MDMA-induced impairment in primates: antagonism by a selective norepinephrine or serotonin, but not by a dopamine/norepinephrine transport inhibitor

Human MDMA (R,S-3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine) users display selective cognitive deficits after acute MDMA exposure, frequently attributed to serotonin deficits. We postulated that MDMA will compromise executive function in primates and that an inhibitor of the serotonin transporter (SERT) and the norepinephrine transporter (NET) but not the dopamine (DAT) transporter, will prevent impairment. The potencies of DAT/NET, NET and SERT inhibitors to block transport of [(3)H]MDMA and [(3)H]monoamines were compared in vitro. Subsequently, cynomolgus monkeys (Macaca fasicularis) were trained to stable performance in a reversal learning task. Effects of once-weekly oral or i.m. dose of MDMA (1.5 mg/kg, n = 4) on performance were monitored, alone or after pretreatment with inhibitors of the SERT, DAT or NET (prior to i.m. MDMA). 1) Drug potencies for blocking [(3)H]MDMA or [(3)H]monoamine transport were not consistent; 2) Oral MDMA increased error rates in a cognitive task for up to three days following exposure, whereas intramuscular MDMA prevented subjects from performing the cognitive task on the day of administration, but not on subsequent days; 3) The SERT inhibitor citalopram and the NET inhibitor desipramine, but not the DAT/NET inhibitor methylphenidate, reversed the effects of MDMA on task performance and mandibular movements induced by i.m. MDMA and 4) MDMA altered sleep latency. Oral MDMA impairs executive function in monkeys for several days, a finding of potential relevance to MDMA consumption by humans. Reversal of impaired executive function by a NET inhibitor implicates the NET and norepinephrine in MDMA-induced cognitive impairment and may be relevant to therapeutic strategies.     

Engineered Polysaccharides: α‐1,3‐Glucan Acetates Showing Upper Critical Solution Temperature in Organic Solvents

Acetates of α‐1,3‐glucan dissolved in N,N‐dimethyl acetamide/LiCl are prepared by converting the polysaccharide with acetyl chloride, acetic acid anhydride/pyridine, or with acetic acid/N,N′‐carbonyl diimidazole. Values of the degree of substitution for the acetyl groups (DS_Ac) of up to 2.6 are realized. NMR spectroscopic measurements reveal a preferred conversion of the primary hydroxyl group at position 6 followed by positions 2 and 4. Depending on the DS_Ac, the samples may be soluble in solvents of different polarity at room temperature or at elevated temperatures showing upper critical solution temperature at DS of about 2.5. This process is found to be reversible.     

The nutrition label knowledge and usage behaviours of women in the US

Summary The objective of this study was to evaluate the nutrition label-reading skills of women to determine the impact of demographic and health factors on label-usage behaviours and label-reading knowledge. A sample of 453 women was surveyed to determine their label-usage behaviours and label-reading knowledge. 80% of all participants reported that they were 'label readers' (i.e. they always or sometimes read labels), however, only about one-quarter indicated that they always read nutrition labels. Three out of four participants reported that labels always or sometimes affected their purchasing decisions. In general, participants had fairly well-developed label-reading knowledge. However, further analysis revealed that certain subgroups were the least proficient at using nutrition labelling (i.e. older women, women with no postsecondary education, and women who perceived their health to be fair to poor). We conclude that nutrition labelling education programmes can help consumers to use nutrition labels to improve the quality of their diets. While probably all consumer groups could benefit from labelling education, the least proficient groups deserve special attention. Labelling education efforts targeted to a subgroup's needs and interests and delivered in a manner that is readily accessible and acceptable to them is key to maximising the impact of nutrition labels.     

Adolescent Sexuality and Parent‐Adolescent Processes: Promoting Healthy Teen Choices*

Trends in adolescent sexual health, the relation between parenting and adolescent sexual outcomes, and adolescent sexuality interventions with a parent component are reviewed. American adolescents have higher rates of unprotected sex and STI contraction than adults and nine times the teen pregnancy rate of their European counterparts. Parenting efforts are related to adolescent sexual behavior. The review of 19 relevant programs supports the incorporation of theory and the ecological model in program design and evaluation.