alcohol misuse. Recent evidence has revealed that brain functional connectivity (FC) may be a valuable index of the brain networks' integrity in young binge drinkers (BDs). However, there is no study to date examining the FC networks linked to the processing of alcohol‐related images in this population. The present study aimed to explore the FC signatures underlying alcohol attention bias in young BDs. Thus, electroencephalographic (EEG) activity was recorded in 54 college students (55.5% females; 27 non/low‐drinkers and 27 BDs) while performing a visual alcohol cue‐reactivity task. We evaluated whole‐brain FC profiles during the processing of alcoholic and non‐alcoholic cues, as well as their potential relationship with craving and severity of alcohol use. Results showed that, at the behavioural level, BDs rated alcohol‐related images as more pleasant/attractive than non/low‐drinkers. Furthermore, at the electrophysiological level, BDs exhibited increased beta‐band FC—particularly in the fronto‐parieto‐occipital network—when processing alcoholic cues. Conversely, they displayed reduced theta‐band FC relatively to non/low‐drinkers for non‐alcoholic images. These hyper‐/hypo‐connectivity patterns were associated with higher alcohol craving levels. Findings are congruent with previous neurofunctional studies reporting an attentional bias towards alcohol‐related information in BDs. These results may have important clinical implications as this neural reactivity to alcoholic cues may contribute to the maintenance and/or escalation of the drinking pattern. Finally, the present study constitutes the first evidence showing that FC networks may be a sensitive indicator to alcohol attentional bias in BDs.
Functional connectivity in the central executive network predicts changes in binge drinking behavior during emerging adulthood: an observational prospective study
Authors: Lesnewich Laura M. , Pawlak Anthony P. , Gohel Suril , Bates Marsha E. 
Published: February 2022

AbstractBackground and AimsBinge drinking contributes to the immense public health burden associated with alcohol use, especially among younger drinkers. Little is known about the underlying neurobiology of changes in this behavior over time. This preliminary study aimed to identify neurobiological markers of binge drinking behavior change during emerging adulthood.DesignObservational prospective investigation of neurobiological predictors of binge drinking behavior.SettingCommunities surrounding a large, public university in the northeastern United States.ParticipantsA total of 42 emerging adults (48% female), approximately half meeting criteria for an alcohol use disorder.MeasurementsPast month binge drinking, the dependent variable, was assessed at two time‐points (T1, T2) via self‐report. Ten indices of resting‐state functional connectivity within the central executive network (CEN), a brain network involved in executive function, were collected at T1 and specified as independent variables in cross‐sectional and prospective Poisson models. All models controlled for age, sex, and alcohol use disorder status.FindingsThe cross‐sectional model yielded five significant associations between CEN connectivity and binge drinking incidence. Connections anchored primarily in the anterior CEN exhibited negative associations with binge drinking incidence (P = 0.001, 0.004, 0.011), and connections stemming from the right posterior parietal cortex exhibited positive associations with binge drinking incidence (P = 0.041, 0.045). In prospective models, stronger frontoparietal connectivity between the right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and left posterior parietal cortex predicted greater increases in binge drinking incidence over time (P = 0.003).ConclusionsThere is an association between central executive network connectivity and heavy drinking, as well as evidence that functional pathways within the central executive network may contribute to changes in problematic drinking behaviors.
Infrequent detection of unintentional fentanyl use via urinalysis among people who regularly inject opioids in Sydney and Melbourne, Australia
Authors: Lam Tina , Barratt Monica J. , Bartlett Mark , Latimer Julie , Jauncey Marianne , Hiley Sarah , Clark Nico , Gerostamoulos Dimitri , Glowacki Linda , Roux Claude , Morelato Marie , Nielsen Suzanne 
Published: February 2022

AbstractBackground and aimThe current phase of the North American ‘opioid crisis’ is characterised by illicit fentanyl use; however, the presence of illicit fentanyl in Australia is unknown. This study aimed to monitor unintentional fentanyl consumption in Australia.DesignRapid urine drug screens (UDS) paired with surveys conducted within supervised injecting facilities (SIFs) and confirmatory laboratory testing.SettingSydney and Melbourne, Australia.ParticipantsClients who used heroin within the past 2 days (n = 911 tests, 2017–2021). Participants were demographically similar to the overall client base (median age 43, 72% male).MeasurementsUDS were conducted using BTNX Rapid Response fentanyl urine strip tests with cross‐reactivity to numerous fentanyl analogues. Positive urine samples were analysed using liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry. Surveys covered past 3 day drug use and lifetime report of fentanyl in heroin.FindingsTwo percent of participants reported intentional use of fentanyl, mostly through fentanyl patches. Of the 911 rapid UDS conducted, 17 (1.9%) yielded positive results. Eight of these (all from Melbourne) were not explained by survey‐reported fentanyl use in the past 3 days. Of these 8 unexplained positives, confirmatory laboratory analysis was conducted on 6, with 4 deemed to be false positives, and 2 confirmed for the presence of fentanyl. This represents the first confirmation of unintended use of fentanyl type substances in this population.ConclusionThere is limited evidence of unintentional fentanyl use among people in Sydney and Melbourne, Australia who regularly inject heroin, suggesting that, currently, there is very little illicit fentanyl in Australian drug markets accessed by supervised injecting facilities attendees. This study demonstrates the feasibility of quick onsite testing to cost‐effectively screen large samples for fentanyl; however, the high false positive rate emphasises the need for confirmation of positive tests through advanced analytical techniques.
HIV clinic‐based extended‐release naltrexone versus treatment as usual for people with HIV and opioid use disorder: a non‐blinded, randomized non‐inferiority trial
Authors: Korthuis P. Todd , Cook Ryan R. , Lum Paula J. , Waddell Elizabeth Needham , Tookes Hansel , Vergara‐Rodriguez Pamela , Kunkel Lynn E. , Lucas Gregory M. , Rodriguez Allan E. , Bielavitz Sarann , Fanucchi Laura C. , Hoffman Kim A. , Bachrach Ken , Payne Elizabeth H. , Collins Julia A. , Matthews Abigail , Oden Neal , Jacobs Petra , Jelstrom Eve , Sorensen James L. , McCarty Dennis 
Published: February 2022

AbstractBackground and aimOpioid agonist medications for treatment of opioid use disorder (OUD) can improve human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) outcomes and reduce opioid use. We tested whether outpatient antagonist treatment with naltrexone could achieve similar results.DesignOpen‐label, non‐inferiority randomized trial.SettingSix US HIV primary care clinics.ParticipantsA total of 114 participants with untreated HIV and OUD (62% male; 56% black, 12% Hispanic; positive for fentanyl (62%), other opioids (47%) and cocaine (60%) at baseline). Enrollment halted early due to slow recruitment.InterventionHIV clinic‐based extended‐release naltrexone (XR‐NTX; n = 55) versus treatment as usual (TAU) with buprenorphine or methadone (TAU; n = 59).MeasurementsTreatment group differences were compared for the primary outcome of viral suppression (HIV RNA ≤ 200 copies/ml) at 24 weeks and secondary outcomes included past 30‐day use of opioids at 24 weeks.FindingsFewer XR‐NTX participants initiated medication compared with TAU participants (47 versus 73%). The primary outcome of viral suppression was comparable for XR‐NTX (52.7%) and TAU (49.2%) [risk ratio (RR) = 1.064; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.748, 1.514] at 24 weeks. Non‐inferiority could not be demonstrated, as the lower confidence limit of the RR did not exceed the pre‐specified margin of 0.75 in intention‐to‐treat (ITT) analysis. The main secondary outcome of past 30‐day opioid use was comparable for XR‐NTX versus TAU (11.7 versus 14.8 days; mean difference = −3.1; 95% CI = –8.7, 1.1) in ITT analysis. Among those initiating medication, XR‐NTX resulted in fewer days of opioid use compared with TAU in the past 30 days (6.0 versus 13.6, mean difference = −7.6; 95% CI = –13.8, −0.2).ConclusionsA randomized controlled trial found supportive, but not conclusive, evidence that human immunodeficiency virus clinic‐based extended‐release naltrexone is not inferior to treatment as usual for facilitating human immunodeficiency virus viral suppression. Participants who initiated extended‐release naltrexone used fewer opioids than those who received treatment as usual.
Loot box engagement: relationships with educational attainment, employment status and earnings in a cohort of 16 000 United Kingdom gamers
Authors: Close James , Spicer Stuart Gordon , Nicklin Laura Louise , Lloyd Joanne , Lloyd Helen 
Published: February 2022

AbstractBackground and AimsLoot boxes are purchasable randomised rewards in video games that share structural and psychological similarities with gambling. Systematic review evidence has established reproducible associations between loot box purchasing and both problem gambling and problem video gaming. We aimed to measure the association between loot box engagement and socioeconomic correlates.DesignThe study was a cross‐sectional online survey using the recruitment platform, Prolific.SettingUnited Kingdom (UK).ParticipantsA cohort of 16 196 UK adults (18 + years) self‐reporting as video gamers.MeasurementsRespondents were asked about their game‐related purchasing behaviour (including loot boxes), recent monthly spend on loot boxes and gambling engagement (gambling in any form; gambling online; playing ‘social casino’ games). A range of demographic variables were simultaneously captured, including age, sex, ethnicity, earnings, employment and educational attainment.FindingsOverall, 17.16% of gamers in our cohort purchased loot boxes, with a mean self‐reported monthly spend of £29.12. These loot box purchasers are more likely to gamble (45.97% gamble) than people who make other types of game‐related purchases (on aggregate, 28.13% of non‐loot box purchasers gamble), and even greater still than those who do not make any game related purchases (24.38% gambleP < 0.001). Loot box engagement (as binary yes/no or as monthly spend normalised to earnings) was significantly associated with younger age (P < 0.001 andP < 0.001; respectively, for binary yes/no and monthly spend, adjusted for false discovery rate correction), male sex (P < 0.001 andP = 0.025), non‐university educational attainment (P < 0.001 andP < 0.001) and unemployment (P = 0.003 andP = < 0.001). Lower earners spent a higher proportion of monthly earnings on loot boxes (P < 0.001).ConclusionsThe demographic associations of video game loot box engagement (younger age, male sex, non‐university educational attainment and unemployment) mirror those of other addictive and problematic behaviours, including disordered gambling, drug and alcohol misuse.
Cannabis legalization and traffic injuries: exploring the role of supply mechanisms
Authors: Kilmer Beau , Rivera‐Aguirre Ariadne , Queirolo Rosario , Ramirez Jessica , Cerdá Magdalena 
Published: February 2022

AbstractBackground and aimIn Uruguay, residents age 18 and older seeking legal cannabis must register with the government and choose one of three supply mechanisms: self‐cultivation, non‐profit cannabis clubs or pharmacies. This is the first paper to measure the association between type of legal cannabis supply mechanism and traffic crashes involving injuries.DesignEcological study using ordinary least squares regression to examine how department‐level variation in registrations (overall and by type) is associated with traffic crashes involving injuries.SettingUruguay.Cases532 department‐quarters.MeasurementsQuarterly cannabis registration counts at the department level and incident‐level traffic crash data were obtained from government agencies. The analyses controlled for department‐level economic and demographic characteristics and, as a robustness check, we included traffic violations involving alcohol for departments reporting this information. Department‐level data on crashes, registrations and alcohol violations were denominated by the number of residents ages 18 and older.FindingsFrom 2013 to 2019, the average number of registrations at the department‐quarter level per 10 000 residents age 18 and older for self‐cultivation, club membership and pharmacy purchasing were 17.7 (SD = 16.8), 3.6 (SD = 8.6), and 25.1 (SD = 50.4), respectively. In our multivariate regression analyses, we did not find a statistically significant association between the total number of registrations and traffic crashes with injuries (β = −0.007; P = 0.398; 95% CI = −0.023, 0.01). Analyses focused on the specific supply mechanisms found a consistent, positive and statistically significant association between the number of individuals registered as self‐cultivators and the number of traffic crashes with injuries (β = 0.194; P = 0.008; 95% CI = 0.058, 0.329). Associations for other supply mechanisms were inconsistent across the various model specifications.ConclusionsIn Uruguay, the number of people allowed to self‐cultivate cannabis is positively associated with traffic crashes involving injuries. Individual‐level analyses are needed to assess better the factors underlying this association.
Role of innate immune receptors TLR4 and TLR2 polymorphisms in systemic lupus erythematosus susceptibility
Authors: Elloumi Nesrine , Tahri Safa , Fakhfakh Raouia , Abida Olfa , Mahfoudh Nadia , Hachicha Hend , Marzouk Sameh , Bahloul Zouhir , Masmoudi Hatem 
Published: February 2022

AbstractAimThrough their recognition of various bacterial cell wall components, TLR2 and TLR4 participate in the innate response and modulate the activation of adaptive immunity. Therefore, the genetic background of these receptors might play a crucial role in autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). In this study, we investigated the possible association between polymorphisms within TLR2 and TLR4 genes with SLE susceptibility.Material and methodsA total of 100 SLE patients and 200 unrelated healthy controls of the Tunisian population were enrolled in the study.TLR4rs4986790, TLR4rs4986791, and TLR2rs5743708 genotyping were performed using a polymerase chain reaction‐restriction fragment length polymorphism method. The number of guanine‐thymine (GT) repeat microsatellite in the intron 2 of TLR2 gene was analyzed by sequencing.ResultsWe reported a lack of allelic and genotypic association between SNPs of TLR4 and TLR2 genes and SLE pathogenesis. No correlation was found with any SLE features. However, SLE susceptibility was associated with the GT repeat microsatellite polymorphism in the human TLR2 gene. Further subclassification of alleles into three subclasses revealed a significant association between the long‐sized repeats ((GT) >23) and SLE.ConclusionThough the results showed the absence of genetic association of TLR4 and TLR2 SNPs with the risk of developing SLE, we have identified a protective association between the microsatellite polymorphism in intron 2 of the TLR2 gene and SLE. Functionally, these (GT)n repeats may confer modifying effects or susceptibility to certain inflammatory conditions.
Managing emotions in psychosis: Evaluation of a brief DBT‐informed skills group for individuals with psychosis in routine community services
Authors: Lawlor Caroline , Vitoratou Silia , Duffy James , Cooper Ben , De Souza Tanisha , Le Boutillier Clair , Carter Ben , Hepworth Claire , Jolley Suzanne 
Published: February 2022

ObjectivesIndividuals with psychosis report that emotion regulation (ER) difficulties are treatment priorities, yet little is known about how targeted ER interventions may help. We evaluated a new eight‐session Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT)–informed skills group specifically adapted for individuals with psychosis: the Managing Emotions Group (MEG) in diverse, inner‐city community services.MethodA mixed‐method design was utilised to assess the feasibility (acceptability and potential clinical impact) of local delivery of MEG. Uptake, completion (≥50% of sessions), post‐session satisfaction ratings, and thematic analysis of qualitative feedback from 12 completers assessed acceptability. Pre–post‐intervention changes in psychological distress, self‐reported ER difficulties, and adaptive ER skill use assessed potential clinical impact.ResultsForty‐eight individuals (81% of attenders) completed the intervention (Mage = 43, 54% female) of whom 39 completed pre‐ and post‐group measures. Participants reported high satisfaction and meaningful improvements in understanding and managing emotions, with positive impact on daily life. Self‐reported psychological distress, ER difficulties, and adaptive ER skill use significantly improved, with medium‐to‐large pre‐post effects (d = 0.5–0.7) except lack of emotional clarity (d = 0.3).ConclusionsMEG was feasible and acceptable, and a future feasibility randomised controlled trial is warranted.Practitioner points

Individuals with psychosis report that support with their emotions is a priority.

Brief interventions for emotion regulation difficulties are acceptable to individuals with psychosis and can be feasibly delivered in a local outpatient service.

Distress and emotion regulation difficulties and skills improved significantly from pre–post treatment for clients completing the managing emotions group.

Further implementation and evaluation are needed to support continued refinement to meet the needs and priorities of individuals with psychosis.
Pharmacologic induction of PGC‐1α stimulates fetal haemoglobin gene expression
Authors: Sun Yanan , Habara Alawi , Le Cuong Quang , Nguyen Nicole , Chen Raymon , Murphy George J. , Chui David H. K. , Steinberg Martin H. , Cui Shuaiying 
Published: February 2022

SummarySickle cell disease (SCD) is a genetic disorder that affects millions around the world. Enhancement of fetal γ‐globin levels and fetal haemoglobin (HbF) production in SCD patients leads to diminished severity of many clinical features of the disease. We recently identified the transcriptional co‐activator PGC‐1α as a new protein involved in the regulation of the globin genes. Here, we report that upregulation of PGC‐1α by infection with a lentivirus expressing PGC‐1α or by the small‐molecule PGC‐1α agonist ZLN005 in human primary erythroid progenitor CD34+ cells induces both fetal γ‐globin mRNA and protein expression as well as the percentage of HbF‐positive cell (F cells) without significantly affecting cell proliferation and differentiation. We further found that the combination of ZLN005 and hydroxyurea (hydroxycarbamide) exhibited an additive effect on the expression of γ‐globin and the generation of F cells from cultured CD34+ cells. In addition, ZLN005 induced robust expression of the murine embryonic βh1‐globin gene and to a lesser extent, human γ‐globin gene expression in sickle mice. These findings suggest that activation of PGC‐1α by ZLN005 might provide a new path for modulating HbF levels with potential therapeutic benefit in β‐hemoglobinopathies.
Sexual Identity‐Behavior Discordance in Canada
Authors: Silva Tony , Fetner Tina 
Published: February 2022

AbstractThis paper uses two surveys to examine sexual identity‐behavior discordance in Canada. The first is the Sex in Canada survey (SCS), which is a private survey of 2,303 Canadians. The second is the 2015–2016 Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS), which is a large nationally representative government‐administered survey with 109,659 respondents. Results from the CCHS show that identity‐behavior discordance and overall rates of same‐sex contact are lower in Canada than in the US, UK, or Australia. An estimated .7 percent of males and 2.7 percent of females aged 15–64 who had had lifetime sex identified as heterosexual yet have had same‐sex contact, figures which equate to an estimated 65,700 males and 255,100 females. Few demographic factors were associated with discordance. Results from the SCS show that about two‐thirds of heterosexuals with identity‐behavior discordance were moderately supportive of LGBQ rights and one‐third were moderately homophobic. Future research will need to uncover why a lower proportion of Canadians report same‐sex partners and identity‐behavior discordance than their counterparts in the US, UK, or Australia.Cet article utilise deux enquêtes pour examiner la discordance entre l'identité sexuelle et le comportement au Canada. La première est l'enquête Sex in Canada (SCS), qui est une enquête privée menée auprès de 2 303 Canadiens. La seconde est l'Enquête sur la santé dans les collectivités canadiennes (ESCC) de 2015–2016, qui est une grande enquête représentative à l'échelle nationale administrée par le gouvernement auprès de 109 659 répondants. Les résultats de l'ESCC montrent que la discordance identité‐comportement et les taux globaux de contacts entre personnes de même sexe sont plus faibles au Canada qu'aux États‐Unis, au Royaume‐Uni ou en Australie. On estime que 0,7 % des hommes et 2,7 % des femmes âgés de 15 à 64 ans ayant eu des rapports sexuels au cours de leur vie se sont identifiés comme hétérosexuels, mais ont eu des contacts avec des personnes du même sexe, ce qui correspond à environ 65 700 hommes et 255 100 femmes. Peu de facteurs démographiques étaient associés à la discordance. Les résultats de l'enquête SCS montrent qu'environ deux tiers des hétérosexuels présentant une discordance entre identité et comportement étaient modérément favorables aux droits des LGBQ et qu'un tiers était modérément homophobe. Les recherches futures devront découvrir pourquoi une plus faible proportion de Canadiens déclarent avoir des partenaires de même sexe et être en désaccord avec leur identité et leur comportement que leurs homologues aux États‐Unis, au Royaume‐Uni ou en Australie.