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Crossed high alcohol preferring (cHAP) mice have been selectively bred to consume considerable amounts of alcohol resulting in binge drinking. The dorsomedial striatum (DMS) is a brain region involved in goal‐directed action selection, and dorsolateral striatum (DLS) is a brain region involved in habitual action selection. Alcohol use disorder (AUD) may involve a disruption in the balance between the DMS and DLS. While the DLS is involved in binge drinking, the reliance on the DMS and DLS in binge drinking has not been investigated in cHAP mice. We have previously demonstrated that glutamatergic activity in the DLS is necessary for binge‐like alcohol drinking in C57BL/6J mice, another high drinking mouse. Because of this, we hypothesised that DLS glutamatergic activity would gate binge‐like alcohol drinking in cHAP mice. cHAP mice underwent bilateral cannulation into the DMS or DLS and were allowed free‐access to 20% alcohol for 2 h each day for 11 days. Mice were microinjected with the α‐amino‐3‐hydroxy‐5‐methyl‐4‐isoxazolepropionic acid receptor (AMPAR) antagonist, NBQX, into the DMS or DLS immediately prior to alcohol access. AMPAR protein expression was also assessed in a separate group of animals in the DMS and DLS following an 11‐day drinking history. We found that intra‐DMS (but not intra‐DLS) NBQX alters binge alcohol drinking, with intra‐DMS NBQX increasing alcohol consumption. We also found that the ratio of GluA1 to GluA2 differs across dorsal striatal subregions. Together, these findings suggest that glutamatergic activity in the DMS may serve to limit binge drinking in cHAP mice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: It is not uncommon to encounter outpatients in the hepatology department with harmful alcohol habits. When treating such chronic liver disease (CLD) patients, an adequate intervention method for harm reduction of alcohol use, such as brief intervention (BI) or BI and nalmefene, should be considered. This study aimed to elucidate the clinical effectiveness of BI for CLD patients affected by harmful alcohol use. Methods: From June 2021 to 2023, 123 Japanese CLD outpatients (hepatitis B virus : hepatitis C virus : alcoholic liver disease : others = 32:18:42:31) with an Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) score of ≥8 at the initial interview and a repeat interview with AUDIT 9 months later were enrolled. Clinical features related to patient behavior following the initial AUDIT interview were retrospectively evaluated, and compared between patients without and with BI treatment. Results: For the non‐BI and BI groups, baseline AUDIT score (median 10 [interquartile range (IQR) 9–13] vs. 12 [IQR 10–17], p = 0.016) and relative change in AUDIT score (median 0 [IQR −3 to 2] vs. −3 [IQR −7 to 0], p < 0.01) showed significant differences, whereas there was no significant difference between the groups for AUDIT score at the time of the second interview (p = 0.156). Following BI, significant improvements were observed for items 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 8, and 10 of AUDIT (each p < 0.05). Conclusion: Patients with an alcohol use disorder as well as those with alcohol dependency who received BI showed a significant decline in AUDIT score, although the score of the follow‐up AUDIT indicated continued alcohol use disorder. In addition to BI, medication with nalmefene should be considered, based on individual factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Increasingly large samples in genome-wide association studies (GWASs) for alcohol use behaviors (AUBs) have led to an influx of implicated genes, yet the clinical and functional understanding of these associations remains low, in part because most GWASs do not account for the complex and varied manifestations of AUBs. This study applied a multidimensional framework to investigate the latent genetic structure underlying heterogeneous dimensions of AUBs. Methods: Multimodal assessments (self-report, interview, electronic health records) were obtained from approximately 400,000 UK Biobank participants. GWAS was conducted for 18 distinct AUBs, including consumption, drinking patterns, alcohol problems, and clinical sequelae. Latent genetic factors were identified and carried forward to GWAS using genomic structural equation modeling, followed by functional annotation, genetic correlation, and enrichment analyses to interpret the genetic associations. Results: Four latent factors were identified: Problems, Consumption, BeerPref (declining alcohol consumption with a preference for drinking beer), and AtypicalPref (drinking fortified wine and spirits). The latent factors were moderately correlated (rg values, 0.12–0.57) and had distinct patterns of associations, with BeerPref in particular implicating many novel genomic regions. Patterns of regional and cell type–specific gene expression in the brain also differed between the latent factors. Conclusions: Deep phenotyping is an important next step to improve understanding of the genetic etiology of AUBs, in addition to increasing sample size. Further effort is required to uncover the genetic heterogeneity underlying AUBs using methods that account for their complex, multidimensional nature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: There is a dearth of research on suicidal ideation (SI) that occurs specifically in the context of drinking alcohol. Alcohol use and binge drinking are both elevated among college students, among whom sexual and gender minority (SGM) students are at particular risk for SI. This manuscript examines alcohol use, SI, and SI specifically in the context of alcohol use among a large sample of undergraduate students and examines differences across sexual and gender minority groups. Methods: Data were drawn from ~ 300,000 students who completed the American College Health Association National College Health Assessment (ACHA-NCHA) between Spring 2019 and Fall 2022. Participants reported identity variables and information about drinking behaviors and suicidal ideation over the past year. Multilevel models were used for all analyses. Results: Risky drinking behaviors and higher blood alcohol content during the last episode of social drinking were associated with higher odds of SI while drinking. Rates of risky drinking behaviors, SI, and SI while drinking were elevated among SGM students with SGM men and nonbinary students reporting the highest rates across groups. Conclusion: SI while drinking, which is seldom assessed in measures of either measures of suicidal thoughts or alcohol use behavior, is an important construct for further research to improve our understanding of high risk states for suicide. Given elevated rates of alcohol use and SI among college students, providing education and resources to reduce SI while drinking is a critical target for universities, particularly to reduce risk among vulnerable SGM students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alcohol calculations are carried out in many forensic case types. On occasion, individuals under the age of 18 are involved, and alcohol calculations may be beneficial. To date, there are no studies that have determined the best way to estimate total body water (TBW) or alcohol elimination rates in juveniles for alcohol calculations. We utilized a data set of 207 females and 218 males, aged 3–18 years, from a variety of ethnic backgrounds, where TBW had been empirically measured, to evaluate the best anthropometric equation to use to estimate TBW in juveniles. For males aged 3–15 years and females aged 2–13 years, the equation of Wells et al. was the most accurate and precise (RMSE of ≤10.4% in males and ≤9.9% in females). For males aged 16+ years and females aged 14+ years, the equation of Watson et al. was more appropriate (RMSE ≤11.5% and ≤12.4%, respectively). Based on published studies where the alcohol elimination rate was determined in 43 juveniles (aged 10‐17 years) who were hospitalized due to alcohol consumption, a mean alcohol elimination rate of 16 mg/100 mL/h should be used. The recommended range being 9–25 mg/100 mL (5th–95th percentile). This study provides evidence that there are valid anthropometric equations to determine TBW and alcohol elimination rates that can be used for alcohol calculations in juveniles between the ages of 10 and 17. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: People with childhood-onset disabilities are living into adulthood, and the prevalence of smoking and illicit drug use among adults with disabilities is high. We evaluated the relationship between disability status and age of disability onset, current cigarette smoking status, and heavy alcohol drinking. Methods: We conducted a secondary data analysis of the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS), a US survey on illness and disability. Among 2020 NHIS participants aged 22-80 years (n = 28 225), we compared self-reported prevalence of current cigarette smoking and heavy alcohol drinking among those with and without disabilities and among those with childhood- versus adult-onset disabilities. We used adjusted logistic regression analysis to calculate the adjusted odds ratios (AORs) of current smoking and heavy alcohol drinking based on disability status and age of disability onset. Results: Compared with adults without disabilities, adults with disabilities were significantly more likely to report current smoking (23.5% vs 11.2%; P <.001) and significantly less likely to report heavy alcohol drinking (5.3% vs 7.4%; P =.001). The prevalence of these behaviors did not vary significantly by age of disability onset. In adjusted logistic regression models, adults with disabilities had significantly higher odds of current smoking (AOR = 1.76; 95% CI, 1.53-2.03) and similar odds of heavy alcohol drinking (AOR = 0.82; 95% CI, 0.65-1.04) compared with adults without disabilities. The odds of these health behaviors did not vary significantly by age of disability onset. Conclusions: Adults with disabilities overall may be at high risk for these unhealthy behaviors, particularly smoking, regardless of age of disability onset. Routine screening and cessation counseling related to smoking and unhealthy alcohol use are important for all people with disabilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims: Recently, a new entity was introduced, MetALD, which includes patients with metabolic dysfunction‐associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), who consume moderate amounts of alcohol. However, little is known regarding the metabolic and clinical characteristics of these patients. Methods: Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys 2017–2020 was used. Participants without valid transient elastography (TE) measurements, incomplete alcohol consumption report, or with alternative etiologies of liver steatosis were excluded. Results: A total of 6901 patients were included in the study, of which 106 (1.5%) had MetALD. Overall, MetALD patients showed a metabolic profile that was more similar to patients with alcohol related liver disease (ALD) than MASLD. Specifically, while patients with MetALD showed values in‐between MASLD and ALD for body mass index (BMI), aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), gamma glutamyltransferase (GGT) and haemoglobin A1c, they had similar high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐C), blood pressure, prevalence of diabetes and insulin resistance to ALD patients. Increasing alcohol consumption was associated with lower insulin resistance and A1c and higher triglycerides, HDL‐C and blood pressure. Moreover, while AST, ALT and GGT increased with alcohol consumption, this did not translate into worse hepatic steatosis or liver fibrosis by TE. Conclusions: MetALD patients share some characteristics with MASLD, but they resemble ALD patients more, especially after adjusting for BMI. Alcohol consumption produces a dissociation between insulin resistance and some cardiometabolic risk factors (blood pressure and HDL‐C), which may make the current classification of patients challenging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: A growing number of studies investigated the factors that contribute to driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol in relation to gender. However, a gendered approach of the scientific evidence is missing in the literature. To fill this gap, a gender-driven systematic review on real case studies of the last two decades was performed. In addition to the gender of the drivers involved, major independent variables such as the period of recruitment, the type of drivers recruited, and the geographical area where the study was conducted, were examined. Afterwards, a meta-analysis was performed comparing alcohol-positive rates (APR) between male and female drivers in three subgroups of drivers: those involved in road traffic accidents, those randomly tested on the road, and volunteers. Methods: Three databases were searched for eligible studies in October 2023. Real-case studies reporting APR in man and women convicted for DUI of alcohol worldwide were included. Univariate analysis by ANOVA with post-hoc tests identified the independent variables with a significant impact on the dependent variable APR, according to a relationship subsequently investigated by standard multiple linear regression. The meta-analysis of random effects estimates was performed to investigate the change in overall effect size (measured by Cohen's d standardized mean difference test) and 95% confidence interval (CI). Results: Among papers addressing driver gender, univariate analysis of independent variables revealed a higher Alcohol Positive Rate (APR) in men, particularly in drivers involved in crashes, with a noticeable decrease over time. Analyzing the gender of drivers involved in crashes, the meta-analysis showed that men had a significantly higher APR (30.7%; 95%CI 26.8–35.0) compared to women (13.2%; 95%CI 10.7–16.1). However, in drivers randomly tested, there was no significant difference in APR between genders (2.1% for men and 1.4% for women), while in volunteers, there was a statistically significant difference in APR with 3.4% (95%CI 1.5–7.6) for men and 1.1% (95%CI 0.5–2.7) for women. Conclusion: Despite a progressive decrease in the epidemiological prevalence of alcohol-related DUI over time, this phenomenon remains at worryingly high levels among drivers involved in road traffic accidents in both genders, with a higher prevalence in men. It's important for policymakers, professionals, and scientists to consider gender when planning research, analysis, interventions, and policies related to psychoactive substances, such as alcohol or other licit drugs. Forensic sciences can play a vital role in this regard, enabling a thorough analysis of gender gaps in different populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the Western world, sales of alcoholic beverages are skyrocketing. Alcohol (ethanol) is consumed for its transient euphoric effects but is a risk factor for the development of heart disease. Here, we review the possible association between alcohol consumption and atrial fibrillation. Using a familiar analogy, we propose that atrial fibrillation is the mere tip of an iceberg (alcohol-associated heart disease). Our concern is that the many research studies on the effects of ethanol on the heart have produced inconsistent results. These include studies of individuals drinking only moderate amounts of alcoholic beverages (aka the "French paradox") on the one hand, and paroxysmal atrial fibrillation after binge drinking ("holiday heart syndrome") on the other hand. The evidence available in the literature suggests that hypertension, structured heart disease of any form, neurohumoral stress, and cardiometabolic disorders all favor the development of atrial fibrillation triggered by alcohol. We also suggest that alcohol should be classified as a modifiable risk factor for atrial fibrillation, and also for heart disease in general. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: This study aimed to identify the prevalence and types of harm to children from others' drinking in Australia, as indicated by caregivers, and examine socio‐demographic characteristics of caregivers who indicated a child was affected by others' drinking. Design, setting, participants and measurements: A subsample of 854 adult respondents, who were caregivers of children under 18 years from the 2021 Australian Alcohol's Harm to Others study, were asked questions about whether children in their care had been negatively affected by others' drinking in the past year. Weighted prevalence estimates of overall and specific harms to children are presented. Logistic regressions were conducted to determine characteristics associated with indicating harms to children from others' drinking. Findings: Over 17% of caregivers (95% confidence interval [CI] = 13.0–19.0) indicated that one or more children in their care had been affected by others' drinking in the past 12 months. Verbal abuse (6.2%; 95% CI = 4.3–8.3) was the most common harm indicated, followed by financial harm (4.3%; 95% CI = 2.7–6.2). One percent of caregivers (95% CI = 0.4–2.3) indicated a child was physically hurt and less than 1% (95% CI = 0.2–1.4) indicated a child was the subject of a child protection call due to someone's drinking. Women and caregivers over 65 years were more likely to indicate a child had been affected compared with men and caregivers under 65 years. Caregivers who drank five or more drinks at least three times per week were four times more likely to indicate a child was affected compared with abstainers. Living in a household with someone who drinks heavily and who had negatively affected the child's caregiver was associated with an increased likelihood of child harm. Conclusions: In 2021, a weighted survey estimate for caregivers in Australia indicated that almost one in six children had been affected by others' drinking. Heavier drinking of caregivers and other household members was the most substantial predictor for indicating a child had been negatively affected by others' drinking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims: Studies on adolescent alcohol use and cognition are often unable to separate the potential causal effects of alcohol use on cognition from shared etiological influences, including genetic influences or other substance use comorbidities also known to be associated with cognition, such as nicotine use. The present study aimed to fill this gap and clarify the relationship between adolescent alcohol use and young adult cognition by accounting for both measured and unmeasured confounders. Design: A random effects model accounting for nesting in families was used to control for measured confounders. Next, co‐twin comparisons were conducted within the full sample and in monozygotic twin pairs (MZ) to control for unmeasured genetic and environmental confounders shared by co‐twins. Participants/Setting: Participants were 812 individuals (58.6% female, 361 complete pairs, 146 MZ pairs) from the longitudinal FinnTwin12 study in Finland. Measurements Adolescent alcohol use was indexed with measures of frequency of use and intoxication averaged across ages 14 and 17. Cognitive outcomes were measured at average age 22 and included Trail Making Test, California Stroop test, Wechsler Adult Intelligence subtests (Vocabulary, Block Design, Digit Symbol), Digit Span subtest of Wechsler Memory Scale, Mental Rotation Test and Object Location Memory test. Covariates included sex, parental education, general cognitive ability, current alcohol use and nicotine use. Findings Greater frequency of alcohol use and frequency of intoxication across adolescence was associated with decreased vocabulary scores in the co‐twin control [freq: stnd beta = −0.12, 95% confidence interval (CI) = −0.234, −0.013] and MZ only co‐twin control models (freq: stnd beta = −0.305, 95% CI = –0.523, −0.087; intox: stnd beta = −0.301, 95% CI = ‐0.528, −0.074). Conclusions: In Finland, there appears to be little evidence that adolescent alcohol use causes cognitive deficits in young adulthood, except modest evidence for association of higher adolescent alcohol use with lower young adult vocabulary scores. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To examine the relationship between racial/ethnic disparities and substance use behaviours (alcohol and tobacco use) and their impact on the sleep health of South Korean adolescents. Design: Secondary analysis of cross‐sectional study data from the 2021 Korea Youth Risk Behaviour Web‐based Survey dataset. Methods: Given that Korean society has historically linked its racial/ethnic identity to a shared bloodline, we categorized 2644 adolescents from the Korea Youth Risk Behaviour Web‐based Survey based on their racial/ethnic status, determined by their parents' birthplaces. Using multiple linear regression, we investigated whether the impact of racial/ethnic disparities on sleep health (sleep duration, debt, and timing) varies depending on substance use behaviours (alcohol and tobacco use) after controlling for age, sex, household economic status, depressed mood, suicidal ideation, perceived excessive stress, and anxiety level. Results: Despite no statistical differences in sleep health and the prevalence of substance use between racial/ethnic groups, racial/ethnic minority adolescents experienced greater sleep debt than racial/ethnic majority adolescents when consuming alcohol. Moreover, racial/ethnic minority adolescents were more likely to report psychosocial distress and had lower parental education level. Conclusion: Racial/ethnic minority adolescents were more vulnerable to the detrimental effects of alcohol use on sleep health compared to racial/ethnic majority adolescents. This heightened vulnerability may be attributed to the more pronounced psychosocial challenges and the lower socioeconomic status of parents in the racial/ethnic minority group. Impact: Racial/ethnic disparities are concerning in South Korea, particularly since the negative effects of substance use on sleep health are intensified among racial/ethnic minority adolescents. Nurses and other healthcare providers should recognize the importance of addressing the social disadvantages linked to racial/ethnic disparities. Beyond just advocating for the cessation of substance use, it is crucial to address these underlying issues to reduce sleep disparities among South Korean adolescents. Patient or Public Contribution: No patient or public contribution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: As most substance use prevention programs are offered at school, it is important to explore which group of students might be at increased risk. Both researchers and educators have often maintained that students with special educational needs due to emotional and behavioral disorders (SENs-EBD) are particularly vulnerable. Hence, the aim of the current systematic review was to examine the alcohol and cannabis use by students with SENs-EBD in comparison to students without SENs or other types of SENs. Methods: Adhering to the PRISMA guidelines, the review was registered on PROSPERO (CRD42023375799) and search terms were entered in Web of Science, Scopus, ERIC, and PubMed in December 2022. Publications were required to report on empirical quantitative studies (primary data) that assessed alcohol and/or cannabis use by adolescent students with SENs-EBD and a comparison group, and be published in English-language journal articles, conference papers, or book chapters from 2000 onwards. The QuADS tool was used for quality assessment. Results: Based on these criteria, six articles (sample sizes N = 61 to N = 122,180) were included for the thematic narrative synthesis. The studies revealed that the percentage of students with SENs-EBD consuming alcohol and cannabis was higher compared to students who did not have SENs or attended mainstream schools. Conclusion: The small number of heterogeneous studies, with limitations concerning the sample size, missing effect sizes, and influence of control variables, demonstrates the need for more research. The systematic review provides guidance for such future research endeavors, as well as preliminary notions for practical implications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Although substance use rates among adolescents have decreased, drug overdose deaths among adolescents have increased since 2020, driven largely by illegally made fentanyl (IMF). This study explores substance use patterns and characteristics of adolescents who were assessed for substance use disorder (SUD) treatment to inform prevention and response strategies. Methods: A convenience sample of adolescents aged 10–18 years assessed for SUD treatment from September 2017 to December 2021 was analyzed using the Comprehensive Health Assessment for Teens. The percentage of lifetime and past 30-day substance use was examined. Adolescent characteristics (e.g., demographics, history of overdoses or hospital visits due to drug/alcohol use) were analyzed by lifetime substances used. Results: Among 5,377 assessments, most were male (58.7%), aged 16–18 years (50.5%), non-Hispanic White (43.1%), enrolled in school (87.3%), and living with their parent(s) (72.4%). The most commonly reported lifetime substances used were marijuana (68.0%), alcohol (54.2%), and prescription opioid misuse (13.6%). The most common past 30-day substance use combination was alcohol and marijuana (35.6%). The percentage of assessments indicating past-year overdoses or hospital visits due to drug/alcohol use was greatest among those who reported lifetime use of IMF (24.0%), followed by heroin (21.4%) and cocaine (15.3%). Overall, 2.3% reported lifetime IMF use and 0.6% thought IMF was causing them the most problems. Conclusions: Findings inform opportunities to address substance use and increased IMF-involved overdose among adolescents. Continued overdose prevention and response strategies such as evidence-based education campaigns, naloxone distribution and harm reduction efforts, and evidence-based SUD treatment expansion are needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alcohol use disorder is associated with a variety of complications, including alcohol withdrawal syndrome (AWS), which may occur in those who decrease or stop alcohol consumption suddenly. AWS is associated with a range of signs and symptoms, which are most commonly treated with GABAergic medications. Is phenobarbital an effective treatment for AWS? Studies retrieved included two prospective, randomized, double-blind studies and three systematic reviews. These studies provided estimates of the effectiveness and safety of phenobarbital for treatment of AWS. Based on the available literature, phenobarbital is reasonable to consider for treatment of AWS. Clinicians must consider the individual patient, clinical situation, and comorbidities when selecting a medication for treatment of AWS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The white-tufted marmoset is a small, nonhuman primate that is rapidly gaining popularity as a model organism, especially for neuroscience research. To date, little work in the alcohol research field has utilized the marmoset. As a step toward establishing the marmoset as a research model for alcohol experimentation, a series of exploratory studies were undertaken to characterize ethanol drinking behavior. A voluntary drinking paradigm was established whereby the common marmoset would consume pharmacologically relevant amounts of ethanol. To facilitate ethanol consumption, ethanol was mixed with a marshmallow flavored solution (hereafter called marshmallow juice) to mask the presumed adverse taste of ethanol. Using marshmallow juice flavored solutions, marmosets readily consumed ethanol up to 1 g/kg during 10 min binge-like drinking sessions or up to 5 g/kg during ∼4 h drinking sessions. Consumption of 1.0–1.5 g/kg during a 30 min session resulted in blood ethanol concentrations of 49–73 mg/dl, which are predicted to be pharmacologically relevant. In animals that were stably consuming ethanol in marshmallow juice, gradually reducing the concentration of the marshmallow juice flavoring resulted in markedly reduced ethanol consumption. Lastly, when offered a choice between ethanol in marshmallow juice and marshmallow juice alone, marmosets displayed a very strong preference for the marshmallow juice solution without ethanol. From these studies, it is concluded that marmosets will voluntarily consume ethanol if the taste is masked with a sweet solution such as marshmallow juice. These studies represent the first report of alcohol consumption and preference in the white-tufted marmoset. • The white-tufted marmoset is rapidly gaining popularity as a model organism, especially for neuroscience research. • To date, the marmoset has not been extensively studied by alcohol researchers. • Marmosets will readily consume low doses of ethanol if the presumed adverse taste is masked by a sweet flavoring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a major public health concern that despite its prevalence, lacks a widely-effective treatment due to the complexity of AUD pathology. AUD is highly comorbid with other psychiatric conditions including anxiety and mood disorders, however it is unclear how these disorders influence each other. The underlying etiology of these comorbidities is difficult to decipher and factors including sex, stress, and the environment further complicate both diagnosis and treatment strategies. To understand more about this bidirectional relationship between AUD and comorbid psychiatric disorders, we ran male and female C57Bl/6j mice through baseline behavioral testing followed by intermittent access-two bottle choice (IA-2BC) drinking. We found no sex differences in basal anxiety-like or depressive-like behavior, however females displayed enhanced motivated feeding behavior. Females consumed more ethanol than males, at both 1hr and 24hr timepoints. Basal affective state did not predict subsequent ethanol intake in either sex, however exploratory behavior was positively correlated with drinking in males but not females. We then re-assessed negative affect behavior following chronic ethanol drinking to determine if drinking impacted subsequent affective behavior and found no relationship between ethanol intake and affective state in males or females. We also examined how chronic ethanol drinking affected central amygdala (CeA) and basolateral amygdala (BLA) neuronal activity in males and females. Ethanol-drinking females had a decrease in CeA neuronal activity, driven by reduced activity in the lateral (CeA l) sub-region, while in males there was no significant difference in CeA activity compared to water controls. Neither males or females had a significant change in BLA neuronal activity following chronic ethanol drinking. Collectively, these results demonstrate sex differences in basal motivated behavior, drinking behavior, and subregion-specific amygdala neuronal activity following chronic ethanol drinking which may inform the sex differences seen in patients diagnosed with AUD and comorbid conditions. • There were no basal sex differences in affective behavior. • Basal affective behavior did not determine future ethanol intake. • Chronic ethanol drinking did not alter subsequent affective behavior. • CeA activity was reduced in ethanol-exposed females compared to water controls. • BLA activity did not differ between male and female ethanol and water groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alcohol abuse (AA) has s high prevalence, affecting 10 to 15 million Americans. While AA was demonstrated to negatively impact cardiovascular health, limited evidence from existing studies presents conflicting findings regarding the effects of AA on coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) outcomes. This study aimed to compare the in-hospital outcomes after CABG between AA and non-AA patients. Patients who underwent CABG were identified in National Inpatient Sample from Q4 2015–2020. Exclusion criteria included age<18 years and concomitant procedures. A 1:3 propensity-score matching was used to address differences in demographics, socioeconomic status, primary payer status, hospital characteristics, comorbidities, and transfer/admission status between AA and non-AA patients. In-hospital outcomes after CABG were examined. There were 5694 (3.39%) AA patients who underwent CABG. After matching, 17,315 from 162,488 non-AA patients were matched to all AA patients. AA and non-AA patients had comparable mortality (1.64% vs 1.55%, p = 0.67) and MACE (2.46% vs 2.56%, p = 0.73). However, AA patients had higher cardiogenic shock (8.31% vs 7.43%, p = 0.03), mechanical ventilation (11.51% vs 7.96%, p < 0.01), hemorrhage/hematoma (57.49% vs 54.75%, p < 0.01), superficial (0.99% vs 0.61%, p < 0.01) and deep wound complications (0.37% vs 0.18%, p = 0.02), reopen surgery for bleeding control (0.92% vs 0.63%, p = 0.03), transfer out (21.00% vs 16.38%, p < 0.01), longer time from admission to operation (p < 0.01), longer length of stay (p < 0.01), and higher hospital charge (p < 0.01). While AA was not found to be linked with in-hospital mortality or MACE after CABG, it was independently associated with postoperative complications. These findings could enhance preoperative risk stratification for AA patients and inform postoperative management following CABG. • This study compared in-hospital CABG outcomes between patients with and without alcohol abuse in National Inpatient Sample. • While alcohol abuse was not linked with in-hospital mortality after CABG, it was independently associated with complications. • These findings could enhance preoperative risk stratification for alcohol abuse patients and inform postoperative management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alcohol consumption is not uncommon among people with HIV (PWH) and may exacerbate HIV-induced intestinal damage, and further lead to dysbiosis and increased intestinal permeability. This study aimed to determine the changes in the fecal microbiota and its association with alcohol consumption in HIV-infected patients. A cross-sectional survey was conducted between November 2021 and May 2022, and 93 participants were recruited. To investigate the alterations of alcohol misuse on fecal microbiology in HIV-infected individuals, we performed 16s rDNA gene sequencing on fecal samples from the low-to-moderate drinking (n = 21) and non-drinking (n = 72) groups. Comparison between groups using alpha and beta diversity showed that the diversity of stool microbiota in the low-to-moderate drinking group did not differ from that of the non-drinking group (all p > 0.05). The Linear discriminant Analysis effect size (LEfSe) algorithm was used to determine the bacterial taxa associated with alcohol consumption, and the results showed altered fecal bacterial composition in HIV-infected patients who consumed alcohol; Coprobacillus , Pseudobutyrivibrio , and Peptostreptococcaceae were enriched, and Pasteurellaceae and Xanthomonadaceae were depleted. In addition, by using the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG), functional microbiome features were also found to be altered in the low-to-moderate drinking group compared to the control group, showing a reduction in metabolic pathways (p = 0.036) and cardiovascular disease pathways (p = 0.006). Low-to-moderate drinking will change the composition, metabolism, and cardiovascular disease pathways of the gut microbiota of HIV-infected patients. • Alcohol use and gut microbial composition in PWH is an important area of research. • Alcohol consumption alters the composition of the gut microflora in PWH. • Alcohol consumption reduces metabolic pathways and cardiovascular disease pathways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ceftriaxone is an antibiotic that increases central nervous system (CNS) protein expression of the glutamate transporters GLT-1 and xCT and ameliorates pathological behaviors in rodent models of neurological disease and substance use disorder. However, little ceftriaxone passes through the blood–brain barrier, the CNS binding partner of ceftriaxone is unknown, and ceftriaxone does not consistently upregulate GLT-1 and xCT in cell culture. Ceftriaxone alters the gut microbiome composition in rodents and humans, and the microbiome–gut–brain axis regulates drug-seeking. Thus, here we test the hypothesis that ceftriaxone reduces alcohol intake while ameliorating alcohol-induced disruption of the gut microbiome composition. Male and female Sprague–Dawley rats received intermittent access to alcohol (IAA) while controls received access to only water. Following 17 IAA sessions, ceftriaxone/vehicle treatment was given for 5 days. Analysis of the gut microbiome composition was assessed by 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing conducted on fecal pellets collected prior to and after alcohol consumption and following ceftriaxone treatment. Male rats displayed escalated alcohol intake and preference over the course of the 17 sessions; however, total alcohol intake did not differ between the sexes. Ceftriaxone reduced alcohol intake and preference in male and female rats. While alcohol affected a diverse set of amplicon sequencing variants (ASV), ceftriaxone markedly reduced the diversity of microbial communities reflected by a blooming of the Enterococcaceae family. The remaining effects of ceftriaxone, however, encompassed families both affected and unaffected by prior alcohol drinking and highlight the Ruminococcaceae and Muribaculaceae families as bidirectionally modulated by alcohol and ceftriaxone. Altogether, our study confirms that ceftriaxone reduces alcohol intake in rats and partially reverses alcohol-induced dysbiosis. • Total amount of alcohol intake did not differ by sex. • Ceftriaxone reduced alcohol intake and preference in male and female rats. • Ceftriaxone markedly reduced the diversity of microbial communities. • Ceftriaxone partially reverses alcohol-induced dysbiosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research confirms that stress is associated with alcohol drinking and relapse in males and females and that there are sex differences in the alcohol-related adaptations of stress pathways. The predator stress (PS) model of traumatic stress produces an increase in alcohol drinking or self-administration in a subpopulation of rodents, so it is utilized as an animal model of comorbid alcohol use disorder (AUD) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Previous work determined that sensitivity to PS-enhanced drinking produced sex differences in proteins related to stress-regulating systems in the medial prefrontal cortex and hippocampus. The present studies examined whether male and female C57BL/6J mice differ in sensitivity to the ability of the corticotropin releasing factor receptor 1 antagonist CP-376395 to decrease PS-enhanced drinking. In control studies, CP-376395 doses of 5, 10, and 20 mg/kg dose-dependently decreased 4-h ethanol drinking. Next, CP-376395 doses of 5 and 10 mg/kg were tested for effects on ethanol drinking in mice with differential sensitivity to PS-enhanced drinking. Subgroups of "Sensitive" and "Resilient" male and female mice were identified based on changes in ethanol intake in an unrestricted-access ethanol-drinking procedure following four exposures to PS (dirty rat bedding). During the first 2 h post-injection of CP-376395, both doses significantly decreased ethanol licks versus vehicle in the females, with no significant interaction between subgroups, whereas the 10 mg/kg dose significantly decreased ethanol licks versus vehicle in the "Resilient" males. Thus, sensitivity to the suppressive effect of CP-376395 on stress-induced ethanol intake was greater in females versus males, whereas sensitivity and resilience to PS-enhanced drinking produced differential sensitivity to the ability of CP-376395 to decrease ethanol drinking only in male mice. Our results argue against greater efficacy of CRF-R1's ability to decrease ethanol intake in subjects with traumatic stress-enhanced ethanol drinking. • CRF-R1 antagonist CP-376395 decreased alcohol intake in control male and female mice. • This decrease was less alcohol-selective in male than in female mice. • CP-376395 decreased alcohol intake in female mice following repeated predator stress. • CP-376395 decreased such intake only in males resistant to stress-enhanced drinking. • Predator stress-enhanced alcohol drinking does not increase CRF-R1 sensitivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

HIV transmission remains a significant health concern for men who have sex with men (MSM) in the United States. Heavy episodic drinking (HED) is related to increased rates of condomless anal intercourse (CAI) among MSM, though evidence suggests that this association may vary by individual difference factors. The present secondary analysis tested whether sexual alcohol expectancies (SAEs) moderate the associations between frequency of HED and anal intercourse (AI) with and without a condom among moderate-to-heavy drinking HIV- MSM. Two hundred and forty-eight moderate-to-heavy drinking MSM completed self-report questionnaires including the Sexual Behavior Questionnaire, the Modified Daily Drinking Questionnaire, and the Sexual Alcohol Expectancies Questionnaire. Negative binomial regressions indicated that SAEs moderated the association between frequency of HED and AI with a condom, but not between the frequency of HED and condomless AI (CAI). These results suggest that stronger SAEs play a role in alcohol-related sexual behavior among MSM, but do not provide evidence that SAEs are associated with increased risk for HIV transmission through CAI. • Expectancies moderate the drinking-frequency and anal-sex frequency relation. • Expectancies do not moderate relation of drinking frequency and condomless anal sex. • Expectancies related to increased riskiness are the strongest moderators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alcohol harms to others is a growing public health concern. The current paper investigates the prevalence and types of alcohol harms to others experienced by a representative sample of Bulgarians (n=3182, aged 20-65+). Data from the National Survey on Risk Factors for Populatio’s Health, conducted in 2020, reveals that 25% of respondents reported being negatively affected by someone else’s alcohol consumption in the past year. Additionally, 12.5% lived with someone who had experienced alcohol problems. Sleep disturbance emerged as the most commonly reported harm. These findings highlight the significant impact of alcohol harms to others in Bulgaria and underscore the need for further research to understand its scope and consequences. Developing policies targeted at specific harms to others is crucial for public health protection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Antenatal substance misuse is a significant problem and the effects on the developing child can be long lasting. It is estimated that 20–30% of pregnant women smoke, 15% drink alcohol, 3–10% use cannabis and 0.5–3% use cocaine worldwide. Many parents make efforts to stop or cut down alcohol, cigarette and drug use during pregnancy. However, many pregnancies are unplanned and may be recognized late. Addicted parents may not be able to stop drug and alcohol use without support. Illicit drugs, nicotine and alcohol in the maternal blood stream cross to the foetus via the placenta and have a direct effect of the developing foetus. These effects can include poor fetal growth, increased risk of stillbirth, congenital malformations, and long-lasting impacts on development. The impact of these antenatal exposures might not become apparent until much later in childhood. Children who have been exposed to drugs and alcohol in utero may present to paediatricians at any stage in childhood with a range of health and developmental problems. This article will explore the immediate and long-term impact of exposure to these substances in pregnancy and consider how to obtain an accurate history of exposure to drugs and alcohol in pregnancy as part of standard paediatric history taking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To contextually examine facilitators of young driver decisions to ride with an impaired driver (RWI) or drive while impaired (DWI). Methods: Data were from the NIH's NEXT Generation Health Study (NEXT), a 7-year longitudinal nationally representative study with a U.S. probability cohort of 10th graders starting in 2009–2010. Using a multistage sequential explanatory mixed methods approach, we conducted latent class analysis (n = 2,783) to identify RWI/DWI trajectories from adolescence to young adulthood (Stage-1). We then conducted in-depth qualitative interviews with purposively sampled young adults (N = 105, 26.30 ± 0.43 y/o) from four identified RWI/DWI trajectory classes (Stage-2): 31 Abstainers (consistently low probability), 33 Escalators (low-to-high probability), 14 Decliners (high-to-low probability), and 27 Persisters (consistently high probability). In Stage-2, the qualitative interview guide was informed by Stage-1 findings and Ecodevelopmental Theory. Using directed content analysis, we applied inductive and deductive theory-grounded codes to interview transcripts. With data immersion, reflexivity, and team dialogue, we derived themes from the code, "Facilitators of RWI and/or DWI". Demographics and validated measures of resiliency, health-related quality of life, Timeline Follow Back for alcohol and marijuana, and recent engagement in RWI/DWI were collected during the interviews. Results: Based on the interview transcripts, five themes emerged around RWI/DWI facilitators during and after high school: (1) beliefs about alcohol/drug effects; (2) trust of others; (3) trust of self; (4) parental disapproval; and (5) transportation factors. Participants who RWI confidently placed their trust in their assessment of the driver's impairment and their own in the context of close relationships. Those who DWI described desire to maintain simple/easy vehicle access while avoiding tickets/towing. The joint display of the quantitative and qualitative data is presented. Conclusions: Notable misperceptions exist about how alcohol/drugs impact driving in the RWI/DWI context, particularly regarding the subtle signs of impairment. Youth commonly relied on their own assessment of impairment before driving themselves or riding with a potentially impaired driver, sometimes to avoid parental disapproval. Some engage in RWI/DWI to avoid discord with parents. DWI may relate to needing easy/immediate vehicle access. Pragmatic remedy considerations could include educating youth and young drivers about impairment, enhancing safe public transportation, and expanding ride-share programing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Annually since 2008; over 38% of fatally injured motorcycle riders and 20% of pedalcyclists involved in traffic crashes were under the influence of alcohol, yet public health surveillance of alcohol involvement in these injuries is underdeveloped. This study determined alcohol involvement among fatally and non-fatally injured pedalcycle and motorcycle riders and compared findings across three national public-use datasets. Methods: Using the 2019 National Emergency Medical Services Information System (NEMSIS), the Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS), and National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) datasets, we identified alcohol involvement in fatal and non-fatal injuries to pedalcycle and motorcycle riders (≥21 years). Alcohol involvement was positive based on the clinician's evaluation of alcohol at the scene (NEMSIS) or within the ED record (NEISS); or when Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) values were ≥.01 (FARS). Pedalcycle and motorcycle injuries were identified across datasets using: 1) ICD10 codes for pedalcycle (V10-V19) or motorcycle (V20-V29) within the cause of injury and EMS respondent's impression of the encounter variables (NEMSIS); 2) product codes for bicycles or moped/power-assisted cycle/minibike/two-wheeled, powered, off-road vehicles (NEISS); and 3) American National Standard Institute's classifications for pedalcycle and motorcycle in the person and vehicle type variables (FARS). The descriptive epidemiology was compared across datasets. Results: There were 26,295 pedalcyclist and 50,122 motorcycle rider injuries resulting in an EMS response within NEMSIS data; 10.2% and 8.5% of these injuries respectively involved alcohol. These estimates were greater than the 7.3% of pedalcyclist and 6.1% of moped/power-assisted cycle/minibike/two-wheeled, powered, off-road vehicle injuries involving alcohol among patients who presented to an ED within the NEISS dataset. Based on FARS data, alcohol was involved in 27.0% of pedalcyclist and 42.0% of motorcyclist fatal injuries. Regardless of the data source, pedalcyclist and motorcycle fatal and non-fatal injuries were more likely to involve alcohol among middle-aged adults compared to older and early aged adults, and for men compared to women, with proportions that were generally 3-8% higher for men. Conclusions: Measures for pedalcycle and motorcycle injuries and alcohol involvement vary substantially across national public-use datasets. Standardized, valid, and feasible methods are needed to accurately inform injury prevention efforts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Sponsorship of football teams by detrimental industries may negatively impact fans' dietary and behavioral choices. The study aimed to determine the proportion of sponsors on the jerseys of teams in the top ten football leagues that comprise companies producing alcohol or unhealthy food, or engaging in gambling. Methods: We conducted a retrospective study, incorporating data from first-division football teams in 10 countries (Argentina, Brazil, England, France, Germany, Italy, Poland, the Netherlands, Spain, and the United States) playing from 2000–2022. Data were collected on the primary sponsors displayed on team jerseys and categorized into alcohol, unhealthy food (defined as producers of ultra-processed food according to the NOVA classification), gambling, or other, based on the nature of the products or services offered by the sponsors. We performed descriptive statistical analyses and multivariate linear regression analyses. Results: A total of 4452 sponsorship records were analyzed. The majority were classified as "other" (81.8%), followed by gambling (6.9%), alcohol (2.6%), and unhealthy food (2.6%). We did not identify any sponsor representing the tobacco industry. The prevalence of gambling sponsors surged from 1.7% in 2000 to 16.3% in 2022. Conversely, alcohol-related sponsorships dwindled from 6.2% in 2000 to 1.0% in 2022. In the multivariate linear regression model, these trends were statistically significant. The alcohol industry remained visible in the Spanish league. Conclusions: A significant proportion of sponsorships on the jerseys of top football teams across the world represents alcohol, ultra-processed food, or the gambling industry. Trends in the types of sponsors on the jerseys of leading football clubs across the Western world are diverse. Particularly concerning is the recent increase in the percentage of clubs sponsored by the gambling industry. To limit the detrimental effects of the promotion of unhealthy products, novel policies should be considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Objectives: There is currently limited understanding of the intricate dynamics between fat and muscle mass and the potential effect of dietary patterns. This study aimed to investigate the effects of overall dietary patterns on four body composition phenotypes associated with central obesity and low muscle mass in the middle-aged and elderly population of Korea. Methods: We examined data from 6120 adults aged ≥ 50 years, collected during the 4th (2008–2009) and 5th (2010–2011) Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Participants were classified into four groups according to their combined status of central obesity and low muscle mass: healthy control, central obesity, low muscle mass, and sarcopenic obesity. Using factor analysis on the twenty-two pre-defined food groups, we identified three distinct dietary patterns: the "Healthy dietary pattern", "Convenience-based dietary pattern", and "Alcohol and side dish pattern". Multivariate analysis included potential confounders such as age, sex, place of residence, marital status, educational level, occupation, household income, and physical activity level. Results: Higher scores in the "Healthy dietary pattern" were associated with lower odds of sarcopenic obesity (OR = 0.61, 95% CI = 0.40–0.92, p for trend = 0.018). For the "Convenience-based dietary pattern", individuals in the third tertile of the dietary pattern score showed a marginal association with low muscle mass (OR = 1.18, 95% CI = 0.99–1.41, p for trend = 0.056). The "Alcohol and side dish pattern" was linked to higher odds of central obesity (OR = 1.22, 95% CI = 1.03–1.44, p for trend = 0.016) and low muscle mass (OR = 1.21, 95% CI = 1.01–1.45, p for trend = 0.043). Conclusions: The drinking practice of consuming foods high in saturated fats and salt alongside alcoholic drinks may negatively affect fat accumulation and muscle composition among older adults. Adopting a healthy eating pattern characterized by grains, vegetables, legumes, fruits, fish, and seaweed could be notably advantageous for promoting and maintaining healthy body composition and optimal skeletal muscle health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study is a quasi-experimental field evaluation of Raise the Bar (RTB), a prevention programme that trains bar staff to intervene when witnessing risk factors for sexual assault. Previous studies have demonstrated effects of similar programmes on attitudes/knowledge among bar staff. Yet, no studies have examined the effects of such programmes on intervention behaviour. Using a waitlist control design, we conducted thirty observations at four trained and four waitlist control bars in a rural U.S. college town, enacting scripts that matched the prompts for intervention that were included in the RTB curriculum implemented at the trained bars. Findings indicated staff at trained bars were significantly more likely to intervene than staff at the waitlisted bars, but this effect attenuated when control variables were included in the model. RTB appears promising, but further research is needed to fully establish its effects on intervention behaviour before recommending wide-spread rollout. Practice Impact Statement: Findings from this study suggest that training bar staff to act as prosocial bystanders has the potential to prevent alcohol-involved sexual assault among college students. Yet, it is important to note that, although staff at trained bars were more likely to intervene than staff at waitlist control bars, intervention was relatively rare and the effect of training attenuated when controlling for contextual factors. Stronger evidence of the effects of such training needs to accumulate before community agencies widely implement these programmes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Current clinical guidelines recommend that patients with co-occurring psychosis and alcohol or substance use disorders (A/SUD) receive evidenced-based treatment for both disorders, including psychological intervention for psychosis. However, the efficacy of such treatments for individuals with co-occurring psychosis and A/SUD is unclear. Study Design Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of psychological interventions for psychosis were systematically reviewed, to investigate how alcohol and substance use has been accounted for across sample inclusion and secondary measures. Findings from trials including individuals with co-occurring alcohol or substance use issues were then narratively summarized using the Synthesis Without Meta-Analysis guidelines, to indicate the overall efficacy of psychological interventions for psychosis, for this comorbid population. Study Results Across the 131 trials identified, 60.3% of trials excluded individuals with alcohol or substance use issues. Additionally, only 6.1% measured alcohol or substance use at baseline, while only 2.3% measured alcohol or substance use as a secondary outcome. Across trials explicitly including individuals with alcohol or substance use issues, insufficient evidence was available to conclude the efficacy of any individual psychological intervention. However, preliminary findings suggest that psychoeducation (PE) and metacognitive therapy (MCT) may be proposed for further investigation. Conclusion Overall, co-occurring alcohol and substance use issues have been largely neglected across the recent RCTs of psychological interventions for psychosis; highlighting the challenges of making treatment decisions for these individuals using the current evidence base. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the mid-2000s, prominent Czech actor Bolek Polívka played palpably flawed father figures in the films Pupendo (2003) and Something Like Happiness (2005). Polívka's patresfamilias iterate the tendencies of alcohol consumption and antiheroism common for portrayals of masculinity in Czech texts in these films, which reflect post-communist attitudes about current affairs and perspectives on the former regime. This paper applies theories pertaining to regional literature and national cinemas to explore Polívka's peculiar roles as father figures responding to local social codes and notions about the West. The analysis assesses Polívka's select patresfamilias against characters from his prior films as well as familiar figures in the Czech cultural canon, e.g. Josef Švejk. The discussion also proposes an understanding of alcohol use in Pupendo and Something Like Happiness as a narrative device that brings about instances of intimacy and revelation. Polívka's acting engenders moments of truth that clarify his characters' stances and align them with narrative developments of both films. In accordance with concentrating on the actor, this paper accounts for the complexity that Polívka's off-screen persona and local success add to his characters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Peer recovery coaches (PRCs) are increasingly playing a role in helping patients with substance use disorders engage with treatment. PRCs can support and motivate patients in meeting their self-defined recovery goals, engaging in addiction treatment, navigating the health care system, and overcoming barriers to recovery. This support increases patient engagement and is cost-effective. Little has been written about integrating PRCs in health care settings. In this column, the authors describe the implementation of a PRC program with 23 coaches serving 5,662 participants in diverse clinical settings. The authors discuss key facilitators and barriers and opportunities for further research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research regarding HIV, substance use disorders (SUD), and SARS-CoV-2 infections after COVID-19 vaccination is limited. In the Veterans Aging Cohort Study (VACS)–HIV cohort, we followed vaccinated persons with HIV (PWH) and without HIV (PWoH) from 12/2020 to 3/2022 and linked SARS-CoV-2 test results for laboratory-confirmed breakthrough infection through 9/2022. We examined associations of substance use (alcohol use disorder [AUD], other SUD, smoking status) and HIV status and severity with breakthrough infections, using Cox proportional hazards regression hazard ratios (HR). To test for potential interactions between substance use and HIV, we fit survival models with a multiplicative interaction term. Among 24,253 PWH and 53,661 PWoH, 8.0% of PWH and 7.1% of PWoH experienced COVID-19 breakthrough. AUD (HR 1.42, 95% CI 1.32, 1.52) and other SUD (HR 1.49, 95% CI 1.39, 1.59) were associated with increased risk of breakthrough, and this was similar by HIV status (p-interaction > 0.09). Smoking was not associated with breakthrough. Compared to PWoH, PWH at all HIV severity levels had increased risk of breakthrough ranging from 9% for PWH with CD4 count ≥ 500 cells/µl (HR 1.09, 95% CI 1.02, 1.17) to 59% for PWH with CD4 count < 200 (HR 1.59, 95% CI 1.31, 1.92). Patients with AUD (HR 1.42, 95% CI 1.33, 1.52) and other SUD (HR 1.48, 95% CI 1.38, 1.59) had increased COVID-19 breakthrough risk, regardless of HIV status. HIV was associated with breakthrough; risk was greatest among PWH with lower CD4 count. In addition to inhibiting HIV treatment adherence and increasing HIV progression, AUD and other SUD may increase COVID-19 breakthrough risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractBackgroundMethodsResultsConclusionsNeighborhood disadvantage is associated with a higher concentration of tobacco, cannabis and alcohol retailers and greater risk of certain substance use behaviors among youth. Less is known about the impact of subjective neighborhood disorder, which captures distinct exposures that may be relevant to substance use outcomes, including neighborhood social processes, safety, physical characteristics, and neighborhood drug use.Data are from two waves (Feb-Dec 2022) of a prospective cohort of Southern California high school students (n = 2,139; mean[SD] age = 15.7.[0.6]). We examined associations of perceived neighborhood disorder at baseline with (a) perceived ease of purchase (continuous scale 0-100) for alcohol, cannabis, e-cigarettes, cigarettes, hookah, cigars/cigarillos, and oral nicotine at baseline and follow-up, and (b) repeated measures of past 6-month and past-30-day alcohol, vaped cannabis, smoked cannabis, cannabis edibles, e-cigarette, cigarette, cigarillo, hookah, and oral nicotine use.E-cigarettes were perceived to be the easiest product to purchase. Participants in the highest (vs. lowest) quartile of neighborhood disorder reported greater mean ease of purchasing scores for all products (mean difference range = 5.43 [95%CI: 1.64-9.21] for mint/menthol oral nicotine products to 9.40 [95%CI: 6.16-12.64] for hookah) and greater odds of e-cigarette, smoked cannabis, edibles, vaped THC, and alcohol use (odds ratio range = 1.52 [95%CI: 1.05 to 2.18] for past 6-month alcohol to 5.40 [95% CI: 3.46 to 8.42] for 30-day smoked cannabis).Interventions that shape youth perceptions of their neighborhood and reduce youth retail access in disadvantaged neighborhoods are needed and may help to prevent youth substance use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Methods Results Discussion and Conclusions Reducing alcohol availability and restricting alcohol advertising are effective ways to reduce harm from alcohol. Implementation of public health policies involves collaboration between different stakeholders, and is influenced by public opinion. This paper explores public and professional stakeholders' perceptions of alcohol advertising and availability policies. It is the first to capture consensus and divergence in narratives of these stakeholders.We conducted semi‐structured interviews with 14 stakeholders from third sector organisations, government, public health and alcohol licensing in Scotland. We conducted 11 online focus groups with 45 participants, living in neighbourhoods in Scotland characterised by varying levels of urbanity, deprivation and retail density change. We gave participants a list of policies and discussed their views on acceptability, feasibility and likely success.Despite general consensus that regulation of alcohol advertising is an important priority, public stakeholders were concerned about the feasibility of advertising interventions and potential unintended consequences. While professional stakeholders were in favour of regulating alcohol availability, public stakeholders had misgivings about feasibility and effectiveness. When prompted to discuss specific interventions, similar views about protecting children and achieving cultural change emerged.This study highlights the importance of policy makers and other stakeholders to consider public stakeholders' opinions on alcohol policy and understanding that their views may be influenced by competing framings of alcohol problems. Attempts to increase support for alcohol control policies need to consider people's concerns about the effectiveness and potential unintended consequences of these policies, and the wider social context of alcohol consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractObjective: Previous studies had explored the associations between e-cigarette use and alcohol use problems, yet they did not fully consider e-cigarette use contexts. This longitudinal study conducted a prospective examination of e-cigarette use contexts and alcohol use problems among college students. Participants: College e-cigarette users at three public universities from Fall 2019 to Fall 2020 were included (N = 377). Methods: A linear mixed model with a random intercept and random slope was employed to examine the longitudinal associations. Results: Higher frequencies of e-cigarette use (β = 0.38, p < 0.001), being hooked on e-cigarettes (β = 0.96, p < 0.01), using e-cigarettes for socializing purposes (β = 0.58, p < 0.05), and more occasions of co-using e-cigarettes with alcohol (β = 0.05, p < 0.001) were linked to more alcohol use problems. Conclusions: Intervention efforts should incorporate comprehensive screening that includes both e-cigarette and alcohol use, enhance awareness of peer influence, and provide at-risk populations with education regarding the potential synergistic effects of e-cigarette and alcohol co-use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The transformation of alcohols to important classes of compounds is a central topic in chemistry because they are abundant, renewable, and attractive building blocks. The alkali‐mediated/catalyzed borrowing hydrogen and aerobic dehydrogenation processes of alcohols open a new and sustainable access for the alcohol conversion under transition‐metal‐free conditions. In this review, we summarize the recent alkali‐mediated/catalyzed sequential reactions involving the borrowing hydrogen and aerobic dehydrogenation processes of alcohols. Furthermore, this review not only introduces the tentative pathways of these transformations, but also discusses the role of alkali, solvent effects, and substrate reactivity on these reactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: This study aimed to investigate the causes and risk factors of colorectal cancer (CRC) in a Turkish population, focusing on various modifiable and nonmodifiable risk factors. Methods: A hospital-based case-control design was employed to compare individuals with CRC (cases) to individuals without CRC (controls). Male and female participants were recruited from the surgery, internal medicine, and outpatient departments. The study encompassed socio-demographic data, clinical information, radiological diagnoses, and biochemical measurements. Univariable and multivariable logistic regressions were used to determine associated risk factors of CRC. Results: The study included 704 individuals with CRC and 704 controls. Significant socio-demographic disparities were observed between the groups, with over 30% of the cases having lower levels of education and income compared to the controls. Lifestyle factors such as obesity, higher rates of smoking (cigarettes and hookah) and alcohol consumption were more prevalent among cases than controls. Further significant associations were identified with intestinal inflammation, obesity, processed food consumption, and symptoms such as abdominal pain, cramps, diarrhea, constipation, blood in stool, bloating, irritable bowel syndrome, nausea/vomiting, anemia, stress, fatigue, weakness, and weight loss. Diet analysis revealed that individuals with CRC consumed more red meat, processed and fast foods along with less pulses and vegetables. Genetic predispositions and exposure to chemicals also correlated strongly with increased CRC risk. Multivariable regression analysis identified, nausea/vomiting, constipation, intestinal disease, genetics factor, hookah-nargileh use, history of any cancer, family history of bowel cancer, constipation, cigarette smoking, stress, milk-yogurt consumption, obesity and red meat consumption as significant determinants for CRC. Conclusion: CRC risk is influenced by dietary, lifestyle, and genetic factors. Awareness of hereditary risk and participation in screening are crucial. Lifestyle changes, such as avoiding smoking, hookah, and alcohol use, and adopting a healthy diet, are essential for prevention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Excessive alcohol consumption is a leading global risk factor for ill-health and premature death. Digital alcohol interventions can be effective at reducing alcohol consumption, but their widespread adoption is lagging behind. This study aimed to identify factors promoting or inhibiting the implementation of a digital alcohol intervention in Norwegian primary care, by using Normalization Process Theory (NPT). Methods: A mixed methods feasibility study combining quantitative and qualitative methods. A digital alcohol intervention called "Endre" was implemented across four GP practices in Stavanger and Oslo. Usage of the intervention was logged on the digital platform. General practitioners (GPs) reported their perceived uptake of the intervention via a web-based survey. The Normalization MeAsure Development (NoMAD) survey was used to measure support staff's perceived normalization of the intervention. Qualitative data were analyzed using the NPT framework, with quantitative data analyzed descriptively and using χ² and Wilcoxon signed-rank test for differences in current and future normalization. Results: Thirty-seven GPs worked in the clinics and could recruit patients for the digital intervention. Thirty-six patients registered for the intervention. Nine patients dropped out early and 25 completed the intervention as intended. Low normalization scores at follow-up (n = 27) indicated that Endre did not become fully embedded in and across practices. Nonetheless, staff felt somewhat confident about their use of Endre and thought it may become a more integral part of their work in the future. Findings from six semistructured group interviews suggested that limited implementation success may have been due to a lack of tailored implementation support, staff's lack of involvement, their diminished trust in Endre, and a lack of feedback on intervention usage. The outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic further limited opportunities for GPs to use Endre. Conclusion: This study investigated the real-world challenges of implementing a digital alcohol intervention in routine clinical practice. Future research should involve support staff in both the development and implementation of digital solutions to maximize compatibility with professional workflows and needs. Integration of digital solutions may further be improved by including features such as dashboards that enable clinicians to access and monitor patient progress and self-reported outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractUsing the socio-ecological model, this study aims to understand factors associated with alcohol misuse in veterans of the New Zealand Defence Forces, and identify approaches for reducing harm. Using interviews, veterans were asked to recount their relationship to alcohol, and provide a narrative of its use before, during and after military service. Seven themes were identified including bars and drinking as 1) social hubs; and 2) social lubrication; providing others with 3) duty of care; the military 4) consequences of harmful drinking; and use of alcohol as 5) emotion regulation strategies; with the impact of that on 6) Civvy street, and 7) family impacts. Duty of care in military drinking environments is a new theme to the literature. Introducing emotion regulation training throughout the personnels’ career, from transition to becoming civilians and beyond, was identified as key to effective health marketing interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Methods Results Discussion and Conclusion The Grog Survey App is a validated, visual and interactive self‐administered application for tablet computers that is designed to help Aboriginal Australians describe their alcohol consumption. Each person who completes the App also receives a brief intervention with feedback tailored to their survey responses. We aimed to qualitatively assess the acceptability and perceived quality of the Grog App's brief intervention, among higher risk consumers and health providers at an Aboriginal residential rehabilitation centre.This descriptive qualitative study analysed feedback from clients (n = 20) and staff (n = 10) of a drug and alcohol residential rehabilitation service on the brief intervention element of the Grog App. Data were collected face‐to‐face via semi‐structured interviews over four consecutive weeks between May and June 2021. A content analysis was conducted, which was informed by the Mobile App Rating Scale (MARS).Client and staff feedback is summarised using four themes from the MARS framework: (i) aesthetics; (ii) engagement; (iii) functionality; and (iv) information. Most clients and staff felt like health messages on the brief intervention were written by ‘someone who understands’. Overall, clients and staff described the brief intervention as visually appealing, engaging and likely able to elicit ‘lightbulb moments’.The brief intervention on the Grog App is unique in its provision of tailored advice based on survey responses to all individuals (i.e., those who do not drink through to those with likely dependence). Further research is needed to assess effectiveness of this brief intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electronic cigarette use among adolescents is a growing concern, not only due to the high incidence of co‐use with other substances, such as alcohol, but also due to the fact brain is still maturing during this period. Combined exposure to alcohol and nicotine leads to plastic adaptation of crucial circuits in the brain, which can contribute to the development of addiction. It is well established that nicotine exposure can facilitate alcohol binge drinking, and vice‐versa, in a sex‐, age‐ and exposure‐dependent manner. Nonetheless, the central mechanisms underlying the synergistic relationship between these two substances and the emergence of differential behavioural traits dependent on these factors remain underexplored. Preclinical studies continue to provide valuable insights into such mechanisms. Here, we discuss recent preclinical findings that report behavioural changes characteristic of addiction following nicotine consumption, primarily in models of vaping and alcohol use; and insights into the neural mechanisms impacted by intake of these two substances, with a focus on the adolescent brain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: • Tobacco use was highest, followed by alcohol and marijuana use. • The prevalence of substance use was higher in male than female adolescents. • Parental homework supervision significantly lowered the odds of alcohol and tobacco use. • Parental free-time supervision significantly reduced the odds of alcohol and tobacco use. • No significant association was found between parent-child connectedness and marijuana use. Background: Adolescent substance use is recognized as a global health crisis that threatens adolescents' physical and mental health worldwide. Alcohol is the most available one; WHO findings suggest that more than 155 million adolescents, representing over a quarter of the adolescent population aged between 11 and 15, use alcohol-based drinks worldwide. Since adolescents are the future of the world, protecting them from substance use is of paramount importance. Objectives: This study aimed to explore the prevalence of adolescent substance use (alcohol, marijuana, and tobacco) among Bhutanese adolescents and examine the association with parent-child connectedness as a protective factor while controlling sociodemographic, socio-emotional distress, and other contextual factors. Methods: A total of 7576 school-going adolescents' data from the 2016 Global School-based Student Health Survey (GSHS) Bhutan dataset were used in this study. To analyze the relationship between predictor and outcome variables, both univariate and multivariate binary logistic regression models were constructed utilizing the "complex samples" tool of SPSS 25. A significance level of p ≤ 0.05 was used for the analyses. Results: An estimated 30.7% of the Bhutanese school-going adolescents used tobacco, 25.8% consumed alcohol, and 12.7% used marijuana. Parent-child connectedness: (i) child's homework supervision and (ii) child's free time supervision by parents significantly lower the odds of using tobacco and alcohol consumption, while parents understanding child's problem showed no significant association with substance use among the respondents. However, no significant association was found between parent-child connectedness and marijuana use. Besides parental connectedness, anxiety, bullying, passive smoking, school truancy, being involved in fights, or being attacked were also significantly associated with adolescents' substance use. Conclusion: Parental connectedness has been found to be an important factor that can lead to a substantive reduction in substance use among the adolescents of Bhutan. However, the lesson is pertinent for any global initiatives aiming to prevent the harmful use of substances among global adolescents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT This systematic review and meta‐analysis aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of Electronic Screening and Brief Intervention (e‐SBI) in changing or reducing alcohol consumption and/or related risk behaviours among trauma patients compared to standard of care. Following Cochrane Collaboration's guidelines and PRISMA recommendations, a search of electronic databases (MEDLINE via PubMed, CINAHL, Scopus and Web of Science) and grey literature (Google Scholar) was conducted. Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) from 1995 to 2023 were included, focusing on e‐SBI for alcohol misuse in trauma patients. Quality assessment utilised the Cochrane risk of bias tool. Bayesian meta‐analysis was employed for synthesising outcomes. Four RCTs, totalling 2641 participants, were included. While e‐SBI demonstrated a significant reduction in problematic alcohol consumption up to 6 months post‐implementation, uncertainties were noted in risk behaviours determined by: average alcohol consumption, binge drinking and alcohol‐related consequences. Heterogeneity in measurements and population variations contributed to the nuanced findings. The review suggests that e‐SBI may be effective in reducing problematic alcohol consumption in the short term among alcohol‐related trauma patients. However, uncertainties and methodological variations highlight the need for standardised outcome measurements, consistent reporting and further exploration of e‐SBI's long‐term impact. Relevance to health promotion: Understanding the effectiveness of e‐SBI in managing alcohol‐related issues among trauma patients is crucial for health promotion. Despite uncertainties, the findings underscore the potential of e‐SBI as a scalable and accessible intervention. e‐SBI in the setting of the present study, emphasises the importance of tailored approaches in public health strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractObjective: Negative and positive urgency are risk factors for alcohol escalation during college, partly through increasing motives for alcohol use, which then contribute to subsequent drinking. Research has focused on the causal direction from trait to motives to alcohol consumption. The current study conducted an initial test of how alcohol use might drive changes in urgency, and subsequent changes in motives over the first year of college. Participants: 418 first-year college students (Mage = 18.16, 73.7% female, 86.5% White) were sampled at three timepoints. Methods: Mediation models were used to test hypotheses. Results: Alcohol use at baseline predicted increased enhancement motives through increased positive urgency (B = .0028, 95% CI [.0000, .0007]). Alcohol use at baseline did not predict coping motives through changes in negative urgency (B = .0002, 95% CI [-0.0020, .0030]). Conclusions: Changes in positive urgency and enhancement motives secondary to alcohol use appear to occur early in one’s drinking history, making them prime targets for early prevention strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractBackgroundMethodsResultsConclusionPlace of last drink (POLD) is a law enforcement strategy designed to decrease the service of alcohol to intoxicated patrons (i.e., overservice). When officers respond to an alcohol-related incident, they inquire about and record the place where the involved individuals last drank alcohol; this information can help identify licensed alcohol establishments that show a pattern of overserving alcohol. We evaluated the effects of a POLD initiative on various types of crime.The POLD initiative was conducted in the state of Minnesota (USA). We compared 26 intervention jurisdictions to 26 matched comparisons. Outcomes were six crime measures (e.g., driving under the influence, violent, nonviolent). Predictors were levels of participation and implementation of POLD. We fit a separate Poisson regression model for each crime outcome and each predictor.In all models, we found little difference in crime rates between intervention and comparison jurisdictions. No effect on crime was observed for either participation or implementation levels of POLD. However, we found implementation levels were relatively low across jurisdictions.This study adds to a very limited literature addressing the effects of POLD on public health harms such as crime. The particular POLD initiative did not appear to affect crime rates. We found POLD implementation levels showed considerable room for improvement and could help to explain some of the lack of effects of POLD on crime. More research is needed in additional localities and to assess whether specific aspects of implementation could help to strengthen POLD efforts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research article investigates the dynamics of alcohol consumption and the impact of addiction treatment using the continuous mathematical model SaEaDaTaRa. The study is significant as it incorporates the Atangana–Baleanu Caputo fractional derivatives, offering a novel approach to establishing the existence and uniqueness of solutions within this context. Our model formulation captures various stages of alcohol consumption and treatment, providing a comprehensive framework for analysis.We employ the next-generation matrix approach to explore the disease-free and endemic equilibria to calculate the basic reproduction number, R0. Sensitivity analysis is conducted to identify the parameters that most significantly influence R0, which helps in understanding the dynamics of alcohol use and the effectiveness of intervention strategies. The local and global stability of both the alcohol-free and alcohol-present equilibria are rigorously examined to provide insights into potential long-term outcomes of alcohol consumption in the presence of treatment facilities.Furthermore, we utilize Lagrange interpolation polynomial in a numerical framework implemented in Python to perform detailed simulations and validate our theoretical results. This numerical analysis helps visualize the model's predictions and understand the temporal evolution of alcohol consumption within the population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mitigating the impact of fossil fuels in diesel engines is crucial for addressing environmental issues, and alcohol-based fuel additives play a pivotal role. As key carriers of hydrogen, these additives have attracted considerable attention for their potential to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels. This study investigates the impact of blending diesel with various alcohols—n-butanol, n-octanol, and ethanol—at blending ratios of 20 and 50 vol% on combustion characteristics, emissions, and soot nanostructure in a compression ignition (CI) engine. Blending with n-butanol and ethanol notably retarded ignition delay and shortened combustion duration, whereas n-octanol's influence was minimal. Emission analyses highlighted that alcohol additions generally curtail nitrogen oxides (NO x) emissions, with 20 vol% n-butanol or n-octanol effectively diminishing unburned hydrocarbon (HC) emissions. An in-depth analysis of particulate matter (PM) emissions revealed that incorporating 50 vol% n-butanol or 20 vol% ethanol can significantly reduce PM emissions, achieving a reduction of up to 68% under various engine conditions. The examination of soot characteristics via Raman spectroscopy analysis highlighted an increased oxidative reactivity in soot particles when using n-octanol and ethanol blends. Additionally, soot samples obtained from alcohol-diesel blends displayed a heightened presence of C O groups, as identified through Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy analysis. This research offers profound insights into the intricate effects of alcohol-diesel blending on engine combustion and emissions. • Comprehensive study of diesel blended with various alcohols at different conditions. • Significant effects of n-butanol and ethanol on gas emissions are distinctly observed. • Up to 68% reduction in PM emissions achieved with 50% n-butanol or 20% ethanol. • Raman and FTIR spectroscopy reveal detailed soot properties from engine emissions. • n-Octanol and ethanol blends enhance soot's oxidative reactivity, deepening insights. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Breast cancer (BC) rates have been increasing in young women in the U.S. Alcohol is an established risk factor for breast cancer and has been consistently associated with hormone receptor positive cancers, the type of breast cancer that has been increasing the fastest in young women. Given these trends, we conducted an ecological study to examine whether alcohol consumption, and specifically binge drinking trends, were correlated with female breast cancer diagnosed under 40 years of age using breast cancer data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) Cancer Registry. We accounted for a latent period before cancer diagnosis by using exposure 10 years before the outcome (lag model); we also conducted a separate cumulative analysis of 10-year aggregate exposure. Findings: Moderate (Incidence Rate Ratio (IRR) = 1.05, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) = 1.02–1.07) and heavy (IRR = 1.05, 95% CI = 1.02–1.07)(≥ 1 and ≥ 2 drinks/day, respectively) alcohol consumption were each associated with Luminal A breast cancer but not the other molecular subtypes. Binge drinking was associated with an increased rate of early-onset Luminal A BC in both the 10-year lag model (IRR = 1.06, 95% CI = 1.02 to 1.11) and the cumulative model (IRR = 1.05, 95% CI = 1.02–1.07). Binge drinking was also associated with early-onset Luminal B BC in the cumulative model (IRR = 1.04, 95% CI = 1.01–1.07), but not associated with ERBB2-enriched or triple negative early-onset BC in either model. Conclusion: These trends support the hypothesis that one reason for the increase in early-onset breast cancer is from increased alcohol intake including binge drinking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanothermometry explores the use of temperature‐dependent properties of materials for remote and sensitive thermal readout at the nanoscale. The currently established nanothermometers are largely limited by uncontrollable nanoparticle flocculation, complex experimental setup, and narrow working temperature range. Here it is shown that gold nanoparticles (e.g., spheres, rods) embedded in a hydrogel can afford sensitive, durable, and range‐tunable temperature sensing via the terminal breathing of the nanoparticle surface‐grafted DNA. The realization of the plasmonic hydrogel thermometer with a thermal sensitivity of ≤2 °C relies on the dynamically modulable interparticle spacing by thermo‐responsive terminal base pairing/unpairing of the surface DNA. By altering the alcoholic ratio of the hydrogel, the temperature‐response range can be continuously regulated based on solvent‐mediated DNA base pairing. Compared with the colloidal counterpart, importantly, the hydrogel thermometer exhibits greatly improved thermal sensing capability (e.g., repeatability ≥50 times) while possessing excellent durability. Given the excellent durability, high sensitivity, and programmable temperature response range, the thermometers actuated by DNA breathing for advanced uses in human sensing and optoelectronics are within reach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]