Alcohol Behaviors Research Articles

Molecular dynamics investigation on the vapor–liquid interface behavior of long-chain alkanes, alcohols, and their mixtures

The accurate description of the liquid–vapor interface behavior of higher alkanes and alcohols is an important topic in many petroleum and chemical industries. This research provides molecular-level information on the vapor–liquid interfaces (phase behavior, surface tension, self-diffusion, and solvation structure). Through the use of molecular dynamics simulation, five selected long-chain alkanes (n-dodecane, 5-methyl-undecane), alcohols (1-dodecanol, 1,12-dodecanediol, and 2-butyl-1-octanol), and their mixtures (n-dodecane + 1-dodecanol or 1,12-dodecanediol) have been modeled over a broad temperature range from 323.15 to 573.15 K. The aforementioned properties are qualitatively reproduced using the Optimized Potential for Liquid Simulations–All Atom (OPLS and L–OPLS) and the Transferable Potential for Phase Equilibria–United Atom (TraPPE–UA) force fields, respectively. The current findings are in good agreement with earlier experimental measurements as well as other simulated results. Moreover, the molecule orientations and chain conformation in the bulk liquid area are fully investigated by monitoring the center-of-mass radial distribution function and the probability distributions of end-to-end lengths for certain components. All five hydrocarbons exhibit equivalent propensities for ordering and chain conformation at the interface when subjected to the same isotherm. In addition, we compare the physical and structural characteristic of the unary and binary systems at the same temperature to further investigate the process by which molecular arrangement affects macroscopic thermophysical features. These simulations will provide specific guidance for choosing these widely used force fields to study petrochemical technologies.

An Explanatory Model of Violent Behavior, Self-Concept, and Alcohol, Tobacco, and Cannabis Consumption in Secondary Education Students.

Current scientific evidence establishes that regular physical activity engagement provides numerous physical and mental benefits. Thus, the present research aims at examining the relationships between violent behavior, self-concept, and consumption of alcohol, tobacco, and cannabis. Specifically, two objectives were defined: (a) analyze and establish the relationships between violent behaviors, the different dimensions of self-concept, and the consumption of alcohol, tobacco, and cannabis as a function of physical activity engagement, (b) define and examine a proposed explanatory model, and (c) analyze the effect of self-concept on alcohol and tobacco consumption and physical activity engagement based on the explanatory model developed. For this purpose, a nonexperimental (ex post facto), descriptive, and cross-sectional study was conducted. For data collection, a sociodemographic questionnaire was administered alongside the Self-Concept Form 5 and the School Victimization Scale. It was shown that individuals engaging in more than three hours of physical exercise per week scored more highly on the social, family, physical, and emotional aspects of self-concept, whilst those who do not meet this criterion scored more highly on the academic aspect and on physical and verbal victimization. The present research concludes that engagement in more than 3 hours of physical activity per week led to benefits in a number of domains of self-concept whilst, at the same time, increasing levels of violence.

Peer Pressure and Harmful Use of Alcohol in Thailand: A Spatial Autoregressive Model Application

Due to peer pressure playing a crucial role in the decision to drink, people who have a more fragile temperament might be expected to be at higher risk. Moreover, many studies have investigated the influence of peer pressure on alcohol consumption, but few have examined the relationship between heavy drinking and peer pressure via a spatial autoregressive model (SAR) in low/middle-income countries, such as Thailand. This paper investigated the connection between heavy drinkers over the age of 15 years who drink more than or equal to 60 grams of unmixed alcohol at least once per month based on the Thai Survey of Cigarette Smoking and Alcoholic Drinking Behavior, 2014. Further, the drinkers were assumed to socialize with two peer groups: immediate family and close friends. Our paper considered a SAR model because SAR can overcome the reflection problem encountered using a linear-in-means model and the correlated effect problem found with hierarchical models. The main finding was the discovery of a significant and positive peer effect on alcohol consumption among heavy drinkers. In addition, there was evidence of education having an effect, but no evidence of income affecting on alcohol consumption. Specifically, a higher level of education was linked with lower levels of alcohol consumption. The results not only help us to understand the peer effect and alcohol consumption behavior, but policymakers can also apply peer effect-based strategies to formulate effective policies to decrease the alcohol consumption rate in Thailand.

Epigenetic Dysregulation in Alcohol-Associated Behaviors: Preclinical and Clinical Evidence.

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is characterized by loss of control over intake and drinking despite harmful consequences. At a molecular level, AUD is associated with long-term neuroadaptations in key brain regions that are involved in reward processing and decision-making. Over the last decades, a great effort has been made to understand the neurobiological basis underlying AUD. Epigenetic mechanisms have emerged as an important mechanism in the regulation of long-term alcohol-induced gene expression changes. Here, we review the literature supporting a role for epigenetic processes in AUD. We particularly focused on the three most studied epigenetic mechanisms: DNA methylation, Histone modification and non-coding RNAs. Clinical studies indicate an association between AUD and DNA methylation both at the gene and global levels. Using behavioral paradigms that mimic some of the characteristics of AUD, preclinical studies demonstrate that changes in epigenetic mechanisms can functionally impact alcohol-associated behaviors. While many studies support a therapeutic potential for targeting epigenetic enzymes, more research is needed to fully understand their role in AUD. Identification of brain circuits underlying alcohol-associated behaviors has made major advances in recent years. However, there are very few studies that investigate how epigenetic mechanisms can affect these circuits or impact the neuronal ensembles that promote alcohol-associated behaviors. Studies that focus on the role of circuit-specific and cell-specific epigenetic changes for clinically relevant alcohol behaviors may provide new insights on the functional role of epigenetic processes in AUD.

The Oxidation Behavior of Potato Starch and Benzyl Alcohol via Peroxide in the Catalysis of Metal Complexes

AbstractTwo new Schiff bases ligands (HL1 and HL2) and their Co2+, Mn2+, Fe3+, Ru3+, Cr3+, and VO2+ complexes were synthesized and characterized by FT‐IR, 1H‐NMR, and Mass spect. and analytical methods. A single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction study determined the molecular structure of HL1. The catalytic effects of metal complexes on benzyl alcohol and potato starch (PS) oxidation were compared in an H2+O2 medium. The percent conversion of benzyl alcohol to benzaldehyde and benzoic acid was determined by Gas Chromatography. [Co(L1)2], [Mn(L1)2], [Co(L2)2], and [Mn(L2)2] showed the highest catalytic effect with a value between 97–98% in the conversion of benzyl alcohol to benzaldehyde and benzoic acid. Maximum % benzoic acid formation was observed in [Mn(L1)2] (39%) and [VO(L1)2] (58%). To determine the effect of the catalyst properties of the complexes on the oxidation of PS, carbonyl and carboxyl groups formed in potato starch were determined by the titrimetric method, and PS oxidation degrees were calculated as DS (DSCHO and DSCOOH). In potato starch oxidation, the [VO(L1)2] had the highest catalytic effect with DSSum = 0.96, while the [Mn(L1)2] had a relatively lower DSSum = 0.86 value. On the other hand, the [Cr(L2)2ClH2O] showed a catalytic impact with DSSum = 0.63.

Controlling Fractional Free Volume, Transport, and Co-Transport of Alcohols and Carboxylate Salts in PEGDA Membranes.

Understanding multi-component transport through polymer membranes is critical for separation applications such as water purification, energy devices, etc. Specifically for CO2 reduction cells, where the CO2 reduction products (alcohols and carboxylate salts), crossover of these species is undesirable and improving the design of ion exchange membranes to prevent this behavior is needed. Previously, it was observed that acetate transport increased in copermeation with alcohols for cation exchange membranes consisting of poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEGDA) and 2-acrylamido-2-methyl-1-propanesulfonic acid (AMPS) and that the inclusion of poly(ethylene glycol) methacrylate (PEGMA) (n = 5, n represents the number of ethylene oxide repeat units) could suppress this behavior. Here, we further investigate the role of PEGMA in modulating fractional free volume and transport behavior of alcohols and carboxylates. PEGDA-PEGMA membranes of varied membranes are fabricated with both varied pre -polymerization water content at constant PEGMA (n = 9) content and varied PEGMA content at two pre -polymerization water contents (20 and 60 wt.% water). Permeability to sodium acetate also decreases in these charge-neutral PEGDA-PEGMA membranes compared to PEGMA-free films. Therefore, incorporation of comonomers such as PEGMA with long side chains may provide a useful membrane chemistry structural motif for preventing undesirable carboxylate crossover in polymer membranes.

Under the influence of (alcohol)influencers? A qualitative study examining Belgian adolescents’ evaluations of alcohol-related Instagram images from influencers

ABSTRACT Influencers are important socialization agents among adolescents. There are rising concerns that influencers glamorize their alcohol behaviors and promote brands on Instagram. While exposure to alcohol messages influences adolescents’ alcohol use, it remains unclear how adolescents evaluate influencers’ alcohol images. We conducted 10 focus group interviews with 47 adolescents (Mage = 16.21; SD = 1.22). Our results demonstrated that adolescents frequently encounter images of influencers who hold alcoholic beverages, provide positive reviews for brands, or promote their own beverages. Additionally, building on the Message Interpretation Process model, we examined how individuals affectively (i.e. message desirability) and cognitively (i.e. realism, similarity) evaluate these alcohol images. Our results suggest that adolescents enjoy viewing images of influencers who depicted positive alcohol-related outcomes, highlighted their luxurious lifestyles, and were transparent about their partnership with alcohol brands. Only upon explicitly encouraging them to think aloud about the realism of and similarity to these images; and through discussions with their friends, they became more skeptical and perceived influencers’ images to be inauthentic. Where these critical evaluations took place, the persuasive effects seemed to diminish. Overall, our findings suggest that peer-led discussions and think-aloud procedures may be promising tools for media literacy interventions.

Supporting people affected by problematic alcohol, substance use and other behaviours under pandemic conditions: A pragmatic evaluation of how SMART recovery Australia responded to COVID-19

BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic prompted rapid, reflexive transition from face-to-face to online healthcare. For group-based addiction services, evidence for the impact on service delivery and participant experience is limited. MethodsA 12-month (plus 2-month follow-up) pragmatic evaluation of the upscaling of online mutual-help groups by SMART Recovery Australia (SRAU) was conducted using The Reach Effectiveness Adoption Implementation Maintenance (RE-AIM) framework. Data captured by SRAU between 1st July 2020 and 31st August 2021 included participant questionnaires, Zoom Data Analytics and administrative logs. ResultsReach: The number of online groups increased from just 6 pre-COVID-19 to 132. These groups were delivered on 2786 (M = 232.16, SD = 42.34 per month) occasions, to 41,752 (M = 3479.33, SD = 576.34) attendees. Effectiveness: Participants (n = 1052) reported finding the online group meetings highly engaging and a positive, recovery supportive experience. 91 % of people with experience of face-to-face group meetings rated their online experience as equivalent or better. Adoption: Eleven services (including SRAU) and five volunteers delivered group meetings for the entire 12-months. Implementation: SRAU surpassed their goal of establishing 100 groups. Maintenance: The average number of meetings delivered [t(11.14) = -1.45, p = 0.1737] and attendees [t(1.95) = -3.28, p = 0.1880] per month were maintained across a two-month follow-up period. ConclusionsSRAU scaled-up the delivery of online mutual-help groups in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Findings support the accessibility, acceptability and sustainability of delivering SMART Recovery mutual-help groups online. Not only are these findings important in light of the global pandemic and public safety, but they demonstrate the potential for reaching and supporting difficult and under-served populations.

Urinary phthalates, phenols, and parabens in relation to sleep health markers among a cohort of Mexican adolescents

IntroductionEmerging research has shed light on the potential impact of environmental toxicants on sleep health, however, it remains unclear if these associations exist during adolescence and whether associations differ by sex. This study aimed to examine associations between phthalates, parabens, and phenols on adolescent sleep health using cross-sectional data from 470 participants from the Early Life Exposures in Mexico to Environmental Toxicants (ELEMENT) study. Material and methodsIn 2015, spot urine samples were analyzed for exposure biomarkers of 14 phthalate metabolites, seven phenol, and four paraben analytes. Over seven consecutive days, sleep duration, midpoint, and fragmentation were assessed with wrist-actigraphy. We examined associations between summary phthalates, individual phthalate metabolites, and phenol and paraben analytes with mean weekday sleep duration, midpoint, and fragmentation using linear regression models adjusted for specific-gravity and sex, age, pubertal status, smoking and alcohol behavior, physical activity, and screen time. ResultsMean (SD) age was 13.8 (2.1) years; 53.5 % were female. Σ Plastic - summary measure for toxicants from plastic sources - and Σ DEHP and its metabolites, were associated with longer sleep duration in the unstratified sample. To illustrate, every 1-unit log increase in Σ DEHP was associated with 7.7 min (95 % CI: 0.32, 15.1; p < 0.05) longer duration. Summary measures of toxicants from plastic sources, personal care products, anti-androgenic toxicants, and multiple individual phthalates, phenols, and parabens were associated with later midpoint. The midpoint associations were largely female-specific. There were no associations with sleep fragmentation. ConclusionsHigher EDC exposure may be related to longer sleep duration and later sleep timing during adolescence, and associations may vary by toxicant and according to sex.

Role of KCC2 in the Regulation of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor on Ethanol Consumption in Rats.

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a common and complex disorder resulting from repetitive alcohol drinking. The mesocorticolimbic dopamine (DA) system, originating from the ventral tegmental area (VTA) in the midbrain, is involved in the rewarding effect of ethanol. The γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) neurons in VTA appear to be key substrates of acute and chronic ethanol, which regulates DA neurotransmission indirectly in the mesocorticolimbic system. Despite significant research on the relationship between brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and reduced alcohol consumption in male rats involving tropomyosin-related kinase B (TrkB), the mechanisms of BDNF-TrkB regulating alcohol behavior remain scarce. K+-Cl- cotransporter 2 (KCC2) plays a crucial role in synaptic function in GABAergic neurons by modulating intracellular chlorine homeostasis. Here, we found that 4-week intermittent alcohol exposure impaired the function of KCC2 in VTA, evidenced by a lower expression level of phosphorylated KCC2 and decreased ratio of phosphorylated KCC2 to total KCC2, especially 72h after withdrawal from 4-week ethanol exposure in male rats. CLP290 (a KCC2 activator) reduced excessive alcohol consumption after alcohol withdrawal, whereas VU0240551 (a specific KCC2 inhibitor) further enhanced alcohol intake. Importantly, VU0240551 reversed the attenuating effects of BDNF and 7,8-dihydroxyflavone (7,8-DHF) on alcohol consumption after withdrawal. Moreover, intraperitoneal injection of 7,8-DHF upregulated KCC2 expression and phosphorylated KCC2 in VTA 72h after withdrawal from ethanol exposure in male rats. Collectively, our data indicate that KCC2 may be critical in the regulating action of BDNF-TrkB on ethanol consumption in AUD.

Where to Look? Alcohol, Affect, and Gaze Behavior During a Virtual Social Interaction.

COVID-19 forced social interactions to move online. Yet researchers have little understanding of the mental health consequences of this shift. Given pandemic-related surges in emotional disorders and problematic drinking, it becomes imperative to understand the cognitive and affective processes involved in virtual interactions and the impact of alcohol in virtual social spaces. Participants (N=246) engaged in an online video call while their gaze behavior was tracked. Prior to the interaction, participants were randomly assigned to receive an alcoholic or control beverage. Participants' affect was repeatedly assessed. Results indicated that a proportionally larger amount of time spent gazing at oneself (vs. one's interaction partner) predicted significantly higher negative affect after the exchange. Further, alcohol independently increased self-directed attention, failing to demonstrate its typically potent social-affective enhancement in this virtual context. Results carry potential implications for understanding factors that increase risk for hazardous drinking and negative affect in our increasingly virtual world.

Polysubstance Use Plays a Key Role in Midlife Structural Brain Alterations in Long-term Cannabis Users

Approximately 147 million people across the world consume cannabis annually, making it the most commonly used illicit drug globally ( 1 World Health Organization Alcohol, Drugs, and Addictive Behaviours Unit. Cannabis.. https://www.who.int/teams/mental-health-and-substance-use/alcohol-drugs-and-addictive-behaviours/drugs-psychoactive/cannabisDate accessed: August 8, 2022 Google Scholar ). Although the use of cannabis has generally become more accepted and perceptions of harm have been decreasing in recent years ( 2 Patrick M.E. Schulenberg J.E. Miech R.A. Johnston L.D. O’Malley P.M. Bachman J.G. Monitoring the Future Panel Study annual report: National data on substance use among adults ages 19 to 60, 1976-2021. Monitoring the Future Monograph Series. University of Michigan Institue for Social Research, Ann Arbor, MI2022 Google Scholar ), negative effects of cannabis use on health and well-being have been identified. Cannabis use has been found to be associated with neurocognitive deficits in memory, learning, and attention and to contribute to alterations to both brain function and structure [see Volkow et al. ( 3 Volkow N.D. Swanson J.M. Evins A.E. DeLisi L.E. Meier M.H. Gonzalez R. et al. Effects of cannabis use on human behavior, including cognition, motivation, and psychosis: A review. JAMA Psychiatry. 2016; 73: 292-297 Crossref PubMed Scopus (480) Google Scholar ) for review]. However, existing studies examining the neural correlates of cannabis use have produced mixed findings in relation to cannabis-specific effects. The question of whether—and to what extent—cannabis use produces unique neural detriments compared with other psychoactive substances remains largely unknown. A possible reason for this knowledge gap is that there are likely other variables at play, variables that are often unaccounted for, that confound direct associations between cannabis use and neural outcomes. Pulling from literature at the intersection of developmental science, addiction research, and neuroscience, two likely targets are age and polysubstance use. SEE CORRESPONDING ARTICLE ON PAGE 861 Diminished Structural Brain Integrity in Long-term Cannabis Users Reflects a History of Polysubstance UseBiological PsychiatryVol. 92Issue 11PreviewCannabis legalization and use are outpacing our understanding of its long-term effects on brain and behavior, which is fundamental for effective policy and health practices. Existing studies are limited by small samples, cross-sectional measures, failure to separate long-term from recreational use, and inadequate control for other substance use. Here, we address these limitations by determining the structural brain integrity of long-term cannabis users in the Dunedin Study, a longitudinal investigation of a population-representative birth cohort followed to midlife. Full-Text PDF

Healthy lifestyle behaviors among field public health workers in a selected district of Sri Lanka

Background: Healthy lifestyle behaviors: diet, physical activity and non-consumption of tobacco and alcohol of health workers are important as they engage in educating the community and people follow them as role models. Objective of this study was to describe the healthy lifestyle practices among field public health workers in one of the districts in Sri Lanka. Methods: Descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out in the Galle district. 303 Public Health Midwives (PHMs) were taken to the sample and Lifestyle practices were assessed using a pre-tested self-administered questionnaire. Results: Overweight and obesity prevalence were 24% and 3.7% respectively. None of them used tobacco or alcohol. Regular balance diet consumption was 57%. 18.2% have consumed 2 or &gt;2 servings of fruit per day. The majority (49.2%) consumed vegetables 3 times per day and 21.8% consumed four or &gt;4 servings per day. 43.6% consumed Sugar and sugar containing food daily. Only 12.2% preferred low-salt food. 21.8% of PHMs consumed oily foods few times a day. The majority (56.8%) of PHMs have engaged in recommended moderate physical activity but only 6.9% engaged in vigorous physical activity. The mean duration of walking time was 463 minutes per week. Conclusions and recommendations: Most lifestyle practices (Dietary and physical activity) are not very healthy among PHMs except for their alcohol and smoking behaviors. Public health workers should be motivated to spend healthy lifestyles by increasing awareness and incorporating healthy lifestyle promotion programs into their routine field work.

Masculine identity development and health behaviors in transmasculine individuals: A theory of gender and health

AimsMasculinity is a driving factor in health behaviors of cisgender men; however, there is little research about conceptualizations of masculinity and their impact on health behaviors among transmasculine populations. This study sought to construct a theoretical framework for masculine identity development in transmasculine individuals in the United States, and the impact this process has on their health behaviors, specifically alcohol and tobacco use. MethodsTwenty-four in-depth interviews were conducted as part of the Masculinity and Self-Conceptualization Study (MASCS). We analyzed the data using grounded theory. ResultsTransmasculine individuals iteratively drafted, questioned, and revised their masculinity. Alcohol and tobacco and other harmful health behaviors associated with traditional masculinity were often featured in early drafts of masculine identity as tools of gender affirmation. As participants grew into their masculinity and began being affirmed in their gender through legal, social, or medical means, their reliance on negative health behaviors as a gender affirmation tool often decreased. ConclusionHarmful health behaviors such as alcohol and tobacco use featured prominently into early transition or masculine identity adoption for many transmasculine individuals in this study, and they frequently conceptualized engaging with alcohol and tobacco as a behavior that allowed them to access masculinity. Substance use interventions for transmasculine individuals should move away from a framework that focuses on alcohol, tobacco, and other negative health behaviors solely as a coping mechanism for cissexist stigma and trauma, toward a framework that supports transmasculine individuals in strengthening alternative tools to explore and affirm gender to prevent and reduce substance use. The Masculine Identity Development framework has the potential to be applied to other negative health behaviors and can identify the associations between adopted masculine characteristics and negative health outcomes.

“Black out or back out”: Understanding the alcohol habits, behaviors, and motivations of generation Z students

Objective: This qualitative phenomenological study explored alcohol habits, behaviors, and motivations of Gen Z students (born 1996-2010). Participants: Thirteen participants met selection criteria: aged 18-24 years (thus, part of Gen Z), enrolled as at either the University or community college, and able to share experiences. Maximum variation was sought for race/ethnicity, Greek life/sorority involvement and hometown regional area. Methods: Semi-structured interviews elicited detailed descriptions of lived experiences. Saldana’s First Cycle/Second Cycle constant comparative method was used for data analysis. Results: Five themes were identified: Motivations to Drink, Know My Limits, Exceeding Limits Leads to Risky Behaviors, Hangover Anxiety (“Hangxiety”), and Greek Life Influence. Additionally, the subtheme Internal Thoughts and Rationalizations was identified. Conclusion: Unique characteristics and unprecedented times contribute to alcohol consumption behaviors of Gen Z students. These findings hold an awareness to assist in the provision of education, support, and needed resources.

GamReg Sweden-Protocol for a systematic cohort data collection for improved clinical knowledge in specialized gambling disorder treatment.

BackgroundGambling disorder is the first non-substance-related addiction which is recognized as a diagnostic entity and assessed in treatment settings. However, in many clinical settings, assessment, and structured treatment for this condition is severely under-developed, and treatment seeking in many settings is low. This is a protocol paper describing the rationale and structure of a recently established quality register, allowing for structured monitoring of treatment seeking, treatment needs and treatment provision in Swedish health care settings, for gambling disorder and associated conditions.MethodsSince 2019, a Swedish quality register is in use for the systematic data collection from patients receiving treatment in specialized health care. The register is held by Region Skåne, and approved for national use. Swedish quality registers allow for the clinical monitoring of treatment uptake and needs, for quality improvement purposes, and collect systematic cohort data for these purposes. In addition, these quality registers potentially allow for future research projects, after separate ethics applications, allowing for clinical follow-up studies based on non-identified quality register data. Clinical challenges and research knowledge gaps are addressed in the present register, including mental health comorbidity, history of suicidal behavior, comorbid alcohol, drugs and gaming behaviors, and fundamental psycho-social variables such as violence victimization, concerned significant others including children's situation in families of problem gamblers, and main income and involvements with social services and enforcement agency. In addition, patient flows, including rates of referral from primary care and other treatment settings, can be followed. The overall quality register project is registered at clinicaltrials.gov (NCT05276193).DiscussionThe present protocol paper will allow for systematic reporting and future projects addressing knowledge gaps in clinical treatment for gambling disorder, and highlight the importance for evidence-based treatment in a behavioral addiction. Importantly, the current data will contribute to a better understanding of which patient groups may be less likely to seek or to be referred to treatment, and thereby may shape future initiatives to increase screening and referral in targeted, vulnerable groups.

The causal association of polyunsaturated fatty acids with allergic disease: A two-sample Mendelian randomization study.

ObjectivesPrevious studies have reported a potential association of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) levels with allergic disease risk and the possible benefit of PUFAs supplementation on allergic disease prevention. This study was performed to estimate the genetic association between PUFAs and allergic diseases using the method of both univariable and multivariable two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR).MethodsAs indicators of the PUFAs levels, we included the omega-3, omega-6, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), linoleic acid (LA), and the ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 (omega-6:3). Summarized statistics of genome-wide association studies (GWASs) for these PUFAs were obtained from the United Kingdom Biobank and the Twins United Kingdom cohort. Genetic data relating to allergic diseases, including atopic dermatitis (AD), allergic rhinitis (AR), allergic conjunctivitis (AC), allergic urticaria (AU) and asthma, were accessed from the FinnGen biobank analysis. Odds ratios and 95% CIs were used to express the impact.ResultsThe MR results denoted a genetic association between the genetically determined increase in omega-3 levels and the decreased risk of some allergic diseases including AD (OR: 0.863; 95% CI: 0.785 to 0.949; p = 3.86E-03), AC (OR:0.720; 95% CI: 0.547 to 0.947; p = 1.87E-02) and AU (OR:0.821; 95% CI: 0.684 to 0.985; p = 3.42E-02), while omega-6 and DHA level was only found to have negatively correlation with risk of AC with ORs of 0.655 (95% CI: 0.445 to 0.964; p = 3.18E-02) and 0.671 (95% CI 0.490 to 0.918; p = 1.25E-02), respectively. Omega-6:3 were causally significantly associated with the increased risk of AD (OR:1.171; 95% CI: 1.045 to 1.312; p = 6.46E-03) and AC (IVW: OR:1.341; 95% CI: 1.032 to 1.743; p = 2.83E-02). After adjustment of age, economic level, BMI, smoking and alcohol behaviors in the multivariable MR analysis, a direct causal protective effect of omega-3 on AD and AC, as well as a direct causal association between DHA and AD were observed. Omega-6:3 was also found to be directly associated with an increased risk of AD and AC. No association was found of EPA or LA with allergic diseases.ConclusionHigher PUFA concentrations (omega-3, omega-6, DHA) and lower omega-6:3 ratios were genetically associated with a lower risk of some allergic diseases.

Correction to: Concentration Effects in the Radiochromic Behavior of Polyvinyl Alcohol–Phospho-Tungstic Acid Nanocomposites

Correction to: Concentration Effects in the Radiochromic Behavior of Polyvinyl Alcohol–Phospho-Tungstic Acid Nanocomposites

Prevalence, correlates, and behavioral outcomes of alcohol gifting in China

IntroductionAlcohol gifting is a very common practice in China. However, little is known about the potentially adverse consequences of alcohol gifting. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of, and factors associated with, alcohol gifting, and explore whether drinking and tobacco use were associated with alcohol gifting.MethodsUsing a cross-sectional multi-stage survey, a sample of 982 household heads from Guangdong Province and 530 household heads from Shaanxi Province was collected online from 30 April to 30 July 2020 in China. Participants completed questionnaires regarding socio-demographic characteristics, social capital, drinking status, and gifting alcohol behavior. Chi-square analysis and multiple logistic regression analysis were used to identify the factors associated with alcohol gifting, and to identify its relationship with alcohol and cigarette use status.ResultsMultiple logistic regression analysis showed that age, gender, household annual income, province, drinking status, and social participation were prominent correlates of both offering and receiving alcohol. Participants who were married, had an education level of junior high school, or had a large social network had higher odds of receiving alcohol. When both alcohol gifting behaviors were included in the models, participants who offered alcohol had 2.15 (95% CI: 1.63–2.85) times higher odds of current drinking than those who didn’t offer alcohol and participants who received alcohol had 1.87 (95% CI: 1.45–2.41) times higher odds of current drinking than those who did not receive alcohol. Those who received alcohol had significantly higher odds of current smoking (AOR = 1.64; 95% CI: 1.25–2.14), while those who offered alcohol had significantly lower odds of current smoking (AOR = 0.71;95% CI:0.53–0.95).ConclusionsSocial participation is an important correlate of alcohol gifting. Alcohol receiving behaviors were significantly associated with both current alcohol and tobacco use. These associations can be used to inform alcohol gifting interventions in China.

Effect of Hydrogen Bonding on Dynamic Rheological Behavior of PVA Aqueous Solution.

The rheological behavior of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) aqueous solution is crucial to optimizing the processing technology and performance of PVA products. In this paper, the dynamic rheological behavior of PVA aqueous solution was investigated in detail. PVA solution with a concentration of 10 wt% showed unnormal rheological behaviors, that is, the liquid-like behavior in the high frequency (ω) region and the solid-like behavior in the low ω region. A storage modulus (G′) plateau appears in the relatively low ω region as a gel with a network structure. Different from conventional hydrogel, this plateau has a low modulus, and the corresponding size of the relaxation unit is estimated to be 554 nm, being higher than the size of a whole PVA chain. It is believed that the network mesh is formed by the intermolecular hydrogen bonding interactions among PVA chains. The relaxation time of these meshes is longer than the reptation time of a PVA chain. Based on the relaxation spectrum and calculation analysis, it is found that the destruction of intermolecular hydrogen bonds, such as by heating up, adding sodium dodecyl sulfate, and shear operation, will make the relaxation unit (mesh) larger and lead to the left shift of the intersection of G′ and loss modulus (G″). In a PVA solution with a high concentration, multiple meshes of various sizes could be formed and thus generate multiple relaxation peaks. The large-sized meshes mainly contribute to the left shift of the intersection of G′ and G″, and the small-sized meshes contribute to the high plateau modulus. The results in this paper offer a new angle to analyze polymer solutions with strong intermolecular interaction.