Function In Healthy People Research Articles

Etiology of Cognitive Deficits in Schizophrenia: a Review of Studies Based on Polygenic Risk Scores

Background: cognitive deficits in schizophrenia have long been believed to reflect the influence of genetic predisposition to the disease. Schizophrenia genome-wide association studies of the last decade have made it possible to test this hypothesis. The aim: to analyze studies on the relationship between cognitive impairment in schizophrenia patients and polygenic risk scores for schizophrenia (SZ-PRS). Additionally, the associations of PRS for intelligence with cognitive deficits in patients and the associations of SZ-PRS with cognitive functions in healthy people were considered. Material and methods: the literature search was carried out in the PubMed database using the following terms: (schizophr* OR schizoaffective* OR psychosis) AND (cogn* OR intelligence OR IQ) AND (GWAS OR polygenic). Results and discussion: from papers published between January 2015 and February 2024, 40 publications met the inclusion criteria. Their analysis indicate that in schizophrenia patients, in contrast to healthy people, the correlation of SZ-PRS with cognitive deficits and premorbid cognitive abilities is absent. Cognitive functions of patients are associated with PRS of intelligence, however, the bulk of the variance in cognitive deficits in schizophrenia, except for the group with intellectual disability, appears to be associated with non-genetic causes. It can be assumed that disease process factors play the most important role. Future studies should be aimed at establishing whether they are directly related to the pathophysiology of the disease, to the influence of concomitant exposures (treatment, hospitalization, etc.) or cognitive reserve, which will contribute to the correction of cognitive deficits.

Diosgenin-rich Yam (rhizome of Dioscorea batatas) extract ameliorates cognitive functions and plasma biomarkers for mild cognitive impairment and mild Alzheimer's disease: A randomized controlled trial

IntroductionIn Alzheimer's disease (AD), neural circuit disconnection primarily causes memory dysfunction, which leads to the hypothesis that repairing neural networks may be an appropriate treatment strategy for AD. We previously found that diosgenin stimulated neurite regeneration and synapse formation in AD model mice, and diosgenin-rich Yam extract enhanced cognitive function in healthy people and normal mice. In this study, we investigated the efficacy and safety of Yam extract in patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and mild AD. MethodsPatients were administered either diosgenin-rich Yam extract or placebo, respectively, for 24 weeks. The primary outcome was cognitive function, which was evaluated using the Mini Mental State Examination Japanese version (MMSE-J), Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale-Cognition (ADAS-Cog), and verbal fluency test; the secondary outcomes were plasma biomarker levels [neurofilament light chain (NfL); axonal marker, glial fibrillary acidic protein levels; reactive astrocyte marker, and the Aβ42/40 ratio; marker of brain Aβ]. ResultsDiosgenin-rich Yam extract improved the ADAS-Cog Praxis domain score and plasma NfL (12 to 24 weeks) in all patients. The number of patients with improved/maintained ADAS-Cog total, Praxis or Memory scores was high in the Yam extract group, but not in placebo group. Divided by severity of pathology, diosgenin-rich Yam extract also improved the total and Memory domain in ADAS-Cog, and plasma NfL levels in patients with MCI. In the Yam extract group, improvement of MMSE-J was related to plasma Aβ42/40 increase, and improvement of plasma NfL was related to better MMSE-J. ConclusionTreatment with diosgenin-rich Yam extract for 24 weeks resulted in modest cognitive improvement and a decrease in plasma NfL levels, which may suggest axonal protection in the brain.

Structure of the Useful Adaptive Result in the Systemic Organization of Physiological Functions as a Subject of Scientific Analysis: History and Prospects of Research.

The concept of "useful adaptive result", a key concept in the theory of functional systems by P. K. Anokhin, is discussed. A large body of works devoted to this problem, in the historical aspect and on the basis of results of own researches, allows concluding that useful adaptive results of the system organization of physiological functions include not only the event arising as a result of activity of the system, but also the physiological cost of this activity. The ratio of the physiological cost and performance indicators gives an idea of the effectiveness of system activity and is its integral characteristic. The main approaches to estimation of physiological cost and efficiency of activity are discussed, as well as possibilities of using methods of applied mathematics (correlation and cluster analysis, artificial neural network technology) to describe system organization of physiological functions in healthy people. The question of the use of the proposed regulations to describe the system organization of physiological functions in patients with Parkinson's disease and epilepsy is considered.

A Comparative Study of Inhibition Function between High-Intensity Interval Training and Moderate-Intensity Continuous Training in Healthy People: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis.

Meta-analysis was used to compare the effects of two interventions, high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT), on inhibition in executive function in healthy people, providing some theoretical basis for exercise practice and health interventions. We searched the PubMed, Science Direct, Web Of science, Cochrane, and CNKI databases for relevant articles on the inhibition function effects of HIIT and MICT in healthy populations for the period of library construction to 15 September 2022. The basic information of the screened literature was organized and summarized using Excel. Statistical analysis of the correct rate and response time indicators of the inhibition function in the HIIT and MICT groups was performed using Review Manager 5.3 analysis software. A total of 285 subjects from 8 studies were included in this study, the number of HIIT subjects was 142, the number of MICT subjects was 143, including teenagers, young adults, and the elderly. Eight studies included response time, and four included correct rate and response time. The standardized mean difference (SMD) for correct rate inhibition function in the HIIT and MICT groups was 0.14, 95% CI (-0.18, 0.47), SMD at response time was 0.03, 95% CI (-0.20, 0.27). In addition, no significant differences were found between the two exercise modalities in either the intervention period or the population receiving the intervention. Both HIIT and MICT could improve inhibition function in healthy people, but there was no significant difference in the improvement effect between them. It is hoped that this study can provide some references for people's choice of health intervention methods and clinical practice.

Associations of phase angle obtained by bioelectrical impedance analysis with muscle mass and strength in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes.

The age-dependent decrease in muscle mass and function is known as sarcopenia. The risk of sarcopenia is higher in patients with diabetes, and assessment of muscle mass and function is especially important in patients with diabetes. Recent reports suggest that the phase angle (PhA), which is obtained from bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), may be a good marker of not only muscle mass but also muscle function in healthy people. However, the clinical significance of PhA in patients with diabetes has not been fully investigated. Therefore, we evaluated the association of PhA with muscle mass, muscle strength, and physical performance in 159 patients with type 2 diabetes (male 102; female 57) aged 40 to 89 years. We measured PhA and appendicular skeletal muscle index (SMI) by BIA and handgrip and leg extension strength and performed the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB). In a simple correlation analysis, both right and left PhA correlated with SMI, handgrip and leg extension strength, and SPPB score, and in multiple regression analysis, PhA on each side correlated with SMI and ipsilateral handgrip strength. These data suggest that PhA may be a useful marker of muscle mass, muscle strength, and physical performance in patients with type 2 diabetes. A large-scale prospective study should be performed to confirm the results and clarify the clinical usefulness of PhA in patients with diabetes.

Intestinal IgA-Coated Bacteria in Healthy- and Altered-Microbiomes (Dysbiosis) and Predictive Value in Successful Fecal Microbiota Transplantation

IgA-coated bacteria in the gut (IgA-biome) provide a homeostatic function in healthy people through inhibition of microbial invaders and by protecting the epithelial monolayer of the gut. The laboratory methods used to detect this group of bacteria require flow cytometry and DNA sequencing (IgA-Seq). With dysbiosis (reduced diversity of the microbiome), the IgA-biome also is impaired. In the presence of enteric infection, oral vaccines, or an intestinal inflammatory disorder, the IgA-biome focuses on the pathogenic bacteria or foreign antigens, while in other chronic diseases associated with dysbiosis, the IgA-biome is reduced in capacity. Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT), the use of fecal product from well-screened, healthy donors administered to patients with dysbiosis, has been successful in engrafting the intestine with healthy microbiota and metabolites leading to improve health. Through FMT, IgA-coated bacteria have been transferred to recipients retaining their immune coating. The IgA-biome should be evaluated in FMT studies as these mucosal-associated bacteria are more likely to be associated with successful transplantation than free luminal organisms. Studies of the microbiome pre- and post-FMT should employ metagenomic methods that identify bacteria at least at the species level to better identify organisms of interest while allowing comparisons of microbiota data between studies.

Predictors of 6-Minute Walk Distance Among Aging Adults With Chronic Cardiopulmonary, Metabolic, and Renal Diseases

ABSTRACT Background The 6-minute walk test is a widely used measure of physical function in healthy people and patients with chronic conditions. Few reports have compared 6-minute walk distance (6MWD) across different conditions, and limited knowledge is available about how common covariates [age, sex, body mass index (BMI)] differentially affect 6MWD. Our purposes were to examine the 6MWD in persons with chronic conditions, compare walk distances with healthy controls, and identify predictors of 6MWD. Methods Data were aggregated from previous studies. Participants with primary diagnoses of heart failure (HF), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), type 2 diabetes, chronic kidney disease, and peripheral artery disease (PAD) were included. Univariate and multivariate general linear models were used to estimate the impact of each condition on the 6MWD. Results The sample included 429 adults (48% female) aged 63 ± 9 years. Participants with HF, COPD, and PAD walked shorter distances than healthy controls (all P < 0.01). Predictors differed by group. In the HF group, age, Black race, and male sex negatively affected 6MWD. In the type 2 diabetes group, older age and high BMI were associated with shorter distances walked. In the chronic kidney disease group, higher BMI, Black race, and male sex negatively impacted 6MWD. No covariates were associated with 6MWD in the PAD, COPD, or control groups. Conclusion We found wide variation in common, nondisease-specific predictors of the 6MWD and significantly lower 6MWDs compared with healthy controls. Our findings add to our knowledge of 6MWD among aging adults with common chronic diseases.

Integrin Alpha v Beta 6 (αvβ6) and Its Implications in Cancer Treatment.

Integrins are necessary for cell adhesion, migration, and positioning. Essential for inducing signalling events for cell survival, proliferation, and differentiation, they also trigger a variety of signal transduction pathways involved in mediating invasion, metastasis, and squamous-cell carcinoma. Several recent studies have demonstrated that the up- and down-regulation of the expression of αv and other integrins can be a potent marker of malignant diseases and patient prognosis. This review focuses on an arginine-glycine-aspartic acid (RGD)-dependent integrin αVβ6, its biology, and its role in healthy humans. We examine the implications of αVβ6 in cancer progression and the promotion of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) by contributing to the activation of transforming growth factor beta TGF-β. Although αvβ6 is crucial for proper function in healthy people, it has also been validated as a target for cancer treatment. This review briefly considers aspects of targeting αVβ6 in the clinic via different therapeutic modalities.

Immunosenescence and Multiple Sclerosis: A Literature Review

Introduction: Multiple sclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disorder characterized by the demyelination of central nervous system neurons, giving rise to various motor and non-motor impairments. Aging has been strongly associated with inflammation and immunosenescence, and it is believed that the dysfunction of regulatory T-cells is the central complication in the maintenance of peripheral immunity. CD4+ T-cells and Th17 cells seem to play a crucial role in autoimmune inflammation and are important in the pathophysiology underlying multiple sclerosis. In this systematic review, the link between aging and T-cell function will be explored as well as its implication in MS pathophysiology. Methods: A literature review was conducted using databases such as PubMed, NCBI, and Scopus. Relevant primary literature describing theories or results of an experiment and review papers were selected. Data from primary articles were analyzed to explore the association between aging and MS, as well as its contribution to immunosenescence. Results: There exists a strong association between aging and the pathophysiology of MS which was suggested by a multitude of laboratory studies. Animal models of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis have demonstrated the immunological mechanisms of this disease by highlighting differences in T-cell presence and function in healthy people versus MS patients. Discussion: According to numerous studies, chronic inflammation is recognized as a sign of aging, rendering it one of the key contributors to neurodegenerative diseases like MS. The implication of regulatory T-cells in MS is crucial due to its necessity for the maintenance of immunosuppressive activity, which has been found to deteriorate with age. Myelin antigens supplied by microglial cells reactivate autoreactive CD4+ T-cells infiltrating the CNS, producing a cascade of immunological responses that lead to demyelination and tissue death. Conclusion: This literature review finds that MS is largely T-cell mediated and that the aging process heightens chronic inflammation, leading to the destruction of neurons in the CNS.

Regulatory B Cells Are Decreased and Functionally Impaired in Myasthenia Gravis Patients.

Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoimmune disease mediated by B cells secreting autoantibodies. Regulatory B (Breg) cells confirmed to have an immunosuppressive function play an important role in many autoimmune diseases. However, what about the changes in Breg cells in the thymus and peripheral blood of MG patients? The changes in the proportion of Breg cells in the peripheral blood of 41 MG patients without any drug treatment and 30 healthy controls were detected by flow cytometry. We found that the proportions of CD19+ IL-10+ cells and CD19+CD24hiCD38hi cell subsets in MG patients were significantly lower than those in healthy controls. Then, we detected the proportion of CD19+ IL-10+ cells in thymus tissues of 10 healthy children, 4 healthy adults, and 12 MG patients by flow cytometry. However, the percentage of CD19+ IL-10+ cells was highest in healthy children (~8%), followed by healthy adults (~3%), and was lowest in MG patients (~0.5%). CD19+CD24hiCD38hi B cells exerted immunosuppressive functions in healthy people but were refractory in MG patients. Moreover, p-STAT3 downstream of CD40 may be impaired in CD24hiCD38hi B cells from the peripheral blood of MG patients.

Clinical Utility of Kidney Cortical Thickness in assessing severity of CKD in Low Income Setting

Background: Renal Ultrasound Scan (RUS) is known to have an important role in assessing kidney function in healthy people and people with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) with the kidney length (KL) being the most commonly used measure. The Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) is the gold standard in kidney function assessment and its strength of correlation with a RUS measure is used in ascertaining the reliability of that RUS measure.
 Objectives: To compare the strength of correlations between the GFR and RUS measures like KL and cortical thickness (CT) in healthy people and people with CKD.
 Methods: One hundred and forty study participants who had kidney ultrasound scan were studied. Creatinine based GFR was determined and linear correlation coefficients (r) were used to determine the relationship between the GFR and RUS measures.
 Results: Seventy CKD cohorts with stage 2-4 disease and 70 healthy volunteers (each with 35 males and 35 females) took part. The total mean eGFR, KL and CT for the study participants were 70.5 ± 12.5ml/min, 10.0 ± 3.1cm, and 8.6 ± 2.7mm respectively. There was a progressive decline in eGFR and renal CT as CKD worsened down the stages. The mean eGFR, KL and CT of the CKD cohorts were 44.7 + 3.6 ml/min, 9.1 + 3.3 cm and 7.4 + 2.4 mm respectively. Among the CKD cohorts, the eGFR was highest in CGN and, the KL and CT were highest in obstructive uropathy. The GFR, was positively correlated with KL and CT, the strength of association being more with the CT. The mean age and GFR independently predicted the kidney cortical thickness.
 Conclusion: Kidney sizes were smaller in females, with aging and with declining kidney function. The CT being more positively correlated with GFR than the KL, is a more reliable RUS measure in assessing kidney function.
 Keywords: Glomerular filtration rate; cortical thickness; kidney length.

He effects of neurofeedback on attention and sleep in individuals with and without ADHD or insomnia: a literature review

Electroencephalography-Neurofeedbacktraining (E-NFT) is a method to support subjects in learning to self-regulate their own brain activity. Besides that E-NFT may improve cognitive functions in healthy people, it may improve symptoms in different disorders, such as Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and insomnia. The evidence of E-NFT for the treatment of attention problems in ADHD is still under debate just as the suggested efficacy of E-NFT for reducing sleep problems in individuals suffering from insomnia and for improving attention and sleep in the general population. Therefore, this review examines the efficacy of E-NFT on attention and sleep in patients and healthy individuals. The reviewed literature provides evidence that standard E-NFT protocols may have a positive long-lasting effect on the inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity symptoms in children with ADHD. In healthy children and young adults, E-NFT has been found to improve different aspects of attention and to reduce impulsivity. In addition, positive effects of E-NFT have been documented on sleep onset latency and on tiredness in healthy individuals. Sleep improvements have also been found in insomnia patients after standard E-NFT, although these subjective sleep improvements may likely depend on unspecific E-NFT training effects.

Effect of muscle distribution on lung function in young adults

Background At present, available research on the relationship between muscle distribution and respiratory function in healthy people is limited. Objective To study the relationship between muscle distribution and lung function in healthy young adults. Methods A total of 612 male and 1561 Female Chinese college students were recruited. visceral fat tissue (VAT), subcutaneous fat tissue (SAT), total body muscle mass (TMM), trunk muscle mass (TKMM), upper limb muscle mass (ULMM) and lower limb muscle mass (LLMM) was measured by body composition. Vital capacity (VC) was measured by spirometry instrument. Obesity classification was defined by muscle mass ratio (MMR), body mass index (BMI), body fat percentage (BFP), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR). Results Among these positive correlation parameters, male VC had a high positive correlation with TMM and LLMM, while female VC had a high positive correlation with TMM and TKMM. After the population was divided into MMR, BMI, BFP, and WHR, further analysis showed that VC was positively correlated with TMM for males with MMR-low muscle (r = 0.483; p < 0.05), BMI-underweight (r = 0.265; p < 0.05), BMI-overweight + obesity (r = 0.272; p < 0.05), BFP-low fat (r = 0.306; p < 0.05), and WHR-normal subgroups (r = 0.316; p < 0.05), while LLMM was positively correlated with VC in the MMR-normal muscle (r = 0.285; p < 0.05), BMI-normal (r = 0.305; p < 0.05), BFP-normal fat (r = 0.304; p < 0.05), and WHR obesity subgroups (r = 0.266; p < 0.05). VC was positively correlated with TMM for females with MMR-low muscle (r = 0.169; p < 0.05), MMR-normal muscle (r = 0.241; p < 0.05), BMI-underweight (r = 0.241; p < 0.05), BMI-normal (r = 0.288; p < 0.05), WHR normal (r = 0.275; p < 0.05), and BFP-low fat subgroups (r = 0.255; p < 0.05), while TKMM was positively correlated with VC in the BMI-overweight + obesity (r = 0.342; p < 0.05), WHR-obesity (r = 0.227; p < 0.05), and BFP-normal subgroups (r = 0.256; p < 0.05). Conclusions Muscle distribution in young adults is highly correlated with VC, and this relationship is affected by gender and body types. In general, for thin, VC is more positively correlated with TMM, and for normal weight or obese, VC is more positively correlated with LLMM for males but with TKMM for females, respectively, in comparison with other tested indices. Further studies will be required to evaluate the relationship between muscle distribution and vital capacity in young adults.

Association of Toxoplasma gondii Seropositivity With Cognitive Function in Healthy People

The parasite Toxoplasma gondii has been associated with behavioral alterations and psychiatric disorders. Studies investigating neurocognition in people with T gondii infection have reported varying results. To systematically analyze these findings, a meta-analysis evaluating cognitive function in healthy people with and without T gondii seropositivity is needed. To assess whether and to what extent T gondii seropositivity is associated with cognitive function in otherwise healthy people. A systematic search was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) reporting guideline. A systematic search of PubMed, MEDLINE, Web of Science, PsycInfo, and Embase was performed to identify studies from database inception to June 7, 2019, that analyzed cognitive function among healthy participants with available data on T gondii seropositivity. Search terms included toxoplasmosis, neurotoxoplasmosis, Toxoplasma gondii, cognition disorder, neuropsychological, and psychomotor performance. Studies that performed cognitive assessment and analyzed T gondii seroprevalence among otherwise healthy participants were included. Two researchers independently extracted data from published articles; if needed, authors were contacted to provide additional data. Quantitative syntheses were performed in predefined cognitive domains when 4 independent data sets per domain were available. Study quality, heterogeneity, and publication bias were assessed. Performance on neuropsychological tests measuring cognitive function. The systematic search yielded 1954 records. After removal of 533 duplicates, an additional 1363 records were excluded based on a review of titles and abstracts. A total of 58 full-text articles were assessed for eligibility (including reference list screening); 45 articles were excluded because they lacked important data or did not meet study inclusion or reference list criteria. The remaining 13 studies comprising 13 289 healthy participants (mean [SD] age, 46.7 [16.0] years; 6586 men [49.6%]) with and without T gondii seropositivity were included in the meta-analysis. Participants without T gondii seropositivity had favorable functioning in 4 cognitive domains: processing speed (standardized mean difference [SMD], 0.12; 95% CI, 0.05-0.19; P = .001), working memory (SMD, 0.16; 95% CI, 0.06-0.26; P = .002), short-term verbal memory (SMD, 0.18; 95% CI, 0.09-0.27; P < .001), and executive functioning (SMD, 0.15; 95% CI, 0.01-0.28; P = .03). A meta-regression analysis found a significant association between older age and executive functioning (Q = 6.17; P = .01). Little suggestion of publication bias was detected. The study's findings suggested that T gondii seropositivity was associated with mild cognitive impairment in several cognitive domains. Although effect sizes were small, given the ubiquitous prevalence of this infection globally, the association with cognitive impairment could imply a considerable adverse effect at the population level. Further research is warranted to investigate the underlying mechanisms of this association.

The Barbell Hip Thrust Exercise

Peter Ronai, M.S., FACSM, ACSM-CEP, ACSM-EP, EIM III, CSCS,is a clinical professor of exercise science in the Department of Physical Therapy and Human Movement Sciences at Sacred Heart University in Fairfield Connecticut. He is a Fellow of ACSM and an associate editor of the ACSM’s Health & Fitness Journal®. He is a past-president of the New England Chapter of ACSM (NEACSM). He writes articles and gives professional presentations regarding exercise programs to improve fitness, strength, and physical function in healthy people and those with chronic diseases and disorders.

Effects of Fruit and Vegetable-Based Nutraceutical on Cognitive Function in a Healthy Population: Placebo-Controlled, Double-Blind, and Randomized Clinical Trial.

There is scientific evidence of the positive effect of polyphenols from plant foods on cognition, but not enough is known about the synergistic effect when multiple polyphenols are consumed and even less in a healthy non-elderly population. The aim of the present study is to investigate the possible effects of improvements in cognitive function in healthy people as a preparation based on micronized fruit and vegetables consumed. One hundred and eight subjects were selected, stratified by sex in the control intervention group (n = 53) and placebo (n = 55). Volunteers completed the study after two 16-week periods of consumption with a 4-week wash period between each phase. At the beginning and the end of each phase, volunteers performed the Stroop, TESEN, and RIST tests for the measurement of different cognitive function patterns. The results revealed statistically significant differences in all the variables of the tests carried out, especially compared with the placebo. Specially, the results obtained in the Stroop and TESEN test, in addition to the processing speed even with semantic interferences, were markedly better after the treatment with the product under study. Moreover, the consumption of the product under study clearly improves short-term memory, verbal and non-verbal, according to the results obtained in the RIST test. The results showed an improvement in executive function in terms of short-term memory, working memory, selective and sustained attention, and speed of processing.

The Effect of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) Modality on Proprioception in Patients with Tendinitis: A Review

Background: Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) triggers brain activity by altering the membrane potential and the synaptic release, thereby aiding in neuroplastic trigger altering. tDCS is widely used to improve motor function in healthy people and neurological patients. This study reviewed the effect of tDCS modality on proprioception in patients with tendinopathy. Methods: This study mainly evaluated four databases that include PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and the first 10 pages of Google Scholar for English clinical articles that studied the effect of tDCS on proprioception. The keywords used in the search included: transcranial direct current stimulation, sense of position, sense of force, sense of effort, tendinitis, tendinopathy, goniometer, electromyography, tendon, muscle force, proprioception, and load cell. Results: The search yielded nine published articles of the required clinical prospective studies (total participants=199) were obtained. We used the PRISMA checklist for the selected articles. Conclusion: tDCS can have a positive role in the improvement of proprioception and balance ability. The absolute error of proprioception is predominantly notable in the elbows compared to the other joints.

Comparing muscle thickness and function in healthy people and subjects with upper trapezius myofascial pain syndrome using ultrasonography

BackgroundThe reliability of the muscle function using ultrasonography is not reported in patients with myofascial pain syndrome and healthy individuals. The main aim of this study was to compare muscle thickness and function of two matched healthy and patients groups with neck pain due to upper trapezius myofascial pain syndrome. Methods40 subjects (20 healthy and 20 patients) participated in this study. Two examiners measured the upper trapezius thickness and function 3 times by ultrasonography independently in the test and retest sessions. ResultsThere were not significant differences between two groups with respect to demographic characteristics. The ICC values were good to excellent for both measurements. There were no significant differences between the two groups, in terms of upper trapezius muscle thickness in rest (p = 0.63), fair (p = 0.75) and normal (p = 0.73) contractions. On the other hand, % rest-thickness fair (p = 0.006), % rest-thickness normal (p = 0.006), % MVC-thickness (p = 0.02) showed significant differences between two healthy and myofascial pain syndrome groups. ConclusionsUltrasonography is a reliable technique used to measure muscle thickness and function. Muscle thickness in rest, fair and normal contractions is not different between the matched groups of healthy people and myofascial pain syndrome subjects. Additionally, muscle function is less in myofascial pain syndrome subjects than healthy people specially % MVC thickness.

Cerebrovascular risk factors impact frontoparietal network integrity and executive function in healthy ageing.

Healthy cognitive ageing is a societal and public health priority. Cerebrovascular risk factors increase the likelihood of dementia in older people but their impact on cognitive ageing in younger, healthy brains is less clear. The UK Biobank provides cognition and brain imaging measures in the largest population cohort studied to date. Here we show that cognitive abilities of healthy individuals (N = 22,059) in this sample are detrimentally affected by cerebrovascular risk factors. Structural equation modelling revealed that cerebrovascular risk is associated with reduced cerebral grey matter and white matter integrity within a fronto-parietal brain network underlying executive function. Notably, higher systolic blood pressure was associated with worse executive cognitive function in mid-life (44–69 years), but not in late-life (>70 years). During mid-life this association did not occur in the systolic range of 110–140 mmHg. These findings suggest cerebrovascular risk factors impact on brain structure and cognitive function in healthy people.

Effect of different high altitudes on vascular endothelial function in healthy people.

Background:The aim of the study was to provide a theoretical basis for the early diagnosis and prediction of acute altitude sickness, to provide a better entry mode for healthy people from plain areas to plateau areas, and to preliminarily clarify the possible mechanism of this approach.Methods:We measured endothelin-1 (ET-1), asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), nitric oxide (NO), and hypoxia-inducible factor 1 (HIF-1) levels in each sample and determined flow-mediated dilation (FMD) values using a portable OMRON color Doppler with a 7.0- to 12.0-MHz linear array probe. We used the Lewis Lake score to diagnose acute mountain sickness (AMS) and to stratify the disease severity.Results:We found no cases of AMS at any of the studied elevation gradients. We found significant differences in FMD values between individuals when at 400 m above sea level and when at 2200, 3200, and 4200 m above sea level (P < .05) but found no significant differences among those at 2200, 3200, and 4200 m. Our variance analysis showed that serum ET-1, VEGF, ADMA, NO, and HIF-1 levels in individuals at ≥3000 m and those at subplateau and plain areas (<3000 m) significantly differed (P < .05). The level of these factors also significantly differed between individuals at elevation gradients of plateau areas (3260 m vs 4270 m) (P < .05). We found no significant differences in serum ET-1, VEGF, and ADMA levels between individuals at the plateau (2260 m) and plain (400 m) areas (P > .05). NO and HIF-1 levels were significantly different in serum samples from individuals between the plateau (2260 m) and plain (400 m) areas (P < .05). However, with increasing altitude, the NO level gradually increased, whereas ET-1, ADMA, VEGF, and HIF-1 levels showed a decreasing trend. With the increase of altitude, there is no correlation between the trend of FMD and hematologic-related factors such as VEGF, NO, and HIF-1.Conclusion:A healthy young male population ascending to a high-altitude area experiences a low incidence of AMS. Entering an acute plateau exposure environment from different altitude gradients may weaken the effect of acute highland exposure on vascular endothelial dysfunction in healthy individuals. Changes in serum ET-1, VEGF, ADMA, NO, and HIF-1 levels in healthy young men may be related to the body's self-regulation and protect healthy individuals from AMS. A short stay in a subplateau region may initiate an oxygen-free preconditioning process in healthy individuals, thereby protecting them from AMS. Noninvasive brachial artery endothelial function test instead of the detection of invasive hematologic-related factors for early diagnosis and prediction of the occurrence and severity of acute high-altitude disease is still lack of sufficient theoretical basis.