Effects and clinical significance of GII.4 Sydney norovirus, United States, 2012-2013.

During 2012, global detection of a new norovirus (NoV) strain, GII.4 Sydney, raised concerns about its potential effect in the United States. We analyzed data from NoV outbreaks in 5 states and emergency department visits for gastrointestinal illness in 1 state during the 2012-13 season and compared the data with those of previous seasons.

Acceleration tolerance after ingestion of a commercial energy drink.

Background: Caffeine ingestion has been demonstrated to increase physical performance in some situations. This study examined the ability of a commercial energy drink containing caffeine to enhance acceleration tolerance and strength under G load.

Methods: Eight experienced centrifuge subjects completed three separate experimental acceleration exposures following ingestion of 11.

Neuroendocrine and immune responses to 16-day bed rest with realistic launch and landing G profiles.

Background: Spaceflight is associated with increased glucocorticoids and catecholamines, both well-known for their immunosuppressive effects. The objective of this study was to develop a model of spaceflight by using a human centrifuge to reproduce launch and landing G forces along with bed rest to simulate microgravity.

Hypothesis: Acute changes in G forces are causal factors in neuroendocrine and immune changes.

Cognitive performance following premature awakening from zolpidem or melatonin induced daytime sleep.

Background: The hypnotic zolpidem and the hormone melatonin were evaluated and directly compared for their effects on performance when subjects sleeping under their influence were prematurely awakened from daytime sleep.

Method: Non-sleep deprived volunteers (eight men and five women) received single oral doses of 5 or 10 mg melatonin (Mel-5; Mel-10), 10 or 20 mg zolpidem (Zol-10; Zol-20), or placebo immediately before retiring at 13:00. Performance testing and subjective evaluations occurred prior to dosing and following forced awakening at 15:00, 2 h after dosing.

Hypnotic efficacy of zaleplon for daytime sleep in rested individuals.

Study Objectives: The primary objective of this study was to determine whether zaleplon (10 mg) effectively promoted sleep during the daytime in well-rested individuals when compared to placebo. A secondary objective was to see if, while not expected, the use of zaleplon impacted the performance of well-rested individuals upon awakening.

Design: Repeated measures with 2 within-subject factors: drug (placebo/zaleplon) and trial (hourly testing during waking hours).

Fatigue models for applied research in warfighting.

The U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) has long pursued applied research concerning fatigue in sustained and continuous military operations.

Performance following a sudden awakening from daytime nap induced by zaleplon.

Background: Zaleplon appears to be a prime candidate for assisting individuals in obtaining sleep in situations not conducive to rest (i.e., a short period during the day).