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1.
Effects of Mixing Energy Drinks With Alcohol on Driving-Related Skills.
Pérez-Mañá, C, Mateus, JA, Díaz-Pellicer, P, Díaz-Baggerman, A, Pérez, M, Pujadas, M, Fonseca, F, Papaseit, E, Pujol, J, Langohr, K, et al
The international journal of neuropsychopharmacology. 2022;(1):13-25
Abstract
BACKGROUND Energy drinks (EDs) reduce sleepiness and fatigue and improve driving performance whereas alcohol does just the opposite. Although it is a trendy combination among young people, the effects of alcohol mixed with EDs on driving performance have been poorly studied. The aim was to assess if there is an interaction between the effects of both drinks on driving-related skills as well as perceptions about driving ability. METHODS We conducted a randomized, double-blind, and placebo-controlled 4-way crossover clinical trial. Participants were 16 healthy volunteers. Interventions of 60 g of ethanol and 750 mL of Red Bull (RB) were administered in 2 separated doses. Conditions were alcohol + RB placebo, alcohol + RB, alcohol placebo + RB, and both placebos. Objective performance was assessed using a tracking test and simple reaction time, N-Back, and movement estimation tasks. Additionally, willingness to drive, other subjective effects, and ethanol and caffeine blood concentrations were also measured. RESULTS Alcohol increased the time outside the road in the tracking test and increased simple reaction time, but the addition of RB had no main or interaction effects on performance. Nonetheless, driving-related skills after alcohol + RB were better than after alcohol alone. Willingness to drive increased with the combination of drinks. RB also reduced alcohol-induced sedation whereas drunkenness did not change. These effects were seen even though alcohol + RB increased alcohol (14.8%) and caffeine plasma concentrations (17.6%). CONCLUSIONS Mixing EDs with alcohol predisposes consumers to drive under alcohol influence, perhaps in part because EDs counteract its detrimental effects on driving-related skills. Clinicaltrials.gov: NCT02771587.
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Acute caffeine ingestion improves 3-km run performance, cognitive function, and psychological state of young recreational runners.
Khcharem, A, Souissi, M, Atheymen, R, Souissi, W, Sahnoun, Z
Pharmacology, biochemistry, and behavior. 2021;:173219
Abstract
The current study aimed to assess the effects of caffeine administration on performance time, cognition, psychomotor state, and blood levels of oxidative stress markers following a 3-km run competition. Thirteen recreational runners performed two test sessions in a double-blind randomized order after placebo or 3 mg/kg of body mass of caffeine. At each session, subjects completed a 3-km running competition around a 400 m outdoor athletics track. Cognitive tasks (attention and reaction time), psychological tests (Feeling scale and Hooper), and blood collection were carried out before and after the run. In comparison with placebo, caffeine ingestion enhanced the 3-km performance time by 1.1% (p < 0.001) (10.13 ± 0.69 min versus 10.25 ± 0.72 min), improved attention by 15.6% (p < 0.001) and reaction-time by 5.9% (p < 0.05), increased good-feeling by 15.7% (p < 0.01), and lowered stress-feeling by 17.6% (p < 0.01) and pain-sensation by 11.3% (p < 0.05). However, no significant effects of caffeine were observed on oxidative stress markers. Only exercise resulted in increased levels of glutathione peroxidase (GPX) (12.2%, 8.8%) (p < 0.05), reduced glutathione (GSH) (17.6%, 10.1%) (p < 0.05), superoxide dismutase (SOD) (7.6%, 6.5%) (p < 0.05) and malondialdehyde (MDA) (10.3%, 9.6%) (p < 0.05), for both the placebo and caffeine groups respectively. In conclusion, our study highlighted that the consumption of 3 mg/kg caffeine could be an improving agent for the physical, cognitive, and psychological states without affecting the oxidative stress state during such a running competition.
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3.
Sedentary time is related to deficits in response inhibition among adults with overweight and obesity: An accelerometry and event-related brain potentials study.
Pindus, DM, Edwards, CG, Walk, AM, Reeser, G, Burd, NA, Holscher, HD, Khan, NA
Psychophysiology. 2021;(8):e13843
Abstract
Excessive sedentariness has been related to poorer cognitive control in adults. Sedentariness may compound obesity-related impairments in response inhibition, but its relationship to response inhibition remains poorly understood. This study investigated the relationship between accelerometer-measured sedentary time (ST, min/day), performance on the Oddball and NoGo tasks, N2 and P3-ERP indices of response inhibition and attentional control in 80 adults with overweight and obesity (55 females, Mage = 35.2 ± 5.8 years, BMI = 32.8 ± 5.3 kg/m2 ). ST was not related to performance on the Oddball task. However, more sedentary adults had larger P3b amplitude to targets. Higher ST was also related to increased attentional resource allocation during NoGo target and nontarget trials as indicated by higher P3b amplitudes across centroparietal sites (C1, Cz, C2, CP1, CPz, CP2; ps ≤ .03). ST was negatively indirectly related to target accuracy on NoGo trials through its association with faster response times to nontargets (95% percentile bootstrap CI for a standardized effect: -0.182, -0.014). ST was not related to N2 amplitude on either Oddball or NoGo target trials. Adjustment for moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA; all models), age (models with P3b NoGo target amplitude, N2 NoGo target amplitude and latency), and % fat mass (models with target NoGo accuracy and N2 NoGo target amplitude) did not modulate behavioral findings. MVPA did not significantly predict P3b amplitude. Our results suggest suboptimal response inhibition due to trading accuracy for speed and despite the upregulation of attentional resources among more sedentary adults with overweight and obesity.
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4.
The impact of exercise intensity on neurophysiological indices of food-related inhibitory control and cognitive control: A randomized crossover event-related potential (ERP) study.
Bailey, BW, Muir, AM, Bartholomew, CL, Christensen, WF, Carbine, KA, Marsh, H, LaCouture, H, McCutcheon, C, Larson, MJ
NeuroImage. 2021;:118162
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Abstract
Food-related inhibitory control, the ability to withhold a dominant response towards highly palatable foods, influences dietary decisions. Food-related inhibitory control abilities may increase following a bout of aerobic exercise; however, the impact of exercise intensity on both food-related inhibitory control and broader cognitive control processes is currently unclear. We used a high-powered, within-subjects, crossover design to test how relative intensity of aerobic exercise influenced behavioral (response time, accuracy) and neural (N2 and P3 components of the scalp-recorded event-related potential [ERP]) measures of food-related inhibitory and cognitive control. Two hundred and ten participants completed three separate conditions separated by approximately one week in randomized order: two exercise conditions (35% VO2max or 70% VO2max) and seated rest. Directly following exercise or rest, participants completed a food-based go/no-go task and a flanker task while electroencephalogram data were recorded. Linear mixed models showed generally faster response times (RT) and improved accuracy following 70% VO2max exercise compared to rest, but not 35% VO2max; RTs and accuracy did not differ between 35% VO2max exercise and rest conditions. N2 and P3 amplitudes were larger following 70% VO2max exercise for the food-based go/no-go task compared to rest and 35% VO2max exercise. There were no differences between exercise conditions for N2 amplitude during the flanker task; however, P3 amplitude was more positive following 70% VO2max compared to rest, but not 35% VO2max exercise. Biological sex did not moderate exercise outcomes. Results suggest improved and more efficient food-related recruitment of later inhibitory control and cognitive control processes following 70% VO2max exercise.
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Dose-Response of Paraxanthine on Cognitive Function: A Double Blind, Placebo Controlled, Crossover Trial.
Xing, D, Yoo, C, Gonzalez, D, Jenkins, V, Nottingham, K, Dickerson, B, Leonard, M, Ko, J, Faries, M, Kephart, W, et al
Nutrients. 2021;(12)
Abstract
UNLABELLED Paraxanthine (PXN) is a metabolite of caffeine that has recently been reported to enhance cognition at a dose of 200 mg. OBJECTIVE To determine the acute and short-term (7-day) effects of varying doses of PXN on cognitive function and side effects. METHODS In a double blind, placebo-controlled, crossover, and counterbalanced manner, 12 healthy male and female volunteers (22.7 ± 4 years, 165 ± 7 cm, 66.5 ± 11 kg, 24.4 ± 3 kg/m2) ingested 200 mg of a placebo (PLA), 50 mg of PXN (ENFINITY™, Ingenious Ingredients, L.P.) + 150 mg PLA, 100 mg PXN + 100 mg PLA, or 200 mg of PXN. With each treatment experiment, participants completed side effect questionnaires and donated a fasting blood sample. Participants then performed a series of tests assessing cognition, executive function, memory, and reaction time. Participants then ingested one capsule of PLA or PXN treatments. Participants then completed side effects and cognitive function tests after 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 h of treatment ingestion. Participants continued ingesting one dose of the assigned treatment daily for 6-days and returned to the lab on day 7 to donate a fasting blood sample, assess side effects, and perform cognitive function tests. Participants repeated the experiment while ingesting remaining treatments in a counterbalanced manner after at least a 7-day washout period until all treatments were assessed. RESULTS The Sternberg Task Test (STT) 4-Letter Length Present Reaction Time tended to differ among groups (p = 0.06). Assessment of mean changes from baseline with 95% CI's revealed several significant differences among treatments in Berg-Wisconsin Card Sorting Correct Responses, Preservative Errors (PEBL), and Preservative Errors (PAR Rules). There was also evidence of significant differences among treatments in the Go/No-Go Task tests in Mean Accuracy as well as several time points of increasing complexity among STT variables. Finally, there was evidence from Psychomotor Vigilance Task Test assessment that response time improved over the series of 20 trials assessed as well as during the 6-h experiment in the PXN treatment. Acute and short-term benefits compared to PLA were seen with each dose studied but more consistent effects appeared to be at 100 mg and 200 mg doses. No significant differences were observed among treatments in clinical chemistry panels or the frequency or severity of reported side effects. Results provide evidence that acute ingestion of 100 mg and 200 mg of PXN may affect some measures of cognition, memory, reasoning, and response time as well as help sustain attention. Additionally, that acute and daily ingestion of PXN for 7 days is not associated with any clinically significant side effects. CONCLUSIONS PXN may serve as an effective nootropic agent at doses as low as 50 mg.
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Cerebrovascular function response to prolonged sitting combined with a high-glycemic index meal: A double-blind, randomized cross-over trial.
Burnet, K, Blackwell, J, Kelsch, E, Hanson, ED, Stone, K, Fryer, S, Credeur, D, Palta, P, Stoner, L
Psychophysiology. 2021;(8):e13830
Abstract
Acute prolonged sitting leads to cerebrovascular disruptions. However, it is unclear how prolonged sitting interacts with other common behaviors, including high- (HGI) and low-glycemic index (LGI) meals. Using a double-blind randomized cross-over design, this study evaluated the effects of prolonged (3 hr) sitting, with a high- (HGI; GI: 100) or low-glycemic index (LGI; GI: 19) meal on total brain blood flow (QBrain ) and executive function. Eighteen young, healthy, active participants (22.6 [3.1] y, 33% F, 24.3 [3.7] kg/m2 ) sat for 3 hr after consuming an HGI or LGI meal. Using Doppler ultrasound to measure internal carotid (ICA) and vertebral (VA) artery blood flow, QBrain was calculated: (ICA blood flow + VA blood flow) × 2. Executive function was assessed using the Stroop Test and Trail Making Test-Part B. Brain fog was measured using a modified Borg Category Scale with Ratio properties (CR10). Following 3 hr of sitting, there was a significant decrease in QBrain with time (p = .001, ES = -0.26), though there were nonsignificant interaction (p = .216) and condition effects (p = .174). Brain fog increased (p = .024, ES = 0.27) and Stroop reaction time worsened with time (p = .001, ES: -0.40), though there were nonsignificant condition effects for brain fog (p = .612) and the Stroop test (p = .445). There was a nonsignificant condition effect (p = .729) for the Trail Making Test-Part B, but completion time improved with time (p = .001, ES = -0.40). In conclusion, 3 hr of prolonged sitting decreases QBrain and executive function independent of glycemic index in young, healthy adults.
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Thyroid hormone and folinic acid in young children with Down syndrome: the phase 3 ACTHYF trial.
Mircher, C, Sacco, S, Bouis, C, Gallard, J, Pichot, A, Le Galloudec, E, Cieuta, C, Marey, I, Greiner-Mahler, O, Dorison, N, et al
Genetics in medicine : official journal of the American College of Medical Genetics. 2020;(1):44-52
Abstract
PURPOSE To determine whether folinic acid (FA) and thyroxine, in combination or alone, benefit psychomotor development in young patients with Down syndrome (DS). METHODS The Assessment of Systematic Treatment With Folinic Acid and Thyroid Hormone on Psychomotor Development of Down Syndrome Young Children (ACTHYF) was a single-center, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 3 trial in DS infants aged 6-18 months. Patients were randomly assigned to one of four treatments: placebo, folinic acid (FA), L-thyroxine, or FA+L-thyroxine, administered for 12 months. Randomization was done by age and sex. The primary endpoint was adjusted change from baseline in Griffiths Mental Development Scale global development quotient (GDQ) after 12 months. RESULTS Of 175 patients randomized, 143 completed the study. The modified intention-to-treat (mITT) population included all randomized patients who did not prematurely discontinue due to elevated baseline thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH). Baseline characteristics in the mITT were well balanced between groups, with reliable developmental assessment outcomes. Adjusted mean change in GDQ in the mITT showed similar decreases in all groups (placebo: -5.10 [95% confidence interval (CI) -7.84 to -2.37]; FA: -4.69 [95% CI -7.73 to -1.64]; L-thyroxine: -3.89 [95% CI -6.94 to -0.83]; FA+L-thyroxine: -3.86 [95% CI -6.67 to -1.06]), with no significant difference for any active treatment group versus placebo. CONCLUSION This trial does not support the hypotheses that thyroxine and/or folinic acid improve development of young children with DS or are synergistic. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT01576705.
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Effects of 12-week avocado consumption on cognitive function among adults with overweight and obesity.
Edwards, CG, Walk, AM, Thompson, SV, Reeser, GE, Erdman, JW, Burd, NA, Holscher, HD, Khan, NA
International journal of psychophysiology : official journal of the International Organization of Psychophysiology. 2020;:13-24
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Excess adiposity increases risk for cognitive impairment. Consumption of avocado, a highly bioavailable source of the xanthophyll lutein, has been shown to improve retinal lutein accumulation and cognitive function. Thus, we evaluated the influence of avocado consumption on cognitive function and lutein status among adults with overweight and obesity using a randomized-controlled trial with matching design for pertinent study outcomes. METHODS A cohort of 84 adults (25-45 years, 31 males) were randomized to a treatment group (N = 47) that received a 12-week daily meal with fresh Hass avocado or a control group (N = 37) that received an isocaloric meal (clinicaltrials.gov, NCT02740439). Serum lutein and macular pigment optical density (MPOD) were used to assess xanthophyll status. Attention and inhibition were assessed using the Flanker, Oddball and Nogo tasks with accompanying electroencephalographic (EEG) recording. RESULTS Participants in the treatment group exhibited improvements in serum lutein and accuracy in the Flanker task. However, there were no relationships between performance and changes in lutein status, nor neuroelectric variables. No significant changes in MPOD were observed. CONCLUSION Daily avocado intake over 12 weeks, after controlling for covariates, improved attentional inhibition and increased serum lutein concentrations among adults with overweight and obesity. However, the cognitive benefits were independent of changes in lutein concentrations. Additional work is necessary to determine non-carotenoid, or carotenoid interactive, mechanisms by which avocados may influence cognitive function.
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An Exploratory Double-Blind Study of Caffeine Effects on Performance and Perceived Exertion in Judo.
Saldanha da Silva Athayde, M, Kons, RL, Detanico, D
Perceptual and motor skills. 2019;(3):515-529
Abstract
This study analyzed the effects of caffeine ingestion during judo matches on judo athletes' match-derived performance and perceived exertion responses. We applied a double-blind randomized crossover (caffeine vs. placebo conditions) research design. Twelve male athletes performed three 5-minute matches separated by 15 minutes of passive rest. Immediately after each match, the athletes completed ratings of perceived exertion (RPEs), and one minute before beginning the second and third matches, they provided ratings of perceived recovery (RPRs). We filmed all matches for subsequent analysis of the athletes' technical skills. We found no interaction between condition and time of RPE, RPR, and match-derived technical variables, but number of attacks and RPR decreased over the matches, and RPE increased in both conditions. Three participants showed individual positive responses to caffeine ingestion for number of attacks. Attacks, efficiency, and effectiveness presented low sensitivity in both conditions, as only large changes could be identified. We conclude that caffeine ingestion did not provoke changes in either perceived exertion or match-derived performance. Match-derived technical variables were not sensitive for detecting small or medium effects of caffeine, but perceived exertion may detect at least medium effect after caffeine ingestion.
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The Effect of Citicoline Supplementation on Motor Speed and Attention in Adolescent Males.
McGlade, E, Agoston, AM, DiMuzio, J, Kizaki, M, Nakazaki, E, Kamiya, T, Yurgelun-Todd, D
Journal of attention disorders. 2019;(2):121-134
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study assessed the effects of citicoline, a nutraceutical, on attention, psychomotor function, and impulsivity in healthy adolescent males. METHOD Seventy-five healthy adolescent males were randomly assigned to either the citicoline group ( n = 51 with 250 or 500 mg citicoline) or placebo ( n = 24). Participants completed the Ruff 2&7 Selective Attention Test, Finger Tap Test, and the Computerized Performance Test, Second Edition (CPT-II) at baseline and after 28 days of supplementation. RESULTS Individuals receiving citicoline exhibited improved attention ( p = 0.02) and increased psychomotor speed ( p = 0.03) compared with those receiving placebo. Higher weight-adjusted dose significantly predicted increased accuracy on an attention task ( p = 0.01), improved signal detectability on a computerized attention task ( p = 0.03), and decreased impulsivity ( p = 0.01). DISCUSSION Adolescent males receiving 28 days of Cognizin® citicoline showed improved attention and psychomotor speed and reduced impulsivity compared to adolescent males who received placebo.