On the interrelation between alcohol addiction–like behaviors in rats

Rationale Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a complex, heterogeneous disorder that only occurs in a minority of alcohol users. Various behavioral constructs, including excessive intake, habit formation, motivation for alcohol and resistance to punishment have been implicated in AUD, but their interrelatedness is unclear. Objective The aim of this study was therefore to explore the relation between these AUD-associated behavioral constructs in rats. We hypothesised that a subpopulation of animals could be identified that, based on these measures, display consistent AUD-like behavior. Methods Lister Hooded rats (n = 47) were characterised for alcohol consumption, habit formation, motivation for alcohol and quinine-adulterated alcohol consumption. The interrelation between these measures was evaluated through correlation and cluster analyses. In addition, addiction severity scores were computed using different combinations of the behavioral measures, to assess the consistency of the AUD-like subpopulation. Results We found that the data was uniformly distributed, as there was no significant tendency of the behavioral measures to cluster in the dataset. On the basis of multiple ranked addiction severity scores, five animals (~ 11%) were classified as displaying AUD-like behavior. The composition of the remaining subpopulation of animals with the highest addiction severity score (9 rats; ~ 19%) varied, depending on the combination of measures included. Conclusion Consistent AUD-like behavior was detected in a small proportion of alcohol drinking rats. Alcohol consumption, habit formation, motivation for alcohol and punishment resistance contribute in varying degrees to the AUD-like phenotype across the population. These findings emphasise the importance of considering the heterogeneity of AUD-like behavior.

Ascorbic Acid Functionalized Anti-Aggregated Au Nanoparticles for Ultrafast MEF and SERS Detection of Tartrazine: An Ultra-Wide Piecewise Linear Range Study

Tartrazine, as a synthetic food colorant, is harmful to health upon excessive intake. In this work, we developed a simple, sensitive and ultrafast method to detect tartrazine effectively. Specifically, we...

Neurologic Complications of Nutritional Disorders

A number of medical and neurologic conditions may result from inadequate ingestion, absorption, transport, or storage of critical vitamins and micronutrients. Individuals at risk for inadequate dietary intake include those who are receiving prolonged parenteral nutrition for various chronic medical conditions, those who have eating disorders or chronic alcoholism, and those who are part of a resource-limited population. Malabsorption may result from several conditions, including chronic gastrointestinal disorders and gastrointestinal surgeries. Excessive intake of vitamins such as vitamin B6 may directly cause neurotoxicity, and copper deficiency myeloneuropathy may result from excessive ingestion of zinc (often in the form of denture cream aggressively used for loose-fitting dentures), which competes with copper for absorption within the gastrointestinal tract.

Treatment of Persistent Post-Traumatic Headache with the Anti-CGRP Receptor Antibody Erenumab: A Case Report

Introduction: Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) has only recently emerged as a potential target in posttraumatic headache. To our knowledge this is the first description of a patient with persistent posttraumatic headache following severe traumatic head injury who has been treated with the CGRP-receptor-monoclonal antibody erenumab.Case presentation: A 56-year-old man presented with a 30-year history of frequent migraine-like posttraumatic headaches following a high-voltage head injury that he treated with an excessive intake of peripheral analgesics. Although amitriptyline was reasonably effective, it had to be discontinued when the patient developed restless legs syndrome in the second year of treatment. Under therapy with erenumab he achieved a rapid and stable reduction in his symptoms down to only 2–3 headache days per month without adverse events.Conclusions: This case demonstrates that the inhibition of the CGRP-receptor with erenumab could be an effective treatment option in migraine-like post-traumatic headache even decades after the traumatic event.

ROLE OF AN ETHNOMEDICINE- MUSTADI MODAKA IN THE MANAGEMENT OF 2ND DEGREE HAEMORRHOIDS (ARSHAS) – A CASE REPORT

In the present era of 21st century, haemorrhoids have become the most common and distressing anorectal disease. It is a lifestyle disease due to excessive intake of spicy food non-vegetarian food, and lack of exercise. Inadequate consumption of water and the habit of taking alcohol are some of the main reasons for the manifestation of the disease. Perianal trauma due to the long journey and excessive two-wheeler riding particularly on uneven roads and terrenes are also main reasons. Constipation is also a common cause of this disease. Haemorrhoids are dealt with rationally under the concept of Arshas. Use of medicine, surgery, cauterization with kshara and Agni are the treatment principles recommended for Arshas by Acharya Susruta. Except medicine, the rest of the procedures are invasive. The basic principles for the treatment of Arshas are deepana and anulomana (digestive, carminative, and laxative). A medicine with the above properties which is used traditionally by tribes is selected for the study. It has been found using among the tribes for a long time with no side effects. The contents of this medicine are safe and are used in routine ayurvedic practice. In this case study, an effort was made to evaluate the role of Mustadimodaka and ethnomedicine in the management of Arshas. Keywords: 2nd-degree haemorrhoids, Arshas, Mustadimodaka, Ethnomedicine

AN INSIGHT OF COVID-19 AND MUCORMYCOSIS

Mucormycosis is an infrequent infectious disease engendered by Mucorales fungi that primarily affects COVID-19-positive patients in India. Corticosteroids are frequently used to treat COVID-19. Corticosteroids vanquish the body’s immune response and raise blood sugar levels in diabetic COVID-positive patients and are often found with the Rhino-orbital cerebral Mucormycosis. Neutropenia, solid organ, and stem cell grafting, excessive intake of iron, and deferoxamine therapy are associated risk factors. The saprophytic fungus initially attacks the sinuses before spreading to the oral cavity, lungs, and eye orbit, causing an acute phase of inadequate blood supply to the tissue which finally led to Necrosis. If left untreated, it can result in temporary or permanent loss of vision, fever, headache, reddened and swollen skin near the nose or eyes, facial pain, and eventually death. Laboratory parameters, tissue biopsy, CT scan, and reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction are few investigations. Amphotericin B and Micafungin are the commonest advisable anti-fungal medication. Surgical debridement or removal of contaminated tissue, particularly in infections of the rhino-orbito-cerebral, cutaneous, and gastrointestinal Mucormycosis, is required.

Change in Micronutrient Intake Among People with Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis Adapting the Swank and Wahls Diets: An Analysis of Weighed Food Records

The low-saturated fat (Swank) and modified Paleolithic elimination (Wahls) diets have shown promise for MS symptoms; however, due to their restriction of specific foods, inadequate intake of micronutrients is concerning. Therefore, as part of a randomized trial, weighed food records were collected on three consecutive days and were used to evaluate the intake of micronutrients among people with relapsing remitting MS adapting these diets. After randomization to either the Swank or Wahls diets, diet education and support was provided by registered dietitians at baseline and throughout the first 12 weeks of the intervention. Usual intake of each micronutrient was estimated and then evaluated with the EAR-cut point method. At 12 weeks, the Swank group had significant reductions in the proportion with inadequate intake from food for vitamins C, D, and E, while the Wahls group had significant reductions for magnesium and vitamins A, C, D, and E. However, the proportion with inadequate intake significantly increased for calcium, thiamin, and vitamin B12 in the Wahls group and for vitamin A in the Swank group. Inclusion of intake from supplements reduced the proportion with inadequate intake for all micronutrients except calcium among the Wahls group but increased the proportion with excessive intake for vitamin D and niacin among both groups and magnesium among the Swank group. Both diets, especially when including intake from supplements, are associated with reduced inadequate intake compared to the normal diet of people with relapsing remitting MS.

Perceived social support and diet quality among ethnic minority groups in Yunnan Province, Southwestern China: a cross-sectional study

Background Social support is an important health determinant and may affect dietary behaviors. The purpose of this study was to examine the relations between perceived social support and the Chinese Diet Balance Index-16 (DBI-16) among ethnic minority groups in Southwest China. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted between May 2019 and August 2020 among six ethnic minority groups native to Yunnan Province (n = 3564). Perceived social support from family, friends and significant others were measured with the Multi-dimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS). Dietary data were obtained using a 100-item Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) and a lifestyle questionnaire. Lower Bound Score (LBS), Higher Bound Score (HBS) and Diet Quality Distance (DQD) which represent inadequate, excessive and unbalanced food intake respectively were calculated to measure the compliance with the recommendations of the Dietary Guidelines for Chinese 2016. Results One thousand four hundred ninety-six men and two thousand sixty-eight women were included. 51.2% of the subjects had moderate or high levels of inadequate intake; 21.3% had moderate or high levels of excessive intake; and 74.0% had moderate or high levels of unbalanced dietary intake. With potential confounders adjusted, support from family was negatively associated with inadequate intake, while support from friends was positively associated with inadequate and excessive intake. No significant associations were found between perceived social support from significant others and diet quality indicators. Conclusions An unbalanced diet is common among adults of the ethnic minority groups in Yunnan Province, Southwest China. Social support should be taken into account in designing nutrition interventions rather than focusing solely on individuals.

Review on Health Impact of Fast Food on Younger Children

“Fast food is a food which is speedily available as well as provides, frequently at eating places as well as seasonally related with not so much cost and nutritional things like hamburgers, French fries, and soda.” The teenagers of today will be the future of tomorrow; therefore, concentrating on today's adolescents and educating them on how to modify their behaviours toward healthy eating patterns is critical. The dietary issue is one of the most serious health issues confronting millions of children of all ages. There are lots of effects of fast food on the health of adolescents. Because of peer pressure, shortage of time, attractive packages and tastes they become closer to take fast food. Fast foods are at large quantity obtain in educational institutions through various stores. Canteens are available in educational institutions to offer soda water, soft drink, cracks and lots of other foods of less nutritious rate(value). There are many ill impacts and effects of fast food and persons are not aware of its dangerous effects. It can cause many harmful disorders. Prolonged use of fast food is the reason for medical issues, chubbiness means obesity, GI Tract problem and increased fat. Excessive intake of fast foods may reduce appetite and eliminate the chance for nutrients in foods. These quick meals are rich in fat, salt, and sugar, and they are the root cause of chronic illnesses such as obesity, diabetes, and cancer in later years of life. This review focuses on what is fast food and its effect on adolescents and the evidence of its effects on mortality, morbidity and quality of life.