Exploring the Association between Alcohol Drinking and Physical Activity in Adolescence; Two-Year Prospective Study in Younger Adolescents from Bosnia and Herzegovina

Insufficient physical activity and alcohol consumption (AC) are important health-threatening behaviors in adolescence, but there are controversial findings regarding the association that may exist between AC and physical activity levels (PALs) at this age. This study aimed to prospectively examine the relationship that may exist between AC and PAL in younger adolescence, considering the potential confounding effect of sports participation. The participants (n = 669, 337 females) were adolescents from Bosnia and Herzegovina who were tested on two occasions, at baseline (14 years of age) and again at follow-up (16 years of age). The variables included AC (as indicated by the AUDIT questionnaire), sports participation, age, gender (predictors), and PAL (obtained by the PAQ-A questionnaire) criterion. The results indicated that PAL at baseline was higher in those adolescents (boys) with a higher AUDIT score, but this association was partially confounded by sports participation. Multinomial regression indicated a higher risk of a decline in PAL over the study course in adolescents with a higher AUDIT score at baseline (OR = 1.32, 95%CI: 1.11–1.54 for being in the high-risk group for a decline in PAL). The most probable explanation is likely found in the high drop-out from sports in the studied period and earlier initiation of AC in adolescents involved in sports. Public health and sports authorities should urgently act preventively and develop educational programs against alcohol drinking in youth athletes.

Alcohol Use Disorders among Slovak and Czech University Students: A Closer Look at Tobacco Use, Cannabis Use and Socio-Demographic Characteristics

The main objective of the research was to examine the associations between problematic alcohol use, tobacco use and cannabis use among Czech and Slovak university students during the early COVID-19 pandemic. The research sample consisted of 1422 participants from the Czech Republic (CZ) and 1677 from the Slovak Republic (SK). The analyses included university students who drank alcohol in the past year (CZ: 1323 (93%); SK: 1526 (91%)). Regarding the analysed measures, the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) and its subscales, the Glover-Nilsson Smoking Behavioral Questionnaire (GN-SBQ) and the Cannabis Abuse Screening Test (CAST) were selected to identify substance-related behaviour. Age, gender and residence were included in the analyses as socio-demographic variables. Correlation and regression analyses were used to achieve the main objective of the research. The main results revealed that the use of tobacco and cannabis were positively associated with alcohol use disorders among Czech and Slovak university students. Additionally, males were more likely to report alcohol use disorders. In the Czech Republic, it was found that students living in dormitories were characterized by a lower AUDIT score. The opposite situation was found in the Slovak Republic. Czech and Slovak policy-makers are encouraged to develop alcohol use prevention programs for university students in line with these findings.

A Randomized Controlled Trial of the Prevent Alcohol and Risk-Related Trauma in Youth Program in Reducing Alcohol-Related Harms in Young Naval Trainees

ABSTRACT Background The aim of this study was to test whether participation in an alcohol risk reduction program known as Prevent Alcohol and Risk-Related Trauma in Youth (P.A.R.T.Y.) is effective in reducing the prevalence of risky drinking at 12 months’ post-intervention in a sample of Royal Australian Navy (RAN) trainees. Methods A non-blinded randomized controlled trial of 952 RAN trainees comparing two forms of P.A.R.T.Y. plus RAN annual alcohol and other drug awareness training with annual alcohol and other drugs awareness training only (Control). Participants were screened at baseline and at 12-month follow-up using the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT). Participants were randomized to one of three arms: (1) in-hospital P.A.R.T.Y program, (2) on-base P.A.R.T.Y. program, or (3) control. The primary outcome measure was the percentage of participants reporting an AUDIT score of 8 or above at 12 months in each group. A secondary outcome considered was reports of alcohol-related incidents in the 12-month follow-up. Results There was no difference in the risk of reporting an AUDIT score of 8 or above in either the in-hospital (Relative Risk (RR) 0.96, 95% CI: 0.75-1.23; P = .75) or on-base (RR 1.11, 95% CI: 0.89-1.369; P = 0.35) intervention groups, compared to the control group. Compared to the on-base group, there was no difference in the risk of reporting an AUDIT score of 8 or above in the in-hospital group (RR 1.16, 95% CI: 0.90-1.48; P = .24). The rate of reporting an alcohol-related incident was not different for the in-hospital (Hazard Ratio (HR) 0.60, 95% CI: 0.27-1.33; P = .21) or on-base (HR 0.50, 95% CI: 0.21-1.16; P = .11) intervention groups when compared to the control group. Conclusion Participation in either an on-base or an in-hospital P.A.R.T.Y. program did not affect the proportion of naval trainee participants screening positive for risky drinking on the AUDIT.

The Aldehyde Dehydrogenase ALDH2*2 Allele, Associated with Alcohol Drinking Behavior, Dates Back to Prehistoric Times

Human alcohol-consumption behavior is partly genetically encoded. The alcohol consumption of 987 residents in Keelung, Taiwan, was evaluated by using the Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test (AUDIT). We assessed ~750,000 genomic variants of 71 residents who drank hazardously (AUDIT score ≥ 8) and 126 residents who did not drink in their daily lives (AUDIT score = 0), using high-density single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) arrays. The rs671 G > A manifests the highest significance of the association with drinking behavior (Fisher’s exact P = 8.75 × 10−9). It is a pleiotropic, non-synonymous variant in the aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2) gene. The minor allele “A”, commonly known as ALDH2*2, is associated with non-drinkers. Intriguingly, identity-by-descent haplotypes encompassing genomic regions with a median length of 1.6 (0.6–2.0) million nucleotide bases were found in all study participants with either heterozygous or homozygous ALDH2*2 (n = 81 and 13, respectively). We also analyzed a public-domain dataset with genome-wide genotypes of 2000 participants in Guangzhou, a coastal city in Southern China. Among them, 175 participants have homozygous ALDH2*2 genotype, and again, long ALDH2*2-carrying haplotypes were found in all 175 participants without exceptions. The median length of the ALDH2*2-carrying haplotype is 1.7 (0.5–2.8) million nucleotide bases. The haplotype lengths in the Keelung and Guangzhou cohorts combined indicate that the origin of the ALDH2*2 allele dates back to 7935 (7014–9381) years ago. In conclusion, the rs671 G > A is the leading genomic variant associated with the long-term drinking behavior among residents of Keelung, Taiwan. The ALDH2*2 allele has been in Asian populations since prehistoric times.

Predictive values of tumor necrosis factor-α for depression treatment outcomes: effect modification by hazardous alcohol consumption

Inflammation is potentially associated with poor antidepressant treatment outcomes. Pro-inflammatory cytokines are influenced by hazardous alcohol consumption. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of the serum tumor necrosis factor-α (sTNF-α) level on antidepressant treatment outcomes in terms of the 12-week and 12-month remission rates and 24-month relapse rate, and to investigate the potential modifying effects of alcohol consumption on these associations in patients with depressive disorders. At baseline, sTNF-α was measured and alcohol-related data from the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) and consumption history were collected from 1094 patients. Patients received stepwise antidepressant treatment. Remission at 12 weeks and 12 months was defined as a Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD) score ≤ 7. Relapse (HAMD score ≥ 14) was identified until 24 months for those who had initially responded (HAMD score <14) at 12 weeks. Higher sTNF-α levels were found to have significant effects on the 12-week and 12-month non-remission and 24-month relapse rates. These effects were more prominent in those with low levels of alcohol consumption (AUDIT score ≤ 8 or no current alcohol consumption); the effects were not significant in those exhibiting hazardous alcohol consumption (AUDIT score > 8 or current drinking). Significant interactions were found for the 12-month non-remission and relapse rates, although the interaction was not statistically significant for 12-week remission. In conclusion, baseline sTNF-α levels may be a useful predictor for both short- and long-term antidepressant treatment outcomes, and the consideration of alcohol consumption status may increase predictability, in particular for long-term outcomes.

Impact of COVID-19 restrictions on alcohol consumption behaviours

Background We aimed to evaluate how coronavirus (COVID-19) restrictions had altered individual's drinking behaviours, including consumption, hangover experiences, and motivations to drink, and changing levels of depression and anxiety. Method We conducted an online cross-sectional self-report survey. Whole group analysis compared pre- versus post-COVID restrictions. A correlation coefficient matrix evaluated the associations between all outcome scores. Self-report data was compared with Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) scores from the 2014 Adult Psychiatric Morbidity Survey. Multiple linear modelling (MLM) was calculated to identify factors associated with increasing AUDIT scores and post-restriction AUDIT scores. Results In total, 346 individuals completed the survey, of which 336 reported drinking and were therefore analysed. After COVID-19 restrictions 23.2% of respondents reported an increased AUDIT score, and 60.1% a decreased score. AUDIT score change was positively correlated with change in depression (P < 0.01, r = 0.15), anxiety (P < 0.01, r = 0.15) and drinking to cope scores (P < 0.0001, r = 0.35). MLM revealed that higher AUDIT scores were associated with age, mental illness, lack of a garden, self-employed or furloughed individuals, a confirmed COVID-19 diagnosis and smoking status. Conclusions COVID-19 restrictions decreased alcohol consumption for the majority of individuals in this study. However, a small proportion increased their consumption; this related to drinking to cope and increased depression and anxiety.

Patterns and Severity of Alcohol Consumption in Patients with Alcoholic Liver Disease: A Cross-Sectional Study

Introduction: Alcohol is a known cause of liver cirrhosis, with its incidence increasing in relation to the total amount and duration of intake. Excessive consumption of alcohol remains the main cause of alcohol-related liver disease and associated complications and deaths. Aims: To delineate the drinking patterns and severity of alcohol consumption in alcoholic liver disease patients. Methods: A descriptive cross sectional study was conducted among 95 patients of both sexes with the diagnosis of alcoholic liver disease (ALD), who were admitted in Medicine ward at Nepalgunj Medical College, Nepalgunj. The diagnosis of ALD was confirmed by the criteria of the ICD-10-CM. The severity of alcohol drinking screened and categorized as “low-risk drinkers,” “hazardous drinkers,” and “harmful drinkers” were based on the AUDIT score. Results: Among a total of 95 ALD patients, the mean age was 45.10 ±7.60 years, the mean duration of alcohol use was 22.6 ±7.65 years and the average amount of alcohol consumed in grams/day was 240 ± 35. Majority of the patients consumed locally brewed alcohol, Raksi 46.3% followed by Jaad 22.1% and Others 11.6%. Very few patients consumed commercially available Spirits 6.3% or Beer 13.7%. Majority of patients were found to be drinking regular with intermittent bingeing pattern 61%, outside meal times 69.5% and hazardous drinking 53.7%. Conclusion: Overall our analyses indicated a precise picture of drinking patterns in ALD patients that are profoundly influenced on several cofactors like alcohol type, duration of exposure, drinking patterns, cultural habits, availability of homemade beverages and individual susceptibility. We recommend screening for alcohol abuse in all adult patients presenting to the hospital as early detection of ALD can decrease its both morbidity and mortality.

High-risk alcohol consumption may increase the risk of SARS-CoV-2 seroconversion: a prospective seroepidemiologic cohort study among American college students

Aims: To estimate the associations between high-risk alcohol consumption and (1) SARS-CoV-2 seroconversion, (2) self-reported new SARS-CoV-2 infection, and (3) symptomatic COVID-19. Design: Prospective cohort Setting: Indiana University Bloomington (IUB), a public university of 34,660 students in southern Indiana. Participants: At the beginning of the fall 2020 semester, we randomly sampled N=1,267 IU undergraduate students, aged 18 years or older and residing in Monroe County, IN. Measurements: Primary exposure was high-risk alcohol consumption measured with the AUDIT questionnaire. We used an AUDIT score of 8 or more as the cut-off score when detecting high-risk alcohol consumption. Primary outcome was SARS-CoV-2 seroconversion, assessed with two SARS-CoV-2 antibody tests, at baseline and endline. Secondary outcomes were a) self-reported new SARS-CoV-2 infection at the study endline, and b) self-reported symptomatic COVID-19 at baseline. Findings: Prevalence of high-risk alcohol consumption was 34%. We found that students with high-risk alcohol consumption status had 2.34 [95% CI: (1.29, 4.24)] times the risk of SARS-CoV-2 seroconversion and 1.89 [95% CI: (1.08, 3.32)] times the risk of self-reporting a positive SARS-CoV-2 infection, compared to students with no such risk. Moreover, students with high-risk alcohol consumption were 18% more likely to develop symptomatic COVID-19, though this association was not statistically significant. Similar results were found after adjusting for sex at birth, race, and year in school. Findings from sensitivity analyses corroborated these results and suggested potential for a dose-response relationship. Conclusions: In this sample of American college students, high-risk alcohol consumption was associated with higher risk for SARS-CoV-2 seroconversion/infection. These findings could have implications for colleges' reopening planning in fall 2021.

Pattern of alcohol withdrawal syndrome and its clinical correlates

Introduction and Aim: Management strategies of Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome could be optimized if patients with greater risk are identified early and treated aggressively. Studying the pattern and predictors of alcohol withdrawal syndrome was the main objective of our study. Materials and Methods: A total of 100 consenting male patients in the age group of 18-60 years diagnosed with alcohol dependence and uncomplicated alcohol withdrawal undergoing in-patient detoxification in tertiary care center in north India were included in the study. A semi structured proforma was used to collect socio-demographic data, Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) was used as screening tool and Clinical Institute Withdrawal Assessmentfor Alcohol-revised (CIWA- Ar) was used to assess severity of withdrawal. Results: Symptoms like difficulty in orientation, seizures and hallucinations were relatively specific for severe AWS, while tremors and anxiety were common to all the patients and were non-specific for predicting severity of AWS. The severity of AWS symptoms correlated significantly with increasing age, duration of alcohol use and AUDIT score. Conclusion:We concluded that increasing age, longer duration of alcohol use, higher AUDIT score and symptoms related to hallucinations, orientation and seizure are linked to severe alcohol withdrawal. Prior knowledge of these predictors will help to identify the patients at risk of severe alcohol withdrawal so that individual care can be enhanced.

An Autonomous Robot-Aided Auditing Scheme for Floor Cleaning

Cleaning is an important factor in most aspects of our day-to-day life. This research work brings a solution to the fundamental question of “How clean is clean” by introducing a novel framework for auditing the cleanliness of built infrastructure using mobile robots. The proposed system presents a strategy for assessing the quality of cleaning in a given area and a novel exploration strategy that facilitates the auditing in a given location by a mobile robot. An audit sensor that works by the “touch and inspect” analogy that assigns an audit score corresponds to its area of inspection has been developed. A vision-based dirt-probability-driven exploration is proposed to empower a mobile robot with an audit sensor on-board to perform auditing tasks effectively. The quality of cleaning is quantified using a dirt density map representing location-wise audit scores, dirt distribution pattern obtained by kernel density estimation, and cleaning benchmark score representing the extent of cleanliness. The framework is realized in an in-house developed audit robot to perform the cleaning audit in indoor and semi-outdoor environments. The proposed method is validated by experiment trials to estimate the cleanliness in five different locations using the developed audit sensor and dirt-probability-driven exploration.