Risk Behavior Assessment Research Articles

Low incidence and prevalence of hepatitis C in two cohorts of HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis adherence interventions in men who have sex with men in Southern California.

HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) has been associated with incident hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in men who have sex with men (MSM) due to decreased condom use. We examined rates of HCV among MSM and transgender women at high-risk of HIV on PrEP in Southern California using data from two trials (NCT01761643 and NCT01781806). Five of 599 participants (0.84%, 95% CI, 0.27-1.93) had HCV antibodies detected at entry. Factors associated with HCV seropositivity included being older (p=.002) and lower education level (p<.001). HCV-positive participants had no reported cases of sexually transmitted infection (rectal, urethral or pharyngeal gonorrhoea and/or chlamydia) at entry while HCV-negative participants had a prevalence of 18% (95% CI, 15%-21%). There were no significant differences in substance use and sexual risk behaviour between HCV-positive and HCV-negative participants 1-3months prior to entry. Among early PrEP adopters, incident HCV did not occur despite ongoing condomless intercourse. Screening intervals for HCV in MSM on PrEP should be led by a risk behaviour assessment.

Heavy metal leaching behaviour and long-term environmental risk assessment of cement-solidified municipal solid waste incineration fly ash in sanitary landfill

Cement solidification is a commonly used pre-treatment method for municipal solid waste incineration fly ash (MSWIFA) prior to sanitary landfill. However, the long-term environmental risk of cement-solidified MSWIFA blocks in the exposed scenario of zoning sanitary landfill remains unclear. In this study, the leaching characteristics of different heavy metals in cement-solidified MSWIFA blocks under deionized water and acid rain scenarios were firstly investigated. The leaching control mechanisms of heavy metals were also explored and applied to established mechanical models for the estimation of long-term environmental risk. Results revealed that Pb leaching from cement-solidified MSWIFA blocks was controlled by diffusion; Cu, Cr and As leaching was mainly controlled by surface wash-off and diffusion; and Ni leaching was mainly controlled by diffusion and dissolution. Additionally, the established bulk diffusion, first-order reaction/diffusion and diffusion/dissolution models could accurately fit the abovementioned three types of heavy metals with different leaching control mechanisms (R2 > 0.95). Under acid rain scenarios， according to the prediction results of the calibrated models, the cumulative leaching amount of Pb in 718 d was higher than the limit in GB16889-2008, the cumulative leaching amount of Cu, Cr, As and Ni did not exceed the limit in GB 16889-2008 even in 50 years. Therefore, the long-term environmental risk was relatively high for Pb but was low for Cu, Cr, As and Ni in cement-solidified MSWIFA blocks. This finding could be attributed to the strong alkali environment of cement-solidified MSWIFA blocks (pH > 12) that induced Pb salts (e.g. Pb(OH)2 and PbSO4) dissolution. Therefore, the removal of partially soluble Pb salts from freshly made cement-solidified MSWIFA blocks by water or natural rainwater (e.g. without final cover system) washing in the initial landfilling stage (e.g. the leachate drainage system remains functional) is an effective countermeasure to reduce the environmental risks in zoning sanitary landfill.

Reported non-compliance with pre-donation screening among blood donors in Québec, Canada: A focus on the 3-month deferral for men who have sex with men.

In Québec (Canada), the donation deferral for men who have sex with men (MSM) has recently been shortened to 3 months. Whether this change impacted compliance with pre-donation screening is unknown. We assessed compliance with the disclosure of male-to-male sex and other behavioural risk factors for HIV amid this change. Québec residents who donated from 14 July 2020 to 30 November 2020 were invited to participate in an online survey. Donors were informed that the survey was optional and anonymous. Survey questions were those used for routine pre-donation screening. Rates of reported non-compliance were weighted based on several characteristics. Of 21,918 contacted donors, 7113 (32.45%) participated. Among male participants (N=3347), six (0.27% [95% confidence interval (CI)=0.09%-0.44%]) were not compliant with a 3-month MSM deferral. Among female participants (N=3766), two (0.06% [95% CI=0.00%-0.13%]) were not compliant with a 3-month deferral for sex with a man who had male-to-male sex ≤12 months. Other risk factors exhibited similar or lower rates of reported non-compliance. Reported non-compliance with a 3-month MSM deferral and the disclosure of other HIV behavioural risk factors was low. These results warrant the investigation of behavioural donor risk assessment approaches to further improve the inclusiveness of blood donation.

Dissipation Behavior and Acute Dietary Risk Assessment of Thiamethoxam and Its Metabolite Clothianidin on Spinach.

Thiamethoxam and its metabolite clothianidin residues pose a potential threat to human health. This study aims to investigate the residue behavior and acute dietary risk assessment of thiamethoxam and clothianidin on spinach. Thiamethoxam and clothianidin were extracted using a quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, safe (QuEChERS) method and analyzed using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). At spike levels from 0.01 to 5 mg kg−1, the average recoveries of both analytes were in the range of 94.5–105.5%, with relative standard deviations (RSDs) of 3.8–10.9%. The dissipation behavior of thiamethoxam followed first-order kinetics, with half-lives of ≤1.6 days. Clothianidin appeared readily as a plant metabolite with highest level exhibited during 3 to 5 days after application. Temperature and light may be two main factors for degradation of thiamethoxam. Besides, acute risk assessment of thiamethoxam and clothianidin was evaluated with risk quotients (RQs) <100%, which suggested a low health risk for all consumer groups of Chinese residents.

Multisite study of Aggressive Behavior Risk Assessment Tool in emergency departments.

ObjectiveViolence is a major preventable problem in emergency departments (EDs), and validated screening tools are needed to identify potentially violent patients. We aimed to test the utility of the Aggressive Behavior Risk Assessment Tool (ABRAT) for screening patients in the ED.MethodsA prospective cohort study was conducted among adult and pediatric patients aged ≥10 years visiting 3 emergency departments in Michigan between May 1, 2021, and June 30, 2021. Triage nurses completed the 16‐item checklist using electronic health records (EHRs), and the occurrence of violent incidents were collected before ED disposition. A multivariate logistic regression model was applied to select a parsimonious set of items.ResultsAmong 10,554 patients, 127 had ≥1 violent incidents (1.2%). The regression model resulted in a 7‐item ABRAT for EDs, including history of aggression and mental illness and reason for visit, as well as 4 violent behavior indicators. Receiver operating characteristics analysis showed that the area under the curve was 0.91 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.87–0.95), with a sensitivity of 84.3% (95% CI, 76.5%–89.9%) and specificity of 95.3% (95% CI, 94.8%–95.7%) at the optimal cutoff score of 1. An alternative cutoff score of 4 for identifying patients at high risk for violence had a sensitivity and specificity of 70.1% and 98.9%, respectively.ConclusionThe ABRAT for EDs appears to be a simple yet comprehensive checklist with a high sensitivity and specificity for identifying potentially violent patients in EDs. The availability of such a screening checklist in the EHR may allow rapid identification of high‐risk patients and implementation of focused mitigation measures to protect emergency staff and patients.

Occurrence, partition behavior, source and ecological risk assessment of nitro-PAHs in the sediment and water of Taige Canal, China

Nitrated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (NPAHs) are widespread organic pollutants that possess carcinogenic and mutagenic properties, so they may pose a risk to the environment and human health. In this study, the concentrations of 15 NPAHs and 16 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in 30 surface water samples and 26 sediment samples were measured in 2018 from the Taige Canal, one of the main rivers flowing into Taihu Lake, China. The total NPAH concentrations in water and sediment ranged from 14.7 to 235 ng/L and 22.9 to 96.5 ng/g dw, respectively. 9-nitrophenanthrene (nd–76.3 ng/L) was the dominant compound in surface water, while 2+3-nitrofluoranthene (1.73–18.1 ng/g dw) dominated in sediment. Among PAHs, concentration ranging from 1,097 to 2,981 ng/L and 1,089 to 4,489 ng/g dw in surface water and sediment, respectively. There was a strong positive correlation between the log octanol-water partition coefficient (Kow) and log sediment-water partition coefficient due to hydrophobic interaction. The fugacity fraction value increased with the decrease of log Kow, and chrysene was transferred from water into sediment. The residual NPAHs in surface water and sediment of the Taige Canal have partial correlation. Diesel engine and coal combustion emissions were probably the principal sources of NPAHs in surface water and sediment. The results of ecological risk assessment showed that some NPAHs in water (e.g, 1-nitropyrene and 6-nitrochrysene) and sediment (e.g., 2-nitrobiphenyl, 5-nitroacenaphthene, 9-nitrophenanthrene and 2+3-nitrofluoranthene) had moderate ecological risks, which should be of concern.

The Propensity to Risky Behaviour and Subjective Risk Assessment Among Selected Groups of Divers

Abstract In this study, it was assumed that the propensity to risk behavior is a relatively persistent feature of an individual’s behavior. A person prone to risk, having the choice of taking a risky or cautious behavior, usually chooses to choose a risky behavior. The level of propensity to risk is related to the perception of the size of the threat and the motivational tendency to risk behavior. Risk management, and therefore managing your own safety, is a skill that is particularly important among people who undertake activities with a high level of risk. These include all underwater activities. The aim of the research was to find an answer to the question of whether there is a relationship between the level of risk behavior and the subjectively assessed risk in diving? Also, are there differences between different groups of divers in terms of risk behavior? 112 divers from public services (military formations, police, PSP) participated in the study, of which the results of 67 people were finally analyzed. The Ryszard Student’s Risk Behavior Test, the Makarowski Risk Acceptance Scale and the proprietary subjective risk assessment questionnaire were used. It has been shown that among all professional groups of divers, the group of policemen is more prone to risky behaviors than the other groups. No other dependencies have been confirmed.

Measurement of primary care providers' suicide prevention skills following didactic education.

Almost half of individuals who die by suicide have had contact with primary care (PC) services within 1month of their death. PC providers must be able to assess and manage patients' suicidal ideation, intent, and behaviors. When didactic training is provided to providers, it is assumed that their requisite skills are well developed. The current study assessed observed skills following high-quality online didactics. Medical residents and nurse practitioner (NP) trainees (n=127) participated in online didactic training as part of their education program, followed by a standardized patient interaction conducted to assess demonstrated suicide prevention skills (i.e., assessment of risk factors, protective factors, suicidal ideation and behavior, safety planning). Participants demonstrated only about 50% of the possible total skills in most domains and were least competent in assessing potential risk for suicide. Regression analyses showed that residents were rated significantly higher than NPs on observed skills. Personal experience with suicide was not associated with any observed skills. Baseline knowledge scores were positively associated with some skills while elapsed days since completion of didactics were negatively associated with skills. Didactics were insufficient for building suicide-specific assessment skills among physicians and nurses in advanced training.

Razumijevanje rizičnih ponašanja djece: Perspektive odgajatelja i stručnih suradnika dječjeg vrtića

The overall aim of this paper is to investigate, describe, and compare the understanding of the concept of risk behaviors in preschool-aged children from two perspectives (preschool teachers’ and expert associates’ perspectives). The paper presents the results of a qualitative analysis of focus groups with preschool teachers and expert associates from 31 kindergartens in Rijeka who provided a description and interpretation of their understanding of the concept of risk behaviors in children with whom they worked or are currently working. For the analysis of the focus group transcript, we applied a thematic analysis according to Clarke and Braun (2013), which isolated two topics: “phenomenology and criteria for assessing risk behaviors” and “etiological factors.” Among the described phenomena and assessment criteria, preschool teachers and expert associates provided similar responses: forms/types of risk behaviors as well as general and specific criteria for assessing risk behaviors. Among the etiologic factors, they notice factors in all ecological areas and the child himself. The results showed a relative alignment of the two perspectives, while certain specifics in both topics can be recognized between preschool teachers and professionals, which is likely due to the differences in their initial education. The contribution of the work is in considering risky behaviors of kindergarten children and their perception by the professionals who work with them and, in practical terms, in the implication of joint team and coordinated action and individual approach to each child and family in the prevention and intervention of behavioral problems. Key words: child; early and preschool age; emotional-behavioral problems EBD; kindergarten; risk behaviors

Utility of a Machine-Guided Tool for Assessing Risk Behavior Associated With Contracting HIV in Three Sites in South Africa: Protocol for an In-Field Evaluation.

BackgroundMobile technology has helped to advance health programs, and studies have shown that an automated risk prediction model can successfully be used to identify patients who exhibit a high probable risk of contracting human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). A machine-guided tool is an algorithm that takes a set of subjective and objective answers from a simple questionnaire and computes an HIV risk assessment score.ObjectiveThe primary objective of this study is to establish that machine learning can be used to develop machine-guided tools and give us a deeper statistical understanding of the correlation between certain behavioral patterns and HIV.MethodsIn total, 200 HIV-negative adult individuals across three South African study sites each (two semirural and one urban) will be recruited. Study processes will include (1) completing a series of questions (demographic, sexual behavior and history, personal, lifestyle, and symptoms) on an application system, unaided (assistance will only be provided upon user request); (2) two HIV tests (one per study visit) being performed by a nurse/counselor according to South African national guidelines (to evaluate the prediction accuracy of the tool); and (3) communicating test results and completing a user experience survey questionnaire. The output metrics for this study will be computed by using the participants’ risk assessment scores as “predictions” and the test results as the “ground truth.” Analyses will be completed after visit 1 and then again after visit 2. All risk assessment scores will be used to calculate the reliability of the machine-guided tool.ResultsEthical approval was received from the University of Witwatersrand Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC; ethics reference no. 200312) on August 20, 2020. This study is ongoing. Data collection has commenced and is expected to be completed in the second half of 2021. We will report on the machine-guided tool’s performance and usability, together with user satisfaction and recommendations for improvement.ConclusionsMachine-guided risk assessment tools can provide a cost-effective alternative to large-scale HIV screening and help in providing targeted counseling and testing to prevent the spread of HIV.Trial RegistrationSouth African National Clinical Trial Registry DOH-27-042021-679; https://sanctr.samrc.ac.za/TrialDisplay.aspx?TrialID=5545International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)DERR1-10.2196/30304

Brief intervention to prevent HIV, STI and unintended pregnancies: preliminary results of a feasibility study from the perspective of healthcare providers in Peru

BackgroundBrief interventions have proven to be valuable instruments for the treatment and care of clients with diverse health needs, due to their potential to impact both the individual and the population. In this regard, the Brief Sexuality-Related Communication (BSC) is presented as a viable and effective alternative for addressing sexual and reproductive health problems, assessing risk behaviors and motivating clients to generate behavioral change. Since health providers are key actors in treatment and prevention, it is essential to know their perceptions about the BSC intervention, as well as its acceptability in different contexts, with diverse client populations. Thus, the following paper reflects the findings of the perceptions and experiences of health providers in Peru from the first phase of the Feasibility study of a BSC intervention to prevent STIs and unintended pregnancies.MethodsThis is the first phase of a multisite and multiphase study of the feasibility of a BSC intervention. We conducted twenty in-depth interviews (IDI) with health care providers (physicians, obstetricians, psychologists, nurses and peer counselors) recruited from three health care institutions in Peru: The Tahuantinsuyo Bajo Maternal and Child Center (CMI) and the San José Maternal and Child Center, both located in the capital city, Lima; and La Caleta Hospital located in Chimbote, northern coast of Peru. Participating health providers included those working at the HIV/STI Reference service and the family planning/reproductive health service. The IDI addressed three domains: 1) Acceptability of the BSC intervention; 2) Perceived willingness to implement the BSC intervention; and 3) Considerations for the Implementation of the BSC intervention.ResultsHealth providers expressed high acceptance of the BSC intervention, considering it as a useful and effective instrument to address sexual and reproductive health problems with all clients; however, some providers had some concerns about the real impact of the intervention to achieve significant behavior change. On the other hand, health providers showed high willingness to learn and implement the BSC intervention, affirming their commitment to learn new techniques and strategies that could allow them to improve their knowledge and the quality of their care. Health care providers consider it necessary to take into account the barriers that arise in the implementation of the BSC intervention, such as the structural limitations to access, the providers’ abilities to deliver the intervention effectively, and the participants’ reception of the intervention. Finally, providers consider it essential to establish the BSC intervention in a normative framework that allows it to receive the support of the health departments and eventually enforces implementation.ConclusionsHealth providers consider the BSC intervention as an interesting and exciting behavioral intervention to deal with the sexual and reproductive health issues existing in different populations, and seemed highly willing to adapt and implement it, hoping that it become beneficial to all client populations to prevent HIV/STIs and unintended pregnancies.

Sex differences in risk behavior parameters in adolescent mice: Relationship with brain-derived neurotrophic factor in the medial prefrontal cortex

Adolescence is as a period of development characterized by impulsive and risk-seeking behaviors. Risk behaviors (RB) involves exposure to dangerous or negative consequences to achieve goal-directed behaviors, such as reward-seeking. On the other hand, risk aversion/assessment behaviors allow the individual to gather information or avoid potentially threatening situations. Evidence has suggested that both behavioral processes, RB and risk assessment (RA), may have sex-differences. However, sex-specific behavioral patterns implicated in RB and RA are not fully understood. To address that, we investigated sex differences in risk-behavioral parameters in a decision-making task developed for rodents. In addition, we investigated the potential role of sex-dependent differences in gene expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) exon IV in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), which has been implicated to mediate PFC-related behavioral dysfunctions. Male and female C57BL/6J adolescent mice were evaluated in the elevated plus-maze (EPM) to assess anxiety-like behaviors and in the predator-odor risk taking (PORT) task. The PORT task is a decision-making paradigm in which a conflict between the motivation towards reward pursuit and the threat elicited by predatory olfactory cues (coyote urine) is explored. After behavioral testing, animals were euthanized and BDNF exon IV gene expression was measured by RT-qPCR. Comparative and correlational analyses for behavioral and molecular parameters were performed for both sexes. We observed that female mice spent more time exploring the middle chamber of the PORT apparatus in the aversive condition, which is an indicative of avoidance behavior. Female mice also had a higher latency to collect the reward than male mice and presented less time exploring the open arms of the EPM. BDNF exon IV gene expression was higher among females, and there was a positive correlation between the BDNF and PORT behavioral parameters. Our findings suggest sex-dependent effects in the PORT task. Females presented higher RA and avoidance behavior profile and expressed higher levels of BDNF exon IV in the mPFC. Moreover, higher BDNF expression was correlated with RA behaviors, which suggests that adolescent females tend to evaluate the risks more than adolescent males and that BDNF gene expression may be mediating decision-making processes.

Sexually transmitted infections epidemiology and risk assessment at the main correctional facility in Malta (2017-2019).

Inmates suffer from mental and physical ailments combined with substance misuse and addiction which are often underreported or disregarded by sufferers, for fear of being stigmatized. This vulnerable group has complex medical and psychosocial needs and hence gathering data is essential for a holistic approach to care. Understanding the interplay between sexually transmitted (STIs) and blood borne infections, substance misuse and mental health is essential to enable targeted interventions and outreach programmes. The aim was to analyse the occurrence of STIs, hepatitis and tuberculosis in inmates at the main custodial facility in Malta; to assess risk behaviours and vulnerabilities through an outreach programme; to offer treatment and referral and to develop recommendations for screening of prison inmates. A mixed methodology study was used which involved analysis of health data pooled from the Genitourinary Clinic (GUC) and Corradino Correctional Facility (CCF) in Malta. In the study period, 206 inmates were tested for STIs, 67.9% males, aged between 14 and 72. Only 27% were not sexually active in the 6 months prior to testing. Among those sexually active, 31% had had sex with casual partners and 43% had never used condoms for sexual intercourse. Seventy-five percent admitted to drug use. The most common STI diagnosed was HPV (16.5%), followed by syphilis (5.8%). Genital dermatoses were also frequent (9.2%). The prevalence of Hepatitis C was high (24.5%), in relation to intravenous drug use. The authors advocate for more collaboration between sexual health clinics and prisons to address educational interventions and STIs' testing. Cultural and linguistic barriers should be considered when devising national health strategies and screening recommendations in custodial settings. Adequate follow-up should extend into the community setting once inmates leave the prison to ensure a continuum of care.

Creating ethics guidelines for artificial intelligence and big data analytics customers: The case of the consumer European insurance market

SummaryThe European Union (EU) has a strong reputation and track record for the development of guidelines for the ethical use of artificial intelligence (AI) generally. In this paper, we discuss the development of an AI and ethical framework by the European Insurance and Occupational Pensions Authority (EIOPA), for the European insurance market. EIOPA's earlier report on big data analytics (EIOPA, 2019) provided a foundation to analyze the complex range of issues associated with AI being deployed in insurance, such as behavioral insurance, parametric products, novel pricing and risk assessment algorithms, e-service, and claims management. The paper presents an overview of AI in insurance applications throughout the insurance value chain. A general discussion of ethics, AI, and insurance is provided, and a new hierarchical model is presented that describes insurance as a complex system that can be analyzed by taking a layered, multi-level approach that maps ethical issues directly to specific level(s).

Dissipation behaviour and safety risk assessment of a ready-mix formulation of clomazone and 2,4-D in rice field under tropical agro-climatic conditions of India

ABSTRACT This study portrays the dissipation behaviour of the herbicide mixture of clomazone and 2,4-D (clomazone 20% + 2,4-D ethyl ester 30% EC) in a rice field system. The combined formulation is widely used in India as it controls a broad spectrum of weeds, but its fate in tropical environment and the risks involved to the consumer as well as to the environment are still unexplored. Therefore, a supervised field trial was conducted following the post-emergence application of clomazone 20% + 2,4-D ethyl ester 30% EC at recommended (625 g a.i./ha) and double the recommended dose (1250 g a.i./ha) in rice in two consecutive seasons (Kharif and Rabi). The analytical methods for both clomazone and 2,4-D validated as per the SANTE guideline. The residues of clomazone were extracted by the modified QuEChERS method and analysed by GC-MS/MS, whereas the residues 2,4-D were extracted by classical partitioning method and analysed by LC-MS/MS. The recovery percentage of both the compounds ranged between 86–95% with LOQ 0.01 mg/kg for all matrices (rice grain, straw, husk, and field soil). The dissipation of both the compounds followed first-order kinetics. The half-life of clomazone and 2,4-D in soil ranged between 1.06–1.27 days and 4.74–6.24 days, respectively. The residues of clomazone and 2,4-D were below quantification level (BLOQ) in the harvested rice co-products (rice grain, husk and straw) and soil samples. Therefore, it can be summarised that the application of this herbicide mixture in rice cultivation will not pose any residual toxicity and the rice grains are safe for human consumption. Besides, the soil ecological risk assessment indicated that both the compounds possess low risk towards earthworm and soil arthropods. However, there was a concern about soil algal toxicity, which needs to be reconfirmed by further studies to establish a conclusive inference.

The conscientiousness-health link in depression: Results from a path analysis

BackgroundThis was the first study aiming to develop a theory-based model to analyze the relation between conscientiousness and impaired physical health as well as between conscientiousness and subjective health-related well-being within a large clinical sample with depressive symptomatology. In addition, a mediating effect of health risk behaviors regarding the association between conscientiousness and objectively impaired physical health as well as subjective health-related well-being were exploratory examined. MethodsIndividuals with depressive symptoms (n = 943) with a mean age of 52 years (ranging between 20 and 78 years) undergoing intensive psychiatric rehabilitation treatment were investigated with the Big Five Inventory-10 as well as several self-report health questionnaires (Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire, Food-Craving Inventory and lifestyle questions assessing physical inactivity and alcohol consumption). Health-related well-being was measured using the World Health Organisation Quality of Life Assessment and the construct of impaired physical health comprised anthropometric measurements (Body Mass Index, Waist-to-Height-Ratio), blood lipids, and impaired physical performance capacity on the bicycle-ergometric test. ResultsStructural path analyses revealed that unhealthy eating habits and physical inactivity partially mediated the negative relation between conscientiousness and impaired physical health as well as the positive relation between conscientiousness and health-related well-being. LimitationsPossible limitations include cross-sectional study design, missing data, assessment of conscientiousness on a global level and self-report assessment of health risk behaviors. ConclusionsThe findings highlight the importance concerning the extended inclusion of personality aspects in the treatment of depression in order to improve health.

Persistence, dissipation behavior and health risk assessment of spiromesifen in brinjal (Solanum melongena L.) by LC-MS/MS

Brinjal (Solanum melongena) is a versatile crop infected by several insects and pests. For the control of these pests, spiromesifen insecticide has been in use to reduce the damage and increase crop production worldwide. Therefore, a field trial was conducted to study dissipation and persistence behavior of spiromesifen 22.9% w/w SC in/on brinjal at the recommended dose (RD) 96 g a.i./ha and double to recommended dose 192 g a.i./ha (2RD). The quantitative analysis of spiromesifen was performed using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography- tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS). Samples were processed by the Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged and Safe (QuEChERS) method. The analytical method was validated using various parameters viz., linearity (R2≥0.99), sensitivity (LOD and LOQ), accuracy (recovery=70-120%) and precision (RSD≤20%). The spiroemsifen persisted up to 3 days at RD and 5 days at 2RD. The dissipation half-life (DT50) of spriromesifen was 3.64 and 4.10 days at RD and 2RD in brinjal, respectively. However, residues of spiromesifen measured from soil at 0th (2 hr) day and 10th day were below the limit of quantification (BQL). The waiting period deciphered for spiromesifen applied in brinjal was 1 day at the recommended dose. Further, health risk assessment (health risk index&lt;1 and percent health index&lt;100) was performed on the basis of field trial which suggested that the application of spiromesifen in brinjal crop at recommended dose is safe for the end-users.

Interactions between microplastics and microorganisms in the environment: Modes of action and influencing factors

The widespread presence of microplastics (MPs) in the environment has led to the rise of the study on the interaction between MPs and microorganisms. The variety and characteristics of MPs in the environment make their interaction with microorganisms more complex. Recent studies have found that MPs can also serve as an important carrier for microorganisms to form fully developed biofilms on the substrates. The emergence of new ecological sites will also affect the ecosystem of water and soil. We present the latest knowledge of MPs' interactions with microorganisms and summarize their respective potential impacts on the environment. It was found that the main factors affecting microbial colonization on MPs were the characteristics of MPs, exposure time and environmental factors. Furthermore, microbial colonization on MPs can affect the composition and distribution of the microbial community in the environment, as well as the migration and transformation of other contaminants which also occur in the animal guts. When it come to the toxicity of MPs to microorganisms, it has been found that the main effects of MPs on microorganisms are the effect on microbial growth, photosynthesis of microorganisms and some single cells. In addition, the combined effects of MPs with heavy metals and organic compounds on microorganisms can be divided into antagonistic effects, synergistic toxicity, promoting effects and non-effects. In turn, microbes will have impacts on MPs in terms of degradation, absorption, transfer and deposition. In practical application, MPs will affect the biological treatment stage of sewage treatment. This review discusses the interaction mechanism and influencing factors between microorganisms and MPs. It also called for active exploration of methods for treating MPs with microorganisms in the actual environment, providing a theoretical basis for the treatment of microorganisms, and a better understanding of the environmental behavior and ecological risk assessment of MPs.

Pilot study of extended-release lorcaserin for cocaine use disorder among men who have sex with men: A double-blind, placebo-controlled randomized trial.

ObjectiveTo determine if men who have sex with men (MSM) with cocaine use disorder (CUD) and actively-using cocaine could be enrolled and retained in a pharmacologic intervention trial of lorcaserin—a novel 5-HT2cR agonist—and determine the degree to which participants would adhere to study procedures.MethodsThis was a phase II randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study with 2:1 random parallel group assignment to daily extended-release oral lorcaserin 20 mg versus placebo (clinicaltrials.gov identifier-NCT03192995). Twenty-two of a planned 45 cisgender MSM with CUD were enrolled and had weekly follow-up visits during a 12-week treatment period, with substance use counseling, urine specimen collection, and completion of audio-computer assisted self-interview (ACASI) behavioral risk assessments. Adherence was measured by medication event monitoring systems (MEMS) caps and self-report. This study was terminated early because of an FDA safety alert for lorcaserin’s long-term use.ResultsEighty-six percent completed the trial, with 82% of weekly study follow-up visits completed. Adherence was 55.3% (lorcaserin 51.6% vs. placebo 66.2%) by MEMS cap and 56.9% (56.5% vs. placebo 57.9%) by self-report and did not differ significantly by treatment assignment. Intention-to-treat analyses (ITT) did not show differences in cocaine positivity by urine screen between the lorcaserin and placebo groups by 12 week follow-up (incidence risk ratio [IRR]: 0.96; 95%CI = 0.24–3.82, P = 0.95). However, self-reported cocaine use in timeline follow-back declined more significantly in the lorcaserin group compared to placebo (IRR: 0.66; 95%CI = 0.49–0.88; P = 0.004).ConclusionWe found that it is feasible, acceptable, and tolerable to conduct a placebo-controlled pharmacologic trial for MSM with CUD who are actively using cocaine. Lorcaserin was not associated with significant reductions in cocaine use by urine testing, but was associated with significant reductions in self-reported cocaine use. Future research may be needed to continue to explore the potential utility of 5-HT2cR agonists.

Dissipation behavior and dietary risk assessment of pyridaben in open field strawberries and cucumber under Egyptian cultivation conditions.

Pyridaben, an inhibitor of mitochondrial electron transport at complex I, is authorized in Egypt as an insecticide/acaricide for strawberries and cucumbers; thus the investigation of residues in the final consumed product is essential as to ensure consumer safety and trade barriers. Therefore, residue trials were conducted according to the in force and more critical Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs) as to investigate the dissipation rate of the compound on both crops and the terminal residues in the final products. Results showed that the residue decline fits a first-order decay process with calculated half-lives of 1 and 6.4 days for cucumbers and strawberries, respectively. Dietary risk assessment was performed based on the risk quotients (RQ) method and the EFSA PRIMo model demonstrating that the dietary exposure to pyridaben residues from cucumber and strawberry consumption, applied either according to the in force or more critical GAPs, does not pose unacceptable health risk to Egyptian and European consumers.