Cannabinoids regulate an insula circuit controlling water intake.

The insular cortex, or insula, is a large brain region involved in the detection of thirst and the regulation of water intake. However, our understanding of the topographical, circuit, and molecular mechanisms for controlling water intake within the insula remains parcellated. We found that type-1 cannabinoid (CB1) receptors in the insular cortex cells participate in the regulation of water intake and deconstructed the circuit mechanisms of this control. Topographically, we revealed that the activity of excitatory neurons in both the anterior insula (aIC) and posterior insula (pIC) increases in response to water intake, yet only the specific removal of CB1 receptors in the pIC decreases water intake. Interestingly, we found that CB1 receptors are highly expressed in insula projections to the basolateral amygdala (BLA), while undetectable in the neighboring central part of the amygdala. Thus, we recorded the neurons of the aIC or pIC targeting the BLA (aIC-BLA and pIC-BLA) and found that they decreased their activity upon water drinking. Additionally, chemogenetic activation of pIC-BLA projection neurons decreased water intake. Finally, we uncovered CB1-dependent short-term synaptic plasticity (depolarization-induced suppression of excitation [DSE]) selectively in pIC-BLA, compared with aIC-BLA synapses. Altogether, our results support a model where CB1 receptor signaling promotes water intake by inhibiting the pIC-BLA pathway, thereby contributing to the fine top-down control of thirst responses.

Comparison of total cold-water immersion's effects to ice massage on recovery from exercise-induced muscle damage.

PURPOSE: The purpose of the study is to compare the effects of total cold-water immersion to ice massage on muscle damage, performance, and delayed onset of muscle soreness. METHODS: Sixty participants were randomized into two groups where they completed a muscle damage protocol. Afterward, muscle damage, muscle performance, and delayed onset muscle soreness were respectively measured by serum Creatine Kinase (CK) test, one-repetition maximum (1-RM) test, countermovement jump (CMJ) test, and visual analog scale (VAS). The measurements were taken at five different timelines (Baseline, 2 H, 24 H, 48 H, and 72 H). RESULTS: Data showed that values of all within-group measures of the dependent variables had extremely significant statistical differences (p < 0.001) for both intervention groups. Serum CK values peaked at 24 H for both groups. At 72 H, serum CK values dropped to baseline values in the total cold-water immersion group, while remaining high in the ice massage group. At 72 H, the values of the 1-RM test, CMJ test, and VAS approximated baseline values only in the total cold-water immersion group (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Total cold-water immersion (TCWI) was more effective when compared to ice massage (IM) on improving values of recovery from exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD). Hence, this modality may be considered during athletic recovery to maximize athletic performance. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: This trial was registered in ClinicalTrials.gov under the trial registration number ( NCT04183816 ).

Cost of work-related injuries in insured workplaces in Lebanon.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the medical and compensation costs of work-related injuries in insured workplaces in Lebanon and to examine cost distributions by worker and injury characteristics. METHODS: A total of 3748 claims for work injuries processed in 1998 by five major insurance companies in Lebanon were reviewed. Medical costs (related to emergency room fees, physician consultations, tests, and medications) and wage and indemnity compensation costs were identified from the claims. FINDINGS: The median cost per injury was US dollars 83 (mean, US dollars 198; range, US dollars 0-16,401). The overall cost for all 3748 injuries was US dollars 742,100 (76% of this was medical costs). Extrapolated to all injuries within insured workplaces, the overall cost was US dollars 4.5 million a year; this increased to US dollars 10 million-13 million when human value cost (pain and suffering) was accounted for. Fatal injuries (three, 0.1%) and those that caused permanent disabilities (nine, 0.2%) accounted for 10.4% of the overall costs and hospitalized injuries (245, 6.5%) for 45%. Cost per injury was highest among older workers and for injuries that involved falls and vehicle incidents. Medical, but not compensation, costs were higher among female workers. CONCLUSION: The computed costs of work injuries--a fraction of the real burden of occupational injuries in Lebanon--represent a considerable economic loss. This calls for a national policy to prevent work injuries, with a focus on preventing the most serious injuries. Options for intervention and research are discussed.

Work-related injuries in Lebanon: does nationality make a difference?

BACKGROUND: To compare the type, severity, cause, and cost of work-related injuries between Lebanese and non-Lebanese workers in insured workplaces in Lebanon. METHODS: A total of 4,186 claims and medical reports for 3,748 work-related injuries filed in 1998 at five major insurance companies were reviewed. RESULTS: Non-Lebanese workers (46%) were younger (29 vs. 31 years), belonged mainly to the construction sector (62% vs. 29%), and were paid less (365 dollars vs. 438 dollars/month) than Lebanese workers. Non-Lebanese construction workers reported more feet and eye injuries. Falls were more common among Lebanese workers while non-Lebanese workers commonly reported being struck by an object. No differences were noted in the severity of injuries (workdays lost; hospitalization) between the two groups, but, overall cost per injury was higher among the Lebanese workers. CONCLUSIONS: There were no salient differences between Lebanese and non-Lebanese workers regarding severity of work injuries, which may reflect the disparity in access to the Lebanese heath care system by nationality. Syrian migrant workers appear to represent a special group in Lebanon. Additional, in-depth analysis of the social, political, and workplace mechanisms leading to work injuries is recommended.