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In this article, we address sparse bounds for a class of spectral multipliers that include oscillating multipliers on stratified Lie groups. Our results can be applied to obtain weighted bounds for general Riesz means and for solutions of dispersive equations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Telemedicine-assisted buprenorphine (BNX) induction (TABI) has the potential to reduce the treatment gap for opioid use disorder. Aim: This study investigated the acceptability and feasibility of TABI in India. This was a retrospective study from a specialized addiction treatment center in a teaching hospital. Methods: TABI was introduced in November 2022; patients enrolled till May 2023 were included in the analysis. Feasibility was assessed by the proportion of patients who completed the TABI program, continued treatment for at least 3 months, and self-reported nonprescription opioid use during and after TABI. Acceptability was measured by patient satisfaction with TABI. Results: Sixty patients were enrolled: Fifty-three patients (88.3%) were retained during the TABI program, and 50 patients (83.3%) remained in treatment at the 3-month follow-up. Thirty-five patients (58.3%) reported using nonprescription opioids during TABI, and 28 patients (46.7%) reported such use after completing the program. Thirty-five (58.3%) were satisfied with the program, and 15 (25%) said they would recommend it to others. Patients who missed scheduled in-person appointments (P < .001) at 1 week, did not return unused BNX-naloxone (P < .001), and were not satisfied (P = .004) were more likely to report nonprescription opioid use. Those who attended the in-person follow-up at 1 week (P = .004) and were satisfied (P = .01) and did not use nonprescription opioids either during (P = .003) or after (P < .001) TABI were more likely to be retained in treatment at 3 months. Conclusion: The study shows TABI's acceptability and feasibility in a specialized addiction treatment setting; further research is needed for broader applicability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

India faces a significant challenge with alcohol misuse, as evidenced by the national survey revealing that 57 million out of 160 million persons with alcohol use exhibit harmful or dependent patterns, necessitating professional assistance. The Global Status Report on Alcohol and Health (2018) indicates a rising per capita alcohol consumption in the Southeast Asian Region, with India contributing substantially. To address this, implementing policies and programs to curb hazardous alcohol use is crucial. Despite a shortage of mental health professionals in India, they remain the primary caregivers for those with alcohol-related issues. Only one in five individuals with problematic alcohol use can access professional help. I argue for adopting Screening and Brief Intervention (SBI) to bridge this healthcare gap. SBI is a concise, structured counseling approach that proves effective and scalable. It can be delivered by various healthcare providers, including doctors, nurses, counselors, and paramedics. Hence, it can be seamlessly integrated into primary care, emergency, and nonclinical settings. The efficacy of SBI extends to electronic formats, providing a scope of expansion through telehealth. The WHO advocates SBI by its SAFER initiative aimed at reducing negative alcohol-associated health and social consequences. SBI is effective across age groups, including adolescents and young adults, constituting most of India's population. Emerging evidence suggests that SBI is acceptable, feasible, and effective in the Indian context. Universal or targeted SBI can be a pivotal tool in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (2030) and global commitments for noncommunicable diseases, fortifying efforts to prevent and treat alcohol misuse. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study monitors chronological changes (1922–36 to 2023) in channel morphological status of the Mayurakshi River in Eastern India using the index of Geomorphic Status (GS). It encompasses Changes in Sedimentary Units (SU), Changes in Sediment Availability (SA), Changes in Bar Stability (BS) and Changes in Channel Flow (CF). The Index of Geomorphic Status (GS) reveals a sharp morphological degradation of the Mayurakshi River in the recent past. Therefore, a detailed checklist of channel width, bed-level, configuration dynamics and channel connectivity was prepared to identify medium- and short-term Channel Adjustment (CA). The study reveals that instream sand mining and structural interventions coupled with low discharge are the key factors hindering channel morphological recovery. Finally, a new Channel Recovery Potential Index (CRP) has been proposed by considering short-term channel adjustment, sediment connectivity, geomorphological setup and anthropogenic stresses. Preferred alternatives and optional groups assessed from the AHP-TOPSIS and AHP-VIKOR models were used to quantify the channel Recovery Potential. Outcome of the study reveals that reach 1 has more chance of channel recovery (TOPSIS: 0.77 and VIKOR: 0.00) compared to other sectors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The research of hybrid composites' machinability is an intricate modern trend. Industries then evaluate the surface finish of the machined surfaces to ensure they are up to snuff with the needs of the applications. Therefore, the purpose of this research is to examine the machinability performance of AA8014 workpieces (welded by friction stir processing (FSP) with hybrid reinforcement of Titanium diboride and Zirconium dioxide at CNC vertical milling centre, including material removal rate and surface finish (surface roughness). By changing the reinforcement percentage from 4 to 10%, the tool rotational speed from 1000 to 1600 rpm, the traverse speed of the tool head from 4 mm/min setting to 5 mm/min setting, and the axial force from 3 to 4 kN at four levels, we were able to weld the samples with 16 different combinations (L16 orthogonal array) of FSP parameters settings. Taguchi analysis and planning were used to optimize the pace of material removal and smooth out the surface. After milling, the weldment's maximum material removal rate was measured at 2.48 mm3/min, and its minimum surface roughness was measured at 1.84 m. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Pregabalin, approved for various medical conditions, has shown increasing misuse potential globally. However, limited research exists on pregabalin dependence in India. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and characteristics of pregabalin dependence among individuals seeking substance use disorder (SUD) treatment in North India. Methods: A cross-sectional, analytical study was conducted on patients enrolled between August 2022 and July 2023 at an academic institution-based addiction treatment center. Case records of patients with pregabalin dependence were retrieved and compared with controls with opioid dependence but no history of pregabalin use. Results: Among 3766 registered patients, 135 had pregabalin dependence (prevalence: 3.58 per 100 registered patients). Pregabalin-dependent patients were male, with a median usage duration of eight months and a median daily dose of 1200 mg. Most had concurrent opioid dependence, primarily heroin, used via the injection route. The odds of pregabalin dependence among those with opioid dependence were significantly higher than those with other substance dependence (OR 1.44, 95% CI 1.13-1.85). Reasons for pregabalin use included opioid craving reduction, sedation, and euphoria. Patients with pregabalin dependence were more likely to have lower socioeconomic status (P < 0.0001) and urban residence (P = 0.032), an earlier age of substance use initiation (P = 0.02) and treatment seeking (P < 0.0001), and a higher co-occurrence of psychiatric disorders (P = 0.007) and less occurrence of alcohol dependence (P = 0.03). Conclusion: Findings underscore the need for heightened awareness, screening, and intervention efforts targeting pregabalin misuse within SUD treatment. Further research should focus on longitudinal studies to elucidate pregabalin dependence's trajectory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Insect mitochondrial genomes (mitogenomes) are usually represented by a conserved gene order. Whiteflies exhibit gene rearrangement in their mitogenomes; however, understanding how nucleotide substitution rates shape gene rearrangement in whiteflies is unclear due to the limited number of mitogenomes. Additionally, the mechanisms by which selection pressure drives adaptations in mitochondrial genes in the two subfamilies of whiteflies are not yet known. Here, we analyzed 18 whitefly mitogenomes, including one newly generated mitogenome, to compare nucleotide substitution rates, selection pressure, and gene arrangements. The newly generated mitogenome is reported along with reannotation of Pealius mori and comparisons to other whitefly mitogenomes. Comparative studies on nucleotide composition of 18 whiteflies revealed the positive GC skewness, confirming the reversal of strand asymmetry. We found 11 rearranged gene orders within two subfamilies of whiteflies with 8–18 breakpoints of gene rearrangements. Members of the subfamily Aleyrodinae exhibit more complex pathways in the evolution of gene order as compared to the subfamily Aleurodicinae. Our findings also revealed that the increase or reduction of nucleotide substitution rates does not have an impact on any of the gene rearrangement scenarios depicting neutral correlation. Selection pressure analysis revealed that the mitogenomes from members of both the subfamilies Aleurodicinae and Aleyrodinae are characterized by intense purifying selection pressure.Highlights: Annotation and characterization of newly generated mitogenome of Aleurothrixus floccosus (Aleyrodinae). Re-annotation of the unpublished Pealius mori. No correlation between the gene arrangement and nucleotide substitution rate. Intense purifying selection pressure deaccelerates the gene arrangement in both subfamilies of whiteflies. Positive GC skewness in whiteflies confirmed the reversal of strand asymmetry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Given the accumulating research, evolving psychosocial treatment, and equivocal findings, updating WHO's Mental Health Gap Action Programme-2015 was necessary to ensure guidelines reflect effective strategies for alcohol use disorder (AUD). Objective: To estimate the effects of psychosocial interventions on drinking and related outcomes. Methods: We included randomized controlled trials published between January 2015 and June 2022 on adults with alcohol dependence (ICD 10/DSM-IV) and moderate to severe AUD (DSM-5), and those examined psychosocial interventions against treatment-as-usual (TAU) and active controls. Eight databases and registries were searched. Relative Risk (RR) and standardized mean difference (SMD) were used for dichotomous and continuous outcomes. We used Cochrane's risk of bias assessment (RoB2). Results: Of 873 screened records, 14 and 13 studies in the narrative synthesis and meta-analysis. Of the 2,575 participants, 71.5% were men. Thirteen studies used ICD 10/DSM IV diagnosis. Compared to TAU, any psychosocial intervention increased the relative risk of abstinence by 28% [N = 7, RR = 1.28, 95% CI: 1.07 to 1.53, p =.01, NNT = 9]. There were minimal heterogeneity and no evidence of publication bias. Psychosocial interventions were not effective in reducing the drinking frequency (n = 2, Hedge's g = −0.10, 95% CI: −0.46 to 0.26, p =.57) and drinks/drinking days (N = 5, g = −0.10, 95% CI: −0.37 to 0.16, p =.43). Treatment discontinuation did not differ between intervention and control groups [RR = 1.09, 95% CI: 0.66 to 1.80]. Conclusion: Psychosocial interventions are effective in improving abstinence but not in reducing drinking frequency or amount. Policymakers must consider this evidence to generate AUD treatment guidelines. Registration: PROSPERO 2022 CRD42022342608 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Understanding pathways to dual diagnosis (DD) care will help organize DD services and facilitate training and referral across healthcare sectors. Aim: The aim of our study was to characterize the stepwise healthcare and other contacts among patients with DD, compare the characteristics of the first contact persons with common mental disorder (CMD) versus severe mental illness (SMI), and estimate the likelihood of receiving appropriate DD treatment across levels of contacts. Methods: This cross-sectional, descriptive study in eight Indian centers included newly enrolled patients with DD between April 2022 and February 2023. The research spans varied geographic regions, tapping into regional variations in disease burden, health practices, and demographics. The study categorized healthcare contacts by using the WHO Pathways Encounter Form. Results: The sample (n = 589) had a median age of 32 years, mostly males (96%). Alcohol was the most common substance; SMI (50.8%) and CMD were equally represented. Traditional healers were a common first contact choice (18.5%); however, integrated DD care dominated subsequent contacts. Assistance likelihood increased from the first to the second contact (23.1% to 62.1%) but declined in subsequent contacts, except for a significant rise in the fifth contact (97.4%). In the initial contact, patients with CMD sought help from public-general hospitals and private practitioners for SUD symptoms; individuals with SMI leaned on relatives and sought out traditional healers for psychiatric symptoms. Conclusion: Recognizing the cultural nuances, advocating for integrated care, and addressing systemic challenges pave the way to bridge the gap in DD treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We aimed to examine whether treatment retention, abstinence, and adherence to buprenorphine-naloxone (BNX) differ among individuals with opioid dependence (OD) across three common categories of opioids- heroin, opium, and low-potency pharmaceutical. In a retrospective cohort study, we analyzed outpatient treatment records from March 2020 through February 2022. Opioid category was determined by lifetime and current opioid use. We defined treatment retention as weeks of uninterrupted clinic attendance. Abstinence and BNX adherence were calculated by weeks of extra-medical opioid-negative and buprenorphine-positive urine screening from treatment initiation. Four-hundred-thirteen patients were eligible; 406 (98.3%) were included in the final analysis. Two-hundred-ninety (71.4%) patients were dependent on heroin; 66 (16.3%) were natural opioid dependent, and 50 (12.3%) were dependent on low-potency pharmaceutical opioids. BNX effectiveness in treatment retention, abstinence, and adherence did not differ in patients dependent on heroin, natural, and low-potency pharmaceutical opioids. Patients on ≥8 mg daily BNX had better retention and adherence than those on <8 mg daily. Patients from lower socioeconomic status (SES) had higher odds of retention, abstinence, and adherence than those from upper/middle SES. Treatment outcomes on BNX did not differ across opioid categories. However, BNX should be dosed adequately. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Substance use disorders (SUDs) are among the leading causes of morbidity in the population. In low- and medium-income countries like India, there is a wide treatment gap for SUD. A multicentric study on the care pathways for SUD in India can help to understand service provision, service utilization, and challenges to improve existing SUD care in India. Aim: We aimed to map pathways to care in SUD. We compared the clinical and demographic characteristics of patients who first consulted specialized services versus other medical services. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study of consecutive, consenting adults (18-65 years) with SUD registered to each of the nine participating addiction treatment services distributed across five Indian regions. We adapted the World Health Organization's pathway encounter form. Results: Of the 998 participants, 98% were males, 49.4% were rural, and 20% were indigenous population. Addiction services dominated initial (50%) and subsequent (60%) healthcare contacts. One in five contacted private for-profit healthcare. Primary care contact was rare (5/998). Diverse approaches included traditional healers (4-6%) and self-medication (2-8%). There was a 3-year delay in first contact; younger, educated individuals with opioid dependence preferred specialized services. Conclusion: There is a need to strengthen public healthcare infrastructure and delivery systems and integrate SUD treatment into public healthcare. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The thrips fauna of Jammu and Kashmir is known for 21 species of suborder Terebrantia, while there are no known species of suborder Tubulifera till now. Two Phaleothripid genera, Bolothrips Priesner of the subfamily Idolothripinae and Cephalothrips Uzel of the subfamily Phaleothripinae are reported for the first time from India as well as for the Oriental region. These include Bolothrips dentipes (Reuter) and Cephalothrips monilicornis Uzel, and were collected in the year 1984 from Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) on grasses. Detailed diagnostic notes, material examined, distribution, and illustrations for these new records are also provided. Furthermore, the thrips fauna of Jammu and Kashmir has not been thoroughly studied, necessitating additional surveys to identify thrips species in this unexplored region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, we obtain Hessian estimates for Kolmogorov–Fokker–Planck operators in non-divergence form in several Banach function spaces. Our approach relies on a representation formula and newly developed sparse domination techniques in harmonic analysis. Our result when restricted to weighted Lebesgue spaces yields sharp quantitative Hessian estimates for the Kolmogorov–Fokker–Planck operators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents the discussion on exploring the potential of shared decision-making (SDM) to enhance tobacco cessation efforts by involving patients more actively in their healthcare decisions. Topics include principles of SDM, its distinction from informed decision-making, and various models of SDM applied across different health conditions to improve patient outcomes and engagement.

Background: Psychosocial interventions help maintain alcohol abstinence. Third-wave psychotherapies have emerged as an alternative to cognitive behavioral therapies for Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) treatment. However, third-wave therapies have not been tested in non-western settings or via telehealth. Aim: We assessed the acceptability and feasibility of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) in moderate/severe AUD. Methods: This was a pre- and post-study design. All those who met the eligibility (n = 40) criteria consented to participate. A trained nurse delivered four sessions of ACT, either in-person or via video-conferencing, per participants' preference. Alcohol use, craving, relapse signs, and psychological flexibility were assessed three months post-intervention. Results: Twenty-eight participants (70%) attended all four sessions. There was a significant increase in abstinence and a decrease in alcohol use, frequency of drinking/heavy drinking, craving, relapse signs, and improved psychological flexibility. Outcomes were positive for either mode of delivery. Conclusion: ACT is feasible, acceptable, and probably effective in AUD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, we establish pointwise sparse domination results for Grushin pseudo-multipliers corresponding to various symbol classes, as a continuation of our investigation initiated in Bagchi et al. (J Fourier Anal Appl 29(3): 1–38, 2023). As a consequence, we deduce quantitative weighted estimates for these pseudo-multipliers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The inflation of hyperelastic thin shells is a highly nonlinear problem that arises in multiple important engineering applications. It is characterised by severe kinematic and constitutive nonlinearities and is subject to various forms of instabilities. To accurately simulate this challenging problem, we present an isogeometric approach to compute the inflation and associated large deformation of hyperelastic thin shells following the Kirchhoff–Love hypothesis. Both the geometry and the deformation field are discretized using Catmull–Clark subdivision bases which provide the required C 1 -continuous finite element approximation. To follow the complex nonlinear response exhibited by hyperelastic thin shells, inflation is simulated incrementally, and each incremental step is solved using the Newton–Raphson method enriched with arc-length control. An eigenvalue analysis of the linear system after each incremental step assesses the possibility of bifurcation to a lower energy mode upon loss of stability. The proposed method is first validated using benchmark problems and then applied to engineering applications, where the ability to simulate large deformation and associated complex instabilities is clearly demonstrated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The work of Massarelli et al. is well known for popularizing t-FAMMIF, however to the best of our knowledge bilateral flap has never been harvested and inset together to reconstruct a composite defect. Larger unilateral flaps have been reported in literature but to harvest such a flap in patients of S.E Asian region would entail high propensity for trismus in the post op period as they have tendency for submucosal fibrosis owing to their guthka (chewing tobacco) chewing habits. Oral submucous fibrosis is contra-indication for this flap; however, some of our patients despite being chronic abusers of guthka do not have clinical presentation of OSMF and if the defect post ablation is appropriate are chosen to be candidates for reconstruction with the flap. In this select population harvesting larger flaps can potentially lead to trismus, a fact highlighted in the paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE) is a chronic inflammatory disorder of autoimmune origin. It has got both oral and cutaneous manifestations. Case presentation: We present here one case of disseminated DLE with both skin and oral manifestations, along with an exhaustive discussion of the clinical, histological and immunological features to rule out the differential diagnoses. Management: The oral manifestations of lupus erythematosus are very similar to other oral lesions such as lichen planus, lichenoid reactions, GVHD, chronic junctional stomatitis and squamous cell carcinoma. Hence, a biopsy is needed to accurately establish the diagnosis and start appropriate treatment. Conclusion: Definitive diagnosis is arrived based on the information compiled from clinical, histopathological assessments, serum and urine tests, rheumatological evaluation and advanced diagnostic modalities like direct immunofluorescence tests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Psychosocial interventions help maintain alcohol abstinence. Third-wave psychotherapies have emerged as an alternative to cognitive behavioral therapies for Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) treatment. However, third-wave therapies have not been tested in non-western settings or via telehealth. Aim: We assessed the acceptability and feasibility of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) in moderate/severe AUD. Methods: This was a pre- and post-study design. All those who met the eligibility (n = 40) criteria consented to participate. A trained nurse delivered four sessions of ACT, either in-person or via video-conferencing, per participants' preference. Alcohol use, craving, relapse signs, and psychological flexibility were assessed three months post-intervention. Results: Twenty-eight participants (70%) attended all four sessions. There was a significant increase in abstinence and a decrease in alcohol use, frequency of drinking/heavy drinking, craving, relapse signs, and improved psychological flexibility. Outcomes were positive for either mode of delivery. Conclusion: ACT is feasible, acceptable, and probably effective in AUD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cannabis misuse and opioid use disorder (OUD) are highly comorbid but under-treated and associated with poorer outcomes. This paper reports a double-blind, parallel-group randomized controlled trial to determine the efficacy of single-session, clinician-delivered screening and brief intervention (SBI) for reducing cannabis risk. The primary outcome was the cannabis-specific Alcohol, Smoking, and Substance Involvement Screening Test (ASSIST) scores, measured at three-month post-intervention. The secondary objectives were to determine the efficacy of SBI in reducing the frequency of cannabis use, in risk transition from moderate to low risk, and in prescription and non-prescription opioid use. One hundred forty-three participants were randomly allocated to receive either SBI (n = 72) or control (n = 71) interventions. We performed Per-protocol (PP) (n = 125) and Intention-to-treat (ITT) analysis (n = 143). We adjusted our analysis for age, sex, and baseline ASSIST score. The ITT showed that the SBI group had a significant reduction (F = 39.46, p <.001, Effect size 0.22) in the mean ASSIST at follow-up. PP analyses too revealed a similar positive effect of SBI (F = 53.1; p <.001, Effect size 0.31). At follow-up, the SBI group had a higher number of days of cannabis abstinence. Care providers and policymakers may consider SBI for cannabis use in individuals on medications for OUD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The past two decades have seen significant debate around cannabis legalization globally, including in India. Since there is no data on professionals’ attitudes toward cannabis legalization; we aimed to assess early-career psychiatrists (ECP) views on cannabis legalization. Methods: An online survey consisting of questions regarding personal and socio-demographic details, attitudes toward legalization of medicinal cannabis and recreational cannabis, and potential indications of medicinal cannabis use was distributed to ECPs. Data from 105 respondents were analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-square test, and t-test. Results: More respondents agreed with the legalization of medical cannabis (55%) as compared to recreational cannabis (23%). More than 80% ECPs considered cannabis to be associated with psychosis and adverse mental health outcomes; however, those in favor of legalization considered cannabis to be less harmful. ECP with past cannabis use was more likely to have a permissive attitude toward the legalization of recreational cannabis (χ2 =6.79, p < .05) but not for medicinal cannabis use (χ² =1.96, p > .05). Conclusion: ECP in India are open to the idea of legalizing cannabis for medicinal purposes but not for recreational purposes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Google Trends provides an easily accessible and cost-effective method of providing real-time insight into user interest. to address the gap in UK prevalence data for e-cigarettes by analyzing Google Trends to identify correlations with official data from Action on Smoking and Health. The study further evaluates Google Trend's sensitivity to real-time events and the ability for predictive models to forecast future data based on Google Trends. UK Google Trends data from 2012 to 2021 was analyzed to assess (a) the most popular electronic nicotine device terminology; (b) statistically significant points in time; (c) correlations between Relative Search Volumes and official reports on electronic cigarette use and (d) whether Google Trends could predict future patterns in data. These were achieved using Locally Weighted Scatterplot Smoothing regression, Pruned Exact Linear Time Method, cross correlation, and Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average algorithms respectively. "Vape" was revealed to be the most popular electronic nicotine device terminology with a correlation coefficient greater than +0.9 when compared to official electronic cigarette consumption data within a one-year timescale (lag 0). Results from ARIMA modeling were varied with the algorithms forecasted trends line occasionally lying outside of a 95% prediction interval. Google Trends may correspond to population-based prevalence of electronic cigarette use. The changing trends coincide with changing policy decisions. Google Trends based prediction for online interest in electronic cigarettes requires further validation so should currently be used in conjunction with other traditional methods of data collections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and aim: Emerging literature suggests the role of social media in substance use disorders (SUD). This study aimed to explore the content of YouTube videos for persons on SUD treatment/recovery, describing the users' exposure and engagement metrics and understanding viewers' perspectives. Methods: We generated a set of 10 key phrases to search on YouTube. Eighty eligible videos were analyzed using a mixed-methods approach. Content analysis of all videos and thematic analysis of 30 videos were done using the three most viewed videos from each key phrase. The reliability of videos was assessed using a modified DISCERN. The total number of views, likes, dislikes, and comments were noted and created engagement metrics. The linguistic analysis of viewers' comments was done to assess their perspectives. Results: Sixty-three (78.8%) videos were from the US, and 59 (73.8%) were intended for persons or families with substance misuse. Persons in recovery uploaded 23 (28.7%) videos. We identified five themes – reasons for using drugs, symptoms of addiction, consequences of drug use, how to stop drug use, and expressed tone in the language. The positivity and relative positivity ratios were highest for videos developed by persons in recovery. There was a negative correlation between the relative positivity ratio and content fostering internalized stigma. Words with negative emotional experiences dominated the viewers' comments. Conclusion: YouTube content on SUD treatment and recovery is popular and revolves around the biopsychosocial understanding of addiction. There is an urgent need for a language policy and regulation of non-scientific content. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Tabanidae (Horse-Flies or Deer-Flies) are one of the most economically important as well as medically significant haematophagous insect family within the order Diptera. Members of this group are also responsible for the mortality of substantial number of live-stock every year. Due to their pathogen transmission potential and vector competencies makes them an important insect group to study. Till now, mitochondrial genome of 18 species of tabanids were available. Methods and results: The complete mitogenome of three species T. diversifrons (15,809 bp), T. rubidus (15,878 bp) and T. tenens (15,872 bp) were generated by Next generation sequencing method. They consist 37 genes, with a positive AT skew and a negative GC skew. The gene order of these three species is similar to the typical gene arrangement of infra-order Tabanomorpha. Most of the tRNAs showed typical clover-leaf secondary structure except trnS1, which lacks the DHU arm. The sliding window analysis showed that the nad4L is the most conserved while atp8, and nad6 are the most variable genes. Moreover, the ratios of non-synonymous to synonymous substitution rates indicated that all PCGs under the purifying selection. Phylogeny revealed Chrysops and Haematopota are monophyletic while species of Hybomitra are nested within the polyphyletic clade of Tabanus. T. diversifrons exhibits sister relationship with Atylotus miser. Two morphologically divergent species T. rubidus and T. tenens are found to be genetically similar and indistinguishable by mitochondrial genome. Conclusions: The hypervariable genes like atp8 and nad6 can be used as molecular markers for the identification of recently diverged lineages of family Tabanidae. Further, to address uncertainties arising from the two morphological divergent species, it is imperative to obtain data from nuclear gene markers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: One-third of people living with HIV (PLHIV) have alcohol misuse or alcohol use disorders which negatively affect course and outcome of HIV. Objectives: The meta-analysis sought to evaluate the effectiveness of brief interventions (BI) on alcohol and HIV outcomes in PLHIV with alcohol misuse. Methods: We included clinical trials published between 1990 and September 2022 on adults with harmful/hazardous alcohol use; only randomized clinical trials (RCTs) were included in the meta-analysis. We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Clinical Trials.Gov, and the World Health Organization's International Clinical Trials Registry Platform databases. Cochrane's risk-of-bias assessment was used. Results: Eighteen studies were included in the narrative synthesis, and a meta-analysis could be performed on 13 studies. Among the included RCTs, seven showed a low risk and two showed a high risk of bias; others showed some concerns. There was no evidence of publication bias. Compared to the control, BI significantly reduces the drinks per drinking day (N = 5, Hedge's g= −0.45, 95%CI = −0.58, −0.32) and the number of heavy drinking days (N = 4, Hedge'sg = −0.81, 95% CI= −0.94, −0.67) between 3–6 months post-intervention. BI also reduces the odds of mortality by 42% (N = 7, OR = 0.58, 95% CI = 0.34, 0.99) in 6–12 months. BI does not change the alcohol risk scores and transition to harmful alcohol use; it does not improve adherence to Anti-Retroviral Therapy and increase viral suppression. Conclusion: Policymakers must introduce and scale up integrated screening and brief intervention services within HIV clinics and primary care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Surface treatments have been vastly used in the manufacturing industry to improve the life of tool materials. Plasma nitriding (PN) is widely used because it allows controlling the surface microstructure mainly by the formation of a compound layer and N2 diffusion layer. Duplex surface treatments are new solutions for tools, combining the advantages of PN and physical vapor deposition (PVD) coatings by magnetron sputtering, looking for still better performance while at service. This investigation is an attempt to study the surface properties of AISI D2 steel with two different substrate conditions (as-received and heat-treated), tailored by duplex plasma treatment with a variation of PN duration (6, 12 and 24 h) followed by PVD of TiN coating. Surface properties and phase identification of the duplex-treated samples have been made by SEM and XRD. Other properties such as surface roughness, microhardness and wear resistance were evaluated by a surface profilometer, a Vickers microhardness tester and a ball-on-disk setup, respectively. The results indicated higher microhardness and wear resistance values for every heat-treated surface compared with the as-received samples. PN 6 h duplex treated had the highest microhardness and wear resistance properties among all. It is remarkable that the initial surface condition, N2 diffusion layer and compound layer play a decisive role in enhancing the load-carrying and wear resistance capability of duplex-treated samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Buprenorphine (BUP) effectively suppresses non-prescription opioid use and increases treatment retention in opioid use disorder (OUD). However, short prescription length may interfere with treatment retention and recovery. We wanted to examine whether the outcomes of BUP treatment differ in high (HPL up to 4 wk) and low-prescription (LPL 1–2 wk) length groups. We compared time to treatment discontinuation (TD), non-prescription opioid-positive urine screen, buprenorphine-negative urine screen, and self-reported non-prescription opioid use between two different cohorts of LPL (case record: June 2018 to August 2019; n = 105; observation endpoint: 31 October 2019) and HPL groups (case record: June 2020 to Aug 2021; n = 133; observation endpoint: 31 October 2021). We used Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and log-rank tests for between-group comparisons. We used Cox regression analysis to adjust for age, opioid potency, comorbidities, family income, and marital status. Subjects' age and buprenorphine dose were significantly lower, and the percentage of high-potency opioid users was significantly higher in the LPL group. In the unadjusted survival analysis, the median time to BUP discontinuation in the HPL was longer than that of the LPL [LPL= 22.4 ± 4.3 wk; HPL = 33.1 ± 8.5 wk; χ2(1)= 5.7; p=.02]. The survival distributions of other outcomes did not differ between groups. When adjusted for covariates, neither the prescription length nor other covariates independently predicted any treatment outcome. Higher prescription length might be associated with longer treatment retention. We provide preliminary evidence to support greater flexibility in BUP treatment, enhancing its scalability and attractiveness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Opioid dependence affects several neurocognitive domains, which can negatively affect the treatment outcome. Examining the relationship between neurocognitive functions and short-term treatment retention in subjects on buprenorphine-naloxone-based agonist treatment. We recruited 56 subjects (aged between 18 and 45 years) registered between March 2017 and December 2017. We excluded subjects dependent on other substances (except cannabis and tobacco), along with medical and other psychiatric comorbidities. During the first week of the agonist treatment, we assessed executive function, decision-making, attention, psychomotor speed, and working memory with the Wisconsin card sorting test (WCST), Iowa gambling test (IGT), and Trail making and verbal and visual N-back tests. Treatment retention was assessed after 12 weeks. The mean age of the subjects was 26 (±5.9) years. Twenty-eight (50%) subjects were retained in the treatment. Neurocognitive functions at the treatment entry did not differ between subjects retained in the treatment and those who dropped out. A higher severity and lower duration of dependence and use were associated with higher treatment discontinuation. The regression model, with the cognitive functions and significant clinical variables, could explain 38% variance for treatment retention. Neurocognitive functions at the treatment entry did not predict retention in opioid agonist treatment. There is some evidence of baseline cognitive functions predicting treatment retention in substance use disorders We wanted to test it in a group of patients on buprenorphine (naloxone)-based agonist management Relevant clinical and demographic variables were controlled for Executive functions, decision-making, attention, psychomotor speed, and working memory at the treatment entry did not predict retention at the end of three months Longer duration of opioid use (and dependence) was associated with better treatment retention [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and objectives: Substance use in women is associated with unique psycho-social and physical vulnerabilities and poses complex challenges during pregnancy and motherhood. Gender-sensitive drug policy which considers the needs of women and their children could address these concerns. The objectives of this study were: (1) to systematically explore national-level drug policies' sensitivity and responsiveness to women, pregnant women, and children; and (2) to examine the adherence of drug policies with international guidelines for gender sensitivity in drug policy. Methods: The research team was diverse professional backgrounds and nine countries. A summative content analysis of national drug policy documents, action plans, and strategies was performed. Specific documents focusing on women, pregnancy, and children were analysed. Specific themes and how frequently they appeared in the documents were identified. This quantification was an attempt to explore usage indicating the relative focus of the policies. A thematic map was developed to understand how national-level drug policies conceive and address specific concerns related to women who use drugs. We adapted the UNODC checklist for gender mainstreaming to assess policies' adherence to international guidelines. Results: Twenty published documents from nine countries were reviewed. The common themes that emerged for women, pregnancy, and children were needs assessment, prevention, treatment, training, supply reduction, and collaboration and coordination. Custody of children was a unique theme for pregnant women. Specific psycho-social concerns and social reintegration were special themes for women, whereas legislation, harm reduction, research, and resource allocation were children-specific additional themes. For women-specific content analysis, special issues/concerns in women with drug misuse, need assessment, and prevention were the three most frequent themes; for the children-specific policies, prevention, training, and treatment comprised the three most occurring themes. For pregnant women/pregnancy, prevention, treatment, and child custody were the highest occurring themes. According to ratings of the countries' policies, there is limited adherence to international guidelines which ensure activities are in sync with the specific needs of women, pregnant women and their children. Conclusion: Our analysis should help policymakers revise, update and adapt national policies to ensure they are gender-responsive and address the needs of women, pregnant women and their children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We estimated prevalence and severity of substance use in college students from three cities in North India and explored demographic correlates of substance use. This was a cross-sectional online survey. We used Alcohol, Smoking, and Substance Involvement Screening Test (ASSIST). We contacted respondents through social groups. We performed analyses from the original sample, bootstrapped samples, and random subsamples. A total of 229 (58.3%) respondents reported any lifetime substance use. A third of substance-using respondents were female. Alcohol (54.7%), tobacco (40.2%), and cannabis (15%) use were most commonly reported. Prevalence estimates did not differ between original and subsample analyses. A significant proportion of respondents (alcohol 29.7% and amphetamines 66.7%) were at moderate risk level. Male gender, family history of substance use, and commerce stream correlated with substance use. There were positive correlations between tobacco and alcohol and licit and illicit substance use. The study highlights the need for a comprehensive college substance misuse prevention policy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present work, we have demonstrated a highly sensitive H2 gas sensor using a lanthanum doped ZnO (La_ZnO) thin film operated at 300 °C. Also, a p-type to n-type carrier reversal activity is revealed in the presence of H2 gas species, which predominantly depends on the operating temperature and doping concentration of lanthanum. Pure and La_ZnO (1–10 at. %) thin films were successfully synthesized using a sol-gel route, where a 5 at. % lanthanum doped ZnO thin film shows an outstanding H2 gas sensitivity (400%) among all other samples with an optimized temperature of 300 °C. Moreover, this sensor actively responds to a wide H2 gas concentration (10–500 ppm) with a sensitivity of 0.9 (∼n). Additionally, H2 gas sensing selectivity and mixed gas sensing performance were investigated in the presence of CO and CO2 gas species at optimized temperature (300 °C). Results show that the pure and 1–3 at. % La_ZnO thin films exhibited n-type H2 gas sensing, while p-type sensing behavior was observed for 5% and 10% La_ZnO thin films at 300 °C. It is further observed that O− species are extremely active to CO gas species operating at a high operating temperature (>250 °C). Therefore, despite the emerging p-type behavior of the sensor, the ejected electrons are expected to dominantly reduce the sensor resistance in the presence of CO gas species at 350 °C. The improvement of H2 sensing is further interrelated with the defect levels using Raman spectroscopy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The primary purpose of this research is to use a multilayer structure made up of 2D layers of thin film materials with acceptable band alignments for enhanced photoresponse over a wider wavelength range of 300–700 nm. To achieve this, in the present study, a thin layer of WO3 is deposited in In2S3-ZnO. Two steps construct the In2S3-WO3-ZnO nanostructure heterojunction: the RF sputtering process to deposit ZnO and WO3 and the chemical vapor deposition to deposit In2S3 nanoflakes. The continuous hexagonal morphology of the heterojunction shows the highest photocurrent density in the milliampere range. The combined effect of charge carrier separation at the interface and the higher absorption in the entire UV–visible spectral range is responsible for the highest values of performance parameters such as a responsivity value of 440 mA/W, specific detectivity value of 1.0 × 1010 Jones, and external quantum efficiency value of 80%. The In2S3-WO3-ZnO heterojunction shows small internal resistance to charge carriers, leading to the highest photocurrent density with less recombination of charge carriers. This is the best way to enhance the photoresponse across the complete UV–visible spectral range. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: We aimed to assess the service user's acceptability, feasibility, and attitude toward telemedicine practice and compare it with in-person consultation in substance use disorder (SUD). Materials and Methods: We recruited 15 adult patients with SUD who accessed both telemedicine and in-person care. We conducted in-depth interviews on awareness and access, facilitators and barriers, treatment satisfaction, and therapeutic relationship in the telemedicine context. We performed a conventional content analysis of the interview excerpts and used inductive and deductive coding. We assumed that social, personal, and logistic contexts influence patients' perceptions and experiences with telemedicine-based addiction care (TAC). Results: Most participants were middle-aged men (40.5 years, 86.7%), dependent on two or more substances (86.7%), and had a history of chronic, heavy substance use (use ~16 years, dependence ~11.5 years). Patients' perspectives on TAC could broadly be divided into three phases: pre-consultation, consultation, and post-consultation. Patients felt that TAC improved treatment access with adequate autonomy and control; however, there were technical challenges. Patients expressed privacy concerns and feared experiencing stigma during teleconsultation. They reported missing the elaborate inquiry, physical examination, and ritual of visiting their doctors in person. Additionally, personal comfort and technical difficulties determine the satisfaction level with TAC. Overall perception and suitability of TAC and the decision to continue it developed in the post-consultation phase. Conclusion: Our study provides an in-depth insight into the barriers and facilitators of telemedicine-based SUD treatment access, use, and retention; it also helps to understand better the choices and preferences for telehealth care vis-a-vis standard in-person care for SUDs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abacavir Sulfate is a nucleoside analog and reverse transcriptase inhibitor which is used in combination with Lamivudine and Zidovudine for the treatment of HIV and AIDS. Abacavir has higher toxicity levels and is least stable in heat. The specified temperature for the drug was proposed to be not more than 25°C. The present study focuses on the stability-related problem of the ABC. The new synthetic moiety will help to stabilize the drug, it can be used as a pro-drug formulation and can take the present scenario of the market which supplies any anti-retroviral drug. The aim of the current study is to synthesize a novel drug using Schiff base synthesis and perform its structural elucidation by different modes of Instrumental Analysis and perform in silico studies. From the above study, we can conclude that the novel moiety is safe to use as a drug and could be explored furthermore for its use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The intensity of the treatment need for substance use disorders (SUD) varies across individuals and time. Under-treatment leads to poor outcome, and over-treatment increases the cost of care. The present study aimed to determine the predictors for inpatient treatment within the first 6 months of registration in an outpatient treatment program. This was a retrospective cohort study of consecutive patients registered in a multi-disciplinary outpatient treatment program between January 1, 2009, and December 31, 2018, and followed-up at least for 6 months. In the initial 6 months, 407 (15.67%) out of 2597 patients were admitted for inpatient care. The clinical characteristics independently predicting inpatient treatment were absence of maintenance pharmacotherapy (p < 0.001; OR: 3.375; 95% CI: 2.38–4.77), heroin use and injection opioid use (p = 0.001; OR: 1.924; 95% CI: 1.311–2.823 and p = 0.050; OR: 1.635; 95% CI: 1.000–2.673, respectively), presence of co-occurring common mental disorders (p = 0.031; OR: 1.987; 95% CI: 1.065–3.708), severe mental illness (p =.009; OR = 1.727; 95% CI: 1.144–2.605), and greater number and duration of substance use (p = 0.009; OR: 1.303; 95% CI: 1.068–1.591 and p < 0.001; OR: 1.003; 95% CI: 1.002–1.005, respectively). Other clinical and demographic factors that were associated with a higher risk of transition from outpatient to inpatient treatment were unemployment, urban residence, and self-referral to treatment. The risk factors for transition from outpatient to inpatient treatment could help in prioritization of inpatient admission, appropriate patient placement, and making early decisions on level of care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, we prove sharp quantitative weighted L p -estimates for Grushin pseudo-multipliers satisfying Hörmander’s condition as an application of pointwise domination of Grushin pseudo-multipliers by appropriate sparse operators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: We examined the feasibility and acceptability of digital screening and brief intervention (d‐SBI) for alcohol misuse in college students; the effectiveness of d‐SBI was our secondary outcome. We also explored the barriers and facilitators of d‐SBI. Methods: The study design is a mixed‐methods, pilot, and cluster randomized trial. Five colleges from a northern city in India were randomly allocated to d‐SBI and control groups. One hundred and ninety‐one students were screened, and 25 (male = 23 and female = 2) participants (age 19.62 ± 2.58 years) fulfilled eligibility. All participants completed follow‐up assessments at 3 months. In‐depth interviews were done with 11 participants. Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test (AUDIT) based screening brief intervention was provided on a web portal‐ or mobile application in the d‐SBI group. The control group received digital screening and brief education. Direct questions and usage statistics assessed the measurement acceptability of the intervention. We compared the change in AUDIT scores in the intervention groups over 3 months post‐intervention. Thematic analyses of transcripts of interviews were done by inductive coding. Results: Most participants reported that d‐SBI was user‐friendly (80%), advice was appropriate (80%), and perceived it to be useful (72%). Ninety‐six percent of users, who logged in, completed screening. There was a significant decrease in AUDIT scores both in d‐SBI (p <.001) and control groups (p <.001). Time and group significantly affected the mean AUDIT score, but time × group interaction was non‐significant. Thematic analysis revealed six overarching themes. Conclusions: Digital SBI for alcohol misuse is acceptable, feasible, and possibly effective among college students from low‐resource settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Developmental adversities early in life are associated with later psychopathology. Clustering may be a useful approach to group multiple diverse risks together and study their relation with psychopathology. To generate risk clusters of children, adolescents, and young adults, based on adverse environmental exposure and developmental characteristics, and to examine the association of risk clusters with manifest psychopathology. Participants (n = 8300) between 6 and 23 years were recruited from seven sites in India. We administered questionnaires to elicit history of previous exposure to adverse childhood environments, family history of psychiatric disorders in first-degree relatives, and a range of antenatal and postnatal adversities. We used these variables to generate risk clusters. Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview-5 was administered to evaluate manifest psychopathology. Two-step cluster analysis revealed two clusters designated as high-risk cluster (HRC) and low-risk cluster (LRC), comprising 4197 (50.5%) and 4103 (49.5%) participants, respectively. HRC had higher frequencies of family history of mental illness, antenatal and neonatal risk factors, developmental delays, history of migration, and exposure to adverse childhood experiences than LRC. There were significantly higher risks of any psychiatric disorder [Relative Risk (RR) = 2.0, 95% CI 1.8–2.3], externalizing (RR = 4.8, 95% CI 3.6–6.4) and internalizing disorders (RR = 2.6, 95% CI 2.2–2.9), and suicidality (2.3, 95% CI 1.8–2.8) in HRC. Social-environmental and developmental factors could classify Indian children, adolescents and young adults into homogeneous clusters at high or low risk of psychopathology. These biopsychosocial determinants of mental health may have practice, policy and research implications for people in low- and middle-income countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reports related to incidences of drug facilitated crimes (DFCs) have notably increased in recently. In such cases, victims report being assaulted or robbed while under the influence of drugs. Lorazepam (LZ) is frequently used in DFCs as it can easily make victims docile owing to its potent numbing effect. Therefore, a straightforward and green analytical method to analyze LZ in spiked food matrices in connection with criminal acts becomes important. The current study reports a simple, green, and high sample throughput analytical method for determining LZ in food and drink matrices commonly encountered in DFCs, based on recently introduced cellulose paper sorptive extraction (CPSE). For the extraction of LZ from food matrices, pristine cellulose paper (CP, commonly used laboratory filter paper) was used as a sorptive medium. Five pieces of CP (1.5″ × 1.5″ each) were dipped into diluted food matrices (cream biscuits and tea) and stirred on a rotary shaker for 30 min at 200 rpm. The CPs were then dried, and the adsorbed LZ was back-extracted into 2 mL of methanol. The extract was then subjected to GC–MS analysis in selected ion monitoring (SIM) mode. Several parameters, including CP size and number, back-extraction solvent type and volume, sample volume, extraction time and stirring speed, pH, ionic strength, elution time and speed, were thoroughly screened and optimized. Under the optimized conditions, the method was found to be linear in the range of 0.2–10 µg·mL−1 (or µg·g−1) with a coefficient of determination (R2) ranging from 0.996–0.998. The limit of detection and limit of quantification for cream biscuits were 0.054 and 0.18 µg·g−1 whereas they were 0.05 and 0.16 µg·mL−1 for tea samples. For all measurements, the relative standard deviations (%RSD) were always below 10%. Two mL of methanol per sample was used during the entire sample preparation process. The greenness of the proposed procedure was evaluated using Analytical Eco-Scale and GAPI greenness assessment tools. Finally, the CPSE–GC–MS method has been applied for the determination of LZ in forensic food samples which were used in DFCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Equal channel angular pressing (ECAP) is an efficient metal forming tool, generally used to improve the mechanical properties by refining the grain structure in metals and alloys. In the present work, both experimental and simulation approaches have been utilized to investigate the deformation behavior of EN AW 7075 alloy during ECAP. The formation and homogeneity of the Von-Mises stress and plastic strain of the samples during ECAP with different outer corner angles (OCAs) have been investigated by the finite element method (FEM). The results revealed that the effective strain was higher and uniform for 10°, 20°, and 30° OCAs die compared to other OCAs. Beyond 30°, the magnitude of strain was found lower with a less homogenous distribution of strain. A sharp plastic deformation zone (PDZ) was noticed for 10° and 20° OCAs, although broadened gradually over an OCA value of 20°. Moreover, lower and uniform Von-Mises stress was generated along the diameter of the sample for the OCA of 20° compared to other OCAs. A gradual reduction of plastic strain has been documented with the enhancement of OCAs along with the sample diameter. The sharpest damage, however, was noticed for the OCA of 90° due to the higher gap between the sample and both die surfaces. Interestingly, the most uniform severe plastic deformation and highest strain homogeneity in terms of inhomogeneity index and coefficient of variance were achieved for 20° and 30° OCAs. Electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis illustrated the formation of ultra-fine grain structures containing very fine η´ and η precipitates during the post-ECAP process. An improvement in the hardness, yield strength, and ultimate strength by 22%, 18%, and 14%, respectively, after ECAP has been recorded in comparison to the initial artificially aged condition. The improvements in mechanical properties were improvised primarily due to grain refinement combined with precipitate hardening. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and objectives: Injection and inhalational heroin use are associated with different levels of brain exposure to heroin and its metabolites and differences in the severity of dependence, which might lead to differential impacts on neuropsychological functions. We examined the difference and the magnitude of difference in the neuropsychological functions between inhalational and injection heroin-dependent subjects and also compared them with healthy controls. Methods: The study sample comprised three groups: 73 subjects with injection heroin dependence, 74 with inhalational heroin dependence, and 75 healthy controls (HC). We excluded patients with HIV, head injury, epilepsy, and severe mental illness. Neuropsychological assessments were done by Standard Progressive Matrices, Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST), Iowa Gambling Task, Trail-Making Tests A and B (TMT), and Verbal and Visual Memory 1 and 2 Backtests (NBT). We estimated independent effects of the groups on various neuropsychological test parameters, adjusted for age and duration of dependence. Results: In the WCST, the inhalational heroin-dependent group took more trials to complete the first category and had higher scores in the failure to maintain set than controls. The intravenous group had higher total errors than controls in verbal working memory tests and Visual Working Memory 2 Backtest. This group scored higher commission errors in the Verbal 2 Backtest than the controls. The two groups of heroin users differed in failure to maintain set and Verbal Working Memory 2 Backtests. The effect sizes of the group differences were modest. Conclusion and scientific significance: Either route of heroin use is associated with cognitive impairments; inhalational and injection use involve different cognitive domains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Opioid use disorder (OUD), a relapsing-remitting chronic medical disease, accounts for a sizable proportion of all-cause adult inpatient stays. We evaluated the incidence and predictors of any and multiple readmissions to inpatient care for OUD. Methods This retrospective, registerbased cohort study assessed consecutive patients with OUD admitted to a federally-funded inpatient service of an addiction treatment center in North India between January 2007 and December 2014. Binary logistic regression was used to determine independent readmission predictors based on demographic, clinical, and treatment variables that significantly differed in bivariate analysis. Results Among 908 patients, 306 (33.7%) and 106 (11.7%) had any and multiple readmissions, respectively. Injection drug use (Odds ratio [OR] 2.92, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.90-4.49), comorbid severe mental illness (OR 2.80, 95% CI 1.42-5.55) and common mental disorder (OR 3.4 95% CI 1.65-6.95), antagonist treatment (OR 1.6 95% CI 1.14-2.27), and urban residence (OR 1.38 95% CI 1.01-1.90) increased odds of readmission. 'Improved' discharge status (OR 0.48 95% CI 0.34-0.70) in first admissions reduced odds of any readmission. Similar risk factors also influenced multiple readmissions with higher odds ratios. Conclusions Identification and adequate treatment of risk factors may reduce the chances of readmission. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is also known as alcohol dependence or alcohol addiction. In India (2020), 160 million people are consuming alcohol; among them 57 million people are alcohol dependent (Eashwar et al., 2020, Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care, Vol. 9, 1, p. 49). Currently, it is a major public concern. Because AUD not only affects the patients physically but also affects person's other life aspects such as mental health, social status, financial status, spirituality, and occupation. Objective: To assess the alcohol use pattern and problems due to alcohol use among patients with AUD registered in the Drug De-Addiction and Treatment Centre, PGIMER, Chandigarh. Methodology: An exploratory study was conducted among 40 participants who were enrolled by purposive sampling technique. Participants were enrolled after written informed consent and interviewed as per the interview schedule comprised sociodemographic data, clinical data, and performa to assess the problems associated with alcohol use. Data coding and analysis were done with SPSS (version 26). Results: More than half of the study participants (57.5%) were from the age group of 36 to 55 years with a mean age of 40.55 ± 8.941 years ranging from 24 to 58 years; all were men and 70% of participants were from upper class socioeconomic status. Nearly half (47.5%) of the participants started drinking before 20 years of age and 50% participants had been drinking alcohol for more than 15 years. Participants had many problems such as gastric disorder (80%), weight loss (55%), inefficiency at work (92.5%), increased alcohol-related expenses (88.5%), reduced sources and amount of earning (57.5%), impaired interpersonal relationship (IPR) with family (97.5%), with spouse (80%), and in society (85%). Conclusion: Patients with alcohal use disorder (AUD) have many problems in various aspects of their lives, that is, health, education, occupation, finance, family, marital life, and social life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is commonly comorbid with opioid dependence (OD). We wanted to compare the neurocognitive functions of OD subjects with or without HCV [HCV (+), HCV (–)] and healthy controls (HC). Methods: We recruited 40 adult subjects (age 18–55 years) in each group. HCV(+) group had a detectable viral load. Subjects with HIV or hepatitis B infection, head injury, epilepsy, or comorbid mental illness were excluded. We administered Standard Progressive Matrices (SPM), Wisconsin Card Sorting Test, Iowa Gambling Task (IGT), trail-making tests A and B, and verbal and visual N-back tests (NBT) one week after opioid abstinence. The group differences in cognitive performance were adjusted for age and years of education. Effect size (ES) is expressed as Cohen's D. Results: The HCV(+) and HCV(–) groups did not differ in potential effect modifiers (age and years of education) or confounders (age of opioid initiation, duration of use, dependence severity, tobacco use, and cannabis use) of neuropsychological functioning. HCV(+) showed significantly poorer performance than HCV(–) in SPM (P = 0.006; ES = 0.72). Both HCV(+) and HCV(–) performed worse than controls in IGT(P < 0.001; ES = 0.8) and visual NBT[P < 0.01 and ES > 1 for total errors]; HCV(+) had a larger ES of group difference than HCV(–). HCV(+) had higher error scores in verbal NBT than control. Conclusion: HCV(+) has poorer general intellectual ability and reasoning than HCV(–) persons and controls. Chronic HCV infection causes a higher magnitude of dysfunction in decision-making and visual working memory in opioid-dependent individuals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The availability of relatively low-cost and safer DAA treatment for HCV and evidence-based SUD treatment services has made it possible to decentralize and integrate co-occurring SUD and HCV care even in the LMIC. This led to treatment denial, worsening of the clinical condition, and even death.[14] However, there has been a significant improvement in HCV treatment, and we have witnessed a paradigm shift from interferon-based treatment to direct-acting antivirals (DAA). Hepatitis C (HCV) and hepatitis B (HBV) are two major blood-borne viral infections that affect patients with intravenous drug use (IDU). Integration of treatment for SUD and HCV can help increase treatment access for the substance-using population.[9] Various approaches are used to integrate HCV treatment with SUD care services. [Extracted from the article]