Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA): a.k.a. Ecstasy

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jerrold Winter
Keyword(s):  
Therapeutic Potential ◽  
Illegal Drug ◽  
The Other ◽  
Designer Drugs ◽  
Pharmacological Effects ◽  
Other Hand ◽  
Gamma Hydroxybutyrate ◽  
Amphetamine Derivatives ◽  
Recreational Use ◽  
Vanderbilt University

As these words are written, the chemical we will call MDMA is a Schedule I drug. This means that MDMA (a) has no currently accepted medical use, (b) no currently accepted safety even under medical supervision, and (c) has a high potential for abuse. On the other hand, there are those who see great therapeutic potential in MDMA, and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has designated MDMA- assisted psychotherapy as a breakthrough therapy. We can foresee the day when it will be available by prescription. There is no doubt as to the chemical identity of MDMA, and much is known of its pharmacological effects in humans and in animals. The recreational drug commonly known as Ecstasy is more complicated. As is true for any illegal drug used by millions of people, demand for the drug has been met by persons not noted for their high ethical or manufacturing standards. Simply stated, short of chemical analysis, one can never be sure what street-bought Ecstasy is. For example, investigators at Vanderbilt University determined the contents of 1,214 tablets sold as Ecstasy. Only 39% contained only MDMA, while fully 46% were “substances other than MDMA.” Mixtures of MDMA and other drugs comprised the remaining 15%. On the other hand, sometimes in some places over the past several decades, nearly pure MDMA has been available on the illicit market. Nonetheless, a buyer of Ecstasy may ingest, rather than MDMA, drugs such as ketamine, gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB), cathinone, ephedrine, caffeine, or any one of the so-called designer drugs, many of which are amphetamine derivatives. A consequence of this pharmacological chaos is that many of the hazards associated with the use of Ecstasy have been uncritically attributed to MDMA. This fact has been a boon for those who would continue the Schedule I status of MDMA and a bane for those who would explore its therapeutic potential. However, in contrast with recreational use where purity of the drug is uncertain, MDMA in clinical trials is FDA approved and of known composition.

The Role of Cannabinoids in Schizophrenia: Where Have we Been and Where are we Going?

2017 ◽  
Vol 41 (S1) ◽  
pp. S277-S277
Author(s):  
J. Reis ◽  
G. Pereira
Keyword(s):  
Cannabinoid Receptors ◽  
Psychotic Disorders ◽  
Cannabis Sativa ◽  
Therapeutic Potential ◽  
Age At Onset ◽  
Synthetic Cannabinoids ◽  
The Other ◽  
Other Hand ◽  
Increased Risk

IntroductionSeveral studies have shown that both endocannabinoid system (ECS) and synthetic cannabinoids (SC) might be involved in schizophrenia.ObjectivesTo review recent literature on the role of cannabinoids in schizophrenia. The review includes the evidence of cannabis use as a risk factor for the development of schizophrenia, but also the preliminary evidence for the use of cannabinoid-based compounds in the treatment of psychosis.MethodsThe authors made an online search on PubMed for clinical trials and reviews published in the last 12 months, using the keywords: “cannabinoids”, “endocannabinoids”, “phytocannabinoids” and “schizophrenia”.ResultsThe use of Cannabis sativa is associated with increased risk of developing psychotic disorders, including schizophrenia, and earlier age at onset of psychosis. Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) has multiple actions in the brain development, including impairment of neuroplasticity, dysregulation of dopamine and glutamate signaling, and, possibly, neurotoxicity. The ECS has been implicated in psychosis both related and unrelated to cannabis exposure. Cannabinoid receptors type 1 (CB1 R) and type 2 (CB2 R), as well as the endogenous ligand N-arachidonoylethanolamine (AEA) and 2-arachidonylglycerol (2-AG) levels, are most likely to be involved in the pathophysiology of this disorder. On the other hand, the antipsychotic effects of some cannabinoids have been investigated in recent studies. Cannabidiol (CBD) and Δ9-tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV) may have therapeutic potential for the treatment of psychosis.ConclusionsEmerging evidence suggests an important role of ECB system and SC on schizophrenia. On the other hand, recent studies have shown some phytocannabinoids might represent therapeutic promises in this disorder.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

Crime Control in Japan: Exceptional, Convergent or What Else?

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
David Brewster
Keyword(s):  
Drug Use ◽  
Social Relations ◽  
Historical Perspective ◽  
Crime Control ◽  
Illegal Drug ◽  
The Other ◽  
Social Culture ◽  
Illegal Drug Use ◽  
Other Hand ◽  
The One

Abstract Theories about crime control in Japan have largely been based around two opposing traditions. On the one hand, cultural explanations have emphasized the exceptional attributes of Japanese social relations that contribute towards shaming and re-integrative processes. On the other hand, more recent explanations assert that Japanese crime control is converging with other countries, particularly towards penal populism. Both approaches tend to reduce explanations to a monolithic characterization that disguises variegation within Japan. Through considering the governance of illegal drug use and the Kamagasaki area of Osaka, a ‘geo-historical’ perspective is advocated to better capture the complexity and contradictions of globalizing processes and social culture and their resulting manifestations in crime control within contemporary Japan.

Therapeutic Potential of Reactive Oxygen Species: State of the Art and Recent Advances

2020 ◽  
pp. 247263032097745
Author(s):  
Valeria Graceffa
Keyword(s):  
Reactive Oxygen Species ◽  
Cell Biology ◽  
Therapeutic Potential ◽  
Biological Response ◽  
Reactive Oxygen ◽  
Cell Types ◽  
The Other ◽  
Oxygen Species ◽  
Other Hand

In the last decade, several studies have proven that when at low concentration reactive oxygen species (ROS) show an adaptive beneficial effect and posited the idea that they can be utilized as inexpensive and convenient inducers of tissue regeneration. On the other hand, the recent discovery that cancer cells are more sensitive to oxidative damage paved the way for their use in the selective killing of tumor cells, and sensors to monitor ROS production during cancer treatment are under extensive investigation. Nevertheless, although ROS-activated signaling pathways are well established, less is known about the mechanisms underlying the switch from an anabolic to a cytotoxic response. Furthermore, a high variability in biological response is observed between different modalities of administration, cell types, donor ages, eventual concomitant diseases, and external microenvironment. On the other hand, available preclinical studies are scarce, whereas the quest for the most suitable systems for in vivo delivery is still elusive. Furthermore, new strategies to control the temporal pattern of ROS release need to be developed, if considering their tumorigenic potential. This review initially discusses ROS mechanisms of action and their potential application in stem cell biology, tissue engineering, and cancer therapy. It then outlines the state of art of ROS-based drugs and identifies challenges faced in translating ROS research into clinical practice.

scholarly journals Cytotoxic Effects of Biosynthesized Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles on Murine Cell Lines

2015 ◽  
Vol 2015 ◽  
pp. 1-11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Farideh Namvar ◽  
Heshu Sulaiman Rahman ◽  
Rosfarizan Mohamad ◽  
Susan Azizi ◽  
Paridah Mohd Tahir ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cell Lines ◽  
Fluorescent Dyes ◽  
Therapeutic Potential ◽  
Morphological Changes ◽  
Brown Seaweed ◽  
Mouse Fibroblast ◽  
The Other ◽  
Zno Nps ◽  
Other Hand

The aim of this study is to evaluate thein vitrocytotoxic activity and cellular effects of previously prepared ZnO-NPs on murine cancer cell lines using brown seaweed (Sargassum muticum) aqueous extract. Treated cancer cells with ZnO-NPs for 72 hours demonstrated various levels of cytotoxicity based on calculated IC50values using MTT assay as follows: 21.7 ± 1.3 μg/mL (4T1), 17.45 ± 1.1 μg/mL (CRL-1451), 11.75 ± 0.8 μg/mL (CT-26), and 5.6 ± 0.55 μg/mL (WEHI-3B), respectively. On the other hand, ZnO-NPs treatments for 72 hours showed no toxicity against normal mouse fibroblast (3T3) cell line. On the other hand, paclitaxel, which imposed an inhibitory effect on WEHI-3B cells with IC50of 2.25 ± 0.4, 1.17 ± 0.5, and 1.6 ± 0.09 μg/mL after 24, 48, and 72 hours treatment, respectively, was used as positive control. Furthermore, distinct morphological changes were found by utilizing fluorescent dyes; apoptotic population was increased via flowcytometry, while a cell cycle block and stimulation of apoptotic proteins were also observed. Additionally, the present study showed that the caspase activations contributed to ZnO-NPs triggered apoptotic death in WEHI-3 cells. Thus, the nature of biosynthesis and the therapeutic potential of ZnO-NPs could prepare the way for further research on the design of green synthesis therapeutic agents, particularly in nanomedicine, for the treatment of cancer.

A study of cometary eruptions through OH radio-lines

1999 ◽  
Vol 173 ◽  
pp. 249-254
Author(s):  
A.M. Silva ◽  
R.D. Miró
Keyword(s):  
Short Duration ◽  
Growth Curves ◽  
The Other ◽  
Initial Mass ◽  
Radio Lines ◽  
Other Hand ◽  
Sudden Rise

AbstractWe have developed a model for theH2OandOHevolution in a comet outburst, assuming that together with the gas, a distribution of icy grains is ejected. With an initial mass of icy grains of 108kg released, theH2OandOHproductions are increased up to a factor two, and the growth curves change drastically in the first two days. The model is applied to eruptions detected in theOHradio monitorings and fits well with the slow variations in the flux. On the other hand, several events of short duration appear, consisting of a sudden rise ofOHflux, followed by a sudden decay on the second day. These apparent short bursts are frequently found as precursors of a more durable eruption. We suggest that both of them are part of a unique eruption, and that the sudden decay is due to collisions that de-excite theOHmaser, when it reaches the Cometopause region located at 1.35 × 105kmfrom the nucleus.

Closing the GAP—A 5Å Scanning Microscope

1969 ◽  
Vol 27 ◽  
pp. 6-7
Author(s):  
A. V. Crewe
Keyword(s):  
Normal Form ◽  
The Other ◽  
Resolving Power ◽  
Scanning Microscope ◽  
Conventional Microscope ◽  
Other Hand ◽  
Closing The Gap ◽  
Thermal Sources ◽  
Better Than ◽  
Transmission Microscope

We have become accustomed to differentiating between the scanning microscope and the conventional transmission microscope according to the resolving power which the two instruments offer. The conventional microscope is capable of a point resolution of a few angstroms and line resolutions of periodic objects of about 1Å. On the other hand, the scanning microscope, in its normal form, is not ordinarily capable of a point resolution better than 100Å. Upon examining reasons for the 100Å limitation, it becomes clear that this is based more on tradition than reason, and in particular, it is a condition imposed upon the microscope by adherence to thermal sources of electrons.

Life Beyond 1MeV

1980 ◽  
Vol 38 ◽  
pp. 30-33
Author(s):  
K.H. Westmacott
Keyword(s):  
Electron Microscopy ◽  
Past Experience ◽  
The Other ◽  
Good Case ◽  
Other Hand ◽  
The U.S

Life beyond 1MeV – like life after 40 – is not too different unless one takes advantage of past experience and is receptive to new opportunities. At first glance, the returns on performing electron microscopy at voltages greater than 1MeV diminish rather rapidly as the curves which describe the well-known advantages of HVEM often tend towards saturation. However, in a country with a significant HVEM capability, a good case can be made for investing in instruments with a range of maximum accelerating voltages. In this regard, the 1.5MeV KRATOS HVEM being installed in Berkeley will complement the other 650KeV, 1MeV, and 1.2MeV instruments currently operating in the U.S. One other consideration suggests that 1.5MeV is an optimum voltage machine – Its additional advantages may be purchased for not much more than a 1MeV instrument. On the other hand, the 3MeV HVEM's which seem to be operated at 2MeV maximum, are much more expensive.

Can the Academic Self-Concept be Positive and Realistic?

2005 ◽  
Vol 19 (3) ◽  
pp. 129-132 ◽  
Author(s):  
Reimer Kornmann
Keyword(s):  
Academic Performance ◽  
Opposite Effect ◽  
Self Esteem ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
The Other ◽  
Self Concept ◽  
High Ability ◽  
Self Image ◽  
Other Hand

Summary: My comment is basically restricted to the situation in which less-able students find themselves and refers only to literature in German. From this point of view I am basically able to confirm Marsh's results. It must, however, be said that with less-able pupils the opposite effect can be found: Levels of self-esteem in these pupils are raised, at least temporarily, by separate instruction, academic performance however drops; combined instruction, on the other hand, leads to improved academic performance, while levels of self-esteem drop. Apparently, the positive self-image of less-able pupils who receive separate instruction does not bring about the potential enhancement of academic performance one might expect from high-ability pupils receiving separate instruction. To resolve the dilemma, it is proposed that individual progress in learning be accentuated, and that comparisons with others be dispensed with. This fosters a self-image that can in equal measure be realistic and optimistic.

Stories and the Self

2020 ◽  
Vol 32 (2) ◽  
pp. 47-58 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stefan Krause ◽  
Markus Appel
Keyword(s):  
Meta Analysis ◽  
The Self ◽  
The Other ◽  
Lower Degree ◽  
Contrast Effects ◽  
Self Perception ◽  
Self Perceptions ◽  
Other Hand ◽  
The One ◽  
Implicit And Explicit

Abstract. Two experiments examined the influence of stories on recipients’ self-perceptions. Extending prior theory and research, our focus was on assimilation effects (i.e., changes in self-perception in line with a protagonist’s traits) as well as on contrast effects (i.e., changes in self-perception in contrast to a protagonist’s traits). In Experiment 1 ( N = 113), implicit and explicit conscientiousness were assessed after participants read a story about either a diligent or a negligent student. Moderation analyses showed that highly transported participants and participants with lower counterarguing scores assimilate the depicted traits of a story protagonist, as indicated by explicit, self-reported conscientiousness ratings. Participants, who were more critical toward a story (i.e., higher counterarguing) and with a lower degree of transportation, showed contrast effects. In Experiment 2 ( N = 103), we manipulated transportation and counterarguing, but we could not identify an effect on participants’ self-ascribed level of conscientiousness. A mini meta-analysis across both experiments revealed significant positive overall associations between transportation and counterarguing on the one hand and story-consistent self-reported conscientiousness on the other hand.

Don’t Put Me in This Group

2019 ◽  
Vol 50 (2) ◽  
pp. 80-93
Author(s):  
Jort de Vreeze ◽  
Christina Matschke
Keyword(s):  
Positive Emotions ◽  
Negative Emotions ◽  
Negative Information ◽  
The Self ◽  
The Other ◽  
Other Hand ◽  
Group Memberships

Abstract. Not all group memberships are self-chosen. The current research examines whether assignments to non-preferred groups influence our relationship with the group and our preference for information about the ingroup. It was expected and found that, when people are assigned to non-preferred groups, they perceive the group as different to the self, experience negative emotions about the assignment and in turn disidentify with the group. On the other hand, when people are assigned to preferred groups, they perceive the group as similar to the self, experience positive emotions about the assignment and in turn identify with the group. Finally, disidentification increases a preference for negative information about the ingroup.

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