The effect of social isolation of the rat on open field activity and emergence

It has been suggested that naive isolated rats show more "fear responses" than group-housed controls. However, in contrast to previous studies, dark conditions and low noise levels were used to evaluate the latency to emerge from a small chamber into an open field and the subsequent ambulation and rearing behaviour of isolated and group-housed rats. The prediction that these conditions would be conducive to the rapid development of hyperactivity in isolates was confirmed, but there were no significant differences in emergence latency.

Caffeine can decrease subjective energy depending on the vehicle with which it is consumed and when it is measured

RATIONALE

Energy drinks contain glucose and caffeine, although in the longer term both adversely influence blood glucose homeostasis, with the unconsidered potential to have adverse consequences for cognition and mood.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to consider the influence on interstitial glucose levels, mood and cognition of drinks differing in their caffeine content and glycaemic load.

METHODS

Ninety minutes after a standard breakfast, a yoghurt-, glucose- or water-based drink, with or without 80 mg of caffeine, was consumed.

RESULTS

The consumption of caffeine negatively influenced glucose homeostasis: that is, irrespective of the vehicle, caffeine consumption resulted in elevated levels of blood glucose throughout the study. Thirty minutes after consuming caffeine and water, rather than water alone, greater subjective energy was reported. However, after 90 and 150 min, caffeine administered in water increased tiredness, hostility and confusion. In contrast, combining caffeine with a yoghurt-based drink increased energy, agreeableness and clearheadedness later in the morning. There were no effects of caffeine on ratings of mood when it was taken with glucose. Caffeine, irrespective of vehicle, resulted in better memory, quicker reaction times in the choice reaction time test and the working memory task, and better and quicker responses with the vigilance task.

CONCLUSION

Further research should consider how caffeine interacts with macronutrients and the timescale over which such effects occur.

Impact of postprandial glycaemia on health and prevention of disease

Postprandial glucose, together with related hyperinsulinemia and lipidaemia, has been implicated in the development of chronic metabolic diseases like obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and cardiovascular disease (CVD). In this review, available evidence is discussed on postprandial glucose in relation to body weight control, the development of oxidative stress, T2DM, and CVD and in maintaining optimal exercise and cognitive performance. There is mechanistic evidence linking postprandial glycaemia or glycaemic variability to the development of these conditions or in the impairment in cognitive and exercise performance. Nevertheless, postprandial glycaemia is interrelated with many other (risk) factors as well as to fasting glucose. In many studies, meal-related glycaemic response is not sufficiently characterized, or the methodology with respect to the description of food or meal composition, or the duration of the measurement of postprandial glycaemia is limited. It is evident that more randomized controlled dietary intervention trials using effective low vs. high glucose response diets are necessary in order to draw more definite conclusions on the role of postprandial glycaemia in relation to health and disease. Also of importance is the evaluation of the potential role of the time course of postprandial glycaemia.

Female body image following acquired brain injury

PRIMARY OBJECTIVE

To investigate body image concerns and psycho-emotional health in females with acquired brain injury (ABI).

RESEARCH DESIGN

Between subjects design.

METHODS AND PROCEDURES

Thirteen females with ABI and thirteen matched controls were assessed on a number of variables relating to body image, self-esteem and affect.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND RESULTS

Indicated that women with ABI had a different profile of body image dissatisfaction than controls and that in some areas it was significantly worse. The women with ABI had significantly lower self-esteem and higher levels of depression than controls and this related to body image.

CONCLUSION

Significant changes in body image and self-concept are potentially damaging to quality of life post-injury and suggest a role for targeted therapeutic work with women with ABI.

3-year results of a collaborative school-based oral health program in a remote First Nations community

INTRODUCTION

Surveys of dental health among Aboriginal children in Canada, using scales such as the Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth (DMFT) score, indicate that Aboriginal children have 2 to 3 times poorer oral health compared with other populations. A remote First Nations community approached requested assistance in addressing the health of their children. The objective was to work with the community to improve oral health and knowledge among school children. The hypothesis formulated was that after 3 years of the program there would be a significant decrease in dmft/DMFT (primary/permanent) score.

METHODS

This was a cross-sectional study of all school-aged children in a small, remote First Nations community. Pre- and post- intervention evaluation of oral health was conducted by a dentist not involved in the study. The intervention consisted of a school-based program with daily brush-ins, fluoride application, educational presentations, and a recognition/incentive scheme.

RESULTS

Twenty-six children were assessed prior to the intervention, representing 45% of the 58 children then in the community. All 40 children in the community were assessed following the intervention. Prior to the intervention, 8% of children were cavity free. Following 3 years of the intervention, 32% were cavity free. Among the 13 children assessed both pre- and post-intervention, dmft/DMFT score improved significantly (p <0.005). The visiting hygienist noted increased knowledge about oral health.

CONCLUSION

A community- and university-supported, school-based, collaborative oral health program improved oral health and knowledge among children in a remote First Nations community.

Impact of consuming a milk drink containing a probiotic on mood and cognition

OBJECTIVE

The impact on mood and memory of consuming a probiotic containing milk drink, or a placebo, was examined as, previously, a poor mood has been found to correlate with the frequency of constipation.

DESIGN

A double-blind placebo-controlled trial with random allocation of subjects.

SETTING

Subjects went about their normal life in the community apart from three visits to the laboratory.

SUBJECTS

One hundred and thirty-two healthy members of general population, mean age 61.8 years, volunteered in response to local media coverage. One hundred and twenty-four finished the trial.

INTERVENTION

For a 3-week period, either a probiotic containing milk drink, or a placebo, were consumed daily. Mood and cognition were measured at baseline, and after 10 and 20 days of consumption.

RESULTS

At baseline those who reported themselves to be less frequently constipated were more clearheaded, confident and elated. Although the taking of the probiotic did not generally change the mood, this appeared to be a reflection of the generally good mood in this sample. When those in the bottom third of the depressed/elated dimension at baseline were considered, they selectively responded by reporting themselves as happy rather than depressed after taking the probiotic. The intervention did not, however, influence the reported frequency of defaecation, probably a reflection of the initially low incidence of constipation. An unexpected and possibly chance finding was that the consumption of probiotics resulted in a slightly-poorer performance on two measures of memory.

CONCLUSIONS

The consumption of a probiotic-containing yoghurt improved the mood of those whose mood was initially poor. This improvement in mood was not, however, associated with an increased frequency of defaecation.

A phase I/II study of oxaliplatin, docetaxel, and capecitabine in advanced carcinoma of the esophagus and stomach

14046

Background: The Brown University Oncology Group has attempted to modify the regimen of docetaxel, cisplatin and fluorouracil (DCF) to reduce toxicity, simplify administration and maintain efficacy. We have a completed a phase I/II study of weekly doxetaxel, carboplatin and capecitabine for patients with advanced esophagogastric cancer (Safran et al, Am J Clin Oncol, 2006). In this phase I study we have substituted oxaliplatin for carboplatin to determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of weekly docetaxel and oxaliplatin with capecitabine. Methods: Patients with metastatic esophageal and gastric cancers received docetaxel and oxaliplatin on days 1 and 8 and capecitabine in divided doses, twice daily, on days 1–10, with each cycle repeated every 21 days. Patients were treated at 4 dose levels as shown in the table. Results: Fourteen patients have been enrolled. The median age was 58.5 years. Eight patients had esophageal cancer and six had gastric cancer. Grade 3/4 dose limiting toxicities (DLTs) of diarrhea, nausea, and febrile neutropenia occurred in three of four patients at dose level 3. An intermediate dose level was added (2A), reducing the capecitabine dose. Conclusion: Oxaliplatin 50 mg/m2 and docetaxel 35 mg/m2 day 1 and 8 with capecitabine 750 mg/m2 BID × 10 days in 21 day cycles may represent a promising, easily administered regimen for metastatic esophageal and gastric cancer. Enrollment continues at dose level 2A. [Table: see text]

[Table: see text]

Role of parents in the determination of the food preferences of children and the development of obesity

The role of parental behaviour in the development of food preferences is considered. Food preferences develop from genetically determined predispositions to like sweet and salty flavours and to dislike bitter and sour tastes. Particularly towards the second year of life, there is a tendency to avoid novel foods (neophobia). Food aversions can be learnt in one trial if consumption is followed by discomfort. There is a predisposition to learn to like foods with high-energy density. However, from birth genetic predispositions are modified by experience and in this context during the early years parents play a particularly important role. Parental style is a critical factor in the development of food preferences. Children are more likely to eat in emotionally positive atmospheres. Siblings, peers and parents can act as role models to encourage the tasting of novel foods. Repeated exposure to initially disliked foods can breakdown resistance. The offering of low-energy-dense foods allows the child to balance energy intake. Restricting access to particular foods increases rather than decreases preference. Forcing a child to eat a food will decrease the liking for that food. Traditionally, educational strategies have typically involved attempts to impart basic nutritional information. Given the limited ability of information to induce changes in behaviour, an alternative strategy would be to teach parents about child development in the hope that an understanding of the characteristic innate tendencies and developmental stages can be used to teach healthy food preferences.

Nutrition and aging: a consensus statement

OBJECTIVE

To consider the relationship between nutrition and aging. To summarize existing knowledge and identify areas of ignorance.

DESIGN

Experts from a range of relevant disciplines received and considered a series of questions related to aspects of the topic.

SETTING

University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany.

INTERVENTION

The experts met and discussed the questions and arrived at a consensus.

CONCLUSION

Many specific conclusions were drawn that support the general view that as we age an inadequate nutrition contributes to the loss of function and the development and progression of disease. Nutritional status is influenced by a range of medical, physiological, psychological, social and situational variables. Adequate nutrition and physical activity are aspects of a health-promoting lifestyle. The encouraging of better nutrition and the taking of exercise is a cost-effective way of decreasing the incidence and progression of age-related disease. The earlier such interventions are introduced the better.

The influence of phosphatidylserine supplementation on mood and heart rate when faced with an acute stressor

There have been previous reports that supplements of phosphatidylserine (PS) blunted the release of cortisol in response to exercise stress and that it improved mood. The present study extended these observations by considering whether PS supplementation influenced subjective feelings of stress and the change in heart rate when a stressful mental arithmetic task was performed. In young adults, with neuroticism scores above rather than below the median, the taking of 300mg PS each day for a month was associated with feeling less stressed and having a better mood. The study for the first time reports an improvement in mood following PS supplementation in a sub-group of young healthy adults.

The influence of breakfast and a snack on psychological functioning

Although there are reports that breakfast influences both mood and memory, there has been no attempt to consider whether a subsequent snack is beneficial. One hundred and fifty young female adults either fasted or consumed breakfasts of either 10 or 50 g of carbohydrate (corn flakes). Half received a further 25 g of carbohydrate in the form of corn flakes after 1 1/2 h (snack). Predictably, those who ate breakfast, and/or a snack, reported feeling less hungry. The larger the caloric intake, the less subjects reported hunger. Those who consumed a snack reported a better mood. Eating a larger breakfast was associated with poorer mood later in the morning, an effect reversed by eating a snack. Memory for the word lists was not influenced by eating breakfast, however, 20 but not 60 min after a midmorning snack, more words were recalled. Those who had eaten breakfast, as opposed to fasting, did, however, spend longer trying to recall the words. This finding was interpreted as evidence that eating breakfast was associated with better motivation. On a number of occasions, better memory was associated with lower blood glucose levels. These findings support previous observations that better glucose tolerance was associated with better memory.

Micro-nutrient supplementation and the intelligence of children

A growing number of double-blind placebo-controlled studies have considered the influence of micro-nutrient supplementation on the intelligence of children. Earlier studies prevented the drawing of conclusions as they did not systematically approach the topic. However, over the last 10 years, a series of studies have compared the impact of supplementation on either verbal or non-verbal measures of intelligence. In 10 out of 13 studies a positive response has been reported, always with non-verbal measures, in at least a sub-section of the experimental sample. A selective response to non-verbal tests was predicted as they reflect basic biologically functioning that could be expected to be influenced by diet. The evidence is that not all children respond to supplementation, rather there is a minority who benefit, whose diet offers low amounts of micro-nutrients. Such observations are consistent with dietary surveys that typically report a sub-set of children with a low intake. The topic is at a very early stage and needs the clarification gained from a series of large-scale studies that consider children of a wide range of ages, dietary styles and social backgrounds.

An evaluation of ontology exchange languages for bioinformatics

Ontologies are specifications of the concepts in a given field, and of the relationships among those concepts. The development of ontologies for molecular-biology information and the sharing of those ontologies within the bioinformatics community are central problems in bioinformatics. If the bioinformatics community is to share ontologies effectively, ontologies must be exchanged in a form that uses standardized syntax and semantics. This paper reports on an effort among the authors to evaluate alternative ontology-exchange languages, and to recommend one or more languages for use within the larger bioinformatics community. The study selected a set of candidate languages, and defined a set of capabilities that the ideal ontology-exchange language should satisfy. The study scored the languages according to the degree to which they satisfied each capability. In addition, the authors performed several ontology-exchange experiments with the two languages that received the highest scores: OML and Ontolingua. The result of those experiments, and the main conclusion of this study, was that the frame-based semantic model of Ontolingua is preferable to the conceptual graph model of OML, but that the XML-based syntax of OML is preferable to the Lisp-based syntax of Ontolingua.

Glucose tolerance predicts performance on tests of memory and cognition

The hypothesis that the ability to control blood glucose levels influence memory and other aspects of cognition was considered. Individual differences in the ability to control blood glucose were measured by giving a glucose tolerance test (GTT) to 46 young adult females. A factor analysis of a series of measures of glucose tolerance produced four dimensions. A week later, having eaten their normal breakfast, they took tests of memory, reaction times and vigilance. The speed with which blood glucose increased, having its lowest point in the GTT, was associated with memory measured a week later. While performing the tests those with higher levels of blood glucose on arrival in the laboratory had quicker reaction times when monitoring eight but not four, two or one lamps. The finding was interpreted as demonstrating that higher levels of blood glucose specially influence tasks placing higher demands on the brain.

Elder abuse. Using clinical tools to identify clues of mistreatment

Elder abuse occurs most commonly in residential rather than institutional settings, and the most likely perpetrators are known by the victim. Although a defined set of risk factors has not been developed, careful questioning and assessment can help determine whether a patient is at increased risk. The common types of elder maltreatment include caregiver and self-neglect, emotional and psychological abuse, fiduciary exploitation, and physical abuse. Assessment consists of comprehensive physical examination, including scrutiny of the musculoskelatal and genitourinary systems, neurologic and cognitive testing, and detailed social and sexual histories. Clues that cannot be explained medically may signal elder abuse. To properly intervene, clinicians should be familiar with state laws governing reporting procedures and patient privacy.

Assertiveness, power and influence

This article describes how nurses can use the concepts of assertiveness, power and influence to maximise their effectiveness in delivering care and bringing about change.

Differences in familism values and caregiving outcomes among Korean, Korean American, and White American dementia caregivers

Recent theories have suggested that burden and distress among dementia caregivers may be higher in American culture, which emphasizes individualism, and lower in cultures with higher levels of familism. However, immigrants may experience higher levels of burden because of acculturation with attendant values, conflicts and stresses. Forty-four Korean caregivers and 32 Korean American caregivers were compared with 54 White American caregivers on sociodemographic variables, familism, burden, anxiety, and depression. Familism was highest in Korean caregivers and lowest in Whites, with Korean Americans in the middle. Koreans and Korean Americans reported higher levels of burden. Koreans showed higher levels of depression and of anxiety than White American caregivers, with Koreans and Korean Americans higher than Whites on anxiety. These results suggest a need for greater specificity in theories about familism values, with attention to the specific meaning of familism in different cultures.

The effects of nutrients on mood

A recent major theory was that a meal high in carbohydrate increased the rate that tryptophan enters the brain, leading to an increase in the level of the neurotransmitter serotonin that modulates mood. Although such a mechanism may be important under laboratory conditions it is unlikely to be of significance following the eating of any typical meal. As little as 2-4% of the calories of a meal as protein will prevent an increased availability of tryptophan. Arguably the food with the greatest impact on mood is chocolate. Those who crave chocolate tend to do so when they feel emotionally low. There have been a series of suggestions that chocolate's mood elevating properties reflect 'drug-like' constituents including anandamines, caffeine, phenylethylamine and magnesium. However, the levels of these substances are so low as to preclude such influences. As all palatable foods stimulate endorphin release in the brain this is the most likely mechanism to account for the elevation of mood. A deficiency of many vitamins is associated with psychological symptoms. In some elderly patients folate deficiency is associated with depression. In four double-blind studies an improvement in thiamine status was associated with improved mood. Iron deficiency anaemia is common, particularly in women, and is associated with apathy, depression and rapid fatigue when exercising.

The influence of a glucose drink on a demanding working memory task

A group of young adult females, who had or had not eaten breakfast, drank either a glucose drink or a placebo. Fasting was associated with poorer performance on the Brown-Petersen task, a test of memory. A glucose drink improved the memory of those who had fasted, although it did not influence those who had eaten breakfast. In those who had fasted, the glucose drink resulted in memory comparable to those who had consumed breakfast. Those with higher levels of blood glucose upon arrival in the laboratory had better memories. In those taking a glucose drink, after an initial rise, rapidly falling levels of blood glucose were associated with better memory.

Cognitive functioning is susceptible to the level of blood glucose

RATIONALE

It is traditionally assumed that under normal conditions the brain is well supplied with glucose, its basic fuel. However, given the limited stores of glucose in the brain and its dependence on a continual peripheral supply of glucose, it was considered whether the availability of glucose, and the ability to efficiently utilise glucose, affects cognitive functioning.

OBJECTIVE

There is increasing evidence that the provision of blood glucose influences memory. To date, the impact of blood glucose on non-memory task performance has received little attention. The present study investigated whether the performance of non-memory tasks was susceptible to the level of blood glucose. Two studies are reported in which the influence of a glucose containing drink on six cognitive tests was considered.

RESULTS

The consumption of a glucose containing drink resulted in faster performance on the Porteus Maze and greater Verbal Fluency. Higher levels of blood glucose on arrival at the laboratory were associated with better performance on the Water Jars test. With both the Porteus Maze and Block Design tests, after taking a glucose drink, poor performance was associated with blood glucose that remained at higher levels.

CONCLUSION

It was suggested that we should consider two physiological mechanisms, firstly, that an equilibrium develops between plasma and brain glucose, such that those with higher levels of blood glucose could be expected to have higher levels of brain glucose and secondly, whether there are individual differences in the efficiency with which glucose is taken from the blood; those with poor glucose control perform some cognitive tasks more poorly.

"Depression" increases "craving" for sweet rewards in animal and human models of depression and craving

This study consisted of two experiments, one in rats and one in human volunteers, that used the identical progressive ratio (PR) operant procedure. In both experiments, responding was reinforced under a progressively increasing work requirement, and different groups of subjects received reinforcers that varied in sweetness. In experiment 1, rats were subjected to chronic mild stress, a well-validated animal model of depression. Performance under the PR schedule increased in subjects reinforced with conventional precision pellets (which contain 10% sucrose) or very sweet pellets, but not in subjects reinforced with sugar-free pellets. In experiment 2, volunteers were subjected to a depressive musical mood induction. Performance under the PR schedule increased in subjects reinforced with chocolate buttons, but not in subjects reinforced with with buttons made from the relatively unpalatable chocolate substitute carob. In experiment 2, depressive mood induction also increased chocolate craving, as measured by a novel questionnaire, and there were significant correlations between chocolate craving and chocolate-reinforced PR performance. These results suggest that performance under the PR schedule provides a measure of craving rather than reward, and that craving for sweet rewards is increased by depressive mood induction in both animal and human models. Implications for the interpretation of pharmacological studies using the PR procedure are also discussed.

Breakfast, blood glucose, and cognition

This article compares the findings of three studies that explored the role of increased blood glucose in improving memory function for subjects who ate breakfast. An initial improvement in memory function for these subjects was found to correlate with blood glucose concentrations. In subsequent studies, morning fasting was found to adversely affect the ability to recall a word list and a story read aloud, as well as recall items while counting backwards. Failure to eat breakfast did not affect performance on an intelligence test. It was concluded that breakfast consumption preferentially influences tasks requiring aspects of memory. In the case of both word list recall and memory while counting backwards, the decline in performance associated with not eating breakfast was reversed by the consumption of a glucose-supplemented drink. Although a morning fast also affected the ability to recall a story read aloud, the glucose drink did not reverse this decline. It appears that breakfast consumption influences cognition via several mechanisms, including an increase in blood glucose.

Integrated access to genomic and other bioinformation: an essential ingredient of the drug discovery process

Due to the high rate of data production and the need of researchers to have rapid access to new data, public databases have become the major medium through which genome mapping and sequencing data as well as macromolecular structural data are published. There are now more than 250 databases of biomolecular, structural, genetic, or phenotypic data, many of which are doubling in size annually. These databases, many of which were created and are maintained by experimentalists for their own research use, provide valuable collections of organized, validated data. However, the very number and diversity of databases now make efficient data resource discovery as important as effective data resource use. Existing autonomous biological databases contain related data which are more valuable when interconnected than when isolated. Political and scientific realities dictate that these databases will be built by different teams, in different locations, for different purposes, and using different data models and supporting DBMSs. As a consequence, connecting the related data they contain is not straightforward. Experience with existing biological databases indicates that it is possible to form useful queries across these databases, but that doing so usually requires expertise in the semantic structure of each source database. Advancing to the next level of integration among biological information resources poses significant technical and sociological challenges.

Blood glucose and subjective energy following cognitive demand

Previous studies have found a small association between the level of blood glucose and subjective reports of energy in those sitting quietly. Given reports that both memory and attention are influenced by the level of blood glucose it was hypothesised that under conditions of cognitive demand there would be a stronger association between mood and blood glucose levels. In three studies, with three cognitive tasks, the Stroop Task, Rapid Information Processing Task, and a difficult test of hand-eye coordination, falling blood glucose was associated with feeling less energetic.

A comparative study of army and civilian babies in a UK garrison town

Army families in the UK have been observed to have a higher infant mortality compared with the civilian population. Little is known about the reasons for the higher mortality. We report a comparative study of the health of army and civilian babies and their families in a UK garrison town, the aim being to investigate any differences in risk factors which may have explained the differences in mortality. A total of 250 first born army and civilian babies fulfilling the selection criteria were recruited to the study. Army babies had a lower birth weight distribution and both maternal and paternal smoking rates were higher in army families. In addition, social support and in particular, contact with close family members appeared to be available to fewer army mothers. The study highlighted the needs of this population and prompted a number of local health services to work together to address the issues it raised.