Comparative electrophysiological evaluation of hippocampal function following repeated inhalation exposures to JP-8, Jet A,JP-5, and the synthetic Fischer Tropsch fuel

Exposure to fuels continues to be a concern in both military and general populations. The aim of this study was to examine effects of in vivo rat repeated exposures to different types of jet fuel utilizing microelectrode arrays for comparative electrophysiological (EP) measurements in hippocampal slices. Animals were exposed to increasing concentrations of four jet fuels, Jet Propellant (JP)-8, Jet A, JP-5, or synthetic Fischer Tropsch (FT) fuel via whole-body inhalation for 20 d (6 hr/d, 5 d/week for 28 d) and synaptic transmission as well as behavioral performance were assessed. Our behavioral studies indicated no significant changes in behavioral performance in animals exposed to JP-8, Jet A, or JP-5. A significant deviation in learning pattern during the Morris water maze task was observed in rats exposed to the highest concentration of FT (2000 mg/m³). There were also significant differences in the EP profile of hippocampal neurons from animals exposed to JP-8, Jet A, JP-5, or FT compared to control air. However, these differences were not consistent across fuels or dose dependent. As expected, patterns of EP alterations in brain slices from JP-8 and Jet A exposures were more similar compared to those from JP-5 and FT. Further longitudinal investigations are needed to determine if these EP effects are transient or persistent. Such studies may dictate if and how one may use EP measurements to indicate potential susceptibility to neurological impairments, particularly those that result from inhalation exposure to chemicals or mixtures.     

Medication‐related problems in patients referred to aged care and memory clinics at a tertiary care hospital

Aim: To investigate the prevalence of medication‐related problems (MRPs) in patients attending aged care and memory disorder clinics and explore the potential role of a clinical pharmacist to obtain medication histories and identify unresolved MRPs. Methods: The clinical pharmacist interviewed patients and reviewed their medication regimens in the outpatient clinics. Clinical significance of pharmacist‐identified MRPs was rated by an independent expert panel using validated criteria. Results: Forty‐six patients (mean age 82 years) were reviewed. They took a median of nine medications, of which three were not recorded in the medical record. One hundred and thirteen MRPs (median 2.0 per patient) were identified by the pharmacist. Independent review rated 35% of MRPs as high or extreme risk. Thirty‐seven (33%) MRPs related to medications not recorded in the medical record. Conclusions: Medication‐related problems were present for most patients. Involvement of a clinical pharmacist resulted in a more comprehensive medication history and identified unresolved MRPs.