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Reported herein is an economical, plastic‐ and fluorine‐free coating approach for oil and water repellent paper substrates using blends of poly(vinyl alcohol) and chitosan‐graft‐polydimethylsiloxane copolymer. The obtained coated paper showed good water‐resistance, as evidenced by its low Cobb60 values of ~20 ± 2.1 g/m2 and high water contact angles of 119 ± 6.3 °. The kit rating of the coated paper was 7.6/12, indicating decent grease‐resistant properties as compared to the kit value of 0/12 for the uncoated paper. The coated paper is also repulpable as demonstrated by the complete washing off the coating from the coated paper. Giving the cost‐effective nature of the coating materials and good water and oil‐resistant properties of the coated paper, the approach developed here is commercially viable, and will offer a multitude of environmental benefits such as the elimination of microplastic‐ and PFAS problems associated with existing paper coatings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents an analysis of recent papers in hypertension. "Appropriate Follow-Up of Patients With Hypertension"; "Light to Moderate Alcohol Consumption Is Associated With Reduced Cardiovascular Mortality in Hypertensive Men"; "Home Blood Pressure Measurement Predicts Cardiovascular Risk Better Than Office Blood Pressure Measurement."

The use of alcohol has been proposed as an option for hand hygiene. A systematic review was conducted to evaluate the clinical evidence supporting the use of alcohol-based solutions in hospitals as an option for hand hygiene. Studies published between January 1992 and April 2002 in English and Thai, related to the effectiveness of alcohol-based solutions, were reviewed. The databases searched included Medline, DARE, CINAHL and Dissertation Abstracts International. All studies were assessed as having adequate methodological quality. Results of this systematic review supported that alcohol-based hand rubbing removes microorganisms effectively, requires less time and irritates hands less often than does handwashing with soap or other antiseptic agents and water. Furthermore, the availability of bedside alcohol-based solutions increases compliance with hand hygiene among health care workers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Efficient fabrication of responsive photonic prints (RPPs) with specific functionalities is imminently desired owing to its applications in display, anti‐photobleaching, and anti‐counterfeiting. Here, RPPs with changeable color contrasts are fabricated through the region selective swelling of the swellable photonic crystals paper with 2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) as ink followed by fixing the structures of the swelled regions by photopolymerization. The fabrication process is considerable simple, fast, and efficient, and multicolor RPPs with any desired patterns can be generated within 6 min. Different from the dual/triple color contrasts of conventional RPPs, the as‐prepared RPPs can instantly and reversibly show five color contrasts [(blue/transparent/green/yellow/red)‐red] in the alcohol solution owing to the asymmetric swelling behavior between the background and pattern. The similar solubility parameter between the photonic paper and HEMA/ethanol is the key for the fast fabrication process and abundant color contrasts of RPPs in solvents. The simple and rapid fabrications as well as the responsive properties will extend the applications of RPPs in color display, information storage, and anti‐counterfeiting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The escalating burden of lifestyle‐related diseases stands as a critical global public health challenge, contributing substantially to the prevalence of chronic conditions and a large portion of premature mortality. Despite this, concise evidence‐based lifestyle interventions targeting physical inactivity, nutrition, alcohol and smoking continue to be underutilised. Although good evidence exists for addressing the four lifestyle‐related risk factors independently, rarely do these present in isolation. Evidence is lacking regarding how to integrate interventions targeting multiple risk factors. Consequently, this paper aims to provide an overview of the evidence for delivering multiple interventions in primary healthcare settings. Different lifestyle factors are inter‐related, with decisions around ordering of the delivery of multiple lifestyle interventions an important consideration. There is evidence supporting the effectiveness of addressing some lifestyle factors simultaneously (e.g., physical activity and nutrition), although smoking cessation may be delivered best in a sequential approach. While the World Health Organisation highlights four key lifestyle factors (nutrition, physical activity, alcohol and smoking), incorporating additional elements such as sleep, mental well‐being and social connectedness offers a holistic framework for promoting well‐being. Despite the presentation of multiple behaviour risk factors being commonplace in healthcare settings, the evidence (outlined in the paper) for how best to deliver interventions to address this is limited, with further research and subsequent clinical guidance required. In order to address the barriers to delivering lifestyle interventions in primary care, innovation will be required. The use of non‐medical personnel, social prescribers and health coaches has the potential to alleviate time constraints, whilst mounting evidence exists for group consultations for addressing lifestyle‐related non‐communicable diseases (NCDs). If the challenges to implementation can be addressed, and if healthcare systems can adapt for the promotion of healthy lifestyles, the impact of NCDs can be mitigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Alcohol is implicated in epileptogenesis and seizures attack. An increasing number of studies about alcohol and epilepsy have been published. We aimed to assess research trends and hot spots in the field of alcohol and epilepsy. Patients and Methods: Literature concerning alcohol and epilepsy was systemically searched through the Web of Science database. Collaborative maps were quantitatively analyzed by using the VOSviewer and CiteSpace tools. Results: A total of 1578 papers about the field of alcohol and epilepsy were taken into analysis, which was written by 6840 authors from 2153 institutions in 85 countries, published in 676 journals, and cited 79 667 references from 10 750 journals. The United States was the leading country and had close ties with others. The University of Toronto was the most productive institution. Alcoholism‐clinical and experimental research was the fastest‐growing journal. Richard J. Bodnar was the author contributing the most literature. Analysis of keywords showed epilepsy, alcohol, seizures, alcohol withdrawal, and management were common themes. Conclusion: The presented study conducted the first bibliometric analysis of the field of alcohol and epilepsy, which will provide insights into the latest progress, evolution paths, frontier research hot spots, and future research trends in the field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Issues: Numerous studies have explored alcohol consumption in pregnancy, but less is known about women's drinking in the early parenting period (EPP, 0–5 years after childbirth). We synthesise research related to three questions: (i) How are women's drinking patterns and trajectories associated with socio‐demographic and domestic circumstances?; (ii) What theoretical approaches are used to explain changes in consumption?; (iii) What meanings have been given to mothers' drinking? Approach: Three databases (Ovid‐MEDLINE, Ovid‐PsycINFO and CINAHL) were systematically searched. Citation tracking was conducted in Web of Science Citation Index and Google Scholar. Eligible papers explored mothers' alcohol consumption during the EPP, focusing on general population rather than clinical samples. Studies were critically appraised and their characteristics, methods and key findings extracted. Thematic narrative synthesis of findings was conducted. Key Findings: Fourteen quantitative and six qualitative studies were identified. The (sub)samples ranged from n = 77,137 to n = 21 women. Mothers' consumption levels were associated with older age, being White and employed, not being in a partnered relationship, higher education and income. Three theoretical approaches were employed to explain these consumption differences: social role, role deprivation, social practice theories. By drinking alcohol, mothers expressed numerous aspects of their identity (e.g., autonomous women and responsible mothers). Implications and Conclusion: Alcohol‐related interventions and policies should consider demographic and cultural transformations of motherhood (e.g., delayed motherhood, changes in family structures). Mothers' drinking should be contextualised carefully in relation to socio‐economic circumstances and gender inequalities in unpaid labour. The focus on peer‐reviewed academic papers in English language may limit the evidence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Issues: Globally, adolescent drinking is a major public health concern. Alcohol measurements are influenced by local consumption practices, patterns and perceptions of alcohol‐related harm. This is the first review to examine what tools are used to measure alcohol consumption, or screen for or assess harmful use in African adolescents, and how these tools take into account the local context. Approach: A systematic scoping review was conducted in line with the Arksey and O'Malley framework. A search in MEDLINE, CINAHL, Global Health and the Cochrane Database covered the period of 2000–2020. Key Findings: The search identified 121 papers across 25 African countries. A range of single‐ and multi‐item tools were identified. Very few adaptations of existing questions were specified, and this search identified no tools developed by local researchers that were fundamentally different from established tools often designed in the USA or Europe. Inconsistencies were found in the use of cut‐off scores; many studies used adult cut‐off scores. Implications and Conclusion: The possible impact of African drinking practices and culture on the accuracy of alcohol screening tools is currently unknown, but is also not taken into account by most research. This, in combination with a limited geographical distribution of alcohol‐related research across the continent and inconsistent use of age‐ and gender‐specific cut‐off scores, points towards probable inaccuracies in current data on adolescent alcohol use in Africa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study on measurement comparison between Montenegro skin test (MST) and paper recording. It says that the study uses ballpoint pen technique and a paper soaked in 70 percent alcohol. Result shows that out of 154 patients, only 11 patients resulted in a negative test. It adds that paper recording can serve as an alternative to direct reading and tracing provides the documentation and record of the patient's exam for a control and standardization of the technique.

Issues: Meta‐analysis was used to estimate the effect of forming implementation intentions (i.e., if‐then plans) on weekly alcohol consumption and heavy episodic drinking (HED). Sample type, mode of delivery, intervention format and timeframe were tested as moderator variables. Approach: Cochrane, EThOS, Google Scholar, PsychArticles, PubMed and Web of Science were searched for relevant publications to 31 March 2021. Random‐effects meta‐analysis was used to estimate the effect size difference (d) between individuals forming versus not forming implementation intentions on weekly consumption and HED. Key Findings: Sixteen studies were included in meta‐analyses. The effect size difference for forming implementation intentions on weekly alcohol consumption was d+ = −0.14 confidence interval (CI) [−0.24; −0.03]. Moderator analyses highlighted stronger effects for: (i) community (d+ = −0.38, CI [−0.58; −0.18]) versus university (d+ = −0.04, CI [−0.13; 0.05]) samples; (ii) paper (d+ = −0.26, CI [−0.43; −0.09]) versus online (d+ = −0.04, CI [−0.14; 0.06]) mode of delivery; and (iii) volitional help sheet (d+ = −0.34, CI [−0.60; −0.07]) versus implementation intention format (d+ = −0.07, CI [−0.16; 0.02]). In addition, effects diminished over time (B = 0.02, SE = 0.01, CI [0.03; 0.01]). Forming implementation intentions had a null effect on HED, d+ = −0.01 CI [−0.10; 0.08]. Implications: Forming implementation intentions reduces weekly consumption but has no effect on HED. Conclusion: This review identifies boundary conditions on the effectiveness of implementation intentions to reduce alcohol consumption. Future research should focus on increasing the effectiveness of online‐delivered interventions and integrating implementation intention and motivational interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several initiatives have sought to increase the number of First Nations individuals with a higher degree in research (i.e., PhD or research masters)—in Australia and in similarly colonised countries. However, little has been written on day‐to‐day support structures and mechanisms that might help First Nations Australian candidates thrive in postgraduate research degrees and beyond. For sensitive research fields such as alcohol, emerging Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander researchers must grapple with topics which are stigmatising and in some instances associated with traumatic associations. There is also a lack of studies internationally that describe optimal support for First Nations students undertaking a higher degree by research with a primary focus on alcohol. Here we discuss what we have learned from the support offered through the Centre of Research Excellence in Indigenous Health and Alcohol—from the perspective of academic staff, students, trainees and early career researchers. We consider what may be generalisable lessons from this experience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This paper describes the design and implementation of an online survey experiment to investigate the effects of alcohol warning labels on alcohol‐related knowledge, risk perceptions and intentions. Method: The survey collected self‐reported data from 14 European countries through two waves of data collection with different recruitment strategies: dissemination via social media and public health agencies was followed by paid‐for Facebook ads. The latter strategy was adopted to achieve broader population representation. Post‐stratification weighting was used to match the sample to population demographics. Results: The survey received over 34,000 visits and resulted in a sample size of 19,601 participants with complete data on key sociodemographic characteristics. The responses in the first wave were over‐representing females and higher educated people, thus the dissemination was complemented by the paid‐for Facebook ads targeting more diverse populations but had higher attrition rate. Conclusion: Experiments can be integrated into general population surveys. Pan‐European results can be achieved with limited resources and a combination of sampling methods to compensate for different biases, and statistical adjustments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Marijuana and alcohol are both substances that, when used during pregnancy, may have profound effects on the developing fetus. There is evidence to suggest that both drugs have the capacity to affect working memory, one function of the hippocampal formation; however, there is a paucity of data on how perinatal exposure to alcohol or cannabis impacts the process of adult neurogenesis. Methods: This systematic review examines immunohistochemical data from adult rat and mouse models that assess perinatal alcohol or perinatal marijuana exposure. A comprehensive list of search terms was designed and used to search 3 separate databases. All results were imported to Mendeley and screened by 2 authors. Consensus was reached on a set of final papers that met the inclusion criteria, and their results were summarized. Results: Twelve papers were identified as relevant, 10 of which pertained to the effects of perinatal alcohol on the adult hippocampus, and 2 pertained to the effects of perinatal marijuana on the adult hippocampus. Cellular proliferation in the dentate gyrus was not affected in adult rats and mice exposed to alcohol perinatally. In general, perinatal alcohol exposure did not have a significant and reliable effect on the maturation and survival of adult born granule neurons in the dentate gyrus. In contrast, interneuron numbers appear to be reduced in the dentate gyrus of adult rats and mice exposed perinatally to alcohol. Perinatal marijuana exposure was also found to reduce inhibitory interneuron numbers in the dentate gyrus. Conclusions: Perinatal alcohol exposure and perinatal marijuana exposure both act on inhibitory interneurons in the hippocampal formation of adult rats. These findings suggest simultaneous perinatal alcohol and marijuana exposure (SAM) may have a dramatic impact on inhibitory processes in the dentate gyrus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article reports a case study of allergic contact dermatitis caused due to the effect of newsprint paper. A 30-year-old man working as a newspaperman developed a severe hand eczema every summer for the last 5 years. On patch testing with printed and unprinted newspaper it was found out that patient showed positive response in both the cases but there is no significant difference between the two. When testing with ethanol and dichloromethane the patient showed positive reactions. The patient is now working with his gloves on, even in summer.

Aims The publication of the Journal of Inebriety (1876–1914) chronicled the rise and fall of the first era of organized addiction medicine in the United States. Methods Findings from historical research, a content analysis of the Journal's 35 volumes and 141 issues and images from the Journal illustrate visually the medical treatment of addiction in the United States in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Results Under the editorial direction of Dr T. D. Crothers, the Journal of Inebriety published papers and reviews focused primarily on the medical treatment of alcohol and opiate addiction within a growing international network of inebriate homes and asylums. Conclusions The history of the Journal of Inebriety mirrors efforts in America to forge a legitimized field of addiction medicine amid conflicting conceptualizations of the nature of severe alcohol and other drug problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents information on forthcoming papers to be published in coming issues of the periodical "European Journal of Biochemistry." Some of the papers are: "Localization of Histone HS in the Subunit Organization of Chromatin Using ImmunoeIectron Microscopy"; "Presence of an Amino Acid Oxidase in Photosystem II of Anacystis nidutans"; "Aldoximes: Active-Site Probes of Alcohol Dehydrogenases"; and "Quinone Reductases of Higher Plants."

Aim: We systematically reviewed the literature on the influence of low and moderate amounts of prenatal alcohol and nicotine exposure on early child development. This paper also suggests possible directions for future research in order to tackle the controversial findings identified. Methods: The PubMed and Web of Science electronic databases were searched together with the reference lists of the selected papers. Empirical studies were included if they focused on the effects of low or moderate exposure, reported outcomes on child development within the first 2 years of life and were published in English between January 2009 and December 2019. The eligibility of the included studies was based on three authors reading the full text. Results: The final sample comprised 17 papers. Of these, 13 focused on the effects of prenatal alcohol exposure and they reported decreased sensory sensibility, smaller body sizes and increased cognitive capacities. The other four looked at prenatal nicotine exposure, and they primarily found impairments in children's orienting, communication and motor skills. Conclusion: Any amount of prenatal alcohol and nicotine exposure appeared to risk healthy child development. There were many reasons for consumption and numerous effects on the child, but representative data from interdisciplinary research were missing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and aims The rising use of digital media in the last decade, including social networking media and downloadable applications, has created new opportunities for marketing a wide range of goods and services, including alcohol products. This paper aims to review the evidence in order to answer a series of policy-relevant questions: does alcohol marketing through digital media influence drinking behaviour or increases consumption; what methods of promotional marketing are used, and to what extent; and what is the evidence of marketing code violations and especially of marketing to children? Method and findings A search of scientific, medical and social journals and authoritative grey literature identified 47 relevant papers (including 14 grey literature documents). The evidence indicated (i) that exposure to marketing through digital media was associated with higher levels of drinking behaviour; (ii) that the marketing activities make use of materials and approaches that are attractive to young people and encourage interactive engagement with branded messaging; and (iii) there is evidence that current alcohol marketing codes are being undermined by alcohol producers using digital media. Conclusions There is evidence to support public health interventions to restrict the commercial promotion of alcohol in digital media, especially measures to protect children and youth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Alcohol screening, brief advice and referral to treatment (SBIRT) in primary health care is an effective strategy to decrease alcohol consumption at population level. However, there is relatively scarce evidence regarding its economic returns in non‐high‐income countries. The current paper aims to estimate the return‐on‐investment of implementing a SBIRT program in Mexican primary health‐care settings. Methods: Empirical data was collected in a quasi‐experimental study, from 17 primary health‐care centres in Mexico City regarding alcohol screening delivered by 145 health‐care providers. This data was combined with data from a simulation study for a period of 10 years (2008 to 2017). Economic investments were calculated from a public sector health‐care perspective as clinical consultation costs (salary and material costs) and program costs (set‐up, adaptation, implementation strategies). Economic return was calculated as monetary gains in the public sector health‐care, estimated via simulated reductions in alcohol consumption, dependent on population coverage of alcohol interventions delivered to primary health‐care patients. Results: Results showed that scaling up a SBIRT program in Mexico over a 10‐year period would lead to positive return‐on‐investment values ranging between 21% in scenario 4 (confidence interval −8.6%, 79.5%) and 110% in scenario 5 (confidence interval 51.5%, 239.8%). Moreover, over the 10‐year period, up to 16,000 alcohol‐related deaths could be avoided as a result of implementing the program. Discussion and Conclusions: SBIRT implemented at national level in Mexico may lead to substantial financial gains from a public sector health‐care perspective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An in vivo method was developed to measure the effectiveness of skin protective creams against 2 dye indicator solutions: methylene blue in water and oil red O in ethanol, representative of model hydrophilic and lipophilic compounds. 3 representative barrier creams commercialized as effective against lipophilic, hydrophilic, or lipophilic and hydrophilic substances were assayed by measurements of the dye in cyanoacrylate strips of protected skin samples after various application times. The flexural surfaces of the forearms of 6 normal volunteers (3 female and 3 male, mean age 26.8 +/- 4.1 years) were treated. The method was as follows: solutions of 5% methylene blue in water and 5% oil red O in ethanol were prepared, and applied to untreated skin and protective-cream-pretreated skin with the aid of aluminum occlusive chambers, for 0 h and 4 h, respectively. At the end of the application time, the creams were removed. Consecutive skin surface biopsies (SSB) from 1 to 4 strips were taken. The amount of stain in each strip was determined by colorimetry, and the cumulative amount of stain from 1 to 4 strips in each measurement was calculated. The cumulative amount represents the amount of permeation of each solution at each time point, and the efficacy of skin barrier cream. The results showed one formulation at both 0 h and 4 h reduced the amount of permeation of methylene blue (p < 0.01) and oil red O (p < 0.01) compared with the control group. Another formulation was protective against the permeation of oil red O (p < 0.01), but not against methylene blue at 0 h and 4 h; it was not significantly different at 0 h versus 4 h. The 3rd formulation produced increased cumulative amounts to oil red O at both 0 h and 4 h (p < 0.05); it also increased permeation amounts to methylene blue (p < 0.05) after 4 h. This model appears a facile, rapid and objective early screen to evaluate the efficacy of skin barrier creams in vivo. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Numerous studies have been conducted investigating the reproductive toxicology of ethanol, the overwhelming majority concerning the adverse effects of consuming alcohol in beverages during pregnancy. Because many of the in vivo studies were designed to model alcoholism, they used comparatively high doses and assessed relatively few endpoints. Outcomes may have been affected by disturbances of metabolism at such high exposures, giving rise to secondary effects on development. The available data on ethanol from ‘conventional’ developmental toxicity study test methods of the type used for regulatory hazard assessment of chemicals are limited. It is in this context, however, i.e. the use of ethanol as an industrial chemical rather than as a component of beverages, that this review is based. Using the usual criteria applied for the purpose of hazard assessment of industrial chemicals, it is concluded that there is no evidence that industrial exposure to ethanol is a developmental toxicity hazard. Developmental toxicity may result from drinking alcoholic beverages, the threshold level for all aspects of which has yet to be defined. This is not, however, considered relevant to the low blood alcohol concentrations resulting from any conceivable inhalation or dermal exposure in the workplace or through the directed use of any consumer product containing ethanol. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines reproducibility of water and ethanol drop volumes from plastic squeeze dropper bottles, examines the difference in drop volumes between commonly used liquid patch test solutions, and evaluates the volumes of water and ethanol needed to saturate Finn and IQ Chamber filter papers. 2 plastic squeeze dropper bottles recommended for use in patch testing have poor reproducibility compared to other bottles tested. 3 aqueous allergens tested (formaldehyde 1%, methylchloroisothiazolinone/methylisothiazolinone 0.01%, and dimethylol dihydroxyethyleneurea 4.5%) have drop volumes equivalent to water. Smaller drop volumes are produced by ethanol, hydrocortisone butyrate 1% in ethanol, cocamidopropyl betaine 1% aq., and propylene glycol 30% aq. Filter paper saturation volumes using distilled water are 16–19 µL in standard Finn Chambers and 29–35 µL in IQ Chambers. Ethanol saturation volumes are slightly lower. Previously recommended volumes of application for aqueous allergens of 15 µL for standard Finn Chambers and 25 µL for IQ Chambers (slightly below the filter paper saturation points) are appropriate. Selection of dropper bottles should consider drop volume reproducibility, differing drop volumes for different allergens, and the patch test chamber system being used. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Evidence shows that price is an important policy lever in reducing consumption of alcohol and tobacco. However, there is little evidence of the cross‐price effect between alcohol and tobacco. Methods: This paper uses an econometric model which estimates participation and consumption elasticities, on data from the UK Living Costs and Food Survey 2006–2017 and extends the literature by, for the first time, estimating joint price elasticities for disaggregated alcohol and tobacco products. This paper presents new price elasticities and compares them to the existing literature. Results: The own‐price elasticity estimates are all negative for both participation and consumption. There is no pattern to the estimates of cross‐price elasticities. The elasticity estimates, when used in the Sheffield Tobacco and Alcohol Policy Model, produce bigger changes in consumption for the same change in price compared to other elasticity estimates in the existing literature. Discussion and Conclusions: Consumption of alcohol and tobacco are affected by the prices of one another. Policymakers should bear this in mind when devising alcohol or tobacco pricing policies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Problems associated with alcohol use are multidimensional with psychiatric, psychological, physical, and social aspects, which makes it challenging to choose appropriate assessment scales. However, there has been no systematic evaluation of existing alcohol scales. Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted for articles that assessed the psychometric properties of scales for alcohol use disorder on March 19, 2023, using Medline, EMBASE, and PsycINFO. Only scales whose original development papers were cited more than 20 times were included. The methodological quality and psychometric properties of the scales were evaluated using COnsensus‐based Standards for the selection of health Measurement INstruments. The overall rating of the scales were assessed with a score ranging from 0 to 18. Results: In total, 314 studies and 40 scales were identified. These scales differ widely in measurement methods, target populations, and psychometric properties. The overall mean score was 6.3, and only the following three scales received >9 points suggesting a moderate level of evidence: Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT), Alcohol Dependence Scale (ADS), and Short Alcohol Dependence Data Questionnaire (SADD). Measurement error and responsiveness were not evaluated or reported in the included scales. Conclusions: Although the AUDIT, ADS, and SADD were rated the highest among the 40 scales, they showed, at most, a moderate level of evidence. These findings underscore the need to accumulate further evidence to assure the quality of the scales. It may be advisable to select and combine scales to meet the purpose of the assessment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alcohol use has been recognized as a challenge in eldercare and social care, and some anticipate that problems related to alcohol use will increase in the future as the current adult generation has high alcohol consumption rates. Accordingly, it is suggested that care workers are at risk of becoming passive bystanders to the destructive lifestyles of vulnerable older adults and even facilitating these lifestyles. In the present paper, we suggest that alcohol exacerbates and underscores inherent difficulties in eldercare, such as finding an appropriate balance between the personal freedom of the older adult and the responsibility of the care worker to provide care. The specific focus in the paper regard the communication and interaction involving values between people in eldercare in cases of problematic alcohol‐related situations to uncover the difficulties. We found it noteworthy that the objectives and perspectives of older adults, care workers, managers and relatives have implications regarding their interactions and communications because their varying experiences involve values that are not necessarily aligned. Sometimes, care workers have no choice but to act against what, in the public sphere and to the other care workers, is ruled out by virtue of their professional ethics. It is suggested that care workers describe and judge situations where alcohol is present paradoxically by virtue of their professional ethics, yet regulate their care to preserve the dignity of older adults, even when they find the situation to be an apparent dilemma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim To systematically review, using a qualitative, narrative synthesis approach, papers examining alcohol industry efforts to influence alcohol marketing policy, and compare with those used by the tobacco industry. Methods Literature searches were conducted between April and July 2011, and updated in March 2013. Papers were included if they: made reference to alcohol industry efforts to influence (a) policy debates concerning marketing regulations, (b) new specific marketing policies or (c) broad alcohol policy which included marketing regulations; were written in English; and concerned the period 1990-2013. Alcohol industry political activity was categorized into strategies/tactics and frames/arguments. Data extraction was undertaken by the lead author and 100% of the papers were fully second-reviewed. Seventeen papers met the review criteria. Results Five main political strategies and five main frames were identified. The alcohol industry argues against marketing regulation by emphasizing industry responsibility and the effectiveness of self-regulation, questioning the effectiveness of statutory regulation and by focusing on individual responsibility. Arguments relating to industry responsibility are often reinforced through corporate social responsibility activities. The industry primarily conveys its arguments through manipulating the evidence base and by promoting ineffective voluntary codes and non-regulatory initiatives. Conclusions The alcohol industry's political activity is more varied than existing models of corporate political activity suggest. The industry's opposition to marketing regulation centres on claims that the industry is responsible and that self regulation is effective. There are considerable commonalities between tobacco and alcohol industry political activity, with differences due potentially to differences in policy contexts and perceived industry legitimacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Methods Results Discussion and Conclusions This paper aims to produce a comprehensive estimate of alcohol's harm to others (AHTO) from strangers among Australia adults in 2021. This survey was undertaken during COVID‐19 and aims to compare AHTO results with those from 12 years before and identify differences across socio‐demographics.Cross‐sectional data of 2574 Australian adults were collected in November 2021 via two survey modes: random digit dialling and the Life in Australia™ panel. Questions pertained to harms from the drinking of known and unknown others (‘strangers’) in the previous 12 months. Multivariable logistic regression is used to analyse differences in the experience of AHTO from strangers across age, gender and other socio‐demographics.Under half of Australian adults reported experiencing AHTO from a stranger (42.2%) during the period of COVID‐19. Women were at significantly higher odds of reporting harm than men. Significantly higher percentages of participants aged 18–49 reported harm than those 65 and over. Rates of experience of harm from strangers' drinking varied between different Australian regions. Adults engaging in less frequent risky drinking (less than 4 days a month) reported significantly greater experiences of harm than those not engaging in risky drinking in the past year.The current study provides a national estimate of AHTO from strangers in Australia during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Finding greater risk of experiencing AHTO from strangers among women than men differs from previous AHTO literature, and further research is required to determine if this is an emerging trend. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Alcohol's harm to others (AHTO) refers to harms caused to those other than the drinker. The current paper estimates the prevalence of formal and informal supports sought due to AHTO and examines whether the type of support accessed varies by sociodemographic, economic and harm‐related characteristics. Methods: An Australian sample of 2574 people completed the 2021 AHTO survey, out of which 888 perceived they experienced harm from another's drinking. Prevalence of accessing services and supports was measured. Additionally, several sociodemographic factors, economic factors and harm‐related factors were included in multivariable logistic regression models predicting service/support use. Specifically, four models were constructed probing use of any service/support, use of police, use of counselling services and use of family/friend support. Results: Of the survey sample, 12.4% accessed any support/service. Seeking support from family and/or friends was most common, followed by police, counselling, healthcare services and being admitted to hospital. Women had higher odds of accessing counselling and family/friend support. Respondents with a higher education level and two or more financial stressors had higher odds of accessing police and counselling. Respondents harmed by a stranger had higher odds of accessing police, whereas respondents harmed by someone they know had higher odds of seeking support from family/friends. Experiencing more severe harm was associated with greater odds of accessing any support. Discussion and Conclusions: Several sociodemographic and economic factors were associated with accessing different supports. These findings may inform service development, interventions and policy changes for people affected by others' drinking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and aims: Population‐level alcohol use data are available from high‐income countries, but limited research has been conducted in sub‐Saharan Africa. This systematic review and meta‐analysis aimed to summarize population‐level alcohol use in sub‐Saharan Africa. Method: Databases searched included PubMed, EMBASE, PsycINFO and AJOL, without language restrictions. Searches were also conducted in the Global Health Data Exchange (GHDx) and Google Scholar. Search terms encompassed 'substance' or 'substance‐related disorders' and 'prevalence' and 'sub‐Saharan Africa'. We included general population studies on alcohol use (including any use, high‐risk alcohol use and alcohol use disorders) from 2018 onwards. Prevalence data for alcohol use among sub‐Saharan African adolescents (10–17) and adults (18+) were extracted. Analyses included life‐time and past 12‐ and 6‐month alcohol use. Results: We included 141 papers. Among adolescents, the life‐time prevalence of alcohol use was 23.3% [95% confidence interval (CI) = 11.3–37.1%], 36.2% (CI = 18.4–56.1%) in the past year and 11.3% (CI = 4.5–20.4%) in the past 6 months. Among adolescents, 12‐month prevalence of alcohol use disorder and alcohol dependence were 7.7% (CI = 0.0–27.8%) and 4.1% (CI = 1.4–7.9%), respectively. Among adults, the life‐time prevalence of alcohol use was 34.9% (CI = 17.7–54.1%), 27.1% (CI = 5.0–56.4%) in the past year and 32.2% (CI = 19.8–46.0%) in the past 6 months. Among adults, the 12‐month prevalence of alcohol use disorder and alcohol dependence were 9.5% (CI = 0.0–30.4%) and 4.3% (CI = 0.8–9.8%), respectively. The highest weighted life‐time prevalence of alcohol use, 86.4%, was reported in Tanzania among adults. The highest weighted past 6‐month prevalence of alcohol use, 80.6%, was found in Zambia among adolescents. Conclusion: Alcohol use patterns vary across countries and subregions within sub‐Saharan Africa, and comprehensive population‐level data on alcohol use remain scarce in numerous sub‐Saharan African countries. The prevalence of alcohol use disorder is common among adolescents in sub‐Saharan Africa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims With governments relying increasingly upon the alcohol industry's self-regulated marketing codes to restrict alcohol marketing activity, there is a need to summarize the findings of research relevant to alcohol marketing controls. This paper provides a systematic review of studies investigating the content of, and exposure to, alcohol marketing in relation to self-regulated guidelines. Methods Peer-reviewed papers were identified through four literature search engines: SCOPUS, Web of Science, PubMed and PsychINFO. Non-peer-reviewed reports produced by public health agencies, alcohol research centers, non-governmental organizations and government research centers were also identified. Ninety-six publications met the inclusion criteria. Results Of the 19 studies evaluating a specific marketing code and 25 content analysis studies reviewed, all detected content that could be considered potentially harmful to children and adolescents, including themes that appeal strongly to young men. Of the 57 studies of alcohol advertising exposure, high levels of youth exposure and high awareness of alcohol advertising were found for television, radio, print, digital and outdoor advertisements. Youth exposure to alcohol advertising has increased over time, even as greater compliance with exposure thresholds has been documented. Conclusions Violations of the content guidelines within self-regulated alcohol marketing codes are highly prevalent in certain media. Exposure to alcohol marketing, particularly among youth, is also prevalent. Taken together, the findings suggest that the current self-regulatory systems that govern alcohol marketing practices are not meeting their intended goal of protecting vulnerable populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conference papers have highlighted the difficulty of conducting valid analyses of alcohol and drug abuse treatment services. Because of these difficulties, investigators, providers and policy makers could feel overwhelmed and be reluctant to initiate studies. The papers, however, also offer guidance and encourage researchers to apply these methods and improve their investigations. Common features of the papers are noted and the potential for making contributions to the state of the art is examined. Aspects of health services research that are not addressed in the papers are also discussed. Although alcohol services research is not easy and can be improved, the state of alcohol services research is where it belongs - in the middle of the personal, programmatic and policy level struggles to achieve stable recoveries from alcohol and drug dependence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Background and Aims: Dr Leslie E. Keeley was perhaps the world's most famous addiction cure doctor at the turn of the 20th century, but mainstream medicine dismissed him as a quack because he dispensed a secret cure. This paper aims to describe Keeley's now largely forgotten story and to draw attention to the role of contextual issues in the acceptance or rejection of any theory of addiction, particularly the neuroscientific theories of the early 21st century. Methods: This study is a qualitative assessment and contextualization of historical documents. Its main sources are archival and are, for the most part, unknown to historians. The paper also offers intellectual and historical context that is drawn from leading historical and sociological analyses. Results: Keeley's addiction cure was dismissed as quackery because it failed to meet the changing standards of late 19th‐century professional medicine. This begs us to consider contextual issues in any assertion of the viability of addiction therapeutics, in the present as well the past. Conclusions: Keeley's near erasure from the historical record was a consequence of a broader, late 19th‐century medical power struggle that took precedence over the testimony of tens of thousands of satisfied patients who claimed that Keeley's cure worked. Context matters in the assessment of the viability of theories of addiction from the past, but also from the present. Historians and social scientists are well placed to make those assessments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This technical note reviews the plethora of concentration units used to report blood‐alcohol concentration (BAC) and breath‐alcohol concentrations (BrAC) for legal purposes in different countries. The choice of units sometimes causes confusion when scientific papers originating from a certain country might be introduced into evidence via expert testimony, such as when alcohol‐related crimes are prosecuted. The concentration units are also important to consider when blood/breath ratios (BBRs) of alcohol are calculated and compared between countries. Statutory BAC limits for driving in most nations are reported in mass/volume (m/v) units, such as g/100 mL (g%) in the United States, mg/100 mL (mg%) in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland, or g/L (mg/mL) in many EU nations. By contrast, Germany and the Nordic countries report BAC as mass/mass (m/m) units, hence g/kg or mg/g, which are ~5.5% lower than m/v units, because whole blood has an average density of 1.055 g/mL. There are historical reasons for reporting BAC in mass/mass units because the aliquots of blood analyzed were measured by weight rather than volume. The difference between m/m and m/v is also important in postmortem toxicology, such as when distribution ratios of ethanol between blood and other biological specimens, such as urine, vitreous humor, and cerebrospinal fluid, are reported. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The current paper examines the proportion of drinking occasions and total alcohol consumed that takes place at off‐premise locations. Comparisons are made between high‐income countries: Australia, New Zealand, England and Scotland, and across drinker‐types: high‐risk and lower‐risk. Methods: Data were taken from the International Alcohol Control study in Australia (N = 1789), New Zealand (N = 1979), England (N = 2844) and Scotland (N = 1864). The cross‐national survey measures location and beverage‐specific alcohol consumption. The number of drinking occasions and mean consumption across on‐ and off‐premise locations and the proportion of drinking occasions that high‐ and lower‐risk drinkers had at on‐ and off‐premise locations was estimated for each country. Results: The majority of drinking occasions among high‐risk drinkers occurred at off‐premise locations across all four countries; Australia 80.1%, New Zealand 72.0%, England 61.7% and Scotland 60.7%. High‐risk drinkers in Australia had significantly larger proportions of drinking occasions occurring at off‐premise locations compared to England and Scotland. Across all countries, high‐risk drinkers and lower‐risk drinkers consumed significantly larger quantities of alcohol per occasion at off‐premise locations compared to on‐premises locations. Finally, the majority of total alcohol consumed occurred at off‐premise locations across all countries for high‐ and lower‐risk drinkers. Discussion and Conclusions: As the accessibility to alcohol outside of licensed premises continues to increase, particularly with the expansion of home delivery services, it is important to be mindful of the high proportion of heavy drinking occasions that occur off‐premise. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Excessive alcohol use is associated with non‐communicable diseases and social problems, such as work absence, financial problems and family violence. Expenditure and expenditure shares on alcohol are valuable measures to monitor financial activities on this risk behaviour. The aim of this paper is to report trends in alcohol expenditure in Australia over the last two decades. Methods: Data are from six waves of Australian Household Expenditure Surveys from 1984 to 2015–2016. We explored trends of alcohol expenditure among Australians and in different socio‐demographic groups in the last 30 years. We further examined changes of expenditure on different on‐ and off‐premises beverages over time. Results: Absolute alcohol expenditure has remained the same between the 1980s and 2016, after accounting for inflation. However, a declining trend in relative alcohol expenditure as a proportion of total household expenditure was found across nearly all demographic groups (e.g., sex, age, employment, household income), except for women aged 45–54, who showed an increasing trend of alcohol expenditure after 1998–1999. Discussion and Conclusions: The current study shows declines in relative alcohol expenditure, which may reflect declines in alcohol's relative importance within the elements of the person's lifestyle they need to pay for and/or increased awareness of alcohol's health and social harms. Further longitudinal analysis should explore additional predictors of household expenditure on alcohol. Results suggest that current bi‐annual indexation increases in alcohol tax should account for increases in income to ensure the effectiveness of pricing. Moreover, attention is needed to address drinking among middle‐aged females. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Psychiatric comorbidity is high in adults with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), with up to 90% having at least one additional condition, and two‐thirds having two or more other diagnoses. With an increasing aging population in industrialized counties, knowing which psychiatric disorders frequently co‐occur in older adults with PTSD can have implications to improve diagnosis and treatment. This systematic literature review explores the current empirical literature on psychiatric comorbidity in older adults with PTSD. Method: Literature databases PubMed, Embase, PsycINFO, and CINAHL were searched. The following inclusion criteria were applied: research done since 2013, PTSD diagnosis based on diagnostic criteria according to Diagnostic and Statistics Manual‐Fifth Edition, International Classification of Diseases—10th Revision (ICD‐10), or ICD‐11, and studies include individuals aged 60 years or older. Results: Of 2068 potentially relevant papers identified, 246 articles were examined based on titles and abstracts. Five papers met the inclusion criteria and were included. Major depressive disorder and alcohol use disorder were the most frequently studied and diagnosed psychiatric comorbidities in older adults with PTSD. Conclusions and implications: Screening for depression and substance use in older adults should include an assessment of trauma and PTSD. Additional studies in the general older adult population with PTSD and a broader range of comorbid psychiatric disorders are needed. Key points: Major depressive disorder and alcohol use disorders are the most frequently studied and diagnosed psychiatric comorbidities in older adults with PTSD.Based on this, screening for trauma and PTSD should be included in older adults with depression and substance useQualitative epidemiological studies on psychiatric comorbidities, such as personality disorders, in older adults with PTSD are limited and needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alcohol use is a major cause of disability and death globally. These negative consequences disproportionately affect people who develop alcohol addiction, a chronic relapsing condition characterized by increased motivation to use alcohol, choice of alcohol over healthy, natural rewards, and continued use despite negative consequences. Available pharmacotherapies for alcohol addiction are few, have effect sizes in need of improvement, and remain infrequently prescribed. Research aimed at developing novel therapeutics has in large part focused on attenuating pleasurable or "rewarding" properties of alcohol, but this targets processes that primarily play a role as initiation factors. As clinical alcohol addiction develops, long‐term changes in brain function result in a shift of affective homeostasis, and rewarding alcohol effects become progressively reduced. Instead, increased stress sensitivity and negative affective states emerge in the absence of alcohol and create powerful incentives for relapse and continued use through negative reinforcement, or "relief." Based on research in animal models, several neuropeptide systems have been proposed to play an important role in this shift, suggesting that these systems could be targeted by novel medications. Two mechanisms in this category, antagonism at corticotropin‐releasing factor type 1, and neurokinin 1/substance P receptors, have been subject to initial evaluation in humans. A third, kappa‐opioid receptor antagonism, has been evaluated in nicotine addiction and could soon be tested for alcohol. This paper discusses findings with these mechanisms to date, and their prospects as future targets for novel medications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Crystal violet is a very common dye in ballpoint ink. Recent research suggests that the degradation of triarylmethane dyes gives an indication of the age of a ballpoint pen entry on a document. The main problem for the quantitative evaluation of the degradation is that it is highly dependent on the exposure to light. Moreover additional factors, such as additives and substrate play an important role in this process. The aim of this work is to compare the degradation pathways of the pure dye in water and ethanol upon exposure to xenon light by UV/VIS spectrophotometry and laser desorption ionization. Significant differences have been observed in the products and the kinetics of the degradation. N-demethylation, an expected decomposition process, was found to take place only in aqueous solution and kinetics calculations showed that the degradation occurred 2.5 times faster in ethanol compared to water. The degradation of crystal violet in inks from four ballpoint pens on paper was also studied for entries made over 2–3 years. It was observed that degradation reactions were quenched by the presence of another dye due to competitive absorption. It was also observed that the thickness of a stroke (concentration of ink) influenced the degradation process. In the absence of light only one ballpoint pen showed slight degradation. A better understanding of the influence of the paper, ink composition, and storage conditions is necessary to interpret correctly the age of an ink based on the degradation of dyes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Radiochromic films composed of polymer matrices and organic dyes are widely used for routine dosimetry purposes in operation of various radiation facilities—gamma and X‐ray‐irradiation, electron accelerators, and so on. However, the sensitivity of these films rapidly decreases at doses exceeding 30–50 kGy due to a saturation of their optical response, making them unsuitable for accurate dosimetry in radiation processing of polymers and composites where doses up to 200 kGy are typically employed. To overcome this limitation, the use of inorganic substances as the coloring agents of polymer‐based radiochromic films was proposed in this paper, specifically, heteropolyacidacid H3PW12O40 (tungstophosphoric acid) in the matrix of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA). Nanocomposite PVA/H3PW12O40 films were prepared by solution casting and their optical responses toward 60Co gamma radiation and beams of 6 MeV electrons for a dose range of 10–200 kGy were investigated. It was established that upon exposure to gamma rays and electron beams, the films turn blue and a broad absorption band at 750 nm appears in their spectra. Importantly, the radiation‐induced optical absorption increases in a linear fashion up to the dose of 150 kGy and only slightly deviates from linearity at 200 kGy. Moreover, it was found that the PVA/H3PW12O40 films have a long shelf life, are dose‐rate independent within a wide range, and color‐stable after irradiation. All these features make the nanocomposite PVA/H3PW12O40 films promising for use as routine dosimeters and dose labels in a much wider range of high doses as compared to radiochromic films based on organic dyes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: In 2015/2016 controversy followed the publication of a report on an anthropological study of Australian and New Zealand night‐time economies funded by a major alcohol producer. This paper explores the background, moments of public controversy and political uses of the report. Methods: Informed by the sociology of scientific controversies, we review the available relevant work of the author of the report, associated material such as press releases, newspaper articles (n = 18) and industry submissions to government (n = 12). Attention was paid to the ways in which claims were made about the relationship between alcohol and violence, and the ways in which credibility and legitimacy were constructed. Results: The author of the report has longstanding associations with alcohol industry organisations. Claims made regarding alcohol and violence have remained highly consistent over time, and appear oblivious to developments in the evidence. In the media, the story was largely framed as a contest of credibility between compromised parties. The report continues to be used in alcohol industry submissions to government. Discussion and Conclusions: This analysis suggests that this is a 'counterfeit scientific controversy'; in our assessment, the report has had value not as a contribution to the scientific literature, but as a resource in the claims‐making practices of the alcohol industry. Studies of the ways in which industry actors foster science‐related content conducted at significant social and conceptual distance from the core of the relevant research community will enhance understandings of the ways in which industry actors engage with science and policy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines the relationship between the gender power balance, changes in the consumption of alcohol and changing social interdependences. The empirical setting is Ireland circa 1900 up to the present. Drawing from the works of Norbert Elias, I explain how a lessening of the power inequality between men and women was more moderate and limited up to the 1960s. The effect of this was that emancipatory changes around drinking were mainly confined to women from specific social cohorts. As the reduction in gender power inequality accelerated post 1960 it initially increased tensions between the genders, reflected in new power struggles over the social spaces in which drinking occurred and in the type of glass one should drink from. Despite the emergence of less unequal power relations, men continued to have a model setting function in relation to alcohol consumption. A central contention of the paper is the need to give greater consideration to the nature of social interdependences for they can generate a lessening of power inequalities for some social cohorts while failing to generate such a dynamic for other similar social groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Semiconductor‐based photocatalytic conversion of solar energy is a promising method for the synthesis of high value‐added chemicals. In this paper, a cocatalyst‐free nano‐twin crystal ZnxCd1−xS (T−ZnxCd1−xS) semiconductor was employed to achieve almost complete conversion of DNDPE and the yield of ODA product achieves >99 % in 40 min reaction time without additional hydrogen source. As far as we know, this is the first time to apply the photocatalytic technology for reducing DNDPE to ODA, and the photocatalytic efficiency has greatly exceeded the result of traditional catalytic method. Theoretical calculation and isotope labeling in situ HPLC‐MS analysis demonstrates that the reduction mechanism of DNDPE is two nitro groups of DNDPE are separately instead of simultaneously reduced, following the process of DNDPE→NO2−C6H4−O−C6H4−NO→NO2−C6H4−O−C6H4−NHOH→NO2−C6H4−O−C6H4−NH2→NO−C6H4−O−C6H4−NH2→NH2−C6H4−O−C6H4−NHOH→ODA. Hydrogen protons of water, instead of ethanol, provide the hydrogen source for the photocatalytic reduction of DNDPE to ODA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background We examined differences in response to self-reported alcohol use items by survey mode, whether self-report differences were the result of modality effects or self-selection, and whether these differences varied across the treatment and control arms of a preventative intervention trial. Methods Data from an existing alcohol prevention trial were used to estimate the effect of survey modality on adolescent's self-reported alcohol use at ages 17 to 18. Estimates were derived from regression models controlling for self-reported alcohol use during 8th grade, measured using a single survey modality, as well as time invariant selection factors. Results No statistically significant survey modality effects were found. No differential effects of survey modality were observed by assigned intervention group. Conclusions We provide initial evidence that adolescent alcohol prevention trials may use multiple survey modalities when necessary to increase response rates without harming interpretation of intervention effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A letter to the editor is presented in response to the study "Specialty Substance Use Disorder Services Following Brief Alcohol Intervention: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials" by J.E. Glass, A.M. Hamilton, B.J. Powell, B.E. Perron, R.T. Brown, and M.A. Ilgen in volume 110 of the periodical.

Background and Aims Exposure to alcohol marketing is considered to be potentially harmful to adolescents. In addition to statutory regulation, industry self-regulation is a common way to protect adolescents from alcohol marketing exposures. This paper critically reviews research designed to evaluate the effectiveness of the alcohol industry's compliance procedures to manage complaints when alcohol marketing is considered to have violated a self-regulatory code. Methods Peer-reviewed papers were identified through four literature search engines: PubMed, SCOPUS, PsychINFO and CINAHL. Non-peer-reviewed reports produced by public health agencies, alcohol research centers, non-governmental organizations, government research centers and national industry advertising associations were also included. Results The search process yielded three peer-reviewed papers, seven non-peer reviewed reports published by academic institutes and non-profit organizations and 20 industry reports. The evidence indicates that the complaint process lacks standardization across countries, industry adjudicators may be trained inadequately or biased and few complaints are upheld against advertisements pre-determined to contain violations of a self-regulatory code. Conclusions The current alcohol industry marketing complaint process used in a wide variety of countries may be ineffective at removing potentially harmful content from the market-place. The process of determining the validity of complaints employed by most industry groups appears to suffer from serious conflict of interest and procedural weaknesses that could compromise objective adjudication of even well-documented complaints. In our opinion the current system of self-regulation needs major modifications if it is to serve public health objectives, and more systematic evaluations of the complaint process are needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aldehydes can not only accept hydrogen atoms to be reduced to alcohols, showing their oxidation properties; but also can donate hydrogen atoms of the C(sp2)−H bonds as hydrogen atom donors, showing their reduction properties. In this article, the hydrogen atom transfer reactions of eight aldehydes and free radicals in acetonitrile at 298 K were studied. The thermo‐kinetic parameters ΔG≠°(XH) of C(sp2)−H bonds in aldehydes were obtained by ΔG≠XH/Y=ΔG≠°(XH)+ΔG≠°(Y) as the ΔG≠°(Y) of free radicals were available in our previous work. The bond dissociation free energies ΔGo(XH) of C(sp2)−H bonds were calculated by iBonD HM method. The intrinsic resistance energies ΔG≠XH/X were determined as the ΔG≠°(XH) and ΔGo(XH) were available. ΔGo(XH), ΔG≠XH/X, and ΔG≠°(XH) were used to access the H‐donating abilities of C(sp2)−H bonds in aldehydes in thermodynamics, kinetics and actual HAT reactions. The scales and the effect of the structures of aldehydes on ΔGo(XH), ΔG≠XH/X, and ΔG≠°(XH) were discussed carefully. The oxidizing and reducing abilities of aldehydes, and the comparison of H‐donating abilities between C(sp2)−H of aldehydes with C(sp3)−H of the corresponding alcohols were also researched in detail. This paper not only fills the gap in the study of H‐donating activities of aldehydic C−H bonds, but also provides data support for the design and synthesis of more C(sp2)−H type antioxidants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Venue capacity has been proposed as a factor associated with increased number of violent incidents on‐premises, though no specific research has demonstrated this association, and instead has tended to focus on the relationship between crowding and aggression. The aim of current paper is to investigate the association between venue capacity and the number of violent incidents on‐premises. Methods: Venue capacity data (the maximum capacity listed on the liquor license) were obtained for all venues in central Melbourne from 2010 until 2016. These data were then matched with police‐recorded on‐premises assaults that occurred within high‐alcohol hours (Friday and Saturday 8 pm–6 am) inside the venue. Results: Analyses were conducted on 5729 venue‐years (yearly assault counts per venue, per year) across central Melbourne. Compared with venues that have a maximum capacity of between 0 and 100 patrons, venues with higher capacities have increasingly more recorded assaults. Venues with maximum capacities between 501 and 1000 are 6.1 times more likely to have an assault recorded compared with venues with a maximum capacity between 0 and 100. Further, each additional high‐alcohol hour that a venue can be open for is associated with a 72% increase in the number of recorded assaults. Conclusions: Greater venue capacity was found to be strongly associated with an increased risk of violent incidents for any given venue. This was further exacerbated by late‐night trading which substantially adds to the risk of assaults inside the venue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Substance use, that is of cigarettes, alcohol and chemical inhalants, is a major contributor to health‐compromising behaviors and the related consequences among adolescents around the world. The purpose of this paper is to examine trends in this phenomenon in South Korea among sexually active adolescents who reported sexual minority behaviors as compared to their heterosexual (HS) peers. Design and Methods: This study used data from the annual web‐based survey called Korea Youth Risk Behavior Survey in 5‐year intervals: 2006, 2011, and 2016. From 2017, the questions regarding the gender of sex partners were excluded from the survey, thus no data is available for sexual minorities after 2016. Selected data (Unweighted n = 10,029) was used to assess whether substance use increased, decreased, or remained unchanged among adolescents who reported same‐sex (SS) behaviors and bisexual (BS) behaviors compared to their peers reporting HS behaviors. Demographic variables included age and assigned gender. Substances referred to are cigarettes, alcohol, and chemical inhalants. Logistic regression models were sex‐stratified according to assigned gender. Trend analyses were carried out to examine disparities in substance use among sexually active adolescents across the three survey years. Results: Across the three survey years, cigarette use, alcohol use, and problematic drinking declined among all sexually active youths, but there were some differences among the subgroups. In 2016, SS girls were more likely to use cigarettes than HS girls. The prevalence of alcohol use and problematic drinking among BS girls was relatively higher than among girls who exhibited either HS or SS behaviors. Inhalant use was very high among both boys and girls with SS and BS behaviors. Practice Implications: The findings of the study reveal disparities in substance use between sexual minority and heterosexual adolescents in South Korea. This creates an alarm for collecting data separately for sexually diverse youth in future Korean national surveys with a goal of reducing substance use among all adolescents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With their excellent properties, hydrogels have attracted much attention for their potential application. However, it is still necessary to study the influencing factors of the hydrogel preparation process and its self‐healing mechanism. In this paper, the preparation method of boric acid (BA) cross‐linked poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA)/hyaluronic acid (HA) hydrogel appeared to become studied in order to explore the effect of pressure in the cross‐linking process. Associated with, PVA and HA were combined, and then the mixture was cross‐linked with BA to produce BA‐PVA/HA hydrogel. The state of the hydrogel after cross‐linking was transformed after centrifugal pressure method, and its performance was analyzed experimentally. Compared with the BA‐PVA/HA hydrogel without centrifugal supercharging, the hydrogel after centrifugation has lower water content and lubricating effect, and the surface hardness is improved at the same time. In addition, the BA‐PVA/HA hydrogel has no external stimulation at room temperature, can also self‐heal quickly have based on hydrogen bonds, and has good recyclability. These results indicate that adding centrifugation steps in the preparation of BA‐PVA/HA hydrogels could properly switch the state of the hydrogels, which is expected to provide a certain research basis for the preparation and application of hydrogels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Before COVID‐19, Native Hawaiians/Pacific Islanders (NH/PI) endured a heavy burden of alcohol, tobacco and other drug (ATOD) use in prior US data. Responding to reports that many NH/PI communities experienced severe COVID‐19 disparities that could exacerbate their ATOD burden, we partnered with NH/PI communities to assess the substance use patterns and treatment needs of diverse NH/PIs during COVID‐19. Methods: Collaborating with NH/PI community organisations across five states with large NH/PI populations, we conducted a large‐scale investigation of NH/PI ATOD use, mental health and treatment need during COVID‐19. Between April and November 2021, NH/PI‐heritage research staff from our community partners collected data involving 306 NH/PI adults using several community‐based recruitment methods (e‐mail, telephone, in‐person) and two survey approaches: online and paper‐and‐pencil. Multivariate regressions were conducted to examine potential predictors of NH/PI alcohol use disorder and need for behavioural health treatment. Results: During COVID‐19, 47% and 22% of NH/PI adults reported current alcohol and cigarette use, while 35% reported lifetime illicit substance use (e.g., cannabis, opioid). Depression and anxiety were high, and alcohol use disorder, major depression and generalised anxiety disorder prevalence were 27%, 27% and 19%, respectively. One‐third of participants reported past‐year treatment need with lifetime illicit substance use, COVID‐19 distress and major depression respectively associating with 3.0, 1.2, and 5.3 times greater adjusted odds for needing treatment. Conclusions: NH/PI adults reported heavy ATOD use, depression, anxiety and treatment need during COVID‐19. Targeted research and treatment services may be warranted to mitigate COVID‐19's negative behavioural health impact on NH/PI communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]