Overview Of Substances Research Articles

Traditional Herbal Approaches to the Management of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): A Review

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) presents significant challenges for affected individuals and their families. While conventional treatments are prevalent, there is growing interest in complementary and alternative therapies, including plant-based remedies from traditional medicine systems. This review explores the use of plant-based treatments for ASD from Chinese Traditional Medicine, Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha, and other holistic systems. The article synthesizes research findings on the efficacy, safety, and potential therapeutic benefits of these treatments for managing autism symptoms, particularly in areas related to cognition, behavior, and emotional regulation. Furthermore, it presents an overview of various plant-based substances, including herbs, oils, and dietary modifications, and critically discusses their integration into ASD treatment.

‘Mind-Revealing’ Psychedelic States: Psychological Processes in Subjective Experiences That Drive Positive Change

This narrative review explores the utilization of psychedelic states in therapeutic contexts, deliberately shifting the focus from psychedelic substances back to the experiential phenomena which they induce, in alignment with the original meaning of the term “mind-manifesting”. This review provides an overview of various psychedelic substances used in modern therapeutic settings and ritualistic indigenous contexts, as well as non-pharmacological methods that can arguably induce psychedelic states, including breathwork, meditation, and sensory deprivation. While the occurrence of mystical experiences in psychedelic states seems to be the strongest predictor of positive outcomes, the literature of this field yields several other psychological processes, such as awe, perspective shifts, insight, emotional breakthrough, acceptance, the re-experiencing of memories, and certain aspects of challenging experiences, that are significantly associated with positive change. Additionally, we discuss in detail mystical experience-related changes in metaphysical as well as self-related beliefs and their respective contributions to observed outcomes. We conclude that a purely medical and neurobiological perspective on psychological health is reductive and should not overshadow the significance of phenomenological experiences in understanding and treating psychological issues that manifest in the subjective realities of human individuals.

M77 - An Overview of New Psychoactive Substances (NPS) Analysis and Trends in Taiwan, 2008-2022

M77 - An Overview of New Psychoactive Substances (NPS) Analysis and Trends in Taiwan, 2008-2022

Modern anatomical and physiological bases for maintaining the transparency of the corneal stroma

The article presents a literature review of the modern concept of anatomical and physiological structure and functioning of the cornea. The strict morphological structure and corneal tissue homeostasis ensure its transparency. Studying the mechanisms that regulate the constancy of the corneal tissue internal environment allows us to get closer to understanding the prospects forregenerative therapy for the corneal stroma pathology. The article discusses in detail the role and functional potential of corneal stromal cells, which are capable of reverse cytologic differentiation, which primarily ensures the maintenance of tissue homeostasis and corneal transparency. The functional activity of corneal cells can change for a number of reasons, which may be exogenous, iatrogenic (trauma, infection, etc.) or endogenous. Endogenous causes include: cell autoregulation pathologies (for example, enzyme defects); defects in transport systems leading to tissue hypoxia; disorders of the neuro-humoral regulation of trophism. The physical reason forthe violation of the corneal transparency is an increase in the light scattering. The article presents five main causes of increased light scattering in the opaque cornea, and also provides an overview of the main substances – components and products of cellular synthesis of corneal stromal cells: cytokines and growth factors (complex of the signal molecule and the SDF1/CXCR4 receptor, insulin-like growth factor 1, tumor necrosis factor alpha, intercellular adhesion molecule 1, erythropoietin, neurotrophic factors, etc.). Thus, corneal opacity can be caused by a single pathogenic mechanism or be the result of a complex effect of several factors. The main processes of tissue homeostasis regulation are aimed at maintaining the unique morphological structure of the cornea.

Mechanism of Action and Use of Radiomimetic Compounds (Part 2)

Radiomimetic compounds, similarly to ionising radiation can directly or indirectly cause DNA damage. Two major groups of these compounds, alkylating agents and antimetabolites, have already been discussed in the first part of this article. The topic of this article is an overview of radiomimetic substances of biological origin; they are grouped and discussed upon their chemical structure. Some bacteria, belonging to the class of Actinobacteria can produce compounds with radiomimetic property as part of their defence mechanisms, such as bleomycins, enediynes, streptonigrins, etc. Radiomimetic compounds of bacterial origin can be divided into three main groups: radiomimetic glycopeptides, enediynes and quinone antibiotics. Each of them induces double-strand DNA breaks. Some of them work through their reactive radicals and the molecules are also transformed when they break DNA. Others, such as bleomycin and similar glycopeptides, have an enzyme-like catalytic effect as the molecule regenerates itself after interacting with DNA thus the same molecule can create new DNA breaks again. The damage caused by radiation and by bleomycin is very similar: double DNA strand breaks occur in close proximity to each other, below the lethal dose of the cell, so as the cell does not die, the DNA repair process is activated, which can lead to the formation of dicentric chromosomes and other detectable DNA alterations. This review briefly summarises the mechanism of action of bacterial radiomimetic compounds and their benefit.

A review on the edible mushroom as a source of special flavor: Flavor categories, influencing factors, and challenges

AbstractEdible mushrooms are highly valued for both their culinary and medicinal properties. Unlike traditional condiments, the complex flavor of mushrooms is not determined by a single component, but rather by the potential synergistic actions of several different components and chemical interactions. However, only a limited number of edible mushroom flavor compounds have been examined in detail, leading to an incomplete understanding of their overall flavor profile. To address this knowledge gap, it is necessary to conduct further scientific research on edible mushroom flavors to maximize their utilization. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the flavor substances found in edible mushrooms, including both volatile and nonvolatile compounds, as well as the mechanisms by which various processing methods affect flavor. Additionally, we will explore the various factors that hinder the development of edible mushroom flavors and recommend strategies to further advance the technological and theoretical understanding of these unique and valuable food ingredients. In summary, by enhancing our understanding of the complex and unique flavor profile of edible mushrooms, we can better leverage their full potential as a valuable culinary and medicinal resource.

An overview of New Psychoactive Substances (NPS) in northeast Brazil: NMR-based identification and analysis of ecstasy tablets by GC-MS

The actual illicit market for synthetic drugs is characterized by a wide variety of psychoactive substances of different chemical and pharmacological classes, such as amphetamine-type stimulants and new psychoactive substances. The knowledge about its chemical composition, as well as the nature and quantity of the active substances present, is important for emergency care in intoxication cases by these substances and to establish adequate chemical and toxicological analysis procedures in forensic laboratories. The aim of this work was to study the prevalence of amphetamine-type stimulants and new psychoactive substances in the states of Bahia and Sergipe, in the northeast region of Brazil, involving samples of drugs seized by the local police forces from 2014 to 2019. In a total of 121 seized and analyzed samples, in which ecstasy tablets predominated (n = 101), nineteen substances were identified using GC-MS and 1D NMR techniques, comprising classical synthetic drugs and new psychoactive substances (NPS). In order to determine the composition of ecstasy tablets, an analytical method based on GC-MS was applied after validation. Analyzes of 101 ecstasy tablets showed that MDMA was the main substance, being found in 57% of the samples, in amounts between 27.3 and 187.1 mg per tablet. In addition, mixtures of MDMA, MDA, synthetic cathinones and caffeine were observed in 34 samples. These results demonstrate that the variety of substances found and the composition of seized materials in northeast Brazil is similar to other studies carried out previously in other Brazilian regions.

Review on inorganic pollutants in stormwater runoff of non-metal roofs

Metal roofs have always been in the focus of stormwater runoff contamination. However, other roofing materials are also suspected of releasing metals and other inorganic substances with stormwater runoff. Hence, this review focuses on the impact of commonly used non-metal roofs - vegetated and non-vegetated - on stormwater runoff quality. Results from 42 studies were compiled and assessed to gain an overview of substances in runoff from nine roofing types with a special focus on green roofs. Concentrations of 27 substances including nutrients, heavy metals, and other inorganic substances were compared. Results show that the nine roof types that were assessed can be a potential source for inorganic substances in the runoff. Threshold values for groundwater protection are exceeded especially for PO43-, Cu, Pb, and Zn for some roofing materials. As the concentrations vary strongly for different parameters, no roofing material can be identified as clearly superior or inferior to the others. Gravel roofs act as a sink for NH4+ and can retain some heavy metals. Elevated heavy metal concentrations were found in runoff from wood shingle roofs treated with preservative chemicals and in runoff from most roofing types usually due to the used gutter materials. Green roof runoff shows increased concentrations of Ptot, PO43-, Na, K, Ca, and Mg. The concentrations depend strongly on the green roof age, the growth substrate, and applied fertilizers. In addition to the roofing materials, external factors dependent on the location (rural or urban site) influence the runoff quality. Runoff from the analyzed roofs must be seen as a diffuse source of environmental pollution and requires appropriate treatment before it is released into the environment or used for further applications. Overall, there are only a few studies on the topic so it is not possible to make statistically significant statements. More serious in-depth studies are urgently needed.

A Brief Review on Nutraceuticals and its Application

Because of their putative safety, nutraceuticals have sparked tremendous interest. Nutraceuticals are nutritional supplements that are used to improve health, postpone aging, prevent disease and support the healthy functioning of the human body. Nutraceuticals are currently gaining popularity due to their nutritional and medicinal properties. They are classified as dietary supplements or herbal bioactive substances based on their source. Herbal nutraceuticals aid in the maintenance of health and the promotion of optimal health, longevity, and quality of life. Nutraceuticals have demonstrated encouraging results in the treatment of a variety of ailments, including cancer, neurological diseases, cardiovascular disease, and others. The current review provides an overview of several bioactive substances that operate as nutraceuticals (carbohydrates, lipids, edible flowers, alkaloids, medicinal plants, etc.) and their involvement in health benefits. Focus on the need for appropriate diets, health issues associated with failure to adhere to known healthy eating models, development of new nutraceuticals/functional foods/food supplements with novel health benefits, elucidation of mechanisms of action of these products, and to define and understand the analytical, formulation, and regulatory aspects of nutraceuticals. The use of nutraceuticals in the prevention of certain diseases has also been addressed. Keywords: Nutraceutical, Dietary supplements, Herbal bioactive compounds, Application

MỘT SỐ ĐẶC ĐIỂM RỐI LOẠN TÂM THẦN LIÊN QUAN SỬ DỤNG CHẤT TÁC ĐỘNG TÂM THẦN Ở BỆNH NHÂN NỘI TRÚ ĐIỀU TRỊ TẠI BỆNH VIỆN BẠCH MAI

Introductuon: Psychoactive substances affected on the central nervous system, causing changes in the functional activities of the central nervous system. If used a lot of times repeatedly, it will lead to dependence on that substance. Using continuously can cause psychotic, emotional and behavioral disorders. There are only studies of individual psychoactive substances.. Objectives: We conducted research on some features of mental disorders related to psychoactive substance use. Participants and Methods: The research was carried out on 196 patients diagnosed with substance use-related mental disorders according to diagnostic criteria ICD-10 (1992) inpatient treated at the Institute of Mental Health - Bach Mai Hospital from March 2019 to May 2019. Excluding patients in the following cases: Not agreeing to participate in the research, the pathology of brain damage, the research was carried out by the descriptive cross-sectional method of cluster cases analysis. Results: The percentage of patients with alcohol-related mental disorder accounted for the most with 59.7%; In multi-substance use disorder: the combination of 2 substances accounted for 56.5%; the combination of 3 substances, accounting for 43.5%. Patients using alcohol accounted for the majority of delusional hallucinations. In patients using ATS and multi drugs, most had depressive symptoms. Most patients had sleep and eating disorders. Conclusion: Larger and multicenter researches are needed to get an overview of psychoactive substances. Keywords: psychoactive substances, mental disorders

Natural Products as Potential Agents against SARS-CoV and SARSCoV- 2.

Natural products are useful agents for the discovery of new lead- compounds and effective drugs to combat coronaviruses (CoV). The present work provides an overview of natural substances, plant extracts, and essential oils as potential anti-SARS-CoV agents. In addition, this work evaluates their drug-like properties which are essential in the selection of compounds in order to accelerate the drug development process. The search was carried out using PubMed, ScienceDirect and SciFinder. Articles addressing plant-based natural products as potential SARS-CoV or SARS-CoV-2 agents within the last seventeen years were analyzed and selected. The descriptors for Chemometrics analysis were obtained in alvaDesc and the principal component analysis (PCA) was carried out in SIMCA version 13.0. Based on in vitro assays and computational analyses, this review covers twentynine medicinal plant species and more than 300 isolated substances as potential anti-coronavirus agents. Among them, flavonoids and terpenes are the most promising compound classes. In silico analyses of drug-like properties corroborate these findings and indicate promising candidates for in vitro and in vivo studies to validate their activity. This paper highlights the role of ethnopharmacology in drug discovery and suggests the use of integrative (in silico/ in vitro) and chemocentric approaches to strengthen current studies and guide future research in the field of antiviral agents.

A review on nano-carbon materials for pollution remediation

In pollution refinement, carbon-based materials (CBMs) rely primarily on the use of technologies such as adsorption, filtration, and advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) to get rid of various pollutants from numerous climatic media such as air and water. The unique characteristics and effectiveness of CBMs obtained at nanostructures have made them potentially ideal for these types of operations because they have a large surface-to-volume ratio, predominately leading to a higher reactivity. An overview of carbon nanotubes, graphene and carbon dots-based substances, used for environmental treatment is given in this survey. For the therapy of diverse natural toxic heavy metals, dyes, chemical molecules, volatile organic components, and herbicides, the employment of these nanostructures mentioned above is being reviewed. Moreover, the costs associated and how the effectiveness of technology used in environmental cleanup could be optimized are also important factors to consider.

Research on harmful substances and air quality control of civil aircraft components

This article provides an overview of harmful substances within as well as released from common civil aircraft components. The current domestic and foreign controlling status in these fields were compared, as a result, huge blank still need remains to be filled for domestic civil aircraft. Therefore, several assumptions on commanding the harmful substances and air quality of domestic civil aircraft components were proposed. Domestic civil aircraft manufacturer was supposed to establish industry control standards, which should later be implemented to all levels of subordinate suppliers, and strictly gate-keep the quality of components. By taking measures in advances, China is more likely to open a broad international market of exporting domestic civil aircraft.

Overview of energy intake, physical activity, and neuronal substances on obesity

This study provides an overview of the effects that energy sources, physical activity, endocrine substances and meat consumption have on the prevention and treatment of obesity. We found that many factors are considered to be involved in the occurrence of obesity, and that controversies exist over the mechanisms underlying, and solutions for, obesity. Several endocrines, including dopamine, insulin, leptin, and adiponectin, are implicated in body weight gain or obesity. The accumulation of body fat may vary depending on the percentage of carbohydrate and fat intake, but the results of several studies regarding this aspect are inconsistent. Information regarding the effects of the extreme restriction of carbohydrate intake or fat intake on the reduction of body weight gain is also insufficient. Furthermore, the relationship between eating habits, physical activity and meat consumption in obesity remains controversial. While the influence of leptin and adiponectin on food intake and obesity has been widely studied, the development of drugs that use these substances to treat obesity is difficult. Based on the findings of this study, the authors believe that further research is needed to determine how to control body weight gain and to address the various controversies regarding diet or obesity.

DNA–protein crosslinks from environmental exposure: Mechanisms of formation and repair

Many environmental carcinogens cause DNA damage, which can result in mutations and other alterations in genomic DNA if not repaired promptly. Because of the bulkiness of the lesions, DNA-protein crosslinks (DPCs) are one of the types of toxic DNA damage with potentially deleterious consequences. Despite the importance of DPCs, how cells remove these complex DNA adducts has been incompletely understood. However, major progress in the DPC repair field over the past 5 years now supports the view that cells are equipped with multiple mechanisms to cope with DPCs. Here, we first provide an overview of environmental substances that induce DPCs, describing the sources of exposure and mechanisms of DPC formation. We then review current models of DPC repair and discuss their significance for environmental carcinogens.

An Overview of Crucial Dietary Substances and Their Modes of Action for Prevention of Neurodegenerative Diseases.

Neurodegenerative diseases, namely Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Parkinson’s disease (PD), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Huntington’s disease, and multiple sclerosis are becoming one of the main health concerns due to the increasing aging of the world’s population. These diseases often share the same biological mechanisms, including neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and/or protein fibrillation. Recently, there have been many studies published pointing out the possibilities to reduce and postpone the clinical manifestation of these deadly diseases through lifelong consumption of some crucial dietary substances, among which phytochemicals (e.g., polyphenols) and endogenous substances (e.g., acetyl-L-carnitine, coenzyme Q10, n-3 poysaturated fatty acids) showed the most promising results. Another important issue that has been pointed out recently is the availability of these substances to the central nervous system, where they have to be present in high enough concentrations in order to exhibit their neuroprotective properties. As so, such the aim of this review is to summarize the recent findings regarding neuroprotective substances, their mechanisms of action, as well as to point out therapeutic considerations, including their bioavailability and safety for humans.

Is the aquatic environment sufficiently protected from chemicals discharged with treated ballast water from vessels worldwide? – A decadal environmental perspective and risk assessment

Ballast water managements systems (BWMS) installed on vessels may use active substances to inactivate or kill organisms in the ballast water. This paper provides new insights in this global issue - discharge of hazardous disinfection by-products with ballast water and related risk assessment for the environment. Considering the possible extent of this issue, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) engaged the Joint Group of Experts on the Scientific Aspects of Marine Environmental Protection (GESAMP)-Ballast Water Working Group (BWWG) to oversee the evaluation process of BWMS that make use of active substances to prevent negative effects. We analysed all BWMS that received IMO final approval over a decade until 2017 and provide an overview of active substances used for ballast water treatment and disinfection by-products in the discharged ballast water. A risk assessment was conducted using the GESAMP-BWWG methodology for two very different commercial ports (Koper, Slovenia and Hamburg, Germany). Some relevant chemicals (chloropicrin, monochloroacetic acid, and dibromoacetonitrile) and other chemicals (isocyanuric acid and sodium thiosulphate) reached levels of concern, indicating a risk for aquatic organisms after discharge of that ballast water. From this analysis, it became clear GESAMP-BWWG worst-case scenario assumptions do not fully account for the potential environmental risks. We provide recommendations how to make this risk assessment more robust, recommend further research, and urge for policy as well as regulatory responses.

Phencyclidine-Based New Psychoactive Substances.

The serendipitous discovery of phencyclidine (PCP) in 1956 sets the stage for significant research efforts that resulted in a plethora of analogs and derivatives designed to explore the biological effects of this class. PCP soon became the prototypical dissociative agent that eventually sneaked through the doors of clinical laboratories and became an established street drug. Estimations suggest that around 14 PCP analogs were identified as "street drugs" in the period between the 1960s and 1990s. Fast forward to the 2000s, and largely facilitated by advancements in electronic forms of communication made possible through the Internet, a variety of new PCP analogs began to attract the attention of communities interested in the collaborative exploration of these substances. Traditionally, as was the case with the first-generation analogs identified in previous decades, the substances explored represented compounds already known in the scientific literature. As the decade of the noughties unfolded, a number of new PCP-derived substances appeared on the scene, which included some analogs that have not been previously recorded in the published literature. The aim of this chapter is to present a brief introductory overview of substances that have materialized as PCP-derived new psychoactive substances (NPS) in recent years and their known pharmacology. Since N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) antagonism is implicated in mediating the subjective and mind-altering effects of many dissociative drugs, additional data are included from other analogs not presently identified as NPS.

A New Beginning: An Overview of New Psychoactive Substances

New psychoactive substances are the newest danger trending on the drug market. Though they are defined as substances designed to replicate the effects of traditional illegal drugs such as cocaine, ecstasy, amphetamines and cannabis, it has been suggested that these mimics are extensively more potent than their counterparts. Beyond the limits of current legislation, clandestine chemists have set out to manufacture these substances for profit, whilst benefitting users in areas of affordability, availability and purity. Since the rediscovery of mephedrone in 2003 and more so in recent years, the manufacture and sale of these substances has soared. Due to the rate at which these ever-increasing analogues are being manufactured, and the endless number of combinations available for production, it is unlikely the trade will be reduced in the near future. This review provides an overview of these new substances addressing; what they are, when they were produced, where they are available, how they are manufactured, who is taking them and why users are resorting to these substances over traditional substances. It is clear throughout this review that the lack of information surrounding these substances is leading to increased risks to users, untrained healthcare and forensic professionals and ineffective legislation. Welcome to, a new beginning.

Special aspects of analgosedation in cardiogenic shock patients

Patients with cardiogenic shock pose a challenge to physicians due to cardiorespiratory instability in addition to the underlying medical condition. If analgosedation and ventilation are indicated, commonly administered drugs themselves often influence hemodynamics and oxygenation. The present article provides an overview of the available substances with consideration of the patients' condition, then monitoring and optimization of analgosedation.