The Effect of Air Pollution and Temperature on Pulmonary Function in Healthy People in Xi’an, China

Background Temperature and air pollution has been reported to be associated with respiratory diseases. However, little is known about these effects on healthy people, and the potential interaction between the two factors is still uncertain. This study aims to estimate the effects of air pollution combined with temperature on lung function in healthy people. Methods The lung function of 132 healthy people was measured in Xi’an, Shaanxi province of Northwest China in summer and winter. Meanwhile, the daily concentrations of air pollution and temperature were obtained from monitoring stations. Statistical analyses were assessed by generalized estimating equations (GEEs). Results Every 10μg/m 3 increase of PM 2.5 concentration, PEF change amount is -0.007L/min (95% CI: -0.013, -0.001 L/min), FEV1 is -0.004 (95% CI: -0.006, -0.001 L/min),FEF25-75% is -0.002(95% CI: -0.003, -0.001 L/min) FEV1/FVC change amount is -0.074 L/min (95% CI: -0.115, -0.033 L/min). Lag effects showed that Lag0 of FEV1, FEV1/FVC and FEF25-75% were more strongly associated with PM2.5. There was no significant interaction between PM 2.5 and temperature. Conclusions Our findings indicate that PM 2.5 has an acute adverse effect on lung function in winter, and the lung function is less affected by temperature change in Xi’an.

Caffeine alters the behavioural and body temperature responses to mephedrone without causing long-term neurotoxicity in rats

Administration of caffeine with 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) alters the pharmacological properties of MDMA in rats. The current study examined whether caffeine alters the behavioural and neurochemical effects of mephedrone, which has similar psychoactive effects to MDMA. Rats received either saline, mephedrone (10 mg/kg), caffeine (10 mg/kg) or combined caffeine and mephedrone intraperitoneally twice weekly on consecutive days for three weeks. Locomotor activity (days 1 and 16), novel object discrimination (NOD, day 2), elevated plus maze (EPM) exploration (day 8), rectal temperature changes (day 9) and pre-pulse inhibition (PPI) of acoustic startle response (day 15) were assessed. Seven days after the final injection, brain regions were collected for the measurement of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), dopamine and their metabolites. Combined caffeine and mephedrone further enhanced the locomotor response observed following either drug administered alone, and converted mephedrone-induced hypothermia to hyperthermia. Co-administration also abolished mephedrone-induced anxiogenic response on the EPM, but had no effect on NOD or PPI. Importantly, no long-term neurotoxicity was detected following repeated mephedrone alone or when co-administered with caffeine. In conclusion, the study suggests a potentially dangerous effect of concomitant caffeine and mephedrone, and highlights the importance of taking polydrug use into consideration when investigating the acute adverse effect profile of popular recreational drugs.

Sertraline induced acute mandibular dystonia

ABSTRACTSpecific serotonin reuptake inhibitors have been linked with the occurrence of drug-induced parkinsonism, dystonia, dyskinesia, and akathisia. Here, we describe a patient with a diagnosis of emotionally unstable personality disorder and depression who developed severe mandibular dystonia with sertraline in the absence of concurrent prescription of medications, which have potential action on the dopaminergic system. This case highlights the need for clinicians to be aware of this alarming acute adverse effect with sertraline, which is conventionally considered to be well-tolerated and safe.