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Men who have sex with men (MSM) and are living with HIV have reported high rates of intimate partner violence (IPV) and substance use. We examined relationships between accumulative IPV, incidents of IPV, and numbers of substances used. One hundred twenty Taiwanese MSM living with HIV completed a cross-sectional survey. Accumulative IPV was assessed by summing the number of 15 types of IPV experienced in the previous year; substance use was measured by any use of alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs during the previous week. In multivariate analysis, IPV was not associated with tobacco use but was positively associated with alcohol and other drug use and significantly associated with the probability of using multiple substances. MSM living with HIV who experienced greater IPV were more likely to use alcohol and other drugs and were more likely to use more than one substance. Health care providers screening for IPV should also screen for substance use.

Owing to outstanding performances, nickel‐based electrocatalysts are commonly used in electrochemical alcohol oxidation reactions (AORs), and the active phase is usually vacancy‐rich nickel oxide/hydroxide (NiOxHy) species. However, researchers are not aware of the catalytic role of atom vacancy in AORs. Here, we study vacancy‐induced catalytic mechanisms for AORs on NiOxHy species. As to AORs on oxygen‐vacancy‐poor β‐Ni(OH)2, the only redox mediator is electrooxidation‐induced electrophilic lattice oxygen species, which can only catalyze the dehydrogenation process (e.g. the electrooxidation of primary alcohol to carboxylic acid) instead of the C−C bond cleavage. Hence, vicinal diol electrooxidation reaction involving the C−C bond cleavage is not feasible with oxygen‐vacancy‐poor β‐Ni(OH)2. Only through oxygen vacancy‐induced adsorbed oxygen‐mediated mechanism, can oxygen‐vacancy‐rich NiOxHy species catalyze the electrooxidation of vicinal diol to carboxylic acid and formic acid accompanied with the C−C bond cleavage. Crucially, we examine how vacancies and vacancy‐induced catalytic mechanisms work during AORs on NiOxHy species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Long processing time represents a serious challenge in hot air drying since it led to high energy consumption and quality deterioration. A synergistic pretreatment of artificial perforation and alcohol maceration (PAT) was proposed in this study to improve hot air drying of garlic. Samples without pretreated, perforated, and subjected to alcohol pretreatments were used as control. The results showed that PAT pretreatment significantly reduced the drying time and energy consumed by 36.67%. Analysis showed that the mechanisms underlying the highest drying rate of PAT pretreated sample included pre-dehydration, capillary flow promotion and cell permeability enhancement. Samples pretreated with PAT exhibited the highest whiteness value, minimum shrinkage, lowest brittleness, and especially the highest content of volatile components, which is essential for its application as a spice. The antioxidant activity, total phenolics and allicin content were low in the PAT samples compared with other samples. This study provides a simple and effective approach to improve the drying of garlic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Selective electrocatalytic oxidation of alcohols to value‐added aldehydes has attracted increasing attention. However, due to its higher reactivity than alcohol, the aldehyde is easily over‐oxidized to acid in alkaline electrolytes. Herein we realize the selective electrooxidation of alcohol to aldehyde on NiO by tuning the local microenvironment to salt out the aldehyde from the reaction system. The origin of the high selectivity was found to be the inhibition of the hydration of aldehydes, which is the result of the decreased alkalinity and the increased cation and substrate concentration. This strategy could salt out the aldehyde at the gas|electrolyte interface from the electrooxidation of alcohol with 100 % selectivity and be easily extended to other selective oxidation reactions, such as 5‐hydroxymethyl furfural (HMF) to 2,5‐furandicarboxaldehyde (DFF) and amine to an imine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While the association between residential socioeconomic environments and the use of globally common substances such as alcohol and tobacco has been well documented in Western countries, it remains little known about regionally important substances, such as areca nut in Asia. Objective: This study was aimed to develop residential environmental indicators in the context of Taiwan and examine their associations with areca nut use, in comparison to alcohol and tobacco use. Methods: Data were drawn from 13,392 adults across 168 townships in the 2014 National Survey on Substance Use in Taiwan. Residential socioeconomic environment variables were derived from the census and analyzed using factor analysis. Multilevel logistic regression models were used to examine the association of individual- and residential-level factors with the use of areca nut (use/nonuse), alcohol (harmful use, low-risk use, or nonuse), and tobacco (nicotine dependence, regular active use, or nonuse). Results: A three-factor structure of socioeconomic environments derived from 16 residential-level variables consisted of Rural Disadvantage, Affluence, and Family Fragmentation. Multilevel analyses showed that areca nut use was associated with both individual-level (male sex, age group 35-44 years, being divorced/widowed/separated, low educational attainment, and the occupational group of labors) and residential-level (Rural Disadvantaged and Family Fragmented) variables; such a profile was most similar to that of nicotine dependence. Conclusions: A three-factor structure could be derived for the residential-level socioeconomic environments in the Taiwanese context. Rural Disadvantaged and Family Fragmented were associated with areca nut use, which have implications for interventions targeted at the community level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the assistance of dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma, selective catalytic reduction of NOx by ethanol over Ag/Al2O3 catalysts was studied. Experimental results show that NOx conversion was greatly enhanced due to the presence of DBD plasma at lower temperature. By varying the DBD voltages or power in 13 kHz frequency at different temperatures, NOx conversion was increased to 40.7% from 6.4% at 176 °C, even to 66.8% from 17.3% at 200 °C. NOx conversion could even be improved to 90% at temperature above 255 °C. It was proposed that nonthermal plasma generated by dielectric barrier discharge reactor was very effective for oxidizing NO to NO2 under excess O2 conditions, which possesses high reactivity with C2H5OH to yield CxHyNzO compound. By reacting with CxHyNzO compound and oxygen, NOx is converted to N2 at low temperatures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using the Z-scan technique, we find that migration of chloroaluminum phthalocyanine in liquid ethanol can be induced by the absorption of a 19 ps laser pulse with energy exceeding a threshold but not by that of a 2.8 ns pulse depositing more energy at the solute molecules. Considering each solute molecule as an oscillator confined within a potential well, we explain, in accordance with the five-energy-band model, that solute molecules excited by a 19 ps pulse retain more translational excess energy to overcome the potential well barrier compared with those excited by a 2.8 ns pulse of equal energy. Therefore, they are more likely to migrate out of the laser beam center, weakening the solution’s absorption that we detect in the Z-scan measurements. Furthermore, we theoretically infer that the 19 ps pulse-induced solute migration tends to be nonquasistatic and experimentally verify that it cannot be attributed to the Soret effect, a quasistatic process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • The methanol and ethanol reformation via neural network optimization are reviewed. • Optimum temperature for methanol steam reforming is 300 °C. • Nearly 85% of ethanol conversion occurs at 500 °C. • Peak hydrogen production at a steam-to-methanol ratio of 3.5 and 15 vol% ethanol. • Ni and Co are the most efficient metal catalyst for hydrogen production. Hydrogen production from different fuels has received extensive study interest owing to its environmental sustainability, renewability, and lack of carbon emission. This research aims to investigate how artificial neural networks (ANNs) are employed to optimize operating parameters for the catalytic thermochemical conversion of methanol and ethanol and their impact on hydrogen production. According to the ANN model, peak methanol conversion (99%) occurs at lower temperatures of 300 °C with a maximum hydrogen yield of 2.905 mol, whereas peak ethanol conversion (85%) occurs at 500 °C owing to dehydrogenation and the C-C bond-breaking process. A steam-to-carbon (S/C) ratio of (3.5) was advantageous for methanol steam reforming (MSR), and a high ethanol concentration of 10–15 vol% was favorable for ethanol steam reforming (ESR). Ni (10 wt%), and Co (10 wt%) were the optimum metal combinations in the catalyst for ethanol reformation at a reforming temperature of 450 °C. The optimum metal catalysts for producing hydrogen and converting ethanol were those synthesized through co-precipitation. The peak hydrogen yield was attained at the sintering temperature of 560–570 °C. ANN technique is cost-effective, quick, and precise, with vast potential to produce hydrogen energy, and may give significant benefits for industrial applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose We examined the relationship between alcohol-specific and nonalcohol-specific parental characteristics with occasional alcohol drinking in early adolescence and probed potential school district variation. Methods A total of 1,581 fourth and sixth graders (age range: 10–12 years) were ascertained from 17 elementary schools in a cohort study conducted in northern Taiwan in 2006, with three waves of follow-up between 2007 and 2009. Information on alcohol-specific and nonalcohol-specific parental attributes was obtained from the first two waves of self-administered paper-and-pencil questionnaires; occasional drinking, defined by having drunk on three or more occasions in the past year, was assessed at fourth wave. School district characteristics were retrieved from official statistics and self-report. Multilevel analyses were used to evaluate strength of association, with stratification by disadvantaged status of school districts. Results Thirteen percent (95% confidence interval [CI] = 10.1%–15.8%) of young adolescents reported to drink occasionally; higher grade level, childhood drinking experience, lower parental education, maternal drinking, and positive parental attitude toward drinking were significant predictors. Nonalcohol parental predictors, including not living with both parents (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 2.34, 95% CI = 1.21–4.53) and parental involvement/reinforcement (aOR = .44; 95% CI = .22–.87), were only significant for the children of socioeconomically disadvantaged school districts. As to alcohol-specific parental characteristics, the effects of maternal drinking appear more salient in socioeconomically advantaged school districts (aOR = 2.63; 95% CI = 1.66–4.18). Conclusions Alcohol-specific and nonalcohol-specific parental influence may operate differentially across school districts sub-grouped by socioeconomic attributes. Preventive strategies raising the awareness of underage drinking and strengthening parenting skills should be devised and implemented in the perspective of social context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present a simple and efficient way to improve the performance of the twisted nematic liquid crystal (LC) system by doping a small amount of n-alcohols. The LCs modified by n-hexanol demonstrates the optimum electro-optical properties of lower driving voltage and shorter response time. Our measurements indicate that the n-alcohols can be treated as surfactants to modify LCs for lowering zenithal anchoring energy relative to undoped LCs. Without the drawbacks of precipitation and aggregation that the nanoparticles could have, the method of doping n-alcohol liquids provides a more stable and reliable choice to apply in the various LC display systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim To examine the association between alcohol in school environments and adolescent alcohol use over the previous 6 months. Design A multi-level logistic regression analysis was performed of cross-sectional surveys conducted in 2004, 2005 and 2006. Participants and setting A total of 52 214 students aged 11-19 years from 387 middle or high schools were selected from a nationally representative, multi-stage, stratified probability sampling across Taiwan. Measurements Information on socio-demographic features and substance use experiences was collected using self-administered questionnaires. The alcohol in the environment was measured using the availability of convenience stores surrounding the schools. Using geographical information systems, the weighted numbers of convenience stores within 1 km, a 12-15-minute walk, of a school were calculated. The schools were later categorized into three subgroups via the tertile of nearby convenience stores. Findings Considering the compositional characteristics, the availability of convenience stores was found to account for 1.5% of the school-level variance of youthful drinking. The odds ratios (95% confidence interval) of alcohol use over the previous 6 months among youth attending schools with medium and high availability were 1.04 (0.96-1.13) and 1.08 (1.00-1.17), respectively, with a P-value of 0.04 in the trend test. Conclusion The greater availability of convenience stores near a school is associated with an increased risk of alcohol use among adolescents over the previous 6 months. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The solubilities of cholesterol and desmosterol in binary solvent mixtures of n-hexane+ethanol at temperatures of 293.2–323.2K were determined by a static equilibrium method. The solubilities increase with temperature and go through a maximum at a specific solvent composition. The fusion enthalpy Δfus H and the melting point T m , determined by differential scanning calorimeter (DSC), are 28.5kJ/mol, 421.7K for cholesterol and 15.9kJ/mol, 388.2K for desmosterol, respectively. The solubilities of cholesterol and desmosterol in pure n-hexane or ethanol follow a linear Van’t Hoff relation with temperature. Activity models, such as Wilson, NRTL and UNIQUAC models were used to correlate and predict the solubilities of cholesterol and desmosterol in n-hexane+ethanol mixed solvents. The interaction parameters were expressed as a function of temperature. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: PtRu/C anode electrocatalysts modified by Sn were prepared for ethanol oxidation reaction (EOR). Their phase structures, surface species, surface compositions, and EOR activities were characterized by XRD, XPS, temperature-programmed reduction (TPR), and CV, respectively. It has been found that in the PtRu/Sn x C and PtSn/C alloy catalysts, some Sn alloyed with Pt to form Pt–Sn phase existed as the metallic state, however, the excess Sn existed as the amorphous SnO or crystalline SnO2. Surface analyses and electrochemical measurements suggest that the surface Ru and amorphous SnO instead of the crystalline SnO2 are important species for the promotion of EOR. As a result, compared with PtSn/C, the I06 was enhanced about 200% for the PtRu/C electrocatalyst with 10wt% of Sn modification. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Carbon-supported Pd4Au- and Pd2.5Sn-alloyed nanoparticles were prepared by a chemical reduction method, and characterized by a wide array of experimental techniques including mass spectrometry, transmission electron microscopy, and X-ray diffraction spectroscopy. Ethanol electrooxidation on the as-synthesized catalysts and commercial Pt/C was then investigated and compared in alkaline media by cyclic voltammetry, chronoamperometry, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy studies at room temperature. Voltammetric and chronoamperometric measurements showed higher current density and longer term stability in ethanol oxidation with the palladium alloy nanocatalysts than with the commercial one. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and Tafel plots were employed to examine the charge-transfer kinetics of ethanol electrooxidation. The results suggest that whereas the reaction kinetics might be somewhat more sluggish on the Pd-based alloy catalysts than on commercial Pt/C, the former appeared to have a higher tolerance to surface poisoning. Overall, the Pd-based alloy catalysts represent promising candidates for the electrocatalytic oxidation of ethanol, and Pd4Au/C displays the best catalytic activity among the series for the ethanol oxidation in alkaline media. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

[Display omitted] • A fluorescent biosensor was developed using ssDNA and RhoB functionalized MOFs. • ssDNA acted as a gatekeeper of MOFs-ssDNA-RhoB nanoparticles. • Alcohols can trigger the release of RhoB from MOFs-ssDNA-RhoB selectively. • The developed biosensor showed good performance toward liquid alcohols. The detection of alcohols is needed urgently in many fields such as biomedicine, food industry, agriculture, environmental analysis, and chemical fuels. It is of great importance to develop an uncomplicated, rapid and highly-sensitive biosensor for the detection of liquid alcohols. Herein, we proposed a fluorescent biosensor to detect the liquid alcohols by employing metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) functionalized with DNA and Rhodamine B (RhoB). Porous MOF nanoparticles (UiO-66) were covalently modified with DNA, which acted as a gatekeeper to cap MOFs. Fluorescent dyes (RhoB) were loaded into DNA-modified porous MOF nanoparticles, in which DNA can help to keep RhoB inside the pores. It's found that alcohols can trigger the specific release of RhoB from MOFs with DNA and RhoB, which was utilized to detect liquid alcohols sensitively by measuring the fluorescent intensity of released RhoB. The results demonstrated that the fluorescent intensity of released RhoB was proportional to the concentration of target alcohols. Three kinds of liquid alcohols (methanol, ethanol, and isopropanol) were detected with detection limits down to 0.05%, 0.005%, and 0.005%, respectively. In addition, the selectivity and stability of this fluorescent biosensor have also been evaluated. This sensing strategy here successfully performed the liquid alcohols detection with excellent performance, which has great potential to promote the development of portable liquid alcohols detection equipments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ethanol is now considered the most common human teratogen. Educational campaigns have not reduced the incidence of ethanol-mediated teratogenesis, leading to a growing interest in the development of therapeutic prevention or mitigation strategies. On the basis of the observation that maternal ethanol consumption reduces maternal and fetal pH, we hypothesized that a pH-sensitive pathway involving the TWIK-related acid-sensitive potassium channels (TASKs) is implicated in ethanol-induced injury to the fetal cerebellum, one of the most sensitive targets of prenatal ethanol exposure. Pregnant ewes were intravenously infused with ethanol (258 ± 10 mg/dl peak blood ethanol concentration) or saline in a "3 days/wk binge" pattern throughout the third trimester. Quantitative stereological analysis demonstrated that ethanol resulted in a 45% reduction in the total number of fetal cerebellar Purkinje cells, the cell type most sensitive to developmental ethanol exposure. Extracellular pH manipulation to create the same degree and pattern of pH fall caused by ethanol (manipulations large enough to inhibit TASK 1 channels), resulted in a 24% decrease in Purkinje cell number. We determined immunohistochemically that TASK 1 channels are expressed in Purkinje cells and that the TASK 3 isoform is expressed in granule cells of the ovine fetal cerebellum. Pharmacological blockade of both TASK 1 and TASK 3 channels simultaneous with ethanol effectively prevented any reduction in fetal cerebellar Purkinje cell number. These results demonstrate for the first time functional significance of fetal cerebellar two-pore domain pH-sensitive channels and establishes them as a potential therapeutic target for prevention of ethanol teratogenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background:  Human magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and autopsy studies reveal abnormal cerebellar development in children who had been exposed to alcohol prenatally, independent of the exposure period. Animal studies conducted utilizing the rat model similarly demonstrate a broad period of vulnerability, albeit the third trimester-equivalent of human brain development is reported to be the most vulnerable period, and the first trimester-equivalent exposure produces cerebellar Purkinje cell loss only at high doses of alcohol. However, in the rat model, all 3 trimester-equivalents do not occur prenatally, requiring the assumption that intrauterine environment, placenta, maternal interactions, and parturition do not play an important role in mediating the damage. In this study, we utilized the ovine model, where all 3 trimester-equivalents occur in utero, to determine the critical window of vulnerability of fetal cerebellar Purkinje cells. Methods:  Four groups of pregnant sheep were used: first trimester-equivalent pair-fed saline control group, first trimester-equivalent alcohol group (1.75 g/kg), third trimester-equivalent pair-fed saline control group, and third trimester-equivalent alcohol group (1.75 g/kg). The alcohol exposure regimen was designed to mimic a human binge pattern. Alcohol was administered intravenously on 3 consecutive days beginning on day 4 and day 109 of gestation in the first and third trimester-equivalent groups, respectively, and the alcohol treatment was followed by a 4-day inter-treatment interval when the animals were not exposed to alcohol. Such treatment episodes were replicated until gestational day 41 and 132 in the first and third trimester-equivalent groups, respectively. All fetal brains were harvested on day 133 and processed for stereological cerebellar Purkinje cell counting. Results:  Significant deficits were found in the fetal cerebellar Purkinje cell number and density in the first and third trimester-equivalent alcohol exposed fetuses compared with those in the saline controls. However, there was no difference between the first and third trimester-equivalent alcohol administered groups. When comparing the present findings to those from a previous study where the duration of alcohol exposure was all 3 trimester-equivalents of gestation, we did not detect a difference in fetal cerebellar Purkinje cell number. Conclusions:  We conclude that the fetal cerebellar Purkinje cells are sensitive to alcohol exposure at any time during gestation and that women who engage in binge drinking during the first trimester are at a high risk of giving birth to children with cerebellar damage even if drinking ceases after the first trimester. Our findings also support the hypothesis that only a certain population of Purkinje cells are vulnerable to alcohol-induced depletion irrespective of the timing or duration of alcohol exposure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cerebral hypoxia has been proposed as a mechanism by which prenatal ethanol exposure causes fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) in children, but no study had tested this hypothesis using a chronic exposure model that mimicks a common human exposure pattern. Pregnant sheep were exposed to ethanol, 0.75 or 1.75 g kg−1 (to create blood ethanol concentrations of 85 and 185 mg dl−1, respectively), or saline 3 days per week in succession (a ‘binge drinking’ model) from gestational day (GD) 109 until GD 132. Fetuses were instrumented on GD 119–120 and studied on GD 132. The 1.75 g kg−1 dose resulted in a significant increase in fetal biventricular output (measured by radiolabelled microsphere technique) and heart rate, and a reduction of mean arterial pressure and total peripheral resistance at 1 h, the end of ethanol infusion. The arterial partial pressure of CO2 was increased, arterial pH was decreased and arterial partial pressure of O2 did not change. Fetal whole-brain blood flow increased by 37% compared with the control group at 1 h, resulting in increased cerebral oxygen delivery. The elevation in brain blood flow was region specific, occurring preferentially in the ethanol-sensitive cerebellum, increasing by 44% compared with the control group at 1 h. There were no changes in the lower dose group. Assessment of regional differences in the teratogenic effects of ethanol by stereological cell-counting technique showed a reduced number of cerebellar Purkinje cells in response to the 1.75 g kg−1 dose compared with the control brains. However, no such differences in neuronal numbers were observed in the hippocampus or the olfactory bulb. We conclude that repeated exposure to moderate doses of ethanol during the third trimester alters fetal cerebral vascular function and increases blood flow in brain regions that are vulnerable to ethanol in the presence of acidaemia and hypercapnia, and in the absence of hypoxia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The third trimester equivalent has been identified, both in rat and sheep models, as a period of cerebellar vulnerability to alcohol-mediated injury. We wished to determine whether alcohol exposure throughout gestation results in greater injury compared with exposure limited to the third trimester equivalent. While this question has previously been addressed in the rat model, where the third trimester equivalent occurs postnatally, it has not yet been addressed in an animal model where all 3 trimester equivalents occur prenatally, as in the ovine. We also wished to correlate cerebellar Purkinje cell loss to alcohol-mediated alterations in maternal arterial pH and blood gases as these responses might be important mechanistically in mediating the damage. Methods: Three groups of pregnant sheep were used: an untreated normal control group, a saline control group, and an alcohol group (1.75 g/kg of the body weight). The alcohol exposure regimen was designed to mimic a human binge pattern; alcohol was administered intravenously on 3 consecutive days, followed by 4 days without alcohol, beginning day 4 of gestation, continuing to the end of the third trimester equivalent of human brain growth, day 132 of gestation. Results: All 3 trimester alcohol-exposed fetal brains exhibited significant deficits in cerebellar volume and Purkinje cell number compared with those of control subjects. We did not detect a difference in the reduction of Purkinje cell number when comparing between all 3 trimester and third trimester alcohol exposure studies. The neuronal loss was accompanied by maternal hypercapnea, acidemia, and normoxemia. Conclusions: These findings demonstrate in an ovine model where all 3 trimester equivalent of brain growth occur in utero that the fetal cerebellar Purkinje cells are more sensitive to the timing of alcohol exposure and less so to the duration of exposure. Decreases in maternal PaO2 were not detected, suggesting that maternal hypoxia does not play a role in fetal Purkinje cell loss. And finally, we conclude that alcohol-induced changes in maternal arterial pH may play a role in alcohol-mediated developmental brain injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, sulfobetaine (4-(trialkylammonium) propansultan (TAAPS)) was first developed as a new phase-transfer catalyst for synthesizing dialkoxymethane. The addition reaction of 1,3-propane sultone (PS) and trialkylamines (TAA) was successfully carried out to synthesize sulfobetaines in a homogeneous organic solution. In this work, for the first time, five different TAAPSs, which possess high reactivity, stability, selectivity, and performance, were employed as phase-transfer catalysis to synthesize dialkoxymethane. The reaction of alcohol and dibromomethane in a highly alkaline solution of KOH/organic solvent two-phase medium to produce dialkoxymethane was carried out under phase-transfer catalysis using 4-(trialkylammonium) propansultan as the catalyst. From the experimental observation, a rational reaction mechanism using this new phase-transfer catalyst was proposed. Kinetics of the reaction are studied in detail. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In spite of the fact that drinking and smoking often occur together, little is known about the pharmacokinetic interaction between alcohol and nicotine. Previous research in neonatal rats demonstrated that nicotine reduces blood alcohol concentrations (BACs) if alcohol and nicotine are administered simultaneously. However, it is unclear whether such a phenomenon can be observed in adult subjects, given the fact that there is an ontogenetic difference in alcohol metabolism. Methods: A range of nicotine doses (0, 0.25, 0.5, 1, 2, 4, and 6 mg/kg) were administered individually with an alcohol dose (4 g/kg) via intragastric (IG) intubation to adult female rats, and the resultant BACs were measured at various time points following drug administration. Furthermore, the hypothesis that nicotine's role in reducing BACs is mediated through factors related to gastric function was examined by comparing the resultant BACs after an IG intubation or intraperitoneal (IP) injection of alcohol. Results: The results from this study showed significant nicotine dose–related decreases in BACs with 0.5, 1, 2, 4, and 6 mg/kg doses of nicotine at the various time points assessed. This effect, however, occurred only when alcohol was administered via IG intubation, but not after an IP injection of alcohol. Conclusions: These results suggest that the nicotine-induced decrease in BAC may be related to gastric function. One possible explanation was related to nicotine's action in delaying gastric emptying. The longer the alcohol was retained in the stomach, the more likely that the alcohol would be metabolized by gastric alcohol dehydrogenase before its absorption into the bloodstream by the small intestine (the major site of alcohol absorption). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: We encountered three patients with hypokalemic paralysis following a convulsion in the early stages of alcohol abstinence. The transtubular potassium gradient was less than 2.0, suggesting intracellular potassium shift. Hypokalaemic paralysis may result from retention of intracellular cationic potassium bound by anionic phosphorylated compounds, precipitated by an acceleration of the Na+–K+ pump in alcohol withdrawal and convulsions. These findings warn of the lethal hypokalemia that may occur after convulsions, particularly soon after alcohol abstinence associated with moderate withdrawal symptoms. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A sensitive fluorometric assay was developed for alcohol sulfotransferase (AST). This was the first continuous fluorometric assay reported for AST. It used 3′-phosphoadenosine 5′-phosphosulfate regenerated from 3-phosphoadenosine 5′-phosphate by a recombinant phenol sulfotransferase (PST) using 4-methylumbelliferyl sulfate as the sulfuryl group donor. The recombinant PST did not use the alcohol substrate under the designed condition, and the sensitivity for AST activity was found to be comparable to that of radioactive assay as reported in the literature. The change of fluorescence intensity of 4-methylumbelliferone corresponded directly to the amount of active AST and was sensitive enough to measure nanogram or picomole amounts of the enzyme activity. This fluorometric assay was used to determine the activities of AST as purified form and in crude extracts of pig liver, rat liver, and Escherichia coli. Some properties of human dehydroepiandrosterone sulfotransferase were determined by this method and were found to be comparable to published data. Under similar assay conditions, the contaminated activities of arylsulfatase in crude extracts were also determined. This method not only is useful for the routine and detailed kinetic study of this important class of enzymes but also has the potential for the development of a high-throughput procedure using microplate reader. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: Developmental alcohol (EtOH) exposure produces long-term changes in the photic regulation of rat circadian behavior. Because entrainment of circadian rhythms to 24-hr light/dark cycles is mediated by phase shifting or resetting the clock mechanism, we examined whether developmental EtOH exposure also alters the phase-shifting effects of light pulses on the rat activity rhythm. Methods: Artificially reared Sprague-Dawley rat pups were exposed to EtOH (4.5 g/kg/day) or an isocaloric milk formula (gastrostomy control; GC) on postnatal days 4 to 9. At 2 months of age, rats from the EtOH, GC, and suckle control groups were housed individually, and wheel-running behavior was continuously recorded first in a 12-hr light/12-hr dark photoperiod for 10 to 14 days and thereafter in constant darkness (DD). Once the activity rhythm was observed to stably free-run in DD for at least 14 days, animals were exposed to a 15-min light pulse at either 2 or 10 hr after the onset of activity [i.e., circadian time (CT) 14 or 22, respectively], because light exposure at these times induces maximal phase delays or advances of the rat activity rhythm. Results: EtOH-treated rats were distinguished by robust increases in their phase-shifting responses to light. In the suckle control and GC groups, light pulses shifted the activity rhythm as expected, inducing phase delays of approximately 2 hr at CT 14 and advances of similar amplitude at CT 22. In contrast, the same light stimulus produced phase delays at CT 14 and advances at CT 22 of longer than 3 hr in EtOH-treated rats. The mean phase delay at CT 14 and advance at CT 22 in EtOH rats were significantly greater (p < 0.05) than the light-induced shifts observed in control animals. Conclusions: The data indicate that developmental EtOH exposure alters the phase-shifting responses of the rat activity rhythm to light. This finding, coupled with changes in the circadian period and light/dark entrainment observed in EtOH-treated rats, suggests that developmental EtOH exposure may permanently alter the clock mechanism in the suprachiasmatic nucleus and its regulation of circadian behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background One popular mechanism proposed to account for alcohol-induced brain damage is the generation of free radicals after alcohol exposure. Therefore, it is reasonable to hypothesize that administration of an antioxidant should reduce the severity of alcohol-induced brain damage. Recently, melatonin has been shown to be an effective free-radical scavenger. In this study, the ability of melatonin to attenuate alcohol-induced cerebellar Purkinje cell loss in the cerebellar vermis and lobule I was assessed. Methods Sprague-Dawley rat pups were used in this study. These neonatal pups were exposed to alcohol (4.5 g/kg), melatonin (10 mg/kg), both alcohol and melatonin, or control vehicle via artificial-rearing methods from postnatal day (PD) 4 to PD 9. Alcohol, melatonin, or control vehicle was mixed with milk formula in 2 of the daily 12 feedings. Pups were killed 90 min after the beginning of the second alcohol feeding on PD 9. Results Alcohol significantly reduced the Purkinje cell numbers in the vermis and lobule I, with a higher percentage of cell loss in lobule I compared with the vermis. However, melatonin, per se, neither affected the Purkinje cell number nor diminished alcohol-induced Purkinje cell loss. Conclusions Melatonin was not effective in attenuating alcohol-induced loss of Purkinje cells in our neonatal rat model system, even though such a dosage of melatonin is capable of reversing free radical-induced damage in other tissues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background : We tested the hypothesis that in utero ethanol exposure results in changes in fetal and maternal adrenocorticotropin (ACTH) and cortisol during the third trimester equivalent, by using a chronically instrumented fetal sheep model. Methods: Pregnant ewes received saline or ethanol intravenously 3 consecutive days per week from day 109 to day 132 of gestation. Fetal and maternal blood samples were collected on days 118 and 132. Results: Maternal and fetal ACTH and cortisol values increased on days 118 and 132 of gestation in response to ethanol infusions that created blood ethanol concentrations (BECs) that are easily achievable by human drinkers. Peak ACTH and cortisol values were detected 30 to 60 min after peak BECs were achieved. Conclusions: Chronic ethanol exposure during the third trimester equivalent in sheep resulted in repeated activation of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis in both the mother and fetus. Temporally, the patterns of maternal and fetal responses to ethanol infusion were similar. We conclude that ovine maternal ethanol exposure during the third trimester equivalent increases fetal ACTH and cortisol concentrations, hormonal responses that may play a role in mediating alcohol-related birth defects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The mechanisms by which maternal ethanol abuse during pregnancy causes neurodevelopmental injury in the fetus are not well understood. The purpose of this study was to use a chronically instrumented fetal sheep model system to determine if a binge pattern of ethanol e-posure administered throughout the third trimester reduced fetal arterial partial pressure of o-ygen (PaO2); a positive finding would support the hypothesis that fetal hypoxemia may play a role in mediating ethanol-related birth defects. Methods: Pregnant ewes received saline or 0.75, 1.25, 1.5, or 1.75 g/kg of ethanol intravenously over 1 hr beginning on day 109 of gestation (term = 145 days) for 3 consecutive days per week followed by 4 days without e-posure. The fetuses were surgically instrumented on day 113, and e-periments were performed on days 118 or 132, the 6th and the 12th ethanol e-posure, respectively. Results: Ethanol infusions resulted in peak blood ethanol concentrations of 80.8 ± 6.5, 182.5 ± 13.5, 224.4 ± 13.9, and 260.6 ± 20.0 mg/dl ± SEM (maternal) and 70.0 ± 5.9, 149.7 ± 9.0, 216.9 ± 14.0, and 233.3 ± 19.8 mg/dl ± SEM (fetal) in response to the 0.75, 1.25, 1.5, and 1.75 g/kg doses, respectively. Maternal and fetal heart rate and maternal blood pressure increased whereas fetal blood pressure decreased in a dose-dependent manner in response to ethanol infusions. Maternal and fetal arterial pH decreased and arterial partial pressures of carbon dio-ide increased in response to ethanol infusions. Maternal PaO2 decreased whereas fetal PaO2 did not change in response to ethanol infusions. Conclusions: A binge ethanol e-posure paradigm, three consecutive days per week throughout the third trimester at ethanol doses that created blood ethanol concentrations commonly achieved by human ethanol abusers, resulted in changes in maternal and fetal heart rate, changes in blood pressure, hypercapnea, acidemia, and maternal, but not fetal, hypo-emia. We conclude that in an ovine model system, ethanol doses that create blood ethanol concentrations as high as 260 mg/dl do not result in fetal hypo-emia. Remaining issues to address with this model system are whether neurodevelopmental injuries that are associated with maternal ethanol abuse are mediated by a reduction in fetal cerebral blood flow, fetal hypercapnea, or acidemia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous research from our laboratory has shown that [ethanol (EtOH)] exposure during the brain growth spurt is detrimental to olfactory bulb development. This study extends those findings by examining the effects of EtOH, nicotine (NIC), and the combination of these drugs (EtOH/NIC) on olfactory bulb mitral cell numbers, as well as on various major neurotransmitter levels in neonatal rats. An artificial rearing paradigm was used in the present studies. These artificially reared pups were given 4 g/kg/day of EtOH and/or 6 mg/kg/ day of NIC on postnatal day (PD) 4 to PD 9, except in the case of the acute neurochemistry study, in which the pups received treatment on PD 9 only. An artificially reared gastrostomy control group (GC) and a suckle control group were included. The mean total numbers of mitral cells in the EtOH and NIC groups were significantly reduced from that of the GC, as well as the volume of the left main olfactory bulb. There was no difference among any of the groups in mitral cell density. As for neurochemistry data, there was no difference in neurotransmitter levels among any of the groups in the repeat exposure regimen. There were, however, changes after the acute exposure (exposure on PD 9 only). Both serotonin and GABA levels were significantly increased only after NIC exposure. However, norepinephrine levels were significantly decreased after acute exposure in all three drug treatment groups, compared with that of the control group. Except for the GC control group, dopamine levels were not detected consistently after acute exposure to EtOH, NIC, or EtOH/NIC. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that exposure to EtOH or NIC individually during the brain growth spurt results in developmental deficits in the olfactory bulb, suggesting that both EtOH and NIC are neuroteratogens. Furthermore, this study demonstrated the capability of NIC to antagonize (protect) EtOH-induced mitral cell loss in the developing olfactory bulb. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drug addiction can be conceptualized at a basic level as maladaptive learning and memory. Addictive substances elicit changes in brain circuitry involved in reward, cognition, and emotional state, leading to the formation and persistence of strong drug-associated memories that lead to craving and relapse. Recently, perineuronal nets (PNNs), extracellular matrix (ECM) structures surrounding neurons, have emerged as regulators of learning, memory, and addiction behaviors. PNNs do not merely provide structural support to neurons but are dynamically remodeled in an experience-dependent manner by metalloproteinases. They function in various brain regions through constituent proteins such as brevican that are implicated in neural plasticity. Understanding the function of PNN components in memory processes may lead to new therapeutic approaches to treating addiction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The study aims to (i) identify the evolving profile of endorsed alcohol expectancies (AEs) during the transition from late childhood into early adolescence, and (ii) examine the connection between such profiles and subsequent alcohol drinking and purchasing in adolescence.Methods: A prospective cohort of 928 sixth graders was recruited from 17 elementary schools in northern Taiwan in 2006 with follow-ups conducted in seventh and eighth grade. Information concerning AEs, individual characteristics, and social attributes were collected by self-administered questionnaires at baseline and in seventh grade; drinking behaviors and alcohol purchasing were assessed in eighth grade. Longitudinal latent profile and survey regression analyses were used to evaluate association estimates.Results: Three distinct profiles of positive AEs were identified: stably low (37%), stably high (35%), and increasing (28%). Regardless of childhood-onset alcohol experience, endorsing the stably high-profile AEs was associated with increased drinking occasions (adjusted relative risk [aRR] = 1.49, 95% CI = 1.24-1.80), and having the increasing-profile AEs may elevate the likelihood of alcohol purchase in adolescence (adjusted odd ratio [aOR] = 2.57, 95% CI = 1.33-4.96). Additionally, parental drinking was the most influential social factor for drinking occasions (aRR = 1.43) whereas peer drinking was prominent for alcohol purchasing (aOR = 3.06).Conclusions: The evolving profile of alcohol expectancy in late childhood may predict alcohol drinking occasion and purchasing behaviors in adolescence. Underage drinking prevention efforts should target not only pro-alcohol social environments but also cognitive constructs (e.g., alcohol expectancy). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives This study aims to identify peers and social network characteristics associated with drinking occasions through early adolescence. Methods The study sample of 1808 middle school students (aged 13–15 years) in northern Taiwan was collected via a two-wave longitudinal study of the Alcohol-Related Experiences among Children (AREC). Data concerning individual sociodemographics, family characteristics, peer influence, and alcohol drinking behaviors were collected via web-based self-administered questionnaire. Building upon the maximum of five friends nominated by young respondents at 7th grade, class-based social network was first constructed via the UCINET and Pajek; the network position (i.e., member, bridge, and isolate) for each student was subsequently ascertained. Complex surveys analyses and negative binominal regression models were used to evaluate concurrent and prospective relationship estimates. Results Effects of peers and social network were found to operate differentially by childhood alcohol experience. For the alcohol naïve youngsters, receiving higher peer's nomination at baseline was linked with subsequent increased drinking occasions (adjusted Incidence Rate Ratio [aIRR] = 1.06; 95% CI = 1.01–1.10), whereas having peers against alcohol drinking may reduce drinking occasions at 9th grade (aIRR = 0.59; 95% CI = 0.41–0.87). For the alcohol experienced youngsters, having parental alcohol offer, drinking peers, and attending classes of higher drinking norms may increase future drinking occasions by 90%, 80% and 44%, respectively. Conclusions Our results demonstrated that parental alcohol offer, peer norms, and social network may affect adolescent drinking occasions differentially depending on childhood drinking experience. The findings have implications for the interventions to reduce alcohol consumption in underage population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Background: Little has been known about children''s illegal alcohol purchasing behaviors and associated contextual factors influencing commercial accessibility to alcohol. The aims are to determine multilevel effects of school- and family-characteristics on children''s alcohol purchase and to probe possible drinking experience-related heterogeneity in such links. Methods: A representative sample of 2630 4th- and 6th-graders in an urban region of Taiwan in 2007 was drawn via multistage probability sampling. Information about family background and individual drinking experiences was collected via paper-and-pencil self-administered questionnaires; school neighborhood characteristics were assessed via commercial datasets of geographic information system. Results: Roughly one in nine 10–12-year-old children ever purchased alcoholic beverages by 6th grade. Children who did not participate in after-school programs or had observed parental drinking had 2–3-fold increased risk to buy alcoholic beverages alone. Living with one or none of parents was associated with alcohol purchase in children who never drank alcohol (Odds Ratio [OR]=3.51; 95% Confidence Interval [CI]=2.14, 5.76). School contextual characteristics have salient effects on minors’ alcohol accessibility from commercial sources (e.g., the density of nearby educational institutions, OR=0.33–0.53), and certain school neighborhood effects were notably different by children''s drinking experience (e.g., the density of public transportation). Conclusions: The present study suggests the significant effects of family socioeconomics, family drinking, and school neighboring environment on children''s independent alcohol purchase, which may operate differentially by one''s drinking experience. Our findings may provide implications that family and school neighborhood contexts should be considered in the devising and delivery of underage drinking prevention programs. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: To explain the experimental observation that a short pulse with energy exceeding a threshold can induce the outward solute migration in an ethanolic solution of chloroaluminum phthalocyanine, we have modeled each solute molecule as an oscillator confined within a potential well formed by the attractive forces of neighboring solvent molecules. In this report, we further infer that the threshold increases with a decreasing solution temperature. This inference is verified by measuring the energy thresholds for a 19 picosecond pulse to induce the outward solute migration in this solution at two temperatures of 288K and 293K. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In this study, we examine whether adolescent emotional and behavior problems vary by history of early alcohol experiences. A national sample of 6974 alcohol-naïve and 4337 alcohol-experienced youths aged 15–18 years were identified within the 2004 National Survey of Illegal Drug Use among Adolescents in Taiwan. Four alcohol experience groups were created based on recency and frequency of alcohol use: (1) naïve; never drank alcohol, (2) trial use; first and only consumption of alcohol occurred more than 6 months preceding the assessment, (3) past use; alcohol used on more than one occasion but had not had a drink in the 6 months prior to the assessment, and (4) current use; consumed alcohol more than once and drank within the 6 months preceding the interview. A Chinese adaptation of the Youth Self-Report (YSR) assessed eight behavior syndromes: withdrawn, anxious/depressed, somatic complaints, social problems, thought problems, attention problems, rule-breaking behavior, and aggressive behavior. Multivariate response models (GLM/GEE) were used to examine the relationship of alcohol experiences with emotional and behavior problems. Alcohol-using youth were more likely to experience several specific emotional or behavioral syndromes than their alcohol-naïve counterparts. For example, youth with a history of alcohol use had an estimated 30–60% increase in the odds of experiencing items within the aggressive behavior syndrome as compared with alcohol-naïve youth. The type of early alcohol involvement in adolescence may exert differential effects on emotions and behaviors expressed across and within syndromes; these may warrant distinctions in informing etiological research and preventive efforts. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The aim of this study is to assess the association linking employment experience with alcohol, tobacco, and betel nut involvement among youth in Taiwan. In 2004, an outreach program was conducted during weekdays to recruit youth sample in seven major geographic regions. A total of 5886 youth aged 12–18 years drawn from 26 cities or towns were assessed by a two-page anonymous self-administered questionnaire, including sociodemographic characteristics, employment-, development-, and drug-related experiences. In Taiwan, youthful experience of alcohol, tobacco, and polydrug use varies by employment status, work intensity, and job type. Holding a full-time job and working in certain settings (e.g., grocery, restaurants) were found associated with an excess of drug-using behaviors. With taking age, male gender, family context, disposable allowance, and school attendance into account, working youths were two to four times as likely to have recent drug involvement than their non-working counterparts, especially for tobacco and polydrug (OR=3.32, 95% CI: 2.58–4.27, p <0.001; OR=3.76, 95% CI: 2.76–5.13, p <0.001). Youths in the labor force emerge as a subgroup experiencing greater use of alcohol, tobacco, betel nut, and polydrug. Future prevention programs may target this high-risk group to reduce possible drug-related negative consequences in developmental and health domains in Taiwan. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This study investigates the association linking truancy and drug-related experiences among adolescents surveyed via a street outreach program. A total of 2126 adolescents aged 12 to 18 years recruited from Taipei street sites completed a self-administered anonymous questionnaire. The lifetime prevalence of illicit drug use for adolescents with truancy was 15.0–17.9% (12.1–14.5% for ecstasy, 4.6–7.3% for ketamine, and 3.5–8.8% for marijuana), and the corresponding estimate was 3.1–3.4% for youths without truancy. Multiple logistic regression analyses showed a dose-response effect linking the maximum days of truancy with illicit drug us. After holding constant of psychosocial environmental factors and use of readily available substance (i.e., alcohol, tobacco, and betel nut), the results of survival analyses suggested that there might be reciprocal relationships operating between illicit drug use and truancy. These findings may help form programs to identify or monitor youths at risk. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: It has been suggested that developmental alcohol-induced brain damage is mediated through increases in oxidative stress. In this study, the concentrations of malondialdehyde (MDA) and reduced glutathione (GSH) were measured to indicate alcohol-mediated oxidative stress. In addition, the ability of two known antioxidants, melatonin (MEL) and lazaroid U-83836E (U), to attenuate alcohol-induced oxidative stress was investigated. Sprague–Dawley rat pups were randomly assigned to six artificially-reared groups, ALC (alcohol), MEL, MEL/ALC, U, U/ALC, and GC (gastrostomy control), and one normal suckle control (to control for artificial-rearing effects on the dependent variables). The daily dosages for ALC, MEL, and U were 6 g/kg, 20 mg/kg, and 20 mg/kg, respectively. Alcohol was administered in 2 consecutive feedings, and antioxidant (MEL or U) was administered for a total of 4 consecutive feedings (2 feedings prior to and 2 feedings concurrently with alcohol). The animals received treatment from postnatal days (PD) 4 through 9. Cerebellar, hippocampal, and cortical samples were collected on PD 9 and analyzed for MDA and GSH content. The results indicated that MDA concentrations in the cerebellum were significantly elevated in animals receiving alcohol; however, MDA levels in the hippocampus and cortex were not affected by alcohol treatment. Additionally, GSH levels in the cerebellum were significantly elevated in groups receiving alcohol, regardless of antioxidant treatment. Neither antioxidant was able to protect against alcohol-induced alterations of MDA or GSH. These findings suggest that alcohol might increase GSH levels indirectly as a compensatory mechanism designed to protect the brain from oxidative-stress-mediated insult. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: The present study aims to investigate the effects of childhood negative life events (NLEs) on alcohol expectancies (AEs) in early adolescence through cumulative risk and latent class approaches.Methods: Data were obtained from a prospective cohort of 945 sixth graders (age 11-12) ascertained from 17 elementary schools in northern Taiwan (response rate = 61.0 %wt); subsequent assessments were conducted during eighth grade (n = 775, follow-up rate [FR] = 82.6 %wt). Information concerning socio-demographics, 14 NLEs, alcohol-related experience, and four-domain AEs was collected by self-administered questionnaires at childhood and follow-up. Latent class and multivariate analyses were used to evaluate the association estimates.Results: Nearly one half of children had experienced at least one NLE in sixth grade, with one-tenth experiencing four or more NLEs. Three latent classes of NLEs were identified: "lesser experience (68.1 %wt)," "stressed relationship (27.6 %wt)," and "family instability (4.3 %wt)." The observed NLE-associated increase in AEs was relatively stronger in the cumulative approach: children experiencing four or more NLEs (βwt = 1.27, 95 % CI = 0.27-2.27) and in the "stressed relationship" NLE class appeared to develop greater AEs (βwt = 0.86, 95 % CI = 0.30-1.42). Moreover, such NLE-associated increase was especially salient in the AE domains regarding "global positive transformation" and "promoting relaxation or tension reduction".Conclusions: Our results provide insight into which experiences of multiple and "stressed relationship" negative life events arising from the family context in childhood may shape endorsed alcohol expectancies in adolescence, and implied that such effects may not uniformly operate across AE domain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Adolescent alcohol use was found to be influenced by parental and peer alcohol use. Drinking behaviors also differed by gender. However, previous studies mainly focused on adolescents' substance use in relation to the same substance use among their salient others. Hence, this study investigated the cross-substance relationships of alcohol and tobacco use of parents and peers with adolescents' problematic alcohol use, separately by gender.Methods: Data were derived from 4445 adolescents aged 12-17 years from the 2014 National Survey of Substance Use, a nationally representative survey in Taiwan. Problematic alcohol use was assessed using the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT). Multivariate multinomial logistic regression was used, stratified by gender.Results: For males, maternal (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.73) and peer (aOR = 2.57) alcohol use was related to social drinking (AUDIT < 2); paternal (aOR = 3.58), maternal (aOR = 2.18), peer alcohol use (aOR = 5.37), and their own tobacco use (aOR = 4.72) were related to problem drinking (AUDIT ≥ 2). For females, maternal (aOR = 2.26) and peer (aOR = 2.84) alcohol use was related to social drinking; maternal (aOR = 2.35) and peer tobacco use (aOR = 3.48), and paternal (aOR = 4.56) and peer alcohol use (aOR = 3.36) were linked to problem drinking.Conclusions: Both male and female adolescents' alcohol use was associated with their peer alcohol use, and gender differences were found in relation to their parental and peer substance use. Specifically, the parental role-modeling of smoking was only significant in mother-daughter dyads. These findings could inform multifaceted adolescent alcohol prevention programs, tailoring for males and females and also targeting their parental and peer substance use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The evolution of poly (vinyl alcohol) PVA structure and dichromatic substance induced by uniaxial stretching PVA in the mixed solution with iodine and boric acid (BA) is systematically studied by the combination of in-situ synchrotron radiation small- and wide-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS and WAXD). The experiment is carried out under an orthogonal experimental design for the iodine concentrations of 0.01, 0.2, 1 M, and the BA concentrations of 0.3, 1, and 3 wt%, respectively. We divide the stretch process into three regions, whose boundary is the yield point and strain harden point. The PVA-I 3 - co-crystal generating at high and moderate iodine concentrations is less stable as compared with the PVA crystal, which leads to the earlier decrease of crystallinity at the end of the first region. In the second region, the broken crystal, namely the regular amorphous, is the precursor of the PVA-polyiodide complex. Further increasing the strain, the PVA-I 3 - co-crystals are generated from the one dimension polyiodide surrounded by the PVA chains through a melt-reconstruction process. The adequate BA can make it easy to form the polyiodide at the initial state. Still, the increasing rate of polyiodide is suppressed by further added BA due to the limitation of chain movement by the crosslinking agent. In the final region, the emergence of nanofibril can account for the strain hardening of the film. The evolution of polyiodide and PVA-I 3 - co-crystal revealed by this work gives a better understanding of the polarizer production process, which may guide the resolution of blue leakage of polarizer via an enhancement of the I 3 − in the crystal form during stretching. Image 1 • The structural evolution of dichromatic substance with poly (vinyl alcohol) at different concentrations of boric acid during stretch is investigated by in-situ WAXD and SAXS. • The metastable PVA-I 3 - cocrystal will be easily broken during stretching, which leads to the distinct yield point. • Polyiodide first emerges in the amorphous originated from the broken crystal and then in the highly oriented amorphous during stretching. • The one-dimension polyiodide along with the PVA chain is the precursor of PVA-I 3 - cocrystal. • Dichromatic substance emerges earlier with the increasing of boric acid concentration; however, their final content is less due to the limitation of chain mobility by the crosslinking agent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The present study aims to (i) identify patterns in the changes of endorsed positive alcohol expectancies (AEs) through early adolescence and (ii) examine associated childhood social context predictors of such profiles.Methods: We used three waves of longitudinal data from the Alcohol-Related Experiences among Children. The baseline sample comprised 928 6th graders from 17 elementary schools in northern Taiwan (response rate = 60 %); subsequent follow-up was conducted at 7th and 8th grade (follow-up rate = 88 %). Data concerning three domains of positive AEs (i.e., global positive transformation, enhancing social behaviors, and promoting relaxation), social context, and alcohol drinking were collected by self-administered questionnaires. Longitudinal latent profile and survey multinomial logistic regression analyses were used to evaluate the association estimates, stratified by childhood alcohol initiation.Results: Three distinct profiles (decreasing, stable, and increasing) of positive AEs were identified for the alcohol-naïve children (n = 466); observing paternal drinking and watching TV more than two hours per day at baseline were strongly linked with the stable and increasing AE profiles (aOR = 1.96-4.80). For the alcohol-experienced children, four profiles (low decreasing, low increasing, high decreasing, and high increasing) emerged; observing maternal drinking was predictive for the high-increasing profile (aOR = 2.94). Regardless of childhood alcohol initiation, recent alcohol use appeared to be the strongest predictor for the increasing profiles of positive AEs.Conclusions: Strategies addressing pro-alcohol social contexts that facilitate a prominent increase in positive AEs should be considered when devising preventive programs targeting underage drinking behaviors and problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]