scholarly journals Pharmacological Neuroenhancement: Current Aspects of Categorization, Epidemiology, Pharmacology, Drug Development, Ethics, and Future Perspectives

2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-27
Author(s):  
Johanna Daubner ◽  
Muhammad Imran Arshaad ◽  
Christina Henseler ◽  
Jürgen Hescheler ◽  
Dan Ehninger ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Substance Abuse ◽  
Cholinergic Receptor ◽  
Comprehensive Overview ◽  
Prescription Practices ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Ethical Implications ◽  
Randomized Controlled Studies ◽  
Antidementia Drugs ◽  
Potential Abuse ◽  
Meta Analyses

Recent pharmacoepidemiologic studies suggest that pharmacological neuroenhancement (pNE) and mood enhancement are globally expanding phenomena with distinctly different regional characteristics. Sociocultural and regulatory aspects, as well as health policies, play a central role in addition to medical care and prescription practices. The users mainly display self-involved motivations related to cognitive enhancement, emotional stability, and adaptivity. Natural stimulants, as well as drugs, represent substance abuse groups. The latter comprise purines, methylxanthines, phenylethylamines, modafinil, nootropics, antidepressants but also benzodiazepines, β-adrenoceptor antagonists, and cannabis. Predominant pharmacodynamic target structures of these substances are the noradrenergic/dopaminergic and cholinergic receptor/transporter systems. Further targets comprise adenosine, serotonin, and glutamate receptors. Meta-analyses of randomized-controlled studies in healthy individuals show no or very limited verifiability of positive effects of pNE on attention, vigilance, learning, and memory. Only some members of the substance abuse groups, i.e., phenylethylamines and modafinil, display positive effects on attention and vigilance that are comparable to caffeinated drinks. However, the development of new antidementia drugs will increase the availability and the potential abuse of pNE. Social education, restrictive regulatory measures, and consistent medical prescription practices are essential to restrict the phenomenon of neuroenhancement with its social, medical, and ethical implications. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the highly dynamic field of pharmacological neuroenhancement and elaborates the dramatic challenges for the medical, sociocultural, and ethical fundaments of society.

scholarly journals Effect of Resistance Training in the Treatment of Pre-Sarcopenia or Sarcopenia and Pre-Frailty or Frailty in Older People: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Studies

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karolina Talar ◽  
Tomas Vetrovsky ◽  
Ewa Kalamacka ◽  
Michal Steffl
Keyword(s):  
Resistance Training ◽  
Search Strategy ◽  
Web Of Science ◽  
Handgrip Strength ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Randomized Controlled Studies ◽  
Meta Analyses ◽  
Strength Effect

Abstract Background: Resistance training (RT) is considered as an effective method to increase muscle strength and physical performance in elderly people. Methods: A search from the earliest record up to and including June 2019 was carried out using the following electronic databases: PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science. The search strategy employed combined the terms related to the population (e.g. ‘sarcopenia’, ‘frailty’) with terms for the intervention (e.g. ‘resistance training’, ‘strength training’). Results: 11 studies including 2691 subjects were included in our meta-analysis (aged 64-98). Training duration ranged from 8 to 48 weeks and intensity up to 80% of 1-RM. According to the meta-analyses, RT had statistically significant effect on all the measures except handgrip strength. In handgrip strength Effect size (ES) was 0.58 (95 % CI: - 0.10 to 1.26) p = 0.076 with the moderate heterogeneity (I 2 = 58.6%). ES in legs strength was 0.52 (95 % CI 0.11 to 0.92) p = 0.022, I 2 = 42.0 %. The biggest ES was in TUG test where ES was 0.90 (95 % CI 0.19 to 1.60) p = 0.022, however, there was a high heterogeneity I 2 = 89.6. The high ES was found also in FFM 0.69 (95 % CI 0.17 to 1.20) p = 0.025, and gait speed 0.41 (95 % CI 0.11 to 0.72) p = 0.017. In both cases, there was small heterogeneity I 2 = 13.2 % respective 38.3 %. The overall ES was estimated 0.67 (95 % CI 0.40 to 0.93) p <0.001. Nevertheless, the heterogeneity was high I 2 = 78.1 %.Conclusion: RT interventions in pre-frail, frail, pre-sarcopenic and sarcopenic older adults, provided evidence that RT has positive effects on most of the outcome measurements included in the current revision except handgrip strength.

scholarly journals The Effects of Imagery Interventions in Sports: A Meta-Analysis

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bianca A. Simonsmeier ◽  
Melina Andronie ◽  
Susanne Buecker ◽  
Cornelia Frank
Keyword(s):  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Mental Practice ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Psychological Skills ◽  
Physical Practice ◽  
Comprehensive Overview ◽  
Affective Outcomes ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Specific Outcome ◽  
Meta Analyses

Imagery interventions are an established psychological tool to enhance performance, psychological skills, and injury rehabilitation. Previous meta-analyses found positive effects of mental practice on performance, leaving it open whether imagery can also enhance other outcomes than performance such as motivational or affective outcomes. We performed a meta-analysis to extend the current understanding of the effectiveness of imagery in sports on any sport specific outcome and the relevance of third variables potentially moderating the effect. The overall effect of imagery interventions was medium in magnitude with d = 0.431 (95% CI [0.298, 0.563]). Imagery interventions significantly enhanced motor performance, motivational outcomes, and affective outcomes. Imagery combined with physical practice was more effective than physical practice alone, indicating differential effects of imagery and physical practice. The effectiveness of imagery was positively associated with the intensity of the imagery training. We discuss our results against previous and most recent meta-analyses on mental practice and the background of theoretical and practical aspects of imagery. Moreover, we lay out directions for future research by providing a comprehensive overview of research gaps in the literature on imagery.

“cool and clean”: does prevention of substance abuse work in sport?

2017 ◽  
Vol 65 (3) ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Substance Abuse ◽  
General Population ◽  
Prevention Programme ◽  
High Expectations ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Umbrella Organisation ◽  
International Attention ◽  
National Prevention ◽  
Preventive Effects

There is a strong belief among the general population that sport has positive effects. However, only some preventive effects of sport meet these high expectations. Numerous studies have specifically shown that sport does not protect people from the consumption of legal and illegal drugs such as alcohol, tobacco and cannabis. For this reason, the umbrella organisation of Swiss sports associations (Swiss Olympic), the Federal Office of Sport (FOSPO) and the Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH) teamed up as early as 2003 and launched the “cool and clean” prevention programme. Over the last 14 years, it has developed into Switzerland’s largest national prevention programme and has also attracted international attention. This article summarizes how “cool and clean” works and what the programme achieved so far.

scholarly journals Nature Exposure and Its Effects on Immune System Functioning: A Systematic Review

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (4) ◽  
pp. 1416
Author(s):  
Liisa Andersen ◽  
Sus Sola Corazon ◽  
Ulrika Karlsson Stigsdotter
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Natural Killer Cell Activity ◽  
Public Health Practice ◽  
Killer Cell ◽  
Cell Activity ◽  
Natural Environments ◽  
Comprehensive Overview ◽  
Potential Health ◽  
Positive Effects

Given the drastic changes in our lifestyles and ecosystems worldwide, the potential health effects of natural environments have grown into a highly pervasive topic. Recent scientific findings suggest beneficial effects from nature exposure on human immune responses. This review aims at providing a comprehensive overview of literature published on immunomodulatory effects of nature exposure by inhalation of natural substances. A systematic database search was performed in SCOPUS and PubMed. The quality and potential bias of included studies (n = 33) were assessed by applying the EPHPP (Effective Public Health Practice Project) tool for human studies and the ARRIVE (Animal Research: Reporting of In Vivo Experiments) and SYRCLE (Systematic Review Centre for Laboratory Animal Experimentation) tools for animal studies. The synthesis of reviewed studies points to positive effects of nature exposure on immunological health parameters; such as anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic, anti-asthmatic effects or increased NK (natural killer) cell activity. Decreased expression of pro-inflammatory molecules, infiltration of leukocytes and release of cytotoxic mediators are outcomes that may serve as a baseline for further studies. However, partially weak study designs evoked uncertainties about outcome reproducibility and key questions remain open concerning effect sizes, duration of exposure and contributions of specific vegetation or ecosystem types.

scholarly journals Nanominerals: Fabrication Methods, Benefits and Hazards, and Their Applications in Ruminants with Special Reference to Selenium and Zinc Nanoparticles

Animals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (7) ◽  
pp. 1916
Author(s):  
Sameh A. Abdelnour ◽  
Mahmoud Alagawany ◽  
Nesrein M. Hashem ◽  
Mayada R. Farag ◽  
Etab S. Alghamdi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Assisted Reproductive Technologies ◽  
Reproductive Technologies ◽  
Nutrient Metabolism ◽  
Animal Products ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Ethical Implications ◽  
Livestock Sector ◽  
Efficient Delivery ◽  
Nano Zinc ◽  
Organic Minerals

Nanotechnology is one of the major advanced technologies applied in different fields, including agriculture, livestock, medicine, and food sectors. Nanomaterials can help maintain the sustainability of the livestock sector through improving quantitative and qualitative production of safe, healthy, and functional animal products. Given the diverse nanotechnology applications in the animal nutrition field, the use of nanomaterials opens the horizon of opportunities for enhancing feed utilization and efficiency in animal production. Nanotechnology facilitates the development of nano vehicles for nutrients (including trace minerals), allowing efficient delivery to improve digestion and absorption for better nutrient metabolism and physiology. Nanominerals are interesting alternatives for inorganic and organic minerals for animals that can substantially enhance the bioavailability and reduce pollution. Nanominerals promote antioxidant activity, and improve growth performance, reproductive performance, immune response, intestinal health, and the nutritional value of animal products. Nanominerals are also helpful for improving assisted reproductive technologies (ART) outcomes by enriching media for cryopreservation of spermatozoa, oocytes, and embryos with antioxidant nanominerals. Despite the promising positive effects of nanominerals on animal performance and health, there are various challenges related to nanominerals, including their metabolism and fate in the animal’s body. Thus, the economic, legal, and ethical implications of nanomaterials must also be considered by the authority. This review highlights the benefits of including nanominerals (particularly nano-selenium and nano-zinc) in animal diets and/or cryopreservation media, focusing on modes of action, physiological effects, and the potential toxicity of their impact on human health.

The use of chatbots as supportive agents for people seeking help for drug and alcohol addiction: A systematic review. (Preprint)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lisa Ogilvie ◽  
Jerome Carson ◽  
Julie Prescott
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Healthcare Setting ◽  
The Body ◽  
Alcohol Addiction ◽  
Bibliographic Databases ◽  
Ethical Implications ◽  
Qualitative Work ◽  
Meta Analyses ◽  
Future Work ◽  
Drug And Alcohol

BACKGROUND The use of chatbots in healthcare is an area of study receiving increased academic interest. As the knowledge base grows, the granularity in the level of research is being refined, seeing more targeted work in specific areas of healthcare, for example, chatbots for anxiety and depression, cancer care, and pregnancy support. This paper focuses on the targeted application of chatbots in drug and alcohol addiction. OBJECTIVE The aim of this paper is to systematically review and summarise the research conducted on the use of chatbots in the field of addiction, specifically the use of chatbots as supportive agents for those who suffer from drug and alcohol addiction. METHODS A systematic search of bibliographic databases using the broad search criteria of “chatbot and addiction,” identified papers for screening. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines and the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool were used, which resulted in the quality assessment and review of 5 papers. RESULTS Although the body of research in this field is limited, what has been published shows promising results. A combination of quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods studies were reviewed, among which statistically significant findings were reported on the efficacy of chatbots targeted at drug and alcohol addiction. These findings were also substantiated in the qualitative work reviewed. A strong message of caution was conveyed however on the ethical implications of using chatbots to afford support to addicted individuals. CONCLUSIONS The literature reviewed shows that more work is needed to appreciate solutions that leverage existing data, such as big data available from social media, or that which is accessed by prevalent market leading chatbots. It also highlighted ethical concerns over the use of a non-human agent to afford support to those with drug and alcohol addiction. It was reported however, that statistically significant results were returned for ‘bespoke’ chatbots in this area of healthcare, setting a promising foundation for future work.

Mindfulness- and Acceptance-Based Interventions for Stroke Survivors: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

2021 ◽  
pp. 003435522110432
Author(s):  
Areum Han
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Random Effect ◽  
Random Effect Model ◽  
Mental Fatigue ◽  
Stroke Survivors ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Meta Analyses

Objective: Mindfulness- and acceptance-based intervention (MABI) is an emerging evidenced-based practice, but no systematic review incorporating meta-analyses for MABIs in stroke survivors has been conducted. The objective of this systematic review was to measure the effectiveness of MABIs on outcomes in people with stroke. Method: Three electronic databases, including PubMed, CINAHL, and PsycINFO, were searched to identify relevant studies published in peer-reviewed journals. The methodological quality of the included studies was assessed. Data were extracted and combined in a meta-analysis with a random-effect model to compute the size of the intervention effect. Results: A total of 11 studies met the eligibility criteria. Meta-analyses found a small-to-moderate effect of MABIs on depressive symptoms (standardized mean difference [SMD] = 0.39, 95% confidence interval [CI] = [0.12, 0.66]) and a large effect on mental fatigue (SMD = 1.22, 95% CI = [0.57, 1.87]). No statistically significant effect of MABIs on anxiety, quality of life, and mindfulness was found, but there was a trend in favor of MABIs overall. Conclusions: This meta-analysis found positive effects of MABIs on depressive symptoms and mental fatigue in stroke survivors, but future high-quality studies are needed to guarantee treatment effects of MABIs on varied outcomes in stroke survivors.

A framework to guide the implementation of lean management in emergency department

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna Tiso ◽  
Maria Crema ◽  
Chiara Verbano
Keyword(s):  
Emergency Department ◽  
Literature Review ◽  
Descriptive Analysis ◽  
Lean Management ◽  
Comprehensive Overview ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Managerial Practices ◽  
Prisma Statement ◽  
Meta Analyses ◽  
Tools And Techniques

PurposeThe paper aims at enriching the knowledge of the application of lean management (LM) in emergency department (ED), structuring the methodology for implementing LM projects and summarizing the relevant dimensions of LM adoption in ED.Design/methodology/approachIn accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement, a systematic literature review has been performed, extracting a database of 34 papers. To answer the research purpose, a descriptive and content analyses have been carried out.FindingsThe descriptive analysis demonstrates that the dealt topic is worldwide emerging and multidisciplinary as it arouses interest by medical and engineering communities. Despite the heterogeneity in the adopted methodology, a framework can be grasped from the literature review. It points out the phases and activities, the tools and techniques and the enablers to be considered for guiding the developing of LM project in ED.Originality/valueThis paper provides a comprehensive overview on how to adopt LM in ED, contributing to fill in the gap emerged in the literature. From a practical perspective, this paper provides healthcare managers with a synthesis of the best managerial practices and guidelines in developing a LM project in ED.

Helping athletes flourish using mindfulness and acceptance approaches – an introduction and mini review

2021 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Well Being ◽  
Special Focus ◽  
Present Moment ◽  
Third Wave ◽  
Control Techniques ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Randomized Controlled Studies ◽  
Acceptance And Commitment ◽  
Core Concepts

Mindfulness and acceptance are core concepts of the third wave of cognitive and behavioral psychotherapies. Their aim is not to overpower thoughts and emotions by suppression and using control techniques but to change the relationships with them. This article focuses on mindfulness- and acceptance-based approaches in sports. It briefly outlines these approaches and concludes that they are characterized by promoting three processes, which are present-moment attention, metacognitive awareness, and acceptance. Subsequently, the paper describes one approach particularly suitable for sports in detail – Acceptance and Commitment Therapy – with a special focus on how athletes can promote psychological flexibility and thrive in their effort to perform. This paper further addresses the question of whether mindfulness- and acceptance-based approaches are effective in sports by summarizing research from the past five years in the form of a mini-review. Findings from 19 reviewed studies, including 15 controlled or randomized controlled studies, suggest that different athlete populations can benefit from mindfulness- and acceptance-based approaches in terms of athletic performance and well-being. Positive effects on performance and well-being could be mediated by other psychological processes, e.g., enhanced emotion regulation. Further research is needed, especially regarding the mechanisms that impact mindfulness- and acceptance-based interventions in sports.

scholarly journals Lifetime prevalence of non-suicidal self-injury in patients with eating disorders: a systematic review and meta-analysis

2016 ◽  
Vol 46 (7) ◽  
pp. 1345-1358 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Cucchi ◽  
D. Ryan ◽  
G. Konstantakopoulos ◽  
S. Stroumpa ◽  
A. Ş. Kaçar ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Substance Abuse ◽  
Eating Disorders ◽  
Suicide Attempts ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Weighted Average ◽  
Average Percentage ◽  
Lifetime History ◽  
Self Injury ◽  
History Of ◽  
Meta Analyses

BackgroundAgainst a backdrop of increasing research, clinical and taxonomic attention in non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI), evidence suggests a link between NSSI and eating disorders (ED). The frequency estimates of NSSI in ED vary widely. Little is known about the sources of this variation, and no meta-analysis has quantified the association between ED and NSSI.MethodUsing random-effects meta-analyses, meta-regression analyses, and 1816–6466 unique participants with various ED, we estimated the weighted average percentage of individuals with ED, those with anorexia nervosa (AN) and those with bulimia nervosa (BN) who are reported to have a lifetime history of NSSI across studies. We further examined predictors of NSSI in ED.ResultsThe weighted average percentage of patients with a lifetime history of NSSI was 27.3% [95% confidence interval (CI) 23.8–31.0%] for ED, 21.8% (95% CI 18.5–25.6%) for AN, and 32.7% (95% CI 26.9–39.1%) for BN. The difference between BN and AN was statistically significant [odds ratio (OR) 1.77, 95% CI 1.14–2.77, p = 0.013]. The odds of NSSI increased by 24% for every 10% increase in the percentage of participants with histories of suicide attempts (OR 1.24, 95% CI 1.04–1.48, p = 0.020) and decreased by 26% for every 10% increase in the percentage of participants with histories of substance abuse (OR 0.74, 95% CI 0.58–0.95, p = 0.023).ConclusionsIn the specific context of ED, NSSI is highly prevalent and correlates positively with attempted suicide, urging for NSSI-focused treatments. A novel finding is that NSSI is potentially antagonized by substance abuse.

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