Different Patterns Of Change Research Articles

Logistics sprawl in monocentric and polycentric metropolitan areas: the cases of Paris, France, and the Randstad, the Netherlands

The phenomenon of urban sprawl has been studied extensively. Most research so far has focused on residential settlements. A growing number of studies have addressed industrial deconcentration. Our focus in this paper is on logistics sprawl, i.e. the growth and suburban relocation of warehousing activities. Specifically, we investigate the difference in logistics sprawl between monocentric and polycentric systems of cities. The literature suggests that logistics activities, like residential settlements, will gradually move to suburbs as land prices increase in central areas. As research for logistics has mostly focused on monocentric systems, the question is whether this also applies to polycentric systems. We compare two cases, the Paris region in France, representative of a monocentric development, and the Dutch Randstad area as a polycentric case. We use regional statistics on warehouse settlements in both regions for a descriptive analysis of changes since the mid 2000s to derive metrics for concentration. The cases show different patterns of change in concentration. In contrast to Paris, logistics activities within the Randstad have intensified in dense areas. We explore the reasons that may explain this difference and conclude that urban structure, spatial planning policies and the freight hub quality of a region are factors of influence.

The Effects of an Acute Bout of Yoga on Anxiety Symptoms in Response to a Carbon Dioxide Inhalation Task in Women

PURPOSE: Yoga as a physical exercise might be a feasible approach for anxiolysis, yet this has not been systematically investigated in well-designed studies that include an anxiety producing challenge. Such research is particularly salient for women, who are significantly more affected by clinical and subclinical anxiety symptoms than men.This study compared the effect of a single bout of vinyasa-style yoga versus a stretching control condition for improving anxiety symptoms induced by a 5-min, 7.5% CO2-inhalation protocol in women with self-reported high anxiety sensitivity. METHODS: Eighteen women (mean age=22,SD=5) with self-reported elevated anxiety sensitivity completed 2 experimental conditions (40 min of guided yoga or a light stretching protocol) in a randomized, counterbalanced order. Participants completed the CO2-inhalation task before, immediately after and 1 hour after the experimental conditions and completed measures of state anxiety and panic before and after each inhalation task. Respiratory measures of tidal volume, ventilation and respiratory rate were collected during each of the inhalation tasks. RESULTS: Based on the results of the repeated measures ANOVA, there was no evidence for a differential pattern of change in self-reported anxiety or respiratory outcomes in response to the CO2-inhalation task between the 2 conditions (F(2,16)=1.06; ηp2=.07;P>.05). There was a significant main effect of CO2-inhalation task (i.e., from pre- to post-inhalation) on the self-reported panic and anxiety symptoms in both conditions (P<.05). Collapsed over exposure and condition, there was a reduction in cognitive anxiety over time (i.e., from baseline to immediately post and 1-hour post-condition)(F(2,16)=9.63;ηp2=.36;P<.05). CONCLUSION: There appears to be an overall effect of general physical activity for attenuating cognitions of anxiety, irrespective of the physiological responses. Light-to-moderate intensity vinyasa-style yoga does not appear to be more efficacious than a light stretching session for improving symptoms of anxiety and panic in response to the anxiety-provoking stimulus. The inhalation task administered in the present study is a reliable method for mimicking both acute panic and more generalized anxiety symptoms under laboratory conditions.

Effects of low frequency rTMS treatment on brain networks for inner speech in patients with schizophrenia and auditory verbal hallucinations

IntroductionEfficacy of repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) targeting the temporo-parietal junction (TPJ) for the treatment of auditory verbal hallucinations (AVH) remains under debate. We assessed the influence of a 1Hz rTMS treatment on neural networks involved in a cognitive mechanism proposed to subserve AVH. MethodsPatients with schizophrenia (N=24) experiencing medication-resistant AVH completed a 10-day 1Hz rTMS treatment. Participants were randomized to active stimulation of the left or bilateral TPJ, or sham stimulation. The effects of rTMS on neural networks were investigated with an inner speech task during fMRI. Changes within and between neural networks were analyzed using Independent Component Analysis. ResultsrTMS of the left and bilateral TPJ areas resulted in a weaker network contribution of the left supramarginal gyrus to the bilateral fronto-temporal network. Left-sided rTMS resulted in stronger network contributions of the right superior temporal gyrus to the auditory-sensorimotor network, right inferior gyrus to the left fronto-parietal network, and left middle frontal gyrus to the default mode network. Bilateral rTMS was associated with a predominant inhibitory effect on network contribution. Sham stimulation showed different patterns of change compared to active rTMS. ConclusionrTMS of the left temporo-parietal region decreased the contribution of the left supramarginal gyrus to the bilateral fronto-temporal network, which may reduce the likelihood of speech intrusions. On the other hand, left rTMS appeared to increase the contribution of functionally connected regions involved in perception, cognitive control and self-referential processing. These findings hint to potential neural mechanisms underlying rTMS for hallucinations but need corroboration in larger samples.

Differential Change Patterns of Main Antimicrobial Peptide Genes During Infection of Entomopathogenic Nematodes and Their Symbiotic Bacteria.

The expression of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) as the main humoral defense reactions of insects during infection by entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) and their symbiont is addressed herein. Three AMPs, attacin, cecropin, and spodoptericin, were evaluated in the fifth instar larvae of Spodoptera exigua Hübner (beet armyworm) when challenged with Steinernema carpocapsae or Heterorhabditis bacteriophora. The results indicated that attacin was expressed to a greater extent than either cecropin or spodoptericin. While spodoptericin was expressed to a much lesser extent, this AMP was induced against Gram-positive bacteria, and thus not expressed after penetration of Xenorhabdus nematophila and Photorhabdus luminescens. Attacin and cecropin in the larvae treated with S. carpocapsae at 8 hr post-injection (PI) attained the maximum expression levels and were 138.42-fold and 65.84-fold greater than those of larvae infected with H. bacteriophora, respectively. Generally, the ability of H. bacteriophora to suppress attacin, cecropin, and spodoptericin was greater than that of S. carpocapsae. According to the results, the expression of AMPs by Sp. exigua larvae against S. carpocapsae was determined in the 4 statuses of monoxenic nematode, axenic nematode, live symbiotic bacterium, and dead symbiotic bacterium. The expression of attacin in larvae treated with a monoxenic nematode and live bacterium at 8 and 2 hr PI, respectively, were increased to the maximum amount. Live X. nematophila was the strongest agent for the suppression of attacin. The expression of cecropin against monoxenic nematodes and live symbiotic bacteria at 8 and 4 hr PI, respectively, reached the maximum amount while the expression levels of attacin and cecropin for axenic nematodes were lesser and stable. The results highlighted that the ability of P. luminescens in AMPs suppression was much more than X. nematophila. The results also showed that the effect of symbiotic bacterium in suppressing attacin and cecropin expression was greater than that of a monoxenic nematode; this result provided deep insight into the expression pattern parallels and fluctuations of the main AMPs during nematode infection.

Association of intraoperative cerebral and muscular tissue oxygen saturation with postoperative complications and length of hospital stay after major spine surgery: an observational study

BackgroundCompromised tissue oxygenation is one of the root causes of dysfunction of various organs and postoperative complications. Oxygenation of different tissue beds may follow different patterns of change during physiological derangement. MethodsPatients undergoing elective major posterior spine surgery participated in this prospective observational study. Cerebral tissue oxygen saturation (SctO2) was monitored on the upper forehead and muscular tissue oxygen saturation (SmtO2) on the lower leg. The associations of various oxygenation indices with postoperative composite complications and length of hospital stay (LOH) were investigated. ResultsThe number of composite complications per patient was 3 (2) while the LOH was 6 (3) days (n = 102). Multiple SmtO2 indices (maximum, minimum, mean, median, and area under curve (AUC)) were associated with composite complications (univariate analysis, P < 0.05). No SctO2 indices were associated with complications. Multiple SmtO2 indices (maximum, mean, median, and AUC) showed differences (P < 0.05) between patients with composite complications ≤3 and >3, respectively. SmtO2 standard deviation, AUC, and AUC weighted, and SctO2 standard deviation, were associated with LOH (univariate analysis, P < 0.05). Two SmtO2 indices (AUC and AUC weighted), showed differences (P < 0.05) between the patients with an LOH ≤6 and >6 days, respectively. SmtO2, but not SctO2, indices improved the adjusted R2 for composite complications (+54.0%, P = 0.0001) and LOH (+19.0%, P = 0.02) based on multiple linear models. ConclusionsMuscular tissue oxygenation has a stronger association with postoperative complications and length of hospital stay than cerebral tissue oxygenation after major spine surgery.

Changes in physical activity and sedentary behaviour following pulmonary rehabilitation in patients with COPD

A more profound investigation about the responses in activity levels following pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) in patients with COPD is needed. We aimed to describe groups of patients with COPD according to patterns of change in physical activity and sedentary behaviour following PR.90 patients with COPD (60% male; mean age 67 ± 8; median FEV1 47 (32–62) %pred) completed a comprehensive PR programme. A triaxial accelerometer was used to assess the time in sedentary behaviour, light activities and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA). Additionally, exercise capacity, quality of life, and symptoms of anxiety and depression were assessed before and after PR.Six groups with different patterns of change in physical activity and sedentary behaviour were identified. The two most prevalent patterns were represented by good responders (increase in physical activity and reduction in sedentary behaviour, 34%) and poor responders (decrease in physical activity and increase in sedentary behaviour, 30%). Good responders had greater improvements in six-minute walk distance (6MWD) and symptoms of depression than poor responders (P < 0.05 for all). Strong correlation was found between changes in sedentary behaviour and changes in light activities (rs = −0.89; P < 0.0001). Changes in 6MWD correlated fairly with changes in sedentary behaviour (rs = −0.26), light activities (rs = 0.25), and MVPA (rs = 0.24); P < 0.05 for all.Different patterns of change in activity levels following PR can be found in patients with COPD. Focusing on light physical activities might be a potential strategy to make patients less sedentary, but for this to be achieved prior (or at least parallel) improvements in functional capacity seem to be necessary.

A short-term longitudinal study of stability and change in achievement goal profiles

Using a person-oriented approach, this study examined the stability of undergraduates' (n=121) achievement goal profiles and their association with changes in academic achievement over a semester. Across three time points, we identified three profiles with similarly high levels of mastery: very-low, low, and moderate performance. Overall, 46–81% of individuals remained in the same profile between time points. Individuals were more likely to shift profiles at the beginning of the semester and less likely to shift from the moderate profile to the others. All three profiles were associated with declines in achievement, although the moderate and low profiles were associated with different patterns of change from one exam to the next. Findings suggest that achievement goal profiles display substantial, but not absolute, short-term stability. For academic achievement, findings also suggest there are neither benefits nor drawbacks to endorsing performance goals when also endorsing high levels of mastery goals.

Specific changes in circulating cytokines and growth factors induced by exercise stress testing in asymptomatic aortic valve stenosis.

BackgroundWe evaluated exercise-induced changes in the profile of circulating cytokines and growth factors in patients with AS.MethodsWe studied 32 consecutive asymptomatic moderate-to-severe AS patients and 32 age and sex-matched controls. Plasma levels of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-10, hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β were measured at 4 time points, i.e. at rest, at peak bicycle exercise, one hour and 24 hours after a symptom-limited exercise.ResultsExercise increased all the 5 markers in both groups (all p<0.0001). The maximum levels of all tested cytokines were higher in the AS group (all p<0.05) compared with controls. In AS patients the highest levels of VEGF, IL-6, and IL-10 were observed one hour after exercise, while in the control group at peak exercise. In both groups maximum TGF- β levels were observed one hour after exercise. HGF levels were higher at peak and one hour after test in the AS group (p = 0.0001), however the maximum value in AS was observed at peak while in controls after test. In both groups TGF-β was the only marker that remained increased 24 hours after exercise compared with the value at rest (p = 0.0001). The cytokines and growth factors showed no association with heart rate and the workload.ConclusionIn asymptomatic patients with moderate-to-severe AS, exercise produces a different pattern of changes in circulating cytokines and growth factors, and maximum levels of all tested cytokines were significantly higher in AS patients compared with the control group.

Residues W320 and Y328 within the binding site of the μ-opioid receptor influence opiate ligand bias

The development of G protein-biased agonists for the μ-opioid receptor (MOR) offers a clear drug discovery rationale for improved analgesia and reduced side-effects of opiate pharmacotherapy. However, our understanding of the molecular mechanisms governing ligand bias is limited, which hinders our ability to rationally design biased compounds. We have investigated the role of MOR binding site residues W320 and Y328 in controlling bias, by receptor mutagenesis. The pharmacology of a panel of ligands in a cAMP and a β-arrestin2 assay were compared between the wildtype and mutated receptors, with bias factors calculated by operational analysis using ΔΔlog(τ/KA) values. [3H]diprenorphine competition binding was used to estimate affinity changes. Introducing the mutations W320A and Y328F caused changes in pathway bias, with different patterns of change between ligands. For example, DAMGO increased relative β-arrestin2 activity at the W320A mutant, whilst its β-arrestin2 response was completely lost at Y328F. In contrast, endomorphin-1 gained activity with Y328F but lost activity at W320A, in both pathways. For endomorphin-2 there was a directional shift from cAMP bias at the wildtype towards more β-arrestin2 bias at W320A. We also observe clear uncoupling between mutation-driven changes in function and binding affinity. These findings suggest that the mutations influenced the balance of pathway activation in a ligand-specific manner, thus identifying residues in the MOR binding pocket that govern ligand bias. This increases our understanding of how ligand/receptor binding interactions can be translated into agonist-specific pathway activation.

Examining Relations between Mathematics Teachers’ Instructional Vision and Knowledge and Change in Practice

This article provides a longitudinal examination of how changes in more than 200 middle-grades mathematics teachers’ instructional practices related to their (a) mathematical knowledge for teaching (MKT) and (b) instructional vision. Results of this multilevel regression analysis suggest that MKT and instructional vision are related to instruction in different ways. On average, MKT scores were positively related to the current year’s quality of instruction but not to growth, whereas instructional vision was positively related to growth in instructional quality. Additionally, the analyses revealed different patterns of change depending on teachers’ instructional vision and practice at the outset of the study.

Comparative proteomic analysis of drought response in roots of two soybean genotypes

Water deficit is a serious environmental stress during the soybean growth and production season in Australia. Soybean has evolved complex response mechanisms to cope with drought stress through multiple physiological processes. In this study, the roots of a previously identified drought-tolerant soybean genotype, G21210, and a sensitive genotype, Valder, were subjected to comparative proteomic analysis based on 2-dimensional electrophoresis, under mild or severe drought conditions. The analysis showed that the abundance of 179 protein spots significantly changed under stress. In total, 155 unique proteins were identified from these spots, among which 70 protein spots changed only in G2120 and 89 spots only in Valder, with 20 proteins changed in both soybean genotypes. Bioinformatics analysis revealed that these drought-induced changes in proteins were largely enriched in the biological function categories of defence response, protein synthesis, energy metabolism, amino acid metabolism and carbohydrate metabolism. For the drought-tolerant genotype, the differential abundance was decreased for 24 proteins and increased for 46 proteins. For the drought-sensitive genotype, the abundance was reduced for 46 proteins, increased for 40 proteins and changed differently for three proteins in mild and severe drought. The different patterns of change of these proteins in G2120 and Valder might be attributed to the difference in their drought-tolerance capacity. This study, combined with our previously reported proteomics study in soybean leaves, further clarifies the change in proteins under drought stress in different organs and provides a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms under drought stress in soybean production.

Therapy-Related Changes in the Serum Proteome Patterns of Early Stage Breast Cancer Patients with Different Outcomes.

Adjuvant chemo- and/or radiotherapy is applied in a majority of patients treated for early stage breast cancer, although only a small percentage of these individuals are at high risk of metastasis or recurrence. Hence, knowledge of the biomarkers associated with the risk of disease progression might facilitate the planning of an optimal therapy and protect many patients from the toxicity of unnecessary treatment. In this study, we characterized the serum proteome of patients diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer, exhibiting either no evidence of disease five years after the end of therapy or suffering from metastasis, relapse or a second cancer during the corresponding follow-up. Samples collected before treatment and one year after the end of therapy, when no clinical symptoms of a treatment failure was evidenced, were analyzed using two classical proteomics approaches: LC-MS/MS and 2D-PAGE. A total of 42 proteins with relative quantities that were significantly different between pre- and post-treatment samples were identified in either group of patients; however, the observed changes were more frequent in the treatment-failure group. Among the posttreatment samples, 30 proteins were upregulated, and 10 proteins were downregulated, while 11 proteins were upregulated, and eight proteins were downregulated in the control group. Moreover, several proteins exhibited different patterns of changes in both groups of patients. For example, haptoglobin expression increased in the treatment-failure group but decreased in the control group (this pattern of changes was confirmed using an immunoassay). Notably, proteins affected in posttreatment samples in either group of patients could be associated with different molecular and cellular functions, including angiogenesis, blood coagulation and wound healing in the treatment-failure group and cell adhesion and cell death in the control group.

Perceptions of negative health-care experiences and self-reported health behavior change in three racial and ethnic groups

ABSTRACTObjectives: Our two study objectives were: (1) to understand the relationship between the perception of a previous negative health-care experience and race/ethnicity, and how socio-demographic, access-to-health-care, and self-reported health variables modified this relationship; and (2) to assess how many behaviors participants reported changing as a result of experiencing a perceived negative health-care experience, which behaviors they changed, and if there were differences in patterns of change across racial/ethnic groups.Design: We conducted a cross-sectional survey of a convenience sample of 600 African-American, Mexican-Hispanic, and white adults in socioeconomically diverse neighborhoods in Chicago, IL. We used multivariable logistic regression to analyze the relationship between a perceived negative health-care experience in the last 5 years and race/ethnicity. We summed and then calculated the percentage of people who changed each of the 10 behaviors and evaluated whether or not there were differences in behavior change across racial/ethnic groups.Principal findings: More than 32% of participants reported a perceived negative health-care experience in the past 5 years. Participants who had a bachelor’s degree or above (OR: 2.95, 95%CI: 1.01–8.63), avoided needed care due to cost (OR: 1.84, 95%CI: 1.11–3.06), or who reported fair/poor health (OR: 3.58, 95%CI: 1.66–7.80) had significantly increased odds of reporting a negative health-care experience. Of these people, 88% reported ‘sometimes/always’ changing at least one health-seeking behavior. There were no racial/ethnic differences in reporting negative experiences or in patterns of behavior change.Conclusions: Race/ethnicity was not related to reporting a perceived negative health-care experience or reported patterns of behavior change in response to that experience. However, those who avoided care due to cost were more highly educated, or who indicated poorer health status reported having a negative experience more often. Our findings suggest that the perception of a previous negative experience may influence subsequent health-care-seeking behaviors.

Shoreline Evolution and Metocean Data Behaviour in Southwest England: Is There Any Historical Link?

This research aims to evaluate and compare the historical morphodynamic behaviour of coastal systems (shoreline dynamics) in Southwest England in response to the historical meteorological and oceanographic (metocean) attributes. Historical geomorphological evolution of the two shoreline systems in St Ives-Hayle and Camel-Padstow were examined to evaluate morphodynamic activities through the application of shoreline analysis tools (such as Digital Shoreline Analysis System - DSAS), while the broad metocean features were investigated as the possible drivers of coastal dynamics. This study showed that low shoreline recession along southwest England coast, where sediments are present, was attributed mostly to the significant sea-level rise in this region (no significant change was observed on rocky low water shorelines). The high water shoreline, on the other hand, imposes a different pattern of change in response to constraining factors, as different percentages of erosion and accretion are observed at different sections of the study sites, principally triggered by both environmental factors and anthropogenic activities. The general overview of the regional control suggests that climatic activities (specifically wave climate and extreme wind) variably account for the persistent and progressive gradual erosion of some shorelines amidst evidence of cyclic/variable behaviour. No one specific metocean forcing, however, exerts an overarching control on these systems, but the nature of the shoreline (sedimentary vs. bedrock) is responsible for local variability.

Gene expression profiles are different in venous and capillary blood: Implications for vaccine studies

BackgroundDetailed analysis of the immunological pathways leading to robust vaccine responses has become possible with the application of systems biology, including transcriptomic analysis. Venous blood is usually obtained for such studies but others have obtained capillary blood (e.g. finger-prick). Capillary samples are practically advantageous, especially in children. MethodsThe aim of this study was to compare gene expression profiles in venous and capillary blood before, 12h and 24h after vaccination with 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide or trivalent inactivated seasonal influenza vaccines. ResultsGene expression at baseline was markedly different between venous and capillary samples, with 4940 genes differentially expressed, and followed a different pattern of changes after vaccination. At baseline, multiple pathways were upregulated in venous compared to capillary blood, including transforming growth factor-beta receptor signalling and toll-like receptor cascades. After vaccination with the influenza vaccine, there was enrichment for T and NK cell related signatures in capillary blood, and monocyte signatures in venous blood. By contrast, after vaccination with the pneumococcal vaccination, there was enrichment of dendritic cells, monocytes and interferon related signatures in capillary blood, whilst at 24h there was enrichment for T and NK cell related signatures in venous blood. ConclusionsThese data show differences between venous and capillary gene expression both at baseline, and post vaccination, which may impact on the conclusions regarding immunological mechanisms drawn from studies using these different sampling methodologies.

Abstract # 1812 Cytokine patterns in Interferon-alpha induced Persistent Fatigue

Interferon-alpha(IFN-alpha) used to treat Chronic Hepatitis C Viral(HCV) infection induces acute fatigue, which can persist post-treatment. This study aimed to examine cytokine changes as a putative biological mechanism. We recruited 22 patients receiving IFN-alpha. Plasma levels of IL-6-IL-7-IL-17a and TNF-alpha were assessed at baseline, treatment weeks (TW) 4 and 24, and six-months post-treatment. Fatigue was assessed using the Chalder Fatigue Questionnaire (CFQ) at the same time points. Patients were stratified according to whether fatigue levels at follow-up had improved (Resolved Fatigue; RF, n = 13) or worsened (Persistent Fatigue; PF, n = 9). Wilcoxon tests showed that the PF group experienced a significant increase in levels of IL-17a and IL-6 in the first four weeks of treatment (median: 8.22 vs 8.42 pg/ml, p = .022; 3.17 vs 3.53 pg/ml, p = .007). The RF group did not have the same change in IL-17a (9.18 vs 8.93, p = .463) though did have an increase in IL-6 (2.80 vs 3.13, p = .026). In the RF group, there was a decrease in IL-6 and IL-17a between TW24 and six-months post-treatment (3.07 vs 2.70, p = .053; 8.86 vs 8.57, p = .047), which was not seen in the PF group (3.74 vs 3.21, p = .262; 8.25 vs 8.29, p = .161). Paired t-tests showed that both groups had significant increases in TNF-alpha levels during treatment, then a post-treatment decrease. Our data shows differential patterns of change in the cytokines IL-17a and IL-6 in those patients who experience persistent fatigue, with higher levels in response to the initial treatment doses, and no decrease in the six-months post-treatment.

Patterns of Change in Fairness Perceptions During the Hiring Process

The justice literature, to date, shows that changes in fairness perceptions over time are consequential for job attitudes. However, few studies have been directed at explicating how fairness perceptions change over time or individual differences in patterns of change. The present research attempts to fill this gap by exploring patterns of temporal changes in fairness perceptions toward the selection process during a hiring process and potential determinants for such change. In a 3‐wave longitudinal study of the entire hiring process (pre‐, in‐, and post‐process) using a latent growth mixture modeling approach, different patterns of change in perceived fairness were modeled. In addition, the role of Big Five personality factors to predict classes of temporal patterns was examined. Results suggest that, on average, fairness perceptions declined in a non‐linear way over time, with high initial levels of fairness perception corresponding to a lower rate of decline, and vice versa. Four unique classes of applicants exhibiting different initial scores and growth of fairness perceptions were identified, which were predicted by the personality factors of extraversion, agreeableness, and conscientiousness. Findings are discussed in terms of their implications for fairness theory and future research.

Are Changes in Self-Rated Health Associated With Memory Decline in Older Adults?

The association between patterns of change in self-rated health (SRH) and memory trajectories in older adults was examined using a systematic approach. Data from the Health and Retirement Study ( n = 6,016) and the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing ( n = 734) were analyzed. Individuals were grouped into five categories according to their pattern of change in SRH over 8 years: stable excellent/very good/good, stable fair/poor, improvement, decline, and fluctuating pattern without a trend. Memory was measured using immediate and delayed recall tests. Kruskal-Wallis, chi-squares tests, and linear mixed models were used to examine the association. Different rates of decline in memory can be identified in the different patterns of change in SRH. Those who had a stable excellent/very good/good pattern had the slowest rate of decline. Our findings suggest that SRH status and patterns of change could be used as a marker of cognitive decline in prevention screening programs.

Relation of body mass index (BMI) to the prevalence of hypertension in children: A 3 years' school-based prospective study in Suzhou, China

BackgroundThe prevalence of hypertension has been increasing in children and adolescents in China, which is considered to be accompanied with the epidemic of childhood overweight and obesity, but limited prospective studies have investigated the effect of body mass index (BMI) change on blood pressure among children, especially in China. MethodsThis school-based prospective study compared the blood pressure and prevalence of hypertension in students with different patterns of change in BMI between two periods (childhood and adolescence). 5465 children were followed-up since 2011(childhood) in Suzhou, China and had weight, height and blood pressure measured in 2011(childhood) and 2014(adolescence). ResultsThose who changed from being overweight in childhood to having normal BMI in adolescence had similar mean blood pressures to those who had a normal BMI at both two periods. In contrast, those who were overweight at both two periods or who had a normal BMI in childhood and were overweight in adolescence had higher blood pressure in adolescence than those who had a normal BMI at both two periods. Compared with students who had a normal BMI at both periods, those with combination of abnormal BMI in childhood and adolescence have higher ORs of hypertension (4.83 in boys, 3.44 in girls and 3.73 in total). ConclusionThese results suggest that obesity is a key determinant of blood pressure during childhood, and weight reduction may have important beneficial effects on blood pressure.

Patients' long-term experiences following obesity surgery with a focus on eating behaviour: A qualitative study.

This study explored long-term consequences of obesity surgery. Interpretative phenomenological analysis was used to analyse transcripts of 10 interviews with patients who underwent surgery 8 or more years ago. Experiences were described under three broad themes: eating behaviours, relationship with food and quality of life. Although patients described variability within these themes, describing different patterns of change, analysis revealed associations between themes and outcomes. In particular, those who reported successful weight loss also described the functionalization of food, the development of new coping strategies and a process of positive reinvention creating a new sense of self.