Therapeutic Cannabis Use in Kidney Disease: A Survey of Canadian Nephrologists.

Rationale & Objective: Cannabis use may be helpful for symptom management in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Knowledge, attitudes, and comfort with use of medical cannabis among kidney care providers may be limiting more widespread evaluation and use. We surveyed Canadian nephrologists regarding current prescribing habits, attitudes, and overall comfort level with cannabis products. Study Design: We carried out a nationwide, mail-in survey focused on capturing general and practice demographics, current cannabis prescribing status, and knowledge and attitudes regarding therapeutic cannabis use in patients with CKD. Setting & Population: This survey was distributed to every registered nephrologist in Canada. Analytical Approach: The results of this survey are reported descriptively. Results: Responses were received from 208 of 723 (29%) nephrologists. Only 21 (10.1%) respondents currently prescribe cannabis, with chronic pain syndromes being the most frequent reason for cannabis prescription (95.2%). Overall, 116 (55.5%) participants reported that changes in legality of cannabis did not influence their decision to prescribe cannabis. The majority of respondents (n = 123; 59%) indicated that they were uncomfortable with their knowledge of the medical cannabis literature. Most respondents (n=188; 91%) indicated that further studies exploring the efficacy and safety of cannabis would likely influence their prescribing habits. Limitations: Limitations of this study include possible nonresponse bias and a lack of specific data on practice considerations for specific subpopulations, such as transplant patients. Conclusions: Only a small minority of Canadian nephrologists currently prescribe cannabis, with relatively little practice change after legalization. There is broad support amongst Canadian nephrologists for encouraging their patients to enroll in efficacy/safety studies of cannabis in the CKD population. Ultimately, given limited therapeutic options available for symptom control in CKD, this survey demonstrates the potential for nationwide practice change if cannabis efficacy and safety can be demonstrated in this population.

Anger Damns the Innocent.

False accusations of wrongdoing are common and can have grave consequences. In six studies, we document a worrisome paradox in perceivers' subjective judgments of a suspect's guilt. Specifically, we found that people (including online panelists, n = 4,983, and working professionals such as fraud investigators and auditors, n = 136) use suspects' angry responses to accusations as cues of guilt. However, we found that such anger is an invalid cue of guilt and is instead a valid cue of innocence; accused individuals (university students, n = 230) and online panelists (n = 401) were angrier when they are falsely relative to accurately accused. Moreover, we found that individuals who remain silent are perceived to be at least as guilty as those who angrily deny an accusation.

A pilot yoga physical education curriculum to promote positive body image.

We examined the effects of a pilot yoga-based physical education (PE) curriculum by testing for change in trait body surveillance, physical self-worth, and body appreciation. Further, we examined the relationships among change in body image variables and the role of state mindfulness in predicting state body surveillance during classes. Adolescents participated in 12 weeks of yoga-based (n=20; Mage=16.45, 90% female) or traditional (n=23;Mage=14.52, 57% female) PE. Results showed significant (p=.004), moderate decreases in trait body surveillance and minimal nonsignificant (p=.11) increases in physical self-worth. Change in trait body surveillance was inversely related to change in physical self-worth and body appreciation in yoga participants. Multi-level modeling analyses revealed that more mindful students also surveyed their body less during class. Intentionally structured yoga participation may support positive body image among adolescents.

Validity of smartphone pedometer applications.

BACKGROUND: Given the widespread use of smartphone pedometer applications and the relatively limited number of published validity tests, this study examined the validity of three popular commercial smartphone pedometer applications (i.e., Accupedo, Moves, and Runtastic Pedometer). PARTICIPANTS: Convenience samples of males and females were recruited for laboratory tests [n = 11; mean: aged 24.18 years (±3.06)] and a free-living test [n = 18; mean: aged 28.78 years (±9.52)]. METHODS: Five conditions were assessed: (a) 20-step test, (b) 40-step stair climbing, (c) treadmill walking and running at different speeds, (d) driving, and (e) 3-day free-living. The Yamax SW-200 pedometer and observed step counts were used as criterion measures. RESULTS: Analyses identified an unacceptable error percentage in all of the applications compared to the pedometer. CONCLUSIONS: Given the inaccuracy of these applications, caution is required in their promotion to the public for self-monitoring physical activity and in their use as tools for assessing physical activity in research trials.