Non-alcohol Users Research Articles

Global, interhemispheric and intrahemispheric functional connection patterns in male adults with alcohol use disorder.

A growing body of evidence indicates the existence of abnormal local and long-range functional connection patterns in patients with alcohol use disorder (AUD). However, it has yet to be established whether AUD is associated with abnormal interhemispheric and intrahemispheric functional connection patterns. In the present study, we analysed resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging data from 55 individuals with AUD and 32 healthy nonalcohol users. For each subject, whole-brain functional connectivity density (FCD) was decomposed into ipsilateral and contralateral parts. Correlation analysis was performed between abnormal FCD and a range of clinical measurements in the AUD group. Compared with healthy controls, the AUD group exhibited a reduced global FCD in the anterior and middle cingulate gyri, prefrontal cortex and thalamus, along with an enhanced global FCD in the temporal, parietal and occipital cortices. Abnormal interhemispheric and intrahemispheric FCD patterns were also detected in the AUD group. Furthermore, abnormal global, contralateral and ipsilateral FCD data were correlated with the mean amount of pure alcohol and the severity of alcohol addiction in the AUD group. Collectively, our findings indicate that global, interhemispheric and intrahemispheric FCD may represent a robust method to detect abnormal functional connection patterns in AUD; this may help us to identify the neural substrates and therapeutic targets of AUD.

The impact of endovascular stents types on perioperative outcomes of ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms: a single-center experience.

Ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm (rAAA) represents a critically urgent vascular surgical condition, and endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) is a clinically effective treatment option. This study aims to investigate whether the type of intravascular graft used for ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms has an impact on perioperative outcomes of EVAR. A retrospective analysis was conducted on patients who underwent EVAR for ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm at a single medical center from 2019 to 2022. Patients who required simultaneous stent implantation in the renal arteries or visceral arteries, as well as those with ruptured aneurysms located in the para-renal, supra-renal, or thoracoabdominal regions, were excluded from the analysis. Additionally, patients who underwent open surgery during the initial procedure or converted to open repair were excluded. The primary endpoint was perioperative mortality rate. Other study outcomes included perioperative complications, reoperation rates, and length of hospital stay. Characteristics and corresponding outcomes of patients receiving different endovascular stent treatments were compared using SPSS software. A total of 58 patients received treatment with two types of endovascular stents: Gore Excluder (n = 29) and Microport Hercules (n = 29). The number of other endografts was too small for statistical analysis. Compared to patients treated with Hercules, those treated with Excluder had a significantly increased likelihood of concomitant coronary atherosclerosis (P = 0.009) and potentially higher creatinine levels (P = 0.014). Additionally, Excluder was more commonly used in patients with shorter aneurysm necks (P < 0.001). There was a statistically significant difference in overall mortality between the two groups (Hercules 27.6%, Excluder 6.9%, P = 0.037). Furthermore, patients who received Excluder treatment had lower mortality rates in subgroups of non-alcohol users (P = 0.028), non-diabetic patients (P = 0.027), and patients with dispersed thrombosis at the proximal neck (P = 0.046). In the multivariate analysis, the type of stent used (OR 0.06, 95% CI 0.00-1.31) and the occurrence of intraoperative complications (OR 20.70, 95% CI 1.14-76.70) in patients with rAAA was identified as an independent risk factor for perioperative mortality. Our study suggests that the management of intraoperative complications may be a modifiable factor that can improve outcomes. Patients receiving Excluder treatment demonstrated better performance in EVAR for single-center rAAA patients compared to other endovascular stents, and this difference warrants further investigation.

Single use of psychoactive substances and its association with sleep disorders and sleep health in a large US college sample.

Estimate the association between single (i.e., exclusive) use of a range of substances and sleep outcomes. College students participated in the 2015-2019 American College-Health Association-National College-Health Assessment survey. Multivariable logistic and linear regressions were used. Single users of sedative, opioid, tobacco, and stimulant drugs were more likely to report a diagnosis of insomnia and other sleep disorder and indicated more days per week of negative sleep health outcomes compared not only to non-users of these substances but also polysubstance users. Single users of alcohol were significantly less likely to report a diagnosis of sleep disorder and indicated having had more days per week of positive sleep health outcomes compared to non-alcohol users and polysubstance users. However, those results are reversed for binge drinking. Support of programs addressing behaviors to reduce the high prevalence of psychoactive substance use and sleep disturbances in college youth is needed.

Prevalence and sociodemographic correlates of antinuclear antibody testing by indirect immunofluorescence or solid-phase assays in a Spanish population: the Camargo Cohort

Autoantibodies are the hallmark of autoimmunity, and specifically, antinuclear antibodies (ANA) are one of the most relevant antibodies present in systemic autoimmune diseases (AID). In the present study, we evaluate the relationship between ANA and sociodemographic and biobehavioral factors in a population with a low pre-test probability for systemic AID. ANA were determined in serum samples at baseline visit from 2997 participants from the Camargo Cohort using indirect immunofluorescence assay, and two solid phase assays (SPA), addressable laser bead immunoassay, and fluorescence enzyme immunoassay. Sociodemographic and biobehavioral features of the subjects were obtained at baseline visit using a structured questionnaire. The prevalence of ANA positive results was significantly higher when indirect immunofluorescence assay was used as screening method in comparison with SPAs, being higher in females, older subjects, and those with higher C-reactive protein levels. Considering biobehavioral features, the prevalence was higher in those individuals with a sedentary lifestyle, and in ex- and non-alcohol users. Moreover, considering the relevance of the antibody load using ANA Screen, the prevalence of the antibody load also increased with age, especially in females. In conclusion, the prevalence of ANA varies depending on sociodemographic and biobehavioral features of the subjects, which could be relevant specifically in a population with a low pre-test probability for systemic AIDs.

Investigation of COVID-19 Anxiety Levels of Emergency Workers

Objective: The coronavirus pandemic has affected human and societal psychology worldwide. The Coronavirus Anxiety Scale is used to detect dysfunctional anxiety about the COVID-19 pandemic. In this study, our aim was to determine the anxiety levels of workers of the our emergency serrvices during the pandemic.&#x0D; Material Methods: The Coronavirus Anxiety Scale questionnaire was applied to emergency workers. According to the scores obtained from the questionnaire, the participants were divided into two groups: those with anxiety (Group 1) and those without anxiety (Group 2). The Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare two independent groups for continuous data, and Pearson’s chi-square test was used for frequency data. A p value of 0.05). There was also no statistically significant difference between the groups in terms of having previously contracted COVID-19, receiving a COVID-19 vaccine, to get psychiatric support before or during the pandemic, and having a deceased relative due to the pandemic. &#x0D; Conclusion: During the COVID-19 pandemic, anxiety rate is 8.1% in emergency workers. Anxiety rates were higher in female, non-alcohol users and non-smokers during the pandemic.

Long haul in asymptomatic and mild symptomatic COVID-19 patients: A community-based study in Northern India

Introduction: COVID-19, is a highly contagious disease caused by Novel Corona Virus SARS-Cov-2. After initial infection, most patients recover completely, but in some patients, symptoms may persist for variable duration. This study was planned to evaluate different persistent symptoms of long COVID among the people of Northern India, who had asymptomatic or mild disease during active infection stage. Methods: A cross sectional study was done in Chandigarh, India, during August 2021 to June 2022. A total of 647 recovered COVID-19 patients, who had suffered of COVID almost ≥3 months back were included in the study. A self-designed questionnaire was developed for the survey. Participants were followed up till 3 months. Results: Out of 647 subjects enrolled, 27.5% had some post-COVID symptoms. Among symptomatic, 55.1% were males and 44.9% were females. Post-COVID headache was significantly more common in females. Sleep disturbances and history of pain and pressure that spreads to arms were significantly more common among non-smokers. Sleep disturbances and change of appetite were significantly more common among non-alcohol users. Chest discomfort and change of appetite were found to be significantly more common among non-hypertensive subjects. Symptoms of chest discomfort, sleep disturbances, anxiety, feeling of sadness on daily basis and forgetfulness was significantly more common among subjects without underlying heart disease, while weakness among patients with underlying lung disease. Poor concentration was found to be significantly more common among patients without underlying lung disease and that in the age group 26-50 years, followed by 51-75 years and 76-100 years. Conclusion: This study attempted to assess the prevalence of post COVID complications among the asymptomatic and mild COVID patients. From the clinical point of view, physicians should be aware of the symptoms, signs, and biomarkers present in patients previously affected by COVID-19 to promptly assess, identify and halt long COVID-19 progression, minimize the risk of chronic effects and to re-establish pre-COVID-19 health.

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

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

Prevalence and correlates of tobacco use in Botswana: evidence from the 2014 Botswana STEPwise survey

BackgroundTobacco use is one of the notable risk factors for non-communicable diseases globally. The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence of tobacco use and identify its correlates in the general population of Botswana aged 15 to 69 years.MethodsThis study used a nationally representative WHO STEPwise Approach to Non-Communicable Disease Risk Factor Surveillance (STEPS) risk factors conducted in 2014 to explore the prevalence of tobacco use and its correlates in Botswana. Using IBM SPSS version 27, data on 4062 people aged 15 to 69 years who had been selected using multistage cluster sampling and had successfully completed the individual questionnaire were analysed. The prevalence of current tobacco smoking and smokeless tobacco use was determined using descriptive statistics while multivariable logistic regression was employed to assess correlates of current tobacco smoking and smokeless tobacco use. All comparisons were statistically significant at 5% significance level.ResultsFrom a total sample of 4062 participants the prevalence of current tobacco smoking was estimated to be 12.9% while smokeless tobacco use was 3.2%. Adjusted results indicate that the odds of current tobacco smoking were eight times (AOR = 8.57, C.I = 6.28-11.7) higher among males compared to their female counterparts; six(AOR = 6.52, C.I 3.64-11.6) and three (AOR = 3.27, C.I. =2.07-5.15) times higher among respondents with no education and primary level education respectively, compared to their counterparts with tertiary or higher education; while for alcohol users the odds of current tobacco smoking were four times (AOR = 4.28, C.I = 2.93-6.24) higher than among non-alcohol users. The odds of smokeless tobacco use were significantly higher among women compared to men (AOR = 7.34, C.I = 4.01-13.4); individuals aged 50-59 (AOR = 1.15, C.I = 1.06-3.37) and 60-69 years (AOR = 1.23, C.I. =1.08-3.63) compared to 15-29 years; individuals with no education (AOR = 2.07, C.I = 1.03-4.02) and primary education (AOR = 1.05, C.I = 1.01-2.23) compared to individuals with tertiary education. However, the odds of smokeless tobacco use were significantly lower among individuals who consume alcohol (AOR = 0.48, C.I. = 0.29-0.80) compared to non-alcohol consumers.ConclusionFindings of this study indicate the need to strengthen existing national policies to reduce harmful use of tobacco among men, women, older adults, no or primary education level individuals and alcohol users.

TOTAL PROTEIN, ALBUMIN AND SERUM PROTEIN ELECTROPHORESIS PATTERN OF ALCOHOLICS IN IKERE-EKITI, EKITI STATE

Plasma proteins such as albumin are indispensible in maintaining numerous essential roles of living cells. This objective of this study was to determine the total serum protein, albumin and serum protein electrophoresis pattern of alcoholics. One hundred samples comprising sixty (60) subjects (alcohol users) and forty controls (non-alcohol users) were recruited for this study. Total protein and albumin were determined using spectrophotometric methods and protein electrophoresis respectively. The results were presented in tables and chat as mean ± standard deviation. Statistical analysis was done using one way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Student’s t-test using IBM SPSS version 24.0. A p-values of &lt;0.05 was considered significant. The results obtained showed that the mean value of total protein in subjects and control was 50.22±8.44 g/L and 74.38±8.12 g/L, albumin was 30.89±5.05 g/L and 45.13±5.18 g/L, globulin was 19.33±6.11 g/L and 29.25±5.36 g/L, while albumin/globulin ratio was 1.6 and 1.54 respectively. Statistically, total protein, albumin and globulin were significantly lower (p&lt;0.05) in subjects compared with control group. This study concludes that alcohol consumption significantly reduced the level of total protein, albumin and globulins. The combination of these parameters in combinations may be a useful indicator for identification and determination of severity of alcoholic liver diseases. Regular screening exercise of alcoholics should be carried out to detect individuals at risk of hepatic dysfunction.

Association of Substance Use with Immunological Response to Antiretroviral Therapy in HIV-Positive Patients from Southwest Ethiopia: A Prospective Observational Study.

Use of psychoactive substances by HIV-positive patients in the course of antiretroviral drug treatment has become a public health problem globally. Substance use (alcohol, nicotine, and khat) during the course of treatment results in interactions with drugs that lead to undesired treatment outcomes. This condition is understudied, and the consequences of substance use among patients on antiretroviral treatment are not well explored. A prospective observational study was conducted among people on antiretroviral therapy (ART) at Jimma University Medical Center in southwest Ethiopia from April 20 to November 27, 2019. Data were collected using the World Health Organization's alcohol, smoking, and substance involvement screening test among adults who have followed antiretroviral therapy for a minimum of 6 months. Logistic regression analysis was done to identify factors associated with immunological response. The inadequate immunological response was defined as patients who were unable to achieve or maintain a CD4 cell count of >350 cells/mm³ after the 6-months of follow-up. Of the 332 patients enrolled, a majority (64.2%) of the respondents were females. The mean (±SD) age of the patients was 38.5 ± 9.5 years. The proportion of participants with a high level of health risk due to alcohol use was 8.4%, while 63.8% of them were non-alcohol users with no health risk. In multivariable logistic regression analysis, moderate and high levels of health risks from alcohol use were significantly associated with increased odds of inadequate immunological response (AOR: 2.9; 95% CI, 1.1-7.4) and (AOR: 4.3; 95% CI, 1.2-14.8), respectively, but the level of health risk from khat and cigarette use showed no association with inadequate immunological response in this study. Moderate and high levels of health risk from alcohol use were independently associated with inadequate immunological response. People living with HIV/AIDS should regularly be screened for and be educated about substance use and its potential negative impact on CD4 cell recovery.

The Frequency of Tobacco Smoking and E-Cigarettes Use among Primary Health Care Patients-The Association between Anti-Tobacco Interventions and Smoking in Poland.

The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of smoking and e-cigarette use among primary care patients during the COVID-19 pandemic and to assess the frequency of minimal anti-tobacco interventions by family doctors. A cross-sectional study was conducted from January 2020 to December 2021 encompassing 896 patients over 18 years of age who used primary health care in the city of Lodz, Poland. In total, 21.2% of the respondents were smokers, 11.6% were e-cigarette users, and 7.3% dual users. In addition, 68.4% of smokers had been asked about smoking, while 62.9% of non-smokers and 33.7% of smokers were advised to quit smoking; furthermore, 71.1% of e-cigarette users and 72.3% of dual users were asked about tobacco use, and 17.3% and 21.5%, respectively, had been advised to quit smoking. Multivariate logistic regression analysis found men and alcohol users to receive more minimal anti-tobacco advice than women and non-alcohol users (OR = 1.46; p < 0.05 and OR = 1.45; p < 0.05), socio-demographic and health correlates did not increase the chances of obtaining minimal anti-tobacco interventions among smokers. People with a medium level of education had a higher chance of receiving minimal anti-tobacco intervention from their family doctor when using e-cigarettes and when they were dual users (OR = 2.06; p < 0.05 and OR = 2.51; p < 0.05). Smokers were less likely to receive minimal anti-tobacco interventions than reported in previous studies. Measures should be implemented to increase the minimum interventions provided by GPs in their daily work among all patients, not only those who use tobacco. Non-smokers should be encouraged to abstain.

Associations of Smoking and Alcohol Consumption with Loneliness, Depression, and Loss of Interest Among Chinese Older Males and Females.

As China experiences a rapidly aging population, the prevalence of Chinese older adults suffering from mental health issues also increases. Because cigarette smoking and alcohol consumption are two major public health concerns in China, we examined smoking and alcohol consumption status with loneliness, depression, and loss of interest among Chinese older adults. Panel data were extracted from the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey, and older adults were selected as the final study sample (age ≥ 65) from two different time points (the 2011–2012 and 2014 waves). We analyzed Chinese older men and women with the adoption of panel logistic regression models to study mental health measurements of loneliness, depression, and loss of interest. Among males, compared with non-alcohol users, former alcohol users had higher odds of reporting depression (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 1.39, 95% CI: 1.01, 1.91; p < 0.05), while current alcohol users did not. Current and former smoking statuses were positively associated with depression (all p < 0.05). However, only current smoking status was positively associated with loss of interest (p < 0.05). Among females, former alcohol consumption was positively associated with loneliness, and current alcohol consumption was positively associated with depression. Health practitioners should evaluate the roles of smoking and alcohol consumption on Chinese older adults’ mental health measurements in the long term.

COQ2 and SNCA polymorphisms interact with environmental factors to modulate the risk of multiple system atrophy and subtype disposition.

Multiple system atrophy (MSA) has no definitive genetic or environmental (G-E) risk factors, and the integrated effect of these factors on MSA etiology remains unknown. This study was undertaken to investigate the integrated effect of G-E factors associated with MSA and its subtypes, MSA-P and MSA-C. A consecutive case-control study was conducted at two medical centers, and the interactions between genotypes of five previously reported susceptible single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs; SNCA_rs3857059, SNCA_rs11931074, COQ2_rs148156462, EDN1_rs16872704, MAPT_rs9303521) and graded exposure (never, ever, current) of four environmental factors (smoking, alcohol, drinking well water, pesticide exposure) were analyzed by a stepwise logistic regression model. A total of 207 MSA patients and 136 healthy controls were enrolled. In addition to SNP COQ2_rs148156462 (TT), MSA risk was correlated with G-E interactions, including COQ2_rs148156462 (Tc) × pesticide nonexposure, COQ2_rs148156462 (TT) × current smokers, SNCA_rs11931074 (tt) × alcohol nonusers, and SNCA_rs11931074 (GG) × well water nondrinkers (all p&lt; 0.01), with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of 0.804 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.671-0.847). Modulated risk of MSA-C, with MSA-P as a control, correlated with COQ2_rs148156462 (TT) × alcohol nondrinkers, SNCA_rs11931074 (GG) × well water ever drinkers, SNCA_rs11931074 (Gt) × well water never drinkers, and SNCA_rs3857059 (gg) × pesticide nonexposure (all p&lt; 0.05), with an AUC of 0.749 (95% CI=0.683-0.815). Certain COQ2 and SNCA SNPs interact with common environmental factors to modulate MSA etiology and subtype disposition. The mechanisms underlying the observed correlation between G-E interactions and MSA etiopathogenesis warrant further investigation.

Impact of Current Alcohol Consumption on Cognitive Function in Patients with Self-Perceived Memory Decline: A Comparative Study of Subjective Cognitive Decline, Mild Cognitive Impairment and Alzheimer-Type Dementia Groups

Background: Alcohol consumption has been considered as a modifiable risk factor for dementia development and alcohol-related brain damage may further impair cognitive abilities in dementia patients. This study aimed to find out the differences in cognitive function according to current alcohol drinking in patients with self-perceived memory decline, including subjective cognitive decline (SCD), mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and early Alzheimer-type dementia (ATD).Methods: From May 2018 to December 2019, retrospective chart review was performed in patients who visited CHA Bundang Medical Center for cognitive decline. A two-way analysis of variance with interaction test were used to analyze the impact of alcohol consumption on cognitive function between groups.Results: A total of 147 patients was classified into three groups of SCD (n=30), MCI (n=53), and ATD (n=64), and each group was divided into two subgroups of alcohol users and alcohol non-users, according to the current status of alcohol consumption. Between SCD, MCI and ATD groups, scores of clock drawing test and Go/No-go test were significantly lower in current alcohol users of ATD groups compared to the SCD and MCI groups (p&lt;0.05).Conclusions: These results suggest that current alcohol consumption has detrimental effects especially on the frontal/executive function in early ATD patients. Considering the association between frontal/executive function and ADL, our finding suggests that cessation of alcohol intake may be a therapeutic strategy to prevent ADL deterioration in patients with ATD.

Faktori uticaja na znanje o sintetskim kanabinoidima - studija sprovedena među budućim zdravstvenim radnicima

Introduction: Although the consumption of synthetic cannabinoids (SC) has become more and more widespread recently, future healthcare professionals, according to the currently available curriculum, receive minimal information about diagnosis and treatment thereof. Aim: The main goal is to assess the level of knowledge of students of health professions about SC and examine the factors that influence that knowledge. Material and methods: A cross-section academic study was conducted among 510 students of medicine, dentistry and pharmacy at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Novi Sad, Serbia, during 2017 using a structured questionnaire. Results: Forty-nine percent of students answered positively to the question if they knew what SCs were, whereas when they were offered three definitions regarding SCs-92.2% gave the correct answer, with male students demonstrating a better knowledge than female ones (p=0.014). There was no correlation between previous knowledge about SCs and professional qualifications of the student's parents (p=0.953 mother, p=0.500 father) or the student's social media profile existence (p=0.057). Pharmacy students showed better previous knowledge about SCs in comparison with students of other courses (p=0.000) as well as the final year students when compared to those from the 1 st and 2 nd year of study (p=0.000). The repetition of a year level did not affect student's knowledge (p=0.616). Students with experience in alcohol usage showed better previous knowledge of SCs in comparison with alcohol non-users (p=0.008). However, most of the respondents answered "do not know" on the majority of statements about SCs offered. Conclusion: Superficiality in students' knowledge and insufficiency of formal education contributes to the necessity for revising curriculum regarding SCs for future health care professionals.

Association between intake of sodium, potassium, sodium-to-potassium ratio, and blood pressure among US adults.

High dietary sodium and low potassium intake is associated with high blood pressure (BP). The current study aimed to determine if the sodium-to-potassium ratio is more strongly associated with low (130-139/80-89 mm Hg) and high (≥140/90 mm Hg) BP thresholds among US adults than either sodium or potassium alone. A total of 30,776 patients aged ≥20 years with complete blood pressure participated in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 2003 to 2018. Demographic information and health characteristics were compared between men and women using the chi-square test for categorical variables and independent samples t-test for continuous variables. Logistic regression was performed to investigate the association of the odds ratios (OR) of different levels of sodium, potassium, and sodium-to-potassium ratio. After multivariable adjustment (age, gender, Body mass index, Smoking, education, Race, Alcohol, total energy intake, and physical activity), no relationship has been observed between high versus low sodium-to-potassium ratio and BP threshold of 130-139/80-89 mm Hg (odds ratio [OR]: 1.02, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.92-1.12). Higher sodium-to-potassium ratio (OR=1.24; CI: 1.11-1.38) and dietary intake of potassium (OR=0.66; CI: 0.55-0.80) showed significant association in reducing the BP threshold of ≥140/90 mm Hg. In dose-response analysis, higher BP ≥140/90 mm Hg was inversely associated with higher potassium intake. Furthermore, the sodium-to-potassium ratio showed higher odds in predicting the BP of patients aged ≤60 years, underweight, nonsmokers, and non-alcohol users. The study confirms an inverse association between higher potassium intake and higher BP threshold. The Doses-response analyses showed sodium-to-potassium ratio is a better predictor of BP thresholds than sodium or potassium alone.

Semen and Spermatozoa Characteristics in Alcohol Users and Non-Users

Introduction: Increasing infertility rate worldwide raises research to investigate plausible reason health community. To find out the characteristics of semen and spermatozoa in alcohol users and compare these characteristics with that of non-users of alcohol.&#x0D; Methodology: The data on alcohol use and semen analysis were obtained from case records of patients reported to the Department of Andrology &amp; Reproductive Medicine of a tertiary care hospital for a period of one year from January 2018 to December 2018. The semen volume, sperm concentration, motility and morphology in alcohol users were compared with non-users.&#x0D; Results: A total of 231 patients had reported to the Department of Andrology &amp; Reproductive Medicine during the study period. Among them 81 (35.06%) were alcohol users and 150 (64.94%) alcohol non-users. Analysis of their semen reports revealed that the difference in semen volume and sperm morphology was not found to be statistically significant, but the sperm concentration and progressive motility of spermatozoa showed significant reduction in alcohol users compared to non – users (p&lt;0.05).&#x0D; Conclusion: The semen volume and sperm quality were found to be low in alcohol users. Among the spermatozoa characteristics, sperm concentration and motility were significantly reduced in alcohol users.

Polymorphism in cytochrome P4502A6 reduces the risk to head and neck cancer and modifies the treatment outcome.

The present case-control study consisting of 1300 cases of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) and the equal number of controls aimed to investigate the association of functionally important polymorphisms in cytochrome P4502A6 (CYP2A6*1B, CYP2A6*4C, CYP2A6*9-rs28399433) with HNSCC and the treatment response in cases receiving a combination of chemotherapy/radiotherapy (CT/RT). A significant decrease in risk to HNSCC was observed in the cases with deletion (CYP2A6*4B and CYP2A6*4C) or reduced activity genotypes (CYP2A6*9) of CYP2A6. This risk to HNSCC was further reduced significantly in tobacco users among the cases when compared to nontobacco users among the cases. The risk was also reduced to a slightly greater extent in alcohol users among the cases when compared to nonalcohol users among the cases. In contrast with decreased risk to HNSCC, almost half of the cases with variant genotypes of CYP2A6 (CYP2A6*1A/*4C+*1B/*4C+*4C/*4C and *9/*9) did not respond to the treatment. Likewise, the survival rate in cases receiving the treatment, after 55 months of follow-up was significantly lower in cases with deletion (6.3%) or reduced activity (11.9%) allele than in the cases with common alleles (41%). The present study has shown that CYP2A6 polymorphism significantly reduces the risk to HNSCC. Our data further suggested that CYP2A6 polymorphism may worsen the treatment outcome in the cases receiving CT/RT.

Health Status of internally displaced persons in Georgia and Ukraine

Abstract Background Internally displaced persons (IDPs) are a vulnerable groups of population in Eastern European countries, such as Georgia and Ukraine. As of 2019, according to the Ministry of Social Policy of Ukraine, there are 1,355,375 IDPs in Ukraine. The number of IDPs in Georgia today is 273,411. After leaving the shelter, IDPs must deal with various obstacles. However, the health status of this vulnerable group, their access to health services and their needs have not been properly addressed in these countries. The aim of this study was to systematically review the literature on the mental health outcomes, and to evaluate the access to the health services among IDPs in Georgia and Ukraine. Methods The study follows the principles of PRISMA extension for scoping reviews. We used following databases for searching relevant literature on mental health outcomes: PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Google Scholar and PsychINFO. We additionally searched national policy documents from the ministries, local journals in Georgia and Ukraine, and a grey literature. Results 773 results obtained from selected scientific databases were screened against exclusion criteria. We included 15 studies in final analysis, 9 examined the health status of IDPs in Georgia, and 6 in Ukraine. We found that majority of the IDPs are women and children, among whom, the largest share on mental disorders comes from women. In general, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety and sleeping disorders and alcohol dependence were the most frequently examined mental health outcomes among IDPs in both countries. Included studies showed 43% less mental health service usage among alcohol users when compared to non-alcohol users in Ukraine and Georgia. Conclusions Despite the increased need, the study found that IDPs are facing barriers to access health care, especially mental health services are limited. This further worsens health outcomes, such as PTSD and anxiety disorders. Key messages IDPs in Georgia and Ukraine need better access to mental health services, such as health insurance coverage, mental health screening services and effective referral system. Primary health care providers are encouraged to provide comprehensive information to IDPs on where and how they can get health services.

Forgoing plans for alcohol and cannabis use in daily life: Examining reasons for nonuse when use was planned in a predominantly white college student sample.

The reasons for college students to abstain from alcohol and cannabis use on a given day can inform efforts to prevent or intervene in those behaviors. Research on reasons for alcohol nonuse remains in its nascent stages and no study to date has examined reasons for cannabis nonuse on a given day. Here we examine reasons for nonuse among college students after they planned to use alcohol and/or cannabis. College students (N=341; Mage =19.79; 53% women; 74% White) from 3 universities completed 54days of data collection across which approximately 50% were nonuse days. Each morning, participants indicated whether they planned to use that day; nonuse reasons were assessed the next morning, if applicable. Generalized linear mixed-effects models were used to disentangle within- and between-person effects. On a given nonuse day (at the within-person level), "work" and "school" were reasons associated with having no plan to use alcohol and "to feel in control" was linked to having no plan to use cannabis. "Did not want to get high" was related to forgoing plans (did not use when originally planned) for alcohol use at the within-person level. At the between-person level, "no desire" was associated with no plans for alcohol or cannabis use and "did not want to get high" was related to no plans for cannabis use. "School" and "could not get" were related to forgoing plans for alcohol and cannabis use, respectively, at the between-person level. An examination of earlier intentions for alcohol and/or cannabis use on nonuse days yielded novel findings on the intention-behavior gap. Reasons for nonuse can inform intervention and prevention strategies (e.g., those involving social norms or just-in-time adaptive efforts) for alcohol and cannabis use on college campuses.