Aims

To support the free and open dissemination of research findings and information on alcoholism and alcohol-related problems. To encourage open access to peer-reviewed articles free for all to view.

For full versions of posted research articles readers are encouraged to email requests for "electronic reprints" (text file, PDF files, FAX copies) to the corresponding or lead author, who is highlighted in the posting.

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Thursday, December 23, 2010

Mental and personality disorders and abstinence from alcohol: results from a national household survey



The beneficial outcomes associated with moderate compared with low alcohol intake or abstinence may be due to the inclusion of people as ‘low consumers’, who have stopped consumption because of poor health. 

We investigated the association between alcohol abstinence and symptoms of common mental disorder and personality disorder, distinguishing between lifelong abstinence and abstinence following previous consumption.

Analyses were based on the British National Survey of Psychiatric Morbidity 2000, which sampled 8580 residents aged 16–74 years. Hazardous drinking (Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test) was excluded. Symptoms of common mental disorder (depression/anxiety) were identified by the Clinical Interview Schedule. The screening questionnaire of the Structured Clinical Interview for Axis II Personality Disorders was used to identify potential personality disorder. Self-reported alcohol abstinence was divided into lifelong abstinence and previous consumption. Previous consumers were asked why they had stopped. Covariates included socio-economic status, social activity and general health status.

After adjustment, alcohol abstinence was associated with both common mental disorder symptoms and any personality disorder, but only for previous consumers, in whom odds ratios were 1.69 (95% CI 1.23–2.32) and 1.45 (95% CI 1.09–1.94). Associations were non-specific, being apparent for most individual mental disorder symptoms and personality disorder categories. More detailed analysis indicated that associations were again limited to previous consumers who reported ceasing alcohol consumption for health reasons.
 
Worse mental health in low alcohol consumers, particularly those who have previously ceased for health reasons, should be taken into account when interpreting associations between moderate (compared with low) alcohol consumption and beneficial health outcomes.



Request Reprint E-Mail: r.stewart@iop.kcl.ac.uk  
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Repeated exposure to moderate doses of ethanol augments hippocampal glutamate neurotransmission by increasing release



The present study used conventional and quantitative microdialysis to assess glutamatergic and GABAergic neurotransmission in the hippocampal CA3 area of the rat following a moderate-dose ethanol treatment regimen. 

Male Wistar rats received 3.4 g/kg of ethanol or water for 6 days via gastric gavage. Microdialysis experiments commenced 2 days later. Basal and depolarization-induced glutamate overflow were significantly elevated in ethanol-treated animals. Basal and depolarization-induced gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) overflow were unaltered. Quantitative no-net-flux microdialysis was used to determine if changes in dialysate glutamate levels following ethanol administration are due to an increase in release or a decrease in uptake. To confirm the validity of this method for quantifying basal glutamate dynamics, extracellular concentrations of glutamate and the extraction fraction, which reflects changes in analyte clearance, were quantified in response to retro-dialysis of the glutamate uptake blocker trans-pyrrolidine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid (tPDC). tPDC significantly decreased the extraction fraction for glutamate, resulting in augmented extracellular glutamate concentrations. 

Repeated ethanol administration did not alter the glutamate extraction fraction. However, extracellular glutamate concentrations were significantly elevated, indicating that glutamate release is increased as a consequence of repeated ethanol administration. 

These data demonstrate that repeated bouts of moderate ethanol consumption alter basal glutamate dynamics in the CA3 region of the dorsal hippocampus. Basal glutamate release is augmented, whereas glutamate uptake is unchanged. 

Furthermore, they suggest that dysregulation of glutamate transmission in this region may contribute to the previously documented deficits in cognitive function associated with moderate dose ethanol use.



Request Reprint E-Mail:  vchefer@intra.nida.nih.gov 
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Alcohol Seeking and Consumption in the NVHL Neurodevelopmental Rat Model of Schizophrenia



Alcohol abuse in schizophrenia exceeds rates in the general population and worsens illness outcomes. Neonatal ventral hippocampal lesion (NVHL) rats model multiple schizophrenia dimensions including addiction vulnerability. 

This study compared NVHL vs. SHAM-controls in operant alcohol seeking and consumption. 

NVHLs enhanced consumption of combined ethanol/sucrose solution but neither ethanol or sucrose only solutions, consistent with increased vulnerability specific to carbohydrate-laden alcohol beverages typically consumed in early stages of human alcoholism.



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Request Reprint E-Mail: saberg@iupui.edu  
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Alcohol-related discussions in health care – a population view



The present study aimed to evaluate the frequency and the target group of alcohol screening and brief interventions in health care settings and how well this level of activity reflects public opinion.
A random sample of Finns aged 15–69 with a 74% response rate (n=2725).
Frequency counts were used to evaluate the level of activity. Logistic regression models were used to examine which groups were asked and advised about alcohol use and which groups considered it useful.
Over 90% had positive attitudes towards being asked about their alcohol use. Of those who had been in contact with health care (n=2062) in the 12 months before the survey, 33% had been asked about their alcohol use, being most often men, young, heavy drinkers and those of high socioeconomic status. 37% of those who had been asked were given advice, being most often heavy drinkers and those with a normal body mass index. However, 50% of heavy drinkers who had been asked about their alcohol use had not been advised about it. 72% of those who had been advised considered it useful, especially older subjects, and including also heavy episodic drinkers, though less than others.
In Finland, the frequency of health care professionals asking and giving advice on alcohol is relatively low. However, public opinion towards these discussions is positive. Our results encourage the support and uptake of systematic screenings and brief interventions in health care settings.


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Request Reprint E-Mail:  pia.makela@stakes.fi
  
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TPH2 polymorphisms and alcohol-related suicide



Substantial evidence from family, twin, and adoption studies corroborates implication of genetic and environmental factors, as well as their interactions, on suicidal behavior and alcoholism risk. 

Serotonergic disfunction seems to be involved in the pathophysiology of substance abuse, and has also an important role in suicidal behavior. Recent studies of the tryptophan hydroxylase 2 showed mild or no association with suicide and alcohol-related suicide. 

We performed SNP and alcohol analysis on 388 suicide victims and 227 controls. 

The results showed association between suicide (P(χ2) = 0.043) and alcohol-related suicide (P(χ2) = 0.021) for SNP Rs1843809. A tendency for association was determined also for polymorphism Rs1386493 (P(χ2) = 0.055) and alcohol-related suicide. Data acquired from psychological autopsies in a subsample of suicide victims (n = 79) determined more impulsive behavior (P(χ2) = 0.016) and verbal aggressive behavior (P(χ2) = 0.025) in the subgroup with alcohol misuse or dependency.

In conclusion, our results suggest implication of polymorphisms in suicide and alcohol-related suicide, but further studies are needed to clarify the interplay among serotonergic system disfunction, suicide, alcohol dependence, impulsivity and the role of TPH2 enzyme.



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Acamprosate reduces ethanol drinking behaviors and alters the metabolite profile in mice lacking ENT1


Acamprosate is clinically used to treat alcoholism. However, the precise molecular functionality of acamprosate in the central nervous system remains unclear, although it is known to antagonize glutamate action in the brain. 

Since elevated glutamate signaling, especially in the nucleus accumbens (NAc), is implicated in several aspects of alcoholism, we utilized mice lacking type 1 equilibrative nucleoside transporter (ENT1), which exhibit increased glutamate levels in the NAc as well as increased ethanol drinking behaviors. 

We found that acamprosate significantly reduced ethanol drinking of mice lacking ENT1 (ENT1–/–) while having no such effect in wild-type littermates. 

We then analyzed the basal and acamprosate-treated accumbal metabolite profiles of ENT1–/–and wild-type mice using in vivo 16.4T proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS). 

Our data show that basal glutamate + glutamine (Glx), glutamate, glutamine and N-acetylaspartatic acid (NAA) levels are increased in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) of ENT1–/–compared to wild-type mice. 

We then found that acamprosate treatment significantly reduced Glx and glutamine levels while increasing taurine levels in the NAc of only ENT1–/–compared to their saline-treated group while normalizing other metabolite compared to wild-type mice. 

This study will be useful in the understanding of the molecular basis of acamprosate in the brain.




Request Reprint E-Mail:  choids@mayo.edu 
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Wednesday, December 22, 2010

Effect of Alcohol Consumption on In Vitro Fertilization



To estimate whether alcohol use at the initiation of an in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycle is associated with IVF outcomes.

In this prospective cohort study, men and women completed a self-administered questionnaire before their first IVF cycle. 

Participants reported alcohol type, amount, and frequency consumed. Discrete survival analysis was applied to calculate the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for live birth—the primary outcome. Secondary outcomes were cycle characteristics and points of failure in the IVF process (cycle cancellation, failed fertilization, implantation failure, and spontaneous abortion). We conducted multicycle analyses with final models adjusted for potential confounders that included cycle number, cigarette use, body mass index, and age.

A total of 2,545 couples contributed 4,729 cycles. Forty-one percent of women and 58% of men drank one to six drinks per week. Women drinking at least four drinks per week had 16% less odds of a live birth rate compared with those who drank fewer than four drinks per week (OR 0.84, CI 0.71–0.99). For couples in which both partners drank at least four drinks per week, the odds of live birth were 21% lower compared with couples in which both drank fewer than four drinks per week (OR 0.79; CI 0.66–0.96).

Consumption of as few as four alcoholic drinks per week is associated with a decrease in IVF live birth rate.



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Association between the 5-HTR1B gene polymorphisms and alcohol dependence in a Han Chinese population


The human serotonin receptor 1B (HRT1B) plays an important role in regulating serotonin release. 

Previous research has suggested that the genetic variation of the HTR1B gene may confer susceptibility to alcoholism or some subtypes of alcohol dependence, but the evidence has been inconsistent.
 
The aim of the present study is to examine whether polymorphic variants of the HTR1B gene are associated with alcohol dependence subtypes or drinking-related behaviors in Chinese Han population. 

Alcohol-dependent (AD) male patients (n = 135) and controls (n = 143) were genotyped for two polymorphisms: A161T in the promoter region and the synonymous variation G861C in the coding region of HTR1B. 

The results showed that the A161T polymorphism was associated with alcohol dependence (T vs A allele: p = 0.002; OR = 2.18, 95% CI:1.32–3.60). This association was strengthened in those with positive family history (OR = 3.12, 95% CI: 1.71-5.70) and/or early-onset (OR = 4.53, 95% CI: 2.18-9.44) of alcohol dependence. The A161T variant was also significantly associated with age of onset of alcoholism (p = 0.001). 

Furthermore, there was a significant difference of haplotypic frequencies between patients and controls (X2 = 14.84, df = 3, p = 0.002), with one common haplotype AG of being significantly underrepresented among the patient group compared to the control group (34% vs. 47.7%, permutation p = 0.0034; OR = 0.56; 95% CI: 0.39-0.79). 

These findings confirm HTR1B as a susceptibility gene for alcohol dependence in the sample of Chinese Han population. 

The HTR1B A-161 T polymorphism may be particularly valuable as a functional genetic marker for alcoholism and merits additional study.


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Request Reprint E-Mail:  hujian0451@163.com  
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Association of CHRM2 polymorphisms with severity of alcohol dependence



The cholinergic muscarinic 2 receptor gene (CHRM2) has been considered a candidate gene for the alcohol dependence in that it might underpin certain risk factors for this condition. 

This study examined variations in the CHRM2 between the patients with alcohol dependence and population controls in Korean and explored the associations between CHRM2CHRM2 were genotyped using the TaqMan assay and analyzed with the severity of symptoms of alcohol dependence. 

We found that although SNP rs324650 showed marginal association with the risk of alcohol dependence (P = 0.03), the significance of the result was not sustained after multiple corrections. 

SNP rs1824024 was significantly associated with the AUDIT and ADS scores in patients (P = 0.005 and 0.003, respectively). 

These findings suggested that the muscarinic acetylcholine function might be related not alcohol dependence itself but the severity of alcohol dependence in Korean population.



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Request Reprint E-Mail:   ihngeun@hallym.or.kr   
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NIH-led study identifies genetic variant that can lead to severe impulsivity






A multinational research team led by scientists at the National Institutes of Health has found that a genetic variant of a brain receptor molecule may contribute to violently impulsive behavior when people who carry it are under the influence of alcohol.  A report of the findings, which include human genetic analyses and gene knockout studies in animals, appears in the Dec. 23 issue of Nature.



“Impulsivity, or action without foresight, is a factor in many pathological behaviors including suicide, aggression, and addiction,” explains senior author David Goldman, M.D., chief of the Laboratory of Neurogenetics at the NIH’s National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA).  “But it is also a trait that can be of value if a quick decision must be made or in situations where risk-taking is favored.”

In collaboration with researchers in Finland and France, Dr. Goldman and colleagues studied a sample of violent criminal offenders in Finland.  The hallmark of the violent crimes committed by individuals in the study sample was that they were spontaneous and purposeless.  > > > >  Read 
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A population-specific HTR2B stop codon predisposes to severe impulsivity



Impulsivity, describing action without foresight, is an important feature of several psychiatric diseases, suicidality and violent behaviour. 

The complex origins of impulsivity hinder identification of the genes influencing it and the diseases with which it is associated. 

Here we perform exon-focused sequencing of impulsive individuals in a founder population, targeting fourteen genes belonging to the serotonin and dopamine domain. 

A stop codon in HTR2B was identified that is common (minor allele frequency > 1%) but exclusive to Finnish people. 

Expression of the gene in the human brain was assessed, as well as the molecular functionality of the stop codon, which was associated with psychiatric diseases marked by impulsivity in both population and family-based analyses. 

Knockout of Htr2b increased impulsive behaviours in mice, indicative of predictive validity. 

Our study shows the potential for identifying and tracing effects of rare alleles in complex behavioural phenotypes using founder populations, and indicates a role for HTR2B in impulsivity.




Request Reprint E-Mail: davidgoldman@mail.nih.gov 
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Early Adolescence as a Critical Window During Which Social Stress Distinctly Alters Behavior and Brain Norepinephrine Activity



Many neural programs that shape behavior become established during adolescence. Adverse events at this age can have enduring consequences for both adolescent and adult mental health. 

Here we show that repeated social stress at different stages of adolescent development differentially affects rat behavior and neuronal activity. 

Early-adolescent (PND 28, EA), mid-adolescent (PND 42, MA), and adult (PND 63) rats were subjected to resident-intruder social stress (7 days) and behavior was examined 24–72 h later. 

In EA rats selectively, resident-intruder stress increased proactive responses in the defensive burying and forced swim tests. 

In adult rats, resident-intruder stress decreased burying behavior regardless of whether the animal was stressed as an adult or during early adolescence. 

As the locus coeruleus (LC)–norepinephrine system has been implicated in proactive defense behaviors, LC neuronal activity was quantified in separate cohorts. 

Stressed EA rats had elevated spontaneous LC discharge rates and diminished responses to sensory stimuli compared with controls. 

Microinjection of a CRF antagonist into the LC selectively inhibited neurons of stressed EA rats, suggesting that EA social stress induces tonic CRF release onto LC neurons, shifting the mode of discharge to an activated state that promotes active defensive behaviors. 

In all adult groups, resident-intruder stress resulted in an increased phasic response to sensory stimuli with no change in spontaneous rates. 

MA was a transition period during which social stress did not affect behavior or LC activity. 

The results suggest that social stress interacts with the brain norepinephrine system to regulate defensive strategies in an age-dependent manner.



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Modulation of lipid peroxidation and antioxidant defense systems in rat intestine by subchronic fluoride and ethanol administration



Excessive consumption of fluoride and ethanol has been identified as injurious to human health. Fluoride and ethanol co-exposures are commonly seen among the alcoholics residing in endemic fluoride areas worldwide. 

This study was undertaken to examine the modulation of lipid peroxidation and antioxidant defense systems in rat intestine by subchronic fluoride and ethanol administration. 

Female Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into four groups: group I (control), group II (fluoride was given orally at a dose of 25mg/kg body weight), group III (30% ethanol was given orally at a dose of 1mL/kg body weight), and group IV (a combination of fluoride and ethanol was administered orally at the dose described for groups II and III). 

Lipid peroxidation was elevated (P<.05) in intestine of rats by fluoride or ethanol treatments for 20 or 40 days. However, glutathione content was reduced by fluoride (32 and 44%) and ethanol (21 and 40%) treatments after 20 and 40 days, respectively. 

Fluoride-exposed animals showed reduction (P<.05) in the activities of superoxide dismutase (22 and 42%), catalase (30 and 37%), glutathione peroxidase (22 and 35%), glutathione reductase (32 and 34%), and glutathione-S-transferase (24 and 30%) after 20 and 40 days.

A similar decrease (P<.05) in the activities of these enzymes was also noticed in animals exposed to ethanol for 20 or 40 days. 

The observed changes in lipid peroxidation, reduced glutathione levels, and enzyme systems were further augmented in intestine of rats exposed to fluoride and ethanol together. Intestinal histology showed large reactive lymphoid follicles along with mild excess of lymphocytes in lamina propria of villi, villous edema, focal ileitis, and necrosis of villi in animals exposed to fluoride and ethanol for 40 days. 

These findings suggest that fluoride and ethanol exposure induces considerable changes in lipid peroxidation, antioxidant defense, and morphology of rat intestine, which may affect its functions.


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Impaired perceptual judgment at low blood alcohol concentrations



Males and females show different patterns of cognitive impairment when blood alcohol concentrations (BACs) are high. 

To investigate whether gender differences persist at low BACs, cognitive impairment was tested in 21 participants (11 female, 10 male) using a brief computerized perceptual judgment task that provides error rate and response time data. Participants consumed a measured dose of alcohol (average peak BAC: females: 0.052g/100mL, males: 0.055g/100mL), and were tested at four time points spanning both the rising and falling limbs of the BAC curve, in addition to a prealcohol time point. 

Comparisons were made against performance of these same participants at equivalent time points in an alcohol-free control condition. 

Males and females displayed a trend toward slower responses and more errors, even when mildly intoxicated. 

These data indicate that cognitive function can be impaired at BACs that are below the legal limit for driving in most countries.


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Request Reprint E-Mail:  Greg.Yelland@med.monash.edu.au
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Adult anxiety-related behavior of rats following consumption during late adolescence of alcohol alone and in combination with caffeine



During late adolescence (postnatal days, PNDs, 45–55), male and female hooded rats were exposed to alcohol (1.14–1.33g/kg/day), caffeine (27.03–27.22mg/kg/day) or alcohol and caffeine together (1.20–1.34g/kg/day alcohol plus 23.85–26.48mg/kg/day caffeine) via their drinking water. The rats’ anxiety-related behavior was then assessed on reaching mid adulthood at PND120 in a light–dark box and an open field. 

For males only, alcohol alone led to increased entries of the light–dark box and (compared with water- or caffeine-exposed subjects) open-field rearing. 

Alcohol and caffeine combined also increased entries of the light–dark box light compartment and open-field ambulation for males only. The drug combination led to more male ambulation than for alcohol alone, and higher occupancy of the center squares of the apparatus than for males in any other group. 

Although alcohol alone had no subsequent effects on female behavior, alcohol and caffeine combined led to fewer entries of and less time spent in the light–dark box side then females in any other group. The drug combination also led to less female ambulation in the open field compared with either water- or caffeine-exposed females. 

The results were interpreted as sex-related potentiation by caffeine of alcohol’s developmental effects that resulted in lower levels of adult anxiety in male, but higher levels in females. 

The possible significance of this outcome for humans, especially females, was discussed.


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Request Reprint E-Mail:   rob.hughes@canterbury.ac.nz     
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Effects of ethanol consumption on chromatin condensation and DNA integrity of epididymal spermatozoa in rat



Alcohol abuse is considered as one of the problems associated with poor semen production and sperm quality. Both acute and chronic alcohol consumption may affect spermatozoal chromatin disorders through apoptosis. 

Therefore, for the first time, this experimental study was performed to evaluate the effect of ethanol consumption on sperm parameters and chromatin integrity of spermatozoa aspirated from cauda epididymis of rats. 

Twenty adult Wistar rats were divided into ethanol consumption and control groups. Access to ethanol and water was provided ad libitum for experimental and control animals, respectively. The cauda epididymal spermatozoa were aspirated for analysis of sperm parameters and sperm chromatin integrity with aniline blue (AB), chromomycin A3 (CMA3), toluidine blue (TB), and acridine orange (AO) assays. 

Sperm progressive and nonprogressive motility of ethanol-consuming rats were significantly decreased compared with control animals (P<.05). 

In addition, the rates of AB-reacted spermatozoa were similar in both groups (P>.05). However, with regard to CMA3, AO, and TB stainings, there was a significant increase in ethanol group when compared with the controls (P<.05). 

The majority of TB+ and AO+ spermatozoa were higher than “cut-off” value in ethanol group, whereas the mean rates of CMA3+ spermatozoa was below the “cut-off” value in both groups. 

The results showed that ethanol consumption disturbs sperm motility, nuclear maturity and DNA integrity of spermatozoa in rat. 

Therefore, ethanol abuse results in the production of spermatozoa with less condensed chromatin, and this may be one possible cause of infertility following ethanol consumption.


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The alcohol-induced locomotor stimulation and accumbal dopamine release is suppressed in ghrelin knockout mice




Ghrelin, the first endogenous ligand for the type 1A growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHS-R1A), plays a role in energy balance, feeding behavior, and reward. Previously, we showed that pharmacologic and genetic suppression of the GHS-R1A attenuates the alcohol-induced stimulation, accumbal dopamine release, and conditioned place preference as well as alcohol consumption in mice, implying that the GHS-R1A is required for alcohol reward. 

The present study further elucidates the role of ghrelin for alcohol-induced dopamine release in nucleus accumbens and locomotor stimulation by means of ghrelin knockout mice. 

We found that the ability of alcohol to increase accumbal dopamine release in wild-type mice is not observed in ghrelin knockout mice. Furthermore, alcohol induced a locomotor stimulation in the wild-type mice and ghrelin knockout mice; however, the locomotor stimulation in homozygote mice was significantly lower than in the wild-type mice. 

The present series of experiments suggest that endogenous ghrelin may be required for the ability of alcohol to activate the mesolimbic dopamine system. 


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Androgen Receptor Polyglutamine Length Does Not Influence Serum Levels of Adipocytokines in Alcoholism: A Preliminary Retrospective Analysis





In recent years, various studies were able to show a link between serum levels of appetite-regulating peptides and alcoholism. The adipocytokines, adiponectin and resistin seem to be altered during withdrawal. We recently showed that a trinucleotide polymorphism within the coding region of the androgen receptor (AR) is linked to craving in alcohol withdrawal, an effect that was mostly mediated by leptin. 

The aim of the present preliminary retrospective study was to further elucidate whether adiponectin and resistin serum levels are regulated by this AR polymorphism as well.  

We included 50 male in-patients who were admitted for detoxification treatment. Each had a diagnosis of alcohol dependence (DSM-IV).  

Our analyses revealed that adiponectin serum levels significantly decreased, whereas resistin levels slightly increased between the day of admission and Day 7. Beyond that, we were not able to demonstrate significant associations between the investigated CAG polymorphism of the AR and adiponectin, resistin or leptin-corrected adipocytokines, either on the day of admission or on Day 7. Moreover, the polymorphism did not influence the time response of adiponectin and resistin during withdrawal.  

Genetic determinants of the AR influence alcohol withdrawal. Anyway, this preliminary retrospective analysis does not support the hypothesis that the investigated AR polymorphism has a major modifying effect on adiponectin or resistin serum levels in patients with alcoholism. 



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The Stigma of Alcohol Dependence Compared with Other Mental Disorders: A Review of Population Studies





Stigma is likely to aggravate the severe medical and social consequences of alcohol dependence. We aim to explore the characteristics of the alcohol dependence stigma by comparing it with the stigma of other conditions.  

On the basis of a systematic literature search, we identified 17 representative population studies published before July 2010 that examine aspects of the stigma of alcoholism and simultaneously of other mental, medical or social conditions. Seven surveys were located in Europe, five in North America, three in New Zealand and one each in Brazil and Ethiopia, respectively. 

Compared with people suffering from other, substance-unrelated mental disorders, alcohol-dependent persons are less frequently regarded as mentally ill, are held much more responsible for their condition, provoke more social rejection and more negative emotions, and they are at particular risk for structural discrimination. Only with regard to being a danger, they are perceived to be at a similarly negative level to that of people suffering from schizophrenia. 

Alcoholism is a particularly severely stigmatized mental disorder. Cultural differences are likely, but under-researched. We discuss possible reasons for the differences between the stigma of alcoholism and of other mental diseases and the consequences for targeted anti-stigma initiatives. 



Request Reprint E-Mail: georg.schomerus@uni-greifswald.de
 
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Tuesday, December 21, 2010

European Alcohol and health Forum



Seventh plenary meeting,
Brussels, 18 November 2010


Presentations

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Monday, December 20, 2010

Alcohol pricing news and updates: Green King response to IFS report; HMRC analysis



The brewer and pub owner Greene King has called for the "minimum pricing debate to continue" following a policy shift towards taxation and below cost. Greene King, who have previously spoken out in favour of minimum pricing, commissioned a review of the IFS alcohol pricing report which urged higher taxation over minimum pricing.

In a press release, Greene King stated that minimum pricing would be a "targeted solution", "raising the level of the lowest priced alcohol and directly tackling the behaviour which is causing most concern." However it also suggested that in contrast to the IFS report, the alcohol industry would not benefit from increased profit - in fact it could lose as much as £1.2 billion per year. See also a letter to the Telegraph from the Greene King chief executive Rooney Anand.  > > >   Read More
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Population pharmacokinetics of alcohol on Chinese subjects using breath measures


Alcohol is a widely used drug. Our objective was to examine alcohol pharmacokinetics in Chinese subjects through the breath measurement of blood alcohol concentration (BAC) to identify any measurable covariates that may help explain variability between subjects.

Breath-alcohol measurements of 184 healthy Chinese subjects were collected. Compartmental models including one- and two-compartment process were examined. First-order kinetics was applied to model alcohol absorption and elimination phases. For the sake of simplicity, only the subject’s body weight, sex and stomach condition were investigated as covariates in our random effects modelling.
The body as a whole behaves as a single compartment, with the suggested one-compartment model being good enough to characterize the biological process. In line with other studies, food ingestion before/with the dose slowed down alcohol absorption into the central compartment. Female subjects exhibited a significantly higher BAC elimination rate than that of males. Body weight also contributed to the observed inter-subject variability in alcohol clearance.


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Evaluating the validity and utility of scaling alcohol consumption indices alongside AUD symptoms in treatment-seeking adolescents




Current initiatives to update diagnostic criteria for alcohol use disorders (AUDs) have stimulated dialogue about the usefulness of indicators of alcohol consumption in the diagnosis of AUDs.

This study used Rasch model analyses to examine the properties of alcohol consumption descriptors and AUD symptoms among 3382 treatment-seeking adolescents, aged 12–18 years, in the DATOS-A (United States Department of Health and Human Services, 1993–1995) baseline assessment, and evaluated the predictive validity of different scoring methods (with and without alcohol consumption) for 12-month alcohol involvement.

Rasch model analyses supported the unidimensionality of indices of alcohol consumption and AUD symptoms. Test information functions showed that adding consumption items provides further information at all points of the alcohol involvement severity spectrum. 

Combining AUD symptoms with indices of alcohol consumption provided better prediction of alcohol involvement after treatment than either AUD symptom counts or DSM-IV dependence diagnosis alone. 

Differential item functioning (DIF), however, was observed for select items. Generally, indices of drinking “too much too fast” were more severe for females, African Americans and Hispanics, while the opposite was true for items measuring “too much too often”. For age, “too much too often” items were more severe for the younger (12–14 years) age group, and AUD symptoms were more severe for the older (15–18 years) age group.

Indices of alcohol consumption can be validly scaled along with AUD symptoms in this population, and their inclusion provides statistical measurement advantages. 

Nevertheless, caution is necessary in using consumption items in measuring alcohol involvement due to DIF observed across sex, race and age.


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Request Reprint E-Mail:  bhoeppner@partners.org 
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Alcohol News - 51/2010



Views and News from Norway (Norway) - Drunk and disorderly
As Norwegians head into the last weekend before Christmas, the holiday party season known as julebordsesong will hit its climax. It won’t be unusual to see drunken Norwegians staggering along Karl Johans Gate in Oslo, or along Bryggen in Bergen. Sleeping city residents can often be rudely awakened at 4:30am by drunks yelling on the sidewalk outside, even in this winter’s bitterly cold temperatures.
Read more
Statistics Finland (Finland) – Causes of death 2009
The number of alcohol-related deaths has almost doubled in twenty years. The biggest growth was seen half-way into the first decade of the 2000s when the alcohol tax was lowered. In the past few years, the number of alcohol-related deaths has remained almost unchanged and even fallen somewhat.
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North American Studies (Finland/USA) - “MUCH MORE THAN PROHIBITION: AN OVERVIEW OF DIFFERENCES IN ATTITUDES AND POLICY TOWARD ALCOHOL IN FINLAND AND THE UNITED STATES”
The subject of my presentation is “Much more than Prohibition,” because the paper I presented at the conference emphasized the extensive similarities that existed between the two nation’s alcohol policies during the 1920s. Much of the scientific temperance literature used in advocating for Prohibition in Finland originated from American temperance groups.
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European Addiction Research (Sweden) - Alcohol Habits in Sweden during 1997–2009 with Particular Focus on 2005 and 2009, Assessed with the AUDIT: A Repeated Cross-Sectional Study
Earlier increases in drinking levels between 1997 and 2001 may reflect a latent high demand that was restricted by low availability. When availability due to European Union harmonization increased, alcohol consumption followed suit. After a period of adaptation, alcohol consumption appears to have stabilized.
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BMJ (Denmark) - Testing the validity of the Danish urban myth that alcohol can be absorbed through feet: open labelled self experimental study
Our results suggest that feet are impenetrable to the alcohol component of vodka. We therefore conclude that the Danish urban myth of being able to get drunk by submerging feet in alcoholic beverages is just that; a myth. The implications of the study are many though.
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Boston Herald (USA) - Mass. alcohol poisoning deaths soar in past decade
Alcohol poisoning deaths are soaring in Massachusetts, and state health officials are pointing to a number of potential causes — from binge drinking to the sales tax exemption given to alcohol sold in stores.
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BusinessWeek - AA May Help Stem Alcohol Abuse in Female Convicts
Attending Alcoholics Anonymous meetings at least once a week increases the likelihood that jailed women and those recently released from jail can recover from alcohol abuse, researchers have found.
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Pediatric SuperSite - Caregiver alcohol consumption increased risk for SIDS
Alcohol consumption by parents appeared to be a risk for sudden infant death syndrome, according to researchers from the University of California, San Diego.
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Medscape - Moderate Alcohol Intake May Raise Risk for Amphetamine Abuse
Research published today provides more evidence that drinking moderate amounts of alcohol may increase an individual's vulnerability to amphetamine abuse.
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Mediapost.com (USA) - Over the Limit: Underage Kids See More Alcohol Ads
A new study claims a rise in TV alcohol advertising to underage young viewers -- and that the distilled spirits industry has breached its self-imposed limits.
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Los Angeles Times (New Zealand) - New Zealand reconsiders laws liberalizing sale of alcoholic drinks
The brightly colored poster for the annual fundraiser at an elementary school in this quaint town tucked into Tasman Bay advertised face painting, a bouncy castle — and a fully licensed bar.
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Times LIVE (South Africa) - New law might ban Alcohol adverts
New legislation might ban alcohol brands from advertising, place a moratorium on new liquor licenses and make any drinking before driving illegal, Beeld reported on Thursday.
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BBC News (UK) - High income households among biggest alcohol drinkers
Top earners are more likely to drink alcohol frequently than adults in poorer households, a survey says. The Health Survey for England 2009 found that 29% of men and 17% of women in the highest-earning group consumed alcohol on five or more days a week.
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Montreal Gazette (Canada) - Make booze cheap for homeless, costly for everyone else: Study
Rock-bottom liquor prices should be raised to limit excess drinking among young people and heavy drinkers, but liquor should be given free to homeless drunks to manage their consumption, a new University of Victoria study says.
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PR Newswire (USA) - Fed Delays on Alcohol Labeling Stymieing National Policies on Alcohol and Obesity
The National Consumers League (NCL) has once again called on the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) to issue a final rule to improve alcohol beverage labeling.
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Vancouver Sun (Canada) - Walking while intoxicated can be a high-risk activity
Heading into the two deadliest days of the year for pedestrians, experts say dangers of 'drinking and walking' should be taken seriously.
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msnbc.com - Liquor store density linked to domestic violence
Opening more neighborhood pubs and liquor stores could lead to more violence in local residents' homes, hints a new Australian study.
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Internal Medicine News Digital Network - Changes in Cigarette Prices Affect Alcohol Consumption
Raising cigarette taxes has the unwanted effect of increasing alcohol consumption, including binge and heavy drinking.
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PhysOrg.com - Individuals who are victimized -- especially in childhood -- likely to abuse alcohol and other drugs
A new study finds strong associations between victims' experiences -- such as unwanted sexual activity, neglect and physical violence -- and substance use disorders.
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BBC News (UK) - Debate called for on alcohol ban on public transport
Rail and bus operators have been urged to consider an alcohol ban by a drinks awareness charity. Alcohol Concern said the majority of assaults on the staff of one train company in Wales were alcohol-related.
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PR Newswire - Preconceived Notions About Alcohol Lead to Trouble for Students Traveling Abroad, LMU Study Finds
American college students participate in study abroad programs to expand their horizons and experience life among different cultures. But their attitudes toward alcohol use in other countries can create negative consequences, a Loyola Marymount University study has found.
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Online News Website (EU) - Excessive Alcohol Consumption Growing Problem in Europe
Europe is dealing with the problem of excessive alcohol consumption and the life-threatening effects it is having on it’s citizens.
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NW Evening Mail (UK) - ‘Bigger killers than banned narcotics’
A LEADING Cumbrian drugs expert says alcohol and tobacco are bigger killers than any banned narcotic.
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Eurasia Review (Russia) - Russia: Binge Drinking and Sudden Death
Alcohol is a major cause of unnecessary death among Russian men. That fact is unlikely to surprise even the most casual observer of Russia. But after crunching several years’ worth of data, a leading researcher expressed a sense of surprise over the extent of reckless drinking in Russia and its impact on heart disease.
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