Cecile Marczinski | Northern Kentucky University (original) (raw)

Papers by Cecile Marczinski

Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research, Aug 16, 2011

Background-This commentary discusses the paper by Rossheim and Thombs (2011), which examined the ... more Background-This commentary discusses the paper by Rossheim and Thombs (2011), which examined the relationship between type of alcohol mixer (regular caffeinated cola, diet caffeinated cola, energy drink or no mixer) and breath alcohol readings in bar patrons. Methods-The significance of the findings of this study and new unaddressed questions for the field are discussed. Results-Rossheim and Thombs (2011) reported that breath alcohol concentration (BrAC) readings were highest when patrons reported the consumption of caffeine mixers that were artificially sweetened (i.e., diet cola), after adjusting for potential confounds. Women were more likely to consume diet cola-caffeinated mixed drinks. Conclusions-The findings from this field study raise several new interesting questions. Given the reported gender difference in consumption of diet cola-caffeinated mixed drinks, more research is needed regarding gender differences in gastric emptying time for alcoholic beverages mixed with artificially sweetened versus sucrose sweetened caffeinated drinks. In addition, the recent explosion in the energy drink market has resulted in the availability of sugar free or diet versions of most energy drink products. The implications of mixing diet energy drinks with alcohol are unknown.

Physiology & Behavior, Nov 1, 1998

Sex differences in rotational behavior have been most clearly established in laboratory rats with... more Sex differences in rotational behavior have been most clearly established in laboratory rats with females exhibiting a turning bias. Here, using an automated open-field apparatus, locomotor activity and spontaneous rotational behavior were examined in diurnally crepuscularly active reproductive male and female meadow voles (Microtus pennsylvanicus). Meadow voles, being induced ovulators, permitted analysis of females in constant behavioral estrous. Males displayed significantly greater levels of activity and also significantly greater levels of clockwise but not counterclockwise rotational behavior relative to the females. Rotational behavior was less strongly related to activity levels in female as compared to male voles. In addition, females displayed an overall turning bias. These results contrast with findings from laboratory rats in which females are reported to display greater levels of both locomotor activity and rotational behavior. They are, however, consistent with the rotational bias evident in female rats. The present findings confirm the presence of sex differences in rotational behavior and indicate that factors other than activity levels are involved in the generation and/or expression of these sex differences. Sex differences in anxiety and routine-like behavior (i.e., asymmetry in movement) are discussed as possible factors contributing to these male-female differences in rotational behavior.

Experimental and Clinical Psychopharmacology, 2010

There has been a dramatic rise in the consumption of glucose energy drinks (e.g., Amp, Monster, a... more There has been a dramatic rise in the consumption of glucose energy drinks (e.g., Amp, Monster, and Red Bull) in the past decade, particularly among high school and college students. However, little laboratory research has examined the acute objective and subjective effects of energy drinks. The purpose of this study was to investigate the acute effects of a glucose energy drink (Red Bull) on cognitive functioning. Participants (N ϭ 80) were randomly assigned to one of five conditions: 1.8 ml/kg energy drink, 3.6 ml/kg energy drink, 5.4 ml/kg energy drink, placebo beverage, or no drink. Participants completed a well-validated behavioral control task (the cued go/no-go task) and subjective measures of stimulation, sedation, and mental fatigue both before and 30 minutes following beverage administration. The results indicated that compared with the placebo and no drink conditions, the energy drink doses decreased reaction times on the behavioral control task, increased subjective ratings of stimulation and decreased ratings of mental fatigue. Greatest improvements in reaction times and subjective measures were observed with the lowest dose and improvements diminished as the dose increased. The findings suggest that energy drink consumption can improve cognitive performance on a behavioral control task, potentially explaining the dramatic rise in popularity of these controversial new beverages.

Experimental and Clinical Psychopharmacology, Jun 1, 2017

Consumption of alcohol can lead to the impairment of the ability to suppress inappropriate respon... more Consumption of alcohol can lead to the impairment of the ability to suppress inappropriate responses. However, alcohol-induced disinhibition does not occur in all contexts in the real world. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine if actions taken (or not) under alcohol will impact observed inhibitory control and how behavioral control requirements under alcohol alter perceived levels of impairment. Participants (n = 40) of equal sex who were social drinkers participated in a 3 session laboratory study that involved the administration of placebo, 0.45g/kg, and 0.65g/kg doses of alcohol. Participants were randomly assigned to a modified cued go/no-go reaction time (RT) task that included more go trials (activational condition) or more no-go trials (inhibitory condition). On all sessions after dose administration, participants completed their assigned cued go/no-go computer task and gave subjective ratings of impairment. The results indicated that participants in the activational condition under all doses of alcohol, but particularly the highest dose of alcohol, displayed poorer behavioral control (i.e., greater inhibitory failures) but self-reported lower perceived impairment, when compared to participants in the inhibitory condition. Therefore, this study provides laboratory evidence that alcohol consumption in an active setting will lead to greater disinhibition and reduced perceptions of impairment of behavior. The findings highlight the importance of the drinking setting when examining the acute effects of alcohol and suggest potential avenues for harm reduction for individuals who have difficulty controlling their alcohol intake. (PsycINFO Database Record

Neurotoxicology and Teratology, May 1, 2020

The mammalian brain goes through final maturation during late adolescence and early adulthood wit... more The mammalian brain goes through final maturation during late adolescence and early adulthood with sex differences in timing. The key cellular processes, including changes in neurotransmitter receptor density and synaptic pruning, make this age uniquely vulnerable to neurotoxic insults. Teenagers and young adults are the major consumers of energy drinks, which contain high levels of taurine and caffeine. Taurine is one of the most abundant amino acids in the central nervous system, but the effects of supplemental taurine consumption during adolescence has not been well studied. We conducted an initial short-term exposure study with 0.12% taurine in drinking water and a long-term dose-response study using 0.06 and 0.12% taurine in male and female C57BL/6J mice.r We examined a broad range of cognitive functions and behaviors and measured neurotransmitter levels. We found no significant differences in anxiety, open field locomotor activity, or sensorimotor gating. However, we found impairments in novel object recognition and sex differences in Morris water maze. When taurine treatment stopped before behavioral experiments began, male mice had significant impairments in spatial learning and memory. In the dose-response study when taurine treatment continued throughout behavioral experiments, females had significant impairments. We also found sex differences in neurotransmitter levels with females having higher levels of glutamate, DOPAC and 5-HIAA. We conclude that both females and males are at risk from excess taurine consumption during final brain maturation.

Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research, Dec 6, 2012

Background-Limited research suggests that alcohol consumed with an artificially sweetened mixer (... more Background-Limited research suggests that alcohol consumed with an artificially sweetened mixer (e.g., diet soft drink) results in higher breath alcohol concentrations (BrACs) compared to the same amount of alcohol consumed with a similar beverage containing sugar. The purpose of this study was to determine the reliability of this effect in both male and female social drinkers and to determine if there are measureable objective and subjective differences when alcohol is consumed with an artificially-sweetened versus sugar-sweetened mixer. Methods-Participants (n = 16) of equal gender attended three sessions where they received one of 3 doses (1.97 ml/kg vodka mixed with 3.94 ml/kg Squirt, 1.97 ml/kg vodka mixed with 3.94 ml/kg diet Squirt, and a placebo beverage) in random order. BrACs were recorded, as was selfreported ratings of subjective intoxication, fatigue, impairment and willingness to drive. Objective performance was assessed using a cued go/no-go reaction time task. Results-BrACs were significantly higher in the alcohol + diet beverage condition compared with the alcohol + regular beverage condition. The mean peak BrAC was .091 g/210 L in the alcohol + diet condition compared to .077 g/210 L in the alcohol + regular condition. Cued go/nogo task performance indicated the greatest impairment for the alcohol + diet beverage condition. Subjective measures indicated that participants appeared unaware of any differences in the two alcohol conditions, given that no significant differences in subjective ratings were observed for the two alcohol conditions. No gender differences were observed for BrACs, objective and subjective measures. Conclusions-Mixing alcohol with a diet soft drink resulted in elevated BrACs, as compared to the same amount of alcohol mixed with a sugar sweetened beverage. Individuals were unaware of these differences, a factor that may increase the safety risks associated with drinking alcohol.

Journal of caffeine research, Jun 1, 2014

Background: Energy drinks and energy shots are popular consumer beverages that are advertised to ... more Background: Energy drinks and energy shots are popular consumer beverages that are advertised to increase feelings of alertness. Typically, these products include high levels of caffeine, a mild psychostimulant drug. The scientific evidence demonstrating the specific benefits of energy products to users in terms of subjective state and objective performance is surprisingly lacking. Moreover, there are rising health concerns associated with the use of these products. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the acute effects of a popular energy shot (5-Hour Energy Ò) on subjective and objective measures that were assessed hourly for 6 hours following consumption. Methods: Participants (n = 14) completed a three-session study where they received the energy shot, a placebo control, and no drink. Following dose administration, participants completed subjective Profile of Mood States ratings hourly for 6 hours. Participants also repeatedly completed a behavioral control task (the cued go/no-go task) and provided blood pressure and pulse rate readings at each hour. Results: Consumption of the energy shot did improve subjective state, as measured by increased ratings of vigor and decreased ratings of fatigue. However, the energy shot did not alter objective performance, which worsened over time. Importantly, the energy shot elevated both systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Conclusions: Consumption of one energy shot may only result in modest benefits to subjective state. Individuals with preexisting hypertension or other medical conditions should be cautious about using these new consumer products.

Human Vaccines & Immunotherapeutics, Feb 1, 2012

Journal of Comparative Psychology, 2001

Six experiments were undertaken to explore factors affecting young rats' (Rattus norvegicus) freq... more Six experiments were undertaken to explore factors affecting young rats' (Rattus norvegicus) frequencies of stealing food from conspecifics when identical food is available in surplus. It was found that (a) rats would walk across a bed of pellets to steal the particular pellet a peer was eating, (b) frequency of stealing within a pair did not decrease over days, (c) rats stole unfamiliar foods more frequently than familiar foods, (d) younger rats stole from older rats more frequently than older rats stole from younger ones, (e) hungry rats stole more frequently than replete rats, and (f) rats that had stolen a pellet of unfamiliar food from an anesthetized conspecific subsequently exhibited an enhanced preference for that food. Results suggest that food stealing is a mode of active seeking of information about what foods to eat.

Advances in Nutrition, 2015

Energy drinks, the fastest growing segment in the beverage market, have become popular mixers wit... more Energy drinks, the fastest growing segment in the beverage market, have become popular mixers with alcohol. The emerging research examining the use of alcohol mixed with energy drinks (AmEDs) indicates that the combination of caffeine-containing energy drinks with alcohol may be riskier than the use of alcohol alone. The public health concerns arising from AmED use are documented in different research domains. Epidemiologic studies reveal that the consumption of AmEDs is frequent among young and underage drinkers, demographic groups that are more likely to experience the harms and hazards associated with alcohol use. In addition, for all consumers, elevated rates of binge drinking and risk of alcohol dependence have been associated with AmED use when compared to alcohol alone. Results from laboratory studies help explain why AmED use is associated with excessive intake of alcohol. When an energy drink (or caffeine) is combined with alcohol, the desire (or urge) to drink more alcohol is more pronounced in both humans and animals than with the same dose of alcohol alone. The experience of drinking alcohol appears to be more rewarding when combined with energy drinks. Given that caffeine in other foods and beverages increases preference for those products, further research on AmEDs may elucidate the underlying mechanisms that contribute to alcohol dependence.

Vaccine, Oct 1, 2011

College students are highly susceptible to the H1N1 virus, yet previous studies suggest that coll... more College students are highly susceptible to the H1N1 virus, yet previous studies suggest that college students perceive themselves at low risk for the flu. We surveyed 514 undergraduates to assess their perceptions of H1N1 flu risk and opinions about flu vaccines. A third of respondents stated that they were not at risk of getting the H1N1 flu because they were young. Responses indicated a distrust of the safety and effectiveness of influenza vaccinations; only 15.8% of participants planned on receiving H1N1 vaccination. Top reasons for refusing the H1N1 vaccine included questioning vaccine safety and effectiveness, and concerns about potential serious and/or benign side effects. Top reasons for H1N1 vaccination acceptance included receiving a doctor recommendation for the vaccine, having previously gotten a seasonal vaccine, and being at highrisk for influenza. Our findings suggest that college students are inaccurate in assessing their risk level and are unlikely to seek vaccinations. Keywords H1N1 influenza; influenza vaccination; college students; flu risk perception An outbreak of a novel strain of influenza (H1N1) reached pandemic status in spring of 2009. The first batches of a vaccine for the new H1N1 strain were released in October of 2009 [1]. We had the unique opportunity to study students' risk perceptions in a university setting during this period of extensive media coverage and heightened vigilance due to the H1N1 pandemic. College students are more susceptible to the H1N1 virus due to close living conditions in residence halls [2], social contact in and out of the classroom [3-5], and the fact that younger people are more likely to get the H1N1 flu [1,6]. While vaccination is an effective strategy to reduce influenza cases [7], influenza vaccination rates prior to the pandemic were typically low among college students [8]. Vaccinations against influenza are effective. Vaccination is associated with significant reductions in doctor visits, better school performance, and less days of missed class/work for college students [7]. Thus, immunization provides the best preventative strategy against the influenza virus [1,9]. Despite this, even the most effective vaccine is ineffective if people are not willing to get themselves vaccinated [10]. Unfortunately, the general public is distrustful of pandemic flu vaccines [11].

Experimental and Clinical Psychopharmacology, Apr 1, 2018

Consumers of alcohol mixed with energy drinks (AmED) are more likely to drive while impaired when... more Consumers of alcohol mixed with energy drinks (AmED) are more likely to drive while impaired when compared to alcohol alone consumers. In addition, acute tolerance to the internal cues of feelings of intoxication is known to contribute to maladaptive decisions to drive while impaired. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine if there is differential development of acute tolerance for AmED versus alcohol alone for ratings of willingness to drive after alcohol consumption. Social drinkers (n = 12) attended four separate sessions where they received alcohol and energy drinks, alone and in combination. The development of acute tolerance to alcohol was assessed for several objective (a computerized cued go/no-go reaction time task) and subjective measures at matched breath alcohol concentrations (BrAC) for the ascending and descending limbs of the BrAC curve. The results indicated that alcohol administration decreased willingness to drive ratings. Acute tolerance was observed in the AmED dose condition only for the willingness to drive ratings which were significantly higher on the descending versus ascending test. Alcohol-induced impairments of the computer task performance did not exhibit any acute tolerance. Therefore, the differential development of acute tolerance may explain why many studies observe higher rates of impaired driving for AmED consumers as compared to alcohol alone consumers. Since drunk driving is a major public health concern, alcohol consumers should be warned that the use of energy drink mixers with alcohol could lead to a false sense of security in one's ability to drive after drinking.

Birth Defects Research, Dec 1, 2017

Energy drinks are emerging as a major component of the beverage market with sales projected to to... more Energy drinks are emerging as a major component of the beverage market with sales projected to top $60 billion globally in the next five years. Energy drinks contain a variety of ingredients, but many of the top-selling brands include high doses of caffeine and the amino acid taurine. Energy drink consumption by children has raised concerns, due to potential caffeine toxicity. An additional risk has been noted among college-aged consumers of energy drinks who appear at higher risk of over-consumption of alcohol when the two drinks are consumed together. The differential and combinatorial effects of caffeine and taurine on the developing brain are reviewed here with an emphasis on the adolescent brain, which is still maturing. Key data from animal studies are summarized to highlight both reported benefits and adverse effects reported following acute and chronic exposures. The data suggest that age is an important factor in both caffeine and taurine toxicity. Although the aged or diseased brain might benefit from taurine or caffeine supplementation, it appears that adolescents are not likely to benefit from supplementation and may, in fact, suffer ill effects from chronic ingestion of high doses. Additional work is needed though to address gaps in our understanding of how taurine affects females, since the majority of animal studies focused exclusively on male subjects.

Paediatrics and Child Health, May 1, 2010

education and patient safety. In terms of evaluation, participants felt strongly that the results... more education and patient safety. In terms of evaluation, participants felt strongly that the results of the focus groups were important, and that the network would be helpful in moving these initiatives forward on a national level (4.5/5). Participants also felt strongly that the meeting gave them ideas to help improve simulation at their own centres (4.85/5). Overall, participants felt the meeting would foster more collaboration at a national level (4.75/5), and recommended that it would be beneficial for the network to meet on an annual basis (4.7/5). discussion: The results of focus groups held at the CPSN Network meeting confirm the importance and value of developing a network to address academic barriers in both education and research, discuss solutions to these barriers and their implementation, and promote ongoing collaboration. Participants suggested this network meet on an annual basis. 152 iMPact of ParticiPatioN iN siMUlated PatieNt resUscitatioNs oN Pediatric resideNts' coNfideNce *VJ Grant, e Grant, c Marczinski University of calgary/alberta children's Hospital, calgary, alberta introduction: Given the infrequency of pediatric cardiorespiratory arrests, the knowledge, skills and confidence necessary for leading a successful resuscitation of acutely ill children must be taught through a curriculum designed to provide pediatric residents with the experiences they require, but are unlikely to obtain exclusively at the bedside. Currently, pediatric residents feel their knowledge and skills in pediatric resuscitation are insufficient, and lack confidence in their ability to manage pediatric cardiorespiratory arrests. New evidence suggests that a simulation-based curriculum might have a significant impact on confidence. The objective of this study was to formally assess the impact of participation in simulated pediatric cardiorespiratory arrests on pediatric resident confidence. Methods: Pediatric residents at the University of Calgary participated in four different structured simulated resuscitations during the study. Confidence assessment questionnaires were completed by all residents pre and post simulated patient encounters. Residents were asked to record their confidence on a visual analog scale for 32 different aspects of resuscitation, including leadership and communication skills, technical skills, clinical skills, and specific resuscitation knowledge. results: Statistically significant increases in confidence were measured across all aspects of resuscitation care: clinical skills (61.3 vs 73.4, 20% increase; p<0.001), technical skills (40.7 vs 63.0, 68% increase; p=0.001), knowledge (43.8 vs 63.5, 45% increase; p<0.001) and leadership (38.1 vs 65.0, 72% increase; p<0.001). Specific items that showed the most significant improvement were: confidence in the ability to perform defibrillation (172%), synchronized cardioversion (139%) and needle decompression (70%); confidence in the ability to manage pulseless arrest (56%) and wide complex tachycardia (55%); and confidence in the ability to establish self as leader of the code team (105%), retain control of the code team (86%), make definitive decisions during a resuscitation (76%), communicate clearly (70%), establish crowd control (66%), elicit feedback from team members (62%) and use team members effectively (62%). As a group, leadership skills showed the most significant improvement overall, with all 8 of the leadership items in the top 10. discussion: The most significant increases in confidence were found in items dealing with critical elements of resuscitation team leadership and elements needed to manage the most infrequent events in the pediatric population. Significant increases were also seen in the other domains of resuscitation: knowledge, technical skills and clinical skills. This supports using simulation in improving confidence in managing infrequent events and infrequently used skills.

Journal of Attention Disorders, May 1, 2005

The research in this article focuses on the relation between self-report of attention deficit dis... more The research in this article focuses on the relation between self-report of attention deficit disorder (ADD) symptoms and performance on a two-alternative forced-choice task that measures repetition effects. The ADD/Hyperactive Adolescent Self-Report Scale–Short Form is administered to college students after they completed the repetition effects task. Performance to familiar and novel stimuli can be measured using this paradigm. The results indicate that participants in the good and poor attention groups do not differ in their responses to repeated stimuli. However, participants who self-report poor attention are faster to respond to novel stimuli compared with participants who self-report good attention. This brief questionnaire appears to capture individual differences in attention and may be useful in attention research.