scholarly journals A comparison of ethanol content of water kefir products to kombucha products and their compliance to British Columbia's Liquor Control and Licensing Act

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tea Situm ◽  
BCIT School of Health Sciences, Environmental Health ◽  
Helen Heacock ◽  
Lorraine McIntyre
Keyword(s):  
British Columbia ◽  
Alcohol Concentration ◽  
Vulnerable Groups ◽  
Warning Label ◽  
Alcohol Content ◽  
Higher Alcohol ◽  
Regulatory Standard ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Gas Chromatography Mass Spectroscopy ◽  
Water Kefir

Background: Water kefir is an up-and-coming beverage similar to kombucha involving the fermentation of water, sugar, fruits, and cultured microorganisms. The fermentation process develops various metabolites including lactic acid, carbon dioxide, and ethanol. These products need to be controlled to prevent unsafe overproduction, particularly of ethanol, as it can be dangerous to consume alcohol unknowingly. This study examined (i) whether water kefir and kombucha beverages are at-risk of containing elevated levels of alcohol, and (ii) the labelling practices of these products. Methods: 31 samples of water kefir were collected in various markets in Vancouver, British Columbia to be compared to 107 samples of kombucha previously collected by the British Columbia Centre for Disease Control (BC CDC). The samples were tested using gas chromatography mass spectroscopy (GCMS/D) to determine the concentration of alcohol in each. The data was analyzed using the statistical package NCCS. Two-tailed t-tests assessed differences in alcohol content between the two products, as well as whether kombucha and/or water kefir exceeded the regulatory standard of 1% ABV (alcohol by volume), as set under the Liquor Control and Licensing Act. Results: Based on the collected data, 53% of kombucha samples and 19% of water kefir samples exceeded 1% ABV for ethanol. There was a statistically significant difference in ethanol concentrations between the water kefir and kombucha samples p = 0.00002, power = 100%. More specifically, the kombucha products had a higher alcohol level. Two t-tests compared the kombucha and the water kefir to the standards which resulted in mean kombucha samples being greater than the 1% ABV while mean water kefir samples were less than the 1% ABV regulatory level. Conclusions: The results indicated that kombucha products had a higher mean alcohol concentration when compared to water kefir samples. However, some samples of water kefir exceeded the 1% ABV level and also lacked an alcohol warning label. Therefore, it is recommended that manufacturers for both kombucha and water kefir products label potential alcohol contents to protect the safety of their consumers – especially vulnerable groups including pregnant women, children, and recovering individuals.

Postpartum Depression and Its Associated Factors among Women in Bandar Abbas City

2018 ◽  
Vol 7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Arefeh Shahi
Keyword(s):  
Postpartum Depression ◽  
Associated Factors ◽  
Parental Education ◽  
Unwanted Pregnancy ◽  
Routine Care ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Vulnerable Groups ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Bandar Abbas

Background: Postpartum depression with a different incidence of 40- 45% in different societies, which it has adverse effects on the health of mothers and their child, given the negative effects of maternal depression and its harmful effects on the baby and the quality of family life. So, this study was performed with the aim to determine postpartum depression and its associated factors in Bandar Abbas city. Materials and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in 2015 after obtaining consent from mothers by the census. A total of 343 mothers was examined for depression who referred to Bandar Abbas health centers in the 2nd and 4th months after childbirth. The data collection tools included demographic information and Postpartum Depression Edinburgh questionnaires. Finally, the statistical analyses were performed using SPSS (version 22.0) software and data were analyzed using the Independent t-test, Mann Whitney, Chi-square, and Fisher exact tests.Result: Totally, 68 (19.8%) of samples were in the second month and 54 (15.7%) in the fourth month after delivery had postpartum depression. The incidence of depression in the four months was 6.6%. There was a significant difference between depression and income, parental education, father’s use of cigarette and abnormalities of the infant (P <0.001). There was no significant difference between other factors such as gestational age, infant sex, birth weight, unwanted pregnancy, and type of delivery. Conclusion: Regarding the prevalence of this disorder, it seems that postpartum depression screening planning should be considered during child routine care as an essential component, especially for vulnerable groups.

COST-EFFECTIVENESS IMPACTS CANCER CARE FUNDING DECISIONS IN BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA, EVIDENCE FROM 1998 TO 2008

2017 ◽  
Vol 33 (4) ◽  
pp. 481-486
Author(s):  
Zahra Ismail ◽  
Stuart J. Peacock ◽  
Laurel Kovacic ◽  
Jeffrey S. Hoch
Keyword(s):  
British Columbia ◽  
Cost Effectiveness ◽  
Outcome Measures ◽  
Nonparametric Tests ◽  
Lower Probability ◽  
Economic Evidence ◽  
Cancer Drugs ◽  
Life Years ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
The Mean

Objectives: The Priorities and Evaluation Committee (PEC) funding recommendations for new cancer drugs in British Columbia, Canada have been based on both clinical and economic evidence. The British Columbia Ministry of Health makes funding decisions. We assessed the association between cost-effectiveness of cancer drugs considered from 1998 to 2008 and the subsequent funding decisions.Methods: All proposals submitted to the PEC between 1998 and 2008 were reviewed, and the association between cost-effectiveness and funding decisions was examined by (i) using logistic regression to test the hypothesis that interventions with higher incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs) have a lower probability of receiving a positive funding decision and (ii) using parametric and nonparametric tests to determine if a statistically significant difference exists between the mean cost-effectiveness of funded versus not funded proposals. A sub-analysis was conducted to determine if the findings varied across different outcome measures.Results: Of the 149 proposals reviewed, 78 reported cost-effectiveness using various outcome measures. In the proposals that used life-years gained as the outcome (n = 22), a statistically significant difference of nearly $115,000 was observed between the mean ICERs for funded proposals ($42,006) and for unfunded proposals ($156,967). An odds ratio indicating higher ICERs have a lower probability of being funded was also found to be statistically significant (p < .05).Conclusions: Economic evidence appears to play a role in British Columbia cancer funding decisions from 1998 to 2008; other decision-making criteria may also have an important role in recommendations and subsequent funding decisions.

scholarly journals Effect of alcohol swabbing of venepuncture site on blood alcohol estimation: A literature review

2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 36-39
Author(s):  
H.S Taiya ◽  
H.V Vaidya ◽  
A.A Tawara ◽  
Y.T Jadhav ◽  
A.L Bandgar
Keyword(s):  
Blood Alcohol Concentration ◽  
Alcohol Concentration ◽  
Blood Alcohol ◽  
Review Of Literature ◽  
Significant Extent ◽  
Alcohol Content ◽  
Legal Cases ◽  
Medical Practitioners ◽  
Common Information ◽  
Medical Graduates

Estimation of blood alcohol concentration is one of the very important investigations in medico-legal cases dealing with drink and driving, alcohol toxicity etc. There are many factors which may influence estimation of blood alcohol concentration of an individual. One of these factors is thought to be application of alcohol containing swab at venepuncture site, prior to collection of blood for alcohol estimation, either by gas chromatography or by enzymatic assay. Alcohol content of swab, either plain ethanol or iso-propyl alcohol, is said to influence blood alcohol estimation, to a significant extent, is a very common information rather misinformation given to all medical practitioners worldwide. Unfortunately, Courts of Law, in India also have to believe on this, and in many cases defence try to create benefit of doubt, using this information. It is commonly learnt and taught to Medical graduates, that while collecting blood samples from an individual for Blood Alcohol estimation, spirit swab should not be used for cleaning area of venepuncture. This is due to reason believed so far, that alcohol swabbing of venepuncture site can alter Blood Alcohol Estimation significantly. However there is no any study advocating this theory. Moreover review of literature pertaining to this subject has shown studies, which tend to prove that this concept is nothing but a myth and one has to be very particular to prove alteration in blood alcohol concentration due to alcohol swabbing of venepuncture site. Secondly, the literature and curricular statements in Forensic Medicine, which is written long back, needs exhaustive changes, and should be more evidence based.

scholarly journals Evaluating Attitudes towards Large Carnivores within the Great Bear Rainforest

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (23) ◽  
pp. 13270
Author(s):  
Max C. Leveridge ◽  
Amélie Y. Davis ◽  
Sarah L. Dumyahn
Keyword(s):  
British Columbia ◽  
First Nations ◽  
Public Attitudes ◽  
Local Economy ◽  
Large Carnivores ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
New Ecological Paradigm ◽  
Relational Value ◽  
Positive Attitudes ◽  
Significant Difference

Cohabitation between humans and carnivores is vital to the continued existence and integrity of ecosystems, often playing a large role in the success of large carnivore conservation. We focus on interactions between humans and carnivores in the world’s largest, relatively intact temperate rainforest—The Great Bear Rainforest (GBR), British Columbia, Canada. Specifically, we focus on residents of Prince Rupert, a city within the GBR, and examine its residents’ ecological and relational attitudes towards the surrounding area of protected rainforest and the large carnivores present in the area. We aim to determine the strength of public attitudes and values of the environment and carnivores in the GBR, and to examine whether they differ between First Nations and non-First Nations residents of Prince Rupert, British Columbia. We conducted 28 semi-structured interviews of Prince Rupert residents. At the start of the interview, respondents self-administered a survey consisting of statements from the Social Ecological Relational Value and the New Ecological Paradigm scales. We find no significant difference between First Nations and non-First Nations respondent attitudes. This is possibly due to three factors: (1) cultural influence from the local First Nations, (2) the fact that these carnivores are important for the local economy through tourism, and (3) a strong sense of place associated with the area and the carnivores that inhabit it regardless of positive or negative encounters with these animals. While we find positive attitudes towards carnivores and little evidence of human–wildlife conflict, feelings towards carnivores encountered in town or while hiking tend to be negative, especially when they involve wolves. In order to mitigate these effects in a way that protects these valuable creatures, respondents overwhelmingly clamored for a conservation officer to be assigned to Prince Rupert. We conclude that policy and management might alleviate human–carnivore conflicts in the area should our results be corroborated by studies with larger sample sizes.

Impact of COVID-19 Lockdown on Lethality of Suicide Cases

2021 ◽  
Vol 17 ◽  
Author(s):  
Asma H Almaghrebi
Keyword(s):  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Suicide Rate ◽  
Suicide Attempts ◽  
Vulnerable Groups ◽  
Psychological Consequences ◽  
Suicide Methods ◽  
The Social ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Medical City ◽  
Self Immolation

Background: Studies show that the COVID-19 pandemic has promoted distress and stress-related symptoms in the general population. It has also increased the suicide rate in vulnerable groups who cannot handle the social and psychological consequences of the pandemic and the measures in place to halt it. Objective: In this study, we compared the lethality of suicide attempts and the methods chosen between the three months before the COVID-19 pandemic and three months during curfew and lockdown in Saudi Arabia. Methods: This is a retrospective, causal-comparative study conducted at King Saud Medical City in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. A total of 62 suicide attempt cases between January 2020 and June 2020 were included in this study. The scale for assessment of the lethality of suicide attempts (SALSA) was used for comparison, and cross-tabulation was used for the data of suicide methods. Results: There was a significant difference (P = 0.003) in the total SALSA score before and during the COVID-19 lockdown. The scores of lethality of suicide attempts were high during the lockdown. No significant difference was found in the suicide methods selected between the two time periods. However, the use of psychotropic medication overdose and self-immolation were prominent during the lockdown period. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that the lockdown during the COVID-19 pandemic is likely associated with increased lethality of suicide attempts as well as an increased suicide rate. The development of appropriate mental health services is required.

scholarly journals Rootstock-scion interaction:3. Effect on the composition of Cabernet Sauvignon wine

2019 ◽  
Vol 41 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Alberto Miele ◽  
Luiz Antenor Rizzon
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Diversity ◽  
Experimental Design ◽  
Volatile Compounds ◽  
Cabernet Sauvignon ◽  
Alcohol Content ◽  
Higher Alcohol ◽  
Dry Extract ◽  
Ph Values ◽  
Wine Composition ◽  
Made In

Abstract The interaction among rootstock, scion and environment may induce different responses to the grapevine physiology and consequently to the grape and wine composition. The vineyards of Serra Gaúcha, Brazil, are established in soils that may have different physicochemical attributes. Furthermore, the grapevines are grafted on a wide diversity of rootstocks. Therefore, this study aimed to determine their effect on the wine composition of the Cabernet Sauvignon (CS) grafted on Rupestris du Lot, 101-14 Mgt, 3309 C, 420A Mgt, 5BB K, 161-49 C, SO4, Solferino, 1103 P, 99 R, 110 R, Gravesac, Fercal, Dogridge and Isabel, featuring some genetic diversity altogether. The experimental design was in randomized blocks, with 15 treatments, three replicates and 10 vines per plot. The grapes were harvested at maturity for three years, and then wines were made in glass recipients of 20 L. When alcoholic and malolactic fermentations were over, the wine analyses were performed on twenty-five variables related to alcohol, acidity, dry extract, polyphenols and volatile compounds. The main results show that all variables were affected year by year, some of them by the rootstock and a few by the interaction between rootstock and year. The rootstock effect was observed mainly on variables related to alcohol, acidity and ashes. Results show that the CS/101-14 Mgt wine had higher alcohol content than CS/Dogridge and CS/Isabel wines, which was probably due to the 101-14 Mgt rootstock favoring an early grape ripening. However, higher pH values were observed in the CS/Rupestris du Lot, CS/5BB K and CS/Gravesac than CS/420A Mgt, CS/110 R and CS/Isabel wines. These results show that there is a diversity of rootstocks that can be used by the growers due to the Cabernet Sauvignon wine composition similarities.

An Investigation of the Relative Efficiencies of Natural and Artificial Propagation of Sockeye Salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka) at Cultus Lake, British Columbia

1938 ◽  
Vol 4a (3) ◽  
pp. 151-161 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. E. Foerster
Keyword(s):  
British Columbia ◽  
Sockeye Salmon ◽  
Oncorhynchus Nerka ◽  
Free Swimming ◽  
Artificial Propagation ◽  
Natural Spawning ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Percentage Efficiency

From three tests each of natural propagation and of artificial propagation involving liberation of free-swimming fry and two tests of artificial propagation involving planting of eyed eggs, it was found that no statistically significant difference occurred between the three methods. Computing the percentage efficiency as the number of seaward migrants produced from the total eggs handled, natural propagation varied from 1.05% to 3.23%—an average of 1.80%; fry liberation from 2.42% to 4.54%—an average of 3.24%; and egg planting from 1.45% to 4.71%—an average of 3.08%. Losses occurring during the five years' stripping and hatchery operations were recorded and, based on total eggs, the hatchery product available for distribution represented from 61.0% to 86.0% for egg planting and from 63.4% to 78.5% for fry liberation. There occurred a lake mortality of approximately 96% of the number of fry liberated. The conclusion was reached that in an area such as Cultus lake, where a natural run of sockeye occurred with a reasonable expectancy of successful spawning, artificial propagation, as commonly practised, provided no advantage over natural spawning, as a means of maintaining the run.

Epidemiology of alcohol-related accidental death in Tokyo Metropolitan area (2015)

2019 ◽  
Vol 60 (1) ◽  
pp. 4-10
Author(s):  
Hideto Suzuki ◽  
Takanobu Tanifuji ◽  
Satoko Kimura ◽  
Tatsushige Fukunaga
Keyword(s):  
Alcohol Consumption ◽  
Blood Alcohol Concentration ◽  
Incidence Rates ◽  
Alcohol Concentration ◽  
Blood Alcohol ◽  
Alcohol Group ◽  
Tokyo Metropolitan Area ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Primary Type ◽  
At Home

Background Alcohol consumption may be a risk factor for accidental deaths; however, characteristics of alcohol-related deaths are unclear. We investigated characteristics of alcohol-related accidental deaths to facilitate target strategies. Methods In this article, 1060 cases of accidental deaths examined by the Tokyo Medical Examiner’s Office (2015) were divided into two groups: deceased individuals who drank alcohol (alcohol; n = 212) and those who did not (control; n = 848). Age, sex, alcohol consumption patterns, and manners/causes of deaths were compared. Places where individuals in the alcohol group met with an accident, and their blood alcohol concentration was assessed. Results Lower mean age (60.5 vs. 73.7 years) and a higher male ratio (75.9% vs. 58.5%) were observed in the alcohol group. Daily alcohol consumption was more common in the alcohol group (70.8% vs. 13.4%). Falling was the leading cause of death in the alcohol group, but without a significant difference (alcohol: 31.6%, control: 30.4%). Incidence rates of drowning (22.2% vs. 7.9%) and poisoning (11.3% vs. 2.0%) were significantly higher in the alcohol group. The mean blood alcohol concentration was 1.6 mg/mL. Of the total alcohol-related accidents, 60.8% occurred at home. Falling down the stairs was the primary type of falling, and majority of drownings occurred in a bathtub. Conclusion Male habitual drinkers (middle-aged to older adults) should be targeted to prevent alcohol-related accidental deaths. More than 50% of deaths occurred at home and care should be taken when performing daily activities, including using stairs and while bathing.

scholarly journals Sensitivity to Experiencing Alcohol Hangovers: Reconsideration of the 0.11% Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) Threshold for Having a Hangover

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 179 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joris C. Verster ◽  
L. Darren Kruisselbrink ◽  
Karin A. Slot ◽  
Aikaterini Anogeianaki ◽  
Sally Adams ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Alcohol Intake ◽  
Blood Alcohol Concentration ◽  
Threshold Value ◽  
Alcohol Concentration ◽  
Absolute Amount ◽  
Blood Alcohol ◽  
Higher Alcohol ◽  
Lower Alcohol ◽  
Alcohol Hangover ◽  
Drinking Occasion

The 2010 Alcohol Hangover Research Group consensus paper defined a cutoff blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.11% as a toxicological threshold indicating that sufficient alcohol had been consumed to develop a hangover. The cutoff was based on previous research and applied mostly in studies comprising student samples. Previously, we showed that sensitivity to hangovers depends on (estimated) BAC during acute intoxication, with a greater percentage of drinkers reporting hangovers at higher BAC levels. However, a substantial number of participants also reported hangovers at comparatively lower BAC levels. This calls the suitability of the 0.11% threshold into question. Recent research has shown that subjective intoxication, i.e., the level of severity of reported drunkenness, and not BAC, is the most important determinant of hangover severity. Non-student samples often have a much lower alcohol intake compared to student samples, and overall BACs often remain below 0.11%. Despite these lower BACs, many non-student participants report having a hangover, especially when their subjective intoxication levels are high. This may be the case when alcohol consumption on the drinking occasion that results in a hangover significantly exceeds their “normal” drinking level, irrespective of whether they meet the 0.11% threshold in any of these conditions. Whereas consumers may have relative tolerance to the adverse effects at their “regular” drinking level, considerably higher alcohol intake—irrespective of the absolute amount—may consequentially result in a next-day hangover. Taken together, these findings suggest that the 0.11% threshold value as a criterion for having a hangover should be abandoned.

scholarly journals Campylobacter outbreak associated with raw drinking milk, North West England, 2016

2020 ◽  
Vol 148 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Kenyon ◽  
T. Inns ◽  
H. Aird ◽  
C. Swift ◽  
J. Astbury ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Policy Development ◽  
Clonal Complex ◽  
Sequence Type ◽  
Vulnerable Groups ◽  
Warning Label ◽  
North West ◽  
Milk Samples ◽  
Vending Machines ◽  
Fit For Purpose ◽  
Drinking Milk

Abstract In December 2016, Public Health England investigated an outbreak of campylobacteriosis in North West England, with 69 cases in total. Epidemiological, microbiological and environmental investigations associated the illness with the consumption of unpasteurised cows' milk from Farm X, where milk was predominantly sold from a vending machine. Campylobacter was detected in milk samples which, when sequenced, were identical in sequence type as pathogens isolated from cases (Clonal Complex ST-403, Sequence Type 7432). The farm was served with a Hygiene Emergency Prohibition Order to prevent further cases. To our knowledge, this is the first outbreak of campylobacter associated with unpasteurised milk in England since 1996. Our findings highlighted several important lessons, including that the current testing regime in England for unpasteurised milk is not fit for purpose and that the required warning label should include additional wording, underscoring the risk to vulnerable groups. There has been a substantial increase in both the volume of unpasteurised milk consumed in England and the use of vending machines to sell unpasteurised milk over the last 10 years, making unpasteurised milk more readily accessible to a wider population. The evidence generated from outbreaks like this is therefore critical and should be used to influence policy development.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document