Analyzing The Connection Between Illicit ADHD Medication Use and Caffeine Use

Over the past decade, the illicit use of ADHD medication has become an increasingly popular method for students on college campuses believing that it will boost their academic performance. The use of such drugs in an academic setting has been shown to temporarily increase one\u27s ability to concentrate and study efficiency. Caffeine is another substance widely consumed by college students that supports focus and concentration. Both caffeine and ADHD medications are considered stimulants, although caffeine is a weaker form. Stimulants have been described to prime the brain for further stimulant use. As part of a larger study, we investigate whether the use of caffeine is correlated with ADHD medication use. An anonymous survey was shared on social media targeting U.S. college students. Demographic questions included gender, age, major, and academic class. Other questions asked were about the use of illicit ADHD medication, frequency, and perception. Over 500 undergraduate students from campuses across the Northeast completed the survey. Data was collected using a Google survey and analyzed using Pearson’s Correlation Coefficient in SPSS, Version 25.0. Data collection is still going on. Our results suggest that there might be an association between high caffeine use and use of stimulants.https://orb.binghamton.edu/research_days_posters_2021/1027/thumbnail.jp

Investigating the Correlations between Frequency of ADHD Medication Use with Perception, Dependence, and Undesired Side Effects

ADHD medications are widely used by students across college campuses in order to enhance academic performance and concentration. Often times, students use these medications illicitly and are unaware of the side effects that may be caused by use. This study collected survey based data from 879 college aged students in the Northeast United States in order to better understand the scope, causes, and effects of the misuse of ADHD medications. Data was collected using a Google Survey and analyzed using Pearson\u27s Correlation Coefficient in SPSS, Version 25.0. Our results revealed significant correlations between frequency of ADHD medication use and perception of these types of medications. Specifically, use of ADHD medication about once a day was significantly correlated with nearly all of the undesired side effects inquired about in the survey, including panic attacks, aggression, and headaches. Despite experiencing these side effects, the about once a day users reported that they still perceived Adderall and similar medications to be more safe than caffeine and marijuana use. These findings shed light on the implications of ADHD medication use and suggest that outreach activities are needed to promote awareness on side effects of misuse.https://orb.binghamton.edu/research_days_posters_spring2020/1027/thumbnail.jp

Potential Negative Cyclical Effects of ADHD Medication, Mental Health, and Academic Performance

In the past decade, the misuse of non-prescription ADHD medication among college students for the goal of achieving academic success has seen a marked increase. In order to determine if there is a relationship between study drugs, mental health, and GPA, an anonymous survey was distributed asking participants questions regarding demographics, prescribed and non-prescribed Adderall use, its effects, and perceptions. A total of 879 college-aged students from several US colleges completed the survey. Using Pearson\u27s Correlation Coefficient, there was a positive correlation between using non-prescribed Adderall use and a decrease in GPA, as well as a negative impact on mental health. The survey also showed that those who have a lower GPA exhibited several mental health symptoms, suggesting that there could be a vicious cycle at hand: non-prescribed study drugs, low GPA, and negative impact on mental health all act reciprocally, inexorably worsening the effects of the drug. Our results may indicate a lack of knowledge among non-prescribed users about the effects of Adderall, demonstrating a need for education outreach and alternative study methods. Data was collected from a multiple-choice survey and analyzed using SPSS, Version 25.0.https://orb.binghamton.edu/research_days_posters_spring2020/1041/thumbnail.jp

Potential Connection Between ADHD Medication Misuse and Risk-Taking Behaviors

ADHD medications (such as Adderall, Ritalin, Vyvanse) are frequently misused on college campuses to enhance academic performance. Many students are unaware of the adverse effects of the drug. Research shows that ADHD medication misuse is associated with Prefrontal Cortex (PFC) dysfunction, and may lead to impaired decision making abilities. This may lead to riskier decision making by ADHD stimulant-dependent college students. Higher risk taking behaviors are associated with comorbid illicit substance use (such as cocaine, marijuana, prescription painkillers). This study seeks to assess whether ADHD medication misuse correlates with risk-taking behaviors. An anonymous survey including questions on frequency of ADHD, alcohol and illicit drug use was completed by 863 college students. Data was analyzed using Pearson\u27s Correlation Coefficient in SPSS Version 25.0. Results revealed significant positive correlations between alcohol, cocaine and/or marijuana use and once a day, once a month, and once a year ADHD medication use. There were also positive correlations depicted between cocaine and recreational prescription painkiller use and not being dissuaded by any information against taking ADHD medications - including evidence for negative physiological effects, real life stories about ADHD medication use, or even negative personal effects experienced. These behaviors suggest potential PFC dysfunction in college students illicitly using ADHD medications.https://orb.binghamton.edu/research_days_posters_spring2020/1073/thumbnail.jp

Microbiological water quality in relation to water-contact recreation, Cuyahoga River, Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Ohio, 2000 and 2002 /

Includes bibliographical references (p. 23-25).Mode of access: Internet

Randomised Controlled Trial of the Effects of Increased Energy Intake on Menstrual Recovery in Exercising Women with Menstrual Disturbances: The ‘REFUEL’ Study

STUDY QUESTION Does increased daily energy intake lead to menstrual recovery in exercising women with oligomenorrhoea (Oligo) or amenorrhoea (Amen)? SUMMARY ANSWER A modest increase in daily energy intake (330 ± 65 kcal/day; 18 ± 4%) is sufficient to induce menstrual recovery in exercising women with Oligo/Amen. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Optimal energy availability is critical for normal reproductive function, but the magnitude of increased energy intake necessary for menstrual recovery in exercising women, along with the associated metabolic changes, is not known. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION The REFUEL study (trial # NCT00392873) is the first randomised controlled trial to assess the effectiveness of 12 months of increased energy intake on menstrual function in 76 exercising women with menstrual disturbances. Participants were randomised (block method) to increase energy intake 20–40% above baseline energy needs (Oligo/Amen + Cal, n = 40) or maintain energy intake (Oligo/Amen Control, n = 36). The study was performed from 2006 to 2014. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Participants were Amen and Oligo exercising women (age = 21.0 ± 0.3 years, BMI = 20.8 ± 0.2 kg/m2, body fat = 24.7 ± 0.6%) recruited from two universities. Detailed assessment of menstrual function was performed using logs and measures of daily urinary ovarian steroids. Body composition and metabolic outcomes were assessed every 3 months. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Using an intent-to-treat analysis, the Oligo/Amen + Cal group was more likely to experience menses during the intervention than the Oligo/Amen Control group (P = 0.002; hazard ratio [CI] = 1.91 [1.27, 2.89]). In the intent-to-treat analysis, the Oligo/Amen + Cal group demonstrated a greater increase in energy intake, body weight, percent body fat and total triiodothyronine (TT3) compared to the Oligo/Amen Control group (P \u3c 0.05). In a subgroup analysis where n = 22 participants were excluded (ambiguous baseline menstrual cycle, insufficient time in intervention for menstrual recovery classification), 64% of the Oligo/Amen + Cal group exhibited improved menstrual function compared with 19% in the Oligo/Amen Control group (χ2, P = 0.001). LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION While we had a greater than expected dropout rate for the 12-month intervention, it was comparable to other shorter interventions of 3–6 months in duration. Menstrual recovery defined herein does not account for quality of recovery. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Expanding upon findings in shorter, non-randomised studies, a modest increase in daily energy intake (330 ± 65 kcal/day; 18 ± 4%) is sufficient to induce menstrual recovery in exercising women with Oligo/Amen. Improved metabolism, as demonstrated by a modest increase in body weight (4.9%), percent body fat (13%) and TT3 (16%), was associated with menstrual recovery. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This research was supported by the U.S. Department of Defense: U.S. Army Medical Research and Material Command (Grant PR054531). Additional research assistance provided by the Penn State Clinical Research Center was supported by the National Center for Advancing Translation Sciences, National Institutes of Health, through Grant UL1 TR002014. M.P.O. was supported in part by the Loretta Anne Rogers Chair in Eating Disorders at University of Toronto and University Health Network. All authors report no conflict of interest. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT00392873 TRIAL REGISTRATION DATE October 2006 DATE OF FIRST PATIENT’S ENROLMENT September 200

Synthesis and antimalarial evaluation of amide and urea derivatives based on the thiaplakortone A natural product scaffold

A series of amide (8-32, 40-45) and urea (33, 34, 36-39) analogues based on the thiaplakortone A natural product scaffold were synthesised and screened for in vitro antimalarial activity against chloroquine-sensitive (3D7) and chloroquine- and mefloquine-resistant (Dd2) Plasmodium falciparum parasite lines. Several analogues displayed potent inhibition of P. falciparum growth (IC50 100). Two of these compounds, 8 and 33, exhibited good aqueous solubility and metabolic stability, and when administered subcutaneously to mice (32 mg kg-1), plasma concentrations remained above 0.2 μM for at least 8 h. Both 8 and 33 were well tolerated in mice after subcutaneous administration of 32 mg kg-1 twice daily for 4 days. Using this regimen blood stage P. berghei was suppressed by 52% for 8 and 26% for 33, relative to the vehicle control