scholarly journals Alcohol and other drugs in suicide in Canada: opportunities to support prevention through enhanced monitoring

2020 ◽  
pp. injuryprev-2019-043504
Author(s):  
Heather Orpana ◽  
Norman Giesbrecht ◽  
Aliya Hajee ◽  
Mark S Kaplan
Keyword(s):  
Literature Search ◽  
Large Body ◽  
Time Of Death ◽  
Prevention Strategies ◽  
Alcohol And Drugs ◽  
Attributable Fractions ◽  
Alcohol And Other Drugs ◽  
Per Capita Alcohol Consumption ◽  
Full Text Screening

The use of alcohol and other drugs has been identified as a significant factor related to suicide through multiple pathways. This paper highlights current understanding of their contributions to suicide in Canada and identifies opportunities for enhancing monitoring and prevention initiatives. Publications from 1998 to 2018 about suicide in Canada and that referred to alcohol or other drugs were identified using PubMed and Google Scholar. A second literature search restricted to articles including results of toxicology testing was conducted by a librarian. We summarised the literature identified on ecological analyses, attributable fractions and deaths, and research including the results of toxicological analyses. Our literature search yielded 5230 publications, and 164 documents were identified for full-text screening. We summarised the findings from 30 articles. Ecological analyses support the association between alcohol sales, annual per capita alcohol consumption and suicide rates. Based on published estimates, approximately a quarter of suicide deaths in Canada are alcohol-attributable, while the estimated attributable fraction for illegal drugs is more variable. Finally, there is a dearth of literature examining the role of acute alcohol and/or drug consumption prior to suicide based on toxicological findings. The proportion of suicide decedents with drugs or alcohol present at the time of death varies widely. While there is evidence on the role of alcohol and drugs in suicide deaths, there is not a large body of research about the acute use of these substances at the time of death among suicide decedents in Canada. Our understanding of the role of alcohol and other drugs in suicide deaths could be enhanced through systematic documentation, which in turn could provide much needed guidance for clinical practice, prevention strategies and policy initiatives.

scholarly journals Drug-Induced Dysphagia

2000 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 40-50 ◽  
Author(s):  
KM Balzer
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
Side Effect ◽  
Literature Search ◽  
Esophageal Injury ◽  
Therapeutic Action ◽  
Prevention Strategies ◽  
Medication History ◽  
Drug Induced ◽  
Valuable Method

Abstract Dysphagia is commonly defined as difficulty swallowing. Although the disorder can have several causes, the patient's medication is often overlooked as a source of the problem. This type of dysphagia, one of the most readily corrected, is known as drug-induced dysphagia. A thorough literature search was undertaken to determine the potential for drug-induced dysphagia. Drug-induced dysphagia can be classified into one of three categories: dysphagia as a side effect, dysphagia as a complication of therapeutic action, and medication-induced esophageal injury. Examples of medications in each category are provided based on therapeutic classification. Specifically, the role of dysphagia in multiple sclerosis and the agents that have been linked with dysphagia are discussed. The most valuable method of preventing drug-induced dysphagia is obtaining a thorough and accurate medication history from each patient. Other prevention strategies and compensatory techniques are also explored.

Perceived Effectiveness of Random Testing for Alcohol and Drugs in the Australian Aviation Community

2012 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 72-81
Author(s):  
Christina M. Rudin-Brown ◽  
Eve Mitsopoulos-Rubens ◽  
Michael G. Lenné
Keyword(s):  
Logistic Regression ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Random Testing ◽  
Regression Analyses ◽  
Perceived Effectiveness ◽  
Student Pilots ◽  
Alcohol And Drugs ◽  
Positive Attitudes ◽  
One Year ◽  
Alcohol And Other Drugs

Random testing for alcohol and other drugs (AODs) in individuals who perform safety-sensitive activities as part of their aviation role was introduced in Australia in April 2009. One year later, an online survey (N = 2,226) was conducted to investigate attitudes, behaviors, and knowledge regarding random testing and to gauge perceptions regarding its effectiveness. Private, recreational, and student pilots were less likely than industry personnel to report being aware of the requirement (86.5% versus 97.1%), to have undergone testing (76.5% versus 96.1%), and to know of others who had undergone testing (39.9% versus 84.3%), and they had more positive attitudes toward random testing than industry personnel. However, logistic regression analyses indicated that random testing is more effective at deterring AOD use among industry personnel.

Consumo de Álcool e Outras Drogas em uma Faculdade de Medicina do Sul de Minas Gerais / Consumption of Alcohol and Other Drugs in a Medical School in Southern Minas Gerais

1970 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 16-24 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jorge Gelvane Tostes ◽  
Fernanda Paiva de Campos ◽  
Luís Gustavo Rodrigues Pereira
Keyword(s):  
Medical Students ◽  
General Population ◽  
Medical School ◽  
Crack Cocaine ◽  
Minas Gerais ◽  
Alcohol And Drugs ◽  
Anonymous Questionnaire ◽  
Other Substances ◽  
Alcohol And Other Drugs ◽  
De Medicina

Objetivo: Traçar o perfil e estabelecer a prevalência do consumo álcool e/ou outras drogas entre os estudantes de uma faculdade de medicina do Sul de Minas Gerais. Materiais e Métodos: Os dados foram coletados com 419 alunos matriculados na faculdade no ano de 2013, a partir de questionário anônimo, o qual apresentou variáveis de idade, sexo, série do curso, uso de bebida alcoólica e drogas, frequência no ultimo mês (Julho/2013). Resultados: Constatou-se que 99% dos estudantes entrevistados já fizeram uso de bebida alcoólica ao menos uma vez na vida, sendo que 73% relataram que o ingresso na faculdade aumentou o consumo. Observou-se que o consumo é maior entre o sexo masculino. Quanto ao uso de outras drogas, 43,6% dos entrevistados relataram que fizeram uso ao menos uma vez na vida. No último mês (Julho/2013), 87,6% consumiram álcool, 23,4% tabaco, 13,4% maconha, 6,9% estimulantes, 6,2% tranquilizantes, 5,5% inalantes, 4,8% alucinógenos, 1,7% cocaína /crack, 0,2%   opiácios.  Conclusão: Os dados mostram que estudantes de medicina desta faculdade tendem a consumir drogas até duas vezes mais do que população em geral, A droga mais usada continua sendo o álcool, mas há consumo expressivo de outras substâncias como a maconha e cocaína.Palavras-chave: Álcool, Drogas, Estudantes de Medicina.ABSTRACTObjective: To describe a profile and establish the prevalence of alcohol consumption and / or other drugs among students of a medical school in southern Minas Gerais. Materials and Methods: Data were collected with 419 students enrolled in college in 2013 , from anonymous questionnaire , which presented variables of age, sex, year in the course, use of alcohol and drugs, frequency in the last month (July / 2013). Results:  99% of surveyed students were found to have already made use of alcohol at least once in their lifetime, and 73% reported entrance in college increased consumption. Higher consumption was observed among males. Regarding use of other drugs, 43.6% of the respondents have used them at least once in their life. In the previous month (July / 2013), 87.6% used alcohol, 23.4% tobacco, 13.4% marijuana, 6.9% stimulants, 6.2% tranquilizers, 5.5% inhalants 4.8% hallucinogens, 1.7% crack / cocaine, 0.2% opiates. Conclusion: The data show that college students tend to consume drugs up twice more often than the general population. The most widely used drug remains being alcohol, but there is significant use of other substances such as marijuana and cocaine.Keywords: Alcohol, Drugs, Medical Students.

scholarly journals The MAL Protein, an Integral Component of Specialized Membranes, in Normal Cells and Cancer

Cells ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (5) ◽  
pp. 1065
Author(s):  
Armando Rubio-Ramos ◽  
Leticia Labat-de-Hoz ◽  
Isabel Correas ◽  
Miguel A. Alonso
Keyword(s):  
Epithelial Cells ◽  
Large Body ◽  
Original Description ◽  
Cell Types ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Transmembrane Segments ◽  
Epsilon Toxin ◽  
Proteolipid Proteins ◽  
Polarized Epithelial Cells

The MAL gene encodes a 17-kDa protein containing four putative transmembrane segments whose expression is restricted to human T cells, polarized epithelial cells and myelin-forming cells. The MAL protein has two unusual biochemical features. First, it has lipid-like properties that qualify it as a member of the group of proteolipid proteins. Second, it partitions selectively into detergent-insoluble membranes, which are known to be enriched in condensed cell membranes, consistent with MAL being distributed in highly ordered membranes in the cell. Since its original description more than thirty years ago, a large body of evidence has accumulated supporting a role of MAL in specialized membranes in all the cell types in which it is expressed. Here, we review the structure, expression and biochemical characteristics of MAL, and discuss the association of MAL with raft membranes and the function of MAL in polarized epithelial cells, T lymphocytes, and myelin-forming cells. The evidence that MAL is a putative receptor of the epsilon toxin of Clostridium perfringens, the expression of MAL in lymphomas, the hypermethylation of the MAL gene and subsequent loss of MAL expression in carcinomas are also presented. We propose a model of MAL as the organizer of specialized condensed membranes to make them functional, discuss the role of MAL as a tumor suppressor in carcinomas, consider its potential use as a cancer biomarker, and summarize the directions for future research.

scholarly journals The Role of Chemotherapy in Management of Inoperable, Metastatic and/or Recurrent Melanotic Neuroectodermal Tumor of Infancy—Own Experience and Systematic Review

Cancers ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (15) ◽  
pp. 3872
Author(s):  
Małgorzata Styczewska ◽  
Małgorzata A. Krawczyk ◽  
Ines B. Brecht ◽  
Konrad Haug ◽  
Ewa Iżycka-Świeszewska ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Pediatric Oncology ◽  
Literature Search ◽  
Web Of Science ◽  
Poor Response ◽  
Neuroectodermal Tumor ◽  
Incomplete Resection ◽  
Systematic Literature Search ◽  
Neural Crest Origin

Melanotic Neuroectodermal Tumor of Infancy (MNTI) is a very rare pediatric neoplasm of neural crest origin. In most cases, it develops in infants as a localized tumor of the maxilla, and surgery is usually curative. In less than 10% of patients with inoperable, metastatic or persistently recurring MNTI, chemotherapy (CHT) may be considered; however, its role is still unclear. The aim of our study was to assess the efficacy of CHT in children with large, inoperable, metastatic and/or recurrent MNTI. Four such infants, treated with CHT in Polish and German centers of pediatric oncology, were presented. Additionally, a systematic literature search of the PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus and Web of Science databases was performed, yielding 38 similar cases within the last 42 years. Neoadjuvant CHT, based mainly on the protocols for neuroblastoma, was often effective, allowing for complete delayed surgery in most cases. However, the role of adjuvant CHT in preventing recurrences after incomplete resection of MNTI remains unclear. Disseminated inoperable MNTI was almost universally associated with poor response to CHT and unfavorable outcome. Further investigations to elaborate standards of management in patients with inoperable, metastatic or persistently recurring MNTIs are necessary to improve outcomes.

scholarly journals Role of Matrix Gla Protein in the Complex Network of Coronary Artery Disease: A Comprehensive Review

Life ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (8) ◽  
pp. 737
Author(s):  
Marko Kumric ◽  
Josip A. Borovac ◽  
Tina Ticinovic Kurir ◽  
Dinko Martinovic ◽  
Ivan Frka Separovic ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Coronary Artery Disease ◽  
Coronary Artery ◽  
Complex Network ◽  
Vascular Calcification ◽  
Vitamin K ◽  
Clinical Decision Making ◽  
Large Body ◽  
Matrix Gla Protein ◽  
Artery Disease

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is widely recognized as one of the most important clinical entities. In recent years, a large body of accumulated data suggest that coronary artery calcification, a process highly prevalent in patients with CAD, occurs via well-organized biologic processes, rather than passively, as previously regarded. Matrix Gla protein (MGP), a vitamin K-dependent protein, emerged as an important inhibitor of both intimal and medial vascular calcification. The functionality of MGP hinges on two post-translational modifications: phosphorylation and carboxylation. Depending on the above-noted modifications, various species of MGP may exist in circulation, each with their respective level of functionality. Emerging data suggest that dysfunctional species of MGP, markedly, dephosphorylated-uncarboxylated MGP, might find its application as biomarkers of microvascular health, and assist in clinical decision making with regard to initiation of vitamin K supplementation. Hence, in this review we summarized the current knowledge with respect to the role of MGP in the complex network of vascular calcification with concurrent inferences to CAD. In addition, we discussed the effects of warfarin use on MGP functionality, with concomitant implications to coronary plaque stability.

scholarly journals Trust in science increases conservative support for social distancing

2021 ◽  
Vol 24 (4) ◽  
pp. 680-697
Author(s):  
Jonah Koetke ◽  
Karina Schumann ◽  
Tenelle Porter
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Government Official ◽  
Prevention Strategies ◽  
Social Distancing ◽  
Scientific Consensus ◽  
Ideological Differences ◽  
Moderating Role ◽  
Insight Into

The COVID-19 pandemic necessitates adherence to scientifically supported prevention strategies, such as social distancing. Although most Americans support social distancing, a subset of conservatives reject the scientific consensus on this matter. We explored why some conservatives reject social distancing, focusing on how trust in science contributes to ideological differences in social distancing intentions. In two studies, we replicated recent research demonstrating that conservatives report lower support for social distancing compared to liberals. However, in Study 1 we found support for a moderating role of trust in science, such that conservatives reported stronger intentions to socially distance when they had high trust in science. In Study 2, we enhanced trust in messaging about social distancing – and in turn, social distancing intentions among conservatives – by having the messages come from a Republican (vs. unidentified) government official. These studies provide insight into how we can increase adherence to public health recommendations regarding COVID-19.

Patients and carers as teachers in psychiatric education: a literature review and discussion

2016 ◽  
Vol 37 (2) ◽  
pp. 126-133 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. Miller ◽  
V. Pradeep ◽  
M. Mohamad ◽  
Z. Izmeth ◽  
M. T. P. Reynolds ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Literature Review ◽  
Literature Search ◽  
User Involvement ◽  
Adverse Outcomes ◽  
Psychiatric Education ◽  
Service User Involvement ◽  
Ethical Aspects ◽  
Medline Search ◽  
The United Kingdom

IntroductionThe direct involvement of patients and carers in psychiatric education is driven by policy in the United Kingdom and Ireland. The benefits of this involvement are well known, however, it is important to consider the ethical aspects. This paper suggests how further research could explore and potentially mitigate adverse outcomes.MethodA literature search evaluating the role of patients and carer involvement in psychiatric education was undertaken to summarise existing evidence relating to the following: methods of involvement, evidence of usefulness, patient’s/carer’s views and learners’ views.ResultsThe Medline search produced 231 articles of which 31 were included in the literature review based on the key themes addressed in the paper.Discussion/conclusionThe available evidence is generally positive regarding the use of patients and carers in psychiatric education. However, available research is varied in approach and outcome with little information on the ethical consequences. More research is required to inform policies on teaching regarding potential adverse effects of service user involvement.

scholarly journals Assessment of Different Dimensions of Shame Proneness: Validation of the SHAME

Assessment ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 27 (8) ◽  
pp. 1699-1717 ◽  
Author(s):  
Corinna N. Scheel ◽  
Hedwig Eisenbarth ◽  
Katrin Rentzsch
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Sample ◽  
Large Body ◽  
Factor Analyses ◽  
Confirmatory Factor Analyses ◽  
Invariance Testing ◽  
Network Analyses ◽  
Shame Proneness ◽  
Confirmatory Factor ◽  
Different Dimensions

A large body of research revealed that shame is associated with adaptive and maladaptive correlates. The aim of this work was to validate a new dimensional instrument (SHAME), which was developed to disentangle adaptive and maladaptive dimensions of shame proneness. Confirmatory factor analyses supported the three-factorial structure (bodily, cognitive, and existential shame) in American ( n = 502) and German ( n = 496) community samples, using invariance testing. Bifactor model analyses exhibited distinct associations of adaptive (bodily and cognitive shame) and maladaptive (existential shame) dimensions of shame with psychopathology and social functioning. Network analyses highlighted the role of existential shame in psychopathology, especially for a clinical sample of patients with Borderline Personality Disorder ( n = 92). By placing shame pronenesss into a network of similar and dissimilar constructs, the current findings serve as a foundation for drawing conclusions about the adaptive and maladaptive nature of shame.

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