Stimulant Effects Research Articles

Psychometric Evaluation of the Modified E-cigarette Evaluation Questionnaire for use with High School Adolescents and Young Adults.

The subjective experience of positive and negative effects of e-cigarette use has been shown to relate to e-cigarette use outcomes in adults, but no validated measure of e-cigarette subjective response exists for adolescents and young adults (AYAs). In the current study, the psychometric properties of the Modified E-cigarette Evaluation Questionnaire (MECEQ) were evaluated for use with AYAs. 997 AYAs who endorsed using nicotine e-cigarettes at least 4 days per week completed an anonymous, online survey in 2022 (51.1% male; 17.39 [1.88] years old; 33.9% Hispanic; 68% White). Analyses included factor analysis to determine the latent structure of the MECEQ, internal consistency, measurement invariance, between-group differences, and test-criterion relationships with vaping frequency and dependence. The originally-proposed, five-factor structure and a novel four-factor structure were supported, and each subscale was internally consistent. Both models reached scalar invariance for all participant subgroups tested (e.g., sex, daily vaping status), and several between-groups differences were observed. For instance, compared to less frequent vaping, daily vaping was associated with increased Craving Reduction (5-factor), reduced Stimulant Effects (4-factor), and reduced Aversion (5-factor; 4-factor). Adjusted relationships between both MECEQ versions and vaping frequency and dependence provided evidence of concurrent validity. Similar to adults, a five-factor and four-factor version of the MECEQ were supported and evidenced internal consistency, scalar measurement invariance, and concurrent relationships with vaping frequency and dependence. Moving forward, researchers are encouraged to include the MECEQ in future studies to better understand the importance of subjective response in AYA vaping behavior. The Modified E-cigarette Evaluation Questionnaire (MCEQ), an e-cigarette-adapted version of the Modified Cigarette Evaluation Questionnaire (MCEQ), recently was validated to assess subjective e-cigarette effects among adults. Here, we demonstrate that the MECEQ can be used among adolescents and young adults (AYAs). The MECEQ can be scored using the original, five-factor MCEQ structure or using a novel, four-factor structure. Both versions were internally consistent, reached scalar measurement invariance, and evidenced concurrent relationships with vaping frequency and dependence. In sum, this study provides the field with the first psychometrically-sound measure of subjective effects of e-cigarette use for use with AYAs.

A Study on the Antibacterial, Antispasmodic, Antipyretic, and Anti-Inflammatory Activity of ZnO Nanoparticles Using Leaf Extract from Jasminum sambac (L. Aiton).

The green synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) using plants has grown in significance in recent years. ZnO NPs were synthesized in this work via a chemical precipitation method with Jasminum sambac (JS) leaf extract serving as a capping agent. These NPs were characterized using UV-vis spectroscopy, FT-IR, XRD, SEM, TEM, TGA, and DTA. The results from UV-vis and FT-IR confirmed the band gap energies (3.37 eV and 3.50 eV) and the presence of the following functional groups: CN, OH, C=O, and NH. A spherical structure and an average grain size of 26 nm were confirmed via XRD. The size and surface morphology of the ZnO NPs were confirmed through the use of SEM analysis. According to the TEM images, the ZnO NPs had an average mean size of 26 nm and were spherical in shape. The TGA curve indicated that the weight loss starts at 100 °C, rising to 900 °C, as a result of the evaporation of water molecules. An exothermic peak was seen during the DTA analysis at 480 °C. Effective antibacterial activity was found at 7.32 ± 0.44 mm in Gram-positive bacteria (S. aureus) and at 15.54 ± 0.031 mm in Gram-negative (E. coli) bacteria against the ZnO NPs. Antispasmodic activity: the 0.3 mL/mL sample solution demonstrated significant reductions in stimulant effects induced by histamine (at a concentration of 1 µg/mL) by (78.19%), acetylcholine (at a concentration of 1 µM) by (67.57%), and nicotine (at a concentration of 2 µg/mL) by (84.35%). The antipyretic activity was identified using the specific Shodhan vidhi method, and their anti-inflammatory properties were effectively evaluated with a denaturation test. A 0.3 mL/mL sample solution demonstrated significant reductions in stimulant effects induced by histamine (at a concentration of 1 µg/mL) by 78.19%, acetylcholine (at a concentration of 1 µM) by 67.57%, and nicotine (at a concentration of 2 µg/mL) by 84.35%. These results underscore the sample solution's potential as an effective therapeutic agent, showcasing its notable antispasmodic activity. Among the administered doses, the 150 mg/kg sample dose exhibited the most potent antipyretic effects. The anti-inflammatory activity of the synthesized NPs showed a remarkable inhibition percentage of (97.14 ± 0.005) at higher concentrations (250 µg/mL). Furthermore, a cytotoxic effect was noted when the biologically synthesized ZnO NPs were introduced to treated cells.

Differential effects of voluntary exercise and housing density on anxiety-like behavior in C57Bl/6 mice

The interaction of voluntary exercise and housing density on a) anxiety-like behavior and b) the stimulant effects of methamphetamine in C57Bl/6 mice were evaluated. Upon arrival, mice were housed singly or in pairs, and permitted access to home-cage running wheels or not for 4 weeks. Testing for anxiety-like behavior occurred over the next 3 weeks, one test per week [Elevated-Plus Maze (EPM) → Hyponeophagia (HNP) task → Open-Field (OF) task]. The final, OF task involved an 8-hour session in which mice were permitted to explore the chamber (drug free) during Hours 1–3; given an injection (s.c.) of methamphetamine (1.0 mg/kg) after Hour 3; followed by continued behavioral sampling during Hours 4–8. Several tasks (HNP and OF, but not EPM) consistently showed voluntary exercise induced anxiety-like behavior. In addition, two measures (time in center and time resting in the perimeter) in the OF task revealed that exercise mice compared to controls were more responsive to the anxiogenic effects of methamphetamine. Although pair housing was anxiolytic, it did not ameliorate the anxiogenic effects of voluntary exercise. Taken together, these results, when viewed in tandem with previous studies that utilized a less anxious mouse strain (Swiss Webster), may suggest that voluntary exercise is anxiogenic in an anxiety-prone mouse strain such as C57Bl/6 and highlight the importance of considering mouse strain when evaluating the impact of environmental manipulations on anxiety-like behavior in animal models.

Hematological and biochemical indicators of steers of Hereford breed during the application of a growth stimulator

Modern livestock farming is actively applying the trend of accelerating the rate of milk and beef production through the use of various feed additives. In this regard, there was a need to study the adaptive abilities of the animal body against the background of the use of these additives. The purpose of the research was to study the hematological and biochemical indicators, of steers of Hereford bbreed against the background of the use of a growth stimulator. The experiment was carried out on steers of Hereford breed starting from 6 months of age, which were divided into 2 groups (control and experimental) of 10 animals in each group. The test animals of both groups were housed in free-ranging pens. The feeding rations were identical, except that the experimental group of steers was fed a growth stimulator, and the housing conditions were also the same throughout the experiment. The article contains information about the impact of stress-limiting environmental factors on the body of steers. The following indicators have been studied in depth: catalase activity, malondialdehyde, ceruloplasmin, and lipid peroxidation. The conducted studies allowed us to fully study the eff ect of a growth stimulant on lipid peroxidation in steers of Hereford breed under environmentally unfavorable conditions. This growth stimulator showed a positive effect on the animal body, as evidenced by the data obtained. In addition, we were able to reduce the concentration of lipid peroxidation by an average of 21 %. The studies conducted and the results obtained indicate the eff ectiveness of using a growth stimulator to increase the development and growth of steers. The study confirmed that the growth stimulator can reduce lipid peroxidation in the technology of rearing and fattening cattle in environmentally unfavorable areas of the Southern Urals, which confirms its antioxidant properties.

Effects of natural and chemical rooting stimulants on some root traits of two varieties of pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) cuttings

The experiment ran from the middle of February until the start of November 2023 under the plant canopy of the Department of Horticulture and Landscape, College of Agriculture, University of Kerbala. The study employed a Randomized Complete Block Design (R.C.B.D.) as a factorial experiment, with two pomegranate varieties (Yamani and Bashkan) as the first factor and various combinations of natural and chemical rootings as the second factor. These included extracts of moringa leaves (M0, M1) and licorice roots (L0, L1) at concentrations of 0 and 15 g L-1 each, as well as indole butyric acid at a concentration of 0 and 10 mg L-1 (B0, B1). The majority of the root features of the resultant seedlings demonstrated that, overall, the Bashkan variety outperformed the Yamani variety; however, this superiority varied when combined with other rooting combinations. Between the rooting stimulant combinations utilized in the study, the cuttings' dipping results differed. When it came to the quantity, size, and fresh and dry weight of the root system, indole butyric acid in combination with B1M0L0 performed better. It resulted in 250.000 root seedlings-1, 2.270 cm3, 20,680 g, and 6,650 g, respectively. In contrast, the B0M0L1 licorice root treatment demonstrated superior root length, reaching 38,100 cm. Both the percentage of rooting and the average root diameter were the largest in the combination including both extracts, B0M1L1, reaching 5.170% and 1.603 mm, respectively. Given that natural extracts have outperformed chemical radicals in the majority of the rooting qualities under study—such as licorice root extract and moringa leaf extract—it is possible to conclude from the aforementioned results on their suitability for usage as an alternative.

Rapid analysis of eucalyptus oil adulteration in Moroccan rosemary essential oil via GC-FID and mid-infrared spectroscopy

Essential Oil (EO) extracted from Rosemary is known for its therapeutic, antifungal, stimulant and antibacterial effects. This study aimed to detect and quantify the adulteration of Rosemary essential oil with different percentages of eucalyptus essential oil, using two analytical techniques: gas chromatography with Flame Ionization Detection (GC-FID) and Fourier Transform Mid-infrared spectroscopy (FT-MIR), combined with chemometric tools such as Principal Component Analysis (PCA), Partial Least Squares regression (PLS-R) and support vector regression (SVR). The use of PCA on the results obtained from GC-FID and FT-MIR indicates the possibility of categorizing the data into two distinct groups: adulterated essential oil and non-adulterated essential oil. However, it is noted that GC-FID can only detect adulteration starting from 40%, while spectroscopy is capable of detecting lower percentages of adulteration. The use of PLS-R and SVR calibration models for adulteration quantification demonstrates high performance capabilities for both techniques (GC-FID and FT-MIR), as indicated by high R2 correlation coefficients indicating good fit, with lower root mean square error (RMSE) values demonstrating predictive accuracy. The results suggest that FT-MIR spectroscopy is preferable to GC-FID for the quantification and discrimination of adulterated essential oils. FT-MIR spectroscopy is considered superior to GC-FID due to its non-destructiveness, speed and lack of sample preparation.

Sexual effects of commonly used recreational psychostimulants in women and the female rat model.

Recreational psychostimulants have been associated with increased sexual activity or changes in sexual function in women, but every drug in this class has not shown consistent sexual effects in scientific studies. Further, some studies in female animal models may recapitulate the effects observed in humans, while others produce conflicting results. Overall, though, published studies on the sexual effects of recreational stimulants in women are lacking. The objective of this manuscript was to review the published sexual effects of prominent recreational psychostimulants in women and in the female rat model. Literature searches for "any years" were performed through PubMed and Google Scholar. Keywords for the searches included "amphetamine," "methamphetamine," "MDMA," "ecstasy," "3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine," "cocaine," "caffeine," "sex," "sexual," "female," and "women." Studies in humans and using animal models were included. Older studies have shown that amphetamine produces a positive sexual effect in women, but often the sample size was too small to draw generalizable conclusions. Methamphetamine also has a positive effect on several sexual domains in women, as well as on vaginal lubrication. 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine may have a negative or positive effect on sexual activity, but often enhances the sensual aspects of sex. Though low doses of cocaine may heighten the sexual experience, most women who use cocaine experience negative sexual effects. Caffeine has been shown to enhance a physiological measure of arousal, vaginal blood flow, but based on our searches, no studies have investigated the subjective sexual effects of the drug. Different recreational psychostimulants produce varying effects on sexual behavior and responses in women and female animal models, but more research is needed to understand these effects better.

α-Pyrrolidinohexanophenone (α-PHP) vs. α-pyrrolidinoisohexanophenone (α-PiHP): A toxicological investigation about plasma concentrations and behavior in forensic routine cases.

New psychoactive substances (NPS), like pyrrolidinophenones, are still very present on the illegal drug market. The presented study reports on two members of this substance group, α-pyrrolidinohexanophenone (α-PHP) and α-pyrrolidinoisohexanophenone (α-PiHP), which occurred in forensic routine cases in the last 6 years. α-PHP could be detected predominantly by a validated liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS-MS) method in 33 authentic human plasma samples and α-PiHP in 8. α-PHP concentrations ranged from ca. 0.75 to 128 µg/L (mean: 23.2, median: 16.3) and α-PiHP concentrations from 7.33 to 118 µg/L (mean: 44.7, median: 33.7, quantified via α-PHP). Individuals were predominantly male and middle aged. As different studies have shown, some pyrrolidinophenones are able to cause aggressive behavior. Therefore, we set out to investigate the relation of α-PHP and α-PiHP plasma concentrations and the behavior of the consumers, reported by police and medical experts. Part of the subjects showed aggressive behavior, including agitation and restlessness. Lethargic and unremarkable behavior might be explained by co-consumption of other drugs, such as opiates/opioids, benzodiazepines, pregabalin or alcohol as well as by drug tolerance and subacute effects of stimulants. Multi-drug use could be detected in all cases; also stimulating substances and multiple different pyrrolidinophenones were determined. Nevertheless, users of α-PHP and α-PiHP showed a tendency to act aggressively, possibly triggered by a high selectivity for dopamine transporter inhibition. In accordance, committed offenses were often violent crimes. This might be considered in terms of toxicological assessment of criminal responsibility and driving ability.

Stimulant medications in children with ADHD normalize the structure of brain regions associated with attention and reward.

Children with ADHD show abnormal brain function and structure. Neuroimaging studies found that stimulant medications may improve brain structural abnormalities in children with ADHD. However, prior studies on this topic were conducted with relatively small sample sizes and wide age ranges and showed inconsistent results. In this cross-sectional study, we employed latent class analysis and linear mixed-effects models to estimate the impact of stimulant medications using demographic, clinical measures, and brain structure in a large and diverse sample of children aged 9-11 from the Adolescent Brain and Cognitive Development Study. We studied 273 children with low ADHD symptoms and received stimulant medication (Stim Low-ADHD), 1002 children with high ADHD symptoms and received no medications (No-Med ADHD), and 5378 typically developing controls (TDC). After controlling for the covariates, compared to Stim Low-ADHD and TDC, No-Med ADHD showed lower cortical thickness in the right insula (INS, d = 0.340, PFDR = 0.003) and subcortical volume in the left nucleus accumbens (NAc, d = 0.371, PFDR = 0.003), indicating that high ADHD symptoms were associated with structural abnormalities in these brain regions. In addition, there was no difference in brain structural measures between Stim Low-ADHD and TDC children, suggesting that the stimulant effects improved both ADHD symptoms and ADHD-associated brain structural abnormalities. These findings together suggested that children with ADHD appear to have structural abnormalities in brain regions associated with saliency and reward processing, and treatment with stimulant medications not only improve the ADHD symptoms but also normalized these brain structural abnormalities.

Strict regulations on energy drinks to protect Minors' health in Europe – It is never too late to set things right at home

The consumption of energy drinks poses significant risks to minors' health, and strict regulations are urgently needed to protect them. The high caffeine, high sugar, and high caloric content of energy drinks have drawn concern from health professionals. The consumption of energy drinks has been linked to unhealthy dietary behaviors, obesity, and mental health problems in adolescents. The psychoactive and stimulant effects of energy drinks are particularly worrisome, and the marketing of these drinks on social media platforms is also a cause for alarm. In light of these concerns, we strongly recommend policy measures, such as restrictions on the sale of energy drinks to minors, to prevent their health risks. The evidence clearly suggests that energy drinks pose significant risks to minors' health and well-being, and regulatory standards must be implemented without further delay.

Phencyclidine-like abuse liability and psychosis-like neurocognitive effects of novel arylcyclohexylamine drugs of abuse in rodents.

Abuse of novel arylcyclohexylamines (ACX) poses risks for toxicities including adverse neurocognitive effects. In vivo effects of ring-substituted analogs of phencyclidine (PCP), eticyclidine (PCE), and ketamine are understudied. Adult male NIH Swiss mice were used to assess locomotor effects of PCP and its 3-OH, 3-MeO, 3-Cl and 4-MeO analogs; PCE and its 3-OH and 3-MeO analogs; and ketamine and its deschloro and 2F-deschloro analogs, in comparison to those of methamphetamine (METH), 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), and two benzofuran analogs of MDMA. PCP-like interoceptive effects for all of these ACXs were determined using a food-reinforced drug discrimination procedure in adult male Sprague Dawley rats. A novel operant assay of rule-governed behavior incorporating aspects of attentional set-shifting was used to profile psychosis-like neurocognitive effects of PCP and 3-Cl-PCP in rats, in comparison to cocaine and morphine. PCP-like ACXs were more effective locomotor stimulants than the amphetamines, PCE-like ACXs were as effective as the amphetamines, and ketamine-like ACXs were less effective than the amphetamines. Addition of -Cl, -OH, or -OMe at the 3-position on the aromatic ring did not impact locomotor effectiveness, but addition of -OMe at the 4-position reduced locomotor effectiveness. Lethal effects were induced by drugs with -OH at the 3-position or -OMe at the 3- or 4-position. All novel ACXs substituted at least partially for PCP, and PCP and 3-Cl-PCP elicited dose-dependent psychosis-like neurocognitive deficits in the rule governed behavior task not observed with cocaine or morphine. Novel ACXs exhibit substantial abuse liability and toxicities not necessarily observed with their parent drugs. Significance Statement Novel arylcyclohexylamine analogs of PCP, PCE and ketamine are appearing on the illicit market, and abuse of these drugs poses risks for toxicities including adverse neurocognitive effects. These studies demonstrate that the novel ACXs exhibit PCP-like abuse liability in the drug discrimination assay, elicit varied locomotor stimulant and lethal effects in mice, and induce psychosis-like neurocognitive effects in rats.

Classification of patterns of tobacco and cannabis co-use based on temporal proximity: A qualitative study among young adults

PurposeCo-use of tobacco and cannabis is a common and complex behavior. The lack of harmonized measures of co-use yields confusion and inconsistencies in synthesizing evidence about the health effects of co-use. We aimed to classify co-use patterns based on temporal proximity and describe preferred products and motives for each pattern in order to improve co-use surveillance. MethodsWe conducted semi-structured interviews in a sample of 34 young adults (Mage = 22.8 years, 32.4 % female) during 2017–2019 in California, USA. We employed a qualitative thematic analysis to identify timing, reasons, and contexts for tobacco and cannabis co-use and classify co-use patterns. ResultsFour emergent patterns of co-use with increasing temporal proximity between tobacco use and cannabis use were: Same-month different-day co-use (Pattern 1); Same-day different-occasion co-use (Pattern 2); Same-occasion sequential co-use (Pattern 3); and Same-occasion simultaneous co-use (Pattern 4). Participants used various product combinations within each pattern. Similar motives for all patterns were socialization, product availability, and coping with stress/anxiety. Unique motive for temporally distant patterns (Patterns 1 and 2) was seeking substance-specific effects (e.g., stimulant effect from nicotine, relaxation effects from cannabis), while unique motives for temporally close patterns (Patterns 3 and 4) were seeking combined effects from both substances (e.g., more intense psychoactive effects, mitigating cannabis adverse effects) and behavioral trigger (e.g., cannabis use triggers tobacco use). ConclusionsOur classification of co-use patterns can facilitate consistency for measuring co-use and assessing its health impacts. Future research should also measure product types and motives for different patterns to inform intervention efforts.

Development of a novel rodent rapid serial visual presentation task reveals dissociable effects of stimulant versus nonstimulant treatments on attentional processes.

The rapid serial visual presentation (RSVP) task and continuous performance tasks (CPT) are used to assess attentional impairments in patients with psychiatric and neurological conditions. This study developed a novel touchscreen task for rats based on the structure of a human RSVP task and used pharmacological manipulations to investigate their effects on different performance measures. Normal animals were trained to respond to a target image and withhold responding to distractor images presented within a continuous sequence. In a second version of the task, a false-alarm image was included, so performance could be assessed relative to two types of nontarget distractors. The effects of acute administration of stimulant and nonstimulant treatments for ADHD (amphetamine and atomoxetine) were tested in both tasks. Methylphenidate, ketamine, and nicotine were tested in the first task only. Amphetamine made animals more impulsive and decreased overall accuracy but increased accuracy when the target was presented early in the image sequence. Atomoxetine improved accuracy overall with a specific reduction in false-alarm responses and a shift in the attentional curve reflecting improved accuracy for targets later in the image sequence. However, atomoxetine also slowed responding and increased omissions. Ketamine, nicotine, and methylphenidate had no specific effects at the doses tested. These results suggest that stimulant versus nonstimulant treatments have different effects on attention and impulsive behaviour in this rat version of an RSVP task. These results also suggest that RSVP-like tasks have the potential to be used to study attention in rodents.

An Objective Assessment of Effect of Stimulants on Attention in Individuals With ADHD

Introduction: Currently, assessing ADHD treatment response to stimulants relies on rating scales and subjective questionnaires and sometimes a CPT. Such tools fall short of objective, quantifiable measurement of effect, especially in natural settings and can result in inconsistent treatment. Method: We report results from two studies using a novel proof-of-concept approach. A preliminary trial of 10 individuals used a high-fidelity eye tracker; a second study of 100 individuals used webcams at the participants’ homes. Results: Both studies evaluated stimulant effect using reading behavior analysis, being an ADHD symptom that stimulants affect and a major symptom patients want to improve. Both showed a significant change in reading behavior related to medication state, suggesting a clear, objective measure of stimulant effect. Conclusion: Using ubiquitous hardware, investigators created a user-friendly treatment assessment platform where individuals can collect their own objective data within minutes in any setting where they have access to a web camera and computer.

Single-cell sequencing reveals lung cell fate evolution initiated by smoking to explore gene predictions of correlative diseases

Continuous smoking leads to adaptive regulation and physiological changes in lung tissue and cells, and is an inductive factor for many diseases, making smokers face the risk of malignant and non-malignant diseases. The impact research is getting more and more in-depth, but the stimulant effect, mechanism of action and response mechanism of the main cells in the lungs caused by smoke components have not yet been fully elucidated, and the early diagnosis and identification of various diseases induced by smoke toxins have not yet formed a systematic relationship method. In this study, single-cell transcriptome data were generated from three lung samples of smokers and non-smokers through scRNA-seq technology, revealing the influence of smoking on lung tissue and cells and the changes in immune response. The results show that: through UMAP cell clustering, 16 intermediate cell states of 23 cell clusters of the 4 main cell types in the lung are revealed, the differences of the main cell groups between smokers and non-smokers are explained, and the human lung cells are clarified. Components and their marker genes, screen for new marker genes that can be used in the evolution of intermediate state cells, and at the same time, the analysis of lung cell subgroups reveals the changes in the intermediate state of cells under smoke stimulation, forming a subtype intermediate state cell map. Pseudo-time ordering analysis, to determine the pattern of dynamic processes experienced by cells, differential expression analysis of different branch cells, to clarify the expression rules of cells at different positions, to clarify the evolution process of the intermediate state of cells, and to clarify the response of lung tissue and cells to smoke components mechanism. The development of this study provides new diagnosis and treatment ideas for early disease detection, identification, disease prevention and treatment of patients with smoking-related diseases, and lays a theoretical foundation based on cell and molecular regulation.

Innovative aspects of increasing the yield and quality of corn grain in Western Siberia

The results of three years of research (2021-2023) to study the effectiveness of using growth stimulants on corn when grown for grain are presented. It has been shown that on leached chernozem in two ecological points of the Novosibirsk Ob region TPP “Praktik” of the Novosibirsk region, CJSC breeding plant “Irmen” of the Ordynsky district of the Novosibirsk region, growth stimulants increased the growth rate and development of corn when grown for grain. In experiments, the effect of growth stimulants on the yield and quality of grain of three F1 corn hybrids of early ripening was studied: Kubansky 101, Kubansky 102 and Katerina. Growth stimulants were used by pre-planting seed treatment, spraying in the fourth leaf phase and at the beginning of flowering of corn plants. Growth stimulants increased the yield of corn grain by 33% relative to the control (water) in the hybrid Katerina F1. A significant improvement in the biochemical composition of corn grain was noted with the use of growth stimulants: an increase in protein content by 0.4-0.8%, BEV and fat.

Effect of stimulants to photosynthetic and symbiotic activity of indigofera tinctoria L. Plant

The article describes the application period and standards of various stimulants on photosynthetic and symbiotic activity of the nontraditional leguminous plant Indigofera (Indigofera tinctoria L.) during its cultivation in the conditions of the meadow alluvial soils of the Khorezm region of the northern are of Republic of Uzbekistan. When Indigofera is applied with Geohumat stimulator for at the rate of 1.0 l/t along with planting and 1.6 l/ha during the 3-4 true leaves and pruning periods of the growing season, the intensity of development increased, and it has been substantiated that the area of the leaf surface in one plant was 3675.0 cm2, compared to the control variant without the stimulant was 1286.3 cm2/plant. and 397.5 cm2/plant compared to the variant where Geohumat stimulator was used only with planting, photosynthetic potential has increased up to 92766.0 cm2/plant. In addition, when Geohumat stimulator is applied at acceptable rates along with planting and during the period of 3-4 true leaves of the growing season, up to 70 nodular bacteria are formed in one Indigofera root, and its positive effect on improving soil fertility is explained.

Structure-activity relationships for locomotor stimulant effects and monoamine transporter interactions of substituted amphetamines and cathinones

Substitutions to the phenethylamine structure give rise to numerous amphetamines and cathinones, contributing to an ever-growing number of abused novel psychoactive substances. Understanding how various substitutions affect the pharmacology of phenethylamines may help lawmakers and scientists predict the effects of newly emerging drugs. Here, we established structure-activity relationships for locomotor stimulant and monoamine transporter effects of 12 phenethylamines with combinations of para-chloro, β-keto, N-methyl, or N-ethyl additions. Automated photobeam analysis was used to evaluate effects of drugs on ambulatory activity in mice, whereas in vitro assays were used to determine activities at transporters for dopamine (DAT), norepinephrine (NET), and 5-HT (SERT) in rat brain synaptosomes. In mouse studies, all compounds stimulated locomotion, except for 4-chloro-N-ethylcathinone. Amphetamines were more potent stimulants than their β-keto counterparts, while para-chloro amphetamines tended to be more efficacious than unsubstituted amphetamines. Para-chloro compounds also produced lethality at doses on the ascending limbs of their locomotor dose-effect functions. The in vitro assays showed that all compounds inhibited uptake at DAT, NET, and SERT, with most compounds also acting as substrates (i.e., releasers) at these sites. Unsubstituted compounds displayed better potency at DAT and NET relative to SERT. Para-chloro substitution or increased N-alkyl chain length augmented relative potency at SERT, while combined para-chloro and N-ethyl substitutions reduced releasing effects at NET and DAT. These results demonstrate orderly SAR for locomotor stimulant effects, monoamine transporter activities, and lethality induced by phenethylamines. Importantly, 4-chloro compounds produce toxicity in mice that suggests serious risk to humans using these drugs in recreational contexts.

A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW ON PHARMACOLOGICAL POTENTIALS OF CAFFEINE

Caffeine is a naturally occurring methylxanthine compound found in various plants, such as coffee beans, tea leaves, and cocoa beans. It is widely consumed worldwide in the form of beverages, dietary supplements, and medications. Caffeine exerts its pharmacological effects primarily through its interaction with adenosine receptors, resulting in widespread physiological and neurological changes. In the field of medicinal chemistry, caffeine has been extensively studied due to its diverse pharmacological actions and potential therapeutic applications. This abstract highlights the key pharmacological actions of caffeine and its relevance in medicinal chemistry research. Caffeine acts as a non-selective antagonist of adenosine receptors, particularly the A1 and A2A subtypes. By inhibiting adenosine binding, caffeine prevents the activation of these receptors, leading to increased neural activity and the release of neurotransmitters such as dopamine and glutamate. This mechanism of action underlies caffeine’s stimulant effects, including increased alertness, reduced fatigue, and improved cognitive function. Caffeine exhibits broncho dilatory effects by acting as a phosphodiesterase inhibitor, primarily targeting phosphodiesterase type 4 (PDE4). Inhibition of PDE4 prevents the breakdown of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP), leading to smooth muscle relaxation and bronchodilation. This property of caffeine has been utilized in the treatment of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Furthermore, caffeine possesses diuretic properties by inhibiting the reabsorption of sodium in the renal tubules. This leads to increased water excretion and urine production. The diuretic effects of caffeine have found applications in the management of fluid overload conditions, such as edema and heart failure. Additionally, caffeine has been investigated for its potential anticancer properties. Several studies have shown that caffeine can enhance the cytotoxic effects of certain chemotherapeutic agents, inhibit DNA repair mechanisms, and induce apoptosis in cancer cells. These findings have sparked interest in caffeine as an adjuvant therapy for cancer treatment, although further research is needed to establish its clinical efficacy and safety. In conclusion, caffeine exhibits a wide range of pharmacological actions, making it a versatile compound in medicinal chemistry research. Its interactions with adenosine receptors, phosphodiesterase, and renal tubules contribute to its stimulant, broncho dilatory, diuretic, and potentially anticancer effects. The understanding of caffeine’s pharmacological actions provides valuable insights for the development of novel drugs and therapeutic approaches in various fields of medicine.

Supplemental Material for Unique Effects of Sedatives, Dissociatives, Psychedelics, Stimulants, and Cannabinoids on Episodic Memory: A Review and Reanalysis of Acute Drug Effects on Recollection, Familiarity, and Metamemory

Supplemental Material for Unique Effects of Sedatives, Dissociatives, Psychedelics, Stimulants, and Cannabinoids on Episodic Memory: A Review and Reanalysis of Acute Drug Effects on Recollection, Familiarity, and Metamemory