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\"The bestselling author of Lost Connections and Stolen Focus offers a revelatory look at the new drugs transforming weight loss as we know it-from his personal experience on Ozempic to our ability to heal our society's dysfunctional relationship with food, weight, and our bodies\"-- Provided by publisher.

Pill image recognition is an important field in computer vision. It has become a vital technology in healthcare and pharmaceuticals due to the necessity for precise medication identification to prevent errors and ensure patient safety. This survey examines the current state of pill image recognition, focusing on advancements, methodologies, and the challenges that remain unresolved. It provides a comprehensive overview of traditional image processing-based, machine learning-based, deep learning-based, and hybrid-based methods, and aims to explore the ongoing difficulties in the field. We summarize and classify the methods used in each article, compare the strengths and weaknesses of traditional image processing-based, machine learning-based, deep learning-based, and hybrid-based methods, and review benchmark datasets for pill image recognition. Additionally, we compare the performance of proposed methods on popular benchmark datasets. This survey applies recent advancements, such as Transformer models and cutting-edge technologies like Augmented Reality (AR), to discuss potential research directions and conclude the review. By offering a holistic perspective, this paper aims to serve as a valuable resource for researchers and practitioners striving to advance the field of pill image recognition.

Medication errors account for a large proportion of all medical errors. In most homes, patients take a variety of medications for a long period. However, medication errors frequently occur because patients often throw away the containers of their medications. We proposed a deep learning-based system for reducing medication errors by accurately identifying prescription pills. Given the pill images, our system located the pills in the respective pill databases in South Korea and the United States. We organized the system into a pill recognition step and pill retrieval step, and we applied deep learning models to train not only images of the pill but also imprinted characters. In the pill recognition step, there are 3 modules that recognize the 3 features of pills and their imprints separately and correct the recognized imprint to fit the actual data. We adopted image classification and text detection models for the feature and imprint recognition modules, respectively. In the imprint correction module, we introduced a language model for the first time in the pill identification system and proposed a novel coordinate encoding technique for effective correction in the language model. We identified pills using similarity scores of pill characteristics with those in the database. We collected the open pill database from South Korea and the United States in May 2022. We used a total of 24,404 pill images in our experiments. The experimental results show that the predicted top-1 candidates achieve accuracy levels of 85.6% (South Korea) and 74.5% (United States) for the types of pills not trained on 2 different databases (South Korea and the United States). Furthermore, the predicted top-1 candidate accuracy of our system was 78% with consumer-granted images, which was achieved by training only 1 image per pill. The results demonstrate that our system could identify and retrieve new pills without additional model updates. Finally, we confirmed through an ablation study that the language model that we emphasized significantly improves the pill identification ability of the system. Our study proposes the possibility of reducing medical errors by showing that the introduction of artificial intelligence can identify numerous pills with high precision in real time. Our study suggests that the proposed system can reduce patients' misuse of medications and help medical staff focus on higher-level tasks by simplifying time-consuming lower-level tasks such as pill identification.

In de patiëntenzorg gaat het niet alleen om goede geneesmiddelen. Ziekenhuisapothekers zijn geneesmiddeldeskundigen bij uitstek. Loraine Lie-A-Huen schetst een toekomstbeeld waarin ziekenhuisapothekers en leden van een zogeheten klinisch apotheekteam op de verpleegafdeling, dicht bij de patiënt, een cruciale rol spelen op het gebied van patiëntveiligheid. Door betrouwbaar en innovatief leiderschap weten ziekenhuisapothekers binnen en buiten het ziekenhuis de kans op schade door geneesmiddelen bij patiënten te reduceren. Lie-A-Huen doet in haar rede enkele voorstellen aan minister Klink van Volksgezondheid, Welzijn en Sport voor zijn langetermijnvisie op de intramurale geneesmiddelenvoorziening.

Hormonal contraception is known to precipitate or perpetuate depression in some patients. The link between oral contraceptive pills and depression relates to the amount and type of progestogen contained in these pills. Many of the older oral contraceptive pills, which contain ethinylestradiol, are linked to severe mood problems. Newer oral contraceptive pills containing physiological forms of oestrogen may be better tolerated with a purported weaker link to mood problems. Clinicians should consider the temporal relationship between the use of hormonal contraception and development of new or worsened depression or mood changes.Hormonal contraception is known to precipitate or perpetuate depression in some patients. The link between oral contraceptive pills and depression relates to the amount and type of progestogen contained in these pills. Many of the older oral contraceptive pills, which contain ethinylestradiol, are linked to severe mood problems. Newer oral contraceptive pills containing physiological forms of oestrogen may be better tolerated with a purported weaker link to mood problems. Clinicians should consider the temporal relationship between the use of hormonal contraception and development of new or worsened depression or mood changes.

Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis is a rare disorder of cerebral vasculature. It can be presented by various clinical pictures depending on the site and extent of the thrombus. The risk factors are inherited or acquired. We describe a patient who used intermittent and short courses of oral contraceptive pills to postpone her periods to be able to fast for the holy month of Ramadan. She presented with status epilepticus. Investigations revealed cortical sinus thrombosis extending to the major cerebral venous sinus. She received optimal treatment for her seizure and cerebral venous sinus thrombosis. She was discharged in excellent condition. Users and the general public should be constantly reminded that OCP should only be used when directed by a physician, and should not be as over the counter medications

This paper introduces Tibetan pill traditions and examines two exceptional pill formulas that emerged from an early Buddhist–medical interface in Tibet, but followed different trajectories due to the increased specialization of religious and medical knowledge. “Black pills” are the most revered consecrated healing compound of the Karmapas (the incarnate heads of the Karma Kagyü School of Tibetan Buddhism), while the “Cold Compound Black Pill”—a precious pill known as Rinchen Drangjor—is one of Tibetan medicine’s most complex formulas still produced today. Based on both textual research and ethnographic fieldwork in India, I critically explore the principal factors that link these black pill traditions. I argue that parallels in the use of potent substances and their processing offer examples of how strongly entangled medical and religious approaches are with respect to healing practices that include blessings, protection, spiritual support, and medical treatment. My findings reveal that although there are distinct areas of medical and religious specialized practices in the black pill traditions, consecrated multi-compounds are added to both types of black pills to enhance potency and ensure the continuation of lineage affiliations to certain Buddhist schools. I also show how political and sectarian conflicts within certain Buddhist schools may affect some of these rare pill practices.

In this paper, I begin by defending permissivism: the claim that, sometimes, there is more than one way to rationally respond to a given body of evidence. Then I argue that, if we accept permissivism, certain worries that arise as a result of learning that our beliefs were caused by the communities we grew up in, the schools we went to, or other irrelevant influences dissipate. The basic strategy is as follows: First, I try to pinpoint what makes irrelevant influences worrying and I come up with two candidate principles. I then argue that one principle should be rejected because it is inconsistent with permissivism. The principle we should accept implies that it is sometimes rational to maintain our beliefs, even upon learning that they were caused by irrelevant influences.

Introduction The use of combined oral contraceptives (COCs), but not of progestin‐only pills (POPs) is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular events. A detailed examination of how different oral contraceptives impact the metabolism in the short‐ and long‐term has not been conducted. This study comparatively examines cross‐sectional and longitudinal metabolomics‐based profiles of different COCs and POPs, and explores how they perform relative to a metabolically safer contraceptive option. Material and Methods Data were obtained from a population‐based survey (Health 2000) and its 11‐year follow‐up (Health 2011). Altogether, 212 metabolic measures in OC users (n = 299; COC, n = 245; POP, n = 33) were compared to those in non‐users of hormonal contraception (HC; n = 1422), and in users of a levonorgestrel intrauterine device (LNG‐IUD; n = 341) via multivariable general estimating equations models adjusted for age, body mass index, duration of use, study cohort, diseases, medication use, alcohol use, smoking, and physical activity. Participants with complete longitudinal information (n = 327) were divided into continuers, stoppers, starters, switchers, and never‐user groups, and the 11‐year changes in the levels of each metabolite were compared. Results Use of COCs, but not of POPs, was associated with altered levels of several metabolic measures compared to HC non‐use or to use of LNG‐IUD: higher concentrations and ratios of monounsaturated fatty acids but lower ratios of polyunsaturated fatty acids, and higher concentrations and ratios of triglycerides in lipoproteins. Additionally, in comparison to HC non‐use or to use of LNG‐IUD, users of third generation or other COCs had higher levels of inflammation markers and of cholesterol, but a lower percentage of cholesterol and a higher percentage of triglycerides in lipoproteins. Continuation or starting of LNG‐IUD was not related to changes in metabolic profiles, while women who changed or stopped using COCs had greater levels of unsaturation and lower levels of total and lipoprotein triglycerides and other lipids. Conclusions The use of COCs, especially of third generation and other COCs, is related to various metabolic alterations suggestive of increased cardiovascular risk. Conversely, the use of POPs and LNG‐IUD appeared metabolically safe. These associations were mostly reversible after interruption of use or switch to different preparations. In a metabolomics study of over 200 metabolites in 1721 fertile‐aged women, we found that current use of combined oral contraceptives (COC), especially third‐generation and other COCs, is associated with altered levels of several metabolic measures compared to nonuse of hormonal contraception or to use of a levonorgestrel intrauterine device (LNG‐IUD). The metabolomics profiles of COC use are indicative of increased cardiovascular risks. However, in the longitudinal design, metabolic changes in women who switched or stopped using COCs suggest that metabolic alterations are reversible with interruption of use or change to a different preparation. Use of progestin‐only pill or LNG‐IUD was not associated with metabolic alterations.

The first critical biography of iconic musician Alanis Morissette, creator of Jagged Little Pill . The 1990s hardly saw a bigger hit than Jagged Little Pill . Alanis Morissette’s defining album won Grammys, dominated the Billboard charts, and sold more than 30 million copies worldwide. It left a deep mark on the psyches of countless listeners. Three decades later, Megan Volpert checks in with Morissette, probing her rich and varied post- JLP career and bearing feminist witness to the existential anger that ties her recent work to enduring classics like “You Oughta Know,” “One Hand in My Pocket,” and “Ironic.” Why Alanis Morissette Matters builds a bridge from Jagged Little Pill to the fascinating life and subtle intellect of its creator, exploring how the artist’s philosophical interests and personal journey are reflected in each track. Morissette’s struggles with censorship, mental health challenges, and Catholicism; her queer allyship, spiritual skepticism, zealous fandom, and philanthropic passions—all are carefully observed by a critic whose own life was touched by Jagged Little Pill . In the album’s wake, Morissette has evolved as an artist and global citizen. With sensitivity and a profound love for the music, Volpert guides readers through the case for Morissette’s enduring cultural relevance and creative impact.