Methamphetamine: Mechanism of Action and Chinese Herbal Medicine Treatment for Its Addiction / 中国结合医学杂志

With the proliferation of synthetic drugs, research on the mechanism of action of addictive drugs and treatment methods is of great significance. Among them, methamphetamine (METH) is the most representative amphetamine synthetic drug, and the treatment of METH addiction has become an urgent medical and social problem. In recent years, the therapeutic effects of Chinese herbal medicines on METH addiction have gained widespread attention because of their non-addictiveness, multiple targets, low side effects, low cost, and other characteristics. Previous studies have identified a variety of Chinese herbal medicines with effects on METH addiction. Based on the research on METH in recent years, this article summarizes the mechanism of action of METH as the starting point and briefly reviews the Chinese herbal medicine-based treatment of METH.

Estimulantes de tipo anfetamínico en estudiantes de medicina latinoamericanos: una revisión / Amphetamine-type stimulants in Latin American medicine students: a review

Introducción: el consumo de estimulantes de tipo anfetamínico (ETA) y sus derivados está cada vez más presente en los estudiantes universitarios y, en particular, en los programas de medicina. El objetivo principal de este estudio fue revisar la literatura sobre el uso de ETA y sus derivados en estudiantes de medicina latinoamericanos. Materiales y método: se realizó una revisión de la literatura disponible, utilizando las bases de datos PubMed, SciELO y LILACS. Se encontraron un total de 1.054 artículos, de los cuales 17 fueron seleccionados para esta revisión. Resultados: la revisión muestra, en general, una mayor frecuencia de uso de ETA en estudiantes de medicina de América Latina en comparación con la población general y estudiantes de otras carreras universitarias. También existe una tendencia a un mayor uso en hombres, de mayor nivel socioeconómico y en cursos posteriores del programa. La razón más informada para usar ETA fue aumentar el rendimiento académico. Como factor protector se destacaron los deportes, el tiempo en familia y la profesión de alguna creencia religiosa. De los artículos seleccionados, no se encontraron estudios sobre las consecuencias a largo plazo del uso de ETA en estudiantes de medicina. Discusión: en resumen, los estudiantes de medicina latinoamericanos tienen un alto consumo de ETA, por lo que es evidente la necesidad de nuevos estudios para mejorar la precisión estadística, determinar factores de riesgo específicos, estudiar las consecuencias a largo plazo y establecer políticas de prevención y tratamiento.

Introduction: the consumption of amphetamine-type stimulants (ATS) and their derivatives are increasingly present in university students and in particular in medical programs. The main objective of this study was to review the literature on the use of ATS and their derivatives in Latin American medical students. Materials and method: a review of the literature available was performed, using PubMed, SciELO, and LILACS databases. A total of 1054 articles were found, of which 17 were selected for this review. Results: the review generally shows a higher frequency of use of ATS in medical students of Latin America compared to the general population and students from other university degrees. There is also a tendency of a higher use in men, from higher socioeconomic status, and in later courses of the program. The most reported reason for using ATS was to increase the academic performance. As a protective factor, sports, family time and professing some religious belief stood out. Of the selected articles, no studies were found on the long-term consequences of the use of ATS in medical students. Discussion: in summary, Latin American medical students have a high consumption of ATS, and therefore there is an evident need for new studies to improve statistical precision, to determine specific risk factors, to study long-term consequences, and to stablish prevention policies and treatment.

Current Situation of Methamphetamine Abuse and Related Research Progress / 法医学杂志

Drug problem is a major social and public security problem in the world. Drug abuse poses a great threat to economic development, social stability and public health. In recent years, synthetic drugs represented by methamphetamine have surpassed traditional drugs such as morphine, heroin, ketamine and become one of the most abused drugs in the world. In order to solve the problem of drug abuse, it is of great theoretical value and practical significance to carry out all-round and multi-level scientific research on drug-related issues. Based on the current situation of drug abuse, this article reviews research progresses on the epidemiology of methamphetamine abuse, the monitoring technology, the basic researches on toxicity damage, the withdrawal drug screening, the related clinical comorbidity and the testing technologies, comprehensively presenting the development trend of methamphetamine abuse related issues.

A percepção de caminhoneiros sobre o uso de substâncias psicoativas no trabalho: um estudo etnográfico / The perception of truck drivers on the use of psychoactive substances at work: an ethnographic study / La percepción de camioneros sobre el uso de sustancias psicoactivas en el trabajo: un estudio etnográfico

OBJETIVO: compreender a experiência subjetiva de caminhoneiros em relação ao uso de substâncias psicoativas. MÉTODO: utilizou-se método qualitativo de caráter etnográfico. RESULTADOS: os elementos encontrados, tais como elevado índice de consumo de substâncias, corroboram estudos epidemiológicos acerca da temática, acrescentando, todavia, sentidos subjetivos e depoimentos. CONCLUSÃO: há uma divergência de opiniões que enfraquece a categoria em relação à negociação por melhores condições de trabalho, ao mesmo tempo que o uso de substâncias ilícitas é considerado normal e não é questionado por parte dos participantes.

OBJECTIVE: to understand the subjective experience of truck drivers regarding the use of psychoactive substances. METHOD: an ethnographic approach to qualitative research was employed. RESULTS: the discovered elements, such as high levels of substance abuse, corroborate epidemiological research about the theme including, however, subjective feelings and testimonials. CONCLUSIONS: there is a divergence of opinions that weakens the category regarding negotiation for better working conditions, while the use of illicit substances is considered normal and is unquestioned by the subjects.

OBJECTIVOS: comprender la experiencia subjetiva de camioneros con respecto al uso de sustancias psicoactivas. MÉTODO: se utilizó el método cualitativo de carácter etnográfico. RESULTADOS: los elementos encontrados, como el alto índice de uso de sustancias, corroboran los estudios epidemiológicos sobre el tema, agregando, sin embargo, sentimientos subjetivos y testimonios. CONCLUSIONES: existe una divergencia de opiniones que debilita la categoría en relación con la negociación para mejorar las condiciones de trabajo, mientras que el uso de sustancias ilícitas se considera normal y no se cuestiona por los sujetos.

Imaging changes in brain microstructural in long-term abstinent from methamphetamine-dependence / 中南大学学报(医学版)

To explore the mechanism for changes in brain microstructure in long-term abstinent from methamphetamine-dependence by using the diffusion tensor imaging (DTI).
 Methods: A total of 26 patients with long-term abstinent methamphetamine-dependence, whose abstinence time more than 14 months, and 26 normal controls all underwent cognitive executive function tests and DTI scans. We used voxel-based analysis to compare the fractional anisotropy (FA) and mean diffusivity (MD) to obtain the abnormal brain regions of DTI parameters between the two groups. Spearman correlation analysis was used to explore the correlation between FA, MD of the brain regions with abnormal parameters and cognitive executive function tests.
 Results: There were no statistical differences in the cognitive executive function tests between the two groups (P>0.05). Compared with the normal control group, the long-term abstinent from methamphetamine-dependence group showed the decreased FA in the right precuneus, right superior frontal gyrus, right calcarine, left inferior temporal gyrus and the increased MD in the right triangular part of inferior frontal gyrus, right precuneus, right posterior cingulate, right middle temporal gyrus, bilateral middle occipital gyrus, left superior parietal lobule, and lobule VIII of cerebellar hemisphere. The MD values of the right middle temporal gyrus in the long-term abstinent group were negatively correlated with the number of completions within 60 seconds (r=-0.504) and within 120 seconds (r=-0.464) .
 Conclusion: The DTI parameters in multiple brain regions from the methamphetamine-dependence patients are still abnormal after a long-term abstinence. DTI can provide imaging evidence for brain microstructural abnormalities in long-term abstinent from methamphetamine-dependence.

Consideraciones sobre las adicciones en la formación del profesional de Ciencias Médicas / Considerations on addictions in the training of medical sciences professional

En la actualidad se acepta como adicción, cualquier actividad que el individuo no sea capaz de controlar, que lo lleve a conductas compulsivas y perjudique su calidad de vida. La drogodependencia, también llamada drogadicción o farmacodependencia, es un problema de salud causado por el frecuente uso de sustancias adictivas llamadas drogas. No nos resulta nuevo que gran cantidad de estudiantes universitarios consuman drogas controladas para supuestamente potenciar su desempeño académico. Cuba no escapa a esta realidad a pesar de ser un baluarte mundial en la lucha antidroga. La imitación o aprendizaje de esta conducta es un elemento clave en adolescentes y estudiantes universitarios, la dificultad estriba en el acceso al fármaco lo cual para estudiantes de determinadas carreras, por ejemplo las carreras de Ciencias Médicas, no constituye un gran obstáculo. Exponemos de forma breve las consideraciones sobre el tema (AU).

Currently, any activity the individual is not able to control, that lead him to compulsive behavior damaging his life quality is accepted as addiction. Drug-dependence, also called drug addiction of pharmacodependence, is a health problem caused by the frequent use of addictive substances called drugs. It is not a news that a big quantity of university students consume controlled drugs to supposedly potentiate their academic competence. Cuba is not free of this reality in spite of being a world bulwark in the antidrug fight. This behavior imitation or learning is a key element among teenagers and university students, the difficulty rests in the drug access for the students of several specialties, what is not a trouble for the Medicine students. We briefly expose several considerations on the them (AU).

Intervention Effect of Repetitive TMS on Behavioral Adjustment After Error Commission in Long-Term Methamphetamine Addicts: Evidence From a Two-Choice Oddball Task / 神经科学通报·英文版

Behavioral adjustment plays an important role in the treatment and relapse of drug addiction. Nonetheless, few studies have examined behavioral adjustment and its plasticity following error commission in methamphetamine (METH) dependence, which is detrimental to human health. Thus, we investigated the behavioral adjustment performance following error commission in long-term METH addicts and how it varied with the application of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) of the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC). Twenty-nine male long-term METH addicts (for > 3 years) were randomly assigned to high-frequency (10 Hz, n = 15) or sham (n = 14) rTMS of the left DLPFC during a two-choice oddball task. Twenty-six age-matched, healthy male adults participated in the two-choice oddball task pretest to establish normal performance for comparison. The results showed that 10 Hz rTMS over the left DLPFC significantly decreased the post-error slowing effect in response times of METH addicts. In addition, the 10 Hz rTMS intervention remarkably reduced the reaction times during post-error trials but not post-correct trials. While the 10 Hz rTMS group showed a more pronounced post-error slowing effect than the healthy participants during the pretest, the post-error slowing effect in the posttest of this sample was similar to that in the healthy participants. These results suggest that high-frequency rTMS over the left DLPFC is a useful protocol for the improvement of behavioral adjustment after error commission in long-term METH addicts.

Amphetamine-type stimulant use and conditional paths of consumption: data from the Second Brazilian National Alcohol and Drugs Survey

Objective: The aim of this study was to estimate nationally representative prevalence rates of amphetamine-type stimulant (ATS) use and to identify consumption-associated factors, proposing a conditional model of direct and indirect consumption paths. Method: Using data from the Second Brazilian National Alcohol and Drugs Survey, this cross-sectional study analyzed a subsample of 3,828 participants between 15 and 64 years old, gathering information on the use of psychoactive substances in a probabilistic sample of the Brazilian household population. Results: Rates of lifetime and last-year ATS use were, respectively, 4.1 and 1.6%. Economically privileged individuals and users of other substances were more at risk for using ATS. The results suggest that higher education decreases the chances of ATS consumption. The conditional model showed that higher income increased ATS use, higher education lowered the odds of such an increase, and cocaine use cancelled that associative effect. Conclusion: Brazil presents high rates of ATS use. Prevention and treatment strategies should focus on the protective effect of higher education levels and should target polydrug use. Knowledge of ATS-associated factors and user profiles is the starting point for developing effective treatments and tailored prevention strategies.

Use of amphetamine-type stimulants in the Islamic Republic of Iran, 2004-2015: a review

Amphetamine-type stimulants [ATS] are the second most commonly used illicit drugs in the world, after cannabis. The production of ATS has increased worldwide, including in the Middle East. This review aims to assess ATS use in the Islamic Republic of Iran. PubMed, Scientific Information Database [a national database] and Iranian Center for Addiction Studies were searched. The review included studies on the general population, university and high school students, other specific populations, and drug users. The result show that self-reported methamphetamine and ecstasy use in 2016 was < 1% in the general population and university and high-school students, but the prevalence was higher in certain groups. There has also been an increase in the proportion of ATS users among clients of drug treatment centres. The findings highlight the need for high quality epidemiological studies and closer monitoring of stimulant use in different populations

Bruxismo secundario al consumo recreacional de éxtasis: revisión de la literatura / Secondary bruxism after recreational ecstasy consumption: a review

El Metilendioximetanfetamina (MDMA) o éxtasis, es una droga sintética que fue accidentalmente aislada en 1914, sin encontrarse en ella una utilidad médica. La OMS la considera una droga psicotrópica y es ilegal en diversos países, incluyendo a Chile. De acuerdo al Estudio Global de Drogas Sintéticas, el consumo de éxtasis ha aumentado considerablemente en Latinoamérica entre el 2008 y 2014, estudios en Chile la muestran con una "nueva droga" cuyo consumo está aumentando en personas de 19­25 años de edad. El concepto de bruxismo en odontología ha cambiado con el paso del tiempo. Actualmente se reconoce su naturaleza multifactorial, en dónde los factores centrales (patofisiología) juegan un rol principal. Diversos autores han reportado bruxismo como un efecto secundario al consumo recreacional de éxtasis, con frecuencias que van entre el 50 a 89%. Esto puede explicarse debido al efecto de desbalance a nivel de las vías serotoninérgicas y/o domaminérgicas que produce el MDMA, tal como parece ocurrir en el bruxismo. Debido a que la Oficina de las Naciones Unidas contra la Droga y el Delito (UNODOC) advierte del aumento progresivo y significativo del consumo de éxtasis en la población joven chilena, es importante conocer las implicancias orales con la finalidad de lograr un mejor manejo odontológico, siendo necesarios mayores estudios para determinar la real asociación entre el consumo de éxtasis recreacional y bruxismo secundario.

Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) or Ecstasy is a synthetic drug accidentally isolated in 1914, finding in it no specific medical use. The WHO considers it as a psychotropic drug and it is illegal in several countries, including Chile. According to the Global Synthetic Drugs Assessment, the use of ecstasy has increased steadily in Latin-America between the years 2008 and 2012, and studies in Chile show ecstasy as a "new drug", with an increased consumption in the 19-25 year-old age group. The concept of bruxism in dentistry has changed over time, moving to a multifactorial etiology where central factors, such as pathophysiology have a major role. Several authors report bruxism as a side effect of ecstasy consumption, at a rate of between 50 and 89%. This can be explained by the fact that MDMA acts centrally inducing imbalance at the level of serotonergic and/or dopaminergic pathways, as it occurs in bruxism. Since the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime warns of a significant and progressive increase in the consumption of recreational ecstasy in young Chilean adult population, it is important to know there are oral implications in order to have better dental management, and further studies are necessary in order to determine an actual association between ecstasy consumption and secondary bruxism.

Occupational conditions and the risk of the use of amphetamines by truck drivers / Condições ocupacionais e o risco de uso de anfetaminas entre motoristas de caminhão

OBJECTIVE To test whether the occupational conditions of professional truck drivers are associated with amphetamine use after demographic characteristics and ones regarding mental health and drug use are controlled for.METHODS Cross-sectional study, with a non-probabilistic sample of 684 male truck drivers, which was collected in three highways in Sao Paulo between years 2012 and 2013. Demographic and occupational information was collected, as well as data on drug use and mental health (sleep quality, emotional stress, and psychiatric disorders). A logistic regression model was developed to identify factors associated with amphetamine use. Odds ratio (OR; 95%CI) was defined as the measure for association. The significance level was established as p < 0.05.RESULTS The studied sample was found to have an average age of 36.7 (SD = 7.8) years, as well as low education (8.6 [SD = 2.3] years); 29.0% of drivers reported having used amphetamines within the twelve months prior to their interviews. After demographic and occupational variables had been controlled for, the factors which indicated amphetamine use among truck drivers were the following: being younger than 38 years (OR = 3.69), having spent less than nine years at school (OR = 1.76), being autonomous (OR = 1.65), working night shifts or irregular schedules (OR = 2.05), working over 12 hours daily (OR = 2.14), and drinking alcohol (OR = 1.74).CONCLUSIONS Occupational aspects are closely related to amphetamine use among truck drivers, which reinforces the importance of closely following the application of law (Resting Act ("Lei do Descanso"); Law 12,619/2012) which regulates the workload and hours of those professionals. Our results show the need for increased strictness on the trade and prescription of amphetamines in Brazil.

OBJETIVO Testar se as condições ocupacionais de motoristas profissionais de caminhão estariam associadas ao uso de anfetaminas após o controle do efeito de características demográficas, de saúde mental e uso de drogas.MÉTODOS Estudo transversal, com amostra não-probabilística de 684 motoristas de caminhão, do sexo masculino, recrutada em três rodovias do estado de São Paulo, durante os anos de 2012 e 2013. Foram coletadas informações demográficas, ocupacionais, sobre uso de drogas e sobre saúde mental (qualidade de sono, estresse emocional e transtornos psiquiátricos). Foi desenvolvido um modelo de regressão logística para identificar os fatores associados ao uso de anfetaminas. A razão de chances (OR; IC95%) foi definida como a medida de associação e o nível de significância considerado foi p < 0,05.RESULTADOS A amostra estudada apresentou idade média de 36,7 (DP = 7,8) anos e baixa escolaridade (8,6 [DP = 2,3] anos). O uso de anfetaminas nos doze meses prévios à entrevista foi autorrelatado por 29,0% dos motoristas. Após o controle do efeito de variáveis demográficas e ocupacionais, os fatores preditores do uso de anfetaminas entre os motoristas de caminhão foram: ter menos de 38 anos (OR = 3,69), menos de nove anos de escolaridade (OR = 1,76), ser autônomo (OR = 1,65), trabalhar em turno noturno ou turno irregular (OR = 2,05), trabalhar mais de 12 horas diárias (OR = 2,14) e usar álcool (OR = 1,74).CONCLUSÕES Os aspectos ocupacionais estão intimamente associados ao uso de anfetaminas entre motoristas de caminhão, reforçando a importância da fiscalização da lei (Lei do Descanso; Lei 12.619/2012) que regulamenta a carga horária de trabalho desses profissionais. Os resultados mostram a necessidade de haver maior rigor sobre a comercialização e prescrição das anfetaminas no Brasil.

Study on the prevalence and associated risk factors related to HIV, syphilis, herpes simplex virus-2 among female sex workers in Jiaozhou, Shandong province / 中华流行病学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To analyze the prevalence rates and associated risk factors on HIV, syphilis, herpes simplex virus-2 (HSV-2) among female sex workers (FSWs) in Jiaozhou, Shandong province.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Through convenient sampling, an anonymous questionnaire survey was conducted on female sex workers to collect related information. Blood specimens were drawn for serological tests on HIV, syphilis and HSV-2 antibodies, respectively. Patients with positive results from both treponema pallidum and HSV-2 tested by ELISA method, were defined as being superinfected.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>A total of 460 FSWs were recruited in this study. The prevalence rates of HIV, syphilis, HSV-2, and syphilis/HSV-2 superinfection were 0.22% , 5.9% , 43.0% , and 11.7% , respectively. Among the methamphetamine users, the prevalence rates of syphilis, HSV-2, and syphilis/HSV-2 superinfection were 12.4%, 55.2%, and 22.9%, respectively. Results from multivariate analysis showed that factors that significantly associated with syphilis infection would include: methamphetamine use (OR = 3.61, 95% CI:1.62-8.06), having first commercial sex intercourse at under 20 years of age (OR = 2.80, 95% CI:1.15-6.85), more than 2 establishments that the FSWs worked in the last month (OR = 4.37, 95%CI:0.83-22.83). Factors associated with HSV-2 infection were methamphetamine use (OR = 2.30, 95%CI:1.43-3.70), having first commercial sex intercourse at under 20 years of age (OR = 1.77, 95% CI:1.16-2.69), working at low-end establishments (OR = 2.61, 95%CI:1.66-4.10), working at the local sex-work venues for more than one year (OR = 2.01, 95% CI:1.28-3.14), with low education backgrounds (OR = 2.27, 95% CI:1.18-4.36), using methamphetamine (OR = 3.95, 95% CI:2.09-7.44), low education background (OR = 2.43, 95% CI: 1.10-5.36), 21-30 year-olds (OR = 2.95, 95%CI:1.08-8.03), older than 31 years of age (OR = 7.05, 95% CI:2.48-20.01) etc., were independent risk factors associated with the superinfection of syphilis and HSV-2.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The prevalence rates of syphilis, HSV-2 and syphilis/HSV-2 superinfection were relatively high among FSWs in Jiaozhou, especially among the FSWs who were methamphetamine users.</p>

A continuidade do uso de anfetaminas por motoristas de caminhão no Estado de São Paulo, Brasil, a despeito da proibição de sua produção, prescrição e uso / Persistent amphetamine consumption by truck drivers in São Paulo State, Brazil, despite the ban on production, prescription, and use / El uso continuado de anfetaminas por parte de los conductores de camión en el estado de São Paulo, Brasil, a pesar de la prohibición de su producción, prescripción y uso

O uso de anfetaminas por motoristas de caminhão com fins ocupacionais é amplamente reconhecido, entretanto, no mês de outubro de 2011, sua produção e uso foram proibidos através de uma resolução da Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária (ANVISA). O objetivo deste estudo foi identificar o uso de anfetaminas entre motoristas de caminhão após a implementação da referida resolução. Uma amostra de conveniência de 427 motoristas de caminhão foi abordada em rodovias do Estado de São Paulo, Brasil, durante o ano de 2012. Os participantes foram solicitados a responder um instrumento de pesquisa estruturado, assim como fornecer uma amostra de urina para avaliar o uso recente de anfetaminas através de análise toxicológica. Entre os motoristas avaliados, 7% fizeram uso recente de alguma substância ilícita, dos quais 2,7% usaram anfetaminas. Aparte a periculosidade associada ao uso de anfetaminas, assim como a despeito da resolução que o regulamenta, esse uso continua entre os motoristas de caminhão. Assim, sugere-se que as autoridades competentes fiscalizem a posse, assim como o uso de anfetaminas no contexto do trânsito.

Amphetamine use by truck drivers for occupational purposes is widely known. The production and consumption of amphetamines was banned by the Brazilian National Health Surveillance Agency (ANVISA) in October 2011. This study analyzes persistent amphetamine use by truck drivers since the ban was implemented. A convenience sample of 427 truck drivers was taken along highways in São Paulo State in 2012. Participants were asked to answer a structured questionnaire and provide a urine sample to screen for recent amphetamine consumption through toxicological analysis. Among the interviewed drivers, 7% had used some illicit drug recently and 2.7% had used amphetamines. Amphetamines are still consumed by truck drivers despite the risks and the recent ban. The authorities should thus monitor the possession and use of amphetamines by drivers in order to effectively enforce the ban.

El uso de anfetaminas con fines profesionales entre los conductores de camiones es ampliamente reconocido, sin embargo, en octubre de 2011, su producción y uso fueron prohibidos por una resolución de la Agencia Nacional de Vigilancia Sanitaria (ANVISA). El objetivo de este estudio fue identificar el uso de anfetaminas entre conductores de camión después de la implementación de esa resolución. Una muestra de conveniencia compuesta por 427 conductores de camiones fue abordada en las carreteras del estado de São Paulo, Brasil, en el año 2012. A los participantes se les pidió rellenar una encuesta estructurada, así como dar una muestra de orina para determinar el consumo reciente de anfetaminas, a través de análisis toxicológico. Entre los conductores evaluados, el 7% consumió recientemente algún estupefaciente, de los cuales un 2,7% había consumido anfetaminas. Aparte de los peligros asociados al uso de anfetaminas, y de la resolución que lo regula, ese uso sigue vigente entre los conductores de camión. Por lo tanto, se sugiere que las autoridades competentes supervisen la posesión, así como el consumo de anfetaminas, en el tráfico rodado.

Influencia del consumo de drogas en los estudiantes universitarios / Influence of drug use in university students

Para la sociedad actual, el consumo de alcohol, tabaco y otras drogas entre ellas la marihuana, cocaína, pasta básica de cocaína, heroína, éxtasis, etc., así como fármacos tranquilizantes, clonazepan, valium, rohypnol, alprazolan, y estimulantes como el ritalin, clorhidrato de metanfet aminas etc., involucra aspectos legales, de salud pública, psicológicos y sociales debido a los altos costos en salud, calidad de vida, y en vidas humanas resultantes del consumo y abuso de estas sustancias, las cuales empiezan generalmente en la adolescencia y juventud y se vuelven más e evidentes en la vida universitaria.

For society, the consumption of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs including marijuana, cocaine, cocaine base, heroin, ecstasy, etc., and tranquilizing drugs, like clonazepam, valium, rohypnol, alprazolam, and stimulants such as ritalin, methamphetamine hydrochloride, etc., involve legal aspects, public health, psychological and social aspects due to high health cost, quality of life, and human lives resulting from the use and abuse of these substances, which usually begin in the adolescence and young adulthood and become more evident in university life.

Manter-se acordado: a vulnerabilidade dos caminhoneiros no Rio Grande do Sul / Staying awake: truck drivers' vulnerability in Rio Grande do Sul, Southern Brazil / Mantenerse despierto: la vulnerabilidad de los camioneros en Rio Grande do Sul, Sur de Brasil

OBJETIVO: Analisar os fatores associados ao uso de substâncias estimulantes por caminhoneiros para se manterem acordados. MÉTODOS: Survey com 854 motoristas em oito locais de concentração de caminhoneiros (sete postos de gasolina e um posto aduaneiro em região de fronteira) em cinco municípios do Rio Grande do Sul, em 2006. O desfecho "uso de rebite" foi categorizado em "sim" ou "não". Foi realizada análise de regressão de Poisson com variância robusta para a seleção de variáveis do modelo, que foi composto por níveis socioeconômicos, demográficos, de informações sobre a profissão e sobre o consumo de álcool. RESULTADOS: O consumo de rebite para se manter acordado foi declarado por 12,4% dos caminhoneiros de forma isolada ou em combinação com outras substâncias (café, guaraná em pó, energéticos, cocaína aspirada). O rebite foi a substância mais citada por aqueles que consumiam algo para ficar acordados. A ingestão de bebidas alcoólicas foi prática de mais de 70% dos entrevistados, dos quais 45,1% relataram consumo pelo menos uma vez por semana. O uso de rebite esteve associado às faixas etárias mais jovens, ao aumento da renda, à maior duração das viagens e ao consumo de álcool. DISCUSSÃO: O aumento da remuneração dos caminhoneiros implica aumento da carga de trabalho. Isso produz desgaste físico e emocional, levando-os a buscar solução temporária no consumo de substâncias estimulantes. A redução do consumo abusivo de álcool e do uso ilícito de substâncias como anfetaminas por motoristas profissionais depende não só de políticas voltadas para a prevenção e tratamento de drogas, mas de políticas intersetoriais articuladas que garantam melhores condições de trabalho e de saúde aos caminhoneiros.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze factors associated with the use of stimulants by truck drivers to stay awake. METHODS: A survey with 854 drivers was carried out at eight truck stops (seven gas stations and one border patrol post) located at five cities in the State of Rio Grande do Sul (Southern Brazil) in 2006. The outcome "amphetamine use" was categorized as "yes" or "no". Poisson regression analysis with robust variance was conducted in order to select the variables that would be included in the model, which was composed of variables regarding socioeconomic and demographic characteristics, information on the profession and on alcohol consumption. RESULTS: Amphetamine use to stay awake was reported by 12.4% of the truck drivers, either in isolation or in combination with other substances (coffee, guaraná powder, energy drinks, snorted cocaine). Amphetamine was the most cited substance by those who consumed something to stay awake. The consumption of alcoholic drinks was mentioned by more than 70% of the interviewees; among those who drink, 45.1% reported that they use alcohol at least once a week. Amphetamine use was associated with younger age groups, wage increase, longer trips, and alcohol use. CONCLUSIONS: The increase in the truck drivers' wages implies increased workloads. This produces physical and emotional stress, which makes the truck drivers search for a temporary solution in the consumption of stimulants. The reduction in the abusive consumption of alcohol and in the illicit use of substances like amphetamines by professional drivers depends not only on policies addressing prevention and treatment for drug abuse, but also on integrated policies ensuring better working and health conditions to the truck drivers.

OBJETIVO: Analizar los factores asociados al uso de sustancias estimulantes por camioneros para mantenerse despiertos. MÉTODOS: Sondeo con 854 en ocho locales de concentración de camioneros (siete puestos de gasolina y un puesto de aduana en región de frontera) en cinco municipios de Rio Grande do Sul, Sur de Brasil, en 2006. El desenlace, uso de la anfetamina rebite, fue categorizado en "si" o "no". Se realizó análisis de regresión de Poisson con varianza robusta para la selección de variables del modelo, que fue compuesto por variables socioeconómicas, demográficas, de informaciones sobre la profesión y sobre el consumo de alcohol. RESULTADOS: El consumo de rebite para mantenerse despierto fue declarado por 12,4% de los camioneros de forma aislada o en combinación con otras sustancias (café, guaraná en polvo, energéticos, cocaína aspirada). El rebite fue la sustancia más citada por aquellos que consumían algo para permanecer despiertos. La ingestión de bebidas alcohólicas fue práctica de más del 70% de los entrevistados, de los cuales 45,1% relataron consumo por al menos una vez por semana. El uso de rebite estuvo asociado a los grupos etarios más jóvenes, al aumento de la renta, a la mayor duración de los viajes y al consumo de alcohol. DISCUSIÓN: El aumento de la remuneración de los camioneros implica aumento de la carga de trabajo. Esto produce desgaste físico y emocional, llevando a los camioneros a buscar solución temporal en el consumo de sustancias estimulantes. La reducción del consumo abusivo de alcohol y del uso ilícito de sustancias como anfetaminas por choferes profesionales depende no sólo de políticas direccionadas hacia la prevención y tratamiento de drogas, sino también de políticas intersectoriales articuladas que garanticen mejores condiciones de trabajo y de salud a los camioneros.

Consequências do uso de cocaína e metanfetamina durante a gravidez / Consequences of cocaine and methamphetamine during pregnancy

Com o objetivo de descrever as consequências do uso da cocaína e metanfetamina durante a gestação, foi realizada revisão crítica das publicações nas seguintes bases de dados: MEDLINE (por meio do PubMed), SciELO, LILACS e Google acadêmico, utilizando-se termos e palavras-chave relacionadas à cocaína, metanfetamina e gestação. O uso desses estimulantes do sistema nervoso central constitui-se em grave problema de saúde pública passível de intervenção, a qual pode reduzir ou até mesmo evitar agravos à saúde da gestante e do feto, além de redução dos gastos públicos com os longos períodos de internação e recuperação da saúde dos usuários. Foram observadas alterações no desenvolvimento infantil, diminuição de atividade motora e dificuldade de sustentar atenção com o uso metanfetamina. Bebês nascidos de mães que abusaram de cocaína durante a gravidez geralmente nascem de parto prematuro, com baixo peso e estatura e circunferência craniana menor do que o normal. Observam-se, ainda, altas taxas de malformação congênita e de mortalidade perinatal. Há também evidências mostrando queda no rendimento escolar, envolvendo distração e déficit de atenção, em crianças cujas mães usaram cocaína na gravidez. Entretanto, muitas dúvidas sobre o assunto ainda permanecem, merecendo maior atenção, em vista da importância do efeito dessas drogas no período gestacional e a repercussão futura no desenvolvimento infantil.

In order to describe the effects of using cocaine and methamphetamine during pregnancy was performed a review of published studies on the threshold of medical data base: MEDLINE (PubMed), SciELO, LILACS and Google scholar, using terms and keywords related to cocaine, methamphetamine and pregnancy. The use of central nervous system stimulants is a serious public health problem susceptible to intervention, which can reduce or even prevent damages to health of the mother and fetus, and reduce public spending long periods of hospitalization and recovery of users’ health. Changes were observed in child development, decreased visual-motor performance and difficulty sustaining attention using methamphetamine. Babies born to mothers who abused of cocaine during pregnancy are often born of premature births, low weight and height and head circumference smaller than normal. There are also high rates of congenital malformation and perinatal mortality. There is also evidence that children who received cocaine through their mothers in the intrauterine stage can have falling in school performance, involving distraction and difficulty concentrating. However, many questions still remain about the issue, deserving more attention, in view of the importance of the effect of these drugs during pregnancy and its future impact on child development.

Mechanism of methamphetamine intoxication and its medical identification / 法医学杂志

Methamphetamine (MA) is a representative drug of amphetamine-type stimulants for central nervous system and has become one of the most dangerous drugs in the world recently. The present article reviews the pharmacological effects, distribution, metabolism, intoxication mechanism, the effects of MA on cardiovascular and central nervous systems of MA, and the current situation of forensic investigation on MA.

Bruxismo y adicción: revisión bibliográfica / Bruxism and addiction: a review

El incremento permanente a nivel mundial y en nuestro país del consumo de drogas ilegales y la posible asociación entre su consumo y el bruxismo son motivo de inquietud social y en particular de los odontólogos. En este estudio se presenta información actualizada de las distintas drogas de consumo habitual entre los adictos, los mecanismos bioquímicos generados a nivel orgánico en aquellos que las consumen y su posible asociación como factor causal de bruxismo.