Intensity of Mystical Experiences Occasioned by 5-MeO-DMT and Comparison With a Prior Psilocybin Study

5-MeO-DMT is a psychoactive substance found in high concentrations in the bufotoxin of the Colorado River Toad (Bufo alvarius). Emerging evidence suggests that vaporized 5-MeO-DMT may occasion mystical experiences of comparable intensity to those occasioned by more widely studied psychedelics such as psilocybin, but no empirical study has tested this hypothesis. Data was obtained from 20 individuals (Mage = 38.9, ± 10.7; male = 55%, Caucasian = 85%) who were administered 5-MeO-DMT as part of a psychospiritual retreat program in Mexico. All participants received 50 mg of inhaled vaporized toad bufotoxin which contains 5-MeO-DMT and completed the Mystical Experience Questionnaire (MEQ30) approximately 4–6 h after their session. Administration of 5-MeO-DMT occasioned strong mystical experiences (MEQ30 Overall Mintensity = 4.17, ± 0.64, range 0–5) and the majority (n = 15, 75%) had “a complete mystical experience” (≥60% on all MEQ30 subscales). Compared to a prior laboratory-based psilocybin study, there were no differences in the intensity of mystical effects between 5-MeO-DMT and a high dose (30 mg/70 kg) of psilocybin, but the intensity of mystical effects was significantly higher in the 5-MeO-DMT sample compared to moderate/high dose (20 mg/70 kg) of psilocybin (MEQ30 Total Score: p = 0.02, d = 0.81). Administration of vaporized 5-MeO-DMT reliably occasioned complete mystical experiences in 75% of individuals and was similar in intensity to high dose psilocybin administered in a laboratory setting. The short duration of action may be advantageous for clinical interventions and for studying mystical-type experiences

The Future Of Global Interventional Radiology

Interventional Radiology (IR) has become an integral component of modern, developed healthcare systems. The minimally invasive, image-guided procedures that the field offers are highly effective and often lead to significantly less morbidity than alternative surgical options. The growth of IR globally is in an early phase; however, patients and healthcare systems stand to benefit from its rapid expansion and integration around the world. Globally, billions of people are without access to safe surgery and diagnostic imaging. However, the democratization of radiology resources such as portable ultrasound and low-cost medical devices is making IR more accessible than ever before. Global healthcare trends have seen governments investing more in hospital infrastructure, and in the development of local residency programs to train future practitioners in the specialty. This thesis examines multiple aspects of the future of IR in a global setting, which represent an amalgamation of different, simultaneous approaches to advancing IR practice in these settings. A review of locoregional catheter directed therapies demonstrates the value of developing an interventional oncology (IO) program, a branch of IR that has become standard of care in multiple indications in the US. Further explored are the results of a retrospective single-institution study of response to a specific IO therapy, TACE. This is one of the most common and effective interventional approaches to treating primary liver cancer as well as liver metastases. The value of specific imaging metrics to assess treatment response and viability for retreatment are discussed. These IO techniques are extremely exciting for their potential in low- and medium-income countries that are implementing IR programs. Additionally, this thesis reviews the creation of a simulation device to be used by IR trainees in resource limited areas. Also demonstrated is a method for designing new medical devices through ideation and prototyping phases, and lastly discussed, is a venture working to create frugally designed medical devices that can be rapidly deployed into developing IR and IO programs. IR is a specialty that is driven by innovation, which necessitates the use of often expensive medical devices. Low-cost innovation and redesign of these devices can make them more accessible and more useful in lower resource settings. Innovation using these frugal methods can be helpful in accelerating the growth of IR globally, and treating more patients effectively and safely