The effect of acute caffeine ingestion on coincidence anticipation timing in younger and older adults

Objectives

This study compared the effect of acute caffeine ingestion on coincidence timing accuracy in younger and older adults.

Methods

Thirteen young (aged 18–25 years, age: 20 ± 2 years, 7 females, 5 males) and 13 older (aged 61–77 years, age: 68 ± 6 years, 9 females, 3 males) adults, all who were habitual moderate caffeine consumers undertook measures of coincident anticipation timing performance pre- and post-acute caffeine (3 mg/kg) or placebo ingestion administered in a double blind, randomized fashion.

Results

Results indicated significant pre-to-post X substance (caffeine vs. placebo) interactions for absolute (P = 0.02, Pη² = 0.204) and variable error (P = 0.015, Pη² = 0.221). In both cases, error (absolute or variable) improved pre-to-post ingestion in the caffeine condition but not in the placebo condition. There were no significant differences due to age (younger vs. older adults, P > 0.05) in any of the analyses.

Discussion

The results of this study suggest that acute caffeine ingestion positively influence coincidence anticipation timing performance in both younger and older adults, who are moderate habitual caffeine consumers. Such effects might therefore be useful for older adults in enhancing ability to undertake cognitive-perceptual tasks which involve interceptive actions.     

Patterns of missing data and the screening of African Americans for latent TB infection during state psychiatric hospital admissions

Objective: The purpose of the present study was to demonstrate that evaluating patterns of missing purified protein derivative test data can help to identify gaps in the screening of African American psychiatric inpatients for latent tuberculosis infection.

Design: The results of tuberculin skin tests were abstracted during chart reviews from patients' physical examination form after hospital admission. Two different approaches to missing test data of purified protein derivative were examined in regression models: (1) classifying patients with missing test data as having negative readings on the tuberculin skin test; and (2) a comparison of patients with missing versus nonmissing test results of purified protein derivative as the outcome. The data were from a case-control study of the psychiatric misdiagnosis of 118 Black inpatients in a psychiatric hospital in upstate New York.

Results: Chi-square tests and logistic regression analyses were conducted on the missing TB test data in relation to sex, age, hospitalization for a physical health problem, homelessness, substance abuse history and chart diagnosis of schizophrenia. Logistic regression and supplemental analyses of the outcome of missing/nonmissing data revealed that Black female psychiatric patients without a diagnosis of schizophrenia, relative to their male counterparts, were significantly more likely to have evidence of missing PPD test results in their charts.

Conclusion: The findings suggest that low risk groups in the African American psychiatric patient sample are more likely to have missing data. These findings have implications for improving screening of African American psychiatric inpatients for latent tuberculosis infection.     

Chlamydia pneumoniae infection and ethnic origin

Objectives. To test the association of Chlamydia pneumoniae infection with ethnic origin.

Design. A prospective study by micro‐immunofluorescence of antibodies to C. pneumoniae in patients admitted to one hospital with a variety of non‐pulmonary, non‐cardiovascular disorders.

Setting. A large district general hospital serving a multi‐ethnic inner‐city population in Birmingham, UK.

Subjects. There were 1518 patients, 1061 of whom were Caucasian, 290 Asian and 167 Afro‐Caribbean. Each of 169 Asians and 141 Afro‐Caribbeans was matched with two Caucasians for age, sex, smoking habit, steroid medication and date of admission, and logistic regression methods were used to compare the effects on C. pneumoniae antibody levels of ethnic origin, these confounding variables, diabetes mellitus and social deprivation.

Outcome measures. Serological evidence of acute C. pneumoniae infection or reinfection (defined by titres of lgM ≥ 8, a four‐fold rise in IgG or IgG ≥ 512) and previous infection (IgG 64–256 or IgA ≥ 8).

Results. Results showed 4.8% of Caucasians, 6.6% of Asians and 10.2% of Afro‐Caribbeans had antibody titres suggesting acute (re)infection; and 11.2% of Caucasians, 13.4% of Asians and 21.0% of Afro‐Caribbeans had titres suggesting previous infection. On χ² analysis, the distributions of the three possible serological outcomes (acute, previous and no infection) differed significantly (p < 0.05) between the Afro‐Caribbean and Caucasian groups, but not between Asians and Caucasians or between Afro‐Caribbeans and Asians. After adjusting for possible confounding variables, odds ratios for Afro‐Caribbean versus Caucasian origin were 5.5 (95% confidence intervals 2.0–15.0) for acute (re)infection and 1.9 (1.0–3.7) for previous infection.

Conclusions. Our results suggest that C. pneumoniae infection may be more prevalent among Afro‐Caribbean than among Caucasian people, and that Asians may lie somewhere between them in this respect. The behaviour of this pathogen in different ethnic groups deserves further investigation. Future studies of this organism should give due attention to the ethnic origins of patients.     

Modulation of oxidative stress,apoptosis, and calcium entry in leukocytes of patients with multiple sclerosis by Hypericum perforatum

Objectives

Hypericum perfortarum (HP, St John's wort) is a modulator of Ca²⁺ entry in neutrophils and it may modulate intracellular free Ca²⁺ ([Ca²⁺]_i) entry in leukocytes of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). We investigated effects of HP on oxidative stress, apoptosis, and [Ca²⁺]_i concentrations in serum and leukocytes of patients with MS.

Methods

Neutrophils of nine newly diagnosed MS patients and nine healthy subjects within four subgroups were used in the study. The first group was a control; the second group was patients with MS. The neutrophils from patient group were incubated non-specific TRPM2 channel blocker (2-APB), voltage-gated calcium channel blockers, verapamil and diltiazem (V + D) with HP before N-formyl-L-methionyl-L-leucyl-L-phenylalanine stimulation, respectively.

Results

Neutrophil and serum lipid peroxidation, neutrophil apoptosis and [Ca²⁺]_i levels in patients with MS were higher than in control although their levels were decreased by HP, 2-APB, and V + D incubations. The modulator role of V + D in MS and MS + HP groups was higher than in the 2-APB group. Neutrophilic glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and serum vitamin A and E concentrations were lower in the MS group than in control. However, the neutrophil GSH-Px activity was increased by HP incubation. The neutrophil reduced glutathione, serum vitamin C and β-carotene concentrations did not change in control and patients.

Discussion

We observed that HP-induced protective effects on oxidative stress and [Ca²⁺]_i concentrations by modulating transient receptor potential and voltage gated calcium channel in the patients with MS. Thus, it may provide useful treatment of neutrophil activity in the patients.     

The epidemiology of tuberculosis by ethnic group in Birmingham and its implications for future Trends in tuberculosis in the UK

Objectives. To describe the epidemiology of tuberculosis (TB) in Birmingham, UK, by ethnic group and to assess the implications of the findings for future trends in TB in the UK.

Methods. Retrospective review of records of all patients notified with TB in Birmingham during 1989–1994.

Results. The decline in TB notifications in Birmingham halted and then reversed in 1987–1992. Trends in overall notifications were mainly influenced by trends in cases of Asian origin. Crude notification rates in 1989–1994 are 17 times higher in Asian than Caucasian residents (p < 0.01). Rates in African Caribbean residents are also statistically significantly higher than in Caucasians (p < 0.01) but significantly lower than in Asians. Crude rates for Asian people born abroad are 4.1 times higher than for Asians born in the UK (p < 0.01) but only 3.8% of Asian patients had been resident in the UK for less than 1 year. The group accounting for the highest number of cases were female Asians aged 20–29, followed by male Asians of the same age. Age‐specific rates show that incidence increases with age in both Asian and white groups, with a small peak in 20–29‐year‐old Asians. TB is uncommon in all Caucasian age‐groups under 50 years of age (less than 1 per 10 000) but is relatively common in all Asian age‐groups over 15 years of age (over 10 per 10 000).

Conclusions. The different epidemiology of TB in the Caucasian and Asian populations in the UK suggests that from about the second decade of the next century, TB in the UK will almost be entirely a problem of ethnic minorities and that even if new infection was eliminated now in Asian people, cases due to reactivation would continue to occur until the third quarter of the next century.     

The attractiveness of family medicine among Polish medical students

Background: In many developed countries tuning supply and demand of medical doctors is a continuous challenge to meet the ever changing needs of community and individual patients. The long study period for medical doctors creates the opportunity to observe the current career preferences of medical students and evolution in time.

Objectives: To investigate the career choices of Polish students in different stages of their medical education.

Methods: Medical students at five Polish medical universities were questioned about their career aspirations in the first, third and sixth year.

Results: A total of 2020 students were recruited for the survey. Among first year students 17% preferred family medicine as final career option, compared to 20% in the third year, and 30% in the sixth year (significant trend, P < 0.0001). In particular, female students prefer family medicine: 71% women versus 62% women in the group with a preference for a non-family medicine orientation (P = 0.008). Medical students rejecting a career as a family doctor stated that the impossibility to work in a hospital environment was the determining factor.

Conclusion: The opportunity for professional development seems to be an important determining factor in the choice of a medical specialty in Poland. The proportion of Polish students choosing family medicine increases during their progress in medical education, with one third of students interested in a career in family medicine by year six.     

Dietary fat and antioxidant vitamin intake in patients of neurodegenerative disease in a rural region of Jalisco,Mexico

Objective

To evaluate and compare the intake of lipids and (A, E, and C) vitamins in patients with and without possible neurodegenerative diseases.

Methods

Twenty adults with possible Alzheimer's disease or Parkinson's disease and 41 control subjects (50–89 years old) from a rural region were studied. Dietary intake was evaluated with the analysis of macronutrients and micronutrients conducted by a food frequency questionnaire and 24 hours dietary record. Analyses were adjusted for age, sex, body mass index, and energy intake. Through interrogation and use of medical record form of health secretary we obtained information about the sociodemographic characteristics. Multivariate analysis of variance to allow for covariated adjustment was used.

Results

Patients had a lower energy intake, vitamin C (P = 0.016), fruits (P < 0.001), vegetables (P = 0.037), and oils and fat (P = 0.002), than the controls. Interestingly, the C vitamin intake in patients was still higher than the recommended. Patients had a higher consumption of cereals (P = 0.017), high-animal fat diet (P = 0.024), and whole milk (P < 0.001); 2.4% of the controls smoke and 5% are alcohol consumers. Eighty-five percent of patients and 78% of the controls do not have physical activity. Family history of subjects in this study indicated chronic diseases.

Conclusion

The subjects included in this study had a high intake of C vitamin, this is due to the consumption of fruits and vegetables. However, patients with possible Alzheimer's or Parkinson's disease had a lower intake of fruits and vegetables, which could be due to type of food to which they have access.     

DHA status is positively related to motor development in breastfed African and Dutch infants

Objectives

Docosahexaenoic (DHA) and arachidonic (AA) acids are important for neurodevelopment. We investigated the relation between erythrocyte (RBC) DHA and AA contents and neurological development, by assessment of General Movements (GMs), in populations with substantial differences in fish intakes.

Methods

We included 3-month-old breastfed infants of three Tanzanian tribes: Maasai (low fish, n = 5), Pare (intermediate fish, n = 32), and Sengerema (high fish, n = 60); and a Dutch population (low–intermediate, fish, n = 15). GMs were assessed by motor optimality score (MOS) and the number of observed movement patterns (OMP; an MOS sub-score). RBC-DHA and AA contents were determined by capillary gas chromatography.

Results

We found no between-population differences in MOS. OMP of Sengerema infants (high fish) was higher than OMP of Dutch infants (low–intermediate fish). MOS related to age. OMP related positively to infant age (P < 0.001) and RBC-DHA (P = 0.015), and was unrelated to ethnicity and RBC-AA.

Discussion

The positive relation between RBC-DHA and the number of observed movement patterns of 3-month old infants might reflect the connection of DHA with motor development.     

The portrayal of depression in the three most popular English-language Black-American magazines in the USA: Ebony,Essence, and Jet

Objective. To examine how depression is portrayed within a specific racialized group.

Design. Manifest and latent content analysis of the three highest circulating magazines directed toward Black-American readers, Essence, Ebony, and Jet, from 2000 to 2007.

Results. The findings demonstrate ambiguity and contradictions about depression's meaning and incidence, as well as the availability, accessibility, and suitability of medical treatment. All of these are linked to racialized identities among Black Americans.

Conclusion. Magazine portrayal of depression in these magazines can only be understood in the context of experienced racism, oppression, and ethnic identity among Blacks.     

Acceleration of reflex maturation and physical development in suckling rats: effects of a maternal diet containing lipids from goat milk

Objective

To investigate the effects of lipids from goat milk containing conjugated linoleic acids on body weight and reflex ontogeny of neonatal rats treated during the prenatal and suckling periods.

Methods

Three groups were studied: soybean oil (S), coconut oil (C), and goat milk lipids (GM). Reflex maturation (palm grasp, righting reflex, cliff avoidance, vibrissae placing, negative geotaxis, auditory startle, and free-fall righting) as well as body weight evolution were recorded during lactation.

Results

Data demonstrated that the lipids from goat milk accelerated body weight evolution as well as all the reflex maturation investigated (P < 0.05).

Discussion

The supply of goat's milk offered to Wistar rats during pregnancy and lactation provided a variety of fatty acids necessary to accelerate the development of offspring.     

Language background and communication skills of medical students

Objective: The increasing proportion of medical students whose primary language is other than English and recent reports of poor communication skills of medical graduates has generated community concern about the methods of selection of students and their communication skills training. This paper examines the relationship between language background and examination performance in oral communication skills in Year 5 medical students.

Method: Questionnaire data from all Year 5 students in the 1992 general practice terms were matched to examination results.

Results: Seventy percent of students responded. Most students whose primary language was not English passed, although some required remedial communication skills tuition. The most powerful predictors of poor performance were recent arrival in Australia and living in an environment where English was not spoken at home.

Conclusion: Students with poor English oral communication skills should be encouraged to speak English away from the medical school and should be offered additional tuition so that their skills in other languages are not lost to the health‐care system.     

Investigating a persistent odor at an aircraft seat manufacturer

An aircraft seat manufacturing company requested a NIOSH health hazard evaluation to help identify a strong odor that had persisted throughout the facility for over a year. Employees reported experiencing health effects thought to be related to the odor.

We collected and analyzed area air samples for volatile organic compounds, endotoxin, bacterial and fungal metagenome, and metalworking fluid aerosol. Bulk metalworking fluid samples were analyzed for endotoxin, bacterial and fungal metagenome, and viable bacteria and fungus. We also evaluated the building ventilation systems and water diversion systems. Employees underwent confidential medical interviews about work practices, medical history, and health concerns.

Based on our analyses, the odor was likely 2-methoxy-3,5-dimethylpyrazine. This pyrazine was found in air samples across the facility and originated from bacteria in the metalworking fluid. We did not identify bacteria known to produce the compound but bacteria from the same Proteobacteria order were found as well as bacteria from orders known to produce other pyrazines. Chemical and biological contaminants and odors could have contributed to health symptoms reported by employees, but it is likely that the symptoms were caused by several factors.

We provided several recommendations to eliminate the odor including washing and disinfecting the metalworking machines and metalworking fluid recycling equipment, discarding all used metalworking fluid, instituting a metalworking fluid maintenance program at the site, and physically isolating the metalworking department from other departments.     

Differential sensitivity of Pak5, Pak6, and Pak5/Pak6 double-knockout mice to the stimulant effects of amphetamine and exercise-induced alterations in body weight

Objectives

PAK5 and PAK6 are protein kinases highly expressed in the brain. Previously, we observed that Pak6 knockout mice gained significantly more weight during development than Pak5 knockout mice as well as wild-type controls and double-knockout mice lacking both Pak5 and Pak6. In this study, we assessed the effects of exercise on food intake and weight gain of these mice as well as their sensitivity to the stimulant effects of amphetamine.

Methods

Mice of each genotype were placed in cages with free access to run wheel exercise or in cages without run wheels for a total of 74 days. Food and fluid intake as well as body weight of each mouse were measured on a weekly basis. Finally, mice were given a high dose of amphetamine and activity levels were observed immediately thereafter for 90 minutes. Brains and testes of mice were assayed for protein levels of the estrogen alpha and progesterone receptors.

Results

While run wheel mice consumed significantly more food, they weighed less than non-run wheel mice. In addition, although Pak6 knockout mice consumed the same amount of food as wild-type mice, they were significantly heavier regardless of run wheel condition. Pak5 knockout mice were found to be more active than other genotypes after amphetamine treatment. Finally, protein levels of the progesterone and estrogen alpha receptors were altered in brain and testes of the Pak6 knockout mice.

Discussion

Collectively, these data suggest that PAK6 play a role in weight gain unrelated to exercise and caloric intake and that Pak5 knockout mice are more sensitive to the stimulant effects of amphetamine.     

Leptospira seropositivity as a risk factor for Mesoamerican Nephropathy

Background: Leptospirosis is postulated as a possible cause of Mesoamerican Nephropathy (MeN) in Central American workers.

Objectives: Investigate job-specific Leptospira seroprevalence and its association with kidney disease biomarkers.

Methods: In 282 sugarcane workers, 47 sugarcane applicants and 160 workers in other industries, we measured anti-leptospiral antibodies, serum creatinine, and urinary injury biomarkers, including neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL), interleukin-18 (IL-18), and N-acetyl-D-glucosaminidase (NAG).

Results: Leptospira seroprevalence differed among job categories and was highest among sugarcane cutters (59%). Seropositive sugarcane workers had higher NGAL concentrations (relative mean: 1.28; 95% CI: 0.94–1.75) compared to those who were seronegative, with similar findings among field and non-field workers.

Conclusions: Leptospira seroprevalence varied by job category. There was some indication that seropositivity was associated with elevated biomarker levels, but results were inconsistent. Additional studies may help establish whether Leptospira infection plays any role in MeN among Central American workers.     

Mild iron deficiency anaemia during pregnancy and lactation in guinea pigs alters amplitudes and auditory nerve velocity,but not brainstem transmission times in the offspring's auditory brainstem response

Objectives

It is well known that postnatal/early childhood iron deficiency (ID) anaemia (IDA) adversely affects infants' cognitive development and neurophysiology. However, the effects of IDA during gestation and lactation on the offspring are largely unknown. To address this health issue, the impact of mild IDA during gestation and lactation on the offsprings' neural maturation was studied in the guinea pig, using auditory brainstem responses (ABRs) latencies and amplitudes.

Methods

Female guinea pigs (n = 10/group) were fed an iron sufficient (ISD) or deficient diet (IDD) (144 and 11.7 mg iron/kg) during the gestation and lactation periods. From postnatal day (PNd) 9 onward, the ISD was given to both groups of weaned offspring. The offsprings' ABRs were collected on PNd24 using a broad range of stimulus intensities in response to 2, 4, 8, 16, and 32 kHz tone pips.

Results

Although the IDA siblings (n = 8) did not differ in brainstem transmission times (BTTs) compared to the IS siblings (n = 8), they showed significant delayed peak I latency at 100 and 80 dB, respectively. Additionally, significantly higher ABR wave amplitudes were observed in the IDA female offspring between 35 and 50 dB (4 kHz), a phenomenon suggestive of a neural hyperactivity (hyperacusis).

Discussion

In support to our previous findings, the present results indicate that a mild IDA during gestation and lactation can have detrimental effects on early development of the offsprings' hearing and nervous systems, particularly on neural synchrony and auditory nerve conduction velocity, but not on BTT.     

Occupational imbalance and the role of perceived stress in predicting stress-related disorders

Background: Stress-related disorders are the main reason for sick leave in many European countries. The aim of the present study was to explore whether perceived occupational imbalance predicts stress-related disorders, potential gender differences, and to explore the mediating role of perceived stress.

Method: Longitudinal data on 2223 employees in a public organization in Sweden were collected by surveys, and analyzed by logistic regression.

Results: Occupational imbalance predicted stress-related disorders among both women and men. However, what aspects of occupational imbalance which predicted stress-related disorders differ by gender. Perceived stress was not a mediator in these associations.

Conclusion and significance: How women and men perceived their occupational balance affected the risk of stress-related disorders. The results may be used to develop effective strategies to decrease stress-related disorders.     

Appetite loss may be induced by lower serum ghrelin and higher serum leptin concentrations in subarachnoid hemorrhage patients

Background

Patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) typically develop appetite loss. However, the mechanisms regulating appetite are not understood. Ghrelin and leptin, both of which signal nutritional status and energy storage levels to the hypothalamus, are essential elements of the appetite system. Thus, the goal of this study was to investigate the relationship between appetite and ghrelin and leptin concentrations in patients with SAH.

Methods

Blood plasma or serum profiles and appetite status were measured in 19 patients with SAH who underwent aneurysmal clipping within 48 hours of SAH onset. Appetite status was measured using dietary oral calorie intake. All outcome variables were measured at an early (day 3) and late (day 8) time point after SAH onset (day 0).

Results

Of the 19 patients studied, 6 (31.6%) showed lower dietary oral calorie intake at the late time point than at the early time point. In these patients with appetite loss, plasma hemoglobin (P < 0.02), albumin (P < 0.01), glucose (P < 0.01), plasma insulin (P < 0.04), and serum ghrelin (P < 0.03) concentrations were lower at the late time point than at the early time point. Serum leptin was higher at the late time point than at the early time point (P < 0.02).

Conclusion

In SAH patients, appetite loss may be induced by lower serum ghrelin and higher serum leptin concentrations resulting from high plasma glucose and insulin levels due to a catecholamine surge following SAH.