{"title":"Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain during alcohol absorption and elimination--a study of the \"rising tide phenomenon\".","authors":"H Thomsen, H J Kaatsch, R Asmus","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The absorption phase of alcohol is typically accompanied by more marked behavioral effects than the elimination phase. The mechanism behind this so-called \"rising tide phenomenon\" has not been fully elucidated. We hypothesized that the rising tide of alcohol during the absorption phase increases the permeability of the blood-brain barrier (BBB), thus elevating the free water content with consequent edema. The resulting increase in intracranial pressure, combined with alcohol's direct toxic effects, results in a synergetic reinforcement of the symptoms of intoxication. To test this hypothesis we performed proton magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) on the human brain during the alcohol absorption and elimination phases. Our results indicate that the alcohol-induced transient opening of the BBB is a possible factor behind the rising tide phenomenon.</p>","PeriodicalId":77045,"journal":{"name":"Blutalkohol","volume":"31 3","pages":"178-85"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"1994-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"19046304","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"[Driving a vehicle--driving a motor vehicle, a necessary differentiation for proven limit of alcohol-induced absolute driving incapacity].","authors":"P Grohmann","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>There are special cases of vehicle driving, such as driving or moving a certain type of vehicle without an engine as part of the division of labour. These cause distinguishing problems in the area of paragraphs 21, 24, 25 StVG and 44, 69, 69 b, 315 c, 316 StGB with consequences for the type and extent of the proof of dangerous driving due to alcohol. From the jurisdiction so far published on this topic, relevant limiting criteria will be summarised and clearly laid out.</p>","PeriodicalId":77045,"journal":{"name":"Blutalkohol","volume":"31 3","pages":"158-62; discussion 163-4"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"1994-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"19041905","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"[Effect of low dose alcohol concentration on saccadic eye movements. Infrared reflection technique for recording oculomotor reactions with reference to dangerous traffic situations].","authors":"H Kronsbein, M Oehmichen, D Kömpf","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Saccadic eye movements were registered under different ethanol concentrations (0 g/kg, 0.5 g/kg, 1.0 g/kg) using an infrared reflexion method. On the basis of photographic pictures conflict situations of a car driver were simulated. 12 young car drivers were exposed for 10 sec to four pictures, all under different ethanol concentrations. The eye movements were registered and analyzed by a computer. The amplitude of saccades, their number, duration and velocity as well as the points of fixation and the scanning of the pictures were qualitatively and quantitatively analyzed. All persons demonstrated deficits in all parameters under 1 g/kg blood ethanol concentration. Nearly all results were reduced under 0.5 g/kg in comparison to 0 g/kg situation. In conclusion, low dose ethanol influence the saccadic eye movements. On the other hand the study could demonstrate a new technique (infrared reflexion technique), which allows the qualitative and quantitative recording of the influence of ethanol as well as peripheral as cortical structures of the brain. The exposition to photographic pictures demonstrating dangerous traffic situations simulate real traffic situations and allows to transfer the laboratory results to real situations.</p>","PeriodicalId":77045,"journal":{"name":"Blutalkohol","volume":"31 2","pages":"57-75"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"1994-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"19193469","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"[Voluntary rehabilitation during the license suspension period--a model trial in Hessen].","authors":"K Scheerer","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Based on an analysis of the specific psychological situation of drink drive offenders, a concept of integrated counselling and retraining that is currently being tested in Hesse/Germany will be presented. According to experiences from medico-psychological tests as well as counselling and retraining, the period of suspension after revoking a driver's license is but a security measure in the legal sense that does not necessarily result in an change in the offender's attitude. The course-model FRS (Freiwillige Rehabilitation in der Sperrfrist--Voluntary Rehabilitation during Suspension) will be presented describing its conditions of development, its content, and its procedure along with the results and experiences so far obtained.</p>","PeriodicalId":77045,"journal":{"name":"Blutalkohol","volume":"31 2","pages":"114-22"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"1994-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"19193468","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"[Appropriate procedure with suspected intoxicated drivers--a discussion of recent theories on diagnosis and rehabilitation].","authors":"U Goetze, M Jensch, E Spoerer","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Within the last couple of years a dramatic change of judging the drinking driver has taken place having serious consequences for the individuals involved. Many DWI offenders are forced to abstain from any alcoholic beverage though characteristics of personality as well as of offence indicate that rehabilitation by participation in an intervention program may result in the same reduction of relapse probability as for a comparable group of drivers in the years before. The changed reflection is mainly caused by a superficial overestimation of blood alcohol concentration (BAC) figures found at the time of event. There is a tendency to regard BAC values as unquestionable indications of addiction. In particular the numerous publications by Stephan, who decisively has influenced the rigorous judgement of drinking drivers, are typical of using a static view of drinking habits that does not describe the actual drinking patterns of the problem drinker. Therefore, a dynamic view is discussed. Furthermore, a critical acknowledgement of findings is carried out for those drinking experiments that have been a contribution to the change of opinions. The authors finally refer to the necessity of therapeutic interventions which in comparison to imposed abstinence proved to reduce relapse probability.</p>","PeriodicalId":77045,"journal":{"name":"Blutalkohol","volume":"31 2","pages":"80-95"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"1994-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"19194062","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"[Ethanol content of Kefir water].","authors":"W Rabl, B Liniger, K Sutter, T Sigrist","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The question of the influence of kefir on blood-alcohol-level has been asked in a legal proceeding. The questioned recipe consisted of 21 water, 6 soup-spoons of kefir granules (about 120 g), 150 g sugar, 2 figs and one lemon. The consumption took place after two days of fermentation. Experimentally we found, that one liter of this kefir product may contain up to 38 g/l ethanol after 7 to 10 days. On the second day we measured up to 16 g/l ethanol. Our results may be import for expert appraisements concerning unability of driving.</p>","PeriodicalId":77045,"journal":{"name":"Blutalkohol","volume":"31 2","pages":"76-9"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"1994-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"19193470","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"[Doubt about alcohol \"enjoyment\"? Some critical comments on the contribution by Goetze et a. in this issue].","authors":"E Stephan","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":77045,"journal":{"name":"Blutalkohol","volume":"31 2","pages":"96-113"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"1994-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"19194063","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"[Gamma-glutamyltransferase and blood alcohol level--criteria for alcohol risk in automobile drivers. A critical comment on the guidelines for medical-psychological studies of first-time alcohol offenders].","authors":"R Iffland, W Grellner","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>GGT and blood alcohol concentration (BAC) were measured of 2,655 male car drivers using alcoholized their cars during the year 1991 in the area of the city of Cologne. The results were evaluated statistically together with other parameters like age, time of taking blood sample and behaviour while drunken. BAC was 1.6% and more in 30.5% of all cases. Half of them had levels of 2.0% and higher. GGT in serum was increased (> 28 U/l) at 29.5% of the drivers, in 6% even above 100 U/l. 53% were younger than 31 years. Medium BAC and part of GGT higher than 28 U/l were remarkable lower in this group than at the older ones. 50% of all car drivers with blood alcohol levels above 2.0% have alcohol problems regarding GGT. Problem drinkers were found among the younger ones to an extent of 15%, but of 50% among the drivers older than 40 years. But also 25% of all with a BAC lower than 1.6% showed increased GGT levels. They remain undetected on account of the present instructions of MPA though there is a great danger repeating drunken driving. On the other side nearly 50% of those driving with an BAC of 1.6% or more are no driving drinkers regarding GGT but have to undergo MPA. The recommendation of the 30. German Traffic Courts Meeting in 1992 to determine other indicators of alcohol habituation in the blood samples taken after drunken driving like GGT and methanol should be taken in a corrected setting of the instructions. This would regard fairer the problems of an individual case. The connection of MPA with the height of BAC and other circumstances seen as indicators for extraordinary alcohol habituation is a wrong way and unnecessary if alcoholism markers are used like GGT, CDT and methanol.</p>","PeriodicalId":77045,"journal":{"name":"Blutalkohol","volume":"31 1","pages":"8-23"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"1994-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"18907454","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"[Reliability of forensic evidence in breath alcohol analysis].","authors":"N Bilzer, R Sprung, G Schewe","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Drinking experiments were performed by using a device-combination appreciated by the German National Institut of Health (BGA) as being evidential and proposed as prototype for the future practice of breath-alcohol analysis. Comparing the breath- (BrAC) and blood alcohol-concentrations (BAC), however, there were relevant deviations. Our evaluation of the facts published Schoknecht demonstrated nevertheless distinct divergences in comparison to the blood alcohol determination: A BAC-nominal of 1% gave divergences of the nominal up to 0.25% resulted from the measured BrAC-values of Schoknecht on corresponding conversion. The divergences are distinctly above those that are tolerated by legislation according to previous standards for the blood alcohol determination. Consequently it requires further checking in standardized experiments and field experiments in order to be able to judge the practice usefulness; furthermore such further checking would have to be implemented by unconcerned institutions. Basing on these experiments an evidential breath-alcohol analysis for forensic purposes has not been established yet.</p>","PeriodicalId":77045,"journal":{"name":"Blutalkohol","volume":"31 1","pages":"1-7"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"1994-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"19133323","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"[Contribution of automobile technology to traffic safety].","authors":"H Bürck","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":77045,"journal":{"name":"Blutalkohol","volume":"31 1","pages":"40-4"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"1994-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"19133326","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}