News From The Journal Of Neuroscience

1. Macrophages Can Promote Regeneration Benoit Barrette, Marc-AndrsY HsYbert, Mohammed Filali, Kathleen Lafortune, Nicolas VallisXres, GenevisXve Gowing, Jean-Pierre Julien, and Steve Lacroix The role of macrophages in recovery from nerve injury is controversial. Some studies show that macrophages improve regeneration, but others show the opposite effect. This week, each side of the controversy gains support.

Toward A Fast, Life-Saving Test For Identifying The Purity Of Heroin - Analytical Chemistry Journal

Scientists in Spain are reporting an advance toward a new method for determining the purity of heroin that could save lives by allowing investigators to quickly identify impure and more toxic forms of the drug being sold on the street. Unlike conventional tests, it does not destroy the original drug sample, according to their report. It is scheduled for the Oct. 1 issue of ACS' Analytical Chemistry, a semi-monthly journal.

National Institute On Drug Abuse Unveils "Innovations" In Addiction Research

The first annual NIDA Notes "Innovations" issue, released today, features examples of benchmark NIDA research advances that have profound implications for addiction science. Highlights include deep brain exploration made possible by new optical technologies; remote control of animal behavior in real time; and novel approaches to pain treatment.

European Project To Study Relationship Between ADHD And Substance Abuse

To determine the relationship between Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Substance Use Disorders (SUD) and the development SUD in patients with and without ADHD. These are the main goals of the European collaborative initiative that was launched today. In the coming years 14 addiction treatment centers in 10 EU countries will include over 6.000 patients with SUD.

Mom's Beliefs May Impact Their Kids' Alcohol Use

Mothers, take note. If you really want to curb your teens' chances of using alcohol, help them develop a self-view that doesn't include drinking. According to a new Iowa State University study, the power of positive thinking by moms may limit their children's alcohol use. But beware. The opposite is also true.

CDC Recommends Asian, African Immigrants Be Tested For Hepatitis B

According to new guidelines CDC officials made public on Thursday, people born in either Asia or Africa who currently live in the U.S. should be tested for hepatitis B, the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

NIDA Announces DrugPubs - A New Research Dissemination Center

Anyone interested in receiving the latest scientific information about drug abuse and addiction has a new number to call: 1-877-NIDA-NIH. NIDA, part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), launches DrugPubs, its new research dissemination center, designed to distribute materials and information on drug abuse and addiction to virtually all audiences: drug abuse researchers, health professionals, teachers, advocacy groups, and teenagers and other members of the general public.

Researchers Profile Teens Who Seek Help To Quit Smoking

Teen smokers who volunteer for programs to help them quit are more hooked on tobacco than other teens who smoke, new West Virginia University research has found. The teens believe quitting is a good idea, but they aren't fully confident they'll be able to kick the tobacco habit.

News From The American Chemical Society, Sept. 17, 2008

Calorie-free natural sweetener moves one step closer to use in the U. S. Researchers in Georgia are reporting an advance toward the possible use of a new natural non-caloric sweetener in soft drinks and other food products in the United States. Stevia, which is 300 times more potent than sugar but calorie-free, is already used in some countries as a food and beverage additive to help fight obesity and diabetes.

University Of Miami Receives Grant From National Center On Minority And Health Disparities

El Centro, at the University of Miami School of Nursing and Health Studies, has received a $225,000 grant by its sponsor, the National Center on Minority Health and Health Disparities of the National Institutes of Health. These funds will support a regional seminar series on health disparities related to HIV/AIDS, substance abuse, and family and intimate partner violence.

More Than 80% Back 'alcopops' And Tobacco Tax: Newspoll Survey, Australia

Australians would overwhelmingly support increased 'alcopops' and tobacco tax if funds raised were used for preventive health programs, according to Newspoll research published today (24/9). A survey of more than 1200 Australian adults showed 84 per cent supported the Government's proposed 'alcopops' tax and 88 per cent backed increased tobacco tax, if most of the revenue funded programs to help prevent diseases such as heart disease and cancer.

Link Between The Neuropeptide Y System And A More Severe Form Of Alcohol Dependence

Previous animal research showed an association between the neuropeptide Y (NPY) pathway and its three receptor genes and response to alcohol and cocaine. A new study has examined the relationship of the human NPY system with alcohol dependence (AD), with and without withdrawal symptoms, and cocaine dependence.

Increased Risk Of Hazardous Drinking And Alcohol-Use Disorders In 'Casual' Smokers

Non-daily or "casual" smokers tend to slip through the cracks of prevention efforts. Yet casual smoking and heavy drinking are prevalent behaviors among young adults and, furthermore, casual smoking occurs primarily in the context of alcohol use. A new study of casual smoking and drinking behavior has found that non-daily smoking confers an increased risk of hazardous drinking and alcohol-use disorders (AUDs).

Peptide Ghrelin May Be Involved In Both Alcohol Dependence And Overeating

Ghrelin is a peptide, mainly produced in the stomach, but also found in small amounts in the brain. It is known to affect food intake by increasing feelings of hunger and the urge to eat. A new study has examined ghrelin's role in addictive behaviors. Findings indicate that variations in the genes producing ghrelin and its receptor are more common in individuals considered heavy drinkers.

Estimated 3 Million Injecting Drug Users Worldwide Could Be HIV Positive

New research suggests there could be 3 million injecting drug users (IDUs) worldwide who are HIV positive; and that the number of countries reporting injecting drug use has increased over the last decade. The proportions of IDUs who are HIV positive is over 40% in nine countries* with data.

Chronic Hepatitis C Infection In A Patient With Bone Marrow Hypoplasia

HCV is acquired by intravenous drug abuse, sexually or via blood transfusion (rare nowadays due to the effective screening of blood products before transfusion). HCV is known to cause chronic infection in 80% - 90% of the patients becoming infected. Patients present with varying degrees of altered liver function ranging from mild cirrhosis to necrosis (liver cell death).

Caffeinated Energy Drinks Should Have Better Labels

An article published in the journal Drug and Alcohol Dependence recommends that caffeinated energy drinks on the market have clear and prominent labels indicating the amount of caffeine contained in the drink. The researchers from Johns Hopkins University, after decades of research on how caffeine affects the body, say that consumers need to be more aware of potential health risks. According to co-author RolandPGriffiths, Ph.D.

Researchers Study Relationship Between Injecting Drug Use And HIV

Estonia, Ukraine, Burma, Indonesia, Thailand, Nepal, Argentina, Brazil, and Kenya all have one disturbing fact in common: an HIV positive rate of over 40% for injecting drug users (IDUs). An article published early online and in an upcoming edition of The Lancet estimates that worldwide there are some 15.9 million IDUs - 3 million of whom are HIV positive. In the last ten years, the number of countries that report injecting drugs use has increased.

HIV Positive Injection Drug Users On Worldwide Scale

There could be three million HIV positive injection drug users (IDUs)rPin the world, according to an article released on September 24, 2008 in The Lancet.

Study Finds 3 Million IDUs Worldwide Are HIV-Positive

Of the 15.9 million injection drug users throughout the world, three million likely are HIV-positive, according to a study published on Wednesday in the Lancet, AFP/Google.com reports (AFP/Google.com, 9/23).

Culture Shapes Young People's Drinking Habits

Whether young people get drunk as a purposeful behavior or as an unintended consequence depends on what country they live in, according to new research on young people in seven countries. The research finds that young people's views on alcohol and drunkenness were influenced more by culture than by factors such as age and sex.

Should Ecstasy Be Downgraded? UK

Before the turn of the century ecstasy was a big headline puller and journalists wrote about it a great deal. Recently, however, cocaine and heroin have taken front stage. Just because ecstasy is not hitting the headlines as much as it used to may not necessarily mean it is not a dangerous drug and should consequently be downgraded. The declining popularity of the rave scene has lead to a drop in ecstasy interest. Hence, ecstasy's classification is being reviewed.

'Light' Cigarettes Versus Regular Cigarettes

For decades now, cigarette makers have marketed so-called light cigarettes - which contain less nicotine than regular smokes - with the implication that they are less harmful to smokers' health. A new UCLA study shows, however, that they deliver nearly as much nicotine to the brain. Reporting in the current online edition of the International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology, UCLA psychiatry professor Dr. Arthur L.

World-Renowned Hispanic Scientists Gather To Address Disparities In Hispanic Drug Use, Treatment And Prevention

The National Hispanic Science Network (NHSN) on Drug Abuse will hold its eighth annual conference, "Community, Behavioral and Molecular Sciences in Addictive Disorders," October 1-3, 2008 at the Hyatt Regency Bethesda, Maryland.

New Investigational "Liquid Cigarette" Smoke Cessation Product Achieves 71 Percent Quit Rate

Several months ago, 52 smokers embarked on an FDA-approved, 12-week clinical study of a new smoke-cessation device called Smoke-Break. The results of the study were released today with 71 percent of the study participants smoke-free after 12 weeks. Smoke-Break is a "liquid nicotine cigarette" that resembles an unlit cigarette in size and shape. The clear tube contains a cherry-flavored gel along with 1.5 milligrams of nicotine, about as much as in a light cigarette.