2024-03-28T12:22:02Zhttp://open-archive.highwire.org/handler
oai:open-archive.highwire.org:alcalc:41/6/5832015-05-19HighWireOUPalcalc:41:6
THE LIFE AND TIMES OF THE J-SHAPED CURVE
CONNOR, JENNIE
INVITED COMMENTARY
Oxford University Press
2006-11-01 00:00:00.0
TEXT
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http://alcalc.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/content/short/41/6/583
http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/alcalc/agl079
en
Copyright (C) 2006, Medical Council on Alcohol
oai:open-archive.highwire.org:alcalc:41/6/5852015-05-19HighWireOUPalcalc:41:6
CARDIAC OVEREXPRESSION OF METALLOTHIONEIN RESCUES CHRONIC ALCOHOL INTAKE-INDUCED CARDIOMYOCYTE DYSFUNCTION: ROLE OF AKT, MAMMALIAN TARGET OF RAPAMYCIN AND RIBOSOMAL P70S6 KINASE
LI, QUN
REN, JUN
GENETICS AND CELL BIOLOGY
<b>Aims:</b> Reduced insulin sensitivity following alcohol intake plays a role in alcohol-induced organ damage although its precise mechanism is undefined. This study was designed to examine the effect of cardiac overexpression of the antioxidant metallothionein on alcohol-induced cardiac contractile dysfunction and post-receptor insulin signaling. <b>Methods:</b> FVB and metallothionein mice were fed a 4% alcohol diet for 16 weeks. Cardiomyocyte contractile function was evaluated including peak shortening (PS), time-to-PS (TPS), and time-to-relengthening (TR<inf>90</inf>). Post-insulin receptor signaling molecules Akt, mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), and ribosomal p70s6 kinase (p70s6k) were evaluated using western blot analysis. Akt1 kinase activity was assayed with a phosphotransferase kit. <b>Results:</b> Alcohol intake dampened whole body glucose tolerance, depressed PS, shortened TPS, and prolonged TR<inf>90</inf>, which were abrogated by metallothionein with the exception of glucose intolerance. Our results revealed reduced expression of total Akt, phosphorylated mTOR, and phosphorylated p70s6k-to-p70s6k ratio as well as Akt1 kinase activity in alcohol consuming FVB mice. Phosphorylated Akt, total mTOR, and phosphorylated p70s6k were unaffected by alcohol. Metallothionein ablated reduced Akt protein and kinase activity without affecting any other proteins or their phosphorylation. <b>Conclusion:</b> In summary, our data suggest that chronic alcohol intake interrupted cardiac contractile function and Akt/mTOR/p70s6k signaling. Akt but unlikely mTOR and p70s6k may contribute to metallothionein-elicited cardiac protective response.
Oxford University Press
2006-11-01 00:00:00.0
TEXT
text/html
http://alcalc.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/content/short/41/6/585
http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/alcalc/agl080
en
Copyright (C) 2006, Medical Council on Alcohol
oai:open-archive.highwire.org:alcalc:41/6/5932015-05-19HighWireOUPalcalc:41:6
LIPID PEROXIDATION AND SERUM CYTOKINES IN ACUTE ALCOHOLIC HEPATITIS
SÁNCHEZ PÉREZ, M. J.
GONZÁLEZ-REIMERS, EMILIO
SANTOLARIA-FERNÁNDEZ, FRANCISCO
DE LA VEGA-PRIETO, MARÍA JOSÉ
MARTÍNEZ-RIERA, ANTONIO
GONZÁLEZ, PEDRO ABREU
RODRÍGUEZ RODRÍGUEZ, EVA
DURÁN-CASTELLÓN, M. CARMEN
PHARMACOLOGY AND CELL METABOLISM
<b>Aims:</b> Increased exposure of Kupffer cells to intestinal-borne Gram-negative bacteria enhances the metabolism and leads to cytokine production by these cells. Activation of Kupffer cells increases free radical release, which may, in turn, enhance cytokine secretion, creating a positive feedback loop, which contributes to liver inflammation. Cytokines act on T cells, inducing their proliferation and secretion of additional interleukins. Lipid peroxidation products (malondialdehyde; MDA) form adducts with proteins and acetaldehyde, triggering a T cell immune response. Controversy exists about the predominance of either Th-1 or Th-2 cellular responses. We performed the present study in order to analyse the cytokine pattern in patients with acute alcoholic hepatitis, its relation to MDA and the relation between all these parameters and liver function and prognosis. <b>Subjects and methods:</b> The study included 53 male alcoholics, 47 followed up for a median time of 32 months, during which 17 of them died. We measured serum MDA, tumour necrosis factor-alpha, interferon gamma (IFNG) and interleukins (IL) 4, 6, 8, and 10. <b>Results:</b> MDA levels were raised in cirrhotics and non-cirrhotics with alcoholic hepatitis, maintaining a relationship with bilirubin and Maddrey index, and with mortality in the univariate analysis. Both IFNG and IL-4 were raised in our patients compared with controls, as well as IL-8, and IL-6, but IL-10 were below the detection limit in the majority of cases, especially in cirrhotics. Using a Cox regression model, Maddrey index displaced MDA in the survival analysis. <b>Conclusions:</b> Our data lend support to the hypothesis that activation of both Th-1 and Th-2 cell subsets take place. MDA levels are raised in alcoholics with alcoholic hepatitis and are closely related to liver function derangement and to survival, although this is displaced by Maddrey index using Cox regression model.
Oxford University Press
2006-11-01 00:00:00.0
TEXT
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http://alcalc.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/content/short/41/6/593
http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/alcalc/agl077
en
Copyright (C) 2006, Medical Council on Alcohol
oai:open-archive.highwire.org:alcalc:41/6/5982015-05-19HighWireOUPalcalc:41:6
THE TOTAL BODY MASS OF FATTY ACID ETHYL ESTERS IN SKELETAL MUSCLES FOLLOWING ETHANOL EXPOSURE GREATLY EXCEEDS THAT FOUND IN THE LIVER AND THE HEART
SALEM, RANEEM O.
LAPOSATA, MICHAEL
RAJENDRAM, RAJKUMAR
CLUETTE-BROWN, JOANNE E.
PREEDY, VICTOR R.
PHARMACOLOGY AND CELL METABOLISM
<b>Aims:</b> Skeletal muscle appears to be susceptible to chronic and acute excess alcohol intake, giving rise to alcoholic myopathy, a common disease among alcoholics. Fatty acid ethyl esters (FAEE), non-oxidative metabolites of ethanol, have been shown to be toxic to cells <it>in vitro</it> and <it>in vivo</it>. We hypothesized that accumulation of FAEE in skeletal muscle could contribute to the development of alcoholic myopathy. <b>Methods:</b> Male wistar rats were treated either with 75 mmol ethanol/kg body weight or saline, in the fed state or starved for 1 or 2 days before administration. Rats were thus divided into the following groups: fed-saline (<it>n</it> = 8); fed-ethanol (<it>n</it> = 8); starved 1 day, saline (<it>n</it> = 8); starved 1 day, ethanol (<it>n</it> = 9); starved 2 days, saline (<it>n</it> = 7); and starved 2 days, ethanol (<it>n</it> = 8). At the end of the incubation, skeletal muscles (abdominal and gastrocnemius), liver, and heart were isolated and processed for FAEE isolation and analysis by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). <b>Results:</b> Total mass of FAEE in the muscles was much greater than that found in the liver and the heart. In general, the animals that were fasted for 1 day and received ethanol had the highest FAEE levels among the three groups of animals. The major ethyl ester species in all cases were ethyl 16:0, ethyl 18:0, ethyl 18:1 <it>n</it>−9, and ethyl 18:2 <it>n</it>−6. Ethyl 20:4 <it>n</it>−6 and ethyl 22:6 <it>n</it>−3 were also present, except in the fasted 1-day group, where ethyl 22:6 disappeared, though it reappeared in the fasted 2-day group. <b>Conclusion:</b> These findings demonstrate that skeletal muscles contain high levels of FAEE that are synthesized in the body after ethanol exposure. The concentration of FAEE in skeletal muscle in this study was very similar to FAEE concentration in the liver. This differs from previous studies suggesting a low concentration of skeletal muscle FAEE with ethanol exposure.
Oxford University Press
2006-11-01 00:00:00.0
TEXT
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http://alcalc.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/content/short/41/6/598
http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/alcalc/agl069
en
Copyright (C) 2006, Medical Council on Alcohol
oai:open-archive.highwire.org:alcalc:41/6/6042015-05-19HighWireOUPalcalc:41:6
DIAZEPAM DOSE-DEPENDENTLY INCREASES OR DECREASES IMPLICIT PRIMING OF ALCOHOL ASSOCIATIONS IN PROBLEM DRINKERS
ZACK, MARTIN
POULOS, CONSTANTINE X.
WOODFORD, TRACY M.
COGNITIVE AND BEHAVIOURAL ASPECTS
<b>Aims:</b> Words denoting negative affect (NEG) have been found to prime alcohol-related words (ALC) on semantic priming tasks, and this effect is tied to severity of addiction. Previous research suggested that high doses of benzodiazepines may dampen NEG-ALC priming. The present study tested this possibility and the role of motivation for alcohol in this process. <b>Methods:</b> A placebo-controlled, double blind, between-within, counterbalanced design was employed. Two groups of male problem drinkers (<it>n</it> = 6/group) received a high (15-mg) or low (5-mg) dose of diazepam versus placebo on two identical test sessions. A lexical decision task assessed priming. <b>Results:</b> Under placebo, significant NEG→ALC priming emerged in each group. High-dose diazepam selectively reversed this effect, while low-dose selectively enhanced it. Correlations between NEG→ALC priming and desire for alcohol provided further support that semantic priming of ALC concepts reflects a motivational process. The bi-directional effects found here parallel the effects of high- versus low-dose benzodiazepines on alcohol self-administration in animals. <b>Conclusions:</b> High-dose diazepam reduces prime-induced activation of ALC concepts in problem drinkers. Low-dose diazepam facilitates this process, and cross-priming of motivation for alcohol appears to explain this effect. Neurochemical modulation of the alcohol memory network may contribute to the motivational effects of benzodiazepines in problem drinkers.
Oxford University Press
2006-11-01 00:00:00.0
TEXT
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http://alcalc.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/content/short/41/6/604
http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/alcalc/agl076
en
Copyright (C) 2006, Medical Council on Alcohol
oai:open-archive.highwire.org:alcalc:41/6/6112015-05-19HighWireOUPalcalc:41:6
DEVELOPMENT OF A RATING SCALE TO PREDICT THE SEVERITY OF ALCOHOL WITHDRAWAL SYNDROME
WETTERLING, TILMAN
WEBER, BERNHARD
DEPFENHART, MARKUS
SCHNEIDER, BARBARA
JUNGHANNS, KLAUS
ASSESSMENT AND DETECTION
<b>Aim:</b> Various factors that may influence the severity of the alcohol withdrawal syndrome (AWS) have been identified. We tested the predictive value of these factors compiled in a newly developed scale, LARS (Luebeck alcohol withdrawal risk scale). <b>Method:</b> A total of 100 individuals (81 males, 19 females, mean age: 47.6 ± 9.9 years) consecutively transferred to inpatient detoxification were included in this prospective study. All fulfilled the ICD-10 criteria for alcohol dependence. The LARS was applied at the time of admission. The course of the AWS was assessed by AWS-scale at least every 4 h. The maximum AWS-score was taken as indicator of the severity of AWS. <b>Results:</b> The mean AWS-score<inf>max</inf> was 6.5 ± 3.3. In all 20% of the patients developed a severe AWS (AWS-score<inf>max</inf> ≥10). The maximum score usually occurred within 36 h after the last drink. A short version, the LARS11, was developed by statistically grounded item reduction. The optimal cut-off of the LARS11 was calculated as 10. The positive predictive value for severe AWS was 76%, while the negative predictive value was 98.7%. The sensitivity and specificity were high (95 or 92.5%, respectively). <b>Conclusion:</b> LARS11 assessed immediately before detoxification appears to provide a useful estimate of mild/moderate versus severe AWS, and is now ready to be validated in an independent sample.
Oxford University Press
2006-11-01 00:00:00.0
TEXT
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http://alcalc.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/content/short/41/6/611
http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/alcalc/agl068
en
Copyright (C) 2006, Medical Council on Alcohol
oai:open-archive.highwire.org:alcalc:41/6/6162015-05-19HighWireOUPalcalc:41:6
ASSESSING MOTIVATION FOR CHANGE IN SUBJECTS WITH ALCOHOL PROBLEMS: THE MAC2-A QUESTIONNAIRE
SPILLER, VALTER
ZAVAN, VALERIA
GUELFI, GIAN PAOLO
ASSESSMENT AND DETECTION
<b>Aims:</b> This article presents the validation study of a questionnaire (MAC2-A), created to assess motivation for change in Italian adult subjects with alcohol related problems who require or are referred for assessment and treatment. The questionnaire evaluates readiness to change (RTC), self-efficacy and discrepancy. <b>Methods:</b> The questionnaire was validated on 419 subjects referred to 23 health agencies in Italy. <b>Results:</b> The questionnaire showed good internal consistency and temporal stability. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis confirms the consistency with the theoretical assumptions. Test–retest showed high reliability on all scales except one. Visual analogue control scales used for reliability and concurrent validity yielded strong correlations with the corresponding variables. <b>Conclusion:</b> The study confirms the validity of the instrument, and its consistency with the model. The MAC2-A questionnaire is the first psychometric instrument integrating three factors (discrepancy, self-efficacy, RTC) into a 3D model of motivation for change.
Oxford University Press
2006-11-01 00:00:00.0
TEXT
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http://alcalc.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/content/short/41/6/616
http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/alcalc/agl082
en
Copyright (C) 2006, Medical Council on Alcohol
oai:open-archive.highwire.org:alcalc:41/6/6242015-05-19HighWireOUPalcalc:41:6
BRIEF INTERVENTIONS FOR AT-RISK DRINKING: PATIENT OUTCOMES AND COST-EFFECTIVENESS IN MANAGED CARE ORGANIZATIONS
BABOR, THOMAS F.
HIGGINS-BIDDLE, JOHN C.
DAUSER, DEBORAH
BURLESON, JOSEPH A.
ZARKIN, GARY A.
BRAY, JEREMY
TREATMENT
<b>Aims:</b> Evaluate effectiveness and costs of brief interventions for patients screening positive for at-risk drinking in managed health care organizations (MCOs). <b>Methods:</b> A pre-post, quasi-experimental, multi-site evaluation conducted at 15 clinic sites within five MCO settings. At-risk drinkers (<it>N</it> = 1329) received either: (i) brief intervention delivered by licensed practitioners; or (ii) brief intervention delivered by mid-level professional specialists (nurses); or (iii) usual care (comparison condition). Clinics were randomly assigned to three study conditions. Data were collected on the cost of screening and brief intervention. Follow-up interviews were conducted at 3 and 12 months. <b>Results:</b> Participants in all three study conditions were drinking significantly less at 3-month follow-up, but the decline was significantly greater in the two intervention groups than in the control group. There were no significant differences between the two intervention conditions. Of the patients in the intervention conditions 60% reduced their alcohol consumption by ≥1 drink per week, compared with 53% of those in the control condition. No differences were found on a measure of the quality of life. Differential reductions in weekly alcohol consumption between intervention and control groups were significant at 12-month follow-up. Average incremental costs of the interventions were $4.16 USD per patient using licensed practitioners and $2.82 USD using mid-level specialists. <b>Conclusion:</b> Alcohol screening and brief intervention when implemented in managed care organizations produces modest, statistically significant reductions in at-risk drinking. Interventions delivered to a common protocol by mid-level specialists are as effective as those delivered by licensed practitioners at about two-thirds the cost.
Oxford University Press
2006-11-01 00:00:00.0
TEXT
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http://alcalc.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/content/short/41/6/624
http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/alcalc/agl078
en
Copyright (C) 2006, Medical Council on Alcohol
oai:open-archive.highwire.org:alcalc:41/6/6322015-05-19HighWireOUPalcalc:41:6
EXAMINING TREATMENT USE AMONG ALCOHOL-DEPENDENT INDIVIDUALS FROM A POPULATION PERSPECTIVE
CUNNINGHAM, JOHN A.
BLOMQVIST, JAN
TREATMENT
<b>Aims:</b> To assess the prevalence of treatment use in lifetime and past year alcohol dependent respondents. To establish the proportion of problem drinkers who use alcohol treatment that just go to one treatment versus attending multiple different types of treatment in the same year. To explore what treatments are most likely to form part of a multiple treatment package. <b>Method:</b> Analysis of the 2001–2002 National Epidemiologic Survey of Alcohol and Related Conditions, a large (<it>N</it> = 43 039), representative survey of the non-institutionalized adult population of the USA. There were 4781 respondents who met criteria for a lifetime definition of alcohol dependence and 1484 respondents who met criteria for past year alcohol dependence. <b>Results:</b> Prevalence of lifetime use of alcohol treatment was 25% among those with a lifetime diagnosis of alcohol dependence. Prevalence of past year use of alcohol treatment was 12% among respondents with past year alcohol dependence. Only one-third of past year treatment users had accessed just one type of alcohol treatment. <b>Conclusions:</b> While treatment services are only used by the minority of people with alcohol dependence, those people who do access alcohol treatment are likely to use several different alcohol treatment services in the same year.
Oxford University Press
2006-11-01 00:00:00.0
TEXT
text/html
http://alcalc.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/content/short/41/6/632
http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/alcalc/agl081
en
Copyright (C) 2006, Medical Council on Alcohol
oai:open-archive.highwire.org:alcalc:41/6/6362015-05-19HighWireOUPalcalc:41:6
TREATMENT OF ALCOHOLIC POLYNEUROPATHY WITH VITAMIN B COMPLEX: A RANDOMISED CONTROLLED TRIAL
PETERS, T. J.
KOTOWICZ, J.
NYKA, W.
KOZUBSKI, W.
KUZNETSOV, V.
VANDERBIST, F.
DE NIET, S.
MARCEREUIL, D.
COFFINER, M.
TREATMENT
<b>Aims</b>: To evaluate the therapeutic efficacy and safety of BEFACT® Forte ‘new formulation’ and BEFACT® Forte ‘old formulation’ in the treatment of sensory symptoms of alcoholic polyneuropathy. <b>Methods:</b> A multi-centre, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was conducted on 325 patients with sensory symptoms and signs of alcoholic polyneuropathy. Patients were randomised to the ‘old formulation’ (i.e. vitamins B<inf>1</inf>, B<inf>2</inf>, B<inf>6</inf>, and B<inf>12</inf>), ‘new formulation’ [i.e. identical to the ‘old formulation’ with additional folic acid (vitamin B<inf>9</inf>)], or placebo in a 1:1:1 ratio. One tablet of the study medication (‘new formulation’ or ‘old formulation’) or placebo was taken orally, three times a day, over a 12-week treatment period. <b>Results:</b> Therapeutic efficacy was assessed in 253 patients by measuring vibration perception threshold (biothesiometry), intensity of pain, sensory function, co-ordination, and reflex responses. Patients treated with the ‘new formulation’ or ‘old formulation’ showed significant improvement in the primary efficacy endpoint (vibration perception threshold at the big toe) and secondary efficacy endpoints in comparison to placebo. The active treatment groups were comparable to placebo in terms of safety. <b>Conclusions:</b> A specific vitamin B complex (with and without folic acid) significantly improved symptoms of alcoholic polyneuropathy over a 12-week treatment period.
Oxford University Press
2006-11-01 00:00:00.0
TEXT
text/html
http://alcalc.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/content/short/41/6/636
http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/alcalc/agl058
en
Copyright (C) 2006, Medical Council on Alcohol
oai:open-archive.highwire.org:alcalc:41/6/6432015-05-19HighWireOUPalcalc:41:6
THE EFFECTIVENESS OF A TAILORED INTERVENTION FOR EXCESSIVE ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION PRIOR TO ELECTIVE SURGERY
SHOURIE, SWATI
CONIGRAVE, KATHERINE M.
PROUDE, ELIZABETH M.
WARD, JEANETTE E.
WUTZKE, SONIA E.
HABER, PAUL S.
TREATMENT
<b>Aim:</b> To assess the effectiveness of a tailored pre-operative intervention for excessive alcohol consumption in reducing post-operative complications and alcohol consumption thereafter. <b>Methods:</b> Patients scheduled for elective surgery requiring at least overnight hospitalisation were screened for alcohol misuse. Consenting, eligible participants with ≥7 days to surgery at the time of screening were offered an intervention and those with <7 days to surgery were provided usual care. <b>Results:</b> Over a period of 2 years and 10 months, 3139 patients were screened to recruit 136 participants. Baseline analysis revealed a mean age of 53 (±15.8) years and a mean consumption of 71 g/day (±48.1). The intervention group (<it>n</it> = 45) did not differ significantly from controls (<it>n</it> = 91) in age, consumption, and number of current smokers, but there were significantly more women in the control group. There was no difference between the groups in major or minor complications experienced, or length of stay after controlling for age, gender, and baseline consumption. At 6-month follow-up there was a significant reduction in drinking for the entire study population. <b>Conclusion:</b> The study did not demonstrate any beneficial effect of the pre-operative intervention on post-operative complications. The relatively short time to surgery, intervention by a non-member of the surgical team, challenges to recruitment and reduced consumption in the control group may have limited the ability of the study to detect a significant effect of the intervention.
Oxford University Press
2006-11-01 00:00:00.0
TEXT
text/html
http://alcalc.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/content/short/41/6/643
http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/alcalc/agl059
en
Copyright (C) 2006, Medical Council on Alcohol
oai:open-archive.highwire.org:alcalc:41/6/6502015-05-19HighWireOUPalcalc:41:6
DRINKING HISTORIES OF SELF-IDENTIFIED LIFETIME ABSTAINERS AND OCCASIONAL DRINKERS: FINDINGS FROM THE 1958 BRITISH BIRTH COHORT STUDY
CALDWELL, T. M.
RODGERS, B.
POWER, C.
CLARK, C.
STANSFELD, S. A.
EPIDEMIOLOGY AND PREVENTION
<b>Aims:</b> To investigate the validity of retrospective items used to distinguish people who have rarely or never consumed alcohol. <b>Methods:</b> The 1958 British Birth Cohort Study has followed 9377 individuals until age 45. Previous drinking (at 16, 23, 33 and 42 years) was investigated for two groups of 45-year-old non-drinkers, those reporting never having consumed alcohol (‘never drinkers’, <it>n</it> = 143, 1.5%), and having only consumed very infrequently (‘occasional-only drinkers’, <it>n</it> = 1149, 12.3%). <b>Results:</b> 67% of never drinkers previously reported drinking, 25% were past weekly/daily drinkers; 56% of occasional-only drinkers reported weekly/daily consumption. The validity of the retrospective items was progressively questionable when presumed to cover longer time periods. <b>Conclusions:</b> Substantial measurement error was evident when identifying ‘occasional-only’ and ‘never’ drinkers using retrospective items covering the lifecourse. Researchers investigating potential health benefits associated with moderate drinking need to incorporate more sophisticated methods when identifying sub-groups of non-drinkers.
Oxford University Press
2006-11-01 00:00:00.0
TEXT
text/html
http://alcalc.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/content/short/41/6/650
http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/alcalc/agl088
en
Copyright (C) 2006, Medical Council on Alcohol
oai:open-archive.highwire.org:alcalc:41/6/6552015-05-19HighWireOUPalcalc:41:6
AN INTERVENTION PROGRAM FOR UNIVERSITY STUDENTS WHO HAVE PARENTS WITH ALCOHOL PROBLEMS: A RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIAL
HANSSON, H.
RUNDBERG, J.
ZETTERLIND, U.
JOHNSSON, K.O.
BERGLUND, M.
EPIDEMIOLOGY AND PREVENTION
<b>Aim:</b> To study the effects of alcohol and coping intervention among University students who have parents with alcohol problems. <b>Methods:</b> A total of 82 university students (56 women and 22 men, average age 25) with at least one parent with alcohol problems were included. The students were randomly assigned to one of three programs: (i) alcohol intervention program, (ii) coping intervention program, and (iii) combination program. All programs were manual based and individually implemented during two 2-h sessions, 4 weeks apart. This assessment contained both a face-to-face interview and six self-completion questionnaires; AUDIT, SIP, EBAC, coping with parents' abuse questionnaire, SCL-90 and ISSI. Follow-up interviews were conducted after 1 year. <b>Results:</b> All participants finished the baseline assessment, accepted and completed the intervention, while 95% of the students completed the 12-month follow-up assessment. The two groups that received alcohol intervention improved their drinking pattern significantly more than the group that did not receive alcohol intervention [change of standardized scores −0.27 (CI −0.53 to −0.03)]. The groups receiving coping intervention did not differ from the group not receiving coping intervention concerning their ability to cope with their parents' alcohol problems. Nor did they differ regarding changes in their own mental health or in their social interaction capacity. <b>Conclusion:</b> The intervention improved drinking patterns in adult children of alcoholics.
Oxford University Press
2006-11-01 00:00:00.0
TEXT
text/html
http://alcalc.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/content/short/41/6/655
http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/alcalc/agl057
en
Copyright (C) 2006, Medical Council on Alcohol
oai:open-archive.highwire.org:alcalc:41/6/6642015-05-19HighWireOUPalcalc:41:6
AVERAGE VOLUME OF ALCOHOL CONSUMED, TYPE OF BEVERAGE, DRINKING PATTERN AND THE RISK OF DEATH FROM ALL CAUSES
BAGLIETTO, LAURA
ENGLISH, DALLAS R.
HOPPER, JOHN L.
POWLES, JOHN
GILES, GRAHAM G.
EPIDEMIOLOGY AND PREVENTION
<b>Background:</b> The objective was to investigate associations between average volume of alcohol consumption, type of beverage and drinking pattern and all-cause mortality in the Melbourne Collaborative Cohort Study. <b>Methods:</b> Average consumption, including type of beverage, was estimated from beverage-specific questions on quantity and frequency of consumption. Pattern of consumption was estimated from a 7-day diary. During an average of 10.5 years of follow-up of 36 984 participants, 1971 deaths occurred. <b>Results:</b> For both men and women, mortality curves were J-shaped (nadir at 9–12 g/day of alcohol consumption; upper protective dose of 42–76 g/day). Wine consumption was associated with lower mortality (for men, minimum hazard ratio (HR) at 20–39 g/day of wine consumption: 0.69; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.54–0.87; for women, minimum HR at 1–19 g/day: 0.82; 95% CI: 0.70–0.98). Beer was associated with an increased risk for men (test for trend, <it>P</it> = 0.05), but not for women. After adjustment for total amount of alcohol consumed, the number of drinking-days was inversely associated with the risk of dying in men (<it>P</it>-trend = 0.04). <b>Conclusions:</b> These results confirm previous findings about the effect of average volume of alcohol and type of beverage and suggest that drinking pattern is an independent risk factor for all-cause mortality.
Oxford University Press
2006-11-01 00:00:00.0
TEXT
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http://alcalc.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/content/short/41/6/664
http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/alcalc/agl087
en
Copyright (C) 2006, Medical Council on Alcohol
oai:open-archive.highwire.org:alcalc:41/6/6722015-05-19HighWireOUPalcalc:41:6
INFLUENCE OF DRINKING ALCOHOL ON ATHEROSCLEROTIC RISK IN ALCOHOL FLUSHERS AND NON-FLUSHERS OF ORIENTAL PATIENTS WITH TYPE 2 DIABETES MELLITUS
WAKABAYASHI, I.
MASUDA, H.
EPIDEMIOLOGY AND PREVENTION
<b>Aims:</b> Facial flushing caused by alcohol drinking is a typical symptom of high sensitivity to alcohol in orientals. We investigated whether drinking alcohol influences atherosclerotic risk factors in alcohol flushers and non-flushers in patients with diabetes mellitus. <b>Methods:</b> A cross-sectional study was performed using 225 subjects with type 2 diabetes. Sensitivity to alcohol was surveyed by a questionnaire on facial flushing. Subjects were divided into three groups by average amount of alcohol drinking (non-drinkers; light drinkers: <140 g/week; heavy drinkers: 140 g/week or more). <b>Results:</b> Systolic blood pressure and blood HDL cholesterol were significantly higher in heavy drinkers than in non-drinkers. There were no significant differences in body mass index, blood pressure, blood total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, uric acid, fibrinogen and sialic acid levels in flushers and non-flushers. In alcohol flushers, diastolic blood pressure and HDL cholesterol in heavy drinkers were significantly higher than those in non-drinkers, and systolic blood pressure was significantly higher in heavy drinkers than in non-drinkers and light drinkers. On the other hand, blood pressure and HDL cholesterol in non-flushers were not significantly different among non-, light and heavy drinkers. Serum total cholesterol was not significantly different among the three drinking groups both in flushers and non-flushers. <b>Conclusions:</b> Blood pressure and HDL cholesterol are more prone to be affected by drinking in flushers than in non-flushers, suggesting that alcohol sensitivity evaluated by flushing response due to drinking alcohol should be taken into account when the effects of alcohol drinking on atherosclerotic risk factors are considered in oriental patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Oxford University Press
2006-11-01 00:00:00.0
TEXT
text/html
http://alcalc.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/content/short/41/6/672
http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/alcalc/agl067
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Copyright (C) 2006, Medical Council on Alcohol
oai:open-archive.highwire.org:alcalc:41/6/6782015-05-19HighWireOUPalcalc:41:6
MULTIPLE CEREBRAL METASTASES MIMICKING WERNICKE'S ENCEPHALOPATHY IN A CHRONIC ALCOHOLIC
YALDIZLI, OZGUR
WURST, FRIEDRICH M.
EULER, SEBASTIAN
WILLI, BERENIKA
WIESBECK, GERHARD
CASE REPORT
<b>Aims:</b> Alcohol dependent patients in withdrawal display a wide spectrum of neurological and neuropsychological symptoms that complicate diagnosis. We report the case of a 53-year-old male alcoholic with disorientation, ataxia and nystagmus in alcohol withdrawal probably due not to initial supposed Wernicke's encephalopathy (WE) but rather due to multiple cerebral metastases of a non-small cell cancer of the lung. <b>Results:</b> The findings illustrate the importance of initially maintaining a tentative attitude toward causation of symptoms and the role of brain imaging in formulating an accurate diagnosis.
Oxford University Press
2006-11-01 00:00:00.0
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http://alcalc.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/content/short/41/6/678
http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/alcalc/agl054
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Copyright (C) 2006, Medical Council on Alcohol
oai:open-archive.highwire.org:alcalc:41/6/681-a2015-05-19HighWireOUPalcalc:41:6
Alcohol and Crime. By Gavin Dingwall. Willan, Cullompton, 2005. {pound}35. 232pgs. ISBN 1 84392 167 7.
PATON, ALEX
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Oxford University Press
2006-11-01 00:00:00.0
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http://alcalc.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/content/short/41/6/681-a
http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/alcalc/agl062
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Copyright (C) 2006, Medical Council on Alcohol
oai:open-archive.highwire.org:alcalc:41/6/6812015-05-19HighWireOUPalcalc:41:6
Treatment Approaches for Alcohol and Drug Dependence. An Introductory Guide. By Tracey J. Jarvis, Jenny Tebbutt, Richard P. Mattick and Fiona Shand, 2nd edn. John Wiley and Sons Ltd, Chichester, 2005. {pound}29.95. 324pgs. ISBN 0 470 09039 1
ROBINSON, ANDREW D. T.
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Oxford University Press
2006-11-01 00:00:00.0
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http://alcalc.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/content/short/41/6/681
http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/alcalc/agl061
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Copyright (C) 2006, Medical Council on Alcohol
oai:open-archive.highwire.org:alcalc:41/6/682-a2015-05-19HighWireOUPalcalc:41:6
Controlling Your Drinking: Tools to Make Moderation Work for You. By W. R. Miller and R. F. Munoz. Guilford Press, New York, 2005. {pound}14. 225pgs, sb. ISBN 1 5720 903 2.
MADDEN, SPENCER
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Oxford University Press
2006-11-01 00:00:00.0
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http://alcalc.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/content/short/41/6/682-a
http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/alcalc/agl064
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Copyright (C) 2006, Medical Council on Alcohol
oai:open-archive.highwire.org:alcalc:41/6/6822015-05-19HighWireOUPalcalc:41:6
Smashed--Growing Up a Drunk Girl. By Koren Zailckas. Ebury Press, UK, 2005. {pound}12.99. ISBN 0 091 90559 1.
JACKSON, NICOLA
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Oxford University Press
2006-11-01 00:00:00.0
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http://alcalc.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/content/short/41/6/682
http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/alcalc/agl063
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Copyright (C) 2006, Medical Council on Alcohol
oai:open-archive.highwire.org:alcalc:41/6/683-a2015-05-19HighWireOUPalcalc:41:6
Preventing Harmful Substance Use--The Evidence Base for Policy & Practice. Edited by Tim Stockwell, Paul Gruenewald, John Toumbourou and Wendy Loxley. Wiley, UK, 2005. {pound}29.99. 494pgs. ISBN 0470092289.
RITSON, BRUCE
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Oxford University Press
2006-11-01 00:00:00.0
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http://alcalc.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/content/short/41/6/683-a
http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/alcalc/agl066
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Copyright (C) 2006, Medical Council on Alcohol
oai:open-archive.highwire.org:alcalc:41/6/6832015-05-19HighWireOUPalcalc:41:6
Altering American Consciousness. The History of Alcohol and Drug Use in the United States 1800-2000. Edited by Sarah W. Tracy and Caroline Jean Acker. University of Massachusetts Press, 2004. {pound}17. 448pgs. ISBN 1 55849 425 1
HORE, BRIAN D.
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Oxford University Press
2006-11-01 00:00:00.0
TEXT
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http://alcalc.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/content/short/41/6/683
http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/alcalc/agl065
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Copyright (C) 2006, Medical Council on Alcohol