Prenatal Exposures, Diagnostic Outcomes, and Life Experiences of Children and Youths with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder.

Children and youths diagnosed with FASD may experience a range of adverse health and social outcomes. This cross-sectional study investigated the characteristics and outcomes of children and youths diagnosed with FASD between 2015 and 2018 at the Sunny Hill Centre in British Columbia, Canada and examined the relationships between prenatal substance exposures, FASD diagnostic categories, and adverse health and social outcomes. Patient chart data were obtained for 1187 children and youths diagnosed with FASD and analyzed. The patients (mean age: 9.7 years; range: 2-19) had up to 6 physical and 11 mental health disorders. Prenatal exposure to other substances (in addition to alcohol) significantly increased the severity of FASD diagnosis (OR: 1.18): the odds of FASD with sentinel facial features (SFF) were 41% higher with prenatal cigarette/nicotine/tobacco exposure; 75% higher with exposure to cocaine/crack; and two times higher with exposure to opioids. Maternal mental health issues and poor nutrition also increase the severity of FASD diagnosis (60% and 6%, respectively). Prenatal exposure to other substances in addition to alcohol significantly predicts involvement in the child welfare system (OR: 1.52) and current substance use when adjusted for age (aOR: 1.51). Diagnosis of FASD with SFF is associated with an increased number of physical (R2 = 0.071, F (3,1183) = 30.51, p = 0.000) and mental health comorbidities (R2 = 0.023, F (3,1185) = 9.51, p = 0.000) as compared to FASD without SFF adjusted for age and the number of prenatal substances. Screening of pregnant women for alcohol and other substance use, mental health status, and nutrition is extremely important.

Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder diagnostic clinic capacity in Canadian Provinces and territories.

This study investigated the diagnostic capacity for Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) in multidisciplinary clinics across several provincial and one territorial jurisdictions of Canada: Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario and Northwest Territories. The data were collected directly from clinics capable of providing diagnoses of FASD and examined annual capacity for the assessment and diagnosis of FASD per year from 2015 to 2019. In total, 58 FASD diagnostic clinics were identified and 33 clinics participated in this survey. The study identified inadequate FASD diagnostic capacity in all participating jurisdictions. Based on the findings and the current population sizes, it is estimated that 98% of individuals with FASD are undiagnosed or misdiagnosed in Canada. Wait times for FASD diagnosis ranged from 1 month to 4.5 years across participating jurisdictions. The annual FASD diagnostic capacity in the select provinces and territories require at least a 67-fold increase per year.

Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders.

Alcohol readily crosses the placenta and may disrupt fetal development. Harm from prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) is determined by the dose, pattern, timing and duration of exposure, fetal and maternal genetics, maternal nutrition, concurrent substance use, and epigenetic responses. A safe dose of alcohol use during pregnancy has not been established. PAE can cause fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD), which are characterized by neurodevelopmental impairment with or without facial dysmorphology, congenital anomalies and poor growth. FASD are a leading preventable cause of birth defects and developmental disability. The prevalence of FASD in 76 countries is >1% and is high in individuals living in out-of-home care or engaged in justice and mental health systems. The social and economic effects of FASD are profound, but the diagnosis is often missed or delayed and receives little public recognition. Future research should be informed by people living with FASD and be guided by cultural context, seek consensus on diagnostic criteria and evidence-based treatments, and describe the pathophysiology and lifelong effects of FASD. Imperatives include reducing stigma, equitable access to services, improved quality of life for people with FASD and FASD prevention in future generations.

Effectiveness of brief alcohol interventions for pregnant women: a systematic literature review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) can result in a range of adverse neonatal outcomes, including Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD). This systematic review and meta-analysis sought to investigate the effectiveness of brief interventions (BIs) in eliminating or reducing 1) alcohol consumption during pregnancy; and 2) PAE-related adverse neonatal outcomes; and 3) cost-effectiveness of BIs. METHOD: We conducted a systematic literature search for original controlled studies (randomized control trials (RCTs); quasi-experimental) in any setting, published from 1987 to 2021. The comparison group was no/minimal intervention, where a measure of alcohol consumption was reported. Studies were critically appraised using the Centre for Evidence-based Medicine Oxford critical appraisal tool for RCTs (1). The certainty in the evidence for each outcome was assessed using the GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation) (2). Meta-analysis of continuous and binary estimates of effect-size for similar outcome measures for BIs versus control groups were pooled and reported as mean difference (MD) Hedges' g and odds ratios (ORs), respectively. RESULTS: In total, 26 studies, all from high income countries, met inclusion criteria. Alcohol abstinence outcome available in 12 studies (n = 2620) found modest effects in favor of BIs conditions by increasing the odds of abstinence by 56% (OR = 1.56, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.15-2.13, I2 = 46.75%; p = 0.04). BIs effects for reduction in mean drinks/week (Cohen's d = - 0.21, 95%CI = - 0.78 to 0.36; p = 0.08) and AUDIT scores (g = 0.10, 95%CI = - 0.06 to 0.26; p = 0.17) were not statistically significant. Among seven studies (n = 740) reporting neonatal outcomes, BI receipt was associated with a modest and significant reduction in preterm birth (OR = 0.67, 95% CI = 0.46-0.98, I2 = 0.00%; p = 0.58). No statistically significant differences were observed for mean birthweight or lower likelihood of low birth weight (LBW). Certainty in the evidence was rated as 'low'. No eligible studies were found on cost-effectiveness of BIs. CONCLUSION: BIs are moderately effective in increasing abstinence during pregnancy and preventing preterm birth. More studies on the effectiveness of BIs are needed from low- and middle-income countries, as well as with younger mothers and with a broader range of ethnic groups.

Eye Abnormalities in Children with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders: A Systematic Review.

PURPOSE: Although eye abnormalities are reported in fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD), no systematic review based on Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines has been undertaken. Our aim was to document the range and prevalence of eye abnormalities reported in children with prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) and/or FASD. METHODS: Searches of electronic databases and manual searches. Eligible articles were observational studies in children with PAE and/or FASD; peer reviewed journal articles in the English language; and studies reporting quantitative or frequency data on functional/structural eye abnormalities. Pooled prevalence, odds ratio, and mean differences were calculated. RESULTS: Of the 1,068 retrieved articles 36 were eligible, including articles on children with diagnosed fetal alcohol syndrome/FASD (N = 31); PAE (N = 3); and FASD or PAE without FASD (N = 2). Structural and functional eye abnormalities were identified, the most prevalent being short palpebral fissure length (66.1%), visual impairment (55.5%), epicanthus (53.5%), subnormal stereoacuity (53.0%), abnormal retinal tortuosity (50.5%), impaired fixation ability (33.3%), telecanthus (31.7%), optic nerve hypoplasia (30.2%), and small optic discs (27.0%). Compared to non-exposed controls, strabismus, subnormal vision, ptosis, short palpebral fissure length, microphthalmos, smaller optic disc area, and retinal vessel tortuosity were more prevalent in children with FASD. CONCLUSIONS: Examination of eyes and vision should be considered in children with PAE and suspected or diagnosed FASD to enable early identification and optimal management. This first comprehensive, systematic literature review demonstrates the variety and frequency of eye abnormalities reported in PAE/FASD.

Screening for Alcohol Use in Pregnancy: a Review of Current Practices and Perspectives.

Global trends of increasing alcohol consumption among women of childbearing age, social acceptability of women's alcohol use, as well as recent changes in alcohol use patterns due to the COVID-19 pandemic may put many pregnancies at higher risk for prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE), which can cause fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD). Therefore, screening of pregnant women for alcohol use has become more important than ever and should be a public health priority. This narrative review presents the state of the science on various existing prenatal alcohol use screening strategies, including the clinical utility of validated alcohol use screening instruments. It also discusses barriers for alcohol use screening in pregnancy, such as practitioner constraints, unplanned pregnancies, delayed access to prenatal care, and stigma associated with substance use in pregnancy, providing recommendations to address these barriers. By implementing consistent alcohol use screening, prenatal care providers have the opportunity to facilitate access to counseling and brief interventions and thus, to prevent new cases of FASD and improve maternal and child health.

Characteristics and Sonophotocatalytic Activity of Natural Sphalerite under Ultrasonic (1.7 MHz) and UVA LED (365 nm) Irradiation.

Naturally occurring sono- and photoactive minerals, which are abundant on Earth, represent an attractive alternative to the synthesized sonophotocatalysts as cost-effective materials for water and wastewater treatment. This study focuses on characterizing and evaluating the sonophotocatalytic activity of natural sphalerite (NatS) from Dovatka deposit (Siberia) under high-frequency ultrasonic (US, 1.7 MHz) and ultraviolet light-emitting diodes (UVA LED, 365 nm) irradiation towards degradation of 4-chlorophenol as a model organic pollutant. Since raw natural sphalerite did not exhibit a measurable photocatalytic activity, it was calcined at 500, 900 and 1200 °C. The natural sphalerite after calcination at 900 °C (NatS*) was found to be the most effective for sonophotocatalytic degradation of 4-chlorophenol, attaining the highest efficiency (55%, 1 h exposure) in the following row: UV < US ≈ UV/US ≈ US/NatS* < UV/NatS* < UV/US/NatS*. Addition of 1 mM H2O2 increased the removal to 74% by UV/US/NatS*/H2O2 process. An additive effect between UV/NatS* and US/NatS* processes was observed in the sonophotocatalytic system as well as in the H2O2-assisted system. We assume that the sonophotocatalytic hybrid process, which is based on the simultaneous use of high-frequency ultrasound, UVA light, calcined natural sphalerite and H2O2, could provide a basis of an environmentally safe and cost-effective method of elimination of organic pollutants from aqueous media.

Why do women consume alcohol during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?

ISSUE: Alcohol consumption during pregnancy and breastfeeding cause adverse health outcomes to the mother and child, including Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD). APPROACH: Systematic literature review and thematic synthesis. Original studies that contained reasons for alcohol consumption in pregnancy and while breastfeeding were included. The Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT) and the Confidence in the Evidence of Reviews of Qualitative Research (CerQUAL) approach were utilised. The review protocol is available on PROSPERO (registration number: CRD42018116998). KEY FINDINGS: Forty-two eligible studies comprising women from 16 countries were included. Most commonly reported reasons of alcohol use in pregnancy were societal pressure and the belief that only "strong" alcohol and alcohol in large quantities is harmful. Other reasons were: a lack of awareness of adverse effects on the fetus; coping with adverse life experiences; consumption based on intuitive decision-making and influenced by personal/peer experiences; belief in the beneficial properties of alcohol; advice from medical practitioners; unwanted or unplanned pregnancy; alcohol dependence; and consumption as a cultural/traditional custom. Reasons for alcohol use during breastfeeding included the belief that alcohol stimulates breast milk production, unclear advice from medical practitioners, unawareness of the risks of infant exposure and to improve mood and celebrate events. IMPLICATIONS: Understanding the context of reasons for alcohol use in pregnancy is crucial for implementing prenatal health education, and preventing FASD and other adverse maternal and child health outcomes. CONCLUSION: Individual beliefs, knowledge/advice, culture and personal circumstances influence alcohol use in pregnancy. Data are limited for reasons surrounding alcohol use while breastfeeding.

Synthesis of new coumarin[1,3]oxazine derivatives of 7-hydroxy-6-isobornyl-4-methylcoumarin and their antioxidant activity.

In this work, we synthesized a series of new 9,10-dihydro-2H,8H-chromeno[8,7e][1,3]oxazine-2-on derivatives which incorporate isobornylcoumarin and 1,3-oxazine moieties. A structure-antioxidant activity relationship was analyzed. A comparative evaluation of their radical scavenging activity, antioxidant and membrane-protective properties was carried out in test with DPPH, as well as on the models of Fe2+ /ascorbate-initiated lipid peroxidation and oxidative hemolysis of mammalian red blood cells. The results suggest that all the obtained coumarin[1,3]oxazine derivatives of 7-hydroxy-6-isobornyl-4-methylcoumarin are capable of exhibiting antioxidant activity in various model systems. Compound 7 with a phenyl fragment, combining high radical scavenging activity and the ability to inhibit Fe2+ /ascorbate-initiated peroxidation of animal lipids in a heterogeneous environment, also proved to be the most effective membrane protector and antioxidant in the model of H2 O2 -induced erythrocyte hemolysis.

Ear Abnormalities Among Children with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To systematically review and conduct meta-analysis on studies that report the type and prevalence of functional and structural ear abnormalities among children with prenatal alcohol exposure and/or fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD). STUDY DESIGN: MEDLINE, PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, PsycINFO, ERIC, CINAHL, and Maternity and Infant Care were searched from 1806 through March 2021. Reference lists of relevant articles were manually searched. Studies reporting on functional and/or structural ear abnormalities among children (<18 years) with prenatal alcohol exposure and/or FASD were eligible. Data extraction and quality assessment were performed by one reviewer and independently checked by another. A random effects meta-analysis was conducted. RESULTS: A total of 31 studies met the inclusion criteria and 25 were included in the meta-analyses, representing a total of 843 children with prenatal alcohol exposure and 1653 children with FASD. Functional ear abnormalities with the highest pooled prevalence were chronic serous otitis media (88.5%; 95% CI, 70.4%-99.3%), abnormal auditory filtering (80.1%; 95% CI, 76.5%-84.3%), and unspecified conductive hearing loss (68.0%; 95% CI, 51.9%-82.2%). Structural ear abnormalities with the highest pooled prevalence were microtia (42.9%; 95% CI, 26.8%-59.7%), railroad track ear (16.8%; 95% CI, 8.1%-27.7%), and misplaced ear (12.3%; 95% CI, 7.6%-17.9%). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings highlight the importance of examining the ears during assessment for FASD, and the need for public health messaging regarding the harms of prenatal alcohol exposure.

Alcohol's Impact on the Fetus.

BACKGROUND: Alcohol is a teratogen and prenatal exposure may adversely impact the developing fetus, increasing risk for negative outcomes, including Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD). Global trends of increasing alcohol use among women of childbearing age due to economic development, changing gender roles, increased availability of alcohol, peer pressure and social acceptability of women's alcohol use may put an increasing number of pregnancies at risk for prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE). This risk has been exacerbated by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic in some countries. METHOD: This literature review presents an overview on the epidemiology of alcohol use among childbearing age and pregnant women and FASD by World Health Organization regions; impact of PAE on fetal health, including FASD; associated comorbidities; and social outcomes. RESULTS/CONCLUSION: The impact of alcohol on fetal health and social outcomes later in life is enormous, placing a huge economic burden on countries. Prevention of prenatal alcohol exposure and early identification of affected individuals should be a global public health priority.

Isobornylchalcones as Scaffold for the Synthesis of Diarylpyrazolines with Antioxidant Activity.

The pyrazoline ring is defined as a "privileged structure" in medicinal chemistry. A variety of pharmacological properties of pyrazolines is associated with the nature and position of various substituents, which is especially evident in diarylpyrazolines. Compounds with a chalcone fragment show a wide range of biological properties as well as high reactivity which is primarily due to the presence of an α, ß-unsaturated carbonyl system. At the same time, bicyclic monoterpenoids deserve special attention as a source of a key structural block or as one of the pharmacophore components of biologically active molecules. A series of new diarylpyrazoline derivatives based on isobornylchalcones with different substitutes (MeO, Hal, NO2, N(Me)2) was synthesized. Antioxidant properties of the obtained compounds were comparatively evaluated using in vitro model Fe2+/ascorbate-initiated lipid peroxidation in the substrate containing brain lipids of laboratory mice. It was demonstrated that the combination of the electron-donating group in the para-position of ring B and OH-group in the ring A in the structure of chalcone fragment provides significant antioxidant activity of synthesized diarylpyrazoline derivatives.

α1-Adrenergic receptor regulates papillary muscle and aortic segment contractile function via modulation of store-operated Ca2+ entry in long-tailed ground squirrels Urocitellus undulatus.

The effect of phenylephrine (PE) on right ventricle papillary muscle (PM) and aortic segment (AS) contractile activity was studied in long-tailed ground squirrels Urocitellus undulatus during summer activity, torpor and interbout active (IBA) periods in comparison to rat. We found that PE (10 µM) exerts positive inotropic effect on ground squirrel PM that was blocked by α1-AR inhibitor-prazosin. PE differently affected frequency dependence of PM contraction in ground squirrels and rats. PE significantly increased the force of PM contraction in summer and hibernating ground squirrels including both torpor and IBA predominantly at the range of low stimulation frequencies (0.003-0.1 Hz), while in rat PM it was evident only at high stimulation frequency range (0.2-1.0 Hz). Further, it was found that PE vasoconstrictor effect on AS contractility is significantly higher in ground squirrels of torpid state compared to IBA and summer periods. Overall vasoconstrictor effect of PE was significantly higher in AS of ground squirrels of all periods compared to rats. Positive inotropic effect of PE on PM along with its vasoconstrictor effect on AS of ground squirrels was not affected by pretreatment with inhibitors of L-type Ca2+ channels, or Na+/Ca2+ exchanger or Ca2+-ATPase but was completely blocked by an inhibitor of store-operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE)-2-APB, suggesting the involvement of SOCE in the mechanisms underlying PE action on ground squirrel cardiovascular system. Obtained results support an idea about the significant role of alpha1-AR in adaptive mechanisms critical for the maintaining of cardiovascular contractile function in long-tailed ground squirrel Urocitellus undulatus.

Health, social and legal outcomes of individuals with diagnosed or at risk for fetal alcohol spectrum disorder: Canadian example.

BACKGROUND: Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is a leading cause of lifelong developmental and physical disabilities and behavioural problems. This study describes the characteristics of individuals diagnosed with or at risk for FASD in British Columbia, Canada. METHODS: A retrospective chart review and cross-sectional analysis were conducted on records of individuals diagnosed or at risk for FASD at the Asante Centre from January 2015 to July 2019. Descriptive statistics results were stratified by age, sex, and involvement with the criminal justice and child welfare systems. Logistic regression was used to investigate potential associations. RESULTS: 161 individuals with diagnosed or at risk for FASD, (53 % male; mean age = 15.7 years, SD = 9.1) were included in the analysis. High levels of psychological/developmental disabilities (78 %), physical comorbidities (38 %), substance use (50 %), and involvement in child welfare (75 %) and criminal justice systems (30 %) were found across the entire group. Individuals over 20 reported the greatest proportion of any past substance (60.9 %), alcohol use (39.1 %) and stimulant use (30.4 %), compared to individuals aged 10-19 (41.3 %; 12.0 %; 14.1 %, respectively). Involvement with the child welfare system was associated with higher chances of having anxiety (OR 4.1; 95 % CI: 1.25-15.00). Involvement with the criminal justice system was associated with higher rates of past substance and cannabis use. CONCLUSION: Individuals with FASD demonstrate a significant need for access to mental health and addiction services, especially among those with involvement in the child welfare and criminal justice systems. These findings point to the importance of improving policies to support the unique needs of individuals with FASD.

Maternal alcohol use, adverse neonatal outcomes and pregnancy complications in British Columbia, Canada: a population-based study.

BACKGROUND: The current study aimed to estimate the prevalence of alcohol use identified as a risk factor during pregnancies by the antenatal care providers, resulting in live births in British Columbia (BC) and to examine associations between alcohol use, adverse neonatal outcomes, and pregnancy complications. METHODS: This population-based cross-sectional study utilized linked obstetrical and neonatal records within the BC Perinatal Data Registry (BCPDR), for deliveries that were discharged between January 1, 2015 and March 31, 2018. The main outcome measures were alcohol use identified as a risk factor during pregnancy, associated maternal characteristics, pregnancy complications, and adverse neonatal outcomes. Estimates for the period and fiscal year prevalence were calculated. Chi-square tests were used to compare adverse neonatal outcomes and pregnancy complications by alcohol use during pregnancy identified as a risk factor. Logistic regression was used to examine the association between alcohol use identified as a risk factor during pregnancy and adverse neonatal outcomes and pregnancy complications, after adjusting for identified risk factors. RESULTS: A total of 144,779 linked records within the BCPDR were examined. The period prevalence of alcohol use during pregnancy identified as a risk factor was estimated to be 1.1% and yearly prevalence was 1.1, 1.1, 1.3 and 0.9% from the 2014/2015 to 2017/2018 fiscal years, respectively. Alcohol use identified as a risk factor was associated with younger maternal age, fewer antenatal visits, being primiparous, a history of mental illness, substance use and smoking. Neonates with alcohol use during pregnancy identified as a risk factor had greater odds of being diagnosed with: "low birth weight (1000-2499g)" (ICD-10: P07.1; aOR = 1.25; 95% CI: 1.01, 1.53), "other respiration distress of newborn" (ICD-10: P22.8; aOR = 2.57; 95% CI: 1.52, 4.07), "neonatal difficulty in breastfeeding" (ICD-10: P92.5; aOR = 1.97; 95% CI: 1.27, 2.92) and "feeding problems, unspecified" (ICD-10: P92.9; aOR = 2.06; 95% CI: 1.31, 3.09). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of alcohol use during pregnancy identified as a risk factor was comparable to previous estimates within the BCPDR. Identified prenatal alcohol exposure was associated with notable differences in maternal and neonatal characteristics and adverse neonatal outcomes. More consistent, thorough screening and prevention efforts targeting alcohol use in pregnancy are urgently needed in Canada.

Profile of Mothers of Children with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder: A Population-Based Study in Canada.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the characteristics of mothers of children with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) with mothers of typically developing control children. METHODS: The study utilized a cross-sectional, observational design, using active case ascertainment. Biological mothers were interviewed using a standardized retrospective questionnaire to collect data on demographics, living environment, pregnancy history, nutrition, alcohol and other drug use prior to and following pregnancy recognition. RESULTS: A total of 173 mothers were interviewed. Of these, 19 had a child who was diagnosed with FASD, five had a child who had received a deferred FASD diagnosis, and 37 had children who were selected into the control group as typically developing children. The remaining 112 mothers had children who did not meet diagnostic criteria for FASD. The mothers of children with FASD did not differ significantly from mothers of the control group children with respect to age, ethnicity, marital status, and employment status at the time of pregnancy. However, mothers of children with FASD had lower levels of education (p < 0.01) and were more likely to have received financial support (p < 0.05) at the time of pregnancy, to have smoked tobacco (p < 0.001), and to have used marijuana or hashish (p < 0.01) prior to pregnancy recognition, compared with mothers of control children. All mothers of children with FASD reported alcohol consumption prior to pregnancy recognition; however, only 10.5% reported alcohol consumption following pregnancy recognition. None of the mothers interviewed reported any drug use following pregnancy recognition. CONCLUSIONS: Population-based preventive interventions, including repeated screening, monitoring, and education regarding the effects of alcohol use, as well as other substances, before and during pregnancy, are needed to eliminate risk for FASD and other negative consequences on child and maternal health.

Predominant synthesis of giant myofibrillar proteins in striated muscles of the long-tailed ground squirrel Urocitellus undulatus during interbout arousal.

Molecular mechanisms underlying muscle-mass retention during hibernation have been extensively discussed in recent years. This work tested the assumption that protein synthesis hyperactivation during interbout arousal of the long-tailed ground squirrel Urocitellus undulatus should be accompanied by increased calpain-1 activity in striated muscles. Calpain-1 is known to be autolysed and activated in parallel. Western blotting detected increased amounts of autolysed calpain-1 fragments in the heart (1.54-fold, p < 0.05) and m. longissimus dorsi (1.8-fold, p < 0.01) of ground squirrels during interbout arousal. The total protein synthesis rate determined by SUnSET declined 3.67-fold in the heart (p < 0.01) and 2.96-fold in m. longissimus dorsi (p < 0.01) during interbout arousal. The synthesis rates of calpain-1 substrates nebulin and titin in muscles did not differ during interbout arousal from those in active summer animals. A recovery of the volume of m. longissimus dorsi muscle fibres, a trend towards a heart-muscle mass increase and a restoration of the normal titin content (reduced in the muscles during hibernation) were observed. The results indicate that hyperactivation of calpain-1 in striated muscles of long-tailed ground squirrels during interbout arousal is accompanied by predominant synthesis of giant sarcomeric cytoskeleton proteins. These changes may contribute to muscle mass retention during hibernation.

High prevalence of prenatal alcohol exposure detected by breathalyzer in the Republic of the Congo, Africa.

OBJECTIVE: Assess the prevalence of prenatal alcohol exposure in the Republic of the Congo by measuring breath alcohol concentration (BrAC) levels using a breathalyzer device. METHODS: Pregnant women were assessed for alcohol use with a breathalyzer reading during two prenatal visits and during labor and delivery. RESULTS: Among 662 pregnant women consented and screened with a breathalyzer, 192 (29.0%) had a positive BrAC during 1st trimester. During the second assessment, approximately 69% (132) of the 192 pregnant women had a second positive BrAC. A third assessment during labor and delivery identified 60 women (31%) with a third positive BrAC. About 19% (36) of the 192 pregnant women had positive BrACs at all three times. Among women who were positive on the first and second assessments, 30% had a BrAC that was above 0.07, which is almost equivalent of binge drinking (four or more standard drinks in about 2 h). The mean BrAC reading decreased as the pregnancy progressed. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study utilizing a unique exposure detection methodology suggest that the use of BrAC may be a useful objective option to detect and quantify alcohol consumption during pregnancy. The prevalence of alcohol use identified during pregnancy in the Republic of the Congo was increased over 20% when compared to maternal reports from a previous study. Nearly one of every five women identified at the first prenatal visit continued drinking throughout pregnancy. Urgent measures are needed to reduce alcohol consumption among this population of pregnant women.

Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder: a systematic review of the cost of and savings from prevention in the United States and Canada.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) is a preventable condition that imposes a significant financial burden on societies. Funding of FASD prevention is a small portion of the total expenditures associated with FASD. This paper aimed to review the literature on the costs of and savings from prevention of FASD and present a model for the United States and Canada of projected savings based on expansion of existing evidence-based prevention models. METHODS: A systematic review of published literature on the cost of FASD prevention was conducted and experts in the field were interviewed. Studies that reported the cost of primary prevention of FASD were eligible for further consideration. RESULTS: Applying evidenced-based prevention programs to women at highest risk to have a future child with FASD greatly reduces the cost of prevention. In the United States, one case of FASD can be prevented for as little as USD $20 200 - 47 615. Cost of prevention is considerably less expensive than cost of care for a case of FASD. CONCLUSION: Expansion of risk-based prevention strategies for fetal alcohol spectrum disorder in the United States and Canada would be an economically efficient and worthwhile investment for society.