Coffee Science Alert n° 11
July 2007
AGRONOMY
Fauna de Coleopteros Scarabaeidae Laparosticti y Trogidae (Coleoptera: Scarabaeoidea) asociados al Bosque Mesofilo de Montana, cafetales bajo sombra y comunidades derivadas en el Centro de Veracruz, Mexico. [Fauna of Scarabaeidae-Laparosticti and Trogidae (Coleoptera: Scarabaeoidea) associated with Cloud Forest, shaded coffee plantations and transformed communities in Central Veracruz, Mexico.]
Deloya, C.; Parra-Tabla, V.; Delfin-Gonzalez, H.
Beetles were collected from April 2002 to July 2003 from the following sites in the centre of the state of Veracruz located every 200 m along an altitudinal gradient (1000 - 1400 m asl): three fragments of cloud forest, three shaded coffee plantations, an open canopy coffee plantation, secondary forest, and a pasture. A total of 9,982 specimens were captured, belonging to the families Scarabaeidae and Trogidae, and representing 21 genera and 50 species. The genera Ataenius Harold, Onthophagus Latreille and Aphodius Illiger represented 48% of the species of Scarabaeidae. Species richness was found to decrease with increasing altitude; there were 36 species at 1000 m asl, 27 species between 1200 and 1300 m asl, and 26 species at 1400 m asl. Abundance along the altitudinal gradient follows a pattern of few abundant species and many species with few specimens. Beetle activity is related to precipitation. In the nine communities studied, species richness was observed to increase when precipitation was greater than 100 mm at the beginning of the rainy season. On the landscape scale, there were 44 species during the rainy season, 22 during the windy nortes season, and 24 during the dry season. In terms of trophic guild, 40% of the beetles captured were saprophagous that feed on decomposing organic material from plants and 60% were saprophagous that feed on decomposing organic material from animals (30% necrophagous, 26% coprophagous, 4% telio-necrophagous).
Source : Neotrop.Entomol. 2007 vol.36 (1), pp 5 - 21 (full text)
[Analysis of foods. Determination of moisture content by the Karl Fischer method in coffee and coffee substitutes. Reference method for coffee extracts.]
Anon.
This Karl Fischer reference method for determination of the moisture content of coffee extracts
corresponds to that specified in German standard DIN 10772-2 (issued in 2005).
Source : Amtliche Sammlung von Untersuchungsverfahren nach Paragraph 35 LMBG 2006 vol.L pp 46
Coffee Pest Investigations : A Collection of Publications from the Sustainable Perennial Crops Laboratory - USDA
Vega, F.E., et al.
The following link gives access to a collection full text papers authored by F.E. Vega and collaborators and covering a period starting in the late 90's.
Source : http://www.ars.usda.gov/pandp/docs.htm?docid=13128
BIOCHEMISTRY / BIOTECHNOLOGY
Allantoin has a limited role as nitrogen source in cultured coffee cells
Filippi, S. B.; Azevedo, R. A.; Sodek, L.; Mazzafera, P.
In plants the ureides allantoin (ALN) and allantoic acid (ALA) are formed in purine metabolism, and in some legumes both compounds play an important role as nitrogen (N) sources. In coffee plants, ALN and ALA are catabolites of caffeine degradation. Caffeine is found throughout the coffee plant and in some parts this alkaloid can accumulate up to 4% dry basis. Therefore, caffeine degradation via ureides may make an important contribution to N metabolism of the plant. Using coffee cell suspension as a model we investigated the contribution of ALN as a source of N in coffee. ALN was incorporated in the liquid medium and after 20d of cultivation, cell mass, NO(3), NH(4), amino acids, soluble proteins, ALN and caffeine were determined in the cells. The activity of glutamine synthetase was also studied. The results showed that despite being taken up by cells ALN does not contribute significantly as a source of N in coffee cells. Compared with mineral N sources, cells grown with ALN-N accumulated much less mass. The inclusion of ALN in the medium caused significant alterations in the content of some N compounds indicating a stress condition
Source : J Plant Physiol 2007 vol.164 (5), pp 544 - 552
Functional characterization of two p-coumaroyl ester 3´-hydroxylase genes from coffee tree: evidence of a candidate for chlorogenic acid biosynthesis
Mahesh, V.; Million-Rousseau, R.; Ullmann, P.; Chabrillange, N.; Bustamante, J.; Mondolot, L.; Morant, M.; Noirot, M.; Hamon, S.; de Kochko, A.; Werck-Reichhart, D.; Campa, C.
Chlorogenic acid (5-CQA) is one of the major soluble phenolic compounds that is accumulated in coffee green beans. With other hydroxycinnamoyl quinic acids (HQAs), this compound is accumulated in particular in green beans of the cultivated species Coffea canephora. Recent work has indicated that the biosynthesis of 5-CQA can be catalyzed by a cytochrome P450 enzyme, CYP98A3 from Arabidopsis. Two full-length cDNA clones (CYP98A35 and CYP98A36) that encode putative p-coumaroylester 3'-hydroxylases (C3'H) were isolated from C. canephora cDNA libraries. Recombinant protein expression in yeast showed that both metabolized p-coumaroyl shikimate at similar rates, but that only one hydroxylates the chlorogenic acid precursor p-coumaroyl quinate. CYP98A35 appears to be the first C3'H capable of metabolising p-coumaroyl quinate and p-coumaroyl shikimate with the same efficiency. We studied the expression patterns of both genes on 4-month old C. canephora plants and found higher transcript levels in young and in highly vascularized organs for both genes. Gene expression and HQA content seemed to be correlated in these organs. Histolocalization and immunolocalization studies revealed similar tissue localization for caffeoyl quinic acids and p-coumaroylester 3'-hydroxylases. The results indicated that HQA biosynthesis and accumulation occurred mainly in the shoot tip and in the phloem of the vascular bundles. The lack of correlation between gene expression and HQA content observed in some organs is discussed in terms of transport and accumulation mechanisms.
Source : Plant Mol Biol 2007 vol.64 (1-2), pp 145 - 159
Aluminium-induced phospholipid signal transduction pathway in Coffea arabica suspension cells and its amelioration by silicic acid
Quintal-Tun, F.; Munoz-Sanchez, J. A.; Ramos-Diaz, A.; Escamilla-Bencomo, A.; Martinez-Estevez, M.;
Exley, C.; Hernandez-Sotomayor, S. M.
Coffee (Coffea arabica L.) is of economic importance worldwide. Its growth in organic-rich acidic soils is influenced by aluminium such that coffee yield may be impaired. Herein we have used the Al-sensitive C. arabica suspension cell line L2 to analyse the effect of two different Al species on the phosphoinositide signal transduction pathway. Our results have shown that the association of Al with coffee cells was affected by the pH and the form of Al in media. More Al was associated with cells at pH 4.3 than 5.8, whereas when Al was present as hydroxyaluminosilicates (HAS) the association was halved at pH 4.3 and unchanged at pH 5.8. Two signal transduction elements were also evaluated; phospholipase C (PLC) activity and phosphatidic acid (PA) formation. PLC was inhibited ( approximately 50%) when cells were incubated for 2 h in the presence of either AlCl(3) or Al in the form of HAS. PA formation was tested as a short-term response to Al. By way of contrast to what was found for PLC, incubation of cells for 15 min in the presence of AlCl(3) decreased the formation of PA whereas the same concentration of Al as HAS produced no effect upon its formation. These results suggest that Al is capable to exert its effects upon signal transduction as Al((aq))(3+) acting upon a mechanism linked to the phosphoinositide signal transduction pathway.
Source : J Inorg Biochem 2007 vol.101 (2), pp 362 - 369
Inhibition of monoamine oxidase B by selected benzimidazole and caffeine analogues
van den Berg, D.; Zoellner, K. R.; Ogunrombi, M. O.; Malan, S. F.; Terre'blanche, G.; Castagnoli, N. Jr; Bergh, J. J.; Petzer, J. P.
We have recently reported that a series of (E)-8-styrylcaffeines and (E)-2-styrylbenzimidazoles are moderate to very potent competitive inhibitors of monoamine oxidase B (MAO-B). The most potent member of the series was found to be (E)-8-(3-chlorostyryl)caffeine (CSC) with an enzyme-inhibitor dissociation constant (K(i) value) of 128nM. In the present study, we have prepared additional caffeine and benzimidazole analogues in an attempt to identify compounds with improved MAO-B inhibition potency while still acting reversibly. The most potent inhibitor among the caffeine analogues was (E)-8- (3,4-dichlorostyryl)caffeine with a K(i) value of 36nM, approximately 3.5 times more potent than CSC. The most potent inhibitor among the benzimidazole analogues was (E)-2-(4-trifluoromethylstyryl)-1- methylbenzimidazole with a K(i) value of 430nM. An SAR analysis indicated that the potency of MAO-B inhibition by (E)-2-styryl-1-methylbenzimidazole analogues depended upon the Taft steric parameter (E(s)) of the substituents attached to C-4 of the styryl phenyl ring. Substituents with a large degree of steric hindrance appear to enhance inhibition potency. The proposal that potent MAO-B inhibition by (E)-8-styrylcaffeines and (E)-2-styrylbenzimidazoles can be explained by a mode of binding that involves traversing both the entrance and substrate cavities was supported by the finding that 1-methylbenzimidazole only weakly inhibited MAO-B with a K(i) value of 2084muM. Without the styryl side chain, 1-methylbenzimidazole is not expected to be able to bind simultaneously to both the entrance and substrate cavities.
Source : Bioorg Med Chem 2007 vol.15 (11), pp 3692 - 3702
Differential responses of Coffea arabica L. leaves and roots to chemically induced systemic acquired resistance
De Nardi, B.; Dreos, R.; Del Terra, L.; Martellossi, C.; Asquini, E.; Tornincasa, P.; Gasperini, D.; Pacchioni, B.; Rathinavelu, R.; Pallavicini, A.; Graziosi, G.
Coffea arabica is susceptible to several pests and diseases, some of which affect the leaves and roots. Systemic acquired resistance (SAR) is the main defence mechanism activated in plants in response to pathogen attack. Here, we report the effects of benzo(1,2,3)thiadiazole-7-carbothioic acid-s-methyl ester (BTH), a SAR chemical inducer, on the expression profile of C. arabica. Two cDNA libraries were constructed from the mRNA isolated from leaves and embryonic roots to create 1587 nonredundant expressed sequence tags (ESTs). We developed a cDNA microarray containing 1506 ESTs from the leaves and embryonic roots, and 48 NBS-LRR (nucleotide-binding site leucine-rich repeat) gene fragments derived from 2 specific genomic libraries. Competitive hybridization between untreated and BTH-treated leaves resulted in 55 genes that were significantly overexpressed and 16 genes that were significantly underexpressed. In the roots, 37 and 42 genes were over and underexpressed, respectively. A general shift in metabolism from housekeeping to defence occurred in the leaves and roots after BTH treatment. We observed a systemic increase in pathogenesis-related protein synthesis, in the oxidative burst, and in the cell wall strengthening processes. Moreover, responses in the roots and leaves varied significantly.
Source : Genome 2006 vol.49 (12), pp 1594 - 1605
Isolation and characterization of a thermally stable recombinant anti-caffeine heavy-chain antibody fragment
Ladenson, R. C.; Crimmins, D. L.; Landt, Y.; Ladenson, J. H.
We have isolated and characterized a caffeine-specific, heavy-chain-only antibody fragment (V(HH)) from llama that is capable of being utilized to analyze caffeine in hot and cold beverages. Camelid species (llama and camel) were selected for immunization because of their potential to make heat-stable, heavychain- only antibodies. Llamas and camels were immunized with caffeine covalently linked to keyhole limpet hemocyanin, and recombinant antibody techniques were used to create phage displayed libraries of variable region fragments of the heavy-chain antibodies. Caffeine-specific V(HH) fragments were selected by their ability to bind to caffeine/bovine serum albumin (BSA) and confirmed by a positive reaction in a caffeine enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (caffeine ELISA). One of these V(HH) fragments (VSA2) was expressed as a soluble protein and shown to recover its reactivity after exposure to temperatures up to 90 degrees C. In addition, VSA2 was able to bind caffeine at 70 degrees C. A competition caffeine ELISA was developed for the measurement of caffeine in beverages, and concentrations of caffeine obtained for coffee, Coca-Cola Classic, and Diet Coke agreed well with high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) determination and literature values. VSA2 showed minimal cross reactivity with structurally related methylxanthines.
Source : Anal Chem 2006 vol.78 (13), pp 4501 - 4508
Method for homogeneous spotting of antibodies on membranes: application to the sensitive detection of ochratoxin A
Saha, D.; Acharya, D.; Dhar, T. K.
Membrane-based dot immunoassays are now widely used in almost every branch of biology and medicine. However, the quality of the immobilized antigen or antibody spots on the membranes was found to be highly operator-dependent and spotting by conventional methods often leads to heterogeneous spot morphologies and deposition inconsistencies. To circumvent these problems, a spotting method has been developed which is based on focussed absorption of an applied antibody solution through an aqueous network of capillary channels formed between the membrane and a wetted absorbent body. The method does not require any equipment for creating vacuum and according to assay requirements highly homogeneous spots of uniform size, in the range of 0.8- to 9-mm diameter, can be obtained by varying the volume of the applied antibody solution. Spot intensities were sufficiently high even at high antibody dilutions. Immobilization of anti-ochratoxin A (anti-OA) antibody by this method gave 2-fold increased sensitivity in a competitive assay of the toxin compared to conventional spotting methods. The calculated CV of the colour intensity for spots of different sizes (0.8 to 9 mm) was between 4.5 and 1%. Application of this spotting technique has been demonstrated for detection of OA in wine and coffee samples with the elimination of matrix interferences in the same immunoassay system. This was achieved by selective removal of nonspecific interfering substances from the sample extract during the assay. The detection limit of OA in wine (1 microg L(-1)) and coffee (2.5 microg kg(-1)) obtained by the present new method is superior to values reported recently. Thus, the present new method will be highly useful for improved performance of membrane-based immunoassays in almost every branch of biology and medicine.
Source : Anal Bioanal Chem 2006 vol.385 (5), pp 847 - 854
Oleosin gene family of Coffea canephora: quantitative expression analysis of five oleosin genes in developing and germinating coffee grain
Simkin, A. J.; Qian, T.; Caillet, V.; Michoux, F.; Ben Amor, M.; Lin, C.; Tanksley, S.; McCarthy, J.
Coffee grains have an oil content between 10% and 16%, with these values associated with Coffea canephora (robusta) and C. arabica (arabica), respectively. As the majority of the oil stored in oil seeds is contained in specific structures called oil bodies, we were interested in determining whether there are any differences in the expression of the main oil body proteins, the oleosins, between the robusta and Arabica varieties. Here, we present the isolation, characterization and quantitative expression analysis of six cDNAs representing five genes of the coffee oleosin family (CcOLE-1 to CcOLE-5) and one gene of the steroleosin family (CcSTO-1). Each coffee oleosin cDNA encodes for the signature structure for oleosins, a long hydrophobic central sequence containing a proline KNOT motif. Sequence analysis also indicates that the C-terminal domain of CcOLE-1, CcOLE-3 and CcOLE-5 contain an 18-residue sequence typical of H-form oleosins. Quantitative RT-PCR showed that the transcripts of all five oleosins were predominantly expressed during grain maturation in robusta and arabica grain, with CcOLE-1 and CcOLE-2 being more highly expressed. While the relative expression levels of the five oleosins were similar for robusta and arabica, significant differences in the absolute levels of expression were found between the two species. Quantitative analysis of oleosin transcripts in germinating arabica grain generally showed that the levels of these transcripts were lower in the grain after drying, and then further decreased during germination, except for a small spike of expression for CcOLE-2 early in germination. In contrast, the levels of CcSTO-1 transcripts remained relatively constant during germination, in agreement with suggestions that this protein is actively involved in the process of oil body turnover. Finally, we discuss the implications of the coffee oleosin expression data presented relative to the predicted roles for the different coffee oleosins during development and germination.
Source : J Plant Physiol 2006 vol.163 (7), pp 691 - 708
PROCESSING
Machines for thermal treatment of corn foods or in bulk materials in pseudo-ebullient layer
Kartelov, I.; Kraichev, E.; Sendov, S.
Three types of equipment for thermal processing of grain and other particulate foods are described, which utilize a pseudoboiling (fluidized) layer. Technology is suitable for fluidized bed drying and roasting of a wide range of agricultural products including corn, rice, soybeans, coffee and sesame seeds.
Source : Khranitelno vkusova Promishlenost 2007 vol.(1), pp 49 - 52 (not available online)
Interactions of water with roasted and ground coffee in the wetting process investigated by a combination of physical determinations
Mateus, M. L.; Rouvet, M.; Gumy, J. C.; Liardon, R.
Three complementary techniques were used in this study to investigate the physical changes during wetting of roasted and ground coffee. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was found to provide indirect evidence of the presence of liquid water in the coffee particles. The effect of wetting on coffee closed porosity was studied by helium pycnometry, and finally, particle sizing was used to determine the swelling kinetics of coffee after wetting. Due to the solubilization of compounds, the presence of liquid water could be detected in the coffee cells by SEM. The technique was then used to investigate different water contents; for example, for roasted and ground coffee containing 1 g of water per gram of coffee on a dry basis, liquid water was present in cells only at the periphery of approximately 1.0 mm diameter particles. Coffee closed porosity decreased with increasing water content, as evidenced by pycnometry. For roasted and ground coffee containing 1 g of water per gram of coffee, results showed a closed porosity lower that 0.1 cm3/g ( approximately 20% of the closed porosity measured in dry particles). The decrease of closed porosity may be attributed to both (1) water filling cells' lumen and (2) plasticization of cell wall polymers, resulting in the matrix relaxation and increase of helium accessibility to the pores. Water binding to the matrix polymers was further investigated by calorimetric measurements. The integration of the endothermic peak of freezing water showed that approximately 0.15 g of water/g of coffee is non-freezable water, that is, water bound to the matrix polymers. Finally, the use of particle sizing showed that the average volume of the coffee particles with 1 g of water/g of coffee increased by up to 20-23% at 10-15 min following wetting. Moisture diffusion coefficients in coffee particles [( approximately 2-3) x 10-11 m2 s-1] were approximated by fitting the swelling curves with a model of diffusion. The observed results may give information about homogeneity and the physical state of water in wetted roasted coffee and thus increase the understanding of the mechanisms of molecular mass transfer during extraction. Keywords: Roasted coffee; water; porosity; swelling.
Source : J Agric Food Chem 2007 vol.55 (8), pp 2979 - 2984
Characterization of water mobility in dry and wetted roasted coffee using low-field proton nuclear magnetic resonance
Mateus, M. L.; Champion, D.; Liardon, R.; Voilley, A.
Roasted and ground coffee was studied by low-field 1H nuclear magnetic resonance at various water contents and temperatures. The spin-spin relaxation times (T2) were measured with single pulse free induction decay (FID) and Carr-Purcell-Meiboom-Gill (CPMG) sequences. Four relaxing components were distinguished: the solid population was observed with FID sequence at T2s approx. equal to 9mus; the other three populations, measured with the CPMG sequence, corresponded to an apolar phase, the coffee oil, and two polar phases. The two polar populations observed at T2m approx. equal to 6ms and approx. equal to 27ms (for coffee with 50% water content at 90°C) were attributed to water in cell wall polymers and in water filling cells lumen. The T2 values appeared relatively insensitive to temperature, showing an Arrhenius type evolution with no break due to an important structure change. Furthermore, the intensity of the mobile phase increased as a function of time up to approx. equal to 10min after wetting, providing information about water absorption dynamics in roasted coffee.
Source : J Food Eng 2007 vol.81 (3), pp 572 - 579
CHEMISTRY
Green coffee. Determination of loss in mass at 105°C
Anon.
This standard specifies a method for the determination of loss in mass of green coffee at 105°C. It is applicable to both decaffeinated and non-decaffeinated green coffee and involves heating a test portion at 105°C for 16 h at atmospheric pressure. The standard, which is identical to ISO 6673 (2003-09), replaces DIN ISO 6673 (1986-02) and DIN ISO 6673 (2005-10).
Source : ISO 6673:2003 (2007)
A hidden co-crystal of caffeine and adipic acid
Bucar, D. K.; Henry, R. F.; Lou, X.; Borchardt, T. B.; Zhang, G. G.
Co-crystal formation between caffeine and adipic acid has been explored over the years without success; utilizing the newly developed co-crystal screening method, we have finally discovered this "hidden"
caffeine and adipic acid co-crystal.
Source : Chem Commun (Camb.) 2007 (5), pp 525 - 527
The crystal structure of anhydrous beta-caffeine as determined from X-ray powder-diffraction data
Lehmann, C. W.; Stowasser, F.
The crystal structure of the low-temperature form of anhydrous caffeine has been determined by using Xray powder-diffraction data with a combined simulated-annealing/Rietveld method. Anhydrous caffeine crystallizes with five crystallographically independent molecules in a monoclinic C-centred unit cell with dimensions of a=43.0390(17), b=15.0676(6) and c=6.95314(14) A and a beta angle of 99.027(2) degrees.
Source : Chemistry 2007 vol.13 (10), pp 2908 - 2911
A GC method for simultaneous analysis of bornesitol, other polyalcohols and sugars in coffee and its substitutes
Ruiz-Matute, A. I.; Montilla, A.; del Castillo, M. D.; Martinez-Castro, I.; Sanz, M. L.
A GC method has been developed for the determination of polyalcohols and sugars in aqueous extracts from green coffee beans, ground roasted coffee beans submitted to either conventional or torrefacto processes, coffee blends and soluble instant coffees. Bornesitol was detected in aqueous coffee extracts for the first time. Mannitol, myo-inositol, mannose, fructose, galactose, glucose and sucrose have also been determined. Results seem to indicate that coffee manufacturing processes, such as roasting or decaffeination, do not affect the polyalcohol content. Coffee substitutes based on cereals, carob or chicory, have also been studied. The possibility to characterize their presence in coffee extracts was evaluated.
Source : J Sep Sci 2007 vol.30 (4), pp 557 - 562
Molecular structures and vibrational frequencies of xanthine and its methyl derivatives (caffeine and theobromine) by ab initio Hartree-Fock and density functional theory calculations
Ucun, F.; Saglam, A.; Guclu, V.
The molecular structures, vibrational frequencies and corresponding vibrational assignments of xanthine and its methyl derivatives (caffeine and theobromine) have been calculated using ab initio Hartree-Fock (HF) and density functional theory (B3LYP) methods with 6-31G(d, p) basis set level. The calculations were utilized to the C(S) symmetries of the molecules. The obtained vibrational frequencies and optimised geometric parameters (bond lengths and bond angles) were seen to be well agreement with the experimental data. The used scale factors which have been obtained the ratio of the frequency values of the strongest peaks in the calculated and experimental spectra seem to cause the gained vibrations well corresponding to the experimental ones. Theoretical infrared intensities and Raman activities are also reported.
Source : Spectrochim Acta A Mol Biomol Spectrosc 2007 vol.67 (2), pp 342 - 349
Coffee silverskin: a new functional ingredient
Anon
Major findings of a previously reported study into the compositional, antioxidative and prebiotic properties of coffee silverskin, conducted with the aim of increasing utilization of this by-product of coffee processing, are reported. They show that coffee silverskin has a low fat content but a high total dietary fibre content and marked antioxidative activity. The potential application of coffee silverskin as aningredient of a novel, high-fibre content pasta and beer is also discussed.
Source : Innovations in Food Technology 2006 vol.32, pp 78 - 79 (not available on line) see also J. Agric. Food Chem 2004 vol.52 (5), pp 1338 - 1343
COFFEE & HEALTH
The effects of caffeine in women during aerobic-dance bench stepping
Ahrens, J. N.; Lloyd, L. K.; Crixell, S. H.; Walker, J. L.
People of all ages and fitness levels participate regularly in aerobic-dance bench stepping (ADBS) to increase fitness and control body weight. Any reasonable method for enhancing the experience or effectiveness of ADBS would be beneficial. This study examined the acute effects of a single dose of caffeine on physiological responses during ADBS in women. When compared with a placebo, neither a 3-nor a 6-mg/kg dose of caffeine altered physiological responses or rating of perceived exertion (RPE) in 20 women (age 19-28 y) of average fitness level, not habituated to caffeine, while they performed an ADBS routine. Since neither dose of caffeine had any effect on VO2, VCO2, minute ventilation, respiratory exchange ratio, rate of energy expenditure, heart rate, or RPE during ADBS exercise, it would not be prudent for a group exercise leader to recommend caffeine to increase energy cost or decrease perception of effort in an ADBS session. Furthermore, caffeine ingestion should not interfere with monitoring intensity using heart rate or RPE during ADBS.
Source : Int J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab 2007 vol.17 (1), pp 27 - 34 (not available online)
The physiological effects of caffeine in women during treadmill walking
Ahrens, J. N.; Crixell, S. H.; Lloyd, L. K.; Walker, J. L.
Although the effects of caffeine ingestion on athletic performance in men have been studied extensively, there is limited previous research examining caffeine's effects on women of average fitness levels participating in common modes of physical activity. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of 2 levels of caffeine dosage on the metabolic and cardiorespiratory responses to treadmill walking in women. Subjects were 20 women (19-28 years of age) of average fitness, not habituated to caffeine. Each subject was assigned randomly a 3-mg x kg(-1) dose of caffeine, 6-mg x kg(-1) dose of caffeine, and placebo for 3 trials of moderate steady-state treadmill walking at 94 m x min(-1) (3.5 mph). Steadystate rating of perceived exertion (RPE), heart rate (HR), respiratory exchange ratio (RER), weightrelative VO2, %VO2max reserve (%VO2R), and rate of energy expenditure (REE) were measured during each trial. Repeated measures analysis of variance revealed that a 6-mg x kg(-1), but not a 3-mg x kg(-1) dose of caffeine increased VO2 (p = 0.04), REE (p = 0.03), and %VO2R (p = 0.03), when compared to the placebo. Caffeine had no effect on RPE, HR, or RER. No significant differences were observed between the placebo trials and the 3-mg x kg(-1) dose trials. Although a 6-mg x kg(-1) dose of caffeine significantly increased REE during exercise, the observed increase (approximately 0.23 kcal x min(-1)) would not noticeably affect weight loss. Because caffeine had no effect on RPE, it would not be prudent for a trainer to recommend caffeine in order to increase a woman's energy expenditure or to decrease perception of effort during mild exercise. These data also demonstrate that caffeine intake should not interfere with monitoring walking intensity by tracking exercise heart rate in women.
Source : J Strength Cond.Res 2007 vol.21 (1), pp 164 - 168
Efficacy of a paracetamol and caffeine combination in the treatment of the key symptoms of primary dysmenorrhoea
Ali, Z.; Burnett, I.; Eccles, R.; North, M.; Jawad, M.; Jawad, S.; Clarke, G.; Milsom, I.
Primary dysmenorrhoea is characterised by pain, cramping and backache at the time of menses. Despite the high prevalence of dysmenorrhoea, few sufficiently powered, placebo-controlled studies have examined the efficacy of over the counter analgesics in this condition. Furthermore, even fewer studies have directly examined the efficacy of analgesics on specific dysmenorrhoea symptoms. Research design and main outcome measures: This was a single-dose, placebo-controlled, double blind, crossover study carried out in 320 women with moderate-to-severe dysmenorrhoea pain. At 2 h following dosing, 1 g paracetamol plus 130 mg caffeine led to significantly greater pain relief compared to 1 g paracetamol alone (p < 0.05), 130 mg caffeine alone (p < 0.01) or placebo (p < 0.01). The combination was also significantly more effective in relieving abdominal cramping and backache compared to the other treatment arms. No major treatment related adverse events were reported during this study.
CONCLUSIONS: When taken at recommended doses, both paracetamol and the combination of paracetamol and caffeine are safe and effective treatments for primary dysmenorrhoea. Consistent with results from other acute pain states, caffeine acts as an analgesic adjuvant and enhances the efficacy of paracetamol.
Source : Curr Med Res Opin 2007 vol.23 Issue 4 pp 841 - 851
Alzheimer´s disease and coffee: a quantitative review
Barranco-Quintana, J. L.; Allam, M. F.; Serrano-Del-Castillo, A.; Fernandez-Crehuet-Navajas, R.
To estimate the pooled risk of coffee consumption for Alzheimer's disease (AD). MATERIAL AND METHODS: We have reviewed all observational studies that evaluated the association between AD risk and coffee consumption. Four studies were identified: two case-control studies and two cohorts. These studies were carried out between 1990 and 2002. RESULTS: There was an obvious protective effect of coffee consumption in the pooled estimate [risk estimate: 0.73 (95% confidence interval: 0.58- 0.92)]. However, the homogeneity test was highly significant (p<0.01), indicating heterogeneity across the pooled studies. Pooled analysis applying the random effect model was 0.79 with 95% confidence interval overlapping unity (95% confidence interval: 0.46-1.36). Three studies assessed coffee consumption by interview questionnaire. The risk of AD in coffee consumers versus non-consumers in studies that used interview questionnaire had a pooled risk estimate of 0.70 with 95% confidence interval 0.55-0.90.
CONCLUSION: Although our pooled estimates show that coffee consumption is inversely associated with the risk of AD, the four studies had heterogeneous methodologies and results. Further prospective studies evaluating the association between coffee consumption and AD are strongly needed.
Source : Neurol Res 2007 vol.29 (1), pp 91 - 95
Coffee and cardiovascular disease: In vitro, cellular, animal, and human studies
Bonita, J. S.; Mandarano, M.; Shuta, D.; Vinson, J.
Coffee is a commonly consumed beverage with potential health benefits. This review will focus on cardiovascular disease. There are three preparations of coffee that are commonly consumed and thus worthy of examination; boiled unfiltered coffee, filtered coffee, and decaffeinated coffee. Coffee has over a thousand chemicals, many formed during the roasting process. From a physiological point of view, the potential bioactives are caffeine, the diterpenes cafestol and kahweol found in the oil, and the polyphenols, most notably chlorogenic acid. We will examine coffee and its bioactives and their connection with and effect on the risk factors which are associated with heart disease such as lipids, blood pressure, inflammation, endothelial function, metabolic syndrome and potentially protective in vivo antioxidant activity. These will be critically examined by means of in vitro studies, cell experiments, animal supplementation, epidemiology, and the most definitive evidence, human trials.
Source : Pharmacol Res 2007 vol.55 (3), pp 187 - 198
Non-alcoholic beverages and risk of bladder cancer in Uruguay
De Stefani, E.; Boffetta, P.; Deneo-Pellegrini, H.; Correa, P.; Ronco, A. L.; Brennan, P.; Ferro, G.; Acosta, G.; Mendilaharsu, M.
Bladder cancer is the fourth most frequent malignancy among Uruguayan men. A previous study from Uruguay suggested a high risk of bladder cancer associated with mate drinking. We conducted an additional case-control study in order to further explore the role of non-alcoholic beverages in bladder carcinogenesis. METHODS: In the time period 1996-2000, 255 incident cases with transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder and 501 patients treated in the same hospitals and in the same time period were frequency matched on age, sex, and residence. Both cases and controls were face-to-face interviewed on occupation, tobacco smoking, alcohol drinking and intake of mate, coffee, tea, and soft drinks. Statistical analysis was carried out by unconditional multiple logistic regression. RESULTS: Ever mate drinking was positively associated with bladder cancer (odds ratio [OR] 2.2, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.2-3.9) and the risk increased for increasing duration and amount of mate drinking. Both coffee and tea were strongly associated with bladder cancer risk (OR for coffee drinking 1.6, 95% CI 1.2-2.3; OR for tea drinking 2.3, 95% CI 1.5-3.4). These results were confirmed in a separate analysis of never-smokers.
CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that drinking of mate, coffee and tea may be risk factors for bladder carcinoma in Uruguay.
Source : BMC Cancer 2007 vol.7 pp 57 (full text)
Effect of caffeine and testosterone on the proliferation of human hair follicles in vitro
Fischer, T. W.; Hipler, U. C.; Elsner, P.
Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is a common problem in men of all ages, affecting approximately 50% at 50 years of age. The underlying cause is an androgen-dependent miniaturization of genetically predetermined hair follicles. Here, the hair organ culture model was used to investigate the effects of testosterone and caffeine; the latter being a promising candidate for hair growth stimulation. METHODS: Hair follicles from 14 biopsies, taken from the vertex areas from male AGA patients, were cultivated for 120-192 h in vitro with normal William's E medium (control) or William's E medium containing different concentrations of testosterone and/or caffeine. Hair shaft elongation was measured daily and at the end of cultivation, cryosections of follicles were stained with Ki-67 to evaluate the degree and localization of keratinocyte proliferation. RESULTS: Significant growth suppression was found in hair follicles treated with 5 microg/ml testosterone. This was counteracted by caffeine in concentrations of 0.001% and 0.005%. Moreover, caffeine alone led to a significant stimulation of hair follicle growth. These results were confirmed immunohistochemically by Ki-67 staining.
CONCLUSIONS: Androgen-dependent growth inhibition of ex vivo hair follicles from patients suffering from AGA was present in the human hair organ culture model, a constellation which may serve for future studies to screen new substances against androgen-dependent hair loss. Caffeine was identified as a stimulator of human hair growth in vitro; a fact which may have important clinical impact in the management of AGA.
Source : Int J Dermatol. 2007 vol.46 Issue 1 pp 27 - 35 (full text)
Effect of coffee Melanoidin on human hepatoma HepG2 cells. Protection against oxidative stress induced by tert-butylhydroperoxide
Goya, L.; Delgado-Andrade, C.; Rufian-Henares, J. A.; Bravo, L.; Morales, F. J.
Soluble high-molecular weight fraction (named melanoidin) from coffee brew was isolated by ultrafiltration, subsequently digested by simulating a gastric plus pancreatic digestive condition and partly characterized by CZE, gel-filtration and browning. The objective of the present study was to investigate the potential protective effect of the coffee melanoidin submitted to gastrointestinal digestion on cell viability (lactate dehydrogenase leakage) and redox status of cultured human hepatoma HepG2 cells submitted to oxidative stress induced by tert-butylhydroperoxide (t-BOOH). Concentration of reduced glutathione (GSH) and malondialdehyde (MDA), generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and activity of antioxidant enzymes glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and reductase (GR) were used as markers of cellular oxidative status. Pretreatment of cultured HepG2 cells with 0.5-10 mug/mL digested coffee melanoidins (DCM) for 2 or 20 h completely prevented the increase in cell damage and GR and partly prevented the decrease of GSH and the increase of MDA and GPx evoked by t-BOOH in HepG2 cells. In contrast, increased ROS generation induced by t-BOOH was not prevented when cells were pretreated with DCM. The results show that treatment of HepG2 cells with concentrations of DCM within the expected physiological range confers the cells a significant protection against an oxidative insult.
Source : Mol Nutr Food Res 2007 vol.51 (5), pp 536 - 545
Inhibitory effects of caffeine on hippocampal neurogenesis and function
Han, M. E.; Park, K. H.; Baek, S. Y.; Kim, B. S.; Kim, J. B.; Kim, H. J.; Oh, S. O.
Caffeine is one of the most extensively consumed psychostimulants in the world. However, compared to short-term effects of caffeine, the long-term effects of caffeine consumption on learning and memory are poorly characterized. The present study found that long-term consumption of low dose caffeine (0.3g/L) slowed hippocampus-dependent learning and impaired long-term memory. Caffeine consumption for 4 weeks also significantly reduced hippocampal neurogenesis compared to controls. From these results, we concluded that long-term consumption of caffeine could inhibit hippocampus-dependent learning and memory partially through inhibition of hippocampal neurogenesis.
Source : Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2007 vol.356 (4), pp 976 - 980
Smoking, Caffeine, and Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs in Families With Parkinson Disease
Hancock, D. B.; Martin, E. R.; Stajich, J. M.; Jewett, R.; Stacy, M. A.; Scott, B. L.; Vance, J. M.; Scott, W. K.
OBJECTIVE: To assess associations between Parkinson disease (PD) and putatively protective factorssmoking, caffeine (coffee, tea, and soft drinks), and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen). DESIGN: Family-based case-control study. SETTING: Academic medical center clinic. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 356 case subjects and 317 family controls who self-reported environmental exposures. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Associations between PD and environmental measures (history, status, dosage, duration, and intensity) of smoking, coffee, caffeine, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and nonaspirin nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs were examined using generalized estimating equations with an independent correlation matrix while controlling for age and sex. RESULTS: Individuals with PD were significantly less likely to report ever smoking (odds ratio = 0.56; 95% confidence interval, 0.41-0.78). Additional measures of smoking revealed significant inverse associations with PD (P<.05) and trends in odds ratios (P<.005). Increasing intensity of coffee drinking was inversely associated with PD (test for trend P = .05). Increasing dosage (trend P = .009) and intensity (trend P = .01) of total caffeine consumption were also inversely associated, with high dosage presenting a significant inverse association for PD (odds ratio = 0.58; 95% confidence interval, 0.34-0.99). There were no significant associations between nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and PD.
CONCLUSIONS: Inverse associations of smoking and caffeine were corroborated using families with PD, thus emphasizing smoking and caffeine as important covariates to consider in genetic studies of PD.
Source : Arch Neurol 2007 vol.64 (4), pp 576 - 580
Coffee, stress and cortisol in nursing staff
Harris, A.; Ursin, H.; Murison, R.; Eriksen, H. R.
According to cognitive activation theory, long-lasting work demands without rest or lack of coping may lead to sustained activation and pathology. Cortisol is one of the most important stress hormones in humans and increased basal levels of cortisol are considered a valid marker for sustained activation. In order to investigate this association further, we investigate the relationships between salivary cortisol profiles, job stress, work load (effort/reward, demand/control) and health (subjective health complaints and health-related quality of life) in a population of health care workers. Forty-four women filled in a questionnaire and collected five saliva samples on two consecutive working days (1: wake-up time, 2: wake-up time+30min, 3: wake-up time+45min, 4: 1500h and 5: 2200h). There was no relationship between psychosocial factors at work and cortisol levels in the morning (cortisol level at wake-up time and awakening cortisol response (ACR)). Only the confounding variable tobacco reached a significant level in the hierarchical regressions analyses. Our significant findings are limited to the afternoon decline and the evening values. The decrease during the day relates to decision authority, physical functioning, general health, and vitality in the single, unadjusted regression analyses. The decrease also relates to coffee intake, which we included originally as a confounding variable. In the final hierarchical regression of the evening values, only decision authority and coffee were significantly related to cortisol levels in the evening.
Source : Psychoneuroendocrinology 2007 vol.32 (4), pp 322 - 330
Hunter Holmes McGuire and the coffee pot spout procedure
Herr, H. W.
Hunter Holmes McGuire (1835 to 1900) was a Confederate surgeon who made a unique contribution to urology. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Articles and lectures published by Doctor McGuire were reviewed pertaining to his experience treating diseases of the bladder and prostate. RESULTS: Treatment of the enlarged prostate toward the end of the 19th century was unsatisfactory and morbid. Doctor McGuire devised a new procedure he called the artificial urethra, in essence creating the first continent cutaneous vesicostomy, by which patients could void with good control.
CONCLUSIONS: Dr. Hunter McGuire is remembered for his unique contributions to medicine, surgery and urology.
Source : J Urol. 2007 vol.177 Issue 4 pp 1250 - 1253
A coffee with your brandy, Sir?
Kendrick, S. F.; Day, C. P.
Coffee, cirrhosis and Transaminase enzymes, Klatsky AL, Morton C, Udaltsova N, Friedman GD. BACKGROUND/AIMS: A minority of persons at risk develop liver cirrhosis, but knowledge of risk modulators is sparse. Several reports suggest that coffee drinking is associated with lower cirrhosis risk. METHODS: We studied 125,580 multiethnic members of a comprehensive prepaid health care plan without known liver disease who supplied baseline data at voluntary health examinations from 1978 to 1985. Subsequently, through 2001, 330 of them were diagnosed with liver cirrhosis. Review of medical records confirmed the diagnosis of cirrhosis and ascertained probable etiology. The association of coffee drinking with cirrhosis was estimated by Cox proportional hazards models with seven covariates. We also did a cross-sectional analysis of baseline aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase levels, studied by logistic regression. RESULTS: In the cohort study, relative risks of alcoholic cirrhosis (199 subjects) for coffee drinking (vs none) were less than 1 cup per day, 0.7 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.4-1.1); 1-3 cups, 0.6 (95% CI, 0.4-0.8; P<.001); and 4 or more cups, 0.2 (95% CI, 0.1-0.4; P<.001). For 131 subjects with nonalcoholic cirrhosis, relative risks were less than 1 cup, 1.2 (95% CI, 0.6-2.2); 1-3 cups, 1.3 (95% CI, 0.8-2.1); and 4 or more cups, 0.7 (95% CI, 0.4-1.3). These relative risks for coffee drinking were consistent in subsets. Tea drinking was unrelated to alcoholic or nonalcoholic cirrhosis. In the cross-sectional analyses, coffee drinking was related to lower prevalence of high aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase levels; for example, the odds ratio of 4 or more cups per day (vs none) for a high aspartate aminotransferase level was 0.5 (95% CI, 0.4-0.6; P<.001) and for a high alanine aminotransferase level, 0.6 (95% CI, 0.6-0.7; P<.001), with stronger inverse relations in those who drink large quantities of alcohol. CONCLUSIONS: These data support the hypothesis that there is an ingredient in coffee that protects against cirrhosis, especially alcoholic cirrhosis.
Source : J Hepatol. vol.46 ( 5), pp 980 - 982 see also Arch Intern Med 2006 vol.166, pp 1190–1195
Effects of caffeine on the freezing of gait in Parkinson\'s disease
Kitagawa, M.; Houzen, H.; Tashiro, K.
Caffeine is a nonselective competitive blockade of adenosine A1 and A2A receptors. In this report, we studied the efficacy of 100 mg of caffeine per day on the freezing of gait (FOG) for patients with Caffeine improved "total akinesia" type of FOG, but had no effect on "trembling in place." Tolerance developed to the beneficial effect of caffeine on FOG within a few months, but a 2-week caffeine withdrawal period could restore the effect of caffeine.
Source : Mov Disord. 2007 vol.22 (5), pp 710 - 712
Effects of a reduced-glycemic-load diet on body weight, body composition, and cardiovascular disease risk markers in overweight and obese adults
Maki, K. C.; Rains, T. M.; Kaden, V. N.; Raneri, K. R.; Davidson, M. H.
Lowering the dietary glycemic load and increasing protein intake may be advantageous for weight management. OBJECTIVE: This randomized controlled trial was designed to evaluate the effects of an ad libitum reduced-glycemic-load (RGL) diet on body weight, body composition, and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk markers in overweight and obese adults during an initial weight-loss phase (12 wk) and a weight-loss maintenance phase (weeks 24-36). DESIGN: Subjects were assigned to RGL (n = 43) or low-fat, portion-controlled (control; n = 43) diet groups. The RGL group was instructed to eat until satisfied, maintaining a low carbohydrate intake during weeks 0-2 and adding low-glycemic-index carbohydrate thereafter. Control subjects were instructed to reduce fat intake and decrease portion sizes, with a targeted energy deficit of 500 to 800 kcal/d. RESULTS: The RGL group had lost significantly more weight than did the control group at week 12 (-4.9 and -2.5 kg, respectively; P = 0.002), but the 2 groups did not differ significantly at week 36 (-4.5 and -2.6 kg, respectively; P = 0.085). Changes in fat mass differed between the groups at week 12 (-1.9 and -0.9 kg, respectively; P = 0.016) but not at week 36 (- 2.0 and -1.3 kg, respectively; P = 0.333). At the end of the study, no differences were found in responses for CVD risk markers except a larger mean change in HDL cholesterol in the RGL group than in the control group (3.8 and 1.9 mg/dL, respectively; P = 0.037).
CONCLUSION: These findings provide evidence that an ad libitum RGL diet is a reasonable alternative to a low-fat, portion-controlled eating plan for weight management.
Source : Am J Clin Nutr 2007 vol.85 (3), pp 724 - 734
Long-term caffeine-induced inhibition of EAC cell progression in relation to gonadal hormonal status
Mandal, A.; Batabyal, S. K.; Poddar, M. K.
Inhibitory action of caffeine (a tri-methylxanthine alkaloid) on progression or pathogenesis of lung, breast and ovarian cancer including Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) cell development has been reported. This information led the authors to study the effect of long-term administration of caffeine (20 mg/kg/day; po for 22-27 consecutive days) on the development of EAC cells in relation to serum gonadal hormones (LH, FSH, 17-OH-beta-estradiol (E2) and progesterone) in adult Swiss albino female mice. Measurement of gonadal hormones in serum using RIA showed that (a) long-term caffeine treatment significantly increased LH (except for 27 consecutive days) and decreased FSH (except for 24 and 27 consecutive days) and both E2 and progesterone (except for 22 and 24 consecutive days) levels, (b) development of EAC cell for 10-15 days, significantly increased LH but decreased FSH, E2 and progesterone levels and (c) long-term caffeine consumption during the development of EAC cell (i) restored the EAC cell- or caffeine-induced induction of LH and reduction of FSH level to their normal levels and (ii) withdrew/reduced the EAC cell-induced reduction in only E2 but not progesterone level. These results therefore, suggest that prolonged caffeine exposures may inhibit the development of EAC cell through the reduction or restoration of EAC cell-induced disruption of ovarian hormonal status to their normal status via the modulation of Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Gonadal (HPG) axis.
Source : Indian J Exp Biol 2007 vol.45 (4), pp 347 - 352
Hydration during exercise in warm, humid conditions: effects of a caffeinated sports drink
Millard-Stafford, M. L.; Cureton, K. J.; Wingo, J. E.; Trlk, J.; Warren, G. L.; Buyckx, M.
Caffeine is regarded as a diuretic despite evidence that hydration is not impaired with habitual ingestion. The purpose of this study was to determine whether a caffeinated sports drink impairs fluid delivery and hydration during exercise in warm, humid conditions (28.5°C, 60% RH). 16 cyclists completed 3 trials: placebo (P), carbohydrate-electrolyte (CE), and caffeinated (195 mg/l) sports drink (CAF+CE). Subjects cycled for 120 min at 60-75%VO2max followed by 15 min of maximal-effort cycling. Heart rate and rectal temp. were similar until the final 15 min, when these responses and exercise intensity were higher with CAF+CE than with CE and P. Sweat rate, urine output, plasma-vol. losses, serum electrolytes, and blood deuterium-oxide accumulation were not different. Serum osmolality was higher with CAF+CE vs. P but not CE. It is concluded that CAF+CE appears as rapidly in blood as CE and maintains hydration and sustains cardiovascular and thermoregulatory function as well as CE during exercise in a warm, humid environment.
Source : Int J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab 2007 vol.17(2), pp 163 - 177
Coffee and Maillard products activate NF-kappaB in macrophages via H(2)O(2) production
Muscat, S.; Pelka, J.; Hegele, J.; Weigle, B.; Munch, G.; Pischetsrieder, M.
In this study, we investigated the immunomodulatory activity of coffee and Maillard reaction products on macrophages in vitro. Stimulation of macrophages with coffee, but not with raw coffee extract in PBS, led to a 13-fold increased nuclear NF-kappaB translocation. A Maillard reaction mixture (25 mM D-ribose/Llysine, 30 min at 120 degrees C) increased NF-kappaB translocation 18-fold (in PBS) or six-fold (in medium). MRPs also induced a two-fold increased NF-kappaB translocation in untransfected human embryonic kidney (HEK) cells as well as in HEK cells stably transfected with the receptor for advanced glycation endproducts (RAGE), indicating that the effect was not RAGE mediated. On the other hand, catalase totally abolished coffee- and MRP-induced NF-kappaB translocation. Consequently, up to 366 muM hydrogen peroxide was measured in the coffee preparation and Maillard mixtures used for cell stimulation. Stimulation of macrophages with MRPs did not lead to significantly increased IL-6 or NO release. Thus, it can be concluded that coffee and MRPs induce NF-kappaB translocation in macrophages via the generation of hydrogen peroxide.
Source : Mol Nutr Food Res 2007 vol.51 (5), pp 525 - 535
Caffeine challenge test in panic disorder and depression with panic attacks
Nardi, A. E.; Lopes, F. L.; Valenca, A. M.; Freire, R. C.; Veras, A. B.; Melo-Neto, V. L.; Nascimento, I.; King, A. L.; Mezzasalma, M. A.; Soares-Filho, G. L.; Zin, W. A.
Our aim was to observe if patients with panic disorder (PD) and patients with major depression with panic attacks (MDP) (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition criteria) respond in a similar way to the induction of panic attacks by an oral caffeine challenge test. We randomly selected 29 patients with PD, 27 with MDP, 25 with major depression without panic attacks (MD), and 28 healthy volunteers. The patients had no psychotropic drug for at least a 4-week period. In a randomized doubleblind experiment performed in 2 occasions 7 days apart, 480 mg caffeine and a caffeine-free (placebo) solution were administered in a coffee form and anxiety scales were applied before and after each test. A total of 58.6% (n = 17) of patients with PD, 44.4% (n = 12) of patients with MDP, 12.0% (n = 3) of patients with MD, and 7.1% (n= 2) of control subjects had a panic attack after the 480-mg caffeine challenge test (chi(2)(3) = 16.22, P = .001). The patients with PD and MDP were more sensitive to caffeine than were patients with MD and healthy volunteers. No panic attack was observed after the caffeine-free solution intake. The patients with MD had a lower heart rate response to the test than all the other groups (2-way analysis of variance, group by time interaction with Greenhouse-Geisser correction: F(3,762) = 2.85, P = .026). Our data suggest that there is an association between panic attacks, no matter if associated with PD or MDP, and hyperreactivity to an oral caffeine challenge test.
Source : Compr.Psychiatry 2007 vol.48 (3), pp 257 - 263
Therapeutic drug monitoring for caffeine in preterm neonates: an unnecessary exercise?
Natarajan, G.; Botica, M. L.; Thomas, R.; Aranda, J. V.
Our goal was to determine the value of measuring plasma caffeine levels in preterm neonates treated with caffeine for apnea. We evaluated plasma concentrations of caffeine attained in preterm neonates at standard doses, at varying postconceptual ages, with renal or hepatic dysfunction and when there was clinical lack of efficacy. We hypothesized that measurement of plasma caffeine concentrations during apnea therapy is not clinically helpful. PATIENTS/METHODS. An observational study was conducted at Hutzel Women's Hospital between January 2000 and September 2005. Preterm neonates who were being treated with caffeine and who had a plasma caffeine level measured on at least 1 occasion were included. RESULTS. A total of 231 caffeine blood levels were obtained from 101 preterm neonates with a median gestation of 28 weeks (range: 23-32 weeks) and birth weight of 1030 g (range: 540-2150 g). The caffeine citrate dose used ranged form 2.5 to 10.9 mg/kg (median: 5 mg/kg), and the levels ranged from 3.0 to 23.8 mg/L. Levels were between 5.1 and 20 mg/L in 94.8%, <5 mg/L in 2.1%, and >20 mg/L in 3.1%. Levels in the 5.1 to 20 mg/L range were attained on 91.3% of occasions when there was concomitant renal dysfunction (n = 23) and in all cases of hepatic dysfunction (n = 13). The median (25th, 75th quartiles) levels drawn for lack of efficacy (14.1 [10.2, 8.3] mg/L; n = 94) were comparable to those obtained for routine monitoring (13.7 [11, 9] mg/L; n = 107).
CONCLUSIONS. A majority of preterm neonates attain plasma caffeine levels between 5 and 20 mg/L, independent of gestation. This observation held even for the small number of subjects with elevated blood urea nitrogen, serum creatinine, or liver enzyme levels. Therapeutic drug monitoring is not necessary when caffeine is used for the treatment of apnea of prematurity in neonates.
Source : Pediatrics 2007 vol.119 (5), pp 936 - 940
Clinical importance of caffeine dependence and abuse
Ogawa, N.; Ueki, H.
Caffeine is the most widely consumed psychoactive substance and is a legal stimulant that is readily available to children. Caffeine has occasionally been considered a drug of abuse and the potential for dependence on caffeine has been debated. Presently, due to a paucity of clinical evidence on caffeine dependence or abuse, no such diagnosis is included in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorder-fourth edition. The authors present two cases of abuse or dependence on the caffeine contained in 'eutrophic' (energy/nutritional) beverages or caffeine preparations, followed by a review of clinical studies demonstrating evidence that some people can manifest a clinical syndrome of caffeine dependence or abuse. The cases suggest that caffeine can produce a clinical dependence syndrome similar to those produced by other psychoactive substances and has a potential for abuse. In a recent study using a structured interview and the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorder-fourth edition criteria for substance dependence and abuse, a subset of the general population was found to demonstrate caffeine dependence or caffeine abuse. Therefore, the authors propose that companies or businesses manufacturing or marketing caffeine or products containing caffeine must meet the following guidelines: (i) clearly indicate the caffeine content of products containing comparatively higher quantities of caffeine; (ii) warn that such products should be avoided by infants and children wherever possible, and inform adult consumers about the precise quantity of caffeine that is considered safe for consumption; and (iii) clearly state that consuming large quantities of caffeine and the long-term use of caffeine carry health risks.
Source : Psychiatry Clin Neurosci 2007 vol.61 (3), pp 263 - 268
Non-alcoholic beverage and caffeine consumption and mortality: The Leisure World Cohort Study
Paganini-Hill, A.; Kawas, C. H.; Corrada, M. M.
OBJECTIVE.: To examine the effects of non-alcoholic beverage and caffeine consumption on all-cause mortality in older adults. METHODS.: The Leisure World Cohort Study is a prospective study of residents of a California retirement community. A baseline postal health survey included details on coffee, tea, milk, soft drink, and chocolate consumption. Participants were followed for 23 years (1981-2004). Risk ratios (RRs) of death were calculated using Cox regression for 8644 women and 4980 men (median age at entry, 74 years) and adjusted for age, gender, and multiple potential confounders. RESULTS.: Caffeine consumption exhibited a U-shaped mortality curve. Moderate caffeine consumers had a significantly reduced risk of death (multivariable-adjusted RR=0.94, 95% CI: 0.89, 0.99 for 100-199 mg/day and RR=0.90, 95% CI: 0.85, 0.94 for 200-399 mg/day compared with those consuming <50 mg/day). Individuals who drank more than 1 can/week of artificially sweetened (but not sugar-sweetened) soft drink (cola and other) had an 8% increased risk (95% CI: 1.01-1.16). Neither milk nor tea had a significant effect on mortality after multivariable adjustment.
CONCLUSIONS.: Moderate caffeine consumption appeared beneficial in reducing risk of death. Attenuation in the observed associations between mortality and intake of tea and milk with adjustment for potential confounders suggests that such consumption identifies those with other mortality-associated lifestyle and health risks. The increased death risk with consumption of artificially sweetened, but not sugar-sweetened, soft drinks suggests an effect of the sweetener rather than other components of the soft drinks, although residual confounding remains a possibility.
Source : Prev Med 2007 vol.44 (4), pp 305 - 310
Hyperalgesia, low-anxiety, and impairment of avoidance learning in neonatal caffeine-treated rats
Pan, H. Z.; Chen, H. H.
RATIONALE: The nonselective adenosine receptor antagonist caffeine is used clinically to treat apnea in preterm infants. The brain developmental stage of preterm infants is usually at a period of rapid brain growth, referred as brain growth spurt, which occurs during early postnatal life in rats and is highly sensitive to central nervous system (CNS) acting drugs. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this work was to study whether caffeine treatment during brain growth spurt produces long-term effects on the adenosine receptor-regulated behaviors including nociception, anxiety, learning, and memory. METHODS: Neonatal male and female Sprague-Dawley rats were administered either deionized water or caffeine (15-20 mg kg(-1) day(-1)) through gavage (0.05 ml/10 g) over postnatal days (PN) 2-6. The hot-plate test, elevated plus-maze, dark-light transition test, and step-through inhibitory avoidance learning task were examined in juvenile rats. Furthermore, the responses to adenosine A(1) receptor agonist N(6)-cyclopentyladenosine (CPA)-induced hypothermia and A(2A) receptor agonist CGS21680-induced locomotor depression were also compared. RESULTS: Caffeine-treated rats showed hyperalgesia in hot-plate test, less anxiety than controls in the elevated plus-maze and dark-light transition, and impairment in step-through avoidance learning test. Moreover, the responses to CPA-induced hypothermia and CGS21680-induced locomotor depression were enhanced in caffeine-treated rats.
CONCLUSION: These results indicate that caffeine exposure during brain growth spurt alters the adenosine receptor-regulated behaviors and the responsiveness to adenosine agonists, suggesting the risk of adenosine receptor-related behavioural dysfunction may exist in preterm newborns treated for apnea with caffeine.
Source : Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2007 vol.191 (1), pp 119 - 125
Long-term consumption of caffeine improves glucose homeostasis by enhancing insulinotropic action through islet insulin/insulin-like growth factor 1 signaling in diabetic rats
Park, S.; Jang, J. S.; Hong, S. M.
Our previous study demonstrated that long-term cola consumption reduced body weight and improved insulin sensitivity in healthy male rats. In this study, we investigated the effect and mechanism of caffeine and sucrose, major components of cola, on glucose metabolism in 90% pancreatectomized diabetic rats. After a 12-week administration of 0.01% caffeine solution, the rats exhibited reduced body weight, fats, and insulin resistance, without a change in food intake, regardless of an 11% sucrose solution supplementation. In addition, caffeine enhanced glucose-stimulated first- and second-phase insulin secretion and beta-cell hyperplasia. This insulinotropic action was explained by potentiating an insulin/insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) signaling cascade via induction of insulin receptor substrate 2 in islets. In contrast, sucrose supplementation deteriorated insulin sensitivity and attenuated insulin/IGF-1 signaling in islets, which reduced the number of beta cells. Caffeine nullified the adverse effect of sucrose on glucose homeostasis. These findings indicate that long-term caffeine consumption can help alleviate diabetic symptoms by enhancing insulin sensitivity and beta-cell function through improved insulin/IGF-1 signaling via induction of insulin receptor substrate 2 in mildly diabetic rats.
Source : Metabolism 2007 vol.56 (5), pp 599 - 607
A Genetic Variation in the Adenosine A(2A) Receptor Gene (ADORA2A) Contributes to Individual Sensitivity to Caffeine Effects on Sleep
Retey, J. V.; Adam, M.; Khatami, R.; Luhmann, U. F.; Jung, H. H.; Berger, W.; Landolt, H. P.
Caffeine is the most widely used stimulant in Western countries. Some people voluntarily reduce caffeine consumption because it impairs the quality of their sleep. Studies in mice revealed that the disruption of sleep after caffeine is mediated by blockade of adenosine A(2A) receptors. Here we show in humans that (1) habitual caffeine consumption is associated with reduced sleep quality in self-rated caffeine-sensitive individuals, but not in caffeine-insensitive individuals; (2) the distribution of distinct c.1083T>C genotypes of the adenosine A(2A) receptor gene (ADORA2A) differs between caffeine-sensitive and –insensitive adults; and (3) the ADORA2A c.1083T>C genotype determines how closely the caffeine-induced changes in brain electrical activity during sleep resemble the alterations observed in patients with insomnia. These data demonstrate a role of adenosine A(2A) receptors for sleep in humans, and suggest that a common variation in ADORA2A contributes to subjective and objective responses to caffeine on sleep.
Source : Clin Pharmacol Ther 20007 vol.81 (5), pp 692 - 698
Effect of a thermogenic beverage on 24-hour energy metabolism in humans
Rudelle, S.; Ferruzzi, M. G.; Cristiani, I.; Moulin, J.; Mace, K.; Acheson, K. J.; Tappy, L.
This study sought to test whether consumption of a beverage containing a.i. would increase 24-h energy metabolism in healthy, young, lean individuals. 31 male and female subjects consumed 3 x 250-ml servings of a beverage containing green tea catechins, caffeine and Ca for 3 days in a single-center, double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over design study. On the 3rd day, 23-h energy metabolism, extrapolated to 24-h, was measured in a calorimeter chamber. Blood pressure and heart rate were measured, and total day and night urines were analysed for urea and catecholamine excretion. It was demonstrated that 24-h energy expenditure (EE) and 24-h fat oxidation were lower in women than in men (P < 0.0001 and P < 0.015, respectively). Although there were no treatment or treatment/gender effects on substrate oxidation, treatment increased 24-h EE by 106 ± 31 kcal/24 h (P = 0.002), equivalent to 4.7 ± 1.6 kcal/h (day; P = 0.005) and 3.3 ± 1.5 kcal/h (night; P = 0.04). No significant differences were observed in haemodynamic parameters. This study provides evidence that consumption of a beverage containing green tea catechins, caffeine and Ca increases 24-h EE by 4.6%, but the contribution of the individual ingredients cannot be distinguished. Although this increase is modest, the results are discussed in relation to proposed public health goals, indicating that such modifications are sufficient to prevent wt. gain. When consumed regularly as part of a healthy diet and exercise regime, such a beverage may provide benefits for wt. control.
Source : Obesity 2007 vol.15(2), pp 349 - 355
An accurate risk score based on anthropometric, dietary, and lifestyle factors to predict the development
Schulze, M. B.; Hoffmann, K.; Boeing, H.; Linseisen, J.; Rohrmann, S.; Mohlig, M.; Pfeiffer, A. F.; Spranger, J.; Thamer, C.; Haring, H. U.; Fritsche, A.; Joost, H. G.
We aimed to develop a precise risk score for the screening of large populations for individuals at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes based on noninvasive measurements of major risk factors in German study populations. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: A prospective cohort study (European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition [EPIC]-Potsdam study) of 9,729 men and 15,438 women aged 35-65 years was used to derive a risk score predicting incident type 2 diabetes. Multivariate Cox regression model coefficients were used to weigh each variable in the calculation of the score. Data from the EPIC-Heidelberg, the Tubingen Family Study for Type 2 Diabetes (TUF), and the Metabolic Syndrome Berlin Potsdam (MeSyBePo) study were used to validate this score. RESULTS: Information on age, waist circumference, height, history of hypertension, physical activity, smoking, and consumption of red meat, whole-grain bread, coffee, and alcohol formed the German Diabetes Risk Score (mean 446 points [range 118-983]). The probability of developing diabetes within 5 years in the EPICPotsdam study increased from 0.3% for 300 to 23.2% for 750 score points. The area under the receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve was 0.84 in the EPIC-Potsdam and 0.82 in the EPIC-Heidelberg studies. Correlation coefficients between the German Diabetes Risk Score and insulin sensitivity in nondiabetic individuals were -0.56 in the TUF and -0.45 in the MeSyBePo studies. ROC values for undiagnosed diabetes were 0.83 in the TUF and 0.75 in the MeSyBePo studies.
CONCLUSIONS: The German Diabetes Risk Score (available at www.dife.de) is an accurate tool to identify individuals at high risk for or with undiagnosed type 2 diabetes.
Source : Diabetes Care 2007 vol.30 (3), pp 510 - 515
The HEATOX project
Skog, K.
Formation of potentially hazardous compounds in foods during heating is discussed, with particular reference to the EU-funded HEATOX project, whose aim is to investigate the health risks associated with acrylamide and similar toxic substances in carbohydrate-rich foods. Aspects considered include: the HEATOX project (research themes, participants); factors influencing acrylamide formation in foods such as bread, potatoes and coffee beans; analytical techniques for heat-induced toxic compounds; analysis of bioavailability and mechanisms of toxicity; exposure assessment; risks assessment; management; communication; dissemination; training; and potential future perspectives.
Source : Food Sci Technol 2007 vol.21 (1), pp 25 - 27 see also The Heatox Project
Rofecoxib is a potent inhibitor of cytochrome P450 1A2: studies with tizanidine and caffeine in healthy
Backman, J. T.; Karjalainen, M. J.; Neuvonen, M.; Laitila, J.; Neuvonen, P. J.
AIMS: Case reports suggest an interaction between rofecoxib and the CYP1A2 substrate tizanidine. Our objectives were to explore the extent and mechanism of this possible interaction and to determine the CYP1A2 inhibitory potency of rofecoxib. METHODS: In a randomized, double-blind, two-phase cross-over study, nine healthy subjects took 25 mg rofecoxib or placebo daily for 4 days and, on day 4, each ingested 4 mg tizanidine. Plasma concentrations and the urinary excretion of tizanidine, its metabolites (M) and rofecoxib, and pharmacodynamic variables were measured up to 24 h. On day 3, a caffeine test was performed to estimate CYP1A2 activity. RESULTS: Rofecoxib increased the area under the plasma concentration-time curve (AUC(0-infinity)) of tizanidine by 13.6-fold [95% confidence interval (CI) 8.0, 15.6; P < 0.001), peak plasma concentration (C(max)) by 6.1-fold (4.8, 7.3; P < 0.001) and elimination half-life (t(1/2)) from 1.6 to 3.0 h (P < 0.001). Consequently, rofecoxib markedly increased the blood pressure-lowering and sedative effects of tizanidine (P < 0.05). Rofecoxib increased several fold the tizanidine/M-3 and tizanidine/M-4 ratios in plasma and urine and the tizanidine/M-5, tizanidine/M-9 and tizanidine/M-10 ratios in urine (P < 0.05). In addition, it increased the plasma caffeine/paraxanthine ratio by 2.4-fold (95% CI 1.4, 3.4; P = 0.008) and this ratio correlated with the tizanidine/metabolite ratios. Finally, the AUC(0-25) of rofecoxib correlated with the placebo phase caffeine/paraxanthine ratio (r =0.80, P = 0.01).
CONCLUSIONS: Rofecoxib is a potent inhibitor of CYP1A2 and it greatly increases the plasma concentrations and adverse effects of tizanidine. The findings suggest that rofecoxib itself is also metabolized by CYP1A2, raising concerns about interactions between rofecoxib and other CYP1A2 substrate and inhibitor drugs.
Source : Br J Clin Pharmacol 2006 vol.62 (3), pp 345 - 357
Does consumption of high-caffeine energy drinks affect blood pressure?
Cohen, D. L.; Townsend, R. R.
No abstract available
Source : J Clin Hypertens.(Greenwich.)2006 vol.8 (10), pp 744 - 745
Bread enriched with green coffee extract has chemoprotective and antigenotoxic activities in human cells
Glei, M.; Kirmse, A.; Habermann, N.; Persin, C.; Pool-Zobel, B. L
Recent studies have shown that bread supplemented with functional ingredients was more chemoprotective than nonsupplemented bread. Here we investigated components of a German wheat bread supplemented with green coffee antioxidants (GC) to assess basic biological activities in human cells in culture. We analyzed chlorogenic acid (ChA) in the bread and determined antioxidative activities. Human colon (HT29) and liver (HepG2) cells were incubated with GC and with aqueous extracts of freeze-dried breads, after which cell survival (4' ,6-diamino-2- phenylindole dihydrochloride assay) and H(2)O(2)-induced DNA damage (comet assay) were determined. GC and supplemented bread contained 7- and 880-fold more ChA than normal bread and were significantly more antioxidative (ferric reducing ability of plasma assay, 2.9- and 265-fold; Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity assay, 1.3- and 24-fold, respectively). Treatment of cells for 24 to 72 h with the samples resulted in a significant inhibition of cell survival in a dose-dependent manner. HepG2 liver cells were more susceptible than HT29 colon cells. No genotoxicity or cytotoxicity was observed after treatment of cells with GC, ChA, or the bread samples. H(2)O(2)-induced DNA damage was reduced significantly after treatment with GC, ChA, and supplemented bread. In conclusion, the supplementation of bread with GC improves the chemoprotective property of normal bread under these in vitro cell culture conditions. Supplementation also increases ChA content and antioxidative capacity. The treatment of the cells with supplemented bread increases resistance of colon and liver cells against H(2)O(2), a source of oxidative stress.
Source : Nutr Cancer 2006 vol.56 (2), pp 182 - 192
Wplyw kofeiny i fluorku sodu na stiezenie fluorkow w surowicy krwi i ich zawartosc w zebach i kosciach
Grucka-Mamczar, E.; Chlubek, D.; Birkner, E.; Zalejska-Fiolka, J.; Blaszczyk, I.; Kasperczyk, S.; Stawiarska-Pieta, B.
PURPOSE: The aim of this work was to determine the effect of sodium fluoride at a dose of 4.9 mg/kg b.w./24 h and caffeine at a dose of 3 mg/kg b.w./24 h on the concentration of fluoride in serum and its content in teeth and bones of rats. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was done in 18 male Sprague-Dawley rats.
CONCLUSIONS: A negative effect of caffeine administered concurrently with sodium fluoride on teeth and bones of rats was demonstrated as reflected by a tendency to increased content of fluoride in bones and decreased content in teeth.
Source : Ann Acad Med Stetin. 2006 vol.52 Suppl 1, pp 37 - 40 (not available online)
Coffee, tea and caffeine consumption in relation to osteoporotic fracture risk in a cohort of Swedish women
Hallstrom, H.; Wolk, A.; Glynn, A.; Michaelsson, K.
INTRODUCTION: Consumption of coffee and tea, and total intake of caffeine has been claimed to be associated with osteoporotic fracture risk. However, results of earlier studies lack consistency. METHODS: We examined this relation in a cohort of 31,527 Swedish women aged 40-76 years at baseline in 1988. The consumption of coffee, caffeinated tea and the intake of caffeine were estimated from a self-administered food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). Multivariate-adjusted hazards ratios (HRs) of fractures with 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were estimated by Cox proportional hazards models. RESULTS: During a mean follow-up of 10.3 years, we observed 3,279 cases with osteoporotic fractures. The highest (>330 mg/day) compared with the lowest (<200 mg/day) quintile of caffeine intake was associated with a modestly increased risk of fracture: HR 1.20 (95% CI: 1.07-1.35). A high coffee consumption significantly increased the risk of fracture (p for trend 0.002), whereas tea drinking was not associated with risk. The increased risk of fracture with both a high caffeine intake and coffee consumption was confined to women with a low calcium intake (<700 mg/day): HR 1.33 (95% CI: 1.07- 1.65) with > or =4 cups (600 ml)/day of coffee compared to <1 cup (150 ml)/day. The same comparison but risk estimated for women with a high propensity for fractures (> or =2 fracture types) revealed a HR of 1.88 (95% CI: 1.17-3.00). CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, our results indicate that a daily intake of 330 mg of caffeine, equivalent to 4 cups (600 ml) of coffee, or more may be associated with a modestly increased risk of osteoporotic fractures, especially in women with a low intake of calcium.
Source : Osteoporos Int 2006 vol.17 (7), pp 1055 - 1064
Pharmacokinetics of intravenously administered caffeine in healthy alpacas (Lama pacos) and llamas (Lama glama)
Lakritz, J.; Middleton, J. R.; Anderson, D. E.; Linden, D. R.; Sams, R. A.; Tessman, R. K.; Tyler, J. W.
OBJECTIVE: To determine the pharmacokinetic disposition of IV administered caffeine in healthy Lama spp camelids. ANIMALS: 4 adult male alpacas and 4 adult female llamas. PROCEDURES: Caffeine (3 mg/kg) was administered as an IV bolus. Plasma caffeine concentrations were determined by use of highperformance liquid chromatography in 6 animals and by use of liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry in 2 llamas. RESULTS: Median elimination half-life was 11 hours (range, 9.3 to 29.8 hours) in alpacas and 16 hours (range, 5.4 to 17 hours) in llamas. The volume of distribution at steady state was 0.60 L/kg (range, 0.45 to 0.93 L/kg) in alpacas and 0.75 L/kg (range, 0.68 to 1.15 L/kg) in llamas. Total plasma clearance was 44 mL/h/kg (range, 24 to 56 mL/h/kg) in alpacas and 42 mL/h/kg (range, 30 to 109 mL/h/kg) in llamas.
CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: High-performance liquid chromatography and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry were suitable methods for determination of plasma caffeine concentrations in alpacas and llamas. Plasma caffeine concentration-time curves were best described by a 2-compartment model. Elimination half-lives, plasma clearance, volume of distribution at steady state, and mean residence time were not significantly different between alpacas and llamas. Intravenous administration of caffeine at a dose of 3 mg/kg did not induce clinical signs of excitement.
Source : Am J Vet Res 2006 vol.67 (6), pp 1063 - 1069
CONSUMER SCIENCE
Consumer-driven development: coffee beverage mindsets for three commercial venues
Moskowitz, H.; Katz, R.; Krieger, B.; Cappuccio, R.
This paper presents results from part of a larger-scale development study on coffee. The study deals specifically with new concepts of coffee beverages designed for 3 specific coffee venues: Burger King, Dunkin Donuts and Starbucks. The method used internet-based conjoint measurement, where the rating scale was 'appropriate' for the specific venue. This 'bottom-up' approach allows the researcher to identify which characteristics of a coffee beverage are suitable for a particular venue, and whether there exist segments that show different response patterns, even for a beverage designed for a particular venue. The results suggest modest differences in the features of a coffee beverage that would fit each venue, but with the existence of segments of individuals who want radically different products. These segments exist in all venues.
Source : J Foodservice 2007 vol.18(1), pp 7 - 22