334 research outputs found
The significance of CYP1A2 genotype on caffeine metabolism and exercise performance : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Human Nutrition at Massey University, Manawatu, New Zealand
Objective: The objective of this study was to investigate whether a single
nucleotide polymorphism (C to A transversion at position -163 downstream of
the first transcribed nucleotide) in the enzyme that metabolizes caffeine
(CYP1A2), would explain the variability seen in caffeine related responses in
endurance exercise performance. In a double blind crossover trial, well
trained male endurance athletes (n=11, mean VO2 max 69±4 mL.kg-1.min-1)
ingested either caffeine (5 mg.kg-1) or a placebo 60 minutes prior to
performing a lab based experimental protocol involving a two hour steady
state cycle (70% VO2 max) followed by a 30 minute time trial to measure
performance. The rate of caffeine metabolism over seven hours (inclusive of
exercise period) was also determined by the HPLC analysis of plasma
caffeine and its major metabolites, paraxanthine, theophylline and
theobromine. Caffeine metabolism at rest over a similar seven hour period
was also determined in the same manner.
Results: Caffeine improved endurance performance by 7.1% (p=0.037)
compared to a placebo. Caffeine also significantly elevated heart rate during
the time trial (p=0.003); and RPE (p=0.010) and VO2 (p=0.047) during steady
state exercise. There was no correlation between caffeine or paraxanthine
concentrations at the start of the time trial and subsequent performance and
the rate of caffeine metabolism was not significantly different between resting
or exercising trials. Furthermore there was no significant interaction between
caffeine treatment and CYP1A2 genotype on performance or any other
variables measured. However there was a trend for carriers of the C allele
showing faster metabolism than those homozygous A/A (p=0.097).
Conclusions: Caffeine is ergogenic during endurance exercise, however
individual responses were variable. In this study this variability could not be
explained by CYP1A2 genotype. However the small sample size in this
study especially when subjects were divided into genotype groups, makes
drawing conclusions difficult
A National Assessment of the Newborn Screening Workforce for Metabolic Conditions, Phase Two Report
Patient Satisfaction and Ultrasound Use During Pregnancy
Use, number, and frequency of ultrasounds women receive during pregnancy vary widely in practice. Current evidence suggests that women presenting with pregnancy complications benefit from additional ultrasounds, although excessive ultrasound use in low risk pregnancies may be unnecessary, costly and potentially harmful. However, evidence also finds that the use of ultrasound technology is associated with mothersâ feelings of security and satisfaction with care; health care organizations are incentivized to promote these feelings of patient satisfaction, especially when clinical risk is considered low. Here, we examine the impact of ultrasound use on satisfaction during pregnancy among women in the Northeast who have recently given birth through an online retrospective survey. Contrary to expectations, findings suggest that ultrasound use is not a significant driver of satisfaction with pregnancyrelated care. Efforts to enhance patient satisfaction during pregnancy using ultrasounds may increase resource use and cost, but do little to enhance patient experience overal
Layers
In my paintings and mixed media works, I incorporate rough textures and vibrant, high contrast colors. I find beauty and intrigue in the gnarled roots of a tree; the crumbling plaster on a wall; and the wrinkled, roughened hands of my grandmother. To explore these types of surfaces, the materials are distorted by twisting, ripping, and pulling the pieces apart. For instance, canvas is layered and stitched together in an uneven manner with knots and lumps added to the distressed surface. I view these distorted, strained surfaces as different forces in my life that push or pull me in varied directions. This metaphor helps me to express myself through formal elements. I approach my compositions gesturally and intuitively by letting them evolve during my process. As a compositional device, I sometimes use a gridded infrastructure or multi-piece presentation. This underlying framework allows me to organize my presentation as I apply marks and manipulate surfaces. I use complementary color palettes that are bright and vibrant. These palettes have a virile quality that emanates a strong sense of purpose and commands attention from the viewer
Social Media Advertising: Factors Influencing Consumer Ad Avoidance
Social media has become a key field for expansion of advertising. However, despite the enthusiasm of both advertisers and technology providers, intense advertising on social media may result in companiesâ messages being lost amongst the ânoiseâ. This has led advertisers to create more daring adverts in order to stand out. However, such âcontroversialâ adverts may, subsequently, turn consumers off, leading consumers to avoid ads. This study examines potential factors influencing consumersâ decisions to avoid controversial ads on social media. Using data on social media usage from 273 consumers, a conceptual model of social media ad avoidance antecedents was tested via structural equation modelling. The results show that perceptions of adverts as controversial result in ad avoidance, but this effect is moderated by individual factors, such as ethical judgement. These results reveal noteworthy insights that have significant theoretical and practical implications for researchers in the area, and social media marketers alike
An Integrated Review of Developmental Outcomes and LateâPreterm Birth
Objective: To evaluate existing evidence on longâterm developmental outcomes of lateâpreterm infants (LPI; infants born 34â36 6/7 weeks gestation). Data Sources: Computerized bibliographic databases and hand search for English language articles published between January 1995 and November 2010 yielded 817 articles. Study Selection: Twelve studies (10 cohort and two crossâsectional) were identified that defined lateâpreterm (LP) birth as 34 to 36 6/7 weeks gestation and addressed growth and neurodevelopmental outcomes in LPI. Data Extraction: Using a modified Downs and Black scale for assessing the quality of experimental and observational studies, two reviewers who were blind to each other's ratings assessed study quality. Ratings ranged from 12.5 to 14 with moderate to very good interrater agreement. Kappa (Îș) values were 0.83 (reporting), 0.63 (external validity), 0.73 (internal validity), and 0.83 (design) for the four subscales and 0.56 for the whole scale, with no major systematic disagreements between reviewers. Data Synthesis: Studies were divided into five categories to include the following developmental outcomes: neurodevelopment, behavioral, cognitive, growth, and function. Using the Metaâanalysis of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (MOOSE) guidelines, synthesis of the findings is provided as an integrative review. Conclusion: Significant variations in study populations, methodology, and definition of LP exist. Due to paucity and heterogeneity of the existing data especially in infants born 34 to 36 6/7 weeks, there is no clear characterization of the longâterm risks, and future research is needed.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/86856/1/j.1552-6909.2011.01270.x.pd
Understanding Ethical Luxury Consumption Through Practice Theories: A Study of Fine Jewellery Purchases
This paper builds on existing research investigating CSR and ethical consumption within luxury contexts, and makes several contributions to the literature. First, it addresses existing knowledge gaps by exploring the ways in which consumers perform ethical luxury purchases of fine jewellery through interpretive research. Second, the paper is the first to examine such issues of consumer ethics by extending the application of theories of practice to a luxury product context, and by building on Magauddaâs (J Consum Cult 11(1):15â36, 2011) circuit of practice framework. This is significant in that, to date, consumer research using practice theories has focused mainly on routine and habitual practices. Our findings and discussion provide an analysis of intentional and less intentional ethical consumer performances within the interconnected nexus of activities of consumersâ fine jewellery consumption practice, where meanings, understandings and intelligibility of social phenomena are worked through the various activities that shape such a practice. Finally, the paper concludes with significant managerial and policy-related implications, as our extended circuit of practice analysis conveys that if ethics and sustainability dimensions are to be embedded in fine jewellery consumption practice, they must first be made an intrinsic part of the nexus of the social and material environment of trading and consumption places
Exploring how social workers experience and cope with public perception of their profession
The public's perception of the social work profession is a rarely considered perspective and yet a topic that is a concern to front line professionals. This paper explores how social workers experience and attempt to cope with public perception of their profession. It highlights the impact of these concerns on social workers' personal experiences and professional practice. Using semi-structured interviews with sixteen UK social workers, from local authorities and private organisations, we explore the experiences of this group. Thematic analysis of the data identified four concerns: the experience of public perception, drivers of public perception, coping with public perception, and mechanisms to raise the professions profile. Examining public perception through the eyes of social workers provides valuable insights into the lived experiences of these professionals, and offers practical implications at both the micro and macro levels. It reveals two key ways in which the profession can begin to address the prevailing negative perception considered to be emanating from the public: through developing a more co-operative relationship with external sources of public perception (e.g. government and the media) and by engaging in more pro-active self-promotion of the service
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