Alicia Marie Allen

Interests

Research

Addiction, Tobacco, Opioids, Marijuana,Women's Health, Ovarian Hormones, Menstrual Cycle, Hormonal Contraceptives, Pregnancy, Postpartum, Puberty, Mood, Depression, Anxiety, StressClinical Trials, Epidemiology, Online and Remote Methods

Teaching

Epidemiology, Study Design, Causality, Error/Bias, Manuscript Writing, Grant WritingResidents, Graduate Students, Undergraduate Students

Courses

Scholarly Contributions

Journals/Publications

• Harrison, K., Abdelwahab, N., Allen, A., Petersen, A., & Allen, S. (2025). Association between Sex Hormones and Mood, Cravings and Urges in Males and Females Who Smoke Tobacco. Nicotine & tobacco research : official journal of the Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco.
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  Mood influences smoking behavior, with sex and sex hormones potentially complicating these relationships. We explored associations between Profile of Mood States (POMS) and Questionnaire on Smoking Urges (QSU) - Brief with sex hormones in men and women who smoke.
• Abdelwahab, N., Allen, A., Harrison, K., Petersen, A., & Allen, S. (2024). A protocol for modifying progesterone to increase postpartum cigarette smoking abstinence and reduce secondhand smoke exposure in infants. Contemporary clinical trials communications, 42, 101389.
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  New interventions are necessary to increase postpartum abstinence from cigarette smoking. Sex hormones, specifically progesterone, have been found to be protective against drug-taking behaviors. Our pilot double-blind, randomized, controlled trial, although underpowered, suggested a trend toward a higher prevalence of smoking abstinence among postpartum participants receiving exogenous progesterone compared to those receiving placebo. This paper outlines the protocol used in our study to evaluate the efficacy of modifying progesterone to increase postpartum smoking abstinence and, subsequently, decrease secondhand smoke exposure in infants. In the intervention arm, participants will receive open-label exogenous oral progesterone (200 mg twice daily). Using a concurrent control group that does not receive progesterone treatment, we hypothesize that progesterone treatment will increase postpartum smoking abstinence as measured using a 7-day point prevalence at six months post-treatment allocation, as well as reduce smoking-related risk factors. Secondary objectives include examining the impact of this maternal smoking intervention on infant health. In addition to describing the protocol, we also discuss the protocol changes made due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Upon completion, this study will provide new information on how sex hormones may influence smoking cessation in postpartum populations, which can have broad public health implications.
• Choi, B., Weinberger, A., Petersen, N., Pang, R., DeVito, E., Bell, M., & Allen, A. (2024). Association of e-Cigarette Use and Postpartum Depression: Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System 2016–2019. Journal of Women's Health, 33(1). doi:10.1089/jwh.2023.0061
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  Background: Postpartum depression (PPD) is a prevalent public health concern. Combustible cigarette use is associated with increased risk of PPD. While electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) use during pregnancy is linked to increased risk of depressive symptoms during pregnancy, the relationship between e-cigarette use and PPD is not well understood. We sought to examine the association of e-cigarette use with PPD. Materials and Methods: Using Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System 2016–2019 data, unadjusted and adjusted logistic regression analyses for PPD were conducted via three analyses where e-cigarette use (any vs. none) was retrospectively self-reported (1) in past 2-year, (2) prepregnancy (i.e., 3 months before pregnancy), and (3) during pregnancy (i.e., last 3 months of pregnancy). We conducted an additional past 2-year e-cigarette use analysis excluding those who used combustible cigarette and/or hookah. Covariates included age, race, ethnicity, combustible cigarette, and/or hookah use, prenatal care during the last trimester, health insurance coverage during pregnancy, physical abuse during pregnancy, income, and survey type. Results: Only unadjusted odds ratios from past 2-year e-cigarette use (1.63, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.42–1.87) and past 2-year e-cigarette use excluding individuals with cigarette and/or hookah use (1.78, 95% CI: 1.30–2.38) were statistically associated with PPD. No adjusted analyses were statistically significant. Conclusion: Any e-cigarette use, as compared to no use, does not appear to be an independent risk factor of PPD, though it may be a useful clinical marker of increased risk of PPD. Future studies are warranted to advance our knowledge of impact of e-cigarette use on PPD.
• De La Rosa, J., Brady, B., Herder, K., Wallace, J., Ibrahim, M., Allen, A., Meyerson, B., Suhr, K., & Vanderah, T. (2024). The unmet mental health needs of U.S. adults living with chronic pain. Pain, 165(12). doi:10.1097/j.pain.0000000000003340
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  Previous research suggests that individuals with mental health needs and chronic pain may be less likely to use mental health treatment compared with those with mental health needs only. Yet, few studies have investigated the existence of population-level differences in mental health treatment use. We analyzed data from the National Health Interview Survey (n 5 31,997) to address this question. We found that chronic pain was associated with end-to-end disparities in the mental health journeys of U.S. adults: (1) Those living with chronic pain are overrepresented among U.S. adults with mental health needs; (2) among U.S. adults with mental health needs, those living with chronic pain had a lower prevalence of mental health treatment use; (3) among U.S. adults who used mental health treatment, those living with chronic pain had a higher prevalence of screening positive for unremitted anxiety or depression; (4) among U.S. adults living with both chronic pain and mental health needs, suboptimal mental health experiences were more common than otherwise—just 44.4% of those living with mental health needs and co-occurring chronic pain reported use of mental health treatment and screened negative for unremitted anxiety and depression, compared with 71.5% among those with mental health needs only. Overall, our results suggest that U.S. adults with chronic pain constitute an underrecognized majority of those living with unremitted anxiety/depression symptoms and that the U.S. healthcare system is not yet adequately equipped to educate, screen, navigate to care, and successfully address their unmet mental health needs.
• Hopkins, A., Muramoto, M., McCarty, C., Kim, H., Swiney, S., Allen, A. M., Nair, U., & Connolly, T. (2023). Personal Network Changes among Smoking Relapse Prevention Intervention Participants. American Journal of Health Behavior, 958-964.
• MacLean, E., Carranza, E., Gnanadesikan, G., King, K., Allen, A., Linde-Krieger, L., Feldman, R., White-Traut, R., Hammock, E., Carter, C., Leng, G., Tecot, S., & Bell, A. (2024). Neurophysin I is an analytically robust surrogate biomarker for oxytocin. Psychoneuroendocrinology, 161. doi:10.1016/j.psyneuen.2023.106951
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  Oxytocin is a pleiotropic neuropeptide that plays roles in biological processes ranging from birth, lactation, and social bonding to immune function, cardiovascular repair, and regulation of appetite. Although measurements of endogenous oxytocin concentrations have been performed for more than 50 years, the ability to measure oxytocin accurately poses notable challenges. One potential solution for overcoming these challenges involves measurement of oxytocin's carrier molecule – neurophysin I (NP-1) – as a surrogate biomarker. NP-1 is secreted in equimolar concentrations with oxytocin but has a longer half-life, circulates in higher concentrations, and can be measured using a sandwich immunoassay. We report experiments that 1) analytically validate a commercially available NP-1 sandwich immunoassay for use with human plasma and urine samples, 2) confirm the specificity of this assay, based on detection of NP-1 in plasma from wild-type but not oxytocin knockout mice, 3) demonstrate that NP-1 concentrations are markedly elevated in late pregnancy, consistent with studies showing substantial increases in plasma oxytocin throughout gestation, and 4) establish strong correlation between NP-1 and plasma oxytocin concentrations when oxytocin is measured in extracted (but not non-extracted) plasma. The NP-1 assay used in this study has strong analytical properties, does not require time-intensive extraction protocols, and the assay itself can be completed in < 2 h (compared to 16–24 h for a competitive oxytocin immunoassay). Our findings suggest that much like copeptin has become a useful surrogate biomarker in studies of vasopressin, measurements of NP-1 have similar potential to advance oxytocin research.
• Rainbow, J., Arnold, M., Richter, S., Zhao, M., Medvescek, K., Gallagher, S., & Allen, A. (2024). Uncovering Trends in U.S. Nurse Cannabis Use in Relation to Patient Care. Journal of Nursing Regulation, 15(2). doi:10.1016/S2155-8256(24)00051-6
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  Background: As cannabis legalization continues to expand across the United States, there is a growing need to understand its use among nurses, particularly how cannabis use compares to other substance use and how the timing of its use relates to nurses’ patient care responsibilities. Purpose: To describe patterns of nurse cannabis and other substance use generally and timing of use in relation to patient care. Methods: A nationwide cross-sectional survey was distributed to practicing registered nurses via social media and listservs. The survey questions concerned the use of cannabis and other substance use as well as the timing of cannabis use in relation to patient care. Data were weighted to reflect the nationwide nursing population. Descriptive statistical analyses of cannabis and other substance use and timing of use were completed. Results: The study sample comprised a weighted total of 1,010 registered nurses. The majority of participants (77.0%; 95% CI: 73.4%, 79.1%) reported drinking alcohol, whereas cannabis use was reported by a quarter of participants (weighted 23.6%; 95% CI: 20.9%, 26.4%). Just over one-fifth of participants (21%; n = 211) reported using both alcohol and cannabis. The most common cannabis use pattern among those who reported cannabis use across 263 workdays was use after work only (81.37%). Alcohol was the most common substance used alongside cannabis after work. Conclusion: Nurses are using cannabis and other substances, but they are generally using these substances after work and using them at rates similar to the rates of use among the general public. The many ways cannabis can be consumed—edibles, smoking, vaping, THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) extracts, and CBD (cannabidiol) products—means that more study into the kinds and concentrations of cannabinoids is required because the effects may differ greatly. Regulators, employers, and researchers can focus on understanding drivers of use and providing education for nurses about cannabis and alcohol use. This education may also be beneficial for providing patient care where cannabis is being used medicinally as well as recreationally.
• Rankin, L., Grisham, L., Mendoza, N., & Allen, A. (2024). Babywearing Reduces Urges to Use Substances in the Postpartum Period Among Mothers With OUDs. Substance Use and Misuse, 59(8). doi:10.1080/10826084.2024.2321253
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  Objectives: While pregnancy presents a strong motivation to seek and comply with Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) treatment, the risk for relapse during the postpartum period is high. The purpose of the present study was to examine the impact of babywearing while admitted to the NICU on urges to use substances within 9 months of childbirth. Methods: Mothers with a history of OUD (N = 47, Mage = 28.91, SD = 5.14; 48.9% White, 19.1% Latinx) and their newborns were randomly assigned to the intervention (babywearing) or control (infant rocker) condition while admitted to a NICU. Interviews occurred every 3-months. Participants reported their strong desire or urge to use substances since the last interview. Approximately 68.1% had urges within 9 months. At 3 months, participants were categorized as: never babywore (0 h, N = 18), some babywearing (1–44 h, N = 13), consistent babywearing (45+ hours, i.e., minimum of 3.5 h per week, N = 16). Results: Condition X2(2, N = 47)=12.55, p < 0.001, Phi = 0.52 and babywearing category, X2(2, N = 47)=6.75, p = 0.034, Phi = 0.38 significantly predicted urges to use. Mothers in the intervention condition were more likely to report no urges to use: 56.5% had no urges (43.5% had urges) compared to 8.3% of control mothers (91.7% had urges). Mothers who consistently babywore had significantly fewer urges to use (43.8% had urges) compared to mothers who never babywore (83.3% had urges). Conclusions for Practice: There is a critical window to capitalize on mothers’ desire to abstain from substance use. Babywearing, and specifically babywearing at least 30 min a day, reduced urges to use substances post-partum, a factor associated with relapse.
• Werts-Pelter, S., Choi, B., Mallahan, S., Person-Rennell, N., & Allen, A. (2024). Acceptability of Hormonal Contraceptives as a Smoking Cessation Aid for Women of Reproductive Age: A Web-Based Cross-Sectional Survey. Women's Health Reports, 5(1). doi:10.1089/whr.2023.0130
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  Introduction: Cigarette smoking is the most common cause of preventable cancers and other premature morbidity and mortality. Modifying hormonal patterns using hormonal contraceptives (HCs) may lead to improved smoking cessation outcomes in women, though the acceptability of this is unknown. Therefore, we explored the willingness of reproductive-age women who smoke to use HC for cessation. Methods: A cross-sectional online survey was conducted with a convenience sample of reproductive-age women living in the United States who self-reported smoking combustible cigarettes. Questions covered smoking history, previous HC use, and willingness to use various HC methods (i.e., injectable, oral, patch, vaginal insert) for cessation. Chi-squared tests and logistic regression were conducted using StataBE 17.1. Results: Of 358 eligible respondents, n = 312 (86.9%) reported previous HC use. Average age of those with HC use history was 32.1 - 6.1 years compared with 27.8 - 6.7 years for those without history of HC use ( p = 0.001). Of respondents who reported previous HC use, 75.6% reported willingness to use HCs, compared with 60.9% of those without a history of HC use. Overall, willingness to use various types of HC ranged from 22.6% for the vaginal insert to 59.2% willing to use an oral contraceptive. Discussion: These observations indicate that most women who smoke cigarettes are willing to use HC for a smoking cessation aid, especially if they have a history of HC use and with an oral form of HC. To improve the rate of smoking cessation for women of reproductive age, future interventions should explore how to incorporate HC for cessation.
• Allen, A. M., Bueno, Y. M., Mallahan, S., Huff, A. J., & Armin, J. S. (2023). Opportunities to expand postpartum support for those in recovery from opioid use disorder: Results from a qualitative study. Drug and Alcohol Dependence Reports, 7(100170). doi:10.1016/j.dadr.2023.100170
• Allen, A. M., Bueno, Y. M., Mallahan, S., Huff, A. J., & Armin, J. S. (2023). Opportunities to expand postpartum support for those in recovery from opioid use disorder: Results from a qualitative study. Drug and alcohol dependence reports, 7(100170). doi:10.1016/j.dadr.2023.100170
• Allen, A. M., Valenti, M., Linde-Krieger, L. B., Medvescek, K., & Farland, L. V. (2023). Menstrual Phase Identification Questionnaire (MPIQ): Development and validation of a cross-sectional survey to identify follicular and luteal phases. Experimental and clinical psychopharmacology.
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  Evidence continues to accumulate on the influence of the menstrual phase on several biobehavioral outcomes (e.g., substance misuse). Expansion of this knowledge is limited due to the burdensomeness of accurate menstrual phase assessment. Thus, we sought to create and validate a questionnaire that can be used as a stand-alone item within low-resource settings and numerous study designs (e.g., cross-sectional) to accurately identify both the follicular phase (FP) and the luteal phase (LP). Participants completed the self-administered four-item Menstrual Phase Identification Questionnaire (MPIQ) in two recently completed clinical trials. We assessed the accuracy of two MPIQ scoring criteria (less restrictive and more restrictive), as compared to self-report of onset of menses alone, with progesterone confirmation via dried blood spots. Participants ( = 59) were, on average, 33.7 (standard deviation []: ± 4.3) years old and provided a total of 83 responses. Assessing FP and LP using the self-reported onset of menses alone classified 65.1% of the responses with an overall phase identification accuracy of 60.2%. While the more restrictive MPIQ scoring classified 100% of the responses, it yielded a similar accuracy (68.4%). In contrast, the less restrictive MPIQ scoring classified 100% of the responses and also significantly improved phase identification accuracy to 92.1% ( < .001). The MPIQ, as a stand-alone item, allows all cross-sectional responses to be classified with a high level of accuracy. This low-burden questionnaire can be used alone to identify FP and LP in studies that may be otherwise limited by study design, finances, and/or participant burden. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).
• Farland, L., Khan, S., Shilen, A., Heslin, K., Ishimwe, P., Allen, A., Herbst-Kralovetz, M., Mahnert, N., Pogreba-Brown, K., Ernst, K., & Jacobs, E. (2023). COVID-19 vaccination and changes in the menstrual cycle among vaccinated persons. Fertility and Sterility, 119(3). doi:10.1016/j.fertnstert.2022.12.023
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  Objective: To describe the characteristics of people who experience changes to their menstrual cycle after COVID-19 vaccination. Design: Longitudinal study. Patient(s): We recruited a volunteer sample with and without a history of SARS-CoV-2 infection who enrolled in the Arizona COVID-19 Cohort (CoVHORT) study and participated in a reproductive sub-cohort who were pre-menopausal, not pregnant, and had received a COVID-19 vaccine in 2021 (n = 545). Exposure(s): Demographic and reproductive characteristics were collected via self-reports. Main Outcome Measure(s): Information on self-reported changes in the menstrual cycle after COVID-19 vaccination was collected from May 2021 to December 2021. We looked at demographic and reproductive characteristics as predictors of menstrual cycle change. Result(s): The majority of our vaccinated sample received the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine (58%), and were 26-35 years old (51%), non-Hispanic (84%), and White (88%). Approximately 25% of vaccinated participants reported a change in their menstrual cycle after vaccination; the majority reported changes after their second dose (56%) as compared with their first (18%) and third (14%) doses. The most commonly reported changes were irregular menstruation (43%), increased premenstrual symptoms (34%), increased menstrual pain or cramps (30%), and abnormally heavy or prolonged bleeding (31%). High self-reported perceived stress levels compared with low perceived stress (OR, 2.22; 95% CI 1.12-4.37) and greater body mass index (OR, 1.04; 95% CI 1.00-1.07) were associated with greater odds of experiencing the menstrual cycle changes after the vaccination. Participants having a history of SARS-CoV-2 infection were less likely to report changes in their menstrual cycle after vaccination compared with the participants with no history of SARS-CoV-2 infection (OR, 0.58; 95% CI 0.32-1.04). Conclusion(s): Among vaccinated participants, approximately 25% of them reported predominantly temporary changes in the menstrual cycle, however, we are unable to determine whether these changes are due to normal cycle variability. The COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective for everyone, including pregnant people and people trying to conceive; hence, these findings should not discourage vaccination.
• Hopkins, A., Muramoto, M., McCarty, C., Kim, H., Swiney, S., Allen, A., Nair, U., & Connolly, T. (2023). Personal Network Changes among Smoking Relapse Prevention Intervention Participants. American Journal of Health Behavior, 47(5). doi:10.5993/AJHB.47.5.8
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  Objectives: Tobacco use remains a leading cause of preventable death in the United States, and relapse rates among those who quit smoking are alarmingly high. Personal networks (PNs) substantially influence smoking and quitting behaviors but have not been incorporated into relapse prevention approaches. Thus, we carried out a pilot study employing PNs in relapse prevention and measured changes in participants’ PNs. Methods: This pilot study was a single-group pre-post intervention where participants received Helpers Stay Quit (HSQ), a behavioral relapse prevention intervention we designed to instruct persons who recently quit smoking to deliver a “helping conversation” (HC) to encourage others to quit smoking. Results: The majority of the 64 participants abstained from smoking (86%) and had HCs (89%). Those who abstained from smoking throughout the study significantly increased the number of non-family members and individuals who smoke in their networks at follow-up, which increased their opportunities for carrying out a HC. HC recruits reported cessation-related behavior changes after receiving an HC. Conclusions: This is promising evidence of the potential of HSQ to facilitate cessation in the network of those who recently quit smoking, which may benefit their ability to stay quit.
• MacLean, E. L., Carranza, E., Gnanadesikan, G. E., King, K. M., Allen, A. M., Linde-Krieger, L. B., Feldman, R., White-Traut, R. C., Hammock, E. A., Carter, C. S., Leng, G., Tecot, S. R., & Bell, A. F. (2023). Neurophysin I is an analytically robust surrogate biomarker for oxytocin. Psychoneuroendocrinology, 161, 106951.
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  Oxytocin is a pleiotropic neuropeptide that plays roles in biological processes ranging from birth, lactation, and social bonding to immune function, cardiovascular repair, and regulation of appetite. Although measurements of endogenous oxytocin concentrations have been performed for more than 50 years, the ability to measure oxytocin accurately poses notable challenges. One potential solution for overcoming these challenges involves measurement of oxytocin's carrier molecule - neurophysin I (NP-1) - as a surrogate biomarker. NP-1 is secreted in equimolar concentrations with oxytocin but has a longer half-life, circulates in higher concentrations, and can be measured using a sandwich immunoassay. We report experiments that 1) analytically validate a commercially available NP-1 sandwich immunoassay for use with human plasma and urine samples, 2) confirm the specificity of this assay, based on detection of NP-1 in plasma from wild-type but not oxytocin knockout mice, 3) demonstrate that NP-1 concentrations are markedly elevated in late pregnancy, consistent with studies showing substantial increases in plasma oxytocin throughout gestation, and 4) establish strong correlation between NP-1 and plasma oxytocin concentrations when oxytocin is measured in extracted (but not non-extracted) plasma. The NP-1 assay used in this study has strong analytical properties, does not require time-intensive extraction protocols, and the assay itself can be completed in
• Mallahan, S., Armin, J. S., Bueno, Y., Huff, A. J., & Allen, A. M. (2023). A Qualitative Exploration of the Eight Dimensions of Wellness in Opioid Use Disorder Recovery during the Postpartum Period. Drug and Alcohol Dependence Reports, 7(100160). doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dadr.2023.100160
• Medvescek, K., & Allen, A. M. (2023). Feasibility of remotely assessing hormonal contraceptive use and smoking-related symptomatology: Evidence from a preliminary prospective cohort study. Drug and alcohol dependence reports, 7, 100145.
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  Half of women who smoke cigarettes also use hormonal contraceptives (HCs). Prior research suggests that variations in ovarian hormones may undermine smoking cessation efforts made by premenopausal women. However, clinical findings of these hormonal effects are inconsistent, potentially due to methodological limitations. The goal of this preliminary prospective cohort study is to determine the feasibility and acceptability of a fully remote protocol to longitudinally examine changes in smoking-related behavior and symptoms in relation to hormone use in women of reproductive age.
• Allen, A. M., Nawaz, N., Hester, M., Oji-Mmuo, C. N., & Gomez, E. (2022). Risk Factors Associated with Perinatal Relapse to Opioid Use Disorder. NeoReviews, 23(5), e291-e299. doi:10.1542/neo.23-5-e291
• Allen, A., Skobic, I., Bell, M. L., Medvescek, K., Allen, S., Collins, B., & Nair, U. (2022). Feasibility and acceptability of testing a menstrual-cycle timed smoking cessation intervention for women of reproductive age (Project Phase): Results of a pilot randomized control trial. Addictive behaviors, 125, 107153.
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  Menstrual phase influences cigarette smoking-related outcomes. Telephone-based cessation programs (e.g., quitlines) may incorporate the role of the menstrual cycle in an effort to tailor interventions for women.
• Farland, L. V., Khan, S. M., Shilen, A., Heslin, K. M., Ishimwe, P., Allen, A. M., Herbst-Kralovetz, M. M., Mahnert, N. D., Pogreba-Brown, K., Ernst, K. C., & Jacobs, E. T. (2022). COVID-19 Vaccination and Changes in the Menstrual Cycle Among Vaccinated Persons. Fertility and sterility.
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  To describe characteristics of people who experience changes to their menstrual cycle following COVID-19 vaccination.
• Koleski, J. F., Aldulaimi, S., Allen, A. M., Rivers, P., & Denny, L. A. (2022). Border Crosser Deaths in the Arizona-Mexico Desert: Data on Remains 2001-2020. Journal of health care for the poor and underserved, 33(1), 398-406.
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  Increased enforcement at U.S.-Mexico border-crossing sites may lead migrants to cross in remote desert areas.
• Thrul, J., Howe, C. L., Devkota, J., Alexander, A., Allen, A. M., Businelle, M. S., Hébert, E. T., Heffner, J. L., Kendzor, D. E., Ra, C. K., & Gordon, J. S. (2022). A Scoping Review and Meta-Analysis of the Use of Remote Biochemical Verification Methods of Smoking Status in Tobacco Research. Nicotine & tobacco research : official journal of the Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco.
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  Increasing digital delivery of smoking cessation interventions has resulted in the need to employ novel strategies for remote biochemical verification. This scoping review and meta-analysis aimed to investigate best practices for remote biochemical verification of smoking status.
• Allen, A. M., Gonzalez Fagoaga, J. E., Grivois-Shah, R., Coles, H. B., Abert, C., Turner, B., Thomas, C., Meeks, W., Levin, S., David, D., Cope, S. D., Lawrence, C. A., Crosby, R. A., Rivers, P. S., Meyerson, B. E., & Carter, G. A. (2021). Living at the confluence of stigmas: PrEP awareness and feasibility among people who inject drugs in two rural/urban states.. AIDS and Behavior.
• Allen, A. M., Petersen, A., Harrison, K., Nair, U. S., & Allen, S. (2021). Effect of exogenous progesterone administration on smoking topography. Addictive Behaviors, 106570.
• DeVito, E. E., Fagle, T., Allen, A. M., Pang, R. D., Petersen, N., Smith, P. H., & Weinberger, A. H. (2021). Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS) Use and Pregnancy I: ENDS Use Behavior During Pregnancy. Current addiction reports, 8(3), 347-365.
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  This review examines Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS) use behavior during pregnancy, including the prevalence of and transitions in use during pregnancy.
• DeVito, E. E., Fagle, T., Allen, A. M., Pang, R. D., Smith, P., Petersen, N., & Weinberger, A. (2021). Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS) Use and Pregnancy II: Perinatal Outcomes Following ENDS Use During Pregnancy. Current Addiction Reports.
• Hong, M., Rozenblit, J. W., Allen, A. M., Nair, U., & Allen, S. (2021). A Risk Estimation System to Predict Postpartum Cigarette Smoking Relapse. Annual Modeling and Simulation Conference (ANNSIM).
• Khan, S. M., Shilen, A., Heslin, K. M., Ishimwe, P., Allen, A. M., Jacobs, E. T., & Farland, L. V. (2022). SARS-CoV-2 infection and subsequent changes in the menstrual cycle among participants in the Arizona CoVHORT study. American journal of obstetrics and gynecology.
• Nair, U. S., Muramoto, M. L., Hopkins, A. L., Connolly, T. E., Bell, M. L., & Allen, A. M. (2021). Results of a Feasibility Study of Helpers Stay Quit Training for Smoking Relapse Prevention.. Nicotine & tobacco research : official journal of the Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco, 23(4), 711-715. doi:10.1093/ntr/ntaa176
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  Most smoking quit attempts end in relapse, and interventions focused on relapse prevention are lacking. Helpers Stay Quit (HSQ) is a novel behavioral relapse prevention intervention that teaches newly abstinent smokers to offer a "helping conversation" (HC) to help others quit tobacco..Pre-post intervention feasibility study with state quitline participants ≥14 days abstinent. Measures at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months included smoking status, offering HCs, and cessation self-efficacy. Primary outcomes: self-reported 7-day point prevalence abstinence; offering HCs. Cox models explored association of HCs with relapse. Preliminary effects analysis using propensity score matching compared 30-day abstinence of quitline clients with study sample at 7 months..Participants (N = 104) were as follows: mean age of 53 years (SD 13.9 years), 48.1% male, mean of cigarettes smoked/day of 16.2 (SD 9.7). Compared with participants who remained abstinent (n = 82), relapsers (n = 22) had fewer HCs over 6 months (2.6 vs 7.2; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.4, 7.8, p = .006). Using adjusted Cox regression, the hazard ratio of relapse for each HC was 0.85 (95% CI: 0.74, 0.99, p = .03). Compared with a matched sample of quitline clients not exposed to HSQ, study participants were 49% more likely to report 30-day abstinence at 7-month quitline follow-up (95% CI: 40%, 59%, p < .0001)..HSQ, delivered to newly abstinent smokers who received standard quitline treatment, was associated with less self-reported relapse. These promising preliminary study results warrant further research to evaluate HSQ as a novel behavioral intervention to prevent smoking relapse..To date, behavioral interventions for smoking relapse prevention that teach abstainers cessation skills to apply to themselves have not shown effectiveness. This feasibility study examines the preliminary efficacy of a conceptually novel, "help others" behavioral intervention approach for relapse prevention in newly abstinent smokers recruited from a state quitline. HSQ teaches the newly abstinent smoker communication and listening skills to encourage other smokers in their personal social network to quit. Exploratory analysis using propensity score matching suggests that participants exposed to HSQ were significantly more likely to self-report 30-day abstinence at quitline 7-month follow-up than other quitline clients.
• Tidey, J. W., Smith, T. T., Parks, M. J., Pacek, L. R., Lindgren, B. R., Koopmeiners, J. S., Hatsukami, D. K., Egbert, A., Donny, E. C., Dermody, S. S., Denlinger-apte, R. L., Cassidy, R. N., Carroll, D. M., & Allen, A. M. (2021). Impact of nicotine reduction in cigarettes on smoking behavior and exposure: Are there differences by race/ethnicity, educational attainment, or gender?. Drug and alcohol dependence, 225, 108756. doi:10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2021.108756
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  Lowering nicotine in cigarettes may reduce smoking prevalences; however, it is not known whether an immediate or gradual reduction in nicotine is the optimal approach for all population groups..We examined whether the optimal approach to nicotine reduction depended on the education, gender, or race of people who smoke and whether the optimal approach differentially benefited people who smoke based on their education, gender, or race..Secondary analysis was conducted on a randomized clinical trial (N = 1250) comparing (1) immediate reduction from 15.5 to 0.4 mg of nicotine per gram of tobacco(mg/g);(2) gradual reduction to 0.4 mg/g;(3) control group with normal nicotine cigarettes(15.5 mg/g). Outcomes included cigarettes per day(CPD), carbon monoxide(CO), total nicotine equivalents(TNE), 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanol and its glucuronides(NNAL), phenanthrene tetraol(PheT), N-Acetyl-S-(2-cyanoethyl)-l-cysteine(CEMA). Data were analyzed as area under the curve(AUC)..Results were presented by education (High school[HS] or less n = 505, more than HS n = 745), gender (males n = 701, females n = 549), and race (Black participants n = 373,White participants n = 758). Regardless of education, gender, and race, CPD, CO, TNE, NNAL, PheT, and CEMA were lower in immediate versus gradual nicotine reduction. Comparing immediate versus the control, outcomes were lower for all subgroups; however, the magnitude of the effect for TNE varied by race. Specifically, geometric mean of the AUC of TNE in immediate versus gradual was 49 % lower in Black participants and 61 % lower in White participants (p-value = 0.047)..Immediately reducing nicotine in cigarettes has the potential to benefit people who smoke across lower and higher educational attainment, male and female gender, and Black and White race.
• al'Absi, M., & Allen, A. M. (2021). Impact of Acute and Chronic Cannabis Use on Stress Response Regulation: Challenging the Belief That Cannabis Is an Effective Method for Coping. Frontiers in psychology, 12, 687106.
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  Although research has only recently started to examine the impact of cannabis use on stress response, there is some evidence that indicates acute and chronic impacts of cannabis on these processes. In this paper, we review processes involved in regulating the stress response and we review the influence of acute and chronic exposure to cannabis on patterns and regulation of the stress response. We also highlight the role of stress as a risk factor for initiation and maintenance of cannabis use. In this context, we examine moderating variables, including sex and life adversity. In light of recent observations indicating increasing prevalence of cannabis use during pregnancy, we provide additional focus on cannabis use in this vulnerable population, including how acute and chronic stress may predispose some individuals to use cannabis during pregnancy. While this line of research is in its infancy, we review available articles that focus on the perinatal period and that examined the association between cannabis use and various life stressors, including partner violence, job loss, and lack of housing. We also review psychiatric co-morbidities (e.g., post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety). A better understanding of the way stress and cannabis use relate within the general population, as well as within certain subgroups that may be at a greater risk of using and/or at greater risk for adverse outcomes of use, may lead to the development of novel prevention and intervention approaches.
• Allen, A. M., Jung, A., Alexander, A., Ward, K., Allen, S., & al'Absi, M. (2020). Cannabis use and stressful life events during the perinatal period: cross-sectional results from Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS) data, 2016. Addiction.
• Allen, A., Mallahan, S., Ortega, A., Miller, H., Saleh, A., & Bonny, A. E. (2020). Administration of Exogenous Hormones and the Implications for Cigarette Smoking-Related Behaviors. Current psychiatry reports, 22(12), 70.
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  Preclinical evidence indicates progesterone and estrogen influence drug-taking behaviors, including nicotine/tobacco. However, clinical research on this relationship is less clear. This lack of clarity may be due to measuring naturally occurring endogenous hormones to examine this relationship, which introduces substantial error. Therefore, the goal of this review is to examine the link between the delivery of exogenous hormones and cigarette smoking-related behavior.
• DeVito, E. E., Weinberger, A., Pang, R., Petersen, N., Fagan, T., & Allen, A. M. (2020). Impulsivity across Substance Use Categories: Consideration of Sex/Gender. Current Behavioral Neuroscience Reports, 1-19.
• Muramoto, M. L., Hopkins, A., Allen, A., Nair, U., Bell, M., & Connolly, T. E. (2020). Results of a feasibility study of Helpers Stay Quit Training for smoking relapse prevention. Nicotine & tobacco research : official journal of the Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco.
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  Most smoking quit attempts end in relapse, and interventions focused on relapse prevention are lacking. Helpers Stay Quit (HSQ) is a novel behavioral relapse prevention intervention that teaches newly abstinent smokers to offer a "helping conversation" (HC) to help others quit tobacco.
• Nair, U. S., Miller, E., Bell, M. L., Allen, S., Collins, B. N., & Allen, A. M. (2020). Feasibility and Acceptability of Timing a Quit Attempt to the Menstrual Cycle in a Telephone-based Smoking Cessation Intervention: Protocol of a Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial.. Contemporary Clinical Trials Communication, Nair, U.S., Miller, E.S., Bell, M.B., Allen, S., Collins, B.N., & Allen, A. M.. doi:https://repository.arizona.edu/handle/10150/636461
• Oncken, C., Allen, S., Litt, M., Kenny, A., Lando, H., Allen, A., & Dornelas, E. (2020). Exercise for Smoking Cessation in Postmenopausal Women: A Randomized, Controlled Trial. Nicotine & tobacco research : official journal of the Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco, 22(9), 1587-1595.
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  Postmenopausal smokers have difficulty quitting smoking and experience considerable weight gain with smoking cessation. We examined whether adjunctive smoking treatment with exercise, compared to a relaxation control condition, could improve cigarette abstinence, decrease cigarettes smoked per day (CPD), and ameliorate changes in body mass index (BMI) in postmenopausal smokers.
• Wyman, J. F., Vogel, R. I., Teoh, D., Talley, K. M., Raymond, N. C., Nagler, R. H., Mason, S. M., Blaes, A. H., & Allen, A. M. (2020). Breast Cancer Screening Practices for High-Risk Women: A Cross-Sectional Survey of Primary Care Providers.. Journal of women's health (2002), 29(5), 686-692. doi:10.1089/jwh.2018.7463
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  Background: Little literature exists on primary care providers' knowledge and preferences toward breast cancer screening for high-risk women. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional web-based survey of primary care providers in Minnesota was conducted in 2016. The primary aim was to determine the breast cancer screening practices of primary care providers for women at high risk for breast cancer. A multipart questionnaire focused on breast cancer screening practices for high-risk women and perceived risks/benefits of breast cancer screening was administered. Statistical analyses, included descriptive statistics and tests of differences in screening practices and knowledge across key professional characteristics, were conducted. Results: Eight hundred five primary care providers completed the survey (7.7% response). Participants were predominantly female (72.2%); 43.9% were physicians, 11.4% physician assistants, and 44.8% advanced practice registered nurses. One-quarter of providers recommended mammography and breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for high-risk women ages 40-49 years. There were no differences in breast MRI recommendations based on years of experience or practice setting. In high-risk women with prior chest radiation and an increased risk of breast cancer, for whom guidelines recommend mammography and MRI, 75.0% of providers recommended mammography, but only 44.3% recommended breast MRI. Recent continuing education on breast cancer screening was associated with providers being more comfortable giving high-risk screening recommendations (p = 0.002). Conclusions: Most primary care providers believe mammography is helpful in women at high risk for breast cancer. Less than half of practitioners, however, recommend breast MRI to screen women at high risk for breast cancer, despite guidelines promoting the use of breast MRI. Increased provider education is warranted.
• Allen, A. M., Friedichsen, S., Petersen, N., & Allen, S. S. (2019). Subjective response to intranasal nicotine administration in oral contraceptive users and naturally cycling women. Addictive Behaviors.
• Allen, A. M., Jung, A. M., Lemieux, A., Alexander, A., Allen, S. S., Ward, K. D., & al'Absi, M. (2019). Stressful life events are associated with perinatal cigarette smoking. Preventive Medicine, 118, 264-271.
• Allen, A. M., Muramoto, M. L., Campbell, J., Connolly, T., McGuffin, B., & Bernstein, A. D. (2018). Multi-Method Formative Research to Improve the Training and Delivery of Tobacco Cessation Interventions in Behavioral Health Settings. Journal of Addiction Medicine, 6, 470-475.
• Allen, A. M., Muramoto, M. L., Campbell, J., Conolly, T., McGuffin, B., & Bernstein, A. (2019). Multi-method formative research to improve the training and delivery of tobacco cessation interventions in behavioral health settings. Journal of Addiction Medicine, 6, 470-475.
• Bell, M. L., Allen, A. M., Reikowsky, R. C., & Nair, U. S. (2019). Quitline Program Utilization and Cessation Outcomes: A Comparison of Provider-referred Clients by Healthcare Settings. Preventive Medicine Reports.
• Blaes, A., Nagler, R. H., Allen, A. M., Mason, S., Teoh, D., Talley, K., Raymond, N., Vogel, R., & Wyman, J. (2019). Breast Cancer Screening Practices with High-Risk Women: A Cross-Sectional Survey of Primary Care. Journal of Women's Health.
• Harrison, K., Petersen, A., Tosun, N., Crist, K., Allen, A. M., & Allen, S. (2018). Associations between exogenous progesterone administration, endogenous sex hormones, and smoking-related symptomology in oral contraceptive users who smoke. Addictive Behaviors.
• Harrison, K., Petersen, A., Tosun, N., Crist, K., Allen, A. M., & Allene, S. (2020). Effect of exogenous progesterone administration on cigarette smoking-related symptomology in oral contraceptive users who smoke. Addictive behaviors, 102, 106148.
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  Cigarette smoking-related symptomatology (e.g., craving; SRS) is linked to relapse after a quit attempt. SRS varies by menstrual phase, possibly due to variations in sex hormones (e.g., progesterone), though much of the research to-date has relied on observations from the menstrual cycle acting as a proxy for hormone levels. The goal of this study was to examine the effect of exogenous progesterone on SRS during ad libitum smoking and following overnight abstinence. Oral contraceptive users who smoked completed two 9-day crossover testing periods (7 days of ad libitum smoking and 2 days following overnight abstinence) while taking double-blind active/placebo exogenous progesterone. Participants completed questionnaires to measure SRS. The effect of exogenous progesterone and endogenous hormones (progesterone, estradiol, and progesterone-to-estradiol [P/E] ratio) on SRS was assessed with paired t-tests and linear mixed effect models. Participants (n = 53) were, on average, 24 years old and smoked 11 cigarettes per day. During ad libitum smoking, a doubling of the P/E ratio was associated with 0.09 points lower anticipated relief from negative affect (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.03-0.15 points lower; p = 0.008) and 0.11 points lower psychological reward (95% CI: 0.03-0.18 points lower; p = 0.006). After correction for multiple testing, these associations were not statistically significant: anticipated relief from negative effect (p = 0.10) and psychological reward (p = 0.09). No other significant associations were observed. Although substantial previous literature indicates that progesterone influences SRS, exogenous progesterone administration did not alter SRS here. Additional research is needed to elucidate alternative mechanisms involved in menstrual phase effects on SRS.
• Martin, K., Vogel, R. I., Nagler, R. H., Wyman, J. F., Raymond, N., Teoh, D., Allen, A. M., Talley, K. M., Mason, S., & Blaes, A. H. (2020). Mammography Screening Practices in Average-Risk Women Aged 40-49 Years in Primary Care: A Comparison of Physician and Nonphysician Providers in Minnesota. Journal of women's health, 29(1), 91-99.
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  Breast cancer screening practices and the influence of clinical guidelines or recommendations are well documented for physicians, but little is known about the screening practices of nonphysician providers (physician assistants and advanced practice registered nurses). The seven breast cancer screening guidelines or recommendations on the use of mammography have the most variation for screening average-risk women 40-49 years of age. Therefore, to better understand the practices of nonphysicians, this study will compare the practices of physicians with nonphysician providers for women 40-49 years of age. Minnesota physicians and nonphysicians were e-mailed an anonymous cross-sectional survey, which asked primary care providers about their mammography screening practices for average-risk women 40-44 and 45-49 years of age and to rate the influence of seven breast cancer screening recommendations on the use of mammography in their practice. Comparisons across providers' demographic and professional characteristics were conducted using chi-squared and Fisher's exact tests, as appropriate, and multivariate logistic regression analyses. Of the respondents who practiced primary care (193 physicians, 50 physician assistants, and 197 advanced practice registered nurses), 66.7% reported recommending mammography for women at ages 40-44 and 77.2% recommended mammography for women at ages 45-49. Nonphysician providers were more likely to recommend screening in both these age groups ( 
• Martin, K., Vogel, R., Nagler, R., Wyman, J., Raymond, N., Teoh, D., Allen, A. M., Talley, K., Mason, S., & Blaes, A. (2020). Mammography Screening Practices in Average-Risk Women in Primary Care: A Comparison of Physician and Non-physician Providers in Minnesota. Journal of Women's Health, 91-99.
• Martinez, A., & Allen, A. M. (2020). Journal of Addiction Medicine Nonpharmacological Adjunct Treatment for Postpartum Women with Opioid Use Disorder: A Review of the Literature. Addictive Behaviors.
• Nair, U. S., Reikowsky, R. C., Allen, A. M., & Bell, M. L. (2018). Quitline Program Utilization and Cessation Outcomes: A Comparison of Provider-referred Clients by Healthcare Settings. Pending.
• Nair, U. S., Reikowsky, R. C., Allen, A. M., & Bell, M. L. (2018). Quitline Program Utilization and Cessation Outcomes: A Comparison of Provider-referred Clients by Healthcare Settings. Preventive Medicine Reports.
• Oncken, C., Allen, S., Kenny, A., Lando, H., Allen, A. M., & Dornelas, E. (2019). Exercise for Smoking Cessation in Post-Menopausal Women: A Randomized, Controlled Trial.. Nicotine and Tobacco Research. doi:10.1093/ntr/ntz176
• Smith, T. T., Donny, E. C., Luo, X., Allen, A. M., Carroll, D. M., Denlinger-Apte, R. L., Dermody, S. S., Koopmeiners, J. S., McClernon, F. J., Pacek, L. R., Vandrey, R., & Hatsukami, D. K. (2019). The Impact of Gradual and Immediate Nicotine Reduction on Subjective Cigarette Ratings. Nicotine & tobacco research, 21(Supplement_1), S73-S80.
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  A recent clinical trial showed that an immediate transition to very low nicotine content (VLNC) cigarettes, compared with a gradual transition, produced greater reductions in smoking behavior, smoke exposure, and dependence. However, there was less compliance with the instruction to smoke only VLNC cigarettes in the immediate versus gradual reduction condition. The goal of this study was to test whether nicotine reduction method alters subjective ratings of VLNC cigarettes, and whether subjective ratings mediate effects of nicotine reduction method on smoking behavior, smoke exposure, dependence, and compliance.
• Tosun, N. L., Fieberg, A. M., Eberly, L. E., Harrison, K. A., Tipp, A. R., Allen, A. M., & Allen, S. S. (2019). Exogenous progesterone for smoking cessation in men and women: a pilot double-blind, placebo-controlled randomized clinical trial. Addiction (Abingdon, England), 114(10), 1800-1813.
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  In some clinical studies men and women have been found to differ in their ability to quit smoking, perhaps as a result of progesterone. The primary aim of this study was to provide a preliminary test of whether progesterone (PRO), compared with placebo (PBO), was more effective for smoking cessation in men and women.
• Yuan, N. P., Krupski, L., Yuan, N. P., Wertheim, B. C., Nair, U. S., Krupski, L., Bell, M. L., & Allen, A. M. (2019). Gender differences in utilization of services and tobacco cessation outcomes at a state quitline.. Translational behavioral medicine, 9(4), 663-668. doi:10.1093/tbm/iby083
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  Research suggests that women may have poorer tobacco cessation outcomes than men; however, the literature is somewhat mixed. Less is known about gender differences in cessation within quitline settings. This study examined gender differences in the utilization of services (i.e., coaching sessions, pharmacotherapy) and tobacco cessation among callers to the Arizona Smokers' Helpline (ASHLine). The study sample included callers enrolled in ASHLine between January 2011 and June 2016. We tracked number of completed coaching sessions. At the 7-month follow-up, callers retrospectively reported use of cessation pharmacotherapy (gum, patch, or lozenge), as well as current tobacco use. Associations between gender and tobacco cessation were tested using logistic regression models. At month 7, 36.4% of women (3,277/9,004) and 40.3% of men (2,960/7,341) self-reported 30-day point prevalence abstinence. Compared to men, fewer women reported using pharmacotherapy (women: 71.4% vs. men: 73.6%, p = .01) and completed at least five coaching sessions (women: 35.1% vs. men: 38.5%, p < .01). After adjusting for baseline characteristics, women had significantly lower odds of reporting tobacco cessation than men (OR = 0.91, 95% CI: 0.84 to 0.99). However, after further adjustment for use of pharmacotherapy and coaching, there was no longer a significant relationship between gender and tobacco cessation (OR: 0.96, 95% CI: 0.87 to 1.06). Fewer women than men reported tobacco cessation. Women also had lower utilization of quitline cessation services. Although the magnitude of these differences were small, future research on improving the utilization of quitline services among women may be worth pursuing given the large-scale effects of tobacco.
• Allen, A. M., Carlson, S. C., Bosch, T. A., Eberly, L. E., Okuyemi, K., Nair, U., & Gordon, J. S. (2018). High Intensity Interval Training and Continuous Aerobic Exercise Interventions to Promote Self-Initiated Quit Attempts in Young Adults Who Smoke: Feasibility, Acceptability, and Lessons Learned from a Randomized Pilot Trial. Journal of Addiction Medicine.
• Allen, A. M., Lundeen, K., Murphy, S., Spector, L., & Harlow, B. (2018). Web-Delivered Multimedia Training Materials for the Self-Collection of Dried Blood Spots: A Formative Project. JMIR Formative Research.
• Allen, A. M., Yuan, N. P., Wertheim, B. C., Krupski, L. A., Bell, M. L., & Nair, U. S. (2018). Gender Differences in Utilization of Services and Smoking Cessation Outcomes at a State Quitline. Translational Behavioral Medicine.
• Gordon, J. S., Nair, U. S., Okuyemi, K., Eberly, L., Bosch, T., Carlson, S., & Allen, A. M. (2018). High Intensity Interval Training and Continuous Aerobic Exercise Interventions to Promote Self-Initiated Quit Attempts in Smokers: Feasibility, Acceptability, and Lessons Learned from a Randomized Pilot Trial. Journal of Addiction Medicine.
• Nair, U. S., Bell, M. L., Krupski, L. A., Wertheim, B. C., Yuan, N. P., & Allen, A. M. (2018). Gender Differences in Utilization of Services and Smoking Cessation Outcomes at a State Quitline. Translational Behavioral Medicine.
• Purani, H., Carlson, S., & Allen, A. M. (2018). Exercise, Sleep Quality and Smoking Behavior in Young Adult Smokers. Addictive Behaviors.
• Carlson, S. C., Allen, A. M., Allen, S. S., & al'Absi, M. (2017). Differences in mood and cortisol by menstrual phase during acute smoking abstinence: A within-subject comparison. Experimental and clinical psychopharmacology, 25(5), 338-345.
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  There is evidence that smoking-cessation success differs by menstrual phase and sex hormone levels; however, the biological mechanisms underlying these differences are not clear. One possibility is that variation in cortisol throughout the menstrual cycle and early smoking abstinence may be partly responsible. The goal of this secondary-data analysis was to conduct a within-subject examination of the effects of menstrual phase and smoking abstinence on salivary cortisol and mood. Data are from a controlled crossover trial, in which participants completed 2 testing weeks during their follicular and luteal phases. During each testing week, they smoked ad libitum during the first 2 days and then abstained from smoking during the next 4 days. Salivary cortisol and self-reported mood were collected 5 times on the day before abstinence (D0) and the first (D1) and third (D3) days of abstinence. Participants (n = 125) were, on average (mean ± SE), 29.4 ± 0.6 years old and smoked 12.6 ± 0.5 cigarettes/day. Whereas salivary cortisol varied significantly by time of day (p < .0001) and smoking abstinence (D0 to D1: β = -0.06 ± 0.02 log[ng/ml], p = .0074 and D3: β = -0.05 ± 0.02 log[ng/ml], p = .0117). no significant differences by menstrual phase were observed. Craving increased from D0 to D1 during the follicular phase but decreased in the luteal phase (+0.31 vs. -0.15, β = 0.46 ± 0.19, p = .0162). This work builds on prior observations in demonstrating a decrease in cortisol in acute smoking abstinence and menstrual phase differences in craving. The results provide further evidence that cortisol levels do not vary by menstrual phase in the first few days of abstinence. (PsycINFO Database Record
• Howe, C. L., Allen, A. M., Weinberger, A. H., Wetherill, R. R., & McKee, S. A. (2017). Oral Contraceptives and Cigarette Smoking: A Review of the Literature and Future Directions. Nicotine & Tobacco Research, 21(5), 592-601. doi:10.1093/ntr/ntx258
• Hughes, J. R., Ward, K. D., Lemieux, A. M., Hughes, J., Allen, S. S., Allen, A. M., Alexander, A. C., & Al'absi, M. (2017). Are stressful life events associated with smoking cigarettes and marijuana during pregnancy. Drug and Alcohol Dependence, 171, e6. doi:10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2016.08.032
• Parker, M. A., Fakunle, D. O., & Allen, A. M. (2017). The following were interviewed by Dr. Denise C. Vidot for the purpose of highlighting some of our Members in Training. Drug and Alcohol Dependence, 179, 441-442. doi:10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2017.06.001
• Wyman, J. F., Vogel, R. I., Teoh, D. G., Talley, K. M., Raymond, N. C., Nagler, R. H., Mason, S. M., Blaes, A. H., & Allen, A. M. (2017). Breast cancer screening practices with high-risk women: A cross-sectional survey.. Journal of Clinical Oncology, 35(15_suppl), 1550-1550. doi:10.1200/jco.2017.35.15_suppl.1550
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  1550Background: Little literature exists on primary care providers’ knowledge and preferences towards breast cancer screening for high-risk women. While guidelines recommend MRI and mammography, it is unclear how frequently these recommendations are used. Methods: This web-based survey of providers licensed to practice in Minnesota was conducted. This analysis focuses on breast cancer screening practices for high-risk women. Data were summarized using descriptive statistics; professional characteristic comparisons were conducted using Chi-squared tests. Results: 805 of 10,392 (8%) invitees completed the survey. 72.2% were female. 43.9% were physicians (20.8% internists, 71.7% family medicine, 6.3% gynecology), 11.4% physician assistants (PAs), 44.8% advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs). 84.8% were in community practice, 38% > 20 years of experience and 27.1% < 10 years. When asked how effective screening was for reducing cancer mortality in high risk women, mammography was thought to be very effect...
• Wyman, J. F., Vogel, R. I., Teoh, D. G., Talley, K. M., Raymond, N. C., Nagler, R. H., Mason, S. M., Blaes, A. H., & Allen, A. M. (2017). Minnesota healthcare providers’ breast cancer screening practices at the extremes of age.. Journal of Clinical Oncology, 35(15_suppl), e13037-e13037. doi:10.1200/jco.2017.35.15_suppl.e13037
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  e13037Background: Breast cancer screening guidelines disagree on the age to initiate and discontinue screening. We sought to determine the age at which Minnesota providers initiate and discontinue breast cancer screening. Methods: A cross-sectional online survey of Minnesota primary care providers was conducted in 2016. The survey queried providers’ breast screening practices for average-risk women. Data were summarized using descriptive statistics and comparisons by professional characteristics were conducted using Chi-squared tests. Results: There were 805 respondents (8% of 10,392 invitees), of which 456 (56.7%) provided primary care to women and were included in the analysis. 316 (72%) were women, 193 (44%) were physicians, 50 (11%) were physician assistants (PAs), and 197 (45%) were advanced practice nurses (APNs). 85% practiced in a community setting. 38% had practiced > 20 years, and 27% had practiced < 10 years. Among respondents, 67%, 77% and 72% recommended screening mammography for women age 40...
• Allen, A. M., McRae-Clark, A. L., Carlson, S., Saladin, M. E., Gray, K. M., Wetherington, C. L., McKee, S. A., & Allen, S. S. (2016). Determining menstrual phase in human biobehavioral research: A review with recommendations. Experimental and clinical psychopharmacology, 24(1), 1-11.
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  Given the volume and importance of research focusing on menstrual phase, a review of the strategies being used to identify menstrual phase and recommendations that will promote methodological uniformity in the field is needed. We conducted a literature review via Ovid Medline and PsycINFO. Our goal was to review methods used to identify menstrual phase and subphases in biobehavioral research studies with women who had physiologically natural menstrual cycles. Therefore, we excluded articles that focused on any of the following: use of exogenous hormones, the postpartum period, menstrual-related problems (e.g., polycystic ovarian syndrome, endometriosis), and infertility/anovulation. We also excluded articles on either younger (45 years old) study samples. We initially identified a total of 1,809 articles. After our exclusionary criteria were applied, 146 articles remained, within which our review identified 6 different methods used to identify menstrual phase and subphases. The most common method used was self-report of onset of menses (145/146 articles) followed by urine luteinizing hormone testing (50/146 articles) and measurement of hormones (estradiol and/or progesterone) in blood samples (49/146 articles). Overall, we found a lack of consistency in the methodology used to determine menstrual phase and subphases. We provide several options to improve accuracy of phase identification, as well as to minimize costs and burden. Adoption of these recommendations will decrease misclassification within individual studies, facilitate cross-study comparisons, and enhance the reproducibility of results.
• Allen, A. M., Scheuermann, T. S., Nollen, N., Hatsukami, D., & Ahluwalia, J. S. (2016). Gender Differences in Smoking Behavior and Dependence Motives Among Daily and Nondaily Smokers. Nicotine & Tobacco Research, 18(6), 1408-13.
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  While the overall prevalence of smoking has declined, nondaily smoking is on the rise. Among daily smokers (DS) men tend to smoke more cigarettes per day and have higher dependence. Unfortunately little is known about gender differences in nondaily smokers (NDS).
• Allen, A. M., Vogel, R., Meier, E., Anderson, A., Jensen, J., Severson, H. H., & Hatsukami, D. (2016). Gender differences in snus versus nicotine gum for cigarette avoidance among a sample of US smokers. Drug and alcohol dependence, 168, 8-12. doi:10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2016.08.624
• Allen, A., McRae-Clark, A., Carlson, S., Saladin, M., Gray, K., Wetherington, C., McKee, S., & Allen, S. (2016). Determining menstrual phase in human biobehavioral research: A review with recommendations. Experimental and Clinical Psychopharmacology, 24(1). doi:10.1037/pha0000057
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  Given the volume and importance of research focusing on menstrual phase, a review of the strategies being used to identify menstrual phase and recommendations that will promote methodological uniformity in the field is needed. We conducted a literature review via Ovid Medline and PsycINFO. Our goal was to review methods used to identify menstrual phase and subphases in biobehavioral research studies with women who had physiologically natural menstrual cycles. Therefore, we excluded articles that focused on any of the following: use of exogenous hormones, the postpartum period, menstrual-related problems (e.g., polycystic ovarian syndrome, endometriosis), and infertility/anovulation. We also excluded articles on either younger (45 years old) study samples. We initially identified a total of 1,809 articles. After our exclusionary criteria were applied, 146 articles remained, within which our review identified 6 different methods used to identify menstrual phase and subphases. The most common method used was self-report of onset of menses (145/146 articles) followed by urine luteinizing hormone testing (50/146 articles) and measurement of hormones (estradiol and/or progesterone) in blood samples (49/146 articles). Overall, we found a lack of consistency in the methodology used to determine menstrual phase and subphases.Weprovide several options to improve accuracy of phase identification, as well as to minimize costs and burden. Adoption of these recommendations will decrease misclassification within individual studies, facilitate cross-study comparisons, and enhance the reproducibility of results.
• Allen, S. S., Allen, A. M., Lunos, S., & Tosun, N. (2016). Progesterone and Postpartum Smoking Relapse: A Pilot Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Randomized Trial. Nicotine & Tobacco Research, 18(11), 2145-2153.
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  Pregnancy is a strong motivator to quit smoking, yet postpartum relapse rates are high. Growing evidence suggests a role of sex hormones in drug abuse behavior and given the precipitous drop in sex hormones at delivery, they may play a role in postpartum relapse. This pilot study evaluates the feasibility and potential role of exogenous progesterone in postpartum smoking relapse.
• Allen, A. M., Abdelwahab, N. M., Carlson, S., Bosch, T. A., Eberly, L. E., & Okuyemi, K. (2018). Effect of brief exercise on urges to smoke in men and women smokers. Addictive behaviors, 77, 34-37.
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  Although smoking urges have been demonstrated to vary by gender and also be influenced by exercise, it is unknown if exercise has a differential effect on smoking urges by gender. This study aimed to explore gender-specific effects of an acute bout of exercise on cessation-related symptoms in men and women smokers during acute abstinence.
• Allen, A. M., Carlson, S., Eberly, L. E., Hatsukami, D., & Piper, M. E. (2018). Use of hormonal contraceptives and smoking cessation: A preliminary report. Addictive behaviors, 76, 236-242.
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  Although endogenous sex hormones influence smoking-related outcomes, little is known about the effect of exogenous sex hormones. Therefore, the goal of this preliminary study was to examine differences in withdrawal symptoms and cessation between women using hormonal contraceptives (HC), women not using hormonal contraceptives (no-HC) and men. Utilizing data from two recently completed smoking cessation randomized clinical trials, we selected participants who were between the ages of 18-35years old. Participants were classified based on use of hormonal contraceptives and gender, then matched based on pharmacotherapy randomization assignment and baseline cigarettes per day. Participants provided self-reported assessments on withdrawal, craving and negative affect, and smoking status was assessed for 52weeks after quit date. Participants (N=130) were 28.7±0.4years old and smoked 16.8±0.6 cigarettes/day. Compared to both no-HC and men, the HC group had significantly greater withdrawal one week prior to the quit date, on the quit date and one week after the quit date. During the first week of attempted abstinence, craving declined in HC and in men, but increased in no-HC. At end of treatment, the HC group was at 3.73 times higher odds of being abstinent compared to men (95% confidence interval: 1.12-12.40). There were no group differences in abstinence rates at Week 26 or 52. These data suggest that HC users may experience more adverse levels of withdrawal, though may be more likely to achieve short-term abstinence. Future research is needed to replicate our observations and explore mechanisms of action.
• Allen, A. M., Collins, B. N., Allen, S., Bell, M. L., Miller, E. S., & Nair, U. S. (2019). Feasibility and Acceptability of Timing a Quit Attempt to the Menstrual Cycle in a Telephone-based Smoking Cessation Intervention: Protocol of a Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial.. Contemporary Clinical Trials Communication, Nair, U.S., Miller, E.S., Bell, M.B., Allen, S., Collins, B.N., & Allen, A. M..
• Allen, A. M., Lundeen, K., Eberly, L. E., Allen, S. S., al'Absi, M., Muramoto, M., & Hatsukami, D. (2018). Hormonal contraceptive use in smokers: Prevalence of use and associations with smoking motives. Addictive behaviors, 77, 187-192.
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  While endogenous sex hormones influence smoking-related outcomes, little is known about the role of hormonal contraceptives (HCs). This is despite dated estimates suggesting that HC use is prevalent among female smokers. Therefore, we sought to update estimates of the prevalence of HC use among female smokers and explore the association of HC use with various smoking motives (SMs).
• Allen, A. M., Lunos, S., Heishman, S. J., al'Absi, M., Hatsukami, D., & Allen, S. S. (2015). Subjective response to nicotine by menstrual phase. Addictive behaviors, 43, 50-3.
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  The luteal menstrual phase might be a favorable time for smoking cessation when non-nicotine interventions (e.g. counseling, bupropion) are used, whereas the follicular menstrual phase appears favorable when nicotine interventions are used. Thus, there may be an interaction between menstrual phase and response to nicotine. We sought to examine the role of menstrual phase on response to nicotine during acute smoking abstinence.
• Allen, A. M., Saladin, M. E., Gray, K. M., Mcrae-clark, A. L., Wetherington, C. L., Saladin, M. E., Mcrae-clark, A. L., Mckee, S. A., Gray, K. M., Allen, S. S., & Allen, A. M. (2015). Determining menstrual phase in substance use research: A review with recommendations. Drug and Alcohol Dependence, 156, e5-e6. doi:10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2015.07.933
• Allen, A. M., Weinberger, A. H., Wetherill, R. R., Howe, C. L., & McKee, S. A. (2019). Oral Contraceptives and Cigarette Smoking: A Review of the Literature and Future Directions. Nicotine and Tobacco Research, 592-601.
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  Introduction: Evidence continues to mount indicating that endogenous sex hormones (e.g., progesterone and estradiol) play a significant role in smoking-related outcomes. Although approximately 1 out of 4 premenopausal smokers use oral contraceptives (OCs), which significantly alter progesterone and estradiol levels, relatively little is known about how OCs may influence smoking-related outcomes. Thus, the goal of this review paper is to describe the state of the literature and offer recommendations for future directions.Methods: In March 2017, we searched seven databases, with a restriction to articles written in English, using the following keywords: nicotine, smoker(s), smoking, tobacco, cigarettes, abstinence, withdrawal, and craving(s). We did not restrict on the publication date, type or study design.Results: A total of 13 studies were identified. Three studies indicated faster nicotine metabolism in OC users compared to nonusers. Five of six laboratory studies that examined physiological stress response noted heightened response in OC users compared to nonusers. Three studies examined cessation-related symptomatology (e.g., craving) with mixed results. One cross-sectional study observed greater odds of current smoking among OC users, and no studies have explored the relationship between OC use and cessation outcomes. Conclusions: Relatively few studies were identified on the role of OCs in smoking-related outcomes. Future work could explore the relationship between OC use and mood, stress, weight gain and brain function/connectivity, as well as cessation outcomes. Understanding the role of OC use in these areas may lead to the development of novel smoking cessation interventions for premenopausal women.
• Allen, A. M., al'Absi, M., Lando, H., & Allen, S. S. (2015). Allopregnanolone association with psychophysiological and cognitive functions during acute smoking abstinence in premenopausal women. Experimental and clinical psychopharmacology, 23(1), 22-8.
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  Nicotine response may predict susceptibility to smoking relapse. Allopregnanolone, a neuroactive steroid metabolized from progesterone, has been shown to be associated with several symptoms of nicotine response. We sought to explore the association between allopregnanolone and response to nicotine during acute smoking abstinence in premenopausal women. Participants completed 2 nicotine-response laboratory sessions, 1 in their follicular (low allopregnanolone) and 1 in their luteal (high allopregnanolone) menstrual phase, on the fourth day of biochemically confirmed smoking abstinence. During the laboratory sessions, participants self-administered a nicotine nasal spray and completed a timed series of cardiovascular, cognitive, and subjective assessments of response to nicotine. The relationships of allopregnanolone with baseline values and change scores of outcome measures were assessed using covariance pattern modeling. Study participants (N = 77) had a mean age of 29.9 (SD = 6.8) years and smoked an average of 12.2 (SD = 4.9) cigarettes per day. Allopregnanolone concentration measured before nicotine administration was positively associated with systolic (β = 0.85, p = .04) and diastolic blood pressure (β = 1.19, p < .001) and self-report of physical symptoms (β = 0.58, p < .001), dizziness (β = 0.88, p < .01), jitteriness (β = 0.90, p = .04), and pleasantness (β = 2.05, p = .04). Allopregnanolone also had significant positive associations with change in cognition following nicotine nasal spray administration, specifically discriminability as a measure of attention (β = 1.15, p = .05) and response bias as a measure of impulsivity (β = 0.13, p = .02). These data suggest that allopregnanolone may be related to cardiovascular and subjective physical state during acute smoking abstinence, as well as cognitive response to nicotine.
• Allen, A., Tosun, N., Carlson, S., & Allen, S. (2018). Postpartum Changes in Mood and Smoking-Related Symptomatology: An Ecological Momentary Assessment Investigation. Nicotine & Tobacco Research, 681-689.
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  Postpartum smoking relapse is a highly prevalent public health problem. Mood and breastfeeding are significantly associated with smoking relapse, though less is known about the temporality of these relationships. Therefore, this study utilized ecological momentary assessments (EMA) to prospectively examine changes mood and smoking-related symptomatology in relationship to three events - childbirth, termination of breastfeeding and smoking relapse. We expected all three events to significantly alter mood and smoking-related symptomatology.
• Harrison, K., Allen, S. S., Allen, A. M., & Al'absi, M. (2015). Effects of oral contraceptive use on stress response in acute smoking abstinence. Drug and Alcohol Dependence, 146, e136. doi:10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2014.09.288
• Hinderaker, K., Allen, A. M., Tosun, N., al'Absi, M., Hatsukami, D., & Allen, S. S. (2016). The effect of combination oral contraceptives on smoking-related symptomatology during short-term smoking abstinence. Addictive behaviors, 41, 148-51.
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  Although an estimated 25% of premenopausal smokers report using oral contraceptives (OC), little is known about how OC use may influence smoking cessation. The purpose of this study was to examine the difference in smoking-related symptomatology during acute smoking abstinence between women on a standardized combination OC (Tri-Sprintec(™)) compared to women not on OCs (no-OC). Participants were women aged 18-40 who smoked ≥5 cigarettes/day and reported regular menstrual cycles. Using a controlled cross-over design, participants completed two six-day testing weeks: Low Progesterone Week (LPW; Follicular (F) phase in no-OC or 1st week of pills in OC) and High Progesterone Week (HPW; Luteal (L) phase in no-OC or 3rd week of pills in OC). Each testing week included daily assessment of symptomatology and biochemical confirmation of smoking status. During smoking abstinence, the OC group (n=14) reported significantly lower levels of positive affect (21.56±7.12 vs. 24.57±6.46; β=3.63, p=0.0323) than the no-OC group (n=28). Further significant interactions between group and testing week were observed as follows: Smoking satisfaction was higher during LPW in the OC group (LPW: 4.29±1.30 vs. HPW: 4.10±1.37) but higher during HPW in the no-OC group (LPW: 3.91±1.30 vs. HPW: 4.23±1.30; β=-0.5499, p
• Huttlin, E. A., Allen, A. M., Tosun, N. L., Allen, S. S., & al'Absi, M. (2015). Associations between adrenocortical activity and nicotine response in female smokers by menstrual phase. Addictive behaviors, 50, 135-9.
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  Previous research suggests that menstrual phase may influence smoking-related symptomatology. The present study analyzes the relationship between menstrual phase and salivary cortisol with subjective responses to nicotine among female smokers during ad libitum smoking. We hypothesize higher cortisol levels would be associated with increased positive and decreased negative subjective responses to nicotine. We also expected that these associations would vary by menstrual phase. Females aged 18-40 who smoke at least five cigarettes/day, reported regular menstrual cycles and did not use exogenous hormones or psychotropic medications were enrolled into a controlled cross-over trial. Participants completed identical data collection procedures during follicular (F) and luteal (L) phases; including self-collected salivary cortisol samples and completion of a nicotine response lab session involving administration of nicotine nasal spray and monitoring of subjective response to nicotine via the Subjective State Scale and Visual Analog Scale. Participants (n = 116) were 29.1 ± 6.9 years old and smoked an average of 12.3 ± 5.5 cigarettes daily. During F phase, higher morning cortisol was associated with decreased negative affect (r = -0.21, p = 0.03), withdrawal (r = -0.30, p < 0.01) and increased relaxation (r = 0.24, p = 0.02) after administration of nicotine nasal spray. Conversely, during L phase, higher morning cortisol was associated with a decrease in head rush (r = -0.26, p = 0.01) and urge to smoke (r = -0.21, p = 0.04) after administration of nicotine nasal spray. Similar associations between greater diurnal cortisol variation and response to nicotine were seen. These observations indicate that cortisol may have a phase-specific association with some subjective responses to nicotine in female smokers. Additional research should explore how these relationships may influence smoking cessation efforts.
• Scheuermann, T. S., Nollen, N. L., Mathur, C., Hatsukami, D. K., Allen, A. M., & Ahluwalia, J. S. (2015). Gender differences in use of alternative tobacco products among daily and nondaily smokers. Drug and Alcohol Dependence, 146, e206-e207. doi:10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2014.09.030
• Allen, A. M., Oncken, C., & Hatsukami, D. (2014). Women and Smoking: The Effect of Gender on the Epidemiology, Health Effects, and Cessation of Smoking. Current addiction reports, 1(1), 53-60.
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  Smoking is still the leading cause of premature morbidity and mortality. This paper examines new research on gender differences and the epidemiology of smoking, smoking-related morbidity and mortality, and factors that affect smoking cessation. The rate of decline in the prevalence of smoking has been slowing, especially among adolescent girls. New research suggests that, compared with men, women may be more susceptible to smoking-related morbidity and mortality. Gender-related barriers to smoking cessation include weight gain, sex hormones, and mood. Furthermore, the sensory aspects of smoking may have more of an effect on smoking treatment for women than for men. We discuss new studies that examine smoking-cessation interventions that may be particularly beneficial for women, including exercise (as an adjunct intervention), very low nicotine content cigarettes, and a variety of pharmacotherapy. Further research is needed to identify and target the gender-specific needs of smokers.
• Allen, S. S., Allen, A. M., Tosun, N., Lunos, S., al'Absi, M., & Hatsukami, D. (2014). Smoking- and menstrual-related symptomatology during short-term smoking abstinence by menstrual phase and depressive symptoms. Addictive behaviors, 39(5), 901-6.
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  Menstrual phase and depressive symptoms are known to minimize quit attempts in women. Therefore, the influence of these factors on smoking- and menstrual-related symptomatology during acute smoking cessation was investigated in a controlled cross-over lab-study. Participants (n=147) completed two six-day testing weeks during their menstrual cycle with testing order randomly assigned (follicular vs. luteal). The testing week consisted of two days of ad libitum smoking followed by four days of biochemically verified smoking abstinence. Daily symptomatology measures were collected. Out of the 11 total symptoms investigated, six were significantly associated with menstrual phase and nine were significantly associated with level of depressive symptoms. Two significant interactions were noted indicating that there may be a stronger association between depressive symptoms with negative affect and premenstrual pain during the follicular phase compared to the luteal phase. Overall, these observations suggest that during acute smoking abstinence in premenopausal smokers, there is an association between depressive symptoms and symptomatology whereas menstrual phase appears to have less of an effect. Further study is needed to determine the effect of these observations on smoking cessation outcomes, as well as to define the mechanism of menstrual phase and depressive symptoms on smoking-related symptomatology.
• Hertsgaard, L., Wyman, J. F., Overson, E., Hertsgaard, L. A., Hatsukami, D. K., Allen, S. S., & Allen, A. M. (2014). Effect of Smoking Cessation on Overactive Bladder Symptoms in Adults: A Pilot Study. Neurourology and Urodynamics.
• Allen, A. M., Kleppinger, A., Lando, H., & Oncken, C. (2013). Effect of nicotine patch on energy intake and weight gain in postmenopausal women during smoking cessation. Eating behaviors, 14(4), 420-3.
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  Post-cessation weight gain is a commonly cited barrier to smoking cessation. Some evidence suggests that nicotine replacement therapy may limit post-cessation weight gain by reducing energy intake. This project aims to assess differential changes in energy intake and body weight during smoking cessation in a sample of postmenopausal women randomized to receive 21 mg nicotine or placebo patch for 12 weeks.
• Allen, A. M., al'Absi, M., Lando, H., Hatsukami, D., & Allen, S. S. (2013). Menstrual phase, depressive symptoms, and allopregnanolone during short-term smoking cessation. Experimental and clinical psychopharmacology, 21(6), 427-33.
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  Preclinical literature indicates that allopregnanolone (ALLO), a neuroactive steroid metabolized from progesterone, may protect against drug abuse behaviors. It is important to understand how ALLO varies during smoking changes in clinical samples with depressive symptoms (DS) given they are at high risk of smoking relapse. The purpose of this article is to characterize changes in ALLO by menstrual phase during short-term smoking cessation among women with and without DS. At screening, study participants (n = 84) were classified as either having past or current DS (n = 48) or not (n = 36). In a controlled crossover trial design, participants completed 2 testing weeks in the follicular (F; low ALLO) and luteal (L; high ALLO) menstrual phases. During each testing week, blood samples were collected during ad libitum smoking and on the fourth day of biochemically verified smoking abstinence. Participants were, on average, 30.1 ± 6.7 years old, smoked 12.6 ± 5.7 cigarettes per day, and most (73%) were White. The change in ALLO during short-term smoking cessation varied significantly by menstrual phase such that it decreased by 10% in the follicular phase and increased by 31% in the luteal phase. There were no significant differences in ALLO levels by DS group. In premenopausal women, ALLO levels varied by menstrual phase and smoking status, but not DS. Given that other research has indicated L phase is associated with improved smoking cessation outcomes, an increase in ALLO during short-term cessation in the L phase may protect against relapse whereas a decrease in ALLO, as observed in the F phase, may increase risk for relapse.
• Allen, S. S., Allen, A. M., Kotlyar, M., Lunos, S., Al'absi, M., & Hatsukami, D. (2013). Menstrual phase and depressive symptoms differences in physiological response to nicotine following acute smoking abstinence. Nicotine & tobacco research : official journal of the Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco, 15(6), 1091-8.
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  Accumulating evidence has linked depressive symptoms and sex hormones to risk for relapse; however, the specific mechanisms involved in these associations remain unknown. This randomized crossover study assessed physiological response to nicotine by menstrual phase in female smokers with and without depressive symptoms following acute smoking abstinence.
• Allen, A. M., Allen, S. S., Lunos, S., & Pomerleau, C. S. (2010). Severity of withdrawal symptomatology in follicular versus luteal quitters: The combined effects of menstrual phase and withdrawal on smoking cessation outcome. Addictive behaviors, 35(6), 549-52.
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  Women are at an increased risk of relapse after a smoking cessation attempt. While the reasons for this phenomenon are not fully understood, recent research indicates that both the menstrual cycle and negative symptomatology may play a role. The goal of this study was to describe the association between withdrawal symptoms during attempted smoking cessation, and to investigate the impact of these symptoms on smoking cessation outcomes as defined by 7-day point prevalence at 14 and 30 days. Negative symptoms associated with the premenstrual period were also assessed. Participants (n = 202) were 29.8 (SD +/- 6.6) years old and smoked 16.6 (SD +/- 5.6) cigarettes per day. They were randomly assigned to quit smoking in the follicular (n = 106) or luteal (n = 96) menstrual phase. We observed several significantly more severe premenstrual and withdrawal symptoms in the luteal phase. Regardless of quit phase, most withdrawal symptoms were associated with an increased risk of relapse at 14 and 30 days post quit date. Participants attempting to quit smoking in the follicular phase who had higher levels of Anger and Craving were more likely to relapse to smoking at 14-days (OR = 2.00, p-value = 0.026; OR = 2.63, p-value = 0.006; respectively). These data suggest that the menstrual cycle may play a role in smoking cessation outcome, as well as in the symptomatology experienced during a cessation attempt.
• Allen, A. M., Allen, S. S., Widenmier, J., & Al'absi, M. (2009). Patterns of cortisol and craving by menstrual phase in women attempting to quit smoking. Addictive behaviors, 34(8), 632-5.
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  Research indicates stress, craving and menstrual phase may play a role in relapse to smoking. It remains unknown how these factors may interact during cessation. This study describes the relationship between craving and cortisol concentrations by menstrual phase during ad libitum smoking and investigates the impact of this relationship on time to relapse. Five assessments of cortisol concentrations and craving levels were collected the day before smoking cessation in female smokers (n=38) during either the follicular (n=21; F) or luteal (n=17; L) phase. Craving at wake-up was significantly greater in the F phase than the L phase (2.5+/-1.9 vs. 1.1+/-1.4; p=0.018; respectively). Decreased levels of morning cortisol concentrations and a greater decline from morning to the nadir levels in cortisol were associated with increased craving at bedtime in the L (r=-0.68, p=0.002; r=-0.67, p=0.003; respectively), but not in the F phase. Craving at wake-up was a significant predictor of time to relapse (p=0.008). Our results indicate that menstrual phase may play a role in the relationship among craving, cortisol concentrations, and risk for relapse.
• Allen, A. M., Mooney, M., Chakraborty, R., & Allen, S. S. (2009). Circadian patterns of ad libitum smoking by menstrual phase. Human psychopharmacology, 24(6), 503-6.
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  Recent research suggests nicotine metabolism may be influenced by sex hormones. Thus, we hypothesized that circadian smoking patterns would vary by menstrual phase.
• Allen, A. M., Prince, C. B., & Dietz, P. M. (2009). Postpartum depressive symptoms and smoking relapse. American journal of preventive medicine, 36(1), 9-12.
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  Smokers with depressive symptoms are more likely to relapse after attempting to quit than those without depressive symptoms. Little is known about the relationship between depressive symptoms and relapse during the postpartum period; thus the aim of the present study is to assess the relationship between postpartum smoking relapse and depressive symptoms.
• Allen, S. S., Allen, A. M., & Pomerleau, C. S. (2009). Influence of phase-related variability in premenstrual symptomatology, mood, smoking withdrawal, and smoking behavior during ad libitum smoking, on smoking cessation outcome. Addictive behaviors, 34(1), 107-11.
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  Emerging evidence suggests that women have a more difficult time quitting smoking than men-possibly due, in part, to sex hormones. The present study characterized mood, premenstrual symptomatology, and smoking withdrawal, as well as smoking behavior, in the follicular and luteal phases during ad libitum smoking in 25 women intending to quit. We also investigated the possible influence of phase-related variability in these measures on likelihood of study adherence and smoking cessation. We found that premenstrual symptomatology, as well as some measures of mood and smoking withdrawal, were significantly higher during the luteal phase than in the follicular phase. Cigarettes/day did not vary by menstrual cycle phase. Phase-related variability in premenstrual symptomatology [F(3, 20)=2.82, p=0.0650)] and urge to smoke [F(2, 21)=4.85, p=0.0186)] were associated with relapse. These data support the inference that sex hormones influence smoking cessation outcome. This knowledge may contribute to the development of more rational and effective smoking cessation interventions for women.
• Allen, S. S., Allen, A. M., Lunos, S., & Hatsukami, D. K. (2009). Patterns of self-selected smoking cessation attempts and relapse by menstrual phase. Addictive behaviors, 34(11), 928-31.
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  Clinical studies are emerging which suggest that sex hormones may play a role in quit attempts and relapse. The present study aim is to determine if menstrual phase plays a role on a second self-selected quit attempt and subsequent relapse during a twenty-six week follow-up. Participants (n=138) were 29.7+/-6.5 years old and smoked 16.1+/-4.8 cigarettes per day. Participants were more likely to self-select a second quit date during the Follicular (F) phase (59.4%) than Luteal (L) phase (40.6%, p=0.033) and were also more likely to relapse during the F phase than the L phase (59.7% vs. 40.3%, p=0.043, respectively). Those who self-selected to quit in the L phase experienced a significantly longer time to relapse than those who chose the F phase (median of 3 days vs. 2 days, respectively; Hazard Ratio=1.599, p-value=0.014). This confirms previous work suggesting quit dates in the F phase are associated with worse smoking cessation outcomes. Additional research is needed to investigate how this relationship may vary with the use of pharmacotherapy.
• Allen, S. S., Allen, A. M., Mooney, M., & Bade, T. (2009). Short-term weight gain by menstrual phase following smoking cessation in women. Eating behaviors, 10(1), 52-5.
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  Prevention of early weight gain may be critical to avoid relapse among women with a fear of weight gain. Menstrual phase has physiological fluctuation of fluid resulting in short-term weight gain, suggesting menstrual phase of smoking cessation may impact short-term weight gain. This study examined the effect of smoking abstinence and menstrual cycle on short-term weight gain. Women were randomized to quit smoking during the follicular or luteal phase of their cycle and followed for four weeks. Weight, among other measures, was recorded at five post-quit date visits (days 2, 5, 9, 12 and week 4). Participants (n=152) were grouped based on randomized quit phase and smoking status after assigned quit date: 1) follicular (F), quit < 24 h, 2) F, quit > or = five days, 3) luteal (L), quit < 24 h, and 4) L, quit > or = five days. Participants who quit smoking experienced significantly more weight gain than those who quit for less than 24 h. There were no significant increases in short-term weight gain based on menstrual cycle phase during attempted smoking cessation.
• Allen, A. M., Dietz, P. M., Tong, V. T., England, L., & Prince, C. B. (2008). Prenatal smoking prevalence ascertained from two population-based data sources: birth certificates and PRAMS questionnaires, 2004. Public health reports (Washington, D.C. : 1974), 123(5), 586-92.
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  This study provided a population-based estimate of the prevalence of smoking during pregnancy by combining information from two data sources: birth certificates (BCs) and a self-administered questionnaire.

Proceedings Publications

• Allen, A. M., Skobic, I., Bell, M. L., & Nair, U. S. (2021, February). Feasibility and Acceptability of Timing Quit Date to Menstrual Phase in a Quitline Setting: Results from a Preliminary Randomized Trial. In Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco.
• Allen, A. M., & Wood, M. (2020, December). Pre-/perinatal exposure to medication and substance abuse. In Society for Perinatal Epidemiological Research.
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  Invited session co-chair
• Kylathu, R., Bader, M., Grisham, L., & Allen, A. M. (2020, May). Clinical and cost outcomes of Family-Centered Treatment of Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome compared to pharmacological treatment. In Pediatric Academic Societies.

Presentations

• Allen, A. M., & Linde-Krieger, L. B. (2024, June). Loneliness During and After Pregnancy: Does it vary between those with and without opioid use disorder?. College on Problems of Drug Dependence 2024 Annual Meeting. Montreal, Canada.
• Farland, L., Valenti, M., Linde-Krieger, L. B., & Allen, A. M. (2023, April). Menstrual phase identification questionnaire (MPIQ): Development and validation of a cross-sectional survey. 44th Annual Meeting & Scientific Sessions of the Society of Behavioral Medicine. Phoenix, AZ.
• Allen, A. M. (2021, April). Recovery by ENgaging and Empowering Women (RENEW) Research Team. Addiction Research and Medicine Meeting.
• Allen, A. M. (2021, January). Dried Blood Spots in Tobacco-Related Research. Tobacco Research Interest Group - South Carolina. Online: Medical University of South Carolina.
• Allen, A. M. (2021, January). Use of Dried Blood Spots in Tobacco-Related Research. South Carolina Tobacco Research Interest Group.
• Allen, A. M. (2021, May). Recovery through ENgaging and Empowering Women (RENEW). University of Arizona College of Medicine Data Blitz.
• Allen, A. M. (2021, November). Differences in Cigarette Smoking-Related Biomarkers by Hormonal Contraceptive Use. University of Arizona Cancer Center Retreat.
• Allen, A. M. (2021, November). Hormonal Response to Infant Caregiving: A Novel Strategy to Address Opioid Use Disorder during the Postpartum Period. Oklahoma State University.
• Allen, A. M. (2021, September). Modifying Ovarian Hormones to Prevent Postpartum Cigarette Smoking Relapse. University of Arizona Cancer Center - Prevent Cancer and Control Program.
• Allen, A. M. (2021, Summer). Implications of Exogenous Hormone Administration on Addictive Behaviors in Women. Addiction Research Grand Rounds. Remote: Nationwide Children's Hospital.
• Allen, A. M., Armin, J. S., Bueno, Y., Mallahan, S., & Macpherson, A. J. (2020, December). Nonpharmacological Interventions for Postpartum Opioid Use Disorder. Polysubstance Abuse in Pregnancy and Newborns. Remote: Polysubstance Abuse in Pregnancy and Newborns.
• Allen, A. M., Weinberger, A., DeVito, E., Pang, R., & Perez Diaz, M. (2020, March). Symposium: Taking Sex Differences Clinical Research on Nicotine to the Next Level. Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco.
• Kolman, K. B., Elliott, T., Meehan, E., Armin, J. S., Aldulaimi, S., Allen, A. M., & Pettit, J. M. (2020, May). Roadmap to research: Improving the resident research experience with an innovative scholarly project curriculum. Society for Teachers of Family Medicine.
• Oliveto, A., Alshaarawy, O., Allen, A. M., Le Foll, B., & Straton, M. (2020, June). Workshop: Ethical and Practical Considerations of Substance Abuse Treatment Trial Conduct in the Age of Electronic Health Records. College on Problems of Drug Dependence.
• Pettit, J. M., Allen, A. M., Aldulaimi, S., Armin, J. S., Meehan, E., Elliott, T., & Kolman, K. B. (2020, May). Roadmap to research: Improving the resident research experience with an innovative scholarly project curriculum. Society for Teachers of Family Medicine.
• Allen, A. M. (2019, Fall). Hormones in Substance Use Disorders: A Novel Approach to Breaking the Abstinence-Relapse Cycle?. Innovations & Interventions.
• Allen, A. M. (2019, Spring). A Pack of Pills and A Puff of Smoke: Could Hormonal Contraceptives be Influencing Cigarette Smoking?. UPenn Seminar.
• Allen, A. M., & Pettit, J. M. (2019, November 14). Marijuana Use in Pregnant and Breastfeeding Women. DFCM Grand Rounds.
• Allen, A. M., Grisham, L., & Bader, M. (2019, Summer). EAT-SLEEP-CONSOLE AS A TREATMENT FOR BABIES WITH NEONATAL ABSTINENCE SYNDROME. College of Problems on Drug Dependence.
• Pettit, J. M., Kolman, K. B., Kolman, K. B., Allen, A. M., Elliott, T., Elliott, T., Aldulaimi, S., Meehan, E., Meehan, E., Armin, J. S., Armin, J. S., Armin, J. S., Meehan, E., Aldulaimi, S., Aldulaimi, S., Elliott, T., Allen, A. M., Allen, A. M., Kolman, K. B., , Pettit, J. M., et al. (2020, May). Roadmap to research: Improving the resident research experience with an innovative scholarly project curriculum. Society for Teachers of Family Medicine.
• Tosun, N., Fieberg, A., Eberly, L., Harrison, K., Tipp, A., Allen, A. M., & Allen, S. (2019, Spring). Exogenous progesterone for smoking cessation in men and women: a double-blind, placebo-controlled randomized trial. Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco.
• Tosun, N., Fieberg, A., Eberly, L., Harrison, K., Tipp, A., Allen, A. M., Allen, S., Tosun, N., Fieberg, A., Eberly, L., Harrison, K., Tipp, A., Allen, A. M., & Allen, S. (2019, Spring). Exogenous progesterone for smoking cessation in men and women: a double-blind, placebo-controlled randomized clinical trial. Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco.
• Allen, A. M. (2018, Summer). Smoking Cessation in Women of Reproductive Age. National Reproductive Health Conference.
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  I was invited to give two seminars at this national conference.
• Allen, A. M., Yuan, N. P., Wetheim, B., Krupski, L. A., Nair, U. S., & Bell, M. L. (2018, Spring). Gender Differences in Smoking Cessation outcomes Among Callers at a State Quitline. College on Problems of Drug Dependence. San Diego, CA.
• Bell, M. L., Nair, U. S., Krupski, L. A., Wetheim, B., Yuan, N. P., & Allen, A. M. (2018, Spring). Gender Differences in Smoking Cessation outcomes Among Callers at a State Quitline. College on Problems of Drug Dependence. San Diego, CA.
• Nair, U. S., Bell, M. L., Krupski, L. A., Wertheim, B., Yuan, N. P., Allen, A. M., Nair, U. S., Bell, M. L., Krupski, L. A., Wertheim, B., Yuan, N. P., & Allen, A. M. (2018, June). Gender differences in utilization of quitline services and tobacco cessation among callers at a state quitline. College of Problems on Drug Dependence. San Diego, CA.
• Allen, A. M. (2017, July). A pack of pills and a puff of smoke. American Academy of Pediatrics, Tobacco Consortium. Elk Grove Village, IL.
• Allen, A. M., Tosun, N., Carlson, S., & Allen, S. (2017, March). Postpartum changes in mood and smoking-related symptomatology: An investigation using ecological momentary assessment. Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco. Florence, Italy.
• Allen, A. M. (2016, December). Hormones and Addiction. American Academy of Pediatrics, Tobacco Consortium. Virtual.

Poster Presentations

• Allen, A. M., Cusack, S., Linde-Krieger, L. B., & Nair, U. (2024, March). Differences in cessation risk factors by menstrual timing versus no menstrual timing.. 2024 Annual Meeting of the Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco. Edinburg, Scotland.
• Allen, A. M., Linde-Krieger, L. B., Rankin, L., & Tecot, S. R. (2024, March). Postpartum nicotine/tobacco use: What is the association with bonding, connection, and oxytocin?. 2024 Annual Meeting of the Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco. Edinburg, Scotland.
• Mallahan, S., Gonzolez, A., Valencia, E., Rankin, L., Linde-Krieger, L. B., Tecot, S. R., & Allen, A. M. (2024, June). Desires to Breastfeed and Impacts on Duration among Birthing People with and without Opioid Use Disorder.. College on Problems of Drug Dependence 2024 Annual Meeting. Montreal, Canada.
• Nair, U., Linde-Krieger, L. B., Cusack, S., & Allen, A. M. (2024, March). Relationship between physical activity and smoking outcomes in premenopausal women enrolled in a menstrual-phase timed smoking cessation trial.. 2024 Annual Meeting of the Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco. Edinburg, Scotland.
• Allen, A. M., Ryan, C., & Linde-Krieger, L. B. (2023, March). Adverse experiences among mothers with opioid use disorder: Implications for caregiving behavior and mother-infant bonding. . Society for Research on Child Development Biennial Meeting. Salt Lake City, UT.
• Allen, A. M., Tecot, S. R., Rankin, L., Linde-Krieger, L. B., & Mallahan, S. (2023, June). Birth interventions among women with Opioid Use Disorder. . Society for Pediatric and Perinatal Epidemiologic Research Annual Meeting.
• Allen, A. M., Skobic, I., Bell, M., & Nair, U. (2021). Feasibility and Acceptability of Timing Quit Date to Menstrual Phase in a Quitline Setting: Results from a Preliminary Randomized Trial. Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco.
• Hossain, L., Mendoza, G., Nair, U. S., & Allen, A. M. (2021, March). Cancer prevention research during a pandemic: The impact of social media advertising. American Society of Prevention Oncology.
• Mrukowicz, C., White, J., Bonilla, Y., Montano, D., Matovic, I., Banks, E., Squirewell, N., & Allen, A. M. (2021, June). A public health evaluation of a substance use prevention program in Maricopa County, AZ Jails. Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists.
• Allen, A. M., Souders, K., Miller, E. S., Nair, U. S., & Skobic, I. (2020, Spring 2020). Adverse Childhood Events and Physical Activity in Women Who Want to Quit Smoking. Annual Conference for the Research in Nicotine and Tobacco. New Orleans, LA.: Society for Research in Nicotine and Tobacco.
• Allen, A. M., Souders, K., Skobic, I., Miller, E. S., & Nair, U. S. (2020, Spring 2020). Engaging in physical activity is associated with fewer cigarettes per day among females reporting sleep disturbances. Annual Conference for the Research in Nicotine and Tobacco,. New Orleans, LA.: Society for Research in Nicotine and Tobacco.
• Mallahan, S., Macpherson, A. J., Walden, C., Allen, A. M., Armin, J. S., Bueno, Y. M., Bueno, Y. M., Armin, J. S., Walden, C., Allen, A. M., Mallahan, S., & Macpherson, A. J. (2020, March). Development of an Adjunctive Behavioral Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder during the Postpartum Period. Public Health Poster Forum. University of Arizona - virtual: Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health.
• Nair, U. S., & Allen, A. M. (2020, March). ENGAGING IN PHYSICAL ACTIVITY IS ASSOCIATED WITH FEWER CIGARETTES PER DAY AMONG FEMALES REPORTING SLEEP DISTURBANCE. Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco.
• Skobic, I., Miller, E., Allen, A. M., & Nair, U. S. (2020, March). ADVERSE CHILDHOOD EVENTS AND PHYSICAL ACTIVITY IN WOMEN WHO WANT TO QUIT SMOKIN. Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco.
• Allen, A. M., & Martinez, A. (2019, Summer). Nonpharmacological Adjunct Treatment for Postpartum Women with Opioid Use Disorder: A Review of the Literature beyond Pharmacology Treatment. College on Problems of Drug Dependence. San Antonio, TX.
• Allen, A. M., Cao, Q., Stayer, L., Donny, E., & Hatsukami, D. (2019, Spring). Smoking-Related Symptoms and Biomarkers by Hormonal Contraceptive Use. Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco.
• Allen, A. M., Chen, Y., & Bell, M. L. (2019, Spring). PREVALENCE OF CIGARETTE AND E-CIGARETTE USE AMONG WOMEN WHO USED OPIOIDS DURING PREGNANCY. Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco.
• Allen, A. M., Lundeen, K., Eberly, L., Allen, S. S., al'Absi, M., Muramoto, M. L., & Hatsukami, D. (2018, Spring). Hormonal Contraceptive Use is Associated with Smoking Motives. Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco. Baltimore, MD.
• Allen, A. M., Lundeen, K., Eberly, L., Allen, S., al'Absi, M., Muramoto, M. L., & Hatsukami, D. (2018, February). Hormonal contraceptive use is associated with smoking motives. Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco. Baltimore, MD.
• Allen, A. M., Nair, U. S., Yuan, N. P., Bell, M. L., Wertheim, B., Krupski, L. A., Wertheim, B., Krupski, L. A., Bell, M. L., Yuan, N. P., Nair, U. S., & Allen, A. M. (2018, Febraury). Gender differences in smoking cessation outcomes among callers at a state quitline. Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco. Baltimore, MD.
• Allen, A. M., Weinberger, A. H., Wetherill, R. R., Howe, C. L., & McKee, S. A. (2018, Spring). Oral Contraceptive Use and Cigarette Smoking: A Review of the Literature. Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco. Baltimore, MD.
• Allen, A. M., Weinberger, A., Wetherill, R., Howe, C. L., & McKee, S. (2018, February). Oral contraceptive use and cigarette smoking: A review of the literature. Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco. Baltimore, MD.
• Allen, A. M., Yuan, N. P., Wetheim, B., Krupski, L. A., Nair, U. S., & Bell, M. L. (2018, Spring). Gender Differences in Smoking Cessation outcomes Among Callers at a State Quitline. Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco. Baltimore, MD.
• Casper, K., Tosun, N., Carlson, S., Allen, A. M., Harrison, K., Lewis, B., & Allen, S. (2018, February). Exercise and smoking-related symptomatology in pregnant women. Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco. Baltimore, MD.
• Crist, K., Tosun, N., Harrison, K., Lammert, S., Allen, A. M., & Allen, S. S. (2018, Spring). Differences in smoking-related symptomatology between pregnant and non-pregnant smokers during ad libitum smoking and following overnight abstinence. Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco. Baltimore, MD.
• McKee, S. A., Allen, A. M., Weinberger, A. H., Howe, C. L., Wetherill, R. R., Wetherill, R. R., Weinberger, A. H., Howe, C. L., McKee, S. A., & Allen, A. M. (2018, Spring). Oral Contraceptive Use and Cigarette Smoking: A Review of the Literature. Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco Annual Meeting. Baltimore, MD: Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco.
• Allen, A. M. (2017, March). A pack of pills and a puff of smoke: Could hormonal contraceptives be influencing smoking behavior?. Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco. Florence, Italy.
• Allen, A. M., Abdelwahab, N., Carlson, S., Bosch, T., Eberly, L., & Okuyemi, K. (2017, March). The effect of exercise on craving and withdrawal: Does it vary by gender?. Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco. Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco.
• Allen, A. M., Carlson, S., Bosch, T., Eberly, L., & Okuyemi, K. (2017, March). Effect of exercise on self-initiated quit attempts?. Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco. Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco.
• Allen, A. M., Eberly, L., Allen, S., al'Absi, M., & Hatsukami, D. (2017, November). Cigarette Craving Differs by Use of Hormonal Contraceptives. Junior Investigator Poster Forum. Tucson, Arizona: University of Arizona.
• Allen, A. M., Eberly, L., Allen, S., al'Absi, M., & Hatsukami, D. (2017, October). Cigarette Craving Differs by Use of Hormonal Contraceptives. Building Interdisciplinary Research Careers in Women's Health. Washington, DC: National Institutes of Health.
• Teoh, D. G., Vogel, R. I., Allen, A. M., Blaes, A. H., Mason, S., Nagler, R., Raymond, N., & Wyman, J. (2017, May). Minnesota healthcare providers’ breast cancer screening practices at the extremes of age.. American Society of Clinical Oncology.

Others

• Allen, A. M. (2019, Nov). Preventing the Use of Marijuana: Focus on Women and Pregnancy. SAMHSA.
  More info

  https://store.samhsa.gov/system/files/pep19-pl-guide-2.pdf