Low Levels Of Alcohol Research Articles

Association of Lifestyle Behaviors with Quality of Life in Patients with COPD: A Cross-Sectional Study in Primary Care.

Background/Objectives: The association between healthy lifestyle behaviors and their effect on quality of life among patients with COPD remains unclear. Therefore, the aim of this study was to explore the lifestyle behaviors and their association with the disease-specific quality of life among a primary care population with COPD in Greece. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 236 participants aged 40 years and older from the COCARE COPD study. The healthy lifestyle index (HLI) was created based on smoking, alcohol consumption, BMI, physical activity, and sleep duration, with each factor categorized as either healthy (1) or unhealthy (0). The HLI ranged from 0 (least healthy) to 5 (healthiest). COPD-specific quality of life was assessed using the COPD assessment test (CAT), where higher scores indicate poorer health status. Multiple logistic regression was used to analyze the association between HLI and CAT scores, adjusting for confounders. Results: Half of the participants were non-smokers or former smokers, while 92% reported consuming low levels of alcohol (less than 14 units per week). Additionally, 56% had a BMI below 30, indicating they were not obese. Surprisingly, only 32% engaged in regular exercise, with at least 150 min per week, and only 25% reported getting adequate sleep, ranging from 7 to 9 h per night. Importantly, poorer health status was inversely associated with non/former smoking (OR: 0.543, 95% CI: 0.282-1.049), physical activity (OR: 0.238, 95% CI: 0.122-0.463), and adequate sleep (OR: 0.337, 95% CI: 0.160-0.710). Patients with higher HLI scores were less likely to have poor health status. Conclusions: In conclusion, our findings indicate that a significant proportion of patients with COPD failed to adhere to a minimum of three out of five healthy behaviors. Additionally, a higher number of healthy lifestyle factors defined by a high HLI score were independently associated with a better disease-specific quality of life. This is particularly important for COPD where quality of life is in the epicenter of management. Therefore, healthcare providers could significantly improve the management of COPD and patient outcomes by targeting and improving these lifestyle behaviors with targeted and holistic intervention strategies.

Mild-moderate alcohol consumption and diabetes are associated with liver fibrosis in patients with biopsy-proven MASLD.

It is unclear whether patients with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) are allowed variable low levels of alcohol. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of mild-moderate alcohol consumption on the biochemical and histological characteristics of patients with MASLD. Alcohol consumption was assessed in 713 patients with steatotic liver disease (SLD) who underwent liver biopsy. Non-drinking, mild-moderate drinking, and excessive drinking were defined as 0g/day, 1-<20g/day, and >20g/day for women and 0g/day, 1-<30g/day, and >30g/day for men, respectively. Liver biopsies were scored according to the NASH CRN system. A total of 713 participants (median age 39.0years and 77.1% male) with biopsy-proven SLD were enrolled, including 239 nondrinkers, 269 mild-moderate drinkers and 205 excessive drinkers. Excessive drinking was associated with increased risks for lobular inflammation and liver fibrosis compared to nondrinkers and mild-moderate drinkers. Compared with non-drinkers, mild-moderate drinkers had significantly lower odds for steatosis (OR = 0.60, 95% CI = 0.38-0.93, p = 0.025), hepatocellular ballooning (OR = 0.52, 95% CI = 0.29-0.91, p = 0.020) and fibrosis (OR = 0.50, 95% CI = 0.31-0.81, p = 0.005). However, in non-excessive drinkers with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), there was no association between mild-moderate alcohol consumption and liver fibrosis (OR = 0.562, 95% CI = 0.207-1.530, p = 0.257). Mild-moderate alcohol consumption might be protective against liver fibrosis in MASLD patients, which is modified by the presence of T2DM. However, further longitudinal studies are needed to determine the effect of ongoing alcohol consumption on disease severity.

Alcohol and Ganaxolone Suppress Tremor via Extra-Synaptic GABAA Receptors in the Harmaline Model of Essential Tremor.

A long-standing question is why essential tremor often responds to non-intoxicating amounts of alcohol. Blood flow imaging and high-density electroencephalography have indicated that alcohol acts on tremor within the cerebellum. As extra-synaptic δ-subunit-containing GABAA receptors are sensitive to low alcohol levels, we wondered whether these receptors mediate alcohol's anti-tremor effect and, moreover, whether the δ-associated GABAA receptor α6 subunit, found abundantly in the cerebellum, is required. We tested the hypotheses that low-dose alcohol will suppress harmaline-induced tremor in wild-type mice, but not in littermates lacking GABAA receptor δ subunits, nor in littermates lacking α6 subunits. As the neurosteroid ganaxolone also activates extra-synaptic GABAA receptors, we similarly assessed this compound. The harmaline mouse model of essential tremor was utilized to generate tremor, measured as a percentage of motion power in the tremor bandwidth (9-16 Hz) divided by background motion power at 0.25-32 Hz. Ethanol, 0.500 and 0.575 g/kg, and ganaxolone, 7 and 10 mg/kg, doses that do not impair performance in a sensitive psychomotor task, reduced harmaline tremor compared to vehicle-treated controls in wild-type mice but failed to suppress tremor in littermates lacking the δ or the α6 GABAA receptor subunit. As cerebellar granule cells are the predominant brain site intensely expressing GABAA receptors containing both α6 and δ subunits, these findings suggest that this is where alcohol acts to suppress tremor. It is anticipated that medications designed specifically to target α6βδ-containing GABAA receptors may be effective and well-tolerated for treating essential tremor. How does alcohol temporarily ameliorate essential tremor? This study with a mouse model found that two specific kinds of GABA receptor subunits were needed for alcohol to work. As receptors with both these subunits are found mainly in cerebellum, this work suggests this is where alcohol acts to suppress tremor.

Youthful curiosity as a predictor of substance use among students

&lt;b&gt;Introduction:&lt;/b&gt; Notwithstanding, the reasons that make the youth consume substances at young age are very complex, and many studies conclude that youthful curiosity is a major determining factor that drives them into such behavior. This current study investigated curiosity as a predictor of substance use among senior high school students in Gomoa West District and Effutu Municipality. The study was guided by three research questions.&lt;br /&gt; &lt;b&gt;Method:&lt;/b&gt; It adopted the quantitative descriptive survey design.&lt;br /&gt; &lt;b&gt;Population:&lt;/b&gt; A sample of 260 senior high school students were selected using a probability sampling technique for the study.&lt;br /&gt; &lt;b&gt;Instruments:&lt;/b&gt; It adopted questionnaires on curiosity, substance use risk profile and substances and choices to collect data from respondents.&lt;br /&gt; &lt;b&gt;Data analysis:&lt;/b&gt; Data gathered were analyzed descriptively using frequencies, percentages and Pearson product-moment correlation.&lt;br /&gt; &lt;b&gt;Results:&lt;/b&gt; The study found that students were having low levels of alcohol and substance use curiosity. Also, the study revealed that the students’ substance use risk level was moderate. Furthermore, the study revealed a moderate relationship between alcohol and drug use curiosity and substance use risk among students.&lt;br /&gt; &lt;b&gt;Recommendations:&lt;/b&gt; It was recommended that among other things the management of senior high schools in Gomoa West District and Effutu Municipality should provide guidance and counselling services on substance use and its effects on the youth.

Dietary Perspectives and Practices during Pregnancy in Rural Amhara Region of Ethiopia: An Exploratory Qualitative Study

BackgroundNutrition during pregnancy has lifelong impacts on the mother and fetus. In Ethiopia, nearly a third of pregnant women experience undernutrition. When designing nutrition interventions during pregnancy, it is important to understand existing dietary perspectives and practices in local communities. ObjectivesTo explore the processes that shape dietary perspectives and practices during pregnancy in rural West Gojjam and South Gondar Zones of the Amhara region in Ethiopia. MethodsFrom October to November 2018, we conducted 40 in-depth interviews with pregnant women (n = 16), family members (n = 12), and healthcare providers (n = 12) using a semistructured interview guide. Interviews were conducted in Amharic, transcribed in Amharic, and translated into English. We used a thematic analysis approach to organize data per the predefined topic areas and identify emerging themes, as well as barriers and enablers to healthy nutrition during pregnancy. ResultsPregnant women and their family members recognized the benefits of a diversified diet to promote the health of the mother and the fetus. However, participants reported low dietary diversity because of limited access to nutritious foods and particular perspectives on food restrictions during pregnancy. The common practice of religious fasting also limited pregnant women’s dietary intake. Women reported restricting their food intake in later pregnancy because of loss of appetite, as well as concerns about having a large infant, which might complicate delivery. Intake of locally made alcoholic drinks (Tella) was reported among pregnant women because participants thought it had low levels of alcohol that would not harm the fetus. ConclusionsAlthough participants understood the importance of a healthy and diverse diet in pregnancy, we identified several barriers and perspectives regarding nutrition during pregnancy. Low income and lack of access to diverse foods, particularly in certain seasons, religious fasting, intentional food restrictions to limit the size of the infant, and alcohol use were commonly reported. Locally appropriate counseling and interventions should be developed, with an emphasis on increasing access to and consumption of diverse foods.

Yeast or water: producing wine with lower alcohol levels in a warming climate: a review.

Climate change effects over the last century have seen grape wine growers being faced with earlier budburst and shorter seasons. One effect is higher sugar levels in the grape berries, resulting in wines with higher than typical alcohol concentrations. Winemakers, both in Australia and globally, need to reassess their wine making approaches to address the challenges associated with warmer drier conditions. This review focuses on two pre-fermentation approaches that address ethanol production during fermentation, so that wine makers can produce a wine with lower final alcohol levels at the same time as addressing any negative impacts on wine quality. First, microbiological yeast approaches are reviewed. This approach can reduce final alcohol levels in a treated wine between 0.2% v/v-3.7% v/v; however, diverse wine quality impacts can result, dependant on the microbiological yeast approach taken. Second, the pre-fermentation approach of water addition/substitution into a high sugar grape must is reviewed. To date, recent studies indicate that this 'water treatment' of musts approach is effective with respect to reducing final alcohol levels from between 0.6% v/v-5.9% v/v in the resultant wines, with less variation effects on final wine quality. It is noted that further studies for the 'water treatment' of high sugar musts approach are required to provide additional foundational data sets with respect to impacts on chemical, phenolic and sensory attributes of the final wine products, both within and across vintages. This is especially important as winemakers adapt their winemaking approaches in a changing climate. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.

Moderate alcohol consumption during pregnancy increases potency of two different drugs (the antifungal fluconazole and the antiepileptic valproate) in inducing craniofacial defects: prediction by the in vitro rat whole embryo culture

The prenatal exposure to ethanol (Eth), fluconazole (FLUCO) and sodium valproate (VPA) is related to effects on development, producing characteristic syndromic pictures. Among embryotoxic effects described for the three molecules, the alteration on craniofacial morphogenesis is a common feature in humans and animal models, including rodent embryos developed in vitro. The aim of the present work is to evaluate the developmental effects of low Eth serum concentration (17 mM, corresponding to the legal limit to drive in UK, USA, Canada, and many other countries) in mixture with increasing realistic concentrations of the antifungal drug FLUCO (62.5–500 µM) or with increasing realistic concentrations of the antiepileptic drug VPA (31.25–250 µM). Groups exposed to Eth alone (17–127.5 mM), FLUCO alone (62.5–500 µM) or VPA alone (31.25–750 µM) were also included. The chosen alternative animal model was the post-implantation rat whole embryo culture (WEC). E9.5 embryos were exposed in vitro to the test molecules during the whole test period (48 h, corresponding to the developmental stages characteristics of any vertebrate, for human embryos post-fertilization days 23–31). Data were statistically analyzed and processed for modelling applying the benchmark dose (BMD) and relative potency factor (RPF) approaches. Concentration-related effects on facial outcomes were observed in all experimental groups, with a significant enhancement in the groups co-exposed with Eth in comparison to the single exposures. Data obtained by the present work suggest an additional alert for the assumption of even low levels of alcohol in pregnant women during FLUCO or VPA therapy.

Investigating Modifiable Health Behaviours in MCAST Students

Health-related behaviours (HRBs) are known to shape health on an individual aswell as a population level. This study was undertaken, therefore, to explore the status quoregarding such behaviours at the main state-sponsored vocational education institution inthe Maltese islands, the Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology (MCAST). An onlinequestionnaire was designed to assess physical activity (PA) and sedentary behaviour,substance abuse, and self-reported health and happiness at school among a total sampleof 483 MCAST students aged 16+. A poor level of physical activity engagement was noted,with a significantly high proportion of students (23.4%) not engaging in at least one hourof PA (over the previous seven days), and with only a minority (8%) of students reportingthat they were physically active on a daily basis. High levels of sedentary behaviour wereobserved, specifically sedentary screen time, and there was a statistically significant, albeitweak, association between physical activity over the previous seven days and perceivedstate of health. Low levels of alcohol and tobacco consumption were observed, whilehigher levels of cannabis use were identified when compared to similar studies carried outin Malta. The majority of students reported being happy at school during the period thesurvey was administered, and a significantly high percentage of studentsmore than halfreported feeling excess pressure from schoolwork, with females reporting higher levels ofpressure than their male counterparts. A majority of students also reported being in goodor excellent health, with males reporting better health than females.

EFFECT OF WEEKEND ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION ON BLOOD PRESSURE CONTROL IN NON-ALCOHOLIC PATIENTS ENGAGING IN SOCIAL DRINKING

Background: Social drinking is common in all strata of society. It is often encouraged and considered normal and a part of the winding down ritual on weekends. Alcohol is a contributor to Hypertension in a number of patients, the signicance of which is often underestimated. Although the effect of heavy alcohol consumption on Blood Pressure levels has been well-studied, the effect of social drinking on BP levels has not been studied enough, especially in the Indian context. A prospective observational study was conducted and a total of 10 Hypertensive patientsMethods: engaging in social drinking were recruited into the study. The study group was subjected to a standard questionnaire and the alcohol consumption pattern studied. Their BP recordings after a weekend of social drinking were recorded and compared to their BP recordings after a weekend in which they did not consume alcohol. The study showed that there was a signicant rise in BP after a weekend of social drinking inResults: comparison to BP readings taken after a weekend in which no alcohol was consumed. This study found that there was a signicant rise in BP levels even after consumption of low levels of alcohol as seen in social drinking.

Urinary Ethyl Glucuronide for the Assessment of Alcohol Consumption During Pregnancy: Comparison between Biochemical Data and Screening Questionnaires.

Ethyl glucuronide (EtG) is a metabolite of ethanol used as a marker of alcohol drinking and is identified in urine. Gestational alcohol drinking harms the fetus, so disclosing any form of use and abuse of this substance during pregnancy is crucial. Many discovery methods have been planned to overcome this question, including using screening questionnaires as the AUDIT-C, T-ACE/TACER-3, and TWEAK. The aim and novelties of this study were to compare biochemical data from urinary EtG assays (cut-off 100 ng/mL for risking drinking behavior) with the outcome of questionnaires and of a food diary routinely used in our hospital; moreover, for the first time, we analyzed in pregnant women the EtG values normalized by the amount of creatinine excreted according to methods previously established. Random urine samples were collected from 309 pregnant women immediately after being interviewed. EtG was quantified using an enzyme immunoassay, and urinary creatinine was assessed using an enzymatic colorimetric method. Women who had not exhaustively answered one of the questionnaires or refused to provide urine samples were excluded. Finally, 309 women were considered for this study. Urine creatinine measurements were performed to determine if urine dilution might have resulted in false negatives in the challenge study. In order to accomplish this objective, as urinary creatinine concentrations are, on average, approximately 1 mg/mL, we used a normalized value of 100 ng EtG/mg Creatinine. Our data show that 20.4% of the pregnant women in the study were over the established normalized cut-off value. Poor to null concordance (unweighted k < 0.2) was found between EtG data and the screening interviews showed, on average, lower levels of alcohol consumption. This study provides evidence that the assessment of maternal alcohol consumption during pregnancy, only indirectly estimated with questionnaires and food diary, can produce misleading results.

Reinforcement History Dependent Effects of Low Dose Ethanol on Reward Motivation in Male and Female Mice.

Alcohol use disorders (AUDs) are more prevalent in men than in women, though AUD diagnoses in women are growing rapidly, making an understanding of sex differences in alcohol-related behaviors increasingly important. The development of AUDs involves the transition from casual, low levels of alcohol drinking to higher, maladaptive levels. The ability of low dose alcohol to drive reward and drug seeking may differ in males and females, and this could underlie differences in susceptibility to AUD. In this study we sought to determine whether a history of chronic, low dose ethanol exposure (0.5 g/kg; i.p.) could drive sucrose reward seeking and motivation, and whether this differed between male and female mice. Adult mice were trained to lever press for a liquid sucrose reward on two reinforcement schedules: a random interval (RI) schedule and a variable ratio (VR) schedule. After training, mice were tested on each of these levers for reward motivation using a progressive ratio test. We found that a history of low dose ethanol exposure increased sucrose reward motivation in male mice, but only on the RI lever and only when exposure occurred proximal to learning. Female mice were more motivated for sucrose on the RI lever than the VR lever regardless of ethanol exposure condition. These findings indicate that training on different reinforcement schedules affects reward motivation. Further, we show that males are more susceptible to the effects of low dose ethanol on sucrose reward motivation than females. These data broaden our understanding of sex differences in reward seeking as a result of ethanol exposure.

Impact of different alcohol beverages on cardiovascular system

Introduction: Alcohol is one of the most widely-used stimulants. It’s easily accessible, most socially accepted and usually not associated with potential harm it can do. Except for its addictive effect, it has a strong influence on humane systems. In this analysis the influence of alcohol on the cardiovascular system will be examined. As it is not obvious whether alcohol usage should be only associated with harmful impact on cardiac activity, different types of alcoholic beverages should be examined. In this work three different sub-groups will be analyzed. They were selected and divided by the beverage type and percentage as follows: beer, wine, high percentage liquors. As the majority of studies show, it’s important to underline the significance of not only the alcohol percentage implied, but mostly of the alcohol type. In favor of alcoholic beverages are only studies analyzing beverages containing low levels of alcohol, but abundant in other organic substances like resveratrol (in wine). Other studies considering other beverages, nonetheless of alcohol levels, diminishing effect on the cardiovascular (and other) systems is observed. Material and methods: An analysis of scientific papers from Pubmed Google Scholar was performed, wchoch most accurately described the issue of diffrent type of alcohol bevereage on human health. The following keywords were used in search: alcohol, cardiovascular, wine, beer, spirits. Purpose of the work: Aim of the following analysis is to systematize the knowledge based on latest research and findings about the impact of different alcohol beverages on cardiovascular system.

Dietary Practices Among Pregnant Women in Rural Amhara, Ethiopia

ObjectivesMalnutrition affects 25% of women in Ethiopia. We are conducting a study to determine the impact of a prenatal nutrition intervention on maternal and infant health in Ethiopia. The objective of this formative study was to better describe dietary practices among pregnant women and community members in rural Ethiopia prior to initiation the parent study. MethodsThis formative study was conducted from October-November 2018 among pregnant women and community members in the rural Amhara region of Ethiopia, prior to the “Enhancing Nutrition and Antenatal Infection Treatment (ENAT)” study [ISRCTN15116516]. 28 in-depth interviews (IDIs) were conducted among 16 pregnant women and 12 community members. IDIs were recorded, transcribed, and translated. We used a grounded theory approach and inductive reasoning for content analysis of interview transcripts. ResultsFasting norms in the Ethiopian Orthodox religion had a significant impact on dietary behaviors which occurs for more than 200 days annually. Community members indicated that fasting during pregnancy is common and is also supported and encouraged by religious leaders and community members. Accordingly, women adhered to fasting restrictions during pregnancy, and many women maintained a vegan diet under direction of local religious leaders. Furthermore, many women reported restricting dietary intake in pregnancy to prevent growth of the fetus because of the concern for obstructed labor. A women’s diet depended on her husbands’/family earnings and household food preferences. Sharing of meals is a cultural norm; the husband is served first, with the remaining portions to the pregnant women/children. Pregnant women in the area also reported regular consumption of a locally brewed alcohol (“tella”), as it is believed to have lower alcohol levels. These findings demonstrate the impact of traditional and cultural beliefs on dietary decisions amongst pregnant women in this population. ConclusionsReduced food intake in pregnancy is common in this population, due to fasting, reduced appetite, and food restriction to avoid pregnancy complications. Context-specific interventions are needed, and this formative work will inform the future delivery and education regarding nutrition interventions in rural Ethiopia. Funding SourcesBill & Melinda Gates Foundation (OPP1184363).

How keeving determines oenological parameters and concentration of volatile compounds in ciders?

Keeving consists in the removal of nutrients (which are yeast nutrients) from apple juice, due to their binding with pectin, and is dependent on the concentration of calcium ions. The aim of the study was to assess the effect of different yeast strains on oenological parameters and the profile of volatile cider compounds during the process of keeving. The experiments involved production of cider using different strains of yeast and different doses of CaCl2 in the keeving process. The basic oenological parameters of ciders and volatile compound profiles were evaluated. Keeving has been shown to slow the use of sugars by yeast and, as a result, lower alcohol levels in ciders. The concentration of FAN (free amino nitrogen) after keeving was significantly reduced compared to the control samples. Ciders made by keeving were characterized by higher concentrations of acetates and some terpenoids. In contrast, other volatile esters were present at lower concentrations.

Dose-dependent sensorimotor impairment in human ocular tracking after acute low-dose alcohol administration.

Key points Oculomotor behaviours are commonly used to evaluate sensorimotor disruption due to ethanol (EtOH).The current study demonstrates the dose‐dependent impairment in oculomotor and ocular behaviours across a range of ultra‐low BACs (<0.035%).Processing of target speed and direction, as well as pursuit eye movements, are significantly impaired at 0.015% BAC, suggesting impaired neural activity within brain regions associated with the visual processing of motion.Catch‐up saccades during steady visual tracking of the moving target compensate for the reduced vigour of smooth eye movements that occurs with the ingestion of low‐dose alcohol.Saccade dynamics start to become ‘sluggish’ at as low as 0.035% BAC.Pupillary light responses appear unaffected at BAC levels up to 0.065%. Changes in oculomotor behaviours are often used as metrics of sensorimotor disruption due to ethanol (EtOH); however, previous studies have focused on deficits at blood‐alcohol concentrations (BACs) above about 0.04%. We investigated the dose dependence of the impairment in oculomotor and ocular behaviours caused by EtOH administration across a range of ultra‐low BACs (≤0.035%). We took repeated measures of oculomotor and ocular performance from sixteen participants, both pre‐ and post‐EtOH administration. To assess the neurological impacts across a wide range of brain areas and pathways, our protocol measured 21 largely independent performance metrics extracted from a range of behavioural responses ranging from ocular tracking of radial step‐ramp stimuli, to eccentric gaze holding, to pupillary responses evoked by light flashes. Our results show significant impairment of pursuit and visual motion processing at 0.015% BAC, reflecting degraded neural processing within extrastriate cortical pathways. However, catch‐up saccades largely compensate for the tracking displacement shortfall caused by low pursuit gain, although there still is significant residual retinal slip and thus degraded dynamic acuity. Furthermore, although saccades are more frequent, their dynamics are more sluggish (i.e. show lower peak velocities) starting at BAC levels as low as 0.035%. Small effects in eccentric gaze holding and no effect in pupillary response dynamics were observed at levels below 0.07%, showing the higher sensitivity of the pursuit response to very low levels of blood alcohol, under the conditions of our study.

Overview of Kaolin Outcomes from Vine to Wine: Cerceal White Variety Case Study

Kaolin protective effect was assessed in a white grapevine cultivar ‘Cerceal’ in ‘Alentejo’ Region (southeast Portugal) where plants face extreme conditions during the summer season. We addressed the hypothesis that kaolin effects lead to several changes in leaves, fruits, and wine characteristics on the primary and secondary metabolism. Results showed that kaolin reduces leaf temperature which provokes an improvement in physiological parameters such as net photosynthesis and water use efficiency. This protection interferes with berry color, leaving them more yellowish, and an increase in phenolic compounds were observed in all fruit tissues (skin, seed, and pulp). Additionally, both berry and wine characteristics were strongly affected, with an increase of tartaric and malic acid and consequently high total acidity, while the sugar concentration decreased 8.9% in berries provoking a low wine alcohol level. Results also showed that kaolin induces high potassium, magnesium, and iron, and low copper and aluminum concentrations. Moreover, the control wine showed higher content of esters related with hostile notes whereas wine from kaolin treated vines presented higher content of esters associated with fruity notes. Overall, the results strengthen the promising nature of kaolin application as a summer stress mitigation strategy protecting grapevine plants and improving fruit quality and creating more balanced wines.

Intrapersonal psychological empowerment profiles on ethnic identity, social support, and lifetime drug use among Hispanic adolescent girls

The abbreviated Sociopolitical Control Scale for Youth (SPCS-Y) factor structure, used to measure intrapersonal psychological empowerment, was tested among a sample of Hispanic adolescent girls (N = 490). Confirmatory factor analysis and latent class analyses were conducted, and five distinct cluster groups emerged. Multivariate analysis of covariance was used to examine conceptually related variables and support the two-factor structure and validity of the scale. Participants with higher levels of intrapersonal psychological empowerment also had high social support, ethnic identity, and lower levels of alcohol and drug use. Findings support the use of the scale on Hispanic adolescent girls and contribute to alcohol and drug use prevention research.

A Review of the Potential Health Benefits of Low Alcohol and Alcohol-Free Beer: Effects of Ingredients and Craft Brewing Processes on Potentially Bioactive Metabolites

Beer is a beverage of significant historical and cultural importance. Interest in the potential health effects of alcoholic beverages has largely focused on wine; however, there are a number of potentially beneficial bioactives that beer may contain that warrant further investigation. The challenge of considering any potential health benefits of beer are restricted by the negative consequences of its alcohol and energy content. There is potential to enhance the bioactive qualities of beer whilst reducing the alcohol and energy content through novel brewing approaches often used in craft brewing, in terms of ingredients, brewing methods and type of fermentation. Consumer demand to produce a greater variety of beer types, including alcohol-free beers, may also help to increase the number of beers which may have greater potential to improve health, with lower levels of alcohol, while still being tasty products. As low alcohol, prebiotic and bioactive containing beers are developed, it is important that their potential health benefits and risks are fully assessed.

Assessing the prevalence of alcohol consumption in early pregnancy using blood biomarker analysis: a consistent pattern across north-east England?

We previously investigated the prevalence of alcohol consumption in early pregnancy in Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, a locality of north-east England. The prevalence was 1.4% based on blood sample biomarker analysis using carbohydrate deficient transferrin (CDT) and 3.5% for gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT). To supplement this research by investigating the prevalence of alcohol use using identical methods in a different locality of the same region. Six-hundred random blood samples taken at the antenatal booking appointment were anonymously analysed for the presence of CDT, a validated marker of chronic alcohol exposure (normalizing 2-3 weeks from abstinence) and GGT, a liver enzyme elevated for up to 8 weeks after alcohol exposure. The North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust data revealed a CDT prevalence rate of 1.7% (95% CI: 0.7-2.9) and GGT prevalence rate of 4.2% (95% CI: 2.6-5.9). However, these measures are not sensitive to low levels of alcohol; and no overlapping cases were identified or a significant correlation demonstrated between CDT or GGT. These data support our earlier work. Prevalence rates according to CDT and GGT analysis were similar in both areas, suggesting similar patterns of sustained alcohol use in pregnancy across the region.

SUN-540 No Effect Of Alcohol Use On Bone Microarchitecture Of The Distal Radius Among HIV Infected Adults

The effect of alcohol consumption on cortical and trabecular microarchitecture is not well-understood particularly among patients living with HIV who are at higher risk for metabolic bone disease, osteopenia, and osteoporosis. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of heavy alcohol consumption on bone microarchitecture as measured by high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography compared to low or no alcohol consumption among HIV-infected adults. We hypothesized that heavy alcohol consumption would have a detrimental impact on bone microarchitecture in both the cortical and trabecular compartments at the distal radius. We conducted a cross-sectional analysis among 238 participants (148 men, 42 pre-menopausal women, 48 post-menopausal women). Alcohol consumption status was based on the last 30 days (TimeLine Followback) and categorized into 4 categories based on the distribution in the study population: abstinence (0 grams(g)/day(d)) (n=82), lowest tertile (0.47 -7.0 g/d) (n=53), middle tertile (>7.0 - <35.0 g/d) (n=51), and highest tertile (35.0 - 454.1 g/d) (n=52). Bone microarchitecture measures included total volumetric bone mineral density (D100); Trabecular bone mineral density (Tb.BMD); Cortical bone mineral density (Ct.BMD); Trabecular number (Tb.N); Trabecular thickness (Tb.Th); Trabecular separation (Tb.Sp); Cortical thickness (Ct.Th); Cortical area (Ct.Ar). Associations between alcohol intake and bone microarchitecture measures were assessed using unadjusted and adjusted linear regression models. Covariates included sex, age, race, daily calcium intake, weight bearing physical activity, HIV viral load, number of years since first started taking antiretroviral therapy, intact reactive parathyroid hormone (iPTH), body mass index and number of years of heroin use. Among the density parameters, D100 was similar across all alcohol intake levels (adjusted p=0.75). The mean Tb.BMD was lowest among those who consumed low levels of alcohol (150.6 ± 41.5 mg HA/cm3) and highest among those who drank the heaviest (166.6 ± 48.6 mg HA/cm3). Mean Ct.BMD was highest with abstinence (854.8 ± 73.5 mg HA/cm3) followed by the lowest alcohol tertile (853.5 ± 60.5 mg HA/cm3) and then those reporting the heaviest drinking (829.4 ± 88.8 mg HA/cm3). However, the adjusted regression models showed no significant differences (p=0.94 and p=0.21, respectively) and remained non-significant after adjusting for 25-hydroxyvitamin D. There were no significant differences in the mean trabecular or cortical structural parameters including Tb.N (p=0.85), Tb.Th (p=0.90), Tb.Sp (p=0.73), Ct.Th (p=0.71), Ct.Ar (p=0.93) by alcohol intake after adjusting for covariates. We conclude that in this study population, bone microarchitecture measures did not differ by alcohol consumption status at the distal radius.