scholarly journals Novel Psychoactive Substances: Systematic Review and Evidence-Based Analysis of Literature

2017 ◽  
Vol 9 (11) ◽  
pp. 1
Author(s):  
Ahmed Al-Imam ◽  
Ban A. AbdulMajeed
Keyword(s):  
Middle East ◽  
Critical Analysis ◽  
Research Output ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Research Quality ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Novel Psychoactive Substances ◽  
Psychoactive Substances ◽  
Publication Type ◽  
Level Of Evidence

BACKGROUND: The research output within the discipline of novel psychoactive substances (NPS) has been evolving since the end of the last decade. The introduction of the concept of evidence-based Medicine led to a revolutionary growth of all fields of medical research. The enhancements of research quality were also paralleled by the development of tools for critical analysis of literature.MATERIALS & METHODS: The aim of the study is to assess the NPS research output, by means of evaluation of the level-of-evidence and the implemented statistical analyses. An extensive database of near 600 published manuscript was created; the papers were selected from the PubMed/Medline database by using pre-specified keywords. Each manuscript will be systematically scanned for; the first author, research institution, country, year of publication, type of study, statistical analysis, level-of-evidence, and journals of publication. Research efforts from the Middle East were also observed and quantified.RESULTS: Teams of NPS researchers included members in the range of one to twenty-nine, with and an average of 4.75 authors per publication. Research output was densely mapped in the developed countries including the UK (53%), US (19%), Italy (14%), Germany (14%), and Sweden (10%); the Middle East contribution was minimal (<1%). The top two research institutes were; King’s College London (UK) and Sapienza University of Rome (Italy). Studies included; Cross-sectional analyses (15%), Reviews (18%), and Analytic chemistry (36%). A considerable number of publications (34%) had no statistics at all, while only 14% had inferential statistics. Top journals of publication were; Journal of Psychopharmacology, Current Neuropharmacology, and Drug and Alcohol Dependence.CONCLUSION: Research output should always be assessed for quality control purposes. This study represents an innovative and systematic method of critical analysis of NPS literature. Future study efforts should be respondent to this study to achieve a better quality of research.

scholarly journals Knowledge and (Ab)Use in Connection with Novel Psychoactive Substances: A Cross-Sectional Analysis of Iraqi Medical Students

2017 ◽  
Vol 9 (11) ◽  
pp. 61
Author(s):  
Ahmed Al-Imam ◽  
Farah Al-Mukhtar ◽  
Aisha Shafiq ◽  
Manolia Irfan ◽  
Mustafa M Saleh
Keyword(s):  
Medical Students ◽  
Middle East ◽  
Western Europe ◽  
Psychiatric Patients ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Novel Psychoactive Substances ◽  
Psychoactive Substances ◽  
Undergraduate Medical Students ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
The University

BACKGROUND: The extent of (ab)use of the Novel Psychoactive substances has been thoroughly mapped in the developed world, particularly in the US, Canada, UK, Western Europe, Australia, and New Zealand. However, there are still untapped geographic locations particularly in the developing world including the Middle East.MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study is observational in nature and cross-sectional in design; it is based on a survey that will aim is to estimate the level of knowledge and the extent of (ab)use of psychoactive substances, traditional and novel, in a population of undergraduate medical students from Iraq. There will be an implementation of inferential statistical analyses for the purpose of hypothesis testing. Ethical approvals were granted from the College of Medicine at the University of Baghdad and the University of Hertfordshire.RESULTS: There was some degree of knowledge in connection with psychoactive substances among a population of medical students. However, the extent of (ab)use is still minimal when compared to that of the developed countries. In general, the knowledge and the extent of NPS (ab)use did not vary substantially as the students progressed through the medical college.CONCLUSION: The use of observational analytic tools for assessing the diffusion of the phenomenon of psychoactive and novel psychoactive substances is indispensable. The extent of knowledge and (ab)use of NPS in the Middle East may still be considered minute or insignificant. Further analyses are required in the Middle East; different populations are to be targeted including; students, academics, researchers, medical and paramedical staff, psychiatric patients, prisoners, military and para-military organisations, and even terrorists.

scholarly journals Relationship between Journal Impact Factor and Levels of Evidence in Anaesthesia

2005 ◽  
Vol 33 (5) ◽  
pp. 567-570 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. R. Bain ◽  
P. S. Myles
Keyword(s):  
Impact Factor ◽  
Evidence Based Medicine ◽  
Citation Rate ◽  
Journal Ranking ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Publication Type ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Level 1 ◽  
Number Of Publications ◽  
Based Medicine

Evidence-based medicine uses a hierarchy of publication types according to their vulnerability to bias. A widely used measure of journal “quality” is its impact factor, which describes the citation rate of its publications. We investigated the relationship between impact factor for eight anaesthesia journals and publication type with respect to their level of evidence 1-4 using Spearman rank correlation (rho). There were 1418 original publications during 2001 included in the analysis. The number (%) of publication types according to evidence-based medicine level were: level 1: 6 (0.4%), level 2: 533 (38%) level 3: 329 (23%), level 4: 550 (39%). There was no correlation between journal ranking according to impact factor and publication type (rho=–0.03, P=0.25). The correlation between journal rank and the proportion of publications that were randomized trials was –0.35 (P<0.001). The correlation between journal rank and number of publications was 0.65 (P<0.001). The correlation between journal rank and number of level 1 or 2 studies was 0.58 (P<0.001). The overall level of evidence published in anaesthesia journals was high. Journal rank according to impact factor is related to the number of publications, but not the proportion of publications that are evidence-based medicine level 1 or 2.

scholarly journals Do (Ab)Users of Psychedelics Have Tendencies to Abuse High Authority? An Internet Snapshot Study

2017 ◽  
Vol 9 (11) ◽  
pp. 148
Author(s):  
Ahmed Al-Imam ◽  
Ban A. AbdulMajeed
Keyword(s):  
Middle East ◽  
Thematic Analysis ◽  
Social Communication ◽  
Psychiatric Patients ◽  
Medical Professionals ◽  
Demographic Parameters ◽  
Novel Psychoactive Substances ◽  
Psychoactive Substances ◽  
Different Populations ◽  
Developed World

BACKGROUND: Hallucinogenic substances, also known as psychedelics and entheogens, represent a subset of novel psychoactive substances. The epidemiology of (ab)use and electronic commerce of Psychedelics has been well-mapped in the developed world. However, countries from the developing world are yet to be explored. Principles of psychology including thematic psychoanalysis were not implemented before in connection with psychedelics.MATERIALS & METHODS: This study is based on an internet snapshot technique; it will explore and analyse the comments of psychedelics’ (ab)users in relation to the possibility of abuse of some granted power (authority); several demographic parameters of (ab)users will be explored. The snapshot will implement thematic analysis and psychoanalysis of comments found on drug fora and social communication media.RESULTS: The highest contribution of psychedelic users existed in the developed world, while the developing countries including the Middle East contributed the least. More than half (57%) of Psychedelic (ab)users tend to misuse power, which may indicate an existing psychopathology.CONCLUSION: Psychedelic users tend to mishandle the use of authority. The prevalence of psychedelic (ab)users in the Middle East is considered to be minimal. Additional analyses are required and in different populations of students, academics, medical professionals, psychiatric patients, prisoners, terrorists, and military organisations.

Prospettiva e Valore della matrice Cheratinica nella valutazione dell'utilizzo di Nuove Sostanze Psicoattive nella popolazione che afferisce ai SERD

MISSION ◽  
2020 ◽  
pp. 39-44
Author(s):  
Concettina Varango ◽  
Francesca Musarella ◽  
Mara Cella ◽  
Antonella Varango
Keyword(s):  
Novel Psychoactive Substances ◽  
Psychoactive Substances

Questo articolo nasce dall'esigenza di informare un pi&ugrave; ampio pubblico sul pericolo rappresentato da queste sostanze, far conoscere le NPS (Novel Psychoactive substances) agli operatori del settore (personale di laboratorio, personale delle unit&agrave; di emergenza/ urgenza, operatori sanitari, ricercatori, ecc.) al fine di agevolare l'analisi di campioni sconosciuti e divulgare i dati scientifici che cominciano ad emergere da studi clinici e preclinici sui loro effetti tossici e farmacologici.&nbsp;Dal 2009 sono comparsi nel gruppo delle N.P.S., i nuovi oppioidi sintetici, molecole estremamente potenti che comportano una seria minaccia per la salute pubblica. Si tratta di prodotti dalla notevole potenza (il fentanyl, per esempio, capostipite di questa famiglia, ha un'azione circa 100 volte maggiore rispetto a quella della morfina) che vengono utilizzati sia per s&eacute; sia come adulteranti di partite di sostanze classiche, soprattutto eroina, causando scie di decessi per overdose.&nbsp;

LEGAL RESEARCH AT AHMAD IBRAHIM KULLIYYAH OF LAWS, INTERNATIONAL ISLAMIC UNIVERSITY MALAYSIA: TRENDS AND POLICIES

2012 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hunud Abia Kadouf ◽  
Umar Aimhanosi Oseini ◽  
Ainul Jaria Maidin
Keyword(s):  
Research Output ◽  
Academic Staff ◽  
Research Quality ◽  
Research Progress ◽  
Institutions Of Higher Education ◽  
Legal Research ◽  
The Past ◽  
Research Institution ◽  
Research Activities ◽  
The Status

The primary function of Ahmad Ibrahim Kulliyyah (Faculty) of Laws, at the very beginning of its inception, was that of teaching civil law and Sharî’ah subjects. As it matured, its vision has been varied from teaching to that of research with the aim of attaining the status of a full research institution that provides both quality research and best legal education in the region. Similar to other institutions of higher education in Malaysia, the responsibility of research is a shared function of both graduate students and the academic staff. The research output, on the part of the students is mostly composed of either Master Dissertations or PhD Theses. The academic members of the Faculty, however, are involved either in direct research, individually or jointly, supervision, and publications of their findings. By investigating and analyzing factors influencing research activities at AIKOL in the past twenty years, the researchers will be able to identify the general trends and development of research as it unfolded over years. The researchers hope that the policymakers, at both Faculty and University levels, will use the findings to improve research quality by boldly addressing the problems hampering research progress at AIKOL.

scholarly journals Human Neuronal Cell Lines as An In Vitro Toxicological Tool for the Evaluation of Novel Psychoactive Substances

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (13) ◽  
pp. 6785
Author(s):  
Valeria Sogos ◽  
Paola Caria ◽  
Clara Porcedda ◽  
Rafaela Mostallino ◽  
Franca Piras ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cell Death ◽  
Neuronal Cell ◽  
In Vitro Study ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Novel Psychoactive Substances ◽  
Psychoactive Substances ◽  
Concentration Dependent Manner ◽  
Mechanisms Of Toxicity ◽  
Neuronal Cell Lines

Novel psychoactive substances (NPS) are synthetic substances belonging to diverse groups, designed to mimic the effects of scheduled drugs, resulting in altered toxicity and potency. Up to now, information available on the pharmacology and toxicology of these new substances is very limited, posing a considerable challenge for prevention and treatment. The present in vitro study investigated the possible mechanisms of toxicity of two emerging NPS (i) 4′-methyl-alpha-pyrrolidinoexanophenone (3,4-MDPHP), a synthetic cathinone, and (ii) 2-chloro-4,5-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (2-Cl-4,5-MDMA), a phenethylamine. In addition, to apply our model to the class of synthetic opioids, we evaluated the toxicity of fentanyl, as a reference compound for this group of frequently abused substances. To this aim, the in vitro toxic effects of these three compounds were evaluated in dopaminergic-differentiated SH-SY5Y cells. Following 24 h of exposure, all compounds induced a loss of viability, and oxidative stress in a concentration-dependent manner. 2-Cl-4,5-MDMA activates apoptotic processes, while 3,4-MDPHP elicits cell death by necrosis. Fentanyl triggers cell death through both mechanisms. Increased expression levels of pro-apoptotic Bax and caspase 3 activity were observed following 2-Cl-4,5-MDMA and fentanyl, but not 3,4-MDPHP exposure, confirming the different modes of cell death.

scholarly journals Motherhood and decision-making among women living with HIV in developed countries: a systematic review with qualitative research synthesis

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ariadna Huertas-Zurriaga ◽  
Patrick A. Palmieri ◽  
Joan E. Edwards ◽  
Sandra K. Cesario ◽  
Sergio Alonso-Fernandez ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Decision Making ◽  
Qualitative Research ◽  
Research Synthesis ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Reproductive Decision ◽  
Women Living With Hiv ◽  
Reproductive Decision Making ◽  
Living With Hiv

Abstract Background Women living with HIV (WLH) lack evidence-based information about reproductive options while managing pressures from family, clinicians, and communities to give up the idea of having children. As the reproduction intentions of WLH are not well understood, stigmatizing behaviors force them to hide their disease to avoid rejection by their family, partner, and social networks. Compliance with social norms, fear of stigma, and discrimination influence their experience. Current research is individual qualitative studies lacking the synthesis perspective necessary to guide intervention development. The purpose of this study was to synthesize the evidence to explain the reproductive decision-making process for WLH in developed countries. Methods A systematic review with qualitative research synthesis was conducted through searches in 10 electronic databases (CINAHL, EMBASE, MEDLINE, Scopus, Social Science Citation Index, Web of Science, Google Scholar, Cuidatge, Cuiden Enfispo, and SciELO). Studies published in journals from 1995 to 2019 with qualitative data about reproductive decision-making among WLH in developed countries were eligible for inclusion. Developed country was operationalized by membership in the OECD for comparative conditions of social wellbeing and economic stability. The CASP and JBI checklists for qualitative research were used to assess study quality and methodological integrity. Thematic analysis and qualitative meta-summary techniques were used for the synthesis. Results Twenty studies from 12 developed countries were included in the synthesis. Findings were organized into 3 meta-themes from 15 themes and 45 subthemes, including: (1) Shattered identity, (2) Barriers, inequities, and misinformation, (3) Coping, resiliency, and support. Reproductive decision-making was perceived as a complex process influenced by facilitators and barriers. The facilitators helped WLH cope with their new situation to become more resilient, while the barriers made their situation more difficult to manage. Conclusion WLH encounter reproductive decision-making with knowledge deficits and limited social support. An integrated approach to holistic care with comprehensive multidisciplinary counseling is needed to support WLH. Clinicians could benefit from professional development to learn how to be authentically present for WLH, including engaging in conversations, demonstrating compassion, and understanding situations. Evidence-based clinical practice guidelines need to be tailored for the family planning and sexual health needs of WLH.

scholarly journals Carer Empowerment Is Key to Reduce Dementia Care Inequalities in the Middle East

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (8) ◽  
pp. 4378
Author(s):  
Syed Fahad Javaid ◽  
Aishah Al-Zahmi ◽  
Munir Abbas
Keyword(s):  
Middle East ◽  
Social Care ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Political Factors ◽  
Knowledge Based ◽  
Care And Support ◽  
Health And Social Care ◽  
Care Systems ◽  
Spiritual Perspectives ◽  
Do So

Dementia represents a significant problem in the Middle East. Sociocultural and political factors that shape conceptions of health and care tend to stifle research and the dissemination of knowledge throughout the Middle East. These socio-political challenges concerning engagement with individuals living with dementia and their carers include language barriers, stigmatization, logistical constraints, lack of informal support outside of hospitals, and over-dependence on clinicians for dementia information. There is an urgent need in the Middle East to increase care and support for adults with dementia and their carers, enhance research efforts and improve the dissemination of information related to dementia in the region. One possible way to do so is to begin to promote a knowledge-based culture throughout the Middle East. This can be achieved by aligning traditional deterministic and spiritual perspectives of mental health with more Western, scientific, and evidence-based models. We suggest employing practical, multidimensional approaches to deal with the stated challenges, both at individual and societal levels. Doing so will improve knowledge of dementia and allow health and social care systems in the Middle East to begin to address a growing problem.

scholarly journals Investigating the effects of environmental patents and climate change mitigation technologies on sustainable economic growth in the Middle East

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sadegh Abedi ◽  
Mehrnaz Moeenian
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Economic Growth ◽  
Middle East ◽  
Climate Change Mitigation ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Middle East Countries ◽  
Sustainable Economic Growth ◽  
Change Mitigation

Abstract Sustainable economic growth and identifying factors affecting it are among the important issues which have always received attention from researchers of different countries. Accordingly, one of the factors affecting economic growth, which has received attention from researchers in the developed countries over recent years, is the issue of environmental technologies that enter the economic cycle of other countries after being patented through technology transfer. The current research investigated the role of the environment-related patents and the effects of the patented technological innovations compatible with climate change mitigation on the economic growth and development in the Middle East countries within a specific time period. The required data were gathered from the valid global databases, including Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development and World Bank and have been analyzed using multi-linear regression methods and econometric models with Eviews 10 software. The obtained results with 95% confidence level show that the environmental patents (β = 0.02) and environment management (β = 0.04) and technologies related to the climate change mitigation (β = 0.02) have a significant positive impact on the sustainable economic development and growth rate in the studied countries. Such a study helps innovators and policymakers in policy decisions related to sustainable development programs from the perspective of environmentally friendly technologies by demonstrating the role of patents in three important environmental areas, namely environmental management, water-related adaptation and climate change mitigation, as one of the factors influencing sustainable economic growth.

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