Search

Interest in using cannabis to treat a variety of chronic health conditions and symptoms is increasing among older adults (age>65). Data trends from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health demonstrate a continued increase in cannabis use and a decrease in perceived risk of regular use among older adults. One study describing medical cannabis use patterns by older adults in Canada, found that cannabis is used more often by women for pain and more often by men for oncological and neurological conditions, with CBD-containing cannabis oils being most commonly used. Many reported reduced pain and improvement in sleep and mood following cannabis use. Although some studies have been done, little is known about the characteristics of older adult cannabis users in New Jersey and their patterns of cannabis use. In order to answer these queries, we conducted a survey of older adults seen in a NJ-based healthcare network. This is a prospective survey-based study exploring characteristics and use patterns in older adult cannabis users. Questions included in the survey related to demographics, comorbid medical/psychiatric conditions, and substance use history. More in depth questions specifically targeting cannabis use in older adults (modes of delivery, reasons for use, and adverse effects) were included as well. The surveys were administered throughout the Hackensack Meridian Health hospital system including on psychiatry and medical inpatient settings. Participants who completed the survey were from 60 years old to 80 years old with (50% between ages 65 to 69). (58.3%) were males and (41.7%) were females.100% were white/Caucasian and 100% non-Latino. Regarding characteristics of use, half of the patients (50%) reported using cannabis regularly on a daily basis, (25%) reported using cannabis regularly on a weekly basis, and (16.7%) reported using cannabis on a monthly basis. 83.3% used cannabis in the late evening, (33.3%) in the morning, (33.3%) in the afternoon, (16.7%) used at night. In terms of delivery, (58.3%) smoked marijuana (e.g., via joint, pipe, water bong, etc.), (50.0%) used edibles (e.g., gummies, cookies, etc.), (16.7%) vaped used a "vape pen" (a pen-like device similar to an e-cigarette), and (16.7%) used tinctures (e.g., liquid dropped under tongue or sprayedin mouth).The majority, (83.3%) did not experience any adverse reactions from using cannabis but (16.7%) experienced adverse effects including dry mouth, paranoia, and forgetfulness. The most common conditions/symptoms reported were anxiety, pain/arthritis, insomnia, depression, headache, and nausea and vomiting. Patients deemed cannabis " Extremely helpful" in the relief of (41.7%) anxiety, (33.3%) pain/arthritis, (33.3%) insomnia, (16.7%) depression, and (25.0%) nausea/vomiting. Some patients responded that cannabis was "Somewhat helpful" in the relief of (41.7%) anxiety, (33.3%) pain/arthritis, (41.7%) insomnia, (25%%) depression and (16.7%) nausea/vomiting. Health care providers and friends were most likely to know about cannabis use, followed by family members. The study describes the characteristics and patterns of cannabis use in older adults >65 in a NJ-based hospital network. Patients were derived from inpatient medical and psychiatric settings. Results indicated that cannabis was used more often by men, on a daily basis, mostly in the late evenings and for pain, anxiety, depression, and nausea and not for recreational use. Most participants either smoked or ingested marijuana. It appeared to be well-tolerated. Overall, it appears that older adults may be more open to using cannabis than previously and often take it for medical and psychiatric indications rather than recreationally. Limitations of the study were small sample size, self-report, and inpatient setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Cadomian orogeny reflects S -directed subduction on the northern margin of Greater Gondwana in Ediacaran – Cambrian time (∼600-500 Ma). It is well known from the eastern seaboard of North America, western and southern Europe, Turkey and Iran but is rarely identified in what was its backarc in N. Africa and Arabia. Here I summarize evidence for the Cadomian across ∼6500 km of Arabia and N. Africa from Oman to Morocco. The beginning of the Cadomian in Afro-Arabia cuts across and overlaps in time with earlier Neoproterozoic orogenies leading to the formation of Greater Gondwana, so emphasis is on rocks <570 Ma. Three Cadomian backarc crustal tracts or segments are identified. The eastern segment (Oman, Persian Gulf, eastern Saudi Arabia) mostly consists of buried transtensional basins with little igneous activity. The central segment was characterized by lower crust magma underplating and strong uplift along a N –S axis (Jordan) accompanied by rifting leading to deposition of thick sediments reminiscent of a passive continental margin, and strong evidence for regional metasomatism (Israel). The Zenifim passive margin is 580–610 Ma, older than our arbitrary 570 Ma limit for identifying the Cadomian but clearly post-dates terminal continental collision to form the East African Orogen and so must be related to Cadomian back-arc rifting. Along with related NE-SW trending dike swarms in NE Egypt and Jordan, the orientation of the Zenifim rifted margin, orthogonal to the Cadomian convergent margin, is another indication of strong Cadomian transtension. In contrast, the western segment (Libya, Algeria, Morocco) experienced abundant igneous activity, with evidence for this found especially far south in Libya. Recognition of the Cadomian orogeny in northern Africa provides a useful first step in breaking out distinct tectonic episodes in the ∼300 m.y. long Pan-African orogeny, at least in the north. Finally, the orthogonal relationship between older N –S orogens in the interior of Greater Gondwana and the E -W Cadomian orogen illustrates how the Neoproterozoic plate mosaic grew by subduction initiation exploiting lithospheric weaknesses along its continental margin. Ten recommendations for future research are also suggested. • The ∼550 Ma Cadomian orogeny in N. Africa and Arabia is reviewed for the first time. • N. Africa-Arabia Cadomian crosscuts older Neoproterozoic structures. • N. Afro-Arabia Cadomian is mostly transtensional basins in E, magmatic rocks in W. • Rifted continental margin offshore Israel suggests Cadomian basins lie further W. • 10 suggestions for research are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A combined laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) study was used to map 49 elements in four Fe Mn precipitates produced from three different genetic processes (hydrogenetic, hydrothermal, and mixed-type hydrogenetic-hydrothermal) in samples obtained from the southern Mariana Arc. Results show Mn-oxide minerals are consistently found to be associated with Ba, Mo, Sb, V, Zn, and the rare earth elements and yttrium (REY), excluding Ce, whereas Fe-oxyhydroxide minerals are primarily associated with Ti, Co, Cr, Cu, Nb, and Pb. Element distributions in Fe Mn precipitates from the southern Mariana Arc differ from deposits formed in other environments; notably, there is a decoupling of As and Sb, and redox-sensitive elements are more variable than non-redox-sensitive elements. Samples previously classified as either hydrogenetic or hydrothermal in origin, based on bulk geochemical data, show characteristics of both at higher resolution. Combining high resolution in-situ data with genetic classification discrimination diagrams reveals more ambiguity in metal and metalloid origin than previously thought. Mariana Arc Fe Mn precipitates can be separated into two formation sub-types (hydrothermal or mixed hydrothermal/hydrogenetic) based on textural and compositional differences, e.g., differences in Ce/Ce and Y/Ho values and relative variations in (Zr + Y + Ce) versus (Co + Ni) versus (Mn + Fe). Improved classification and knowledge of how fast-growing hydrothermal Fe Mn precipitates form may help us identify a relatively renewable critical metal resource. [Display omitted] • High resolution laser ablation maps (∼ 1 mm2) were constructed from Mn crusts from the southern Mariana Arc. • Within each map, variation in composition is highly varied and, in some cases, different from whole rock analyses. • Results show that sources of metals to Mn crusts is highly variable in time and space. • Classification diagrams based on whole rock analyses do not reflect the true variation in metal sources to Mn crusts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Former American football players are at risk for chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) which may have parkinsonism as a clinical feature. Former football players were prospectively assessed for parkinsonism. 120 former professional football players, 58 former college football players, and 60 same-age asymptomatic men without repetitive head impacts, 45–74 years, were studied using the MDS-UPDRS to assess for parkinsonism, and the Timed Up and Go (TUG). Traumatic encephalopathy syndrome (TES), the clinical syndrome of CTE, was adjudicated and includes parkinsonism diagnosis. Fisher's Exact Test compared groups on parkinsonism due to small cell sizes; analysis of covariance or linear regressions controlling for age and body mass index were used otherwise. Twenty-two (12.4%) football players (13.3% professional, 10.3% college) met parkinsonism criteria compared with two (3.3%) in the unexposed group. Parkinsonism was higher in professional (p = 0.037) but not college players (p = 0.16). There were no differences on the MDS-UPDRS Part III total scores. Scores on the individual MDS-UPDRS items were low. TUG times were longer in former professional but not college players compared with unexposed men (13.09 versus 11.35 s, p < 0.01). There were no associations between years of football, age of first exposure, position or level of play on motor outcomes. TES status was not associated with motor outcomes. Parkinsonism rates in this sample of football players was low and highest in the professional football players. The association between football and parkinsonism is inconclusive and depends on factors related to sample selection, comparison groups, and exposure characteristics. • Parkinsonism/motor finding prevalence did not differ in former American football players compared to asymptomatic unexposed men. • Former players did have slowness on the Timed Up and Go (TUG) compared to the asymptomatic unexposed men. • TUG times were slower in former football players with TES-CTE probable compared to those with no TES and TES-CTE possible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]