Neuromuscular mechanisms of weakness in a mouse model of chronic alcoholic myopathy.

BACKGROUND: Weakness is a common clinical symptom reported in individuals with chronic alcohol use disorder. However, it remains unclear whether low strength in these individuals is directly related to excessive ethanol intake, other deleterious factors (lifestyle, environment, genetics, etc.), or a combination of both. Therefore, we examined whether (and how) ethanol reduces the muscle's force-producing capacity using a controlled in vivo preclinical mouse model of excessive ethanol intake. METHODS: To establish whether chronic ethanol consumption causes weakness, C57BL/6 female mice consumed 20% ethanol for 40 weeks (following a 2-week ethanol ramping period), and various measures of muscular force were quantified. Functional measures included all-limb grip strength and in vivo contractility of the left ankle dorsiflexors and plantarflexors. Once confirmed that mice consuming ethanol were weaker than age-matched controls, we sought to determine the potential neuromuscular mechanisms of muscle dysfunction by assessing neuromuscular excitation, muscle quantity, and muscle quality. RESULTS: Mice consuming chronic ethanol were 13 to 16% weaker (p ≤ 0.016) than controls (i.e., mice consuming 100% water) with the negative impact of ethanol on voluntary grip strength (ƞ2  = 0.603) being slightly larger than that of electrically stimulated muscle contractility (ƞ2  = 0.482). Relative to controls, lean mass and muscle wet masses were 9 to 16% lower in ethanol-consuming mice (p ≤ 0.048, ƞ2  ≥ 0.268). No significant changes were observed between groups for indices of neuromuscular excitation at the level of the motor unit, neuromuscular junction, or plasmalemma (p ≥ 0.259, ƞ2  ≤ 0.097), nor was muscle quality altered after 40 weeks of 20% ethanol consumption (p ≥ 0.695, ƞ2  ≤ 0.012). CONCLUSIONS: Together, these findings establish that chronic ethanol consumption in mice induces a substantial weakness in vivo that we interpret to be primarily due to muscle atrophy (i.e., reduced muscle quantity) and possibly, to a lesser degree, loss of central neural drive.

Consumo moderado de alcohol y prevención de la depresión. Una revisión crítica / Moderate alcohol consumption and depression prevention. A critical review

Introducción. Hay un claro consenso en torno a que los trastornos por uso de alcohol se asocian con una mayor incidencia y peor pronóstico de depresión, además de otros problemas médicos. Sin embargo, se está planteando que el consumo de alcohol moderado previene y mejora la evolución de algunas enfermedades crónicas, especialmente cardiovasculares. No obstante, otros investigadores sugieren que no hay un consumo seguro de alcohol debido a sus efectos globales sobre la salud (aumento del riesgo de cáncer, por ejemplo). En relación a la depresión, también hay evidencia dispar sobre el posible efecto antidepresivo del consumo moderado de alcohol. Esta revisión crítica intenta resumir dicha evidencia, así como analizar la posible influencia relativa de factores involucrados. Metodología. Se realizó una búsqueda a través de PubMedncon las siguientes palabras claves y operadores booleanos: (“light alcohol” OR “light drinking” OR “moderate alcohol” OR “moderate drinking” OR “low risk drinking” OR “low risk alcohol”) AND (depress*) NOT (dependence OR abuse). Resultados. La mayoría de los 24 estudios seleccionados fueron longitudinales. El consumo moderado de alcohol se asocia a menor sintomatología depresiva en la mayoría de los estudios. Sin embargo, estos estudios no descartan que esta asociación pueda explicarse alternativamente por importantes factores de confusión no causales (estado de salud, comportamiento prosocial, otros factores de estilo de vida relacionados, etc.). Conclusiones. No hay evidencia científica clara y consistente actual que respalde el consumo moderado de alcohol per se como factor protector frente a la depresión.(AU)

Background. There is a clear consensus that alcohol use disorders are associated with poorer outcomes concerning depression, and that drinking alcohol shouldn`t be recommended because of the risk of dependence. Until recently, literature focused almost exclusively on patients with alcohol use disorders and excludes patients with moderate alcohol use (MAU). It’s has been shown that MAU can prevent or improve the evolution of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, but several researchers have suggested that there is no safe level of alcohol drinking due to other effects on health. Nevertheless, there is some evidence regarding the antidepressant effect of moderate alcohol consumption. This critical review aims to sum up the direction and tendency of current research on the effect of MAU on depression and relate the causal or confounders factors that might explain the results. Methods. A research was carried out through PubMed with the following keywords and Boolean operators: (“light alcohol” OR “light drinking” OR “moderate alcohol” OR “moderate drinking” OR “low risk drinking” OR “low risk alcohol”) AND (depress*) NOT (dependence OR abuse). Results. Most of the 23 studies selected aim to investigate longitudinal effects. MAU prevents depressive symptoms in most studies, but it is still unclear to what extent this can be alternatively explained by neurochemical factors or other confounding factors (health status, sociability, other related lifestyle factors, etc.). Conclusion. There is currently no clear and consistent scientific evidence to support moderate alcohol consumption per se as a protective factor against depression.(AU)

Alcohol - The myth of cardiovascular protection.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: To investigate potential biases that exist in available epidemiological evidence resulting in negative associations or underestimation of cardiovascular (CV) risk associated with alcohol consumption. METHODS: UK Biobank involved baseline data collection from 22 assessment centres across the United Kingdom. The cohort consisted of 333 259 alcohol consumers and 21 710 never drinkers. Participants were followed up for a median 6.9 years capturing incident fatal and non-fatal CV events, ischemic heart disease and cerebrovascular disease. Alcohol intake was reported as grams/week. RESULTS: Using never drinkers as reference, alcohol from all drink types combined (hazard ratios ranging between 0.61 and 0.74), beer/cider (0.70-0.80) and spirits combined, and all wines combined (0.66-0.77) associated with a reduced risk for all outcome measures (all CV events, ischaemic heart disease, cerebrovascular disease). In continuous analysis, alcohol captured from all drink types combined (hazard ratio, 1.08, 95% confidence interval, 1.01-1.14), and beer/cider and spirits combined (1.24, 1.17-1.31) associated with an increased risk for overall CV events, however hazard ratios were stronger for beer/cider and spirits (P < 0.0001). Wine associated with a reduced risk for overall CV events (0.92, 0.86-0.98) and ischemic heart disease (0.75, 0.67-0.84). This negative relationship with overall CV events was lost after excluding ischemic heart disease events (1.00, 0.93-1.08), while the positive association of alcohol captured from beer/cider and spirits remained significant (1.30, 1.22-1.40). This positive association with overall CV events was present even when consuming less than 14 units per week. CONCLUSIONS: Avoiding potential biases prevents underestimation of cardiovascular risk and indicates that consuming up to 14 units per week also associated with increased CV risk in the general population.

Руководство по проведению интервью в рамках валидационного исследования RUS-AUDIT. Адаптация и валидация теста AUDIT (Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test) для выявления расстройств, обусловленных употреблением алкоголя, в Российской Федерации

Тест для выявления расстройств, обусловленных употреблением алкоголя [The Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT)] – вероятно, самый успешный и простой инструмент скрининга опасного и вредного употребления алкоголя и расстройств, связанных с его употреблением. Тест AUDIT был разработан Всемирной организацией здравоохранения и применялся во многих сферах, в том числе в системах мониторинга населения. В процессе разработки учебного пособия по кратким вмешательствам для лиц, употребляющих алкоголь с риском вредных последствий, российские эксперты высказали сомнения по поводу применимости AUDIT в Российской Федерации в связи с тем, что тест не был адаптирован и валидизирован для применения на территории страны. Министерством здравоохранения Российской Федерации и представительством ВОЗ в Российской Федерации, а также Европейским офисом ВОЗ по профилактике неинфекционных заболеваний и борьбе с ними были инициированы адаптация и валидизация теста AUDIT для Российской Федерации. С учетом большого количества территориальных субъектов с, возможно, разными паттернами потребления алкоголя необходимо провести валидизацию и адаптацию теста в разных регионах страны. Данное руководство нацелено на обеспечение единого подхода к обучению интервьюеров с целью последовательного применения исследовательского протокола RUS-AUDIT во всех участвующих учреждениях.

Alcohol and Cancer: Epidemiology and Biological Mechanisms.

Approximately 4% of cancers worldwide are caused by alcohol consumption. Drinking alcohol increases the risk of several cancer types, including cancers of the upper aerodigestive tract, liver, colorectum, and breast. In this review, we summarise the epidemiological evidence on alcohol and cancer risk and the mechanistic evidence of alcohol-mediated carcinogenesis. There are several mechanistic pathways by which the consumption of alcohol, as ethanol, is known to cause cancer, though some are still not fully understood. Ethanol's metabolite acetaldehyde can cause DNA damage and block DNA synthesis and repair, whilst both ethanol and acetaldehyde can disrupt DNA methylation. Ethanol can also induce inflammation and oxidative stress leading to lipid peroxidation and further DNA damage. One-carbon metabolism and folate levels are also impaired by ethanol. Other known mechanisms are discussed. Further understanding of the carcinogenic properties of alcohol and its metabolites will inform future research, but there is already a need for comprehensive alcohol control and cancer prevention strategies to reduce the burden of cancer attributable to alcohol.

The effects of MIR137HG genetic polymorphisms on the susceptibility of alcohol-induced osteonecrosis of the femoral head in a Chinese male population.

BACKGROUNDS: Osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) is one of the common and complicated diseases in the orthopedic clinic. Previous studies indicate that genetic factors play a crucial role in the occurrence of ONFH. This case-control study aimed to investigate the associations of MIR137HG genetic polymorphisms with the alcohol-induced ONFH risk. METHODS: A total of 731 participants were recruited to detect the effect of MIR137HG SNPs on the alcohol-induced ONFH risk in a Chinese male population. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated to evaluate the associations. Multifactor dimensionality reduction (MDR) was used to analyze the SNP-SNP interaction with the alcohol-induced ONFH risk. RESULTS: Our study showed that rs7549905 played a protective role in alcohol-induced ONFH risk (OR 0.57, p = 0.045). Stratified analysis indicated that rs9440302 was associated with an increased risk of patients aged >45 years (OR 2.00, p = 0.038), and rs7549905 showed a reduced risk in patients aged ≤ 45 years (OR 0.43, p = 0.023). In addition, we found that rs9440302 and rs7554283 exhibited a significantly increased susceptibility of III-IV grade alcohol-induced ONFH patients (OR 2.34, p = 0.003; OR 2.13, p = 0.011, respectively). We also observed that rs12138817 was related to an increased risk in patients with >21 months of course (OR 1.77, p = 0.043). Interestingly, rs17371457 showed a significant correlation with low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (p = 0.040). CONCLUSION: Our study suggests that MIR137HG genetic variants are associated with the alcohol-induced ONFH susceptibility in a Chinese male population, which may give scientific evidence for exploring molecular mechanisms of the alcohol-induced ONFH.

Alcohol consumption in the general population is associated with structural changes in multiple organ systems.

Background: Excessive alcohol consumption is associated with damage to various organs, but its multi-organ effects have not been characterised across the usual range of alcohol drinking in a large general population sample. Methods: We assessed global effect sizes of alcohol consumption on quantitative magnetic resonance imaging phenotypic measures of the brain, heart, aorta, and liver of UK Biobank participants who reported drinking alcohol. Results: We found a monotonic association of higher alcohol consumption with lower normalised brain volume across the range of alcohol intakes (-1.7 × 10-3 ± 0.76 × 10-3 per doubling of alcohol consumption, p=3.0 × 10-14). Alcohol consumption was also associated directly with measures of left ventricular mass index and left ventricular and atrial volume indices. Liver fat increased by a mean of 0.15% per doubling of alcohol consumption. Conclusions: Our results imply that there is not a 'safe threshold' below which there are no toxic effects of alcohol. Current public health guidelines concerning alcohol consumption may need to be revisited. Funding: See acknowledgements.

FOXO4 ameliorates alcohol-induced chronic liver injury via inhibiting NF-κB and modulating gut microbiota in C57BL/6J mice.

BACKGROUND: Intestinal mucosa barrier function and gut-liver axis are impaired by ethanol in chronic alcoholic liver disease (ALD). However, the possible mechanism is not clear. This study aimed to investigate the effects of Forkhead Box O4 (FOXO4) on alcohol-induced chronic liver injury and its molecular mechanism(s). METHODS: Male C57BL/6J mice were injected with or without FOXO4-WT, FOXO4-TB or NF-κB vectors, and fed with Lieber-DeCarli liquid diets containing 36% ethanol for eight weeks to induce chronic ALD. Thereafter, blood, liver, colon and fecal samples were collected. Biochemical parameters, endotoxin and inflammatory cytokines in the blood and antioxidant enzymes in the liver were tested by commercial kits. Histopathological changes in the liver were evaluated by HE staining. In addition, the mRNA and protein expression of FOXO4, NF-κB, ZO-1 and Occluding in the colon were measured by quantitative real-time PCR and Western blot, respectively. Furthermore, gut microbiota composition in the fecal samples was investigated with 16S rDNA sequencing. RESULTS: FOXO4 significantly ameliorated liver histopathological damage. Moreover, FOXO4 reduced the serum endotoxin, biochemical parameters (ALT, AST, ALP and TG), antioxidant enzymes (ROS and MDA), inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-1ß, and TNF-α), but restored the levels of GSH, SOD and IL-10. Furthermore, FOXO4 significantly inhibited the expression of NF-κB, p-NF-κB p65, p-IKKα and p-IKKß, and up-regulated the expression of ZO-1 and Occludin. Additionally, FOXO4 modulated the gut microbiota composition and certain bacteria including Odoribacter, Parasutterella and Psychrobacter. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that FOXO4 protects against alcohol-induced chronic liver injury via inhibiting NF-κB and modulating gut microbiota in C57BL/6J mice.

Neurobiological aspects of pain in the context of alcohol use disorder.

Alcohol is an effective and widely utilized analgesic. However, the chronic use of alcohol can actually facilitate nociceptive sensitivity over time, a condition known as hyperalgesia. Excessive and uncontrollable alcohol drinking is also a hallmark feature of alcohol use disorder (AUD). Both AUD and chronic pain are typically accompanied by negative affective states that may underlie reinforcement mechanisms contributing to AUD maintenance or progression. Frequent utilization of alcohol to relieve pain in individuals suffering from AUD or other chronic pain conditions may thus represent a powerful negative reinforcement construct. This chapter will describe ties between alcohol-mediated pain relief and potential exacerbation of AUD. We describe neurobiological systems engaged in alcohol analgesia as well as systems recruited in the development and maintenance of AUD and hyperalgesia. Although few effective therapies exist for either chronic pain or AUD, the common interaction of these conditions will likely lead the way for promising new discoveries of more effective and even simultaneous treatment of AUD and co-morbid hyperalgesia. An abundance of neurobiological findings from multiple laboratories has implicated a potentiation of central amygdala (CeA) signaling in both pain and AUD, and these data also suggest that attenuation of stress-related systems (including corticotropin-releasing factor, vasopressin, and glucocorticoid receptor activity) would be particularly effective and comprehensive therapeutic strategies targeting the critical intersection of somatic and motivational mechanisms driving AUD, including alcohol-induced hyperalgesia.

Binge drinking e fatores associados em indígenas da etnia Karipuna / Binge drinking and associated factors in indigenous people from Karipuna / Binge drinking y factores asociados en indígenas de la etnia Karipuna

OBJETIVO: identificar a prevalência do uso em binge em indígenas Karipuna e verificar a associação desse uso com variáveis sociodemográficas, clínicas e comportamentais da amostra. MÉTODO: trata-se de um estudo transversal realizado com 230 indígenas de 12 aldeias Karipuna em Oiapoque. Obteve-se o rastreio do uso em binge por meio da Questão-Chave. Coletaram-se os dados entre maio e dezembro de 2017. Realizaram-se, a priori, a análise de frequência das variáveis envolvidas no estudo e, na sequência, o teste qui-quadrado e o modelo de regressão logística. RESULTADOS: revela-se que a prevalência do uso em binge foi de 24,8% de uma a três vezes; de 20,4% de quatro a seis vezes; de 12,2% de sete a dez vezes e de 9,6% em mais de dez vezes. Associaram-se os seguintes fatores: estudante (OR=2,99); migração da aldeia de origem (OR=2,22); uso de preservativo (OR=2,62) e relações sexuais após o consumo de álcool (OR=1,61). CONCLUSÃO: alerta-se que o uso ocasional de risco de álcool demanda consideração, bem como o conhecimento das particularidades da população ora investigada, a fim de estabelecer controle, planejamento de recursos terapêuticos para que se alcancem resultados efetivos nas ações planejadas e principalmente nas que são adotadas na prática a fim de prevenir um uso abusivo de álcool.

OBJECTIVE: to identify the prevalence of use in binge in indigenous Karipuna and to verify the association of this use with sociodemographic, clinical and behavioral variables of the sample. METHOD: this is a cross-sectional study carried out with 230 indigenous people from 12 Karipuna villages in Oiapoque. Binge use screening was obtained through the Key Question. Data was collected between May and December 2017. A priori, the frequency analysis of the variables involved in the study was carried out, following the chi-square test and logistic regression model. RESULTS: it is revealed that the prevalence of use in binge was 24.8% from one to three times; 20.4% four to six times; 12.2% seven to ten times and 9.6% more than ten times. The following factors were associated: student (OR = 2.99); migration from the village of origin (OR = 2.22); condom use (OR = 2.62) and sexual intercourse after alcohol consumption (OR = 1.61). CONCLUSION: it is warned that the occasional use of alcohol risk demands consideration, as well as knowledge of the particularities of the population now investigated, in order to establish control, planning of therapeutic resources so that effective results are achieved in the planned actions and especially in those that are adopted in practice in order to prevent alcohol abuse.

OBJETIVO: identificar la prevalencia del uso de binge en indígenas Karipuna y verificar la asociación de este uso con las variables sociodemográficas, clínicas y comportamentales de la muestra. MÉTODO: se trata de un estudio transversal realizado con 230 indígenas de 12 aldeas Karipuna en Oiapoque. Se obtuvo el rastreo del uso de binge por medio de la pregunta clave. Se recogieron los datos entre los meses de mayo y diciembre de 2017. Se realizaron, a priori, el análisis de la frecuencia de las variables del estudio y a continuación se realizó el test chi-cuadrado y el modelo de regresión logístico. RESULTADOS: se revela que la prevalencia del uso de binge fue de 24,8% de una a tres veces; de 20,4% de cuatro a seis veces; de 12,2% de siete a diez veces y de 9,6% en más de diez veces. Se asociaron los siguientes factores: estudiante (OR=2,99); migración de la aldea de origen (OR=2,22); uso de preservativo (OR=2,62) y relaciones sexuales después de consumo de alcohol (OR=1,61). CONCLUSIÓN: se advierte que el uso ocasional de riesgo de alcohol demanda atención, así como tomar conocimiento de las particularidades de la población que está siendo investigada, con la finalidad de establecer control y planificar recursos terapéuticos, para que sean alcanzados resultados efectivos, en las acciones planificadas y, principalmente, en aquellas que son adoptadas en la práctica, con la finalidad de prevenir el uso abusivo del alcohol.

Effect of High-Dose Baclofen on Agitation-Related Events Among Patients With Unhealthy Alcohol Use Receiving Mechanical Ventilation: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Importance: Unhealthy alcohol use can lead to agitation in the intensive care unit (ICU). Objective: To assess whether high-dose baclofen reduces agitation-related events compared with placebo in patients with unhealthy alcohol use receiving mechanical ventilation. Design, Settings, and Participants: This phase 3, double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trial conducted in 18 ICUs in France recruited adults receiving mechanical ventilation who met criteria for unhealthy alcohol use. Patients were enrolled from June 2016 to February 2018; the last follow-up was in May 2019. Interventions: Baclofen (n = 159), adjusted from 50 to 150 mg per day based on estimated glomerular filtration rate, or placebo (n = 155) during mechanical ventilation up to a maximum of 15 days before gradual dose reduction over 3 to 6 days. Main Outcomes and Measures: The primary end point was the percentage of patients with at least 1 agitation-related event over the treatment period. Secondary outcomes included duration of mechanical ventilation, length of ICU stay, and 28-day mortality. Results: Among 314 patients who were randomized (mean age, 57 years; 60 [17.2%] women), 313 (99.7%) completed the trial. There was a statistically significant decrease in the percentage of patients who experienced at least 1 agitation-related event in the baclofen group vs the placebo group (31 [19.7%] vs 46 [29.7%]; difference, -9.93% [95% CI, -19.45% to -0.42%]; adjusted odds ratio, 0.59 [95% CI, 0.35-0.99]). Of 18 prespecified secondary end points, 14 were not significantly different. Compared with the placebo group, the baclofen group had a significantly longer median length of mechanical ventilation (9 vs 8 days; difference, 2.00 [95% CI, 0.00-3.00]; hazard ratio [HR] for extubation, 0.76 [95% CI, 0.60-0.97]) and stay in the ICU (14 vs 11 days; difference, 2.00 [95% CI, 0.00-4.00]; HR for discharge, 0.70 [95% CI, 0.54-0.90]). At 28 days, there was no significant difference in mortality in the baclofen vs placebo group (25.3% vs 21.6%; adjusted odds ratio, 1.24 [95% CI, 0.72-2.13]). Delayed awakening (no eye opening at 72 hours after cessation of sedatives and analgesics) occurred in 14 patients (8.9%) in the baclofen group vs 3 (1.9%) in the placebo group. Conclusions and Relevance: Among patients with unhealthy alcohol use receiving mechanical ventilation, treatment with high-dose baclofen, compared with placebo, resulted in a statistically significant reduction in agitation-related events. However, considering the modest effect and the totality of findings for the secondary end points and adverse events, further research is needed to determine the possible role of baclofen in this setting and to potentially optimize dosing. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02723383.

Relationship between betahydroxybutyrate (BHB) and acetone concentrations in postmortem blood and cause of death.

Unexpected death caused by diabetic or alcoholic ketoacidosis is easily overlooked due to the non-specific symptoms. Although the acid betahydroxybutyrate (BHB) is the most abundant ketone body formed in conditions with ketoacidosis, routine analysis in postmortem investigations often only includes the neutral ketone body acetone. This study aims to evaluate the usefulness of implementing routine BHB analysis in postmortem cases, by investigating the relationship between BHB and acetone concentrations in postmortem blood and the main cause of death. From our database of forensic autopsy cases examined from 2012 to 2015, there were 376 cases with BHB and/or acetone detected in postmortem blood that could be paired with data from the Norwegian Cause of Death Registry. Cases were categorized into three groups based on cause of death: "Diabetes-related" (n = 38), "Alcohol-related" (n = 35) and "Other" (n = 303). Analysis of BHB in blood was performed using UHPLC-MS/MS (limit of quantification (LOQ) 52 mg/L) and of acetone using HS-GC-FID (LOQ 87 mg/L). For the purpose of the study, the acetone method was also validated for a LOQ of 23 mg/L. The median BHB concentration was significantly higher in the group of diabetes-related deaths (671 mg/L, range 68-1311 mg/L) compared to the group of alcohol-related (304 mg/L, range 65-1555 mg/L, p <0.001) and other causes of deaths (113 mg/L, range 0-1402 mg/L, p <0.001). In seven deaths (1.9%), the BHB blood concentration was above the suggested pathological threshold of 250 mg/L, without detection of acetone in blood above 23 mg/L. In 15% of deaths by other causes than diabetes or alcohol, a pathologically significant BHB blood concentration was detected. Our results indicate that BHB is a more reliable marker of pathologically significant ketoacidosis than acetone, and we suggest that BHB should be routinely analyzed in postmortem investigations.

Domiciliary alcohol detoxification outcomes: a study from Goa, India.

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a significant public health problem across all regions of the world. Overall evidence regarding outcomes is available from western regions. Detoxification is one of the first steps in treating AUDs. The following case note review looks at community detoxification outcomes in a naturalistic setting. We looked at 100 clients with domiciliary detoxification. We found only 35% had a favorable outcome (follow up as advised) while 65% had unfavorable outcomes (lost to follow up or required admission). Trends of higher alcohol use (units/day) were seen in the unfavorable group. We also found that having a medical co-morbidity was associated with unfavorable outcome. In resource poor setting like our country there is a need to look at ways to enhance home detoxification programs; use of technology and supervised monitoring could probably improve the outcomes.

Describing the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on alcohol-induced blackout tweets.

INTRODUCTION AND AIMS: COVID-19, considered a pandemic by the World Health Organization, overwhelmed hospitals in the USA. In parallel to the growing pandemic, alcohol sales grew in the USA, with people stockpiling alcohol. Alcohol-induced blackouts are one particularly concerning consequence of heavy drinking, and the extent to which blackout prevalence may change in the context of a pandemic is unknown. The purpose of the current study is to describe the prevalence of publicly available tweets in the USA referencing alcohol-induced blackouts prior to and during the COVID-19 outbreak. DESIGN AND METHODS: We used Crimson Hexagon's ForSight tool to access all original English tweets written in the USA that referenced alcohol-related blackouts in 2019 and 2020. Using infoveillance methods, we tracked changes in the number and proportion of tweets about blackouts. RESULTS: More alcohol-related blackout tweets were written between 13 March and 24 April in 2020 than 2019. In addition, a greater proportion of all tweets referenced blackouts in 2020 than in 2019. In the period prior to the 'stay at home' orders (January to mid-March), the proportion of blackout tweets were higher in 2020 than 2019. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Our findings demonstrate that references to high-risk drinking persist during the pandemic despite restrictions on large social gatherings. Given that the internet is a common source of information for COVID-19, the frequent posting about blackouts during this period might normalise the behaviour. This is concerning because alcohol use increases susceptibility to COVID-19, and alcohol-related mortality can further tax hospital resources.

Atitudes de profissionais de Centros de Atenção Psicossocial sobre álcool, alcoolismo e alcoolistas / Attitudes of professionals from Psychosocial Care Centers towards alcohol, alcoholism, and alcoholics

RESUMO Objetivo avaliar as atitudes dos profissionais de Centros de Atenção Psicossocial frente ao álcool, alcoolismo e alcoolista. Métodos estudo transversal, avaliativo, com 288 profissionais de 12 serviços de saúde. Coletaram-se dados sociodemográficos, Escala de Satisfação dos Pacientes com os Serviços de Saúde Mental e Escala de Atitude para álcool, alcoolismo e alcoolistas. Resultados os profissionais que demonstraram postura mais crítica em relação ao seu cotidiano de trabalho e os que atuavam nos serviços por mais tempo apresentaram atitudes positivas em relação ao álcool, alcoolismo e alcoolistas. Profissionais da equipe administrativa e técnicos de saúde apresentaram atitudes mais negativas. Conclusão as atitudes dos profissionais ao álcool, alcoolismo e alcoolista, no geral, são positivas e associaram-se ao maior tempo de atuação na área e à expressão de incômodos com o trabalho.

ABSTRACT Objective to assess the attitudes of professionals from Psychosocial Care Centers towards alcohol, alcoholism, and alcoholics. Methods a cross-sectional evaluation study with 288 professionals from 12 healthcare services. Sociodemographic data, Patient Satisfaction Scale with Mental Health Services and Attitude Scale for alcohol, alcoholism, and alcoholics were collected. Results the professionals who showed a more critical attitude towards their work routine and those who worked in the healthcare services for longer had positive attitudes towards alcohol, alcoholism, and alcoholics. Professionals from the administrative team and health technicians had more negative attitudes. Conclusion the attitudes of professionals towards alcohol, alcoholism, and alcoholics, in general, are positive and were associated with longer working time in the field and the manifestation of disapproving situations with work.

Consumo de bebidas alcoólicas e prática do binge drinking entre cabeleireiros / Consumption of alcoholic beverages and practice of binge drinking among hairdressers

RESUMO Objetivo verificar o consumo de bebidas alcóolicas e a prática do binge drinking entre os cabeleireiros. Métodos estudo transversal realizado com 51 profissionais de salões de beleza. Utilizou-se de um questionário com características sociodemográficas e sobre as práticas do consumo de bebidas alcoólicas. Para a identificação do uso em binge drinking, pautou-se a questão-chave. Realizou-se a análise estatística descritiva e inferencial. Resultados 84,3% eram consumidores de álcool, 51,0% tinham de um a dez anos de consumo e 72,5% consumiam a cerveja. Em relação ao uso em binge, 37,3% da amostra faziam uso ocasional de risco, pelo menos, uma vez ao mês. Os maiores índices de binge drinking estavam relacionados ao gênero masculino, aos solteiros e jovens e a religião evangélica foi associada a um menor ou nenhum consumo de bebidas alcoólicas. Conclusão os dados apontaram o consumo alcoólico e o uso em binge frequente relacionados à provável dependência alcoólica.

ABSTRACT Objective to verify the consumption of alcoholic beverages and the practice of binge drinking among hairdressers. Methods cross-sectional study conducted with 51 beauty salon professionals. We used a questionnaire with socio-demographic characteristics and about the practices of consumption of alcoholic beverages. For the identification of the use in binge drinking, the key question was guided. Descriptive and inferential statistical analysis was performed. Results 84.3% were alcohol consumers, 51.0% had between one and ten years of consumption and 72.5% consumed beer. In relation to the use in binging, 37.3% of the sample made occasional use of risk, at least once a month. The highest rates of binge drinking were related to male gender, single and young and the evangelical religion was associated with a lower or no consumption of alcoholic beverages. Conclusion the data pointed to alcohol consumption and frequent binge use related to likely alcohol dependence.

Prospective cohort study of daily alcoholic beverage intake as a potential trigger of headaches among adults with episodic migraine.

PURPOSE: To determine whether alcohol intake is associated with occurrence of headaches on the following day. METHODS: In this prospective cohort study, adults with episodic migraine completed electronic diaries every morning and evening for at least six weeks in March 2016-October 2017. Every day, participants reported alcohol intake, lifestyle factors, and details about each headache. We constructed within-person fixed-effect models adjusted for time-varying factors to calculate odds ratios for the association between 1,2,3,4, or 5+ servings of alcohol and headache the following day. We also calculated the adjusted risk of headache the following day for each level of intake. RESULTS: Among 98 participants who reported 825 headaches over 4,467 days, there was a statistically significant linear association (p-trend = 0.03) between alcohol and headache the following day. Compared to no alcohol, 1-2 servings were not associated with headaches, but 5+ servings were associated with a 2.08-fold (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.16-3.73) odds of headache. The adjusted absolute risk of headaches was 20% (95%CI 19%-22%) on days following no alcohol compared with 33% (95%CI 22%-44%) on days following 5+ servings. CONCLUSION: 1-2 servings of alcoholic beverages were not associated with higher risk of headaches the following day, but 5+ servings were associated with higher risk. KEY MESSAGES 1-2 servings of alcoholic beverages were not associated with a higher risk of headaches on the following day, but higher levels of intake may be associated with higher risk. Five or more servings were associated with 2.08 times (95% confidence interval 1.16-3.73 the odds of headache on the following day. The adjusted absolute risk of headaches was 20% (95%CI 19%-22%) on days following no alcohol consumption compared with 33% (95% CI 22%-44%) on days following 5+ servings.

Analysis of QT Dispersion, Corrected QT Dispersion, and P-Wave Dispersion Values in Alcohol Use Disorder Patients With Excessive Alcohol Use.

OBJECTIVE: To identify the changes in QT dispersion (QTd), corrected QTd (QTcd), and P-wave dispersion (Pd) values with long-term alcohol abuse that could lead to severe ventricular arrhythmia, atrial fibrillation, and sudden death in alcohol use disorder (AUD) patients with excessive alcohol use. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 48 individuals diagnosed with AUD based on DSM-5 criteria. Patients with a history of psychiatric diseases were not included. The control group comprised 48 individuals with no psychiatric diagnosis who did not abuse alcohol or other substances. Participants with body mass index > 24.9 kg/m² were excluded. Twelve-derivation electrocardiograms (ECG) were obtained from all participants. RESULTS: The mean ± SD age was 44.35 ± 10.24 years in the AUD group and 40.90 ± 13.45 years in the control group. There was no significant difference between the groups based on age (P = .108). There was a significant difference between the groups based on smoking status (P = .000). The mean ± SD period of alcohol use was 20.71 ± 12.04 years, and the alcohol intake was 5.88 ± 1.65 units/d. The AUD group demonstrated elevations in all ECG measures (QTd: 46.56 vs 26.67 ms, QTcd: 54.25 vs 30.88 ms, Pd: 44.69 vs 28.54 ms, all P = .000). CONCLUSIONS: AUD patients with excessive alcohol use had a higher risk of arrhythmia and sudden death compared to the control group. Consideration of ECG and referral to cardiologic examinations would contribute to the follow-up and health of patients with AUD.

Guía de práctica clínica consumo perjudicial y dependencia de alcohol y otras drogas en personas menores de 20 años / Clinical practice guide harmful consumption and dependence on alcohol and other drugs in people under 20 years of age

Generar recomendaciones basadas en la mejor evidencia disponible acerca del manejo clínico del consumo perjudicial y dependencia de alcohol y otras drogas en personas menores de 20 años.