Absence of Correlation Between the Spontaneously Hypertensive Rat's Exaggerated Preference for Sweet and Alcohol Drinking Solutions

We tested the hypothesis that the exaggerated preference of the spontaneously hypertensive rat of the Okamoto strain (SHR) for alcohol-containing drinking solutions is due to its exaggerated preference for the purported sweet subtaste of alcohol. To do, this we examined in SHR (and Brown Norway (BN) controls) whether preferences for alcohol and glucose-drinking solutions were correlated. No significant correlation was found between alcohol and glucose preference in either the SHR or BN. We conclude therefore that the exaggerated alcohol preference of the SHR is not due to an exaggerated preference for the purported sweet subtaste of alcohol.     

Transient loss of consciousness with and without injuries

Objectives: Transient loss of consciousness (LOC) is a fairly common phenomenon and frequently carries a risk of injury. The aim was to study the occurrence of injuries and causes of emergency referrals versus later specialist consultation in association with LOC in the primary healthcare setting.

Methods: A four-month survey was carried out in the Primary Healthcare Emergency Department of the City of Tampere, Finland (198,000 inhabitants). The subjects comprised consecutive patients aged at least 15 years, attending a primary healthcare emergency department because of LOC. The type of LOC was determined (seizure, syncope and uncertain) and the type and site of all injuries associated with LOC were registered. All referrals to hospital or specialist consultation because of LOC were also registered and the predictors of admission were analysed by logistic regression modelling.

Results: Injury was associated with 43 (20%) out of 220 visits because of LOC; in 12/72 (17%) cases with syncope, in 24/118 (20%) with seizures and in 7/30 (23%) with an uncertain cause of LOC. Most of the injuries were minor. Emergency referral was required in 45/220 (20%) cases of LOC. Coronary heart disease and injury were the main predictors of emergency referral to hospital.

Conclusions: Injuries are as frequent in patients with syncope as in those suffering seizures. Most patients with LOC in primary healthcare emergency departments do not seem to require emergency admission to hospital.     

FEP Screening for Plumbism

Abstract

Amphotericin is the drug of choice for the treatment of fungal infections in infants and children. When used in the recommended doses, amphotericin therapy is associated with high rates of adverse effects, including nephrotoxicity, hepatotoxicity, decrease in white blood cells, platelets and hemoglobin, chills, fever and even death (1). We report a case involving a neonate who was exposed to a 50 fold overdose of Amphotericin over a three day period.     

Motivational Interviewing, 2nd ednWilliam Miller and Stephen RollnickThe Guilford Press. ISBN: 1‐572‐30563‐0, 2002, 428 pp with index, £26.95 (hbk)

More people with intellectual disability are living independent lives. They can and do experiment with substances that the wider community try, such as alcohol and drugs (both legal and illicit). Unfortunately for some, they develop problems related to their use of these substances. Face‐to‐face, semi‐structured interviews were conducted with 13 professionals who work in Intellectual Disability Services and Alcohol &; Drug Services to discover their experiences of caring for people with intellectual disabilities who hazardously use substances. Although small numbers of people presented to these services, many more people with intellectual disabilities used Intellectual Disability Services for support, rather than their local Alcohol &; Drug Services. While the numbers may be relatively small, the challenges this client group pose are very perturbing in relation to their physical, emotional and social health. The professionals reported a lack of education in working with this doubly disadvantaged population. Moreover, policies were absent to guide staff to work collaboratively with this often‐ignored population. These findings are discussed in light of the innovative practices that are occurring in other parts of the UK regarding the recognition, assessment treatment and long‐term management of this population. Intellectual Disability Services and Alcohol &; Drug Services need to work more closely together if the needs of this population are to be effectively met.     

Children’s responses towards alcohol in virtual reality: associations between parental alcohol use,drinking selections and intentions to drink

This article examines public opinion in US alcohol policies during the 1990s and their correlates in 2000, using five national telephone surveys. Trend analyses of public opinion on 11 common alcohol policies is presented and factor‐based policy scales, based on 14 items in 2000, are used to examine demographic correlates of support for various policy areas, using bivariate, linear (OLS) and logistic regression analyses. With the exception of the alcohol warning label policy, national support for alcohol policies declined (eight policies) or was unchanged in the 1990s for 11 measured policies. In 2000, four meaningful policy opinion factors were found with adequate reliabilities (αs 0.65–0.75) for three of four derived scales. In 2000, support for specific policies varies. Warnings on labels and advertisements have highest support (>90%), then interventions like prevention, treatment, and responsible beverage service at 70% (with similar levels seen for improving access to treatment). Alcohol controls show varied, but lower support from 25% (raising minimum drinking age further), to above 60% for banning sales in corner stores; only about a third favor higher alcohol taxes (35%) and more restrictive hours of sale (32%). In general, women and those with lower socio‐economic status show higher alcohol policy support. Multivariate results show heavier drinkers are least supportive of alcohol policy, while ethnic minorities, especially Hispanics are more favorable to alcohol controls and raising alcohol taxes. Since evidence‐based alcohol control policies show mixed, but lower public support than treatment, prevention and consumer warnings, there is a need for community‐based strategies to increase awareness of environmentally orientated alcohol policies and their public health benefits.     

Testing fidelity to a new psychological intervention for family members of substance misusers during implementation in Italy

Providing treatment and help to family members of people with alcohol and drug problems is a new approach. In the UK, a new intervention—the ‘5‐Step Method’— has been developed, which has shown positive results in reducing family members' symptoms and improving their coping. This method has been utilized in Italy, also with positive results. This paper analyses 52 treatment reports compiled by the treating professionals, to examine how well the method has been introduced into the Italian sociocultural context. Information about the intervention from these treatment reports was grouped into categories by independent judges. These categories were analysed using univariate statistics, followed by multivariate dynamic analysis using STATIS, a multidimensional statistical methodology capable of analysing the temporal phenomenon (over the five sessions) in question. This methodology examined the resulting 3‐way matrix: cases, variables, and time. The analysis shows that the training was effective: the trained personnel did deliver the five steps and did do in each step what was suggested in the manual. It also suggests that some overall strategies, such as giving family members a plan and proposing up to five sessions with the family member are very helpful interventions. Suggestions for improving both the intervention, and for incorporating instruction in this method as part of initial professional training, are made.