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Tan L, Stephenson L, Byard R. Methamphetamine use in homicide victims. MEDICINE, SCIENCE, AND THE LAW 2024; 64:5-7. [PMID: 36949672 DOI: 10.1177/00258024231165433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Methamphetamine use is increasing in the Australian population. It has a known association with violent and erratic behaviour and with an increased risk of unnatural deaths. To determine whether victims of homicide have significant exposure to methamphetamine 100 randomly selected de-identified homicide cases from 2012 to 2021 were accessed from the Forensic Science SA (FSSA) Pathology Database to determine the type of homicide and whether methamphetamine was detected in the blood. A total of 76 males and 24 females were found (M:F = 3:1). Of these, 30 victims (30%) had methamphetamine detected in blood, consisting of 26 males and 4 females (M:F = 6:1; male age range 18-53 years, average 36.8 years; female age range 28-63 years average 44.8 years). Levels of methamphetamine ranged from 0.02 to 3.3 mg/L with an average of 0.64 mg/L, with the highest numbers of positive cases occurring in victims of gunshot wounds (45.5%), and the lowest in those with lethal blunt force trauma (23.5%). This study has demonstrated that victims of homicide in an Australian population are more likely to have used methamphetamine than members of the general population. The reasons for this remain unclear although involvement in a drug selling environment may be an important determinant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luzern Tan
- Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- Forensic Science South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Lilli Stephenson
- School of Biomedicine, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Roger Byard
- Forensic Science South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
- School of Biomedicine, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
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2
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Kolaitis NA, Saggar R, De Marco T. Methamphetamine-associated pulmonary arterial hypertension. Curr Opin Pulm Med 2022; 28:352-360. [PMID: 35838374 DOI: 10.1097/mcp.0000000000000888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Methamphetamine use is increasing in popularity globally, and chronic users suffer from various drug toxicities, including the development of pulmonary arterial hypertension. Although it was previously thought to be a possible cause of pulmonary arterial hypertension, as of the sixth World Symposium on Pulmonary Hypertension, methamphetamine use is now recognized as a definite cause of pulmonary arterial hypertension. This review will discuss the history of methamphetamine use, the link between methamphetamine use and pulmonary arterial hypertension, and the clinical characteristics of patients with pulmonary hypertension from methamphetamine use. RECENT FINDINGS The mechanism by which methamphetamine abuse leads to pulmonary hypertension is unclear. However, recent studies have suggested that reduced expression of carboxylesterase 1 may be implicated due to maladaptation to the environmental injury of methamphetamine abuse. Based on the report of two recent cohort studies, patients with methamphetamine-associated pulmonary arterial hypertension have a worse functional class, less favorable hemodynamics, impaired health-related quality of life, increased health-care utilization, and attenuated survival, as compared to those with idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension. SUMMARY Future studies are needed to better understand the mechanism by which methamphetamine use leads to pulmonary arterial hypertension. Methamphetamine-associated pulmonary arterial hypertension likely represents a more advanced disease state than idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension, however, it is treated less aggressively in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas A Kolaitis
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco School of Medicine, San Francisco
| | - Rajan Saggar
- Department of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Teresa De Marco
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco School of Medicine, San Francisco
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3
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Kangas BD. Examining the effects of psychoactive drugs on complex behavioral processes in laboratory animals. ADVANCES IN PHARMACOLOGY (SAN DIEGO, CALIF.) 2021; 93:243-274. [PMID: 35341568 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apha.2021.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Behavioral pharmacology has been aided significantly by the development of innovative cognitive tasks designed to examine complex behavioral processes in laboratory animals. Performance outcomes under these conditions have provided key metrics of drug action which serve to supplement traditional in vivo assays of physiologic and behavioral effects of psychoactive drugs. This chapter provides a primer of cognitive tasks designed to assay different aspects of complex behavior, including learning, cognitive flexibility, memory, attention, motivation, and impulsivity. Both capstone studies and recent publications are highlighted throughout to illustrate task value for two distinct but often interconnected translational strategies. First, task performance in laboratory animals can be utilized to elucidate how drugs of abuse affect complex behavioral processes. Here, the expectation is that adverse effects on such processes will have predictive relevance to consequences that will be experienced by humans. Second, these same task outcomes can be used to evaluate candidate therapeutics. In this case, the extent to which drug doses with medicinal value perturb task performance can contribute critical information for a more complete safety profile appraisal and advance the process of medications development. Methodological and theoretical considerations are discussed and include an emphasis on determining selectivity in drug action on complex behavioral processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian D Kangas
- Behavioral Biology Program, McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA, United States; Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States.
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4
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Billing DC, Fordy GR, Friedl KE, Hasselstrøm H. The implications of emerging technology on military human performance research priorities. J Sci Med Sport 2021; 24:947-953. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jsams.2020.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2020] [Revised: 09/22/2020] [Accepted: 10/12/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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5
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Wingelaar-Jagt YQ, Wingelaar TT, Riedel WJ, Ramaekers JG. Fatigue in Aviation: Safety Risks, Preventive Strategies and Pharmacological Interventions. Front Physiol 2021; 12:712628. [PMID: 34552504 PMCID: PMC8451537 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.712628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2021] [Accepted: 08/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Fatigue poses an important safety risk to civil and military aviation. In addition to decreasing performance in-flight (chronic) fatigue has negative long-term health effects. Possible causes of fatigue include sleep loss, extended time awake, circadian phase irregularities and work load. Despite regulations limiting flight time and enabling optimal rostering, fatigue cannot be prevented completely. Especially in military operations, where limits may be extended due to operational necessities, it is impossible to rely solely on regulations to prevent fatigue. Fatigue management, consisting of preventive strategies and operational countermeasures, such as pre-flight naps and pharmaceuticals that either promote adequate sleep (hypnotics or chronobiotics) or enhance performance (stimulants), may be required to mitigate fatigue in challenging (military) aviation operations. This review describes the pathophysiology, epidemiology and effects of fatigue and its impact on aviation, as well as several aspects of fatigue management and recommendations for future research in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yara Q Wingelaar-Jagt
- Center for Man in Aviation, Royal Netherlands Air Force, Soesterberg, Netherlands.,Department of of Neuropsychology and Psychopharmacology, Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Thijs T Wingelaar
- Diving Medical Center, Royal Netherlands Navy, Den Helder, Netherlands
| | - Wim J Riedel
- Department of of Neuropsychology and Psychopharmacology, Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Johannes G Ramaekers
- Department of of Neuropsychology and Psychopharmacology, Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
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6
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Miller DR, Bu AM, Gopinath A, Martinez LR, Khoshbouei H. Methamphetamine dysregulation of the central nervous system and peripheral immunity. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2021; 379:372-385. [PMID: 34535563 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.121.000767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 09/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Methamphetamine (METH) is a potent psychostimulant that increases extracellular monoamines such as dopamine and norepinephrine and affects multiple tissue and cell types. The reinforcing properties of METH underlie its significant abuse potential and dysregulation of peripheral immunity and central nervous system functions. Together, the constellation of METH's effects on cellular targets and regulatory processes have shown to lead to immune suppression and neurodegeneration in METH addicts and animal models of METH exposure. Here we extensively review many of the cell types and mechanisms of METH-induced dysregulation of the central nervous system and peripheral immune system. Significance Statement Emerging research has begun to show that methamphetamine not only regulates dopaminergic neuronal activity, it also affects non-neuronal brain cells, such as microglia and astrocytes as well immunological cells of the periphery. The bi-directional communication between dopaminergic neurons in the CNS and peripheral immune cells becomes dysregulated by a constellation of dysfunctional neuronal and cell types revealing multiple targets that must be considered at the interface between basic and clinical neuroscience.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Adithya Gopinath
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Florida, United States
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7
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Sharma HS, Lafuente JV, Feng L, Muresanu DF, Menon PK, Castellani RJ, Nozari A, Sahib S, Tian ZR, Buzoianu AD, Sjöquist PO, Patnaik R, Wiklund L, Sharma A. Methamphetamine exacerbates pathophysiology of traumatic brain injury at high altitude. Neuroprotective effects of nanodelivery of a potent antioxidant compound H-290/51. PROGRESS IN BRAIN RESEARCH 2021; 266:123-193. [PMID: 34689858 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pbr.2021.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Military personnel are often exposed to high altitude (HA, ca. 4500-5000m) for combat operations associated with neurological dysfunctions. HA is a severe stressful situation and people frequently use methamphetamine (METH) or other psychostimulants to cope stress. Since military personnel are prone to different kinds of traumatic brain injury (TBI), in this review we discuss possible effects of METH on concussive head injury (CHI) at HA based on our own observations. METH exposure at HA exacerbates pathophysiology of CHI as compared to normobaric laboratory environment comparable to sea level. Increased blood-brain barrier (BBB) breakdown, edema formation and reductions in the cerebral blood flow (CBF) following CHI were exacerbated by METH intoxication at HA. Damage to cerebral microvasculature and expression of beta catenin was also exacerbated following CHI in METH treated group at HA. TiO2-nanowired delivery of H-290/51 (150mg/kg, i.p.), a potent chain-breaking antioxidant significantly enhanced CBF and reduced BBB breakdown, edema formation, beta catenin expression and brain pathology in METH exposed rats after CHI at HA. These observations are the first to point out that METH exposure in CHI exacerbated brain pathology at HA and this appears to be related with greater production of oxidative stress induced brain pathology, not reported earlier.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hari Shanker Sharma
- International Experimental Central Nervous System Injury & Repair (IECNSIR), Department of Surgical Sciences, Anesthesiology & Intensive Care Medicine, Uppsala University Hospital, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - José Vicente Lafuente
- LaNCE, Department of Neuroscience, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Leioa, Bizkaia, Spain
| | - Lianyuan Feng
- Department of Neurology, Bethune International Peace Hospital, Shijiazhuang, Hebei Province, China
| | - Dafin F Muresanu
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Medicine & Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania; "RoNeuro" Institute for Neurological Research and Diagnostic, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Preeti K Menon
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Rudy J Castellani
- Department of Pathology, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Ala Nozari
- Anesthesiology & Intensive Care, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Seaab Sahib
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR, United States
| | - Z Ryan Tian
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR, United States
| | - Anca D Buzoianu
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, "Iuliu Hatieganu" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Per-Ove Sjöquist
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ranjana Patnaik
- Department of Biomaterials, School of Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India
| | - Lars Wiklund
- International Experimental Central Nervous System Injury & Repair (IECNSIR), Department of Surgical Sciences, Anesthesiology & Intensive Care Medicine, Uppsala University Hospital, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Aruna Sharma
- International Experimental Central Nervous System Injury & Repair (IECNSIR), Department of Surgical Sciences, Anesthesiology & Intensive Care Medicine, Uppsala University Hospital, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.
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Chaudhary NS, Taylor BV, Grandner MA, Troxel WM, Chakravorty S. The effects of caffeinated products on sleep and functioning in the military population: A focused review. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2021; 206:173206. [PMID: 34000324 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2021.173206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2020] [Revised: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Military personnel rely on caffeinated products such as coffee or energy drinks (ED) to maintain a maximal level of vigilance and performance under sleep-deprived and combat situations. While chronic caffeine intake is associated with decreased sleep duration and non-restful sleep in the general population, these relationships are relatively unclear in the military personnel. We conducted a focused review of the effects of caffeinated products on sleep and the functioning of military personnel. We used a pre-specified search algorithm and identified 28 peer-reviewed articles published between January 1967 and July 2019 involving military personnel. We classified the findings from these studies into three categories. These categories included descriptive studies of caffeine use, studies evaluating the association between caffeinated products and sleep or functioning measures, and clinical trials assessing the effects of caffeinated products on functioning in sleep-deprived conditions. Most of the studies showed that military personnel used at least one caffeine-containing product per day during active duty and coffee was their primary source of caffeine. Their mean caffeine consumption varied from 212 to 285 mg/day, depending on the type of personnel and their deployment status. Those who were younger than 30 years of age preferred ED use. Caffeine use in increasing amounts was associated with decreased sleep duration and increased psychiatric symptoms. The consumption of caffeinated products during sleep deprivation improved their cognitive and behavioral outcomes and physical performance. Caffeine and energy drink consumption may maintain some aspects of performance stemming from insufficient sleep in deployed personnel, but excessive use may have adverse consequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ninad S Chaudhary
- University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Public Health, Birmingham 35233, USA
| | - Brittany V Taylor
- Liberty University College of Osteopathic Medicine, Lynchburgh, VA 24502, USA
| | - Michael A Grandner
- Sleep and Health Research Program, Department of Psychiatry, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85724-5002, USA
| | - Wendy M Troxel
- RAND Corporation, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA; University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Subhajit Chakravorty
- Cpl. Michael J. Crescenz Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
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Chen CY, Chen CR, Chen CN, Wang PS, Mündel T, Liao YH, Tsai SC. Amphetamine-Decreased Progesterone and Estradiol Release in Rat Granulosa Cells: The Regulatory Role of cAMP- and Ca 2+-Mediated Signaling Pathways. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9050493. [PMID: 33947083 PMCID: PMC8145484 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9050493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2021] [Revised: 04/23/2021] [Accepted: 04/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The purpose of this study is to evaluate the amphetamine effects on progesterone and estradiol production in rat granulosa cells and the underlying cellular regulatory mechanisms. Freshly dispersed rat granulosa cells were cultured with various test drugs in the presence of amphetamine, and the estradiol/progesterone production and the cytosolic cAMP level were measured. Additionally, the cytosolic-free Ca2+ concentrations ([Ca2+]i) were measured to examine the role of Ca2+ influx in the presence of amphetamine. Amphetamine in vitro inhibited both basal and porcine follicle-stimulating hormone-stimulated estradiol/progesterone release, and amphetamine significantly decreased steroidogenic enzyme activities. Adding 8-Bromo-cAMP did not recover the inhibitory effects of amphetamine on progesterone and estradiol release. H89 significantly decreased progesterone and estradiol basal release but failed to enhance a further amphetamine inhibitory effect. Amphetamine was capable of further suppressing the release of estradiol release under the presence of nifedipine. Pretreatment with the amphetamine for 2 h decreased the basal [Ca2+]i and prostaglandin F2α-stimulated increase of [Ca2+]i. Amphetamine inhibits progesterone and estradiol secretion in rat granulosa cells through a mechanism involving decreased PKA-downstream steroidogenic enzyme activity and L-type Ca2+ channels. Our current findings show that it is necessary to study the possibility of amphetamine perturbing reproduction in females.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chung-Yu Chen
- Department of Exercise and Health Sciences, University of Taipei, Taipei City 111, Taiwan;
| | - Chien-Rung Chen
- Department of Nursing, Cardinal Tien Junior College of Healthcare and Management, New Taipei City 231, Taiwan;
| | - Chiao-Nan Chen
- Department of Physical Therapy and Assistive Technology, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei City 112, Taiwan;
| | - Paulus S. Wang
- Department of Physiology, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei City 112, Taiwan;
- Medical Center of Aging Research, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung City 404, Taiwan
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Health Science, Asia University, Taichung City 413, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Research, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei City 112, Taiwan
| | - Toby Mündel
- School of Sport, Exercise and Nutrition, Massey University, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand;
| | - Yi-Hung Liao
- Department of Exercise and Health Science, National Taipei University of Nursing and Health Sciences, Taipei City 112, Taiwan
- Correspondence: (Y.-H.L.); (S.-C.T.)
| | - Shiow-Chwen Tsai
- Institute of Sports Sciences, University of Taipei, Taipei City 112, Taiwan
- Correspondence: (Y.-H.L.); (S.-C.T.)
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Lewis D, Kenneally M, van denHeuvel C, Byard RW. Methamphetamine deaths: Changing trends and diagnostic issues. MEDICINE, SCIENCE, AND THE LAW 2021; 61:130-137. [PMID: 33423599 DOI: 10.1177/0025802420986707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The term 'amphetamine' refers to a class of synthetic drugs which includes methamphetamine. The latter is a globally popular drug of abuse which induces euphoria, affecting cognitive/psychomotor performance and sleep. It also provokes risk taking and violent behaviour. The central effects of methamphetamine are due to the overproduction of neurotransmitters, resulting in high levels of dopamine. In recent years, there have been significant increases in cases of methamphetamine abuse in North and South America, Australia and Asia due to its ready availability and low cost. The following review examines changing trends in methamphetamine use and problems that arise diagnostically in medico-legal cases in determining the significance of post-mortem blood levels, the relationship of these to ante-mortem levels, the possible effects on physical and psychological behaviours and the possible contribution of the drug to a lethal episode.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Lewis
- Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, Australia
| | | | | | - Roger W Byard
- Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, Australia
- Forensic Science SA, Australia
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Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Fatigue is a common problem in aviation. The identification of efficacious fatigue countermeasures is crucial for sustaining flight performance during fatigue-inducing operations. Stimulants are not recommended for consistent use, but are often implemented during flight operations with a high risk of fatigue. As such, it is important to evaluate the efficacy of approved stimulants for sustaining flight performance, alertness, and mood.METHODS: Four electronic databases (PubMed, PsycInfo, SPORTDiscus, Web of Science) were systematically searched to identify research on the effects of caffeine, dextroamphetamine, and modafinil during simulated or in-flight operations.RESULTS: There were 12 studies identified that assessed the effects of at least 1 stimulant. Overall, dextroamphetamine and modafinil were effective for sustaining flight performance and pilot mood during extended wakefulness. Results with caffeine were inconsistent.DISCUSSION: Dextroamphetamine and modafinil appear to sustain flight performance and mood during extended wakefulness. However, most studies have used flight simulators and short operation durations. Additional research is needed in realistic settings and during longer duration operations. Caffeines effects were inconsistent across studies, possibly due to differences in study methodology or individual caffeine responses. Despite fatigue being a common problem in civilian aviation as well, only one study in this review included civil aviators. More research should be conducted on the effects of caffeine during civil operations.CONCLUSION: Dextroamphetamine and modafinil appear to be effective fatigue countermeasures but should be further evaluated in more ecologically valid settings. The effects of caffeine are unclear at this time and should continue to be evaluated.Ehlert AM, Wilson PB. Stimulant use as a fatigue countermeasure in aviation. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2021; 92(3):190200.
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Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Pilots are more aware of drugs and self-medication in the internet age. However, they are unaware of the effects of self-medication, which may impede their cognitive and decision-making performance. The aim of this study was to determine the awareness levels of ab initio (student) pilots on self-medication and factors contributing to the prevalence of self-medication among them. To the best of the authors knowledge, this is the first study examining ab initio pilots knowledge on medication use and the causality of self-medication among them.METHODS: A 17-item questionnaire was developed and administered online to 500 students across 5 flight training organizations (FTO) in Turkey. The response rate was 97/500. For the descriptive analysis of the data, SPSS (the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences) was used.RESULTS: Based on the results, fear of medical disqualification and job loss is the most significant factor resulting in the prevalence of self-medication among ab initio pilots. Most of the ab initio pilots (88.7%, N 86) were aware of self-medication and its threat to flight safety. Furthermore, three factors influencing the level of awareness and knowledge of ab initio pilots on this subject were evaluated.DISCUSSION: All flight training organizations should educate ab initio pilots on the consequences of self-medication. Furthermore, ab initio pilots should be encouraged to consult an aeromedical examiner with any ailment before a flight.Kilic B. Self-medication among ab initio pilots. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2021; 92(3):167171.
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Dinh CT, Humphries S, Chatterjee A. Public Opinion on Cognitive Enhancement Varies across Different Situations. AJOB Neurosci 2020; 11:224-237. [PMID: 33196348 DOI: 10.1080/21507740.2020.1811797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
People vary widely in their acceptance of the use of pharmacological cognitive enhancement (CE). We tested the hypothesis that the acceptability of CE is malleable, by varying the context in which CE use takes place, by framing the use of CE with positive and negative metaphors, and by distinguishing between self and other CE use. 2,519 US-based participants completed 2 surveys using Amazon's Mechanical Turk. First, participants responded to vignettes describing a fictional character, which varied by framing metaphor (Pandora's box that releases brain performance vs. key that unlocks brain potential), role/setting (student/educational vs. employee/professional), and activity type (blue vs. white collar). Second, participants viewed personalized vignettes describing their own situations. Across both surveys, participants generally found CE use more acceptable for employees than students, while the effects of framing metaphors were unreliable and smaller than previously reported. People were more accepting of CE use by others than by themselves. Participants also found CE use more acceptable if more peers used CE, the environment was less competitive, and authority figures encouraged CE use. Our findings suggest that opinions about CE are indeed malleable, and concerns that peer pressure, the influence of authority figures, and competition might affect CE use are not unfounded.
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Saniotis A, Kumaratilake J. Amphetamines, Cognitive Enhancement and their Implications for Medical Military Ethics. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020. [DOI: 10.1080/15027570.2020.1776479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Arthur Saniotis
- Department of Anthropology, Ludwik Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Wroclaw, Poland
- Biological Anthropology and Comparative Anatomy Research Unit, Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Jaliya Kumaratilake
- Biological Anthropology and Comparative Anatomy Research Unit, Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
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Ferreira C, Almeida C, Tenreiro S, Quintas A. Neuroprotection or Neurotoxicity of Illicit Drugs on Parkinson's Disease. Life (Basel) 2020; 10:life10060086. [PMID: 32545328 PMCID: PMC7344445 DOI: 10.3390/life10060086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2020] [Revised: 06/08/2020] [Accepted: 06/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Parkinson's Disease (PD) is currently the most rapid growing neurodegenerative disease and over the past generation, its global burden has more than doubled. The onset of PD can arise due to environmental, sporadic or genetic factors. Nevertheless, most PD cases have an unknown etiology. Chemicals, such as the anthropogenic pollutant 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) and amphetamine-type stimulants, have been associated with the onset of PD. Conversely, cannabinoids have been associated with the treatment of the symptoms'. PD and medical cannabis is currently under the spotlight, and research to find its benefits on PD is on-going worldwide. However, the described clinical applications and safety of pharmacotherapy with cannabis products are yet to be fully supported by scientific evidence. Furthermore, the novel psychoactive substances are currently a popular alternative to classical drugs of abuse, representing an unknown health hazard for young adults who may develop PD later in their lifetime. This review addresses the neurotoxic and neuroprotective impact of illicit substance consumption in PD, presenting clinical evidence and molecular and cellular mechanisms of this association. This research area is utterly important for contemporary society since illicit drugs' legalization is under discussion which may have consequences both for the onset of PD and for the treatment of its symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Ferreira
- Molecular Pathology and Forensic Biochemistry Laboratory, Centro de Investigação Interdisciplinar Egas Moniz, P-2825-084 Caparica, Portugal; (C.F.); (C.A.)
- Laboratório de Ciências Forenses e Psicológicas Egas Moniz, Campus Universitário–Quinta da Granja, Monte de Caparica, P-2825-084 Caparica, Portugal
- Faculty of Medicine of Porto University, Al. Prof. Hernâni Monteiro, P-4200–319 Porto, Portugal
| | - Catarina Almeida
- Molecular Pathology and Forensic Biochemistry Laboratory, Centro de Investigação Interdisciplinar Egas Moniz, P-2825-084 Caparica, Portugal; (C.F.); (C.A.)
| | - Sandra Tenreiro
- CEDOC–Chronic Diseases Research Center, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, P-1150-082 Lisboa, Portugal;
| | - Alexandre Quintas
- Molecular Pathology and Forensic Biochemistry Laboratory, Centro de Investigação Interdisciplinar Egas Moniz, P-2825-084 Caparica, Portugal; (C.F.); (C.A.)
- Laboratório de Ciências Forenses e Psicológicas Egas Moniz, Campus Universitário–Quinta da Granja, Monte de Caparica, P-2825-084 Caparica, Portugal
- Correspondence:
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Brühl AB, d'Angelo C, Sahakian BJ. Neuroethical issues in cognitive enhancement: Modafinil as the example of a workplace drug? Brain Neurosci Adv 2020; 3:2398212818816018. [PMID: 32166175 PMCID: PMC7058249 DOI: 10.1177/2398212818816018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
The use of cognitive-enhancing drugs by healthy individuals has been a feature for much of recorded history. Cocaine and amphetamine are modern cases of drugs initially enthusiastically acclaimed for enhancing cognition and mood. Today, an increasing number of healthy people are reported to use cognitive-enhancing drugs, as well as other interventions, such as non-invasive brain stimulation, to maintain or improve work performance. Cognitive-enhancing drugs, such as methylphenidate and modafinil, which were developed as treatments, are increasingly being used by healthy people. Modafinil not only affects ‘cold’ cognition, but also improves ‘hot’ cognition, such as emotion recognition and task-related motivation. The lifestyle use of ‘smart drugs’ raises both safety concerns as well as ethical issues, including coercion and increasing disparity in society. As a society, we need to consider which forms of cognitive enhancement (e.g. pharmacological, exercise, lifelong learning) are acceptable and for which groups under what conditions and by what methods we would wish to improve and flourish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annette B Brühl
- Department of Psychiatry, Behavioural and Clinical Neuroscience Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.,Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Camilla d'Angelo
- Department of Psychiatry, Behavioural and Clinical Neuroscience Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Barbara J Sahakian
- Department of Psychiatry, Behavioural and Clinical Neuroscience Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
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17
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The Other Substance Abuse Epidemic: Methamphetamines and Heart Failure. J Card Fail 2020; 26:210-211. [PMID: 31958515 DOI: 10.1016/j.cardfail.2020.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2020] [Accepted: 01/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Petković B, Kesić S, Pešić V. Critical View on the Usage of Ribavirin in Already Existing Psychostimulant-Use Disorder. Curr Pharm Des 2020; 26:466-484. [PMID: 31939725 PMCID: PMC8383468 DOI: 10.2174/1381612826666200115094642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2019] [Accepted: 12/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Substance-use disorder represents a frequently hidden non-communicable chronic disease. Patients with intravenous drug addiction are at high risk of direct exposure to a variety of viral infections and are considered to be the largest subpopulation infected with the hepatitis C virus. Ribavirin is a synthetic nucleoside analog that has been used as an integral component of hepatitis C therapy. However, ribavirin medication is quite often associated with pronounced psychiatric adverse effects. It is not well understood to what extent ribavirin per se contributes to changes in drug-related neurobehavioral disturbances, especially in the case of psychostimulant drugs, such as amphetamine. It is now well-known that repeated amphetamine usage produces psychosis in humans and behavioral sensitization in animals. On the other hand, ribavirin has an affinity for adenosine A1 receptors that antagonistically modulate the activity of dopamine D1 receptors, which play a critical role in the development of behavioral sensitization. This review will focus on the current knowledge of neurochemical/ neurobiological changes that exist in the psychostimulant drug-addicted brain itself and the antipsychotic-like efficiency of adenosine agonists. Particular attention will be paid to the potential side effects of ribavirin therapy, and the opportunities and challenges related to its application in already existing psychostimulant-use disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Branka Petković
- Address correspondence to this author at the Department of Neurophysiology, Institute for Biological Research “Siniša Stanković” - National Institute of Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Despota Stefana Blvd. 142, 11060, Belgrade, Serbia; Tel: +381-11-20-78-300; Fax: +381-11-27-61-433; E-mail:
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19
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Wenthur CJ, Zhou B, Janda KD. Vaccine-driven pharmacodynamic dissection and mitigation of fenethylline psychoactivity. Nature 2017; 548:476-479. [PMID: 28813419 PMCID: PMC5957549 DOI: 10.1038/nature23464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2017] [Accepted: 07/03/2017] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Fenethylline, also known as Captagon, is a synthetic psychoactive
stimulant that has recently been linked to substance use disorder and
‘pharmacoterrorism’ in the Middle East.1–4 Although fenethylline shares a common phenethylamine core
with other amphetamine-type stimulants, it additionally incorporates a
covalently-linked xanthine moiety into its parent structure.5,6
These independently-active pharmacophores are liberated during metabolism,
resulting in a structurally-diverse chemical mixture being deployed to the
central nervous system.7–9 Although
fenethylline’s psychoactive properties have been reported to differ from
other synthetic stimulants, the in vivo chemical complexity it
manifests upon ingestion has impeded efforts to unambiguously identify the
specific species responsible for these effects.10,11 Here we develop a ‘dissection through
vaccination’ approach, called DISSECTIV, to mitigate
fenethylline’s psychoactivity and show that its rapid-onset and distinct
psychoactive properties are facilitated by functional synergy between
theophylline and amphetamine. Our results demonstrate that incremental
vaccination against single chemical species within a multi-component mixture can
be used to uncover emergent properties arising from polypharmacologic activity.
We anticipate that DISSECTIV will be employed to expose unidentified active
chemical species and illuminate pharmacodynamic interactions within other
chemically complex systems, such as those found in counterfeit or illegal drug
preparations, post-metabolic tissue samples, and natural product extracts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cody J Wenthur
- Department of Chemistry, The Skaggs Institute for Chemical Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California 92037, USA.,Department of Immunology, WIRM Institute for Research and Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California 92037, USA
| | - Bin Zhou
- Department of Chemistry, The Skaggs Institute for Chemical Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California 92037, USA.,Department of Immunology, WIRM Institute for Research and Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California 92037, USA
| | - Kim D Janda
- Department of Chemistry, The Skaggs Institute for Chemical Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California 92037, USA.,Department of Immunology, WIRM Institute for Research and Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California 92037, USA
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Van Hout MC, Hearne E, Wells J. Economic and conflict based rapid mass population movement into Europe: The security and public health implications for future EU drugs policy. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2016; 38:13-15. [DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2016.10.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2016] [Revised: 10/19/2016] [Accepted: 10/20/2016] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Khanra S, Sen S. Pharmacoterrorism: We should be worried. Asian J Psychiatr 2016; 22:83. [PMID: 27520902 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajp.2016.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2016] [Accepted: 05/14/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sourav Khanra
- Department of Psychiatry, ICARE Institute of Medical Sciences & Research, Haldia 721645, India.
| | - Sukanta Sen
- Department of Pharmacology, ICARE Institute of Medical Sciences & Research, Haldia 721645, India.
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22
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Van Hout MC, Wells J. Is Captagon (fenethylline) helping to fuel the Syrian conflict? Addiction 2016; 111:748-9. [PMID: 26787140 DOI: 10.1111/add.13262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2015] [Revised: 11/26/2015] [Accepted: 11/27/2015] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Marie Claire Van Hout
- School of Health Science, Waterford Institute of Technology, Cork Road, Waterford, Ireland
| | - John Wells
- School of Health Science, Waterford Institute of Technology, Cork Road, Waterford, Ireland
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Pharmacoterrorism: the potential role of psychoactive drugs in the Paris and Tunisian attacks. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2016; 233:933-5. [PMID: 26750118 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-016-4204-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2015] [Accepted: 12/31/2015] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
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24
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Rasmussen N, Keizers PHJ. History full circle: 'Novel' sympathomimetics in supplements. Drug Test Anal 2015; 8:283-6. [PMID: 27072841 DOI: 10.1002/dta.1852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2015] [Revised: 07/13/2015] [Accepted: 07/15/2015] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Since the banning of ephedrine in over-the-counter nutritional supplements a decade ago, a plethora of untested and/or unsafe sympathomimetic stimulants have taken its place. This paper argues that these 'novel' stimulants in supplements recapitulate the work of synthetic chemists at commercial pharmaceutical firms during the 1930s and 1940s, all seeking substitutes for recently successful products based on ephedrine and amphetamine. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Rasmussen
- School of Humanities & Languages, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, 2052, Australia
| | - Peter H J Keizers
- National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Antonie van Leeuwenhoeklaan, 9, 3721, MA, Bilthoven, the Netherlands
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25
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Friedl KE. U.S. Army Research on Pharmacological Enhancement of Soldier Performance: Stimulants, Anabolic Hormones, and Blood Doping. J Strength Cond Res 2015; 29 Suppl 11:S71-6. [PMID: 26506202 DOI: 10.1519/jsc.0000000000001027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
The level playing field of competitive sports is an irrelevant concern in asymmetrical warfare. However, there is a common theme of pressure to use performance-enhancing drugs because athletic or military opponents may be using them to advantage. This interest is fueled by personal anecdotes, misconceptions, and myths, and decisions to use or not to use pharmacological interventions may ignore available scientific data. The U.S. Army has led research in this area, with an abundance of published data extending back to World War II. Behavioral effects have been a consistent concern. A key conclusion to be drawn from this research is that although there may be specialized applications for some of these interventions, the majority of soldiers will gain the greatest performance benefits from effective physical and mental training programs combined with good principles of rest and nutrition. Furthermore, the perceived need to improve human biology with drugs may be solving the wrong problem, trying to fit the human to the demands of poorly conceived tactics, tasks, and equipments instead of capitalizing on human capabilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karl E Friedl
- Knowledge Preservation Program, Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education, Oak Ridge, Tennessee; and Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, California
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Abstract
Psychostimulants are a diverse group of substances with their main psychomotor effects resembling those of amphetamine, methamphetamine, cocaine, or cathinone. Due to their potential as drugs of abuse, recreational use of most of these substances is illegal since 1971 Convention on Psychotropic Substances. In recent years, new psychoactive substances have emerged mainly as synthetic cathinones with new molecules frequently complementing the list. Psychostimulant related movement disorders are a known entity often seen in emergency rooms around the world. These admissions are becoming more frequent as are fatalities associated with drug abuse. Still the legal constraints of the novel synthetic molecules are bypassed. At the same time, chronic and permanent movement disorders are much less frequently encountered. These disorders frequently manifest as a combination of movement disorders. The more common symptoms include agitation, tremor, hyperkinetic and stereotypical movements, cognitive impairment, and also hyperthermia and cardiovascular dysfunction. The pathophysiological mechanisms behind the clinical manifestations have been researched for decades. The common denominator is the monoaminergic signaling. Dopamine has received the most attention but further research has demonstrated involvement of other pathways. Common mechanisms linking psychostimulant use and several movement disorders exist.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andres Asser
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, University of Tartu , Tartu , Estonia
| | - Pille Taba
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, University of Tartu , Tartu , Estonia
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27
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Rasmussen N. Amphetamine-Type Stimulants: The Early History of Their Medical and Non-Medical Uses. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF NEUROBIOLOGY 2015; 120:9-25. [PMID: 26070751 DOI: 10.1016/bs.irn.2015.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Amphetamine was discovered as a drug in the late 1920s, and its pharmacological effects on attention and cognition, emotions, and appetite were explored thoroughly in the 1930s and 1940s. By the late 1940s, it had achieved medical and market success as an antidepressant and was quickly gaining such success as a diet medication. In contrast, both careful testing and extensive military experience had left the impression that the drugs' benefits for attention and cognition were more subjective than real and that any objective benefits were explained mainly by the drug's mood-elevating effects. Because of its unpatentable status, methamphetamine had been introduced for all the same uses by drug firms competing with the holder of the amphetamine patent. The drugs were being widely used nonmedically and their abuse potential was becoming recognized by medicine, eventually leading to their strict control internationally around 1970.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Rasmussen
- School of Humanities & Languages, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
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Abstract
Ever since Stone Age men discovered that knapping flint produced sharp stone edges that could be used in combat as well as for cooking and hunting, technological advances of all kinds have been adapted and adopted by the military.The opportunities provided by modern neuroscience are proving no exception, but their application in a military context is accompanied by complex practical and ethical considerations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Tracey
- Oxford Centre for Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Brain and at the Nuffield Division of Anaesthetics, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences. University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Rod Flower
- The William Harvey Research Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University, Charterhouse Square, London EC1M 6BQ, UK
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29
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Appendino G, Minassi A, Taglialatela-Scafati O. Recreational drug discovery: natural products as lead structures for the synthesis of smart drugs. Nat Prod Rep 2014; 31:880-904. [PMID: 24823967 DOI: 10.1039/c4np00010b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Covering: up to December 2013. Over the past decade, there has been a growing transition in recreational drugs from natural materials (marijuana, hashish, opium), natural products (morphine, cocaine), or their simple derivatives (heroin), to synthetic agents more potent than their natural prototypes, which are sometimes less harmful in the short term, or that combine properties from different classes of recreational prototypes. These agents have been named smart drugs, and have become popular both for personal consumption and for collective intoxication at rave parties. The reasons for this transition are varied, but are mainly regulatory and commercial. New analogues of known illegal intoxicants are invisible to most forensic detection techniques, while the alleged natural status and the lack of avert acute toxicity make them appealing to a wide range of users. On the other hand, the advent of the internet has made possible the quick dispersal of information among users and the on-line purchase of these agents and/or the precursors for their synthesis. Unlike their natural products chemotypes (ephedrine, mescaline, cathinone, psilocybin, THC), most new drugs of abuse are largely unfamiliar to the organic chemistry community as well as to health care providers. To raise awareness of the growing plague of smart drugs we have surveyed, in a medicinal chemistry fashion, their development from natural products leads, their current methods of production, and the role that clandestine home laboratories and underground chemists have played in the surge of popularity of these drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Appendino
- Dipartimento di Scienze del Farmaco, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Largo Donegani 2, 28100 Novara, Italy.
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