Use Of SAM Research Articles

Simultaneous use of alcohol, cannabis, and energy drinks predicts increased daily alcohol consumption and alcohol consequences.

Simultaneous alcohol and cannabis (SAM) use and alcohol mixed with energy drinks (AmED) days are associated with heavier drinking and negative consequences compared to alcohol-only days. However, it remains unclear if SAM and AmED days differ from one another in terms of consumption and negative consequences. It also remains unclear how often days characterized by both SAM + AmED occur and if these days are associated with incremental risk for heavier drinking and negative consequences. College students who engage in SAM use and AmED completed a 30-day timeline followback interview. Day-level data on drinking days were curated to test whether days characterized by alcohol only, SAM use only, AmED use only, or SAM + AmED were associated with increased drinking quantity, negative alcohol consequences, and positive alcohol consequences. Twenty-one percent of drinking days were AmED days, 19% were SAM days, and 15.4% were SAM + AmED days. SAM-only, AmED-only, and SAM + AmED days were associated with increased drinking and negative consequences compared to alcohol-only days. However, SAM-only and SAM + AmED (but not AmED-only) days were associated with more positive consequences than alcohol-only days. SAM-only and AmED-only days did not differ in drinking quantity or consequences, whereas SAM + AmED days were associated with increased drinking and negative (but not positive) consequences compared to both SAM-only and AmED-only days. Combined SAM + AmED days are common and associated with increased risk for negative outcomes. Prevention efforts should consider how to reduce the occurrence of SAM + AmED use and how to reduce risk on days when it does occur. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

PaveSAM – segment anything for pavement distress

Automated pavement monitoring using computer vision can analyse pavement conditions more efficiently and accurately than manual methods. Accurate segmentation is essential for quantifying the severity and extent of pavement defects and consequently, the overall condition index used for prioritising maintenance activities. Deep-learning-based segmentation models are however, often supervised and require pixel-level annotations, which can be costly and time-consuming. While the recent evolution of zero-shot segmentation models can generate pixel-wise labels for unseen classes without any training data, they struggle with irregularities of cracks and textured pavement backgrounds. This research proposes a zero-shot segmentation model, PaveSAM, which can segment pavement distresses using bounding box prompts. By retraining SAM's mask decoder with just 180 images, pavement distress segmentation is revolutionised, enabling efficient distress segmentation using boundingbox prompts, a capability not found in current segmentation models. This drastically reduces labelling costs and establishing the pioneering use of SAM in pavement distress segmentation.

Simultaneous use of alcohol and cannabis and attenuated age-related declines in alcohol and cannabis use disorder symptoms across young adulthood

Most young adults naturally mature out of high-risk substance use patterns, but it is important to identify factors that may impede normative declines. Use of alcohol and cannabis simultaneously (i.e., simultaneous alcohol and marijuana/cannabis [SAM]) is cross-sectionally associated with alcohol and cannabis concerns, and SAM use increases acute risks at the daily level. However, less is known about long-term risks of SAM use and, specifically, how SAM use relates to maturing out of alcohol and cannabis use. Using four consecutive years of survey data from young adults who reported SAM use (N=409; 1636 responses; aged 18–25 at baseline), we first estimated age-related changes in symptoms of alcohol and cannabis use disorder (AUD/CUD) using multilevel growth modeling. Findings supported a maturing out process, as both AUD and CUD symptom severity significantly declined across young adulthood, on average (4 % and 5 % per year respectively, with significant acceleration). Cross-level interactions tested whether participants’ mean SAM use frequency across all four timepoints moderated age-related trajectories in AUD/CUD symptom severity. Significant interactions indicated that, relative to less-frequent SAM use, participants with more frequent SAM use showed less steep declines in AUD (1 % decrease per year vs. 6 % per year) and CUD symptoms (0 % decrease per year vs. 7 % per year); thus, SAM frequency was associated with slower/delayed maturing out of hazardous alcohol and cannabis use. Findings highlight that SAM use may be a correlate or risk-factor for prolonged high-risk substance use during young adulthood that relates to deviations from maturing out processes.

The effects of simultaneous alcohol and cannabis use on subjective drug effects: A narrative review across methodologies.

Over 75% of young adults who use cannabis also report drinking alcohol, leading to increased risks that include impaired cognition, substance use disorders, and more heavy and frequent substance use. Studies suggest that subjective responses to either alcohol or cannabis can serve as a valuable indicator for identifying individuals at risk of prolonged substance use and use disorder. While laboratory studies show additive effects when alcohol and cannabis are used together, the impact of co-using these substances, specifically with respect to cannabidiol, on an individual's subjective experience remains unclear. This narrative review explores the effects of simultaneous alcohol and cannabis (SAM) use on subjective drug effects, drawing from qualitative research, laboratory experiments, and naturalistic studies. Experimental findings are inconsistent regarding the combined effects of alcohol and cannabis, likely influenced by factors such as dosage, method of administration, and individual substance use histories. Similarly,findings from qualitative and naturalistic studies are mixed regarding subjective drug effects following SAMuse. These discrepancies may be due to recall biases, variations in assessment methods, and the measurement in real-world contexts of patterns of SAM use and related experiences. Overall, this narrative review highlights the need for more comprehensive research to understand more fully subjective drug effects of SAM use in diverse populations and settings, emphasizing the importance of frequent and nuanced assessment of SAM use and subjective responses in naturalistic settings.

Assessment of simultaneous alcohol and cannabis use and its related consequences and cognitions in college students: Anarrative review.

As rates of students using cannabis continue to rise, simultaneoususe of alcohol and cannabis (such that their effects overlap; commonly referred to as simultaneous alcohol and marijuana [SAM] use)is prevalent among college students who use both substances.Although research focusing on SAM use and related cognitions and consequences continues to grow,there are nocommon established measures,as approaches varyacross studies.This narrative reviewidentifiescurrent methods for assessingSAM use and measures of SAM-related consequences and cognitions (motives and expectancies) among college students, evaluateshow they were developed, identifiesgaps in the literature, and providesrecommendations for future directions of assessment. We conclude that the assessment of SAM use is limited by difficulties in the assessment of cannabis quantity and potency. However, and the lack of a psychometrically validated measure of SAM consequences. However, measures of SAM motives and expectancies have been published with support from psychometric examinations such as exploratory factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis, and measurement invariance. Research is needed that incorporates qualitative approaches in the development of SAM use measures so that unique items specific to SAM use rather than single-substance use can be identified. Additionally, validation of these measures is needed across different samples that varydemographically, such asby race and gender or sex. Future research should consider the development of ameasure of protective behavioral strategiesspecific to SAM use to inform interventionsthat target thereduction of negative consequences of SAM use.

Latent Classes of Simultaneous Alcohol and Cannabis Use and Associations with Consequences using Daily Data.

Simultaneous alcohol and cannabis use (i.e., marijuana, [SAM], using alcohol and cannabis so effects overlap) is associated with increased consumption and consequences compared to single-substance use. SAM use prevalence is increasing, yet there is heterogeneity in use patterns among those engaging in SAM use, which may lead to differential consequences. This study drew on daily data to characterize latent profiles of cannabis, alcohol, and SAM use patterns and to test class differences on related consequences after 3 months among college students engaging in SAM use (77.08% White, 51.67% female). Class indicators were 10 person-level substance use variables derived from repeated daily surveys. Results yielded a three-class solution: Heavy Alcohol, Cannabis, and SAM (Heavy Use, n = 105); Heavy Alcohol-Light Cannabis (n = 75); and Light Alcohol-Heavy Cannabis (n = 60). There were significant person-level differences between classes on all substance use indicators (e.g., quantity and frequency of alcohol, cannabis, and SAM) but not sex or race/ethnicity. At 3-month follow-up, the Heavy Use class endorsed more SAM consequences than the other classes. The Heavy Use class did not differ on alcohol or cannabis consequences compared to the Heavy Alcohol-Light Cannabis or Light Alcohol-Heavy Cannabis classes, respectively. The Light Alcohol-Heavy Cannabis class endorsed the fewest alcohol consequences. The Heavy Alcohol-Light Cannabis class endorsed the fewest cannabis consequences. Findings highlight distinct patterns of co-use and their association with consequences at follow-up. Heavy alcohol or cannabis use was associated with consequences for that substance, but heavy use of only one substance was not indicative of SAM-specific consequences.

A Longitudinal Analysis of Monthly Changes in Substance Use in Relation to Negative Consequences From Alcohol and Cannabis Use in a Community Sample of Young Adults.

Experiencing negative substance use consequences may deter future use, alter patterns of substance use (e.g., substituting one substance for another, combining substances), or point to a sustained pattern of engaging in heavy or frequent use. We used monthly data to examine relationships between negative alcohol and cannabis use consequences experienced in one month and changes in use the following month. Data were from 508 individuals (59% female; ages 18-23 years at enrollment) who were surveyed monthly for 2 years and used both alcohol and cannabis during the study period. Multilevel models assessed within-person associations between monthly fluctuations in substance-related negative consequences and the next month's substance use (i.e., typical drinks per week, cannabis use frequency, and simultaneous alcohol and cannabis/marijuana [SAM] use), controlling for the prior month's substance use. Positive associations were found between alcohol consequences and the following month's alcohol use and between cannabis consequences and subsequent cannabis use, although only the cannabis association was statistically significant. There was little evidence of effects of cannabis consequences on the next month's alcohol use or alcohol consequences on the next month's cannabis use. Cannabis consequences had a positive and statistically significant association with the next month's SAM use. Within-substance positive associations were strongest for physical alcohol consequences and cannabis consequences of low motivation, memory problems, and trouble breathing. Experiencing negative cannabis use consequences predicted more frequent cannabis use and greater chance of SAM use 1 month later. Results point to negative consequences, along with prior use, indicating risk for future use.

Dynamic relations among simultaneous alcohol and cannabis use, subjective responses, and problem drinking during naturally occurring drinking episodes

BackgroundSimultaneous alcohol and cannabis use (SAM) is associated with riskier drinking. However, little is known regarding mechanisms of risk during drinking episodes. The current study tested whether subjective responses to simultaneous vs. alcohol-only use (i.e., high arousal positive/reward, high arousal negative/aggression, low arousal positive/relaxation, low arousal negative/impairment) were mechanisms through which SAM use was associated with daily drinking. MethodsEmerging adults who co-use alcohol and cannabis (N=85) completed 21 days of ecological momentary assessment with drink-contingent reports during drinking episodes. Participants reported on their simultaneous use and current subjective effects during drink reports and past-night total drinks consumed and negative consequences experienced the next morning. Three-level multilevel models (momentary, daily, person level) tested whether SAM use predicted subjective responses, and whether subjective responses mediated associations between SAM use, heavier drinking and negative consequences. ResultsAt the momentary and day-level, SAM (vs. alcohol-only) use predicted increased high arousal positive/rewarding, low arousal positive/relaxing, and low arousal negative/impairing subjective effects. SAM use indirectly predicted heavier day-level drinking and further negative consequences through high arousal positive/rewarding response. SAM use also indirectly predicted day-level negative consequences through low arousal negative/impairing response. At the person-level, more frequent SAM use predicted higher person-average high arousal positive/rewarding and low arousal positive/relaxing responses, and high arousal positive/rewarding response mediated relation between SAM frequency and heavier drinking. ConclusionsSimultaneous use was associated with reward, relief, and impairment, and reward and impairment were mechanisms of risk between SAM use and riskier drinking. Findings may inform theory and just-in-time interventions seeking to reduce alcohol misuse.

Impulsivity typologies and simultaneous alcohol and cannabis use.

Simultaneous use of alcohol and cannabis or marijuana ("SAM") use is prevalent among young adults and associated with adverse outcomes. Impulsivity is a key construct associated with alcohol and other substance use in this age group, but scant work has considered the role of individual facets of impulsivity on SAM use. The present study compared latent profiles defined by facets of impulsivity (negative urgency, lack of perseverance, lack of premeditation, sensation seeking, and positive urgency) and examined whether profiles were associated with recent SAM use relative to alcohol without cannabis use. Participants were 542 young adults (53% female) recruited through Qualtrics Panels who reported past-year alcohol use and blackout drinking behavior. Participants completed online questionnaires regarding their past-year substance use behavior and typical impulsivity. Regression analysis examining the five impulsivity facets revealed that only sensation seeking predicted the likelihood of recent SAM use relative to alcohol without cannabis use. Using latent profile analysis, four profiles were identified: "low impulsivity," "high sensation seeking/urgency impulsivity," "moderate impulsivity," and "high lack of premeditation/perseverance impulsivity." Individuals in the high sensation seeking/urgency group were more likely to engage in SAM use. Impulsivity may be an important individual difference factor associated with SAM use. Young adults who engage in SAM use may be particularly vulnerable for impulsivity related to sensation seeking and urgency, which may further heighten their risk for hazardous use and related outcomes. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).

Adolescent simultaneous use of alcohol and marijuana by trends in cigarette and nicotine vaping from 2000 to 2020

BackgroundSimultaneous alcohol and marijuana (SAM) use is associated with adverse consequences for youth. While SAM use is overall declining among youth, prior studies indicate increasing marijuana use among US adolescents who ever used cigarettes, suggesting possible moderation of the alcohol-marijuana relationship by cigarette use. MethodsWe included 43,845 12-th grade students participating in Monitoring the Future data (2000–2020). A 5-level alcohol/marijuana measure was used, including past-year SAM, alcohol-only, marijuana-only, non-simultaneous alcohol and marijuana, or no use. Multinomial logistic regressions estimated associations between time periods (categorized based on sample size: 2000–2005, 2006–2009, 2010–2014, 2015–2020) and the 5-level alcohol/marijuana measure. Models adjusted for sex, race, parental education and survey mode and included interactions of time periods and lifetime cigarette or vaped nicotine use. ResultsWhile overall SAM among 12th graders decreased from 23.65% to 18.31% between 2000 and 2020, SAM increased among students who never used cigarettes or vaped nicotine (from 5.42% to 7.03%). Among students who ever used cigarettes or vaped nicotine, SAM increased from 39.2% in 2000–2005–44.1% in 2010–2014 then declined to 37.8% in 2015–2020. Adjusted models controlling for demographics indicated that among students with no lifetime cigarette or vaped nicotine use, students in 2015–2020 had 1.40 (95% C.I. 1.15–1.71) times the odds of SAM, and 5.43 (95% C.I. 3.63–8.12) times the odds of marijuana-only (i.e., no alcohol use) compared to students who used neither in 2000–2005. Alcohol-only declined over time in both students who ever and never used cigarettes or nicotine vape products. ConclusionParadoxically, while SAM declined in the overall adolescent US population, the prevalence of SAM increased among students who have never smoked cigarettes or vaped nicotine. This effect arises because of a substantial decline in the prevalence of cigarette smoking; smoking is a risk factor for SAM, and fewer students smoke. Increases in vaping are offsetting these changes, however. Preventing adolescent use of cigarettes and nicotine vaped products could have extended benefits for other substance use, including SAM.

Nanoscale Surface Functionalization Based on Heterogeneous Self-Assembled Monolayers for Molecular-Scale Electronics.

Mixed self-assembled monolayers (mixed SAMs)-based molecular-scale electronic devices in recent years have gained great achievement in the fundamental study on charge transport mechanism and electronic functionalities. This review aims to summarize the preparation and characterization, structure modulation, and applications of heterogeneous mixed SAMs in molecular electronics. One key advantage of SAM-based molecular devices compared to single molecular devices is the ability to tune the intermolecular interactions, and two-dimensional (2-D) assembly structure allows for the optimization of charge transport in desired devices. Herein we review the qualitative and quantitative examination of the nanoscale organization and intermolecular interactions of mixed SAMs obtained by various mixed SAM preparation and characterization techniques. The use of mixed SAMs to control the structural order and compactness of SAM to form high-performance molecular electronic devices is also reviewed. Finally, we wrap up the review by discussing the challenges of this technique for the development of novel electronic functional devices in the future.

One year follow-up on a randomized study investigating serratus anterior muscle and pectoral nerves type I block to reduced neuropathic pain descriptors after mastectomy

Breast cancer is the second most common diagnosed type of cancer in women. Chronic neuropathic pain after mastectomy occurs frequently and is a serious health problem. In our previous single-center, prospective, randomized controlled clinical study, we demonstrated that the combination of serratus anterior plane block (SAM) and pectoral nerve block type I (PECS I) with general anesthesia reduced acute postoperative pain. The present report describes a prospective follow-up study of this published study to investigate the development of chronic neuropathic pain 12 months after mastectomy by comparing the use of general anesthesia alone and general anesthesia with SAM + PECS I. Additionally, the use of analgesic medication, quality of life, depressive symptoms, and possible correlations between plasma levels of interleukin (IL)-1 beta, IL-6, and IL-10 collected before and 24 h after surgery as predictors of pain and depression were evaluated. The results showed that the use of SAM + PECS I with general anesthesia reduced numbness, hypoesthesia to touch, the incidence of patients with chronic pain in other body regions and depressive symptoms, however, did not significantly reduce the incidence of chronic neuropathic pain after mastectomy. Additionally, there was no difference in the consumption of analgesic medication and quality of life. Furthermore, no correlation was observed between IL-1 beta, IL-6, and IL-10 levels and pain and depression. The combination of general anesthesia with SAM + PECS I reduced the occurrence of specific neuropathic pain descriptors and depressive symptoms. These results could promote the use of SAM + PECS I blocks for the prevention of specific neuropathic pain symptoms after mastectomy.Registration of clinical trial: The Research Ethics Board of the Hospital Sirio-Libanes/Brazil approved the study (CAAE 48721715.0.0000.5461). This study is registered at Registro Brasileiro de Ensaios Clinicos (ReBEC), and ClinicalTrials.gov, Identifier: NCT02647385.

Development of the Alcohol and Cannabis Simultaneous Use Scale (ACSUS) in college students

ABSTRACT Background Despite the prevalence and negative outcomes associated with simultaneous alcohol and cannabis use (i.e., marijuana [SAM] use, i.e., so that the effects of both alcohol and cannabis overlap) among college students, there is no comprehensive measure of SAM use, with past research relying on single items. The present study aimed to develop the Alcohol and Cannabis Simultaneous Use Scale (ACSUS), a comprehensive self-report measure of SAM use frequency, quantity, and problems in college students. Methods College students at two Midwestern universities who used alcohol and cannabis (Study 1: N = 534; Mean age = 19; 71% female; 88% White; Study 2: N = 258; Mean age = 21; 81% female; 85% White) completed the newly developed ACSUS. Results Exploratory factor analysis (Study 1) revealed that the ACSUS fits best with 9-items representing two factors: Factor 1 measures frequency and quantity of SAM use and Factor 2 measures associated problems with SAM use. Confirmatory factor analysis (Study 2) supported the two-factor structure of the ACSUS, which was positively associated with measures of alcohol use, cannabis use, simultaneous use motives, and impulsivity. Conclusions These data provide initial support for the ACSUS, developed to investigate the frequency, quantity, and associated problems with SAM use in college students.

Daily Relations Among Alcohol and Cannabis Co-Use, Simultaneous Use, and Negative Consequences: A Day-Level Latent Profile Analysis.

Concurrent and simultaneous cannabis and alcohol co-use confers risk for daily negative alcohol consequences. However, studies often treat co-use as a dichotomy, precluding examination of higher- and lower-risk co-use days. Additionally, little is known about specific alcohol consequences associated with daily co-use. Therefore, the current study 1) differentiated days based upon alcohol consumption, co-use, and simultaneous use, and 2) tested whether certain day-level use patterns conferred risk for daily alcohol consequences. College student co-users (N=489) completed an online Timeline Followback, reporting daily alcohol consumption, negative alcohol consequences, concurrent cannabis and alcohol co-use, and simultaneous co-use (SAM) on drinking days over the past month. Day-Level Latent Profile Analysis differentiated days based upon drinking quantity, co-use, and simultaneous use, and tested whether patterns of use conferred risk for overall and specific negative alcohol consequences. Four day-level profiles emerged, including moderate consumption of alcohol-only days (57.5%), moderate consumption SAM use days (29.1%), higher consumption alcohol-only days (7.4%), and higher consumption SAM use days (6%). Higher consumption SAM use days were associated with more negative alcohol consequences than all other days; however, higher consumption SAM use days differed from higher consumption alcohol-only days in acute dependence symptoms. Higher consumption alcohol-only days were associated with more negative alcohol consequences than moderate consumption SAM days, particularly those that were action-oriented (i.e., dependence symptoms, blackout drinking, impaired control, risky behavior, social/interpersonal consequences). Findings suggest that there are in fact lower-risk co-use days, and that links with unique negative alcohol consequences depend on levels of alcohol consumption and co-use.

Hygroscopy of Single‐Stranded DNA Nano‐Brushes: Atomic Workings of its Hydration‐Induced Deformation

AbstractHydration control of structure and mechanical properties is a process widely exploited in living organisms for key biological functions and, most recently, also in man‐made smart materials. Here, the challenge of unveiling the underlying atomistic mechanisms of this phenomenon using all‐atom Molecular Dynamics (MD) simulations to model the hygroscopic properties of polymer‐brushes composed by single‐stranded DNA (ssDNA) molecules is faced. The simulations identify three swelling regimes with a markedly different mechanical response. This evolution is produced by the competition between the formation of additional water–ssDNA and water–water hydrogen bonds, in a subtle interplay with the co‐evolving structure of the ssDNA SAM. This cooperative interaction between conformational and hydration degrees of freedom should be applicable to other polymer brushes and related hydrogen‐bonded systems. The results have direct implications for the use of ssDNA SAMs as sequencing devices, explaining the crucial role of the polymer‐brush density in the SAM collective response to hydration, and for the alternative design of hygroscopic materials, that exploit the extreme hygroscopic power of biological polymers like ssDNA brushes.

The use of special approval medicines among pediatric patients in a tertiary care hospital: A reality check

BackgroundSpecial approval medicines (SAMs) are medicines used with approval from the Director General of Health Malaysia when the therapeutic options within regulatory and formulary boundaries appear unsuitable or ineffective to treat the patients. ObjectivesTo examine and characterize the use of SAMs among children in a Malaysian tertiary care hospital. MethodsThe named-patient basis SAM application forms, cover letter, pharmacist review summary and patient monitoring forms available at the Pharmacy Department between 1st January 2019 and 31st December 2020 were reviewed. Unprocessed, unapproved and stock-basis applications were excluded. The outcome measures were categories, scope, off-label use and cost of SAM. Per-patient data were analyzed descriptively. ResultsOverall, 1010 patients (mean age of 8.7 ± 5.6 years) were involved in 328 SAMs applications. The most common SAMs pharmacological groups were nervous system (n = 371, 36.7%) and antineoplastic and immunomodulating agents (n = 332, 32.9%). Top three SAMs were melatonin (11.5%), scopolamine (7.6%) and cholecalciferol (7.1%). A total of 837 (82.9%) and 513 (50.8%) patients were involved in the SAMs applications for non-formulary and unregistered medicines, respectively. Unregistered, non-formulary medicines were applied for 47.3% (n = 478) of the patients. The majority of the scope for SAMs (64.7%) were to substitute the available alternatives in the national formulary which were ineffective or sub-optimal for the patients. Among the 262 patients with repeat applications, 93.8% reported disease or symptom improvement while 1.9% experienced side effects. Up to 17% of SAMs analyzed in this study were used for off-label indications. The total cost of the SAMs was RM8,748,358.38 (USD 2,090,418.86). ConclusionThe use of SAMs among children in this hospital involved unregistered, non-formulary medicines used to substitute the available alternatives in the formulary. A concerted effort is warranted in exploring supplementary mechanisms to enhance the medicine registration process and formulary system towards facilitating enhanced provision of treatment for children.

Simultaneous alcohol and marijuana use among college students in the United States, 2006–2019

ObjectiveSimultaneous alcohol and marijuana (SAM) use exposes college students to a myriad of adverse consequences. However, there is no recent nationally representative study on SAM use among college students in the United States (US). To provide an update to the literature, the present study aimed to examine the trends, prevalence, and correlates of SAM use among US college students between 2006 and 2019, using nationally representative data. MethodWe used data from the 2006–2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) and the analytic sample was limited to the 55,669 full-time college student respondents (ages 18–22). Using logistic regression analysis, we assessed trends in SAM use prevalence and examined sociodemographic and psycho-social-behavioral correlates of SAM use. ResultsThe proportion of US college students who reported SAM use increased significantly from 8.13% (2006–2010) to 8.44% (2015–2019). However, examination by race/ethnicity revealed that the increasing trend was largely driven by Black college students, whose SAM use prevalence increased significantly from 5.50% (2006–2010) to 9.30% (2015–2019), reflecting a 69.09% increase. SAM use rates did not change significantly among other racial/ethnic groups. ConclusionsThis study uncovered an upward trend and prevalence of SAM use among US college students, calling for more research and public health interventions in this area. At-risk subgroups that warrant more attention include college students who are Black, female, above the legal drinking age, have a lower than $20,000 household income, and reside in small metropolitan areas.

Relations between higher- and lower-order alcohol and cannabis expectancies and simultaneous use frequency among undergraduate dual users

Background Simultaneous alcohol and cannabis (i.e. marijuana; [SAM]) use is prevalent among college students. There is limited research on expectancy effects for SAM use, which are known correlates of use frequency and mediators of treatment outcomes. We examined the unique associations of both positive and negative alcohol and cannabis expectancies with frequency of SAM use among college students. Method Participants were 1012 college students (70.9% female, 51.8% white, M age = 19.63) from seven US universities who reported past-month alcohol and cannabis use (77.2% of the sample reported SAM use). Students completed measures of past-month typical weekly alcohol and cannabis frequency and quantity, alcohol and cannabis expectancies, and SAM frequency through an online self-reported survey. Results A negative binomial regression revealed that higher-order positive, but not negative, alcohol and cannabis expectancies were significant predictors of SAM frequency above and beyond frequency of alcohol and cannabis use, biological sex, and whether the survey was completed pre- or post-COVID-19 campus closures. Specifically, higher frequency SAM use was associated with weaker positive alcohol and stronger positive cannabis expectancies. A second negative binomial regression including lower-order expectancies found that SAM frequency was associated with weaker social and cognitive and behavioral impairment alcohol expectancies and stronger sexual and social facilitation cannabis and liquid courage alcohol expectancies, specifically. Conclusions Results highlight the importance of comprehensively examining both higher- and lower-order alcohol and cannabis expectancies when examining SAM frequency, and provide avenues of targeted intervention to reduce SAM use among dual users.

Understanding Heterogeneity Among Simultaneous Alcohol and Marijuana Users: Latent Classes Derived From Daily Diary Data

Simultaneous use of alcohol and marijuana (SAM) is common among U.S. college students, but little research has examined specific substance use behaviors during SAM use episodes. This study identified latent classes of SAM users based on their SAM, alcohol-only, and marijuana-only use episodes. College student SAM users (N = 284; 50.7% female; M age = 19.8 years) completed up to five surveys each day across two 4-week bursts. Latent class analysis (LCA) was used to characterize SAM users based on seven latent class indicators of use behavior. Sex was examined in relation to latent class membership. Five unique classes emerged: Frequent Marijuana-Focused SAM users (21%); Frequent Alcohol-Initiating SAM users (29%); Heavy-Drinking Infrequent SAM users (12%); Moderate SAM users (29%); and Light Infrequent SAM users (9%). These groups were differentiated primarily by their frequency of SAM use, form of marijuana, whether marijuana was used on non-SAM occasions, and whether consequences were experienced. Groups differed significantly by sex. College student SAM users are heterogeneous with respect not only to their degree of SAM use but also in their pattern of drinking, type of marijuana use, relative focus on alcohol versus marijuana, and risk of experiencing acute negative consequences. Describing this heterogeneity is an important step toward developing interventions for different types of users.

Translation of DNA Sequence to Chemical Structure in DNA-Encoded Libraries.

Analysis of DEL selection results requires the generation of large DNA sequence data sets and the conversion of DNA sequence to chemical structure. SAM and BAM formats are the generic formats for storing sequence alignment results. However, such formats are not directly applicable for analysis of DEL selection results due to the lack of reference sequences. In this protocol, reference sequences are constructed from DEL structure files using the central dogma of molecular biology analogy. Enabling the use of SAM and BAM formats drastically facilitates data access while also reducing data storage requirements and permits the efficient translation of DNA sequence to chemical structure of DEL compounds.