Moderate Dependence Research Articles

Aggression in a Cohort of Male Methamphetamine (METH) Users With and Without Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa Korth.) Use History in Malaysia

ABSTRACT Methamphetamine (METH) consumption is associated with aggression. Decoction derived from the kratom (Mitragyna speciosa Korth.) leaf has been used as a METH substitute in Southeast Asia. Given its perceived benefit, we investigated the relationship between kratom use and aggression in a treatment sample of METH users with and without kratom use history. Four hundred and three male METH users participated in this cross-sectional study. A semi-structured questionnaire and several objective clinical measures were administered. Results indicate that there were no significant differences in aggression and its dimensions between METH users with and without kratom use history. However, two distinct Clusters (1 and 2) of METH users with kratom use history were studied. Users in Cluster 1 were characterized by a higher quantity and frequency of daily kratom use, longer duration of kratom use, and use of kratom at a younger age. Users in Cluster 2 exhibited the opposite characteristics. Kratom dependence and the first age of kratom use were identified as risk factors for aggression in Cluster 1. The frequency of daily kratom use appeared as a protective factor against aggression in Cluster 2. The results offer partial support to the instrumental kratom use concept; lower frequency (1 to 3 times) of kratom use may potentially minimize aggression in METH users presenting with mild to moderate kratom dependence.

Undetected falls among older adults attending medical clinics in four tertiary care centres in Sri Lanka; the need of a comprehensive geriatric assessment

ObjectiveFalls take a high priority among the prevalent medical conditions in old age. Despite this, a history of falls or the risk of future falls is not routinely assessed or properly managed in medical clinics in Sri Lanka. This study was done to evaluate the prevalence and factors associated with falls and recurrent falls among older adults attending medical clinics in four selected tertiary care centres in the country.MethodsA cross-sectional study was carried out at four centres (Teaching Hospital Karapitiya, Colombo South Teaching Hospital, Colombo North Teaching Hospital and University Hospital-Kotelawala Defence University) with 704 older adults, aged 65 years and above, attending medical clinics for more than six consecutive months. Information related to falls and possible associated factors (socio-demographic, behavioural, environmental and biological) were collected using an interviewer-administered questionnaire.ResultsThe Mean (SD) age of the participants was 72.5(5.5) years and 58.7% were females. Of the 704 total sample, 220 (31.3%, 95% CI 28–35%) participants experienced at least one fall after the age of 65, and 12.8% (95% CI 10–15%) (n = 90) experienced recurrent falls (two or more falls within the last 12 months). Falls were associated with gender, level of education, marital status, and physical dependence (p < 0.01). For those who had at least one fall, multiple logistic regression (MLR) revealed being single (p = 0.03, OR = 2.12, 95% CI; 1.052–4.304), being widowed/divorced/separated (p = 0.03, OR = 1.47, 95% CI; 1.039–2.093) compared to living with a spouse, presence of moderate (p = 0.007, OR = 1.72, 95% CI; 1.160–2.577) and severe (p = 0.001, OR = 2.98, 95% CI; 1.563–5.688) physical dependency compared to mild physical dependency as risk factors for falls. Having secondary education (p = 0.01, OR = 0.55, 0.350–0.876) was a protective factor for falls. For those with recurrent falls, MLR showed moderate physical dependency (p = 0.001, OR = 2.34, 95% CI; 1.442–3.821) compared to slight physical dependency as a risk factor.ConclusionsApproximately one-third of the older adults attending medical clinics had experienced at least a single fall, and one-eighth have had recurrent falls, which were mostly unrecorded and not clinically assessed. Physical dependency was the major contributing factor to falls and recurrent falls. Falls assessment should be included in the routine clinical assessment of older adults attending outdoor medical clinics. Health professionals should be educated to detect and assess those at risk of falling and take appropriate measures to prevent or minimize falls.

Assessing Daily Function and Sleep Disorders in Hemodialysis Patients with End-Stage Renal Disease

Background: Chronic, end-stage renal disease significantly impacts patients’ daily activities and sleep quality, particularly those undergoing hemodialysis. However, there is limited research on the extent of these challenges and their correlation with this population. Aim: This study aims to assess the level of activity of daily living and the prevalence of sleep disturbances in patients with end-stage renal disease undergoing hemodialysis. Method: A cross-sectional study involved 130 patients receiving hemodialysis in two public General Hospitals in Greece. The Barthel Index was used to measure daily living activity, while the Athens Insomnia Scale assessed sleep disorders. The data were analyzed using SPSSV25.0. Results: Of the 210 questionnaires, 130 were returned fully completed (response rate 62%). Most of the sample participants suffered from comorbidities (76.9%). The total Barthel Index score showed moderate dependence for patients, significantly related to the years and hours of dialysis (p = 0.007 and p = 0.000, respectively). The total score of the Athens Insomnia Scale was also significantly associated with age (p = 0.029), marital status (p = 0.015) and the years and hours of hemodialysis (p = 0.004 and p = 0.001, respectively). A statistically significant difference was recorded between the daily activity of patients with end-stage renal failure and their sleep quality (p = 0.000) Finally, the physical activity level of the participants was related to the existence of another physical health (p = 0.000) or mental health problem (p = 0.000). Conclusions: Hemodialysis patients with chronic, end-stage renal disease experience significant challenges in maintaining daily activities and are prone to sleep disorders. These findings suggest a need for integrated care strategies that address both physical function and sleep quality to improve the overall well-being of this population.

Delineation of Management Zones for Site‐Specific Soil Nutrient Management for Sustainable Crop Production

ABSTRACTSoil nutrients deficiencies are one of the major causes of soil degradation in different parts of World, adversely impacting crop production. Delineation of soil nutrients management zones (MZs) is one of the commonly used techniques for evaluating spatial distribution pattern of soil parameters for adoption of site‐specific nutrient management. We, therefore, conducted the present study to understand the spatial distribution pattern of soil nutrients and their associated soil properties, and to delineate soil nutrients MZs in a north‐western Indian Himalayan (NWIH) region. A total of 18,930 representative surface (0–15 cm depth) soil samples were collected and processed. The processed soil sample were analyzed for pH, and electrical conductivity (EC), soil organic carbon (SOC), available N (AN), available P (AP), available potassium (AK), exchangeable Ca (Ex. Ca), exchangeable Mg (Ex. Mg), available S (AS), available Zn (AZn), available Fe (AFe), available Cu (ACu), available Mn (AMn) and available B (AB). The values of studied soil parameters varied widely with coefficient of variation ranging from 11.8% to 156%. Semivariogram analysis revealed stable, exponential and Gaussian best‐fit models for different soil parameters with weak (AP and AB), moderate (rest of soil parameters) and strong (AS) spatial dependence. Varied distribution pattern of soil parameters was visualized from ordinary kriging interpolation. Five soil nutrient management zones (MZs) were identified (using fuzzy performance index and normalized classification entropy values) by employing the techniques of principal component analysis and fuzzy c‐means clustering. Principal components with Eigen value &gt; 1 were considered for further analysis. The soil parameters of identified MZs differed significantly. Thus, the study highlighted the usefulness of MZ delineation technique for site‐specific soil nutrient management in different cultivated areas for sustainable crop production. The developed MZ maps could suitably be used for efficient management of agronomic inputs especially fertilizer nutrients for improved environmental and economic efficiency.

Geo-statistical assessment of spatial variability of soil water-holding capacity for optimal irrigation under semi-arid vertisols in South India

Based on a field survey conducted in Lalgudi block, Tiruchirapalli district, Tamil Nadu, India, details about the crops grown, cropping pattern, land utilization and soil samples were collected from 20 locations under seven different soil textures of semi-arid vertisols. Using the data, efficient geostatistical models have been explored to study the spatial variation of irrigation water requirement of paddy, sugarcane and banana grown in the study area. Geostatistics was applied to identify the best interpolation method to acquire the spatial map of the available water holding capacity. Ordinary kriging and Disjunctive kriging were explored with six models viz., Circular, Spherical, Exponential, Gaussian, Penta-spherical and Sine-Hole effect models and were used for spatial prediction. The cross-validation statistics indicated that the Sine-Hole effect model with disjunctive kriging of available water holding capacity was superior for interpolation with a minimum value of RMSE and moderate spatial dependency. With the available water holding capacity map of Lalgudi block, total available water, readily available water and irrigation interval of paddy, sugarcane and banana were estimated. The irrigation interval of paddy, sugarcane and banana were found to vary between 1-2, 3-5 and 2-4 days respectively within Lalgudi block. The adoption of spatial algorithms for estimating crop water requirements would greatly help irrigation planners and water policymakers create efficient regional plans for precision irrigation under semi-arid vertisols.

7625 Functional and structural neuronal changes of dulaglutide compared to placebo during smoking cessation - a randomized placebo-controlled trial

Abstract Disclosure: C.O. Sailer: None. S. Lengsfeld: None. D. Coynel: None. F. Baur: None. K. Bologna: None. T. Vukajlovic: None. N.A. Jeanloz: None. C. Bathelt: None. D. Zanchi: None. M. Christ-Crain: None. B.F. Winzeler: None. Introduction: Nicotine activates reward-related brain regions and chronic cigarette smoking can lead to functional and structural neuronal changes. Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists (RAs), known for their anti-obesity effects, have emerged as potential treatments for addictive disorders. A pilot study of exenatide vs placebo revealed increased short-term smoking abstinence rates and reduce smoking craving. We previously reported the results of a clinical trial (n=255) investigating the effect of dulaglutide vs placebo on smoking cessation. Herein, we report the functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) results of a subset of participants. This substudy aimed to investigate the influence of dulaglutide on smoking craving, functional and structural neuronal changes of smokers aiming to quit smoking. Methods: This single-center, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial enrolled 71 participants with at least a moderate nicotine dependence, all committed to quitting smoking. Of these, 35 participants received 12 weeks dulaglutide 1.5mg, and 36 participants placebo, alongside varenicline treatment and behavioral counselling. An fMRI session was conducted at baseline and 12 weeks. The primary outcomes included smoking craving assessed on a visual analogue scale (VAS, range 0-7), differences in blood oxygen level dependent (BOLD) signal (whole brain and regions of interests, e.g., nucleus accumbens, amygdala, thalamus) and gray matter changes between sessions and groups when exposed to smoking and neutral video cues. Secondary outcomes assessed the above in quitters vs persistent smokers. Results: In line with the primary study findings, abstinence rates at 12 weeks were comparable in the dulaglutide (54%) and placebo (68%) groups (p=0.27). In a mixed effect model, smoking craving significantly decreased at 12 weeks vs baseline (-2.13 (95% CI -2.46, -1.80), p&amp;lt;0.001) and were lower for neutral vs smoking cues (-2.02 (-2.34, 1.70,), p&amp;lt;0.001). However, no significant inter-group difference was observed (-0.09 (-0.53, 0.33), p=0.65). Persistent smokers exhibited higher smoking craving at 12 weeks vs quitters (0.48 (0.06, 0.90), p=0.028), particularly when exposed to smoking cues (2.02 (1.70, 2.34), p&amp;lt;0.001). No significant differences were found in functional or structural analyses between interventions or smoking status. Conclusions: The smoking cessation intervention led to a significant reduction in smoking craving at 12 weeks without in-between group differences in behavioral, functional, or structural outcomes. Our findings challenge the hypothesis that GLP-1 RAs modulates smoking craving and behavior. It is plausible that a potential GLP-1 effect might have been masked by varenicline treatment and the unexpectedly high abstinence rate in the placebo group. Future studies should explore more potent GLP-1 RAs or dual agonists. Presentation: 6/1/2024

Cross-jurisdictional analysis and forecasting of North American nuclear fuel inventory using a standardized unit

This study fills the noted gap in comparative analyses of spent nuclear fuel (SNF) by assessing inventories from two key nuclear power regions, the USA and Canada, using a comprehensive analytical framework and standardized data from 2009 to 2021. In the USA, SNF inventory increased by 14.7 % in fuel assembly weight and 47 % in residual heavy metal content compared to Canada, in line with their use of light water reactors. Canada's SNF production is directly correlated to its nuclear power output, influenced by the lower burnup of natural uranium fuel used in CANDU reactors (R2 = 0.57; p-value < 0.05) while the USA shows insignificant correlation, likely due to a variety of reactor types and higher burnup rates (R2 = 0.008; p-value > 0.05). Further, the study identifies a strong negative correlation between uranium mine production and SNF inventory in the USA, indicating a reliance on imports amidst negligible domestic mining. In contrast, Canada also exhibits moderate negative dependency due to its position as a major uranium exporting jurisdiction. The obtained negative correlations with coal rents in both countries indicate a shift towards more nuclear energy use, impacting economic growth and energy patterns. The developed predictive models indicate a higher future SNF increase in Canada than in the USA. These findings are essential for planning the transition from temporary to permanent SNF disposal, ensuring safe long term management of radioactive waste.

Assessing the Sustainability of Agricultural Bioenergy Potential in the European Union

The present study aims to assess the sustainability of bioenergy potential from agriculture in the European Union in the period 2012–2021, with a particular focus on material flow and emissions management, bioenergy and recycling impacts, while assessing the potential of bioenergy from agriculture and analyzing the degree of self-sufficiency and import dependency in the biomass economy. While biomass has significant potential in the EU energy transition, its use is accompanied by challenges related to sustainability, carbon neutrality, efficiency and economic viability. Using a quantitative approach based on official statistical data, this research tracked the evolution of biomass imports, exports, domestic extraction and consumption, providing a comprehensive picture of the stability and adaptability of the biomass economy in the European Union. The results indicate a steady increase in domestic extraction and a stability in consumption, reflecting a high capacity of the European Union to manage biomass resources; thus, the degree of self-sufficiency has been high throughout the period, with a moderate dependence on imports, showing an adaptable economy. The conclusions suggest that in order to maintain this stability, the European Union must continue to develop balanced economic and environmental policies that support the sustainable use of biomass and contribute to the energy transition and environmental objectives.

The transepicondylar distance is a reliable and easily measured parameter for estimating femoral cartilage surface area using MRI.

Different cartilage repair techniques are widely used to regenerate cartilage, such as autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI), osteochondral autograft transfer, microfracturing and minced cartilage. Defect size is a key parameter for selecting the best procedure to repair cartilage. However, the defect's size is not related to the patient's total cartilage surface. This is because assessing the femoral cartilage surface area is time-consuming and therefore unsuitable in the daily clinical routine. It has been proposed that the femur's total cartilage area correlates positively with the transepicondylar distance (TEA). The knees of 40 subjects were analysed. Their average age was 30.1 ± 8.6 years. Twenty-four female and 16 male subjects were examined. Their mean body height was 176.2 ± 8.8 cm. MRI scans were performed via 3-Tesla MRI. These data were postprocessed and quantified using the browser-based, customizable SATORI platform (Fraunhofer MEVIS). This software computed the femoral cartilage surface area (FeCA), the patella cartilage surface area (PCA), the TEA and the patella length. Body height reveals a good correlation (r = 0.722, p < 0.001) with the distal femur's cartilage area surface. However, regression analysis shows only moderate dependence (R2: 0.514). A very good correlation (r = 0.830, p < 0.001) was observed between the TEA distance and the total cartilage surface area of the distal femur. The regression analysis yields a good value (R2: 0.684). The cranio-caudal length of the patella was chosen as a suitably measurable two-dimensional parameter for correlation analysis with the patella's total cartilage surface area. Those results yield a poor correlation (r = 0.577, p < 0.001) between the two parameters, and regression analysis reveals a low value (R2: 0.384). The TEA is a reliable parameter for estimating the femur's cartilage area using MRI. A simple determination of this parameter allows the estimation of the femur's total cartilage area as well as the surface-corrected defect size (SCDS) in daily routine. Level II.

Collective risk models with FGM dependence

ABSTRACT We study copula-based collective risk models when the dependence structure is defined by a Farlie-Gumbel-Morgenstern (FGM) copula. By leveraging a one-to-one correspondence between the class of FGM copulas and multivariate symmetric Bernoulli distributions, we find convenient representations for the moments and Laplace-Stieltjes transform for the aggregate random variable defined from collective risk models with FGM dependence. We examine different components of this collective risk model, aiming to better understand the impact of the assumed dependence between a claim's frequency and severity. Relying on stochastic ordering, we analyze the impact of dependence on the aggregate claim amount random variable. Even if the FGM copula may only induce moderate dependence, we illustrate through numerical examples that the cumulative effect of FGM dependence can lead to substantial variations in key risk measures on aggregate random variables defined from collective risk models.

An effective model for the tidal disruption of satellites undergoing minor mergers with axisymmetric primaries

According to the hierarchical formation paradigm, galaxies form through mergers of smaller entities and massive black holes (MBHs), if present at their centers, migrate to the nucleus of the newly formed galaxy, where they form binary systems. The formation and evolution of MBH binaries, and in particular their coalescence timescale, is highly relevant for current and future facilities aimed at detecting the gravitational wave signal produced by the MBHs close to coalescence. While most of the studies targeting this process are based on hydrodynamic simulations, the high computational cost makes a complete parameter space exploration prohibitive. Semianalytic approaches represent a valid alternative, but they require ad hoc prescriptions for the mass loss of the merging galaxies in minor mergers due to tidal stripping, which is not commonly considered or is at best modelled assuming very idealised geometries. In this work we propose a novel, effective model for the tidal stripping in axisymmetric potentials, to be implemented in semi-analytic models. We validated our semi-analytic approach against N-body simulations considering different galaxy sizes, inclinations, and eccentricities, finding only a moderate dependence on the orbit eccentricity. In particular, we find that, for almost circular orbits, our model mildly overestimates the mass loss, and this is due to the adjustment of the stellar distribution after the mass is removed. Nonetheless, the model exhibits a very good agreement with simulations in all the considered conditions, and thus represents an extremely powerful addition to semi-analytic calculations.

THE EFFECT OF SARCOPENIC OBESITY AND VISUAL IMPAIRMENT ON BASIC FUNCTIONAL ACTIVITY

Age-associated cataracts and diabetic retinopathy in combination with sarcopenic obesity, formed mainly against the background of physical inactivity due to vision deficiency, potentially contribute to a decrease in patients' activity in daily life, but the latter has not been studied practically by special tests taking into account visual impairment. Objective. Assess the impact of diabetic retinopathy and cataracts on the daily activities of elderly patients with sarcopenic obesity. Materials and methods. The study involved 128 patients aged 60–74 years with cataracts and sarcopenic obesity and 125 patients of the same age with diabetic retinopathy and sarcopenic obesity. All patients underwent a comprehensive clinical and instrumental ophthalmological examination. The appropriate criteria presented in the clinical guidelines were used in the diagnosis of cataracts and diabetic retinopathy. Sarcopenia was determined by the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in older people scale, supplemented by carpal dynamometry, and obesity was determined by body mass index. Results. A more significant effect of cataracts combined with sarcopenic obesity, causing complete dependence on others (12,18 scores) in daily life activities, was found than the effect of diabetic retinopathy combined with sarcopenic obesity, causing moderate dependence (10,18 scores) (p&lt;0.01). Patients of the compared groups also have statistically significant differences in all types of activities in everyday life, including leading ones – threading a needle and cutting nails. In particular, restrictions on threading into a needle in patients with cataracts and sarcopenic obesity have 1,84±0,03 scores, which is significantly higher than in patients with diabetic retinopathy and sarcopenic obesity (p 0,01). A similar pattern has been established for nail clipping, the limits for which are 1,75±0,03 and 1,43±0,04 scores, respectively. However, the following ranking places of the considered limitations of activity in everyday life differ statistically significantly, and in the third position in patients with cataracts and sarcopenic obesity is self–writing (1,68±0,04 scores), and in patients with diabetic retinopathy and sarcopenic obesity – reading the text (1,38±0,03 scores) (p&lt;0,01). The fourth rank also differs when in patients with cataracts and sarcopenic obesity it corresponds to reading the text (1,53±0,04 scores), and in patients with diabetic retinopathy and sarcopenic obesity – writing the text (1,32±0,02 scores) (p&lt;0,01). Factor analysis of the effect of cataracts combined with sarcopenic obesity and diabetic retinopathy combined with sarcopenic obesity showed the greatest factor load in both groups on the formation of dependence on others when threading a needle (0,829 and 0,572, respectively) and when performing nail clipping (0,807 and 0,469, respectively), however, the effect of cataracts and sarcopenic obesity on The development of limitations of these types of activities in everyday life is more significant than diabetic retinopathy and sarcopenic obesity. Conclusion. Among the considered age-associated ophthalmic diseases in the elderly, cataracts combined with sarcopenic obesity significantly limit the activity of patients in everyday life.

Effect of the Heaviness of Smoking Index (HSI) and Duration of Smoking on Central Neural Processing Using Brainstem Auditory Evoked Responses (BAERs).

Purpose of study The goal of this research was to find the correlation of nicotine dependence and duration of smoking with the status of central neuronal processing in chronic smokers. Our primary objective was to record brainstem auditory evoked responses (BAERs) in chronic smokers and further find their correlation to the Heaviness of Smoking Index (HSI) scores and years of non-abstained smoking of the subjects. We postulated that smoking leads to myelination abnormalities which in turn causes decreased impulse conduction velocity. Methods After obtaining informed consent, we conducted BAER on 60 male smokers who were further classified into groups based on their HSI scores (low, moderate, and high nicotine dependency) and 20 age-matched, non-smoking males. The obtained data was examined using the two-way ANOVA test and the Kruskal-Wallis test. Pearson's coefficient of correlationand the median (as a measure of central tendency) were calculated. Results We observed a non-significant negative correlation between wave I BAER latency and the degree of nicotine dependence. Wave II showed minimal correlation, whereas a positive correlation was seen in waves III, IV, and V. Interpeak latencies (IPL) I-III and III-V showed a non-significant positive correlation with the HSI score, whereas IPL I-V showed a significant positive correlation with the same. When correlated with the duration of smoking (years), the latencies (msec) of BAER waves I-V showed a pattern of progressively decreasing negative correlation, out of which waves I, II, and III were significantly affected. The IPL (msec) of waves I-III was non-significantly, yet positively, correlated, while the IPL of waves I-V and III-V showed a significant positive correlation to the duration of smoking. Conclusions The degree of nicotine dependence and duration of tobacco smoking progressively affected the latencies of BAER waves at the pontomedullary level of the brainstem. This indicates slower central neuronal processing at this level and an increased central transmission time, the extent of which is directly dependent on the extent of tobacco smoking. This is attributed to the myelination defects caused by direct and indirect effects of the toxic metabolites of tobacco smoke, chronic hypoxia, hypercapnia, and respiratory acidosis.

Are NaTFSI and NaFSI Salt-Based Water-in-Salt Electrolytes Structurally Similar or Different?

Water-in-salt electrolytes (WiSEs) are a promising class of electrolytes due to their wide electrochemical stability window and nonflammability. In this study, we explore the structural organization of sodium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide (NaTFSI) and sodium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide (NaFSI) salt-based aqueous electrolytes, covering dilute to highly concentrated regions, by employing an all-atom molecular dynamics simulation. For the NaTFSI-based electrolyte, we observe that Na+ ions are mostly surrounded by water molecules at all the salt concentrations due to the very strong interaction between them. While TFSI anions weakly coordinate with Na+ ions and other TFSI anions, they also mostly prefer to be surrounded by water molecules. These interactions were found to have moderate dependence on the concentration of the NaTFSI salt. For the NaFSI-based electrolyte, while the Na+-water interaction is stronger at lower salt concentrations, the number of nearest neighbor FSI anions is found to be more than that of water at higher concentrations (≥20 m). This is because the increase in the salt concentration leads to expulsion of water molecules from the solvation shell of Na+ ions and enhances the interaction between Na+ ions and oxygen atoms of FSI. At the highest salt concentration (solubility limit), the bulk-like water structure is completely disrupted and dominated by an anionic network in the FSI-based electrolyte. In contrast, water-water hydrogen bonding network is still present even in the highly concentrated TFSI-based electrolyte. The simulated X-ray scattering pattern displays a low-q peak, revealing the presence of an intermediate range ordering due to alternating anion-rich and water/Na+-rich regions in both the electrolytes. However, the characteristic length scale corresponding to the low-q peak decreases with increasing the salt content in both the electrolytes.

Associations of demographic and tobacco use characteristics with young adults’ self-reported clinical encounters: Implications for cessation efforts

IntroductionAccelerating smoking cessation, particularly among young adults, is a national priority for decreasing tobacco-related disease. Healthcare providers play a critical role in delivering tobacco treatment interventions to this population. This study examined associations of demographic and tobacco use characteristics with young adults’ self-reported past-year clinical encounters to identify opportunities to facilitate cessation. MethodsWe conducted cross-sectional, secondary analyses on a sample of 831 young adults aged 18–34 participating in the first wave of the National Young Adult Health Survey (NYAHS 2018–2019). Demographic and tobacco use characteristics were participants’ sex, age, race, current cigarette use, and current other tobacco use. Clinical encounter outcomes were past-year self-report of (1) seeing a clinician, (2) being asked about tobacco use, and among those currently smoking, (3) being advised to quit smoking. ResultsAfter adjustment for covariates, women (vs. men) had 2.16 times greater odds of reporting seeing a clinician, while Non-White (vs. White) young adults and those currently (vs. never) smoking had 69% and 47% lower odds. Women and those currently smoking had 2.98 and 2.66 times greater odds, respectively, of being asked about tobacco use. Among those who currently smoked, being not confident (vs. confident) about quitting smoking was associated with 69% lower odds of being advised to quit; those who reported moderate (vs. low) nicotine dependence had 3.11 times higher odds of being advised to quit. ConclusionsSex, racial, and smoking status differences in young adults’ clinical encounter outcomes suggest multiple opportunities for future smoking prevention and cessation intervention efforts.

Predictive Mapping of Soil Micronutrients Using Geographic Information System for Site Specific Management Interventions in a Semiarid Farm, India

Deficiency of soil micronutrients has an adverse impact on crop productivity in intensive agriculture. Plant availability, spatial pattern and distribution of soil micronutrients such as iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) content in surface soils were evaluated for an agricultural farm in semiarid region of India. Other soil properties viz. soil pH, electrical conductivity (EC), soil organic carbon (SOC) content and equivalent calcium carbonate (CaCO3) content at the farm were also analysed to depict the soil chemical environment, controlling micronutrient availability. Plant available micronutrient contents within farm soils had very high data variability (coefficient of variation &gt;30%). Soil available micronutrients content were negatively correlated with soil pH and positively correlated with SOC content. As per semivariogram analysis, plant available Fe, Mn, Zn and Cu content within farm soils had moderate spatial dependency as indicated by nugget to sill ratio between 0.30 and 0.50 and had spatial parameter ranges of 404, 801, 954 and 1529 m, respectively. Prediction map of plant available Fe content by inverse distance weightage (IDW) method showed a few patches of iron deficiency (&lt; 4.50 mg kg-1) and a marginal level (4.50 - 9.00 mg kg-1). Spatial distribution map of plant available Zn content through lognormal ordinary kriging method indicated a patch of marginal Zn level (0.60 - 1.20 mg kg-1) within the farm soils. Farm scale spatial variability maps of plant available Mn and Cu content, generated by ordinary kriging method with good accuracy and effectiveness, indicated its adequate level with respect to crop nutrition. The spatial distribution maps of soil available micronutrients content for the farm could be served as reference for its precise and site specific management for intensive crop cultivation, higher productivity and profitability.

New insights on the interannual surface mass balance variability on the South Shetland Islands glaciers, northerly Antarctic Peninsula

Few studies have assessed a comprehensive understanding of how the seasonal and interannual variability and trends of the surface mass balance (SMB), including the influence of atmospheric river (ARs), are governed by the climate on the South Shetland Islands (SSI) glaciers located in the northerly Antarctic Peninsula (AP). To address this gap, we comprehensively analyzed the correlations and regressions between seasonal and annual SMB with regional to global climate indices and a state-of-the-art AR tracking database from 1980 to 2019. The daily and monthly SMB was obtained from two physical glaciological models, which was verified against 19 years of annual and seasonal glacier-wide SMB observations available in three glaciers (Johnsons, Hurd, and Bellingshausen), showing a good ability to capture interannual and seasonal variability. Results indicate a low dependence of the SMB on main atmospheric modes of variability (e.g., El Niño-Southern Oscillation and the Southern Annular Mode), and a moderate dependence on regional climate indices based on atmospheric pressure anomalies and sea surface temperature anomalies over the Drake Passage. Furthermore, our findings reveal that ARs have different effects on the SMB depending on the season. For example, winter ARs tend to boost accumulation due to increased snowfall, while summer ARs tend to intensify surface melting due to increased sensible heat flux. Our study highlights the Drake Passage as a key region that has the potential to influence the interannual and seasonal variability of the SMB and other climate variables, such as air temperature and snowfall over the SSI. We suggest that future work should consider this region to better understand the past, present and future climate changes on the SSI and surrounding areas.

Nicotine Use Frequency and Addiction among Medical Students

Objective: Evaluating the rate of smoking and factors associated with nicotine addiction in university students will provide targetoriented interventions for students. For this reason, this study aims to measure the frequency of nicotine use and nicotine dependence and related factors among medical students. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, an online questionnaire about nicotine use frequency and dependence was sent to a state university’s medical students via mobile phones. No sample size was calculated, instead, the study aimed to reach a total of 1522 medical students. The Fagerström Nicotine Dependence Test was used to measure nicotine dependence levels. p&lt; .05 was considered as statistically significance level. Results: Of the students, 79.3% (n=306) were non-smokers, 14.7% (n=57) were smokers and 6.0% (n=23) of the students were ex-smokers. Male students, students not living with their families, students with a higher income, and those having at least one smoking parent had statistically significantly higher smoking rates (p&lt; .05). According to the Fagerström Test, of the smoking students, 63.2% (n=36) had low nicotine dependency, 33.3% (n=19) had moderate nicotine dependency, and 3.5% (n=2) showed high nicotine dependency. Conclusion: Smoking rates were high in medical students, despite the medical knowledge related the negative health outcomes. And students had high level of nicotine dependence. Further studies are needed about the strategies on the prevention of smoking among medical students.

PCA and fuzzy clustering-based delineation of soil nutrient (S, B, Zn, Mn, Fe, and Cu) management zones of sub-tropical Northeastern India for precision nutrient management

Understanding the spatial distribution of plant available soil nutrients and influencing soil properties and delineation soil nutrient management zones (MZs) are important for implementing precision nutrient management options (PNMO) in an area to achieve maintainable crop production. We assessed spatial distribution pattern of plant available sulphur (S) (PAS), boron (B) (PAB), zinc (PAZn), manganese (PAMn), iron (PAFe), and copper (PACu), and soil organic carbon (SOC), pH, and electrical conductivity (EC) to delineate soil nutrients MZs in northeastern region of India. A total of 17,471 representative surface (0–15 cm depth) soil samples were collected from the region, processed, and analysed for above-mentioned soil parameters. The values of PAS (0.22–99.2 mg kg−1), PAB (0.01–6.45 mg kg−1), PAZn (0.05–13.9 mg kg−1), PAMn (0.08–158 mg kg−1), PAFe (0.50–472 mg kg−1), PACu (0.01–19.2 mg kg−1), SOC (0.01–5.80%), pH (3.19–7.56) and EC (0.01–1.66 dS m−1) varied widely with coefficient of variation of 15.5–108%. The semivariogram analysis highlighted exponential, Gaussian and stable best fitted models for soil parameters with weak (PACu), moderate (PAB, PAZn, PAFe, SOC, pH, and EC) and strong (PAS, and PAMn) spatial dependence. The ordinary kriging interpolation revealed different distribution patterns of soil parameters. About 14.8, 27.5, and 3.40% area of the region had PAS of ≤15.0 mg kg−1, PAB of ≤0.50 mg kg−1, and PAZn of had ≤0.90 mg kg−1, respectively. About 67.5, and 32.5% area had SOC content >1.00 and < 1.00%, respectively. Soil pH was ≤5.50, and >5.50 to ≤6.50 in 41.7 and 40.3% area of the region, respectively. The techniques of principal component analysis and fuzzy c-mean algorithm clustering produced 6 MZs of the region with different areas and values of soil parameters. The MZs had different levels of deficiency pertaining to PAS, PAB, and PAZn. The produced MZ maps could be used for managing PAS, PAB, PAZn, SOC and soil pH in order to implement PNMO. The study highlighted the usefulness of MZ delineation technique for implementation of PNMO in different cultivated areas for sustainable crop production.

Comparative Study of Outcome in Cessation Therapy of Smoked Form of Tobacco and Factors Affecting It Using Tablet Bupropion or Nicotine Replacement Therapy

Background: Tobacco use is one of the major causes of preventable deaths and diseases in India. Standard treatment used in tobacco use disorder can be broadly categorized as nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) and nonnicotine pharmacotherapy. Aims: The aim of this study was to compare the outcome of tobacco cessation in subjects using the smoked form of tobacco, using tablet bupropion or NRT, and to assess various factors influencing the outcome. Settings and Design: Twelve-week follow-up study was conducted in patients of tobacco use disorder attending the outpatient department of psychiatry in a tertiary care teaching institute for a duration of 12 months, after permission from the institutional ethical committee. Materials and Methods: Hundred subjects were taken as per the inclusion criteria. After obtaining the general sociodemographic data, the severity of tobacco dependence was assessed by Fagerstrom Scale at baseline, 2 weeks, 4 weeks, 8 weeks, and 12 weeks after assigning intervention (tablet bupropion or NRT) of their choice. Statistical Analysis Used: SPSS software is used for statistical analysis. Pearson correlation, analysis of variance, and multiple regression analysis were done and P &lt; 0.05 was considered to be significant. Results and Conclusion: NRT works better in all groups of patients having mild, moderate, or severe tobacco dependence, whereas bupropion works better in groups of patients having moderate-to-severe tobacco dependence.