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Bailey CS, Craig AJ, Jagielo-Miller JE, Leibold CT, Keller PS, Beckmann JS, Prendergast MA. Late-term moderate prenatal alcohol exposure impairs tactile, but not spatial, discrimination in a T-maze continuous performance task in juvenile rats. Behav Brain Res 2024; 474:115208. [PMID: 39154755 PMCID: PMC11418090 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2024.115208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2024] [Revised: 08/01/2024] [Accepted: 08/13/2024] [Indexed: 08/20/2024]
Abstract
Existing maze apparatuses used in rodents often exclusively assess spatial discriminability as a means to evaluate learning impairments. Spatial learning in such paradigms is reportedly spared by moderate prenatal alcohol exposure in rats, suggesting that spatial reinforcement alone is insufficient to delineate executive dysfunction, which consistently manifests in humans prenatally-exposed to alcohol. To address this, we designed a single-session continuous performance task in the T-maze apparatus that requires rats to discriminate within and between simultaneously-presented spatial (left or right) and tactile (sandpaper or smooth) stimuli for food reinforcement across four sequential discrimination stages: simple discrimination, intradimensional reversal 1, extradimensional shift, and intradimensional reversal 2. This design incorporates elements of working memory, attention, and goal-seeking behavior which collectively contribute to the executive function construct. Here, we found that rats prenatally-exposed to alcohol performed worse in both the tactile intradimensional reversal and extradimensional shift; alternatively, rats prenatally-exposed to alcohol acquired the extradimensional shift faster when shifting from the tactile to spatial dimension. In line with previous work, moderate prenatal alcohol exposure spared specifically spatial discrimination in this paradigm. However, when tactile stimuli were mapped into the spatial dimension, rats prenatally-exposed to alcohol required more trials to discriminate between the dimensions. We demonstrate that tactile stimuli can be operantly employed in a continuous performance T-maze task to detect discriminatory learning impairments in rats exposed to moderate prenatal alcohol. The current paradigm may be useful for assessing features of executive dysfunction in rodent models of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caleb S Bailey
- Department of Psychology, University of Kentucky, United States; Department of Neuroscience, University of Kentucky, United States.
| | - Ashley J Craig
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Kentucky, United States
| | | | | | - Peggy S Keller
- Department of Psychology, University of Kentucky, United States
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2
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Volkow ND, Gordon JA, Bianchi DW, Chiang MF, Clayton JA, Klein WM, Koob GF, Koroshetz WJ, Pérez-Stable EJ, Simoni JM, Tromberg BJ, Woychik RP, Hommer R, Spotts EL, Xu B, Zehr JL, Cole KM, Dowling GJ, Freund MP, Howlett KD, Jordan CJ, Murray TM, Pariyadath V, Prabhakar J, Rankin ML, Sarampote CS, Weiss SRB. The HEALthy Brain and Child Development Study (HBCD): NIH collaboration to understand the impacts of prenatal and early life experiences on brain development. Dev Cogn Neurosci 2024; 69:101423. [PMID: 39098249 PMCID: PMC11342761 DOI: 10.1016/j.dcn.2024.101423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2024] [Revised: 07/19/2024] [Accepted: 07/22/2024] [Indexed: 08/06/2024] Open
Abstract
The human brain undergoes rapid development during the first years of life. Beginning in utero, a wide array of biological, social, and environmental factors can have lasting impacts on brain structure and function. To understand how prenatal and early life experiences alter neurodevelopmental trajectories and shape health outcomes, several NIH Institutes, Centers, and Offices collaborated to support and launch the HEALthy Brain and Child Development (HBCD) Study. The HBCD Study is a multi-site prospective longitudinal cohort study, that will examine human brain, cognitive, behavioral, social, and emotional development beginning prenatally and planned through early childhood. Influenced by the success of the ongoing Adolescent Brain Cognitive DevelopmentSM Study (ABCD Study®) and in partnership with the NIH Helping to End Addiction Long-term® Initiative, or NIH HEAL Initiative®, the HBCD Study aims to establish a diverse cohort of over 7000 pregnant participants to understand how early life experiences, including prenatal exposure to addictive substances and adverse social environments as well as their interactions with an individual's genes, can affect neurodevelopmental trajectories and outcomes. Knowledge gained from the HBCD Study will help identify targets for early interventions and inform policies that promote resilience and mitigate the neurodevelopmental effects of adverse childhood experiences and environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nora D Volkow
- National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Joshua A Gordon
- National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Diana W Bianchi
- Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Michael F Chiang
- National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Janine A Clayton
- Office of Research on Women's Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - William M Klein
- National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - George F Koob
- National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Walter J Koroshetz
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Eliseo J Pérez-Stable
- National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Jane M Simoni
- Office of Behavioral and Social Sciences Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Bruce J Tromberg
- National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Richard P Woychik
- National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Rebecca Hommer
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Erica L Spotts
- Office of Behavioral and Social Sciences Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Benjamin Xu
- National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Julia L Zehr
- National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Katherine M Cole
- National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.
| | - Gayathri J Dowling
- National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Michelle P Freund
- National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Katia D Howlett
- National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Chloe J Jordan
- National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Traci M Murray
- National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Vani Pariyadath
- National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Janani Prabhakar
- National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Michele L Rankin
- National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | | | - Susan R B Weiss
- National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
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3
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Myrick A, Jimenez D, Jacquez B, Sun MS, Noor S, Milligan ED, Valenzuela CF, Linsenbardt DN. Maternal alcohol drinking patterns predict offspring neurobehavioral outcomes. Neuropharmacology 2024; 257:110044. [PMID: 38878859 PMCID: PMC11284739 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2024.110044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2024] [Revised: 05/29/2024] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024]
Abstract
The timing, rate, and quantity of gestational alcohol consumption, collectively referred to here as Maternal Drinking Patterns (MDPs), are of known importance to fetal developmental outcomes. However, few studies have directly evaluated the impact of MDPs on offspring behavior. To do so, we used specialized equipment to record the precise amount and timing of alcohol consumption in pregnant dams, and then characterized MDPs using Principle Component Analysis (PCA). We next tested offspring on behaviors we have previously identified as impacted by prenatal alcohol exposure, and evaluated them where possible in the context of MDPs. Male alcohol exposed mice exhibited longer latencies to fall on the rotarod compared to their controls, which we attribute to a delayed decrease in body weight-gain. This effect was mediated by MDPs within the first 15 min of alcohol access (i.e. alcohol frontloading), where the highest performing male offspring came from dams exhibiting the highest rate of alcohol frontloading. Female alcohol exposed mice displayed reduced locomotor activity in the open field compared to controls, which was mediated by MDPs encompassing the entire drinking session. Surprisingly, total gestational alcohol exposure alone was not associated with any behavioral outcomes. Finally, we observed allodynia in alcohol exposed mice that developed more quickly in males compared to females, and which was not observed in controls. To our knowledge, this report represents the highest resolution assessment of alcohol drinking throughout gestation in mice, and one of few to have identified relationships between specific alcohol MDPs and neurobehavioral outcomes in offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abbey Myrick
- University of New Mexico, Department of Neurosciences, Albuquerque, NM, 87131, USA
| | - Diane Jimenez
- University of New Mexico, Department of Neurosciences, Albuquerque, NM, 87131, USA
| | - Belkis Jacquez
- University of New Mexico, Department of Neurosciences, Albuquerque, NM, 87131, USA
| | - Melody S Sun
- University of New Mexico, Department of Neurosciences, Albuquerque, NM, 87131, USA
| | - Shahani Noor
- University of New Mexico, Department of Neurosciences, Albuquerque, NM, 87131, USA
| | - Erin D Milligan
- University of New Mexico, Department of Neurosciences, Albuquerque, NM, 87131, USA
| | | | - David N Linsenbardt
- University of New Mexico, Department of Neurosciences, Albuquerque, NM, 87131, USA.
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Popova S, Dozet D, Temple V, Riddell C, Yang C. A Population-Based Study on Women Who Used Alcohol during Pregnancy and Their Neonates in Ontario, Canada. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 11:993. [PMID: 39201928 PMCID: PMC11352585 DOI: 10.3390/children11080993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2024] [Revised: 08/12/2024] [Accepted: 08/13/2024] [Indexed: 09/03/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Data from birth registries can be studied to assess the prevalence of prenatal alcohol use and associated maternal and neonatal outcomes. METHODS Linked maternal and neonatal data (2015-2018) for alcohol-exposed pregnancies were obtained from the Better Outcomes Registry and Network (BORN) Ontario. Descriptive statistics were generated for maternal demographics, prenatal substance use, mental health/substance use history, and neonatal outcomes. Logistic regression models were performed to assess the odds of prenatal heavy (binge or weekly) alcohol and other substance use based on mental health/substance use history and other maternal demographics, and the impacts of heavy alcohol use and other prenatal substance exposures on neonatal outcomes. RESULTS A total of 10,172 (2.4%) women reported alcohol use during pregnancy. One-third had pre-existing or current mental health and/or substance use problems, which was associated with significantly higher odds of heavy alcohol use during pregnancy. Prenatal exposure to heavy alcohol use was associated with increased odds of neonatal abstinence syndrome (2.5 times); respiratory distress syndrome (2.3 times); neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission (58%); and hyperbilirubinemia (57%). Prenatal exposure to one or more substances in addition to alcohol was associated with significantly higher odds of fetal/maternal/placental pregnancy complications; preterm birth; NICU admission; low APGAR scores; one or more confirmed congenital anomalies at birth; respiratory distress syndrome; and intrauterine growth restriction. CONCLUSIONS It is crucial to routinely screen childbearing-age and pregnant women for alcohol and other substance use as well as mental health problems in order to prevent adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Svetlana Popova
- Institute for Mental Health Policy Research, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, 33 Ursula Franklin Street, Toronto, ON M5S 2S1, Canada;
- Institute of Medical Science, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Medical Sciences Building, 1 King’s College Circle, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, 155 College Street, Toronto, ON M5T 3M7, Canada
- Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto, 246 Bloor Street W, Toronto, ON M5S 1V4, Canada
| | - Danijela Dozet
- Institute for Mental Health Policy Research, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, 33 Ursula Franklin Street, Toronto, ON M5S 2S1, Canada;
- Institute of Medical Science, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Medical Sciences Building, 1 King’s College Circle, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Valerie Temple
- Surrey Place, 2 Surrey Place, Toronto, ON M5S 2C2, Canada;
| | - Catherine Riddell
- Better Outcomes Registry and Network (BORN) Ontario, 401 Smyth Road, Ottawa, ON K1H 8L1, Canada; (C.R.); (C.Y.)
| | - Cathy Yang
- Better Outcomes Registry and Network (BORN) Ontario, 401 Smyth Road, Ottawa, ON K1H 8L1, Canada; (C.R.); (C.Y.)
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Pattath P, Maynor MR, Anson-Dwamena R. Chi-Squared Automatic Interaction Detection Decision Tree Analysis of Social Determinants for Low Birth Weight in Virginia. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2024; 21:1060. [PMID: 39200669 PMCID: PMC11353692 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph21081060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2024] [Revised: 07/05/2024] [Accepted: 07/08/2024] [Indexed: 09/02/2024]
Abstract
This study provides additional context to the literature regarding the social inequities that impact birth outcomes in Virginia using a decision tree analysis. Chi-squared automatic interaction detection data analysis (CHAID) was performed using data from the Virginia birth registry for the years 2015-2019. Birth weight was the outcome variable, while sociodemographic factors and maternity care deserts were the explanatory variables. The prevalence of low birth weight in Virginia was of 8.1%. The CHAID decision tree model demonstrated multilevel interaction among risk factors with three levels, with a total of 34 nodes. All the variables reached significance in the model, with race/ethnicity being the first major predictor variable, each category of race and ethnicity having different significant predictors, followed by prenatal care and maternal education in the next levels. These findings signify modifiable risk factors for low birth weight, in prioritizing efforts such as programs and policies. CHAID decision tree analysis provides an effective approach to detect target populations for further intervention as pathways derived from this decision tree shed light on the different predictors of high-risk population in each of the race/ethnicity demographic categories in Virginia.
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Soos A, Plegue M, Darwiche A, Oshman L, Frank CJ. Racial Disparities in Newborn Drug Testing After Implementation of Question-Based Screening for Prenatal Substance Use. Obstet Gynecol 2024; 144:233-240. [PMID: 38843536 DOI: 10.1097/aog.0000000000005631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine the association of universal question-based screening for prenatal substance use on racial inequities in prenatal and newborn drug testing. METHODS We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 32,802 live births of patients receiving prenatal care at an academic medical center in the midwestern United States from 2014 to 2022, before and after implementation of question-based screening in 2018. Primary outcomes included prenatal and newborn drug test orders. Logistic regression models using a generalized estimating equation framework assessed associations with question-based screening and results, birthing parent age, race, ethnicity, marital status, and insurance type. Charts of patients who indicated difficulties stopping substance use were audited for guideline-directed care. RESULTS A total of 12,725 of 14,992 pregnant people (85.3%) received question-based screening. Implementation of question-based screening was associated with a decrease in prenatal urine test orders (5.0% [95% CI, 4.6-5.3%] before implementation, 3.1% [95% CI, 2.8-3.4%] after implementation; P <.001), with Black birthing parents having the largest reduction in prenatal urine drug testing (10.3% [95% CI, 9.0-11.7%] before implementation, 4.9% [95% CI, 3.9-5.9%] after implementation). However, rates of newborn drug testing did not change (4.7% [95% CI, 4.4-5.0%] before implementation, 4.5% [95% CI, 4.2-4.8%] after implementation; P =.46), and clinicians continued to order significantly more newborn drug tests for newborns of Black birthing parents compared with other race and ethnicity groups. CONCLUSION Implementation of question-based screening for substance use in pregnancy was associated with decreased prenatal urine drug testing but no change in overall newborn drug testing or racial inequities in newborn drug testing for Black birthing people. Further policy efforts are warranted to improve substance use treatment and to eliminate racial inequities in punitive policies such as newborn drug testing and subsequent child protective services reporting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Soos
- Department of Family Medicine, the Susan B. Meister Child Health Evaluation and Research Center, and the Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
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Karatayev O, Collier AD, Targoff SR, Leibowitz SF. Neurological Disorders Induced by Drug Use: Effects of Adolescent and Embryonic Drug Exposure on Behavioral Neurodevelopment. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:8341. [PMID: 39125913 PMCID: PMC11313660 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25158341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2024] [Revised: 07/10/2024] [Accepted: 07/17/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Clinical studies demonstrate that the risk of developing neurological disorders is increased by overconsumption of the commonly used drugs, alcohol, nicotine and cannabis. These drug-induced neurological disorders, which include substance use disorder (SUD) and its co-occurring emotional conditions such as anxiety and depression, are observed not only in adults but also with drug use during adolescence and after prenatal exposure to these drugs, and they are accompanied by long-lasting disturbances in brain development. This report provides overviews of clinical and preclinical studies, which confirm these adverse effects in adolescents and the offspring prenatally exposed to the drugs and include a more in-depth description of specific neuronal systems, their neurocircuitry and molecular mechanisms, affected by drug exposure and of specific techniques used to determine if these effects in the brain are causally related to the behavioral disturbances. With analysis of further studies, this review then addresses four specific questions that are important for fully understanding the impact that drug use in young individuals can have on future pregnancies and their offspring. Evidence demonstrates that the adverse effects on their brain and behavior can occur: (1) at low doses with short periods of drug exposure during pregnancy; (2) after pre-conception drug use by both females and males; (3) in subsequent generations following the initial drug exposure; and (4) in a sex-dependent manner, with drug use producing a greater risk in females than males of developing SUDs with emotional conditions and female offspring after prenatal drug exposure responding more adversely than male offspring. With the recent rise in drug use by adolescents and pregnant women that has occurred in association with the legalization of cannabis and increased availability of vaping tools, these conclusions from the clinical and preclinical literature are particularly alarming and underscore the urgent need to educate young women and men about the possible harmful effects of early drug use and to seek novel therapeutic strategies that might help to limit drug use in young individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Sarah F. Leibowitz
- Laboratory of Behavioral Neurobiology, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10065, USA; (O.K.); (S.R.T.)
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Jones J, Coy D, Gidron D, Hariharan S, Jones M, Patel N, Racines A, Toma S, Brown G. Using umbilical cord tissue to identify prenatal ethanol exposure and co-exposure to other commonly misused substances. J Perinatol 2024:10.1038/s41372-024-02075-2. [PMID: 39069544 DOI: 10.1038/s41372-024-02075-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2024] [Revised: 07/13/2024] [Accepted: 07/22/2024] [Indexed: 07/30/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Substance misuse during pregnancy can result in a variety of poor pregnancy outcomes. Objective data reporting the prevalence of neonates born with ethanol metabolites (evidence of prenatal ethanol exposure) in their fluids or tissues are limited. STUDY DESIGN A secondary analysis of umbilical cord tissue specimens received for routine toxicological analysis was conducted. Prevalences of ethyl glucuronide (EtG), a long-term direct ethanol biomarker, were determined using a new laboratory tool, LDTD-MSMS. Additionally, other commonly misused substances were determined using routine procedures. RESULTS Of 12,995 specimens, 238 (1.8%) specimens contained EtG. Concentrations of EtG ranged from 5 ng/g to 6679 ng/g (median 47 ng/mg; IQR: 16 ng/g, 203 ng/g). Of those 238 EtG-positive specimens, nearly 58% (N = 138) contained additional substances or metabolites. CONCLUSION Self-report of substance use during pregnancy is under-reported. We have demonstrated co-exposure of substances with ethanol is higher than previous reports.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Jones
- United States Drug Testing Laboratories, Des Plaines, IL, USA.
| | - Donna Coy
- United States Drug Testing Laboratories, Des Plaines, IL, USA
| | | | | | - Mary Jones
- United States Drug Testing Laboratories, Des Plaines, IL, USA
| | - Niranjan Patel
- United States Drug Testing Laboratories, Des Plaines, IL, USA
| | - Amy Racines
- United States Drug Testing Laboratories, Des Plaines, IL, USA
| | - Sarah Toma
- United States Drug Testing Laboratories, Des Plaines, IL, USA
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Flentke GR, Wilkie TE, Baulch J, Huang Y, Smith SM. Alcohol exposure suppresses ribosome biogenesis and causes nucleolar stress in cranial neural crest cells. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0304557. [PMID: 38941348 PMCID: PMC11213321 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0304557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) causes cognitive impairment and a distinctive craniofacial dysmorphology, due in part to apoptotic losses of the pluripotent cranial neural crest cells (CNCs) that form facial bones and cartilage. We previously reported that PAE rapidly represses expression of >70 ribosomal proteins (padj = 10-E47). Ribosome dysbiogenesis causes nucleolar stress and activates p53-MDM2-mediated apoptosis. Using primary avian CNCs and the murine CNC line O9-1, we tested whether nucleolar stress and p53-MDM2 signaling mediates this apoptosis. We further tested whether haploinsufficiency in genes that govern ribosome biogenesis, using a blocking morpholino approach, synergizes with alcohol to worsen craniofacial outcomes in a zebrafish model. In both avian and murine CNCs, pharmacologically relevant alcohol exposure (20mM, 2hr) causes the dissolution of nucleolar structures and the loss of rRNA synthesis; this nucleolar stress persisted for 18-24hr. This was followed by reduced proliferation, stabilization of nuclear p53, and apoptosis that was prevented by overexpression of MDM2 or dominant-negative p53. In zebrafish embryos, low-dose alcohol or morpholinos directed against ribosomal proteins Rpl5a, Rpl11, and Rps3a, the Tcof homolog Nolc1, or mdm2 separately caused modest craniofacial malformations, whereas these blocking morpholinos synergized with low-dose alcohol to reduce and even eliminate facial elements. Similar results were obtained using a small molecule inhibitor of RNA Polymerase 1, CX5461, whereas p53-blocking morpholinos normalized craniofacial outcomes under high-dose alcohol. Transcriptome analysis affirmed that alcohol suppressed the expression of >150 genes essential for ribosome biogenesis. We conclude that alcohol causes the apoptosis of CNCs, at least in part, by suppressing ribosome biogenesis and invoking a nucleolar stress that initiates their p53-MDM2 mediated apoptosis. We further note that the facial deficits that typify PAE and some ribosomopathies share features including reduced philtrum, upper lip, and epicanthal distance, suggesting the facial deficits of PAE represent, in part, a ribosomopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- George R. Flentke
- UNC Nutrition Research Institute, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Kannapolis, NC, United States of America
| | - Thomas E. Wilkie
- UNC Nutrition Research Institute, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Kannapolis, NC, United States of America
| | - Josh Baulch
- UNC Nutrition Research Institute, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Kannapolis, NC, United States of America
| | - Yanping Huang
- UNC Nutrition Research Institute, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Kannapolis, NC, United States of America
| | - Susan M. Smith
- UNC Nutrition Research Institute, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Kannapolis, NC, United States of America
- Department of Nutrition, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Kannapolis, NC, United States of America
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Su Y, Yu Y, Quan J, Zhang J, Xu Y. Alcohol exposure during pregnancy induces cardiac mitochondrial damage in offspring mice. Birth Defects Res 2024; 116:e2369. [PMID: 38877673 DOI: 10.1002/bdr2.2369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2024] [Revised: 05/15/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/16/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) has been linked to congenital heart disease and fetal alcohol syndrome. The heart primarily relies on mitochondria to generate energy, so impaired mitochondrial function due to alcohol exposure can significantly affect cardiac development and function. Our study aimed to investigate the impact of PAE on myocardial and mitochondrial functions in offspring mice. METHODS We administered 30% alcohol (3 g/kg) to pregnant C57BL/6 mice during the second trimester. We assessed cardiac function by transthoracic echocardiography, observed myocardial structure and fibrosis through staining tests and electron transmission microscopy, and detected cardiomyocyte apoptosis with dUTP nick end labeling assay and real-time quantitative PCR. Additionally, we measured the reactive oxygen species content, ATP level, and mitochondrial DNA copy number in myocardial mitochondria. Mitochondrial damage was evaluated by assessing the level of mitochondrial membrane potential and the opening degree of mitochondrial permeability transition pores. RESULTS Our findings revealed that PAE caused cardiac systolic dysfunction, ventricular enlargement, thinned ventricular wall, cardiac fibrosis in the myocardium, scattered loss of cardiomyocytes, and disordered arrangement of myocardial myotomes in the offspring. Furthermore, we observed a significant increase in mitochondrial reactive oxygen species content, a decrease in mitochondrial membrane potential, ATP level, and mitochondrial DNA copy number, and sustained opening of mitochondrial permeability transition pores in the heart tissues of the offspring. CONCLUSIONS These results indicated that PAE had adverse effects on the cardiac structure and function of the newborn mice and could trigger oxidative stress in their myocardia and contribute to mitochondrial dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yujuan Su
- Department of Anesthesiology, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yujuan Yu
- Department of Anesthesiology, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Junjun Quan
- Department of Anesthesiology, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Junjie Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Ying Xu
- Department of Anesthesiology, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
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Sieger ML, Morin JC, Budris LM, Sienna M, Ostfeld-Johns S, Hart L, Morosky C. A Comparison of Two Statewide Datasets to Understand Population Prevalence of Substance Use in Pregnancy: Findings and Considerations for Policy & Research. Matern Child Health J 2024; 28:1121-1131. [PMID: 38539033 PMCID: PMC11060901 DOI: 10.1007/s10995-024-03914-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Mental health conditions including substance use disorder are the leading cause of pregnancy-related deaths in the U.S. Unfortunately, fears of child protective services' involvement interfere with maternal self-disclosure of substance use in pregnancy. Seeking to identify more mothers with substance use disorder in pregnancy or at delivery, and responsive to changes to the federal Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA), Connecticut requires hospital personnel to submit a deidentified notification to CPS for all newborns with prenatal substance exposure. However, it is unknown whether this approach aligns with maternal self-report on substance use. For the present study, we compared population parameters derived from CAPTA notifications submitted between March-December 2019 with parameters derived from self-report data on substance use in pregnancy from mothers who gave birth during the same timeframe. Results revealed that three times as many mothers self-reported any alcohol or drug use in pregnancy compared to the rate measured with CAPTA notifications. Compared to mothers who self-reported drug use in the third trimester, CAPTA notifications were made for statistically similar rates of Black mothers but half the self-reported rate of White and Hispanic mothers. This disparity reflects that CAPTA notifications were made for twice as many Black mothers as White or Hispanic. Although CAPTA notifications are not punitive in nature, this disparity reveals that the public health aims of this policy are not yet achieved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margaret Lloyd Sieger
- School of Social Work, University of Connecticut, Hartford, CT, USA.
- School of Social Work, University of Connecticut, 38 Prospect Street, Room 310, Hartford, CT, 06105, USA.
| | | | - Lisa M Budris
- Connecticut Department of Public Health, Hartford, CT, USA
| | - Melissa Sienna
- CT Department of Children and Families, UCONN Health, Farmington, CT, USA
| | - Sharon Ostfeld-Johns
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Hospital Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Lou Hart
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Hospital Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
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12
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Leite GPR, de Avó LRDS, Germano CMR, Melo DG. Development and psychometric evaluation of a questionnaire to measure university students' knowledge on the effects of alcohol use during pregnancy. Front Public Health 2024; 12:1399333. [PMID: 38799689 PMCID: PMC11116569 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1399333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Alcohol consumption during pregnancy can lead to fetal alcohol spectrum disorders. This study developed and validated a questionnaire to assess university students' knowledge regarding the effects of alcohol during pregnancy. Methods We designed an instrument with true-false-I do not know statements. Initially, 45 true statements were formulated and subjected to content validation by 19 experts. Based on the Content Validity Index (CVI), 17 items were selected. The instrument, called the Fetal Alcohol Consequences Test (FACT), was first assessed by 31 university students for the level of understanding. Then, the questionnaire was administered to a national Brazilian sample of university students, and an Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) was conducted. Each correct FACT answer was worth 1 point, and the knowledge was categorized as high (total score ≥ 80%), moderate (score between 60 and 79%), and low (score ≤ 59%). Results When the questionnaire was being designed, the CVI values ranged from 0.779 to 1.0, and all statements were considered suitable by the target audience. For psychometric evaluation, 768 students from 24 Brazilian states participated. In the EFA, five statements were removed, revealing a tool with 12 items and two latent factors: "fetal alcohol spectrum disorders" and "conceptions and guidance on alcohol consumption during pregnancy." The KMO index (0.76426) and Bartlett's sphericity test (6362.6, df = 66, p < 0.00001) both supported the final EFA model. The goodness-of-fit indices for the factor structure were adequate: χ2 = 119.609, df = 43, p < 0.00001; RMSEA = 0.048; CFI = 0.977; TLI = 0.965. The mean total FACT score among participants was 7.71 ± 2.98, with a median of 8; 32.03% of the students had high (10-12 points), 24.09% moderate (8-9 points), and 43.88% low knowledge (<8 points). The questionnaire proved reliable, with a floor effect of 1.17%, a ceiling effect of 9.25%, and a Cronbach's alpha index of 0.798. Conclusion The FACT can be utilized in university students' health education processes, contributing to greater knowledge and information dissemination about the effects of alcohol during pregnancy, in addition to the formulation of policies on the subject directed to this group of young adults.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lucimar Retto da Silva de Avó
- Departamento de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Carlos (UFSCar), São Paulo, Brazil
- National Institute on Population Medical Genetics (INAGEMP), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Carla Maria Ramos Germano
- Departamento de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Carlos (UFSCar), São Paulo, Brazil
- National Institute on Population Medical Genetics (INAGEMP), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Débora Gusmão Melo
- National Institute on Population Medical Genetics (INAGEMP), Porto Alegre, Brazil
- Departamento de Morfologia e Genética, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, Brazil
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13
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Maher BS, Bitsko RH, Claussen AH, O'Masta B, Cerles A, Holbrook JR, Mahmooth Z, Chen-Bowers N, Rojo ALA, Kaminski JW, Rush M. Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of the Relationship Between Exposure to Parental Substance Use and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder in Children. PREVENTION SCIENCE : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR PREVENTION RESEARCH 2024; 25:291-315. [PMID: 37976008 PMCID: PMC11098969 DOI: 10.1007/s11121-023-01605-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is characterized by persistent patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsiveness. Among US children and adolescents aged 3-17 years, 9.4% have a diagnosis of ADHD. Previous research suggests possible links between parental substance use and ADHD among children. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of 86 longitudinal or retrospective studies of prenatal or postnatal alcohol, tobacco, or other parental substance use and substance use disorders and childhood ADHD and its related behavioral dimensions of inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity. Meta-analyses were grouped by drug class and pre- and postnatal periods with combined sample sizes ranging from 789 to 135,732. Prenatal exposure to alcohol or tobacco and parent substance use disorders were consistently and significantly associated with ADHD among children. Other parental drug use exposures resulted in inconsistent or non-significant findings. Prevention and treatment of parental substance use may have potential for impacts on childhood ADHD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brion S Maher
- Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Rebecca H Bitsko
- Division of Human Development and Disability, National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Angelika H Claussen
- Division of Human Development and Disability, National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | | | | | - Joseph R Holbrook
- Division of Human Development and Disability, National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | | | - Naomi Chen-Bowers
- Office Policy, Performance, and Evaluation, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Road NE, Mailstop: H 21-11, Atlanta, GA, 30329, USA
| | | | - Jennifer W Kaminski
- Office Policy, Performance, and Evaluation, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Road NE, Mailstop: H 21-11, Atlanta, GA, 30329, USA.
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14
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Crowley R, Hilden D, Beachy M. Excessive Alcohol Use and Alcohol Use Disorders: A Policy Brief of the American College of Physicians. Ann Intern Med 2024; 177:656-657. [PMID: 38648644 DOI: 10.7326/m23-3434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Alcohol is used by more people in the United States than tobacco, electronic nicotine delivery systems, or illicit drugs. Several health conditions, including cancer, cardiovascular disease, and liver disease, are associated with excessive alcohol use and alcohol use disorder. Nearly 30 million people aged 12 years or older in the United States reported past-year alcohol use disorder in 2022, but-despite its prevalence-alcohol use disorder is undertreated. In this policy brief, the American College of Physicians outlines the health effects of excessive alcohol use and alcohol use disorder, calls for policy changes to increase the availability of treatment of alcohol use disorder and excessive alcohol use, and recommends alcohol-related public health interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan Crowley
- American College of Physicians, Washington, DC (R.C.)
| | - David Hilden
- Hennepin Healthcare, Minneapolis, Minnesota (D.H.)
| | - Micah Beachy
- University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska (M.B.)
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15
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González-Flores D, Márquez A, Casimiro I. Oxidative Effects in Early Stages of Embryo Development Due to Alcohol Consumption. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:4100. [PMID: 38612908 PMCID: PMC11012856 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25074100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2024] [Revised: 04/01/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Alcohol, a widely consumed drug, exerts significant toxic effects on the human organism. This review focuses on its impact during fetal development, when it leads to a spectrum of disorders collectively termed Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD). Children afflicted by FASD exhibit distinct clinical manifestations, including facial dysmorphism, delayed growth, and neurological and behavioral disorders. These behavioral issues encompass diminished intellectual capacity, memory impairment, and heightened impulsiveness. While the precise mechanisms underlying alcohol-induced fetal damage remain incompletely understood, research indicates a pivotal role for reactive oxygen species (ROS) that are released during alcohol metabolism, inciting inflammation at the cerebral level. Ethanol metabolism amplifies the generation of oxidant molecules, inducing through alterations in enzymatic and non-enzymatic systems responsible for cellular homeostasis. Alcohol consumption disrupts endogenous enzyme activity and fosters lipid peroxidation in consumers, potentially affecting the developing fetus. Addressing this concern, administration of metformin during the prenatal period, corresponding to the third trimester of human pregnancy, emerges as a potential therapeutic intervention for mitigating FASD. This proposed approach holds promise for ameliorating the adverse effects of alcohol exposure on fetal development and warrants further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- David González-Flores
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Zoology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Extremadura, 06006 Badajoz, Spain
| | - Antonia Márquez
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Zoology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Extremadura, 06006 Badajoz, Spain
| | - Ilda Casimiro
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Zoology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Extremadura, 06006 Badajoz, Spain;
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16
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Candelaria-Cook FT, Schendel ME, Romero LL, Cerros C, Hill DE, Stephen JM. Sex-specific Differences in Resting Oscillatory Dynamics in Children with Prenatal Alcohol Exposure. Neuroscience 2024; 543:121-136. [PMID: 38387734 PMCID: PMC10954390 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2024.02.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2023] [Revised: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
At rest children with prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) exhibit impaired static and dynamic functional connectivity, along with decreased alpha oscillations. Sex-specific information regarding the impact of PAE on whole-brain resting-state gamma spectral power remains unknown. Eyes-closed and eyes-open MEG resting-state data were examined in 83 children, ages 6-13 years of age. Using a matched design, the sample consisted of 42 typically developing children (TDC) (22 males/20 females) and 41 children with PAE and/or a fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) diagnosis (21 males/20 females). Whole-brain source resting-state spectral power was examined to determine group and sex specific relationships. Within gamma, we found sex and group specific changes such that female participants with PAE/FASD had increased gamma power when compared to female TDC and male participants with PAE/FASD. These differences were detected in most source regions analyzed during both resting-states, and were observed across the age spectrum examined. Within delta, we found sex and group specific changes such that female participants with PAE/FASD had decreased delta power when compared to female TDC and male participants with PAE/FASD. The reduced delta oscillations in female participants with PAE/FASD were detected in several source regions during eyes-closed rest and were evident at younger ages. These results indicate PAE alters neural oscillations during rest in a sex-specific manner, with females with PAE/FASD showing the largest perturbations. These results further demonstrate PAE has global effects on resting-state spectral power and connectivity, creating long-term consequences by potentially disrupting the excitation/inhibition balance in the brain, interrupting normative neurodevelopment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Megan E Schendel
- The Mind Research Network and Lovelace Biomedical Research Institute, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Lucinda L Romero
- The Mind Research Network and Lovelace Biomedical Research Institute, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Cassandra Cerros
- Department of Pediatrics, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Dina E Hill
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Julia M Stephen
- The Mind Research Network and Lovelace Biomedical Research Institute, Albuquerque, NM, USA
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17
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Li Z, Tucker CM, Odahowski CL, Eichelberger KY, Zhang J, Hung P. Co-occurrence of mental illness and substance use among US pregnant individuals, 2012-2021. Psychiatry Res 2024; 334:115820. [PMID: 38422868 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2024.115820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2023] [Revised: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
AIM Substance use disorders are increasingly prevalent among pregnant individuals, with evident risks of adverse perinatal outcomes. This study examines substance use (tobacco, alcohol and marijuana) among pregnant individuals with mental illness. METHODS A national representative sample of pregnant individuals were derived from 2012 to 2021 National Survey of Drug Use and Health data. Associations of past-year mental illness with past-month polysubstance use and each substance use were analyzed by logistic regression models, with complex sampling weights and survey year. RESULTS Among 6801 pregnant individuals, 16.4% reported having any mental illness (AMI) in 2012 and 2013, increasing to 23.8% in 2020-2021; and SMI increased from 3.3% to 9.4%. Polysubstance use increased disproportionately among those with severe mental illness (SMI), from 14.0% to 18.6%. Pregnant individuals with greater severity of mental illness had higher odds of polysubstance use (Adjusted Odds Ratio, 95% CI: AMI but no SMI vs. without AMI: 1.59 [1.04, 2.44]; SMI vs. without AMI: 5.48 [2.77, 10.82]). CONCLUSIONS Pregnant individuals with greater severity of mental illness were more likely to engage in substance use. Evidence-based educational, screening and treatment services, and public policy changes are warranted to mitigate the harmful health outcomes of substance use among US pregnant individuals with mental illness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhong Li
- Department of Public Administration, School of Health Policy and Management, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China; Department of Health Services Policy and Management, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Curisa M Tucker
- Department of Biobehavioral Health & Nursing Science, College of Nursing, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Cassie L Odahowski
- Rural and Minority Health Research Center, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Kacey Y Eichelberger
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville, Prisma Health, Greenville, SC, USA
| | - Jiajia Zhang
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Peiyin Hung
- Department of Health Services Policy and Management, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA; Rural and Minority Health Research Center, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA.
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18
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Wohrer F, Ngo H, DiDomenico J, Ma X, Roberts MH, Bakhireva LN. Potentially modifiable risk and protective factors affecting mental and emotional wellness in pregnancy. Front Hum Neurosci 2024; 18:1323297. [PMID: 38445095 PMCID: PMC10912531 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2024.1323297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Impaired mental and emotional wellness often co-occurs with prenatal substance use, and both affect infant socio-emotional, cognitive, language, motor, and adaptive behavioral outcomes. Guided by the modified biopsychosocial framework, this study examined the role of common substance exposures during pregnancy (i.e., alcohol and cannabis), socio-cultural factors (social support during pregnancy, adverse childhood experiences), and reproductive health factors on maternal mental health (MMH). Methods Data were obtained from a prospective cohort study-Ethanol, Neurodevelopment, Infant, and Child Health (ENRICH-2), and included 202 pregnant persons. Alcohol and cannabis exposures were assessed through repeated prospective interviews and a comprehensive battery of drug and ethanol biomarkers. MMH outcomes were evaluated during the third trimester through the Perceived Stress Scale, Edinburgh Depression Scale, Generalized Anxiety Disorders-7, and Post-traumatic Stress Disorder Checklist for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. Univariate and multivariable linear regression models evaluated significant predictors of MMH. Results Results of multivariable analysis indicate that both maternal adverse childhood experiences and alcohol exposure, even at low-to-moderate levels, during pregnancy were associated with poorer scores for most MMH measures, while higher level of social support and Spanish as the primary language at home (as a proxy of enculturation) had protective effects (all p's < 0.05). Conclusion These findings highlight the importance of assessing substance use, including periconceptional alcohol exposure, and mental health in pregnant persons as closely related risk factors which cannot be addressed in isolation. Our findings also emphasize a strong protective effect of socio-cultural factors on maternal mental and emotional wellbeing-a strong precursor to maternal-infant bonding and infant neurodevelopment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fiona Wohrer
- School of Medicine, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM, United States
| | - Helen Ngo
- College of Pharmacy Substance Use Research and Education Center, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM, United States
| | - Jared DiDomenico
- College of Pharmacy Substance Use Research and Education Center, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM, United States
| | - Xingya Ma
- College of Pharmacy Substance Use Research and Education Center, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM, United States
| | - Melissa H. Roberts
- College of Pharmacy Substance Use Research and Education Center, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM, United States
| | - Ludmila N. Bakhireva
- College of Pharmacy Substance Use Research and Education Center, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM, United States
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19
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Sapru S, Mitchell K, McFadden T. Combining Physician Expertise and Women's Lived Experience to Educate Health Professionals about Preventing Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders. Matern Child Health J 2024; 28:229-239. [PMID: 37847449 DOI: 10.1007/s10995-023-03786-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/18/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Physician Champions from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and trained women Speakers from FASD United, who have given birth to a child with a fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD), co-present to healthcare providers (HCPs) in medical residency programs as part of an educational intervention. They present FASDs as a biological and social problem surrounded by stigma that prevent pregnant women from talking openly to their HCPs about their alcohol use or alcohol use disorder (AUD) and getting the medical help they need. METHODS Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 10 ACOG Champions and nine FASD United Speakers and a thematic analysis assessed how the co-presentations can enhance HCPs' understanding about FASDs and address stigma associated with alcohol use during pregnancy. RESULTS Interview findings indicated that both Champions and Speakers emphasized the need for HCPs to be nonjudgmental and create a safe space for open dialogue. They reported that residents were moved by mothers' personal stories, wanted to understand AUD better, and asked about the type of help HCPs can offer women. DISCUSSION Combining physicians' expertise with mothers' personal stories of lived experiences of FASDs directed at residents, who are more reflective and open at this phase of their careers, moved them from a fact-based to an empathy-based approach to learning that is critical to address the stigma surrounding women who may be using alcohol or struggling with an AUD during pregnancy. Collaboration between national organizations allowed this intervention to be widely implemented across the country.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Tonya McFadden
- American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, Washington, DC, USA
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20
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Khalifa A, Palu R, Perkins AE, Volz A. Prenatal alcohol exposure alters expression of genes involved in cell adhesion, immune response, and toxin metabolism in adolescent rat hippocampus. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0293425. [PMID: 38271377 PMCID: PMC10810486 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0293425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) can result in mild to severe consequences for children throughout their lives, with this range of symptoms referred to as Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD). These consequences are thought to be linked to changes in gene expression and transcriptional programming in the brain, but the identity of those changes, and how they persist into adolescence are unclear. In this study, we isolated RNA from the hippocampus of adolescent rats exposed to ethanol during prenatal development and compared gene expression to controls. Briefly, dams were either given free access to standard chow ad libitum (AD), pair-fed a liquid diet (PF) or were given a liquid diet with ethanol (6.7% ethanol, ET) throughout gestation (gestational day (GD) 0-20). All dams were given control diet ad libitum beginning on GD 20 and throughout parturition and lactation. Hippocampal tissue was collected from adolescent male and female offspring (postnatal day (PD) 35-36). Exposure to ethanol caused widespread downregulation of many genes as compared to control rats. Gene ontology analysis demonstrated that affected pathways included cell adhesion, toxin metabolism, and immune responses. Interestingly, these differences were not strongly affected by sex. Furthermore, these changes were consistent when comparing ethanol-exposed rats to pair-fed controls provided with a liquid diet and those fed ad libitum on a standard chow diet. We conclude from this study that changes in genetic architecture and the resulting neuronal connectivity after prenatal exposure to alcohol continue through adolescent development. Further research into the consequences of specific gene expression changes on neural and behavioral changes will be vital to our understanding of the FASD spectrum of diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amal Khalifa
- Department of Computer Science, Purdue University Fort Wayne, Fort Wayne, IN, United States of America
| | - Rebecca Palu
- Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University Fort Wayne, Fort Wayne, IN, United States of America
| | - Amy E. Perkins
- Department of Psychology, Purdue University Fort Wayne, Fort Wayne, IN, United States of America
| | - Avery Volz
- Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University Fort Wayne, Fort Wayne, IN, United States of America
- Department of Psychology, Purdue University Fort Wayne, Fort Wayne, IN, United States of America
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21
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Pini N, Sania A, Rao S, Shuffrey LC, Nugent JD, Lucchini M, McSweeney M, Hockett C, Morales S, Yoder L, Ziegler K, Perzanowski MS, Fox NA, Elliott AJ, Myers MM, Fifer WP. In Utero Exposure to Alcohol and Tobacco and Electroencephalogram Power During Childhood. JAMA Netw Open 2024; 7:e2350528. [PMID: 38180758 PMCID: PMC10770777 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.50528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Importance Prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) and prenatal tobacco exposure (PTE) are risk factors associated with adverse neurobehavioral and cognitive outcomes. Objective To quantify long-term associations of PAE and PTE with brain activity in early and middle childhood via electroencephalography (EEG). Design, Setting, and Participants This cohort study included participants enrolled in the Safe Passage Study (August 2007 to January 2015), from which a subset of 649 participants were followed up in the Environmental Influences on Child Health Outcomes Program. From September 2018 through November 2022, EEG recordings were obtained at ages 4, 5, 7, 9, or 11 years. Data were analyzed from November 2022 to November 2023. Exposures Maternal self-reported consumptions of alcohol and tobacco during pregnancy were captured at the recruitment interview and at up to 3 visits during pregnancy (20-24, 28-32, and ≥34 weeks' gestation). Classifications of PAE (continuous drinking, quit-early drinking, and nondrinking) and PTE (continuous smoking, quit-early smoking, and nonsmoking) were previously obtained. Main Outcomes and Measures EEG band powers (theta, alpha, beta, gamma) were extracted from the EEG recordings. Linear regression models were used to estimate the associations of PAE and PTE with EEG estimates. Results The final sample included 649 participants (333 [51.3%] female) aged 4, 5, 7, 9, or 11 years. Children whose mothers were in the quit-early drinking cluster had increased alpha power (0.116 [95% CI, 0.023 to 0.209] μV2; P = .02) compared with individuals without PAE. The magnitude of this increase was approximately double for children exposed to continuous drinking (0.211 [95% CI, 0.005 to 0.417] μV2; P = .04). Children whose mothers were in the continuous smoking cluster had decreased beta power (-0.031 [95% CI, -0.059 to -0.003] μV2; P = .03) and gamma power (-0.020 [95% CI, -0.039 to -0.000] μV2; P = .04) compared with the nonsmoking cluster. In exploratory sex-stratified models, male participants in the quit-early PAE cluster had greater EEG power in the alpha band (0.159 [95% CI, 0.003 to 0.315] μV2; P = .04) compared with those with no PAE, and the difference was approximately double for male participants with continuous PAE (0.354 [95% CI, 0.041 to 0.667] μV2; P = .03). Male participants in the continuous PTE cluster had decreased beta (-0.048 [95% CI, -0.090 to - 0.007] μV2; P = .02) and gamma (-0.032 [95% CI, -0.061 - 0.002] μV2; P = .04) power compared with those with no PTE. Conclusions and Relevance These findings suggest that even low levels of PAE and PTE were associated with long-term alterations of brain activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolò Pini
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York
- Division of Developmental Neuroscience, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York
| | - Ayesha Sania
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York
- Division of Developmental Neuroscience, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York
| | - Shreya Rao
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York
- Division of Developmental Neuroscience, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York
| | - Lauren C. Shuffrey
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, New York
| | - J. David Nugent
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York
- Division of Developmental Neuroscience, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York
| | - Maristella Lucchini
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York
- Division of Developmental Neuroscience, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York
| | - Marco McSweeney
- Department of Human Development and Quantitative Methodology, University of Maryland, College Park
| | - Christine Hockett
- Center for Pediatric & Community Research, Avera Research Institute, Sioux Falls, South Dakota
- Department of Pediatrics, University of South Dakota School of Medicine, Sioux Falls
| | - Santiago Morales
- Department of Psychology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles
| | - Lydia Yoder
- Department of Human Development and Quantitative Methodology, University of Maryland, College Park
| | - Katherine Ziegler
- Center for Pediatric & Community Research, Avera Research Institute, Sioux Falls, South Dakota
- Department of Pediatrics, University of South Dakota School of Medicine, Sioux Falls
| | - Matthew S. Perzanowski
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health at Columbia University, New York, New York
| | - Nathan A. Fox
- Department of Human Development and Quantitative Methodology, University of Maryland, College Park
| | - Amy J. Elliott
- Center for Pediatric & Community Research, Avera Research Institute, Sioux Falls, South Dakota
- Department of Pediatrics, University of South Dakota School of Medicine, Sioux Falls
| | - Michael M. Myers
- Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York
| | - William P. Fifer
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York
- Division of Developmental Neuroscience, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York
- Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York
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22
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Smith SM, Weathers TD, Virdee MS, Schwantes-An TH, Voruganti VS, Mattson SN, Coles CD, Kable JA, Sowell E, Wozniak JR, Wetherill L. Polymorphisms in the choline transporter SLC44A1 are associated with reduced cognitive performance in normotypic but not prenatal alcohol-exposed children. Am J Clin Nutr 2024; 119:117-126. [PMID: 38176775 PMCID: PMC10925855 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajcnut.2023.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Revised: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Choline is essential for healthy cognitive development. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs; rs3199966(G), rs2771040(G)) within the choline transporter SLC44A1 increase risk for choline deficiency. In a choline intervention trial of children who experienced prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE), these alleles are associated with improved cognition. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to determine if SNPs within SLC44A1 are differentially associated with cognition in children with PAE compared with normotypic controls (genotype × exposure). A secondary objective tested for an association of these SNPs and cognition in controls (genotype-only). DESIGN This is a secondary analysis of data from the Collaborative Initiative on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders. Participants (163 normotypic controls, 162 PAE) underwent psychological assessments and were genotyped within SLC44A1. Choline status was not assessed. Association analysis between genotype × exposure was performed using an additive genetic model and linear regression to identify the allelic effect. The primary outcome was the interaction between SLC44A1 genotype × exposure status with respect to cognition. The secondary outcome was the cognitive-genotype association in normotypic controls. RESULTS Genotype × exposure analysis identified 7 SNPs in SLC44A1, including rs3199966(G) and rs2771040(G), and in strong linkage (D' ≥ 0.87), that were associated (adjusted P ≤ 0.05) with reduced performance in measures of general cognition, nonverbal and quantitative reasoning, memory, and executive function (β, 1.92-3.91). In controls, carriers of rs3199966(GT or GG) had worsened cognitive performance than rs3199966(TT) carriers (β, 0.46-0.83; P < 0.0001), whereas cognitive performance did not differ by rs3199966 genotype in those with PAE. CONCLUSIONS Two functional alleles that increase vulnerability to choline deficiency, rs3199966(G) (Ser644Ala) and rs2771040(G) (3' untranslated region), are associated with worsened cognition in otherwise normotypic children. These alleles were previously associated with greater cognitive improvement in children with PAE who received supplemental choline. The findings endorse that choline benefits cognitive development in normotypic children and those with PAE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan M Smith
- UNC Nutrition Research Institute University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Kannapolis, NC, United States; Department of Nutrition, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Kannapolis, NC, United States.
| | - Torri D Weathers
- UNC Nutrition Research Institute University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Kannapolis, NC, United States
| | - Manjot S Virdee
- UNC Nutrition Research Institute University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Kannapolis, NC, United States
| | - Tae-Hwi Schwantes-An
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Venkata Saroja Voruganti
- UNC Nutrition Research Institute University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Kannapolis, NC, United States; Department of Nutrition, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Kannapolis, NC, United States
| | - Sarah N Mattson
- Center for Behavioral Teratology, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Claire D Coles
- Departments of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science and Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Julie A Kable
- Departments of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science and Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Elizabeth Sowell
- Department of Pediatrics, Neurology, and Psychology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Jeffrey R Wozniak
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Science, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | - Leah Wetherill
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
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23
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Green VR, Kennedy-Hendricks A, Saloner B, Bandara S. Substance use and treatment characteristics among pregnant and non-pregnant females, 2015-2019. Drug Alcohol Depend 2024; 254:111041. [PMID: 38043227 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2023.111041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Revised: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In the United States (US), pregnant females who use substances face increased morbidity and mortality risks compared to non-pregnant females. This study provides a national snapshot of substance use and treatment characteristics among US reproductive-aged females, including those who are pregnant. METHODS Our sample included females aged 15-44 years (n=97,830) from the 2015-2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) data. We calculated weighted percentages of past-month alcohol or drug use and past-year substance use disorder (SUD), stratified by pregnancy status. We also calculated weighted percentages of past-year treatment setting and payer. Pearson chi-square tests were conducted to determine if percentages were statistically significantly different. RESULTS Compared to non-pregnant females, pregnant females had lower prevalence of past-month illicit drug use excluding cannabis (1.6% vs. 4.3%, p<0.01), cannabis use (5.3% vs. 12.5%, p<0.01), binge drinking (4.5% vs. 29.3%, p<0.01) and past-year SUD (7.1 vs. 8.8%, p<0.01). Less than 13% of females with SUD received treatment regardless of pregnancy status, but treatment use was higher among pregnant females compared to non-pregnant females (12.8% vs. 10.5%). However, there were no statistically significant differences in past-year treatment use, setting, or treatment payer. DISCUSSION The prevalence of substance use and SUD was lower among pregnant females compared to non-pregnant females in 2015-2019. Low uptake of substance use treatment suggests that barriers exist to treatment-seeking among reproductive-aged women. Further exploration of stigma, payment, and access to treatment, and how they differ by pregnancy status, is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria R Green
- Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
| | - Alene Kennedy-Hendricks
- Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; Department of Health Policy and Management, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Brendan Saloner
- Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; Department of Health Policy and Management, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Sachini Bandara
- Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; Department of Health Policy and Management, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
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24
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Mendez-Reyes HF, Franco-Olaya M, Canon-Cubillos O, Uribe-Lopez JM, Delgado-Alvarez MC, Velasquez-Portilla M, Olaya-C M. Morphological and clinical findings in placentas and newborns with a history of tobacco, alcohol, and other substance abuse during pregnancy. J Neonatal Perinatal Med 2024; 17:217-224. [PMID: 38640173 DOI: 10.3233/npm-230104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/21/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Exposure to toxins during pregnancy is the main modifiable behavior that affects the placenta and, consequently, the fetus. In particular, smoking is a recognized risk factor for negative outcomes. Our study pretended to examine gross and microscopic placental features in women who reported exposure to tobacco, alcohol, or other psychoactive substances. METHODS In this observational case-control study, we collected 706 placentas to assess precise substance exposure histological-interaction features of in the placenta. We examined gross and microscopic placental features, and then recorded maternal and newborn clinical conditions. RESULTS We found that 4.8% of mothers admitted to consumption of some type of (harmful) substance. The most common pre-existing maternal condition was obesity (20.3%); predominant complications included amniotic infection (32.3%), urinary tract infection (14.5%) and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (14.5%). In newborns, we discovered positive associations as respiratory distress syndrome. Macroscopically, exposed mothers had heavier placentas, more true knots, and single umbilical artery; microscopically, they were more likely to exhibit fetal vascular malperfusion (FVM). CONCLUSIONS Until our present study, no research linked umbilical cord defects to toxic substance exposure; our study results do confirm association with adverse outcomes in neonates and alterations in the neuro-cardio-placental circuit through FVM. IMPLICATIONS The results are confirming the importance of this modifiable risk factor and how its presence may potentially affect the course of pregnancy, as well as the health of both mother and child.
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Affiliation(s)
- H F Mendez-Reyes
- Medical School, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Hospital Universitario San Ignacio, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - M Franco-Olaya
- Medical School, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Hospital Universitario San Ignacio, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - O Canon-Cubillos
- Medical School, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Hospital Universitario San Ignacio, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - J M Uribe-Lopez
- Medical School, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Hospital Universitario San Ignacio, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - M C Delgado-Alvarez
- Medical School, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Hospital Universitario San Ignacio, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - M Velasquez-Portilla
- Medical School, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Hospital Universitario San Ignacio, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - M Olaya-C
- Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Hospital Universitario San Ignacio, Bogotá, Colombia
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25
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Sato M, Endo M, Tomooka K, Kuroda K, Ueda Y, Sato S, Ikemoto Y, Imai Y, Mitsui K, Tanaka A, Sugiyama R, Nakagawa K, Sato Y, Kuribayashi Y, Kitade M, Itakura A, Takeda S, Tanigawa T. Risk Factors for Alcohol Consumption after Starting Assisted Reproductive Technology Treatment among Japanese Women: Japan-Female Employment and Mental Health in Assisted Reproductive Technology (J-FEMA) Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:7152. [PMID: 38131704 PMCID: PMC10742806 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20247152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2023] [Revised: 11/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
AIMS To determine the association between drinking habits and social factors among women undergoing assisted reproductive technology (ART) treatment in Japan. METHODS The study participants who provided answers for the questionnaire concerning alcohol consumption were 1017 female patients undergoing ART treatment were enrolled in the Japan-Female Employment and Mental Health in assisted reproductive technology (J-FEMA) study between August and December 2018. Patient characteristics, including demographic, clinical, and socioeconomic status, were assessed using a self-administered questionnaire which was distributed only once during the period, regardless of their first or follow-up examination. We defined current drinkers who drank ≥46 g of ethanol per week as the habitual drinking group. The risk factors for habitual drinking were analyzed using multivariable-adjusted logistic regression. RESULTS The proportion of habitual drinkers was 15.5% in this study population. The multivariable-adjusted odds ratios (95% confidence interval) for habitual drinking were 2.27 (0.99-5.21) for women aged ≥35 years versus those <35 years, 4.26 (1.98-9.16) for women having partners who currently drink compared to those with partners without current drinking, 1.84 (1.08-3.12) for women without a history of childbirth versus those with, and 1.77 (1.00-3.14) for working women compared with those not working. CONCLUSIONS In our study, habitual drinking among women undergoing ART treatment was significantly associated with older age, no history of childbirth, partner's current drinking status, and working.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mamiko Sato
- Department of Public Health, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
| | - Motoki Endo
- Department of Public Health, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
| | - Kiyohide Tomooka
- Department of Public Health, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
| | - Keiji Kuroda
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Juntendo University Faculty of Medicine, Tokyo 113-8421, Japan
- Centre for Reproductive Medicine and Endoscopy, Sugiyama Clinic Marunouchi, Tokyo 100-0065, Japan
| | - Yuito Ueda
- Department of Public Health, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
| | - Setsuko Sato
- Department of Public Health, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
| | - Yuko Ikemoto
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Juntendo University Faculty of Medicine, Tokyo 113-8421, Japan
| | - Yuya Imai
- Department of Public Health, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
| | - Kiyomi Mitsui
- Department of Hygiene, Public Health, and Preventive Medicine, Showa University, Tokyo 142-8555, Japan
| | - Atsushi Tanaka
- Saint Mother Hospital Infertility Clinic, Fukuoka 807-0825, Japan
| | - Rikikazu Sugiyama
- Centre for Reproductive Medicine and Endoscopy, Sugiyama Clinic Marunouchi, Tokyo 100-0065, Japan
- Centre for Reproductive Medicine and Implantation Research, Sugiyama Clinic Shinjuku, Tokyo 116-0023, Japan
| | - Koji Nakagawa
- Centre for Reproductive Medicine and Implantation Research, Sugiyama Clinic Shinjuku, Tokyo 116-0023, Japan
| | | | - Yasushi Kuribayashi
- Centre for Reproductive Medicine and Endoscopy, Sugiyama Clinic Marunouchi, Tokyo 100-0065, Japan
| | - Mari Kitade
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Juntendo University Faculty of Medicine, Tokyo 113-8421, Japan
| | - Atsuo Itakura
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Juntendo University Faculty of Medicine, Tokyo 113-8421, Japan
| | - Satoru Takeda
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Juntendo University Faculty of Medicine, Tokyo 113-8421, Japan
| | - Takeshi Tanigawa
- Department of Public Health, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
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26
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Licheri V, Jacquez BJ, Castillo VK, Sainz DB, Valenzuela CF, Brigman JL. Long-term effects of low prenatal alcohol exposure on GABAergic interneurons of the murine posterior parietal cortex. ALCOHOL, CLINICAL & EXPERIMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 47:2248-2261. [PMID: 38151788 PMCID: PMC10760801 DOI: 10.1111/acer.15210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2023] [Revised: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs) are characterized by a wide range of physical, cognitive, and behavioral impairments that occur throughout the lifespan. Prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) can lead to adult impairments in cognitive control behaviors mediated by the posterior parietal cortex (PPC). The PPC plays a fundamental role in the performance of response tasks in both primates and rodents, specifically when choices between similar target and nontarget stimuli are required. Furthermore, the PPC is reciprocally connected with other cortical areas. Despite the extensive literature investigating the molecular mechanisms underlying PAE impairments in cognitive functions mediated by cortical areas, little is known regarding the long-term effects of PAE on PPC development and function. Here, we examined changes in the cellular organization of GABAergic interneurons and their function in PPC using behaviorally naïve control and PAE mice. METHODS We used a limited access model of PAE in which C57BL/6J females were exposed to a solution of 10% (w/v) ethanol and 0.066% (w/V) saccharin for 4 h/day throughout gestation. Using high-throughput fluorescent microscopy, we quantified the levels of GABAergic interneurons in the PPC of adult PAE and control offspring. In a separate cohort, we recorded spontaneous inhibitory postsynaptic currents (sIPSCs) using whole-cell patch clamp recordings from PPC layer 5 pyramidal neurons. RESULTS PAE led to a significant overall reduction of parvalbumin-expressing GABAergic interneurons in PAE mice regardless of sex. Somatostatin- and calretinin-expressing GABAergic interneurons were not affected. Interestingly, PAE did not modulate sIPSC amplitude or frequency. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that impairments in cognitive control observed in FASD may be due to the significant reduction of parvalbumin-expressing GABAergic interneurons in the PPC. PAE animals may show compensatory changes in GABAergic function following developmental reduction of these interneurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Licheri
- Department of Neurosciences, University of New Mexico School of Medicine Albuquerque NM, USA
- New Mexico Alcohol Research Center, UNM Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque NM, USA
| | - Belkis J. Jacquez
- Department of Neurosciences, University of New Mexico School of Medicine Albuquerque NM, USA
| | - Victoria K. Castillo
- Department of Neurosciences, University of New Mexico School of Medicine Albuquerque NM, USA
| | - Dylan B. Sainz
- Department of Neurosciences, University of New Mexico School of Medicine Albuquerque NM, USA
| | - C. Fernando Valenzuela
- Department of Neurosciences, University of New Mexico School of Medicine Albuquerque NM, USA
- New Mexico Alcohol Research Center, UNM Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque NM, USA
| | - Jonathan L. Brigman
- Department of Neurosciences, University of New Mexico School of Medicine Albuquerque NM, USA
- New Mexico Alcohol Research Center, UNM Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque NM, USA
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27
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Flannigan K, Murphy L, Pei J. Integrated Supports for Women and Girls Experiencing Substance Use and Complex Needs. Subst Abuse 2023; 17:11782218231208980. [PMID: 37954218 PMCID: PMC10637139 DOI: 10.1177/11782218231208980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023]
Abstract
There is strong research to support integrated and gender-sensitive harm reduction approaches for supporting women, girls, and gender diverse people. For individuals who are pregnant, flexible and integrated treatment approaches may be especially important. In this study, we report on an integrated program in rural Canada designed to support pregnant women, girls, and gender diverse people experiencing substance use and other complex needs. Program data (N = 393) from the 2nd Floor Women's Recovery Centre (2nd Floor) at the Lakeland Centre for Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (LCFASD) was analyzed with several aims. Study goals were to (1) describe characteristics and needs of clients, (2) identify factors associated with program completion, and (3) for a subset of clients, examine resources, wellbeing, and social and behavioral outcomes after treatment. Clients (Mage = 27.4 years, range 15-64) presented at the 2nd Floor with complex medical and mental health needs, and experiences of significant socioenvironmental adversity. However, almost two-thirds (63.4%) successfully completed the program, which was more likely for clients who had stable housing at intake and a possible or confirmed diagnosis of FASD. After treatment, clients reported high levels of wellbeing, and most were connected to health care and community resources. In the year after program completion, clients who were contacted for follow-up maintained strong connection to resources and reported notable improvements in social and behavioral functioning. Many were working or volunteering, most were in stable home environments, rates of substance use and legal involvement were substantially reduced, and many clients were actively caring for their children. This study offers important findings to inform future research, practice, and policy for supporting health and wellbeing for women, children, families, and communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine Flannigan
- Canada Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Research Network, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Department of Educational Psychology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Lisa Murphy
- Lakeland Centre for Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, Cold Lake, AB, Canada
| | - Jacqueline Pei
- Canada Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Research Network, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Department of Educational Psychology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
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28
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Prevention of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders. J Obstet Gynecol Neonatal Nurs 2023; 52:e5-e7. [PMID: 37498264 DOI: 10.1016/j.jogn.2023.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/28/2023] Open
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29
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Prevention of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders. Nurs Womens Health 2023; 27:e1-e3. [PMID: 37498251 DOI: 10.1016/j.nwh.2023.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/28/2023]
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30
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Saini N, Mooney SM, Smith SM. Alcohol blunts pregnancy-mediated insulin resistance and reduces fetal brain glucose despite elevated fetal gluconeogenesis, and these changes associate with fetal weight outcomes. FASEB J 2023; 37:e23172. [PMID: 37665328 PMCID: PMC11167647 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202300788r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Revised: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023]
Abstract
Prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) impairs fetal growth and neurodevelopment. Although alcohol is well known to alter metabolism, its impact on these processes during pregnancy is largely unexplored. Here, we investigate how alcohol affects maternal-fetal glucose metabolism using our established mouse binge model of PAE. In the dam, alcohol reduces the hepatic abundance of glucose and glycolytic intermediates, and the gluconeogenic enzymes glucose-6-phosphtase and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase. Fasting blood glucose is also reduced. In a healthy pregnancy, elevated maternal gluconeogenesis and insulin resistance ensures glucose availability for the fetus. Glucose and insulin tolerance tests reveal that alcohol impairs the dam's ability to acquire insulin resistance. Alcohol-exposed dams have enhanced glucose clearance (p < .05) in early gestation, after just two days of alcohol, and this persists through late term when fetal glucose needs are maximal. However, maternal plasma insulin levels, hepatic insulin signaling, and the abundance of glucose transporter proteins remain unchanged. In the PAE fetus, the expression of hepatic gluconeogenic genes is elevated, and there is a trend for elevated blood and liver glucose levels. In contrast, fetal brain and placental glucose levels remain low. This reduced maternal fasting glucose, reduced hepatic glucose, and elevated glucose clearance inversely correlated with fetal body and brain weight. Taken together, these data suggest that alcohol blunts the adaptive changes in maternal glucose metabolism that otherwise enhance fetal glucose availability. Compensatory attempts by the fetus to increase glucose pools via gluconeogenesis do not normalize brain glucose. These metabolic changes may contribute to the impaired fetal growth and brain development that typifies PAE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nipun Saini
- Nutrition Research Institute, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Kannapolis, North Carolina, USA
| | - Sandra M. Mooney
- Nutrition Research Institute, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Kannapolis, North Carolina, USA
- Department of Nutrition, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Kannapolis, North Carolina, USA
| | - Susan M. Smith
- Nutrition Research Institute, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Kannapolis, North Carolina, USA
- Department of Nutrition, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Kannapolis, North Carolina, USA
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31
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Koehlmoos TP, Lee E, Wisdahl J, Donaldson T. Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders prevention and clinical guidelines research-workshop report. BMC Proc 2023; 17:19. [PMID: 37580722 PMCID: PMC10426045 DOI: 10.1186/s12919-023-00272-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/16/2023] Open
Abstract
It is estimated that up to 1 in 20 people in the United States are affected by fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD), an array of cognitive, emotional, physical and social disorders caused by exposure to alcohol during prenatal development. Common diagnoses encompassed within FASD include mood and behavioral disorders, memory and central nervous system deficits, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), slow growth and low body weight. While this condition affects a broad range of individuals and families, it is of particular concern in the military community, where cultural factors including an increased prevalence of alcohol misuse pose a unique set of challenges. To shed light on these issues and provide an overview of the existing research, programs, and clinical practice guidelines surrounding FASD, the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USUHS), in conjunction with FASD United, hosted the Workshop on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders Prevention and Clinical Guidelines Research on 21 September 2022 in Washington, DC. More than 50 attendees from academia, healthcare, federal agencies, and consumer advocacy organizations gathered to share research findings, lived experiences, and strategies for improving FASD prevention, diagnosis, interventions, and support.The workshop began with a series of presentations on FASD risk factors and causes, strategies for diagnosis and interventions, and impacts and lived experiences. Individuals and families affected by FASD spoke about the ways FASD, its symptoms, and the social stigma associated with it influences their daily lives, experiences at school and work, and access to healthcare. Several speakers highlighted the work of non-profit organizations and advocacy groups in supporting families affected by FASD and other challenges faced by military families more broadly. The workshop closed with a discussion of federal agency perspectives highlighting initiatives aimed at advancing research and access to care for women and families at-risk and those currently affected by FASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tracey Pérez Koehlmoos
- Center for Health Services Research, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, 4301 Jones Bridge Road, Bethesda, MD 20814 USA
| | - Elizabeth Lee
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Health Systems Research and Clinical Epidemiology, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, 4301 Jones Bridge Road, Building 61 Room E225, Bethesda, MD 20814 USA
| | - Jennifer Wisdahl
- FASD United, 1200 Eton Ct NW, 3rd Floor, Washington, DC 20007 USA
| | - Tom Donaldson
- FASD United, 1200 Eton Ct NW, 3rd Floor, Washington, DC 20007 USA
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32
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Fleming L, Sheridan C, Waite D, Klug MG, Burd L. Screening for fetal alcohol spectrum disorder in infants and young children. ADVANCES IN DRUG AND ALCOHOL RESEARCH 2023; 3:11125. [PMID: 38389826 PMCID: PMC10880768 DOI: 10.3389/adar.2023.11125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
Introduction: With an estimated prevalence of up to five percent in the general population, fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) are the most common neurodevelopmental disorder and more prevalent than autism. Early identification and subsequent early intervention have the potential to improve developmental trajectory of children with FASD. In addition, new research suggests supplementation with choline may ameliorate the developmental impairments associated with prenatal alcohol exposure. Availability of a screening tool with acceptable epidemiologic performance criteria may be clinical useful in identification of young children at increased risk for FASD. In this paper we describe the Early Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Screening Test (E-FAST) to identify young children at increased risk for an FASD. Methods: We developed the E-FAST dataset from previously published studies, comprised of 281 children under 5 years of age, 180 (64.1%) were diagnosed with FASD and 101 (35.9%) were non-FASD. Analysis: The analysis identified seven useful variables (prenatal alcohol exposure, ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder), foster care or adopted, small OFC (occipital frontal circumference), communication impairments, impaired social skills, and cognitive deficits. All variables were categorized as yes/no for ease of use in a screening tool. Risk ratios for each of the seven indicators were estimated using two-way table analyses. Weights for each variable were estimated based on the relative strength of their odds ratios. Results: The average age was 2.7 years of age (S.D. 1.29) and ranged from infant (6.4%) to 4 years old (35.9%). Maternal alcohol use alone had a sensitivity of 0.97, specificity 0.65, and accuracy 0.86. For the combined seven variables, sensitivity was 0.94, specificity 0.74, and accuracy 0.87. Thus, the seven-item E-FAST screen had acceptable epidemiologic screening characteristics. Discussion: In the United States, up to 547 infants with FASD are born each day which far exceeds the capacity of multidisciplinary diagnostic clinics. During routine clinical management of infants and young children the use of an evidence-based screening tool provides a time efficient means to exclude large numbers of young children from further follow-up for FASD. Conversely, a positive screen identifies a smaller number of children at increased risk for FASD requiring more intensive evaluation and follow-up.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren Fleming
- School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND, United States
| | - Connor Sheridan
- School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND, United States
| | - Douglas Waite
- Developmental/Behavioral Pediatrics, BronxCare Health System, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, Bronx, NY, United States
| | - Marilyn G Klug
- Department of Population Health, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND, United States
| | - Larry Burd
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND, United States
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Mooney SM, Billings E, McNew M, Munson CA, Shaikh SR, Smith SM. Behavioral changes in FPR2/ALX and Chemr23 receptor knockout mice are exacerbated by prenatal alcohol exposure. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1187220. [PMID: 37483341 PMCID: PMC10357512 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1187220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) causes neuroinflammation that may contribute to the pathophysiology underlying Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder. Supplementation with omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) has shown success in mitigating effects of PAE in animal models, however, the underlying mechanisms are unknown. Some PUFA metabolites, specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs), play a role in the resolution phase of inflammation, and receptors for these are in the brain. Methods To test the hypothesis that the SPM receptors FPR2 and ChemR23 play a role in PAE-induced behavioral deficits, we exposed pregnant wild-type (WT) and knockout (KO) mice to alcohol in late gestation and behaviorally tested male and female offspring as adolescents and young adults. Results Maternal and fetal outcomes were not different among genotypes, however, growth and behavioral phenotypes in the offspring did differ and the effects of PAE were unique to each line. In the absence of PAE, ChemR23 KO animals showed decreased anxiety-like behavior on the elevated plus maze and FPR2 KO had poor grip strength and low activity compared to age-matched WT mice. WT mice showed improved performance on fear conditioning between adolescence and young adulthood, this was not seen in either KO. Discussion This PAE model has subtle effects on WT behavior with lower activity levels in young adults, decreased grip strength in males between test ages, and decreased response to the fear cue indicating an effect of alcohol exposure on learning. The PAE-mediated decreased response to the fear cue was also seen in ChemR23 KO but not FPR2 KO mice, and PAE worsened performance of adolescent FPR2 KO mice on grip strength and activity. Collectively, these findings provide mechanistic insight into how PUFAs could act to attenuate cognitive impairments caused by PAE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra M. Mooney
- Nutrition Research Institute, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Kannapolis, NC, United States
- Department of Nutrition, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Kannapolis, NC, United States
| | - Elanaria Billings
- Nutrition Research Institute, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Kannapolis, NC, United States
| | - Madison McNew
- Nutrition Research Institute, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Kannapolis, NC, United States
| | - Carolyn A. Munson
- Nutrition Research Institute, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Kannapolis, NC, United States
| | - Saame R. Shaikh
- Department of Nutrition, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Kannapolis, NC, United States
| | - Susan M. Smith
- Nutrition Research Institute, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Kannapolis, NC, United States
- Department of Nutrition, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Kannapolis, NC, United States
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Serwatka CA, Griebel-Thompson AK, Eiden RD, Kong KL. Nutrient Supplementation during the Prenatal Period in Substance-Using Mothers: A Narrative Review of the Effects on Offspring Development. Nutrients 2023; 15:2990. [PMID: 37447316 DOI: 10.3390/nu15132990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Substance use during pregnancy increases the risk for poor developmental outcomes of the offspring, and for substance-dependent mothers, abstaining from substance use during pregnancy is often difficult. Given the addictive nature of many substances, strategies that may mitigate the harmful effects of prenatal substance exposure are important. Prenatal nutrient supplementation is an emerging intervention that may improve developmental outcomes among substance-exposed offspring. We provide a narrative review of the literature on micronutrient and fatty acid supplementation during pregnancies exposed to substance use in relation to offspring developmental outcomes. We first discuss animal models exposed to ethanol during pregnancy with supplementation of choline, zinc, vitamin E, iron, and fatty acids. We follow with human studies of both alcohol- and nicotine-exposed pregnancies with supplementation of choline and vitamin C, respectively. We identified only 26 animal studies on ethanol and 6 human studies on alcohol and nicotine that supplemented nutrients during pregnancy and reported offspring developmental outcomes. There were no studies that examined nutrient supplementation during pregnancies exposed to cannabis, illicit substances, or polysubstance use. Implementations and future directions are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine A Serwatka
- Baby Health Behavior Laboratory, Division of Health Services and Outcomes Research, Children's Mercy Research Institute, Children's Mercy Hospital, Kansas City, MO 64108, USA
| | - Adrianne K Griebel-Thompson
- Baby Health Behavior Laboratory, Division of Health Services and Outcomes Research, Children's Mercy Research Institute, Children's Mercy Hospital, Kansas City, MO 64108, USA
| | - Rina D Eiden
- Department of Psychology and the Social Science Research Institute, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16801, USA
| | - Kai Ling Kong
- Baby Health Behavior Laboratory, Division of Health Services and Outcomes Research, Children's Mercy Research Institute, Children's Mercy Hospital, Kansas City, MO 64108, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Missouri-Kansas City, Kansas City, MO 64110, USA
- Center for Children's Healthy Lifestyles and Nutrition, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
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Lei A, Breit KR, Thomas JD. Prenatal alcohol and tetrahydrocannabinol exposure: Effects on spatial and working memory. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1192786. [PMID: 37383100 PMCID: PMC10293645 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1192786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Alcohol and cannabis are widely used recreational drugs that can negatively impact fetal development, leading to cognitive impairments. However, these drugs may be used simultaneously and the effects of combined exposure during the prenatal period are not well understood. Thus, this study used an animal model to investigate the effects of prenatal exposure to ethanol (EtOH), Δ-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), or the combination on spatial and working memory. Methods Pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed to vaporized ethanol (EtOH; 68 ml/h), THC (100 mg/ml), the combination, or vehicle control during gestational days 5-20. Adolescent male and female offspring were evaluated using the Morris water maze task to assess spatial and working memory. Results Prenatal THC exposure impaired spatial learning and memory in female offspring, whereas prenatal EtOH exposure impaired working memory. The combination of THC and EtOH did not exacerbate the effects of either EtOH or THC, although subjects exposed to the combination were less thigmotaxic, which might represent an increase in risk-taking behavior. Discussion Our results highlight the differential effects of prenatal exposure to THC and EtOH on cognitive and emotional development, with substance- and sex-specific patterns. These findings highlight the potential harm of THC and EtOH on fetal development and support public health policies aimed at reducing cannabis and alcohol use during pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annie Lei
- Department of Psychology, Center for Behavioral Teratology, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Kristen R. Breit
- Department of Psychology, Center for Behavioral Teratology, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, United States
- Department of Psychology, West Chester University of Pennsylvania, West Chester, PA, United States
| | - Jennifer D. Thomas
- Department of Psychology, Center for Behavioral Teratology, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, United States
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Desmond A, Imany-Shakibai H, Wong D, Kwan L, Satou G, Sklansky M, Afshar Y. Prenatal Congenital Heart Disease and Placental Phenotypes: Preserved Neonatal Weight Despite Small Placentas. JACC. ADVANCES 2023; 2:100383. [PMID: 38938228 PMCID: PMC11198356 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacadv.2023.100383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2022] [Revised: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2024]
Abstract
Background Congenital heart disease (CHD) affects 8 in 1,000 live births with significant postnatal implications including growth failure, neurodevelopmental delay, and mortality. The placenta develops concomitantly with the fetal heart. High rates of placental pathology and discordant growth in pregnancies affected by CHD highlight the significance of the fetal-placental-cardiac axis. Objectives This study aimed to characterize the relationship between neonatal birthweight (BW), head circumference, placental weight (PW), and placental pathology in pregnancies affected by CHD. PW:BW provides a surrogate to assess placental efficiency, or nutrient exchange and delivery by the placenta, across CHD phenotypes. Methods Retrospective cohort of 139 live-born singletons with postnatally confirmed CHD with placental pathology. Placental examination, infant BW, head circumference, and CHD categories (septal defects, right-sided defects, left-sided defects, conotruncal anomalies, and others) were included. Chi-square, Fisher's exact, or Kruskall-Wallis tests and multinomial logistic regressions, as appropriate. Results Median birthweight and head circumference percentile was 33 and 35, respectively. Placental pathology was documented in 37% of cases. PW to BW ratios were <10th percentile for 78% and <3rd percentile for 54% of the cohort, with no difference between CHD categories (P = 0.39 and P = 0.56, respectively). Conclusions Infants with CHD have preserved BW and head circumferences in the setting of small placentas and increased prevalence of placental pathology, suggesting placental efficiency. Detection of abnormal placental growth could add prenatal diagnostic value. Placental and neonatal discordant growth may allude to a vascular anomaly predisposing fetuses to developing CHD. Further studies are needed to explore fetal nutrient delivery and utilization efficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Desmond
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, University of California-Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
- David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California-Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Helia Imany-Shakibai
- David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California-Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Deanna Wong
- David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California-Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of California-Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Lorna Kwan
- Department of Urology, University of California-Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Gary Satou
- David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California-Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Department of Pediatrics, UCLA Mattel Children's Hospital, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Mark Sklansky
- David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California-Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Department of Pediatrics, UCLA Mattel Children's Hospital, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Yalda Afshar
- David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California-Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of California-Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Molecular Biology Institute, University of California-Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
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Walter KR, Ricketts DK, Presswood BH, Smith SM, Mooney SM. Prenatal alcohol exposure causes persistent microglial activation and age- and sex- specific effects on cognition and metabolic outcomes in an Alzheimer's Disease mouse model. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF DRUG AND ALCOHOL ABUSE 2023; 49:302-320. [PMID: 36194703 PMCID: PMC11040461 DOI: 10.1080/00952990.2022.2119571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2022] [Revised: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Background: Prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) causes behavioral deficits and increases risk of metabolic diseases. Alzheimer's Disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease that has a higher risk in adults with metabolic diseases. Both present with persistent neuroinflammation.Objectives: We tested whether PAE exacerbates AD-related cognitive decline in a mouse model (3xTg-AD; presenilin/amyloid precursor protein/tau), and assessed associations among cognition, metabolic impairment, and microglial reactivity.Methods: Alcohol-exposed (ALC) pregnant 3xTg-AD mice received 3 g/kg alcohol from embryonic day 8.5-17.5. We evaluated recognition memory and associative memory (fear conditioning) in 8-10 males and females per group at 3 months of age (3mo), 7mo, and 11mo, then assessed glucose tolerance, body composition, and hippocampal microglial activation at 12mo.Results: ALC females had higher body weights than controls from 5mo (p < .0001). Controls showed improved recognition memory at 11mo compared with 3mo (p = .007); this was not seen in ALC mice. Older animals froze more during fear conditioning than younger, and ALC mice were hyper-responsive to the fear-related cue (p = .017). Fasting blood glucose was lower in ALC males and higher in ALC females than controls. Positive associations occurred between glucose and fear-related context (p = .04) and adiposity and fear-related cue (p = .0002) in ALC animals. Hippocampal microglial activation was higher in ALC than controls (p < .0001); this trended to correlate with recognition memory.Conclusions: ALC animals showed age-related cognitive impairments that did not interact with AD risk but did correlate with metabolic dysfunction and somewhat with microglial activation. Thus, metabolic disorders may be a therapeutic target for people with FASDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathleen R. Walter
- UNC Nutrition Research Institute, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Kannapolis NC 28081, USA
| | - Dane K. Ricketts
- UNC Nutrition Research Institute, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Kannapolis NC 28081, USA
| | - Brandon H. Presswood
- UNC Nutrition Research Institute, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Kannapolis NC 28081, USA
| | - Susan M. Smith
- UNC Nutrition Research Institute, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Kannapolis NC 28081, USA
- Department of Nutrition, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Kannapolis NC 28081, USA
| | - Sandra M. Mooney
- UNC Nutrition Research Institute, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Kannapolis NC 28081, USA
- Department of Nutrition, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Kannapolis NC 28081, USA
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Gano A, Deak T, Pautassi RM. A review on the reciprocal interactions between neuroinflammatory processes and substance use and misuse, with a focus on alcohol misuse. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF DRUG AND ALCOHOL ABUSE 2023; 49:269-282. [PMID: 37148274 PMCID: PMC10524510 DOI: 10.1080/00952990.2023.2201944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Revised: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Background: The last decade has witnessed a surge of findings implicating neuroinflammatory processes as pivotal players in substance use disorders. The directionality of effects began with the expectation that the neuroinflammation associated with prolonged substance misuse contributes to long-term neuropathological consequences. As the literature grew, however, it became evident that the interactions between neuroinflammatory processes and alcohol and drug intake were reciprocal and part of a pernicious cycle in which disease-relevant signaling pathways contributed to an escalation of drug intake, provoking further inflammation-signaling and thereby exacerbating the neuropathological effects of drug misuse.Objectives: The goal of this review and its associated special issue is to provide an overview of the emergent findings relevant to understanding these reciprocal interactions. The review highlights the importance of preclinical and clinical studies in testing and validation of immunotherapeutics as viable targets for curtailing substance use and misuse, with a focus on alcohol misuse.Methods: A narrative review of the literature on drug and neuroinflammation was conducted, as well as articles published in this Special Issue on Alcohol- and Drug-induced Neuroinflammation: Insights from Pre-clinical Models and Clinical Research.Results: We argue that (a) demographic variables and genetic background contribute unique sensitivity to drug-related neuroinflammation; (b) co-morbidities between substance use disorders and affect dysfunction may share common inflammation-related signatures that predict the efficacy of immunotherapeutic drugs; and (c) examination of polydrug interactions with neuroinflammation is a critical area where greater research emphasis is needed.Conclusions: This review provides an accessible and example-driven review of the relationship between drug misuse, neuroinflammatory processes, and their resultant neuropathological outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anny Gano
- Developmental Exposure Alcohol Research Center, Behavioral Neuroscience Program, Department of Psychology, Binghamton, NY 13902-6000, United States of America
| | - Terrence Deak
- Developmental Exposure Alcohol Research Center, Behavioral Neuroscience Program, Department of Psychology, Binghamton, NY 13902-6000, United States of America
| | - Ricardo Marcos Pautassi
- Facultad de Psicología, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
- Instituto de Investigación Médica M. y M. Ferreyra (INIMEC – CONICET-Universidad Nacional de Córdoba), Córdoba, 5000, Argentina
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Green C, George N, Park Y, Denny CH, Weber MK, Meaney-Delman D, Kim SY. Screening and Brief Interventions for Alcohol Use During Pregnancy: Practices Among US Primary Care Clinicians, DocStyles 2019. Prev Chronic Dis 2023; 20:E25. [PMID: 37055155 PMCID: PMC10109479 DOI: 10.5888/pcd20.220226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/15/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Alcohol use during pregnancy can cause birth defects and developmental disabilities. From 2018 through 2020, 13.5% of pregnant women reported current drinking. The US Preventive Services Task Force recommends evidence-based tools (eg, AUDIT-C and SASQ) for implementing screening and brief interventions to reduce excessive alcohol use among adults, including pregnant people, for whom any alcohol use is considered excessive. METHODS We used DocStyles 2019 data to conduct a cross-sectional analysis to examine current screening and brief intervention practices that primary care clinicians conduct among pregnant patients; clinicians' confidence levels in conducting screening, brief interventions, and referral to treatment; and the documentation of brief interventions in the medical record. RESULTS A total of 1,500 US adult medicine clinicians completed the entire survey. Among the respondents who conduct screening (N = 1,373) and brief interventions (N = 1,357) in their practice, nearly all reported implementing screening (94.6%) and brief interventions (94.9%) with their pregnant patients for alcohol use, but fewer than half felt confident about conducting their screening practices (46.5%). Two-thirds (64%) reported using a tool that met the criteria recommended by the US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF). Over half documented brief interventions in electronic health record notes (51.7%) or designated space (50.7%). CONCLUSION Pregnancy presents a unique opportunity for clinicians to incorporate screening into routine obstetric care and encourage behavior change among patients. Most providers reported always screening their pregnant patients for alcohol use, but fewer used evidence-based USPSTF-recommended screening tools. Increased clinician confidence in screening and brief intervention, the use of standardized screening tools tailored to pregnant people, and maximal use of electronic health record technology may enhance the benefits of their application to alcohol use, which ultimately can reduce adverse outcomes associated with alcohol use during pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caitlin Green
- Division of Birth Defects and Infant Disorders, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 4770 Buford Hwy NE, MS S106-3, Atlanta, GA 30341
| | - Nisha George
- Division of Birth Defects and Infant Disorders, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
- Eagle Global Scientific, LLC, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Youngjoo Park
- Division of Birth Defects and Infant Disorders, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
- Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education, Oak Ridge, Tennessee
| | - Clark H Denny
- Division of Birth Defects and Infant Disorders, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Mary Kate Weber
- Division of Birth Defects and Infant Disorders, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Dana Meaney-Delman
- Division of Birth Defects and Infant Disorders, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Shin Y Kim
- Division of Birth Defects and Infant Disorders, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
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Waite D, Burd L. Common developmental trajectories and clinical identification of children with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders: A synthesis of the literature. ADVANCES IN DRUG AND ALCOHOL RESEARCH 2023; 3:10877. [PMID: 38389815 PMCID: PMC10880764 DOI: 10.3389/adar.2023.10877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
At an estimated prevalence of up to five percent in the general population, fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) are the most common neurodevelopmental disorder, at least if not more prevalent than autism (2.3%). Despite this prevalence in the general population, pediatricians and other developmental specialists have thus far failed to diagnose this disability, leaving most children and adults without the supports provided for most other disabilities. This paper will provide a review of clinically relevant literature that describes the developmental challenges of children with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders and addresses similarities to and differences of FASD from other neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. A subsequent discussion will describe how a diagnosis of an FASD can establish a basis for understanding the developmental and behavioral challenges of children with an FASD, and how specific interventions can help support child development and maximize adult independence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Douglas Waite
- Developmental Pediatrics, Bronxcare Health System, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Larry Burd
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND, United States
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Candelaria-Cook FT, Schendel ME, Flynn L, Cerros C, Hill DE, Stephen JM. Disrupted dynamic functional network connectivity in fetal alcohol spectrum disorders. ALCOHOL, CLINICAL & EXPERIMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 47:687-703. [PMID: 36880528 PMCID: PMC10281251 DOI: 10.1111/acer.15046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Revised: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) can result in harmful and long-lasting neurodevelopmental changes. Children with PAE or a fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) have decreased white matter volume and resting-state spectral power compared to typically developing controls (TDC) and impaired resting-state static functional connectivity. The impact of PAE on resting-state dynamic functional network connectivity (dFNC) is unknown. METHODS Using eyes-closed and eyes-open magnetoencephalography (MEG) resting-state data, global dFNC statistics and meta-states were examined in 89 children aged 6-16 years (51 TDC, 38 with FASD). Source analyzed MEG data were used as input to group spatial independent component analysis to derive functional networks from which the dFNC was calculated. RESULTS During eyes-closed, relative to TDC, participants with FASD spent a significantly longer time in state 2, typified by anticorrelation (i.e., decreased connectivity) within and between default mode network (DMN) and visual network (VN), and state 4, typified by stronger internetwork correlation. The FASD group exhibited greater dynamic fluidity and dynamic range (i.e., entered more states, changed from one meta-state to another more often, and traveled greater distances) than TDC. During eyes-open, TDC spent significantly more time in state 1, typified by positive intra- and interdomain connectivity with modest correlation within the frontal network (FN), while participants with FASD spent a larger fraction of time in state 2, typified by anticorrelation within and between DMN and VN and strong correlation within and between FN, attention network, and sensorimotor network. CONCLUSIONS There are important resting-state dFNC differences between children with FASD and TDC. Participants with FASD exhibited greater dynamic fluidity and dynamic range and spent more time in states typified by anticorrelation within and between DMN and VN, and more time in a state typified by high internetwork connectivity. Taken together, these network aberrations indicate that prenatal alcohol exposure has a global effect on resting-state connectivity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Megan E. Schendel
- The Mind Research Network and Lovelace Biomedical Research Institute, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
| | - Lucinda Flynn
- The Mind Research Network and Lovelace Biomedical Research Institute, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
| | - Cassandra Cerros
- Department of Pediatrics, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM
| | - Dina E. Hill
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM
| | - Julia M. Stephen
- The Mind Research Network and Lovelace Biomedical Research Institute, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
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Bandoli G, Hayes S, Delker E. Low to Moderate Prenatal Alcohol Exposure and Neurodevelopmental Outcomes: A Narrative Review and Methodological Considerations. Alcohol Res 2023; 43:01. [PMID: 36950180 PMCID: PMC10027299 DOI: 10.35946/arcr.v43.1.01] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/22/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Although abstinence is recommended in pregnancy, many pregnancies are exposed to alcohol. Observational studies of the effects of low to moderate prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) and neurodevelopmental outcomes have yielded inconsistent results, with some studies finding an increased risk of adverse neurobehavioral and cognitive outcomes, and other studies finding no changes or reduced risk of the same outcomes. The purpose of this narrative review is to summarize these inconsistencies and apply a methodological framework to discuss how different parameters contribute to the findings. The authors also provide recommendations on how to advance future research in this area. SEARCH METHODS The PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase databases were searched, along with reference lists of selected systematic reviews and meta-analyses. Search terms used were (infant or child or children or adolescent or offspring) AND (low or light or mild or moderate or low-to-moderate) AND (drinking or alcohol or drinks) AND (pregnancy or prenatal or fetal) AND (neurodevelopment or behavioral or psychological or cognitive or developmental) NOT (mice or rat or fish or animal) NOT (meta-analysis or review). Peer-reviewed original research studies were included if they analyzed associations between an exposure defined and characterized as low/light or moderate PAE with offspring neurodevelopmental outcomes. Animal studies, studies that did not provide clear cutoff points to classify PAE categories, studies lacking an abstinence control group, and studies that did not present a multivariable-adjusted measure of association were excluded. SEARCH RESULTS The searches identified 2,422 papers, with 36 papers meeting eligibility criteria. These studies were carried out across nine countries and included samples ranging from approximately 500 to 40,000 participants. Cognitive, academic, socioemotional, and behavioral outcomes were assessed from infancy through age 19. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION When the findings from the selected articles were summarized by geographic region, exposure definition, or neurodevelopmental outcome, no consistent observations or patterns emerged between low to moderate PAE and offspring outcomes. Although some studies found positive (i.e., beneficial) associations between low to moderate PAE and outcomes (primarily outcomes related to cognition) and others found negative (i.e., detrimental) associations (primarily for behavioral outcomes), most findings were null (i.e., showed no effect of PAE). The heterogeneity in study results is likely due to methodological issues, including residual confounding, effect measure modification, and exposure misclassification that make synthesis of studies difficult. Alternative study designs, including longitudinal trajectory analysis, sibling design, negative controls, and instrumental variable analyses, may reduce biases and are discussed. To date, the consequences of light to moderate levels of PAE on neurodevelopment remain unresolved; studies that advance methodological rigor will be important contributions to the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gretchen Bandoli
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | - Shana Hayes
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | - Erin Delker
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California
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McDonnell P, Fornell P, Ponce S, Dyer L. Baseline heart rate in infants with prenatal alcohol exposure: A systematic review and independent analysis. Birth Defects Res 2023; 115:474-487. [PMID: 36515170 DOI: 10.1002/bdr2.2135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Infants with fetal alcohol syndrome exhibit a range of developmental anomalies, many related to the heart (e.g., decreased heart rate variability). However, the baseline heart rate in this population remains unclear. We hypothesized that the age at which heart rate was measured or the age during exposure to alcohol affects the baseline heart rate. METHODS First, we conducted a systemic review to determine the published heart rate of infants with prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE). Exclusion criteria included potentially confounding factors, including the commonly associated phenotypes of small for gestational age and premature birth. Risk of bias was evaluated based on case study limitations, and data were compared with established heart rate norms. Then, we evaluated the precise age at heart rate measurement using existing datasets from the Collaborative Initiative on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders and the Maternal Lifestyle Study. RESULTS Based on the weighted means of six studies, the baseline heart rate was 4.6 bpm higher in infants with PAE (n = 253) than in control infants (n = 152). Using the individual patient data, baseline heart rates were similar between age-matched infants with PAE and control infants who were born full-term and showed no signs of growth restriction (ANOVA, p > .05; n = 49-124 infants per age and exposure). CONCLUSIONS A systematic literature review suggested that heart rate is elevated in infants with PAE, but these findings are limited by the number of studies and how few studies included control infants. The analysis of individual patient data indicates that infants with PAE have normal baseline heart rates. This knowledge may help clinicians detect changes in cardiac function in infants with PAE. (Registered via PROSPERO, #CRD42020191212.).
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Affiliation(s)
- Peyton McDonnell
- Department of Biology, University of Portland, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Pia Fornell
- Department of Biology, University of Portland, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Sarah Ponce
- Department of Biology, University of Portland, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Laura Dyer
- Department of Biology, University of Portland, Portland, Oregon, USA
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Meombe Mbolle A, Thapa S, Bukiya AN, Jiang H. High-resolution imaging in studies of alcohol effect on prenatal development. ADVANCES IN DRUG AND ALCOHOL RESEARCH 2023; 3:10790. [PMID: 37593366 PMCID: PMC10433240 DOI: 10.3389/adar.2023.10790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/19/2023]
Abstract
Fetal alcohol syndrome represents the leading known preventable cause of mental retardation. FAS is on the most severe side of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders that stem from the deleterious effects of prenatal alcohol exposure. Affecting as many as 1 to 5 out of 100 children, FASD most often results in brain abnormalities that extend to structure, function, and cerebral hemodynamics. The present review provides an analysis of high-resolution imaging techniques that are used in animals and human subjects to characterize PAE-driven changes in the developing brain. Variants of magnetic resonance imaging such as magnetic resonance microscopy, magnetic resonance spectroscopy, diffusion tensor imaging, along with positron emission tomography, single-photon emission computed tomography, and photoacoustic imaging, are modalities that are used to study the influence of PAE on brain structure and function. This review briefly describes the aforementioned imaging modalities, the main findings that were obtained using each modality, and touches upon the advantages/disadvantages of each imaging approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Augustine Meombe Mbolle
- Department Medical Engineering, College of Engineering and Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, United States
| | - Shiwani Thapa
- Department Pharmacology, Addiction Science and Toxicology, College of Medicine, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, United States
| | - Anna N. Bukiya
- Department Pharmacology, Addiction Science and Toxicology, College of Medicine, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, United States
| | - Huabei Jiang
- Department Medical Engineering, College of Engineering and Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, United States
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Luong J, Board A, Gosdin L, Dunkley J, Thierry JM, Pitasi M, Kim SY. Alcohol Use, Screening, and Brief Intervention Among Pregnant Persons - 24 U.S. Jurisdictions, 2017 and 2019. MMWR. MORBIDITY AND MORTALITY WEEKLY REPORT 2023; 72:55-62. [PMID: 36656783 PMCID: PMC9869740 DOI: 10.15585/mmwr.mm7203a2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Alcohol use during pregnancy is a major preventable cause of adverse alcohol-related outcomes, including birth defects and developmental disabilities.* Alcohol screening and brief intervention (ASBI) is an evidence-based primary care tool that has been shown to prevent or reduce alcohol consumption during pregnancy; interventions have resulted in an increase in the proportion of pregnant women reporting abstinence (odds ratio = 2.26; 95% CI = 1.43-3.56) (1). Previous national estimates have not characterized ASBI in populations of pregnant persons. Using 2017 and 2019 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) data, CDC examined prevalence of ASBI and characteristics of pregnant persons and nonpregnant women aged 18-49 years (reproductive-aged women) residing in jurisdictions that participated in the BRFSS ASBI module. During their most recent health care visit within the past 2 years, approximately 80% of pregnant persons reported being asked about their alcohol use; however, only 16% of pregnant persons who self-reported current drinking at the time of the survey (at least one alcoholic beverage in the past 30 days) were advised by a health care provider to quit drinking or reduce their alcohol use. Further, the prevalence of screening among pregnant persons who did not graduate from high school was lower than that among those who did graduate from high school or had at least some college education. This gap between screening and brief intervention, along with disparities in screening based on educational level, indicate missed opportunities to reduce alcohol use during pregnancy. Strategies to enhance ASBI during pregnancy include integrating screenings into electronic health records, increasing reimbursement for ASBI services, developing additional tools, including electronic ASBI, that can be implemented in a variety of settings (2,3).
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Chang G. Reducing Prenatal Alcohol Exposure and the Incidence of FASD: Is the Past Prologue? Alcohol Res 2023; 43:02. [PMID: 37114249 PMCID: PMC10127686 DOI: 10.35946/arcr.v43.1.02] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE This narrative review summarizes and synthesizes the clinical trials and randomized clinical trials that evaluated selected and targeted approaches to reducing preconception and prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) and alcohol-exposed pregnancy (AEP) since 2011. SEARCH METHODS A professional hospital librarian completed the primary search using strategies specified within this review, resulting in 94 records returned in PubMed, Ovid MEDLINE, Clinical Key, the World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform, and ClinicalTrials.gov. The author completed two supplementary literature searches. SEARCH RESULTS From the total of 238 records returned from the three searches, 217 records were eliminated. Elimination reasons included other medical problem (119); duplicate entry (34); no content/results (23); secondary analysis (16); focus on effects of PAE (9); treatment of childhood fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) (6); maternal risk factors (3); and other (7). The remaining 21 studies were included with four overarching themes: (1) case management efforts (n = 4); (2) preconception efforts to reduce AEP (n = 5); (3) motivational interviewing and screening, brief intervention, and referral to treatment (n = 2); and (4) use of technology to deliver the intervention (n = 10). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS Case management and home visits did not appear to have strong current empirical support. Study limitations included small sample sizes and no comparison groups, whereas larger efforts did not demonstrate definitive advantages to justify this intensive approach. The studies of preconception efforts, all based on the Project CHOICES approach, had similar outcomes, with the reduction in AEP risk largely due to improved contraception in women of childbearing age who were sexually active and drank alcohol but were not pregnant. It is unknown whether these women refrained from alcohol use when they became pregnant. Two studies of motivational interviewing to reduce prenatal alcohol use did not demonstrate the efficacy of the intervention. Both were small, with less than 200 pregnant women combined; moreover, the study samples had low baseline levels of alcohol use, allowing little opportunity for improvement. Finally, studies evaluating the impact of technological approaches to reducing AEP were reviewed. These exploratory investigations had small sample sizes and provided preliminary evaluations of techniques such as text messages, telephone contact, computer-based screening, and motivational interviewing. The potentially promising findings may inform future research and clinical efforts. Future directions may include research to address the limitations of the evidence to date and should reflect the complexities of FASD that include the biological and social context associated with prenatal alcohol use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grace Chang
- Department of Mental Health, Veterans Administration Boston Healthcare System, Boston, Massachusetts, Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
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Hanson JD, Sarche M, Buchwald D. Alcohol consumption and pregnancy in American Indian and Alaska Native women: A scoping review of the literature. WOMEN'S HEALTH (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2023; 19:17455057231175799. [PMID: 37218719 PMCID: PMC10214055 DOI: 10.1177/17455057231175799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2022] [Revised: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
American Indian and Alaska Native communities have diverse cultures, histories, and contemporary experiences. Grouping them together masks the differences in health and lifestyle behaviors, chronic disease rates, and health outcomes among them. This is particularly true for data on drinking during pregnancy among American Indian and Alaska Native women. The goal of this article is to describe how generalizing findings from data gathered from often small, geographically specific samples, combined with inferior research methodologies, has led to misunderstandings about drinking among preconceptual and pregnant American Indian and Alaska Native women. We conducted a scoping review using PubMed and the "PCC mnemonic" (population, concept, and context) as our guide. Our search terms included the population (American Indian and Alaska Native women), concept (alcohol), and context (immediately before or during pregnancy) and focused on PubMed articles in the United States. Using these search terms, we uncovered a total of 38 publications and eliminated 19, leaving 19 for review. Methodologically (i.e. how data were collected), we found most previous research on prenatal or preconceptual alcohol use with American Indian and Alaska Native women used retrospective data collection. We also assessed who data were collected from and noted two groups: studies that sampled higher-risk women and those that focused on American Indian and Alaska Native women in specific geographic areas. Restricting data collection to higher-risk American Indian and Alaska Native women or conducting small studies in specific geographic areas has generated an incomplete and inaccurate picture of American Indian and Alaska Native women as a whole as well as those who consume alcohol. Data from select groups of American Indian and Alaska Native women may overestimate the true prevalence of drinking during pregnancy among this population. Updated and accurate data on drinking during pregnancy are urgently needed to inform the development of interventions and prevention efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica D Hanson
- Department of Applied Human Sciences,
University of Minnesota Duluth, Duluth, MN, USA
| | - Michelle Sarche
- Centers for American Indian & Alaska
Native Health, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado Denver Anschutz
Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Dedra Buchwald
- Institute for Research and Education to
Advance Community Health, Washington State University, Seattle, WA, USA
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Culp F, Wu Y, Wu D, Ren Y, Raynor P, Hung P, Qiao S, Li X, Eichelberger K. Understanding Alcohol Use Discourse and Stigma Patterns in Perinatal Care on Twitter. Healthcare (Basel) 2022; 10:2375. [PMID: 36553899 PMCID: PMC9778089 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare10122375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2022] [Revised: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: perinatal alcohol use generates a variety of health risks. Social media platforms discuss fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) and other widespread outcomes, providing personalized user-generated content about the perceptions and behaviors related to alcohol use during pregnancy. Data collected from Twitter underscores various narrative structures and sentiments in tweets that reflect large-scale discourses and foster societal stigmas; (2) Methods: We extracted alcohol-related tweets from May 2019 to October 2021 using an official Twitter search API based on a set of keywords provided by our clinical team. Our exploratory study utilized thematic content analysis and inductive qualitative coding methods to analyze user content. Iterative line-by-line coding categorized dynamic descriptive themes from a random sample of 500 tweets; (3) Results: qualitative methods from content analysis revealed underlying patterns among inter-user engagements, outlining individual, interpersonal and population-level stigmas about perinatal alcohol use and negative sentiment towards drinking mothers. As a result, the overall silence surrounding personal experiences with alcohol use during pregnancy suggests an unwillingness and sense of reluctancy from pregnant adults to leverage the platform for support and assistance due to societal stigmas; (4) Conclusions: identifying these discursive factors will facilitate more effective public health programs that take into account specific challenges related to social media networks and develop prevention strategies to help Twitter users struggling with perinatal alcohol use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fritz Culp
- College of Engineering and Computing, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA
| | - Yuqi Wu
- Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA
| | - Dezhi Wu
- College of Engineering and Computing, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA
| | - Yang Ren
- College of Engineering and Computing, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA
| | - Phyllis Raynor
- College of Nursing, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA
| | - Peiyin Hung
- Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA
| | - Shan Qiao
- Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA
| | - Xiaoming Li
- Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA
| | - Kacey Eichelberger
- Prisma Health Upstate, University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville, Greensville, SC 29605, USA
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Candelaria-Cook FT, Schendel ME, Flynn L, Cerros C, Kodituwakku P, Bakhireva LN, Hill DE, Stephen JM. Decreased resting-state alpha peak frequency in children and adolescents with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders or prenatal alcohol exposure. Dev Cogn Neurosci 2022; 57:101137. [PMID: 35878441 PMCID: PMC9310113 DOI: 10.1016/j.dcn.2022.101137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2022] [Revised: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 07/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) can result in long-lasting changes to physical, behavioral, and cognitive functioning in children. PAE might result in decreased white matter integrity, corticothalamic tract integrity, and alpha cortical oscillations. Previous investigations of alpha oscillations in PAE/fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) have focused on average spectral power at specific ages; therefore, little is known about alpha peak frequency (APF) or its developmental trajectory making this research novel. Using resting-state MEG data, APF was determined from parietal/occipital regions in participants with PAE/FASD or typically developing controls (TDC). In total, MEG data from 157 infants, children, and adolescents ranging in age from 6 months to 17 years were used, including 17 individuals with PAE, 61 individuals with an FASD and 84 TDC. In line with our hypothesis, we found that individuals with PAE/FASD had significantly reduced APF relative to TDC. Both age and group were significantly related to APF with differences between TDC and PAE/FASD persisting throughout development. We did not find evidence that sex or socioeconomic status had additional impact on APF. Reduced APF in individuals with an FASD/PAE may represent a long-term deficit and demonstrates the detrimental impact prenatal alcohol exposure can have on neurophysiological processes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Megan E Schendel
- The Mind Research Network and Lovelace Biomedical Research Institute, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Lucinda Flynn
- The Mind Research Network and Lovelace Biomedical Research Institute, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Cassandra Cerros
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Piyadasa Kodituwakku
- Department of Pediatrics, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Ludmila N Bakhireva
- Substance Use Research and Education Center, College of Pharmacy, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Dina E Hill
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Julia M Stephen
- The Mind Research Network and Lovelace Biomedical Research Institute, Albuquerque, NM, USA
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Wilson T, Bendich A. Nutrition Guidelines for Improved Clinical Care. Med Clin North Am 2022; 106:819-836. [PMID: 36154702 PMCID: PMC9046061 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcna.2022.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Given the importance of poor nutrition as a cause for human chronic disease, it is surprising that nutrition receives so little attention during medical school training and in clinical practice. Specific vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, amino acids and water in the diet are essential for health, and deficiencies lead or contribute to many diseases. Proper use of the dietary guidelines and nutrition facts labeling can improve nutritional status and lead to the consumption of a healthy diet. COVID-19 has altered access to nutritious foods for millions and increased awareness of the importance of diet and immune function. An improved appreciation for nutrition will improve the outcomes of clinical care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ted Wilson
- Department of Biology, Winona State University, Rm 232, Pasteur Hall, Winona, MN 55987, USA.
| | - Adrianne Bendich
- Springer/Nature Nutrition and Health Book Series Editor, retired, 8765 Via Brilliante Wellington, FL 33411, USA
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