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Clinical Psychology Review Aug 2023Consuming alcohol mixed with energy drinks (AmED) is a high-risk drinking practice. This systematic review examines how AmED use contributes to aggression (physical and... (Review)
Review
PURPOSE
Consuming alcohol mixed with energy drinks (AmED) is a high-risk drinking practice. This systematic review examines how AmED use contributes to aggression (physical and sexual), in what role(s) (perpetrator and/or victim), in adolescents and young adult drinkers (age 25 and younger).
METHODS
Computer assisted search identified 844 studies conducted prior to March 2023; of them 17 met inclusion criteria.
RESULTS
AmED use was significantly associated with aggressive behaviors. Between-subject studies suggests that AmED consumers have higher rates of perpetration (physical fights, bullying) and victimization compared to peers who only drink alcohol; however, within-subject studies of AmED users find no difference in physical aggression by drinking event (AmED vs. occasions where consumer drinks alcohol only). Similarly, AmED use was a risk factor for sexually aggressive behaviors (e.g., unwanted contact) and victimization.
CONCLUSIONS
AmED use is a significant risk factor both victimization and perpetration of violent acts. Differences in within- versus between-study findings suggests that risk is associated with use of AmED, and not event level differences in drinking occasions among AmED users. Findings highlight the relative paucity of studies examining victimization and sexual violence and the need for future studies to incorporate more diverse samples and methodologies to better understand patterns of AmED use, perpetration, and victimization.
Topics: Humans; Young Adult; Adolescent; Adult; Energy Drinks; Surveys and Questionnaires; Alcohol Drinking; Alcoholic Beverages; Ethanol; Aggression; Risk-Taking
PubMed: 37494857
DOI: 10.1016/j.cpr.2023.102319 -
BMJ Global Health Nov 2022Health inequity within Indigenous populations is widespread and underpinned by colonialism, dispossession and oppression. Social and cultural determinants of Indigenous...
INTRODUCTION
Health inequity within Indigenous populations is widespread and underpinned by colonialism, dispossession and oppression. Social and cultural determinants of Indigenous health and well-being are well described. Despite emerging literature on the commercial determinants of health, the health and well-being impacts of commercial activities for Indigenous populations is not well understood. We aimed to identify, map and synthesise the available evidence on the commercial determinants of Indigenous health and well-being.
METHODS
Five academic databases (MEDLINE Complete, Global Health APAPsycInfo, Environment Complete and Business Source Complete) and grey literature (Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet, Google Scholar, Google) were systematically searched for articles describing commercial industry activities that may influence health and well-being for Indigenous peoples in high-income countries. Data were extracted by Indigenous and non-Indigenous researchers and narratively synthesised.
RESULTS
56 articles from the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Norway and Sweden were included, 11 of which were editorials/commentaries. The activities of the extractive (mining), tobacco, food and beverage, pharmaceutical, alcohol and gambling industries were reported to impact Indigenous populations. Forty-six articles reported health-harming commercial practices, including exploitation of Indigenous land, marketing, lobbying and corporate social responsibility activities. Eight articles reported positive commercial industry activities that may reinforce cultural expression, cultural continuity and Indigenous self-determination. Few articles reported Indigenous involvement across the study design and implementation.
CONCLUSION
Commercial industry activities contribute to health and well-being outcomes of Indigenous populations. Actions to reduce the harmful impacts of commercial activities on Indigenous health and well-being and future empirical research on the commercial determinants of Indigenous health, should be Indigenous led or designed in collaboration with Indigenous peoples.
Topics: Humans; Australia; Indigenous Peoples; Databases, Factual; Ethanol; Health Inequities
PubMed: 36319033
DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2022-010366 -
Contact Dermatitis Jan 2021The use of alcoholic-based hand rubs (ABHRs) is an important tool for hand hygiene, especially in times of the COVID-19 pandemic. Possible irritant effects of ABHR may...
BACKGROUND
The use of alcoholic-based hand rubs (ABHRs) is an important tool for hand hygiene, especially in times of the COVID-19 pandemic. Possible irritant effects of ABHR may prevent their use by persons at risk of infection.
METHODS
This systematic review is based on a PubMed search of articles published between January 2000 and September 2019 in English and German, and a manual search, related to the irritation potential of alcohol-based disinfectants restricted to n-propanol (1-propanol) and its structural isomer isopropanol (isopropyl alcohol, 2-propanol).
RESULTS
The majority of the included studies show a low irritation potential of n-propanol alone. However, recent studies provide evidence for significant barrier damage effects of repeated exposure to 60% n-propanol in healthy, as well as atopic skin in vivo. The synergistic response of combined irritants, (ie, a combination of n-propanol or isopropanol with detergents such as sodium lauryl sulfate) is greater, compared with a quantitatively identical application of the same irritant alone.
CONCLUSION
While recent studies indicate a higher risk of skin irritation for n-propanol and isopropanol than reported in the past, this risk still seems to be lower than that for frequent handwashing with detergents, as recommended by some to prevent COVID-19 infections.
Topics: 1-Propanol; 2-Propanol; Anti-Infective Agents, Local; COVID-19; Dermatitis, Irritant; Hand Disinfection; Humans
PubMed: 33063847
DOI: 10.1111/cod.13722 -
Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics Aug 2014Studies on the relation between alcohol consumption and risk of colorectal adenoma (CRA), a precursor of colorectal cancer, have been inconsistent. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Studies on the relation between alcohol consumption and risk of colorectal adenoma (CRA), a precursor of colorectal cancer, have been inconsistent.
AIM
A systematic review with meta-analysis was conducted to investigate the association and the dose-response of alcohol with CRA.
METHODS
A literature search was performed on PubMed to identify relevant studies published up to January 2014. A fixed or random effects model was used to estimate summarised relative risks (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the association between alcohol intake and CRA risk. Statistical heterogeneity between studies was assessed with the χ(2) statistic and quantified by I².
RESULTS
Twenty-three case-control studies and two cohort studies were included in the meta-analysis. All drinkers were associated with 17% increased risk for CRA, compared with nondrinkers or occasional alcohol drinkers. The dose-response analysis demonstrated that for drinkers of 10, 25, 50 and 100 g/day alcohol consumption, the estimated RRs of CRA were 1.02 (95% CI 0.89-1.16), 1.06 (95% CI 0.92-1.20), 1.16 (95% CI 1.02-1.33) and 1.61 (95% CI 1.42-1.84) respectively, in comparison with non-/occasional drinkers. The risks were consistent in the subgroup analyses of gender and site of adenoma, while it was stronger in European studies than the studies in the US and Asia.
CONCLUSIONS
This study suggests that alcohol intake is related to a significant increase of risk for colrectal adenoma.
Topics: Adenoma; Alcohol Drinking; Colorectal Neoplasms; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Ethanol; Humans; Models, Statistical; Risk; Risk Factors; Sex Factors
PubMed: 24943329
DOI: 10.1111/apt.12841 -
Chest Aug 2015COPD guidelines recommend the combined use of inhaled long-acting β2-agonists (LABAs) and long-acting muscarinic antagonists (LAMAs) if symptoms are not improved by a... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
COPD guidelines recommend the combined use of inhaled long-acting β2-agonists (LABAs) and long-acting muscarinic antagonists (LAMAs) if symptoms are not improved by a single agent. This systematic review tested the hypothesis that the bronchodilator effect of the LABA/LAMA combination, umeclidinium (UMEC)/vilanterol (VIL), would translate into better outcomes without incurring increased adverse events (AEs).
METHODS
This was a systematic review of randomized, placebo-controlled or crossover trials (> 4 weeks) involving UMEC/VIL compared with its monocomponents, tiotropium, or fluticasone/salmeterol. Primary outcomes were trough FEV1, serious adverse events (SAEs), and serious cardiovascular events (SCVEs).
RESULTS
Eleven trials from 10 studies (9,609 patients) showed that UMEV/VIL provided superior improvements in lung function compared with UMEC, VIL, tiotropium, and fluticasone propionate/salmeterol (mean trough FEV1, 60, 110, 90, and 90 mL, respectively; P < .0001). Also, UMEC/VIL had a greater likelihood of demonstrating a minimal clinically important difference on the Transition Dyspnea Index compared with UMEC and VIL (number needed to treat for benefit [NNTB] = 14 and 10, respectively). UMEC/VIL therapy significantly reduced the risk of COPD exacerbations compared with UMEC and VIL (NNTB = 42 and 41, respectively). On the contrary, we noted no significant differences between UMEC/VIL and tiotropium with respect to dyspnea, health status, or risk of COPD exacerbation. Regarding safety issues, the incidence of AEs, SAEs, SCVEs, and mortality on treatment was similar across treatments, suggesting reduced safety concerns with the use of the UMEC/VIL combination.
CONCLUSIONS
Once-daily inhaled UMEC/VIL showed superior efficacy compared with its monocomponents, tiotropium, and fluticasone/combination in patients with moderate to severe COPD.
Topics: Adrenergic beta-2 Receptor Agonists; Albuterol; Androstadienes; Benzyl Alcohols; Chlorobenzenes; Drug Combinations; Fluticasone-Salmeterol Drug Combination; Humans; Muscarinic Antagonists; Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive; Quinuclidines; Scopolamine Derivatives; Tiotropium Bromide; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 25798635
DOI: 10.1378/chest.15-0084 -
Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine Nov 2023It is generally believed that the use of alcohol and cocaine alone and especially in combination elicits aggression and violent behaviour. Though there is overwhelming... (Review)
Review
It is generally believed that the use of alcohol and cocaine alone and especially in combination elicits aggression and violent behaviour. Though there is overwhelming proof that heavy alcohol use is associated with violence, this is not the case for cocaine. Still, in the popular press and by spokesmen of the police, cocaine use is seen as a cause of violent incidents. In the current systematic review, available data from human studies on the relation between cocaine and violent behaviour is presented. In particular, we present scientific data on the acute induction of violence by cocaine alone, as well as, that by the combination of cocaine and alcohol known to be frequently used simultaneously. RESULTS: show that there is only weak scientific evidence for the acute induction of violent behaviour by cocaine, either when used alone or in combination with alcohol. Based on these data we were also able to refute misconceptions about the relation between cocaine and violence published in the popular press and governmental reports, because it appeared that there was hardly any empirical support for this widely shared opinion. Probably, contextual factors, including cocaine use disorder and personality disorder, may better explain the assumed association between cocaine and violence.
Topics: Humans; Cocaine; Aggression; Violence; Substance-Related Disorders; Cocaine-Related Disorders; Ethanol
PubMed: 37832170
DOI: 10.1016/j.jflm.2023.102597 -
ANZ Journal of Surgery Jan 2011Dermal fillers are gaining popularity for rapid aesthetic improvement. Long-term efficacy and safety have not been well documented. The aim of this systematic review was... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Dermal fillers are gaining popularity for rapid aesthetic improvement. Long-term efficacy and safety have not been well documented. The aim of this systematic review was to assess the safety and efficacy of injectable dermal fillers compared with other facial augmentation techniques for the management of age-related lines and wrinkles.
METHODS
Studies including patients receiving injectable semi-permanent or permanent dermal fillers for age-related lines and wrinkles were included in this review. Efficacy outcomes (including changes in skin thickness and patient satisfaction) and safety outcomes (including mortality, lumps and infections) were examined.
RESULTS
Three randomized control trials and six case series were included. Permanent and semi-permanent dermal fillers improved subjective ratings of appearance and resulted in higher patient satisfaction than temporary fillers. Long-term efficacy appeared good in the few studies that reported it. Short-term safety appeared favourable. Lumps were reported in all but one study but received little follow-up. Long-term safety data were limited.
CONCLUSIONS
The treatment of age-related lines and wrinkles with permanent and semi-permanent dermal fillers is more efficacious compared with temporary fillers in those studies that compared them. Case series evidence suggests that these fillers achieve their objective, which is to decrease the visible effects of age-related changes. These fillers appear at least as safe as temporary fillers in the short term in those studies that compared them. Long-term safety could not be determined.
Topics: Biocompatible Materials; Collagen; Durapatite; Ethanolamines; Humans; Hyaluronic Acid; Mesotherapy; Patient Satisfaction; Polymers; Silicones; Skin Aging; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 21299793
DOI: 10.1111/j.1445-2197.2010.05351.x -
Neuropsychopharmacology Reports Dec 2023Problems associated with alcohol use are multidimensional with psychiatric, psychological, physical, and social aspects, which makes it challenging to choose appropriate... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Problems associated with alcohol use are multidimensional with psychiatric, psychological, physical, and social aspects, which makes it challenging to choose appropriate assessment scales. However, there has been no systematic evaluation of existing alcohol scales.
METHODS
A systematic literature search was conducted for articles that assessed the psychometric properties of scales for alcohol use disorder on March 19, 2023, using Medline, EMBASE, and PsycINFO. Only scales whose original development papers were cited more than 20 times were included. The methodological quality and psychometric properties of the scales were evaluated using COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement INstruments. The overall rating of the scales were assessed with a score ranging from 0 to 18.
RESULTS
In total, 314 studies and 40 scales were identified. These scales differ widely in measurement methods, target populations, and psychometric properties. The overall mean score was 6.3, and only the following three scales received >9 points suggesting a moderate level of evidence: Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT), Alcohol Dependence Scale (ADS), and Short Alcohol Dependence Data Questionnaire (SADD). Measurement error and responsiveness were not evaluated or reported in the included scales.
CONCLUSIONS
Although the AUDIT, ADS, and SADD were rated the highest among the 40 scales, they showed, at most, a moderate level of evidence. These findings underscore the need to accumulate further evidence to assure the quality of the scales. It may be advisable to select and combine scales to meet the purpose of the assessment.
Topics: Humans; Alcoholism; Surveys and Questionnaires; Ethanol; Alcohol Drinking; Psychometrics
PubMed: 37392159
DOI: 10.1002/npr2.12363 -
Addiction (Abingdon, England) Nov 2022To estimate the effect of acute alcohol consumption on risk-taking while gambling, examine blood alcohol concentration as a moderator and explore possible moderators of... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
AIMS
To estimate the effect of acute alcohol consumption on risk-taking while gambling, examine blood alcohol concentration as a moderator and explore possible moderators of this effect.
DESIGN, SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS
A systematic review and meta-analysis was completed. A Boolean search strategy was used to identify studies that included (a) alcohol consumption as an independent variable; (b) a gambling or risk-taking task; (c) a control or placebo comparison; (d) human participants; and (e) English publications. Descriptive information, sample characteristics and experimental data were extracted from each study. Searched databases included: PsycINFO, Web of Science, Medline, Cochrane Library and ProQuest Dissertations and Theses. Included as participants were experiments that compared the effects of alcohol and non-alcoholic or placebo beverages on risk-taking while gambling.
MEASUREMENT
Comprehensive Meta-Analysis version 3.3.070 was used. Standardized mean differences of risk-taking while gambling between the experimental and control conditions were calculated when studies did not report effect sizes. Random-effects models were used for overall effect and meta-regressions while mixed-effects models were used for subgroup analyses.
FINDINGS
Twenty articles containing 47 alcohol versus control comparisons met inclusion criteria. The overall Hedges'g for the difference between groups consuming alcohol and groups consuming a placebo or non-alcoholic drink control was 0.03, 95% confidence interval (CI) = -0.07, 0.12, p = 0.60, indicating no significant difference. Larger effect sizes were found for studies using non-alcoholic control drinks (Hedges' g = 0.30, 95% CI = 0.01, 0.58) compared to placebo beverages (Hedges' g = -0.03, 95% CI = -0.13, 0.06), Cochran's Q = 4.67, p = 0.03.
CONCLUSIONS
Finding that acute alcohol consumption had no reliable effect on risk-taking while gambling was consistent with existing animal research. No support was found for the relation between alcohol dose and risk-taking. The significantly larger effect size for experiments using non-alcoholic versus placebo beverages suggests the potential role of expectancy effects.
Topics: Alcohol Drinking; Beverages; Blood Alcohol Content; Gambling; Humans
PubMed: 35403754
DOI: 10.1111/add.15896 -
Environmental Research Apr 2016Access to, and sustained adoption of, clean household fuels at scale remains an aspirational goal to achieve sufficient reductions in household air pollution (HAP) in... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Access to, and sustained adoption of, clean household fuels at scale remains an aspirational goal to achieve sufficient reductions in household air pollution (HAP) in order to impact on the substantial global health burden caused by reliance on solid fuels.
AIM AND OBJECTIVES
To systematically appraise the current evidence base to identify: (i) which factors enable or limit adoption and sustained use of clean fuels (namely liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), biogas, solar cooking and alcohol fuels) in low- and middle-income countries; (ii) lessons learnt concerning equitable scaling-up of programmes of cleaner cooking fuels in relation to poverty, urban-rural settings and gender.
METHODS
A mixed-methods systematic review was conducted using established review methodology and extensive searches of published and grey literature sources. Data extraction and quality appraisal of quantitative, qualitative and case studies meeting inclusion criteria were conducted using standardised methods with reliability checking.
FINDINGS
Forty-four studies from Africa, Asia and Latin America met the inclusion criteria (17 on biogas, 12 on LPG, 9 on solar, 6 on alcohol fuels). A broad range of inter-related enabling and limiting factors were identified for all four types of intervention, operating across seven pre-specified domains (i.e. fuel and technology characteristics, household and setting characteristics, knowledge and perceptions, financial, tax and subsidy aspects, market development, regulation, legislation and standards, and programme and policy mechanisms) and multiple levels (i.e. household, community, national). All domains matter and the majority of factors are common to all clean fuels interventions reviewed although some are fuel and technology-specific. All factors should therefore be taken into account and carefully assessed during planning and implementation of any small- and large-scale initiative aiming at promoting clean fuels for household cooking.
CONCLUSIONS
Despite limitations in quantity and quality of the evidence this systematic review provides a useful starting point for the design, delivery and evaluation of programmes to ensure more effective adoption and use of LPG, biogas, alcohol fuels and solar cooking.
FUNDING
This review was funded by the Department for International Development (DfID) of the United Kingdom. The authors would also like to thank the Evidence for Policy and Practice Information and Co-ordinating Centre (EPPI-Centre) for their technical support.
Topics: Air Pollution, Indoor; Alcohols; Biofuels; Cooking; Developing Countries; Family Characteristics; Humans; Natural Gas; Poverty; Sex Factors; Solar Energy
PubMed: 26775003
DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2016.01.002