Inflammatory Cytokine Patterns Associated with Neurological Diseases in Coronavirus Disease 2019.

Patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) can present with distinct neurological manifestations. This study shows that inflammatory neurological diseases were associated with increased levels of interleukin (IL)-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, IL-12, chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 8 (CXCL8), and CXCL10 in the cerebrospinal fluid. Conversely, encephalopathy was associated with high serum levels of IL-6, CXCL8, and active tumor growth factor ß1. Inflammatory syndromes of the central nervous system in COVID-19 can appear early, as a parainfectious process without significant systemic involvement, or without direct evidence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 neuroinvasion. At the same time, encephalopathy is mainly influenced by peripheral events, including inflammatory cytokines. ANN NEUROL 2021;89:1041-1045.

Effectiveness of a web-based intervention in reducing binge drinking among nightclub patrons.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the effectiveness of a web-based intervention in reducing binge drinking among nightclub patrons after six months. METHODS We carried out a website survey with probabilistic sample in 31 nightclubs in the city of São Paulo, Brazil, which originated a randomized controlled trial with 1,057 participants. Those classified as problem drinkers (n = 465) using the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test were randomized into two study groups - intervention and control. The web-based intervention consisted of exposing the participants to a normative feedback screen about their alcohol consumption, characterizing the risks associated with amount consumed, money spent on drinks, drinking and driving, risk classification of Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test, and tips to reduce damage. RESULTS There was a significant reduction in the practice of binge drinking in the week estimated at 38% among participants in the intervention group after six months (p < 0.05). However, there was no significant reduction in the outcomes when we analyzed the intervention and control groups and at baseline and after sixth months, simultaneously. CONCLUSIONS We cannot conclude that digital tools reduce the pattern of binge drinking among party goers in São Paulo. More studies are needed with this methodology because of its attractiveness to this type of group, given the privacy and speed that personalized information is transmitted.

Effectiveness of a web-based intervention in reducing binge drinking among nightclub patrons / Efetividade de uma intervenção digital na diminuição da prática de binge drinking entre frequentadores de baladas

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE To evaluate the effectiveness of a web-based intervention in reducing binge drinking among nightclub patrons after six months. METHODS We carried out a website survey with probabilistic sample in 31 nightclubs in the city of São Paulo, Brazil, which originated a randomized controlled trial with 1,057 participants. Those classified as problem drinkers (n = 465) using the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test were randomized into two study groups - intervention and control. The web-based intervention consisted of exposing the participants to a normative feedback screen about their alcohol consumption, characterizing the risks associated with amount consumed, money spent on drinks, drinking and driving, risk classification of Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test, and tips to reduce damage. RESULTS There was a significant reduction in the practice of binge drinking in the week estimated at 38% among participants in the intervention group after six months (p < 0.05). However, there was no significant reduction in the outcomes when we analyzed the intervention and control groups and at baseline and after sixth months, simultaneously. CONCLUSIONS We cannot conclude that digital tools reduce the pattern of binge drinking among party goers in São Paulo. More studies are needed with this methodology because of its attractiveness to this type of group, given the privacy and speed that personalized information is transmitted.

RESUMO OBJETIVO Avaliar, após seis meses, a efetividade de uma intervenção digital na diminuição da prática de binge drinking entre frequentadores de baladas. MÉTODOS Foi realizado um inquérito de portal através de uma amostra probabilística em 31 baladas da cidade de São Paulo, a qual originou um ensaio controlado randomizado com 1.057 participantes. Aqueles classificados como uso problemático do álcool (n = 465) através do Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test foram randomizados em dois grupos de estudo - intervenção e controle. A intervenção digital consistiu em expor os participantes a uma tela de feedback normativo sobre seu consumo de álcool, caracterizando os riscos associados à quantidade consumida, valores gastos com bebidas, beber e dirigir, classificação do risco do Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test e dicas de redução de danos. RESULTADOS Houve uma redução significativa da prática de binge drinking na semana estimada em 38% entre os participantes do grupo intervenção após seis meses (p < 0,05). Porém, não houve redução significativa nos desfechos quando se analisam os grupos intervenção e controle e os tempos início e seis meses após, simultaneamente. CONCLUSÕES Não se pode concluir que as ferramentas digitais reduzem o padrão de binge drinking nos frequentadores de baladas paulistanas. São necessários mais estudos com esta metodologia devido ao caráter atrativo para esse grupo, tendo em vista a privacidade e a rapidez que as informações personalizadas são transmitidas.

Altered liver expression of genes involved in lipid and glucose metabolism in mice with partial IGF-1 deficiency: an experimental approach to metabolic syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Insulin growth factor 1 (IGF-1) has multiple effects on metabolism. Much evidence suggests that the deficiency of this hormone increases insulin resistance, impairs lipid metabolism, augments oxidative damage and deregulates the neuro-hormonal axis. An inverse relationship between IGF-1 levels and the prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) with its cardiovascular complications has been identified. However, the underlying mechanisms linking IGF-1 and MetS are still poorly understood. In order to elucidate such mechanisms, the aim of this work was to study, in mice with partial IGF-1 deficiency, liver expression of genes involved in glucose and lipid metabolism as well as serum levels of glucose, triglycerides and cholesterol, as well as liver malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, as a marker for oxidative damage. METHODS: Three experimental groups were studied in parallel: Controls (CO), wild type mice (igf-1 (+/+)); untreated heterozygous mice (Hz, igf-1 (+/-)) and Hz (igf-1 (+/-)) mice treated with low doses of IGF-1 for 10 days (Hz + IGF-1). RESULTS: A reduction of IGF-1 serum levels in the Hz group was found, which was normalized by IGF-1 therapy. Serum levels of glucose, triglycerides and cholesterol were significantly increased in the untreated Hz group as compared to both controls and Hz + IGF-1 groups. The expression of genes involved in gluconeogenesis, glycogenolysis, lipid synthesis and transport, and catabolism were altered in untreated Hz animals and the expression of most of them was normalized by IGF-1 therapy; MDA was also significantly increased in the Hz untreated group. CONCLUSIONS: The mere partial IGF-1 deficiency is responsible for the reduction in the expression of genes involved in glucose and lipid metabolism, resulting in dyslipidemia and hyperglycemia. Such genetic alterations may seriously contribute to the establishment of MetS.