Evaluating new simplified assays for harm reduction from methanol poisoning using chromotropic acid kits: An analytical study on Indian and Iranian alcoholic beverages.

Background: Ingestion of methanol can result in severe irreversible morbidity, and death. Simple and easy methods to detect methanol and other hazardous additives prior to consumption can prevent fatalities. This form of harm reduction is analogous to the widely practiced "pill testing" of recreational drugs in various countries. We aimed to evaluate the performance of two qualitative and quantitative kits to simultaneously identify the presence of methanol and formaldehyde in alcoholic beverages, and compare this to the standard gas chromatographic (GC) method. Methods: Two-hundred samples of Indian and Iranian alcoholic drinks were examined by two new qualitative and quantitative chemical kits designed based on a modified chromotropic acid (CA) method, as well as a gold standard GC method. Results: Methanol levels were similar when evaluated by GC and quantitative method (Z = - 0.328, p = 0.743). The 75th percentile of methanol level detection was 4,290 mg L-1 (range; 0-83,132) using GC compared to that of 4,671 mg L-1 (range; 0-84,960) using the qualitative kit (predefined color intensity reflecting the methanol/ethanol ratio). The quantitative kit was able to detect all methanol-contaminated and non-contaminated samples (110 and 60 cases, respectively: 100% sensitivity). In 25 samples, GC analysis showed no methanol; but the qualitative kit detected possible toxic substances. Formaldehyde measurement by UV/Vis analysis showed the presence of formaldehyde in 23 samples (92%) with a median 912 [IQR 249, 2,109; range 112-2,742] mg L-1. Conclusion: Methanol and formaldehyde can be easily detected using these simple CA chemical kits. Qualitative positive results may indicate the risk of poisoning if the beverage is consumed. CA kits can be used in community setting by public health units and community organizations to monitor for methanol contamination and inform a public health response to reduce methanol-related harms to the public.

An Electrochemical Sensor Based on Carbon Paper Modified with Graphite Powder for Sensitive Determination of Sunset Yellow and Tartrazine in Drinks.

The paper describes the development of an electrochemical sensor to be used for the determination of synthetic food colorants such as Sunset Yellow FCF (SY) and Tartrazine (TZ). The sensor is a carbon paper (CP) electrode, manufactured by using hot lamination technology and volume modified with fine-grained graphite powder (GrP). The sensor (GrP/CP) was characterized by scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectrometry, electrochemical impedance analysis, cyclic, linear sweep and differential pulse voltammetry. The mechanism of SY and TZ electrochemical oxidation on GrP/CP was studied. The developed sensor has good electron transfer characteristics and low electron resistance, high sensitivity and selectivity. Applying the differential pulse mode, linear dynamic ranges of 0.005-1.0 µM and 0.02-7.5 µM with limits of detection of 0.78 nM and 8.2 nM for SY and TZ, respectively, were obtained. The sensor was used to detect SY and TZ in non-alcoholic and alcoholic drinks. The results obtained from drink analysis prove good reproducibility (RSD ≤ 0.072) and accuracy (recovery 96-104%).

Individual and Contextual Characteristics Associated With Alcohol Use Among Brazilian Adolescents.

Objective: To analyze the association between individual and contextual characteristics with alcohol indicators of experimentation, use in the last 30 days and drunkenness in Brazilian adolescents. Methods: Cross-sectional study based on data from 100,914 student attending 9th grade from the 2015 National School Health Survey. Multilevel logistic regression models were performed for the outcomes: alcohol experimentation; use in the last 30 days and drunkenness; and exposures, adjusted for adolescents' sociodemographic characteristics. Results: Girls were more likely to experiment alcohol (OR = 1.09; 95% CI = 1.05-1.12), use it in the last 30 days (OR = 1.09; 95% CI = 1.00-1.13) and less prone to drunkenness (OR = 0.90; 95% CI = 0.87-0.93). A higher proportion of public-school students reported drinking. There was a positive association of substance use by parents, peers and the adolescents themselves with the outcomes. Having a policy of banning alcohol consumption at school was associated with a greater chance of alcohol experimentation in public schools. Conclusion: Exposure to legal and illegal substances by friends, family members and a prohibitive school environment favored the outcomes.

Measuring the effects of a hydrogen peroxide mouth rinse on breath alcohol values.

The high consumption of alcoholic drinks has become acceptable in many societies and is often promoted by commercials. Unfortunately, many people risk their lives by driving drunk. They even try to outsmart breathalyzer tests, for example, using a novel procedure based on the partial oxidation of expired breathed ethanol after rinsing the mouth with diluted hydrogen peroxide. To check the validity of this procedure, the different variables involved in the process were tested: the type of alcoholic beverage, the amount of ethanol swallowed, and the time elapsed between consumption and mouth rinsing. Our ultimate aim was to measure the effects of this process. If the mouth rinse succeeds in masking a drinker's true alcohol level, then further study of possible remedies is needed to prevent such fraud. However, if the rinsing proves to have no effect, then this work could help strengthen the integrity of the breathalyzer test and its ability to deter drivers from overdrinking. The final conclusion, after all the experiments, is that a reduction in the alcohol level is observed with the use of hydrogen peroxide as a mouthwash before performing a breathalyzer test.

Ethyl Carbamate Formation from Cyanate in Model System of Ethanol-Water Media Using Response Surface Methodology.

Ethyl carbamate (EC) has been identified as a possible human carcinogen belonging to Group 2A. EC is naturally formed during the fermentation and storage of alcoholic drinks and fermented foods. When ingested in large amounts, EC can cause various health problems, such as gastroenteric hemorrhage, vomiting, and cancer. In this study, optimization of EC formation from cyanate was examined using response surface methodology (RSM), a central composite design that includes variables such as alcohol concentration (10, 15, 20, 25, and 30%), pH (2.5, 3.0, 3.5, 4.0, and 4.5), storage temperature (5, 10, 15, 20, and 25°C), and storage duration (2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 days). EC content was determined using gas chromatography with flame ionization detection and the results were optimized using RSM. EC formation from cyanate degradation was found to increase with storage duration and temperature, acidity, and alcohol concentration. Cy-anate degradation was associated with the formation of EC. Approximately 83.1±0.1% of cyanate was degraded to 538±9 µM of EC. However, not all of the cyanate reacted with ethanol during fermentation to form EC. This study aimed to develop the ideal conditions for EC analysis to reduce EC production in alcoholic drinks and fermented foods.

Quantification of artificial sweeteners in alcoholic drinks using direct analysis in real-time QTRAP mass spectrometry.

Artificial sweeteners have been widely used as replacements for sugars in foods. Rapid determination of artificial sweeteners contained in various foods are highly desirable for the routine analysis. Here, we report a robust approach based on direct analysis in real time coupled with QTRAP mass spectrometry to screen and quantitate simultaneously seven artificial sweeteners, including aspartame, saccharin, acesulfame-K, neotame, sucralose, cyclamate and alitame in alcoholic drinks. The detection method merely involved a simple sample pretreatment process, with a good linearity, low limit of quantification, satisfied recovery and relative standard deviation for each target compound. More importantly, the approach is highly sensitive and accurate in monitoring the seven artificial sweeteners in whisky, Chinese liquors, beer and wines obtained from the supermarket. The results demonstrated that the approach described here could be suitable for large-scale application in routine quality control analysis of artificial sweeteners.

Rapid Drop-Volume Electrochemical Detection of the "Date Rape" Drug Flunitrazepam in Spirits Using a Screen-Printed Sensor in a Dry-Reagent Format.

Flunitrazepam is an extremely potent benzodiazepine sedative which is associated with "drug-facilitated sexual assault" when administered within an alcoholic drink. This work describes a simple electrochemical method for on-site rapid detection of flunitrazepam in untreated spirits (whiskey, vodka and gin) using a single-use screen-printed sensor (featuring graphite working and auxiliary electrodes and an Ag/AgCl reference electrode) in a dry reagent format. Analysis was performed by placing a drop of sample on the sensor, which was previously coated with dry KCl, and recording selected reduction/oxidation peaks of the target compound in a cyclic voltammetry scan. The limit of quantification of flunitrazepam was at the sub-mg L-1 range. The between-sensor % relative standard deviation of the analytically useful reduction peak in a solution containing 11.4 mg L-1 flunitrazepam was 9.8% (n = 5). Quantification was performed using calibration curves constructed from pooled samples spiked with flunitrazepam with relative errors <15%. The main advantages of the methodology are that it involves no sample pretreatment (such as deoxygenation, extraction or reagent(s) addition) and requires only drop-sized volumes of the sample, thus facilitating rapid on-site screening using portable equipment.

Is There a Link between Different Types of Alcoholic Drinks and Obesity? An Analysis of 280,183 UK Biobank Participants.

Understanding the associations between types of alcoholic drinks and adiposity has public health relevance, considering that adult overweight and obesity prevalence are increasing worldwide. We aimed to evaluate the association between overall alcohol consumption and types of alcohol drinks with markers of adiposity from the UK Biobank baseline data (n = 280,183, 48.3% female). Generalized linear models were used to examine the associations between alcohol consumption with body mass index (BMI) and body fat percentage. Those drinking within the public health guidelines had a lower BMI by 1.34 kg/m2 (95% CI 1.42, 1.26 kg/m2) compared to never drinkers. Association between alcohol consumption and body fat percentage were not statistically significant. Compared to those who never drink wines (red wine, champagne and fortified wine), drinkers of these alcoholic beverages had lower BMI (difference of -0.75 kg/m2, 95% CI -0.78, -0.72 kg/m2; -0.48 kg/m2, 95% CI -0.52, -0.45 kg/m2; and -0.24 kg/m2, 95% CI -0.29, -0.18 kg/m2, respectively). Beer and spirits drinkers had higher BMI compared to never drinkers of beer and spirits (difference of 0.18 kg/m2, 95% CI 0.14, 0.22 kg/m2 and 0.64 kg/m2, 95% CI 0.61, 0.68 kg/m2, respectively). Our data did not find a link between alcohol drinking and higher risk of obesity.

Health Risk Assessment of Metals in Selected Drinks from Abeokuta, Southwestern Nigeria.

The present study assessed the human health risk of metals in selected drinks from Abeokuta, southwestern Nigeria. Fifteen different brands of drinks (alcoholic, non-alcoholic, herbal and non-herbal) were purchased from notable markets in Abeokuta between June and August, 2018. A total of sixty drink samples were analysed for metals using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Data were subjected to descriptive and inferential statistics. Human health risks were assessed for cancer risk (CR) and non-carcinogenic indices of hazard quotient (HQ) and hazard index (HI). Results showed acidic medium for most of the samples ranging from 3.12 ± 0.29 to 6.14 ± 0.17. The highest concentrations of Fe (5.53 ± 2.81 mg/L) and Mn (6.63 ± 8.33 mg/L) were found in Kunnu and Zobo, respectively. The HQ and HI values of Cu in bottled water indicated non-carcinogenic adverse effects, while the CR of Co in bottled water and bitters demonstrated carcinogenic effects. Regular monitoring of metals in drinks from the study area is recommended.

The Federal Trade Commission's mandated Four Loko labeling fails to facilitate accurate estimation of alcohol content by college students.

BACKGROUND: Four Loko, the leading supersized alcopop brand, is a pre-mixed alcoholic beverage containing up to 5.5 standard alcoholic drinks in a can. In 2013, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) mandated the addition to Four Loko cans of a label indicating its alcohol content in standard drinks, presented as "alcohol per serving" and "servings per container." OBJECTIVE: The current study investigated whether college students accurately estimate the alcohol content in cans of Four Loko bearing the FTC mandated labels. METHOD: Undergraduate student drinkers (n = 833; 51.6% women) in three states (Florida, Montana, and Virginia) were provided an empty Watermelon Four Loko can and asked to determine the number of standard drinks it contained, using 12-ounce regular beer (Budweiser) equivalents. In Florida and Virginia, Watermelon Four Loko contains 4.70 standard alcoholic drinks; in Montana, it contains 3.13. RESULTS: More than 60% of Florida students and more than 70% of Virginia students underestimated Four Loko's alcohol content by one or more standard drinks, compared to 45% of Montana students. Multivariable logistic regression analysis found the following variables were associated with greater odds of underestimating Four Loko's alcohol content by one or more standard alcoholic drinks: being female (AOR = 2.2), having never seen nor heard of Four Loko (AOR = 1.9), and residing in Florida (AOR = 1.7) or Virginia (AOR = 2.8) versus Montana. CONCLUSIONS: Students were far less likely to underestimate alcohol content for 8% alcohol-by-volume (abv) cans compared to those with higher alcohol concentrations. Thus, policies restricting supersized alcopops' abv may help consumers better estimate their alcohol content.

Detección del nivel de riesgo de consumo de sustancias psicoactivas en estudiantes universitarios de psicología - Perú / Detection of the level of risk of consumption of psychoactive substances in university students of psychology - Perú

El presente estudio tuvo como objetivo detectar el nivel de riesgo por consumo de sustancias psicoactivas (SPA) en una muestra de 324 universitarios ingresantes a Psicología en Arequipa ­ Perú, siendo el 73.15% de sexo femenino y 26.85% masculino, con edades que fluctúan entre los 18 y 25 años. Se empleó para ello la prueba ASSIST elaborada por la Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS), hallando que el 33.02%, 22.53% y 10.49% alcanza un nivel de riesgo moderado en el consumo de tabaco, bebidas alcohólicas y marihuana correspondientemente. Además, el 2.78% presentó un nivel de riesgo alto en el consumo de bebidas alcohólicas. Se concluye que las SPA más consumidas por dichos universitarios son bebidas alcohólicas y tabaco, y que aproximadamente 1 de cada 4 tiene un riesgo moderado a alto de tener problemas por el consumo de alcohol y tabaco

The objective of this study was to detect the level of risk due to consumption of psychoactive substances in a sample of 324 undergraduates entering Psychology in Arequipa - Peru, with 73.15% female and 26.85% male, and ages between 18 and 25 years. The ASSIST test prepared by the World Health Organization (WHO) detected that 33.02%, 22.53% and 10.49% reach a moderate level of risk in the consumption of tobacco, alcoholic beverages and marijuana correspondingly. Besides, 2.78% of a high level of risk in the consumption of alcoholic beverages, concluding that the SPA most consumed by these university students are alcoholic beverages and tobacco; that approximately 1 in 4 has a moderate to high risk of having problems with alcohol and tobacco consumption.

Public health policies and alcohol-related liver disease.

Alcohol-related liver disease (ALD) represents a major public health problem worldwide. According to the World Health Organization, the highest levels of per capita alcohol consumption are observed in countries of the European Region. Alcohol consumption is also alarmingly increasing in developing countries. ALD is one of the main contributors to the burden of alcohol-attributable deaths and disability. In the United States, severe forms of ALD such alcoholic hepatitis have increased in the last decade and in the United Kingdom, three-quarters of liver-related mortality results from alcohol consumption. Besides genetic factors, there is strong evidence that the amount of alcohol consumed plays a major role in the development of advanced ALD. Establishing effective public health policies is therefore mandatory to reduce the burden of ALD. Since the 90s, major public health institutions and governments have developed a variety of policies in order to reduce the harm caused by excessive drinking. These policies encompass multiple factors, from pricing and taxation to advertising regulation. Measures focused on taxation and price regulation have been shown to be the most effective at reducing alcohol-related mortality. However, there are few studies focused on the effect of public policies on ALD. This review article summarises the factors influencing ALD burden and the role of different public health policies.

Traditional rose liqueur - A pink delight rich in phenolics.

Chemical composition and colorimetric parameters of alcoholic liqueurs prepared from rose petals were evaluated by comparing the potential of three cultivars ('Amadeus', 'Colossal Meidiland' and 'Rosanna') and three traditional methods of preparation (fresh/air-dried petals extracted in 50% ethanol or aqueous sucrose syrup). Extraction was performed at room temperature for 2 weeks. High performance liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry was used to confirm the presence of 6 anthocyanins, 4 flavanols, 4 phenolic acids, 2 hydrolysable tannins and 31 flavonols in petal liqueurs. The highest concentrations of anthocyanins were determined in extracts from 'Amadeus' petals, followed by 'Colossal Meidiland' and finally, 'Rosanna'. The best extraction yields and optimal colour characteristics were achieved by ethanolic extraction of dry petals followed by fresh petal extraction in ethanol and, finally, extraction in sucrose syrup. Air-dehydration of 'Amadeus' petals prior to extraction in 50% ethanol yielded rose liqueur with the best all round characteristics.

Uso de bebidas alcoólicas por estudantes: análise de propagandas de festas em um campus universitário / Student drinking: an analysis of parties advertisements on an university campus / Uso de bebidas alcohólicas por parte de estudiantes: análisis de anuncios de fiestas en un campus universitario

A proposta deste trabalho foi interpretar as imagens de propagandas de festas veiculadas em um campus universitário em relação ao consumo de álcool por estudantes. Os elementos plásticos, icônicos e linguísticos das propagandas foram submetidos a uma análise semiótica de imagens. Organizaram-se os 85 temas levantados em seis categorias: bebidas alcoólicas, sexualidade, gênero, produção das festas, estilos musicais e estilo de vida-grupos-comportamento. Foram veiculados diversas motivações festivas, atrações, questões de gênero, valores, tradições e finalidades econômicas. Menções a bebidas alcoólicas foram praticamente ubíquas. Os elementos persuasivos ao consumo de álcool foram variados, envolvendo a associação álcool-sexualidade e a apresentação de novos comportamentos e estilos de vida relacionados à bebida. A indústria de produção e comércio de bebidas parece inserir-se mercadologicamente no território do campus, de modo informal e quase sempre sem seguir a legislação de marketing desses produtos.(AU)

This study interpreted the images of parties advertisements distributed on a university campus in relation to student drinking. A semiotic image analysis was conducted of the plastic, iconic, and linguistic elements of the advertisements. Eighty-five themes were organized into six categories: alcoholic drinks, sexuality, gender, party production, musical styles, and lifestyle-groups-behavior. The advertisement encompassed various festive motives, attractions, gender issues, values, traditions, and economic purposes. The mention of alcoholic drinks was practically ubiquitous. Various persuasive elements were used to promote alcohol consumption involving the association between alcohol and sexuality and the presentation of new drink-linked behaviors and lifestyles. The alcohol industry was shown to have a strong informal presence on-campus, almost always failing to comply with legislation governing alcohol advertizing.(AU)

El objetivo fue interpretar las imágenes de anuncios de fiestas exhibidas en un campus universitario con relación al consumo de alcohol por parte de los estudiantes. Los elementos plásticos, icónicos y lingüísticos de las propagandas se sometieron a un análisis semiótico de imágenes. Se organizaron los ochenta y cinco temas examinados en seis categorías: bebidas alcohólicas, sexualidad, género, producción de las fiestas, estilos musicales y estilo de vida-grupos-comportamiento. Se exhibieron motivaciones festivas, atracciones, cuestiones de género, valores, tradiciones y finalidades económicas. Las menciones a bebidas alcohólicas fueron prácticamente ubicuas. Los elementos persuasivos para el consumo de alcohol fueron variados, envolviendo la asociación alcohol-sexualidad y la presentación de nuevos comportamientos y estilos de vida relacionados con la bebida. La industria de producción y comercio de bebidas parece inserirse mercadológicamente en el territorio del campus de manera informal y casi siempre sin seguir la legislación del marketing de estos productos.(AU)

Dispersion-assisted quick and simultaneous extraction of 30 pesticides from alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks with the aid of experimental design.

The presence of pesticides in food items and beverages is a big threat to humankind, and their quantitative estimation with high precision and accuracy is always a challenge for analytical chemists. Hence, a simple and rapid method is proposed for the simultaneous determination of 30 pesticides in beverages (alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks). The proposed method hyphenated with triple quadrupole liquid chromatography mass spectrometry has only 2 min chromatographic runtime for the analysis of all the pesticides. All the factors affecting the extraction yield have been optimized using an experimental design; and under optimized conditions, the developed method has been validated. The detection limits for all the pesticides were in the range of 0.001-0.348 µg/L with good linearity in the concentration range of 0.01-80.0 µg/L. The coefficient of determination was in the range of (R2 ) ≥ 0.977 to 0.999 for all the pesticides. The method was also checked for the precision of the relative standard deviation, which was below 4.75 (intra-day) and 8.96% (inter-day). The recovery of the method was 92-138%.

[Affordability of beer and soft drinks in 15 Latin American countriesAcessibilidade a cervejas e refrigerantes em 15 países da América Latina]. / Asequibilidad de cerveza y bebidas azucaradas para 15 países de América Latina.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to look at trends in the affordability of beer and soft drinks in 15 Latin American countries. METHODS: The data correspond to government statistics pertaining to price indices for beer and soft drinks, the consumer price index, and the nominal wage index based on monthly frequency. The methods involved the performance of an econometric analysis, using time series, to measure the expected rate of increase in the absolute affordability indicator (using nominal prices) or the relative affordability indicator (using general prices) for soft drinks and beers. RESULTS: In nine of the 15 countries analyzed, the affordability of soft drinks or beer (whether absolute or relative) has shown a statistically significant increase. In the case of soft drinks, absolute affordability increased in five countries (Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, and Uruguay) and decreased in Mexico. In the case of beer, it increased in Colombia and Ecuador, remained unchanged in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Costa Rica, and Uruguay, and dropped in Mexico. CONCLUSIONS: Although most countries levy taxes on beer and soft drinks, the effect of such taxes on price has not been enough to reduce the affordability of these products in all countries in the sample. Taxes should be modified to make these beverages less affordable and have an impact on their consumption.

OBJETIVOS: Analisar a evolução da acessibilidade a cervejas e refrigerantes em 15 países da América Latina. MÉTODOS: Os dados representam estatísticas oficiais dos índices de preços de cervejas e refrigerantes, índice de preços ao consumidor e índice mensal do salário nominal. A metodologia do estudo foi uma análise econométrica com séries temporais para avaliar a taxa esperada de crescimento do indicador de acessibilidade absoluta (com base no salário nominal) ou relativa (com base nos preços gerais) de cervejas e refrigerantes. RESULTADOS: Houve um aumento significativo da acessibilidade (absoluta ou relativa) a cervejas ou refrigerantes em 9 dos 15 países analisados. Com relação aos refrigerantes, houve um aumento da acessibilidade absoluta em cinco países (Chile, Colômbia, Costa Rica, Equador e Uruguai), com uma redução observada no México. Com relação às cervejas, houve um aumento da acessibilidade na Colômbia e Equador, não se observou mudança na Argentina, Brasil, Chile, Costa Rica e Uruguai e ocorreu uma redução no México. CONCLUSÕES: Embora exista tributação para cervejas e refrigerantes na maioria dos países, o efeito nos preços não tem sido suficiente para reduzir a acessibilidade a estes produtos em todos os países da amostra estudada. É preciso reformar a tributação a fim de reduzir a acessibilidade e o consumo destas bebidas.

Asequibilidad de cerveza y bebidas azucaradas para 15 países de América Latina / Affordability of beer and soft drinks in 15 Latin American countries / Acessibilidade a cervejas e refrigerantes em 15 países da América Latina

RESUMEN Objetivos El objetivo de este trabajo fue analizar la evolución de la asequibilidad de la cerveza y de las gaseosas para quince países de América Latina. Métodos Los datos corresponden a estadísticas oficiales de índices de precios de cerveza y gaseosas/refrescos, índice de precios al consumidor e índice de salarios nominales en frecuencia mensual. El método se basa en realizar un análisis econométrico, mediante series temporales, para medir el valor esperado de la tasa de crecimiento del indicador de asequibilidad absoluta (utilizando salarios nominales) o relativa (usando precios generales) de las gaseosas y de las cervezas. Resultados En nueve de los quince países analizados, la asequibilidad (absoluta o relativa), ya sea de bebidas azucaradas o cervezas, ha aumentado de forma estadísticamente significativa. En el caso de las bebidas azucaradas, la asequibilidad absoluta aumentó en cinco países (Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador y Uruguay) y disminuyó en México. En el caso de la cerveza, aumentó en Colombia y Ecuador, se mantuvo inalterada en Argentina, Brasil, Chile, Costa Rica y Uruguay, y se redujo en México. Conclusiones A pesar de que la mayoría de los países poseen impuestos a la cerveza y a las bebidas azucaradas, su efecto en los precios no ha sido suficiente para reducir su asequibilidad en todos los países de la muestra. Los impuestos deberían modificarse para reducir la asequibilidad de estas bebidas y afectar su consumo.

ABSTRACT Objective The objective of this study was to look at trends in the affordability of beer and soft drinks in 15 Latin American countries. Methods The data correspond to government statistics pertaining to price indices for beer and soft drinks, the consumer price index, and the nominal wage index based on monthly frequency. The methods involved the performance of an econometric analysis, using time series, to measure the expected rate of increase in the absolute affordability indicator (using nominal prices) or the relative affordability indicator (using general prices) for soft drinks and beers. Results In nine of the 15 countries analyzed, the affordability of soft drinks or beer (whether absolute or relative) has shown a statistically significant increase. In the case of soft drinks, absolute affordability increased in five countries (Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, and Uruguay) and decreased in Mexico. In the case of beer, it increased in Colombia and Ecuador, remained unchanged in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Costa Rica, and Uruguay, and dropped in Mexico. Conclusions Although most countries levy taxes on beer and soft drinks, the effect of such taxes on price has not been enough to reduce the affordability of these products in all countries in the sample. Taxes should be modified to make these beverages less affordable and have an impact on their consumption.

RESUMO Objetivos Analisar a evolução da acessibilidade a cervejas e refrigerantes em 15 países da América Latina. Métodos Os dados representam estatísticas oficiais dos índices de preços de cervejas e refrigerantes, índice de preços ao consumidor e índice mensal do salário nominal. A metodologia do estudo foi uma análise econométrica com séries temporais para avaliar a taxa esperada de crescimento do indicador de acessibilidade absoluta (com base no salário nominal) ou relativa (com base nos preços gerais) de cervejas e refrigerantes. Resultados Houve um aumento significativo da acessibilidade (absoluta ou relativa) a cervejas ou refrigerantes em 9 dos 15 países analisados. Com relação aos refrigerantes, houve um aumento da acessibilidade absoluta em cinco países (Chile, Colômbia, Costa Rica, Equador e Uruguai), com uma redução observada no México. Com relação às cervejas, houve um aumento da acessibilidade na Colômbia e Equador, não se observou mudança na Argentina, Brasil, Chile, Costa Rica e Uruguai e ocorreu uma redução no México. Conclusões Embora exista tributação para cervejas e refrigerantes na maioria dos países, o efeito nos preços não tem sido suficiente para reduzir a acessibilidade a estes produtos em todos os países da amostra estudada. É preciso reformar a tributação a fim de reduzir a acessibilidade e o consumo destas bebidas.

Facts about phthalate toxicity in humans and their occurrence in alcoholic beverages.

Phthalates are esters of phthalic acid and aliphatic alcohol added to plastic to improve its softness, flexibility, and extensibility. They easily migrate from plastic products into the environment because of their physical and chemical properties. This review summarises their characteristics, distribution in the environment, monitoring, use, toxic effects on human health, regulatory limits in different matrices and products, and tolerable daily intake. The studies we have reviewed suggest that phthalates have a potential to affect reproduction and development in humans. Due to the inconsistent data, further studies are needed and, in the meantime, precautionary policies must be implemented. Here we draw attention to the methods of determining phthalate levels in alcoholic beverages and reported levels in plum spirits produced in Croatia. Legally produced and moderately consumed plum spirits do not seem to increase the risk of phthalate toxicity for human health. We conclude with recommendations for the effective monitoring of phthalate exposure in humans and for the implementation of alternative materials in alcohol production.

Dietary and Lifestyle Factors Associated with Colorectal Cancer Risk and Interactions with Microbiota: Fiber, Red or Processed Meat and Alcoholic Drinks.

BACKGROUND: Diets and lifestyles have been strongly associated with colorectal cancer (CRC). In the past several decades, emerging evidence has suggested that the gut microbiota may have a role in the development of CRC. Its interaction with diets and lifestyles could affect the carcinogenesis of CRC. SUMMARY: This review presents the most recent epidemiologic and experimental evidence of three factors that may convincingly have a role in CRC, including fiber, red or processed meat, and alcohol, focusing on potential mechanisms and their interactions with the gut microbiota. KEY MESSAGE: High consumption of fiber, low consumption of red or processed red meat as well as minimizing alcohol intake have been associated with a lower risk of CRC. Many microbial metabolites formed from those three substances may mediate the microbial diversity and the composition and abundance of the gut microbiota, which eventually affects the balance between health and disease, including CRC. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: Based on our synthetic review, clinicians may probably offer some recommendations and explanations to their patients who may want to modulate their diet and lifestyle to prevent CRC. As an easily modifiable environmental factor, it may be possible that applying dietary or lifestyle intervention could effectively protect against the development of CRC in the future.