Adults who microdose psychedelics report health related motivations and lower levels of anxiety and depression compared to non-microdosers

The use of psychedelic substances at sub-sensorium ‘microdoses’, has gained popular academic interest for reported positive effects on wellness and cognition. The present study describes microdosing practices, motivations and mental health among a sample of self-selected microdosers (n = 4050) and non-microdosers (n = 4653) via a mobile application. Psilocybin was the most commonly used microdose substances in our sample (85%) and we identified diverse microdose practices with regard to dosage, frequency, and the practice of stacking which involves combining psilocybin with non-psychedelic substances such as Lion’s Mane mushrooms, chocolate, and niacin. Microdosers were generally similar to non-microdosing controls with regard to demographics, but were more likely to report a history of mental health concerns. Among individuals reporting mental health concerns, microdosers exhibited lower levels of depression, anxiety, and stress across gender. Health and wellness-related motives were the most prominent motives across microdosers in general, and were more prominent among females and among individuals who reported mental health concerns. Our results indicate health and wellness motives and perceived mental health benefits among microdosers, and highlight the need for further research into the mental health consequences of microdosing including studies with rigorous longitudinal designs.

A Review on Niosomes: Potential Vesicular Drug Delivery System

Over the years researchers have been making an attempt to improve the potency of utilization of medicament for treatment of numerous diseases. During this endeavour, drug delivery systems have helped greatly by achieving reduced dose, reduced dosage frequency, improved patient compliance, improved bioavailability and maximum concentration of the drug at the target site. Recent years have seen an unprecedented growth in the use of nanotechnology in designing drug delivery systems. Niosomes are vesicles composed of non-ionic surfactants, which are biodegradable, comparatively non-toxic, stable, economical and effective alternate to liposomes. This review is deepening and widening the interest of Niosomes in several scientific disciplines and notably its application in drug delivery. This review additionally presents a summary of the types, methods of preparation, characterization and applications of Niosomes. Keywords: Niosomes, types, method of preparation, factors affecting and applications

Monoclonal antibodies used for management of hematological disorders

Objectives: Monoclonal antibodies (MAs) are increasingly becoming part of therapeutic armamentarium for hematologists and hemato-oncologists. There is paucity of review on majority of these antibodies in one place. The objective of this review is an attempt to fill the gap in paucity of review on majority of these monoclonal antibodies (MAs) in one place. Material and Methods: ‘Pubmed’ and ‘Scopus’ database was explored focusing on monoclonal antibodies (MAs) in clinical hematological practice. Emphasis was given to the more recently published review articles on different monoclonal antibodies (MAs). Results: In the present review, a total of 23 different monoclonal antibodies (MAs) were discussed; some are very frequently used and some rarely. Monoclonal antibodies (MAs) are used for treatment of diverse hematological conditions, i.e. malignant and benign disorders and at various phases of stem cell transplantation. These antibodies were used either alone or in combination with various chemotherapeutic agents, targeted small molecules or as immunoconjugates. Some of the side effect profiles of these antibodies were common and some were unique to the particular monoclonal antibody (MA). Unusual infections or organ dysfunctions were noted. Improved function of antibodies by protein engineering is also advancing rapidly. Dosage, frequency and route of administration depended on the convenience and condition for which the antibody is used. Conclusion: Monoclonal antibodies (MAs) are going to stay for hematological practice. Some amount of familiarity with their usage, advantages, disadvantages and side effects are essential in clinical practice.

Safe Prescription for Junior Doctors in Accordance with All Wales Prescribing Standards

Background: Prescribing errors are quite common and according to one estimate out of 100 patients admitted into UK hospitals 15 will have some form of prescribing error in their records. It is a general understanding that most of the time these errors are made due to lack of awareness. Severity of these errors can range from minor to major mistakes that can lead to fatal results. Materials and Methods: A simplified anonymous approach of identifying these errors and then using a step wise approach to educate the prescribers’ especially junior doctors can be quite fruitful in reducing these errors. Unfortunately there are not many studies or projects available to back our proposal however these seems a logical way forward and is exactly what we have shown in our study. Results: We performed a prospective snapshot study involving 100 inpatients to get baseline measurements. The errors and mistakes were identified and fed back to the junior doctors in an anonymous manner. Clear & legible writing, frequency of use, responsible consultant name, allergy box filled, VTE assessment, oxygen prescribing and labeling of medication discontinuation were the most common negligence identified. At the same time junior doctors were reminded of local prescription standards and guidelines which usually don’t form part of induction. Conclusion: Multiple deficient areas were identified during this audit like legible writing, dosage frequency, VTE prophylaxis and oxygen prescription. It was highlighted to junior doctors how important are these components as they play a key role in patient getting better after medical review. Above mentioned steps did improve prescription errors to an extent, but aim should be to achieve 100% results. Repeated reminders are important in this case as that helps to improve practice and avoid clinical accidents.

Effectiveness and controversy of convalescent plasma therapy for COVID-19 patients

Coronavirus disease2019(COVID-19) is a pandemic with no specific therapeutic agents and substantial mortality. It is critical to find new treatments. Convalescent plasma, donated by persons who have recovered from COVID-19, is the acellular component of blood that contains antibodies, including those that specifically recognize SARS-CoV-2. Therefore, for COVID-19 patients, Convalescent plasma, could prove lifesaving, such as improving the clinical symptoms, increasing the neutralizing antibody, decreasing the viral load , reducing the death rate, with safety and without seriously ADE. Meanwhile, it is urgent to perform large sample randomized controlled trials to confirm the transfusion timing, dosage, frequency and actively prevent adverse outcomes that may occur, establishing a standard procedure for treatment from convalescent plasma collection, preservation, transport, to transfusion.

347 Choosing an external marker for measuring intake and digestibility in ruminants

Proper nutrition is key to maintaining and improving animal productivity. Measuring intake and site and extent of digestion is essential for appropriate diet formulation. However, it is extremely difficult to accurately account for the dynamic nature of the ruminant digestive tract. External markers have long been used as a tool to measure digesta output, yet proper marker selection can be challenging. The aim of this review is to provide guidance in the selection of external markers in ruminant nutrition studies. External markers must satisfy certain requirements in order to be considered a valid marker. These requirements include, but are not limited to, being inert in the gastrointestinal tract, mixing with the digesta, and having high recovery rate in the feces. In addition, laboratory analysis needs to be easily reproducible within and amongst laboratories. Health hazards of the marker must also be kept in mind for the laboratory worker and the animal. There are a number of elements that have been utilized as external markers. Currently in the literature, chromic oxide (Cr2O3), long-chain alkanes (C32 to C36) and titanium dioxide (TiO2) are the most commonly used external markers. Each have been extensively evaluated and have their own positive and negative attributes. Results comparing fecal recoveries has been extensively reported in various diets fed to large and small ruminants. Of the three most widely utilized external markers, all have demonstrated adequate fecal recoveries, reasonable estimates of total duodenal and fecal digesta flows or output. Therefore, the selection of the appropriate marker comes down to the ease and accuracy at which analysis can be conducted, dosage rate, minimum dosage frequency, and safety to the user and animal.

Natural and Nanotechnology based Treatment: An Alternative Approach to Psoriasis

Abstract:: Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease of the skin that is chronic, inflammatory, recurring, and affects about 2-5 percent of the population of the world. For treating psoriasis, ample drugs and molecules are available. However, none are safe and efficient for treating the disease without sacrificing the compliance of the patient. Also, existing medications are intended to mitigate the signs and symptoms and 100% cure is not achieved. They do, however, concentrate on treating the illness and relieving the symptoms. Therefore, finding a delivery mechanism that can treat psoriasis safely and efficiently without sacrificing patient enforcement remains a critical task. Nano based formulations present a high prospect of overcoming the weakness of traditional formulations by providing dose reductions, reduced side effects, and dosage frequency with improved efficacy while herbal medicinal products can also be used as potential drugs against psoriasis as they are easily available and are safe. This review focuses primarily on the traditional strategies and recent discoveries of a range of anti-psoriatic drugs in metallic, polymer, and herbal-based formulations. Nanocarriers such as nanoparticles, dendrimers, micelles, nano-capsules, solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN), ethosome, liposomes have been elaborated. Also, studies relating to the use of phyto based plants in psoriasis has been discussed. Nano and herbal based formulations, in a nutshell, remain known as a promising approach for treating psoriasis.