Profiling lariat intermediates reveals genetic determinants of early and late co-transcriptional splicing.

Long introns with short exons in vertebrate genes are thought to require spliceosome assembly across exons (exon definition), rather than introns, thereby requiring transcription of an exon to splice an upstream intron. Here, we developed CoLa-seq (co-transcriptional lariat sequencing) to investigate the timing and determinants of co-transcriptional splicing genome wide. Unexpectedly, 90% of all introns, including long introns, can splice before transcription of a downstream exon, indicating that exon definition is not obligatory for most human introns. Still, splicing timing varies dramatically across introns, and various genetic elements determine this variation. Strong U2AF2 binding to the polypyrimidine tract predicts early splicing, explaining exon definition-independent splicing. Together, our findings question the essentiality of exon definition and reveal features beyond intron and exon length that are determinative for splicing timing.

Association of PPARGC1A gene polymorphism and mtDNA methylation with coal-burning fluorosis: a case-control study.

BACKGROUND: Coal-burning fluorosis is a chronic poisoning resulting from the prolonged use of locally available high-fluoride coal for heating and cooking. Prolonged fluoride exposure has been demonstrated to decrease PPARGC1A levels. Therefore, this case-control aims to evaluate the genetic association of PPARGC1A gene polymorphisms and methylation of the mitochondrial D-loop region with coal-burning fluorosis. RESULT: The results showed that the TT genotype at rs13131226 and the AA genotype at rs1873532 increased the risk of coal-burning fluorosis (OR = 1.84, P = 0.004; OR = 1.97, P = 0.007), the CT and CC genotypes at rs7665116 decreased the risk of coal-burning fluorosis (OR = 0.54, P = 0.003). The TT genotype at the rs2970847 site and the AA genotype at the rs2970870 site increase the risk of developing skeletal fluorosis (OR = 4.12, P = 0.003; OR = 2.22, P = 0.011). Haplotype AG constructed by rs3736265-rs1873532 increased the risk of the prevalence of coal-burning fluorosis (OR = 1.465, P = 0.005); CG decreased the risk of the prevalence of coal-burning fluorosis (OR = 0.726, P = 0.020). Haplotype CGGT constructed by rs6821591-rs768695-rs3736265-rs2970847 increased the risk of the prevalence of skeletal fluorosis (OR = 1.558, P = 0.027). A 1% increase in CpG_4 methylation levels in the mtDNA D-loop region is associated with a 2.3% increase in the risk of coal-burning fluorosis. Additionally. There was a significant interaction between rs13131226 and rs1873532; CpG_4 and CpG_8.9; rs13131224,rs6821591 and rs7665116 were observed in the occurrence of fluorosis in the Guizhou population (χ2 = 16.917, P < 0.001; χ2 = 21.198, P < 0.001; χ2 = 36.078, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: PPARGC1A polymorphisms rs13131226 and rs1873532 and the mitochondrial DNA D-loop methylation site CpG_4 have been associated with an increased risk of fluorosis, conversely polymorphism rs7665116 was associated with a decreased risk of fluorosis. Polymorphisms rs2970870 were associated with increased risk of skeletal fluorosis, and polymorphism rs2970847 was associated with decreased risk of skeletal fluorosis. These SNPs and CpG can be used as potential targets to assess fluorosis risk.

Detection of inorganic arsenic in rice using a field-deployable method with Cola extraction.

Rice is a staple food and known to accumulate inorganic arsenic (iAs), which is a class 1 carcinogen to humans. Arsenic field-deployable method kits, designed for water testing, are able to screen iAs in rice, to assure food safety and quick decision-making without the need for laboratory analysis. For the arsenic extraction within the field method, nitric acid is used. To make the field method on-site safer, cost-effective and easier to handle, the method was adapted using a Cola in the extraction process. The adapted field-deployable method was tested by screening a total of 30 rice and rice products from the Austrian market. To verify the results obtained by the Cola extraction field-deployable method, the obtained iAs concentration was compared to HPLC-ICP-MS results. The Cola extraction field method obtained an LOD of 39 µg iAs kg-1 rice, and with an average reproducibility of 14% RSD, the method was capable of recording no false-negative but 7% false-positive values at the 2023 updated European Commission (EC) limits for rice. All, but one, screened rice samples were within the EU limits for iAs in rice and rice products.

Online Education in Allergy and Immunology: An Update to Conferences Online in Allergy (COLA).

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Online resources have become an essential component of medical education. We describe here our long standing but unique approach to providing online education in the specialty of allergy and immunology and its impact.  RECENT FINDINGS: In this article, we report the process and updates to our online conferencing curriculum known as Conferences Online in Allergy (COLA). The program was developed at Children's Mercy Kansas City almost two decades ago for the utilization of fellows in training, as well as practicing allergists. Since its inception viewership has continued to grow. COLA has served as a significant resource for both the new and practicing allergists. With rapidly continuing advancements in medical knowledge and technology, coupled with the aftereffects of a pandemic and remote learning, COLA will continue to play a significant role in allergy and immunology medical education.

Evaluation of the value of genetic testing for cystinuria in the Danish population of English bulldogs.

Cystinuria is a genetic disease that can lead to cystine urolith formation. The English bulldog is the dog breed most frequently affected. In this breed, three missense mutations have been suggested to be associated with cystinuria: c.568A>G and c.2086A>G in SLC3A1 and c.649G>A in SLC7A9. In this study, the occurrence of these three mutations in the Danish population of English bulldogs was investigated. Seventy-one English bulldogs were genotyped using TaqMan assays. The dogs' owners were given questionnaires concerning the medical histories of their dogs. Allele frequencies of 0.40, 0.40, and 0.52 were found for the mutant alleles in the three loci: c.568A>G, c.2086A>G, and c.649G>A, respectively. For both mutations in SLC3A1, a statistically significant association was found between cystinuria and homozygosity for the G allele among male, English bulldogs. For the mutation in SLC7A9, there was no statistically significant association between homozygosity for the mutant allele and cystinuria. Due to high allele frequencies, limited genetic diversity, continued uncertainty about the genetic background of cystinuria, and more severe health problems in the breed, selection based on genetic testing for the mutations in SLC3A1 cannot be recommended in the Danish population of English bulldogs. However, results of the genetic test may be used as a guide to recommend prophylactic treatment.

Enterolith Treated with a Combination of Double-Balloon Endoscopy and Cola Dissolution Therapy.

A 71-year-old woman with rheumatoid arthritis who had been taking NSAIDs for many years consulted our hospital for abdominal pain. She was diagnosed with a small bowel obstruction due to an enterolith according to an abdominal CT scan that showed dilation from the enterolith in the small intestine on the oral side. It was considered that the intestinal stone was formed due to stagnation of intestinal contents and had gradually increased in size, resulting in an intestinal obstruction. We performed antegrade double-balloon endoscopy (DBE) to observe and remove the enterolith. We used forceps and a snare to fracture the enterolith. During this attempt, we found a seed in the center of the enterolith. Since the intestinal stone was very hard, cola dissolution therapy was administered from an ileus tube for 1 week. The following week, DBE was performed again, and it was found that the stone had further softened, making attempts at fracture easier. Finally, the enterolith was almost completely fractured. Intestinal stenosis, probably due to ulcers caused by NSAIDs, was found. Small bowel obstruction with an enterolith is rare. In this case, it was considered that the seed could not pass through the stenotic region of the small intestine and the intestinal contents had gradually built up around it. It has been suggested that DBE may be a therapeutic option in cases of an enterolith. Further, cola dissolution therapy has been shown to be useful in treating an enterolith, with the possible explanation that cola undergoes an acid-base reaction with the enterolith. In summary, we report, for the first time, treatment of an enterolith with a combination of DBE and cola dissolution therapy, thereby avoiding surgery and its risks.

Caffeine use during pregnancy: prevalence of use and newborn consequences in a cohort of French pregnant women.

Many pregnant women, in the world, drink caffeine-containing beverages. Maternal caffeine consumption during pregnancy may have adverse effects on foetus but results are conflicting. Our goals were to estimate the prevalence of caffeine use in a cohort of French pregnant women using maternal self-reports and to evaluate the association between caffeine consumption during pregnancy and delivery and newborn characteristics. All pregnant women who gave birth in a large French urban area during a limited period of time were included (in total 724 mothers were included). Coffee, tea or cola consumption as well as pregnancy and neonate characteristics were analysed. The mean consumption of caffeine per day slightly decreased from the first to the third trimester of pregnancy: 587 caffeine users, with a consumption of caffeine of 59.2 ± 61.5 mg/day during the first trimester as compared to 577 consumers (54.3 ± 55.4 mg/day) during the third trimester, respectively. A significant decrease of neonates' birth length was observed when mothers were using at least 100 mg/day (or two cups) of caffeine during the second and third trimesters but this difference was no longer significant after adjustment on potential confounding factors such as tobacco use. The potential existence of other confounders (e.g. poorer dietary habits or other lifestyle variables) that might also be associated with reduced birth length, may not be excluded. Caffeine use during pregnancy was associated with reduced birth length but this effect was no longer significant after adjustment on potential confounding variables.

Optimisation of microwave-assisted extraction and functional elucidation of bioactive compounds from Cola nitida pod.

INTRODUCTION: The quality characteristics and stability of phenolic by-products from Cola nitida wastes are critical factors for drug formulation and food nutraceutical applications. OBJECTIVES: In this study, the effect of electromagnetic-based microwave-reflux extraction on the total phenolic content, antioxidant capacity, morphological characteristics, physisorption and chromatographic phenolic profiles were successfully investigated. These physicochemical analyses are often employed in the standardisation of dried herbal and food nutraceutical products. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In this study, the electromagnetic-based extraction process was optimised using the Box-Behnken design. The oleoresin bio-products were subsequently characterised to determine the total phenolic content, morphological and microstructural degradation. These analyses were conducted to elucidate the effect of the microwave heating on the C. nitida pod powder. RESULTS: From the predicted response, the optimal percentage yield was achieved at 26.20% under 5.39 min of irradiation time, 440 W microwave power and oven temperature of 55°C. Moreover, the rapid estimation of the phenolic content and antioxidant capacity were recorded at 124.84 ± 0.064 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/g dry weight (d.w.) and 6.93 ± 0.34 µg/mL, respectively. The physicochemical characterisation results from the Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy and physisorption analyses showed remarkable changes in the micro-surface area (13.66%) characteristics. CONCLUSION: The recorded optimal conditions established a basis for future scale-up of microwave extraction parameters with a potential for maximum yield. The physiochemical characterisation revealed the functional characteristics of C. nitida and their tolerance to microwave heating.

Inside ILSI: How Coca-Cola, Working through Its Scientific Nonprofit, Created a Global Science of Exercise for Obesity and Got It Embedded in Chinese Policy (1995-2015).

CONTEXT: Industry influence on health science and policy is a critical issue of our day. In 2015 the New York Times revealed that Coca-Cola paid scientists to form a Global Energy Balance Network promoting the notion that exercise, not dietary restraint, is the solution to the obesity epidemic-a claim few accept. This article examines the organizational dynamics and policy process behind Coke's efforts to sway obesity policy-globally and in China, a critical market-during 1995-2015. METHODS: In-depth, qualitative research during 2013-18 involved 10 weeks of fieldwork in Beijing, interviews with 25 leading experts, analysis of newsletters documenting all major obesity-related activities in China, interviews with 10 Euro-American experts, and extensive internet research on all major actors. FINDINGS: This article tells two intertwined stories (institutional dynamics, science making and policy making) at global and local-Chinese levels. Coke succeeded in redirecting China's obesity science and policy to emphasize physical activity. Key to its success was the industry-funded global nonprofit International Life Sciences Institute (ILSI). Beneath ILSI's public narrative of unbiased science and no policy advocacy lay a maze of hidden channels companies used to advance their interests. Working through those channels, Coca-Cola influenced China's science making and policy making during every phase in the policy process, from framing the issues to drafting official policy. CONCLUSIONS: Though China is exceptional, ILSI promoted exercise globally, suggesting potentially significant impacts in other ILSI-branch countries.

Evaluating Coca-Cola's attempts to influence public health 'in their own words': analysis of Coca-Cola emails with public health academics leading the Global Energy Balance Network.

OBJECTIVE: We evaluate the extent to which Coca-Cola tried to influence research in the Global Energy Balance Network, as revealed by correspondence between the company and leading public health academics obtained through Freedom-of-Information (FOI) requests. DESIGN: US state FOI requests were made in the years 2015-2016 by US Right to Know, a non-profit consumer and public health group, obtaining 18 030 pages of emails covering correspondence between The Coca-Cola Company and public health academics at West Virginia University and University of Colorado, leading institutions of the Global Energy Balance Network. We performed a narrative, thematic content analysis of 18 036 pages of Coca-Cola Company's emails, coded between May and December 2016, against a taxonomy of political influence strategies. RESULTS: Emails identified two main strategies, regarding information and messaging and constituency building, associated with a series of practices and mechanisms that could influence public health nutrition. Despite publications claiming independence, we found evidence that Coca-Cola made significant efforts to divert attention from its role as a funding source through diversifying funding partners and, in some cases, withholding information on the funding involved. We also found documentation that Coca-Cola supported a network of academics, as an 'email family' that promoted messages associated with its public relations strategy, and sought to support those academics in advancing their careers and building their affiliated public health and medical institutions. CONCLUSIONS: Coca-Cola sought to obscure its relationship with researchers, minimise the public perception of its role and use these researchers to promote industry-friendly messaging. More robust approaches for managing conflicts of interest are needed to address diffuse and obscured patterns of industry influence.

Non-linear analysis of heart rate variability for evaluating the acute effects of caffeinated beverages in young adults.

Caffeinated beverages are the most consumed substances in the world. High rate of uptake of these beverages leads to various cardiovascular disorders ranging from palpitations to coronary failure. The objective of the study is to ascertain how the complexity parameters of heart rate variability are affected by acute consumption of caffeinated beverages in young adults.Electrocardiogram measurements were performed before consuming drinks. After consuming the drinks, measurements were done again at 30 minutes and 60 minutes. Heart rate variability signals were acquired from electrocardiogram signals. Also, the signals were reconstructed in the phase space and largest Lyapunov exponent, correlation dimension, approximate entropy, and detrended fluctuation analysis values were calculated.Heart rate increased for energy drink and cola groups but not in coffee group. Non-linear parameter values of energy drink, coffee, and cola group are increased within 60 minutes after drink consumption. This change is statistically significant just for energy drink group.Energy drink consumption increases the complexity of the cardiovascular system in young adults significantly. Coffee and cola consumption have no significant effect on the non-linear parameters of heart rate variability.

Influence of the Coca-Cola Drinks on the Overall Color of Glazed or Polished Porcelain Veneers Fabricated from Different Materials and Thicknesses: An In Vitro Study.

AIM: The aim of the current study is to assess the influence of Coca-Cola drinks on the overall color of glazed or polished porcelain veneers fabricated of three different porcelain systems and two different thicknesses. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 96 ceramic disk specimens were fabricated. The ceramic veneers were prepared to a standardized thickness of 1.0 mm ± 0.025 mm and 0.6 ± 0.025 (48 samples each group) using the following ceramic systems: Zircon, E-max press, and E-max CAD/CAM. Veneer samples from each system were divided into two subgroups (n = 8). First subgroup samples were glazed according to the manufacturer's instructions, and the other subgroup samples were adjusted with diamond burs then polished with ceramic polishing kit. Color was measured with Vita Easyshade spectrophotometer. Then all samples immersed with Cola drink, for 4 weeks, in a thermocycling machine and then the color were measured again and color change was recorded. RESULTS: Significant differences in color change were noticed before and after immersing with Coca-Cola and thermocycling for all materials and thicknesses used (p < 0.01). Significant differences in color changes were noticed between glazed and polished samples (p < 0.001). No significant differences in color change were noticed when using different thicknesses for all materials used (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Different porcelain materials have shown significant color changes after immersing and thermocycling in Coca-Cola drinks. The color changes of polished porcelain specimens were more considerable than those of polished specimens for all porcelain materials and thicknesses used. This suggests reglazing of all esthetic restoration after any adjustments might be performed and before final cementation in an attempt to maintain the color stability in oral environment. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: To achieve a perfect color stability of ceramic veneers, clinicians should take into consideration the possible color deviations that might result after any adjustment followed by polishing procedures to the ceramic surface. And, it is always preferable to do reglazing of porcelain restorations after any surface treatments and before final cementation.

Food Selection of Cafeteria Diet Affects Memory Dysfunction Related to Obesity.

Cafeteria diet (CAF) mimics human Western diet and has been used in animal models to study obesity. The purpose of this study is to demonstrate that our CAF model induces metabolic disorder related to obesity and affects recognition memory in Wistar rats. We also compared the intake of two different soft drinks, as part of the CAF, on recognition memory. Our results demonstrate that CAF-fed rats increased weight gain and visceral adiposity, and exhibited hyperglycemia, hypertriglyceridemia, high leptin and low insulin plasma levels. Moreover, CAF animals showed higher lipid peroxidation in the liver and developed non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Surprisingly, the group fed with cola-based soft drinks presented an improvement in recognition memory, whereas animals fed with orange-based soft drinks showed worse performance in this task. Our data indicates that CAF induces obesity and affects recognition memory, but the composition of the diet interfere when the neurological function is evaluated.

Caffeine and energy drink use by combat arms soldiers in Afghanistan as a countermeasure for sleep loss and high operational demands.

OBJECTIVES: Combat deployments are characterized by high operational demands with limited opportunities for sleep leading to fatigue and degraded cognitive and operational performance. Caffeine in moderate doses is recognized as an effective intervention for physical and cognitive decrements associated with sleep loss. METHODS: This report is based on data collected by two separate, independently conducted surveys administered in Afghanistan in 2011-2012. It assessed caffeine use and sleep disruption among U.S. Army combat soldiers (J-MHAT 8; n = 518) and among deployed soldiers with different military assignments (USARIEM Deployment Survey; n = 260). RESULTS: Daily caffeine intake assessed in the J-MHAT 8 survey averaged 404 ± 18 mg. In the USARIEM Deployment Survey, intake was 303 ± 29 mg and was significantly higher among combat arms soldiers (483 ± 100 mg) compared to combat service support personnel (235 ± 23 mg). In both surveys, over 55% of total caffeine intake was from energy drinks. Additional sources of caffeine included coffee, tea, sodas, gum, candy, and over-the-counter medications. Higher caffeine intake was not associated with ability to fall asleep at night or wake-up in the morning (J-MHAT 8 survey). Higher caffeine consumption was associated with disrupted sleep from high operational tempo and nighttime duties of combat operations. DISCUSSION: Overall caffeine consumption and energy drink use in Afghanistan was greater than among non-deployed soldiers and civilians. Caffeine was frequently used as a countermeasure during night operations to offset adverse effects of sleep loss on physical and cognitive function, consistent with current Department of the Army recommendations.

The acute effects of the non-nutritive sweeteners aspartame and acesulfame-K in UK diet cola on glycaemic response.

Substituting sugar-sweetened for artificially sweetened beverages may reduce energy intakes. This study aims to ascertain the acute glycaemic effects of the NNS aspartame and acesulfame-K in UK diet-cola (DC). Ten healthy participants attended the laboratory fasted on three occasions. Individuals drank (1) 25 g glucose in 125 mL water + 236 mL water, (2) 25 g glucose in 125 mL water with 236 mL DC and (3) 236 mL sucrose-sweetened cola with 125 mL water. Blood (glucose) was measured pre-test and every 15 minutes over a 120-minute period using portable glucometers. The glucose-control and glucose + DC elicited similar blood glucose rises above pre-prandial levels. Sucrose-sweetened cola showed a non-significant lower rise in postprandial glycaemia, exhibiting the lowest glycaemic index (GI) (77.0 ± 9.1). GI of glucose (100.0 ± 15.2) and glucose + DC (104.3 ± 8.5) was similar and a one-way repeated-measures ANOVA showed no significant differences in glycaemic response between test drinks (F(2,29) = 1.68, p > .05). Results demonstrate the glycaemic inactivity of non-nutritive sweeteners.

Exogenous growth factors enhance the expression of cola1, cola3, and Elastin in fibroblasts via activating MAPK signaling pathway.

Exogenous growth factors could accelerate the process of wound healing. However, the underlying mechanisms have not been clearly clarified. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of epidermal growth factor (EGF) and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) on the expression of type I collagen (cola1), type III collagen (cola3), and Elastin in fibroblasts, which are widely expressed in fibroblasts and promote the function of fibroblasts. We measured the levels of cola1 and cola3 in human fibroblast cells cultured in medium containing EGF or bFGF at concentrations ranging from 0.1 to 1000 µg/L by Western blotting and RT-PCR assays, and found that EGF or bFGF enhanced the expression of cola1 and cola3 in a concentration-dependent manner. We further discovered that after stimulation with EGF or bFGF in human fibroblast cells, mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) family members were generally activated, whose expression trend was consistent with that of cola1, cola3, and Elastin. In summary, in this study, we uncovered that exogenous growth factors enhance the expression of cola1, cola3, and Elastin, which is probably regulated via activating MAPK signaling pathway.

Caffeine intake and its sources: A review of national representative studies.

Aim of this review is to summarize current daily caffeine intake of children, adolescents, and adults, and trends in caffeine intake over the past decade. A literature search was conducted (1997-2015) which yielded 18 reports on nationally representative studies, describing caffeine consumption of over 275,000 children, adolescents and adults. The data revealed that mean total daily caffeine intake in children, adolescents, and adults is below caffeine intake recommendations such as those stated by Health Canada (2.5 mg/kg bw/day for children and adolescents, and 400 mg/day for adults) and the European Food Safety Authority, EFSA (3 mg/kg bw/day for children and adolescents, and 400 mg/day for adults). Total daily caffeine intake has remained stable in the last 10-15 years, and coffee, tea and soft drinks are the most important caffeine sources. Across all age groups, energy drinks contribute little to total caffeine intake. The highest potential for reducing daily caffeine intake is by limiting coffee consumption, and in some countries and age groups, by reducing tea and soft drink consumption.

Coca-Cola - a model of transparency in research partnerships? A network analysis of Coca-Cola's research funding (2008-2016).

OBJECTIVE: To (i) evaluate the extent to which Coca-Cola's 'Transparency Lists' of 218 researchers that it funds are comprehensive; (ii) map all scientific research acknowledging funding from Coca-Cola; (iii) identify those institutions, authors and research topics funded by Coca-Cola; and (iv) use Coca-Cola's disclosure to gauge whether its funded researchers acknowledge the source of funding. DESIGN: Using Web of Science Core Collection database, we retrieved all studies declaring receipt of direct funding from the Coca-Cola brand, published between 2008 and 2016. Using conservative eligibility criteria, we iteratively removed studies and recreated Coca-Cola's transparency lists using our data. We used network analysis and structural topic modelling to assess the structure, organization and thematic focus of Coca-Cola's research enterprise, and string matching to evaluate the completeness of Coca-Cola's transparency lists. RESULTS: Three hundred and eighty-nine articles, published in 169 different journals, and authored by 907 researchers, cite funding from The Coca-Cola Company. Of these, Coca-Cola acknowledges funding forty-two authors (<5 %). We observed that the funded research focuses mostly on nutrition and emphasizes the importance of physical activity and the concept of 'energy balance'. CONCLUSIONS: The Coca-Cola Company appears to have failed to declare a comprehensive list of its research activities. Further, several funded authors appear to have failed to declare receipt of funding. Most of Coca-Cola's research support is directed towards physical activity and disregards the role of diet in obesity. Despite initiatives for greater transparency of research funding, the full scale of Coca-Cola's involvement is still not known.

Sleep patterns and sugar-sweetened beverage consumption among children from around the world.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the relationships between objectively measured sleep patterns (sleep duration, sleep efficiency and bedtime) and sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) consumption (regular soft drinks, energy drinks, sports drinks and fruit juice) among children from all inhabited continents of the world. DESIGN: Multinational, cross-sectional study. SETTING: The International Study of Childhood Obesity, Lifestyle and the Environment (ISCOLE). SUBJECTS: Children (n 5873) 9-11 years of age. RESULTS: Sleep duration was 12 min per night shorter in children who reported consuming regular soft drinks 'at least once a day' compared with those who reported consuming 'never' or 'less than once a week'. Children were more likely to sleep the recommended 9-11 h/night if they reported lower regular soft drink consumption or higher sports drinks consumption. Children who reported consuming energy drinks 'once a week or more' reported a 25-min earlier bedtime than those who reported never consuming energy drinks. Children who reported consuming sports drinks '2-4 d a week or more' also reported a 25-min earlier bedtime compared with those who reported never consuming sports drinks. The associations between sleep efficiency and SSB consumption were not significant. Similar associations between sleep patterns and SSB consumption were observed across all twelve study sites. CONCLUSIONS: Shorter sleep duration was associated with higher intake of regular soft drinks, while earlier bedtimes were associated with lower intake of regular soft drinks and higher intake of energy drinks and sports drinks in this international study of children. Future work is needed to establish causality and to investigate underlying mechanisms.

Pepsi® or Coke®? Influence of acid on dasatinib absorption.

Dasatinib is a second generation ABL kinase inhibitor used in the management of chronic myeloid leukemia or Philadelphia chromosome positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia (Ph+ ALL). Dasatinib's bioavailability is highly dependent on gastric pH. When proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs) are co-administered with dasatinib, absorption is significantly reduced. Cola intake at the time of drug administration has been demonstrated to lead to relevant increases in the bioavailability for other acid labile drugs during PPI treatment. This manuscript reviews the relevant literature supporting a strategy of temporarily lowering the gastric pH with a carbonated beverage at the time of drug administration. The use of cola provides an easy to implement way to significantly improve dasatinib bioavailability, especially during concomitant use of a PPI.