This article describes the use of the first order system transfer function for learning and memory studies involving consumption of marijuana and other plant based products. We provide detailed instructions on how the...This article describes the use of the first order system transfer function for learning and memory studies involving consumption of marijuana and other plant based products. We provide detailed instructions on how the model can be used to analyze the performance of individual participants using a memory test developed by the senior authors. The importance of identifying possible learning and memory deficits of marijuana is paramount due to the growing number of states in the U.S. legalizing marijuana use for medicinal and recreational purposes. The model can also be extended to other plant based products purported to improve memory. While this article does not study the effect of marijuana, we provide details on how it can be used by illustrating its application on individuals consuming an amphetamine-like psychostimulant drug using our own memory test.展开更多
BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular or cerebrovascular events associated with drug abuse have been frequently reported, particularly in young patients. The drugs include generally cocaine, heroin, and amphetamines. Although ma...BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular or cerebrovascular events associated with drug abuse have been frequently reported, particularly in young patients. The drugs include generally cocaine, heroin, and amphetamines. Although marijuana is among the widely used narcotics in the world, stroke associated with the marijuana use is infrequently reported.METHODS: Stroke caused by the use of marijuana was investigated in a 23-year-old man and the importance of inquiry of drug abuse in case of stroke was emphasized.RESULTS: The patient was treated for 7 days in a follow-up, but he was not recovered. The patient was discharged in his existing condition and was directed for physiotherapy and rehabilitation.CONCLUSION: Ischemic stroke is associated with drug abuse and/or substance use, mainly cannabinoids and amphetamines, particularly in young patients.展开更多
Rationale: Marijuana use in adolescence is prevalent and increasing. Understanding the neural correlates of the impact of this use is critical for policy making and for youth awareness. Objectives The effects of marij...Rationale: Marijuana use in adolescence is prevalent and increasing. Understanding the neural correlates of the impact of this use is critical for policy making and for youth awareness. Objectives The effects of marijuana use on response inhibition were investigated in 19–21-year-olds using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Methods: Participants were members of the Ottawa Prenatal Prospective Study, a longitudinal study that collected a unique body of information on participants from infancy to young adulthood including: prenatal drug history, detailed cognitive/behavioral performance, and current and past drug use. This information allowed for the control of an unparalleled number of potentially confounding variables including: prenatal marijuana, nicotine, alcohol, and caffeine exposure and offspring alcohol, marijuana, and nicotine use. Ten marijuana users and 14 nonusers that served as controls performed a Go/No-Go task while fMRI blood oxygen level-dependent response was examined. Results: Despite similar task performance, there was a positive relationship between amount of marijuana smoked and activation in right thalamus, premotor cortex and middle frontal gyrus. These regions form part of the neural network responsible for inhibition control. There was also a positive dose dependent relationship with marijuana and activation in inferior parietal lobe and precuneus, also parts of response inhibition pathways. Conclusions: These results suggest a dose dependent alteration in neural functioning during response inhibition after controlling for other prenatal and current drug use. These alterations may be necessary in order to compensate for neural changes in response inhibition circuits caused by long term marijuana use that began during adolescence/young adulthood.展开更多
Background: The smoking of Cannabis sativa, the marijuana plant, is increasing in popularity among young adults, even those who may be engaged in regular exercise (i.e., athletes). Research has shown the plant to have...Background: The smoking of Cannabis sativa, the marijuana plant, is increasing in popularity among young adults, even those who may be engaged in regular exercise (i.e., athletes). Research has shown the plant to have antioxidant and analgesic properties, but the effects on oxidative stress are conflicting. The purpose of this study was to measure blood oxidative stress and cardio-metabolic parameters in physically active men and women who regularly smoke marijuana. Methods: A total of 43 marijuana smokers (23 ± 4 years) and 22 non-smokers (24 ± 7 years), who did not smoke tobacco products, participated in this study. Both smokers and non-smokers engaged in regularly exercise, totaling several hours per week (6.4 ± 4.0 and 6.8 ± 4.4, respectively). Smokers reported using marijuana frequently during the week (4.5 ± 2.3 sessions) for a minimum of three consecutive months prior to participating in the study. Blood samples were collected from participants following a 12-hour fast (all food, drink [except water] and smoking) and analyzed for malondialdehyde, advanced oxidation protein products, glucose, cholesterol, and triglycerides. Heart rate and blood pressure was also measured and recorded. Results: No differences of statistical significance were noted for any variable (p > 0.05), with very similar values noted between smokers and non-smokers. Conclusions: In a sample of young, physically active men and women, regular marijuana smoking is not associated with untoward effects on select biomarkers of oxidative stress and cardio-metabolic health. These findings do not suggest that marijuana smoking can be done without harm, as limitations of this study need to be considered.展开更多
Introduction: Tobacco and marijuana use is a public health challenge all over the world and especially in Sub Saharan Africa. The combination of low socioeconomic status and substance use can be described as a social ...Introduction: Tobacco and marijuana use is a public health challenge all over the world and especially in Sub Saharan Africa. The combination of low socioeconomic status and substance use can be described as a social and economic disaster for many poor families of Africa. While majority of studies concentrated on cigarette smoking, few studies in Nigeria has been conducted on non-smoke forms of tobacco. The burden of marijuana abuse is also rising in the Nigeria. Similar to cigarette smoking, cannabis use is more common among males. Knowledge of the pattern of tobacco and cannabis use in the community is important considering the public health implications. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of tobacco (cigarette smoking and snuff) and cannabis use among adults in an urban communities Enugu, southeast Nigeria. Methods: This was a cross-sectional descriptive study conducted in urban slum settlements in Enugu, the capital of Enugu State, southeast Nigeria. Using a semi structured questionnaire, we collected data selected socio-demographic characteristics, including tobacco use and cannabis use in the last 30 days. The study was conducted between August and December 2013. For database management and statistical analyses, we used the SPSS version 23. Results: The total number of individuals recruited in the study was 1572;844 (52.8%) females and 728 (45.5%) males with a male to female ratio of 0.9:1. Tobacco was used by a total of 270 (17.2%) individuals within the last 4 weeks and marijuana by 23 (1.5%) of the population. Overall, 280 (17.8%) used either one or both tobacco and marijuana. While snuff was predominately used from 60 years and above, cigarette smoking peaked at 30 - 39 years and marijuana use peaked at a younger age of 20 - 29 years. Cigarette smoking positively correlated with male gender (male 1, female 0) and alcohol use (Yes 1, No 0). P Conclusion: The prevalence of cigarette smoking (5.5%), snuff (11.6%) and marijuana use (1.6%) was found in an urban settlement in Enugu. Predictors of tobacco use were older age, male gender and alcohol use. Public health intervention programs should reemphasize the health-related issues associated with these substances and the need to quit using them.展开更多
Research suggests that the prevalence of marijuana use and depression are increasing in the United States. Although it is not entirely clear what accounts for these coincident trends, several studies have shown that t...Research suggests that the prevalence of marijuana use and depression are increasing in the United States. Although it is not entirely clear what accounts for these coincident trends, several studies have shown that these two health concerns are associated among young people. This study assessed four hypotheses regarding the association between marijuana use and depression: 1) whether marijuana use affects subsequent symptoms of depression;2) whether depressive symptoms affect subsequent marijuana use;3) whether they are associated in a bidirectional (reciprocal) manner;and 4) whether the association between the two is confounded by stressful life events. Using eight years of longitudinal data from the Family Wellness and Health Study, a fixed-effects regression model provided empirical support for the first hypothesis only, but not for the others. Future research should explore in greater detail why marijuana use may have a causal impact on experiences with depression among young people.展开更多
Objective: Marijuana is a prevalent substance used among young adults and has serious psychosocial and health-related consequences. Thus, identifying factors associated with marijuana use is critical. The current stud...Objective: Marijuana is a prevalent substance used among young adults and has serious psychosocial and health-related consequences. Thus, identifying factors associated with marijuana use is critical. The current study aimed to examine personality factors and health risk behaviors associated with marijuana use. Methods: We administered an online survey to six colleges in the Southeast. Overall, we recruited 24,055 college students, yielding 4840 responses (20.1% response rate), with complete data from 4,401 students. Results: Current (past 30 day) marijuana use was reported by 13.8% of our sample. Users either reported infrequent use of marijuana (i.e., between 1 and 5 days;52.3%) or very frequent use of marijuana (i.e. ,between 26 and 30 days;18.2%). Mutlivariate analyses modeling correlates of marijuana use (Nagelkerke R2 = 0.323) indicated that significant factors included being younger (p < 0.001), being male (p = 0.002), being Black (p = 0.002), attending a four-year college (p = 0.005), being a nondaily (p < 0.001) or daily smoker (p < 0.001) vs. a nonsmoker, other tobacco use (p < 0.001), greater alcohol use (p < 0.001), greater perceived stress (p = 0.009), higher levels of sensation seeking (<0.001) and openness to experiences (p = 0.02), and lower levels of agreeableness (p = 0.01) and conscientiousness (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Identifying risk factors related to marijuana use is critical in developing interventions targeting both use and prevention. Moreover, understanding different college settings and the contextual factors associated with greater marijuana use is critical.展开更多
This study uses an innovative, network-based recruitment strategy (non-monetary, web-based respondent driven sampling) to gather a sample of il/legal marijuana users. Network-driven effects amongst marijuana users are...This study uses an innovative, network-based recruitment strategy (non-monetary, web-based respondent driven sampling) to gather a sample of il/legal marijuana users. Network-driven effects amongst marijuana users are examined to test the explanatory validity of several theories of social deviance. The study finds that respondent driven sampling techniques lack effectiveness without primary monetary incentives, even when meaningful secondary incentives are utilized. Additionally, the study suggests that marijuana user networks exhibit strong homophilic attachment tendencies.展开更多
Introduction: Status asthmaticus is an acute exacerbation of asthma caused by increased airflow resistance and mucus plugging. Symptoms of dyspnea may lead to respiratory failure and cardiac arrest. There is limited k...Introduction: Status asthmaticus is an acute exacerbation of asthma caused by increased airflow resistance and mucus plugging. Symptoms of dyspnea may lead to respiratory failure and cardiac arrest. There is limited knowledge about the effects of marijuana on pulmonary function. We report a unique case of status asthmaticus related to frequent marijuana use. Case Presentation: A 38-year-old African American male with a past medical history of asthma and two prior episodes of status asthmaticus arrived at Saint Barnabas Medical Center with dyspnea and wheezing that was refractory to home albuterol nebulizer therapy. Despite medical treatment his symptoms did not improve and he collapsed to the floor and required intubation and mechanical ventilation. He reported having smoked marijuana numerous times on the day prior to this admission. He was discharged three days later and was strongly advised to stop smoking marijuana. Conclusion: Marijuana is a commonly smoked illicit drug. Although habitual marijuana smokers have symptoms of cough, phlegm and wheezing, we found no reports linking marijuana use to the development of status asthmaticus. Given the rampant abuse of marijuana and its likely burden on healthcare, physicians should be vigilant in discussing the harmful effects of marijuana with asthmatic patients who abuse this drug.展开更多
The purpose of this mini study is to evaluate the perceptions of physicians as it relates to medical marijuana and its use for cancer patients. A survey was delivered to a group of physicians acquired from a nationwid...The purpose of this mini study is to evaluate the perceptions of physicians as it relates to medical marijuana and its use for cancer patients. A survey was delivered to a group of physicians acquired from a nationwide database. The majority of physicians do not utilize medical marijuana in their practice and various reasons were identified, which make physicians feel uncomfortable with this practice. Those currently utilizing medical marijuana in their practice also provided a list of condition they prescribe medical marijuana for as a treatment method. The study helps illustrate the need for more research and data on the use of medical marijuana to determine if medical marijuana is a viable source of treatment so physicians feel comfortable utilizing it in their practice, if and when appropriate.展开更多
Background: Medical marijuana use has seen a rise and acceptance in the last several years and while its efficacy has been spoken and discussed in lore, data on efficacy still remains scarce. Aim: We conducted a surve...Background: Medical marijuana use has seen a rise and acceptance in the last several years and while its efficacy has been spoken and discussed in lore, data on efficacy still remains scarce. Aim: We conducted a survey on chronic pain patients certified for medical marijuana to assess pain relief and efficacy. Findings: Our survey found that the pain score with the use of medical marijuana was halved in our 20 respondents and sleep was improved. Overall function improved. Conclusion: The survey shows that medical marijuana is efficacious in chronic pain patients and further studies need to be done and access to the medication needs to be improved so as to benefit more patients.展开更多
The purpose of this paper is to look into how reliable and valid the Persian version of the Cannabis Use Disorder Identification Test-Revised (CUDIT-R-Pr) is. It will also compare the screening features of the CUDIT-R...The purpose of this paper is to look into how reliable and valid the Persian version of the Cannabis Use Disorder Identification Test-Revised (CUDIT-R-Pr) is. It will also compare the screening features of the CUDIT-R with those of the DSM-5 criteria for cannabis use disorder (CUD) based on the SCID-5-CT in a group of university students in Tehran, Iran. The study used the stratified random sampling technique to collect data from 541 students (19 to 24 years old) who used cannabis in Tehran universities in 2024. Confirmatory factor analysis confirmed the uni-dimensionality of the CUDIT-R-Pr. We checked the reliability of the CUDIT-R-Pr using Cronbach Alpha, split-half, inter-rater, test-retest stability over time, and parallel testing equivalence. The results indicated that CUDIT-R-Pr is reliable, reproducible, and responsive, with substantial agreement and adequate interpretability. The CUDIT-R shows that it can tell the difference between different levels of cannabis use severity, which is known as discriminant validity. Receiver operating characteristic analyses confirmed this, using an area under the receiver operating characteristics curve (AUC = 0.95) at a cutoff of ten or less. This allowed CUDIT-R-Pr to accurately predict any DSM-5 based on the highest correctly classified value (0.89), demonstrating high levels of sensitivity (0.96), specificity (0.69), and Youden value (0.65). The exact maximum Youden index (0.72) showed that CUDIT-R-Pr could also predict moderate DSM-5 with a cutoff of twelve or less. To validate and generalize the CUDIT-R-Pr for use among Iranian cannabis users, we need more research.展开更多
BACKGROUND The burden of cannabis use disorder(CUD)in the context of its prevalence and subsequent cardiopulmonary outcomes among cancer patients with severe sepsis is unclear.AIM To address this knowledge gap,especia...BACKGROUND The burden of cannabis use disorder(CUD)in the context of its prevalence and subsequent cardiopulmonary outcomes among cancer patients with severe sepsis is unclear.AIM To address this knowledge gap,especially due to rising patterns of cannabis use and its emerging pharmacological role in cancer.METHODS By applying relevant International Classification of Diseases,Ninth and Tenth Revision,Clinical Modification codes to the National Inpatient Sample database between 2016-2020,we identified CUD(+)and CUD(-)arms among adult cancer admissions with severe sepsis.Comparing the two cohorts,we examined baseline demographic characteristics,epidemiological trends,major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events,respiratory failure,hospital cost,and length of stay.We used the Pearsonχ^(2) d test for categorical variables and the Mann-Whitney U test for continuous,non-normally distributed variables.Multivariable regression analysis was used to control for potential confounders.A P value≤0.05 was considered for statistical significance.RESULTS We identified a total of 743520 cancer patients admitted with severe sepsis,of which 4945 had CUD.Demographically,the CUD(+)cohort was more likely to be younger(median age=58 vs 69,P<0.001),male(67.9%vs 57.2%,P<0.001),black(23.7%vs 14.4%,P<0.001),Medicaid enrollees(35.2%vs 10.7%,P<0.001),in whom higher rates of substance use and depression were observed.CUD(+)patients also exhibited a higher prevalence of chronic pulmonary disease but lower rates of cardiovascular comorbidities.There was no significant difference in major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events between CUD(+)and CUD(-)cohorts on multivariable regression analysis.However,the CUD(+)cohort had lower all-cause mortality(adjusted odds ratio=0.83,95%confidence interval:0.7-0.97,P<0.001)and respiratory failure(adjusted odds ratio=0.8,95%confidence interval:0.69-0.92,P=0.002).Both groups had similar median length of stay,though CUD(+)patients were more likely to have higher hospital cost compared to CUD(-)patients(median=94574 dollars vs 86615 dollars,P<0.001).CONCLUSION CUD(+)cancer patients with severe sepsis,who tended to be younger,black,males with higher rates of substance use and depression had paradoxically significantly lower odds of all-cause in-hospital mortality and respiratory failure.Future research should aim to better elucidate the underlying mechanisms for these observations.展开更多
Cannabis sativa L. is used as fiber, food, and medicine in several countries. Though it is illegal for recreational use in most of the world, there are some countries that have legalized production and sale. There is ...Cannabis sativa L. is used as fiber, food, and medicine in several countries. Though it is illegal for recreational use in most of the world, there are some countries that have legalized production and sale. There is a lot of research on production of cannabis, but less so on storage technologies. Cannabis contains several high value compounds, such as cannabinoids and terpenoids, that are susceptible to degradation via light, temperature, and oxygen. Several studies have explored temperature and light, and industry has adjusted accordingly. However, less is known about oxygen-induced degradation. Biochemical studies have demonstrated oxidative degradation of high value compounds, and many producers use some form of modified atmospheric packaging (MAP) for storage. However, the efficacy of MAP is unclear. The objective of this paper is to review our current understanding of MAP in postharvest cannabis storage and identify avenues where additional research is needed.展开更多
BACKGROUND Recent data are inconclusive regarding the risk of arrhythmias among young cannabis users.Furthermore,many young adults use both cannabis and tobacco,which could add a residual confounding effect on outcome...BACKGROUND Recent data are inconclusive regarding the risk of arrhythmias among young cannabis users.Furthermore,many young adults use both cannabis and tobacco,which could add a residual confounding effect on outcomes.So,we studied young men who have cannabis use disorder(CUD)excluding tobacco use disorder(TUD)to understand their independent association with atrial fibrillation(AF)and related outcomes.AIM To study the association of CUD with AF and related outcomes.METHODS We used weighted discharge records from National Inpatient Sample(2019)to assess the baseline characteristics and mortality rates for AF-related hospitalizations in young(18-44 years)men in 1:1 propensity-matched CUD+vs CUD-cohorts without TUD.RESULTS Propensity matched CUD+and CUD-cohorts consisted of 108495 young men in each arm.Our analysis showed an increased incidence of AF in black population with CUD.In addition,the CUD+cohort had lower rates of hyperlipidemia(6.4%vs 6.9%),hypertension(5.3%vs 6.3%),obesity(9.1%vs 10.9%),alcohol abuse(15.5%vs 16.9%),but had higher rates of anxiety(24.3%vs 18.4%)and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD)(9.8%vs 9.4%)compared to CUD-cohort.After adjustment with covariates including other substance abuse,a non-significant association was found between CUD+cohort and AF related hospitalizations(odd ratio:1.27,95%confidence interval:0.91-1.78,P=0.15).CONCLUSION Among hospitalized young men,the CUD+cohort had a higher prevalence of anxiety and COPD,and slightly higher proportion of black patients.Although there were higher odds of AF hospitalizations in CUD+cohort without TUD,the association was statistically non-significant.The subgroup analysis showed higher rates of AF in black patients.Large-scale prospective studies are required to evaluate long-term effects of CUD on AF risk and prognosis without TUD and concomitant substance abuse.展开更多
This paper describes a test with the AI program ChatGPT.In the test,essentially a simplified Turing test,the author texted increasingly more sophisticated questions to ChatGPT and evaluated whether the conversing AI’...This paper describes a test with the AI program ChatGPT.In the test,essentially a simplified Turing test,the author texted increasingly more sophisticated questions to ChatGPT and evaluated whether the conversing AI’s answers could or could not have come from another human.The questions were related to:(1)the author’s identity;(2)the task of separating correct and false information;(3)the accounts of Jesus’crucifixion;(4)the health-aspects of marijuana;(5)the last flight of John F.Kennedy Jr.;and(6)the identity of the conversing AI itself.It was found that ChatGPT passed the intelligence criteria of the simplified Turing test,as the author subjectively experienced his conversation with this AI as an interaction between two humans.On the other hand,ChatGPT didn’t pass the threshold of the intelligence definition of cosmological neuroscience,as the program lacked the analytic reasoning separating truth from falseness,clarity from ambiguity and the highly significant from the less significant,while it did not show the signs of originality and creative superimpositions either.It should still be acknowledged that ChatGPT represents the birth of an AI with the potential of elevating artificial conversations into the realm of human existence-whether or not it makes sense.The strange last line of the conversing AI,“I’m quite happy being an AI for now”,suggested that in future ChatGPT may change the scope of its functions-just as other AIs may do.Whether or not this will be beneficial for humankind,it will be decided by the extent to which these programs serve evil and divine causes.The paper argues that in order to let the divine side win over the evil one,the guidance of the father of AI,Alan Turing,would be prudent to consider.This guidance was given in his historic paper in October,1950,issue of the journal Mind,where Turing indicated that work like his on intelligent machines is compatible with God’s will,“providing mansions for the souls that He creates.”展开更多
文摘This article describes the use of the first order system transfer function for learning and memory studies involving consumption of marijuana and other plant based products. We provide detailed instructions on how the model can be used to analyze the performance of individual participants using a memory test developed by the senior authors. The importance of identifying possible learning and memory deficits of marijuana is paramount due to the growing number of states in the U.S. legalizing marijuana use for medicinal and recreational purposes. The model can also be extended to other plant based products purported to improve memory. While this article does not study the effect of marijuana, we provide details on how it can be used by illustrating its application on individuals consuming an amphetamine-like psychostimulant drug using our own memory test.
文摘BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular or cerebrovascular events associated with drug abuse have been frequently reported, particularly in young patients. The drugs include generally cocaine, heroin, and amphetamines. Although marijuana is among the widely used narcotics in the world, stroke associated with the marijuana use is infrequently reported.METHODS: Stroke caused by the use of marijuana was investigated in a 23-year-old man and the importance of inquiry of drug abuse in case of stroke was emphasized.RESULTS: The patient was treated for 7 days in a follow-up, but he was not recovered. The patient was discharged in his existing condition and was directed for physiotherapy and rehabilitation.CONCLUSION: Ischemic stroke is associated with drug abuse and/or substance use, mainly cannabinoids and amphetamines, particularly in young patients.
文摘Rationale: Marijuana use in adolescence is prevalent and increasing. Understanding the neural correlates of the impact of this use is critical for policy making and for youth awareness. Objectives The effects of marijuana use on response inhibition were investigated in 19–21-year-olds using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Methods: Participants were members of the Ottawa Prenatal Prospective Study, a longitudinal study that collected a unique body of information on participants from infancy to young adulthood including: prenatal drug history, detailed cognitive/behavioral performance, and current and past drug use. This information allowed for the control of an unparalleled number of potentially confounding variables including: prenatal marijuana, nicotine, alcohol, and caffeine exposure and offspring alcohol, marijuana, and nicotine use. Ten marijuana users and 14 nonusers that served as controls performed a Go/No-Go task while fMRI blood oxygen level-dependent response was examined. Results: Despite similar task performance, there was a positive relationship between amount of marijuana smoked and activation in right thalamus, premotor cortex and middle frontal gyrus. These regions form part of the neural network responsible for inhibition control. There was also a positive dose dependent relationship with marijuana and activation in inferior parietal lobe and precuneus, also parts of response inhibition pathways. Conclusions: These results suggest a dose dependent alteration in neural functioning during response inhibition after controlling for other prenatal and current drug use. These alterations may be necessary in order to compensate for neural changes in response inhibition circuits caused by long term marijuana use that began during adolescence/young adulthood.
文摘Background: The smoking of Cannabis sativa, the marijuana plant, is increasing in popularity among young adults, even those who may be engaged in regular exercise (i.e., athletes). Research has shown the plant to have antioxidant and analgesic properties, but the effects on oxidative stress are conflicting. The purpose of this study was to measure blood oxidative stress and cardio-metabolic parameters in physically active men and women who regularly smoke marijuana. Methods: A total of 43 marijuana smokers (23 ± 4 years) and 22 non-smokers (24 ± 7 years), who did not smoke tobacco products, participated in this study. Both smokers and non-smokers engaged in regularly exercise, totaling several hours per week (6.4 ± 4.0 and 6.8 ± 4.4, respectively). Smokers reported using marijuana frequently during the week (4.5 ± 2.3 sessions) for a minimum of three consecutive months prior to participating in the study. Blood samples were collected from participants following a 12-hour fast (all food, drink [except water] and smoking) and analyzed for malondialdehyde, advanced oxidation protein products, glucose, cholesterol, and triglycerides. Heart rate and blood pressure was also measured and recorded. Results: No differences of statistical significance were noted for any variable (p > 0.05), with very similar values noted between smokers and non-smokers. Conclusions: In a sample of young, physically active men and women, regular marijuana smoking is not associated with untoward effects on select biomarkers of oxidative stress and cardio-metabolic health. These findings do not suggest that marijuana smoking can be done without harm, as limitations of this study need to be considered.
文摘Introduction: Tobacco and marijuana use is a public health challenge all over the world and especially in Sub Saharan Africa. The combination of low socioeconomic status and substance use can be described as a social and economic disaster for many poor families of Africa. While majority of studies concentrated on cigarette smoking, few studies in Nigeria has been conducted on non-smoke forms of tobacco. The burden of marijuana abuse is also rising in the Nigeria. Similar to cigarette smoking, cannabis use is more common among males. Knowledge of the pattern of tobacco and cannabis use in the community is important considering the public health implications. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of tobacco (cigarette smoking and snuff) and cannabis use among adults in an urban communities Enugu, southeast Nigeria. Methods: This was a cross-sectional descriptive study conducted in urban slum settlements in Enugu, the capital of Enugu State, southeast Nigeria. Using a semi structured questionnaire, we collected data selected socio-demographic characteristics, including tobacco use and cannabis use in the last 30 days. The study was conducted between August and December 2013. For database management and statistical analyses, we used the SPSS version 23. Results: The total number of individuals recruited in the study was 1572;844 (52.8%) females and 728 (45.5%) males with a male to female ratio of 0.9:1. Tobacco was used by a total of 270 (17.2%) individuals within the last 4 weeks and marijuana by 23 (1.5%) of the population. Overall, 280 (17.8%) used either one or both tobacco and marijuana. While snuff was predominately used from 60 years and above, cigarette smoking peaked at 30 - 39 years and marijuana use peaked at a younger age of 20 - 29 years. Cigarette smoking positively correlated with male gender (male 1, female 0) and alcohol use (Yes 1, No 0). P Conclusion: The prevalence of cigarette smoking (5.5%), snuff (11.6%) and marijuana use (1.6%) was found in an urban settlement in Enugu. Predictors of tobacco use were older age, male gender and alcohol use. Public health intervention programs should reemphasize the health-related issues associated with these substances and the need to quit using them.
文摘Research suggests that the prevalence of marijuana use and depression are increasing in the United States. Although it is not entirely clear what accounts for these coincident trends, several studies have shown that these two health concerns are associated among young people. This study assessed four hypotheses regarding the association between marijuana use and depression: 1) whether marijuana use affects subsequent symptoms of depression;2) whether depressive symptoms affect subsequent marijuana use;3) whether they are associated in a bidirectional (reciprocal) manner;and 4) whether the association between the two is confounded by stressful life events. Using eight years of longitudinal data from the Family Wellness and Health Study, a fixed-effects regression model provided empirical support for the first hypothesis only, but not for the others. Future research should explore in greater detail why marijuana use may have a causal impact on experiences with depression among young people.
文摘Objective: Marijuana is a prevalent substance used among young adults and has serious psychosocial and health-related consequences. Thus, identifying factors associated with marijuana use is critical. The current study aimed to examine personality factors and health risk behaviors associated with marijuana use. Methods: We administered an online survey to six colleges in the Southeast. Overall, we recruited 24,055 college students, yielding 4840 responses (20.1% response rate), with complete data from 4,401 students. Results: Current (past 30 day) marijuana use was reported by 13.8% of our sample. Users either reported infrequent use of marijuana (i.e., between 1 and 5 days;52.3%) or very frequent use of marijuana (i.e. ,between 26 and 30 days;18.2%). Mutlivariate analyses modeling correlates of marijuana use (Nagelkerke R2 = 0.323) indicated that significant factors included being younger (p < 0.001), being male (p = 0.002), being Black (p = 0.002), attending a four-year college (p = 0.005), being a nondaily (p < 0.001) or daily smoker (p < 0.001) vs. a nonsmoker, other tobacco use (p < 0.001), greater alcohol use (p < 0.001), greater perceived stress (p = 0.009), higher levels of sensation seeking (<0.001) and openness to experiences (p = 0.02), and lower levels of agreeableness (p = 0.01) and conscientiousness (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Identifying risk factors related to marijuana use is critical in developing interventions targeting both use and prevention. Moreover, understanding different college settings and the contextual factors associated with greater marijuana use is critical.
文摘This study uses an innovative, network-based recruitment strategy (non-monetary, web-based respondent driven sampling) to gather a sample of il/legal marijuana users. Network-driven effects amongst marijuana users are examined to test the explanatory validity of several theories of social deviance. The study finds that respondent driven sampling techniques lack effectiveness without primary monetary incentives, even when meaningful secondary incentives are utilized. Additionally, the study suggests that marijuana user networks exhibit strong homophilic attachment tendencies.
文摘Introduction: Status asthmaticus is an acute exacerbation of asthma caused by increased airflow resistance and mucus plugging. Symptoms of dyspnea may lead to respiratory failure and cardiac arrest. There is limited knowledge about the effects of marijuana on pulmonary function. We report a unique case of status asthmaticus related to frequent marijuana use. Case Presentation: A 38-year-old African American male with a past medical history of asthma and two prior episodes of status asthmaticus arrived at Saint Barnabas Medical Center with dyspnea and wheezing that was refractory to home albuterol nebulizer therapy. Despite medical treatment his symptoms did not improve and he collapsed to the floor and required intubation and mechanical ventilation. He reported having smoked marijuana numerous times on the day prior to this admission. He was discharged three days later and was strongly advised to stop smoking marijuana. Conclusion: Marijuana is a commonly smoked illicit drug. Although habitual marijuana smokers have symptoms of cough, phlegm and wheezing, we found no reports linking marijuana use to the development of status asthmaticus. Given the rampant abuse of marijuana and its likely burden on healthcare, physicians should be vigilant in discussing the harmful effects of marijuana with asthmatic patients who abuse this drug.
文摘The purpose of this mini study is to evaluate the perceptions of physicians as it relates to medical marijuana and its use for cancer patients. A survey was delivered to a group of physicians acquired from a nationwide database. The majority of physicians do not utilize medical marijuana in their practice and various reasons were identified, which make physicians feel uncomfortable with this practice. Those currently utilizing medical marijuana in their practice also provided a list of condition they prescribe medical marijuana for as a treatment method. The study helps illustrate the need for more research and data on the use of medical marijuana to determine if medical marijuana is a viable source of treatment so physicians feel comfortable utilizing it in their practice, if and when appropriate.
文摘Background: Medical marijuana use has seen a rise and acceptance in the last several years and while its efficacy has been spoken and discussed in lore, data on efficacy still remains scarce. Aim: We conducted a survey on chronic pain patients certified for medical marijuana to assess pain relief and efficacy. Findings: Our survey found that the pain score with the use of medical marijuana was halved in our 20 respondents and sleep was improved. Overall function improved. Conclusion: The survey shows that medical marijuana is efficacious in chronic pain patients and further studies need to be done and access to the medication needs to be improved so as to benefit more patients.
文摘The purpose of this paper is to look into how reliable and valid the Persian version of the Cannabis Use Disorder Identification Test-Revised (CUDIT-R-Pr) is. It will also compare the screening features of the CUDIT-R with those of the DSM-5 criteria for cannabis use disorder (CUD) based on the SCID-5-CT in a group of university students in Tehran, Iran. The study used the stratified random sampling technique to collect data from 541 students (19 to 24 years old) who used cannabis in Tehran universities in 2024. Confirmatory factor analysis confirmed the uni-dimensionality of the CUDIT-R-Pr. We checked the reliability of the CUDIT-R-Pr using Cronbach Alpha, split-half, inter-rater, test-retest stability over time, and parallel testing equivalence. The results indicated that CUDIT-R-Pr is reliable, reproducible, and responsive, with substantial agreement and adequate interpretability. The CUDIT-R shows that it can tell the difference between different levels of cannabis use severity, which is known as discriminant validity. Receiver operating characteristic analyses confirmed this, using an area under the receiver operating characteristics curve (AUC = 0.95) at a cutoff of ten or less. This allowed CUDIT-R-Pr to accurately predict any DSM-5 based on the highest correctly classified value (0.89), demonstrating high levels of sensitivity (0.96), specificity (0.69), and Youden value (0.65). The exact maximum Youden index (0.72) showed that CUDIT-R-Pr could also predict moderate DSM-5 with a cutoff of twelve or less. To validate and generalize the CUDIT-R-Pr for use among Iranian cannabis users, we need more research.
文摘BACKGROUND The burden of cannabis use disorder(CUD)in the context of its prevalence and subsequent cardiopulmonary outcomes among cancer patients with severe sepsis is unclear.AIM To address this knowledge gap,especially due to rising patterns of cannabis use and its emerging pharmacological role in cancer.METHODS By applying relevant International Classification of Diseases,Ninth and Tenth Revision,Clinical Modification codes to the National Inpatient Sample database between 2016-2020,we identified CUD(+)and CUD(-)arms among adult cancer admissions with severe sepsis.Comparing the two cohorts,we examined baseline demographic characteristics,epidemiological trends,major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events,respiratory failure,hospital cost,and length of stay.We used the Pearsonχ^(2) d test for categorical variables and the Mann-Whitney U test for continuous,non-normally distributed variables.Multivariable regression analysis was used to control for potential confounders.A P value≤0.05 was considered for statistical significance.RESULTS We identified a total of 743520 cancer patients admitted with severe sepsis,of which 4945 had CUD.Demographically,the CUD(+)cohort was more likely to be younger(median age=58 vs 69,P<0.001),male(67.9%vs 57.2%,P<0.001),black(23.7%vs 14.4%,P<0.001),Medicaid enrollees(35.2%vs 10.7%,P<0.001),in whom higher rates of substance use and depression were observed.CUD(+)patients also exhibited a higher prevalence of chronic pulmonary disease but lower rates of cardiovascular comorbidities.There was no significant difference in major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events between CUD(+)and CUD(-)cohorts on multivariable regression analysis.However,the CUD(+)cohort had lower all-cause mortality(adjusted odds ratio=0.83,95%confidence interval:0.7-0.97,P<0.001)and respiratory failure(adjusted odds ratio=0.8,95%confidence interval:0.69-0.92,P=0.002).Both groups had similar median length of stay,though CUD(+)patients were more likely to have higher hospital cost compared to CUD(-)patients(median=94574 dollars vs 86615 dollars,P<0.001).CONCLUSION CUD(+)cancer patients with severe sepsis,who tended to be younger,black,males with higher rates of substance use and depression had paradoxically significantly lower odds of all-cause in-hospital mortality and respiratory failure.Future research should aim to better elucidate the underlying mechanisms for these observations.
文摘Cannabis sativa L. is used as fiber, food, and medicine in several countries. Though it is illegal for recreational use in most of the world, there are some countries that have legalized production and sale. There is a lot of research on production of cannabis, but less so on storage technologies. Cannabis contains several high value compounds, such as cannabinoids and terpenoids, that are susceptible to degradation via light, temperature, and oxygen. Several studies have explored temperature and light, and industry has adjusted accordingly. However, less is known about oxygen-induced degradation. Biochemical studies have demonstrated oxidative degradation of high value compounds, and many producers use some form of modified atmospheric packaging (MAP) for storage. However, the efficacy of MAP is unclear. The objective of this paper is to review our current understanding of MAP in postharvest cannabis storage and identify avenues where additional research is needed.
文摘BACKGROUND Recent data are inconclusive regarding the risk of arrhythmias among young cannabis users.Furthermore,many young adults use both cannabis and tobacco,which could add a residual confounding effect on outcomes.So,we studied young men who have cannabis use disorder(CUD)excluding tobacco use disorder(TUD)to understand their independent association with atrial fibrillation(AF)and related outcomes.AIM To study the association of CUD with AF and related outcomes.METHODS We used weighted discharge records from National Inpatient Sample(2019)to assess the baseline characteristics and mortality rates for AF-related hospitalizations in young(18-44 years)men in 1:1 propensity-matched CUD+vs CUD-cohorts without TUD.RESULTS Propensity matched CUD+and CUD-cohorts consisted of 108495 young men in each arm.Our analysis showed an increased incidence of AF in black population with CUD.In addition,the CUD+cohort had lower rates of hyperlipidemia(6.4%vs 6.9%),hypertension(5.3%vs 6.3%),obesity(9.1%vs 10.9%),alcohol abuse(15.5%vs 16.9%),but had higher rates of anxiety(24.3%vs 18.4%)and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD)(9.8%vs 9.4%)compared to CUD-cohort.After adjustment with covariates including other substance abuse,a non-significant association was found between CUD+cohort and AF related hospitalizations(odd ratio:1.27,95%confidence interval:0.91-1.78,P=0.15).CONCLUSION Among hospitalized young men,the CUD+cohort had a higher prevalence of anxiety and COPD,and slightly higher proportion of black patients.Although there were higher odds of AF hospitalizations in CUD+cohort without TUD,the association was statistically non-significant.The subgroup analysis showed higher rates of AF in black patients.Large-scale prospective studies are required to evaluate long-term effects of CUD on AF risk and prognosis without TUD and concomitant substance abuse.
文摘This paper describes a test with the AI program ChatGPT.In the test,essentially a simplified Turing test,the author texted increasingly more sophisticated questions to ChatGPT and evaluated whether the conversing AI’s answers could or could not have come from another human.The questions were related to:(1)the author’s identity;(2)the task of separating correct and false information;(3)the accounts of Jesus’crucifixion;(4)the health-aspects of marijuana;(5)the last flight of John F.Kennedy Jr.;and(6)the identity of the conversing AI itself.It was found that ChatGPT passed the intelligence criteria of the simplified Turing test,as the author subjectively experienced his conversation with this AI as an interaction between two humans.On the other hand,ChatGPT didn’t pass the threshold of the intelligence definition of cosmological neuroscience,as the program lacked the analytic reasoning separating truth from falseness,clarity from ambiguity and the highly significant from the less significant,while it did not show the signs of originality and creative superimpositions either.It should still be acknowledged that ChatGPT represents the birth of an AI with the potential of elevating artificial conversations into the realm of human existence-whether or not it makes sense.The strange last line of the conversing AI,“I’m quite happy being an AI for now”,suggested that in future ChatGPT may change the scope of its functions-just as other AIs may do.Whether or not this will be beneficial for humankind,it will be decided by the extent to which these programs serve evil and divine causes.The paper argues that in order to let the divine side win over the evil one,the guidance of the father of AI,Alan Turing,would be prudent to consider.This guidance was given in his historic paper in October,1950,issue of the journal Mind,where Turing indicated that work like his on intelligent machines is compatible with God’s will,“providing mansions for the souls that He creates.”
