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Pardo B, Nobajas Ganau A, Zeiler I. Modelling the amount of inputs needed for methamphetamine manufacture in Afghanistan. Addiction 2024; 119:1013-1020. [PMID: 38509858 DOI: 10.1111/add.16474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS The use and manufacture of methamphetamine has increased in Afghanistan in recent years. Recent research and reports have pointed to the ephedra plant, which grows wildly, as a key source of ephedrine used in the manufacture of methamphetamine. This paper aimed to estimate the relative efficiencies and scale of inputs required to manufacture methamphetamine in Afghanistan. METHODS Monte Carlo simulations model of the amount of ephedra or cold medications needed to render a pure kilogram of methamphetamine in Afghanistan, accounting for uncertainty in ranges of key parameters informed from the literature and elsewhere. Final estimates were extrapolated to recent seizure totals. RESULTS For dried ephedra, the median estimate is 196.8 kg (25th-75th percentiles 119.3-346.6 kg) needed to produce 1 kg of methamphetamine compared with 27.9 kg (25th-75th percentiles 21.9-36.8 kg) for cold medications. Nearly 2.7 t of methamphetamine were seized in Afghanistan in 2021. Assuming a purity range of 50%-90%, some 266-478 t of dried ephedra or 38-68 t of cold medication would need to have been processed. CONCLUSION Simulated estimates show that considerable amounts of either ephedra or cold medication are needed to produce 1 kg of methamphetamine in Afghanistan. This raises questions about the plausibility of ephedra as the dominant source of Afghanistan's methamphetamine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bryce Pardo
- United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, Research and Trends Analysis Branch, Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Irmgard Zeiler
- United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, Research and Trends Analysis Branch, Vienna, Austria
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2
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Stein BD, Kilmer B, Taylor J, Vaiana ME, Barnes-Proby D, Caulkins JP, Davis LM, Dworsky M, Gates SM, Iguchi MY, Osilla KC, Pacula RL, Pardo B, Sherry TB, Smucker S. America's Opioid Ecosystem: How Leveraging System Interactions Can Help Curb Addiction, Overdose, and Other Harms. Rand Health Q 2023; 10:1. [PMID: 37720068 PMCID: PMC10501822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/19/2023]
Abstract
Opioids play an outsized role in America's drug problems, but they also play a critically important role in medicine. Thus, they deserve special attention. Illegally manufactured opioids (such as fentanyl) are involved in a majority of U.S. drug overdoses, but the problems are broader and deeper than drug fatalities. Depending on the drugs involved, there can be myriad physical and mental health consequences associated with having a substance use disorder. And it is not just those using drugs who suffer. Substance use and related behaviors can significantly affect individuals' families, friends, employers, and wider communities. Efforts to address problems related to opioids are insufficient and sometimes contradictory. Researchers provide a nuanced assessment of America's opioid ecosystem, highlighting how leveraging system interactions can reduce addiction, overdose, suffering, and other harms. At the core of the opioid ecosystem are the individuals who use opioids and their families. Researchers also include detail on ten major components of the opioid ecosystem: substance use disorder treatment, harm reduction, medical care, the criminal legal system, illegal supply and supply control, first responders, the child welfare system, income support and homeless services, employment, and education. The primary audience for this study is policymakers, but it should also be useful for foundations looking for opportunities to create change that have often been overlooked. This study can help researchers better consider the full consequences of policy changes and help members of the media identify the dynamics of interactions that deserve more attention.
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Maaza M, Pardo B, Hamidi D, Akbari M, Morad R, Henini M, Gibaud A. On the trapping of neutrons in Fabry–Pérot nano-structures and potential applications for cold neutron lifetime Investigations. JNR 2023. [DOI: 10.3233/jnr-220015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/06/2023]
Abstract
Correlated to the neutron total reflection phenomenon is the so-called frustrated total reflection, also known as neutron channeling, observed with both thermal and cold neutrons. Within this contribution, such a phenomenon is validated in various additional distinctive Fabry–Pérot nano-resonating configurations; namely in: (i) dual reflection and transmission neutron Fabry–Pérot nano-resonator (Ni/V/Ni/Si substrate), (ii) isotope-based neutron Fabry–Pérot nano-resonator (58Ni/62Ni/58Ni/Silicon substrate), and (iii) multilayered neutron Fabry–Pérot nano-resonator of 8 superposed (B4C/Ti/B4C) single nano-resonators. While such Fabry–Pérot nano-resonators allow effective neutron trapping, the precision of the trapping time of free neutrons in such nano-resonators is governed by the Heisenberg uncertainty and hence offers, a priori, an additional attractive precise approach for potential lifetime investigations. Depending on the configuration of the Fabry–Pérot nano-resonators and the available cold neutron beam, the trapping time is found to be within the temporal regime of 3 to 19 ps. While the main intention of this contribution is to validate the possibility of trapping cold neutrons in nano-structured Fabry–Pérot resonators with a picosecond precision in various configurations, it is hoped that these preliminary results will attract the interest of the neutron lifetime community specifically and the neutron scattering community in general. The potential integration of such trapping method into the bottle or beam methods would elucidate the origin of the difference in neutron lifetime between the two approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- M. Maaza
- UNESCO-UNISA Africa Chair in Nanosciences-Nanotechnology, University of South Africa, PO Box 392, Pretoria, South Africa
- Nanosciences African Network (NANOAFNET), iThemba Laboratories for Accelerators Based Sciences, iThemba LABS-National Research Foundation, PO Box 722, Somerset West, Western Cape Province, South Africa
| | - B. Pardo
- Institut d’Optique Théorique & Appliquée, Université Paris-Saclay, France
| | - D. Hamidi
- UNESCO-UNISA Africa Chair in Nanosciences-Nanotechnology, University of South Africa, PO Box 392, Pretoria, South Africa
- Nanosciences African Network (NANOAFNET), iThemba Laboratories for Accelerators Based Sciences, iThemba LABS-National Research Foundation, PO Box 722, Somerset West, Western Cape Province, South Africa
| | - M. Akbari
- UNESCO-UNISA Africa Chair in Nanosciences-Nanotechnology, University of South Africa, PO Box 392, Pretoria, South Africa
- Nanosciences African Network (NANOAFNET), iThemba Laboratories for Accelerators Based Sciences, iThemba LABS-National Research Foundation, PO Box 722, Somerset West, Western Cape Province, South Africa
| | - R. Morad
- UNESCO-UNISA Africa Chair in Nanosciences-Nanotechnology, University of South Africa, PO Box 392, Pretoria, South Africa
- Nanosciences African Network (NANOAFNET), iThemba Laboratories for Accelerators Based Sciences, iThemba LABS-National Research Foundation, PO Box 722, Somerset West, Western Cape Province, South Africa
| | - M. Henini
- UNESCO-UNISA Africa Chair in Nanosciences-Nanotechnology, University of South Africa, PO Box 392, Pretoria, South Africa
- Nanosciences African Network (NANOAFNET), iThemba Laboratories for Accelerators Based Sciences, iThemba LABS-National Research Foundation, PO Box 722, Somerset West, Western Cape Province, South Africa
- Physics Department, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - A. Gibaud
- UNESCO-UNISA Africa Chair in Nanosciences-Nanotechnology, University of South Africa, PO Box 392, Pretoria, South Africa
- Nanosciences African Network (NANOAFNET), iThemba Laboratories for Accelerators Based Sciences, iThemba LABS-National Research Foundation, PO Box 722, Somerset West, Western Cape Province, South Africa
- IMMM, UMR 6283 CNRS, Université of Le Maine, Bd O. Messiaen, 72085 Le Mans cedex 09, Le Mans, France
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4
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Kilmer B, Pardo B. Clarifying 'safer supply' to enrich policy discussions. Addiction 2023; 118:994-997. [PMID: 36680350 DOI: 10.1111/add.16124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Beau Kilmer
- RAND Drug Policy Research Center, Santa Monica, CA, USA
| | - Bryce Pardo
- RAND Drug Policy Research Center, Santa Monica, CA, USA
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5
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Kilmer B, Pardo B, Pujol TA, Caulkins JP. Rapid changes in illegally manufactured fentanyl products and prices in the United States. Addiction 2022; 117:2745-2749. [PMID: 35543081 PMCID: PMC9543283 DOI: 10.1111/add.15942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Synthetic opioids, mostly illegally manufactured fentanyl (IMF), were mentioned in 60% of United States (US) drug overdose deaths in 2020, with dramatic variation across states that mirrors variation in IMF supply. However, little is known about IMF markets in the United States and how they are changing. Researchers have previously used data from undercover cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamine purchases and seizures to examine how their use and related harms respond to changes in price and availability. This analysis used US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) data to address two questions: (i) "To what extent does IMF supply vary over time and geography?" and (ii) "What has happened to the purity-adjusted price of IMF?" METHODS We developed descriptive statistics and visualizations using data from 66 713 observations mentioning IMF and/or heroin from the DEA's System to Retrieve Information from Drug Evidence (STRIDE; now STARLIMS) from 2013 to 2021. Price regressions were estimated with city-level fixed effects examining IMF-only powder observations with purity and price information at the low-to-medium wholesale level (>1 g to ≤100 g; n = 964). RESULTS From 2013 to 2021, the share of heroin and/or IMF observations mentioning IMF grew from near zero to more than two-thirds. The share of heroin observations also containing IMF grew from <1% to ~40%. There is important geographic variation: in California, most IMF seizures involved counterfeit tablets, whereas New York and Massachusetts largely involved powder formulation. The median price per pure gram of IMF powder sold at the >10 to ≤100 g level fell by more than 50% from 2016 to 2021; regression analyses suggested an average annual decline of 17% (P < 0.001). However, this price decline appears to have been driven by observations from the Northeast. CONCLUSIONS Since 2013, the illegally manufactured fentanyl problem in the United States has become more deadly and more diverse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beau Kilmer
- RAND Drug Policy Research CenterSanta MonicaCAUSA
| | - Bryce Pardo
- RAND Drug Policy Research CenterArlingtonVAUSA
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Kilmer B, Pardo B, Caulkins JP, Reuter P. How much illegally manufactured fentanyl could the U.S. be consuming? Am J Drug Alcohol Abuse 2022; 48:397-402. [PMID: 35867407 DOI: 10.1080/00952990.2022.2092491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2022] [Revised: 06/17/2022] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The spread of illegally manufactured opioids, including fentanyl, has brought unprecedented levels of drug overdose deaths in North America. In some markets, illegally manufactured fentanyl (IMF) is essentially displacing heroin, not just being used to adulterate it. It is not possible at this time to provide an accurate point estimate of the amount of IMF consumed in the United States. Yet for various purposes (e.g. assessing changes in production levels and the appropriate role for various supply reduction efforts), it is important to have a sense of scale. This article provides guidance through two thought experiments that provide a hypothetical upper bound on U.S. consumption. The first considers a scenario in which IMF replaces heroin in all illegal opioid markets. The second starts with the number of individuals with an opioid use disorder and considers what total consumption would be if IMF was the only opioid they consumed. Both calculations suggest it is unlikely that the annual consumption of IMF in 2021 could have been more than single digit pure metric tons. For comparison, the most recent best estimates of the amount of cocaine and heroin consumed in the U.S. are 145 and 47 pure metric tons, respectively. The article also raises questions about the limitations of using traditional equianalgesic morphine equivalent dose conversions to estimate the total market consumption of IMF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beau Kilmer
- McCauley Chair in Drug Policy Innovation and Director of the RAND Drug Policy Research Center, RAND, Santa Monica, CA, USA
| | - Bryce Pardo
- RAND Drug Policy Research Center, RAND, Arlington, VA, USA
| | - Jonathan P Caulkins
- H. Guyford Stever University Professor of Operations Research and Public Policy, Carnegie Mellon University's Heinz College, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Peter Reuter
- School of Public Policy and the Department of Criminology, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
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Abstract
This cohort study uses data from the Drug Analysis Service of Health Canada to describe changes in the presence of benzodiazepines mixed with fentanyl in drug seizures in Canada from 2018 to 2021.
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Pardo B. Supplying synthetic opioids during a pandemic: An early look at North America. International Journal of Drug Policy 2021; 93:102833. [PMID: 33127281 PMCID: PMC8545182 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2020.102833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2020] [Revised: 06/12/2020] [Accepted: 06/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
International commerce and travel have been restricted in order to limit the spread of COVID-19. The illegal trafficking in drugs, which is often concealed in other commercial activity, will be affected by these disruptions. This is particularly true for precursor chemicals, controlled substances of synthetic origin, and new psychoactive substances coming from Asia. China hosts large and under-regulated pharmaceutical and chemical sectors that provide many of the active ingredients used both in legitimate medicines and illicit fentanyl and methamphetamine. Unregulated producers and vendors in China have been supplying drug trafficking organizations in Mexico or using the internet and postal service to directly sell fentanyl to buyers in North America. The magnitude of supply shortages and interrupted trade of chemicals and synthetic drugs coming from China will depend on the breadth and depth of COVID-19’s disruptions. In turn, this could impact vulnerable drug-using populations. Drawing on historical accounts of prior supply disruptions, this commentary offers some initial speculation as to the possible effects of COVID-19 on the supply of synthetic drugs like fentanyl and precursor chemicals supplied to North America from China, which may have important lessons for other parts of the globe. Prior supply disruptions coincided with elevated prices and reduced purities of street drugs as well as increases in the number of users entering treatment. However, it is challenging to predict how developments will unfold given the unprecedented nature of this pandemic. A short-term breakdown in supply chains, interrupted trade, or social distancing mandates may not have much of an effect on the availability of synthetic drugs. Yet, disruptions in trade for months or years could shape how drugs are supplied or used. Drug policy will need to evaluate market indicators as soon as they are available but responding now with expanded medication therapies, like methadone, may help save lives. The drug policy landscape could look different in a post-COVID world.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jon Caulkins
- Stever University Professor of Operations Research and Public Policy, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Peter Reuter
- School of Public Policy and Department of Criminology, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
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10
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Pardo B, Taylor J, Caulkins J, Reuter P, Kilmer B. The dawn of a new synthetic opioid era: the need for innovative interventions. Addiction 2021; 116:1304-1312. [PMID: 32869394 DOI: 10.1111/add.15222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2020] [Revised: 07/17/2020] [Accepted: 08/06/2020] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Overdose deaths related to illegal drugs in North American markets are now dominated by potent synthetic opioids such as fentanyl, a circumstance foreshadowed by often-overlooked events in Estonia since the turn of the century. Market transitions generate important and far-reaching implications for drug policy. ARGUMENT AND ANALYSIS The supplier-driven introduction of illegally manufactured synthetic opioids into street opioids is elevating the risk of fatal overdose. Using the most recent overdose mortality and drug seizure data in North America, we find that overdose deaths and seizures involving synthetic opioids are geographically concentrated, but this might be changing. Examination here suggests that in some places fentanyl and its analogues have virtually displaced traditional opioids, such as heroin. The concealing of synthetic opioids in powders sold as heroin or pressed into counterfeit medications substantially increases harms. The nature and scale of the challenge posed by synthetic opioids is unprecedented in recent drug policy history. CONCLUSIONS There is urgent need for policy and technological innovation to meet the challenges posed by illegally produced synthetic opioids. Novel interventions worth examining include supervising drug use, proactively deterring on-line distribution and new technologies aimed at improving transparency, such as point-of-use drug content testing. Continuing to approach this problem only with existing policies and available methods, such as naloxone, is unlikely to be enough and will result in many premature deaths.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jon Caulkins
- Stever University Professor of Operations Research and Public Policy, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Peter Reuter
- School of Public Policy and Department of Criminology, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
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11
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Taylor J, Pardo B, Hulme S, Bouey J, Greenfield V, Zhang S, Kilmer B. Illicit synthetic opioid consumption in Asia and the Pacific: Assessing the risks of a potential outbreak. Drug Alcohol Depend 2021; 220:108500. [PMID: 33461149 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2020.108500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2020] [Revised: 12/11/2020] [Accepted: 12/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Illegally manufactured potent synthetic opioids (IMPSO) like fentanyl have contributed to rises in overdose deaths in parts of North America and Europe. While many of these substances are produced in Asia, there is little evidence they have entered markets there. We consider the susceptibility to IMPSO's encroachment in markets in the Asia-Pacific region. METHODS Our analysis focuses on Australia, China, India, and Myanmar. Using a mixed-methods approach comprising interviews, literature review, and secondary data analyses, we examine factors facilitating or impeding incursion of IMPSO. Finally, we illustrate the potential for IMPSO fatalities in Australia. RESULTS Australia reports some signs of three facilitating factors to IMPSO's emergence: 1) existing illicit opioid markets, 2) disruption of opioid supply, and 3) user preferences. The other three countries report only existing illicit opioid markets. While diverted pharmaceutical opioids are a noted problem in Australia and India, heroin is the dominant opioid in all four countries. There are divergent trends in heroin use, with use declining in China, increasing in India, and stable in Australia and Myanmar. If IMPSO diffused in Australia as in North America from 2014 to 2018, and our assumptions generally hold, deaths from IMPSO could range from 1500-5700 over a five-year period. CONCLUSIONS This analysis and illustrative calculations serve as an early indication for policymakers. With the exception of Australia, many countries in the region fail to properly record overdose deaths or monitor changes in local drug markets. Early assessment and monitoring can give officials a better understanding of these changing threats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jirka Taylor
- RAND Corporation, 1200 South Hayes Street, Arlington, 22202 VA, United States.
| | - Bryce Pardo
- RAND Corporation, 1200 South Hayes Street, Arlington, 22202 VA, United States.
| | - Shann Hulme
- RAND Europe, Westbrook Centre, Milton Road, Cambridge, CB4 1YG, United Kingdom.
| | - Jennifer Bouey
- RAND Corporation, 1200 South Hayes Street, Arlington, 22202 VA, United States.
| | - Victoria Greenfield
- RAND Corporation, 1200 South Hayes Street, Arlington, 22202 VA, United States.
| | - Sheldon Zhang
- University of Massachusetts Lowell, 113 Wilder St, Health & Social Sciences Building, Suite 400, Lowell, MA, 01854, United States.
| | - Beau Kilmer
- RAND Corporation, 1200 South Hayes Street, Arlington, 22202 VA, United States.
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Smart R, Pardo B, Davis CS. Systematic review of the emerging literature on the effectiveness of naloxone access laws in the United States. Addiction 2021; 116:6-17. [PMID: 32533570 PMCID: PMC8051142 DOI: 10.1111/add.15163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2020] [Revised: 05/18/2020] [Accepted: 06/05/2020] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Naloxone access laws (NALs) have been suggested to be an important strategy to reduce opioid-related harm. We describe the evolution of NALs across states and over time and review existing evidence of their overall association with naloxone distribution and opioid overdose as well as the potential effects of specific NAL components. METHODS Descriptive analysis of temporal variation in US regional adoption of NAL components, accompanied by a systematic search of 13 databases for studies (published between 2005 and 20 December 2019) assessing the effects of NALs on naloxone distribution or opioid-related health outcomes. Eleven studies, all published since 2018, met inclusion criteria. Study time-frames spanned 1999-2017. Opioid-related overdose mortality, emergency department episodes and naloxone distribution were correlated with the presence of a NAL and, where data were available, NAL components. RESULTS Existing evidence suggests mixed, but generally beneficial, effects for NALs. Nearly all studies show that NALs, particularly those that permit naloxone distribution without patient-specific prescriptions, are associated with increased naloxone access [incidence rate ratios (IRR) range from 1.40, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.15-1.66 to 7.75, 95% CI = 1.22-49.35] and increased opioid-related emergency department visits (IRR range from 1.14, 95% CI = 1.07-1.20 to 1.15, 95% CI = 1.02-1.29). Most studies show NALs are associated with reduced overdose mortality, although findings vary depending on the specific NAL components and time-period analyzed (IRR range from 0.66, 95% CI = 0.42-0.90 to 1.27, 95% CI = 1.27-1.27). Few studies account for the variation in opioid environments (i.e. illicit versus prescription) or other policy dimensions that may be correlated with outcomes. CONCLUSIONS The existing literature on naloxone access laws in the United States supports beneficial effects for increased naloxone distribution, but provides inconclusive evidence for reduced fatal opioid overdose. Mixed findings may reflect variation in the laws' design and implementation, confounding effects of concurrent policy adoption, or differential effectiveness in light of changing opioid environments.
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Oaknin A, Iglesias M, Alarcon J, Villacampa Javierre G, Garcia LG, Santaballa A, Manso L, Romero I, Barretina Ginesta M, Churruca C, García Y, Sanchez A, Marquina G, Pardo B, Redondo A, Rubio M, González Martín A. 880TiP Randomized, open-label, phase II trial of dostarlimab (TSR-042), as maintenance therapy for patients with high-risk locally advanced cervical cancer after chemo-radiation: ATOMICC study. Ann Oncol 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.annonc.2020.08.1019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
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Schuler MS, Heins SE, Smart R, Griffin BA, Powell D, Stuart EA, Pardo B, Smucker S, Patrick SW, Pacula RL, Stein BD. The state of the science in opioid policy research. Drug Alcohol Depend 2020; 214:108137. [PMID: 32652376 PMCID: PMC7423757 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2020.108137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2020] [Revised: 06/09/2020] [Accepted: 06/18/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Characterize the state of the science in opioid policy research based on a literature review of opioid policy studies. METHODS We conducted a scoping review of studies evaluating the impact of U.S. state-level and federal-level policies on opioid-related outcomes published in 2005-2018. We characterized: 1) state and federal policies evaluated, 2) opioid-related outcomes examined, and 3) study design and analytic methods (summarized overall and by policy category). RESULTS In total, 145 studies were reviewed (79 % state-level policies, 21 % federal-level policies) and classified with respect to 8 distinct policy categories and 7 outcome categories. The majority of studies evaluated policies related to prescription opioids (prescription drug monitoring programs (PDMPs), opioid prescribing policies, federal regulation of prescription opioids, pain clinic laws) and considered policy impacts with respect to proximal outcomes (e.g., opioid prescribing behaviors). In total, only 29 (20 % of studies) met each of three key criteria for rigorous design: analysis of longitudinal data with a comparison group design, adjustment for difference between policy-enacting and comparison states, and adjustment for potentially confounding co-occurring policies. These more rigorous studies were predominately published in 2017-2018 and primarily evaluated PDMPs, marijuana laws, treatment-related policies, and overdose prevention policies. CONCLUSIONS Our results indicated that study design rigor varied notably across policy categories, highlighting the need for broader adoption of rigorous methods in the opioid policy field. More evaluation studies are needed regarding overdose prevention policies and policies related to treatment access. Greater examination of distal outcomes and potential unintended consequences are also warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan S Schuler
- RAND Corporation, 20 Park Plaza #920, Boston, MA, 02216, USA.
| | - Sara E Heins
- RAND Corporation, 4570 Fifth Ave #600, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Rosanna Smart
- RAND Corporation, 1776 Main Street, Santa Monica, CA, 90401, USA
| | - Beth Ann Griffin
- RAND Corporation, 1200 S Hayes Street, Arlington, VA, 22202, USA
| | - David Powell
- RAND Corporation, 4570 Fifth Ave #600, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Elizabeth A Stuart
- Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 624 N. Broadway, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Bryce Pardo
- RAND Corporation, 1200 S Hayes Street, Arlington, VA, 22202, USA
| | - Sierra Smucker
- RAND Corporation, 1776 Main Street, Santa Monica, CA, 90401, USA
| | - Stephen W Patrick
- Vanderbilt Center for Child Health Policy, Vanderbilt University Medical Center 2200 Children's Way, 11111 Doctors' Office Tower, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
| | - Rosalie Liccardo Pacula
- Schaeffer Center for Health Policy and Economics, University of Southern California, 635 Downey Way, Verna and Peter Dauterive Hall, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA
| | - Bradley D Stein
- RAND Corporation, 4570 Fifth Ave #600, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA; Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, 3811 O'Hara Street, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
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Smart R, Pardo B. Capsule Commentary for Azcarate et al., Medical Reasons for Marijuana Use, Forms of Use, and Patient Perception of Physician Attitudes Among the US Population. J Gen Intern Med 2020; 35:2252. [PMID: 32323132 PMCID: PMC7351923 DOI: 10.1007/s11606-020-05843-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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16
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Caulkins JP, Pardo B, Kilmer B. Intensity of cannabis use: Findings from three online surveys. Int J Drug Policy 2020; 79:102740. [PMID: 32334336 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2020.102740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2019] [Revised: 03/11/2020] [Accepted: 03/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Drug use is often measured in terms of prevalence, meaning the number of people who used any amount in the last month or year, but measuring the quantity consumed is critical for making informed regulatory decisions and estimating the effects of policy changes. Quantity is the product of frequency (e.g., number of use days in the last month) and intensity (amount consumed per use day). Presently, there is imperfect understanding of the extent to which more frequent users also consume more intensively. METHODS AND DATA We examine cannabis flower consumption reported in three similar online surveys fielded in times and places where cannabis was and was not legal. These convenience samples returned enough valid responses (n = 2,618) to examine consumption across different frequencies of use via analyses of measures of central tendency, data visualizations, and multivariate regressions. Additional calculations incorporate data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health. FINDINGS Respondents who reported using daily (i.e., 30 days in the past month) consumed almost twice as much per day of use on average as did those reporting less than daily. We find only modest increases in intensity among those using less than daily, but then a substantial increase (p< 0.001) for those who use daily. Most respondents report that on heavy or light use days their consumption differs from a typical day of use by a factor of 2 or more, but only about 25% of days were described as heavy or light. We estimate those using cannabis 21+ days a month account for 80% of consumption vs. 71% of the days of use. DISCUSSION Daily cannabis users consume more intensively than others, including near-daily users. When possible, survey questions should move beyond the presence or absence of use and number of days used.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan P Caulkins
- Carngie Mellon University, Heinz College, 5000 Forbes Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Bryce Pardo
- RAND Drug Policy Research Center, 1776 Main St., Santa Monica, CA 90401, USA.
| | - Beau Kilmer
- RAND Drug Policy Research Center, 1776 Main St., Santa Monica, CA 90401, USA
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Caulkins JP, Kilmer B, Pardo B. Disagreeing on whether we agree. Addiction 2020; 115:785-786. [PMID: 31783435 DOI: 10.1111/add.14915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2019] [Accepted: 11/21/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan P Caulkins
- Carnegie Mellon University, Heinz College, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.,RAND, Drug Policy Research Center, Santa Monica, CA, USA
| | - Beau Kilmer
- RAND, Drug Policy Research Center, Santa Monica, CA, USA
| | - Bryce Pardo
- RAND, Drug Policy Research Center, Santa Monica, CA, USA
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Rodriguez-Freixinos V, Fariñas-Madrid L, Gil-Martin M, Barretina-Ginesta P, Romeo M, Villacampa G, Pardo B, Ahmed H, Recalde S, Piulats J, Gomez-Plaza M, Gil-Moreno A, Sala E, Martínez-Roman S, Ponce J, Melendez C, Carballas E, Dienstmann R, Oaknin A. Corrigendum to ‘Chemotherapy and PARP inhibitors in heavily pretreated BRCA1/2 mutation ovarian cancer (BMOC) patients’ [Gynecologic Oncology 152 (2019) 270-277]. Gynecol Oncol 2020; 156:262. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ygyno.2019.10.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Caulkins JP, Pardo B, Kilmer B. Supervised consumption sites: a nuanced assessment of the causal evidence. Addiction 2019; 114:2109-2115. [PMID: 31309637 DOI: 10.1111/add.14747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2019] [Revised: 05/24/2019] [Accepted: 07/05/2019] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Supervised consumption sites (SCS) operate in more than 10 countries. SCS have mostly emerged as a bottom-up response to crises, first to HIV/AIDS and now overdose deaths, in ways that make rigorous evaluation difficult. Opinions vary about how much favorable evidence must accumulate before implementation. Our aim was to assess the nature and quality of evidence on the consequences of implementing SCS. METHODS We reviewed the higher-quality SCS literature, focusing on articles evaluating natural experiments and mathematical modeling studies that estimate costs and benefits. We discuss the evidence through the lens of three types of decision-makers and from three intellectual perspectives. RESULTS Millions of drug use episodes have been supervised at SCS with no reported overdose deaths; however, uncertainties remain concerning the magnitude of the population-level effects. The published literature on SCS is large and almost unanimous in its support, but limited in nature and the number of sites evaluated. It can also overlook four key distinctions: (1) between outcomes that occur within the facility and possible spillover effects on behavior outside the SCS; (2) between effects of supervising consumption and the effects of other services offered, such as syringe or naloxone distribution; (3) between association and causation; and (4) between effectiveness and the cost-effectiveness of SCS compared to other interventions. CONCLUSIONS The causal evidence for favorable outcomes of supervised consumption sites is minimal, but there appears to be little basis for concern about adverse effects. This raises the question of how context and priors can affect how high the bar is set when deciding whether to endorse supervised consumption sites. The literature also understates distinctions and nuances that need to be appreciated to gain a rich understanding of how a range of stakeholders should interpret and apply that evidence to a variety of decisions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan P Caulkins
- RAND Drug Policy Research Center, RAND, Santa Monica, CA, USA.,Heinz College, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Bryce Pardo
- RAND Drug Policy Research Center, RAND, Santa Monica, CA, USA
| | - Beau Kilmer
- RAND Drug Policy Research Center, RAND, Santa Monica, CA, USA
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Caulkins JP, Pardo B, Kilmer B. The benefits of evaluating literatures with essays. Addiction 2019; 114:2120-2121. [PMID: 31659825 DOI: 10.1111/add.14802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2019] [Accepted: 09/04/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan P Caulkins
- RAND Drug Policy Research Center, Santa Monica, CA, USA.,Heinz College, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Bryce Pardo
- RAND Drug Policy Research Center, Santa Monica, CA, USA
| | - Beau Kilmer
- RAND Drug Policy Research Center, Santa Monica, CA, USA
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Salamero MC, Te García IR, Arroyo A, Pardo B, Gil M, Piulats J, Pla H, Fina C, Ginesta MPB, Angelats L, Falgas EF, Lecuona CE, Mosquera JJG, Román SM, Carballas E, Hernandez J, Esteve A, Romeo M. The prognostic impact of monocyte to lymphocyte ratio (MLR) in advanced epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC). Ann Oncol 2019. [DOI: 10.1093/annonc/mdz250.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
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22
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Panciroli C, Lucente G, Vidal L, Carcereny E, Quiroga V, Pardo JC, Romeo M, Estival A, Manzano JL, Pardo B, Velarde JM, Esteve AM, Lopez D, Mañes A, Tuset V, Villà S, Quintero CB. Assessment of neurocognitive decline in cancer patients, except brain cancer, under long-term treatment with bevacizumab. Clin Transl Oncol 2019; 22:411-419. [PMID: 31144211 DOI: 10.1007/s12094-019-02143-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2019] [Accepted: 05/21/2019] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE We performed a cross-sectional study of neurocognitive function in non-brain cancer patients treated with long-term bevacizumab. METHODS/PATIENTS From 2015 to 2017, we included patients with different types of cancer treated with bevacizumab with or without chemotherapy (BEV; N = 20) or only chemotherapy (ChT; N = 19) for at least 34 weeks, patients who received non-brain radiotherapy (RxT; N = 19), and healthy controls (HC; N = 19) were assessed once at week 34 of treatment (BEV and ChT) or at completion of radiotherapy. Neurocognition was evaluated with the Hopkins Verbal Learning Test-Revised (HVLT-R) total and delayed recall, the Trail Making Test A and B, and the Controlled Oral Word Association Test in the four groups. Non-parametric tests were used to assess differences between groups. RESULTS The BEV, ChT, and RxT groups scored significantly lower than the HC group on all tests and especially on the HVLT-R total recall. In no case were the mean scores of the BEV group significantly lower than those of the ChT or RxT groups. CONCLUSIONS Neurocognitive impairment was seen even in patients treated with local non-brain radiotherapy. Treatment with bevacizumab for a long period of time does not seem to worsen neurocognitive function to a greater extent than chemotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Panciroli
- Badalona Applied Research Group in Oncology (B-ARGO Group) - Institut Investigació Germans Trias i Pujol (IGTP), Hospital Germans Trias i Pujol - Institut Catalá d'Oncologia (ICO), Badalona, Barcelona, Spain
- University of Barcelona (UB), Barcelona, Spain
| | - G Lucente
- Neurology Service - Neuroscience Department, Hospital Germans Trias i Pujol - Institut Investigació Germans Trias i Pujol (IGTP), Badalona, Barcelona, Spain
- Universitat Automa de Barcelona (UAB), Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - L Vidal
- Medical Oncology Service, Hospital Clinic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - E Carcereny
- Medical Oncology Service - Badalona Applied Research Group in Oncology (B-ARGO Group), Hospital Germans Trias i Pujol - Institut Catalá d'Oncologia (ICO), Badalona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - V Quiroga
- Medical Oncology Service - Badalona Applied Research Group in Oncology (B-ARGO Group), Hospital Germans Trias i Pujol - Institut Catalá d'Oncologia (ICO), Badalona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - J C Pardo
- Medical Oncology Service - Badalona Applied Research Group in Oncology (B-ARGO Group), Hospital Germans Trias i Pujol - Institut Catalá d'Oncologia (ICO), Badalona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - M Romeo
- Medical Oncology Service - Badalona Applied Research Group in Oncology (B-ARGO Group), Hospital Germans Trias i Pujol - Institut Catalá d'Oncologia (ICO), Badalona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - A Estival
- Medical Oncology Service - Badalona Applied Research Group in Oncology (B-ARGO Group), Hospital Germans Trias i Pujol - Institut Catalá d'Oncologia (ICO), Badalona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - J L Manzano
- Medical Oncology Service - Badalona Applied Research Group in Oncology (B-ARGO Group), Hospital Germans Trias i Pujol - Institut Catalá d'Oncologia (ICO), Badalona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - B Pardo
- Medical Oncology Service, Hospital Duran i Reynals - Institut Catalá d'Oncologia (ICO), Barcelona, Spain
| | - J M Velarde
- Medical Oncology Service - Badalona Applied Research Group in Oncology (B-ARGO Group), Hospital Germans Trias i Pujol - Institut Catalá d'Oncologia (ICO), Badalona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - A M Esteve
- Tumor Hospital Registry, Hospital Germans Trias i Pujol - Institut Catalá d'Oncologia (ICO), Badalona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - D Lopez
- Medical Oncology Service - Badalona Applied Research Group in Oncology (B-ARGO Group), Hospital Germans Trias i Pujol - Institut Catalá d'Oncologia (ICO), Badalona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - A Mañes
- Radiation Oncology Service, Hospital Germans Trias i Pujol - Institut Catalá d'Oncologia (ICO), Badalona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - V Tuset
- Radiation Oncology Service, Hospital Germans Trias i Pujol - Institut Catalá d'Oncologia (ICO), Badalona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - S Villà
- Radiation Oncology Service, Hospital Germans Trias i Pujol - Institut Catalá d'Oncologia (ICO), Badalona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - C B Quintero
- Medical Oncology Service - Badalona Applied Research Group in Oncology (B-ARGO Group), Hospital Germans Trias i Pujol - Institut Catalá d'Oncologia (ICO), Badalona, Barcelona, Spain.
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Abstract
Commentary to: The diverging trajectories of cannabis and tobacco policies in the United States: reasons and possible implications
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Affiliation(s)
- Bryce Pardo
- School of Public Policy, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
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24
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Pardo B. Do more robust prescription drug monitoring programs reduce prescription opioid overdose? Addiction 2017; 112:1773-1783. [PMID: 28009931 DOI: 10.1111/add.13741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 121] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2016] [Revised: 11/07/2016] [Accepted: 12/22/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS In the United States, overdose deaths attributed to opioid pain relievers (OPR) have quadrupled since 1999, prompting many states to adopt Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs (PMP). This study aimed to: (1) estimate the relationship of PMP strength with OPR overdose deaths across states and over time; (2) measure what threshold in PMP strength is associated with the greatest reduction in OPR overdose; and (3) assess the relationship of medical marijuana dispensaries with OPR overdose deaths. DESIGN Panel data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC's) Wide-ranging Online Data for Epidemiologic Research database (WONDER) were analyzed using fixed effects to regress state-year death rates on an index variable compiled from the Prescription Drug Abuse Policy System (PDAPS) while controlling for PMP administration, demographic factors and laws that might affect OPR overdose. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS Age-adjusted opioid overdose death rates for all 50 states and the District of Columbia between 1999 and 2014 for a total of 816 observations. MEASUREMENTS PMP strength was calculated using legal data compiled by the Prescription Drug Abuse Policy System (PDAPS). In addition to demographic controls, other covariates included laws that regulate pain clinics, access to naloxone, use of emergency services (Good Samaritan Laws) and medical marijuana. FINDINGS PMP strength was associated negatively with OPR overdose deaths. Every 1-point increase in PMP strength was associated with a 1% [95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.2-2%] reduction in overdose deaths. When collapsed into quartiles, PMPs in the third quartile were associated with an approximately 18% (95% CI = 1.6-29%) reduction in OPR overdose death rates compared with states without a PMP. States with medical marijuana dispensaries reported a 16% (95% CI = 1-30%) reduction in OPR overdoses. CONCLUSIONS US states that have more robust prescription drug monitoring programs have fewer prescription opioid overdose deaths than states with weaker PMPs. States with medical marijuana dispensaries also report fewer opioid overdose deaths than states without these.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bryce Pardo
- School of Public Policy, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
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25
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Rodriguez Freixinos V, Fariñas Madrid L, Gil Martin M, Barretina P, Romeo Marin M, Villacampa Javierre G, VIAPLANA C, Pardo B, Ahmed Ouahid H, Recalde S, Piulats Rodriguez J, Gomez M, Gil-Moreno A, Sala E, Martinez-Román S, Melendez C, Carballas E, Dienstmann R, Oaknin A. Impact of chemotherapy (CT) in heavily pretreated BRCA1/2 mutation carrier ovarian cancer (BMCOC) patients (pts). Ann Oncol 2017. [DOI: 10.1093/annonc/mdx372.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
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26
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Reuter P, Pardo B. New psychoactive substances: Are there any good options for regulating new psychoactive substances? International Journal of Drug Policy 2017; 40:117-122. [DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2016.10.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2016] [Revised: 09/15/2016] [Accepted: 10/24/2016] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Reuter P, Pardo B. Can new psychoactive substances be regulated effectively? An assessment of the British Psychoactive Substances Bill. Addiction 2017; 112:25-31. [PMID: 27220685 DOI: 10.1111/add.13439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2015] [Revised: 12/14/2015] [Accepted: 04/14/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The regulation of new psychoactive substances (NPS) has confounded governments throughout the western world. In 2014 the UK government convened an NPS Review Expert Panel to consider a range of approaches. Ultimately the Panel recommended that the government ban all new psychoactive drugs and allow only psychoactive substances specifically exempted, such as alcohol, tobacco and those allowed as medicines. The government introduced the Psychoactive Substances Bill (PSB) in response to that recommendation. Passed in 2016, the Bill has attracted a torrent of criticism from scientists and experts. The Bill could be improved with revision, but the problems of the total ban, as envisioned by the PSB, with respect to the NPS, may be inherent: (1) defining psychoactivity is conceptually fraught, with great consequence for the scope of the prohibition; (2) operationalizing psychoactivity as a usable concept for legal control purposes is extremely difficult, perhaps impossible; and (3) the detachment of penalties for violating a total ban from establishing the harmfulness of a substance is normatively troubling. Given the uncertainties about the effects of a total ban, it is appropriate at this time for other governments to assess more fully the nature of the NPS problem, and the potential control approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Reuter
- School of Public Policy and Department of Criminology, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
| | - Bryce Pardo
- School of Public Policy, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
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Pardo B, Reuter P. A chorus of pessimism surrounding the new psychoactive substances problem. Addiction 2017; 112:38-39. [PMID: 27753224 DOI: 10.1111/add.13596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2016] [Accepted: 09/03/2016] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Bryce Pardo
- School of Public Policy, University of Maryland, MD, USA
| | - Peter Reuter
- School of Public Policy and Department of Criminology, University of Maryland, MD, USA
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Velasco R, Besora S, Santos C, Sala R, Izquierdo C, Simó M, Gil M, Pardo B, Domingo E, Bruna J. P16.01 Duloxetine in chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy: experience beyond the clinical trial. Neuro Oncol 2016. [DOI: 10.1093/neuonc/now188.271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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Llorente-Folch I, Rueda CB, Pardo B, Szabadkai G, Duchen MR, Satrustegui J. The regulation of neuronal mitochondrial metabolism by calcium. J Physiol 2016; 593:3447-62. [PMID: 25809592 DOI: 10.1113/jp270254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 114] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2015] [Accepted: 03/18/2015] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Calcium signalling is fundamental to the function of the nervous system, in association with changes in ionic gradients across the membrane. Although restoring ionic gradients is energetically costly, a rise in intracellular Ca(2+) acts through multiple pathways to increase ATP synthesis, matching energy supply to demand. Increasing cytosolic Ca(2+) stimulates metabolite transfer across the inner mitochondrial membrane through activation of Ca(2+) -regulated mitochondrial carriers, whereas an increase in matrix Ca(2+) stimulates the citric acid cycle and ATP synthase. The aspartate-glutamate exchanger Aralar/AGC1 (Slc25a12), a component of the malate-aspartate shuttle (MAS), is stimulated by modest increases in cytosolic Ca(2+) and upregulates respiration in cortical neurons by enhancing pyruvate supply into mitochondria. Failure to increase respiration in response to small (carbachol) and moderate (K(+) -depolarization) workloads and blunted stimulation of respiration in response to high workloads (veratridine) in Aralar/AGC1 knockout neurons reflect impaired MAS activity and limited mitochondrial pyruvate supply. In response to large workloads (veratridine), acute stimulation of respiration occurs in the absence of MAS through Ca(2+) influx through the mitochondrial calcium uniporter (MCU) and a rise in matrix [Ca(2+) ]. Although the physiological importance of the MCU complex in work-induced stimulation of respiration of CNS neurons is not yet clarified, abnormal mitochondrial Ca(2+) signalling causes pathology. Indeed, loss of function mutations in MICU1, a regulator of MCU complex, are associated with neuromuscular disease. In patient-derived MICU1 deficient fibroblasts, resting matrix Ca(2+) is increased and mitochondria fragmented. Thus, the fine tuning of Ca(2+) signals plays a key role in shaping mitochondrial bioenergetics.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Llorente-Folch
- Departamento de Biología Molecular, Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas-Universidad Autónoma de Madrid-(CSIC-UAM), Madrid, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Madrid, Spain.,Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Fundación Jiménez Díaz IIS-FJD, Madrid, Spain
| | - C B Rueda
- Departamento de Biología Molecular, Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas-Universidad Autónoma de Madrid-(CSIC-UAM), Madrid, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Madrid, Spain.,Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Fundación Jiménez Díaz IIS-FJD, Madrid, Spain
| | - B Pardo
- Departamento de Biología Molecular, Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas-Universidad Autónoma de Madrid-(CSIC-UAM), Madrid, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Madrid, Spain.,Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Fundación Jiménez Díaz IIS-FJD, Madrid, Spain
| | - G Szabadkai
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Consortium for Mitochondrial Research, University College London, London, UK.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padua and Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche Neuroscience Institute, Padua, Italy
| | - M R Duchen
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Consortium for Mitochondrial Research, University College London, London, UK
| | - J Satrustegui
- Departamento de Biología Molecular, Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas-Universidad Autónoma de Madrid-(CSIC-UAM), Madrid, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Madrid, Spain.,Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Fundación Jiménez Díaz IIS-FJD, Madrid, Spain
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Pardo B. Cannabis policy reforms in the Americas: A comparative analysis of Colorado, Washington, and Uruguay. International Journal of Drug Policy 2014; 25:727-35. [DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2014.05.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2014] [Revised: 05/15/2014] [Accepted: 05/18/2014] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Salazar R, Cortés-Funes H, Casado E, Pardo B, López-Martín A, Cuadra C, Tabernero J, Coronado C, García M, Soto Matos-Pita A, Miguel-Lillo B, Cullell-Young M, Iglesias Dios JL, Paz-Ares L. Phase I study of weekly kahalalide F as prolonged infusion in patients with advanced solid tumors. Cancer Chemother Pharmacol 2013; 72:75-83. [DOI: 10.1007/s00280-013-2170-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2013] [Accepted: 04/17/2013] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Gutiérrez A, Gámez R, Noa M, Mas R, Arencibia D, Pardo B, Valle M, Oyarzábal A, Curveco D, García H, Goicochea E, Mendoza N, Jiménez S. One year oral Toxicity of D-004, a lipid extract from Roystonea regia fruits, in Sprague Dawley rats. Food Chem Toxicol 2011; 49:2855-61. [PMID: 21839798 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2011.07.061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2011] [Revised: 07/28/2011] [Accepted: 07/30/2011] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
D-004, a lipid extract of royal palm (Roystonea regia) fruits that contains a reproducible mixture of fatty acids, has been shown to prevent testosterone and phenylephrine-induced prostate hyperplasia in rodents. This study investigated the long-term oral toxicity of D-004 in rats. Rats from both sexes were randomized into four groups (20 rats sex/group): a control and three treated with D-004 (800, 1500 or 2000 mg/kg/day, respectively). At study completion, rats were sacrificed under anaesthesia. Determinations of blood biochemical and haematological parameters and organ weight were done. Also, necropsy and histopathological studies were performed. Four of 160 rats died before study completion. No clinical signs of toxicity were observed throughout the study. Food and water consumption, bodyweight, blood biochemical and haematological parameters, organ weight ratios and histopathological findings were similar in control and treated groups. The histological lesions found in treated animals are commonly present in this specie and strain according to literature and our historical data. In conclusion, long-term (12 months) oral treatment of rats with D-004 (800-2000 mg/kg/day) did not show evidences of D-004-related toxicity under our conditions. The highest dose tested (2000 mg/kg) was a no-observed adverse effect level in this study.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Gutiérrez
- Centre of Natural Products, National Centre for Scientific Research, PO Box 6990, 198 Ave. and 19 St. Cubanacán, Playa, Havana, Cuba.
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Liu MK, Pardo B, Zhang J, Qazilbash MM, Yun SJ, Fei Z, Shin JH, Kim HT, Basov DN, Averitt RD. Photoinduced phase transitions by time-resolved far-infrared spectroscopy in V2O3. Phys Rev Lett 2011; 107:066403. [PMID: 21902347 DOI: 10.1103/physrevlett.107.066403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2010] [Revised: 05/12/2011] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Using time-resolved far-infrared spectroscopy, we observe multiple routes for photoinduced phase transitions in V(2)O(3). This includes (i) a photothermal antiferromagnetic to paramagnetic transition and (ii) an incipient strain-generated paramagnetic metal to paramagnetic insulator transition, which manifests as coherent oscillations in the far-infrared conductivity. The ∼100 ps conductivity oscillation results from coherent acoustic phonon modulation of the bandwidth W. Our results indicate that poor metals are particularly amenable to coherent strain control of their electronic properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- M K Liu
- Department of Physics, Boston University, Massachusetts 02215, USA
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Saurat J, Kaya G, Pardo B, Fontao F, Zennegg M, Schmid P, Sorg O. The cutaneous lesions of dioxin exposure: Analysis of a case of acute TCDD intoxication. Toxicol Lett 2011. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2011.05.339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Sorg O, Pardo B, Zennegg M, Schmid P, Saurat J. Genomic analysis of blood and skin as biomarkers of TCDD exposure: Analysis of a case of acute TCDD intoxication. Toxicol Lett 2011. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2011.05.264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Calvo E, Gil M, Coronado C, Valer A, Duran I, Hidalgo M, Pardo B, Calles A, García M, Morelli P, Kahatt CM, Prados R, Fernandez C, Salazar R. Phase I study of PM00104 in combination with carboplatin (C) in patients (pts) with advanced solid tumors. J Clin Oncol 2011. [DOI: 10.1200/jco.2011.29.15_suppl.e13085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
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Ojeda B, Casado A, Tibau A, Redondo A, Beltran M, Garcia-Martinez E, Santaballa A, Pardo B, Lianes P, Bover I, Garcia-Donas J, Churruca CM, Cueva JF, Sanchez-Heras AB, Gordon-Santiago MM, Arcusa Lanza A, Lopez-Rodriguez A, Caballero C, Ortega-Izquierdo ME, González-Martín A. Bevacizumab alone or with chemotherapy in highly pretreated, relapsed, epithelial ovarian cancer patients. J Clin Oncol 2011. [DOI: 10.1200/jco.2011.29.15_suppl.e15590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
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Gumy-Pause F, Pardo B, Khoshbeen-Boudal M, Ansari M, Attiyeh EF, Ozsahin H. Association of GSTP1 hypermethylation with reduced protein expression and its correlation with clinical stage in neuroblastoma. J Clin Oncol 2011. [DOI: 10.1200/jco.2011.29.15_suppl.9537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
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40
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Gámez R, Gutiérrez A, Arencibia D, Pardo B, Noa M, Más R, Valle M, Oyárzabal Á, Curveco D, García H, Goicochea E, Mendoza N, Jiménez S. One year oral toxicity of D-004, a lipid extract from Roystonea regia fruits, in Sprague–Dawley rats. Toxicol Lett 2010. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2010.03.894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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41
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Gumy-Pause F, Ozsahin H, Khoshbeen-Boudal M, Pardo B, Betts D, Maillet P, Sappino A. ATM gene analysis in neuroblastoma: A report from the COG. J Clin Oncol 2009. [DOI: 10.1200/jco.2009.27.15_suppl.10058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
10058 Background: Neuroblastoma (NB) is the most common malignant disease of infancy and accounts for approximately 8% of all childhood cancers. The clinical hallmark of this tumor is the marked variability in prognosis depending of the age, stage, and biological characteristics. There is evidence to suggest that the long arm of chromosome 11 (11q) plays a role in NB biology. The ATM gene is located at 11q22–23 and hereditary mutations of this gene cause ataxia-telangiectasia, a recessive disorder associated with a high incidence of neoplasia. The aim of this project was to determine the prevalence of ATM gene mutation and ATM methylation status in 50 NB samples. Methods: Following DNA extraction, PCR products of the 65 exons of the ATM gene and its promoter were screened by DHPLC. This screening was also performed on DNA from 60 blood donors. Alterations detected were analyzed by direct sequencing. Direct and indirect criteria were used to classify the observed nucleotide alterations as mutation (if pathogenic), rare variant (if the allelic frequency in controls was < or = 1%), variant (1.1–2.4%) or polymorphism (> or = 2.5%). The ATM methylation status was analyzed by MS-MLPA (Methylation-Specific Multiplex Ligation-dependent Probe Amplification). Results: Except polymorphisms, 17 different sequence alterations were found in 17 NB samples (34%). Ten of these 17 alterations, found in 11 NB (22%), were rare variants (RV). In 5 NB (10%), RV were found homozygous. At the same time, we found 20 different sequence alterations in 19 controls (32%). Sixteen of these 20 alterations were RV and one was a heterozygous pathogenic mutation. These 17 alterations concern 15 controls (25%). No homozygous RV was found in controls. We found no evidence of ATM promoter hypermethylation in the 48 NB samples analyzed. Conclusions: We found no difference in ATMvariant and RV frequency between NB and control samples. However, as ATM deletion is a frequent event in NB, we found a high frequency of homozygous RV (10%). At present, we are completing this study by screening ATMlarge genomic deletion/duplication using MLPA. Finally, our observations indicate that epigenetic ATM silencing by methylation is uncommon in neuroblastoma. No significant financial relationships to disclose.
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Affiliation(s)
- F. Gumy-Pause
- University Hospital of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland; University Children's Hospital, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - H. Ozsahin
- University Hospital of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland; University Children's Hospital, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - M. Khoshbeen-Boudal
- University Hospital of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland; University Children's Hospital, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - B. Pardo
- University Hospital of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland; University Children's Hospital, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - D. Betts
- University Hospital of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland; University Children's Hospital, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - P. Maillet
- University Hospital of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland; University Children's Hospital, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - A. Sappino
- University Hospital of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland; University Children's Hospital, Zurich, Switzerland
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Pardo B, Gómez-González B, Aguilera A. DNA repair in mammalian cells: DNA double-strand break repair: how to fix a broken relationship. Cell Mol Life Sci 2009; 66:1039-56. [PMID: 19153654 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-009-8740-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 214] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) arise in cells from endogenous and exogenous attacks on the DNA backbone, but also as a direct consequence of replication failures. Proper repair of all these DSBs is essential for genome stability. Repair of broken chromosomes is a challenge for dividing cells that need to distribute equal genetic information to daughter cells. Consequently, eukaryotic organisms have evolved multi-potent and efficient mechanisms to repair DSBs that are primarily divided into two types of pathways: nonhomologous end joining (NHEJ) and homologous recombination (HR). Here we briefly describe how eukaryotic cells sense DSBs and trigger cell cycle arrest to allow repair, and we review the mechanisms of both NHEJ and HR pathways and the choice between them. (Part of a Multi-author Review).
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Affiliation(s)
- B Pardo
- Centro Andaluz de Biología Molecular y Medicina Regenerativa CABIMER, Universidad de Sevilla-CSIC, Sevilla, Spain
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Levanti MB, Esteban I, Ciriaco E, Pérez-Piñera P, Cabo R, García-Suarez O, Pardo B, Silos-Santiago I, Cobo J, Vega JA. Enteric glial cells express full-length TrkB and depend on TrkB expression for normal development. Neurosci Lett 2009; 454:16-21. [PMID: 19429046 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2009.02.051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2009] [Revised: 02/23/2009] [Accepted: 02/24/2009] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
The embryonic development of the enteric nervous system (ENS) from neural crest precursor cells requires neurotrophic signaling. Neurotrophins (NTs) are a family of growth factors that bind Trk receptors to signal diverse functions, including development and maintenance of different cell populations in the peripheral nervous system. In this study we investigated the expression and cell localization of TrkB, the high affinity receptor for brain-derived neurotrophic factor and NT-4, in the murine ENS using Western blot and immunohistochemistry. The results demonstrate that enteric glial cells within the ENS express full-length TrkB at all stages tested. The ENS of TrkB deficient mice have reduced expression of glial cell markers, and a disarrangement of glial cells and the plexular neuropil. These results strongly suggest TrkB has essential roles in the normal development and maintenance of glial cells in the ENS.
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Affiliation(s)
- M B Levanti
- Dipartimento di Morfologia, Biochimica, Fisiologia e Produzioni Animali, Università di Messina, Messina, Italy
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Gámez R, Noa M, Mas R, Mendoza N, Pardo B, Menéndez R, Pérez Y, González R, Gutiérrez A, Marrero G, Goicochea E, García H, Curveco D. Long-term carcinogenicity of D-003, a mixture of high molecular weight acids from sugarcane wax, in Sprague Dawley rats: A 24 months study. Food Chem Toxicol 2007; 45:2352-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2007.05.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2006] [Revised: 05/19/2007] [Accepted: 05/22/2007] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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del Campo J, Pardo B, Cervantes A, Gonzalez A, Parera A, Cuadra C, Lebedinsky C, Miguel-Lillo B, Soto-Matos A, Izquierdo M. 5034 POSTER Pharmacokinetics of trabectedin in women with recurrent ovarian cancer. EJC Suppl 2007. [DOI: 10.1016/s1359-6349(07)71206-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022] Open
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46
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Oaknin A, Plummer R, Salazar R, Robinson A, Pardo B, Razak AA, Cuadra C, Flores L, Izquierdo MA, Calvert H. Phase I combination study of plitidepsin and carboplatin in advanced solid tumours. J Clin Oncol 2007. [DOI: 10.1200/jco.2007.25.18_suppl.2558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
2558 Background: Plitidepsin is a cyclic depsipeptyde isolated from the marine tunicate Aplidium albicans, nowadays manufactured by synthesis. It is a rapid and potent inductor of apoptosis. In phase I trials, muscle (myalgia and CPK increase) and liver toxicities were dose-limiting and preliminary activity was observed in malignant melanoma, renal, head and neck, lung, neuroendocrine, colorectal and hematological malignancies. Preclinical synergism with carboplatin (CBCDA) against solid tumors and acute leukaemia suggest plitidepsin can reverse platinum chemoresistance in vivo through reduction of glutathione levels. This phase I trial was initiated in order to evaluate the safety, pharmacokinetics (PK) and antitumour activity of the combination of CBCDA and weekly administration of plitidepsin (Recommended dose (RD) in monotherapy: 3.2 mg/m2). Methods: Patients (pts) with advanced solid tumours and good performance status (WHO PS = 2) were enrolled. Plitidepsin was given over 1 hr infusion on days 1 , 8 and 15 every 4 weeks followed by CBDCA (AUC 5) as a 1 hr infusion on day 1. Dose levels planned for plitidepsin were 1.8, 2.4 and 3.0 mg/m2 in cohorts of 3 pts. PK sampling was performed during the first cycle (cy) of treatment. Results: 18 pts have been treated to date (8M/10F). Median age (range): 59 (39–73) yrs. WHO PS>0: 3pts. Tumour types included colorectal (5), malignant melanoma (4), ovary (2), other gastrointestinal tumors (7). No DLT was observed at plitidepsin 1.8 and 2.4 mg/m2 (3 pts treated in each cohort). Two out of 5 pts exhibited DLT at pltidepsin 3.0 mg/m2, consisting of delay of second cy >2 weeks (grade 3 transaminitis and grade 3 thrombocytopenia) and omission of second infusion in first cy (grade 3 ALT increase). Plitidepsin at 2.4 mg/m2 was expanded to 8 pts. There were 4 pts with stable disease (cholangio, liver, colorectal, gatro-esophageal junction and esophagus carcinomas). Conclusions: The RD for the combination is plitidepsin 2.4 mg/m2 (0.8 mg/m2 lower than in monotherapy) days 1, 8 and 15 every 4 weeks followed by CBDCA (AUC 5). DLTs of the combination at the highest dose were different vs single plitidepsin (liver and haematological vs muscular). PK analyses from the three cohorts to detect interactions and updated safety data for the RD cohort are in progress. [Table: see text]
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Affiliation(s)
- A. Oaknin
- Institut Català d’Oncologia, L’Hospitalet de Llobregat (Barcelona), Spain; Hospital Nothern Centre for Cancer Medical Onc, Newcastle, United Kingdom; PharmaMar SAU, Colmenar Viejo - Madrid, Spain
| | - R. Plummer
- Institut Català d’Oncologia, L’Hospitalet de Llobregat (Barcelona), Spain; Hospital Nothern Centre for Cancer Medical Onc, Newcastle, United Kingdom; PharmaMar SAU, Colmenar Viejo - Madrid, Spain
| | - R. Salazar
- Institut Català d’Oncologia, L’Hospitalet de Llobregat (Barcelona), Spain; Hospital Nothern Centre for Cancer Medical Onc, Newcastle, United Kingdom; PharmaMar SAU, Colmenar Viejo - Madrid, Spain
| | - A. Robinson
- Institut Català d’Oncologia, L’Hospitalet de Llobregat (Barcelona), Spain; Hospital Nothern Centre for Cancer Medical Onc, Newcastle, United Kingdom; PharmaMar SAU, Colmenar Viejo - Madrid, Spain
| | - B. Pardo
- Institut Català d’Oncologia, L’Hospitalet de Llobregat (Barcelona), Spain; Hospital Nothern Centre for Cancer Medical Onc, Newcastle, United Kingdom; PharmaMar SAU, Colmenar Viejo - Madrid, Spain
| | - A. A. Razak
- Institut Català d’Oncologia, L’Hospitalet de Llobregat (Barcelona), Spain; Hospital Nothern Centre for Cancer Medical Onc, Newcastle, United Kingdom; PharmaMar SAU, Colmenar Viejo - Madrid, Spain
| | - C. Cuadra
- Institut Català d’Oncologia, L’Hospitalet de Llobregat (Barcelona), Spain; Hospital Nothern Centre for Cancer Medical Onc, Newcastle, United Kingdom; PharmaMar SAU, Colmenar Viejo - Madrid, Spain
| | - L. Flores
- Institut Català d’Oncologia, L’Hospitalet de Llobregat (Barcelona), Spain; Hospital Nothern Centre for Cancer Medical Onc, Newcastle, United Kingdom; PharmaMar SAU, Colmenar Viejo - Madrid, Spain
| | - M. A. Izquierdo
- Institut Català d’Oncologia, L’Hospitalet de Llobregat (Barcelona), Spain; Hospital Nothern Centre for Cancer Medical Onc, Newcastle, United Kingdom; PharmaMar SAU, Colmenar Viejo - Madrid, Spain
| | - H. Calvert
- Institut Català d’Oncologia, L’Hospitalet de Llobregat (Barcelona), Spain; Hospital Nothern Centre for Cancer Medical Onc, Newcastle, United Kingdom; PharmaMar SAU, Colmenar Viejo - Madrid, Spain
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47
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Salazar R, Pardo B, Majem M, García M, Montes A, Cuadra C, Ciruelos E, Cortés-Funes H, Lebedinsky C, Paz-Ares L. Phase I clinical and pharmacological trial of trabectedin (T) in 3 hour infusion every 3 weeks (3h/q3w) in patients with advanced cancer and hepatic function disorder. J Clin Oncol 2006. [DOI: 10.1200/jco.2006.24.18_suppl.2080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
2080 Background: Trabectedin (ET-743) is a marine-derived DNA and transcription interacting agent with activity in pretreated soft tissue sarcoma, breast, prostate and ovarian cancer. T is associated with 2 types of liver function alterations: a frequent acute and reversible elevation of ALT and AST and a less frequent cholestasis, usually reflected by low grade increases in alkaline phosphatase (AP) and bilirubin (B). The main predictors of dose limiting toxicity (DLT) or T-related serious adverse events appear to include elevated baseline or intercycle peaks of AP, B and ALT > 5 × ULN (Gomez J, ASCO 2000). The objectives of this trial are to determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) and pharmacokinetics (PK) of T 3h/q3w in patients (pts) with advanced cancer and baseline liver dysfunction. Methods: All pts are stratified according to basal liver function as follows: STRATUM (S) I: ULN < AP ≤ 1.5 × ULN S II: 1.5 × ULN < AP ≤ 2.5 × ULN S III: AP > 2.5 × ULN All pts had to have AST and ALT ≤ 2.5 × ULN, albumin > 2.5 g/dl and B < 2.5 mg/dl. T concentrations in plasma are determined using a validated LC-MS/MS method. PK parameters were calculated by non-compartmental methods. Results: 32 pts were recruited.Median age: 54 years (26–76); PS≤1:28 pts; prior chemotherapy (CT): 31 pts (97%); median number of prior CT: 2 (1–6); B > ULN: 0 pts. In S I, T was administered at 1.1 mg/m2 (3 pts) and 1.3 mg/m2 (13 pts). Two DLTs were reported at 1.3 mg/m2: neutropenia G4 > 5 days with febrile neutropenia and G3 ALT not recovered by day +28. In S II no DLT occurred in 4 pts at T 0.9 mg/m2 nor 3 pts at T 1.1 mg/m2, 1 out of 4 pts at 1.3 mg/m2 suffered DLT: G3 AST not recovered by day +24. In S III one out of 2 pts at 0.9 mg/m2 had DLT: AP increase. Initial PK evaluation from S I and II (8 from each) showed a long half life (geometric mean (GM) S I: 124.6 h, S II: 118.8 h) and wide distribution (GM Vss S I: 2366 l/m2, S II: 3830 l/m2). GM clearance: 18.3 l/(hr*m2) in S I; 26.3 l/(hr*m2) in S II. Clearance is somewhat lower than in normal liver function population (GM under equal dexamethasone treatment 33.8 l/hr*m2) in study ET-B-010. Conclusions: The recommended dose (RD) of T for pts with mild AP elevations (< 1.5 ULN) and B levels < ULN is 1.3 mg/m2 3h/q3w. The study is ongoing to define the RD for S II and III [Table: see text]
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Affiliation(s)
- R. Salazar
- Instituto Catalan de Oncologia, Barcelona, Spain; Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain; PharmaMar, Madrid, Spain
| | - B. Pardo
- Instituto Catalan de Oncologia, Barcelona, Spain; Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain; PharmaMar, Madrid, Spain
| | - M. Majem
- Instituto Catalan de Oncologia, Barcelona, Spain; Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain; PharmaMar, Madrid, Spain
| | - M. García
- Instituto Catalan de Oncologia, Barcelona, Spain; Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain; PharmaMar, Madrid, Spain
| | - A. Montes
- Instituto Catalan de Oncologia, Barcelona, Spain; Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain; PharmaMar, Madrid, Spain
| | - C. Cuadra
- Instituto Catalan de Oncologia, Barcelona, Spain; Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain; PharmaMar, Madrid, Spain
| | - E. Ciruelos
- Instituto Catalan de Oncologia, Barcelona, Spain; Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain; PharmaMar, Madrid, Spain
| | - H. Cortés-Funes
- Instituto Catalan de Oncologia, Barcelona, Spain; Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain; PharmaMar, Madrid, Spain
| | - C. Lebedinsky
- Instituto Catalan de Oncologia, Barcelona, Spain; Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain; PharmaMar, Madrid, Spain
| | - L. Paz-Ares
- Instituto Catalan de Oncologia, Barcelona, Spain; Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain; PharmaMar, Madrid, Spain
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Salazar R, Casado E, Lopez Martin A, Pardo B, Roca JM, Rodriguez R, Garcia M, Tabernero J, de las Heras B, Paz-Ares L. Clinical and pharmacokinetic phase I dose-finding study of kahalalide F (KF) administered as a prolonged infusion in patients with solid tumors. J Clin Oncol 2005. [DOI: 10.1200/jco.2005.23.16_suppl.2059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- R. Salazar
- Inst Català d’Oncology, Barcelona, Spain; Vall D’Hebron Univ Hosp, Barcelona, Spain; Hosp Doce de Octubre, Madrid, Spain; Catalan Institute of Oncology, Barcelona, Spain; Pharma Mar S. A. U., Madrid, Spain
| | - E. Casado
- Inst Català d’Oncology, Barcelona, Spain; Vall D’Hebron Univ Hosp, Barcelona, Spain; Hosp Doce de Octubre, Madrid, Spain; Catalan Institute of Oncology, Barcelona, Spain; Pharma Mar S. A. U., Madrid, Spain
| | - A. Lopez Martin
- Inst Català d’Oncology, Barcelona, Spain; Vall D’Hebron Univ Hosp, Barcelona, Spain; Hosp Doce de Octubre, Madrid, Spain; Catalan Institute of Oncology, Barcelona, Spain; Pharma Mar S. A. U., Madrid, Spain
| | - B. Pardo
- Inst Català d’Oncology, Barcelona, Spain; Vall D’Hebron Univ Hosp, Barcelona, Spain; Hosp Doce de Octubre, Madrid, Spain; Catalan Institute of Oncology, Barcelona, Spain; Pharma Mar S. A. U., Madrid, Spain
| | - J. M. Roca
- Inst Català d’Oncology, Barcelona, Spain; Vall D’Hebron Univ Hosp, Barcelona, Spain; Hosp Doce de Octubre, Madrid, Spain; Catalan Institute of Oncology, Barcelona, Spain; Pharma Mar S. A. U., Madrid, Spain
| | - R. Rodriguez
- Inst Català d’Oncology, Barcelona, Spain; Vall D’Hebron Univ Hosp, Barcelona, Spain; Hosp Doce de Octubre, Madrid, Spain; Catalan Institute of Oncology, Barcelona, Spain; Pharma Mar S. A. U., Madrid, Spain
| | - M. Garcia
- Inst Català d’Oncology, Barcelona, Spain; Vall D’Hebron Univ Hosp, Barcelona, Spain; Hosp Doce de Octubre, Madrid, Spain; Catalan Institute of Oncology, Barcelona, Spain; Pharma Mar S. A. U., Madrid, Spain
| | - J. Tabernero
- Inst Català d’Oncology, Barcelona, Spain; Vall D’Hebron Univ Hosp, Barcelona, Spain; Hosp Doce de Octubre, Madrid, Spain; Catalan Institute of Oncology, Barcelona, Spain; Pharma Mar S. A. U., Madrid, Spain
| | - B. de las Heras
- Inst Català d’Oncology, Barcelona, Spain; Vall D’Hebron Univ Hosp, Barcelona, Spain; Hosp Doce de Octubre, Madrid, Spain; Catalan Institute of Oncology, Barcelona, Spain; Pharma Mar S. A. U., Madrid, Spain
| | - L. Paz-Ares
- Inst Català d’Oncology, Barcelona, Spain; Vall D’Hebron Univ Hosp, Barcelona, Spain; Hosp Doce de Octubre, Madrid, Spain; Catalan Institute of Oncology, Barcelona, Spain; Pharma Mar S. A. U., Madrid, Spain
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González-Martín AJ, Calvo E, Bover I, Rubio MJ, Arcusa A, Casado A, Ojeda B, Balañá C, Martínez E, Herrero A, Pardo B, Adrover E, Rifá J, Godes MJ, Moyano A, Cervantes A. Randomized phase II trial of carboplatin versus paclitaxel and carboplatin in platinum-sensitive recurrent advanced ovarian carcinoma: a GEICO (Grupo Espanol de Investigacion en Cancer de Ovario) study. Ann Oncol 2005; 16:749-55. [PMID: 15817604 DOI: 10.1093/annonc/mdi147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to determine whether the response rate for the paclitaxel-carboplatin combination is superior to carboplatin alone in the treatment of patients with platinum-sensitive recurrent ovarian carcinoma. PATIENTS AND METHODS Patients with recurrent ovarian carcinoma, 6 months after treatment with a platinum-based regimen and with no more than two previous chemotherapy lines, were randomized to receive carboplatin area under the curve (AUC) 5 (arm A) or paclitaxel 175 mg/m(2) + carboplatin AUC 5 (arm B). The primary end point was objective response, following a 'pick up the winner' design. Secondary end points included time to progression (TTP), overall survival, tolerability and quality of life (QoL). RESULTS Eighty-one patients were randomized and included in the intention-to-treat analysis. The response rate in arm B was 75.6% [26.8% complete response (CR) + 48.8% partial response (PR)] [95% confidence interval (CI) 59.7% to 87.6%] and 50% in arm A (20% CR + 30% PR) (95% CI 33.8% to 66.2%). No significant differences were observed in grade 3-4 hematological toxicity. Conversely, mucositis, myalgia/arthralgia and peripheral neurophaty were more frequent in arm B. Median TTP was 49.1 weeks in arm B (95% CI 36.9-61.3) and 33.7 weeks in arm A (95% CI 25.8-41.5). No significant differences were found in the QoL analysis. CONCLUSIONS Paclitaxel-carboplatin combination is a tolerable regimen with a higher response rate than carboplatin monotherapy in platinum-sensitive recurrent ovarian carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- A J González-Martín
- Medical Oncology Service, Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal, Madrid, Spain.
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