Daily Alcohol Drinking Research Articles

Tuberculosis treatment delay and contributing factors within tuberculosis patients in Ethiopia: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundTuberculosis (TB) is a significant public health disease and a major contributor to illness and death worldwide, including in Ethiopia. There are many information from first source which had inconclusive result in Ethiopia. Therefore, this review aimed to produce pooled evidence on the TB treatment delay and factors associated with it. MethodsThe absence of a similar study with a systematic review and meta-analysis was confirmed. Articles from online available and unpublished sources conducted within Ethiopia between 2002 and 2024, were thoroughly screened using electronic sources such as Medline, Embase, Hinari, PubMed, the Cochrane Library, the Web of Science, and Google Scholar. Data analysis was performed using STATA version 14. Heterogeneity was assessed using Inverse of Variance (I2) and Cochrane Q tests. The funnel plot was employed to rule existence of publications subjectively while bias was checked using Egger's statistical method to quantify the bias. ResultPrevalence of TB treatment delay in Ethiopia was 50.42% at 95% (43.21, 57.64). Factors such as knowledge about TB, distance to health facilities less than 10 km, initial contact at a government service providing center for TB, having some educations, having pulmonary Tuberculosis, urban residency, were prtotective towards treatment delay. Female in gender, no chest pain symptom, disease severity with no restriction on daily activity, alcohol drinkers, and unmarried respondents were at higher risk to miss on time tuberculosis treatment. Conclusion and recommendationThe tuberculosis treatment delay in Ethiopia was considerably unexpected and basic personal variables and facility related variables were statistically associated with treatment. Therefore, Ethiopian TB control programs have to recognize and tackle the problem, obstacles, and vulnerability across the continuum patient care taking down and connecting to treatment post-diagnosis. This can be achieved by capacitating both government and non-governmental service provision centers and minimizing unfilled difference across professional awareness and skill, which will contribute further to minimizing delay.

Dynamics of anti-Spike IgG antibody level after the second BNT162b2 COVID-19 vaccination in health care workers

IntroductionMany countries are administering a third dose of COVID-19 vaccines, but the evaluation of vaccine-induced immunity is insufficient. In addition, there are few reports of long-term observation of anti-spike IgG antibody titers after the vaccination in the Japanese population. This study aimed to evaluate anti-spike IgG levels in the Japanese health care workers six months after the BNT162b2 vaccination. MethodsDynamics of anti-spike IgG levels were assessed over a six-month period following the second vaccination in 49 participants (Analysis-1). A cross-sectional assessment of anti-spike IgG levels six months after the second vaccination was performed in 373 participants (Analysis-2). ResultsIn Analysis-1, the geometric mean titer of anti-spike IgG was lower in the older age group and decreased consistently after the second vaccination regardless of age. In Analysis-2, the anti-spike IgG level was significantly negatively associated with age (r = −0.35, p < 0.01). This correlation remained statistically significant (r = −0.28, p < 0.01) after adjustment for sex, BMI, smoking habits, alcohol drinking habits, allergies, and fever or other adverse reactions at the time of vaccination. Additionally, participants who drank alcohol daily had significantly lower anti-spike IgG levels than participants who had never drunk alcohol. Sex, smoking habits, allergy, and fever and other side effects after vaccination did not show a significant association with anti-spike IgG levels. ConclusionsSix months post-vaccination, the anti-spike IgG level was substantially lower in older persons and daily alcohol drinkers. This may be an indication for an additional vaccine dose for these at-risk categories.

Use of psychoactive substances by night-shift hospital healthcare workers during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic: a cross-sectional study based in Parisian public hospitals (ALADDIN)

ObjectivesThis study aimed to estimate the prevalence of psychoactive substance (PAS) use in night-shift healthcare workers (NSHW) during France’s first COVID-19 wave (March–May 2020).DesignObservational cross-sectional online survey.Setting39 public hospitals in...

Association of Substance Use With Behavioral Adherence to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Guidelines for COVID-19 Mitigation: Cross-sectional Web-Based Survey.

BackgroundSubstance use is a risk factor for COVID-19 infection and adverse outcomes. However, reasons for elevated risk for COVID-19 in substance users are not well understood.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to evaluate whether alcohol or other drug use is associated with adherence to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines for COVID-19 mitigation. Preregistered analyses tested the hypothesis that greater use of alcohol and other drugs would be associated with lower CDC guideline adherence. A secondary objective was to determine whether substance use was associated with the likelihood of COVID-19 testing or outcome.MethodsA cross-sectional web-based survey was administered to a convenience sample recruited through Amazon’s Mechanical Turk platform from June 18 to July 19, 2020. Individuals aged 18 years or older and residing in Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, or Rhode Island were eligible to participate. The exposure of interest was past 7-day use of alcohol, cigarettes, electronic cigarettes, cannabis, stimulants, and nonmedical opioids. The primary outcome was CDC guideline adherence measured using a scale developed from behaviors advised to reduce the spread of COVID-19. Secondary outcomes were likelihood of COVID-19 testing and a positive COVID-19 test result. All analyses accounted for the sociodemographic characteristics.ResultsThe sample consisted of 1084 individuals (mean age 40.9 [SD 13.4] years): 529 (48.8%) men, 543 (50.1%) women, 12 (1.1%) other gender identity, 742 (68.5%) White individuals, 267 (24.6%) Black individuals, and 276 (25.5%) Hispanic individuals. Daily opioid users reported lower CDC guideline adherence than nondaily users (B=–0.24, 95% CI –0.44 to –0.05) and nonusers (B=–0.57, 95% CI –0.76 to –0.38). Daily alcohol drinkers reported lower adherence than nondaily drinkers (B=–0.16, 95% CI –0.30 to –0.02). Nondaily alcohol drinkers reported higher adherence than nondrinkers (B=0.10, 95% CI 0.02-0.17). Daily opioid use was related to greater odds of COVID-19 testing, and daily stimulant use was related to greater odds of a positive COVID-19 test.ConclusionsIn a regionally-specific, racially, and ethnically diverse convenience sample, adults who engaged in daily alcohol or opioid use reported lower CDC guideline adherence for COVID-19 mitigation. Any opioid use was associated with greater odds of COVID-19 testing, and daily stimulant use was associated with greater odds of COVID-19 infection. Cigarettes, electronic cigarettes, cannabis, or stimulant use were not statistically associated with CDC guideline adherence, after accounting for sociodemographic covariates and other substance use variables. Findings support further investigation into whether COVID-19 testing and vaccination should be expanded among individuals with substance-related risk factors.

222Long-term mortality after early famine exposure: findings from the China Kadoorie Biobank

Abstract Background Previous studies suggested that increased risks of chronic diseases in China might be attributable to early experience of the Chinese Great Famine during last century, but the reliable evidence for adult mortality was rare. This study is to investigate the association of early famine exposure with death risks in the middle age. Methods A number of 94 051 participants from China Kadoorie Biobank were categorized as non-famine births (born between 10/1/1956 and 9/30/1958, and 10/1/1962 and 9/30/1964) and famine births (born between 10/1/1959 and 9/30/1961). The outcomes were total and cause specific mortality. Cox regression was used to estimate hazard ratio (HR) for famine exposure. Results During a median 10.2 years of follow-up, we documented 2802 total deaths in all participants. Prenatal famine exposure was only associated with the risks of ischemic heart disease (IHD) mortality in adulthood (310 deaths, HR [95% CI]: 1.34 [1.02, 1.75]), compared with non-famine births. We also observed the association of famine with total mortality (HR [95% CI]: 1.42 [1.12, 1.78]) in daily alcohol drinkers, but not in non-daily drinkers (P for interaction: 0.025). Conclusions This study indicated that early famine exposure was associated with an increased death risk of heart disease and such risk may be modified by adult alcohol consumption. Key messages Early Chinese famine experience might impact adult IHD deaths. Coexistence of early famine experience and adult alcohol consumption was associated with higher risks of total mortality.

Metabolic and Hepatic Effects of Energy-Reduced Anti-Inflammatory Diet in Younger Adults with Obesity.

Background Associated with epidemics of obesity, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is becoming the most prevalent liver disease worldwide. The cornerstone of therapy for NAFLD is lifestyle intervention, mainly focused on weight loss. Significant weight loss results from energy-restricted diets, regardless of macronutrient distribution. An anti-inflammatory diet was related to lower odds of NAFLD among daily alcohol drinkers and individuals with metabolic syndrome. This study aims to evaluate the effect of an energy-reduced anti-inflammatory diet on liver status in younger adults with obesity after a 6-month follow-up. Methods A two-arm randomized controlled trial surveyed 81 participants' (mean age, 43 years) anthropometric and body composition changes. Metabolic status was determined with glycaemic and lipid status, inflammatory status with hs-CRP, IL-6, and TNF-α, and liver status with liver enzymes, NAFLD-FLS, FLI, and FIB-4 indices. The inflammatory potential of the diet was assessed by the Dietary Inflammatory Index, DII®. Results Energy-restricted anti-inflammatory diet resulted in significant weight loss (−7.1%, p < 0.001), in reducing the visceral adiposity (−22.3%, p < 0.001), metabolic (HOMA-IR, −15.5%; total cholesterol, −5.3%; LDL-C, −4.6%; triglycerides, −12.2%), and inflammatory biomarkers (hs-CRP, −29.5%; IL-6, −18.2%; TNF-α, −34.2%), with significant improvement of liver parameters (NAFLD-FLS, −143.4%; FLI, −14.3%; FIB-4, −2.5%). Conclusion The study showed the effectiveness of the anti-inflammatory diet with significant improvement of liver parameters in younger adults with obesity, which may reinforce the effectiveness of nutrition-based lifestyle programs, with an anti-inflammatory dietary approach for the treatment and resolution of NAFLD.

Substance use in Roma population in contact with social workers in the Czech Republic: A cross-sectional questionnaire survey

An increasing number of studies have focused on the topic of Roma communities and social exclusion in the Czech Republic, however, substance use has been surveyed only marginally. This paper brings new data on the patterns of substance use among Roma population in contact with social workers (546 respondents). Substance use, including daily smoking and regular excessive alcohol drinking, has been 2–6 times higher among Roma compared to the general population. Current illicit substance use was reported by 1/3 of the respondents (46.7% of males, 17.8% of females) with cannabis (27.1%) and methamphetamine (11.9%) being the most reported substances.

Influence of Occupational Stress and Coping Style on Periodontitis among Japanese Workers: A Cross-Sectional Study.

The aim of this cross-sectional study was to evaluate the association between the influence of occupational stress and coping style on periodontitis among Japanese workers. The study sample included 738 workers (age range: 19–65 years) at a manufacturing company in Kagawa Prefecture, Japan. To analyze occupational stress and coping style, all participants answered a self-report questionnaire composed of items on their work environment and oral health behavior. Oral examinations were performed by calibrated dentists. Among all workers, 492 (66.7%) workers were diagnosed with periodontitis, and 50 (6.8%) were diagnosed with a high stress-low coping condition. Significant differences (p < 0.05) were observed between the periodontitis and non-periodontitis groups in terms of age, gender, body mass index, smoking status, daily alcohol drinking, monthly overtime work, worker type, and stress-coping style. Logistic regression analysis showed that a high stress–low coping condition was associated with an increased risk of periodontitis (odds ratio: 2.79, 95% confidence interval: 1.05–7.43, p = 0.039). These findings suggest that a high stress-low coping condition is associated with periodontitis among the 19–65 years of age group of Japanese workers.

Restless legs syndrome in end stage renal disease patients undergoing hemodialysis

BackgroundThe prevalence of Restless legs syndrome (RLS) in End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) patients is higher than that in the general population. However, the associations of RLS within the ESRD population are inconsistent and RLS is usually neglected in dialysis centers, although it impairs the life quality among ESRD patients. We aim to investigate the prevalence of RLS in patients with ESRD undergoing maintenance hemodialysis and evaluate the risk factors of developing RLS and the effect of RLS on quality of life among ESRD patients.MethodsESRD patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis in Shanghai General Hospital dialysis unit from July 2016 to October 2016 were enrolled in the study. RLS was diagnosed according to the criteria of the International Restless Legs Syndrome Study Group (IRLSSG). IRLSSG Severity Scale was used to evaluate the severity of RLS. Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) was used to evaluate sleep quality, and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) was used to estimate anxiety and depression. Serologic and historic variables were analyzed to determine predictors of RLS in the ESRD population.ResultsA total of 137 ESRD patients were enrolled. The prevalence of RLS among the ESRD patients was 20.44%. The risk of RLS was increased significantly in females (OR = 2.729, p = 0.032) and daily alcohol drinkers (OR = 4.716, p = 0.022). RLS increased the risks of sleep disorders (25/28, 89.3% vs 73/109, 67.0%, p = 0.02) and sedative hypnotics intake (7/28, 25.0% vs 10/109, 9.2%, p = 0.047) and impaired the sleep quality (7/109 vs 11/28, p = 0.001) according to PSQI sum scores.ConclusionA high RLS prevalence among the ESRD patients undergoing hemodialysis was confirmed. ESRD patients who are women and drinking alcohol have a higher risk of RLS. The sleep quality was significantly impaired and sleeping medication use was more common among the ESRD patients with RLS.

The anti-inflammatory potential of diet and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: the ATTICA study.

Background:Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is correlated with low-grade inflammation and dietary habits. Until today, there have been limited epidemiologic data assessing the role of diet’s inflammatory potential on NAFLD. The aim was to evaluate the relationship between an anti-inflammatory diet, as reflected by the Dietary Anti-Inflammation Index (D-AII), and NAFLD among cardiovascular disease (CVD)-free adults.Methods:ATTICA is a prospective, population-based study that recruited 3042 adults without pre-existing CVD from the Greek population (Whites; age ⩾18 years; 1514 men and 1528 women). D-AII was calculated using a standard procedure. The baseline study captured various sociodemographic, lifestyle and clinical characteristics as well as hepatic markers. These were used to calculate four NAFLD assessment indices: triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index, fatty liver index (FLI), hepatic steatosis index (HSI), and NAFLD Fatty Liver Score (NAFLD-FLS). Specific cutoffs were applied to capture NAFLD.Results:D-AII showed a significant inverse association with NAFLD, applying the four indices with NAFLD cutoffs [odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI); TyG (0.95, 0.93–0.98); HSI (0.89, 0.86–0.92); FLI (0.88, 0.85–0.91); NAFLD-FLS (0.89, 0.86–0.92)], after adjusting for various confounders. Participants in the highest D-AII tertile had lower odds of having NAFLD, compared with those in the lowest D-AII tertile [(OR, 95% CI); TyG (0.33, 0.24–0.47); HSI (0.13, 0.08–0.23); FLI (0.05, 0.02–0.11); NAFLD-FLS (0.13, 0.07–0.23)]. Anti-inflammatory nutrition was related to lower odds of NAFLD among daily alcohol drinkers and individuals with metabolic syndrome.Conclusions:Anti-inflammatory diet is an important predictor of NAFLD among adults without pre-existing CVD. Adherence to a high anti-inflammatory diet seems to contribute to NAFLD prevention.

Factors associated with dream enacting behaviors among US farmers

IntroductionDream enacting behavior (DEB) during REM sleep is a characteristic feature of REM sleep behavior disorder (RBD), the most specific prodromal symptom for Parkinson's disease (PD) and related synucleinopathies. MethodsWe screened for DEB among 20,591 male farmers in 2013–2015 using a validated question, and examined its association with pesticide uses and other potential risk factors reported about twenty years ago in 1993–1997. We reported odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) from multivariable logistic regression models. ResultsA total of 1623 (7.9%) farmers reported having had DEB. Farmers with DEB were more likely to report other nonmotor and motor symptoms of PD with age-adjusted ORs ranging from 1.9 to 3.0. DEB prevalence varied little by age, but was significantly associated with current smoking (adjusted OR: 1.4, 95%CI: 1.2, 1.6), daily alcohol drinking (OR: 1.4, 95%CI: 1.1, 1.6), a history of head injury (OR: 1.3, 95%CI: 1.2, 1.5), and being married (OR: 1.4, 95%CI: 1.1, 1.7). We identified significant associations for several pesticides, especially cyclodiene organochlorines and pyrethroids, with adjusted ORs ranging from 1.2 to 1.5. The results were similar after excluding PD cases or when farmers with at least three DEB episodes in life were considered as DEB cases. ConclusionsThis study suggests that DEB are not rare among male farmers. Findings on potential risk factors for DEB are intriguing, and given the close link between RBD and PD, these associations should be further investigated.

Changes in prevalence of psychotropic drug use and alcohol consumption among the elderly in Germany: results of two National Health Interview and Examination Surveys 1997-99 and 2008-11

BackgroundPsychotropic drug use and alcohol consumption among older adults need to be monitored over time as their use or combined use bears risks of harms. Representative data on changes in prevalence, patterns and co-relates of substance use are lacking in Germany.MethodsParticipants were older adults (60–79 years) from two German National Health Surveys: 1997–99 (GNHIES98, N = 1,606) and 2008-11 (DEGS1, N = 2,501). Included were drugs acting on the nervous system used during the last 7 days. Alcohol consumption was measured by frequency (daily drinking) and quantity (risky drinking: ≥20/10 g/day alcohol for men/women). Changes in prevalence adjusted for potential socio-economic and health-related confounders were calculated by logistic regression models approximated by the SAS LSMEANS statement.ResultsThe prevalence of overall psychotropic drug use (20.5% vs. 21.4%) remained constant between the two surveys. Significant changes were observed in the use of some psychotropics (all GNHIES98 vs. DEGS1): Synthetic antidepressants (3.9% vs. 6.9%), St. John’s wort (2.9% vs. 1.1%), benzodiazepines (3.7% vs. 2.5%), benzodiazepine related drugs (0.2% vs. 0.8%), narcotic analgesics (3.0% vs. 4.1%), anti-dementia drugs (2.2% vs. 4.2%) and anti-epileptics (1.0% vs. 2.3%). Significant changes were also observed in long-term use of synthetic anti-depressants (3.2% vs. 5.9%), St. John’s wort (2.0% vs. 0.6%) and opioid analgesics (1.0% vs. 2.2%). Further, we found significant changes in benzodiazepines use (3.3% vs. 1.4%) among men, opioids use (2.9% vs. 7.3%) among people with a lower social status, and overall psychotropics (26.8% vs. 32.5%) as well as opioids use (4.4% vs. 8.1%) among those with a worse health status. Moderate alcohol consumption increased significantly (58.0% vs. 66.9%). Risky drinking remained unchanged (16.6% vs. 17.0%). In spite of significant increases in daily alcohol drinking (13.2% vs. 18.4%) psychotropic drug use combined with daily drinking remained unchanged (1.8% vs. 2.7%).ConclusionsAlthough prevalence of overall psychotropic drug use remained stable, changes in the use of some psychotropic drug groups and alcohol consumption patterns have been observed. Further studies are required to investigate resulting health consequences and public health relevance of those outcomes.

Psychotropic drug use and alcohol consumption among older adults in Germany: results of the German Health Interview and Examination Survey for Adults 2008-2011.

ObjectivesThe use and combined use of psychotropic drugs and alcohol among older adults is a growing public health concern and should be constantly monitored. Relevant studies are scarce in Germany. Using data of the most recent national health survey, we analyse prevalence and correlates of psychotropic drug and alcohol use among this population.MethodsStudy participants were people aged 60–79 years (N=2508) of the German Health Interview and Examination Survey for Adults 2008–2011. Medicines used during the last 7 days were documented. Psychotropic drugs were defined as medicines acting on the nervous system (ATC code N00) excluding anaesthetics (N01), analgesics/antipyretics (N02B), but including opiate codeines used as antitussives (R05D). Alcohol consumption in the preceding 12 months was measured by frequency (drinking any alcohol-containing beverages at least once a week/a day) and quantity (alcohol consumed in grams/day; cut-offs: 10/20 g/day for women/men defining moderate and risky drinking). SPSS complex sample module was used for analysis.Results21.4% of study participants use psychotropic medications, 66.9% consume alcohol moderately and 17.0% riskily, 51.0% drink alcohol at least once a week and 18.4% daily, 2.8% use psychotropic drugs combined with daily alcohol drinking. Among psychotropic drug users, 62.7% consume alcohol moderately, 14.2% riskily. The most frequently used psychotropic medications are antidepressants (7.9%) and antidementia (4.2%). Factors associated with a higher rate of psychotropic drug use are female sex, worse health status, certified disability and polypharmacy. Risky alcohol consumption is positively associated with male sex, smoking, upper social class, better health status, having no disability and not living alone.ConclusionsDespite the high risk of synergetic effects of psychotropic drugs and alcohol, a substantial part of older psychotropic drug users consume alcohol riskily and daily. Health professionals should talk about the additional health risks of alcohol consumption when prescribing psychotropic drugs to older adults.

Hematocrit levels as cardiovascular risk among taxi drivers in Bangkok, Thailand.

In Thailand, taxi drivers employed in the informal sector often experience hazardous working conditions. Previous studies revealed that elevated Hematocrit (HCT) is a predictor of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. This study assessed factors associated with HCT in taxi drivers to predict their occupational CVD risk factors. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 298 male taxi drivers who joined a health check-up campaign in Bangkok, Thailand. HCT and body mass index were retrieved from participant health check-up files. Self-administered questionnaires assessed demographics, driving mileage, working hours, and lifestyle. Statistical associations were analyzed using stepwise linear regression. Our results showed that obesity (p=0.007), daily alcohol drinking (p=0.003), and current or past smoking (p=0.016) were associated with higher HCT levels. While working hours were not directly associated with HCT levels in the current study, the effect on overworking is statistically arguable because most participants worked substantially longer hours. Our findings suggest that taxi drivers’ CVD risk may be increased by their unhealthy work styles. Initiatives to improve general working conditions for taxi drivers should take into account health promotion and CVD prevention. The policy of providing periodic health check-ups is important to make workers in the informal sector aware of their health status.

Management of Alcohol Use Disorder in Patients Requiring Liver Transplant

A woman with alcohol use disorder presents with jaundice, enlargement of the abdomen, severe fatigue, and malaise. “Ms.W”isa48-year-olddivorcedCaucasianwomanwith a history of alcohol use disorder who presents to the emergency department with complaints of increasing fatigue, shortness of breath, and increased abdominal girth. On initial evaluation, she is awake and alert, with a blood pressure of 95/65 mmHg and a pulse of 105 bpm. She reports daily alcohol drinking, usually one to two bottles of wine per day. She also reports a history of depression dating back to her late teens and early 20s, before her alcohol use began, and again shortly after her divorce several years ago. On physical examination, she appears jaundiced with a distended abdomen and pedal

Identifying Patients With Problematic Drug Use in the Emergency Department: Results of a Multisite Study

Drug-related emergency department (ED) visits have steadily increased, with substance users relying heavily on the ED for medical care. The present study aims to identify clinical correlates of problematic drug use that would facilitate identification of ED patients in need of substance use treatment. Using previously validated tests, 15,224 adult ED patients across 6 academic institutions were prescreened for drug use as part of a large randomized prospective trial. Data for 3,240 participants who reported drug use in the past 30 days were included. Self-reported variables related to demographics, substance use, and ED visit were examined to determine their correlative value for problematic drug use. Of the 3,240 patients, 2,084 (64.3%) met criteria for problematic drug use (Drug Abuse Screening Test score ≥ 3). Age greater than or equal to 30 years, tobacco smoking, daily or binge alcohol drinking, daily drug use, primary noncannabis drug use, resource-intense ED triage level, and perceived drug-relatedness of ED visit were highly correlated with problematic drug use. Among primary cannabis users, correlates of problematic drug use were age younger than 30 years, tobacco smoking, binge drinking, daily drug use, and perceived relatedness of the ED visit to drug use. Clinical correlates of drug use problems may assist the identification of ED patients who would benefit from comprehensive screening, intervention, and referral to treatment. A clinical decision rule is proposed. The correlation between problematic drug use and resource-intense ED triage levels suggests that ED-based efforts to reduce the unmet need for substance use treatment may help decrease overall health care costs.

Serum Urate Levels and Consumption of Common Beverages and Alcohol Among Chinese in Singapore

Western studies suggest that beverages may affect serum urate (SU) levels, but data from Asian populations are scarce. We evaluated the associations between beverages and SU levels in Singaporean Chinese. The study population consisted of 483 subjects ages 45-74 years from the Singapore Chinese Health Study cohort, recruited between 1993 and 1998. Lifestyle factors, medical histories, and diet were collected through in-person interviews. SU levels and other biomarkers were measured from blood collected between 1994 and 1996. The mean age was 57.6 years and 44% were men. The geometric mean SU level was 321 μmoles/liter (range 157-719). Mean SU levels increased with alcohol consumption (P = 0.024 for trend). The mean SU level of daily alcohol drinkers was 42.6 μmoles/liter higher than that of nondrinkers. Similarly, increasing frequency of green tea intake was associated with rising SU levels. The highest mean SU level was observed in daily green tea drinkers (difference of 25.0 μmoles/liter) relative to nondrinkers (P = 0.009 for trend). Compared to nondrinkers, daily alcohol drinkers had an almost 5-fold increase in association with hyperuricemia (odds ratio [OR] 4.83, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 1.10-21.23), whereas daily green tea drinkers had a 2-fold increase in association with hyperuricemia (OR 2.12, 95% CI 1.03-4.36). The present study did not show elevated levels of SU in individuals who consumed black tea, coffee, fruit juice, or soda. Alcohol consumption increases SU levels. The finding that daily drinking of green tea is associated with hyperuricemia needs validation in future studies.

S10 * EMERGING DRUGS FOR TREATING ALCOHOL USE DISORDERS: PRECLINICAL EVIDENCE

S10 * EMERGING DRUGS FOR TREATING ALCOHOL USE DISORDERS: PRECLINICAL EVIDENCE

Light drinking in pregnancy is not associated with poor child mental health and learning outcomes at age 11

Commentary on: Sayal K, Draper ES, Fraser R, et al. Light drinking in pregnancy and mid-childhood mental health and learning outcomes. Arch Dis Child 2013;98:107–11.[OpenUrl][1][Abstract/FREE Full Text][2] Health authorities in...

Relationship of Living Conditions With Dietary Patterns Among Survivors of the Great East Japan Earthquake

BackgroundDuring the year after the Great East Japan Earthquake on March 11, 2011, the health conditions and lifestyles of survivors were extensively surveyed. We examined the relationship between living conditions and dietary pattern among survivors.MethodsA total of 10 466 survivors aged 18 years or older (25% of the population of that age in the area) participated in a survey of Iwate Prefecture. The average frequency of daily consumption of 8 food groups was determined by questionnaire. After excluding staple foods, which were consumed 3 times a day by 85% of participants, factor analysis was performed on 7 food groups among 9789 people (3795 men, 5994 women).ResultsFactor analysis identified 2 dietary patterns—prudent and meat. The prudent dietary pattern is characterized by high intakes of fish and shellfish, soybean products, vegetables, fruit, and dairy products and was more evident among older participants and women. The meat dietary pattern is characterized by high intakes of meat and eggs and was more evident among younger participants and men. Age-adjusted multiple logistic regression analyses showed that male and female current smokers and men and women living in difficult conditions were likely to have a lower prudent dietary pattern score; male current smokers and male daily alcohol drinkers were likely to have a higher meat dietary pattern score.ConclusionsDuring the year after the earthquake, the prudent dietary pattern was associated with better living conditions among survivors, whereas the meat dietary pattern was not.