scholarly journals Cannabis use and the sperm epigenome: a budding concern?

2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Rose Schrott ◽  
Susan K Murphy

Abstract The United States is swiftly moving toward increased legalization of medical and recreational cannabis. Currently considered the most commonly used illicit psychoactive drug, recreational cannabis is legal in 11 states and Washington, DC, and male use is an important and understudied concern. Questions remain, however, about the potential long-term consequences of this exposure and how cannabis might impact the epigenetic integrity of sperm in such a way that could influence the health and development of offspring. This review summarizes cannabis use and potency in the USA, provides a brief overview of DNA methylation as an epigenetic mechanism that is vulnerable in sperm to environmental exposures including cannabis, and summarizes studies that have examined the effects of parental exposure to cannabis or delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC, the main psychoactive component of cannabis) on the epigenetic profile of the gametes and behavior of offspring. These studies have demonstrated significant changes to the sperm DNA methylome following cannabis use in humans, and THC exposure in rats. Furthermore, the use of rodent models has shown methylation and behavioral changes in rats born to fathers exposed to THC or synthetic cannabinoids, or to parents who were both exposed to THC. These data substantiate an urgent need for additional studies assessing the effects of cannabis exposure on childhood health and development. This is especially true given the current growing state of cannabis use in the USA.


Circulation ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 137 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sara M Briker ◽  
J Damascene Kabakambira ◽  
Rafeal L Baker ◽  
Christopher W DuBose ◽  
Lilian S Mabundo ◽  
...  

Introduction: Leaving Africa to live in the United States is stressful. Due to oversecretion of glucocortoids and catecholamines, stress has biologic consequences. No data exists on whether Africans who come to America for reasons associated with high stress have a higher rate of conditions such as obesity, diabetes and hypertension than Africans who come for low stress reasons. Goals: Working with the Africans in America cohort and using allostatic load score (ALS) to measure biologic stress, our objectives were to (a) rank by ALS the 5 most common reasons for immigration (work, study, asylum/refugee, family unification and lottery); (b) divide the cohort in to 2 groups: high stress (combining the individuals with the 3 reasons with the highest ALS) and low stress (combining the individuals with the lowest ALS); (c) compare body size, visceral adipose tissue (VAT), glucose, BP, sleep duration and smoking in Africans with high and low stress. Methods: OGTT and abdominal CT scans were performed in 114 African immigrants (68% male, age 41±10, range22-62y) born in subSaharan Africa but living in Washington, DC. Results: Ranked from highest to lowest, ALS for each reason for immigration was: work 3.18±1.71; asylum/refugee 2.68±1.46; study 2.66±1.88; family 1.77±1.27; lottery 1.60±1.27. Hence, high stress reasons for immigration were: work, asylum/refugee and study. Low stress reasons were: family and lottery. ALS in high vs. low stress reasons for immigration were: 2.81±1.74 vs. 1.72±1.25, P<0.01. BP did not vary by group. However, Africans with high stress had a higher BMI, more VAT and hyperglycemia than Africans with low stress (Table). Africans with high stress also had a greater tendency to sleep <7h per night and smoke (Table). Conclusions: High stress reasons for immigration include work, asylum/refugee and study. As obesity, hyperglycemia, and behaviors such as decreased sleep duration and smoking are associated with high stress reasons for immigration, medical histories when possible should include reason for immigration.



Author(s):  
Jarratt Pytell ◽  
Darius A. Rastegar

Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the main psychoactive agent in the leaves of cannabis (marijuana) plants. Many synthetic cannabinoids have been recently developed. Cannabis is the most commonly used illicit drug in the United States; almost 20 million Americans currently consume cannabis. People who use cannabis may experience relaxation, euphoria, and mild hallucinogenic effects. Some may experience nausea and vomiting after use. Synthetic cannabinoids have been associated with more serious complications. Cessation after regular use may result in drug craving, insomnia, anorexia, and restlessness. Metabolites of THC can be detected in the urine up to 1 month after last use; some medications can cause false-positive tests. Serious medical complications of cannabis use are uncommon; the most concerning are neuropsychological problems among adolescent users and acute cognitive and motor impairment. Synthetic cannabinoid use is associated with significant neuropsychological effects. Psychosocial modalities appear to help those who wish to stop or reduce use. There are no medications that have been shown to be effective.



2020 ◽  
Vol 486 (1) ◽  
pp. 229-249 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joseph T. Hannibal ◽  
Lorraine Schnabel

AbstractBy virtue of its use in iconic monuments and historic buildings in the USA, Cockeysville marble, a dolomitic to calcitic lower Paleozoic (Cambrian/Ordovician) marble quarried in Baltimore County and adjacent areas in Maryland, is proposed as a potential Global Heritage Stone Resource. The most important use of this stone was for the Washington Monument in Washington, DC whose construction began in 1848; the second most important use was for the 108 columns of the United States Capitol's wings, completed in 1868. It was also used for two of the oldest major marble monuments in the USA, Baltimore's Battle Monument (dedicated in 1827) and Washington Monument (completed in 1829), as well as Baltimore's City Hall, Buffalo's Adkins Art Museum, Detroit's Fisher Building and parts of St Patrick's Cathedral in New York City. During the nineteenth century white Cockeysville was most desired, but a colourful variety, Mar Villa marble, was also used in the first decades of the twentieth century. Cockeysville marble is no longer quarried for dimension stone. All Cockeysville used outdoors has weathered to a lesser or great extent, but early testing indicating that the dolomitic marble would be more durable has proved to be true.



2004 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 75-92 ◽  
Author(s):  
James E. Goggin

Interest in the fate of the German psychoanalysts who had to flee Hitler's Germany and find refuge in a new nation, such as the United States, has increased. The ‘émigré research’ shows that several themes recur: (1) the theme of ‘loss’ of one's culture, homeland, language, and family; and (2) the ambiva-lent welcome these émigrés received in their new country. We describe the political-social-cultural context that existed in the United States during the 1930s, 1940s and 1950s. Documentary evidence found in the FBI files of three émigré psychoanalysts, Clara Happel, Martin Grotjahn, and Otto Fenichel, are then presented in combination with other source material. This provides a provisional impression of how each of these three individuals experienced their emigration. As such, it gives us elements of a history. The FBI documents suggest that the American atmosphere of political insecurity and fear-based ethnocentric nationalism may have reinforced their old fears of National Socialism, and contributed to their inclination to inhibit or seal off parts of them-selves and their personal histories in order to adapt to their new home and become Americanized. They abandoned the rich social, cultural, political tradition that was part of European psychoanalysis. Finally, we look at these elements of a history in order to ask a larger question about the appropriate balance between a liberal democratic government's right to protect itself from internal and external threats on the one hand, or crossover into the blatant invasion of civil rights and due process on the other.



2020 ◽  
Vol 2 (4) ◽  
pp. 32-54
Author(s):  
Silvia Spitta

Sandra Ramos (b. 1969) is one of the few artists to reflect critically on both sides of the Cuban di-lemma, fully embodying the etymological origins of the word in ancient Greek: di-, meaning twice, and lemma, denoting a form of argument involving a choice between equally unfavorable alternatives. Throughout her works she shines a light on the dilemmas faced by Cubans whether in Cuba or the United States, underlining the bad personal and political choices people face in both countries. During the hard 1990s, while still in Havana, the artist focused on the traumatic one-way journey into exile by thousands, as well as the experience of profound abandonment experienced by those who were left behind on the island. Today she lives in Miami and operates a studio there as well as one in Havana. Her initial disorientation in the USA has morphed into an acerbic representation and critique of the current administration and a deep concern with the environmental collapse we face. A buffoonlike Trumpito has joined el Bobo de Abela and Liborio in her gallery of comic characters derived from the rich Cuban graphic arts tradition where she was formed. While Cuba is now represented as a rotten cake with menacing flies hovering over it ready to pounce, a bombastic Trumpito marches across the world stage, trampling everything underfoot, a dollar sign for a face.



Author(s):  
Attarid Awadh Abdulhameed

Ukrainia Remains of huge importance to Russian Strategy because of its Strategic importance. For being a privileged Postion in new Eurasia, without its existence there would be no logical resons for eastward Expansion by European Powers.  As well as in Connection with the progress of Ukrainian is no less important for the USA (VSD, NDI, CIA, or pentagon) and the European Union with all organs, and this is announced by John Kerry. There has always ben Russian Fear and Fear of any move by NATO or USA in the area that it poses a threat to  Russians national Security and its independent role and in funence  on its forces especially the Navy Forces. There for, the Crisis manyement was not Zero sum game, there are gains and offset losses, but Russia does not accept this and want a Zero Sun game because the USA. And European exteance is a Foot hold in Regin Which Russian sees as a threat to its national security and want to monopolize control in the strategic Qirim.



2014 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 201-213
Author(s):  
Renata Marks-Bielska ◽  
Wiesława Lizińska ◽  
Izabela Serocka

Evaluation of the importance of the USA as the trade partner of Poland is the main objective of the paper, based on the changes in the value of trade during the years 2000-2012 and changes in the structure of trade during the years 2008-2012. The data from the Statistical Yearbooks of Foreign Trade published by the Central Statistical Office was used. The potential for foreign trade growth was illustrated using the simplified analysis based on the gravity model of foreign trade concept. Gradually increasing value of Polish trade with the USA (the average growth rate 9.8%, EU-15 countries 13.1%). Polish exports are characterised by a higher than imports growth rate (USA - exports growth by 12.5%, imports 9.2%, EU-15 - exports 15.1%, imports 11.6%). Trade is strongly dominated by position of one group of products (over 30% share in both exports and imports). The potential of trade is poorly exploited currently. Trade was focused mainly on the countries situated in the close neighbourhood (mainly the EU countries with the domination of Germany).



Author(s):  
Halyna Shchyhelska

2018 marks the 100th anniversary of the proclamation of Ukrainian independence. OnJanuary 22, 1918, the Ukrainian People’s Republic proclaimed its independence by adopting the IV Universal of the Ukrainian Central Rada, although this significant event was «wiped out» from the public consciousness on the territory of Ukraine during the years of the Soviet totalitarian regime. At the same time, January 22 was a crucial event for the Ukrainian diaspora in the USA. This article examines how American Ukrainians interacted with the USA Government institutions regarding the celebration and recognition of the Ukrainian Independence day on January 22. The attention is focused on the activities of ethnic Ukrainians in the United States, directed at the organization of the special celebration of the Ukrainian Independence anniversaries in the US Congress and cities. Drawing from the diaspora press and Congressional Records, this article argues that many members of Congress participated in the observed celebration and expressed kind feelings to the Ukrainian people, recognised their fight for freedom, during the House of Representatives and Senate sessions. Several Congressmen submitted the resolutions in the US Congress urging the President of United States to designate January 22 as «Ukrainian lndependence Day». January 22 was proclaimed Ukrainian Day by the governors of fifteen States and mayors of many cities. Keywords: January 22, Ukrainian independence day, Ukrainian diaspora, USA, interaction, Congress



1988 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 317-318
Author(s):  
Syed Iqbal Mahdi

The Second Economics Seminar of the AMSS Economic DisciplineCouncil on Islamic Economics co-sponsored by the International Instituteof Islamic Thought (IIIT) and the Association of Muslim Social Scientists(AMSS) was held Rabi‘ al Akhir 8-10, 1409/November 18-20, 1988, at theIIIT headquarters in Herndon, Virginia. The program chairman for theconference was Dr. Mohammad Safa of Southeastern University, Washington,DC and the Seminar was attended by over fifty (50) people from variousparts of the United States and Canada including academicians, Islamic bankers,and graduate economics students.Following recitations from the Holy Qur’in, the opening sessioncommenced with the welcome addresses of Dr. Taha Jabir Al-Alwani,President, and Dr. AbdulHamid AbuSulayman, Director-General of the ID”,respectively. Dr. Taha emphasized the importance of the implementation ofIslamization of Knowledge in modem social sciences particularly in economics,and the role of IIIT in this process. Dr. Taha also paid tribute to the servicesof Dr. AbuSulayman in building Islamic institutions like the AMSS and theIIIT in their formative years. He prayed for the success of Dr. ’AbuSulaymanin his new assignment as the Rector of the International Islamic Universityin Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.Dr. AbuSulayman then outlined the challenges lying ahead for Muslimeconomists in their efforts to Islamize the science of economics.Conference Program and Papers:The conference program was divided into four sessions. The first sessionwas on “Methodological Issues in Islamic Economics” chaired by Dr. RasoolM. Hashimi of Southern Illinois University. Drs. Syed Iqbal Mahdi of BenedictCollege and Masudul Alam Choudhury of University College of Cape Bretonpresented papers entitled “Methodological Issues in Islamic Economics” and“Cost-Benefit Framework in an Islamic Economic System” respectively. Thelast paper in this session was given by Shamim Siddiqui who is a doctoralcandidate at Temple University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The title ofhis paper was “Savings and Investment in an Islamic Economic System.” ...



Author(s):  
Stefan Bittmann

COVID-19 is a serious coronavirus disease that is spreading all over the world. As of the date of this publication, 2.834.134 people have been infected with COVID-19 and 197.924 deaths have been recorded in 185 countries (John Hopkins Corona Resource Center, 25th April 2020) [1]. This overwhelming mortality rate requires intensive research activities around the world. To date, the number of deaths per day in the United States is still killing, indicating an uncontrollable state of infection spread. SARS-CoV-2 binds to the angiotensin II receptor in various tissues of the human body, particularly in the oral cavity and tongue. SARS-CoV-2 requires the cheerful TMPRSS2 to activate this inertia. SARS-CoV-2 uses the ACE2 receptor as a gateway to the lungs. The SARS-CoV-2 virus binds with the spike protein to the ACE2 receptor. COVID-19 is more common among African Americans in the USA (Science 10th April 2020). The comfort and the emotional loading capacity of the employees in the health service are key components for the maintenance of the essential health services during the outbreak of the COVID-19 virus (Coronavirus) [2,3]. Hence, it will be important to anticipate the charges linked with this work and to release support for employees in the health service. The supervision and assessment of the psychic health and the well-being of the employees in the health service will be important, just as the efforts to guarantee a successful reunion with colleagues if they are infected.



Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document