The Use of Prescription Drugs and Drugs of Abuse for Neuroenhancement in Europe

2015 ◽  
Vol 20 (3) ◽  
pp. 155-166 ◽  
Author(s):  
Larissa J. Maier ◽  
Michael P. Schaub
Keyword(s):  
Prescription Drugs ◽  
Illicit Drugs ◽  
Adverse Reactions ◽  
Low Dose ◽  
Drugs Of Abuse ◽  
Mental Performance ◽  
Or Education ◽  
Learning Techniques ◽  
Monitoring The Future ◽  
Definition Of

Abstract. Pharmacological neuroenhancement, defined as the misuse of prescription drugs, illicit drugs, or alcohol for the purpose of enhancing cognition, mood, or prosocial behavior, is not widespread in Europe – nevertheless, it does occur. Thus far, no drug has been proven as safe and effective for cognitive enhancement in otherwise healthy individuals. European studies have investigated the misuse of prescription and illicit stimulants to increase cognitive performance as well as the use of tranquilizers, alcohol, and cannabis to cope with stress related to work or education. Young people in educational settings report pharmacological neuroenhancement more frequently than those in other settings. Although the regular use of drugs for neuroenhancement is not common in Europe, the irregular and low-dose usage of neuroenhancers might cause adverse reactions. Previous studies have revealed that obtaining adequate amounts of sleep and using successful learning techniques effectively improve mental performance, whereas pharmacological neuroenhancement is associated with ambiguous effects. Therefore, non-substance-related alternatives should be promoted to cope with stressful situations. This paper reviews the recent research on pharmacological neuroenhancement in Europe, develops a clear definition of the substances used, and formulates recommendations for practitioners regarding how to react to requests for neuroenhancement drug prescriptions. We conclude that monitoring the future development of pharmacological neuroenhancement in Europe is important to provide effective preventive measures when required. Furthermore, substance use to cope with stress related to work or education should be studied in depth because it is likely more prevalent and dangerous than direct neuroenhancement.

scholarly journals Neuroenhancement in French and Romanian University Students, Motivations and Associated Factors

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (8) ◽  
pp. 3880
Author(s):  
Irina Brumboiu ◽  
Alessandro Porrovecchio ◽  
Thierry Peze ◽  
Remy Hurdiel ◽  
Irina Cazacu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
University Students ◽  
Prescription Drugs ◽  
Drugs Of Abuse ◽  
Beta Blockers ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Attitudes And Beliefs ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Anonymous Questionnaire ◽  
Students Attitudes

This cross-sectional study aimed to determine the use of neuroenhancers, the motivations and factors associated with their use in French and Romanian university students. Students from two universities in France (Rouen and Opal Coast University) and one in Romania (Cluj-Napoca) were asked to complete a self-administered anonymous questionnaire, either online or on paper, about the use of three different categories of substance: Prescription drugs (methylphenidate, modafinil, and beta-blockers), drugs of abuse (alcohol, cannabis, cocaine, and amphetamines), and soft enhancers (coffee, vitamins, caffeine tablets, and energy drinks). In total, 1110 students were included: The users were 2.2% for prescription drugs, 4.3% for drugs of abuse, and 55.0% for soft enhancers. Students used neuroenhancement to stay awake for study (69.3%), to improve concentration (55.5%), to decrease stress (40.9%), and to improve memory (39.6%). Neuroenhancement was considered to meet expectations by 74.4% of users. The factors associated with the use of drugs of abuse were frequent binge drinking (Adjusted Odds Ratio—AOR: 6.49 [95% CI: 2.53–16.6]), smoking (AOR: 5.50 [95% CI: 2.98–10.14]), having a student job (AOR: 2.42 [95% CI 1.13–5.17]), and being male (AOR: 2.23 [95% CI:1.21–4.11]). No significant associations with eating disorders were detected for any of the three categories of substances. University students reported neuroenhancement with prescription drugs, drugs of abuse, and mainly soft enhancers. These substances were used mainly to increase the waking hours. Educational programs in universities seem to be required in order to increase student awareness of the problems caused by neuroenhancements, and to decrease the associated risks by changing students’ attitudes and beliefs.

scholarly journals TOWARDS AN UNIFIED FRAMEWORK FOR VALIDATING DEEP LEARNING METHODS FOR COLORECTAL POLYPS: FIRST STEPS

2021 ◽  
Vol 108 (Supplement_3) ◽  
Author(s):  
L F Sánchez Peralta ◽  
J F Ortega Morán ◽  
Cr L Saratxaga ◽  
J B Pagador ◽  
A Picón ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Deep Learning ◽  
Colorectal Polyps ◽  
Polyp Detection ◽  
Unified Framework ◽  
Endoscopic Image ◽  
Learning Techniques ◽  
Great Utility ◽  
Adenoma Detection ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
Basic Features

Abstract INTRODUCTION Deep learning techniques have significantly contributed to the field of medical imaging analysis. In case of colorectal cancer, they have shown a great utility for increasing the adenoma detection rate at colonoscopy, but a common validation methodology is still missing. In this study, we present preliminary efforts towards the definition of a validation framework. MATERIAL AND METHODS Different models based on different backbones and encoder-decoder architectures have been trained with a publicly available dataset that contains white light and NBI colonoscopy videos, with 76 different lesions from colonoscopy procedures in 48 human patients. A computer aided detection (CADe) demonstrator has been implemented to show the performance of the models. RESULTS This CADe demonstrator shows the areas detected as polyp by overlapping the predicted mask on the endoscopic image. It allows selecting the video to be used, among those from the test set. Although it only present basic features such as play, pause and moving to the next video, it easily loads the model and allows for visualization of results. The demonstrator is accompanied by a set of metrics to be used depending on the aimed task: polyp detection, localization and segmentation. CONCLUSIONS The use of this CADe demonstrator, together with a publicly available dataset and predefined metrics will allow for an easier and more fair comparison of methods. Further work is still required to validate the proposed framework.

scholarly journals Learning Curves: A Novel Approach for Robustness Improvement of Load Forecasting

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 38
Author(s):  
Chiara Giola ◽  
Piero Danti ◽  
Sandro Magnani
Keyword(s):  
Load Forecasting ◽  
Learning Curves ◽  
Machine Learning Techniques ◽  
Essential Information ◽  
Set Size ◽  
Novel Approach ◽  
Learning Techniques ◽  
Energy Plant ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
The Right

In the age of AI, companies strive to extract benefits from data. In the first steps of data analysis, an arduous dilemma scientists have to cope with is the definition of the ’right’ quantity of data needed for a certain task. In particular, when dealing with energy management, one of the most thriving application of AI is the consumption’s optimization of energy plant generators. When designing a strategy to improve the generators’ schedule, a piece of essential information is the future energy load requested by the plant. This topic, in the literature it is referred to as load forecasting, has lately gained great popularity; in this paper authors underline the problem of estimating the correct size of data to train prediction algorithms and propose a suitable methodology. The main characters of this methodology are the Learning Curves, a powerful tool to track algorithms performance whilst data training-set size varies. At first, a brief review of the state of the art and a shallow analysis of eligible machine learning techniques are offered. Furthermore, the hypothesis and constraints of the work are explained, presenting the dataset and the goal of the analysis. Finally, the methodology is elucidated and the results are discussed.

Defining hormesis: the necessary tool to clarify experimentally the low dose–response relationship

2002 ◽  
Vol 21 (2) ◽  
pp. 103-104 ◽  
Author(s):  
G Carelli ◽  
I Iavicoli
Keyword(s):  
Dose Response ◽  
Low Dose ◽  
Experimental Models ◽  
Assessment Criteria ◽  
Response Relationship ◽  
Dose Response Relationship ◽  
Specific Context ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
Time Specific ◽  
Made In

The authors comment on Calabrese and Baldwin's paper ‘Defining Hormesis’, which, to date, is the first attempt to provide a definition of hormesis that goes beyond the different interpretations of this phenomenon reported in the literature. While appreciating the effort made in this study to place hormesis in a general and at the same time specific context, the authors believe some clarifications are needed as regards the quantitative features of this phenomenon. In this connection, they speculate on whether Calabrese and Baldwin think it appropriate to include hormesis assessment criteria in the document, referring in particular to those reported in a previous paper. The authors share Calabrese and Baldwin's conclusion that future experimental models designed to study hormetic phenomena must necessarily include the time factor, which not only guarantees this phenomenon will be detected, but is also able to detect the specific type of hormesis.

Adverse Reactions to Illicit Drugs (Marijuana, Opioids, Cocaine) and Alcohol

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ine I. Decuyper ◽  
Alicia Armentia ◽  
Blanca Martín-Armentia ◽  
Alfredo Corell Almuzara ◽  
Didier G. Ebo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Illicit Drugs ◽  
Adverse Reactions

scholarly journals Analysis of potential drug interactions and adverse reactions to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs among the elderly

2016 ◽  
Vol 19 (3) ◽  
pp. 533-544 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tiago Aparecido Maschio de Lima ◽  
Adriana Antônia da Cruz Furini ◽  
Tábata Salum Calille Atique ◽  
Patricia Di Done ◽  
Ricardo Luiz Dantas Machado ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Drug Interactions ◽  
Prescription Drugs ◽  
Adverse Reactions ◽  
Drug Distribution ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Elderly Persons ◽  
Potential Drug ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Chi Squared ◽  
Elderly Users

Abstract Objective: The aim of the present study was to analyze potential drug interactions and adverse reactions to NSAIDs in elderly users of a private drug distribution service. Method: A prospective, exploratory and descriptive study with a quantitative approach was performed. The elderly users of NSAIDs attended by the service were interviewed and their prescriptions analyzed between May and September, 2014. Analysis of drug interactions was performed through computerized databases. The post-sales analysis of adverse reactions was performed using the Adverse Drug Reaction Probability Scale. Statistical analysis was performed with the Chi-squared and Fisher's Exact tests. Results: The study evaluated 200 elderly persons, among whom women predominated (56.5%). The average age was 65 years ±10. The NSAIDs accounted for 38.7% of prescription drugs used, and included dipyrone (26.9%), nimesulide (22.8%) and ketoprofen (16.3%). A total of 8.5% of such drugs were considered inappropriate medications for the elderly. A total of 104 potential drug interactions were identified, of which 24% were considered highly clinically significant. The NSAIDs with the greatest risk of interactions were ketoprofen 46.2%, ketorolac 14.4%, nimesulide 12.5% and diclofenac 9.6%. In post-sales monitoring 30.5% of the elderly persons reported undesirable symptoms after the use of NSAIDs, with stomach discomfort the most prevalent (17%). Conclusion: The present study confirmed the importance of monitoring the use of NSAIDs among the elderly due to the increased risk of drug interactions and adverse reactions associated with age, concomitant diseases, multi- prescriptions and polypharmacy. The choice of appropriate drugs for the elderly, the reconciliation of all the medications taken by the patient, and effective pharmaceutical care are measures that can contribute to the rational and safe use of NSAIDs.

scholarly journals Amartya Kumar Sen’s ethical interpretation of poverty

2017 ◽  
Vol 20 (6) ◽  
pp. 157-169
Author(s):  
Damian Szymczak
Keyword(s):  
Economic Theory ◽  
21St Century ◽  
Historical Context ◽  
Fundamental Question ◽  
Economic Factors ◽  
Specific Time ◽  
Or Education ◽  
Running Water ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
Good And Evil

On the threshold of the 21st century, the problem of poverty remains unresolved. Many still suffer from hunger, and many more have no access to running water, or education. This raises a fundamental question that has bothered economy researchers for centuries: What determines the wealth of some countries, and the poverty of others? One of the contemporary researchers analysing the causes of poverty and development barriers is Indian economist Amartya Kumar Sen. Referring to the socio-economic theory of Sen, the author indicates that modernity implies the need for reflection on the definition of poverty. The author attempts to justify the thesis which focuses on the discord between the evaluation concepts of good and evil with objective economic factors defining poverty. The author suggests that the definition of poverty should be grounded in considerations concerning good and evil in a specific time, as well as cultural and historical context.

scholarly journals Estimating the number of children in households with substance use disorders

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ludwig Kraus ◽  
Alfred Uhl ◽  
Josefine Atzendorf ◽  
Nicki-Nils Seitz
Keyword(s):  
Substance Use ◽  
Substance Use Disorders ◽  
Illicit Drugs ◽  
Close Contact ◽  
Epidemiological Survey ◽  
Related Disorder ◽  
Number Of Children ◽  
Dsm Iv ◽  
Household Members ◽  
Definition Of

Abstract Background Parental substance misuse is reported to endanger the health and psychological development of children and adolescents. The aim of the present study was to estimate the number of children currently affected by substance use disorders (SUDs) of any adult living in the same household. Methods Data came from the 2018 German Epidemiological Survey of Substance Abuse (ESA) among 18-64-year-olds (n = 9,267) and from population statistics. DSM-IV diagnostic criteria were used to assess SUD (abuse or dependence) related to tobacco, alcohol, cannabis, cocaine or amphetamine. Based on the number of household members, the number of children below the age 18 years and the information on SUD status of the respondent living in this household, the number of children in households with at least one member with SUD was estimated. Results In 2018, there were 13,597,428 children younger than 18 years living in Germany. Of these, 5.2–7.9% (686,482–696,279) were estimated to live in households where at least one adult had an alcohol-related disorder, 5.0–7.4% (674,065–690,792) in households where at least one adult was tobacco dependent and 0.38–1.05% (93,229–142,141) in households where at least one adult had a disorder related to the use of illicit drugs. The total number of children in close contact with SUD adults was estimated at 7.4–11.2% (1,000,725–1,522,667). Conclusions The large number of children affected by adults with SUD has implications for identification and prevention. Substantial variation in estimates, resulting from differences in methods, definition of exposure and exposure to whom, calls for international standardization in order to make estimates comparable.

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