Regular Users Research Articles

Associations between prediagnostic aspirin use and ovarian tumor gene expression.

Aspirin use has been associated with reduced ovarian cancer risk, yet the underlying biological mechanisms are not fully understood. To gain mechanistic insights, we assessed the association between prediagnosis low and regular-dose aspirin use and gene expression profiles in ovarian tumors. RNA sequencing was performed on high-grade serous, poorly differentiated, and high-grade endometrioid ovarian cancer tumors from the Nurses' Health Study (NHS), NHSII, and New England Case-Control Study (n = 92 cases for low, 153 cases for regular-dose aspirin). Linear regression identified differentially expressed genes associated with aspirin use, adjusted for birth decade and cohort. False discovery rates (FDR) were used to account for multiple testing and gene set enrichment analysis was used to identify biological pathways. No individual genes were significantly differentially expressed in ovarian tumors in low or regular-dose aspirin users accounting for multiple comparisons. However, current versus never use of low-dose aspirin was associated with upregulation of immune pathways (e.g., allograft rejection, FDR = 5.8 × 10-10 ; interferon-gamma response, FDR = 2.0 × 10-4 ) and downregulation of estrogen response pathways (e.g., estrogen response late, FDR = 4.9 × 10-8 ). Ovarian tumors from current regular aspirin users versus never users were also associated with upregulation in interferon pathways (FDR <1.5 × 10-4 ) and downregulation of multiple extracellular matrix (ECM) architecture pathways (e.g., ECM organization, 4.7 × 10-8 ). Our results suggest low and regular-dose aspirin may impair ovarian tumorigenesis in part via enhancing adaptive immune response and decreasing metastatic potential supporting the likely differential effects on ovarian carcinogenesis and progression by dose of aspirin.

Scientific opinion on the tolerable upper intake level for vitamin D, including the derivation of a conversion factor for calcidiol monohydrate.

Following two requests from the European Commission (EC), the EFSA Panel on Nutrition, Novel Foods and Food Allergens (NDA) was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the revision of the tolerable upper intake level (UL) for vitamin D and to propose a conversion factor (CF) for calcidiol monohydrate into vitamin D3 for labelling purposes. Vitamin D refers to ergocalciferol (vitamin D2), cholecalciferol (vitamin D3), and calcidiol monohydrate. Systematic reviews of the literature were conducted to assess the relative bioavailability of calcidiol monohydrate versus vitamin D3 on serum 25(OH)D concentrations, and for priority adverse health effects of excess vitamin D intake, namely persistent hypercalcaemia/hypercalciuria and endpoints related to musculoskeletal health (i.e. falls, bone fractures, bone mass/density and indices thereof). Based on the available evidence, the Panel proposes a CF for calcidiol monohydrates of 2.5 for labelling purposes. Persistent hypercalciuria, which may be an earlier sign of excess vitamin D than persistent hypercalcaemia, is selected as the critical endpoint on which to base the UL for vitamin D. A lowest-observed-adverse-effect-level (LOAEL) of 250 μg/day is identified from two randomised controlled trials in humans, to which an uncertainty factor of 2.5 is applied to account for the absence of a no-observed-adverse-effect-level (NOAEL). A UL of 100 μg vitamin D equivalents (VDE)/day is established for adults (including pregnant and lactating women) and for adolescents aged 11-17 years, as there is no reason to believe that adolescents in the phase of rapid bone formation and growth have a lower tolerance for vitamin D compared to adults. For children aged 1-10 years, a UL of 50 μg VDE/day is established by considering their smaller body size. Based on available intake data, European populations are unlikely to exceed the UL, except for regular users of food supplements containing high doses of vitamin D.

Associations between regular cannabis use and brain resting-state functional connectivity in adolescents and adults.

Cannabis use is highly prevalent in adolescents; however, little is known about its effects on adolescent brain function. Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging was used in matched groups of regular cannabis users (N = 70, 35 adolescents: 16-17 years old, 35 adults: 26-29 years old) and non-regular-using controls (N = 70, 35 adolescents/35 adults). Pre-registered analyses examined the connectivity of seven major cortical and sub-cortical brain networks (default mode network, executive control network (ECN), salience network, hippocampal network and three striatal networks) using seed-based analysis methods with cross-sectional comparisons between user groups and age groups. The regular cannabis use group (across both age groups), relative to controls, showed localised increases in connectivity only in the ECN analysis. All networks showed localised connectivity differences based on age group, with the adolescents generally showing weaker connectivity than adults, consistent with the developmental effects. Mean connectivity across entire network regions of interest (ROIs) was also significantly decreased in the ECN in adolescents. However, there were no significant interactions found between age group and user group in any of the seed-based or ROI analyses. There were also no associations found between cannabis use frequency and any of the derived connectivity measures. Regular cannabis use is associated with changes in connectivity of the ECN, which may reflect allostatic or compensatory changes in response to regular cannabis intoxication. However, these associations were not significantly different in adolescents compared to adults.

NPAideS: a drug-checking study among 3-methylmethcathinone (3-MMC) users

Background3-methylmethcathinone (3-MMC) has been available on the European drug market for several years, but an increase in its availability seems to have occurred around 2020, associated with reports of harm and death. We aimed to analyze the composition of the supposed 3-MMC samples purchased and its concordance with the assumed composition of the drug.MethodsA prospective multicenter (n = 6) study was conducted between February 2021 and September 2021 in Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes, France. The inclusion criteria were: 3-MMC users over 18 years of age in contact with a community-based organization (CBO) called AIDES. Consumption was evaluated with an anonymized questionnaire and samples of 3-MMC powder were analyzed with a combination of qualitative (GC–MS) and quantitative methods (UPLC-MS/MS), to compare the assumed and real compositions of the products purchased.ResultsWe studied 45 samples provided by 33 users. The study population was predominantly male (91%), with a median age of 40 years, most were university graduates and regular users of 3-MMC. Intravenous drug use was reported by 15.2% of the population. Most of the users bought their 3-MMC online via the Clear Web. Drug testing was requested by 86% of the users, highlighting the need for this type of harm reduction strategy. The purity of the 3-MMC powder samples tested ranged from 21 to 98%. Other NPS drugs, such as 4-CEC (4-chloroethcathinone), 4-MMC, and 2-fluorodeschloroketamine (2-FDCK), supplied as methoxphenidine (MXP), were also detected.ConclusionThis prospective study shows that 3-MMC purity and dose vary considerably. It also describes the characteristics of 3-MMC users and their expectations of a drug-checking program. Our data suggest that drug-checking services may be useful in this population. Health associations and laboratories should work together to help increase access to such programs.

Survey of Premium Versus Large Manufactured Cigars Use in U.S. Consumers.

An Internet questionnaire was used to determine smoking behavior, purchasing behavior, and risk perceptions among exclusive or nearly exclusive current users of either large manufactured (LMC) or premium cigars (PC). Respondents (n = 250) were recruited from a nationally representative market research panel. An a priori designation of PC users was adapted from criteria in published literature and the recent National Academy of Science report. Examination of responses revealed a (n = 19) disagreement between cigar users' self-classifications and the a priori classification. After eliminating ineligible respondents 188 participants were classified as PC (n = 92; 55 male) or LMC (n = 96; 49 male) users. There were no significant differences in age or gender between groups. Respondents were all over 21 years old. The largest age groups were 30-39 years and 60-69 years. PC users were significantly more likely to have higher annual incomes and to buy cigars online or through tobacco specialty shops, whereas LMC users purchased from convenience stores. Most participants had used other combustible tobacco products (88%) but few had used ENDS (24%) or oral tobacco (7.5%). There was no significant difference in the frequency of smoke inhalation or perceptions of risk for health. There was marked uncertainty in self-characterization of cigar type; our sample had higher female representation than expected (n = 84, 45%), and inhalation was frequently endorsed in both groups (52%, overall). The results support the need for standardized classifications and suggest current trends may indicate shifts in gender and use behavior but provide no evidence supporting less restrictive regulation of PC. An Internet questionnaire was used to determine smoking behavior, purchasing behavior, and risk perceptions among current users of LMC or PC. There was uncertainty about cigar classification even in this sample of regular users. Our results demonstrated more than expected inhalation of cigar smoke, considerable use by females, and under appreciation of health risks. No results supported less restrictive regulations for premium cigars.

Pengembangan Sistem Informasi Pariwisata Berbasis Web Dengan Pendekatan Fuzzy AHP Sebagai Fitur Utama Dalam Rekomendasi Paket Wisata di Kabupaten Badung

Badung Regency, Bali is one of the famous tourist destinations in Indonesia that offers a variety of attractive tourist attractions. However, the lack of organized information access and the deficiency in selecting travel packages that suit user preferences can be obstacles in maximizing the tourism potential in the region. This research aims to develop a web-based tourism information system with a Decision Support System (DSS) feature using the Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) method in Badung Regency, Bali. The system is developed using the SDLC development method with a waterfall approach, which functions to provide information access about tourism objects, including their names, categories, photos, and descriptions. The main feature is the DSS that assists users in selecting travel packages based on their preferences, using five criteria: price, number of attractions, duration, popularity, and rating. The system also supports multi-level access for regular users and admin users responsible for creating posts and travel packages.

An analysis of differences in behaviors and practices of security-conscious users and regular users on mobile devices

PurposeThis study aims to investigate the differences in security-conscious (group A) and regular (group B) users’ behaviors and practices on mobile devices.Design/methodology/approachA survey was used to investigate the differences in behaviors and practices of security-conscious users (group A) and regular users (group B) on mobile devices. Each group will have 50 participants for a total of 100.FindingsThe analysis revealed differences in the behaviors and practices of security-conscious and regular users. The results indicated that security-conscious users engage in behaviors and practices that are more secure on mobile devices when compared with regular users.Research limitations/implicationsThe results will help recommend the best behaviors and practices for mobile device users, increasing mobile device security.Social implicationsThe results will help society to be more aware of security behaviors and practices on mobile devices.Originality/valueThis study answers the call for addressing the weaknesses and vulnerabilities in mobile device security. It develops a research instrument to measure the differences in behaviors and practices of security-conscious and regular mobile device users.

Effects of an urban cable car intervention on physical activity: the TrUST natural experiment in Bogotá, Colombia

Cable cars are part of the transport system in several cities in Latin America, but no evaluations of their effects on physical activity are available. TransMiCable is the first cable car in Bogotá, Colombia, and the wider intervention includes renovated parks and playgrounds. We assessed the effects of TransMiCable and the wider intervention on physical activity. The Urban Transformations and Health natural experiment was a prospective quasi-experimental study conducted from Feb 1, 2018, to Dec 18, 2018 (baseline, pre-intervention) and from July 2, 2019, to March 15, 2020 (post-intervention follow-up) in the TransMiCable intervention area (Ciudad Bolívar settlement) and a control area without TransMiCable (San Cristóbal settlement). A multistage strategy was used to sample households in each area, with one adult (aged ≥18 years) per household invited to participate. Eligible participants had lived in the intervention or control areas for at least 2 years and were not planning to move within the next 2 years. Physical activity was assessed among participants in the intervention and control areas before and after the inauguration of TransMiCable in Ciudad Bolívar with the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (long form) and with wearable accelerometers. Complete cases (those with baseline and follow-up data) were included in analyses. Respondents were classed as being physically active if they met 2020 WHO guidelines (≥150 min per week of moderate activity, ≥75 min per week of vigorous activity, or equivalent combinations); and accelerometery data were classified with the Freedson cut-points for adults. Data were also gathered in zonal parks (area ≥10 000 m2) and neighbourhood parks (area <10 000 m2) in the intervention and control areas by direct observation with the System for Observing Play and Recreation in Communities, to assess levels of physical activity before and after the TransMiCable intervention. Multilevel regression models were used to assess changes in physical activity associated with the TransMiCable intervention. Physical activity questionnaires were completed by 2052 adult participants (1289 [62·8%] women and 763 [37·2%] men; mean age 43·5 years [SD 17·7]) before the inauguration of TransMiCable. After the inauguration, the follow-up (final) questionnaire sample comprised 825 adults in the intervention group and 854 in the control group, including 357 adults in the intervention group and 334 in the control group with valid accelerometery data. 334 (40·5%) of 825 participants in the intervention group reported levels of physical activity that met the 2020 WHO guidelines during walking for transport before the intervention, and 426 (51·6%) afterwards (change 11·1 percentage points [95% CI 6·4 to 15·9]). A similar change was observed in the control group (change 8·0 percentage points [3·4 to 12·5]; adjusted odds ratio [OR] for the time-by-group interaction, intervention vs control group: 1·1 [95% CI 0·8 to 1·5], p=0·38). Time spent doing moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, measured with accelerometers, did not change in the intervention group after the inauguration of TransMiCable (change -0·8 min per day [-4·6 to 3·0]) and did not change compared with the control group (adjusted β for the time-by-group interaction: 1·4 min per day [95% CI -2·0 to 4·9], p=0·41). Moderate-to-vigorous physical activity was 52·1 min per day (SD 24·7) before and 59·4 min per day (35·2) after the inauguration of TransMiCable in new regular users who reported using TransMiCable during mandatory trips for work or education (n=32; change 7·3 min per day [-22·5 to 7·9]). After the intervention, an increase in the proportion of male individuals engaging in moderate or vigorous physical activity was observed in a renovated zonal park (adjusted OR for the time-by-group interaction, intervention vs control park: 2·7 [1·1 to 6·8], p=0·033). Female users of a renovated neighbourhood park were less likely to become engaged in moderate or vigorous physical activity than female users of the control area neighbourhood park (adjusted OR for the time-by-group interaction: 0·4 [0·1 to 0·6], p=0·019). It is encouraging that walking for transport remained high in the TransMiCable intervention area when the use of private motorised transport had increased elsewhere in Bogotá. In low-income urban areas, where transport-related walking is a necessity, transport interventions should be focused on efforts to maintain participation in active travel while improving conditions under which it occurs. Wellcome Trust (as part of the Urban Health in Latin America project); Bogotá Urban Planning Department; Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation of Colombia; Universidad de Los Andes; Fundación Santa Fe de Bogotá; and Universidad del Norte. For the Spanish translation of the abstract see Supplementary Materials section.

Running High: Cannabis Users' Subjective Experience of Exercise During Legal Market Cannabis Use Versus No Use in a Naturalistic Setting.

Background: The use of cannabis with various forms of exercise (e.g., running) has received increased media attention in recent years, contradicting the popular stereotype that cannabis is associated with sedentary behavior. Although cross-sectional evidence suggests a positive association between cannabis use and exercise engagement, to date, the acute effects of cannabis on exercise remain unclear. Methods: The present within-subjects crossover study compared participants' experiences of running after ad libitum use of legal market cannabis (cannabis run) to running without cannabis (non-cannabis run) in a real-world setting. Participants (n=49) were cannabis users between the ages of 21 and 49 years (mean=30.82, standard deviation [SD]=6.21). The majority of participants were male (61.5%) and non-Hispanic White (81.6%). Results: Participants (n=49) ran an average of 3.88 miles (SD=2.28) during their cannabis and non-cannabis runs. Although participants ran an average of 31 seconds/mile slower during their cannabis run, this difference was not statistically significant (p=0.12). Participants reported experiencing (1) less negative affect (p=0.03), (2) greater feelings of positive affect (p<0.001), tranquility (p=0.004), enjoyment (p=0.004), and dissociation (p=0.001), and (3) more runner's high symptoms (p<0.001) during their cannabis (vs. non-cannabis) runs. Participants also reported lower pain levels after their cannabis (vs. non-cannabis) run (p=0.03). Perceived exertion did not differ between runs (p=0.33). Cannabis form, cannabinoid content, and feelings of "high" were largely unrelated to participants' experience of exercise while under the influence of cannabis. Conclusions: Results suggest that acute cannabis use may be associated with a more positive exercise experience among regular cannabis users. Research using varied methodologies, a range of exercise modalities, and diverse populations is needed to establish the long-term harms and benefits associated with this behavior, as well as the generalizability of these findings to other populations and settings.

Do we really need two sessions?: The use of a structured interview as a trauma cue reactivity paradigm.

Derived from classical conditioning theory and rooted in motivational mechanisms, cue reactivity paradigms (CRPs) are used in addictions research to measure participants' propensities for substance-relevant responses (e.g., craving) during exposure to substance-relevant cues (e.g., drug paraphernalia). CRPs are also useful in PTSD-addiction comorbidity research, allowing the study of affective and substance-relevant responses to trauma cues. However, studies using traditional CRPs are time-consuming with high attrition rates due to repeat testing. Thus, we sought to test whether a single session semi-structured trauma interview could serve as a CRP in terms of eliciting theorized cue exposure effects on craving and affect measures. Fifty regular cannabis users with trauma histories provided detailed descriptions of their most traumatic lifetime experience, and a neutral experience, according to an established interview protocol. Linear mixed models examined the effect of cue type (trauma vs. neutral) on affective and craving responses. As hypothesized, the trauma interview elicited significantly greater cannabis craving (and alcohol craving among the drinkers), and, greater negative affect among those with more severe PTSD symptoms, compared to the neutral interview. Results suggest an established semi-structured interview may function effectively as a CRP for use in trauma and addictions research.

A strong story to tell: Top ten mistakes by administrators

The sudden shift to remote working has left businesses at a far higher risk of cyberattacks, largely due to their corporate infrastructure being exposed to new external attack vectors and threats. Although cybercriminals worldwide used the global COVID-19 crisis to spread their wings on an unprecedented scale, there are possibilities and ideas that administrators and regular users can come up with. This paper deep-dives into the top ten mistakes related to remote work security, different situations hackers can create to be able to access the company's information by overusing the situation, and solutions and approaches companies can implement to create a safe workplace. This topic is crucial for all cloud/identity admins, as it showcases problems with identity that can be found in almost every organisation, which most probably will be a part of the IT reality for many years to come.

Creating relevant content using machine learning methods

Today, users generate various data when working on the Internet. As a result, there are large amounts of different information. This information can be useful for both regular users and large com-panies. One of the problems with the use of accumu-lated information is its crude, unstructured nature. In addition, different user groups do not need the entire data set, but their own target sample. To solve this problem, various software tools have been developed today. This work is devoted to solving the problem of creating relevant information sets from large arrays of data for its further use by the target audience. Goal. The development of big data analysis systems is carried out to obtain new, previously unknown information. The methodology of applying algo-rithms of work with large data sets and methods of machine learning is used, namely the pandas library for operations on a data set and logistic regression for information classification As a result, a system was built that allows the analysis of lexical infor-mation, translate it into numerical format and create on this basis the necessary statistical samples. The originality of the work lies in the use of specialized libraries of data processing and machine learning to create data analysis systems. The practical value of the work lies in the possibility of creating data analy-sis systems built.

EXPLORING EFFECTS OF MOBILE APPLICATIONS ON ENGLISH VOCABULARY LEARNING AND ACQUISITION

The current research aims to explore the effects of mobile applications (apps.) on English lexis learning. This paper explored the interests of learners in mobile apps., especially in the English vocabulary learning process, and investigated the efficacy of mobile apps in their academic environment. It also observes that Interactive use of technology is showing effectiveness in the performances of the learners. This study adopted a quantitative approach, using a questionnaire that consists of 20 items. 150 students from the English department of National University of Modern Languages (NUML) contributed to this study who were regular users of mobile phones and apps. The data was analyzed by the SPSS program through frequency and mean deviation. The study concludes that it becomes easier for the students to learn vocabulary proficiently when vocabulary is accessible in numerous ways such as Pictures, Definition, Sound, etc. Findings also showed that it is easier for the participants, to learn vocabulary by apps, because it provides them visuals which leave a long lasting impact on their memory. Investigation also proved that the majority of the participants considered learning vocabulary through mobile app an enjoyable experience. Keywords: Mobile Applications, English Vocabulary Learning and Acquisition, Interactive use of Technology.

EXPLORING EFFECTS OF MOBILE APPLICATIONS ON ENGLISH VOCABULARY LEARNING AND ACQUISITION

The current research aims to explore the effects of mobile applications (apps.) on English lexis learning. This paper explored the interests of learners in mobile apps., especially in the English vocabulary learning process, and investigated the efficacy of mobile apps in their academic environment. It also observes that Interactive use of technology is showing effectiveness in the performances of the learners. This study adopted a quantitative approach, using a questionnaire that consists of 20 items. 150 students from the English department of National University of Modern Languages (NUML) contributed to this study who were regular users of mobile phones and apps. The data was analyzed by the SPSS program through frequency and mean deviation. The study concludes that it becomes easier for the students to learn vocabulary proficiently when vocabulary is accessible in numerous ways such as Pictures, Definition, Sound, etc. Findings also showed that it is easier for the participants, to learn vocabulary by apps, because it provides them visuals which leave a long lasting impact on their memory. Investigation also proved that the majority of the participants considered learning vocabulary through mobile app an enjoyable experience. Keywords: Mobile Applications, English Vocabulary Learning and Acquisition, Interactive use of Technology.

BT25 A survey of users of a regional dermatology advice and guidance service

Abstract Electronic advice and guidance (A&amp;G) was implemented in our trust in April 2016. Referrals to this service steadily increased with weekly requests up to 313 (average 261) in 2022. We noticed that, increasingly, requests were being sent from allied health professionals or junior medical staff often for quite rudimentary dermatology. A survey was constructed to understand who is using our service, their level of dermatology training, whether there is discussion prior to sending A&amp;G and to examine user satisfaction. A survey link comprising 16 questions was attached to A&amp;G replies within a 12-week period from October 2022. In total, 144 responses were received. Most responders were regular users of the service, with 20% sending over six requests a month. Of those responding, 94 were fully trained general practitioners (GPs), with the others a mix of junior doctors, nurses and allied health professionals. Only 27.8% of referrers had discussed the case within primary care prior to sending the request; this included one-third of non-GPs. Levels of formal dermatology training among requestors are low, with 10.4% stating they have no formal dermatology training and 35.4% having training only within primary care. Eighty-five per cent stated they would like more dermatology training. Our department has developed online management guidelines for use in primary care. While 75.7% of those responding were aware of these guidelines, only 30.3% looked at these prior to sending the A&amp;G request. Most requesters found the A&amp;G process very easy, and 99.3% felt they received a satisfactory A&amp;G response. Only 28.4% of requests were converted to a referral. Additional comments from the responders were universally positive with the service repeatedly described as ‘excellent’. We have created an easy-to-use, valued and quick service, but this creates extra work within secondary care if cases are not discussed locally before requesting specialist input. Many may not have been referred to secondary care prior to electronic A&amp;G being established. We will discuss the issues this presents and ways we can address this to ensure we are providing the optimal A&amp;G service for those who really need it.

A randomized controlled trial of brief intervention for patients with cannabis use disorder.

Effective interventions for cannabis use disorders are fairly limited. The present randomized controlled trial (RCT) aimed to compare the reduction in cannabis use (number of days cannabis used) with brief intervention and simple advice in patients with cannabis use disorder. This non-blinded and parallel two-group RCT included 100 male patients with cannabis use disorder. A semi-structured pro forma and severity of dependence scale (SDS) were used. Participants were then randomized to either of the two arms (brief intervention and simple advice) in a 1:1 ratio. Cannabis use patterns and SDS scores were assessed over the phone at week 4, week 8, and week 12. The two groups were comparable in sociodemographics and cannabis use characteristics. Participants in both groups were using cannabis for 30 days in the past month before enrolment. The brief intervention group had a lesser number of days of cannabis use vis-a-vis the simple advice group at 4, 8, and 12 weeks. There was a significant time effect for change in SDS scores (F = 30.629, P < 0.001), but the group effect was not significant (F = 0.379, P = 0.541). In this population of regular cannabis users, brief intervention may be useful in reducing cannabis usage. It can be integrated into routine assessments and management of those with regular use of cannabis.

Kratom use disorder and unfolded protein response: Evaluating their relationship in a case control study.

Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa Korth.) is widely use worldwide despite its addictive potential. Although psychostimulant use has been linked to occurrence of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, data is lacking on how regular kratom use affects ER stress. This case-control study first determined differences in ER stress sensor protein expression (BiP, sXBP1, ATF4, CHOP, JNK, and p-JNK) between regular kratom users and healthy controls. Second, it evaluated the association between kratom use characteristics, targeted ER stress sensor protein expression, and "kratom use disorder" diagnosed with Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders 5th Edition (DSM-5) among regular kratom users. In total, 60 regular kratom users and 50 healthy control-group participants were recruited and administered a sociodemographic and clinical characteristics questionnaire. While participants who used kratom were also administered a kratom use characteristics questionnaire. Blood samples were collected from all participants, and targeted ER stress sensor protein expression was determined via Western blot analysis. The study's findings revealed first that kratom users registered significantly higher protein expression in all targeted ER stress sensors compared to the control group. Second, higher protein expression of CHOP (B = 5.061, standard error [SE] = 2.547, Wald = 3.948, adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 5.382, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.071 to 9.656, p = 0.047) and p-JNK (B = 5.795, SE = 2.635, Wald = 4.544, AOR = 17.025, 95% CI = 1.395 to 24.123, p = 0.017) increased the odds of kratom use disorder occurrence. Kratom use characteristics and other ER stress sensor protein expression were not associated with kratom use disorder. Regular kratom use may induce protracted ER stress, leading to the decompensation of the unfolded protein response to maintain ER homeostasis. This effect may be linked to kratom use disorder occurrence.

P-462 The current status of female reproductive health and preconception behaviour in the UK: cross-sectional data from over 135,145 Hertility users

Abstract Study question We sought to characterise the reproductive health of a large cohort of UK-based women to assess the lifestyle of those who were trying to conceive Summary answer The vast majority were experiencing one or more symptoms and a substantial number of women who were trying to conceive were leading an unfavourable lifestyle. What is known already Data regarding the prevalence of female reproductive health conditions within the UK is outdated, heterogeneous and often collected from cohorts unrepresentative of the current background population. Recent evidence suggests 31% of UK-based women experience at least one severe reproductive health symptom annually (Public Health England, 2018), however this data was also collected from a small population. Furthermore, although guidance regarding the optimisation of fertility in those trying to conceive (TTC) is available, the uptake of lifestyle changes to preconception behaviour regarding smoking, recreational drug use, alcohol consumption, body weight and physical activity is unknown. Study design, size, duration A cross-sectional study was conducted on 135,145 women who were &amp;gt;18 years old and completed a health assessment for Hertility, an at-home women’s health testing service available in the UK, between September 2020 and January 2023. Participants/materials, setting, methods Data was collected from women who completed a free virtual health assessment (VHA) on Hertility’s website consisting of up to 24 questions assessing the user’s demographics, lifestyle and medical history. The number of questions presented to the user differed depending on their archetype and only the most recent VHA data was analysed from registered users who completed it multiple times. Counts, means and percentages of completed VHAs were calculated using R software. Main results and the role of chance Of 135,145 users, the most common pre-existing reproductive health conditions reported were polycystic ovary syndrome (12.0%, n = 16,181), endometriosis (4.0%, n = 5,393), fibroids or uterine polyps (3.0%, n = 4,092), pelvic inflammatory disease (1.8%, n = 2,387) and premature ovarian insufficiency (0.2%, n = 311). The majority of all users (80.5%, n = 108,833) reported currently experiencing one or more symptoms indicative of an underlying reproductive or thyroid health condition, most commonly: fatigue (48.5%, n = 65,593), irritability (35.1%, n = 47,426), acne (30.4%, n = 41,071), feeling cold often (30.4%, n = 41,071) and irregular periods (26.7%, n = 36,108). Of the 26.2% (n = 35,352) who reported they were actively TTC, 45.6% (n = 12,920) were consuming alcohol on a weekly basis, 28.1% (n = 9,667) were regular or occasional smokers and 8.4% (n = 2,876) were regular or occasional recreational drug users. Additionally, 3.9% (n = 1,351) and 38.9% (n = 13,541) had a body mass index (BMI) of &amp;lt; 18.5 or &amp;gt; 30 kg/m2 respectively and 12.1% (n = 4279) were not physically active. Limitations, reasons for caution As all data was self-reported, there is a risk of recall bias and false reporting. As the users who completed the VHA were seeking a reproductive healthcare service, there is likely a bias in the selection criteria of study participants. Additionally, users were given limited answer options to select from. Wider implications of the findings UK-based women are receiving inadequate symptom management and preconception counselling, evidenced by the majority of users experiencing one or more active symptoms of a reproductive or thyroid health condition and a substantial number TTC who have BMIs and/or lifestyle behaviour(s) associated with decreased conception and live birth rates. Trial registration number not applicable

Exclusive Therapeutic Use of Cannabis in a Large Sample of Daily Cannabis Users in France: A Cross-Sectional Survey

ABSTRACT Many cannabis users report therapeutic benefits from cannabis consumption, even when not recommended by a physician. To date, few data on therapeutic users of cannabis in France are available. Using a cross-sectional survey held in 2020, we collected sociodemographic, health and substance use data from 4150 daily cannabis users in France. We used multivariable logistic regression to assess factors associated with exclusive therapeutic use of cannabis. Approximately 10% (n = 453) of the participants reported using cannabis exclusively for therapeutic purposes. Exclusive therapeutic users of cannabis differed from non-exclusive (i.e. recreational and mixed) users, especially regarding age (aOR [95%CI] = 1.01 [1.00–1.02]), employment (aOR = 0.61 [0.47–0.79]), urban area of residence (aOR = 0.75 [0.60–0.94]), physical (aOR = 2.95 [2.34–3.70]) and mental health condition (aOR = 2.63 [1.99–3.49]), mode of cannabis administration (non-smoked, aOR = 1.89 [1.22–2.95); smoked with little tobacco, aOR = 1.39 [1.09–1.76]), frequency of cannabis use (aOR = 1.04 [1.01–1.06]), home cultivation (aOR = 1.56 [1.13–2.15]), at-ridsk alcohol use (aOR = 0.68 [0.54–0.84]), and previous-month opiate use (aOR = 1.67 [1.22–2.30]). A greater understanding of the distinct profiles of regular cannabis users could inform harm reduction strategies and care access for this population. Further studies are needed to better understand the boundaries between therapeutic and recreational use.

Metabolic Syndrome Comprises of Altered Lipid, Carbohydrates, and Protein Metabolism: Leading Cause of Oxidative Stress

Metabolic syndrome comprises of altered lipid, carbohydrates, and protein metabolism causing increase synthesis of reactive oxygen species (ROS) which interact with blood low density lipoprotein (LDL) particles. This interactive phenomenon develops coronary artery disease (CAD) causing hypertension, congestive cardiac failure, cardiac arrhythmias, and heart attack. Preventive measures for CAD include avoiding sedentary life style, cession of cigarette smoking, taking unhealthy bakery foods and taking hypolipidemic agents. In allopathy hypolipidemic agents include statins, fibrates, niacin and psyllium husk. Because these drugs have mild to severe adverse effects, medicinal herbs having hypolipidemic characteristics are replacing allopathic agents. Ginger is one of those medicinal herbs. We have tried to prove how much ginger can reduce LDL-C, TC, and body weight in hyperlipidemic patients. Our research work was single blind and placebo-controlled study. The study was conducted at National Hospital, Lahore, Pakistan from July to November 2016. 65 male, female hyperlipidemic patients were selected from the OPD of the Hospital. Their age range was 25 years to sixty years. Chain smokers, regular alcohol users, and patients suffering from any liver, kidney, and gastrointestinal illnesses were excluded from the study. They were divided equally ie 30 patients in each group. Group-I was tested group and Group-II was placebo group. Their baseline lipid profile, and body weight was determined in pathology laboratory of the hospital and was kept in their personal file. Serum TC (total cholesterol) by calorimetric (enzymic) method. Blood LDL-cholesterol was calculated by Friedwald formula5 ie; LDL-cholesterol = TC-(TG/5) + HDL-cholesterol. 30 patients of group-I were advised to take 5 grams ginger’s pasted-powder in divided doses for the period of three months. 30 patients of group-II were advised to take one capsule (placebo capsule filled with 30 mg of grinded wheat) 8 hourly daily for the period of three months. They were advised to come at hospital for follow up fortnightly. After three months therapy their lipid profile and body weight was redetermined by same method as above. Data were expressed as mean ± SD/SEM (standard deviation/ standard error of mean). Paired t-test was used to determine SS (statistical significance) in pre and post-treatment mean values. P-values greater than 0.05 were labeled as non-significant difference in two groups (pre-treatment and post treatment mean values). Lesser than 0.05 value (p-value) was considered as significant change in two groups. Lesser than 0.001 value was labeled as highly significant change in two groups (pre-treatment and post treatment groups).