Alcohol Habits Research Articles

Pattern of alcohol consumption among alcohol consumers in a rural area of Tamil Nadu: a community based descriptive cross-sectional study

Background: Alcohol consumption is the world’s third largest risk factor for disease and disability; in middle- income countries, it is the greatest risk. Alcohol is attributed to nearly 3.2% of all deaths and results in a loss of 4% of total DALYs. Aim and objectives were to study the pattern of alcohol consumption among alcohol consumers and to assess the factors influencing it among them. Methods: This study was conducted in the Milaganoor village in south Tamil Nadu with alcohol habit; All male with alcohol consuming habit above 13 years of age were included in the study and none were excluded from the study. The data was using a semi structured questionnaire. The data collected were consolidated and analyzed using SPSS software; The descriptive statistics were used in the study. Results: In study there were 1200 male and 1500 female. In only 900 males were with alcohol habit; 62.2% of male alcoholics illiterate; While seeing source of alcohol 94.4% of alcoholics taking alcohol in TASMAC without bar; 61.1% taking quarter amount of alcohol; 94.4% of alcoholic drink alcohol for fun; 27.7% for peer pressure; 46.6% drink alcohol to forget worries; 83.3% drink alcohol to relieve stress; 66.6% drink to get rid of withdrawal symptoms. Conclusions: It can be concluded that early age of onset and peer pressure are the alarming challenges for the eradication of this social evil. Low education and having a family history of alcohol use are more at risk to it. Health education is the most required intervention to reduce the burden of alcohol use.

Role of 18F-FDG PET/CT in evaluating lymph node status in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.

The presence of cervical lymph node metastases (CLNM) at diagnosis is one of the most relevant negative prognostic factors in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). The aim of this study was to analyse 2-deoxy-2[18F]fluoro-D-glucose (FDG) PET/CT findings for the identification of primary tumours and CLNM in a sample of patients affected by HNSCC. Moreover, a maximum standardised uptake value (SUVmax) threshold for the detection of CLNM was estimated. Clinical variables (i.e. smoking and alcohol habits), and tumour features (i.e. EBV and HPV positivity) were also evaluated in relation to FDG PET/CT findings. We retrospectively analysed patients who underwent FDG PET/CT for HNSCC staging between 2015-2020 at the University Hospital of Ferrara. All patients had cytological or histological confirmation of suspected cervical lymph nodes. In total, 65 patients were enrolled (53 males, 12 females, median age 65.7 years). CLNM of patients with smoking habit had significantly higher SUVmax values than those of patients with previous smoking habit and non-smokers (p = 0.04). p16 positive HNSCC demonstrated a trend for higher SUVmax values on CLNM, in comparison to p16 negative tumours (p = 0.089). ROC curve analysis identified 5.8 as the best cut-off value of SUVmax for the detection of CLNM (AUC = 0.62, sensitivity 71.4% and specificity 72.7%). FDG PET/CT is a useful tool to evaluate CLNM in patients with HNSCC, particularly in those with smoking habit and p16 positive disease. A SUVmax cut-off of 5.8, combined with the use of conventional radiological investigations, may represent a useful tool in the identification of CLNM.

Small High-Density Lipoprotein and Omega-3 Fatty Acid Intake Differentiates Japanese and Japanese-Americans: The INTERLIPID Study.

To identify the most differentiated serum lipids, especially concerning particle size and fractions, between Japanese living in Japan and Japanese-Americans in Hawaii, in the absence of possible genetic confounders, and cross-sectionally examine the associated modifiable lifestyle factors. Overall, 1,241 (aged 40-59 years) Japanese living in Japan and Japanese-Americans in Hawaii were included. We quantified 130 serum lipid profiles (VLDL 1-5, IDL, LDL 1-6, high-density lipoprotein [HDL] 1-4, and their subfractions) using Bruker's 1 H-nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometer for the primary outcome. Modifiable lifestyle factors included body mass index (BMI), physical activity, alcohol and smoking habits, and 70 nutrient parameters. We evaluated the different lipids between the groups using partial least squares-discriminant analysis and association between extracted lipids and lifestyle factors using multivariable linear regression analysis. Concentrations of HDL4, HDL with the smallest particle size, were lower in Japanese than in Japanese-Americans of both sexes. Higher fish-derived omega-3 fatty acid intake and lower alcohol intake were associated with lower HDL4 concentrations. A 1% higher kcal intake of total omega-3 fatty acids was associated with a 9.8- mg/dL lower HDL4. Fish-derived docosapentaenoic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid, and docosahexaenoic acid intake were inversely associated with HDL4 concentration. There was no relationship between country, sex, age, or BMI. Japanese and Japanese-Americans can be differentiated based on HDL4 concentration. High fish intake among the Japanese may contribute to their lower HDL4 concentration. Thus, HDL particle size may be an important clinical marker for coronary artery diseases or a fish consumption biomarker.

Profile of Liver Transplant Recipient in a Tertiary Hospital in Northern Spain.

Spain has the highest rates of liver transplantation (LT) per million inhabitants in the world, with the profiles of both donors and recipients in Asturias, a region in northern Spain, being different from the rest of the country. The main goal of this study was to carry out a preliminary analysis of the characteristics of LT recipients in Asturias, as well as of the basic characteristics of surgery and the postoperative period, and to discuss whether the results obtained in this study were comparable to what is described in the literature. This was a retrospective, descriptive, cross-sectional study, analyzing the LT carried out in a reference center of Asturias between 2002 and 2017. Relative and absolute frequency distributions for qualitative variables are provided, as are position and dispersion measures for quantitative variables. Using the multivariate Cox regression model, the prognostic factors associated with overall survival were determined. A total of 533 LTs were analyzed; 431 were men and 102 were women. The mean age was 55.1 years, concentrated between 40 and 69 years for both genders. LT was performed for chronic parenchymal liver disease (mostly of alcoholic etiology) and the recipients underwent surgery in an advanced stage of liver disease. Of these recipients, 8.1% (43 patients) were retransplantions, 65.1% in the first year due to primary graft dysfunction and complete hepatic artery thrombosis. Most patients had presented a grade II of Clavien-Dindo as the most frequent complication. Biliary complications were found in 12.3% of patients, with the main cause of death in the first 30 days being instability in the 24 h after LT. The median survival of the group was 13 years, with a 5-year survival probability of 79.3% and a 10-year survival probability of 61.9%. In view of the analyzed series, it can be concluded that the most frequent recipient profile was a male patient (mean age 55 years), with a significant alcohol habit, who was overweight, with chronic parenchymal liver disease of alcoholic or viral etiology, and who had reached the Child C stage before LT. This study could lay the foundations for future studies, to complete this analysis with the characteristics of LT surgery, its postoperative period, and the follow-up after discharge, to obtain a broader view of LT recipients in this region.

Identifying Risk Factors Associated with Major Complications and Refractory Course in Patients with Osteomyelitis of the Jaw: A Retrospective Study.

Despite improved knowledge regarding the diagnosis and treatment of osteomyelitis of the jaw (OMJ), it remains a clinical challenge for oral and maxillofacial surgeons. This study aimed to identify risk factors associated with severe forms of OMJ, i.e., related to the occurrence of major complications or the refractory course of the disease. A retrospective study was performed based on the medical records of all patients diagnosed with OMJ from the past 20 years. Collected data included demographic information, medical and dental history, clinical, radiological, and bacterial findings as well as treatment modalities. The main outcome variables were the onset of major complications and treatment results. Fifty-four patients were included. Our results showed that alcohol and smoking habits, as well as malnutrition, were significantly associated with the occurrence of major complications. We also established that dental implant-induced OMJ should be considered an aggressive subtype of OMJ. Finally, clinical bone exposure was significantly associated with unfavorable outcomes, whereas dental causes or radiological evidence of periosteal reaction were predictive of successful outcomes. Identifying such factors could be useful in preventing serious complications and informing patients about the refractory course of the disease based on the presence of these factors.

Associations and gastrointestinal symptoms in women with endometriosis in comparison to women with irritable bowel syndrome: a study based on a population cohort

BackgroundEndometriosis and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) have similar symptoms, pathogenesis, and risk factors. These diagnoses often coexist and are frequently misdiagnosed leading to diagnostic delays. This study of a population-based cohort aimed to investigate associations relating to endometriosis and IBS and to compare gastrointestinal symptoms between endometriosis and IBS.MethodThe study cohort included women from the Malmö Offspring Study with information about endometriosis and IBS diagnoses from the National Board of Health and Welfare. The participants answered a questionnaire about lifestyle habits, medical and drug history, and self-reported IBS. The visual analog scale for IBS was used to estimate gastrointestinal symptoms the past 2 weeks. Endometriosis diagnosis and self-reported IBS were used as dependent variables to study associations with age, body mass index (BMI), education, occupation, marital status, smoking, alcohol habits, and physical activity using logistic regression. Mann-Whitney U Test or Kruskal-Wallis tests were used to calculate the differences in symptoms between groups.ResultsOf the 2,200 women with information from medical records, 72 participants had endometriosis; 21 (29.2%) of these had self-reported IBS. Of the 1,915 participants who had answered the questionnaire, 436 (22.8%) had self-reported IBS. Endometriosis was associated with IBS (OR:1.86; 95%CI:1.06–3.26; p = 0.029), as well as with age 50–59 years (OR:6.92; 95%CI:1.97–24.32; p = 0.003), age ≥ 60 years (OR:6.27; 95%CI:1.56–25.17; p = 0.010), sick leave (OR:2.43; 95%CI:1.08–5.48; p = 0.033), and former smoking (OR:3.02; 95%CI:1.19–7.68; p = 0.020). There was an inverse association with BMI (OR:0.36; 95%CI:0.14–4.91; p = 0.031). IBS was associated with endometriosis (OR:1.77; 95%CI:1.02–3.07; p = 0.041) and sick leave (OR:1.77; 95%CI:1.14–2.73; p = 0.010), with a tendency to association with smoking (OR:1.30; 95%CI:0.98–1.72; p = 0.071). When excluding participants using drugs associated with IBS, the condition was associated with current smoking (OR:1.39; 95%CI:1.03–1.89; p = 0.033) and inversely with age 50–59 years (OR:0.58; 95%CI:0.38–0.90; p = 0.015). There were differences in the gastrointestinal symptoms between IBS and healthy participants, but not between endometriosis and IBS or healthy participants.ConclusionThere were associations between endometriosis and IBS, without differences in gastrointestinal symptoms. Both IBS and endometriosis were associated with smoking and sick leave. Whether the associations reflect causality or depend on common risk factors and pathogenesis remains to be determined.

Acceptability Among Frontline Staff Toward Distributing an Anonymous Alcohol Survey in Emergency Departments: A Mixed Methods Study.

Emergency departments (EDs) serve as the front line when patients encounter the hospital system. Limited data are available of patients' alcohol habits collected during Danish ED visits, and no studies have, to our knowledge, examined frontline staffs' (registered nurses and medical secretaries) acceptability to deliver anonymous alcohol surveys to patients. We aimed at examining the proportion of survey respondents and the prevalence of patients' alcohol habits and also exploring frontline staff acceptability of the distribution of an anonymous survey regarding patients' alcohol habits in EDs. Intendedly, all eligible patients ≥18 years old entering two EDs in March 2019 should receive a survey based on the Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test. The study was an explanatory, sequential, mixed methods design, and results were analyzed with descriptive statistics and a deductive content analysis based on the theoretical framework of acceptability. In total, 15% (n = 1,305) of the total 8,679 patients in the EDs returned the survey. Qualitative analysis of interviews (n = 31) with staff showed that they had been reluctant to distribute the survey primarily because of ethical concerns of anonymity, freedom of choice, and being nonjudgmental toward patients. Hence, patients with no obvious alcohol problems were more likely to receive the survey. Still, we found that 23% of the respondents had an Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test score ≥ 8. Results indicate that frontline staffs' recognition of patients' alcohol use is inadequate, and findings show a low degree of acceptability among staff to deliver an anonymous survey, which is in line with earlier described barriers toward screening activities in EDs.

Aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 rs671 genetic polymorphisms are associated with chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting

To investigate the correlation between aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2) rs671 polymorphisms and chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV). A total of 90 Chinese patients with malignant tumors receiving chemotherapy for the first time were recruited in this study. The occurrence of CINV was observed within 120 h after treatment with docetaxel and cis-platinum chemotherapy (DP regimen). The data of the patients (including age, gender, tumor stage, habitual alcohol consumption, motion sickness, morning sickness, and average sleep time prior to chemotherapy) were collected through a questionnaire. ALDH2 rs671 polymorphisms of the patients were analyzed using a multiple single nucleotide polymorphism genotyping, and the Hardy-Weinberg equation was used for genetic linkage analysis. The correlations between the factors including ALDH2 rs671 polymorphisms and the occurrence of CINV were analyzed. The incidence of CINV was 48.9% among the patients receiving their first chemotherapy with DP regimen. Univariate analysis indicated that the genetic polymorphisms of ALDH2 rs671 were significantly correlated with the occurrence of CINV (P < 0.05). Multivariate logistic analysis indicated that ALDH2 rs671 mutation (OR: 3.019, 95% CI: 1.056-8.628, P < 0.05) and average sleep time prior to chemotherapy no longer than 6 h (OR: 2.807, 95% CI: 1.033-7.628, P < 0.05) were risk factors for CINV in patients with malignant tumors receiving the first chemotherapy with DP regimen. ALDH2 gene mutation at rs671 is a risk factor contributing to the occurrence of CINV, and understanding of the underlying mechanism may help to more effectively control the occurrence of CINV.

Associations of habitual alcohol drinking with HDL cholesterol and D-dimer in patients with peripheral arterial disease

BackgroundThe risk of cardiovascular disease is lower in light-to-moderate alcohol drinkers than in nondrinkers in the general population. However, it remains to be clarified whether these beneficial effects of alcohol are shown in patients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD). MethodsThe subjects were 153 male outpatients with PAD and they were divided by frequency of drinking into nondrinkers, occasional drinkers (1–4 days/wk) and regular drinkers (5–7 days/wk). Relationships of alcohol drinking with variables related to progression of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular risk were investigated. ResultsThe levels of HDL cholesterol and d-dimer were significantly higher and lower, respectively, in regular drinkers than in nondrinkers, while there were no significant differences in BMI, blood pressure, total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, hemoglobin A1c, platelet count, fibrinogen, ankle brachial index and intima-media thickness of the carotid artery in non–, occasional and regular drinkers. Odds ratios of regular drinkers vs. nondrinkers for low HDL cholesterol (0.24 [0.08 ∼ 0.70]) and high d-dimer (0.29 [0.14 ∼ 0.61]) were significantly lower than the reference level. ConclusionsIn patients with PAD, habitual alcohol drinking was associated with increase of HDL cholesterol and suppression of blood coagulability. However, progression of atherosclerosis was not different in nondrinkers and drinkers.

A Common East Asian aldehyde dehydrogenase 2*2 variant promotes ventricular arrhythmia with chronic light-to-moderate alcohol use in mice

Chronic heavy alcohol use is associated with lethal arrhythmias. Whether common East Asian-specific aldehyde dehydrogenase deficiency (ALDH2*2) contributes to arrhythmogenesis caused by low level alcohol use remains unclear. Here we show 59 habitual alcohol users carrying ALDH2 rs671 have longer QT interval (corrected) and higher ventricular tachyarrhythmia events compared with 137 ALDH2 wild-type (Wt) habitual alcohol users and 57 alcohol non-users. Notably, we observe QT prolongation and a higher risk of premature ventricular contractions among human ALDH2 variants showing habitual light-to-moderate alcohol consumption. We recapitulate a human electrophysiological QT prolongation phenotype using a mouse ALDH2*2 knock-in (KI) model treated with 4% ethanol, which shows markedly reduced total amount of connexin43 albeit increased lateralization accompanied by markedly downregulated sarcolemmal Nav1.5, Kv1.4 and Kv4.2 expressions compared to EtOH-treated Wt mice. Whole-cell patch-clamps reveal a more pronounced action potential prolongation in EtOH-treated ALDH2*2 KI mice. By programmed electrical stimulation, rotors are only provokable in EtOH-treated ALDH2*2 KI mice along with higher number and duration of ventricular arrhythmia episodes. The present research helps formulate safe alcohol drinking guideline for ALDH2 deficient population and develop novel protective agents for these subjects.

Does bariatric surgery change the risk of acute ischemic stroke in patients with a history of transient ischemic attack? A nationwide analysis.

Stroke is the second leading cause of death worldwide and fifth in the United States, and it represents the major cause of disability in older adults. We aimed to determine the risk of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) in individuals with obesity with a history of transient ischemic attack (TIA) compared with patients with a history of bariatric surgery. Academic hospital, United States. Using the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) database from 2010 to 2015, we retrospectively identified patients with obesity and past medical history of TIA and divided them into 2 groups: a treatment group of patients who underwent bariatric surgery, and a control group of patients with obesity. We compared incidence of new AIS in both groups using a univariate analysis and multivariate regression model. Covariates included were lifestyle (smoking status, alcohol habits, cocaine use), family history of stroke, co-morbidities (diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, atrial fibrillation) and long-term medical treatment (antiplatelet/antithrombotic treatment). A total of 91,640 patients met inclusion criteria, of which treatment patients were 12.3% (n = 11,284) and control patients 87.6% (n = 80,356). The average age of the treatment group was 62.9 ± 17.08 years, and the average of the control was 59.6 ± 12.74 years. The rate of AIS in the treatment group was significantly lower compared with the control group (2.8% versus 4.2%, P < .0001). After adjusting for covariables, the risk difference of AIS was still significant between groups (odds ratio = 1.33, P < .0001), showing that patients in the treatment group were less likely to have AIS compared with the control group. After analyzing nationwide information, we conclude bariatric surgery helps decrease risk of AIS in patients with a history of TIA. However, this comparison is limited by the nature of the database; further studies are needed to better understand these results.

Assessment of Type 2 Diabetes Risk in General Population using Bitter Taste Sensitivity Status to Phenylthiocarbamide - A Pilot Study

Eating habits and genetic factors contribute to diseases such as obesity and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM). Variation in bitter taste perception has been linked with intake of alcohol, coffee, vegetable, and smoking habit as well as with adiposity, a risk factor for diabetes development. Therefore, it was hypothesized that bitter taste perception could lead to differences in eating/drinking behavior among individuals, which may lead T2DM development later in the life. Bitter taste sensitivity was assessed using paper strips having supra-threshold concentration of Phenyl Thio Carbamide (PTC). Lifestyle variables were assessed using standard anthropometry measurements and a questionnaire. T2DM risk was assessed using a point based system developed by Finnish Diabetes Association (FINDRISC score). SPSS software was used for statistical analysis. A total of 498 volunteers from New Delhi region participated in the present study, where the mean age of PTC tasters was 24 ± 12 years and for non-tasters was 29 ± 16 years. PTC taster status was significantly correlated with age (p ≤ 0.01), weight (p ≤ 0.05), BMI (p ≤ 0.05) and waste circumference (p ≤ 0.05). A positive correlation was observed for type of chocolate liking (r = 0.113, p ≤ 0.001) and for T2DM risk (p ≤ 0.012) with PTC non-taster status. Logistic regression analysis showed that PTC non-taster individuals are at a higher risk (OR: 1.558, 95% CI: 1.037-2.342, p=0.033) for developing T2DM in the next ten years. Present results have shown that bitter taste sensitivity modulates liking towards certain food and non-tasters for PTC have a higher BMI, weight and are at a higher risk for T2DM development. PTC tasting could be employed as a method for assessing risk of diabetes in healthy individuals. We recommend large scale screening among young adults to promote awareness and early prevention measures.

Job Stress Is More Risky Causing Hypertension Compared To Smoking Habits In Private Workers In Cilacap, Indonesia

Hypertension is a rise systolic blood pressure above 140 mmHg and/or diastolic blood pressure above 90 mmHg. Hypertension is cause of cardiovascular morbidity mortality. In 2019, one billion people aged 30-79 with hypertension live in low-middle-income nations. Internal variables such heredity, age, race, stress, and gender create hypertension, whereas external ones such obesity, smoking habits, alcohol habits, and lack exercise cause hypertension. The study's goal was investigate which is more at risk of causing the incidence of hypertension events between job stress or smoking habits among employees in Cilacap Indonesia. The study employed an observational analytic cross-sectional design with primary data. Male machine operator who work at PT. Hasta Cipta Karya aged 18 to 64 years old were included. Purposive sampling was utilized, total 92 respondents. The survey discovered 49 (53.3%) severe stress, 55 (59.8%) smokers, and 57 (62.0%) hypertension Chi-square test results, correlation between job stress and hypertension p&lt; 0.05, between the smoking habit and hypertension p&lt; 0.05. The findings of the logistic regression test, job stress has an OR of 9.04 which is higher than smoking habits has an OR of 4.81. Job stress is more at risk of causing hypertension than smoking habits.

Alcohol, drug use and experiences of sexual violence victimisation among first-year college students in Ireland

ABSTRACT Sexual violence victimisation is common in college and first year presents a significant period of risk due to the navigation of alcohol, drugs and engaging in sexual intimacy. Cross-sectional data were analysed from 1,778 first-year college students, aged between 18 and 25 years. Experience of different forms of sexual violence victimisation and perpetrator tactics used were explored, along with the reported alcohol and drug use habits of victims. Results found that sexual violence through incapacitation was the most frequently reported tactic among all students. Hazardous alcohol consumption was significantly associated with higher rates of experience of all forms of sexual violence since beginning college among female students, and significantly associated with an increased likelihood of experiencing unwanted sexual touching for male students. There were gender differences in the associations between drug types and forms of sexual violence experienced. All drugs assessed predicted an increased risk of experiencing rape among female students, while cocaine, ecstasy and ketamine were associated with an increased risk of rape among male students. Further investigation is required into the context and environments in which different drug types are taken. The findings provide a strong rationale for including alcohol and drug use education as part of future sexual health and consent education programmes for college students. PRACTICE IMPACT STATEMENT This study has implications for the promotion of positive sexual health and the reduction of sexual violence victimisation among college students. In order to understand the forces at play regarding sexual consent practices among students it is necessary to recognise the contexts in which these incidents occur. This research informs third-level institutions (i.e. universities, third-level colleges) on the importance of including alcohol and drug use as part of effective sexual consent education programming due to the frequent overlap of substance use and sexual experiences among this particular cohort.

Factors associated with depression among street vendors inside Kathmandu valley

Background: Depression is considered a common mental disorder and a major contributor to the global burden of disease. Depression is estimated to affect 3.8% of the population including 5% of adults and 5.7% among adults older than 60 years, and approximately 280 million people in the world (WHO 2021). Major symptoms of depression include depressed mood, loss of concentration, feeling of excessive guilt, dying thoughts, disrupted sleep, changes in appetite etc. Street vending is informal work that has been contributing in millions of people living status and supporting country’s economy. Methods: A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted among street vendors inside Kathmandu Valley with sample size 316. The study period was from August 2018 to April 2019. Data was collected using standard semi- structured tools using Kobo Toolbox. Data analysis was done in SPSS. Mendeley desktop and statistical package of social science software was used. Results: Out of 316 respondents, higher number were male i.e., 52.2% whereas females were 47.8%. Respondent with age group 25-35 years was high in number. Respondents engaged in street vending for 8-16 years were found high in number. 32.6% respondents had depressive symptoms while measuring with PHQ and the prevalence of depression was 55.4% which was measured using MDI. Conclusions: This cross-sectional study was conducted among the street vendors of Kathmandu valley. Among the respondents with low economic status, lack of physical activity, habit of alcohol and smoking had higher prevalence of depression. Respondent with basic and non- formal education, lack of job and income satisfaction showed a positive association with depression.

Evaluation of magnesium levels in serum and saliva by calmagite method in individuals with tobacco habits with or without potentially malignant disorders.

To evaluate and compare the magnesium levels in serum and saliva of individuals with tobacco habits with and without potentially malignant disorders (PMDs). A total number of 60 patients were taken in the study, which included group A: 20 healthy patients without any tobacco or alcohol habits, without any PMDs, and without any systemic diseases; group B: 20 patients with tobacco habits and without PMDs; and group C: 20 patients with tobacco habits and with PMDs. The serum and salivary samples were collected from the patients and were subjected to magnesium level estimation using the calmagite method. Statistical analysis was performed using the Shapiro-Wilk W test and Mann-Whitney test. The mean salivary magnesium levels were increased in group B (1.442 mg/dl), followed by group C (0.551 mg/dl), and then group A (0.463 mg/dl). The mean serum magnesium levels were increased in group B (1.891 mg/dl), followed by group C (1.608 mg/dl), and then group A (1.589 mg/dl). The salivary and serum magnesium levels were significantly high in patients with tobacco habits and without PMDs compared to the control group. The salivary and serum magnesium levels were significantly decreased in patients with tobacco habits with PMDs compared to the patients with tobacco habits and without PMDs. The study established a significant correlation between the salivary and serum magnesium levels in patients with tobacco habits, with or without PMDs, and showed that as the disease progressed, the salivary and serum magnesium levels decreased.

Epidemiological and molecular evaluation of BRAF, KRAS, NRAS genes and MSI in the development of colorectal cancer

Background and ObjectivesKRAS, NRAS, BRAF mutations and microsatellite instability (MSI) can be associated with Colorectal Cancer (CRC) development. Material and MethodsWe evaluated 828 medical records of CRC patients from a school hospital from January/2016 to December/2020. Variables such as age, gender, ethnicity, literacy level, smoking, alcoholism, primary anatomical site, tumor staging, presence of BRAFV600E, KRAS, NRAS mutations and MSI , survival and metastasis were identified. The statistical analyses were performed (p < 0.05 was considered significant). ResultsThere was a predominance of males (51.93%), whites (90.70%), low education (72.34%), smokers (73.79%), and non–alcoholics (79.10%). Rectum was the most affected site (42.14%), advanced tumor stage was most prevalent (62.07%), and metastasis occurred in (64.61%). Of the enrolled patients; 204 were investigated for BRAF mutation and detected in (2.94%); 216 for KRAS gene and detected in (26.08%); 210 for NRAS gene, and detected in (25.36%); 370 for MSI and detected in (44.68%). A significant association of CRC with NRAS mutation and alcohol habit (p = 0.043) was observed. The presence of MSI was associated with primary site proximal colon (p < 0.000), distal colon (p = 0.001) and rectum (p = 0.010). ConclusionPatients with CRC are male, over 64 years old, white, with low education, smokers and non-alcoholics. The most affected primary site is rectum in advanced stage with metastasis. CRC is associated with NRAS mutation and alcohol habit, there is increased risk for primary site of proximal colon and MSI; decreased risk for distal colon and rectum in the presence of MSI.

Is there a relationship between the motivation of female fitness practitioners and tobacco and alcohol consumption? Perspectives for improving lifestyle for health

The practice of PE has been associated with the adoption of healthy lifestyles. The objective of the study was to investigate whether there is a relationship between tobacco and alcohol consumption and the type of modality practiced; and if the reasons presented for the practice are somehow related to these habits. The sample consisted of 177 adult women, who practice Fitness, divided into 3 groups: 68 practitioners of high intensity modalities, 54 of Zen modalities, and 55 of modalities of both types. The Exercise Motivation Inventory 2 was used to assess the reasons for the practice of PE. Relating smoking and alcoholism habits with the reasons for the practice, significant positive correlations were found between: smoking habits/affiliation (p = .037); alcohol consumption/keeping healthy (p = .035). Significant inverse relationships between: number of cigarettes smoked per day/weight management (p = .000); number of cigarettes smoked per day/health (p = .048). Class 3 of women who quit smoking had statistically significant higher scores on disease (p = .012) and staying healthy (p = .001). Affiliation is a common reason for smoking and exercising; those who smoked for a longer period of time seem to resort to the practice for reasons relating to the onset of illness or to maintain their health. Women who don't drink seem to be more concerned about their health than women who do drink. Clarifying these relationships is essential for creating more effective intervention programs to eliminate/reduce tobacco and alcohol consumption and their harmful effects on health.

Prevalence of Karapada daha-suptata in Madhumeha with reference to diabetic peripheral neuropathy in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients.

Background: Diabetes mellitus is a major health issue in today's world. Main threat is not the disease itself but its complications like nephropathy, retinopathy and neuropathy etc. Diabetic peripheral neurropathy is the leading cause of foot ulcers, their complications like limb amputation and cost associated with it. Madhumeha which has been described as 'Maharogas' i.e. difficult to treat disease has many similarities with Diabetes mellitus can be understood and studied as same disease. Ayurveda has mentioned the causes, pathophysiology and symptoms of Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy as 'karapada daha -suptata' in purvarupa lakshanas and upadrava lakshanas but inscattered form. It needs depth study to understand the concept of Karapada daha- suptata (DPN).&#x0D; Objective: To study prevalence of Karapada daha-suptata (Diabetic peripheral neuropathy) and the relation of Karapada daha- suptata (DPN) with age, gender, duration of disease Madhumeha, blood sugar level, alcohol and smoking habit etc in Madhumeha patients.&#x0D; Method :A cross sectional study was carried out in Tribhuvan University Ayurveda Teaching Hospital,. Madhumeha patients (Type 2 diabetes mellitus) patients were recruited for the study. MNSI (Michigan Neuropathy Screening Instrument) was used to diagnose Karapada daha- suptata (Diabetic peripheral neuropathy).&#x0D; Result: Among 100 patients 31% patient had Karapada daha- suptata (DPN). Our study showed that the prevalence of Karapada daha-suptata(DPN) increased with increasing age of the study population. Similarly prevalence of Karapada daha -suptata in patients with disease duration of Madhumeha (DM2) for more than 5 years was 61.29% where as patients having Diabetes for less than 5 year was 38.71%. Prevalence of Karapada daha-suptata (DPN) was very high (43.13%) among uncontrolled fasting blood sugar level (&gt;126mg/dl) and (47.5%) among uncontrolled post prandial blood sugar level (&gt;200mg/dl). In this study mean Fasting blood sugar level was 177.0323 mg/dl in the patients with Karapada daha-suptata(DPN) and mean post prandial blood sugar level in patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy was 239.1613mg/dl.&#x0D; Conclusion: Our study showed Karapada daha-suptata/DPN is highly prevalent and increasing as the duration of disease Madhumeha increses but its not uncommon in newly disagnosed disease too. This study showed significant relation of Karapada daha suptata with disease duration of Madhumeha, level of blood sugar, and increasing age of the patients.Study showed no significant differences in the prevalence of Kara pada daha- suptata in male and female patients and with the smoking habit of the patients.

Alcohol flushing syndrome is significantly associated with intracranial aneurysm rupture in the Chinese Han population.

Although alcohol flushing syndrome (AFS) has been associated with various diseases, its association with intracranial aneurysm rupture (IAR) is unclear. We aimed to examine this association in the Chinese Han population. We retrospectively reviewed Chinese Han patients with intracranial aneurysms who were evaluated and treated at our institution between January 2020 and December 2021. AFS was determined using a semi-structured telephone interview. Clinical data and aneurysm characteristics were assessed. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression were conducted to determine independent factors associated with aneurysmal rupture. A total of 1,170 patients with 1,059 unruptured and 236 ruptured aneurysms were included. The incidence of aneurysm rupture was significantly higher in patients without AFS (p < 0.001). Meanwhile, there was a significantly difference between the AFS and non-AFS group in habitual alcohol consumption (10.5 vs. 27.2%, p < 0.001). In the univariate analyses, AFS [odds ratio (OR) 0.49; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.34-0.72] was significantly associated with IAR. In the multivariate analysis, AFS was an independent predictor of IAR (OR 0.50; 95%, CI, 0.35-0.71). Multivariate analysis revealed that AFS was an independent predictor of IAR in both habitual (OR 0.11; 95% CI, 0.03-0.45) and non-habitual drinkers (OR 0.69; 95% CI, 0.49-0.96). Alcohol flushing syndrome may be a novel clinical marker to assess the risk of IAR. The association between AFS and IAR exists independently of alcohol consumption. Further single nucleotide polymorphism testing and molecular biology studies are warranted.