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The American Journal of Drug and... Jun 2024Medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) reduce risks for overdose among correctional populations. Among other barriers, daily dosing requirements hinder treatment... (Review)
Review
Medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) reduce risks for overdose among correctional populations. Among other barriers, daily dosing requirements hinder treatment continuity post-release. Extended-release buprenorphine (XR-BUP) may therefore be beneficial. However, limited evidence exists. To conduct a systematic review examining the feasibility and effectiveness of XR-BUP among correctional populations. Searches were carried out in Pubmed, Embase, and PsychINFO in October 2023. Ten studies reporting on feasibility or effectiveness of XR-BUP were included, representing = 819 total individuals (81.6% male). Data were extracted and narratively reported under the following main outcomes: 1) Feasibility; 2) Effectiveness; and 3) Barriers and Facilitators. Studies were heterogeneous. Correctional populations were two times readier to try XR-BUP compared to non-correctional populations. XR-BUP was feasible and safe, with no diversion, overdoses, or deaths; several negative side effects were reported. Compared to other MOUD, XR-BUP significantly reduced drug use, resulted in similar or higher treatment retention rates, fewer re-incarcerations, and was cost-beneficial, with a lower overall monthly/yearly cost. Barriers to XR-BUP, such as side effects and a fear of needles, as well as facilitators, such as a lowered risk of opioid relapse, were also identified. XR-BUP appears to be a feasible and potentially effective alternative treatment option for correctional populations with OUD. XR-BUP may reduce community release-related risks, such as opioid use and overdose risk, as well as barriers to treatment retention. Efforts to expand access to and uptake of XR-BUP among correctional populations are warranted.
PubMed: 38940929
DOI: 10.1080/00952990.2024.2360984 -
Scientific Reports Jun 2024Classic psychedelics and MDMA have a colorful history of recreational use, and both have recently been re-evaluated as tools for the treatment of psychiatric disorders.... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Classic psychedelics and MDMA have a colorful history of recreational use, and both have recently been re-evaluated as tools for the treatment of psychiatric disorders. Several studies have been carried out to assess potential long-term effects of a regular use on cognition, delivering distinct results for psychedelics and MDMA. However, to date knowledge is scarce on cognitive performance during acute effects of those substances. In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we investigate how cognitive functioning is affected by psychedelics and MDMA during the acute drug effects and the sub-acute ("afterglow") window. Our quantitative analyses suggest that acute cognitive performance is differentially affected by psychedelics when compared to MDMA: psychedelics impair attention and executive function, whereas MDMA primarily affects memory, leaving executive functions and attention unaffected. Our qualitative analyses reveal that executive functioning and creativity may be increased during a window of at least 24 h after the acute effects of psychedelics have subsided, whereas no such results have been observed for MDMA. Our findings may contribute to inform recommendations on harm reduction for recreational settings and to help fostering differential approaches for the use of psychedelics and MDMA within a therapeutic framework.
Topics: Humans; Hallucinogens; N-Methyl-3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine; Cognition; Executive Function; Attention; Memory
PubMed: 38926480
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-65391-9 -
Journal of Ethnopharmacology Jun 2024Potentilla Anserina Linnaeus, a traditional Chinese herb with ethnic characteristics, is considered a superior material by the people of Qinghai and Tibet.... (Review)
Review
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE
Potentilla Anserina Linnaeus, a traditional Chinese herb with ethnic characteristics, is considered a superior material by the people of Qinghai and Tibet. Traditionally, it has been used to invigorate the spleen, quench thirst, tonify the blood, astringing to stop bleeding, and relieve diarrhea. This is the reason for its frequent usage in treating spleen deficiency, diarrhea, and various bleeding disorders. At the same time, P. anserina is often consumed as food by the Tibetan people to obtain nourishment and health benefits.
AIM OF THE REVIEW
The present review provides a systematic description of P. anserina, covering its botany, ethnopharmacology, phytochemical constituents, and various pharmacological activities of extracts. This overview aims to provide insights into research directions and potential applications of P. anserina.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Information on P. anserina was gathered through various sources, including Google Scholar, PubMed, Elsevier, CNKI, and Web of Science. In addition, information was available from native texts and prominent ethnopharmacologists.
RESULTS
So far, 154 different chemical substances have been isolated and identified from P. anserina, with tannins, flavonoids, and triterpenes accounting for the majority. Polysaccharides and triterpenes are the main material components responsible for the pharmacological activity of P. anserina. Research shows that P. anserina exhibits rich pharmacological activities, including antioxidant, antiviral, blood tonic, immune regulation, cardiovascular system treatment, diabetes treatment, and liver protection.
CONCLUSIONS
Some traditional applications of P. anserina have been confirmed. However, due to incomplete evaluation indicators and other reasons, further in vitro and in vivo studies are needed to clarify its pharmacological evaluation, which remains a focus of future research. Additionally, we recommend that future studies concentrate on the quality control and safety evaluation of P. anserina to address research gaps and offer theoretical support for the plant's potential functions and clinical applications.
PubMed: 38909825
DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.118481 -
Journal of Affective Disorders Jun 2024Bipolar disorder (BD) has a high disease burden and the highest mortality risk in BD comes from suicide. Bipolar disorder type II (BD-II) has been described as a milder... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Bipolar disorder (BD) has a high disease burden and the highest mortality risk in BD comes from suicide. Bipolar disorder type II (BD-II) has been described as a milder form of bipolar disorder; however, extant literature is inconsistent with this description and instead describe illness burden and notably suicidality comparable to persons with bipolar I disorder (BD-I). Towards quantifying the hazard of BD-II, herein we aim via systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the rates of completed suicide in BD-I and BD-II.
METHOD
We conducted a literature search on PubMed, OVID (Embase, Medline) and PsychINFO databases from inception to June 30th, 2023, according to PRISMA guidelines. Articles were selected based on the predetermined eligibility criteria. A meta-analysis was performed, comparing the risk of completed suicide between individuals diagnosed with BD-I to BD-II.
RESULTS
Four out of eight studies reported higher suicide completion rates in persons living with BD-II when compared to persons living with BD-I; however, two of the studies reported non-significance. Two studies reported significantly higher suicide completion rates for BD-I than BD-II. The pooled odds ratio of BD-II suicide rates to BD-I was 1.00 [95 % CI = 0.75, 1.34].
LIMITATIONS
The overarching limitation is the small number of studies and heterogeneity of studies that report on suicide completion in BD-I and BD-II.
CONCLUSION
Our study underscores the severity of BD-II, with a risk for suicide not dissimilar from BD-I. The greater propensity to depression, comorbidity and rapid-cycling course reported in BD-II are contributing factors to the significant mortality hazard in BD-II.
PubMed: 38901691
DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2024.06.045 -
Nutrients Jun 2024This systematic review aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the independent or combined use of nutritional ergogenic aids belonging to Group A of the ABCD... (Review)
Review
This systematic review aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the independent or combined use of nutritional ergogenic aids belonging to Group A of the ABCD classification by the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) in the context of cycling (caffeine, creatine, sodium bicarbonate, beta-alanine, nitrates, and glycerol). A comprehensive search was carried out using three databases: PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. All the databases were searched for Randomized Controlled Trials or crossover design studies assessing the effects of supplementation on cycling performance in comparison with placebos in healthy adults. The methodological quality of each study was evaluated using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database scale. Thirty-six articles involving 701 participants were included in this review, examining supplementation with caffeine (n = 5), creatine (n = 2), sodium bicarbonate (n = 6), beta-alanine (n = 3), and nitrates (n = 8). Additionally, supplemental combinations of caffeine and creatine (n = 3), caffeine and sodium bicarbonate (n = 3), caffeine and nitrates (n = 1), creatine and sodium bicarbonate (n = 1), and sodium bicarbonate and beta-alanine (n = 4) were analyzed. A benefit for cyclists' athletic performnce was found when consuming a caffeine supplement, and a potential positive effect was noted after the consumption of sodium bicarbonate, as well as after the combination of caffeine and creatine. However, no statistically significant effects were identified for the remaining supplements, whether administered individually or in combination.
Topics: Humans; Dietary Supplements; Bicycling; Athletic Performance; Nitrates; Performance-Enhancing Substances; Caffeine; Creatine; Sodium Bicarbonate; beta-Alanine; Adult; Male; Female; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 38892701
DOI: 10.3390/nu16111768 -
Nutrients May 2024Liver cancer ranks third globally among causes of cancer-related deaths, posing a significant public health challenge. However, current treatments are inadequate,... (Review)
Review
Liver cancer ranks third globally among causes of cancer-related deaths, posing a significant public health challenge. However, current treatments are inadequate, prompting a growing demand for novel, safe, and effective therapies. Natural products (NPs) have emerged as promising candidates in drug development due to their diverse biological activities, low toxicity, and minimal side effects. This paper begins by reviewing existing treatment methods and drugs for liver cancer. It then summarizes the therapeutic effects of NPs sourced from various origins on liver cancer. Finally, we analyze the potential mechanisms of NPs in treating liver cancer, including inhibition of angiogenesis, migration, and invasion; regulation of the cell cycle; induction of apoptosis, autophagy, pyroptosis, and ferroptosis; influence on tumor metabolism; immune regulation; regulation of intestinal function; and regulation of key signaling pathways. This systematic review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of NPs research in liver cancer treatment, offering a foundation for further development and application in pharmaceuticals and functional foods.
Topics: Humans; Biological Products; Liver Neoplasms; Apoptosis; Signal Transduction; Antineoplastic Agents; Animals; Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic; Autophagy
PubMed: 38892575
DOI: 10.3390/nu16111642 -
Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative... Jun 2024Natural bioactives possess a wide range of chemical structures that can exert a plethora of pharmacological and toxicological actions, resulting in neuroprotection or... (Review)
Review
Natural bioactives possess a wide range of chemical structures that can exert a plethora of pharmacological and toxicological actions, resulting in neuroprotection or neurotoxicity. These pharmacodynamic properties can positively or negatively impact human and animal global healthcare. Remarkably, Ayurvedic botanical Cannabis has been used worldwide by different ethnicities and religions for spiritual, commercial, recreational, nutraceutical, cosmeceutical, and medicinal purposes for centuries. Cannabis-based congeners have been approved by the United States of America's (USA) Food & Drug Administration (FDA) and other global law agencies for various therapeutic purposes. Surprisingly, the strict laws associated with possessing cannabis products have been mitigated in multiple states in the USA and across the globe for recreational use. This has consequently led to a radical escalation of exposure to cannabis-related substances of abuse. However, there is a lacuna in the literature on the acute and chronic effects of Cannabis and its congeners on various neuropathologies. Moreover, in the post-COVID era, there has been a drastic increase in the incidence and prevalence of numerous neuropathologies, leading to increased morbidity and mortality. There is an impending necessity for a safe, economically viable, multipotent, natural bioactive to prevent and treat various neuropathologies. The ayurvedic herb, Cannabis is one of the oldest botanicals known to humans and has been widely used. However, the comprehensive effect of Cannabis on various neuropathologies is not well established. Hence, this review presents effects of Cannabis on various neuropathologies.
PubMed: 38876946
DOI: 10.1016/j.jaim.2024.100911 -
Research in Social & Administrative... Jun 2024Early identification and treatment of mental illnesses is imperative for optimal patient outcomes. Pharmacists may play an important role in mental healthcare through... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Early identification and treatment of mental illnesses is imperative for optimal patient outcomes. Pharmacists may play an important role in mental healthcare through the provision of screening services for mental illnesses.
OBJECTIVE
(s): To systematically review the impact of pharmacist-led mental illness screening on clinical or patient-reported outcomes and identify and report any follow-up or referral systems used in pharmacist-led screening interventions for mental illnesses.
METHODS
A systematic review was conducted by searching MEDLINE, CINAHL, Embase and APA PsycInfo via EBSCOhost from inception to 9 March 2023 to identify studies involving pharmacist-led screening interventions for mental illnesses. Data was collected on the mental illness in question, setting and population characteristics, screening tools used, clinical or patient-reported outcomes, and follow-up and referral systems reported.
RESULTS
Twenty six studies were identified that related to screening for mental illnesses, such as depressive disorders and substance use disorders. There were a variety of study designs, including uncontrolled studies (n = 23), pre-post studies (n = 2) and randomised controlled trials (n = 1). Screening was conducted in different settings, with most studies conducted in community pharmacies (n = 21/26, 87.8 %) and focusing on depression screening (n = 12/26, 46.1 %). A range of follow-up and referral methods to other healthcare professionals were reported, including verbal (n = 3/26, 11.5 %), both written and verbal (n = 3/26, 11.5 %), communications via electronic health record (n = 2/26, 7.7 %) and written (n = 1/26, 3.8 %).
CONCLUSIONS
Pharmacists provide screening for a variety of mental illnesses in different settings. Various referral methods and follow-up pathways may be utilised for post-screening patient care. However, current evidence is insufficient to establish improvements in early detection, treatment, or outcomes. Further large, well-designed studies are required to support the role of pharmacists in mental illness screening, provide evidence on the impact of pharmacist-led mental illness screening services and inform the most effective follow up and referral methods.
PubMed: 38866605
DOI: 10.1016/j.sapharm.2024.06.001 -
AAPS PharmSciTech Jun 2024Inclusion complexes require higher concentration of Beta cyclodextrins (βCD) resulting in increased formulation bulk, toxicity, and production costs. This systematic...
Inclusion complexes require higher concentration of Beta cyclodextrins (βCD) resulting in increased formulation bulk, toxicity, and production costs. This systematic review offers a comprehensive analysis using Quality by design (QbD) as a tool to predict potential applications of Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) as a ternary substance to address issues of inclusion complexes. We reviewed 623 documents from 2013 to 2023 and Eighteen (18) research papers were selected for statistical and meta-analysis using the QbD concept to identify the most critical factors for selecting drugs and effect of PVP on inclusion complexes. The QbD analysis revealed that Molecular weight (MW), Partition coefficient (Log P), and the auxiliary substance ratio directly affected complexation efficiency (CE), thermodynamic stability in terms of Gibbs free energy (ΔG), and percent drug release. However, Stability constant (K) remained unaffected by any of these parameters. The results showed that low MW (250), median Log P (6), and a βCD: PVP ratio of 2:3 would result in higher CE, lower G, and improved drug release. PVP improves drug solubility, enhances delivery and therapeutic outcomes, and counteracts increased drug ionization due to decreased pH. In certain cases, its bulky nature and hydrogen bonding with CD molecules can form non-inclusion complexes. The findings of the study shows that there is potential molecular interaction between PVP and β-cyclodextrins, which possibly enhances the stability of inclusion complexes for drug with low MW and log P values less than 9. The systematic review shows a comprehensive methodology based on QbD offers a replicable template for future investigations into drug formulation research.
Topics: beta-Cyclodextrins; Chemistry, Pharmaceutical; Cyclodextrins; Drug Liberation; Excipients; Molecular Weight; Pilot Projects; Povidone; Solubility; Thermodynamics
PubMed: 38862663
DOI: 10.1208/s12249-024-02845-3 -
Journal of the International Society of... Dec 2024Caffeine, widely recognized as an ergogenic aid, has undergone extensive research, demonstrating its effectiveness to enhance endurance performance. However, there... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Caffeine, widely recognized as an ergogenic aid, has undergone extensive research, demonstrating its effectiveness to enhance endurance performance. However, there remains a significant gap in systematically evaluating its effects on time trial (TT) performance in cyclists.
PURPOSE
This meta-analysis aimed to determine the efficacy of caffeine ingestion to increase cycling TT performance in cyclists and to evaluate the optimal dosage range for maximum effect.
METHODS
A search of four databases was completed on 1 December 2023. The selected studies comprised crossover, placebo-controlled investigations into the effects of caffeine ingestion on cycling TT performance. Completion time (Time) and mean power output (MPO) were used as performance measures for TT. Meta-analyses were performed using a random-effects model to assess the standardized mean differences (SMD) in individual studies.
RESULTS
Fifteen studies met the inclusion criteria for the meta-analyses. Subgroup analysis showed that moderate doses of caffeine intake (4-6 mg/kg) significantly improved cycling performance (SMD = -0.55, 95% confidence interval (CI) = -0.84 ~ -0.26, < 0.01, = 35%; SMD = 0.44, 95% CI = 0.09 ~ 0.79, < 0.05, = 39%), while the effects of low doses (1-3 mg/kg) of caffeine were not significant (SMD = -0.34, 95% CI = -0.84 ~ 0.17, = 0.19, = 0%; SMD = 0.31, 95% CI = -0.02 ~ 0.65, = 0.07, = 0%).
CONCLUSION
A moderate dosage (4-6 mg/kg) of caffeine, identified as the optimal dose range, can significantly improve the time trial performance of cyclists, while a low dose (1-3 mg/kg) does not yield improvement. In addition, the improvements in completion time and mean power output resulting from a moderate dose of caffeine are essentially the same in cycling time trails.
Topics: Caffeine; Bicycling; Humans; Athletic Performance; Performance-Enhancing Substances; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Physical Endurance
PubMed: 38836626
DOI: 10.1080/15502783.2024.2363789