Low blood alcohol levels. Experimental study on attention and body sway control functions

Objective

Attempting to prevent alcohol-related road accidents requires sensitive, reliable and easy-to-use methods and instruments for ascertaining drivers’ state of intoxication. This paper examines the scientific validity of a method for assessing psychomotor performance combining measurement of neurosensory functions with the effect of low blood alcohol levels: body sway control and attention functions.

Methods

A double-blind, placebo-controlled study, with cross-over and random distribution on the effects of low blood alcohol levels. Psychomotor performance and body sway control were studied in 16 healthy volunteers after they had drunk a small dose of ethyl alcohol (0.5 g/kg) or placebo. Neurosensory and psychomotor functions were assessed by a Divided Attention Test (DAT), composed of the association between one test exploring short-term memory (Memory Test) and one exploring attention (Response Competition Test). Alterations in body sway were recorded by stabilometry. Tests were administered at 30, 60, 120 and 180 min after intake of alcohol. After a wash-out period of at least one week, subjects repeated the test after taking a second dose of alcohol or placebo. Blood alcohol concentrations were monitored by analysis of concentrations in expired air.

Results

A BAC under 50 mg/dL did not reveal statistically significant impaired memory capacities or motor coordination. Instead, statistically significant oscillations of body sway were measured (p-values = 0.0001), especially when stabilometry was associated with deviant stimuli like those of the DAT (p-values = 0.0001).

Conclusions

This study showed: (1) impaired performance, at the limits of statistical significance, on a complex psychometric test like the DAT; (2) some cognitive, attentive and visual perceptive functions are not compromised or at least not in a statistically significant manner; (3) a considerable alteration in the capacity for control of body sway after intake of alcohol becomes further and massively impaired when deviant stimuli are given; (4) this impairment appeared early and was more marked 1 and 2 h after intake of alcohol.     

Post-mortem blood alcohol concentration of the traffic accident victims and changes in DUI legislation in Slovenia 1980–2006

This study aims to contribute to the analysis of the impact of alcohol consumption on road traffic safety in Slovenia and to evaluate the effectiveness of the changes in road traffic safety legislation concerning this issue within the period 1980–2006. For this purpose we have performed a retrospective analysis of 1913 autopsy reports on traffic casualties, with an emphasis on their blood alcohol concentration (BAC), mode of participation in traffic (drivers, pedestrians, etc.) and the impact of legislation changes. In addition, we have analysed the relations between BAC, the time and day of death and the gender of victims. Changes in the legislation were made in 1981, 1985, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1998 and 2005, yet only those made in 1981, 1990 and 1998 resulted in the increase of the actual fines. Within the observed period there was a substantial reduction in the average BAC in almost all of the categories of traffic participants (pedestrians: from 1.20 to 0.73; passengers: from 1.08 to 0.56; cyclists: from 1.11 to 0.56; motorcyclists: from 0.68 to 0.33) except in the category of drivers (negligible reduction from 0.81 to 0.76). Insufficient improvement in the latter category is extremely important, because many sober vulnerable traffic participants become victims of drunk drivers. Further concern arises from the finding that heavily drinking drivers are not responsive to penalty increases. We came to the conclusion that, in addition to raising fines and expanding penalty points, the introduction and effective enforcement of complex legislative measures together with wide community action are necessary to resolve DUI problems in Slovenia.     

Describing the feasibility of using case management in a specialist forensic substance misuse intervention for UK veterans: a case study

Veterans with mental health problems are a high-risk group for substance misuse difficulties and are over-represented in forensic settings. Yet, there are few substance misuse services available for this population. Evidence suggests that case management can provide effective interventions for veterans with substance misuse problems. However, there is little research to show its effectiveness in the UK. The present study reported on the implementation and preliminary outcomes of the Veterans Forensic Substance Misuses Service (VFSMS), piloted within a prison setting, to demonstrate the feasibility of the service. The VFSMS operated in four stages: Assessing needs, developing case management plans, providing bespoke support and developing discharge plans. Case studies were used to demonstrate this process, with measures of alcohol use and recovery showing outcomes for each case. Findings from three case studies suggested that case management was a feasible approach, with a range of interventions being used, including substance misuse and mental health services, plus housing and employment services. Outcome measures suggested that alcohol and substance misuse recovery improved following the VFSMS intervention. While the scope of the findings is limited, they suggested that case management is a feasible substance misuse intervention, with preliminary findings showing improvements in substance misuse outcomes.     

从尼采的悲剧学说解读盖茨比的悲剧性

本文运用尼采的悲剧学说对菲茨杰拉德的小说《了不起的盖茨比》中的主人公盖茨进行分析,旨在阐明盖茨比集日神精神和酒神精神于一体,是理智和激情的混合体,在社会悲剧大背景中注定他的个人遭遇是无法避免的,由此为人们理解其悲剧性提供一个新的途径。     

Characterization of the Products Formed by the Reaction of Trichlorocyanuric Acid with 2-Propanol

Abstract:  We report a recent investigation into the death of a cat that was initially thought to involve intentionally burning the animal via the use of an ignitable liquid. The exposure of the animal to flame was ruled out. Instead, forensic investigation revealed the intentional mixing together of a common outdoor swimming pool chlorinator, trichlorocyanuric acid (TCCA), and 2-propanol (aka, isopropyl alcohol or rubbing alcohol). The reaction of these two chemicals resulted in the formation of cyanuric acid residue, hydrochloric acid, and the evolution of a significant volume of chlorine gas. Further α-chlorination side reactions also occurred between 2-propanol and TCCA to produce a variety of chlorinated 2-propanone species that were detected on the submitted evidence. The identification of the products of both the main reaction and the side reactions allowed the authors to determine what chemicals were originally mixed together by the culprit.     

血液乙醇同源化合物分析及其法医学意义

酒精饮料申除含多量乙醇外,还含有微量甲醇、杂醇等乙醇同源化合物,且具有和乙醇类似的代谢及药代动力学特征,均参与肝ADH代谢,并与乙醇存在条件性竞争抑制。利用其代谢特性,在某些复杂醉酒驾车案件的法医学调查中,可根据血液中乙醇同源化合物的定量检测结果,结合对应血液乙醇质量浓度,帮助核实或推算饮酒者申诉的饮酒时间的真实性。     

白头翁汤正丁醇提取物对白念珠菌作用下Caco- 2细胞中细胞因子、防御素及Toll样受体表达的影响

目的 从细胞因子、人β- 防御素（human beta defensin,HBD）及Toll样受体（toll- like receptors,TLRs）途径探究白头翁汤正丁醇提取物（butyl alcohol extract of Baitouweng Decoction,BAEB）抗白念珠菌的机制。方法 以Caco- 2细胞为实验模型,先以BAEB作用Caco- 2细胞24 h,再加入热灭活的白念珠菌SC5314孢子(Candida albicans,C.A)共培养24 h,以MTT法测定Caco- 2细胞存活率;采用酶联免疫吸附试验检测Caco- 2细胞上清液白细胞介素- 6（interleukin- 6, IL- 6）、IL- 8、IL- 1β、HBD- 2、HBD- 3水平;采用普通PCR法检测Caco- 2细胞TLR1、TLR2、TLR4、TLR5 mRNA的表达水平。结果 与对照组比较,C.A单独作用的Caco- 2细胞中IL- 6、IL- 8、IL- 1β、HBD- 2、HBD- 3表达水平显著升高（P<0.05）,TLR1、TLR2、TLR4、TLR5 mRNA表达水平显著上调（P<0.05）;与C.A单独作用相比,BAEB预保护Caco- 2细胞后,Caco- 2细胞中IL- 6、IL- 8、IL- 1β及HBD- 2、HBD- 3表达水平明显降低（P<0.05）,TLR1、TLR2、TLR4、TLR5 mRNA表达水平也显著下调（P<0.05）,BAEB高剂量的效应最明显。结论 BAEB抗白念珠菌的机制与下调细胞因子、HBD及TLRs表达有关。     

What police want from liquor licensing legislation: the Australian perspective

Qualitative interviews were undertaken with 53 Australian police officers with specialist expertise in liquor law enforcement to ascertain their perspectives concerning the liquor licensing legislation in Australia’s eight states and territories. Respondents generally indicated that current arrangements favoured the interests of the alcohol industry and did not sufficiently empower them to reduce alcohol-related harms. Other key themes included: ambiguity surrounding the police role in liquor licensing; difficulties in enforcing drunkenness-related offences; partnerships; strategies to enhance enforcement; data/intelligence gathering; and the separation of Ministerial responsibilities for liquor licensing and policing. Overall, police in Australia are not currently being given the tools they require to effectively reduce alcohol-related harms.     

ASSESSING SUBSTANCE ABUSE QUESTIONS IN CHILD CUSTODY EVALUATIONS

Substance use is rampant in contemporary society, but little attention has been paid to it in the context of child custody evaluations (CCEs). This article provides concrete suggestions for integrating issues about substance abuse into a more overarching CCE and discusses specific assessment strategies.     

运用神经行为测试系统评价酒后行为功能的可行性研究

目的研究运用神经行为测试系统评价酒后行为功能的可行性。方法采用汉化第三版计算机化神经行为评价系统(NES-C3),通过自身对照的方式,对49名饮酒者进行神经行为功能的测试,并与步行回转试验进行比较。结果心算、视觉保留、线条判断和数字筛选均在酒后0.5￣2.5h的时间点上能力指数有所下降,视简单反应时能力指数下降则延续至酒后5.5h;步行回转在酒后0.5￣2.5h间有阳性案例。血中酒精质量浓度在0.50mg/mL以上,视觉保留、线条判断及视简单反应时的能力指数有明显下降;血中酒精质量浓度在0.80mg/mL以上,心算和数字筛选的能力指数有明显下降。步行回转实验的阳性人数在血中酒精质量浓度0.50mg/mL以上有明显增加。结论计算机化神经行为评价系统作为一个定量指标,可反应酒精质量浓度与神经行为功能的关系,且比步行回转试验更客观、更灵敏。