High-Temperature Reversible Phase-Transition Behavior, Switchable Dielectric and Second Harmonic Generation Response of Two Homochiral Crown Ether Clathrates.

Crowning achievement: Two homochiral crown ether clathrates were synthesized which undergo high-temperature reversible phase transition. In addition, second harmonic generation (SHG) responses and abnormal dielectric property further confirm the reversible phase transitions and symmetry breaking behaviors of the structures.

Factors Associated with Relapse among Heroin Addicts: Evidence from a Two-Year Community-Based Follow-Up Study in China.

BACKGROUND: Many countries including China are facing a serious opiate dependence problem. Anti-drug work effectiveness was affected by the high relapse rate all over the world. This study aims to analyze the factors influencing heroin addict relapse, and to provide evidence for generating relapse prevention strategies. METHODS: A community-based follow-up study was conducted in China between October 2010 and September 2012. A total of 554 heroin addicts in accordance with the inclusion criteria from 81 streets in 12 districts of Shanghai, China were divided into 4 groups: group 1--daily dosage taken orally of 60 mL of methadone or under combined with psychological counseling and social supports (n = 130); group 2--daily dosage taken orally of over 60 mL of methadone combined with psychological counseling and social supports (n = 50); group 3--JTT (Jitai tablets) combined with psychological counseling and social supports (n = 206); group 4--JTT combined with social supports (n = 168). RESULTS: Log-rank test results showed that the cumulative relapse rate differences among four groups during the two-year follow-up period were not statistically significant (χ² = 5.889, p = 0.117). Multivariate Cox regression analysis results showed that only three independent variables were still statistically significant, including compliance with participation in psychological counseling (OR = 3.563, p = 0.000), the years of drug use (OR = 1.078, p = 0.001)and intervention model. CONCLUSIONS: Using the detoxification medications combined with appropriate psychological counseling and social support measures will help improve the effectiveness of relapse prevention, which is a kind of alternative community detoxification pattern. Appropriate and standard psychological counseling is very important for anti-drug treatment. The longer the drug addiction lasts, the longer the anti-drug treatment takes.

The effectiveness comparison of Jitai tablets versus methadone in community-based drug treatment: a 1-year follow-up study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to compare the effectiveness of Jitai tablets (JTT) versus methadone in a community drug treatment program. METHODS: A cohort study was conducted with 386 eligible subjects from 7 districts to 65 communities in Shanghai. The subjects were placed into the JTT group (n=206) or the methadone group (n=180). The data were collected at 8-, 26- and 52-week follow-ups. RESULTS: The retention rates of the methadone group at the 8-, 26-, and 52-week follow-ups were 97.78%, 91.67%, and 85.00%, respectively. The retention rates of the JTT group at these follow-ups were 90.78%, 83.50%, and 74.27%, respectively. A Chi-square test indicated a significant difference, and the P values were 0.0037, 0.0161, and 0.0095 for each follow-up. The relapse rates for the JTT group were 3.88%, 6.31% and 11.17% for each follow-up, and those for the methadone group were 1.11%, 2.78%, and 7.78% for each follow-up. The Chi-square test indicated no significance, and the P values were 0.1128, 0.1005 and 0.2594. A survival analysis indicated that the relapse survival curve had no significant difference between the two groups (log-rank test, P=0.188). CONCLUSION: Methadone and JTT combined with psychological intervention and social support provided effective maintenance treatment and relapse prevention in a community drug treatment program. The retention rate in the methadone group was higher, but the JTT group had the same relapse prevention as the methadone group. JTT can be recommended to clinical doctors and drug addicts.