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Sunday, June 28, 2015

FASD News - 25/2015

AllAfrica.com - Rwanda: Alcohol During Pregnancy Is a Recipe for Disaster, Experts Say
Experts say alcohol has adverse effects on pregnant women and has also got the potential to prevent women from getting pregnant.
Shalom Life - Exclusive: An Interview With Author Linda Rosenbaum
If you’re looking for the next great read, then look no further. Linda Rosenbaum’s new book Not Exactly As Planned is full of heartbreak and triumph as she navigates the rocky road of adoption and raising a son with fetal alcohol syndrome. This critically acclaimed book talks about her son Michael, who was born with fetal alcohol syndrome, and his battle with alcohol abuse long before he’s old enough to take a sip.
Mail & Guardian Online (South Africa) - The unforgiving days of too much wine and never enough roses
A cruel, unrelenting cycle of poverty, drinking and fetal alcohol syndrome robs families of all hope.
Globalnews.ca (Canada) - Parents of 14-year-old with mental health issues see shortfalls in system
The parents of a 14-year-old who was initially denied mental health treatment at the IWK Health Centre said they see shortfalls in the province’s mental health system and are calling for improvements.
CBC.ca (Canada) - Ms. G, Winnipeg woman in 90s fetus rights case, watches son graduate
A recovered glue-sniffing addict whose pregnancy made headlines in the 90s watched her teenage son graduate from high school in Winnipeg on Friday.
Saskatoon StarPhoenix (Canada) - Researchers discuss FASD and criminal justice system
Although many people living with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) are not violent, that segment of the population still has a high incidence of involvement with the criminal justice system.
CBC.ca (Canada) - Couple frustrated by lack of FASD disclosure in adoption aren't alone, Calgary woman says
A Calgary woman says she also had problems getting vital health information from Alberta's adoption services about fetal alcohol spectrum disorder.
CBC.ca (Canada) - David Swann says better screening for FASD needed before adoption
Liberal leader David Swann says adoptive parents need to have all possible information about any medical conditions the children may have prior to adoption, including fetal alcohol spectrum disorder.
Pulse Nigeria (Nigeria) - 'Drinking during pregnancy can cause the child to become a criminal' - Expert says
He further said criminality was one of the possible outcomes of exposure to alcohol before birth, adding that brain damage, learning disability and poor behaviour affected up to one in every 100 infants.
BBC News - Drinking in pregnancy 'significant' cause of childhood brain damage
One of the UK's leading experts in child health is calling for stronger warnings on alcohol to alert women to the dangers of drinking while pregnant.
American Psychological Association (USA) - Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders are more common than thought, say researchers at congressional briefing
Many women aren't fully aware of the risks associated with drinking while pregnant, and the public needs more information on the symptoms and severity of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD), according to experts who spoke at a congressional briefing.

UPCOMING
Research on Adolescents and Adults: If Not Now, When? April 6 -, April 9, 2016
Although there have been thousands of published articles in FASD in general, there has been limited research specifically on adolescents and adults with FASD or on individuals across the lifespan.

VIDEOS and MATERIALS
YourAlberta - What’s New in FASD Research
The presenters discuss emerging research in FASD and how this research can impact practice.
YourAlberta - A First Nations Community Response to FASD
This session explores a First Nations community response to FASD in a community based, culturally informed and collective way.
AlcoholFreePregnancy - The Interface of FASD and Co-Occurring Issues - NOFAS Webinar - Daniel Dubovsky
Many individuals with an FASD have co-occurring mental health and other issues. Some reasons for this are genetic vulnerability, personality structure, repeated experience of loss, trauma, and stress, and environmental experiences.

RESEARCH
Acta Neuropsychiatrica - A study of the effects of prenatal alcohol exposure on white matter microstructural integrity at birth
Background Neuroimaging studies have indicated that prenatal alcohol exposure is associated with alterations in the structure of specific brain regions in children. However, the temporal and regional specificity of such changes and their behavioural consequences are less known.
Placenta - Prenatal ethanol exposure and placental hCG and IGF2 expression
Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) is the main cause of preventable non-genetic mental retardation. Diagnosis of prenatal exposure to ethanol (PEE) is based on questionnaires and biomarkers in perinatal matrices. Early diagnosis of FASD is important to mitigate secondary disabilities that will arise later in life. It is important to identify biomarkers related to cellular damage caused by PEE.
Physiological Reports - Impaired arousal in rat pups with prenatal alcohol exposure is modulated by GABAergic mechanisms
Prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) increases the risk for The Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) in human infants. In rat pups, the arousal response to hypoxia is modulated by medullary raphe GABAergic mechanisms.
Cerebral Cortex - Prenatal alcohol exposure is associated with regionally thinner cortex during the preadolescent period
Children with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) may exhibit craniofacial dysmorphology, neurobehavioral deficits, and reduced brain volume.
Developmental Psychobiology - Embryonic alcohol exposure: towards the development of a zebrafish model of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders
Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) is a devastating disease of the brain caused by exposure to alcohol during prenatal development. Its prevalence exceeds 1%.
Alcohol and Alcoholism - Evaluation of a multilevel and integrated program to raise awareness of the harmful effects of prenatal alcohol exposure in a local community
To evaluate a multilevel program to raise awareness of the risks of prenatal exposure to alcohol in the area of Treviso (Italy). The program started in 2008 and consists of an action-research experience involving health professionals of maternal–child services, and in the campaign ‘Mamma Beve Bimbo Beve’, targeted to the childbearing-aged population.
Behavioural Brain Research - Anterior cingulate cortex surface area relates to behavioral inhibition in adolescents with and without heavy prenatal alcohol exposure
Prenatal alcohol exposure is associated with behavioral disinhibition, yet the brain structure correlates of this deficit have not been determined with sufficient detail. We examined the hypothesis that the structure of the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) relates to inhibition performance in youth with histories of heavy prenatal alcohol exposure (AE, n = 32) and non-exposed controls (CON, n = 21).
Neuroscience - Prenatal ethanol exposure alters ethanol-induced Fos inmunoreactivity and dopaminergic activity in the mesocorticolimbic pathway of the adolescent brain
Prenatal ethanol exposure (PEE) promotes alcohol intake during adolescence, as shown in clinical and pre-clinical animal models. The mechanisms underlying this effect of prenatal ethanol exposure on postnatal ethanol intake remain, however, mostly unknown.
Psychology of Addictive Behaviors - Prenatal substance exposure: what predicts behavioral resilience by early adolescence?
Understanding behavioral resilience among at-risk adolescents may guide public policy decisions and future programs. We examined factors predicting behavioral resilience following intrauterine substance exposure in a prospective longitudinal birth-cohort study of 136 early adolescents (ages 12.4–15.9 years) at risk for poor behavioral outcomes.
Journal of Substance Abuse and Alcoholism - The fetal alcohol spectrum disorder and homelessness project: making connections for promising practice
The focus of this brief paper is to describe a current research project exploring the lived experiences of individuals with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) who are supported by the homeless-serving sector in Calgary, Alberta.
Experimental and Clinical Psychopharmacology - Exposure to female fertility pheromones influences men's drinking
Research has shown that humans consciously use alcohol to encourage sexual activity. In the current study, we investigated whether decision making about alcohol use and sex can be cued outside of awareness by recently revealed sexual signaling mechanisms.
International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction - Correlates of lifetime trauma exposure among pregnant women from Cape Town, South Africa
A cross-sectional survey of 298 pregnant women from Cape Town, South Africa was conducted to examine socio-demographic, reproductive health, mental health, and relationship correlates of lifetime trauma exposure and whether these correlates vary as a function of age.

IN OTHER LANGUAGES
Radio eM 107,6 FM (Poland) - W ciąży groźny nawet kieliszek wina
W Wojewódzkim Specjalistycznym Szpitalu Dziecięcym w Olsztynie odbyła się konferencja „Nie pozwól odlecieć swojemu szczęściu!” dotycząca profilaktyki używania substancji psychoaktywnych przez kobiety w ciąży.
alfemminile.com (Italy) - Fasd: FAS, ARND, ARBD/ I problemi del neonato dovuti al consumo di alcol in gravidanza
Bere alcolici durante la dolce attesa può portare gravi danni al neonato. FAS, ARND, ARBD sono le sindromi legate al consumo di alcol in gravidanza. Vi spieghiamo qui di seguito di cosa si tratta.
FOCUS Online (Germany) - Vollrausch im Mutterleib: Alkohol-Tabu zu unbekannt
Das Baby im Bauch trinkt mit: Bundesweit kommen jährlich rund 10 000 Jungen und Mädchen mit alkoholbedingten Schädigungen zur Welt. Dabei wäre ihr Schicksal vermeidbar, sagen Experten.
Onet.pl (Poland) - W ciąży ani kropli alkoholu
Dziecko w brzuchu matki pije razem z nią - ostrzegają eksperci. W Niemczech rodzi się rocznie 10 tys. dzieci z wadami rozwojowymi wywołanymi spożywaniem napojów alkoholowych przez matkę w trakcie ciąży.

Wednesday, June 24, 2015

Alcohol News - 25/2015

Telegraph.co.uk (UK) - Pregnant women should not drink any alcohol, BMA warn
Women should not drink any alcohol during pregnancy, the British Medical Association will say at its annual conference this week.
Indianapolis Star - Feldman: Alcohol ads target youth at high price
Alcohol use remains a major public health problem among youth. Forty-five percent of high school students report using alcohol and 26 percent report binge drinking; underage drinkers consume about 25 percent of all alcohol in the U.S.
3News NZ (New Zealand) - Massive link between alcohol and cancer – research
Researchers say there's a shocking link between alcohol and cancer, but not enough people know about it.
RTE.ie (Ireland) - RCPI calls for Oireachtas commitment on alcohol sport sponsorship
The Royal College of Physicians of Ireland has said it is disappointed an Oireachtas report on alcohol does not include commitments on sport sponsorship.
Medical Daily - People Who Think Alcohol Is Heart Healthy Cite Media Reports And Tend To Drink More
It’s no secret that drinking a bit of alcohol daily might stave off heart disease — at least that’s what study upon study has suggested. People love seeing reports on these studies, probably because they justify drinking a beverage that has long been associated with negative effects on our health and our environment.
FRANCE 24 (France) - French MPs vote to amend restrictions on alcohol ads
Lawmakers on Wednesday voted in favour of changing France’s so-called Evin Law, which restricts advertising for alcoholic beverages and tobacco, despite calls from the government to leave the law untouched.
Washington Post (USA) - Drinking is central to college culture – and to sexual assault
Beer pong, body shots and keg stands. Fraternity parties, house parties and bar crawls. College, for many students, is a generously spiked four years.
The Guardian (France) - France in denial over alcohol abuse, says health minister
France must do more to tackle alcohol abuse and smoking, the country’s health minister has said.
ABC Online (Australia) - Victoria 'ignoring' alcohol problem as funding diverted to tackle ice, research centre says
The Victorian Government has been accused of ignoring Melbourne's biggest drug problem, alcohol, with a leading research centre facing closure as funding is diverted toward tackling methamphetamine, or ice.
The Nation (Thailand) - Ban of alcohol in 300m-radius of educational institutions proposed
A committee chaired by Public Health Minister Rajata Rajatanavin is pushing for a ban on the sale of alcohol in a 300-metre radius of vocational and higher-educational institutions.
ABC Online (Australia) - Alcohol-related injuries increasing for Australian women
New research has found the number of women in Australia with alcohol-related injuries presenting at emergency departments is increasing at a rapid rate.
Edinburgh Evening News (Scotland) - Interactive map shows alcohol risk zones
A NEW interactive map of Scotland has been created to highlight the health risks linked to neighbourhoods with an excess of alcohol and tobacco outlets.
AllAfrica.com - Rwanda: Alcohol During Pregnancy Is a Recipe for Disaster, Experts Say
Alcohol causes more than 200 diseases among its addicts as well as devastating effects to unborn children, according to experts.
The Portugal News (Portugal) - All alcohol banned to under-18s
A new law published in the Government Gazette Tuesday will mean that as of 1 July, under-18s will be banned from purchasing all types of alcohol including wine and beer.
Scotsman (Scotland) - People mourning drink and drug deaths lack support
RELATIVES of people who have died from drugs or alcohol often receive poor support following their bereavement, which can exacerbate their grief, according to research.

Wednesday, June 10, 2015

Alcohol News - 23/2015

Digital Trends - Could the new Driver Alcohol Detection System for Safety (DADSS) save 10,000 lives?
The American government has been advising its citizens not to drink and drive for decades, but for the first time, it may be able to physically stop you from getting behind the wheel while hammered.
Newsweek (Iran) - Iran to Open 150 Alcohol Treatment Centers
Iran is set to open 150 alcohol treatment centers in a bid to tackle the country’s hidden drinking problem, the head of the health ministry’s drug abuse department, Alireza Norouzi, told ISNA news agency.
Fox News Latino (Bolivia) - Citizens in Bolivian town impose vigilante-style alcohol ban after series of rapes
Neighborhood leaders have imposed a sort of vigilante dry law in the coca-growing mountain town of La Asunta, hoping to end a series of rapes and other crimes.
FRANCE 24 (France) - French government battles wine-growing senator over alcohol ads
For the second time in two months, the French government has rushed to the defence of a law limiting alcohol advertising after it came under fire by a parliamentary amendment proposed by a wine-growing senator.
University Herald - Alcohol Laws Targeting Adults Reduce Teen Drinking
New research suggests that teenagers are less likely to consume alcohol in states with stronger alcohol policies.
thejournal.ie - These counties have the highest numbers of people treated for alcohol abuse
THERE HAS BEEN a substantial drop in the number of people being treated for alcohol abuse in Ireland.
Medscape - 'Sherlock Holmes' on the Question of Alcohol and Cancer
Welcome to this edition of Medscape Oncology Insights, where we have an opportunity to report highlights of the 2015 Annual Meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology.
Glasgow South and Eastwood Extra (UK) - Warning of alcohol deaths rise
Deaths and illnesses caused by alcohol could rise again now the economy has improved, Health Secretary Shona Robison has warned.
Barbados Today (Barbados) - Island to ban advertising of alcohol, tobacco items
Barbados could soon be moving to ban all advertising of alcohol and tobacco products. That was one of the measures put forward by Caribbean delegates to help in the fight against Non-Communicable Diseases (NCD’s), following a forum hosted by the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) at Hilton Barbados today.
Stuff.co.nz (New Zealand) - Few heavy drinkers willing to seek help for alcohol problems
Just under a third (32.4 per cent) of Kiwi drinkers who took part in the Global Drug Survey (GDS) planned to cut back over the next 12 months, but only one in twenty (4.9 per cent) had any plans to seek help in doing so, even though one in five of them would like help.
Lexology (Scotland) - BMA Scotland supports measure to ban alcohol ads at sporting events
The British Medical Association in Scotland (BMA Scotland) has reportedly backed legislation under consideration by the Scottish Parliament’s Health and Sport Committee that seeks to ban alcohol advertising at all events geared toward children younger than age 18. According to media reports, the proposed measure would also prohibit the marketing of alcoholic beverages near schools in addition to limiting ads on retail premises.

Thursday, June 4, 2015

Alcohol News - 22/2015

TIME (USA) - Alcohol Problems Affect About 33 Million U.S. Adults
About 14% of U.S. adults have alcohol-related problems, according to new data on Americans’ drinking behaviors.
BBC News (UK) - The BMA calls for ban on alcohol ads at children's events
The British Medical Association (BMA) in Scotland has called for alcohol advertising at events aimed at children to be banned.
EurActiv (EU) - Health NGOs walk out of EU alcohol forum
Twenty public health organisations have resigned from the European Alcohol and Health Forum (EAHF), a stakeholder platform, to protest against the European Commission's refusal to submit a new alcohol strategy.
Daily Mail (UK) - Drinking wine at home is putting thousands more women in hospital, experts warn as report says UK has a 'chronic drink problem'
Women drinking at home are fuelling the nation’s chronic problem with alcohol, experts warned. Hospital admissions directly linked to alcohol grew three times quicker among women than among men last year, according to figures released by Public Health England yesterday.
KRON4.com (USA) - Governor blocks baby pictures on beer bottles
Democratic Gov. Maggie Hassan on Tuesday vetoed a measure that would have allowed some images of minors to grace alcoholic beverage labels as long as they didn’t encourage young people to drink.
Daily Mail - The dangers of smoking cannabis when drinking: Alcohol increases amount of the drug's 'high inducing' ingredient in the blood
Smoking cannabis while drinking alcohol intensifies the ‘high’, according to new research. Inhaling marijuana after drinking increases the concentration of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the drug’s main psychoactive ingredient, in the blood, a study found.
Youth Health Magzine (UK) - In the UK, Alcohol Will Kill More Women than Men
Britain is becoming more addicted to drinking. Interestingly, between men and women, the latter are more likely to die faster.
MedPage Today - Kids Drink Less With More Restrictive Alcohol Policies
Lower levels of youth drinking and binge drinking were associated with more stringent policies on alcohol, according to a longitudinal study that combined data from Youth Risk Behavior Surveys with an independent examination of state-level alcohol policies.
The UCSD Guardian Online - Study Shows Impact of Alcohol on Teen Brains
UCSD researchers recently conducted a study analyzing how alcohol affects the teenage brain, including its impact on test performance. Their findings were published in the Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs.
The Slovak Spectator (Slovakia) - Mostly men leaving bars are dying from alcohol
This stems from the revelations of scientists from the Comenius University’s Jessenius Faculty of Medicine located in Martin (JLF UK), who collected information from 14,161 autopsies carried out during 20 years. In 2,317 cases people had more than 2 parts per thousand of alcohol in their body.
The Local - Drunk passengers force SAS alcohol rule change
Scandinavian airline SAS has announced new guidelines designed to limit passengers travelling within Europe to three alcoholic drinks per flight, following problems with drunk passengers last summer.
Government Technology (USA) - Alaska Agency Uses App to Monitor Alcohol Offenders
The app leads users through coping strategies, monitors how often they drink, identifies “triggers” and gives weekly feedback reports tracking their progress in kicking bad habits.
Medical Xpress - Restricting firearms access for people who misuse alcohol may prevent violence
Restricting access to firearms for people who misuse alcohol could prevent firearm violence, but policies that more clearly define alcohol misuse should be developed to facilitate enforcement, according to a review of existing research and public policies by the UC Davis Violence Prevention Research Program.
Bustle (UK) - How Much Alcohol Do We Really Drink? More Than We Probably Think, Says Study
Have you ever stopped to wonder how much you actually drink? Well, it turns out that it might be more than you think. A new survey recently conducted in England found that self-reported consumption of alcohol only accounts for about 60 percent of alcohol sales in the country.
Planet F1 - Todt won't back alcohol ban
Jean Todt has revealed the FIA won't be pushing for a ban on the advertising of alcohol in F1 as it is "not possible."
Irish Independent (Ireland) - Alcohol price controls 'vital in tackling rising abuse'
Price controls must form a vital weapon in Ireland's battle to tackle alcohol abuse, according to a leading addiction expert.
AzerNews (Azerbaijan) - Azerbaijan raises fine for underage alcohol selling
Azerbaijan’s Parliament has increased the fine for the offence of underage alcohol and tobacco selling in an effort to curb underage drinking and smoking.