Excessive Alcohol Consumption Research Articles

Effectiveness of genetic feedback on alcohol metabolism to reduce alcohol consumption in young adults: an open-label randomized controlled trial

BackgroundIt is unclear whether brief interventions using the combined classification of alcohol-metabolizing enzymes aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2) and alcohol dehydrogenase 1B (ADH1B) together with behavioral changes in alcohol use can reduce excessive alcohol consumption. This study aimed to examine the effects of a brief intervention based on the screening of ALDH2 and ADH1B gene polymorphisms on alcohol consumption in Japanese young adults.MethodsIn this open-label randomized controlled trial, we enrolled adults aged 20–30 years who had excessive drinking behavior (average amount of alcohol consumed: men, ≥ 4 drinks/per day and women, ≥ 2 drinks/per day; 1 drink = 10 g of pure alcohol equivalent). Participants were randomized into intervention or control group using a simple random number table. The intervention group underwent saliva-based genotyping of alcohol-metabolizing enzymes (ALDH2 and ADH1B), which were classified into five types. A 30-min in-person or online educational counseling was conducted approximately 1 month later based on genotyping test results and their own drinking records. The control group received traditional alcohol education. Average daily alcohol consumption was calculated based on the drinking diary, which was recorded at baseline and at 3 and 6 months of follow-up. The primary endpoint was average daily alcohol consumption, and the secondary endpoints were the alcohol-use disorder identification test for consumption (AUDIT-C) score and behavioral modification stages assessed using a transtheoretical model.ResultsParticipants were allocated to the intervention (n = 100) and control (n = 96) groups using simple randomization. Overall, 28 (29.2%) participants in the control group and 21 (21.0%) in the intervention group did not complete the follow-up. Average alcohol consumption decreased significantly from baseline to 3 and 6 months in the intervention group but not in the control group. The reduction from baseline alcohol consumption values and AUDIT-C score at 3 months were greater in the intervention group than in the control group (p < 0.001). In addition, the behavioral modification stages were significantly changed by the intervention (p < 0.001).ConclusionsGenetic testing for alcohol-metabolizing enzymes and health guidance on type-specific excessive drinking may be useful for reducing sustained average alcohol consumption associated with behavioral modification.Trial registrationR000050379, UMIN000044148, Registered on June 1, 2021.

Spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage: a review of the prevalence, trigger factors, therapeutic and surgical treatment

Spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage is the second most common subtype of stroke and is a significant cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide. Trigger factors that “accelerate” disease onset may include hypertension, excessive alcohol consumption, constant smoking, hypocholesterolemia, medications, male sex, advanced age, living in an underdeveloped country, ethnicity, chronic kidney disease, cerebral amyloid angiopathy, and microhemorrhages. Therapeutic solutions for spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage aimed at stopping the progression of hemorrhage, reducing the clot volume of intraventricular and parenchymal hematoma, combating perihematomal edema and inflammation, rapidly reducing blood pressure, and providing hemostatic therapy with transfusion of platelets and other coagulation complexes. Clinical trials on minimally invasive methods of surgical evacuation (endoscopic surgery, stereotactic aspiration, and invasive craniopuncture) are ongoing and may provide positive results because of the shorter operation time and use of local anesthesia. Minimally invasive surgery methods can theoretically improve the outcomes of open surgery by reducing damage to collateral tissues and reducing anesthesia time; however, they cannot be a full-fledged alternative.

Alcoholic Cardiomyopathy: a summary of current knowledge and possible future directions

Introduction and purpose: Ethanol is still one of the most frequently consumed drugs worldwide and is a strong risk factor for more than 60 illnesses including alcoholic cardiomyopathy which is a specific heart muscle disease caused by long-term excessive alcohol consumption. The review aims to gather available data and summarize it to give better understanding of the disease, to help select patients with the condition to implement proper treatment, and to present possible future directions as the incidence of the disease is projected to persist in the future. Brief description of the state of knowledge: Alcoholic cardiomyopathy (ACM) is characterized by dilation, increased mass of the left ventricle, and reduced ejection fraction leading to end-stage heart failure. It is caused by ethanol’s direct toxicity on myocytes disturbing many different metabolic pathways. The result is a decrease in both systolic and diastolic function of the heart. The ACM development depends on factors such as genetics, gender, dietary factors and the dosage of ethanol consumption. The goal of the treatment is total alcohol abstinence, but the reduction of ethanol intake may also be beneficial. Patients should obtain a complete pharmacological treatment for heart failure. Summary: Ethanol overconsumption remains an unresolved problem, with the incidence of ACM projected to persist in the future, especially among patients with alcohol use disorder (AUD). Efforts for prevention, early detection, and effective treatment of ACM need to be established. A primary focus should be on treating AUD because it is the most effective way to halt the progression of the disease. Further research should focus on both asymptomatic and symptomatic patients with AUD to better define clinical manifestations, diagnostic approaches, and the most effective treatments for ACM.

Computational identification of potential bioactive compounds from Triphala against alcoholic liver injury by targeting alcohol dehydrogenase.

Alcoholic liver injury resulting from excessive alcohol consumption is a significant social concern. Alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) plays a critical role in the conversion of alcohol to acetaldehyde, leading to tissue damage. The management of alcoholic liver injury encompasses nutritional support and, in severe cases liver transplantation, but potential adverse effects exist, and effective medications are currently unavailable. Natural products with their potential benefits and historical use in traditional medicine emerge as promising alternatives. Triphala, a traditional polyherbal formula demonstrates beneficial effects in addressing diverse health concerns, with a notable impact on treating alcoholic liver damage through enhanced liver metabolism. The present study aims to identify potential active phytocompounds in Triphala targeting ADH to prevent alcoholic liver injury. Screening 119 phytocompounds from the Triphala formulation revealed 62 of them showing binding affinity to the active site of the ADH1B protein. Promising lipid-like molecule from Terminalia bellirica, (4aS, 6aR, 6aR, 6bR, 7R, 8aR, 9R, 10R, 11R, 12aR, 14bS)-7, 10, 11-trihydroxy-9-(hydroxymethyl)-2, 2, 6a, 6b, 9, 12a-hexamethyl-1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 6a, 7, 8, 8a, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14b-tetradecahydropicene-4a-carboxylic acid showed high binding efficiency to a competitive ADH inhibitor, 4-Methylpyrazole. Pharmacokinetic analysis further confirmed the drug-likeness and non-hepatotoxicity of the top-ranked compound. Molecular dynamics simulation and MM-PBSA studies revealed the stability of the docked complexes with minimal fluctuation and consistency of the hydrogen bonds throughout the simulation. Together, computational investigations suggest that (4aS, 6aR, 6aR, 6bR, 7R, 8aR, 9R, 10R, 11R, 12aR, 14bS)-7, 10, 11-trihydroxy-9-(hydroxymethyl)-2, 2, 6a, 6b, 9, 12a-hexamethyl-1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 6a, 7, 8, 8a, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14b-tetradecahydropicene-4a-carboxylic acid from the Triphala formulation holds promise as an ADH inhibitor, suggesting an alternative therapy for alcoholic liver injury.

Fruits of Emblica officinalis Linn. and its Phytochemicals in the Prevention of Ethanol-induced Hepatotoxicity: A Mini-Review

Abstract:: Excessive alcohol consumption over time is one of the primary causes of liver disease and death globally. Because there is no effective treatment, the situation has become more complicated, and the emphasis has shifted to the use of alternative and complementary medicine to treat liver problems. Herbs with dietary use have played an important part in the treatment of liver diseases since antiquity. Amla or Indian gooseberry, scientifically known as Phyllanthus emblica or Emblica officinalis, is a fruiting plant of the Phyllanthaceae family that is used in a variety of traditional and folk medical systems. The fruits have both dietary and medicinal value and are used to prevent chemical-induced hepatocarcinogenesis and reduce experimentally induced hyperlipidemia and metabolic syndrome in laboratory animals. They also have hepatoprotective effects against a variety of hepatotoxins such as heavy metals, iron overload, ochratoxins, hexachlorocyclohexane, carbon tetrachloride, therapeutic drugs such as paracetamol, and antitubercular. Amla fruits and phytochemicals such as quercetin, gallic acid, ellagic acid, and kaempferol are known to reduce ethanol-induced liver damage, and mechanistic studies have shown that the beneficial effects of these phytochemicals are mediated in part by free radical scavenging, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects. This review examines the positive effects of amla fruit and its phytochemicals for the first time, as well as the mechanisms underlying the protective effects.

Clinical features of individuals with laboratory values suggestive of advanced liver fibrosis when first treated for alcohol use disorder.

Effective screening for alcohol-associated liver disease is relevant in the context of chronic, excessive alcohol consumption. Patients with alcohol-associated liver disease are often not diagnosed until their liver disease is decompensated. We analyzed the prevalence and associations of Fibrosis-4 index (FIB-4) values suggestive of advanced liver fibrosis in patients referred for their first treatment of alcohol use disorder (AUD). We conducted a cross-sectional, multicenter study of noncirrhotic individuals referred for their first AUD treatment between March 2013 and April 2021. We obtained sociodemographic data, substance use characteristics, and blood samples at admission. We considered a FIB-4 value ≥2.67 suggestive of advanced liver fibrosis and used logistic regression analyses to identify features associated with this value. We included 604 patients (67% male), with a median age at admission of 48 years [IQR: 41-56 years]. The median duration of regular alcohol consumption was 21 years [IQR: 18-30 years] and the median alcohol consumption was 105 standard drink units (SDU)/week [IQR: 63-160 SDU/week]. A FIB-4 value ≥ 2.67 was present in 19.3% of cases. These patients reported more frequent binge drinking (75.4% vs. 66%, p = 0.05) than those with FIB-4 values below 2.67. In multivariate analysis, a history of binge drinking (OR 1.9, 95% CI, 1.05-3.47), anemia (OR 2.95, 95% CI, 1.42-6.11), leukopenia (OR 7.46, 95% CI, 2.07-26.8), and total serum bilirubin >1 mg/dL (OR 6.46, 95% CI, 3.57-11.7) were independently associated with FIB-4 values ≥2.67. One in five patients admitted to treatment for AUD without evidence of decompensated liver disease have FIB-4 values suggestive of advanced liver fibrosis. The presence of a binge drinking history, anemia, leukopenia, and elevated bilirubin levels is associated with high FIB-4 values.

Stop drinking alcohol: A pathway to abstinence from all drugs

The problems caused by excessive alcohol consumption begin at a young age. So do, tragically, overdoses from drugs, and increasingly, drug addiction in general. In Japan, it's illegal to use drugs. But a recent study there has found that what really contributes to abstinence is residential treatment (something many parents wish they could afford for their children) and the cessation has resulted in increased abstinence rates from drugs in general.

Toll-like receptor 7: A novel neuroimmune target to reduce excessive alcohol consumption

Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are a family of innate immune receptors that recognize molecular patterns in foreign pathogens and intrinsic danger/damage signals from cells. TLR7 is a nucleic acid sensing endosomal TLR that is activated by single-stranded RNAs from microbes or by small noncoding RNAs that act as endogenous ligands. TLR7 signals through the MyD88 adaptor protein and activates the transcription factor interferon regulatory factor 7 (IRF7). TLR7 is found throughout the brain and is highly expressed in microglia, the main immune cells of the brain that have also been implicated in alcohol drinking in mice. Upregulation of TLR7 mRNA and protein has been identified in postmortem hippocampus and cortex from AUD subjects that correlated positively with lifetime consumption of alcohol. Similarly, Tlr7 and downstream signaling genes were upregulated in rat hippocampal and cortical slice cultures after chronic alcohol exposure and in these regions after chronic binge-like alcohol treatment in mice. In addition, repeated administration of the synthetic TLR7 agonists imiquimod (R837) or resiquimod (R848) increased voluntary alcohol drinking in different rodent models and produced sustained upregulation of IRF7 in the brain. These findings suggest that chronic TLR7 activation may drive excessive alcohol drinking. In the brain, this could occur through increased levels of endogenous TLR7 activators, like microRNAs and Y RNAs. This review explores chronic TLR7 activation as a pathway of dysregulated neuroimmune signaling in AUD and the endogenous small RNA ligands in the brain that could perpetuate innate immune responses and escalate alcohol drinking.

Fucoidan from Apostichopus japonicus ameliorates alcoholic liver disease by regulating gut-liver axis homeostasis

Long-term and excessive alcohol consumption can lead to the development of alcoholic liver disease (ALD), characterized by oxidative damage, intestinal barrier injury, and disruption of intestinal microbiota. In this study, we extracted fucoidan (Aj-FUC) from Apostichopus japonicus using enzymatic methods and characterized its structure. The ALD model was established in male Balb/c mice using 56° Baijiu, with silymarin as a positive control. Mice were orally administered 100 mg/kg·bw and 300 mg/kg·bw of Aj-FUC for 28 days to evaluate its effects on liver injury in ALD mice and explore its potential role in modulating the gut-liver axis. The results showed significant improvements in histopathological changes and liver disease in the Aj-FUC group. Aj-FUC treatment significantly increased the levels of glutathione (GSH) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) while weakly reduced the elevation of malondialdehyde (MDA) induced by ALD. It also regulated the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway, collectively alleviating hepatic oxidative stress. Aj-FUC intervention upregulated the expression of ZO-1 and Occludin, thus contributing to repair the intestinal barrier. Additionally, Aj-FUC increased the content of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and regulated the imbalance in gut microbiota. These results suggested that Aj-FUC alleviates ALD by modulating the gut-liver axis homeostasis. It may prove to be a useful dietary supplement in the treatment of alcoholic liver damage.

Aseptic necrosis of the femoral head

The article discusses the historical aspects of the study of aseptic necrosis, as well as the issues of therapy and early diagnosis of aseptic necrosis of the femoral head. The authors raise the issues of pathogenesis and discuss the factors influencing its development. So it is believed that the leading factors are excessive alcohol consumption, deep-sea diving and some autoimmune diseases. Attention is also paid to the long-term consequences of COVID-19 infection, in which significant complications from the musculoskeletal system are observed, including aseptic necrosis of the femoral head. The consequences of infection can be triggered both by the inflammatory process itself and as a high risk of complications during glucocorticosteroid therapy. The article focuses on the clinic of aseptic necrosis of the femoral head and its difference from the clinic of osteoarthritis. As well as the importance of early diagnosis of aseptic necrosis of the femoral head. The article discusses the issues of drug therapy, indications for it and the choice of drugs. The article provides a clinical example that demonstrates the importance of careful collection of complaints and anamnesis in a young patient with atypical hip pain, as well as the effectiveness of prescribed therapy according to clinical recommendations. A specific example demonstrates not only the importance of using magnetic resonance imaging in the diagnosis of aseptic necrosis of the femoral head, but also the effectiveness and safety of therapy. The possible synergism and pleiotropic effects of the prescribed therapy are also discussed. The emphasis is on the importance of further research to develop indications and criteria for the effectiveness of therapy for aseptic necrosis of the femoral head.

Excessive intragastric alcohol administration exacerbates hepatic encephalopathy and provokes neuronal cell death in male rats with chronic liver disease.

Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is defined as decline in neurological function during chronic liver disease (CLD). Alcohol is a major etiological factor in the pathogenesis of fibrosis/cirrhosis and has also been documented to directly impact the brain. However, the role of alcohol in the development of HE in CLD remains unclear. Here, we investigated the impact of excessive alcohol administration on neurological deterioration in rats with CLD. Starting day 7 post-BDL surgery, rats were administered alcohol twice daily (51% v/v ethanol, 3 g/kg, via gavage) for 4 weeks. Motor coordination was assessed weekly using rotarod and anxiety-like behavior was evaluated with open field and elevated plus maze at 5 weeks. Upon sacrifice, brains were collected for western blot and immunohistochemical analyses to investigate neuronal integrity and oxidative stress status. Alcohol worsened motor coordination performance and increased anxiety-like behavior in BDL rats. Impairments were associated with decreased neuronal markers of NeuN and SMI311, increased apoptotic markers of cleaved/pro-caspase-3 and Bax/Bcl2, increased necroptosis markers of pRIP3 and pMLKL, decreased total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and increased 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE)modified proteins in the cerebellum of BDL-alcohol rats when compared to respective controls. Immunofluorescence confirmed the colocalization of cleaved caspase-3 and pMLKL in the granular neurons of the cerebellum of BDL-alcohol rats. Excessive alcohol consumption exacerbates HE which leads to associated apoptotic and necroptotic neuronal loss in the cerebellum of BDL-alcohol rats. Additionally, higher levels of 4-HNE and decreased TAC in the cerebellum of BDL-alcohol rats suggest oxidative stress is the triggering factor of apoptotic and necroptotic neuronal loss/injury.

Pancreatic Diseases: Genetics and Modeling Using Human Pluripotent Stem Cells.

Pancreas serves endocrine and exocrine functions in the body; thus, their pathology can cause a broad range of irreparable consequences. Endocrine functions include the production of hormones such as insulin and glucagon, while exocrine functions involve the secretion of digestive enzymes. Disruption of these functions can lead to conditions like diabetes mellitus and exocrine pancreatic insufficiency. Also, the symptoms and causality of pancreatic cancer very greatly depends on their origin: pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma is one of the most fatal cancer; however, most of tumor derived from endocrine part of pancreas are benign. Pancreatitis, an inflammation of the pancreatic tissues, is caused by excessive alcohol consumption, the bile duct obstruction by gallstones, and the premature activation of digestive enzymes in the pancreas. Hereditary pancreatic diseases, such as maturity-onset diabetes of the young and hereditary pancreatitis, can be a candidate for disease modeling using human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs), due to their strong genetic influence. hPSC-derived pancreatic differentiation has been established for cell replacement therapy for diabetic patients and is robustly used for disease modeling. The disease modeling platform that allows interactions between immune cells and pancreatic cells is necessary to perform in-depth investigation of disease pathogenesis.

Unhealthy lifestyle behaviors, overweight, and obesity among childhood cancer survivors in the Netherlands: A DCCSS LATER study.

The objective of this study was to examine the prevalence of unhealthy lifestyle behaviors, overweight, and obesity in Dutch childhood cancer survivors (CCSs) compared with sibling controls and the Dutch general population. Other aims were to assess associated factors of unhealthy lifestyle behaviors, overweight, and obesity and to identify subgroups of CCSs at risk for these unhealthy statuses. The authors included 2253 CCSs and 906 siblings from the Dutch Childhood Cancer Survivor Study-Late Effects After Childhood Cancer cohort, part 1, and added data from the Dutch general population. Questionnaire data were collected on overweight and obesity (body mass index >25.0 kg/m2), meeting physical activity guidelines (>150 minutes per week of moderate or vigorous exercises), excessive alcohol consumption (>14 and >21 alcoholic consumptions per week for women and men, respectively), daily smoking, and monthly drug use. Multivariable logistic regression analyses and two-step cluster analyses were performed to examine sociodemographic-related, health-related, cancer-related, and treatment-related associated factors of unhealthy lifestyle behaviors and to identify subgroups of CCSs at risk for multiple unhealthy behaviors. CCSs more often did not meet physical activity guidelines than their siblings (30.0% vs. 19.3%; p<.001). Married as marital status, lower education level, nonstudent status, and comorbidities were common associated factors for a body mass index ≥25.0 kg/m2 and insufficient physical activity, whereas male sex and lower education were shared associated factors for excessive alcohol consumption, daily smoking, and monthly drug use. A subgroup of CCSs was identified as excessive alcohol consumers, daily smokers, and monthly drug users. The current results emphasize the factors associated with unhealthy behaviors and the potential identification of CCSs who exhibit multiple unhealthy lifestyle behaviors.

Role of ghrelin hormone in the development of alcohol-associated liver disease

Fatty liver is the earliest response of the liver to excessive alcohol consumption. Previously we identified that chronic alcohol administration increases levels of stomach-derived hormone, ghrelin, which by reducing circulating insulin levels, ultimately contributes to the development of alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD). In addition, ghrelin directly promotes fat accumulation in hepatocytes by enhancing de novo lipogenesis. Other than promoting ALD, ghrelin is known to increase alcohol craving and intake. In this study, we used a ghrelin receptor (GHSR) knockout (KO) rat model to characterize the specific contribution of ghrelin in the development of ALD with emphasis on energy homeostasis. Male Wistar wild type (WT) and GHSR-KO rats were pair-fed the Lieber-DeCarli control or ethanol diet for 6 weeks. At the end of the feeding period, glucose tolerance test was conducted, and tissue samples were collected. We observed reduced alcohol intake by GHSR-KOs compared to a previous study where WT rats were fed ethanol diet ad libitum. Further, when the WTs were pair-fed to GHSR-KOs, the KO rats exhibited resistance to develop ALD through improving insulin secretion/sensitivity to reduce adipose lipolysis and hepatic fatty acid uptake/synthesis and increase fatty acid oxidation. Furthermore, proteomic data revealed that ethanol-fed KO exhibit less alcohol-induced mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress than WT rats. Proteomic data also confirmed that the ethanol-fed KOs are insulin sensitive and are resistant to hepatic steatosis development compared to WT rats. Together, these data confirm that inhibiting ghrelin action prevent alcohol-induced liver and adipose dysfunction independent of reducing alcohol intake.

Tributyrin Supplementation Rescues Chronic-Binge Ethanol-Induced Oxidative Stress in the Gut-Lung Axis in Mice.

Excessive alcohol consumption increases the severity and worsens outcomes of pulmonary infections, often due to oxidative stress and tissue damage. While the mechanism behind this relationship is multifaceted, recent evidence suggests ethanol-induced changes to the gut microbiome impact the gut-lung axis. To assess this, a chronic-binge ethanol feeding mouse model was used to determine how ethanol altered the gut microbiome, small intestinal epithelial barrier, and immune responses, as well as neutrophil abundance and oxidative stress in the lungs, and how supporting gut health with tributyrin supplementation during chronic-binge ethanol exposure affected these responses. We found that ethanol consumption altered gut bacterial taxa and metabolic processes, distorted small intestinal immune responses, and induced both bacteria and endotoxin translocation into the lymphatic and circulatory systems. These changes were associated with increased neutrophil (Ly6G) presence and markers of oxidative stress, lipocalin-2 and myeloperoxidase, in the lungs. Importantly, tributyrin supplementation during ethanol exposure rescued gut bacterial function (p < 0.05), small intestinal barrier integrity, and immune responses, as well as reducing both Ly6G mRNA (p < 0.05) and lipocalin-2 mRNA (p < 0.01) in the lungs. These data suggest ethanol-associated disruption of gut homeostasis influenced the health of the lungs, and that therapeutics supporting gut health may also support lung health.

Binge drinking and the risks to adolescent health

Adolescence is a phase characterized by physical, emotional and social changes that make adolescents more susceptible to risky practices and behaviors. One of these common practices is excessive alcohol consumption, known as “binge drinking”, which causes numerous acute and chronic health problems. This article presents some characteristics observed in adolescent development and the consequences of excessive alcohol consumption for physical and emotional health, and its repercussions on community life.&#x0D; Keywords: Adolescence, Alcohol, Binge Drinking, Adolescent Health

Prevalence and Factors Associated with Pulmonary Tuberculosis Infection among HIV/AIDS Patients Attending an ART Clinic: A Study at Fort Portal Regional Referral Hospital

Among the over 33 million individuals living with HIV/AIDS, one-third also contracted tuberculosis, making it a significant co-infection. Tuberculosis emerged as the primary cause of illness and death within the HIV/AIDS community, responsible for approximately 30% of all fatalities among those affected. While curable when accurately diagnosed and promptly treated, addressing tuberculosis in HIV/AIDS patients required special attention due to the intricacies involved in diagnosing and treating both conditions concurrently. Employing a quantitative cross-sectional design, the study aimed to ascertain PTB prevalence and its socio-demographic and behavioral determinants among HIV/AIDS patients attending the ART clinic. Eighty-seven participants were selected via simple random sampling, with questionnaires serving as the primary data collection tool. The findings revealed a significant association between age over 45 years and the occurrence of pulmonary TB, with an odds ratio of 0.71 (0.45–3.77) and a p-value of 0.035. Additionally, male gender exhibited a notable association with PTB among HIV patients, with an odds ratio of 0.48 (0.15-8.14) and a p-value of 0.001. Furthermore, the study indicated a correlation between PTB occurrence and HIV patients, with an odds ratio of 0.35 (0.001-3.79) and a p-value of 0.024. The study's conclusion highlighted that approximately 18.4% of HIV-positive patients had experienced pulmonary tuberculosis. Recommendations included promoting good adherence to ART and TB prophylaxis among HIV patients to bolster immunity against TB. Encouraging HIV patients to steer clear of behaviors that heighten TB risk, such as smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, was also advised. Additionally, the government was urged to enhance support and supplies for individuals living with HIV and tuberculosis, aiming to prevent disease progression through tertiary interventions. Keywords: HIV/AIDS patients; Tuberculosis; PTB among HIV patients, Smoking and alcohol drinking, ART clinic.

Dietary diversity and healthy weight management in the population: a data-driven analytical approach

Cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases (CVDs), diabetes mellitus, malignant tumours and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), as typical chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs), have increasingly become the major factors threatening the health of Chinese residents. In view of this, this study aimed to deeply analyse the key indicators and their interrelationships affecting the health status of the population, using the eight dietary balance criteria proposed in the newly revised Dietary Guidelines for Chinese Residents of the Chinese Society of Nutrition to screen and process the relevant health indicators. By constructing a comprehensive evaluation model and visualising the data, this study reveals the irrational factors in residents' dietary habits, such as high-fat diet and excessive alcohol consumption, which pose potential risks to residents' health. In addition, this paper explores the relationship between residents' dietary habits, exercise frequency and healthy body weight, aiming to provide a scientific basis and practical guidance for improving public health.

Inhibition of the Sodium-Calcium Exchanger Reverse Mode Activity Reduces Alcohol Consumption in Rats.

Excessive and uncontrolled consumption of alcohol can cause alcohol use disorder (AUD), but its pharmacological mechanisms are not fully understood. Inhibiting the reverse mode activity of the sodium-calcium exchanger (NCX) can reduce the risk of alcohol withdrawal seizures, suggesting that NCX could play a role in controlling alcohol consumption. Here, we investigated how two potent inhibitors of NCX reverse mode activity, SN-6 (NCX1) and KB-R7943 (NCX3), affect voluntary alcohol consumption in adult male and female rats using the intermittent alcohol access two-bottle choice paradigm. Initially, animals were trained to drink 7.5% ethanol and water for four weeks before administering SN-6 and KB-R7934. Afterward, their alcohol intake, preference, and water intake were recorded 2 and 24 h after exposure to water and 7.5% ethanol. SN-6 significantly reduced alcohol consumption by 48% in male and 36% in female rats without affecting their water intake. Additionally, SN-6 significantly reduced alcohol preference in females by 27%. However, KB-R7943 reduced alcohol consumption by 42% in female rats and did not affect alcohol preference or water intake. These findings suggest that alcohol exposure increased NCX reverse activity, and targeting NCX1 could be an effective strategy for reducing alcohol consumption in subjects susceptible to withdrawal seizures.

Exploring the alcohol consumption of students in a higher education institution during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A case study

&#x0D; Several studies in foreign literatures indicated an increase in health-related problems induced by alcohol use as a result of the COVID-19 epidemic accompanying limitations on mobility. However, there were a handful of previous research on alcohol usage in the Philippines, particularly in Higher Education Institutions during the COVID-19 pandemic. With this current gap in mind, this study evaluated alcohol use among students at a Higher Education Institution in Metro Manila in order to offer evidence-based data for the formulation of alcohol-related health policy. Furthermore, this study is critical in developing an intervention program to assist students in diverting their focus away from alcohol intake. This study used an online survey form, with 564 students participated. The findings revealed that respondents have different preferences and patterns. Almost all of the respondents are aware of the dangers of excessive alcoholic beverage consumption; a large percentage determined that they do not have a drinking problem; a small percentage revealed that they have tried driving while under the influence of alcohol; and more than one-fourth of the respondents drank at least one glass of alcoholic beverages during enhanced community quarantine. The chi-squared test was also utilized to assess the difference between COVID-19 lockdowns and alcohol consumptions.&#x0D;