Alcohol Drinking Research Articles

Teleworking: does it make workers healthier and productive? A cross-sectional study on a Southern European population

BackgroundTeleworking (TW) has recently shifted from a marginal into a common practice. Yet, concerns have been raised regarding potential work-health negative effects, related to the reduced socialization, and extended working hours with computers at home, possibly offset by reduced commuting time or better individual work-life balance. This paper aims at describing the influence of TW on health, well-being, and productivity perceptions, and how this is shaped by TW conditions.MethodsWe collected data from workers of 25 companies that exert their activity in Portugal. Data were completed with a representative sample of workers who regularly participate in surveys (total N = 1,069). We applied an on-line questionnaire from September the 1st 2022 to December the 1st 2022. We performed a simple descriptive analysis of each variable. Then, we analyzed the relationship between TW conditions and self-reported health, and between TW conditions at home and productivity, using logistic regression models.ResultsWe observed a high prevalence of self-perceived health worsening (15.9%), mostly among those with poor TW conditions. Most teleworkers enjoyed favorable TW conditions, despite limited company support. Relevant changes were observed in lifestyle factors, towards more smoking (5.5%), alcohol drinking (4.5%), and worse diet (10.1%). Two thirds reported enhanced productivity. A statistically significant relationship was observed between inadequate TW conditions, health deterioration, and lower productivity. A 6.0% point (pp) increased risk of productivity worsening was observed when employees faced at least one inadequate condition at home (no private working place at home, inadequate heating, artificial light, or absence of well-being at home). The risk of health deterioration increased by 12.9 pp when facing at least one of these inadequate conditions, and by 6.3 under hybrid TW, compared to one or two days of TW.ConclusionsMost teleworkers highlighted a positive perspective about teleworking. Yet, TW conditions are not favorable for all workers, with consequences on health, well-being, and productivity, suggesting that further support is needed for teleworkers to protect their health at home, and reach its maximum benefit.

Factors associated with a better treatment efficacy among psoriasis patients: a study based on decision tree model and logistic regression in Shanghai, China

BackgroundMany effective therapies for psoriasis are being applied in clinical practice in recent years, however, some patients still can’t achieve satisfied effect even with biologics. Therefore, it is crucial to identify factors associated with the treatment efficacy among psoriasis patients. This study aims to explore factors influencing the treatment efficacy of psoriasis patients based on decision tree model and logistic regression.MethodsWe implemented an observational study and recruited 512 psoriasis patients in Shanghai Skin Diseases Hospital from 2021 to 2022. We used face-to-face questionnaire interview and physical examination to collect data. Influencing factors of treatment efficacy were analyzed by using logistic regression, and decision tree model based on the CART algorithm. The receiver operator curve (ROC) was plotted for model evaluation and the statistical significance was set at P < 0.05.ResultsThe 512 patients were predominately males (72.1%), with a median age of 47.5 years. In this study, 245 patients achieved ≥ 75% improvement in psoriasis area and severity index (PASI) score in week 8 and was identified as treatment success (47.9%). Logistic regression analysis showed that patients with senior high school and above, without psoriasis family history, without tobacco smoking and alcohol drinking had higher percentage of treatment success in patients with psoriasis. The final decision tree model contained four layers with a total of seventeen nodes. Nine classification rules were extracted and five factors associated with treatment efficacy were screened, which indicated tobacco smoking was the most critical variable for treatment efficacy prediction. Model evaluation by ROC showed that the area under curve (AUC) was 0.79 (95%CI: 0.75 ~ 0.83) both for logistic regression model (0.80 sensitivity and 0.69 specificity) and decision tree model (0.77 sensitivity and 0.73 specificity).ConclusionPsoriasis patients with higher education, without tobacco smoking, alcohol drinking and psoriasis family history had better treatment efficacy. Decision tree model had similar predicting effect with the logistic regression model, but with higher feasibility due to the nature of simple, intuitive, and easy to understand.

The Impact of Tobacco Smoking and Alcohol Consumption on the Development of Gastric Cancers.

Chronic infection of Helicobacter pylori is considered the principal cause of gastric cancers, but evidence has accumulated regarding the impact of tobacco smoking and alcohol consumption on the development of gastric cancers. Several possible mechanisms, including the activation of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, have been proposed for smoking-induced gastric carcinogenesis. On the other hand, local acetaldehyde exposure and ethanol-induced mucosal inflammation have been proposed as the mechanisms involved in the development of gastric cancers in heavy alcohol drinkers. In addition, genetic polymorphisms are also considered to play a pivotal role in smoking-related and alcohol-related gastric carcinogenesis. In this review, we will discuss the molecular mechanisms involved in the development of gastric cancers in relation to tobacco smoking and alcohol consumption.

Why, Where, and with Whom? Understanding the set and setting influencing the consumption of NoLo beverages

Background: Production and use of no- and low-alcohol (NoLo) beverages has increased globally in recent years. Using data from a large international sample of people who drink alcohol, this study aimed to investigate patterns of NoLo drink consumption. Methods: The study utilized data from the 2022 Global Drug Survey (GDS). We used cross-tabulation and multiple correspondence analysis to understand usage patterns and identify key groupings. Results: Of the 15,686 participants reporting NoLo use, most (59%) reported drinking NoLo products less than monthly. Frequent NoLo consumption was more prevalent in relaxed environments (92%) compared to team environments (27%) and party settings (49%), with a significant relationship between heavy alcohol drinking prevalence and increased likelihood of engaging in NoLo alcohol consumption. Conclusions: We uncovered nuanced preferences for NoLo drinks driven by cultural, consumption, and economic factors. Heavy alcohol drinking and an increased likelihood of NoLo consumption is suggestive of a growing acceptance of NoLo beverages as substitutes for alcoholic beverages perhaps, for example, as a response to avoiding experiences of embarrassment due to drunkenness in particular social settings. This suggests a need for further research into public health policies promoting NoLo options to mitigate alcohol-related problems.

Causal effects of genetic birth weight and gestational age on adult esophageal diseases: Mendelian randomization study.

Few studies have investigated the association between gestational age, birth weight, and esophageal cancer risk; however, causality remains debated. We aimed to establish causal links between genetic gestational age and birth weight traits and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), Barrett's esophagus (BE), and esophageal adenocarcinoma (EA). Additionally, we explored if known risk factors mediate these links. To analyze of the relationship between gestational age, birth weight and GERD, BE, and EA. Genetic data on gestational age and birth weight (n = 84689 and 143677) from the Early Growth Genetics Consortium and outcomes for GERD (n = 467253), BE (n = 56429), and EA (n = 21271) from genome-wide association study served as instrumental variables. Mendelian randomization (MR) and mediation analyses were conducted using MR-Egger, weighted median, and inverse variance weighted methods. Robustness was ensured through heterogeneity, pleiotropy tests, and sensitivity analyses. Birth weight was negatively correlated with GERD and BE risk [odds ratio (OR) = 0.78; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.69-0.8] and (OR = 0.75; 95%CI: 0.60-0.9), respectively, with no significant association with EA. No causal link was found between gestational age and outcomes. Birth weight was positively correlated with five risk factors: Educational attainment (OR = 1.15; 95%CI: 1.01-1.31), body mass index (OR = 1.06; 95%CI: 1.02-1.1), height (OR = 1.12; 95%CI: 1.06-1.19), weight (OR = 1.13; 95%CI: 1.10-1.1), and alcoholic drinks per week (OR = 1.03; 95%CI: 1.00-1.06). Mediation analysis showed educational attainment and height mediated the birth weight-BE link by 13.99% and 5.46%. Our study supports the protective role of genetically predicted birth weight against GERD, BE, and EA, independent of gestational age and partially mediated by educational attainment and height.

Predictors of Alcohol Use, Alcohol-Related Problems, and Substance Use Following Adolescent Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery.

To identify factors associated with incident alcohol consumption, hazardous drinking, alcohol-related problems, and substance use up to 8 years following metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS) during adolescence. In this cohort, nearly half of those who underwent MBS as adolescents screened positive for alcohol use disorder, symptoms of alcohol-related harm, or alcohol-related problems within 8 years post-surgery. Moreover, persistent or heavy marijuana use following MBS during adolescence is higher than national data. This study includes 217 adolescents (aged 13-19 years) enrolled in a 5-center prospective cohort study who underwent Roux-en-Y gastric bypass or vertical sleeve gastrectomy between 2007 and 2011 and were followed for up to 8 years. Participants self-reported alcohol use via the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test and substance use for up to 8 years. Female sex, pre-surgery lower body mass index, and pre-surgery substance use were independently associated with increased risk of incident post-surgery hazardous drinking. Pre-surgery psychiatric counseling was significantly associated with increased risk for new-onset substance use post-surgery. Starting substance use post-surgery or continuing pre- to post-surgery was independently associated with a higher risk of post-surgery hazardous drinking. Greater percent weight loss, starting post-surgery or continuing pre- to post-surgery psychiatric counseling, using alcohol, and hazardous drinking were independently associated with a higher risk of post-surgery substance use. Future research with a nonsurgical control group should be examined to further elucidate the relationships between MBS and alcohol and substance use following surgery during adolescence.

How Religiosity Reduce the Intention of Alcohol Consumption in Muslim Undergraduate Students: Evidence from Indonesia

This study investigates the effect of intrinsic and extrinsic religiosity on youth alcohol use intention in Indonesia using Theory Planned Behavior (TPB) framework. The purposive sampling technique was employed. The criteria of respondents are active undergraduate students who study in Surakarta. The sample comprised of 362 undergraduate students, with 63.56 percent identifying as female. A total of 53 students have ever consumed alcoholic beverages, with 90.56 percent of them identifying as male. The average age of our respondent is 19.5 years old, with a maximum of 26 years old and a minimum of 17 years old. Structural Equation Model-Partial Least Squares, or SEM-PLS is the method that we employ to estimate the relationship of each variable. Our study shows intrinsic religiosity has negative effect on intention to consume alcohol (β= -0.168, p&lt;0.10, t = 1.945). In addition, intrinsic religiosity also has negative significant effect on all TPB factors, such as alcohol-supported attitude (β= -0.444, p&lt;0.01, t = 4.099), alcohol-supported subjective norm (β= -0.436, p&lt;0.01, t = 4.205), and internal perceived behavioral control (β= -0.271, p&lt;0.05, t = 2.464). Partial mediation exists between the relationship of intrinsic religiosity, alcohol-supported attitude and intention of alcohol drinking (β= -0.165, p&lt;0.05, t = 2.263). Thus, It implies that intrinsic religiosity is able to affect intention of alcohol drinking through attitude and intrinsic religiosity itself are able to affect intention of alcohol drinking directly. This study could provide support for the inclusion of religion as a discipline in the curriculum for undergraduates. Nonetheless, the religion course should encompass not only religious values that emphasize the expectation of a reward for completing specific actions, but also values that emphasize the act of worshiping and honoring God without expecting too much reward in return.

Traditional alcoholic beverages of the Bonda tribe in Odisha, India: evidence from the field

Traditional alcoholic-beverages have been used by the tribes since ages. Bonda is one of the 62 Schedule Tribes and 13 Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups of Odisha, who reside in the southern part of the state. Historically, a number of traditional alcohols have been produced by the Bonda which is consumed widely and used in the socio-economic and cultural events. Current times evidence the production and use of traditional alcohols gradually giving way to modern alcoholic drinks. In this context this paper tries to document different types of traditional alcohols produced, consumed and used by the Bonda along with its various impacts on the individual drinker and the society. The data were collected through community-based research in four villages under Khairaput block of Malkangiri, Odisha. The study found that 23 types of traditional alcohols are produced by the Bonda households, who derive economic security there from. However, the production, consumption and use of traditional alcohols are on the decline with the gradual increase of foreign liquor and this paper suggests institutional support for the clean production and marketing of traditional alcohols of the Bonda tribe.

Sex-Moderated Divergence between Adult Child and Parental Dietary Behavior Patterns in Relation to Body Mass Condition-Evaluating the Mediating Role of Physical Activity: A Cross-Sectional Study.

The main objective of this study was to explore the dietary behaviors of parents and their adult children, focusing on patterns, potential intrinsic and extrinsic predictors of body mass, and determinants of becoming overweight. Non-probability, cross-sectional sampling was used to select participants from a university student population. Young adults (19-21 years of age, n = 144) and their parents were examined. The data of those family pairs with complete sets of results were used. Dietary patterns and physical activity were assessed with questionnaires (QEB and IPAQ), and body height, weight measurements, and body mass indexes were calculated. A cophylogenetic approach with tanglegrams and heatmaps was used to study patterns, while predictors of body mass index were identified using multiple linear regression, stepwise logistic regression, and mediation analysis procedures. Cophenetic statistics confirmed significant incongruence between fathers and sons, confirmed by Baker's Gamma correlation (rBG = 0.23, p = 0.021), and mothers and daughters (rBG = 0.26, p = 0.030). The relationships between the dietary patterns of the fathers and daughters, as well as mothers and sons, were of medium strength (rBG = 0.33, p = 0.032, rBG = 0.43, p = 0.031; respectively). Most of the patterns were mixed. Fast food, fried meals, alcoholic drinks, energy drinks, and sweetened beverages were associated significantly with being overweight. Significant intrinsic predictors of excessive weight in young adults were sex (b = 2.31, p < 0.001), PA (b = -0.02, p < 0.001), and eating fermented milk and curd cheese (b = -0.55, p = 0.024), while extrinsic (parental) predictors included eating fast food and fried meals (b = -0.44, p = 0.049). Both physical activity and dietary behaviors independently determined the sons' overweight status (b = -1.25, p = 0.008; b = -0.04, p < 0.001; respectively); while only PA did in daughters (b = -0.04, p < 0.001). No mediating effects of physical activity were observed. Adult children and parental dietary patterns were divergent, reflecting the influence of multiple factors on a child's dietary habits. However, this divergence is moderated by sex. Reciprocal interactions between dietary intake-particularly positive dyads such as fruits and vegetables, fermented milk, and curd cheese-and physical activity significantly impacted children's body mass index (BMI). The study of dietary patterns in conjunction with physical activity (both as independent determinants), particularly in relation to the link between overweight/obese children and overweight/obese parents, presents a separate challenge.

Effects of essential oil of Origanum onites and its major component carvacrol on the expression of toxicity pathway genes in HepG2 cells

BackgroundOriganum species have been used in various commercial constructions as a remedy against burns and wounds, agriculture, alcoholic drinks, fragrance, and flavoring substances of food products. The essential oil of Origanum onites L. (EOOO) and its component carvacrol (CV) possesses a wide range of biological activities including anti-cancer activity.PurposeThe purpose of this study was to investigate the growth inhibitory activity of the essential oil and its major component CV and then hepatotoxicity pathway-related genes in HepG2 cells.MethodsThe effects of the EOOO and CV on cell growth and mRNA expressions of 84 hepatotoxicity pathway-related genes were investigated in HepG2, using trypan blue exclusion/ bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) incorporation tests and real-time-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) array, respectively.ResultsThe EOOO and CV inhibited cell growth with IC50 values of 0.08 µg/mL and 45 µg/mL, respectively, after 24 h. Real-time, reverse-transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT2-PCR) array analysis revealed that expressions of 32 genes out of 84 were changed at least 2-fold or more in the EOOO-treated cells. Among them, expression levels of 17 genes were elevated, while expression levels of 15 genes were diminished. Furthermore, after exposure of cells to 45 µg/mL of CV, the expression of 8 genes was increased while the other 8 genes were decreased. Both the EOOO and carvacrol affected the expression of 48 genes of HepG2 cells which are involved in the hepatotoxicity pathway, indicating their hepatoprotective and possible anti-hepatocarcinogenic effects.ConclusionThe present study demonstrates that the essential oil of Origanum onites and carvacrol can be used in various applications such as anticancer or herbal drugs, since its non-hepatotoxicity.

Correction to: Traumatic Stress-Enhanced Alcohol Drinking: Sex Differences and Animal Model Perspectives

Correction to: Traumatic Stress-Enhanced Alcohol Drinking: Sex Differences and Animal Model Perspectives

The association between the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio and type 2 diabetes mellitus: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundType 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a prevalent chronic disease often accompanied by low-grade inflammation. Recently, the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) has garnered researchers’ interest as an emerging inflammation biomarker. This study aimed to comprehensively explore the relationship between NLR and T2DM using the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) database.MethodWe employed a cross-sectional study design to analyze data from five NHANES cycles from 2007 to 2016, excluding individuals with incomplete data. This study utilized a weighted logistic regression model, subgroup analyses, and restricted cubic spline (RCS) analysis to assess the potential relationship between NLR and T2DM.ResultsA total of 9903 participants were eligible for the analysis, of which 1280 were diagnosed with T2DM. The T2DM group exhibited significantly higher NLR levels than the non-T2DM group. After adjusting for potential confounders, elevated NLR levels were associated with an increased risk of developing T2DM, indicated by an odds ratio (OR) of 1.14, 95% CI: (1.05,1.24), P = 0.003. The results of the subgroup analyses revealed a significant interaction effect between NLR and T2DM concerning race and hypertension (P for interaction < 0.05). In contrast, no significant interactions were found for age, sex, education level, body mass index (BMI), smoking status, recreational activities, and alcohol drinker (P for interaction > 0.05). RCS analysis showed a significant non-linear relationship between NLR and T2DM, with an inflection point at 2.27 (all P for non-linearity < 0.05).ConclusionOur study indicates that an elevated neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio is associated with a higher risk of T2DM.

Factors Associated With Pelvic Organ Prolapse in Postmenopausal South Korean Women.

This study identifies key risk factors for pelvic organ prolapse (POP) in Korean women, providing valuable insights for prevention and personalized care. The aim of this study was to identify risk factors for POP in Korean women. This retrospective case-control study analyzed 2003-2011 Korean health checkup data in postmenopausal women diagnosed with POP (cases) and age-matched controls without POP (1:4 ratio) to identify risk factors. Of 2,506,271 participants, 34,648 patients were selected for the POP group and 138,592 patients were selected for the control group. The risk of POP was found to be increased with overweight (body mass index, 23-24.9: odds ratio [OR], 1.146; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.1-1.196; body mass index, 25-29.9: OR, 1.142; 95% CI, 1.097-1.189) and multiple childbirths (2 times: OR, 1.52; 95% CI, 1.39-1.653; ≥3: OR, 1.639; 95% CI, 1.493-1.8). The risk of POP was found to be decreased with smoking (OR, 0.769; 95% CI, 0.688-0.861), alcohol drinking (3-6/week: OR, 0.65; 95% CI, 0.557-0.758), and exercise (1-2/week: OR, 0.904; 95% CI, 0.862-0.947; 3-4/week: OR, 0.896; 95% CI, 0.844-0.951; 5-6/week: OR, 0.87; 95% CI, 0.788-0.96). This study found that overweight and multiple childbirths were associated with an increased risk of POP. Smoking, alcohol drinking, and exercise reduced the risk of POP, but socioeconomic status, age at menarche, and age at menopause were not found to be associated with POP.

An orbitocortical-thalamic circuit suppresses binge alcohol-drinking.

Alcohol consumption remains a significant global health challenge, causing millions of direct and indirect deaths annually. Intriguingly, recent work has highlighted the prefrontal cortex, a major brain area that regulates inhibitory control of behaviors, whose activity becomes dysregulated upon alcohol abuse. However, whether an endogenous mechanism exists within this brain area that limits alcohol consumption is unknown. Here we identify a discrete GABAergic neuronal ensemble in the medial orbitofrontal cortex (mOFC) that is selectively recruited during binge alcohol-drinking and intoxication. Upon alcohol intoxication, this neuronal ensemble suppresses binge drinking behavior. Optogenetically silencing of this population, or its ablation, results in uncontrolled binge alcohol consumption. We find that this neuronal ensemble is specific to alcohol and is not recruited by other rewarding substances. We further show, using brain-wide analysis, that this neuronal ensemble projects widely, and that its projections specifically to the mediodorsal thalamus are responsible for regulating binge alcohol drinking. Together, these results identify a brain circuit in the mOFC that serves to protect against binge drinking by halting alcohol intake. These results provide valuable insights into the complex nature of alcohol abuse and offers potential avenues for the development of mOFC neuronal ensemble-targeted interventions.

Des-acyl ghrelin reduces alcohol intake and alcohol-induced reward in rodents

The mechanisms contributing to alcohol use disorder (AUD) are complex and the orexigenic peptide ghrelin, which enhances alcohol reward, is implied as a crucial modulator. The major proportion of circulating ghrelin is however the non-octanoylated form of ghrelin, des-acyl ghrelin (DAG), whose role in reward processes is unknown. As recent studies show that DAG decreases food intake, we hypothesize that DAG attenuates alcohol-related responses in animal models. Acute and repeated DAG treatment dose-dependently decreased alcohol drinking in male and female rats. In these alcohol-consuming male rats, repeated DAG treatment causes higher levels of dopamine metabolites in the ventral tegmental area, an area central to reward processing. The role of DAG in reward processing is further supported as DAG prevents alcohol-induced locomotor stimulation, reward in the conditioned place preference paradigm, and dopamine release in the nucleus accumbens in male rodents. On the contrary, DAG does not alter the memory of alcohol reward or affect neurotransmission in the hippocampus, an area central to memory. Further, circulating DAG levels are positively correlated with alcohol drinking in female but not male rats. Studies were conducted in attempts to identify tentative targets of DAG, which currently are unknown. Data from these recombinant cell system revealed that DAG does not bind to either of the monoamine transporters, 5HT2A, CB1, or µ-opioid receptors. Collectively, our data show that DAG attenuates alcohol-related responses in rodents, an effect opposite to that of ghrelin, and contributes towards a deeper insight into behaviors regulated by the ghrelinergic signaling pathway.

Association of solid fuel use with cognitive function and the modifying role of lifestyle: A nationwide cohort study in China

BackgroundAs opposed to a healthy lifestyle, indoor air pollution from solid fuel use may be harmful for cognitive function. However, the extent to which lifestyle modifies the association between solid fuel use and cognitive function remains unknown. MethodsA total of 21,008 individuals aged 16 to 92 were enrolled in 2010 and followed up to 2014 in the China Family Panel Studies (CFPS). Cognitive function was assessed using standardized math and word tests in two waves. Solid fuel use at baseline was assessed by self-reporting of firewood, straw, or coal used for cooking. Lifestyle profile was classified into two groups (favorable vs. unfavorable) based on five modifiable lifestyle factors including alcohol drinking, smoking, body mass index, diet, and physical activity. Linear mixed-effects models were employed to assess the association of solid fuel use and lifestyle with cognitive function. The effect modification of lifestyle was analyzed. ResultsA total of 49.7% of the study population used solid fuels for cooking and 17.4% had a favorable lifestyle. Solid fuel use was associated with a significant decrease in cognitive function (β = −0.29, 95% CI: −0.39, −0.19 for math test; β = −0.62, 95% CI: −0.84, −0.41 for word test). Lifestyle significantly modified this association (p-interaction: 0.006 for math test; 0.016 for word test), with the corresponding association being less pronounced among participants adhering to a favorable lifestyle compared to those with an unfavorable lifestyle. ConclusionA favorable lifestyle may attenuate the adverse association between solid fuel use and cognitive function. Adopting a favorable lifestyle has the potential to mitigate the adverse neurological effects due to indoor air pollution.

Penile Length and Circumference among Adult Egyptians

Abstract Background accurate measurement of penile length is important for both clinical and academic purposes. For this reason, a standard practice for measurement has been defined to maintain consistency. Rather than measuring a flaccid penis, which offers limited clinical significance, stretched penile length (SPL) measurement is considered best practice for adult men as it most closely replicates normal erect penile length. Aim of the Work to assess the stretched penile length and penile circumference in a sample of physically normal Egyptian men and to determine the penile anthropometry-somatometric parameters relationship. Patients and Methods The current study demonstrated that the mean stretched penile length of this sample of Egyptian men was 13.0 ±1.9 cm and the flaccid penile circumference was 9.3±1.1; which are consistent with the results of previous studies done in Egypt and with studies done within the same geographical region. There were significant positive correlations between penile measures and height, weight, and BMI with no significant correlations between penile measures and age. Our study results revealed as well that there was no significant difference between age grades regarding penis length and penis circumference. The previous correlations agree with most of the studies except for BMI which remains controversial whether it has positive or negative correlation with the penile anthropometry. Results revealed that alcohol use and smoking were significant factors that decrease penis length and circumference. This could be attributed to the associated erectile dysfunctions revealed in previous studies to be found in smokers and alcohol drinkers, in addition to the findings that postulate that erectile dysfunction could shorten the penile measurements. Nonetheless, further studies are needed to clarify these associations. Conclusion Concern over penile size is not uncommon. The results of this study help to establish a reference range for male genital size among adult Egyptian men, which should be helpful for andrologists in counselling patients. As evident from the current study, the mean stretched penile length of Egyptian men was 13.0 ±1.9 cm and the flaccid penile circumference was 9.3±1.1 with significant positive correlations between penile measures and height, weight, and BMI. Moreover, penile anthropometry was significantly lower in smokers and alcohol users.

Selective Classes and Early Health Inequalities in Comprehensive Schools in Finland.

The origin of inequalities in health outcomes has been explained by health selection and social causation models. Health selection processes operate particularly at school age. We study, if student allocation to teaching groups with aptitude tests (selective vs general class) differentiates adolescents by health behaviors and mental health. Finnish schoolchildren 12-13 years from 12 selective classes, n = 248; 41 general classes, n = 703 answered a questionnaire on addictive products (tobacco, snus, alcohol, and energy drinks), digital media use, and mental health (health complaints, anxiety, and depression). Structural equation modeling was conducted to identify structures between outcomes, SEP (socioeconomic position), class type, and academic performance. Students in the selective classes reported less addictive digital media and addictive products use than students in the general classes. Differences in academic performance or SEP between the class types did not solely explain these differences. Mental health was not related to the class type. SEP was indirectly associated with health behaviors via the class type and academic performance. Selecting students to permanent teaching groups with aptitude tests differentiates students according to risky health behaviors. The impact of education policies using student grouping should also be evaluated in terms of students' health.

Geographic and dietary differences of urinary uranium levels in the Strong Heart Family Study.

American Indian (AI) communities are affected by uranium exposure from abandoned mines and naturally contaminated drinking water. Few studies have evaluated geographical differences across AI communities and the role of dietary exposures. We evaluated differences in urinary uranium levels by diet and geographical area among AI participants from the Northern Plains, the Southern Plains, and the Southwest enrolled in the Strong Heart Family Study (SHFS). We used food frequency questionnaires to determine dietary sources related to urinary uranium levels for 1,682 SHFS participants in 2001-2003. We calculated adjusted geometric mean ratios (GMRs) of urinary uranium for an interquartile range (IQR) increase in self-reported food group consumption accounting for family clustering and adjusting for sociodemographic variables and other food groups. We determined the percentage of variability in urinary uranium explained by diet. Median (IQR) urinary uranium levels were 0.027 (0.012, 0.057) μg/g creatinine. Urinary uranium levels were higher in Arizona (median 0.039 μg/g) and North Dakota and South Dakota (median 0.038 μg/g) and lower in Oklahoma (median 0.019 μg/g). The adjusted percent increase (95% confidence interval) of urinary uranium levels per IQR increase in reported food intake was 20% (5%, 36%) for organ meat, 11% (1%, 23%) for cereals, and 14% (1%, 29%) for alcoholic drinks. In analyses stratified by study center, the association with organ meat was specific to North Dakota and South Dakota participants. An IQR increase in consumption of fries and chips was inversely associated with urinary uranium levels -11% (-19%, -3%). Overall, we estimated that self-reported dietary exposures explained 1.71% of variability in urine uranium levels. Our paper provides a novel assessment of self-reported food intake and urinary uranium levels in a cohort of American Indian participants. We identify foods (organ meat, cereals, and alcohol) positively associated with urinary uranium levels, find that organ meat consumption is only associated with urine uranium in North Dakota and South Dakota, and estimate that diet explains relatively little variation in total urinary uranium concentrations. Our findings contribute meaningful data toward a more comprehensive estimation of uranium exposure among Native American communities and support the need for high-quality assessments of water and dust uranium exposures in SHFS communities.

Strategies for isoniazid preventive therapy in HIV-positive patients who consume alcohol.

<sec><title>BACKGROUND</title>WHO guidance to defer isoniazid preventive therapy (IPT) among those with regular alcohol use because of hepatotoxicity concerns may exclude many people living with HIV (PLWH) at high TB risk in these settings.</sec><sec><title>OBJECTIVE</title>To evaluate hepatotoxicity during TB preventive therapy (TPT) in PLWH who report alcohol use in Uganda over 10 years.</sec><sec><title>METHODS</title>We developed a Markov model of latent TB infection, isoniazid preventive therapy (IPT - a type of TPT), and TB disease using data from the Alcohol Drinkers' Exposure to Preventive Therapy for TB (ADEPTT) study. We modeled several treatment scenarios, including no IPT, IPT with liver enzyme monitoring (AST/ALT) during treatment, and IPT with pre-screening using the tuberculin skin test (TST).</sec><sec><title>RESULTS</title>The no IPT scenario had 230 TB deaths/100,000 population over 10 years, which is more than that seen in any IPT scenario. IPT, even with no monitoring, was preferred over no IPT when population TB disease incidence was >50 in 100,000.</sec><sec><title>CONCLUSIONS</title>For PLWH who report alcohol use in high TB burden settings, IPT should be offered, ideally with regular AST/ALT monitoring. However, even if regular monitoring is not possible, IPT is still preferable to no IPT in almost every modeled scenario.</sec>.