Male Alcohol Consumption Research Articles

Association between serum level of uric acid in Japanese young patients with coronary spastic angina receiving coronary angiography.

Endothelial dysfunction may trigger coronary spastic angina (CSA). However, the risk factors for CSA in young patients remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate the age-dependent role of serum uric acid levels in patients with CSA. We enrolled 423 patients who underwent an ergonovine tolerance test during coronary angiography for the CSA evaluation. We categorized the patients as (1) young (age ≤ 65years) CSA-positive (n = 33), (2) young CSA-negative (n = 138), (3) elderly (age > 66years) CSA-positive (n = 42), and (4) elderly CSA-negative (n = 210) groups. In the young groups, the smoker proportion (57.6 vs. 38.4%, p = 0.04) and serum uric acid levels (6.3 ± 1.4 vs. 5.4 ± 1.5mg/dl, p = 0.006) were significantly higher in the CSA-positive compared with the CSA-negative group. Conversely, in the elderly group, the male proportion (66.6 vs. 47.1%, p = 0.02) and alcohol consumption level (40.5 vs. 21.0%, p = 0.01) were significantly higher in the CSA-positive compared with the CSA-negative group. The multivariate analysis in young groups revealed the independent association between the serum uric acid level (p = 0.02) and the presence of CSA. Our results indicate that elevated serum uric acid levels may affect CSA development in young patients.

The association between alcohol consumption and cardiometabolic factors and liver fibrosis in metabolic dysfunction‐associated steatotic liver disease and metabolic dysfunction and alcohol‐associated liver disease

SummaryBackgroundThe relationships between alcohol consumption, cardiometabolic factors, and liver fibrosis in patients with metabolic dysfunction‐associated steatotic liver disease and those with metabolic dysfunction and alcohol‐associated liver disease remain unclear.AimsTo investigate the longitudinal associations among alcohol consumption, cardiometabolic factors, and liver fibrosis in patients with these two liver diseases.MethodsThis observational cohort study included 1866 patients with metabolic dysfunction‐associated steatotic liver disease and 521 patients with metabolic dysfunction and alcohol‐associated liver disease who underwent > two health checkups over >2 years. The associations of both liver diseases with worsening non‐invasive liver fibrosis scores were assessed using the Cox regression analysis.ResultsBoth liver diseases independently worsened liver fibrosis in both sexes. However, the hazard ratio for worsening liver fibrosis in females was significantly higher with metabolic dysfunction and alcohol‐associated liver disease than with metabolic dysfunction‐associated steatotic liver disease. Worsening liver fibrosis was not associated with alcohol consumption. Among males with metabolic dysfunction‐associated steatotic liver disease, the hazard ratio for worsening liver fibrosis was significantly higher in those with multiple cardiometabolic factors compared to those with a single cardiometabolic factor.ConclusionsAlthough both metabolic steatotic liver disease and metabolic alcohol‐associated liver disease were correlated with liver fibrosis progression in both sexes, the impact of alcohol consumption and cardiometabolic factors on fibrosis progression differed by sex. Cardiometabolic factors may have a stronger impact on liver fibrosis than alcohol consumption in males with metabolic dysfunction‐associated steatotic liver disease.

Developmental trajectories of child and adolescent emotional problems: associations with early adult alcohol use behaviors.

Whether emotional problems during childhood and adolescence are longitudinally associated with adult alcohol use behaviors is unclear. This study examined associations between developmental trajectories of emotional problems and early adult alcohol use behaviors, while considering co-occurring conduct problems, developmental change/timing, sex differences, and potential confounds. Participants were from the Twins Early Development Study (analytic N = 19,908 individuals). Emotional and conduct problems were measured by parent reports at child ages 4, 7, and 9 years and via self-reports at ages 9, 11, and 16 years on the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire. Alcohol use behaviors (alcohol consumption and alcohol-related problems) were self-reported by the twins on the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test at age 22 years. Piecewise latent growth curve models described nonlinear developmental trajectories of emotional and conduct problems from ages 4 to 16. At age 22, alcohol use was regressed on emotional and conduct problems' intercepts and slopes from piecewise latent growth curve model and sex differences in regression coefficients were tested. Using twin modeling, Cholesky decompositions and direct path models were compared to test whether significant phenotypic associations were best explained by direct phenotypic influences or correlated genetic and environmental influences. Emotional problems had different associations with alcohol-related problems versus alcohol consumption. After accounting for direct influences from conduct problems, emotional problems were not associated with alcohol-related problems, while emotional problems at age 9 were negatively associated with alcohol consumption in males. Overall, findings did not support emotional problems as prospective risk factors for severe alcohol use above and beyond risks associated with conduct problems. Sex- and age-specific links between emotional problems and alcohol consumption in early adulthood may be worthy of further exploration, particularly as twin analyses improved our confidence that such links may be underpinned by causal mechanisms.

Risk factors for prevalent and incident hypertension in rheumatoid arthritis: data from the Canadian Early Arthritis Cohort.

Hypertension (HTN) is a common comorbidity in RA. This study aimed to explore the prevalence and incidence of HTN and baseline factors associated with incident HTN in early RA (ERA). Data were from the Canadian Early Arthritis Cohort (CATCH), an inception cohort of ERA patients having <1 year of disease duration. HTN was determined by patient- or physician-reported diagnosis, the use of anti-hypertensives and/or blood pressure. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to determine baseline factors associated with prevalent and incident HTN in this population. The study sample included 2052 ERA patients [mean age 55 years (s.d. 14), 71% female). The prevalence of HTN at study enrolment was 26% (23% in females and 34% in males). In both sexes, prevalent HTN was associated with older age, diabetes and hyperlipidaemia. HTN was associated with being overweight or high alcohol consumption in females. Of the RA patients who did not have HTN at enrolment, 24% (364/1518) developed HTN during the median follow-up period of 5 years (range 1-8). Baseline factors significantly associated with incident HTN were older age, being overweight, excess alcohol consumption and having hyperlipidaemia. Incident HTN was associated with high alcohol consumption in males and with hyperlipidaemia in females. RA-associated disease factors and treatments were not significantly associated with prevalent or incident HTN. Early RA patients had a high incidence of hypertension with the highest risk in older patients with traditional cardiovascular risk factors.

Prevalence, pattern and predictors of intimate partner violence amongst female undergraduates in Abia State, Nigeria; public health implications

BackgroundIntimate Partner Violence (IPV) is the range of sexually, psychologically and physically coercive acts used against adult and adolescent women by a current or former male partner. It is a major public health problem globally. This study determined the prevalence, patterns and predictors of IPV amongst female undergraduates in Abia State.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted from January - February 2022 amongst 306 female undergraduates in Abia State. A mixed method of an online structured questionnaire created on Google forms & onsite self-administered questionnaire were deployed for data collection. Descriptive, bivariate and multivariate analyses were done using IBM SPSS Version 26.0. The level of significance was set at 5%.ResultsA total of 306 respondents participated in the survey. The overall prevalence of IPV amongst female undergraduates was 51.2% (95% CI: 44.8-57.6%). Emotional abuse was the most common form of abuse 78.9%, followed by Physical abuse 42.0% and Sexual abuse 30.8%. Predictors of IPV reported include female earning/receiving more than their partner monthly (aOR = 2.30; 95% CI: 1.20–4.41); male (partner) alcohol consumption (aOR = 5.17; 95% CI: 2.46–10.88), being a smoker of cigarette/marijuana (aOR = 11.01; 95% CI: 1.26–96.25) and having witnessed domestic violence as a child (aOR = 3.55; 95% CI: I.56-8.07). Adverse effects such as unwanted pregnancies (12%), miscarriages (10%), eating/sleeping disorders (21%) and bruises (23%) amongst others were noted in some of the victims.ConclusionOver half of all female undergraduates in Abia State have experienced IPV with emotional abuse being the commonest. Some Individual and relationship factors were identified as predictors of IPV. We recommend intensifying primary prevention campaigns against risk factors identified like smoking and alcohol consumption.

Clinical outcomes of diverticular disease in young adults: results from a tertiary referral center.

Diverticular disease (DD), commonly associated with the elderly, is becoming more prevalent among younger individuals. This retrospective study aimed to evaluate the differences in the natural history and outcomes between young and old patients with DD. Adult patients with DD diagnosed between 2010 and 2022 at an Italian tertiary referral center were enrolled, and their demographic and clinical data were retrieved. The patients were categorized as young or old based on the 25th percentile of the population's age at diagnosis. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to assess the association between the collected variables and the age of disease presentation. Additionally, survival analyses were conducted to evaluate the association between the age of diagnosis and clinical outcomes at follow-up, including disease recurrence, hospital access, surgery, and death. A total of 220 DD patients (with a median age of 66 years, IQR 55-74, and a female-to-male ratio of 1.4:1) were included in the study, comprising 54 patients receiving a diagnosis before the age of 49 years (young DD patients) and 166 patients diagnosed after the age of 49 years (old DD patients). Male sex (57 vs. 36%, p < 0.01), smoking (38 vs. 14%, p < 0.01), and alcohol consumption (54 vs. 38%) were highly prevalent in young patients. The complications at the time of diagnosis, particularly abscesses and free perforations, occurred more frequently in younger patients (p = 0.04). Moreover, young DD patients experienced a higher rate of hospitalization and surgical intervention (p = 0.01 and p = 0.04, respectively) over a median follow-up period of 5 years. Preventive strategies and prompt diagnosis are crucial in young patients with DD for achieving better disease outcomes and preventing complications.

Visual memory and alcohol use in a middle-aged birth cohort

Light and moderate alcohol use has been reported to be associated with both impaired and enhanced cognition. The purpose of this study was to explore whether there was a linear relationship between visual memory and alcohol consumption in males and females in a large middle-aged birth cohort population in cross-sectional and longitudinal settings. Data were collected from 5585 participants completing 31-year (1997–1998) and 46-year (2012–2014) follow-ups including Paired Associate Learning (PAL) test at 46-years follow-up. The participants were originally from 12,231 study population of the Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1966 (NFBC1966). The PAL test was conducted to assess visual memory. Reported alcohol use was measured as total daily use of alcohol, beer, wine, and spirits converted into grams and as frequency and amount of use of beer, wine, and spirits. The total daily alcohol use was not associated with reduced visual memory. The frequency of use of beer and wine in males was associated with better visual memory in cross-sectional and longitudinal settings. Using six or more servings of spirits was associated with worse visual memory in males in cross-sectional and longitudinal settings. The study suggested a lack of a linear association between drinking and visual memory in the middle-aged population.

Sex differences in heart rate variability measures that predict alcohol drinking in rats.

Problem alcohol drinking continues to be a substantial cost and burden. In addition, alcohol consumption in women has increased in recent decades, and women can have greater alcohol problems and comorbidities. Thus, there is a significant need for novel therapeutics to enhance sex-specific, individualized treatment. Heart rate (HR) and HR variability (HRV) are of broad interest because they may be both biomarkers for and drivers of pathological states. HRV reflects the dynamic balance between sympathetic (SNS, 'fight or flight') and parasympathetic (PNS, 'rest and digest') systems. Evidence from human studies suggest PNS predominance in women and SNS in men during autonomic regulation, indicating the possibility of sex differences in risk factors and physiological drivers of problem drinking. To better understand the association between HRV sex differences and alcohol drinking, we examined whether alcohol consumption levels correlated with time domain HRV measures (SDNN and rMSSD) at baseline, at alcohol drinking onset, and across 10min of drinking, in adult female and male Wistar rats. In particular, we compared both HRV and HR measures under alcohol-only and compulsion-like conditions (alcohol + 10mg/L quinine), because compulsion can often be a significant barrier to treatment of alcohol misuse. Importantly, previous work supports the possibility that different HRV measures could be interpreted to reflect PNS versus SNS influences. Here, we show that females with higher putative PNS indicators at baseline and at drinking onset had greater alcohol consumption. In contrast, male intake levels related to increased potential SNS measures at drinking onset. Once alcohol was consumed, HR predicted intake level in females, perhaps a pharmacological effect of alcohol. However, HRV changes were greater during compulsion-like intake versus alcohol-only, suggesting HRV changes (reduced SNS in females, reduced PNS and increased HR in males) specifically related to aversion-resistant intake. We find novel and likely clinically relevant autonomic differences associated with biological sex and alcohol drinking, suggesting that different autonomic mechanisms may promote differing aspects of female and male alcohol consumption.

Alcohol consumption and dependence risk among male and female Veterans: Trajectories and predictors

BackgroundWith few exceptions, previously conducted research on hazardous drinking among Veterans has employed samples in which the majority of participants identify as male. In addition, past studies have solely focused on alcohol consumption, rather than associated risk for dependence. In this study, we expanded upon the extant literature by investigating sex differences in trajectories and predictors of change in alcohol consumption and dependence risk among post-9/11 Veterans. MethodsA national sample of 1649 Veterans (50.0% female) were recruited in a five-wave longitudinal study that followed Veterans for up to 16 years after deployment. We used growth curve modeling to investigate trajectories of change in alcohol consumption and dependence risk among men and women Veterans. We examined predictors of growth, including demographics, support and resources, psychiatric symptoms, and trauma exposure. ResultsAmong male Veterans, alcohol consumption and dependence risk remained stagnant, which is in contrast to past work using non-Veteran samples. For female Veterans, consumption exhibited initial reductions that decelerated, and dependence risk reduced at a continuous rate. PTSD diagnosis was a significant predictor of individual differences in growth for men. Psychiatric symptoms (i.e., PTSD diagnosis, probable depression diagnosis, suicidal ideation) and psychosocial functioning were significant predictors of decreasing alcohol use for women. ConclusionsResults highlight important sex differences in patterns and predictors of change in alcohol consumption and dependence risk among post-9/11 Veterans. Findings are discussed in relation to screening for hazardous alcohol use and intervention strategies in this at-risk population.

Gambling Addiction among Teenagers: Risk Factors, Protective Factors, Prevention

Gambling has recently become one of the major public health problems. Although most efforts are focused on adult gamblers, there is growing concern about teenagers and young adults being more vulnerable to gambling addiction. Gambling practices and opportunities have evolved to the point where they are widely available and seen as a socially acceptable form of entertainment while becoming increasingly attractive to young people. My aim in this paper was to identify risk factors, protective factors in gambling addiction in adolescents, and prevention methods for this type of addiction. With the help of data obtained from studies and specialized literature, I was able to highlight the most important features of this addiction among teenagers. Male sex, young age, alcohol and drug consumption, depression, and poor academic performance were identified as risk factors for gambling. In terms of protective factors, parental supervision, and high socioeconomic status are recognized. Considering that there is a significant prevalence of adolescent gambling and numerous adverse effects associated with it, prevention efforts such as awareness programs and a healthy family environment can be helpful.

Intimate partner violence and excess fertility among women of reproductive age in Malawi.

Gender inequity and adverse health outcomes continue to be of concern among women in sub-Saharan Africa. We determined prevalence of intimate partner violence and excess fertility (having more children than desired) in reproductive age women in Malawi. We also explored factors associated with these outcomes and with spousal fertility intentions. In a cross-sectional study, a total of 360 women and 410 men were recruited using multi-stage sampling from communities in a peri-urban setting in Blantyre District, Southern Malawi in 2021. Women and men were separately interviewed by trained study workers using a structured questionnaire. In addition to descriptive analyses, we used univariate and multivariate logistic regression models to assess associations of risk factors with the outcomes of intimate partner violence and excess fertility. Among women, lifetime prevalence of intimate partner violence was 23.1%, and excess fertility was experienced by 25.6%. Intimate partner violence was associated with male partners alcohol consumption (adjusted odds ratio 2.13; P = 0.019). Women were more likely to report excess fertility if they were older (adjusted odds ratio 2.0, P<0.001, for a 5-year increase). Alcohol consumption by the male partner (adjusted odds ratio 2.14; P = 0.025) and women being able to refuse sex with their male partner (adjusted odds ratio 0.50; P = 0.036) were associated with discordant fertility preferences. Intimate partner violence, excess fertility, and social and health inequities continue to be prevalent in Malawi. These data suggest the underlying proximal and distal factors associated with these adverse outcomes such as alcohol consumption may be addressed through education, couple interactive communication, and community dialogue. To ensure sustainability and effectiveness, strong leadership involvement, both governmental and non-governmental, is needed.

Perforated peptic ulcer: a clinical study at Shri. Shankaracharya institute of medical sciences Bhilai, Chhattisgarh

Background: Perforation is a serious complication of PUD and patients with perforated peptic ulcer often carries high risk for morbidity and mortality. Acute perforated peptic ulcer is a leading cause of generalized peritonitis and its management has continued to be a challenging task in moderate resource setting environment. Aim and objective was to evaluate the different pattern of risk factors, clinical presentations, management and clinical outcome of patients with acute perforated peptic ulcer. Methods: This was a hospital based prospective observational study conducted in the Department of general surgery at Shri Shankaracharya Institute of Medical Sciences, Bhilai, Chhattisgarh. Total of 79 cases with diagnosis of perforated peptic ulcer treated were taken as sample size. A specially designed proforma was used to collect information on patients' demographics, symptoms, complications, duration of hospital stay and treatment outcome. Results: In present study male predominance was seen in peptic perforation cases 68.75% and M:F ratio was 2.2:1. Mortality rate was 17.71%. Mean hospital stay among survivors was 11.8 days and among non survivors 5.5±3.73 days. Most common risk factor seen was alcohol, smoking, peptic ulcer disease and NSAIDs ingestion. Whereas the most common presentation was abdominal pain, signs of peritonitis, abdominal distension. Cases with APCHE 2 score &gt;21 had 90% mortality. Conclusions: The present study conclude that perforated PUD is a life-threatening disease with high morbidities and mortalities. Male predominance, smoking and alcohol consumption and pain in abdomen were the common characteristics. APACHE 2 score was useful in assessing the risk of mortality.

Usefulness of Intraoperative Narrow-Band Imaging in the Site Diagnosis of Respiratory Papillomatosis.

Narrow-band imaging (NBI) is considered useful for detecting respiratory papillomatosis. However, the choice between preoperative and intraoperative NBI depends on the facility. We investigated the usefulness of NBI and determined whether preoperative NBI can replace intraoperative NBI with a comparable detection rate. In this retrospective cohort study conducted at single a tertiary care center, patients with respiratory papillomatosis treated between 2017 and 2022 were enrolled. We systematically compared preoperative white light imaging (WLI) with preoperative and intraoperative NBI. The primary endpoints were the papilloma detection rate and lesion site assessed by the Derkay scoring system. The secondary endpoints were the risk factors for increased Derkay scores. The study included 127 patients with papilloma. Intraoperative NBI yielded significantly higher Derkay scores than preoperative WLI (p < 0.001) and preoperative NBI (p = 0.004). The papilloma detection rates of preoperative WLI and preoperative NBI were not significantly different. Intraoperative NBI detected more lesions than preoperative NBI in 37 of 127 (29%) patients; the overall number of additional lesions was 47 of 279 (17%). Compared with preoperative NBI, intraoperative NBI yielded significantly higher scores for the vocal cords (p = 0.005), false vocal cords (p = 0.010), and ventricle of the larynx (p < 0.001). Elevated Derkay scores were significantly associated with male sex (p = 0.012) and alcohol consumption (p = 0.007). Intraoperative NBI is more accurate in detecting papillomatous lesions, and preoperative NBI cannot replace intraoperative NBI. 4 Laryngoscope, 134:1820-1824, 2024.

Prevalence and factors associated with occupational injuries among building construction workers in the Gambia

BackgroundAlthough occupational injuries among building construction workers are a major public health concern, limited studies have focused on the prevalence and factors associated with injuries among building construction workers in...

Clinical characteristics and risk factors of hepatitis B virus-related cirrhosis/hepatocellular carcinoma: A single-center retrospective study

Background and aimsHepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a major global health problem which progresses to liver cirrhosis (LC) and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Early prediction of disease changes and intervention are essential to slow disease progression and protect liver function. This study aimed to analyze the clinical characteristics of patients with HBV-related LC and HCC at different serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels and explore the risk factors of HBV infection progressing to LC/HCC. MethodsA total of 379 patients with HBV infection treated in The Third People's Hospital of Shenzhen between January 2014 and December 2016 without any antiviral drug therapy were enrolled. Patients were divided into the LC/HCC and non-LC/HCC groups based on clinical diagnosis, which was determined through imaging and expressions of pathological and laboratory test markers, and patients with LC/HCC were further divided into three groups according to the serum ALT levels. Differences in general information, clinical symptoms, and expression levels of serological indices of the above groups were compared and analyzed, logistic regression was used to analyze the risk factors for LC/HCC development, and the clinical diagnostic efficacy of indicators was judged by the receiver operator characteristic (ROC). ResultsLC/HCC mainly occurred in the ALT normal and mildly elevated groups, with 70.83% of patients with HCC having an LC background. In the comparison of different ALT level groups, the moderately–severely elevated group had the highest proportion of patients with skin jaundice, abdominal varices, rebound tenderness, higher white blood cell and neutrophil (NEUT) counts; and higher levels of aspartate aminotransferase, glutamyl transpeptidase, total bilirubin, and direct bilirubin. The LC/HCC group was older and had significantly higher proportions of male patients, alcohol consumption, and combined hypertension than the non-LC/HCC group (all P < 0.05). Logistic regression analysis showed that age, combined hypertension, abdominal varicose veins, subcostal palpation, and NEUT count were risk factors for LC/HCC development; and the area under the curve for this model on the ROC analysis was 0.935 (95% confidence interval 0.899–0.972) with specificity and sensitivity of 97.4% and 70.7%, respectively. ConclusionsAdvanced age, combined hypertension, abdominal varicose veins, subcostal palpation, and high NEUT count are risk factors for LC/HCC development in patients with untreated HBV infection.

Prevalence and risk factors of prehypertension/hypertension among freshman students from the Vietnam National University: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundPrehypertension (PHT) and hypertension (HTN) in young adults are essential risk factors for other cardiovascular diseases (CVD) in later years of life. However, there is a lack of knowledge about the burden and risk factors of PHT/HTN for Vietnamese youth. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of PHT/HTN and risk factors among university students in Hanoi, Vietnam.MethodsThis study was designed as a cross-sectional investigation with 840 students (394 males and 446 females) randomly sampled from freshmen of Vietnam National University, Hanoi (VNU). Socio-demographic, anthropometric, and lifestyle data were collected using questionnaire forms and physical measurements. HTN was defined as blood pressure (BP) ≥ 140/90 mmHg and/or current treatment with antihypertensive medications. PHT was defined as a systolic BP from 120 to 139 mmHg and/or a diastolic BP from 80 to 89 mmHg. Body mass index (BMI) was classified according to the WHO diagnostic criteria for Asian adults: normal weight (BMI 18.5–22.9 kg/m2), underweight (BMI < 18.5 kg/m2), overweight (BMI 23–24.9 kg/m2), and obese (BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2). Bivariable and multivariable log-binomial regression analyses were conducted to explore the association of PHT/HTN with different risk factors.ResultsThe overall prevalence of prehypertension and hypertension was 33.5% [95% CI: 30.3–36.8%] (54.1% in men and 15.3% in women) and 1.4% [95% CI: 0.7–2.5%] (2.5% in men and 0.5% in women), respectively. Regarding CVD major risk factors, 119 (14.2%) were identified as overweight/obese, 461 (54.9%) were physical inactivity, 29.4% of men and 8.1% of women reported consuming alcohol. The multivariable analysis indicated the male sex (adjusted prevalence ratio [aPR] = 3.07; 95% CI: 2.32–4.06), alcohol consumption (aPR = 1.28; 95% CI: 1.03–1.59) and obesity (aPR = 1.35; 95% CI: 1.08–1.68) as the independent risk factors for PHT/HTN.ConclusionsThe results revealed the high burden of prehypertension and hypertension among university freshmen in VNU. Male sex, alcohol consumption, and obesity were identified as important risk factors for PHT/HTN. Our study suggests an early screening program for PHT/HTN and campaigns to promote a healthy lifestyle for young adults in Vietnam.

Assessment of the risks of cardiovascular system functional disorders developing in young people aged 18–25 years

Background. In recent years, the proportion of young people with functional disorders and diseases of the cardiovascular system has increased, in the formation of which behavioral risk factors play an important role.&#x0D; Aim. To assess the risk of functional disorders developing in young people aged 1825 depending on social status and lifestyle.&#x0D; Material and methods. An observational one-stage uncontrolled study, the object of which was young people aged 1825 years (1978 people), was conducted. The study sample was divided into four groups: working (n=200) and studying (n=313) males, working (n=526) and studying (n=939) females. To assess the relative cardiovascular risk, the groups were divided according to social status, to assess the impairment of adaptive capabilities according to the presence of a behavioral risk factor. Comparison of independent groups was performed using the MannWhitney test. Testing null hypotheses about the absence of differences between the shares was carried out using the 2 test and calculating the odds ratio.&#x0D; Results. Relative cardiovascular risk was found in 21.8% of young people. The chances of risk occurrence were higher in males than in females (p 0.001), in working youth compared to students (p 0.001). The chances of reducing the adaptive capacity of the cardiovascular system were 2.1 times higher in smoking males (p 0.001) and 2.6 times higher in smoking females (p 0.001) compared to non-smoking respondents. In males with excessive alcohol consumption, in females with irregular meals and low physical activity, cases of tension in the mechanisms of adaptation of the cardiovascular system were more often noted (by 1.8; 1.4 and 1.7 times, respectively) compared with control groups.&#x0D; Conclusion. The risk of functional disorders developing was more common in young males than in females, in workers in comparison with students; cigarette smoking in both sexes, alcohol consumption in males, irregular meals and low physical activity in females contributed to a decrease in the reserve capacity of the circulatory system.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease incidence among male patients with irritable bowel syndrome: A single-center cross-sectional study in southern Iran.

Gastrointestinal reflux disease (GERD) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) are among the most common gastrointestinal disorders in which the overlap of these diseases and their syndromes has been frequently reported. In this study, we aimed to evaluate GERD incidence among IBS patients and the related risk factors. Male patients aged 18-60 years with an impression of IBS and referred to the gastrointestinal clinic from March 2019 to 2020 in Shiraz, Iran, were included in this study. Among the 163 enrolled patients with an average age of 31.53 ± 9.38 years, 64 (39.3%) were diagnosed with GERD. Based on statistical analysis, there was a significant association between GERD and the IBS patients' age (P=0.006), smoking (P=0.011), and alcohol consumption (P=0.043). Also, GERD among IBS patients was significantly associated with the type of IBS (P < 0.001), with IBS-D having the lowest incidence (19.4%) and IBS-M the highest incidence of GERD (66.7%). Based on multivariate analysis, smoking had a reverse and significant correlation with lower incidence of GERD (OR=-1.364; P=0.002). Our results demonstrate that among male IBS patients, younger age, smoking, and alcohol consumption were among the risk factors for GERD. These findings may provide further insight into the best approach to treating these diseases.

Associations of dietary, lifestyle, and other participant characteristics with APC, β-catenin, E-cadherin, and MSH2 expression in the normal mucosa of sporadic colorectal adenoma patients

Abnormal expression of Wnt pathway and DNA mismatch repair proteins is common during colorectal carcinogenesis. To investigate cross-sectional associations of lifestyle, dietary, and other participant characteristics with the expression of such proteins, we measured APC, β-catenin, E-cadherin, and MSH2 colorectal crypt expression in biopsies of normal-appearing colorectal mucosa from 104 sporadic colorectal adenoma patients using automated immunohistochemistry and quantitative image analysis. We used multivariable general linear models to compare adjusted mean biomarker expression across categories of participant characteristics. Example findings include that among women relative to men, mean APC expression in whole crypts, the upper 40% of crypts (differentiation zone), and the lower 60% of crypts (proliferation zone) was 322.9% higher (p&amp;lt;0.01), 296.7% higher (p&amp;lt;0.01), and 399.1% higher (p&amp;lt;0.01), respectively. Among participants with higher alcohol consumption, APC expression in the crypt differentiation zone was estimated to be 15.9% lower (p=0.08). Among those with higher total meat consumption, β-catenin expression in whole crypts and the crypt proliferation zone was estimated to be 20.5% higher (p=0.07) and 19.6% higher (p=0.06), respectively, and MSH2 expression in the crypt differentiation zone was estimated to be 64.4% lower (p=0.10). Among those with a higher body mass index, MSH2 expression in the crypt differentiation zone was estimated to be 87.5% lower (p=0.15). These pilot study findings suggest that being male, higher adiposity, and higher alcohol and meat consumption may be unfavorably associated with biomarkers of colorectal carcinogenesis pathway proteins in the normal-appearing colorectal mucosa of sporadic colorectal adenoma patients and support further investigation in larger studies.

Sex-Related Differences in Voluntary Alcohol Intake and mRNA Coding for Synucleins in the Brain of Adult Rats Prenatally Exposed to Alcohol.

Maternal alcohol consumption is one of the strong predictive factors of alcohol use and consequent abuse; however, investigations of sex differences in response to prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) are limited. Here we compared the effects of PAE throughout gestation on alcohol preference, state anxiety and mRNA expression of presynaptic proteins α-, β- and γ-synucleins in the brain of adult (PND60) male and female Wistar rats. Total RNA was isolated from the hippocampus, midbrain and hypothalamus and mRNA levels were assessed with quantitative RT-PCR. Compared with naïve males, naïve female rats consumed more alcohol in “free choice” paradigm (10% ethanol vs. water). At the same time, PAE produced significant increase in alcohol consumption and preference in males but not in females compared to male and female naïve groups, correspondingly. We found significantly lower α-synuclein mRNA levels in the hippocampus and midbrain of females compared to males and significant decrease in α-synuclein mRNA in these brain areas in PAE males, but not in females compared to the same sex controls. These findings indicate that the impact of PAE on transcriptional regulation of synucleins may be sex-dependent, and in males’ disruption in α-synuclein mRNA expression may contribute to increased vulnerability to alcohol-associated behavior.