Changes in blood alcohol concentration and driving ability after alcohol intake

Objective: To study the relationship between the amount of consumed alcohol, blood alcohol concentration (BAC), and driving ability among a part of the population in Southwest China and to provide reference for the formulation of the legal limits for safe driving. Methods: Seventy-six randomly selected volunteer drivers each had three times of alcohol intake (100 ml each time). After each drank, BAC was measured with gas chromatograph and driving ability was evaluated. The drivers were grouped according to age, weight, alcohol tolerance and driving experience respectively and changes in BAC and driving ability were analyzed. Results: Average BAC and the percentage of drivers showing impaired driving ability in the groups increased after each intake of 100 ml alcohol. BAC in Group≤60 kg was more susceptible to alcohol than that in Group>60 kg. When each drank, alcohol had greater influence on drivers who had comparatively shorter driving experience. Conclusion: Volume of consumed alcohol, BAC and driving ability have direct associations among one another and are all under the influence of various factors including individual conditions. To set an appropriate legal BAC limit for safe driving should take an overall consideration of all factors.

Natural Compound Formula RM88 Significantly Reduces Blood Alcohol Concentration in Humans

There is extensive worldwide use for the social consumption of alcohol. Abuse of alcohol causes substantial personal, psychological and medical health issues. In addition, there are significant national economic costs from lost productivity. However, there are limited pharmaceutical drugs for the treatment of alcohol overuse. Historically, many cultures have used herbs and other natural compounds to reduce problematic alcohol induced behaviour but the evidence is anecdotal. This study investigated if a natural compound formula (RM88) that was developed could reduce blood alcohol concentration (BAC) in a controlled case series. Thirteen subjects (5 males, 8 females, age range 18 to 85 years) completed 16 paired sessions of alcohol only versus RM88 with alcohol. Subjects consumed one to three standard drinks of beer, wine or spirits (14.7 to 29.4 gm alcohol). Measurements were made by a fuel cell breathalyzer for a period of 90 minutes. Summated BAC showed a reduction in 94% (15/16) of paired test sessions (BAC reduction range 23% - 79%, mean 50.9% ± 16.5%, p = 0.0005). Data normalized to 20 gm alcohol (two standard drinks) showed a significance of p = 0.00026. One subject on prednisone and hydroxychloroquine drugs had increased BAC from RM88. The average reductions of BAC for the beverages were spirits 34% (n = 3), beer 36% (n = 3), and wine 52% (n = 10). RM88 showed that this combination of natural compounds was very effective in reducing maximal peak concentrations of alcohol.

Application of Polynomial Mathematical Models for the Extraction of Bioactive Compounds from Plant Sources

This article focuses on the mathematical modelling of the extraction process of bioactive compounds from grape marc and berries (Aronia, rosehip, rowan, and hawthorn). The composition of the extraction medium (the concentration of the ethyl alcohol) served as a factor of influence. Furthermore, 8 experimental measured parameters were used as variables. The experimental results were processed using Hermite polynomials. In order to adapt the degree of the polynomial, the following conditions were imposed: high precision of the mathematical model by appealing to models on interval;obtaining a nominal model and two uncertain models (upper and lower);deduction of two predictive models, one superior and one inferior. It was found that the mathematical models based on Hermite polynomials do not provide explicit analytical expressions, although they allow the establishment of parameter values for any concentration of the extraction medium. In some cases, only high-grade polynomial models ensure the modelling error below 2%. Uncertain models (upper and lower 95%) include all experimental data. Predictive mathematical models (upper and lower) were established for a high prediction. The analytical expressions of the mathematical models on intervals are non-gaps, the coefficients having non-zero values. Dependencies between the measured parameters and the composition of the extraction solvent were analyzed, the results being presented through the calculation of a surface, with all the experimental values and their average values. Thus, it was found that polynomial mathematical models provide complete information for modelling the extraction processes of bioactive compounds of plant origin.

Forensic appraisal of death due to acute alcohol poisoning:three case reports and a literature review

Death due to acute alcohol poisoning lacks specific anatomical characteristics,compared with other deaths due to drug poisoning.We report three forensic cases of death from acute alcohol poisoning due to inhibition of the respiratory centre and eventual asphyxia.Blood alcohol concentrations in the three fatalities were 5.28,3.33 and 3.78mg/mL,respec-tively.Lethal doses and blood alcohol concentrations showed differences between individu-als.Detailed auxiliary tests besides autopsy were undertaken.These cases show that forensic scientists should exclude other causes of death,combine the autopsy with auxiliary tests,and then make an appraisal.