The relationship between oxidative stress and anxiety in a healthy older population

Background/study context: F-2-Isoprostanes are putative markers of oxidative stress, one of the processes associated with biological senescence. Evidence exists for elevated F-2-Isoprostanes in chronic conditions including psychiatric disorders. Few studies have examined the relationship between oxidative stress and mood in older healthy samples, to establish the influence on mental health. Given current aging demographics in many nations, management of brain and mental health is crucial for longevity, chronic disease management, and quality of life. Method: We investigated the relationship between F-2-Isoprostanes, a marker for oxidative stress, and anxiety and mood in 262 healthy adults aged 60-75 years, using baseline data from the Australian Research Council Longevity Intervention (ARCLI; ANZCTR12611000487910), a 12-month nutraceutical intervention study. Results: Higher F2 levels significantly predicted increased Depression-dejection and Anger-hostility subscale scores from the Profile of Mood States (POMS). Fatigue-inertia subscale was predicted by increased Body Mass Index. Spielberger State-Trait Inventory (STAI) scores were significantly higher in females. Conclusion: While the primary outcome data did not find a definitive relationship between F2 and total mood or general anxiety levels, the sub-scale data adds weight toward growing literature that biological processes such as oxidative stress are in part related to mood. This is a modifiable risk factor contributing to physical and mental wellbeing that are crucial to healthy aging

Total Factor Productivity Growth in Indonesian Manufacturing: A Stochastic Frontier Approach

This paper examines the patterns of total factor productivity (TFP) growth and technical efficiency changes in Indonesia's manufacturing industries over the period 1988-2000. A stochastic frontier production has been employed to decompose the sources of TFP growth into technical progress, technical efficiency change and the effects of scale economies. The analysis takes into consideration the impact of the economic crisis in 1997.Indonesian manufacturing, total factor productivity, stochastic frontier analysis, technical efficiency,