Alcohol News: April 2012

Monday, April 23, 2012

Alcohol News - 17/2012

Euractive (EU) - Health chief: We have never wanted 'drinking kills' labels

A re-think of the EU's alcohol strategy, due in 2013, will focus on stronger health warnings to consumers, the European Commission's health policy chief has told EurActiv in an interview. But the industry will first be given a chance to self-regulate.

New York Daily News - Tattooed and pierced people consume more alcohol than non-tattooed and non-pierced: study

French scientists said Monday they have found evidence proving the stereotype that people who sport tattoos and piercings are heavier drinkers.

The Canberra Times (Australia) - Fresh calls to tax alcohol per standard drink

WA medical experts have backed a submission to the Federal Budget calling for alcoholic drinks to be taxed according to their alcohol content, which would increase the cost of cleanskin and cask wine and traditional ciders.

Medical Xpress (UK) - Minimum alcohol pricing shows 'significant impacts,' says expert

Government plans to impose a minimum price of 40p per unit of alcohol will have "significant impacts" including a 38,900 reduction in hospital admissions, a 1,149 reduction in deaths and a cut in alcohol consumption by 2.4%, says John Appleby, Chief Economist at the King's Fund, in an article published in the British Medical Journal today.

Medical Xpress (India) - Alcohol use in Bollywood movies impacting alcohol use among Indian adolescents

Alcohol use in Bollywood movies is directly influencing the drinking habits of India's adolescents, according to a new study presented at the World Congress of Cardiology in Dubai.

Sydney Morning Herald (Australia) - Study finds alcohol ads get to at least a quarter of kids

Half the alcohol ads shown on Australian television are shown at a time when at least 25 per cent of possible child viewers will be watching, new research led by the University of WA has found.

U.S. News & World Report (USA) - Report: A Quarter of Teen Drinkers Get Alcohol From Family

For Jan Withers, Monday marked a grim 20-year anniversary: the day her 15-year-old daughter, Alisa, rode in a car with a teenage driver who had been drinking. Alisa was killed after the driver crashed into a guard rail.

Times of India (India) - WHO drops plan to target alcohol use reduction

In a highly controversial move, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has dropped its plan to set a target for cutting down on alcohol use across the world over the next 13 years.

UPI.com - Many boomers abuse alcohol after age 48

A U.S. survey indicates depression or anxiety to be the main reason older adults -- baby boomers age 50 and older -- say they abuse drugs or alcohol.

Bloomberg (Russia) - Putin Urges Gradually Raising Tobacco, Alcohol Excise Taxes

Prime Minister Vladimir Putin said the government should gradually raise excise taxes on alcohol and tobacco, coordinating measures to curb their harmful effects with Russia’s customs union partners Kazakhstan and Belarus.

BBC News (Wales) - Pub landlords back minimum alcohol price, says Alcohol Concern Cymru study

Publicans in Wales back the introduction of a minimum price per unit of alcohol, a new study claims.

Moneyweb.co.za (South Africa) - 80% of surveyed kids drink alcohol

Nearly 80 percent of a group of surveyed Gauteng high school pupils regularly consume alcohol, according to findings released by the Bureau for Market Research (BMR) on Sunday.

New York Times (EU) - Europe Seeks to Curb Its Drinking Problem

Rising unemployment, austerity, shrinking growth: It’s enough to drive you to drink. Legislators and activists appear determined, however, to divert Europeans from seeking refuge from hard times in the bottle.

Science Daily - Feelings of Immaturity Accompany Alcohol Misuse Into Adulthood

Tipping back one too many cocktails during an individual's early 20s doesn't correlate to a personal sense of immaturity; however if this habit doesn't stop as they reach age 30, young adults can feel psychologically underdeveloped, according to a University of Missouri study.

The Independent (UK) - Introducing minimum alcohol price of 40p per unit would save 1,000 lives each year

Raising the price of ultra-cheap lager, gin and vodka will save more than 1,000 lives each year, according to new research today.

World Health Organization (WHO) - Countries must recognize alcohol abuse as grave public health threat

Countries need to recognize that alcohol consumption is a big and growing public health threat and take appropriate action, experts concluded at a WHO regional meeting on the prevention and control of the noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) through reduction of alcohol-related harm.

Alcohol News - 16/2012

MD News (Sweden) - Many Women Still Report Drinking During Pregnancy

Using the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT), Erika Comasco, Ph.D., from Uppsala University in Sweden, and colleagues collected data on alcohol consumption before and during pregnancy among 2,264 women from a Swedish antenatal clinic.

Views and News from Norway (Norway) - Celebrities urged to stop drinking

State health authorities have enlisted the aid of well-known Norwegians to reduce alcohol consumption, by urging them to abstain from any wine, beer or liquor over a two-week period. Among those signing up are skiing star Vibeke Skofterud and the new head of the state police system, Øystein Mæland.

BBC News (UK) - London Metropolitan University's alcohol-free zone plan

A London university is considering banning the sale of alcohol on parts of its campus. Professor Malcolm Gillies, the vice chancellor of London Metropolitan University, said "cultural sensitivity" was the reason behind the proposal.

ABC Online (Australia) - Research finds alcohol policy an 'abject failure'

A survey of Darwin's homeless population, the so-called 'long grassers', has found about half drink almost every day and the median weekly quantity for men is nearly 91 drinks.

The Daily meal - Researchers Discover Carcinogens in Alcoholic Beverages

Passionate wine drinkers are aware of the many substances found in their wines. Things like acids, tannins, and resveratrol float around in every glass. A new study has found that carcinogens can be found in those wines as well.

Montreal Gazette (Canada) - Quebec’s zero-alcohol law for young drivers comes into effect

Starting Sunday, the “zero alcohol” rule for Quebec drivers age 21 and under comes into force, meaning that young motorists face an immediate three-month suspension of their licence if they’re found to have consumed even a drop of alcohol before getting behind the wheel.

Marketing Week (EU) - EU-wide alcohol marketing rules planned

AB InBev, Bacardi, Brown-Forman, Carlsberg, Diageo, Heineken, Pernod Ricard and SAB Miller will work with the World Federation of Advertisers (WFA) and national trade associations to establish and implement common standards on social media marketing and age appropriate advertising and scheduling in each of the 27 member states.

Telegraph.co.uk (UK) - Middle-class children most likely to try alcohol by 12

More than one in three of those born in professional households had downed a full glass before reaching their teenage years, the statistics show.

Sky News Australia (Australia) - Alcohol 'should carry clear warnings'

Alcohol bottles should carry clear labels warning women of the detrimental effect drinking can have on unborn babies, a parliamentary hearing has been told.

New York Times (USA) - Indian Beer Bill Stalls; Industry Money Flows

Legislation in Nebraska that would curtail alcohol purchases to residents of a dry Indian reservation has stalled in a key committee whose members have received thousands of dollars in campaign contributions from the alcohol industry, according to state records.

Adweek (USA) - FTC Broadens Study of Alcohol Advertising

For the first time, the Federal Trade Commission is requiring the major alcoholic beverage advertisers to detail their use of digital marketing and data collection practices.

WorlDental.org - Excessive Alcohol Consumption Linked to Oral Cancer

Believe it or not, your dentist can actually tell if you have problems with alcohol consumption. The regular dental checkups are recommended twice per year, and these will help maintaining proper oral health. Moreover, regular visits can help with oral cancer early detection and prevention.

Telegraph.co.uk (EU/UK) - EU law may spike Cameron's alcohol price strategy

High-ranking Treasury officials have admitted that there are questions over the legality of David Cameron's plans for a minimum alcohol unit pricing policy, according to drinks industry sources.

EurekAlert - Online tool estimates youth exposure to alcohol ads on radio

A new online tool from the Center on Alcohol Marketing and Youth (CAMY) at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health determines the extent of exposure to radio alcohol advertisements among young people ages 12 to 20 in 75 different media markets. This free and user-friendly tool is the first service to provide parents, health departments and other key audiences with access to customizable information on youth exposure to radio alcohol advertising.

stv.tv (Scotland) - Alcohol or drugs caused 835 house fires in Scotland

Alcohol or drugs contributed to 835 house fires in Scotland last year, according to statistics. Fire services across the country are urging people to be aware of the increased risks when drinking. Eleven people died and 248 were injured in such incidents last year.

Easier (UK) - Alcohol and drug interventionists implement new 'McCann Model'

Sober Services Ltd, a private company that specialise in interventions and bespoke addiction recovery services, has announced a new intervention model, known as the 'McCann Model', that is aiding the recovery of addicts and alcoholics and dispelling the myth that addicts must reach a 'rock bottom' before the healing process can begin.

7thSpace Interactive (WHO) - WHO Western Pacific regional meeting on reducing alcohol-related harm completed

Representatives from the World Health Organization (WHO) and countries in the Western Pacific met in Hong Kong from April 10 to 13 to discuss the prevention and control of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) through reduction of alcohol-related harm.

Russia Profile (Russia) - The Kremlin Moves to Ban Drinking While Traveling

Russia's love for booze took another hit this week, as the government moved to ban the sale of strong alcoholic beverages on passenger trains.

FASD News - 15/2012

NEWS AND ARTICLES

Kenai Peninsula Online (USA) - FASD receives state, national attention

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders are gaining widespread attention due to an Alaska Senate Bill and a national act introduced by four United States senators, including Lisa Murkowski and Mark Begich.

NECN (USA) - Bill letting judges consider FASD passes Senate

A bill that would allow Alaska judges to consider fetal alcohol spectrum disorders during sentencing has unanimously passed the Senate.

Herald Sun (Australia) - Alcohol ‘should carry clear warnings'

ALCOHOL bottles should carry clear labels warning women of the detrimental effect drinking can have on unborn babies, a parliamentary hearing has been told.

Asbury Park Press (USA) - Pregnant Pause Baby Fair to Prevent Developmental Disabilities

The Family Resource Network, in partnership with Community Medical Center, will hold its annual Pregnant Pause Baby Fair on Sunday, April 22nd to celebrate healthy pregnancies by educating expecting parents about the importance of an alcohol free pregnancy.

St. Catharines Standard (Canada) – Should moms who deliver FAS kids be sterilized?

Destroying yourself with alcohol is one thing. Destroying an innocent fetus by excessive use of alcohol is maternal madness. Yet every year alcohol-riddled babies are born in this country suffering from fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS).

Yukon News - Caring for people with FASD: from joy to pure ‘hell’

“Back in the ‘70s there was nothing on paper to tell you how to take care of a child like this,” said Jenny, who has written a book about her experiences raising a child with FASD.

Chicago Tribune - Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders

It has been two years since a Tennessee mom sent her 7-year-old adopted son back to Russia with a note that read: "I no longer wish to parent this child." While no definitive diagnosis ever was made public, the boy was thought to suffer from fetal alcohol spectrum disorders.

Australian Healthcare & Hospitals Association (Australia) - A holistic approach: preventing and managing Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder

A public hearing to explore different aspects of preventing and managing Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder will be held in Sydney this Friday (13 April 2012).

COMING UP

The University of British Columbia - Fifth National Biennial Conference on Adolescents and Adults with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder: It's a Matter of Justice

This conference will provide a forum to share research, experience and practice in order to discuss how we can effectively sustain and enhance the lives of adolescents and adults with FASD, their families, service providers, and communities. Are we adequately addressing and supporting the needs and rights of adolescents and adults with FASD within our society?

MATERIALS

CAMH (Canada) - The Economic Impact of FAS and FASD

The objective of this study was to conduct a systematic review of the literature related to the measurement of the economic impact of fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) and fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) in different countries and to categorize the available literature.

RESEARCH

Alcoholism - Delays in Auditory Processing Identified in Preschool Children with FASD

Auditory delay revealed by MEG in children with FASDs may prove to be a useful neural marker of information processing difficulties in young children with prenatal alcohol exposure. The fact that delayed auditory responses were observed across the FASD spectrum suggests that it may be a sensitive measure of alcohol-induced brain damage. Therefore, this measure in conjunction with other clinical tools may prove useful for early identification of alcohol affected children, particularly those without dysmorphia.

Alcoholism - Selenium or Selenium Plus Folic Acid–Supplemented Diets Ameliorate Renal Oxidation in Ethanol-Exposed Pups

Ethanol (EtOH) exposure during gestation and lactation induces an oxidative stress in offspring. In kidney, the oxidative damage is the primary pathway to alcohol-induced injury. In this study, we have demonstrated that a diet supplemented with selenium (Se) (0.5 ppm) or with Se (0.5 ppm) + folic acid (8 ppm) administered to EtOH-exposed (20% v/v) dams during gestation and lactation prevents the oxidative EtOH-provoked effects in their offspring's kidneys.

Alcoholism - Alcohol Consumption Among Pregnant Women in a Swedish Sample and Its Effects on the Newborn Outcomes

The sample comprised 2,264 women from a Swedish antenatal clinic. Retrospective self-report data were collected on alcohol consumption before and during pregnancy, using the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT), and on nicotine use.

Alcoholism - Opposing Actions of Ethanol and Nicotine on MicroRNAs are Mediated by Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors in Fetal Cerebral Cortical–Derived Neural Progenitor Cells

EtOH and nicotine exert mutually antagonistic, nAChR-mediated effects on teratogen-sensitive miRNAs in fetal NSCs. These data suggest that concurrent exposure to EtOH and nicotine disrupts miRNA regulatory networks that are important for NSC maturation.

IN OTHER LANGUAGES

Kyffhäuser Nachrichten (Germany) - ALKOHOL IN DER SCHWANGERSCHAFT?

Sie sind lieb, sie sind süß, aber auch distanzlos, zerstörerisch, aggressiv, nicht zu bändigen, locken in uns Mutterinstinkte hervor… und treiben uns manchmal an den Rand der Verzweiflung“. Was soll bloß aus ihnen werden, werden sie jemals erwachsen, d.h. können wir sie allein leben lassen...? Ein Gastbeitrag von Dr. Heike Hoff-Emden...

Alcohol News - 15/2012

YLE News (Finland) - 80 years since end of prohibition — happy birthday ALKO

Thursday marks 80 years since the first state-operated liquor stores opened their doors in Finland. The first 48 ALKO shops welcomed thirsty customers on April 5, 1932, following a government decision to end prohibition.

The Foreigner (Norway) - Norwegians descend on Swedish town

True to tradition, Norwegians are in Sweden this year to celebrate Maundy Thursday and the Easter weekend joined by alcohol.

The Nordic Page (Norway) - Six out of Ten Norwegians Think Wine is Healthy

In the Norwegian Health Directorate's recent population survey, nearly 1300 men and women were interviewed. According tothe results of the survey, 58 percent of the respondents believe drinking wine regularly is healthy. Also, 63 percent of the participants believe that red wine is healthier than other alcohols.

The Local (Sweden) - Carers can help alcoholic buy booze: agency

Swedish home-help service workers have recently been instructed to assist a disabled man who suffers from alcohol addiction to purchase drink.

Reuters - Most alcohol, drug abuse starts in teen years-study

A survey of U.S. teenagers found that most have used alcohol and drugs by the time they reach adulthood, and researchers said this could be setting many of those kids up for a lifetime of substance abuse.

Boston.com (Turkmenistan) - Turkmenistan bans alcohol during 'Happiness Week'

Authorities in Turkmenistan have put a dampener on so-called "Happiness Week" by quietly banning the sale of alcohol.

U.S. News & World Report (USA) - Drug, Alcohol Abuse Common Among U.S. Teens, Study Finds

Alcohol and drug use is common among American teens and more than 15 percent of them meet the criteria for substance abuse, a new study finds.

U.S. News & World Report - Teen Drinking May Boost Odds of Precancerous Breast Changes

Teenage girls and young adult women who drink even moderate amounts of alcohol appear to increase their risk of developing breast changes that can lead to cancer, according to a large new study.

CBS News - Study proves "beer goggles" phenomenon does exist

We often joke that alcohol can make a person look more attractive. But do these rumored "beer goggles" exist? According to a new study published on April 4 in Addiction, alcohol can make the heart grow fonder - or at least make people look more attractive.

MSN Health & Fitness - ER Docs Can Help Curb Patient Alcohol Abuse, Drunk Driving

Problem drinkers are more likely to reduce their alcohol consumption after receiving counseling from an emergency room physician, according to a new study. ER doctors can also deter heavy drinkers from driving while under the influence, the study found.

Prague Post (Chech Republic) - ČR tops alcohol rankings

Europeans drink the most of any region in the world, and Czechs drink the most of any Europeans, according to a recent World Health Organization (WHO) study - and there are health problems that follow.

Telegraph.co.uk - Dentists 'should screen patients for alcohol abuse'

Dentists should screen patients for unhealthy drinking habits during routine appointments to help promote general health, experts have claimed.

Irish Times (Ireland) - Independent off-licences blame closure rate on below-cost alcohol sales by supermarkets

THE SPECIALIST off-licence sector will “die a death within five years” unless the Government “urgently” implements key Department of Health recommendations to address alcohol abuse, its representative group has claimed.

National Business Review (New Zealand) - EXECUTIVE HEALTH: Alcohol lifts breast cancer risk

Alcohol is known to increase the risk of several cancers, in both sexes, including bowel cancer. But breast tissue is thought to be particularly sensitive to its carcinogenic effects, according to a review of research by Helmut Seiz, of the University of Heidelberg and colleagues.

BBC News (UK) - Illegal sales of alcohol in Suffolk reach record low

Illegal sales of alcohol to underage teenagers in Suffolk have reached a record low as "traders are becoming more vigilant."

Herald Sun (Australia) - Professor warns of dangers of cheap alcohol

CHEAP booze and disposable income have contributed to a quarter of Australians drinking at dangerous levels, an addiction expert claims.

SunHerald.com - Research and Markets: Analyzing the Global Premium Alcohol Market 2012

Alcohol consumption is declining in most of the developed countries, and rising in many of the developing countries and the countries of Central and Eastern Europe.

This is Bristol (UK) - Health chief calls for higher alcohol prices in South Gloucestershire

A HEALTH expert is calling for alcohol-free venues in South Gloucestershire to help combat soaring alcohol consumption. They would help to change the drinking culture by providing an alternative place for people to socialise, according to Dr Chris Payne, director of public health for NHS South Gloucestershire, in his annual report.

Alcohol News - 14/2012

Reuters (Europe) - Europeans are world's heaviest drinkers: WHO report

People in Europe drink more alcohol than in any other part of the world, downing the equivalent of 12.5 litres of pure alcohol a year or almost three glasses of wine a day, according to report by the World Health Organisation and the European Commission.

The Copenhagen Post (Denmark) - Booze next in line for sin tax

Danes are set to raid the German border shops once again as government eyes new sin tax. After already being handed a sin tax on fat and bracing for a similar one on sugar, consumers could soon also be paying more to consume alcohol.

Deccan Chronicle (Sweden) - Alcohol consumption and diabetes 'associated'

For the study, subjects in a cohort in Sweden, some of whom had been exposed to a community intervention program to prevent diabetes, were evaluated 8-10 years after baseline for the presence of diabetes mellitus or impaired glucose metabolism ('pre-diabetes') in relation to a baseline report of alcohol consumption.

Alcohol and Alcoholism (Norway) - Dutch and Norwegian Support of Alcohol Policy Measures to Prevent Young People from Problematic Drinking: A Cross-National Comparison

To examine whether Dutch and Norwegian adults differ in their opinion on policy measures that may prevent young people from problematic drinking.

Alcohol and Alcoholism (Lithuania) - Alcohol-Related Injuries and Alcohol Control Policy in Lithuania: Effect of the Year of Sobriety, 2008

To evaluate the changes in mortality and the years of potential life lost (YPLL) due to alcohol-related injuries, as well as the impact of alcohol-related injuries on life expectancy during the period of the implementation of comprehensive alcohol control policy in Lithuania.

International Business Times - One Alcoholic Drink A Day: Breast Cancer Increased Plus 10 Other Reported Effects

One alcoholic drink per day increases the risk of breast cancer, according to new research. Epidemiologists attributed 2 percent of European and North American breast cancer cases to light drinking and 50,000 instances of breast cancer throughout the world to heavy drinking, according to the study.

CampaignLive (UK) - Govt threatens alcohol ad ban to protect young people

The Government has warned that it will consider a ban on alcohol advertising unless more action is taken to reduce young people's exposure to it.

Medscape - Even Light Alcohol Drinking Ups Breast Cancer Risk

Women should not exceed 1 drink of alcohol a day, concludes a new meta-analysis of 113 studies of light drinking and breast cancer. However, even such light drinking is a little risky, say the authors.

Newsday (UK) - Review targets alcohol in Britain's House

British lawmakers have been known to get rowdy during debates. They also have been known to fall down drunk during a vote, head-butt colleagues in a drunken brawl, and run up $80,000 tabs for food and drink.

News-Medical.net (France) - French researchers find alcohol’s self regard boosting properties

French researchers have confirmed the folklore that a glass in your hand will make you feel sexier, smarter and funnier, even when others disagree.

EurActiv (EU/UK) - Commission prefers higher alcohol tax to combat binge drinking

The European Commission is more favourable to raising taxes on alcohol over setting a minimum price level following intense debate in Britain over Prime Minister David Cameron's proposed crackdown on binge drinking, a Commission official told EurActiv.

Futurity: Research News - Alcohol images may prompt racial bias

Recent research by University of Missouri Professor of Psychological Sciences Bruce D. Bartholow has shown that consuming alcohol can lead to increased expression of racial bias. His latest study, conducted with colleague Elena Stepanova of Florida Gulf Coast University, shows that images can have the same effect, even when no alcohol is consumed.

PsychCentral.com - Alcohol, Marijuana Linked to Online Gambling

Gambling over the Internet is a common practice and with the spread of smart phones, an individual can gamble in practically any setting.

Newswise - Sedatives and Alcohol Increase Risk for Pain Medication Adverse Events

Adverse events associated with taking opioid pain medications increase in patients who concurrently use sedatives and alcohol. A study in The Journal of Pain, published by the American Pain Society, www.ampainsoc.org, advises physicians to use caution in prescribing sedatives for patients taking opioids, even if there is no history of substance abuse.

MarketWatch - No Kidding, Kids Are Actually Listening to Their Parents When It Comes to Talking About Underage Drinking

In recognition of Alcohol Awareness Month, The Century Council, the leading national not-for-profit funded by distillers dedicated to fighting drunk driving and underage drinking, released new survey results today which reveal that parents continue to be the leading influence on their kid's decisions to not drink alcohol. Additionally, the survey demonstrates when it comes to talking about underage drinking, kids are actually listening to their parents when they discuss this serious, important, and sometimes awkward topic.

Bloomberg (China) - China to Ban Public Purchases of ‘High-End’ Alcohol

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao pledged to ban the use of public funds to buy cigarettes and “high- end” alcohol, warning that corruption may endanger the ruling Communist Party’s survival.

Ninemsn (Australia) - WA government ads link alcohol to cancer

A new government health campaign is warning West Australians that alcohol is in the same cancer-causing category as tobacco and asbestos.

ABC Online (Australia) - Call for mandatory alcohol education

Alcohol and drug education would become mandatory in West Australian schools under a strategy launched in Perth today.

MaltaToday (Malta) - Malta with lowest alcohol consumption rate in the EU

A report on alcohol consumption within the EU, compiled by the World Health Organsiation (WHO), Malta’s alcohol consumption stands at 8.1 litres per capita, which turns out to be the lowest in all the EU.

TheParliament.com (EU) - EU urged to tackle excessive alcohol consumption

EU lawmakers have been urged to follow the UK's example in helping people to "turn their back" on potentially harmful excessive binge drinking. The call by the European public health alliance (EPHA) comes in the wake of UK plans to impose minimum prices for alcohol.

Airport Business (EU) - ETRC Alcohol Code of Conduct signals commitment to responsible retailing

Several EU countries are currently considering the implementation of stricter conditions regarding the taxation, marketing, promotion and labelling of alcohol products to combat the harmful use of alcohol.

FASD News - 14/2012

NEWS AND ARTICLES

KTUU.com (USA) - FASD Meeting: Alaska Native Leaders Tackle Fetal Alcohol Issue

Alaska state health officials say Native leaders are gathering in Anchorage to participate in a two-day meeting that will address fetal alcohol spectrum disorders.

TbNewsWatch.com (USA) - Growing problem

While the number of babies born with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder appears to be decreasing, one FASD worker observes that more children are being born addicted to drugs.

New Zealand Herald (New Zealand) - Kids dying because of drinking – experts

Hundreds of children are injured, killed or abused every year by caregivers who have been drinking but agencies are failing to grasp the extent of the problem, experts say.

Stuff.co.nz (New Zealand) - Alcohol warnings to pregnant women

A plan to target pregnant women in warning labels on alcohol products may have already encountered a setback, with Dominion Breweries (DB) confirming they won't be complying for at least two years - when the rule is likely to become mandatory.

TVNZ (New Zealand) - Drinking while pregnant an underrated problem – experts

Women drinking while pregnant could be harming thousands of babies a year, according to new research findings released today.

MarketWatch - Michael W. Miller Responds to New Study on In Utero Alcohol Exposure, Urges Caution in Reading Data

A New Study Shows That Alcohol Has Truly Damaging Effects on the Developing Fetus, and Suggests That Alcohol May Actually Prove More Detrimental Than Cocaine and Other Narcotics -- But According to Scientist Michael W. Miller, This May Not Be Entirely Accurate.

my.hsj.org - Should pregnant women face child abuse charges?

Do you know someone who smokes or drinks while pregnant? Well substance abuse during pregnancy has been proven to have negative effects on and unborn baby ranging from birth defects and death.

GoDanRiver (USA) - School board decides to study fetal alcohol syndrome

The Rockingham School Board met Monday night and voted to join a partnership with the National Health Institute on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Disorder.

RESEARCH

Alcoholism - Metabolic Biomarkers of Prenatal Alcohol Exposure in Human Embryonic Stem Cell–Derived Neural Lineages

EtOH exposure induces statistically significant changes to the metabolome profile of human embryoid bodies, neural progenitors, and neurons. Several of these metabolites are normally present in human serum, suggesting their usefulness as potential serum FASD biomarkers. These findings suggest the biochemical pathways that are affected by EtOH in the developing nervous system and delineate mechanisms of alcohol injury during human development.

Alcoholism - Opposing Actions of Ethanol and Nicotine on MicroRNAs are Mediated by Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors in Fetal Cerebral Cortical–Derived Neural Progenitor Cells

Alcoholism - Delays in Auditory Processing Identified in Preschool Children with FASD

Both sensory and cognitive deficits have been associated with prenatal exposure to alcohol; however, very few studies have focused on sensory deficits in preschool-aged children. As sensory skills develop early, characterization of sensory deficits using novel imaging methods may reveal important neural markers of prenatal alcohol exposure.

Alcohol - Ontogenetic differences in ethanol's motivational properties during infancy

These results illustrate an ontogenetic change in the motivational properties of ethanol, with sensitivity to its appetitive properties declining and responsiveness to the aversive properties increasing with age during early infancy.

Alcohol - Recognized spontaneous abortion in mid-pregnancy and patterns of pregnancy alcohol use

Identifying fetal risk drinking in pregnant women is critical to increasing the effectiveness of interventions that reduce risk level alcohol consumption and protect from pregnancy loss.

Alcohol - Neonatal screening for prenatal alcohol exposure: Assessment of voluntary maternal participation in an open meconium screening program

We conclude that despite the potential benefits of such screening programs, maternal unwillingness to consent, likely due to fear, embarrassment, and guilt, may limit the effectiveness of meconium testing for population-based open screening, highlighting the need for public education and social marketing efforts for such programs to be of benefit.

Alcoholism - False-Positive Meconium Test Results for Fatty Acid Ethyl Esters Secondary to Delayed Sample Collection

Meconium analysis for fatty acid ethyl esters (FAEEs) is a validated method for identifying heavy prenatal ethanol (EtOH) exposure. This study investigated whether delayed sample collection can result in false-positive test results for FAEEs because of collection of samples potentially contaminated with postnatally produced stool.

MATERIALS

Globe Pequot Press – Preggatinis. Mixology for the Mom-to-Be

Within these pages are 75 original Preggatini recipes highlighting fresh juices, herbs, and garnishes as well as ideas for Preggatini Parties—a modern spin on the humdrum baby shower.

The American College for Obstetriciansand Gynecologists – Women and alcohol

This web site it brought to you by The American College for Obstetriciansand Gynecologists (The College) (www.acog.org) with funding fromthe Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities - Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Prevention Team (www.CDC.gov/ncbddd/fasd).

IN OTHER LANGUAGES

Se Aspetti un Bambino, L´alcol puo attendere (Italy)

Alcohol News

Pages

Monday, April 23, 2012

Alcohol News - 17/2012

Monday, April 16, 2012

Alcohol News - 16/2012

Sunday, April 15, 2012

FASD News - 15/2012

Monday, April 9, 2012

Alcohol News - 15/2012

Monday, April 2, 2012

Alcohol News - 14/2012

Sunday, April 1, 2012

FASD News - 14/2012