Knowledge, attitude and practices regarding the use of medical cannabis: A national survey among Israeli oncologists.

2020 ◽  
Vol 38 (15_suppl) ◽  
pp. e24125-e24125 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dan Mirelman ◽  
Barliz Waissengrin ◽  
Noam Goldway ◽  
Hagai Sharon ◽  
Silviu Brill ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Rational Approach ◽  
Close Relative ◽  
Medical Cannabis ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Unique Role ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Associated Symptoms ◽  
Practical Guidelines ◽  
Moral Attitudes ◽  
Data Call

e24125 Background: Despite lack of clinical trials reporting on beneficial effects of the cannabis plant for cancer-associated symptoms, its use is increasing worldwide. Approximately 10,000 Israeli cancer patients receive permits for the use of medical cannabis, making cannabis one of the most commonly prescribed oncology treatments in Israel and making the Israeli oncologists highly experienced with its use. The experience gained by the Israeli oncologists is therefore highly valuable. Methods: We conducted a web-based survey among all 238 Israeli oncologists, addressing personal experience; knowledge and attitudes toward the use of cannabis in oncology. Results: Response rate was 54% (n = 126), with the vast majority (87%) regularly prescribing cannabis to their patients. Anorexia, pain and nausea were the most common indications for cannabis use. While 90% of responders stated lack of sufficient knowledge regarding cannabis, its use was perceived as effective and safe. Interestingly, while most oncologists stated that opioids should be used as a first line treatment for cancer pain, most would prefer cannabis for pain relief if needed by a close relative. Oncologists who support cannabis legalization were more likely to prescribe it. Conclusions: Our findings indicate extensive use and perception of medical cannabis despite lack of knowledge, and support about efficacy and indicate a unique role for moral attitudes affecting clinical decisions. These data call for the implementation of an educational program and practical guidelines enabling more consistent and rational approach toward cannabis role in oncology.

Knowledge, attitude and practices regarding use of medical cannabis: A national survey among israeli oncologists.

2019 ◽  
Vol 37 (15_suppl) ◽  
pp. e23110-e23110 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dan Mirelman ◽  
Barliz Waissengrin ◽  
Noam Goldway ◽  
Ido Wolf
Keyword(s):  
Rational Approach ◽  
Close Relative ◽  
Medical Cannabis ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Unique Role ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Associated Symptoms ◽  
Practical Guidelines ◽  
Moral Attitudes ◽  
Data Call

e23110 Background: Despite lack of clinical trials reporting on beneficial effects of the cannabis plant for cancer-associated symptoms, its use is increasing worldwide. Approximately 10,000 Israeli cancer patients receive permits for the use of medical cannabis, making cannabis one of the most commonly prescribed oncology treatments in Israel and making the Israeli oncologists highly experienced with its use. The experience gained by the Israeli oncologists is therefore highly valuable. Materials and Methods: We conducted a web-based survey among all 238 Israeli oncologists, addressing personal experience; knowledge and attitudes toward the use of cannabis in oncology. Results: Response rate was 54% (n = 126), with the vast majority (87%) regularly prescribing cannabis to their patients. Anorexia, pain and nausea were the most common indications for cannabis use. While 90% of responders stated lack of sufficient knowledge regarding cannabis, its use was perceived as effective and safe. Interestingly, while most oncologists stated that opioids should be used as a first line treatment for cancer pain, most would prefer cannabis for pain relief if needed by a close relative. Oncologists who support cannabis legalization were more likely to prescribe it. Conclusions: Our findings indicate extensive use and perception of efficacy despite lack of knowledge, and indicate unique role for moral attitudes affecting clinical decisions. These data call for the implementation of an educational program and practical guidelines enabling more consistent and rational approach toward cannabis role in oncology.

THE „CLOUDY“ CLASSROOM

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 347-352
Author(s):  
Atanaska Peneva ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Information And Communication Technologies ◽  
Mobile Communications ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Communication Technologies ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Modern Approach ◽  
Building Information ◽  
Practical Guidelines ◽  
Information And Communication ◽  
Cloud Technologies

The report presents the author’s experience in integrating modern ICT technologies in the process of teaching and learning in school. The emphasis is on the use of mobile devices and the integration of cloud technologies in schools. As an ICT teacher, the author provides some practical guidelines on how to apply innovation. The generation of 7 screens does not know a world without digital technologies and mobile communications. The discrepancy between the expectations of the digital generation and the reality in our schools is in terms of the information and communication technologies (ICT) used in them and the didactic models. Adolescents, when they find themselves in an environment that does not meet their expectations, are demotivated and redirect their attention to other objects and goals and stop being active in class. The use of the so-called. „Cloud“ technologies will significantly increase the interest and retention of students. The modern approach to building information systems is focused on developing solutions in which the collection, input and output of information is carried out through WEB-based applications or platforms.

scholarly journals Unique Role of Caffeine Compared to Other Methylxanthines (Theobromine, Theophylline, Pentoxifylline, Propentofylline) in Regulation of AD Relevant Genes in Neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y Wild Type Cells

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (23) ◽  
pp. 9015
Author(s):  
Daniel Janitschke ◽  
Anna A. Lauer ◽  
Cornel M. Bachmann ◽  
Martin Seyfried ◽  
Heike S. Grimm ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gene Regulation ◽  
Transcriptional Regulation ◽  
Expression Patterns ◽  
Wild Type ◽  
Neuronal Function ◽  
Purine Base ◽  
Unique Role ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Other Substances

Methylxanthines are a group of substances derived from the purine base xanthine with a methyl group at the nitrogen on position 3 and different residues at the nitrogen on position 1 and 7. They are widely consumed in nutrition and used as pharmaceuticals. Here we investigate the transcriptional regulation of 83 genes linked to Alzheimer’s disease in the presence of five methylxanthines, including the most prominent naturally occurring methylxanthines—caffeine, theophylline and theobromine—and the synthetic methylxanthines pentoxifylline and propentofylline. Methylxanthine-regulated genes were found in pathways involved in processes including oxidative stress, lipid homeostasis, signal transduction, transcriptional regulation, as well as pathways involved in neuronal function. Interestingly, multivariate analysis revealed different or inverse effects on gene regulation for caffeine compared to the other methylxanthines, which was further substantiated by multiple comparison analysis, pointing out a distinct role for caffeine in gene regulation. Our results not only underline the beneficial effects of methylxanthines in the regulation of genes in neuroblastoma wild-type cells linked to neurodegenerative diseases in general, but also demonstrate that individual methylxanthines like caffeine mediate unique or inverse expression patterns. This suggests that the replacement of single methylxanthines by others could result in unexpected effects, which could not be anticipated by the comparison to other substances in this substance class.

scholarly journals Involvement of the Orexinergic System in Feeding

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 86
Author(s):  
Pilar Marcos ◽  
Rafael Coveñas
Keyword(s):  
Receptor Interaction ◽  
Combination Therapies ◽  
Receptor Antagonists ◽  
Differential Function ◽  
Unique Role ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Single Target ◽  
Other Substances ◽  
Treatment Of Obesity ◽  
Obesity Treatments

To know the processes involved in feeding, the dysregulation of hypothalamic neuropeptides promoting anorexigenic/orexigenic mechanisms must be investigated. Many neuropeptides are involved in this behavior and in overweight/obesity. Current pharmacological strategies for the treatment of obesity are unfortunately not very effective and, hence, new therapeutic strategies must be investigated and developed. Due to the crucial role played by orexins in feeding behavior, the aim of this review is to update the involvement of the orexinergic system in this behavior. The studies performed in experimental animal models and humans and the relationships between the orexinergic system and other substances are mentioned and discussed. Promising research lines on the orexinergic system are highlighted (signaling pathways, heterogeneity of the hypothalamic orexinergic neurons, receptor-receptor interaction, and sex differences). Each of the orexin 1 and 2 receptors plays a unique role in energy metabolism, exerting a differential function in obesity. Additional preclinical/clinical studies must be carried out to demonstrate the beneficial effects mediated by orexin receptor antagonists. Because therapies applied are in general ineffective when they are directed against a single target, the best option for successful anti-obesity treatments is the development of combination therapies as well as the development of new and more specific orexin receptor antagonists.

scholarly journals A Bayesian approach to reveal the key role of mask wearing in modulating projected interpersonal distance during the first COVID-19 outbreak

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (8) ◽  
pp. e0255598
Author(s):  
Matteo P. Lisi ◽  
Marina Scattolin ◽  
Martina Fusaro ◽  
Salvatore Maria Aglioti
Keyword(s):  
Situational Factors ◽  
Protective Equipment ◽  
Interpersonal Distance ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Perceived Severity ◽  
Perceived Vulnerability ◽  
Dispositional Factors ◽  
Perceived Vulnerability To Disease ◽  
Moral Attitudes

Humans typically create and maintain social bonds through interactions that occur at close social distances. The interpersonal distance of at least 1 m recommended as a relevant measure for COVID-19 contagion containment requires a significant change in everyday behavior. In a web-based experimental study conducted during the first pandemic wave (mid-April 2020), we asked 242 participants to regulate their preferred distance towards confederates who did or did not wear protective masks and gloves and whose COVID-19 test results were positive, negative, or unknown. Information concerning dispositional factors (perceived vulnerability to disease, moral attitudes, and prosocial tendencies) and situational factors (perceived severity of the situation in the country, frequency of physical and virtual social contacts, and attitudes toward quarantine) that may modulate compliance with safety prescriptions was also acquired. A Bayesian analysis approach was adopted. Individual differences did not modulate interpersonal distance. We found strong evidence in favor of a reduction of interpersonal distance towards individuals wearing protective equipment and who tested negative to COVID-19. Importantly, shorter interpersonal distances were maintained towards confederates wearing protective gear, even when their COVID-19 test result was unknown or positive. This protective equipment-related regulation of interpersonal distance may reflect an underestimation of perceived vulnerability to infection; this perception must be discouraged when pursuing individual and collective health-safety measures.

scholarly journals Use of antenatal magnesium sulfate for neuroprotection: a survey of national practices

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. 744
Author(s):  
Shivshankar Diggikar ◽  
Srikanth Kulkarni ◽  
Abhishek S. Aradhya ◽  
Praveen Venkatagiri
Keyword(s):  
Public Sector ◽  
Private Sector ◽  
Magnesium Sulfate ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Adequate Knowledge ◽  
Attitude And Practice

This web-based cross-sectional survey suggests that uptake of antenatal magnesium sulfate for babies<32 weeks is about 75.2% (67/89) of centres in India, more in private sector hospitals 53/66 (80.3%) compared to public sector hospitals 14/23 (60.8%). A written policy for managing babies<32 weeks is available in 62.9% of units. Adequate facilities were available in 94.3% of units to administer magnesium sulfate. Although there is adequate knowledge (89.8%) about the beneficial effects of antenatal magnesium sulfate, attitude, and practice seem to be the major hurdle in implementation.  

Lifestyle Changes for the Treatment of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease - A 2015-19 Update

2020 ◽  
Vol 26 (10) ◽  
pp. 1110-1118
Author(s):  
Maria L. Petroni ◽  
Lucia Brodosi ◽  
Francesca A. Barbanti ◽  
Silvia di Domizio ◽  
Salvo Petta ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Lifestyle Changes ◽  
Text Messages ◽  
Treatment Center ◽  
Standard Group ◽  
Pilot Studies ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Phone Calls ◽  
Randomized Controlled Studies

Background: Lifestyle interventions aimed at weight loss have been associated with improved liver enzymes, reduced intrahepatic triglyceride content, and improved histology (including reduced fibrosis stage). Objective: To revise the evidence on the beneficial effects of lifestyle changes accumulated since 2015, following the publication of the pivotal Cuban experience with histologic outcome. Methods: A PubMed search covering the period 2015 to July 2019 was carried out. All retrieved references were analyzed and double-checked by authors. Results: 20 new studies were identified; in addition, two relevant studies provided new evidence. Thirteen studies were classified as randomized, controlled studies, three as proof-of-concept/pilot studies, four as cohort observational studies. In an attempt to maintain a closer contact between participants and the treatment center, a study implemented regular phone calls, another an e-mail service, a third was based on text messages, and finally, a study was totally web-based. Notably, the web-based treatment, accessed following intense motivational interviewing, was not less effective than a standard group-based behavior program. Conclusion: Lifestyle changes should form the basis of any NAFLD intervention. Information technology provides the opportunity to expand treatment, bypassing job and time constraints in younger patients, and to maintain long-term contact between patients and therapists in the NAFLD population.

scholarly journals Randomized controlled trial of the mySmartSkin web-based intervention to promote skin self-examination and sun protection among individuals diagnosed with melanoma

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sharon L Manne ◽  
Carolyn J Heckman ◽  
Deborah A Kashy ◽  
Lee M Ritterband ◽  
Frances P Thorndike ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Sun Protection ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Participant Engagement ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Core Components ◽  
Self Examination ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Univariate Analyses

Abstract Adherence to regular, thorough skin self-examination (SSE) and consistent sun protection behaviors among melanoma survivors is relatively low. This study reports on the impact of an online intervention, called mySmartSkin (MSS), on engagement in SSE and sun protection behaviors among melanoma survivors, as well as the mediators of the intervention effects. The intervention was compared with usual care (UC), and primary outcomes were assessed at 24 and 48 weeks. Short-term outcomes were also evaluated at 8 weeks postbaseline. Results demonstrate a significant effect on SSE and sun protection. At all three follow-up assessments, the proportion of participants reporting conducting a thorough SSE in the time since the previous assessment was significantly greater in MSS than in UC. In addition, both multivariate and univariate analyses indicated that engagement in sun protection behaviors was significantly higher in MSS than UC at 24 weeks, but the effect on sun protection at 48 weeks was significant only in multivariate analyses. Beneficial effects of MSS were significantly mediated by knowledge about melanoma and characteristics of suspicious lesions, as well as self-efficacy. Participant engagement in MSS was satisfactory, with approximately two-thirds of participants completing at least two of the three core components. Content was rated as highly trusted, easy to understand, easy to navigate, and helpful. In conclusion, MSS illustrated significant and durable effects on SSE and mixed results on sun protection. Future studies should consider ways to further enhance treatment effects and engagement in MSS.

scholarly journals Short-Term Medical Cannabis Treatment Regimens Produced Beneficial Effects among Palliative Cancer Patients

2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (12) ◽  
pp. 435
Author(s):  
Joshua Aviram ◽  
Gil Lewitus ◽  
Yelena Vysotski ◽  
Anton Uribayev ◽  
Shiri Procaccia ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pain Intensity ◽  
Treatment Effectiveness ◽  
Psychological Symptom ◽  
Symptom Burden ◽  
Medical Cannabis ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Treatment Regimens ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Secondary Outcomes

In the last decade the use of medical cannabis (MC) for palliative cancer treatment has risen. However, the choice between products is arbitrary and most patients are using Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)-dominant cannabis products. In this study, we aimed to assess the short-term outcomes of MC treatment prescribed by oncologists in relation to the type of cannabis they receive. A comparative analysis was used to assess the differences in treatment effectiveness and safety between THC-dominant (n = 56, 52%), cannabidiol (CBD)-dominant (n = 19, 18%), and mixed (n = 33, 30%) MC treatments. Oncology patients (n = 108) reported on multiple symptoms in baseline questionnaires, initiated MC treatment, and completed a one-month follow-up. Most parameters improved significantly from baseline, including pain intensity, affective and sensory pain, sleep quality and duration, cancer distress, and both physical and psychological symptom burden. There was no significant difference between the three MC treatments in the MC-related safety profile. Generally, there were no differences between the three MC treatments in pain intensity and in most secondary outcomes. Unexpectedly, CBD-dominant oil treatments were similar to THC-dominant treatments in their beneficial effects for most secondary outcomes. THC-dominant treatments showed significant superiority in their beneficial effect only in sleep duration compared to CBD-dominant treatments. This work provides evidence that, though patients usually consume THC-dominant products, caregivers should also consider CBD-dominant products as a useful treatment for cancer-related symptoms.

scholarly journals Beyond Identity Problem: Perspective of a Chinese Teacher of English

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 197
Author(s):  
Wensheng Deng
Keyword(s):  
Chinese Culture ◽  
Teaching Practice ◽  
English Teachers ◽  
Young Generation ◽  
Unique Role ◽  
Cultural Conflicts ◽  
Cross Cultural Communication ◽  
Chinese Teacher ◽  
Moral Attitudes ◽  
English Culture

With intensive globalization, Chinese teachers of English have more and more involved into cross-cultural communication. Throughout the communication, cultural conflicts have also arisen. Thus, Chinese English teachers have to face the conflicts in their teaching practice. For their specific and unique role, they are in the dilemma to either preserve his identity of Chinese culture or lose it to get a new identity of English culture. That is why the thesis has started to explore. The thesis digs out the reasons which have led to the conflicts of cultural identity---ideologies, the roots of the conflicts. As to the crisis of identity, the thesis offers the following solutions to Chinese English teachers. First, he should have a kind of consciousness or experience of Chinese culture and Western culture; second, he should get something critical in absorbing other cultures; third, he should remember that it is his goal to cultivate young generation with proper identity of moral attitudes, beliefs, personalities and values.

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