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Background: Even though mental health problems and alcohol use remain major challenges facing adolescents, our understanding of their developmental progressions primarily stems from cohorts coming 1 of age in the early 2000's. We aimed to examine and describe normative developmental trajectories of depression, conduct problems, and alcohol use across adolescent years among more recent cohorts of Norwegian youth born in the 21st century. Methods: Multilevel mixed linear models for symptoms of depression and conduct disorder, and multilevel mixed logistic models for depressive disorder, conduct problems, any alcohol use, and risky drinking, were estimated with longitudinal data from a nationwide sample N = 3436 (55% girls) of Norwegian adolescents (mean age 14.3 [SD = 0.85] in 2017). We compared models with linear, quadratic, and cubic change with age, and models that tested moderation by sex and centrality (rural vs. urban communities). Results: Average symptoms and the rate of depressive disorder increased sharply from age 13 to age 19, but both the initial levels and the rates of change were greater for girls than for boys. Average symptoms of conduct disorder and the rate of conduct problems increased in early adolescence and were greater for boys than girls. The rates of any alcohol use and risky drinking both increased sharply from age 14, but there were no notable sex differences either in the initial levels or rates of change over time. Adolescents from more rural communities had greater rates of any drinking in mid-adolescence, but there were no other effects of centrality. Conclusions: This study provides a much-needed update concerning normative developmental trajectories of depression, conduct problems, and alcohol use among millennium cohorts. Consistent with prior studies, we observed significant increases in all outcomes across adolescence, with depression being both greater and more prevalent among girls and conduct problems being both greater and more prevalent among boys. Consistent with the emerging evidence, we observed no sex differences in alcohol use. Finally, there were no differences in the examined developmental trajectories as a function of centrality. These findings underscore the importance of early prevention and treatment of mental health and substance use problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The present study examines the network structure and, using Bayesian network analysis, estimates the directional pathways among symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), major depressive disorder (MDD), and levels of alcohol and cannabis use. Method: A sample of 1471 adults in the United States, who reported at least one potentially traumatic event, completed the PTSD Checklist (PCL-5), Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), and the Alcohol/Cannabis Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT/CUDIT). A regularized partial correlation network provided estimates of symptoms clusters and connections. Directional pathways within the network were then estimated using a directed acyclic graph (DAG). Results: Symptoms clustered in theoretically consistent ways. Risky behavior demonstrated the highest strength centrality and bridge strength. Neither alcohol nor cannabis use appeared central in the network, and DAG results suggested that MDD and PTSD symptoms are more likely to lead to substance use than the other way around. Conclusions: Results suggest that cannabis use is largely connected to alcohol use. Consistent with prior research, risky behavior appeared to be the primary bridge between substance use and PTSD. The direction of associations between substance use and psychological symptoms requires further attention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Pancreatitis is a severe inflammatory pathology that occurs from pancreatic duct and exocrine acinar injury, leading to improper secretion of digestive enzymes, auto‐digestion of the pancreas, and subsequent inflammation. Clinical reports show that 60%–90% of pancreatitis patients have a history of chronic alcohol use. More recent studies reveal that exocrine pancreas disorders like acute pancreatitis can precede diabetes type II onset, though mechanisms are not yet fully known. This study identified molecules and key signaling pathways underlying alcohol‐induced acute pancreatitis and their effects on diabetes type II onset. Methods: Data on human peripheral blood samples with or without acute pancreatitis were retrieved from the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) Gene Expression Omnibus (accession number GSE194331). Acute pancreatitis‐mediated differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were generated from GSE194331 using CLC Genomics Workbench 12. Molecules associated with ethanol (EtOH), acute pancreatitis, and diabetes type II were collected from QIAGEN Knowledge Base (QKB). The relationship between the molecules and signaling pathways associated with EtOH, acute pancreatitis, or diabetes type II was examined using various Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA) tools. Results: Our investigation showed that acute pancreatitis‐mediated DEGs were closely associated with EtOH by revealing that EtOH‐induced acute pancreatitis appears to lead to the onset of diabetes type II. We found that diabetes type II onset was mediated by pro‐inflammatory and metabolic mechanisms underlying EtOH‐induced acute pancreatitis, involving increased expression of cytokines including macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF), and decreased expression of hormones such as insulin. Conclusions: Exposure to alcohol may promote diabetes type II by affecting the activity of key inflammatory and metabolic mediators involved in acute pancreatitis. These findings call for further investigation into the role of pro‐inflammatory and metabolic mediators like resistin, IL‐6, and insulin in EtOH‐induced diabetes type II associated with acute pancreatitis pathologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To assess the prevalence of non‐communicable disease risk factors among the nursing staff and educate them on prevention. Background: Nursing staff is integral to the Indian community healthcare systems. Recent studies report a high prevalence of non‐communicable diseases in Indian nursing staff. Therefore, data on the prevalence of non‐communicable disease risk factors among nursing staff are crucial for education on prevention. Design: A cross‐sectional digital survey‐based study. Method: We invited 4435 nursing staff to attend our online survey. We used a customized questionnaire for data collection, including a digitized version of the Community‐Based Assessment Checklist form. A score of >4 was considered high risk and warranted screening. Result: Among 682 nursing staff who attended, 70% had never undergone screening for non‐communicable diseases. The prevalence of non‐communicable disease risk factors was significantly higher in male nursing staff. In addition, logistic regression analysis showed that age, tobacco and alcohol use, increased waist circumference, physical inactivity and family history of non‐communicable diseases were significant risk factors among nursing staff. Conclusion: The study findings suggest that the nursing staff have suboptimal self‐health concerns on non‐communicable diseases. This situation warrants continued medical education, awareness campaigns on adopting a healthy lifestyle and health promotion. Summary statement: What is already known about this topic? The prevalence of non‐communicable diseases (NCDs) among Indian nursing staff is a growing concern, underscoring the need for comprehensive research and targeted interventions.Despite the significant health risks faced by this demographic, there is a notable lack of data on NCD risk factors specific to Indian nursing professionals. What this paper adds? This paper adds information on the prevalence of NCD risk factors chiefly among nursing staff in the Delhi National Capital Region.Male nursing staff have particularly high NCD risk factors. The implications of this paper: Findings may help develop routine screening programmes for nursing staff, continued nursing education and good, safe nursing practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Relationships between stress and alcohol consumption, alcohol dependence, and alcohol harms as mediated by drinking to cope and moderated by gender and education were investigated. Australian participants completed online surveys during 2020 (T1: n = 589, Mage = 51.3, 67.7% female; T2: n = 493; T3: n = 487; T4: n = 311). Participants completed the Depression Anxiety and Stress Scales stress subscale, the Drinking Motives Questionnaire for Adults 'Drinking to cope' subscale, and the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test. T1 drinking to cope mediated the relationship between T1 stress and alcohol consumption at all time points (R2T1 = 0.24, R2T2 = 0.17, R2T3 = 0.21, R2T4 = 0.11). T4 drinking to cope mediated the relationship between T1 stress and T4 alcohol consumption (R2T1 = 0.15). Furthermore, a stronger effect was found for men in the relationship between T1 stress and T4 alcohol consumption as mediated by T4 drinking to cope (R2T4 =.18). No other relationships were found. Overall, drinking to cope appears to explain some of the increase in alcohol consumption across time due to stress and patterns of drinking to cope with stress appear to develop more strongly over time for men. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective:The secondhand effects of alcohol use (SEA) are adverse consequences caused by another's drinking. This study explored the relationship among the experience of SEAs, alcohol use, and alcohol related consequences (ARC). In addition, we examined whether coping (i.e., adaptive, maladaptive, substance use coping, maladaptive coping without substance use items) served as a moderator of SEA effects on alcohol outcomes. Method: 1,168 students completed a survey assessing SEA, alcohol outcomes, ARC, and coping strategies. Results: SEA was significantly positively associated with alcohol use (RRheavydrinking = 1.05, SE = 0.005, p <.01; RRAUDIT = 1.04, SE =.005, p <.01) as well as ARC (RR = 1.06, SE =.005, p <.01). Various forms of maladaptive coping moderated the relationship between SEA and alcohol outcomes. Conclusion: This study provided evidence for a relationship between SEA and more alcohol use and ARC. This relationship was exacerbated by maladaptive coping. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heavy alcohol use (HAU) can destabilize engagement along the HIV care continuum. Population-based studies assessing associations of HAU with HIV treatment outcomes are lacking, especially in sub-Saharan Africa. We leveraged data from the Kenya Population-based HIV Impact Assessment to identify associations of self-reported HAU, assessed using two items measuring the frequency and quantity of past-year alcohol consumption, with serum biomarkers for HIV serostatus unawareness, antiretroviral therapy (ART) non-use, and HIV viremia (≥1000 RNA copies/mL). Overall and sex-stratified survey-weighted logistic regression with jackknife variance estimation modeled adjusted odds ratios (adjOR) of HIV treatment indicators by HAU. Overall, 1491 persons living with HIV aged 15–64 years (68.4% female) were included. The prevalence of HAU was 8.9% (95% confidence interval [95%CI]: 6.8–11.0%) and was significantly more pronounced in males than females (19.6% vs. 4.0%, p < 0.001). In multivariable analysis, HAU was significantly (p < 0.001) associated with HIV serostatus unawareness (adjOR = 3.65, 95%CI: 2.14–6.23), ART non-use (adjOR = 3.81, 95%CI: 2.25–6.43), and HIV viremia (adjOR = 3.13, 95%CI: 1.85–5.32). Incorporating sex-specific alcohol use screening into HIV testing and treatment services in populations where HAU is prevalent could optimize clinical outcomes along the HIV care continuum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Harmful drinking patterns are changing the lifestyles of young people. Today, binge drinking is a widespread health-damaging practice in many countries. This research aimed to investigate the participants' views on alcohol abuse to determine whether prior knowledge of the adverse effects of alcohol can be a limiting factor for inappropriate drinking behavior. Methods: Four focus group interview sessions were conducted with 32 participants. Two target groups of young adults between 18 and 24 were identified to detect differences in behavior: university students with prior knowledge of alcohol products and their effects and individuals without expertise. Results: Results show no substantial differences in excessive drinking practices in the analyzed target groups. Harmful consumption patterns occur independently of young people's awareness of the adverse health effects of inappropriate alcohol consumption. Conclusions: Preventive education on the harmful effects of alcohol does not seem to be a sufficient condition to discourage binge drinking practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Psoriasis is a common immune‐mediated papulosquamous inflammatory skin disease characterized by well‐demarcated, erythematous silvery scaly plaques. Prevalence rates of psoriasis showed a worldwide variation and have been reported to range between 0.09% and 5.1%. It has been associated with several intrinsic as well as extrinsic factors and has a detrimental effect on health‐related quality of life. Studies on the burden, factors associated with it, and quality of life of psoriasis are limited in the study area. Objectives. To assess the magnitude, factors associated with it, and quality of life of psoriasis patients. Methods. Institution‐based cross‐sectional study was conducted among patients who attend dermatology clinics at Tibebe Ghion comprehensive specialized and Addis Alem primary hospitals from June 8 to September 5, 2022. Systematic random sampling was applied to select study participants until the sample size (318) was fulfilled. A structured interviewer‐administered questionnaire was used to collect data. Collected data were coded and entered into EPI data version 3.1 and then exported to SPSS version 27 for analysis. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression analysis were done. Result. The mean age of study participants was 22.5 with a standard deviation (SD) of 18.2 years. The proportion of psoriasis was 5.3% with a 95% CI (3.1%, 8.4%). Stressful life events (AOR = 3.32, 95% CI (1.12, 9.86)) and alcohol consumption (AOR = 3.73, 95% CI (1.03, 13.51)) were significantly associated with psoriasis. Seven (41.2%) psoriasis patients had a large effect on their quality of life. The mean dermatology quality of life index (DLQI) was 9.82. Conclusion. The proportion of psoriasis in this study was comparable to earlier international and Ethiopian studies, but greater than studies from other African countries. Stressful life events and alcohol consumption were significantly associated with psoriasis. The majority of psoriasis patients had a large negative effect on their quality of life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Chronic alcohol users often exhibit an increased minimum alveolar concentration (MAC) of sevoflurane, yet the specific mechanism remains unclear. It has been reported that ethanol exposure can upregulate the protein expression and enzyme activity of cytochrome P450 2E1 (CYP2E1). CYP2E1 is a key enzyme that converts 2–5% of sevoflurane into equimolar amounts of hexafluoroisopropanol (HFIP) and F−. This study aims to explore whether ethanol exposure could alter sevoflurane metabolism through CYP2E1 modulation, potentially explaining the increased MAC observed in alcohol users. Methods: Eighty adult male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into two groups and received either 50% ethanol (dose: 3 g/kg) or 0.9% saline twice daily by gavage. After 1, 2, 3, and 4 weeks of gavage, ten rats were randomly selected from each group to undergo 1-hour anesthesia with 2.3% sevoflurane. Blood samples were collected after anesthesia to measure the concentration of free HFIP using gas chromatography. Additionally, the left lobe tissue of the liver was collected for the analysis of CYP2E1 protein expression by Western blot and CYP2E1 enzyme activity by colorimetric assay. Correlations between these parameters were analyzed using Pearson's correlation. Results: In the ethanol group, CYP2E1 expression, activity, and the concentration of free HFIP were significantly higher at all time points compared to the control group (P < 0.05), except for protein expression in the first week (P > 0.05). Within-group comparisons indicated no significant changes in any of the parameters for the control group (P > 0.05). In the ethanol group, there was no difference in free HFIP concentration between the first and second weeks (P > 0.05), but a significant increase was observed in the third and fourth weeks (P < 0.01); protein expression and enzyme activity significantly varied over time, especially showing a notable increase from the first to the third and fourth weeks (P < 0.05). Correlation analysis revealed strong positive correlations between free HFIP concentration and CYP2E1 activity (r = 0.7898), free HFIP concentration and CYP2E1 expression (r = 0.8418), and CYP2E1 activity and expression (r = 0.8740), all with P < 0.001. Conclusions: Ethanol exposure increased both the expression and enzymatic activity of CYP2E1, consequently enhancing the metabolism of sevoflurane. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: College students continue to report problematic alcohol use. To mitigate adverse outcomes, recent studies have employed harm reduction strategies known as Protective Behavioral Strategies (PBS). Deviance Regulation Theory (DRT), an impression management intervention, has been used to promote the use of PBS. DRT relies on impression management to modify behavior. This may be especially important for individuals with higher levels of trait narcissism. Method: College student drinkers (n = 132) were randomly assigned to receive a positive message about PBS users, a negative message about non-PBS users, or control. Participants reported on current PBS use norms, daily alcohol use, PBS use, and any alcohol-related problems experienced during the previous week for the next 10 weeks. Results: Data were analyzed using multilevel regression to examine PBS use across time by condition. When PBS norms were low, narcissism was strongly associated with lower rates of PBS use in the control group. If individuals received a positive or negative message, the association between narcissism and PBS use was diminished, among individuals with low PBS norms. There were no significant differences at mean or high levels of norms, indicating the messaging was only important for the highest risk group (i.e., those with low PBS norms). Discussion: The results of this study suggest that message framing may be effective at reducing the robust negative association between narcissism and PBS use for individuals with low PBS norms. Positive messages about individuals that use PBS may be one approach to mitigating problematic alcohol consumption in this at-risk group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study examined young adults' completion of the Web-based intervention content in a randomized trial that tested two Personalized Feedback Interventions (PFIs) for alcohol use and risky sex behavior (RSB). Data are from a study that evaluated efficacy of two Web-delivered PFIs (combined PFI and integrated PFI) among 269 sexually active young adults between the ages of 18 and 25. We described the view patterns of the Web-based intervention and examined if baseline sociodemographic and alcohol- and sex-related behavioral factors were associated with the completion of PFI. Many participants viewed the intervention more than one time, and the majority finished all intervention pages in at least one session. Older participants and participants who drink more frequently prior to or during sex were more likely to complete. Most participants, especially the young adults who were at higher risk, utilized the intervention contents as intended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Insufficient sleep and insomnia are associated with alcohol use as well as anxiety during adolescence and young adulthood. A negative reinforcement path to explain the association between sleep difficulties and alcohol misuse has been proposed. Within this pathway, it is speculated that while sober, insomnia and insufficient sleep lead to increased anxiety as well as anxiolytic responses to alcohol, thereby increasing the risk for both alcohol use and alcohol use problems. No work to date has examined the negative reinforcement path to alcohol use among adolescents who have consumed alcohol. Objectives: The current study aims to address this gap in the literature by examining if sleep quality is related to adolescent alcohol use problems and frequency through serial indirect effects of adolescent anxiety symptoms and coping motives for alcohol use. A total of 147 adolescents between the ages of 13 and 18 years (Mage = 16.31; SD = 0.96) from all geographic regions in the US were recruited using social media platforms (i.e., Facebook and Instagram). Participants who reported having tried alcohol at least once completed self-report measures to examine sleep quality, anxiety symptoms, alcohol use problems, alcohol use frequency, and coping motives for alcohol use. Results: Adolescent sleep quality was found to be associated with higher levels of both alcohol use problems and alcohol use frequency through the serial indirect effect of anxiety symptoms and coping motives for alcohol use. Conclusions: Overall, these findings represent a step towards understanding the complex relationship between sleep quality, alcohol, anxiety, and coping motives among adolescents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The prevalence of recreational cannabis use among adolescents is a growing public health concern due to its link to short- and long-term adverse effects on adolescents' wellbeing, physical health, mental health, and interpersonal behaviors. Method: Five databases were searched from inception to March 17, 2023, for exposure (nicotine product, alcohol) and outcome (recreational cannabis) in adolescents (persons aged 10–19 years). The studies were screened independently by two reviewers, and the quality of the studies was assessed with Newcastle Ottawa and AXIS tool. PRISMA guidelines were employed in this review. Result: Twenty-one (21) studies involving 2,778,406 adolescents were included in the appraisal and heterogeneity was found among these studies. Ascertainment bias was commonly detected in thirteen (13) of the included studies. Among the substances examined as potential exposures, nicotine-product use emerged as a significant factor associated with future cannabis use among adolescents, particularly in mid-adolescence and in places where recreational cannabis use has been legalized. Conclusion: Current evidence suggests an association between nicotine-product use and subsequent recreational cannabis use among adolescents. However, further research is needed to establish causality between exposure to nicotine substances and the use of recreational cannabis within this age demographic. Additionally, there is a need for the development of prevention programs and targeted policies that continuously inform and update this vulnerable sub-population about the risks associated with cannabis use for leisure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alcohol is the most widely abused substance in the world, the leading source of mortality in 15–49‐year‐olds, and a major risk factor for heart disease, liver disease, diabetes, and cancer. Despite this, alcohol is regularly misused in wider society. Consumers of excess alcohol often note a constellation of negative symptoms, known as the alcohol hangover. However, the alcohol hangover is not considered to have long‐term clinical significance by clinicians or consumers. We undertook a critical review of the literature to demonstrate the pathophysiological mechanisms of the alcohol hangover. Hereafter, the alcohol hangover is re‐defined as a manifestation of sickness behavior secondary to alcohol‐induced inflammation, using the Bradford‐Hill criteria to demonstrate causation above correlation. Alcohol causes inflammation through oxidative stress and endotoxemia. Alcohol metabolism is oxidative and increased intake causes relative tissue hypoxia and increased free radical generation. Tissue damage ensues through lipid peroxidation and the formation of DNA/protein adducts. Byproducts of alcohol metabolism such as acetaldehyde and congeners, sleep deprivation, and the activation of nonspecific inducible CYP2E1 in alcohol‐exposed tissues exacerbate free radical generation. Tissue damage and cell death lead to inflammation, but in the intestine loss of epithelial cells leads to intestinal permeability, allowing the translocation of pathogenic bacteria to the systemic circulation (endotoxemia). This leads to a well‐characterized cascade of systemic inflammation, additionally activating toll‐like receptor 4 to induce sickness behavior. Considering the evidence, it is suggested that hangover frequency and severity may be predictors of the development of later alcohol‐related diseases, meriting formal confirmation in prospective studies. In light of the mechanisms of alcohol‐mediated inflammation, research into gut permeability and the gut microbiome may be an exciting future therapeutic avenue to prevent alcohol hangover and other alcohol‐related diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Evidence regarding the association between hyperuricemia and arrhythmia recurrence after catheter ablation for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF) is scarce. We investigated whether hyperuricemia predicts arrhythmia recurrence after catheter ablation for paroxysmal AF and the relationship between hyperuricemia and alcohol consumption in AF recurrence. Methods: Patients who underwent catheter ablation for paroxysmal AF were divided into the hyperuricemia (index serum uric acid [UA] >7.0 mg/dL; n = 114) and control (UA ≤7.0 mg/dL; n = 609) groups and were followed for a median of 24 (12–48) months after ablation. Results: The hyperuricemia group had more patients with an alcohol intake of ≥20 g/day (33.3% vs. 22.7%, p =.017) and a lower incidence of AF‐free survival (p =.019). Similarly, those with an alcohol intake of ≥20 g/day had a lower incidence of AF‐free survival than other patients. Multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed the following independent predictors of AF recurrence (adjusted hazard ratio, 95% confidence interval): hyperuricemia (1.64, 1.12–2.40), female gender (1.91, 1.36–2.67), brain natriuretic peptide level >100 pg/mL (1.59, 1.14–2.22), and alcohol consumption ≥20 g/day (1.49, 1.03–2.15) (all p <.05). In addition, causal mediation analysis revealed that alcohol consumption of ≥20 g/day directly affected AF recurrence, independent of hyperuricemia. Conclusions: Patients with hyperuricemia may be at a high risk of arrhythmia recurrence after catheter ablation for paroxysmal AF. Although high alcohol consumption may contribute to increased UA levels, the presence of hyperuricemia may independently predict AF recurrence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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U.S. Veterans and people living with HIV (PWH) experience higher rates of unhealthy alcohol and tobacco/nicotine use than non-Veterans and people without HIV (PWoH). Both groups are susceptible to adverse health outcomes associated with alcohol and tobacco/nicotine use. We explored awareness of alcohol- and tobacco/nicotine-related cancer and immune health risks among Veterans Health Administration (VA) patients with and without HIV. Among a sample of 41 (46% PWH; 73% male; 39% Black) purposively-selected VA patients receiving care 2020–2021 we conducted semi-structured interviews via telephone; interviews were recorded, transcribed and analyzed using a Rapid Assessment Process. Purposive selection was based on HIV status, alcohol and/or tobacco/nicotine use, and demographics. Among participants, 66% reported current smoking, and most screened positive for unhealthy alcohol use. Participants had high awareness of cancer and other health risks related to smoking but low awareness of synergistic risks and cancer risks associated with alcohol use despite awareness of a range of other alcohol-related risks. Awareness of alcohol and/or tobacco/nicotine's impacts on the immune system was variable. Findings did not distinctly differ between PWH and PWoH. Low awareness of alcohol-related cancer risk, risks of co-occurring use, and varying awareness of the impacts of alcohol and tobacco/nicotine on the immune system suggest a need for improved messaging regarding substance use-related cancer and immune risk. This may be especially important among PWH, for whom the prevalence and adverse effects of alcohol and tobacco use, and immune dysfunction are higher. [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]

Transactional sex increases sub-Saharan African women's risk of HIV acquisition. We quantitatively explored the pathways contributing towards women's future engagement in transactional sex with casual partners and khwapheni (secret concurrent sex partners). We conducted secondary data analysis from a cluster randomised controlled trial in urban informal settlements in eThekwini Municipality., South Africa. Data were collected at enrolment (t0) and 24 months' later (t2) using self-completed questionnaires. Structural equation modelling (SEM) assessed pathways leading to transactional sex over two years. 677 women 18–35 years were enrolled and 80.5% (n = 545) were followed up. At t2, 44.6% of respondents reported transactional sex with a casual partner or khwapheni. The SEM demonstrated a small effect (d = 0.23) between transactional sex at t0 and at t2. Controlling for past transactional sex, main partner relationship control had a large effect size on future transactional sex (d = 0.60). Hazardous drinking had a medium effect size (d = 0.45) and food insecurity a small effect (d = 0.24), (RMSEA 0.03, 90%CI 0.02–0.04; CFI 0.97; TLI 0.96). HIV prevention programming should highlight current transactional sex but also address structural issues predicting future transactional sex, including food insecurity and alcohol misuse. Gender transformative interventions to reduce controlling behaviours in main relationships are worth investigating. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Although it is recommended that obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) be screened for using a validated self-report questionnaire in patients experiencing dizziness, there is still a lack of research on the relationship between high risk of OSA and chronic dizziness. Objectives: The study aimed to examine the relationship between the high risk of OSA and chronic dizziness and investigate how this relationship is affected by sleep duration. Methods: This cross-sectional study used data from the 8th Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2019--2021). Adults aged 40 years or older were included and divided into two groups using the STOP-Bang Questionnaire (SBQ): a high-risk group for OSA or not. Complex samples logistic regression analyses were performed to examine the odds ratios of chronic dizziness based on the national population estimates. Results: Our findings showed that individuals in the high-risk group for OSA were significantly more likely to experience chronic dizziness. Specifically, among subgroups based on sleep duration, the high-risk group for OSA with a short sleep duration of ≤5 hours demonstrated the highest odds of chronic dizziness, showing a significantly 2.48-fold increased likelihood compared to the non-high risk for OSA with a sleep duration of 5--9 hours. Discussion: The SBQ can be beneficial when other causes do not explain chronic dizziness, helping to rule in the possibility of OSA. Educating individuals suspected of having OSA or who have been diagnosed with OSA about the importance of adequate sleep duration may help reduce the risk of chronic dizziness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is commonly associated with distressing psychological symptoms. Pathologic changes associated with AUD have been described in both the gut microbiome and brain, but the mechanisms underlying gut‐brain signaling in individuals with AUD are unknown. This study examined associations among the gut microbiome, brain morphometry, and clinical symptoms in treatment‐seeking individuals with AUD. Methods: We performed a secondary analysis of data collected during inpatient treatment for AUD in subjects who provided gut microbiome samples and had structural brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI; n = 16). Shotgun metagenomics sequencing was performed, and the morphometry of brain regions of interest was calculated. Clinical symptom severity was quantified using validated instruments. Gut‐brain modules (GBMs) used to infer neuroactive signaling potential from the gut microbiome were generated in addition to microbiome features (e.g., alpha diversity and bacterial taxa abundance). Bivariate correlations were performed between MRI and clinical features, microbiome and clinical features, and MRI and microbiome features. Results: Amygdala volume was significantly associated with alpha diversity and the abundance of several bacteria including taxa classified to Blautia,Ruminococcus, Bacteroides, and Phocaeicola. There were moderate associations between amygdala volume and GBMs, including butyrate synthesis I, glutamate synthesis I, and GABA synthesis I & II, but these relationships were not significant after false discovery rate (FDR) correction. Other bacterial taxa with shared associations to MRI features and clinical symptoms included Escherichia coli and Prevotella copri. Conclusions: We identified gut microbiome features associated with MRI morphometry and AUD‐associated symptom severity. Given the small sample size and bivariate associations performed, these results require confirmation in larger samples and controls to provide meaningful clinical inferences. Nevertheless, these results will inform targeted future research on the role of the gut microbiome in gut‐brain communication and how signaling may be altered in patients with AUD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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

Abstract screenings, 95 articles were reviewed in full, and 63 articles were included within this analysis. Consistent antecedents of SRB were socioeconomic status, race, gender, violence, alcohol/drug use, and mental health. Attributes included several ways of defining SRBs such as frequency of condom use and type of partners. The most consistent outcome of SRBs was contraction of STIs and subsequent health problems. Few studies examined mental health outcomes of SRBs. Future research should create a standardized tool for measuring SRBs to inform policy for providing sexual health education to TGD populations, which will ultimately decrease disparities in STIs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective Unsafe opioid-related practices can lead to abuse, diversion, and accidental overdoses. In this study, we aimed to describe the patterns and beliefs regarding the storage, disposal, and use of opioids among Chinese patients with cancer in their home settings, which remain unclear. Methods A multicenter cross-sectional survey was conducted in Hubei Province from October 2022 to June 2023. We collected information on the storage, disposal, and use of opioids among cancer pain inpatients in the oncology department. Logistic regression was used to estimate the factors associated with unsafe disposal and use of opioids. Results The survey included 221 patients with a median age of 62 years. Only 3.2% stored their opioids under lock and key, and 49.8% were unaware of proper disposal methods. Nearly one-fifth (19.5%) reported having received information on the safe storage (14.0%) and/or disposal (10.0%) of opioids. A total of 44.3% reported unsafe use by sharing (1.8%), losing (4.1%), or taking opioids at a higher dose than prescribed (42.5%). Patients who did not receive information on the safe disposal of opioids (OR = 4.57, P  = .0423), had a history of alcohol use (OR = 1.91, P  = .0399), and used opioids other than morphine (OR = 2.31, P  = .0461) had higher odds of unsafe disposal practices. Individuals with an associate degree/bachelor's degree or above were less likely to dispose of (OR = 0.36, P  = .0261) and use (OR = 0.31, P  = .0127) opioids unsafely. Conclusion A significant proportion of Chinese patients with cancer exhibit unsafe practices in the storage, disposal, and use of opioids. The study highlights an urgent need for implementing routine education programs and drug "take-back" initiatives to improve opioid-related practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and aims: Systematic reviews of the relationship between alcohol consumption and all‐cause mortality have reported different relative risk (RR) curves, possibly due to the choice of reference group. Results have varied from 'J‐shaped' curves, where low‐volume consumption is associated with reduced risk, to monotonically increased risk with increasing consumption. We summarised the evidence on alcohol consumption and all‐cause mortality exclusively from systematic reviews using lifetime abstainers or low‐volume/occasional drinkers as the reference group. Methods: We conducted a systematic umbrella review of systematic reviews of the relationship between alcohol consumption and all‐cause mortality in prospective cohort studies using a reference group of lifetime abstainers or low‐volume/occasional drinkers. Several databases (PubMed/Medline/Embase/PsycINFO/Cochrane Library) were searched to March 2022. Reviews were assessed for risk of bias, and those with reference groups containing former drinkers were excluded. Results: From 2149 articles retrieved, 25 systematic reviews were identified, and five did not include former drinkers in the reference group. Four of the five included reviews had high risk of bias. Three reviews reported a J‐shaped relationship between alcohol consumption and all‐cause mortality with significant decreased risk for low‐volume drinking (RR range 0.84 to 0.95), while two reviews did not. The one review at low risk of bias reported monotonically increased risk with greater consumption (RRs = 1.02, 1.13, 1.33 and 1.52 for low‐, medium‐, high‐ and higher‐volume drinking, respectively, compared with occasional drinking). All five reviews reported significantly increased risk with higher levels of alcohol consumption (RR range 1.28 to 3.70). Sub‐group analyses were reported by sex and age; however, there were evidence gaps for many important factors. Conversely, 17 of 20 excluded systematic reviews reported decreased mortality risk for low‐volume drinking. Conclusions: Over 70% of systematic reviews and meta‐analyses published to March 2022 of all‐cause mortality risk associated with alcohol consumption did not exclude former drinkers from the reference group and may therefore be biased by the 'sick‐quitter effect'. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Moral injury (i.e., perpetrating, witnessing, failing to prevent, or being a victim of acts that transgress one's moral beliefs, values, or ethics) has largely been studied in military‐connected populations and is associated with a range of adverse psychological sequelae. Emerging literature suggests that healthcare workers also experience moral injury, particularly in the context of the ongoing COVID‐19 pandemic. However, it is not known if moral injury contributes to substance use among healthcare workers or whether these effects might differ by gender, race/ethnicity, or occupational level. In March 2022, we collected self‐reported pilot data from a diverse sample of US healthcare workers (N = 200) We examined the cross‐sectional relationships between moral injury and several measures of substance use (i.e., current non‐medical use of prescription drugs [NMUPD], current cannabis use, current use of other illicit drugs, and hazardous drinking) using separate logistic regression models. Next, we used separate interaction models to examine if any of these relations differed by gender, race/ethnicity, or occupational level. In main effects models, healthcare workers reporting greater moral injury had greater odds of current NMUPD (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 1.07; p < 0.001), current use of other illicit drugs (aOR = 1.09; p < 0.01), and hazardous drinking (aOR = 1.07; p < 0.01). These relations did not differ by race/ethnicity or occupational level (ps > 0.05); however, men were more likely to report current NMUPD and hazardous drinking (ps < 0.05) in the presence of high moral injury than women healthcare workers. Our findings suggest that healthcare workers experience substantial distress related to morally injurious events, which may affect their likelihood of NMUPD, cannabis use, use of other illicit drugs, and hazardous drinking, and that men in healthcare may be particularly at risk. Healthcare organizations should address systemic issues driving moral injury (e.g., resource shortages, lack of psychosocial support) to prevent substance‐related harms among healthcare workers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study aimed to examine the relative risk of risk factor in male and female breast cancer (BC) deaths in China and analyzed the changing trends in BC mortality rates from 1990 to 2019. Methods: Open data from the Global Burden of Disease database from 1990 to 2019 were analyzed to assess the number of BC deaths and age‐standardized mortality rates (ASMR) in China. The age‐period‐cohort model was employed to study age effects, period effects, cohort effects, as well as local drift and net drift of the data, determining the impact of changing risk factors on crude mortality rates and ASMR of BC. Results: In 2019, the number of BC deaths across all age groups in China increased by 130.38% compared to 1990, with an increase of 125.68% in females and 648.80% in males. The ASMR for BC and male BC increased in 2019, while female BC ASMR declined. Overall, alcohol consumption and smoking as risk factors contributed to increased mortality rates of BC with advancing age. Over the entire study period, the net drift of alcohol consumption in females for BC was 0.06% (95% confidence interval [CI]: −0.24% to 0.36%), while for smoking it was −0.64% (95% CI: −0.83% to −0.45%). For males, the net drift of alcohol consumption for BC was 6.75% (95% CI: 5.55% to 7.96%), and for smoking, it was 6.09% (95% CI: 2.66% to 9.64%). Conclusion: Hence, improving awareness of BC‐related risk factors and implementing prevention strategies are necessary to alleviate future BC burdens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

INTRODUCTION The underlying factors of oral squamous cell cancers (OSCC) have been elucidated, but studies have focused little on etiological differences in affected oral cavity sites. The aim of this retrospective study was to clarify the role of carcinogen exposure in OSCC of different oral cavity areas. METHODS A cross-sectional study of patients with primary OSCC was conducted retrospectively, based on patient records from Helsinki University Hospital, Finland, between January 2016 and December 2020. The patients' self-reported history of tobacco smoking and alcohol use was explained by tumor site, age, sex, tumor size, and lymph node status in a logistic regression model. The information on smoking and alcohol use was compiled from a patient background form. RESULTS In 519 patients, tumors occurred most often in the tongue (51%), gingiva (21%), or floor of the mouth (FOM; 15%). FOM had 26-fold greater odds for a history of smoking and alcohol use than other tumor sites (OR=25.78; 95% CI: 8.02-82.95; p<0.001). Gingival and buccal sites were associated significantly less with smoking and alcohol use (OR=0.43, 95% CI: 0.28-0.67; p<0.001 and OR=0.47; 95% CI: 0.25-0.92; p<0.026, respectively). Patients of older age were less likely to have a history of smoking and alcohol use (AOR=0.95; 95% CI: 0.94-0.97; p<0.001) than younger patients. Tumor size (T3-4) and FOM increased the odds for history of smoking and alcohol use (AOR=1.73; 95% CI: 1.15-2.60; p=0.009 and AOR=26.15; 95% CI: 8.01-84.84; p<0.001, respectively). CONCLUSIONS OSCC of oral cavity sites has notable differences in etiology. FOM seems to be related almost exclusively to conventional smoking and heavy alcohol use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This cross-sectional study aimed to explore the use of alcohol and drugs and the potential impact on adherence to medication for tuberculosis. Adult patients admitted to specialised tuberculosis hospitals in South Africa were assessed for drug use, alcohol use and adherence to tuberculosis medication. A total of 175 patients participated in the study; 32% reported harmful alcohol use, and 44% reported problematic use of drugs. Participants who used drugs were four times as likely (OR = 4.11, 95% CI (1.89, 8.91)) and those using alcohol were twice as likely (OR = 2.06, 95% CI (1.02, 5.08)) to be nonadherent to medication for tuberculosis. Prevalence of harmful/hazardous use of alcohol and other drugs was high and significantly correlated with poorer medication adherence. Routine screening for and treatment of substance use in patients on treatment for tuberculosis and ongoing monitoring of adherence to medication is recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Making a diagnosis of alcoholic liver disease is not always easy. There are problems in obtaining an accurate and reliable history of alcohol consumption. Laboratory findings and hepatic imaging studies are neither sensitive or specific, and newer test are being considered. Recently, a patient was admitted with possible alcoholic hepatitis. The first-year resident who admitted the patient mistakenly ordered a blood test for serum IgE. The result was a markedly elevated −6440 IU/mL. There was no evidence of parasitic infections, atopy or autoimmune disease nor was there any eosinophilia. A literature search showed that elevated IgE levels are associated with alcohol abuse. This association has been forgotten and does not appear in standard reference sources such as UptoDate or Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine. This judicious use of examining serum IgE levels may aid in the diagnosis of alcoholic hepatitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Disability in activities of daily living (ADL) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) is a growing concern among the elderly in rural India, as its prevalence is higher than in urban areas. Thus, the rationale of the present study is to address different demographic, socioeconomic, behavioural, and health-related factors associated with ADL and IADL disability among the elderly in rural India. Data and methods: A total of 19,578 samples from the Longitudinal Ageing Study of India (LASI) Wave 1, 2017–2018, formed the basis of this study. A multivariable binary logistic regression model was administered to identify the risk factors associated with functional disability using Stata 16. Results: A multivariable binary logistic regression model shows that the higher odds ratio of ADL/IADL disability is found among the elderly who meet the following criteria: poor health status, age 80 years and above, female, depressed, not attending school, having chronic diseases such as heart disease, lung disease, and arthritis, smoking and drinking alcohol, poor economic status, physically inactive, and not covered by health insurance. On the contrary, the lowest odds ratio was found only among the elderly who belonged to a Scheduled Tribe (IADL disability) and had lung disease (ADL disability). Conclusion: A better understanding of these factors in the study can help to reduce functional disability by planning and implementing services specifically for rural areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Periodontitis is a complex chronic inflammatory disease that is particularly associated with health-related conditions such as smoking, excessive drinking and depression. This research aimed to investigate the interaction between these lifestyles factors on periodontitis risk. Methods: This study included participants who participated in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey in the United States between 2009 and 2014. They had completed oral health-periodontal examination, Smoking-Cigarette Use Questionnaire, Alcohol Use Questionnaire, and Patient Health Questionnaire. Periodontal clinical attachment loss (CAL) of 3 mm or more and Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) of 10 scores or more were used to identify periodontitis and depression, respectively. Daily alcohol consumption in the past year was classified into three levels: low (1 drink or less), moderate (between 1 and 3 drinks), and heavy drinking (4 drinks or more), while smoking was defined as having smoked at least 100 cigarettes in one's lifetime. Then, the logistic regression combined with interaction models were used to analyze the independent and combined effects of smoking, drinking and depression on periodontitis risk. Results: The results indicated a statistically significant multiplicative interaction between smoking and depression in relation to the development of periodontitis, both in the overall population (P = 0.03) and among male participants (P = 0.03). Furthermore, among individuals experiencing depression, smoking was found to significantly increase the prevalence of periodontitis by 129% in the younger age group compared to non-smokers (odds ratio [OR]: 2.29; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.10 to 4.76). However, the interaction between smoking and alcohol consumption was only significant among females (P < 0.05). There was a dose-dependent relationship between drinking frequency and smoking on periodontitis prevalence. In the smoking population, occasional drinking (OR: 1.70; 95% CI: 1.22 to 2.37) and regular drinking (OR: 2.28; 95% CI: 1.68 to 3.11) significantly increased the prevalence of periodontitis compared to individuals without these two factors. Conclusion: These results suggested that there were interactive effects between smoking, drinking and depression on periodontitis risk and policies aimed at healthy behaviours and mental health may be beneficial for our oral health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

College students, particularly first-year students, are at risk for alcohol misuse and alcohol-related consequences (e.g., condomless sex). Our objective was to determine if first- and second-year students were more or less likely to report any act of condomless sex under the influence of alcohol than third- and fourth-year students. Participants (N = 447) were undergraduate students recruited from a private institution in Massachusetts. Logistic regression models were used to analyze differences in reported acts of condomless sex under the influence of alcohol in the past 30 days, by class rank. First- and second-year students had lower odds (OR 0.40, 95% CI: 0.252–0.648) of reporting condomless sex under the influence of alcohol than third- and fourth-year students. Implications from these results can contribute to understanding sexually transmitted infections in the college population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alcohol use disorders (AUD) among people living with HIV (PLHIV) are associated with poor health outcomes. This cross-sectional study examined current alcohol use and AUD among 300 PLHIV on ART at four HIV care centres in Northwest Tanzania. Participants' data were collected using questionnaires. Alcohol use was assessed using Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT). Logistic regression was used to examine associations between each outcome (current drinking and AUD) and sociodemographic and clinical factors. Association between alcohol use and ART adherence was also studied. The median age of participants was 43 years (IQR 19-71) and 41.3% were male. Twenty-two (7.3%) participants failed to take ART at least once in the last seven days. The prevalence of current drinking was 29.3% (95% CI 24.2-34.8%) and that of AUD was 11.3% (8.2%−15.5%). Males had higher odds of alcohol use (OR 3.03, 95% CI 1.79-5.14) and AUD (3.89, 1.76-8.60). Alcohol use was associated with ART non-adherence (OR = 2.78, 1.10–7.04). There was a trend towards an association between AUD and non-adherence (OR = 2.91, 0.92–9.21). Alcohol use and AUD were common among PLHIV and showed evidence of associations with ART non-adherence. Screening patients for alcohol use and AUD in HIV clinics may increase ART adherence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: People with alcohol use disorder (AUD) have an increased risk of developing pneumonia and pulmonary diseases. Alveolar macrophages (AMs) are immune cells of the lower respiratory tract that are necessary for clearance of pathogens. However, alcohol causes AM oxidative stress, mitochondrial damage and dysfunction, and diminished phagocytic capacity, leading to lung injury and immune suppression. Methods: AMs were isolated by bronchoalveolar lavage from people with AUD and male and female C57BL/6J mice given chronic ethanol (20% w/v, 12 weeks) in drinking water. The peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor γ ligand, pioglitazone, was used to treat human AMs ex vivo (10 μM, 24 h) and mice in vivo by oral gavage (10 mg/kg/day). Levels of AM mitochondrial superoxide and hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1 alpha (HIF‐1α) mRNA, a marker of oxidative stress, were measured by fluorescence microscopy and RT‐qPCR, respectively. Mouse AM phagocytic ability was determined by internalized Staphylococcus aureus, and mitochondrial capacity, dependency, and flexibility for glucose, long‐chain fatty acid, and glutamine oxidation were measured using an extracellular flux analyzer. In vitro studies used a murine AM cell line, MH‐S (±0.08% ethanol, 72 h) to investigate mitochondrial fuel oxidation and ATP‐linked respiration. Results: Pioglitazone treatment decreased mitochondrial superoxide in AMs from people with AUD and ethanol‐fed mice and HIF‐1α mRNA in ethanol‐fed mouse lungs. Pioglitazone also reversed mouse AM glutamine oxidation and glucose or long‐chain fatty acid flexibility to meet basal oxidation needs. In vitro, ethanol decreased the rate of AM mitochondrial and total ATP production, and pioglitazone improved changes in glucose and glutamine oxidation. Conclusions: Pioglitazone reversed chronic alcohol‐induced oxidative stress in human AM and mitochondrial substrate oxidation flexibility and superoxide levels in mouse AM. Decreased ethanol‐induced AM HIF‐1α mRNA with pioglitazone suggests that this pathway may be a focus for metabolic‐targeted therapeutics to improve morbidity and mortality in people with AUD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Thymic atrophy is characterized by loss of thymocytes, destruction of thymic architecture, and a subsequent decrease in naïve T cells with compromised immunity. Thymic atrophy occurs during aging. Environmental factors including alcohol misuse also induce thymic atrophy. Despite the link between alcohol misuse and thymic atrophy, the underlying mechanism is understudied. We aimed to identify molecules and signaling pathways that underly alcohol‐induced thymic atrophy during aging. Methods: F344 rats were given 3‐day binge‐ethanol (4.8 g/kg/day; 52% w/v; i.g.) and the thymus was collected and weighed. Molecular mechanisms underlying ethanol‐induced thymic atrophy were investigated by network meta‐analysis using the QIAGEN Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA). The molecules associated with ethanol were identified from the QIAGEN Knowledge Base (QKB) and those associated with thymic atrophy were identified from QKB and Mouse Genome Informatics (MGI). Aging‐mediated Differential Expression Genes (DEGs) from mouse thymocytes were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database (GSE132136). The relationship between the molecules and associated signaling pathways were studied using IPA. Results: Binge‐ethanol decreased thymic weight in F344 rats. Our meta‐analysis using IPA identified molecules commonly shared by ethanol and thymic atrophy through which simulation with ethanol increased thymic atrophy. We then obtained aging‐mediated DEGs from the atrophied thymocytes. We found that ethanol contributed to thymic atrophy through modulation of the aging‐mediated DEGs. Our network meta‐analysis suggests that ethanol may augment thymic atrophy through increased expression of cytokines (e.g., IL‐6, IL‐17A and IL‐33) along with their regulators (e.g., STAT1 and STAT3). Conclusions: Exposure to alcohol may augment thymic atrophy by altering the activity of key inflammatory mediators, such as STAT family members and inflammatory cytokines. These findings provide insights into the signaling pathways and upstream regulators that underly alcohol‐induced thymic atrophy during aging, suggesting that alcohol consumption could prepone thymic atrophy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims To examine the relationship between prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) and children's behavioural and emotional development in a large generalizable sample of women and their children in Aotearoa New Zealand. Methods Using data from the Growing Up in New Zealand longitudinal cohort, we investigated the relationship between maternal PAE and behavioural and emotional development in 8-year-old children. We explored secondary outcomes including measures of language, executive function, academic achievement, and adaptive behaviour. Results We found no significant differences in the measures of behavioural and emotional development in children 8 years old based on alcohol consumption. No significant differences in behavioural and emotional development were found based on amount of PAE and when PAE occurred, despite controlling for a range of potential confounding factors, such as neighbourhood deprivation and maternal health measures. PAE was associated with significantly higher scores for parent-rated oral language indicating better oral language. In Māori mothers, PAE was significantly associated with an increased risk of higher scores on two of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire subscales. Conclusions We did not find an association between PAE and behavioural and emotional development in children aged 8 years. PAE and behavioural and emotional development are difficult to measure accurately, and the moderating variables between them are complex. Future analyses will require larger cohorts of mothers and their children using precise measures of PAE and outcomes to enable more precise estimates of association. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims This study aimed to test whether the alcohol harm paradox (AHP) is observed in Brazil by investigating (i) the association between educational attainment and alcohol-related consequences (ARC) and (ii) the contribution of average alcohol volume consumed (AVC), past-month heavy episodic drinking (HED), smoking, body mass index (BMI), and depression in accounting for the disparities in ARC. Methods We analysed data from the 2019 Brazilian National Health Survey, a nationally representative household survey. The composite ARC outcome was considered present when an individual reported a past-year episode of activity failure, amnesia, and concern by others due to alcohol consumption. Adjusted binary logistic regression models were fitted using a hierarchical approach to calculate the odds ratios (OR) and respective 95% confidence intervals (CI), and to assess the contribution of each set of variables in attenuating the educational differences in ARC. Results Those from the lowest educational strata (incomplete elementary school) exhibited higher odds of ARC than their counterparts (OR: 2.03; 95% CI: 1.73–2.37). Although smoking, BMI, and depression attenuated the educational gradient (i.e. reduced the difference between reference and riskier categories) in ARC by ~13%, the adjustment for AVC and HED amplified inequalities by 0.3% and 5.7%, respectively. Conclusion We found evidence of the AHP in Brazil. Educational inequalities in ARC were scarcely attenuated by behavioural factors, and a suppression effect was noted when adjusting for AVC and HED. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims Among individuals with alcohol use disorder (AUD), sleep disturbances are pervasive and contribute to the etiology and maintenance of AUD. However, despite increased attention toward the relationship between alcohol use and sleep, limited empirical research has systematically examined whether reductions in drinking during treatment for AUD are associated with improvements in sleep problems. Methods We used data from a multisite, randomized, controlled trial that compared 6 months of treatment with gabapentin enacarbil extended-release with placebo for adults with moderate-to-severe AUD (N  = 346). The Timeline Follow-back was used to assess WHO risk drinking level reductions and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index was used to assess sleep quality over the prior month at baseline and the end of treatment. Results Sleep problem scores in the active medication and placebo groups improved equally. Fewer sleep problems were noted among individuals who achieved at least a 1-level reduction (B  = −0.99, 95% confidence interval (CI) [−1.77, −0.20], P  = .014) or at least a 2-level reduction (B  = −0.80, 95% CI [−1.47, −0.14], P  = .018) in WHO risk drinking levels at the end of treatment. Reductions in drinking, with abstainers excluded from the analysis, also predicted fewer sleep problems at the end of treatment (1-level: B  = −1.01, 95% CI [−1.83, −0.20], P  = .015; 2-level: B  = −0.90, 95% CI [−1.59, −0.22], P  = .010). Conclusions Drinking reductions, including those short of abstinence, are associated with improvements in sleep problems during treatment for AUD. Additional assessment of the causal relationships between harm-reduction approaches to AUD and improvements in sleep is warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor (GLP-1R) agonists are widely used in therapy for type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2) and obesity. There are also increasing amounts of data concerning the effectiveness of these drugs in the treatment of addictive disorders. This pilot study aimed to assess changes in alcohol-drinking and cigarette-smoking behaviours after the introduction of GLP-1R agonist therapy in patients with DM2. Methods: Forty-eight (48) patients with obesity and DM2 being treated with GLP-1R agonists completed a questionnaire designed by researchers, the Penn Alcohol Craving Scale (PACS), the Fagerstrom Test for Nicotine Dependence, and the Hunger-Satiety Scale. The severity of alcohol craving and nicotine dependence was compared between one month prior and the week before the evaluation. Results: Among the 48 patients enrolled on the study, 25 (52%) were treated with liraglutide, 11 (23%) with semaglutide and 12 (25%) with dulaglutide. It was found that changes in PACS total score were statistically significant only in patients treated with semaglutide and that these changes were affected by BMI, marital status, and whether the patient stated that they drank alcohol or smoked cigarettes. Smokers treated with semaglutide had lower Fagerstrom total scores than patients treated with liraglutide. Conclusion: Semaglutide exerts a reducing effect on alcohol and nicotine craving that was not seen for liraglutide or dulaglutide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers news briefs related to dental field as of May 1, 2024. Topics include a trial demonstrating the effectiveness of an alcohol reduction app in reducing drinking, parliamentary support for raising tobacco sale age, and research highlighting potential risks of moderate alcohol consumption during pregnancy leading to birth defects.

Purpose: Intimate partner cyber abuse (IPCA) is a prevalent form of intimate partner violence (IPV) that has detrimental effects on victims' well-being. Although research has documented associations with other forms of IPV perpetration, additional research is needed to identify IPCA perpetration risk factors. One of the most common risk factors for offline IPV is perpetrators' alcohol use; however, less is known about how this translates to online contexts. There is also a need to identify protective factors that mitigate the effects of alcohol. Methods: This study evaluated associations between drinking, relationship satisfaction, and IPCA perpetration via self-report questionnaires within a longitudinal framework. Participants included 544 adults in an intimate relationship (n = 296 at T2). Results: Results indicated that relationship satisfaction buffered the effects of problem drinking on IPCA perpetration at T1, but not at T2. Further, 20.2% of individuals who perpetrated IPCA at T1 drank alcohol during at least one incident, and these individuals reported more problem drinking and more frequent IPCA perpetration compared to those who reported IPCA without alcohol. Conclusion: Results from this study provide insight into both risk and protective factors for IPCA perpetration among adults and have the potential to guide concurrent prevention strategies that target intersections between problem drinking, IPCA, and offline IPV, and promote healthy and satisfying intimate relationships. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Alcohol use was associated with elevated COVID-19 risk in the general population. People with HIV (PWH) have high prevalences of alcohol use. To evaluate the effect of alcohol use on COVID-19 risks among PWH, we estimated the risk of COVID-19 diagnosis and COVID-19-related hospitalization among PWH in routine care at 8 HIV primary care centers that contributed data to the Centers for AIDS Research Network of Integrated Clinical Systems (CNICS) cohort according to their alcohol use just prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. The CNICS data repository includes demographic characteristics, clinical diagnoses, and laboratory test results from electronic medical records and other sources. Alcohol use, substance use, and mental health symptoms were self-reported on tablet-based standardized surveys. Alcohol use was categorized according to standard, sex-specific Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test-Consumption instrument cut-offs. We followed 5,496 PWH (79% male, 48% Black race, median age = 53 years) from March 1, 2020 to December 31, 2020. Relative to PWH with no baseline alcohol use, the adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) of COVID-19 diagnosis was 1.09 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.78, 1.51) for lower-risk drinking and 1.19 (95%CI: 0.81, 1.73) for unhealthy drinking. The aHR of COVID-19-related hospitalization was 0.82 (95%CI: 0.33, 1.99) for lower-risk drinking and 1.25 (95%CI: 0.50, 3.09) for unhealthy drinking. Results were not modified by recent cocaine or non-prescribed opioid use, depressive symptoms, or diagnoses of alcohol use disorder. The study suggested a slightly increased, but not statistically significant risk of COVID-19 diagnosis and hospitalization associated with unhealthy alcohol use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Research shows that alcohol use is linked to suicidal ideation (SI), while depression is strongly associated with SI. Protective behavioral strategies (PBS) are safe drinking strategies. PBS are broadly protective across alcohol-related problems; however, it is unclear if these effects extend to those at risk for SI. We hypothesized that alcohol use and depressive symptoms would be risk factors for SI, and that these factors would moderate the effects of PBS. PBS was hypothesized to be protective for individuals with elevated depressive symptoms and alcohol use. Participants: College student drinkers (n = 990; M age = 19.97, SD = 3.75) from a Southeastern University. Methods: Participants completed an online survey inquiring about demographics, depressive symptoms, SI, alcohol use, and PBS use. Results: Depressive symptoms were associated with an increased likelihood of SI; however, alcohol use was not. PBS were most protective for individuals with high levels of alcohol use and/or depressive symptoms. Conclusions: PBS may be protective for heavier drinkers who are at heightened risk for SI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Denosumab and zoledronic acid are both effective and easily administrable injectable anti‐osteoporotic medications for postmenopausal women. This study investigated the treatment efficacy of these agents in older male patients with low a bone mass and history of fragility fracture. A cohort of 175 male patients receiving continuous zoledronic acid treatment and a cohort of 366 male patients receiving continuous denosumab treatment at our medical center between 2015 and 2020 were included, and we analyzed the efficacy of treatment by the improvement in bone mineral density (BMD) and the new‐onset low‐energy fracture rate after 5 years of continuous medication. BMD significantly improved after 5 years of medication, and >90% of patients were satisfied with their treatment medication. BMD improved more with denosumab than with zoledronic acid, especially in patients with T‐scores higher than −2.5. Smoking, alcohol abuse, diabetes, and inflammatory polyarthritis were associated with poor improvements in BMD. The incidence rate of new fragile fracture was 4.4% and old age was significantly associated with the incidence rate of new fracture. In summary, our study revealed that denosumab and zoledronic acid both significantly increased BMD among older male patients with high fragility fracture rates over a 5‐year follow‐up period. Early medical treatment and lifestyle adjustment were crucial for improving quality of life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Psychological distress (i.e., incipient symptoms of anxiety, stress, and depression) may promote substance use through increased emission of cognitive distortions. These are automatic irrational thoughts that can promote distress, which in turn increases substance use. Aim: This study analyzed, in a sample of Uruguayan citizens, the unique contribution of cognitive distortions on the frequency and quantity of alcohol or marijuana use, over and above the contribution of psychological distress or the use of emotion regulation strategies. We also assessed whether these variables were associated with having initiated or resumed the use of a substance. Methods: A survey asked about alcohol and marijuana use, psychological distress, emotion regulation strategies, and cognitive distortions. The study comprised a convenience sample of 1132 participants (Mean age = 29.07 ± 8.19 years, 72.26% women). Separate hierarchical linear regression analyses were conducted on the frequency and quantity of alcohol or marijuana use, whereas a logistic regression was applied on having initiated or resumed the use of a substance. Results: Several cognitive distortions were significant predictors of frequency and quantity of alcohol consumption or frequency of marijuana use, over and above psychological distress. Differential emission of automatic thoughts was also associated, along with higher scores of psychological distress, with a significantly higher probability of having initiated the use of a new substance or having resumed the use of a substance. Conclusions: Cognitive distortions may promote alcohol and marijuana use. Interventions aimed at modifying these distortions should be considered to reduce the emission of these behaviors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]