RESUMEN

PURPOSE: Recently we found that the early onset of regular tobacco use is as predictive of lifetime drug use and depressive disorders as it is of alcohol use disorders [Alcohol.: Clin. Exp. Res. 23 (1999) 513.]. This finding, which paralleled findings regarding early onset of alcohol use [J. Subst. Abuse 10 (1998) 59.], suggested that early regular use of any drug might simply be an indicator of risk for a constellation of problem behaviors. The purpose of the present study is to test this hypothesis as well as to study the strength and patterns of associations among these problem behaviors already present among youth. The results will permit description of more precise profiles to identify groups of children at risk. METHODS: Using data for respondents aged 12-16 from the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III), descriptive statistics were calculated and logistic regression models were estimated. RESULTS: Descriptive analyses indicated that in comparison with those who never smoked, or who simply experimented, early-onset regular smokers, both those who began at age 13 or younger and those who did so between 14 and 16, were those most likely to use alcohol and other drugs as well as have school problems and early sexual experiences culminating in pregnancy. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted to assess the associations among these high-risk behaviors. IMPLICATIONS: These results support the hypothesis that early onset of smoking is but an indicator of a syndrome of problem behaviors already in place during childhood. They also suggest that the significance of an age onset variable may differ depending on the age of the sample used. As follow-up data are collected, we expect to learn much about the natural course of the distinct risk groups identified in the analyses by studying longitudinally this nationally representative group of early adolescents.

Asunto(s)

Consumo de Bebidas Alcohólicas/psicología , Trastorno Depresivo/psicología , Encuestas Epidemiológicas , Fumar/psicología , Trastornos Relacionados con Sustancias/psicología , Adaptación Psicológica , Adolescente , Conducta del Adolescente/psicología , Factores de Edad , Edad de Inicio , Consumo de Bebidas Alcohólicas/prevención & control , Niño , Femenino , Humanos , Modelos Logísticos , Masculino , Análisis Multivariante , Embarazo , Asunción de Riesgos , Prevención del Hábito de Fumar , Trastornos Relacionados con Sustancias/prevención & control , Encuestas y Cuestionarios , Estados Unidos

RESUMEN

Mating is costly for both male and female insects and should therefore only occur if it is likely to be successful. Within one scotophase, which is the dark period of the light cycle, male moths can only produce one single spermatophore, which is transferred to the female during mating. Remating within the same scotophase would thus be unsuccessful. We tested the hypothesis that newly mated males of the moth Agrotis ipsilon have developed an energy-saving strategy based on the transient inhibition of their sexual behaviour, thus avoiding unsuccessful remating. Agrotis ipsilon males do not copulate more than once during the same scotophase. Moreover, newly mated males do not respond behaviourally to the female sex pheromone although electroantennograms showed that their peripheral olfactory system is fully functional. However, intracellular recordings of antennal lobe neurons showed that the sensitivity for the synthetic sex pheromone blend decreased as compared with that of unmated males. Both the sexual behaviour and the sensitivity of the antennal lobe neurons were restored when tested during the next scotophase. Our results show a fast, transient neuronal plasticity that 'switches off' the olfactory system, which could prevent males from mating unsuccessfully.

Asunto(s)

Insectos/fisiología , Conducta Sexual Animal/fisiología , Animales , Femenino , Masculino , Neuronas/fisiología , Atractivos Sexuales/fisiología

RESUMEN

BACKGROUND: In 1997, liver cirrhosis was the 10th leading cause of death in the United States. Beginning in the 1950s, liver cirrhosis mortality rates have been consistently higher for black than for white men and women. There has been a gradual adoption of the recommendation that all death certificates include information on the Hispanic origin of decedents, with universal adoption in the 1997 data year. It is the purpose of this study to examine the extent to which relative risks for cirrhosis mortality might shift for different demographic groups when Hispanic origin is considered along with the race and sex of the decedent. METHODS: Age-adjusted death rates were calculated for liver cirrhosis by using public-use data files produced by the National Center for Health Statistics. Trends in cirrhosis mortality rates from 1991 through 1997 are shown for white Hispanic, white non-Hispanic, black Hispanic, and black non-Hispanic men and women. RESULTS: In 1997, white Hispanic men show the highest cirrhosis mortality rates over the period examined, followed by black non-Hispanic and white non-Hispanic men, white Hispanic women, and black non-Hispanic and white non-Hispanic women. Among Hispanic decedents, the largest group was of Mexican ancestry, with large numbers being born outside the United States and having low education levels. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of higher risk for cirrhosis mortality among white men and women of Hispanic origin serve to focus new attention on these demographic groups. Collateral analyses of other causes of death do not support alternate explanations of these findings as artifacts of demographic misclassification. Future studies of amounts and patterns of alcohol consumption should include Hispanic origin among demographic factors examined.

Asunto(s)

Etnicidad , Cirrosis Hepática/etnología , Cirrosis Hepática/mortalidad , Negro o Afroamericano , Escolaridad , Femenino , Hispánicos o Latinos , Humanos , Cirrosis Hepática Alcohólica/etnología , Cirrosis Hepática Alcohólica/mortalidad , Masculino , México/etnología , Caracteres Sexuales , Estados Unidos , Población Blanca

RESUMEN

The changes in content of the alcohol guideline of the various editions of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans from 1980 to 2000 are discussed. This is followed by a capsule summary of the history and evolution of the discipline of alcohol epidemiology compared with that of nutrition epidemiology. Methods of assessment are discussed, and issues surrounding the validity and reliability of self-report of alcohol consumption are then outlined. Relevant objectives from Healthy People 2010 are discussed. Surveillance of the alcohol guideline discloses that, at present, very few American drinkers follow the recommendations of the alcohol guideline. Indications for future research needs to address this issue conclude the discussion.

Asunto(s)

Consumo de Bebidas Alcohólicas , Política Nutricional , Encuestas Nutricionales , Guías como Asunto , Humanos , Reproducibilidad de los Resultados , Estados Unidos

RESUMEN

Although the benefits and risks associated with moderate drinking have gained increasing attention in recent years from both researchers and the general public, no universal definition of moderate drinking exists. Most currently used definitions are based on a certain number of drinks consumed in a specific time period. Defining a "drink," however, also is difficult because alcoholic beverages can differ substantially in their alcohol content, even within the same beverage category (e.g., beer, wine, or distilled spirits). Because international differences in drink definitions also exist, comparing studies from different countries is difficult. The development of a universal definition of moderate drinking is hampered further by variations in the way alcohol consumption levels and drinking patterns are being assessed (i.e., the survey methods and assessment modes used). Despite these problems, definitions of moderate drinking and drinking guidelines have been developed in the United States and other countries.

Asunto(s)

Consumo de Bebidas Alcohólicas , Actitud , Humanos

RESUMEN

PBAN-like immunoreactivity has been detected in the suboesophageal ganglion and the brain (Br-SOG) of larvae and adult males and females of Agrotis ipsilon, using an antiserum against Helicoverpa zea PBAN (Hez-PBAN). The amino acid sequence of A. ipsilon PBAN (Agi-PBAN) was deduced from the cDNA sequence, using both Reverse Transcriptase-Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) and 5' Rapid Amplification of cDNA Ends (RACE). The primers were degenerate sets of oligonucleotides derived from known amino acid sequences of the PBAN precursor. The final cloned fragment contained the complete DNA sequence coding for the putative Agi-PBAN. Based on a comparison with known PBAN processing from the polypeptide precursor, we propose that Agi-PBAN is a 33-amino acid peptide. Agi-PBAN exhibits high sequence homology with Hez-PBAN (88%), Lymantria dispar PBAN (Lyd-PBAN, 88%) and Bombyx mori PBAN (Bom-PBAN, 73%). Agi-PBAN shares the C-terminal hexapeptide sequence (Tyr-Phe-Ser-Pro-Arg-LeuNH2) with all identified PBANs but has only one methionine residue instead of two in Hez-PBAN and Lyd-PBAN, and three in Bom-PBAN. Based on predicted a.a. sequence, Agi-PBAN, with Leu-NH2 as C-terminal motif, has been synthesized and assayed for its ability to promote pheromone production in decapitated females of A. ipsilon. Synthetic Agi-PBAN induced pheromone production in decapitated females as evaluated by the male responsiveness to the pheromonal blend in a wind tunnel.

Asunto(s)

Mariposas Nocturnas/genética , Neuropéptidos/genética , Atractivos Sexuales/biosíntesis , Secuencia de Aminoácidos , Animales , Clonación Molecular , ADN Complementario/genética , Femenino , Larva/genética , Masculino , Datos de Secuencia Molecular , Mariposas Nocturnas/fisiología , Neuropéptidos/química , Neuropéptidos/farmacología , Análisis de Secuencia de ADN , Homología de Secuencia de Aminoácido , Atractivos Sexuales/genética

RESUMEN

This study examines the relationship of substance use to birth outcome, infant, and maternal health in a large, nationally representative sample. Multiple regression analyses, accommodating the nature of the survey data using the SUDAAN software package, indicated that drinking and smoking independently and/or interactively with depression account for poor health and serious medical conditions among pregnant women as well as negative birth outcomes or adverse health consequences in those infants who are live births. In addition, African American women and their infants are more likely than those of other racial groups to suffer these adverse outcomes. Given the risk profiles of individual illnesses, this study suggests the need for developing and targeting health education and preventive efforts specific to those groups that are clearly at greater risk.

Asunto(s)

Resultado del Embarazo/epidemiología , Trastornos Relacionados con Sustancias/epidemiología , Consumo de Bebidas Alcohólicas/epidemiología , Trastornos Relacionados con Cocaína/epidemiología , Intervalos de Confianza , Depresión/epidemiología , Femenino , Encuestas Epidemiológicas , Humanos , Hipertensión/epidemiología , Lactante , Bienestar del Lactante/estadística & datos numéricos , Recién Nacido , Fumar Marihuana/epidemiología , Bienestar Materno/estadística & datos numéricos , Oportunidad Relativa , Embarazo/psicología , Complicaciones del Embarazo/epidemiología , Análisis de Regresión , Factores de Riesgo , Fumar/epidemiología , Estados Unidos/epidemiología

RESUMEN

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this review of all appropriate, available medical examiner (ME) studies is to provide information on cases with positive toxicologies for cocaine, morphine (the heroin metabolite) and methadone that have positive blood or brain alcohol concentrations (BACs). METHODS: Criteria for inclusion of U.S. ME studies in this review are (1) at least 20 cases with a positive toxicology for cocaine, morphine or methadone and (2) BAC test findings according to specific drug positivity. Only 19 studies conducted from 1969 to 1992 met these criteria; most studies reviewed were not included primarily because of their failure to present or link available BAC test findings with positive toxicologies for these other drugs. RESULTS: The BAC-positive ranges were similar for cocaine and heroin. In reports on both heroin and methadone or on all three drugs, heroin-positive cases had the highest proportions and methadone-positive cases had the lowest proportions with positive BACs. CONCLUSIONS: Published data confirm the substantial presence of alcohol in combination with cocaine, heroin and methadone among ME cases. Future ME studies should endeavor to link BAC and toxicology findings for other drugs according to drug-induced or drug-related manner of death. These data would advance our knowledge about the role of alcohol in drug deaths and provide additional information on substance abuse trends.

Asunto(s)

Alcoholismo/mortalidad , Causas de Muerte , Cocaína , Dependencia de Heroína/mortalidad , Metadona , Trastornos Relacionados con Sustancias/mortalidad , Adolescente , Adulto , Anciano , Alcoholismo/sangre , Alcoholismo/rehabilitación , Niño , Cocaína/efectos adversos , Cocaína/farmacocinética , Comorbilidad , Médicos Forenses , Etanol/farmacocinética , Femenino , Heroína/farmacocinética , Dependencia de Heroína/rehabilitación , Humanos , Masculino , Metadona/efectos adversos , Metadona/uso terapéutico , Persona de Mediana Edad , Trastornos Relacionados con Sustancias/rehabilitación , Estados Unidos/epidemiología

Asunto(s)

Consumo de Bebidas Alcohólicas , Rol del Médico , Etanol/metabolismo , Femenino , Humanos , Masculino

Asunto(s)

Consumo de Bebidas Alcohólicas/epidemiología , Alcoholismo/epidemiología , Adulto , Anciano , Consumo de Bebidas Alcohólicas/efectos adversos , Consumo de Bebidas Alcohólicas/prevención & control , Alcoholismo/rehabilitación , Estudios Transversales , Femenino , Humanos , Incidencia , Persona de Mediana Edad , Factores de Riesgo , Estados Unidos/epidemiología

RESUMEN

Comparing alcohol consumption patterns by age and gender among Japanese in Japan and Japanese-Americans and Caucasians in the United States, this study examined the associations between age and both heavy drinking and social problems using logistic regression for each ethnic group of male current drinkers. As reported in previous studies of Caucasians, men drink more alcohol than women, older respondents are more likely than younger ones to be abstainers, and the percentages of heavier drinkers and problem drinkers are higher among the young than among older people. Although Japanese-Americans reported consuming less alcohol than Caucasians, their drinking patterns by age were similar: among both United States populations, younger respondents are at higher risk for drinking problems than older respondents, even when alcohol consumption and sociodemographic variables are controlled by logistic regression. However, this association of age and drinking patterns and drinking problems is not universal. Japanese men consumed more alcohol and had a higher proportion of heavier drinkers in the middle age groups; the association between age and drinking problems also varied in this group. In addition to aging, sociocultural factors such as drinking norms probably account for the differences in drinking behavior among different age groups. This study may stimulate further cross-cultural comparison of drinking patterns and problems.

Asunto(s)

Consumo de Bebidas Alcohólicas/etnología , Alcoholismo/etnología , Asiático/estadística & datos numéricos , Comparación Transcultural , Aculturación , Adolescente , Adulto , Anciano , Consumo de Bebidas Alcohólicas/efectos adversos , Estudios Transversales , Femenino , Humanos , Incidencia , Japón/epidemiología , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Medio Social , Estados Unidos/epidemiología

RESUMEN

During in-vitro fertilization (IVF) procedures, human preimplantation embryos were classified into four grades according to their morphological appearance under light microscopy. The grade IV group included poor quality embryos. In our IVF programme, these embryos were never transferred or frozen, and were thus available for cytogenetic analysis. Cytogenetic analysis was performed on 411 grade IV embryos from 327 couples participating in the IVF programme. A total of 118 embryos were successfully karyotyped using at least one metaphase. Normal diploid chromosomes were found in only 12 embryos, containing a total of 19 metaphases. All others (90%) showed abnormal or aberrant chromosome complements; 48 were aneuploid and six cases of single chromatids were noted; 14 embryos (11.8%) contained haploid complements, while the remaining 44 exhibited mosaics (2n/3n, n/2n, n/3n) or fragmented chromosome sets. Also, several structural aberrations and rearrangements were observed. These results indicate that the large majority of grade IV human embryos are chromosomally abnormal. This confirms the morphological assessment of the poor quality of these embryos and demonstrates the uselessness of both the transfer and the cryopreservation of grade IV embryos.

Asunto(s)

Blastocisto/patología , Aberraciones Cromosómicas/patología , Fertilización In Vitro , Blastocisto/fisiología , Trastornos de los Cromosomas , Femenino , Humanos , Cariotipificación , Embarazo

RESUMEN

Despite attempts to eliminate the consumption of alcohol, tobacco, and other substances of abuse by women of childbearing age, especially during gestation, apparently many do not curtail these negative lifestyle behaviors, as evidenced by the number of poor birth outcomes and developmentally disabled children born each year. This study examined the relationship of depression, attitude toward pregnancy, a number of sociodemographic variables, and substance use by women of child-bearing age prior to and after learning of their pregnancies. Results indicated that attitude independently, and depression independently and in interaction with socio-demographic factors are associated with substance use at both time points. From this we conclude that preventive efforts should be designed and targeted at those women who are depressed, especially those who have the sociodemographic characteristics associated with heavier substance use.

Asunto(s)

Consumo de Bebidas Alcohólicas/psicología , Drogas Ilícitas , Motivación , Complicaciones del Embarazo/psicología , Fumar/psicología , Trastornos Relacionados con Sustancias/psicología , Adolescente , Adulto , Negro o Afroamericano/psicología , Consumo de Bebidas Alcohólicas/efectos adversos , Consumo de Bebidas Alcohólicas/prevención & control , Cocaína/efectos adversos , Depresión/prevención & control , Depresión/psicología , Femenino , Trastornos del Espectro Alcohólico Fetal/prevención & control , Trastornos del Espectro Alcohólico Fetal/psicología , Conocimientos, Actitudes y Práctica en Salud , Humanos , Drogas Ilícitas/efectos adversos , Recién Nacido , Fumar Marihuana/efectos adversos , Fumar Marihuana/prevención & control , Fumar Marihuana/psicología , Estado Civil , Embarazo , Complicaciones del Embarazo/prevención & control , Factores de Riesgo , Fumar/efectos adversos , Prevención del Hábito de Fumar , Trastornos Relacionados con Sustancias/prevención & control , Población Blanca/psicología

RESUMEN

The relationship of alcohol consumption and cirrhosis mortality was examined by sampling 1% of deaths in the U.S. using the 1986 National Mortality Followback Survey. Quantity and frequency of decedent's alcohol consumption was obtained from next of kin through mailed questionnaire. The percentage of decedents with cirrhosis increased sharply with the increasing number of drinks per day. Three drinks per day was associated with a significantly higher percentage of cirrhosis deaths compared with lifetime abstainers for both whites and blacks. Although blacks had a significantly higher percentage of abstainers than whites, of those persons who were reported to drink every day, blacks were more likely to be heavier drinkers (5 or more drinks per day). Blacks did not have a higher risk of cirrhosis mortality than whites for each drinking category. Although Native Americans were oversampled, the number of deaths was too small for statistical comparisons.

Asunto(s)

Consumo de Bebidas Alcohólicas/mortalidad , Negro o Afroamericano/estadística & datos numéricos , Causas de Muerte , Indígenas Norteamericanos/estadística & datos numéricos , Cirrosis Hepática Alcohólica/mortalidad , Adulto , Anciano , Alcoholismo/mortalidad , Femenino , Humanos , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Factores de Riesgo , Análisis de Supervivencia

Asunto(s)

Cirrosis Hepática Alcohólica/epidemiología , Cirrosis Hepática/epidemiología , Adolescente , Adulto , Anciano , Certificado de Defunción , Femenino , Hospitalización/estadística & datos numéricos , Humanos , Incidencia , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Morbilidad , Prevalencia , Estados Unidos/epidemiología

RESUMEN

A simple and reliable R banding technique was developed for karyotyping mature human oocytes. The banding quality obtained is sufficient for the diagnosis of specific aneuploidies and the discrimination between whole chromosomes and separated chromatids. The ability to karyotype human oocytes accurately will facilitate study of the aetiology of chromosomal abnormalities in human concepti.

Asunto(s)

Bandeo Cromosómico/métodos , Oocitos/fisiología , Femenino , Humanos , Cariotipificación , Reproducibilidad de los Resultados , Factores de Tiempo

RESUMEN

A cytogenetic analysis was performed on a sample of 411 human grade IV embryos (i.e. poor morphological quality embryos, never transferred in our in vitro fertilization (IVF) pro Gram) in order to investigate the chromosomal status of these embryos. One hundred eighteen were successfully karyotyped from at least one metaphase. Only 10% displayed normal diploid metaphases. Aneuploidy was the most frequently observed abnormality, with a rate of 36.4%. Six cases of single chromatids were noted and 9 embryos showed structural aberrations. Polyploidy (from 3n to 7n) and haploidy were also observed, suggesting parthenogenetic activation, polyspermy or chromosomal duplication. Mosaicism constituted 6% of the abnormalities. Thirty embryos exhibited fragmented chromosome sets which might result from in vitro delayed fertilization.

Asunto(s)

Aberraciones Cromosómicas , Embrión de Mamíferos/patología , Fertilización In Vitro , Humanos , Cariotipificación , Metafase/genética

RESUMEN

This study examined the relationship between the flushing response and drinking patterns and DSM-III alcohol abuse among Japanese using data collected in the joint U.S.-Japan collaborative study. The flushing response was classified into the following three subtypes: typical flushing (always flushed in the face after drinking), atypical flushing (sometimes) and nonflushing (never). This study of male current drinkers showed that typical flushers drank less alcohol than did atypical and nonflushers, but there was no observed difference between the drinking patterns of atypical flushers and nonflushers. Although the relationship was less pronounced, a similar association was found for female current drinkers. The 12-month prevalence of DSM-III alcohol abuse was estimated to be highest among atypical flushers and lowest among typical flushers, with nonflushers in between for both genders. When daily alcohol consumption and other pertinent sociodemographic variables were controlled, logistic regression analyses revealed that the risk for alcohol abuse by men was approximately 3.0 times higher among atypical flushers and 1.7 times higher among nonflushers than among typical flushers. The corresponding risks for abuse by women were 7.8 (atypical flushers) and 2.8 (nonflushers) times higher. Possible explanations for these differences in drinking patterns and the risk for alcohol abuse among the three flushing subtypes and between genders are discussed.

Asunto(s)

Consumo de Bebidas Alcohólicas/efectos adversos , Alcoholismo/diagnóstico , Comparación Transcultural , Etanol/efectos adversos , Etnicidad , Rubor/etiología , Adolescente , Adulto , Consumo de Bebidas Alcohólicas/etnología , Consumo de Bebidas Alcohólicas/genética , Alcoholismo/etnología , Alcoholismo/genética , Alcoholismo/psicología , Etnicidad/psicología , Femenino , Rubor/genética , Humanos , Japón , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Fenotipo , Escalas de Valoración Psiquiátrica

RESUMEN

This data note explores the relationship of gender, alcohol consumption and premature death from cardiovascular disease (MCVD). Data on the 8164 deaths attributed to MCVD from the National Mortality Followback Study (NMFS) were analyzed controlling for gender and consumption. Women who are heavy drinkers die young at a rate equal to that of men who drink heavily. In light of this, we recommend that future research and preventive efforts in this area include females as subjects and alcohol as a major risk factor.

Asunto(s)

Alcoholismo/prevención & control , Enfermedades Cardiovasculares/mortalidad , Salud de la Mujer , Adulto , Anciano , Alcoholismo/complicaciones , Actitud Frente a la Salud , Enfermedades Cardiovasculares/clasificación , Enfermedades Cardiovasculares/etiología , Femenino , Promoción de la Salud/tendencias , Humanos , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Mortalidad

RESUMEN

The relationship between the low Km aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH2) phenotype determined by the isoelectric focusing of hair root lysates, facial flushing and alcohol drinking patterns in Japanese (N = 282) was examined. Men who had inactive ALDH2 drank significantly less alcohol than those with active ALDH2. Although the effect was less noticeable, a similar relationship was detected in women. Two types of flushing responses were determined: one due to the inactive ALDH2, the other unrelated to this variant form of the isozyme. A striking difference between these flushing types, in terms of the inhibitory influence over drinking patterns, was noted. Nearly 86% of the subjects who reported always flushing in the face were shown to have inactive ALDH2, whereas infrequent flushing and absence of flushing were associated with active ALDH2. Thus, facial flushing may be used as an indicator of ALDH2 phenotype.

Asunto(s)

Consumo de Bebidas Alcohólicas/genética , Aldehído Deshidrogenasa/genética , Comparación Transcultural , Rubor/genética , Isoenzimas/genética , Fenotipo , Adolescente , Adulto , Anciano , Consumo de Bebidas Alcohólicas/fisiopatología , Consumo de Bebidas Alcohólicas/psicología , Aldehído Deshidrogenasa/fisiología , Femenino , Rubor/fisiopatología , Rubor/psicología , Cabello/metabolismo , Humanos , Isoenzimas/fisiología , Japón , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad