Structure-Activity Relationships and Molecular Pharmacology of Positive Allosteric Modulators of the Mu-Opioid Receptor.

Positive allosteric modulation of the mu-opioid receptor is a promising strategy to address the ever-growing problem of acute and chronic pain management. Positive allosteric modulators (PAMs) of the mu-opioid receptor could be employed to enhance the efficacy of endogenous opioid peptides to a degree that provides pain relief without the need for traditional opioid drugs. Alternatively, PAMs might be used to enhance the action of opioid drugs and so provide an opioid-sparing effect, allowing for the use of lower doses of opioid agonists and potentially decreasing associated side effects.

Human placental cells are resistant to SARS-CoV-2 infection and replication.

Background: Infection during pregnancy with SARS-CoV-2 can have a serious impact on both maternal and foetal health. Clinical studies have shown that SARS-CoV-2 transmission from the mother to the foetus typically does not occur. However, there is evidence that SARS-CoV-2 can infect the placenta .

Menstrual Suppression in Gender-Diverse Youth: What's Most Important to Patients?

Study Objective: To explore reasons for menstrual suppression method choice among transgender and gender-diverse (TGD) youth at the time of method initiation DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: A cross-sectional analysis of baseline data from a prospective cohort study of menstruating TGD youth (N = 55), aged 12-17 years, initiating a hormonal method for menstrual suppression in a gender health specialty clinic at a single site, quaternary hospital in the Midwest INTERVENTIONS AND MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Participants completed a baseline survey that included identifying the most important reason, as well as other important reasons, for menstrual suppression method selection.

Results: The mean age was 14.9 (SD 1.

Expansion and evaluation of level II and III recovery residences for people taking medications for an opioid use disorder: project HOMES (Housing for MAR Expanded Services) study protocol.

Introduction: As the US continues to battle the opioid epidemic, recovery residences remain valuable services for people in recovery. While there is a growing body of literature describing positive outcomes experienced by people who live in recovery residences, little is known about the experience of people who live in these residences while taking medications for an opioid use disorder (MOUD) as part of their recovery. Thus, this study has three aims: (1) expand the availability of recovery residences that meet the National Alliance for Recovery Residences standards in Texas and serve individuals taking medications for an opioid use disorder as part of their recovery; (2) evaluate recovery residences for people taking MOUD as part of their recovery; and (3) compare the cost-effectiveness of recovery residences to treatment-as-usual.