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The purpose of this dissertation study was to investigate wellness as a predictive variable of alcohol consumption among college students. The Five Factor Wellness Inventory (5F-Wel-A) was used to measure the five second-order factors of wellness (e.g. Essential Self, Creative Self, Physical Self, Social Self, and Coping Self). The Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) determined college student alcohol consumption by measuring the frequency of consumption, number of drinks, binge drinking, inability to stop drinking, normal expectations of drinking, morning drinking, guilt, memory loss, injury, and recommendations by others. A multiple regression analysis was used to determine the relationships between these variables. The results indicated that wellness factors can predict alcohol consumption and behaviors related to alcohol. Even though Essential Self second-order factor was the most influential wellness factor, Physical Self, Social Self, and Coping Self also were significant predictors of alcohol consumption and behaviors related to alcohol. The results of the research can be used to support the development of wellness programs, to identify at-risk students, and to implement positive lifestyle interventions.

Ethanol (EtOH) abuse is the third leading cause of preventable death in the United States. Mounting evidence indicates that EtOH-induced neuropathology may result from multicellular responses in which microglia cells play a prominent role. Purinergic receptor signaling plays a key role in regulating microglial function and, more importantly, mediates EtOH-induced effects. In our current study we sought to determine the effects of EtOH on microglial cell function, specifically the role of purinergic receptor X4 (P2X4) in EtOH-mediated microglial responses. Our results show a significant up-regulation of P2X4 gene expression as analyzed by real-time qPCR and protein expression as analyzed by flow cytometry in embryonic stem cell-derived microglial cells (ESdM) after 48 hours of EtOH treatment, as compared to untreated controls. Calcium mobilization in EtOH treated ESdM cells was found to be P2X4R- dependent using 5-BDBD, a selective P2X4R antagonist. Blocking P2X4R signaling with 5-BDBD decreased the level of calcium mobilization compared to EtOH treatment alone. EtOH decreased migration of microglia towards fractalkine (CX3CL1) by 75% following 48 hours of treatment compared to control. CX3CL1-dependent migration was confirmed to be P2X4 receptor-dependent using the antagonist 5-BDBD, which reversed the effects as compared to EtOH alone. Similarly, 48 hours of EtOH treatment significantly decreased phagocytosis of microglia by 15% compared to control. 5-BDBD pre-treatment prior to EtOH treatment significantly increased microglial phagocytosis. These findings demonstrate that P2X4 receptor may play a role in modulating important regulatory functions in microglia in the context of EtOH abuse. P2X4R plays an important regulatory function in microglia. P2X4 is involved in a myriad of molecular signaling such as proliferation, activation of transcription factors, specifically through the MAPK pathway, and ATP signaling. Here, we also investigated the intracellular signal transduction pathway that influences P2X4R expression in microglia in response to EtOH. We found EtOH (100 mM) decreased phosphorylated AKT and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) cascades in ESdM cells. EtOH effect on ERK phosphorylation was completely inhibited by U0126, an inhibitor of MEK 1 and 2. However, PD98095, a potent inhibitor of MEK1 but a weak inhibitor of MEK2 had modest effect on phosphorylated ERK1/2 suggesting a possible role of MEK2-dependent ERK signaling in modulating EtOH induced effects on microglia. Utilization of 5-BDBD, a selective P2X4R antagonist reversed the EtOH-induced effect on phosphorylated AKT and ERK. Next we wanted to examine the effects of EtOH on transcription factor activity to determine the signaling mediators, which may play a role in EtOH-induced increase in P2X4R in microglia. EtOH increased transcriptional activity of NFκB, NFAT, and CREB,, however 5-BDBD blocked the effect on CREB transcriptional activity alone, suggesting a specific role of CREB in EtOH-induced expression of P2X4R in microglia. In summary, EtOH affects the expression of P2X4R in microglial cells and contributes to aberrant microglial effector function including phagocytosis and migration as well as alterations in calcium mobilization. Furthermore, pharmacological blockade with a selective P2X4R antagonist reversed the action, suggesting that P2X4R may play a role in mediating EtOH-induced effects on microglia. EtOH decreased expression of ERK and AKT, which was blocked with the P2X4R antagonist, suggesting EtOH effect may contribute to irregular microglial signaling. Investigations regarding transcription factor NFκB, NFAT and CREB activity in response to EtOH, all showed an increase after EtOH treatment, however P2X4R antagonist only had an effect on CREB, blocking the effect of EtOH on its activity. Determining the mechanism underlying EtOH-induced increase in P2X4R expression still remains unclear. This research was conducted to investigate the importance of P2X4R signaling in EtOH-mediate microglial function. Although many more questions remain unanswered, these experiments have provided evidence to target purinergic receptor X4 as a potential mediator of EtOH-induced effects in microglia. / Pathology

This study discusses the effects of the photochemistry of isopropyl alcohol.

Alcohol is an underestimated toxicant, and binge drinking is increasing rapidly. Macrophages are important immune cells characterized by heterogeneity and can be polarized into pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory phenotypes.To elucidate the effects of acute alcohol exposure on macrophage polarization and function, we established an optimized multi-parameter flow cytometry panel, assessed the impact of acute alcohol on macrophage polarization, developed macrophage polarization models, and proposed novel indices for a refined understanding of macrophage polarization status.First, we developed a flow cytometry panel quantifying eleven markers critical to macrophage polarization within the RAW 264.7 cell line. Inducing specific polarization states with IFN-γ ± LPS for M1 macrophages and IL4 and IL10 for M2a and M2c macrophages ensured a consistent environment for studying macrophage activation and polarization. Second, we assessed the in vitro effects of 86.8 mM alcohol treatment on RAW 264.7 cells, approximating severe human alcohol consumption. The results indicated that acute alcohol exposure compromises macrophage functionality across M1 and M2 roles by increasing toxicity, reducing viability, and impairing innate immune recognition. Third, we studied the in vivo effects of acute alcohol treatment on peritoneal macrophage polarization in BALB/c mice. Administering 6 g/kg of alcohol resulted in a peak blood ethanol concentration around 86.8 mM. Acute alcohol had diminished suppressive effects on LPM and SPM polarization compared to in vitro study, partially suppressing TLR4, CD14, CD86, Arginase-1, and VEGF in LPMs, and altering TLR4, MHC II, CD86, and Arginase-1 in SPMs. Finally, using PCA and UMAP, we identified key markers like CD86, CD206, MHC II, TNF-α, and IL10, introducing the CD86/CD206 ratio and the LPM/SPM index as novel indices to measure macrophage polarization. This study provides insights into how acute alcohol exposure affects the innate immune system, particularly macrophage polarization and function. These findings lay the groundwork for future research to mitigate the adverse effects of alcohol on the immune system, offering valuable tools for studying macrophage biology and the impact of external factors on immune function.

Eight small-scale breath alcohol measurement devices were tested for accuracy, precision and the ability to not yield false positive and false negative readings. These pocket-sized breath testers (PMBTs), which provided numerical readout of BrAC to the 100th of a percent, were smaller than evidential and preliminary breath test instruments (EBTs and PBTs). The smallest devices were approximately the same size of a cigarette lighter. Designed to provide drinkers feedback about their individual alcohol levels, the PMBTs ranged in price from $40-100 USD. The devices were first tested under laboratory conditions with alcohol solution simulators providing the alcoholic samples. They were then tested with human drinkers, under controlled field conditions. Each device was tested at multiple alcohol levels. Two of the eight PMBTs failed to complete all levels of testing and were excluded from the study. All PMBTs demonstrated the ability to not yield false positive and false negative readings. No device met NHTSA performance criteria for accuracy (systematic error) in testing EBTs at every alcohol level tested. An interaction between PMBTs and the alcohol test levels was found. Thus, accuracy was found to be dependent upon the alcohol level at which the devices were tested. No device met NHTSA performance criteria for precision in testing EBTs at every alcohol level tested. Precision varied depending on the testing condition. There was less precision under controlled field conditions than under laboratory conditions. Five of the six PMBTs that completed the testing overestimated BrAC; only one device read below actual BrAC. Ramifications of the findings are discussed, regarding the overestimation and underestimation of BrAC and the possibility of manufacturers intentionally calibrating the devices to overestimate BrAC. Potential PMBT users are discussed and areas for future research are addressed.

Typescript (photocopy). / Digitized by Kansas Correctional Industries

Thesis (MA)--University of Stellenbosch, 2004. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The objective of this thesis is to review and synthesize the scientific literature on cognitive and neuropsychological deficits associated with children who were exposed to alcohol prenatally and to highlight possible areas of future attention. High incidences of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome has been reported especially in patients from low socio-economic areas. The highest reported incidence is found in the Western Cape province in South Africa. The devastating part of FAS is that its affects are entirely preventable. Alcohol is a physical and a behavioural teratogen. Prenatal alcohol exposure causes structural damage to the central nervous system and the brain that is vulnerable throughout the pregnancy. A dose-response association exist as exposure to heavier amounts of alcohol can cause more harm. The timing and pattern of alcohol consumption also plays a role. To date though, no "safe" level of alcohol consumption during pregnancy can be advocated. Various neuropsychological decrements are found in individuals with fetal alcohol syndrome or alcohol related neuro-developmental deficits as evaluated on standardized tests. Mental retardation is commonly found and even individuals with normal IQ's still display other learning disabilities. IQ's remain stable over the life span. Along with impaired intellectual functioning they also struggle with mathematical tasks especially as their complexity increases. Speech and language development is also delayed in individuals with FAS. There is little variation in the pith and display poor language comprehension. Attentional deficits are also noted and especially impact on academic functioning. Clinically, children often present with ADHD but in-depth studies have revealed that neurobiologically there is some differences as children with FAS struggle more with encoding and shifting of attention as opposed to other patients with ADHD. Difficulties with visual-spatial functioning has also been found. Verbal learning and memory are also impaired in individuals with FAS. Their poor verbal learning are influenced by their shallow level of encoding. Problems with fine motor skills are also noted. It also appear that all executive functions are impaired. They demonstrate poor planning skills, initiation, cognitive shifting, slow information processing, their thinking is concrete and they have poor self-regulatory skills. Behavioural problems include impulsivity, hyperactivity, aggressiveness, poor social skills and impaired judgement. Early intervention is thus essential to lessen the impact of neuro-psychological deficits on functional adaptation. A sensitive battery of neuro-psychological tests are also required to identify all the impairments in affected individuals and to plan more focussed intervention strategies. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: In hierdie tesis word 'n oorsig aangebied van literatuur wat betrekking het op die disfunksie van kinders wie se moeders tydens swangerskap alkohol misbruik het. Leemtes asook moontlike areas van toekomstige navorsing, is bespreek. 'n Hoe voorkoms van fetale alkohol sindroom (FAS) word gerapporteer, pasiente uit die lae SES gebiede. Die hoogste voorkoms word gerapporteer in die Wes- Kaapse provinsie in Suid Afrika. Wat die probleem meer tragies maak, is die feit dat dit heeltemal voorkombaar is. Alkohol is 'n teratogeen wat fisieke, neurologiese en gedragsimplikasies het. Blootstelling aan alkohol voor geboorte veroorsaak strukturele veranderinge in die sentrale senuweestelsel en die brein. Blootstelling tot hoer volumes van alkohol veroorsaak noodwendig meer skade. Die spesifieke stadium van alkohol-inname tydens die swangerskap, en die moeder se drinkpatroon, speel 'n rol in die neurosielkundige uitkomste. Tot op hede kon geen veilige alkoholsvlak tydens swangerskap vasgestel word nie. Verskeie neurosielkundige uitvalle is gevind in kinders met FAS en ook kinders met alkohol-verwante neurologies ontwikkelings probleme, volgens neurosielkundige toetsing. Verstandelike gestremdheid kom algemeen voor in kinders met FAS. Kinders met FAS wat oor normale intellektuele vernoens beskik ervaar leerprobleme. Die intellektuele inkortings bly stabiel oor die lewenspan. Kinders met FAS ondervind erge probleme met wiskunde, veral wanneer die werk moeiliker raak. Die spraak-en taalontwikkeling wat kinders met FAS ervaar sluit in beperkte taalbegrip en intonasie. Hulle kort aandagspan affekteer veral hulle akademiese funksionering. Die aandagsteuring van kinders met FAS en kinders met aandagstekort-hiperaktiwiteit versteuring verskil neuro-biologies. Verdere verskille bestaan ook aangesien kinders met FAS spesifiek sukkel met swak enkoderingsvermoe en om kognitiewe aanpassings te maak. Visueel-ruimtelike verrnoe van kinders met FAS is ook benadeel. Hulle sukkel ook met verbale leer en hulle geheue is ook ingekort. Die inkortings dui op 'n oppervlakkige enkoderingsvermoe. Probleme met fyn-motoriese vaardighede is ook gevind, volgens toetseing. Toetse wat gemik is om uitvoerende funksies te evalueer, het verskeie uitvalle aan die lig gebring. Probleme in abstrakte redenering, beplanning, impulsiwiteit, self-regulering, en die lnlslerlnq en prosessering van informasie. Gedragsprobleme soos swak sosialiseringsvaardighede, aggresiwiteit, swak oordeel en hiperaktiwiteit. Die wye neurosielkundige uitvalle wat voorkom in kinders met FAS noodsaak vroee intervensie om die langtermyn-impak daarvan te verminder. Hiervoor word 'n sensitiewe battery neurosielkundige toetse benodig wat al die kognitiewe uitvalle kan identifiseer.

Archaeological methods can contribute to the understanding of current human issues, including the use and abuse of alcohol in American society. Popular stereotypes concerning drinking have influenced scholarly descriptions and interpretations. There is, for instance, widespread and questionable acceptance by researchers that ethnic identification often correlates strongly with rates of alcohol consumption. Through refuse analysis, this study suggests that no such correlation exists, at least as far as household alcohol use is concerned. Instead, it is found that the degree of social heterogeneity within households, causing stress among individuals, is positively associated with consumption rates. Ethnicity might be related more closely to expressed attitudes about drinking, though results are inconclusive. The archaeological investigation of late 19th century drinking habits is possible, and might contribute to historical studies in a way similar to how this study contributes to sociological and psychological approaches.