Social influence and the likelihood of using cannabis: Role of source physical attractiveness.

The presence of another individual may increase or decrease the likelihood a person will use drugs, depending on factors such as whether the source (i.e., the other individual) is also using drugs. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the physical attractiveness of the source influences the likelihood a person will use cannabis. Heterosexual men and women were recruited via a crowdsourcing platform and asked to rank order the physical attractiveness of 13 opposite-gender people. Participants were then presented with hypothetical scenarios in which they reported the likelihood of engaging in drug use (i.e., "use marijuana") and a nondrug control activity ("enjoy the view" from a private balcony) when they were alone versus in the presence of an opposite-gender person they rated low, moderate, or high in relative physical attractiveness. The likelihood of participating in both drug and nondrug activities increased as a function of the relative physical attractiveness of the other individual (i.e., the source); however, notable gender differences were observed in the likelihood of using cannabis. Women were less likely to use cannabis in the presence of less attractive men relative to using cannabis alone, whereas men were more likely to use cannabis in the presence of more attractive women than using cannabis alone. These data suggest the presence of an opposite-gender person can either inhibit or facilitate drug use depending on the physical attractiveness of the source and gender of the subject. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).

Lack of evidence for positive reinforcing and prosocial effects of MDMA in pair-housed male and female rats.

3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) is classified as an entactogen, producing feelings of emotional openness and relatedness. One unique feature of MDMA is that people tend to selectively take this drug in social and/or intimate situations. Although MDMA is recognized as having abuse liability, preclinical studies report that it has weak reinforcing effects in animals. The objective of this study was to characterize the positive reinforcing and prosocial effects of MDMA in a translational model of the social environment in which two rats have simultaneous and contingent access to MDMA in close physical proximity. To this end, MDMA self-administration was examined on both fixed and progressive ratio schedules of reinforcement in six groups of rats: (1) isolated males, (2) isolated females, (3) male-male dyads, (4) female-female dyads, (5) male-female dyads, and (6) female-male dyads. For pair-housed rats, data from both rats were analyzed. Next, social preferences were examined in a partner preference test. MDMA failed to produce positive reinforcing effects under all conditions examined. Across a 30-fold dose range (0.01-1.0 mg/kg/infusion), MDMA did not maintain higher responding than saline on both schedules of reinforcement and in all groups tested. In partner preference tests, a history of shared exposure to MDMA did not establish a social preference, and acute administration of MDMA failed to establish a preference for another MDMA-treated rat. These data suggest that social contact does not increase the positive reinforcing effects of MDMA in rats, and that neither contingent nor noncontingent MDMA administration establishes a social preference in rats.

Maryland dentists' perceptions and attitudes toward dental therapy.

OBJECTIVES: To learn dentists' perceptions, attitudes, and concerns about the problems of access to oral health care for low income and rural Marylanders and to ascertain whether the dentists believe dental therapy is a viable solution. METHODS: We conducted three focus group discussions of 27 dentists during August and September 2018 in three locations in urban and rural areas of Maryland. RESULTS: Focus group participants felt that problems with access to dental care for low income and rural Marylander were not due to a shortage of dental providers. They believed there are more than enough dentists in the state. Access problems in Maryland are due in large part to inadequate insurance coverage and low oral health literacy. With the exception of one participant, the dentists would not use dental therapists in their practices to expand access. CONCLUSIONS: Maryland dentists in our focus group strongly oppose the use of dental therapists to address the state's unmet oral health care needs. Any effort to expand the state's dental workforce using dental therapists must address Maryland dentists' concerns and opinions.

Cushing syndrome in a young woman due to primary pigmented nodular adrenal disease.

OBJECTIVE: To report a case of Cushing syndrome due to apparently sporadic primary pigmented nodular adrenal disease in a young woman. METHODS: We describe the clinical, biochemical, radiologic, and histologic findings of Cushing syndrome due to the rare condition of primary pigmented nodular adrenal disease. RESULTS: A 30-year-old woman presented with a 2-year history of worsening itch without rash over her shoulders and arms and weight gain, particularly around the abdomen and face. Careful questioning did not elicit any history of exogenous glucocorticoid use (systemic or topical), including hydrocortisone. On examination, the patient had a slightly rounded and plethoric face, a small buffalo hump, central adiposity, and thin skin with a few small striae on her inner thighs. No features of the Carney complex were observed. Investigations showed hypercortisolism with suppressed corticotropin and normal adrenal imaging despite documentation of enlarged adrenal glands at removal. High-dose dexamethasone administration was followed by a decrease in urinary free cortisol excretion rather than a paradoxical rise as previously reported in primary pigmented nodular adrenal disease. No mutations were detected in the PRKAR1A gene. CONCLUSIONS: Primary pigmented nodular adrenal disease should be suspected in patients with corticotropin-independent Cushing syndrome who have normal adrenal imaging. The role of genetic testing in apparently sporadic cases is not established, but cumulative experience may be helpful in defining the frequency of PRKAR1A mutations.