Heavy Use Research Articles

Acceptability and preliminary outcomes of the Enhanced Assess, Acknowledge, and Act Sexual Assault Resistance Education Program for women who use alcohol and cannabis (EAAA+): Findings from an open pilot trial.

One in five college women experiences sexual assault (SA). Feminist scholars have called for the use of programming that empowers women by increasing their ability to recognize and resist SA. One such program, the Enhanced Assess, Acknowledge, Act SA Resistance Education Program (EAAA), has demonstrated lower rates of SA up to 24 months (Senn et al., 2015, 2017). EAAA could be further enhanced by directly targeting women's risky alcohol and cannabis use, two known risk factors for SA, within an integrated framework. This study evaluated the acceptability and preliminary efficacy of an integrated version of EAAA with enhanced alcohol and new cannabis content. College women (n=14) aged 18-24 who reported engaging in past-month heavy alcohol use, cannabis use, and simultaneous alcohol and cannabis use participated in the adapted program. Women completed a baseline assessment, measures of acceptability at strategic points during the program, and a post-program assessment. Women rated the program very high in likability, quality, organization, relevance, and usefulness and were likely to recommend it to other women. Overall, acceptability and usability ratings for EAAA+ were high. Content analysis of open-ended questions indicated that some women wanted more cannabis and/or alcohol content included. Results indicate that the adapted content is acceptable for the target population and has promising pre-post changes on alcohol, cannabis, and SA-related outcomes.

Intentions to Use PrEP Among a National Sample of Transgender and Gender-Expansive Youth and Emerging Adults: Examining Gender Minority Stress, Substance Use, and Gender Affirmation.

Transgender and gender-expansive young people, ages 13-24 years, experience disproportionate HIV risk yet are among those with the lowest US PrEP uptake rates (< 10%). Factors influencing PrEP outcomes for this population are poorly understood. This study examines the effects of gender minority stressors, gender affirmation, and heavy substance use on their PrEP outcomes using data from the CDC's 2018 START study (N = 972). A conceptual model integrating the gender minority stress and gender affirmation models was developed, mapping relevant START items onto it. Structural equation modeling (Mplus-8.9) was used to examine factors related to their PrEP intentions. Most participants were 18-24 (68%), trans-female (46%), white (45%), and reported heavy substance use (40%). Medical discrimination increased internalized transphobia (b = 0.097, SE = 0.034, p = 0.005) and perceived stigma (b = 0.087, SE = 0.034, p = 0.010). Family rejection increased perceived stigma (b = 0.181, SE = 0.032, p < 0.001) and heavy substance use (b = 0.260, SE = 0.053, p < 0.001). Perceived stigma also increased heavy substance use (b = 0.106, SE = 0.037, p = 0.004). Perceived stigma (b=-0.085, SE = 0.027, p = 0.002) and heavy substance use (b=-0.161, SE = 0.031, p < 0.001) decreased PrEP intentions, while gender affirmation increased them (b = 0.045, SE = 0.019, p = 0.020). A 1-point increase in gender affirmation reduced heavy substance use risk by -0.179 (SE = 0.030, p < 0.001) in the presence of family rejection and by -0.074 (SE = 0.041, p = 0.074) when perceived stigma was present. This study underscores heavy substance use as a potential barrier to PrEP uptake for transgender/gender-expansive youth. Future research could explore how gender affirmation acts as a protective factor against the negative impact of family rejection and perceived stigma on heavy substance behaviors among these populations.

Disposal practices, risk perceptions, and quantification of potential active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) from used human medicine in Upper Citarum River Basin

ABSTRACT This paper highlights potential active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) generations from improper disposal of medicines and captures the perceptions of key stakeholders – households and pharmaceutical actors in Upper Citarum River Basin (UCRB). Most pharmaceutical waste is disposed of with household waste, suggesting landfills are the most significant APIs contamination sources. We highlight the complex relationship between knowledge, risk perception, and behavioural intentions, stressing the relevance of risk perception as a mediator when studying how knowledge affects behaviour. Age and income are suggested to moderate risk perception and behavioural intention. There is a heavy use of over-the-counter and prescription drugs in UCRB, especially Paracetamol (426.1 tons/year) and Amoxicillin (343.7 tons/year). Measured herbal APIs highlight the cultural significance and dependence on traditional medicine. We suggest examining the influence of affect on perception and behaviour in safe medicine disposal and the environmental and health risk impact of APIs in the water systems.

Designing community-based strategies to reach non-household contacts of people with tuberculosis in Lusaka, Zambia: a rapid qualitative study among key stakeholders

BackgroundIn high-burden settings, most tuberculosis (TB) transmission likely occurs outside the home. Our qualitative study in Zambia explored the acceptability and preferences for designing TB active case finding (ACF) strategies to reach non-household contacts of people with TB.MethodsWe conducted 56 in-depth interviews with persons with TB (n = 12), TB healthcare workers (HCWs) (n = 10), TB lay HCWs (n = 10), and leaders/owners (n = 12) and attendees (n = 12) of community venue types identified as potential TB transmission locations. Interviews explored TB attitudes and beliefs, and perceptions toward two ACF strategies targeting non-household contacts: (1) “social-network strategy”—persons with newly diagnosed TB reach out to their close non-household contacts and (2) “venue-based strategy”—HCWs conduct screening at community venues frequented by persons with newly diagnosed TB. We used the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) framework to develop interview topic guides and analyze data using a rapid deductive approach.ResultsAll participants felt that TB was an important issue in their community and that new detection strategies were needed. A “social-network strategy” was perceived as acceptable and feasible, where participants noted it was a caring act and could facilitate early diagnosis. For a “venue-based strategy,” most participants suspected TB transmission occurred at bars/taverns due to heavy alcohol use and prolonged time spent in crowded spaces; churches and betting halls were also commonly mentioned locations. Nearly all owners/leaders and patrons/attendees of bars, churches, and betting halls expressed acceptance of a venue-based strategy. They also indicated an interest in participating, citing many benefits, including increased TB knowledge/awareness, early diagnosis, convenience, and possibly reduced transmission, and recommended that the strategy incorporate sensitization, consent, volunteerism, and respectful, confidential, private services. For both strategies, most participants preferred the use of and being approached by trained peer TB survivors to facilitate ACF, given their prior TB patient experience and trust among community members.ConclusionStakeholders found social-network and venue-based TB-ACF strategies highly acceptable, recognizing their potential benefits for individuals and the broader community. Future research should evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of TB ACF strategies for reaching non-household contacts.

How to Identify Pesticide Targets?

Pesticides are essential in contemporary agriculture, as they improve crop yields and quality while safeguarding against pests. However, long-term heavy use of traditional pesticides has led to increased pest resistance, while these pesticides are often toxic and less selective, and may also have adverse effects on the environment and nontarget organisms. To solve this problem, it is important to find new targets for pesticide to develop more effective and environmentally friendly alternatives. Therefore, exploring new pesticide action targets has become one of the current research focuses. In the past years, efforts have been made to investigate possible strategies, and this work systematically summarizes and criticizes the most recently used ones. This contribution not only helps promote the research and development of new pesticides but also holds substantial implications for promoting the sustainable development of agriculture and food security.

Prevalence of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in Canada during the COVID-19 pandemic: results from the Survey on COVID-19 and Mental Health.

This study provides a descriptive overview of the prevalence of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in Canada, across sociodemographic characteristics, mental health-related variables and negative impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Data were obtained from cycles 1 and 2 of the Survey on COVID-19 and Mental Health (SCMH), collected in fall 2020 (N = 14 689) and spring 2021 (N = 8032). The prevalence of PTSD was measured using the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5) Cross-sectional associations were quantified using logistic regression, while controlling for sociodemographic characteristics. The overall prevalence of PTSD was 6.9%. Factors associated with higher PTSD prevalence were female gender; younger age; lower income (females only); living in an urban area; frontline worker status or not being at work in the past week (males only); fair or poor mental health; a weak sense of community belonging; symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder and major depressive disorder; suicidal ideation; heavy alcohol use; daily cannabis use; increased alcohol and cannabis use since the start of the pandemic; decreased alcohol consumption since the start of the pandemic (males only); concerns about violence in the home; and negative impacts of the pandemic. PTSD prevalence in Canada varies significantly across sociodemographic groups and is more common among those with indicators of lower mental health and well-being, as well as those more adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Ongoing and enhanced surveillance of PTSD in Canada is important to better understand and address the burden and impacts of this condition.

Neoliberal Feminism and Work-Family Tensions among Professional Women in Beijing

ABSTRACT Unlike liberal feminism, which critiques how liberal democracies exclude women on numerous fronts, neoliberal feminism denies gender differences even as it calls for women to craft their own work-family balance. Drawing upon ethnographic data gathered from professional women in Beijing, this paper argues that these women expend considerable emotional labor to suppress negative emotions and keep their jobs. In doing so, they embody “emergent femininity,” a local expression of neoliberal feminism centered on self-confidence, a willingness to articulate and satisfy personal desires, and heavy use of social media. Yet, pro-work attitudes affect these professional women’s family lives. However, insofar as emergent femininity and neoliberal feminism focus only on individual accomplishments, they cannot provide systemic betterment for women, regardless of personal achievements.

Site-Specific Online Fertilizer Recommendations in Small Cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum (L.) Maton through CardSApp offers fertilizer savings and higher economic returns

The cultivation of small cardamom in the Indian Cardamom Hill (ICH) region of the Western Ghats, southern India, has become highly intensive, with heavy use of fertilizers and pesticides. The cultivation of small cardamom in the Indian Cardamom Hill (ICH) region of the Western Ghats, Southern India, has become highly intensive, with heavy use of fertilizers and pesticides. The ICH region is one of the world's biodiversity hotspots. Numerous studies have reported that the excessive use of chemical fertilizers has caused soil acidification (lowering of pH) and nutrient imbalances. This has resulted in unsustainable production of cardamom, a high-value spice crop that contributes significantly to India's export earnings. This study aimed to conduct a geo-tagged soil fertility survey in selected cardamom-growing areas within the ICH, assess soil fertility and provide sitespecific fertilizer recommendations to farmers via a mobile- or web-based application. A digital application, CardSApp, designed for the small cardamom sector, offers tailored fertilizer recommendations based on local soil and crop requirements. A representative geo-tagged soil survey was conducted in Udumbanchola taluk, located in Idukki district of Kerala, within the ICH. The surveyed area spanned from 76°59'01.19'' to 77°16'11.55'' East longitude and 9° 38'21.54'' to 10°04'46.60'' North latitude. Spatial interpolation techniques were used to generate maps showing the distribution of primary, secondary and micronutrients in the soil. The study revealed a high availability of NPK nutrients in cardamom soils. The study also revealed deficiencies in secondary nutrients like magnesium and sulfur, as well as micronutrients such as boron. Most of the soils showed signs of acidification. These findings highlight opportunities to optimize fertilizer usage and improve soil health. Specifically, NPK usage can be reduced or phosphatic fertilizers omitted in 58% of the area, potentially savings of ?12.27 crores annually in the surveyed taluk alone. Additionally, addressing deficiencies in secondary and micronutrients can further enhance soil health and crop productivity. To aid farmers in decision-making, the Android- and web-based application CardSApp leverages interpolated soil fertility data. CardSApp offers site-specific recommendations tailored to the soil nutrient profiles identified in the survey. CardSApp enables farmers to optimize fertilizer use, correct nutrient imbalances and apply amendments for pH correction. These practices can improve both farm productivity and income. The adoption of this online fertilizer recommendation system by farmers in the ICH is expected to rationalize fertilizer usage in cardamom cultivation, improve both soil and plant health and support sustainable production with higher economic returns.

The Impact of Fireworks on Selected Ambient Particulate Metal Concentrations Associated with the Independence Day Holiday

Fireworks are often used in celebrations and are a known transient source of extreme particulate air pollution, and the particles produced by fireworks are known to contain potentially harmful heavy metals. This study investigated ambient particulate metal concentrations associated with heavy firework use during the United States Independence Day holiday in July 2020 and July 2021 in Fullerton, California, located within the greater Los Angeles metropolitan area. For this study, barium (Ba), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), lead (Pb), and strontium (Sr) were quantified, with Ba, Cu, and Sr being known tracers for fireworks and Cr and Pb being potentially harmful. Total suspended particulates (TSP) were collected with filters and then extracted and analyzed by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectroscopy. Hourly ambient particulate concentrations at a nearby monitoring station exceeded 500 μg m−3 and 300 μg m−3 in 2020 and 2021, respectively. Greater concentrations of overall particulate matter and ambient metal concentrations were observed during 2020 when compared to 2021, consistent with studies in the literature that have shown increased firework use in the area, likely due to the COVID-19 restrictions in place in 2020. In 2021, the Ba, Cu, and Sr concentrations peaked overnight on 4–5 July as expected, but the Cr and Pb concentrations peaked in the afternoon on July 5. In 2020, the peak concentrations of Cr and Pb were 510 ± 40 ng m−3 and 710 ± 30 ng m−3, respectively, while 4900 ± 200 ng m−3, 3860 ± 40 ng m−3, and 1810 ± 30 ng m−3 were observed for Ba, Cu, and Sr, respectively, among the highest ever observed to our knowledge.

Preliminary Study on the Use of Chemical Pesticides in Beir Bullerjam's Farms, Suluq, Libya

Pesticides in Libya have increased recently in the agriculture sector to control pests, consequently improving field and horticultural crop productivity. The present study was undertaken to assess the current pesticide utilization among farmers in different farms across Beir Bullerjam's area. Data were collected from farmers using a structured questionnaire containing the following (socio-demographic details, awareness and knowledge, and farmer practices). Our results show that all farmers were male (100%), their farming experience was 13 years, and their average age was 46 years old. Not surprisingly, farmers did not know the modes or the compositions of pesticides being used and relied mainly on pesticide commercial retailers' knowledge. The most commonly used pesticides were: insecticides, herbicides, acaricides, and fungicides (47%), (34%), (18%), and (2%) respectively. Moreover, their trade names were: Oscar wp® 50, Roundup, Gramoxyone (herbicides), AQ Dorsban*4, Permethrin, Cyberkill 25, Mospy-one 20% sp, Fl-oil, Voliam Targo (insecticides), Vertimec (acaricide), and Strike (fungicide), and they were regularly utilized by farmers in this survey. We found that farmers reuse the same pesticides over years which may result in pesticide resistance of the targeted pest. Additionally, heavy use of insecticides by farmers could harm bee populations negatively in the region or decrease the natural enemies of pests. Farmer's awareness and attitudes towards pesticide use must be improved through agriculture extension agents or workshops for better food, healthy people, and ecosystems.

Rare but relevant: Nitrous oxide and peripheral neurotoxicity, what do we know?

Nitrous oxide (N2O), used medically as an anaesthetic, has gained popularity as a recreational drug, with rising prevalence particularly among young adults. While its reinforcing and addictive potential remains debated, N2O is proven to be neurotoxic, especially with prolonged, heavy use, which is often unexpected for users. The neurotoxicological mechanism underlying N2O-induced neurotoxicity involves inactivation of vitamin B12 (cobalamin), which disrupts methionine synthesis, essential for maintaining the myelin sheath. This can result in demyelinating diseases, including generalized demyelinating polyneuropathy (GDP). Clinical incidence of N2O-induced peripheral neuropathy is largely unknown, although some research suggests it is not uncommon. Treatment includes immediate cessation of N2O use and vitamin B12 supplementation. Although this treatment often reverses damage, residual symptoms such as limb weakness may persist. Additionally, genetic and dietary factors, such as vitamin B12 deficiency, may heighten individual vulnerability for N2O's detrimental effects.

Population-based cross-sectional analysis of cannabis use among Kentucky adults, 2020–21

PurposeWe conducted this study to assess cannabis use rates in the state of Kentucky relative to socioeconomic, demographic, and geographic factors, as well as reasons for use and modes of use, before the legal medical marijuana market commences in 2025.MethodsWe pooled Kentucky Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) data for 2020–2021 and used weighted responses for all analyses. We estimated current cannabis use (at least once in the past 30 days), and heavy use (at least 20 of the past 30 days) prevalence rates for Appalachian, Delta, and Central geographic regions of Kentucky. We tabulated descriptive statistics and used multivariable logistic regression to identify characteristics of individuals who used cannabis.ResultsThe prevalence of cannabis use was lower in Kentucky (10%) than nationally (about 13%). Of those who used cannabis, 42% used it daily or near daily. Those who were male, ages 18–34, never married, black, less than HS education, lower household income, and lived in the Central region were more likely to use cannabis. Among those who used cannabis, mode of use varied somewhat among age groups, education levels, income groups, and marital status, but smoking was most common—78% overall. About 33% reported using cannabis for recreation alone, 24% for medical reasons alone, and 43% for both reasons.ConclusionDespite the illegal status of cannabis in Kentucky, its use is common across population sub-groups. A large proportion of Kentuckians using cannabis do so daily or near daily, and most for a medical purpose. Smoking, however, remains the most common mode of use.

Aldehyde free - Bovine Pericardium - A New Option of Graft in Urethral Stricture Treatment.

The current management for complex urethral strictures commonly uses open reconstruction with buccal mucosa urethroplasty. However, there are multiple situations whereby buccal mucosa is inadequate (pan-urethral stricture or prior buccal harvest) or inappropriate for utilization (heavy tobacco use or oral radiation). Multiple options exist for use as alternatives or adjuncts to buccal mucosa in complex urethral strictures (injectable antifibrotic agents, augmentation urethroplasty with skin flaps, lingual mucosa, bladder mucosa, colonic mucosa, and new developments in tissue engineering for urethral graft material) (1, 2). In the present video, we present a case where we used a new option of graft to treat urethral strictures: the L-Hydro® tissue treatment technology 100% aldehyde free, VIVENDI graft. The present study was approved according to the ethical standards of the hospital's institutional committee on experimentation with human beings. A 57 year-old male patient developed a urethral stricture due to prolonged use of a urinary catheter during a previous hospitalization. A cystourethrogram was performed, which revealed a stenosis of the penile urethra measuring 2.5 cm in length. Urethroplasty was proposed for the surgical treatment in this case. We used a longitudinal penile incision with a ventral sagittal urethrotomy in the penile stricture. A free VIVENDI graft was placed into the longitudinal incision in the dorsal urethra and fixed with interrupted suture as dorsal inlay. The ventral urethrotomy was closed over a 16Fr Foley catheter and the skin incision was then closed in layers. The patient will receive post-operative follow-up for 3 months for clinical assessment through symptoms, uroflowmetry, urethroscopy and residual urine volume after urination. No intraoperative or postoperative complications occurred. The patient could achieve satisfactory voiding and no complication was seen during the three-month follow-up. Four weeks after surgery, he underwent urethroscopy, which revealed a good appearance of the urethra, with no stenosis or signs of infection. In the present case the use of bovine pericardium graft for the treatment of penile urethral stricture had a good result and can be an option to repair complex urethral strictures. However, the results presented require a larger population group in addition to multicenter studies with longer follow-up time to ensure the findings obtained. Available at: http://www.intbrazjurol.com.br/video-section/20249928_Vieiralves_et_al.

Validity of the E-Cigarette Wisconsin Inventory of Smoking Dependence Motives (e-WISDM) in Exclusive E-Cigarette Users: Evidence from a Laboratory Self-Administration Study.

Prior research suggests that the e-Cigarette Wisconsin Inventory of Smoking Dependence Motives (e-WISDM) distinguishes primary (e-PDM) and secondary dependence (e-SDM), however, there is little research on these e-WISDM dimensions and prior research comprised dual users (using cigarettes and e-cigarettes) and those using older generations of e-cigarettes. Those exclusively using contemporary e-cigarettes (N = 164) completed the e-WISDM and a laboratory self-administration session and rated pre-use expectancies and post-use experiences. Only a 1-factor model limited to the primary scales (Automaticity, Tolerance, Craving, Loss of Control) achieved good model fit. The e-PDM was correlated with the Penn State Electronic Cigarette Dependence Index (PS-ECDI), r = .79, p < .001. The e-PDM and PS-ECDI were similarly correlated with use topography and self-reported measures. Analyses of motive profiles identified Taste, Tolerance, and Automaticity as the most strongly endorsed motives in the full sample. Subgroup analyses indicated primary motives were more elevated in in daily vs. non-daily e-cigarette users and participants with vs. without a history of smoking cigarettes. Taste motives were stronger in users of 3rd vs. 4th generation e-cigarettes. These findings suggest that the four e-PDM subscales are a concise, reliable, and valid measure of core e-cigarette dependence motives that are related to meaningful dependence attributes. Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) are dependence-producing. Instruments that measure e-cigarette dependence are necessary to identify users who may have difficulty quitting e-cigarettes and who are at risk for use-related harms. The four subscales of the e-WISDM PDM index self-reported heavy e-cigarette use, craving, automatic or mindless use, and perceived loss of control over use. The current research supports the validity of the e-WISDM PDM as a measure of core e-cigarette dependence in users of today's e-cigarette devices.

Residual level of chlorine disinfectant, the formation of disinfection by-products, and its impact on soil enzyme activity.

Disinfectants can kill pathogenic microorganisms, effectively block the spread of infectious diseases, and are widely used during epidemics. However, a little has been studied about the environmental hazards caused by the heavy use of disinfectants. In this paper, the residual situation of chlorine ions in the soil, possible disinfection by-products (DBPs), and effects on soil enzyme activities after using 84 disinfectants (main component: sodium hypochlorite) and hypochlorite disinfectant (main component: hypochlorous acid) were investigated. It was found that the residual rates were generally higher than 92% for the 84 disinfectant treatment and between 80% ~ 90% for the hypochlorite disinfectant treatments. The overall change in chlorine ion concentration in the soil-leaching solution of the hypochlorite disinfectant treatments was relatively small and stable compared to the 84 disinfectant treatments. Several types of trihalomethanes (THMs) were detected after 24h of disinfection. The generation concentration of THMs was higher for the 84 disinfectant than for the hypochlorite disinfectant. The generation of trichloromethane was the highest, ranging from 1000 to 3000μg/L. Soil enzyme activities changed much when the soil was treated with the disinfectant for 28days. The above results indicated that hypochlorite disinfectant was safer and more stable than 84 disinfectants, and trichloromethane should be strictly controlled as a key indicator among the disinfection by-products. In addition, the long-term application of disinfectants affects soil enzyme activities obviously.

Cannabis Use and Trajectories of Depression and Stress Across the Prenatal Period

Cannabis use among pregnant individuals has increased. Depression and stress are frequently reported motives for cannabis use that may prolong using cannabis during pregnancy. To examine associations between changes in depression, stress, and self-reported prenatal cannabis use (PCU), to examine motives for PCU, and to examine whether trajectories of depression and stress vary across individuals who report using cannabis to cope with mental health symptoms and/or stress, those who use cannabis for other reasons, and those who do not report PCU. This cohort study recruited pregnant individuals at an obstetric clinic at an academic hospital between July 2019 and January 2024 and followed them during pregnancy. Pregnant individuals with a history of lifetime cannabis use were included. Individuals reporting heavy episodic alcohol use or with other illicit drug use were excluded. Self-reported PCU. The primary outcomes were self-reported depression (Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale), stress (Cohen Perceived Stress Scale), and cannabis use at each trimester during pregnancy, as well as motives for cannabis use during the first trimester (T1). Stability and changes in depression and stress scores and categorical self-reported prenatal cannabis use from T1 to the third trimester (T3) were estimated using individual linear growth curve models. In this sample of 504 patients (all identified as women; median [IQR] age, 26 [18-40] years), 236 individuals (46.8%) reported PCU after pregnancy knowledge. Depression, stress, and PCU decreased from T1 to T3 (all slope estimates less than -0.29; SEs, 0.23-0.7; all P < .001). There were positive associations between depression and PCU at T1 (r = 0.17; P = .004) and in their rate of change (r = 0.18; P = .01). Only T1 stress and PCU were correlated (r = 0.14; P = .004). Participants reporting PCU for mental health reasons (137 participants [58.1%]) had the highest depression scores at each trimester; however, their rate of change in depression was statistically equivalent to those who did not use cannabis. In this cohort study of PCU, participants who used cannabis did not experience a more significant decline in stress or depression symptoms compared with those who did not use cannabis. Individuals who used cannabis for mental health reasons did not hasten a decrease in their symptoms. Health care professionals are encouraged to enhance prenatal individuals' access to empirically supported treatments for depression and stress.

The Effect of Engine Noise on the Comfort of WA-360 Loader Heavy Equipment Operators Based on Capacity and Distance of 100, 150 and 200 cm

The existence of a limited volume of machine room and coupled with the existence of various kinds of machinery in it, both main drive machinery such as the main motor and other supporting machinery such as electric motors, compressors, pumps and so on, all of which are sources of noise, will cause high noise noise. Where heavy equipment is a tool used to simplify the work process so that it becomes faster, easier and the results are in accordance with expectations and one example is the Whell Loader WA-360 heavy machine. Therefore, research is needed to measure the level of noise produced by the Whell Loader WA-360 heavy equipment engine to operator comfort. According to NAB According to Kepmenaker No. per-51/MEN/1999,2008 and SNI 16-7063-2004, the noise level that results in hearing damage of 90 dB for workers who are working for 8 hours per day. That the threshold value for the noise of the combustion chamber of the Wheel Loader WA-360 heavy equipment engine with a bucket capacity of 3.4 and 5 tons produces a noise level of 106.5 dB with a hearing scale and it is recommended that the operator of the Whell Loader heavy equipment use Earphones while doing work.

FBG‐driven simulation for virtual augmentation of fluoroscopic images during endovascular interventions

AbstractEndovascular interventions are procedures designed to diagnose and treat vascular diseases, using catheters to navigate inside arteries and veins. Thanks to their minimal invasiveness, they offer many benefits, such as reduced pain and hospital stays, but also present many challenges for clinicians, as they require specialized training and heavy use of X‐rays. This is particularly relevant when accessing (i.e. cannulating) small arteries with steep angles, such as most aortic branches. To address this difficulty, a novel solution that enhances fluoroscopic 2D images in real‐time by displaying virtual configurations of the catheter and guidewire is proposed. In contrast to existing works, proposing either simulators or simple augmented reality frameworks, this approach involves a predictive simulation showing the resulting shape of the catheter after guidewire withdrawal without requiring the clinician to perform this task. This system demonstrated accurate prediction with a mean 3D error of 2.4 1.3 mm and a mean error of 1.1 0.7 mm on the fluoroscopic image plane between the real catheter shape after guidewire withdrawal and the predicted shape. A user study reported an average intervention time reduction of 56 when adopting this system, resulting in a lower X‐ray exposure.

The impact of schizophrenia genetic load and heavy cannabis use on the risk of psychotic disorder in the EU-GEI case-control and UK Biobank studies.

The association between cannabis and psychosis is established, but the role of underlying genetics is unclear. We used data from the EU-GEI case-control study and UK Biobank to examine the independent and combined effect of heavy cannabis use and schizophrenia polygenic risk score (PRS) on risk for psychosis. Genome-wide association study summary statistics from the Psychiatric Genomics Consortium and the Genomic Psychiatry Cohort were used to calculate schizophrenia and cannabis use disorder (CUD) PRS for 1098 participants from the EU-GEI study and 143600 from the UK Biobank. Both datasets had information on cannabis use. In both samples, schizophrenia PRS and cannabis use independently increased risk of psychosis. Schizophrenia PRS was not associated with patterns of cannabis use in the EU-GEI cases or controls or UK Biobank cases. It was associated with lifetime and daily cannabis use among UK Biobank participants without psychosis, but the effect was substantially reduced when CUD PRS was included in the model. In the EU-GEI sample, regular users of high-potency cannabis had the highest odds of being a case independently of schizophrenia PRS (OR daily use high-potency cannabis adjusted for PRS = 5.09, 95% CI 3.08-8.43, p = 3.21 × 10-10). We found no evidence of interaction between schizophrenia PRS and patterns of cannabis use. Regular use of high-potency cannabis remains a strong predictor of psychotic disorder independently of schizophrenia PRS, which does not seem to be associated with heavy cannabis use. These are important findings at a time of increasing use and potency of cannabis worldwide.

Psychosis associated with cannabis withdrawal: systematic review and case series.

Abrupt cessation of heavy cannabis use can cause a withdrawal syndrome characterised by irritability, anxiety, insomnia, reduced appetite and restlessness. Recent reports have also described people in whom cannabis withdrawal immediately preceded the acute onset of psychosis. To identify cases of psychosis associated with cannabis withdrawal. We completed a systematic review of the literature, which comprised case reports, case series and other studies. We also searched a large electronic database of psychiatric healthcare records. The systematic review identified 44 individuals from 21 studies in whom cannabis withdrawal preceded the development of acute psychosis. In the health record study, we identified another 68 people, of whom 47 involved a first episode of psychosis and 21 represented further episodes of an existing psychotic disorder. Almost all people were daily cannabis users who had stopped using cannabis abruptly. Individuals who continued to use cannabis after the acute psychotic episode had a much higher risk of subsequent relapse than those who abstained (odds ratio 13.9 [95% CI: 4.1 to 56.9]; χ2 = 20.1, P < 0.00001). Abrupt cannabis withdrawal may act as a trigger for the first episode of psychosis and a relapse of an existing psychosis. Acute psychotic symptoms can emerge after the cessation, as well as following the use, of cannabis.