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Biomedical subjects

Bruce A Goldberger

Publications and source records attributed to Bruce A Goldberger.

10 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

Diminished nicotine withdrawal in adolescent rats: implications for vulnerability to addiction.

RATIONALE: Enhanced reinforcing effects of nicotine during adolescence appear to contribute to the rapid development of dependence in this age group. However, the contribution of nicotine withdrawal to dependence in adolescents is unclear. OBJECTIVE: We compared motivational and somatic signs of nicotine withdrawal in adolescent and adult rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In experiment 1, motivational signs of nicotine withdrawal were compared using intracranial self-stimulation procedures after administration of mecamylamine (1.5 mg/kg, i.p.) in adolescent and adult rats made dependent on nicotine (9 mg/kg/day). Somatic signs of withdrawal were compared in two experiments using various doses of nicotine (adolescent doses: 0, 1.6, 3.2, 4.7 mg/kg/day; adult doses: 0, 1, 2.1, 3.2 mg/kg/day, expressed as nicotine base) to produce dependence and one dose of mecamylamine (1.5 mg/kg, i.p.) to precipitate withdrawal (experiment 2) and in a subsequent experiment, using various doses of mecamylamine (0, 0.75, 1.5, 3.0 mg/kg, i.p.) to precipitate withdrawal and a dose of nicotine (adolescent dose: 4.7 mg/kg/day; adult dose: 3.2 mg/kg/day) that produced equivalent nicotine blood levels in these age groups (experiment 3). RESULTS: Adolescents did not display the decreases in brain reward function observed in adults experiencing withdrawal, and displayed fewer somatic signs of nicotine withdrawal relative to adults regardless of the dosing procedure used. CONCLUSION: The negative effects of nicotine withdrawal are lower during adolescence relative to later periods of development. Both the enhanced rewarding effects and the diminished nicotine withdrawal likely contribute to the rapid development of nicotine use during adolescence.

Age Factors↗
PubMed2006

Second-hand exposure to aerosolized intravenous anesthetics propofol and fentanyl may cause sensitization and subsequent opiate addiction among anesthesiologists and surgeons.

We hypothesize that aerosolization of anesthetics administered intravenously to patients in the operating room may be an unintended source of exposure to physicians. This may lead to inadvertent sensitization, which is associated with an increased risk for developing addiction. This may contribute to the over-representation of certain specialties among physicians with addiction. We retrospectively reviewed the de-identified demographic information of all licensed physicians treated for substance abuse in the State of Florida since 1980, to determine if medical specialty was associated with addiction in this group of individuals. Then, to identify the potential for exposure, two mass spectrometry assays were developed to detect two intravenously administered drugs, fentanyl and propofol, in air. Since 1980, 7.6% of licensed Florida physicians underwent treatment for addiction. Addiction in anesthesiologists was higher than expected. Opiate abuse was greater in anesthesiologists and surgeons compared to other specialties. Aerosolized fentanyl was detected in the air of the cardiothoracic operating room, in patients' expiratory circuits, and in the headspace above sharps boxes, but not in adjoining hallways. Aerosolized propofol was detected in the expirations of a patient undergoing transurethral prostatectomy. While access and stress may place anesthesiologists and surgeons at greater risk for substance abuse, an additional risk factor may be unintended occupational exposure to addictive drugs. This report provides preliminary evidence of detection of aerosolized intravenous anesthetics using two newly developed analytical methods. We conclude that the potential exists for chronic exposure to low levels of airborne intravenously administered drugs. Further studies are under way to determine the significance of this exposure.

Aerosols↗
PubMed2006

Caffeine content of energy drinks, carbonated sodas, and other beverages.

The caffeine content of 10 energy drinks, 19 carbonated sodas, and 7 other beverages was determined. In addition, the variability of the caffeine content of Coca-Cola fountain soda was evaluated. Caffeine was isolated from the samples by liquid-liquid extraction and analyzed by gas chromatography with nitrogen-phosphorus detection. The caffeine concentration of the caffeinated energy drinks ranged from none detected to 141.1 mg/serving. The caffeine content of the carbonated sodas ranged from none detected to 48.2 mg/serving, and the content of the other beverages ranged from < 2.7 to 105.7 mg/serving. The intra-assay mean, standard deviation, and % coefficient of variation for the Coca-Cola fountain samples were 44.5, 2.95, and 6.64 mg/serving, respectively.

Caffeine↗
PubMed2006

Caffeine content of decaffeinated coffee.

Caffeine is the most widely consumed drug in the world with coffee representing a major source of intake. Despite widespread availability, various medical conditions necessitate caffeine-restricted diets. Patients on certain prescription medications are advised to discontinue caffeine intake. Such admonition has implications for certain psychiatric patients because of pharmacokinetic interactions between caffeine and certain anti-anxiety drugs. In an effort to abstain from caffeine, patients may substitute decaffeinated for caffeinated coffee. However, decaffeinated beverages are known to contain caffeine in varying amounts. The present study determined the caffeine content in a variety of decaffeinated coffee drinks. In phase 1 of the study, 10 decaffeinated samples were collected from different coffee establishments. In phase 2 of the study, Starbucks espresso decaffeinated (N=6) and Starbucks brewed decaffeinated coffee (N=6) samples were collected from the same outlet to evaluate variability of caffeine content of the same drink. The 10 decaffeinated coffee samples from different outlets contained caffeine in the range of 0-13.9 mg/16-oz serving. The caffeine content for the Starbucks espresso and the Starbucks brewed samples collected from the same outlet were 3.0-15.8 mg/shot and 12.0-13.4 mg/16-oz serving, respectively. Patients vulnerable to caffeine effects should be advised that caffeine may be present in coffees purported to be decaffeinated. Further research is warranted on the potential deleterious effects of consumption of "decaffeinated" coffee that contains caffeine on caffeine-restricted patients. Additionally, further exploration is merited for the possible physical dependence potential of low doses of caffeine such as those concentrations found in decaffeinated coffee.

Caffeine↗
PubMed2005

Fatal case of BOTOX-related anaphylaxis?

Anaphylactic drug reactions are rare and often serious events. The Botulinum toxin A, marketed as BOTOX, was recently approved by the Food and Drug Administration for cervical dystonia and glabellar wrinkles, after its approved use and success with blepharospasm, strabismus, and disorders of the 7th cranial nerve. It has been well received due to its efficacy in improving facial lines. This case report documents the first death associated with a Botox-lidocaine mixture given to a woman for chronic neck and back pain. Based on the medical records, autopsy, and laboratory findings, the cause of death was determined to be anaphylaxis to the Botox-lidocaine mixture. The history, indications, off-label uses and possible future applications of Botox are reviewed as well as the uses and complications of lidocaine. Although the anaphylaxis cannot be definitively proven to be due to Botox alone, this case warns of an adverse reaction related to Botox, a drug that is rapidly expanding in range of use as well as increased usage.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

Effects of sustained gamma-hydroxybutyrate treatments on spontaneous and evoked firing activity of locus coeruleus norepinephrine neurons.

BACKGROUND: Gamma-hydroxybutyrate is currently used to promote nighttime sleep in the treatment of narcolepsy; however, it is also a drug of abuse ("Liquid Ecstasy") associated with a withdrawal syndrome with anxiety features. Of interest, the activity of locus coeruleus neurons is a reflective index of these above mentioned behavioral states. METHODS: Using in vivo extracellular unitary recordings, sustained administration of gamma-hydroxybutyrate (40 mg/kg/day via minipump implanted subcutaneously) on the spontaneous and sensory-evoked burst firing of locus coeruleus norepinephrine neurons was assessed in rats. RESULTS: A 2-day and 10-day gamma-hydroxybutyrate administration decreased the spontaneous firing activity of locus coeruleus neurons by 52% and 54%, respectively, when compared with controls. A similar degree of attenuation on evoked burst firing of norepinephrine neurons also occurred in these rats (2-day gamma-hydroxybutyrate: 47% and 10-day gamma-hydroxybutyrate: 58%), when compared with controls. In contrast, rats treated with gamma-hydroxybutyrate for 10 days followed by removal of the minipump for 36 hours resulted in a 33% augmentation in spontaneous locus coeruleus activity as compared with controls. Furthermore, a robust 79% increase in burst firing in response to paw-pinch was exhibited in theses rats. CONCLUSIONS: Chronic gamma-hydroxybutyrate treatment inhibits the spontaneous and sensory-evoked burst firing of locus coeruleus norepinephrine neurons, whereas these indices are enhanced during drug withdrawal. The alteration in norepinephrine activity during chronic gamma-hydroxybutyrate administration may contribute to the ability of this agent to induce sleep and regulate narcoleptic episodes. Enhanced norepinephrine activity during withdrawal may be related to symptoms of anxiety on rapid termination of this drug in abusers.

Anesthetics, Intravenous↗
PubMed2003

Caffeine content of specialty coffees.

Caffeine is the world's most widely consumed drug with its main source found in coffee. We evaluated the caffeine content of caffeinated and decaffeinated specialty coffee samples obtained from coffee shops. Caffeine was isolated from the coffee by liquid-liquid extraction and analyzed by gas chromatography with nitrogen-phosphorus detection. In this study, the coffees sold as decaffeinated were found to have caffeine concentrations less than 17.7 mg/dose. There was a wide range in caffeine content present in caffeinated coffees ranging from 58 to 259 mg/dose. The mean (SD) caffeine content of the brewed specialty coffees was 188 (36) mg for a 16-oz cup. Another notable find is the wide range of caffeine concentrations (259-564 mg/dose) in the same coffee beverage obtained from the same outlet on six consecutive days.

Caffeine↗
PubMed2003

Putting an Ecstasy test kit to the test: harm reduction or harm induction?

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the DanceSafe Complete Adulterant Screening Kit for Ecstasy with regard to its accuracy in identifying 3,4-methylenedioxymeth-amphetamine (MDMA) and methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDA) derivatives and its ability to detect certain contaminants. METHODS: In part 1, 39 street-grade tablets purported to be MDMA were tested with the Marquis, Mecke, and Simon's reagents provided by the DanceSafe testing kit. The tablets then were submitted to gas chromatography-mass spectrometry for identification of active ingredients. In part II, seven known drugs of abuse were tested with the Marquis, Mecke, and Simon's reagents. These drugs were codeine, dextromethorphan, dihydrocodeine, ketamine, MDMA, morphine, and d-norpropoxyphene. RESULTS: The Marquis, Mecke, and Simon's reagents did not differentiate pure MDMA from adulterated forms. They lacked both sensitivity and specificity for the purpose of MDMA identification when tested by persons unfamiliar with these reagents. Also, experienced toxicologists using this unfamiliar procedure generated false-positive results. CONCLUSIONS: Neither the Marquis, Mecke, nor Simon's reagents should be used by the public for harm reduction purposes. These agents do not help identify pure MDMA tablets. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry remains the most sensitive and specific testing method for identifying MDMA and its contaminants.

3,4-Methylenedioxyamphetamine↗
PubMed2002

Forensic toxicology: web resources.

Forensic toxicology is the study and practice of the application of toxicology to the purposes of the law. The internet provides abundant web-sites and resources for the practicing forensic toxicologist and those interested in the field of forensic toxicology. This review includes a description of web-sites, databases of toxicological and analytical data, and web-based journals, forums and mailing lists.

Databases as Topic↗