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All Friday Fun Fact Marvelous Monday Messy Media News You Can Use Tuesday Talk
11/20/2018 JUUL Contains Nicotine! Now You Know...Join us in our latest News You Can Use with Jessica.What was studied and why?The use of vape pods such as JUUL is increasing among adolescents yet the level of nicotine exposure that users get from these systems is not well understood. The purpose of this study was to report on vape pod behaviors and nicotine exposure among adolescents. How was it studied?Over 500 adolescents aged 12-21 years were sent surveys that asked about their use of vape pods. Specific vape pod products were also tested by the researchers to estimate nicotine levels in the vapor. What was found?Almost 8% of adolescents in the study reported daily or weekly use of vape pods and JUUL was the most popular brand. The vape pod products were found to contain higher concentrations of nicotine than older e-cigarettes. What is the bottom line?The use of vape pods, especially JUUL, is on the rise among adolescents. It is popular to believe that these e-cigarettes are safer than traditional cigarettes, but they contain high levels of nicotine which is addictive. Want to learn more?The National Academy of Sciences has a thorough series of fact sheets related to e-cigarette use and associated health risks. AuthorsBlog post: Jessica L. Bourdon
Article: Goniewicz, M. L., Boykan, R., Messina, C. R., et al. (2018). High exposure to nicotine among adolescents who use JUUL and other vape pod systems (‘pods’). Tobacco Control Monthly, EPub Ahead of Print, DOI 10.1136/tobaccocontrol-2018-054565 11/6/2018 Vivitrol or Suboxone - Does it MAT-ter?Check out our latest News You Can Use post by Rachel Davies!What was studied and why?For the first time, a large, controlled study directly compared the effectiveness of the following two medication assisted treatment (MAT) options for opioid use disorders (OUDs): injectable extended-release naltrexone (AKA “Vivitrol”), and buprenorphine-naloxone (AKA “Suboxone”). Previously, more evidence was available supporting the effectiveness of Suboxone than supporting Vivitrol. Suboxone, however, may not be appropriate for all patients. It partially activates mu opioid receptors (MORs) in the brain, perpetuating opioid dependence, though by safer means. Vivitrol is a much different drug. It does not produce activation of MORs, and may be a better option for patients who prefer to enter abstinence-based addiction recovery as soon as possible. Directly comparing the two drugs allowed researchers to investigate whether Vivitrol could be similarly effective as Suboxone at treating OUDs. How was it studied?The researchers identified 570 adults who were actively using opioids and had been diagnosed with OUDs. Half of these patients were assigned to receive Suboxone, and the other half were assigned to receive Vivitrol. This “controlled” design ensured that different severities of OUDs were equally represented in both treatment groups. The patients received treatment for 24 weeks. during this time the researchers recorded if and when the patients returned to opioid misuse. With this data collected, researchers determined if there were any relationships between patient outcomes and the drug they received as treatment. What was found?It was more difficult to start patients on Vivitrol, as patients had to detox from opioids first. Following detox, similar rates of relapse and side effects were found in each group. What is the bottom line?Vivitrol is more difficult treatment to start but is just as effective as Suboxone. Want to learn more?Are you worried about your substance use or are you in recovery? Check out the resources provided by VCU’s Rams in Recovery. AuthorsBlog post: Rachel Davies
Article: Lee, J.D. , et al. (2017). Comparative effectiveness of extended-release naltrexone versus buprenorphine-naloxone for opioid relapse prevention (X:BOT): a multicentre, open-label, randomised controlled trial. The Lancet, pp 1-10. What was studied and why?Being in a romantic relationship has been associated with lower alcohol use among college-age adults, but the mechanisms of this association remain unclear. The current study examined three risk factors related to romantic relationships and alcohol use: parental alcohol problems, deviant behavior, and drinking to feel good. How was it studied? Data collection occurred in two phases. In phase 1, ratings of alcohol use and of the three risk factors were collected on thousands of 18-year old college students. In phase 2 (about four months later), follow-up information was collected about alcohol use and relationship status. Information from phase 1 was used to predict outcomes in phase 2. What was found?The higher participants’ levels of risk factors, the more romantic relationships they engaged in and the more their alcohol use increased over time. Also, the more romantic relationships that participants had also predicted increased alcohol use. What is the bottom line?Behavioral patterns and risky environments shape alcohol use. These risk factors are complicated and include romantic relationships and key risk factors. Want to learn more?Check out Preventure, a program designed to combat alcohol dependence by targeting childhood risk factors. AuthorsBlog post: Jessica L. Bourdon
Article: Salvatore, J. E., Thomas, N. S., Cho, S. B., Adkins, A., Kendler, K. S., & Dick, D. M. (2016). The role of romantic relationship status in pathways of risk for emerging adult alcohol use. Psychology of Addictive Behaviors, 30, 335-344. What was studied and why:Previous studies have suggested that the relationship status of young adults is associated with frequency of alcohol use. Specifically, students who identify as dating more than one person are more likely to have a higher frequency of alcohol consumption when compared to those who are in an exclusive relationship or single. Based on this knowledge, the current study sought to identify and analyze the intermediate factors that contribute to why someone dating multiple people may drink alcohol more often. Understanding this information may further our knowledge of not only factors surrounding alcohol misuse among young adults, but inform on-campus programs so that they can be more suited to the needs of affected students. Reference: Salvatore, J.E, Kendler, K.S, Dick, D.M. (2014). Romantic relationship status and alcohol use and problems across first year of college. Psychology of Addictive Behaviors, 30, 335-344. How it was studied: During their first year of school, college students were asked a series of questions about their current and past (high school) relationship status, alcohol consumption habits, and alcohol-related behaviors (i.e., positive urgency or the tendency to act rash). There were 6,120 total participants made up of 61% female and 38% male (1% responded otherwise). Statistical analyses were run to identify the correlation and relevance that these factors had with each other. What was found:College students who date several people at once are at an increased risk for alcohol related problems. Specifically, those who date several people had a 72% increase in alcohol use and related behaviors compared to being in an exclusive relationship. Compared to those who were single, individuals dating several people were also 57% more likely to endorse alcohol-related behaviors. Finally, students who have recently experienced a breakup or more at risk for alcohol related problems. The bottom line:The relationship between relationship status and alcohol consumption is complicated. Many students drink in college, but you are more at risk for alcohol related problems if you date multiple people at once. Specific alcohol support interventions should be targeted toward individuals who have multiple partners to help lower their risk, as well as those who have recently experienced a breakup. For more information:Check out this article on peer relationships and alcohol use. AuthorsVictoria Wood, Drake Terrell, & Jessica L. Bourdon What was studied and why:Tobacco use is a huge health concern amongst young college students, which can eventually lead to addiction and cancer. This study focused on patterns of tobacco usage among freshmen and their predictors, which were cultural/environmental influences and social/interpersonal factors. Reference: Cooke, M. E., Nasim, A., Cho, S. B., Kendler, K. S., Clark, S. L., & Dick, D. M. (2016). Predicting tobacco use across the first year of college. American Journal of Health and Behavior, 40, 484-495. How it was studied:In order to initiate the study, a sample of 4,073 college students in their first year were surveyed on their tobacco usage frequency over the course of their Fall and Spring semesters. This included anything from cigarettes to cigars, smokeless tobacco, and hookah. Then, students’ frequency of tobacco use was analyzed for distinct usage levels and changes between levels over time. What was found:Three levels of of tobacco use frequency were found: no usage, experimenting, and frequent usage. The level of a student’s usage was stable across the first year of college. In other words, those that did not use tobacco in the Fall continued to refrain from using it in the Spring. This stabilization held true for both the “experimenting” and “frequent usage” levels as well. If there was any change in usage, it was most commonly found with users who were experimenting in the Fall. Some of these students changed to the “no usage” level in the Spring. Moreover, a number of other factors, including demographic, environmental, and intrapersonal, were shown to affect usage in the Fall, as well as changes in usage from Fall to Spring. The bottom line:Students are likely to use multiple alternative tobacco products along with cigarettes during their Freshman year. Their frequency of use of these products is fairly stable across the first year, and the largest predictor of picking up a cigarette in the first place was the larger exposure gained at first year of college. The data demonstrates the importance of the college experience on young adult tobacco use. For more information:AuthorsAndres Somoza, Ashritha Chitimalla, Elizabeth Kazarian, & Jessica L. Bourdon What was studied and why:Understanding the genetic factors that influence our behavior and mental health is important. Lately, researchers have classified our behavior and mental health into five broad systems to make studying specific disorders easier and more organized. These are: negative, positive, cognitive, social, and arousal systems. This review focused on negative systems, which include how we react to fear, anxiety, chronic threat, and reactions to reward. The purpose was to see if there are trends in genetic findings, such as if multiple scientists found the same genes associated with a system. Reference: Savage, J. E., Sawyers, C., Roberson-Nay, R., & Hettema, J. M. (2016). The genetics of anxiety-related negative valence system traits. American Journal of Medical Genetics Part B, 9999, 1-22. How it was studied:A literature review was conducted to examine all genetic studies related to each negative system (fear, anxiety, chronic threat, reactions to reward). Specifically, the review focused on the genetics of our behavior, physiology, and neurology related to these negative systems. For example, studies were reviewed that ranged from the genes associated with behavioral changes that occur when we become afraid to the emotional changes that occur when we are anxious. What was found:Despite trends in the literature about the genetic structure of negative systems, there are few consistent findings. However, the review concluded that most aspects of negative systems are influenced by many genetic variants of small effect. There are no single genes responsible for a negative system behavior, physiological response, or neurological pathway. For more information:To learn how about these ways of dividing up behavior and mental health, visit the National Institute of Mental Health. AuthorsJessica L. Bourdon & Elizabeth C. Long 2/28/2018 Predicting Peer Group DevianceWhat was studied and why:Peer groups are important in shaping human behavior throughout the lifespan. Thus it is important to understand factors surrounding of whether someone becomes part of a peer group that expresses typical or deviant behaviors. The current study wanted to assess whether associating with deviant peers specifically changed across environments. The stability of peer group deviance (PGD) was studied in students who are transitioning from high school to university settings. The predictability of PGD was analyzed based on individual and family characteristics. Reference: Kendler, K. S., Myers, J., & Dick, D. (2015). The stability and predictors of peer group deviance in university students. Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology, 50 (9), 1463-1470. How it was studied:PGD was studied through a short assessment with questioning pertaining to substance use, deviant behavior, personality, family history, and parental education. It was measured in newly arrived university studies and then 6 and 18 months later. What was found:The study found that gender, personality, family history of alcohol, drug problems, religion, and depression are all significant predictors of PGD. Most individuals sought to find peers in the university setting who were similar to the social norms and characteristics present in their high school peer groups. The bottom line:The individual plays a major role in determining PGD. The level of PGD appears to remain relatively stable as students transition from high school to university, selecting peer groups with similar characteristics (aka gender, personality, alcohol and substance use, religion) to themselves and those of past peer groups. AuthorsJonathon Figueroa, Swathi Sambatha, Sam Paek, Melissa Vongjalorn, & Jessica L. Bourdon What was studied and why:This study looked at the relationship between social anxiety and substance use from adolescence to young adulthood. It was previously unclear whether social anxiety made people more or less likely to use alcohol and cigarettes. For example, adolescents and young adults with social anxiety could use substances more to cope with their anxiety, or use them less due to avoidance of social situations where substances are common (i.e., parties). Further, this relationship may change as adolescents grow older and gain more independence over their substance use. The aim of the study was to resolve the question of whether social anxiety is linked to higher or lower substance use by looking at the relationship at different ages and with multiple different measures. Reference: Savage, J.E., Pulkkinen, L., Korhonen, T., Rose, R.J., & Kaprio, J., Verhulst, B. & Dick, D.M., (2016). The effects of social anxiety on substance use across adolescence: Results from a longitudinal study in Finland. Psychology of Addictive Behaviors, 30(4): 462-474. How it was studied:Ratings of social anxiety at age 12 and substance use between the ages of 14 and 22 were collected on 1,906 individuals. These ratings were used to predict the frequency of alcohol/cigarette use and related social anxiety at ages 14, 17, and 22. The researchers also looked at whether genetic or environmental factors might be shared between social anxiety and alcohol/cigarette use. What was found:Social anxiety at age 12 predicted a lower frequency of drinking and smoking at each subsequent age. Severe levels of social anxiety at age 22 were linked to a higher likelihood of alcohol dependence but not frequency of alcohol use. There was no evidence that the same genes or environments contributed to both social anxiety levels and alcohol/cigarette use. The bottom line:Socially anxious children are at lower risk for heavy substance use and substance problems in adulthood. Some people with severe adult anxiety may become dependent on alcohol. However, this is more likely a cognitive (coping-related) rather than physical dependence because they tend to drink less frequently overall. For more information:Check out Preventure, a program designed to combat alcohol dependence by targeting childhood risk factors (i.e., anxiety). AuthorsJeanne Savage, Jessica L. Bourdon, Elizabeth C. Long 1/26/2018 Predicting Designer Drugs of the FutureBackground:In the spring of 2012 in Miami, Florida, a naked man attacked and attempted to eat the face another man, having to be shot several times by the police to be stopped. It was later discovered that the attacker was intoxicated with alpha-PVP, or “flakka,” a brand new, technically legal drug that acted like cocaine, but was 50 times more potent. New psychoactive substances like alpha-PVP are an increasing problem, being readily available online and having unpredictable properties. Our research seeks to understand how these drugs work on the molecular level, so that we can guide public policy, reduce harm, and learn more about the parts of the brain involved in psychiatric illnesses. Designing drugs:Many popular psychoactive drugs, like cocaine or LSD, are currently illegal. This has driven the development of the “designer drug,” or “research chemicals” market, in which clandestine chemists, often in China, take known drugs and modify their chemical structure only slightly. They make these new drugs in bulk and sell them on the internet, often to those looking to use drugs that won’t be detected on routine drug screens, or those interested in experimenting with novel substances. A small change to a drug molecule, however, can have serious effects. What once was a stimulant can become a hallucinogen, or vice versa. New types of toxicity can be added, as in the case of alpha-PVP; some users have reported a phenomenon of persistent psychotic symptoms which remain after only one or two uses. This could explain the erratic, even cannabilistic behavior of the Miami “flakka zombie.” No other drug has been associated with this effect before. What local VCU labs are doing:It’s important to be able to predict the effects of new psychoactive substances, and our work is directed at that goal. Never tested before being marketed to consumers, and unregulated by any institution, these drugs carry considerable risk. In order to predict drug effects before they are even available, we create models targeted around specific drugs that are associated with interesting effects, for example, alpha-PVP. We design a series of similar structures that vary only slightly from one another, synthesize them, and test them on their targets in the brain, the serotonin and dopamine transporters. These proteins are important in regulating mood, motivation, and many more behavioral processes. They are often the targets not only of drugs like alpha-PVP and cocaine, but also antidepressants and ADHD medications. As such, our models provide information relevant to neuroscience and future psychiatric medication development, besides information about new psychoactive substances. What to conclude:What we learn from testing our model compounds allows us to predict new psychoactive substance properties. With this information, regulatory agencies can make proactive decisions about what to add to drug schedules. Users can make informed choices to avoid the most likely dangerous compounds, even if these compounds have never been tested. In this way, we can avoid flakka zombies in the future. AuthorsRachel Davies, Jessica L. Bourdon, & Elizabeth C. Long What was studied and why?Emotion regulation, or how people experience and respond to their emotions, is a broad concept that is not well understood at the biological level. Examining how a person’s genes influence their emotional experience might increase this understanding. Thus, this paper reviewed the recent literature on how genes contribute to one’s regulation of their emotional experience and offered insights as to what questions remain that future research might answer. Reference: Hawn, S.E., Overstreet, C.M., Stewart, K.E., & Amstadter, A.B. (2014). Recent Advances in the Genetics of Emotion Regulation: A Review. Current Opinion in Psychology, 3, 108-116. How was it studied?To provide an updated review on the genetics of emotion regulation, the authors researched other papers that had been written in the previous 3 years about how and which genes play a role in emotion regulation. This information was summarized in table format describing each of the reviewed studies. Similarities and differences were discussed in text. What was found?There were three genes (5-HTTLPR , COMT val158met , TPH2) that had been found by the majority of recent studies to influence emotion regulation. Depending on the variant of each gene that people had, they were either better or worse at regulating their emotions. What is the bottom line?How people experience and respond to their emotions is at least partially influenced by biology. Want to learn more?Check out this article: Canli, T., Ferri, J., Duman, E.A. (2009). Genetics of emotion regulation.
Neuroscience, 164, 43-54.
This review provides a detailed examination of the literature prior to 2009 concerning processes associated with emotion regulation. AuthorsSage Hawn, Elizabeth C. Long, & Jessica L. Bourdon |