General Activity Level Research Articles

Shared and distinct developmental pathways to ASD and ADHD phenotypes among infants at familial risk.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are believed to share partially overlapping causal mechanisms suggesting that early risk markers may also overlap. Using latent profile analysis (LPA) in a sample of infants enriched for ASD and ADHD, we first examined the number of distinct groups of 3-year-old children, based on ADHD and ASD symptomatology. To investigate early predictors of ASD and ADHD symptom profiles, we next examined differences in trajectories of infant behaviors among the LPA classes spanning general development, negative affect, attention, activity level, impulsivity, and social behavior. Participants included 166 infants at familial risk for ASD (n = 89), ADHD (n = 38), or low-risk for both (n = 39) evaluated at 12, 18, 24, and 36 months of age. A three-class solution was selected reflecting a Typically Developing (TD) class (low symptoms; n = 108), an ADHD class (high ADHD/low ASD symptoms; n = 39), and an ASD class (high ASD/ADHD symptoms; n = 19). Trajectories of infant behaviors were generally suggestive of a gradient pattern of differences, with the greatest impairment within the ASD class followed by the ADHD class. These findings indicate a mixture of overlapping and distinct early markers of preschool ASD- and ADHD-like profiles that can be difficult to disentangle early in life.

Leisure Time Sports Activities and Life Satisfaction: Deeper Insights Based on a Representative Survey from Germany

Observational and experimental studies show that leisure time sporting activity (LTSA) is associated with higher well-being. However, scholars often seem to assume that 1) LTSA fosters “general” life satisfaction, thereby ignoring effects on domain satisfaction; 2) the effect of LTSA on well-being is linear and independent of a person’s general activity level; 3) the amount of LTSA is more important than the repertoire of LTSA, i.e. the number of different activities; 4) all kinds of LTSA are equal in their effects, irrespective of spatial and organisational context conditions. Using data from the German SALLSA-Study (“Sport, Active Lifestyle and Life Satisfaction”), a large-scale CAWI-Survey (N = 1008) representing the population ≥ 14 years, the paper takes a closer look on these assumptions. Findings demonstrate that LTSA is associated with general life satisfaction and domain-specific satisfaction (concerning relationships, appearance, leisure, work and health), but that the relationship is most pronounced for leisure satisfaction. Associations of sport with life satisfaction, leisure satisfaction and subjective health are non-linear, approaching an injection point from which on additional LTSA is no longer beneficial. Moreover, findings lend support to the notion that diversity in LTSA matters, as individuals with higher variation in sports activities are more satisfied. Finally, results with regard to spatial and organizational context suggest that outdoor sports and club-organized sports have additional benefits.

Nonclinical safety assessment of epigenetic modulatory drugs: Current status and industry perspective

Pharmaceutic products designed to perturb the function of epigenetic modulators have been approved by regulatory authorities for treatment of advanced cancer. While the predominant effort in epigenetic drug development continues to be in oncology, non-oncology indications are also garnering interest. A survey of pharmaceutical companies was conducted to assess the interest and concerns for developing small molecule direct epigenetic effectors (EEs) as medicines. Survey themes addressed (1) general levels of interest and activity with EEs as therapeutic agents, (2) potential safety concerns, and (3) possible future efforts to develop targeted strategies for nonclinical safety assessment of EEs. Thirteen companies contributed data to the survey. Overall, the survey data indicate the consensus opinion that existing ICH guidelines are effective and appropriate for nonclinical safety assessment activities with EEs. Attention in the framework of study design should, on a case by case basis, be considered for delayed or latent toxicities, carcinogenicity, reproductive toxicity, and the theoretical potential for transgenerational effects. While current guidelines have been appropriate for the nonclinical safety assessments of epigenetic targets, broader experience with a wide range of epigenetic targets will provide information to assess the potential need for new or revised risk assessment strategies for EE drugs.

Structural Modelling to Study the Role of Attitude and Risk Taking Behavior

Social activity of young people is the condition for social and personal development. In this study we set the role of attitudes and proneness to risk in young people’s social activity. 305 people aged М=21.2, SD=2.95 (35.4% men; 64.6% women) took part in the study. As a result of the study we have found out that socially oriented activity is one of the tools for fulfillment of the need for new impressions. The degree of manifestation of socially oriented activity is positively correlated with the number of friends; emotional, motivational and behavioralcomponents of social activity are positively correlated with the participation of young people’s parents in social life of their country and their personal civil identity. Based on structural modeling, we came to the conclusion that the following things are important for manifestation level of general activity (1) coordinated effect (influence) of attitudes regarding the possibility of social activity in the country and socially oriented activity, and (2) age effect(negatively) and socially oriented activity through the tendency to risky behavior independent of each other.

Effect of high-intensity interval training on cardiorespiratory fitness, physical activity and body composition in people with schizophrenia: a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundExercise may improve cardiorespiratory fitness in people with schizophrenia, however, possible condition-specific cardiorespiratory disadvantages, a scarcity of methodologically sound studies, and conflicting results raise questions about the effect of exercise on maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) in this group. The primary aim of this study, therefore, was to investigate the effect of high-intensity interval training on VO2max in people with schizophrenia. Second, we sought to determine whether the intervention would have an effect on general physical activity (PA) level and body composition.MethodsEighty-two patients with schizophrenia were randomly assigned to supervised high-intensity interval training or computer gaming skills training, performed twice a week for 12 weeks. Oxygen uptake was measured directly, during a maximum exercise session on a treadmill. PA level were assessed using ActiGraph accelerometer, and body composition was assessed by bioelectrical impedance. Differences between groups were assessed by analysis of variance using a univariate general linear model.ResultsThere were no significant differences between the groups on any of the cardiorespiratory variables neither at baseline nor after the program. There were also no significant within-group differences in any of the cardiorespiratory fitness variables between the baseline and post-program time points, despite that 61% of the participants performing high-intensity interval training showed a significant increase in workload on the treadmill. However, 47% of the participants in the high-intensity interval training group had a ≥ 5% increase in VO2max. Participants supervised by mental health care providers with PA competence (e.g. rehabilitation center staff, sport scientist, physical trainer) had a much larger increase in VO2max compared to participants supervised by mental health workers without such competence, and when adding PA competence to the model, the intervention group increased VO2max significantly compared to the comparison group. The intervention had no significant effect on PA level or body composition.ConclusionsThe intervention did not improve VO2max, PA level or body composition but succeeded in increasing workload on the treadmill. With regard to VO2max, approximately half of the patients may be considered responders.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov; NCT02205684, registered July 2014,

Relationship between depressive disorders and personality traits: the value of the alternative five factor model

Many studies have examined the relationship between personality and depressive disorders. However, the findings have been heterogeneous and many gaps in current understanding of their links remain. To gain a deeper comprehension of the links between personality and depression, it might be advisable to focus on lower levels (traits) of the personality hierarchy. In this context, the present study aims: 1) to describe the personality profile of treatment-seeking outpatients diagnosed with depressive disorders by comparing them to a control group, and 2) to explore the specific contribution of the Alternative Five Factor Model in identifying outpatients diagnosed with depressive disorders. We used a case-control design and a sample of 315 adult participants. We tested for the clinical specificity of the dimensional personality profile, by randomly matching 105 cases with 210 controls from a general population sample. The clinical group scored higher than controls on Neuroticism-Anxiety and lower on Activity and Sociability. However, only high Neuroticism-Anxiety and low Activity discriminated both groups and were significantly associated with a diagnosis of depressive disorder. Results indicated that Neuroticism-Anxiety is closely related to a diagnosis of depression and it should be specifically addressed in the therapeutic process. Additionally, the activity trait is also associated with a reduced likelihood of being depressed; a finding that implies that psychological treatment ought to emphasize the importance of maintaining a high level of general activity in both the short and long run. Our results help to clarify current inconsistencies regarding the links between personality and depression.

Substantiation of the conceptual approach to of promotion strategy of biotechnological products

The main approaches to the formation of a strategy for the promotion of biotechnological products are highlighted. The conceptual approach to the promotion strategy is an algorithm for the sequence of consumer assessment, namely the business entity of the environmentally oriented direction, its direction of activity, hierarchy in management, positive and negative facts, the general level of Internet activity. It also focuses on the fact that the future strategy is most effective on digital platforms and is based on the principles of Internet marketing with the use of special marketing tools and mandatory evaluation of the effectiveness of the implemented strategy at the final stage. The key features of modern Internet behavior of regular and non-permanent Internet users are revealed. The position of the reference group on the rational way of purchasing biotechnological products is highlighted, as well as the key Internet marketing tools of interaction of biologic manufacturers with their consumers. It is substantiated that at the present stage of development of biotechnological business the most rational tool of ecological marketing in online systems is the official site. The model of behavior of the management of consumer enterprises in the implementation of innovative approaches to marketing interaction in the B2B segment is described. The conceptual approach of the strategy of promotion of biotechnological products in online systems is formed and substantiated.

Nucleus accumbens melanin-concentrating hormone signaling promotes feeding in a sex-specific manner

Melanin-concentrating hormone (MCH) is an orexigenic neuropeptide produced in the lateral hypothalamus and zona incerta that increases food intake. The neuronal pathways and behavioral mechanisms mediating the orexigenic effects of MCH are poorly understood, as is the extent to which MCH-mediated feeding outcomes are sex-dependent. Here we investigate the hypothesis that MCH-producing neurons act in the nucleus accumbens shell (ACBsh) to promote feeding behavior and motivation for palatable food in a sex-dependent manner. We utilized ACBsh MCH receptor (MCH1R)-directed pharmacology as well as a dual virus chemogenetic approach to selectively activate MCH neurons that project to the ACBsh. Results reveal that both ACBsh MCH1R activation and activating ACBsh-projecting MCH neurons increase consumption of standard chow and palatable sucrose in male rats without affecting motivated operant responding for sucrose, general activity levels, or anxiety-like behavior. In contrast, food intake was not affected in female rats by either ACBsh MCH1R activation or ACBsh-projecting MCH neuron activation. To determine a mechanism for this sexual dimorphism, we investigated whether the orexigenic effect of ACBsh MCH1R activation is reduced by endogenous estradiol signaling. In ovariectomized female rats on a cyclic regimen of either estradiol (EB) or oil vehicle, ACBsh MCH1R activation increased feeding only in oil-treated rats, suggesting that EB attenuates the ability of ACBsh MCH signaling to promote food intake. Collective results show that MCH ACBsh signaling promotes feeding in an estrogen- and sex-dependent manner, thus identifying novel neurobiological mechanisms through which MCH and female sex hormones interact to influence food intake.

Type D personality and global positioning system tracked social behavior in patients with cardiovascular disease.

Social behavior (e.g., loneliness, isolation) has been indicated as an important risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Recent studies show that Type D personality might be an important predictor of social behavior. Hence, the current exploratory study aims to examine, using ecological assessment, whether Type D personality is associated with a lower likelihood to engage in social encounters in patients with cardiovascular disease. Cardiac patients who participated in the Do CHANGE (Phase 2) trial were included in current analysis. As part of the Do CHANGE intervention, real-life data were collected in the intervention group using the MOVES app, which was installed on patients' mobile phones. For a period of 6 months, Global Positioning System (GPS) data from the participating patients were collected. From the GPS data, 3 target variables were computed: (a) general activity level, (b) social variety, and (c) social opportunity. A total of 70 patients were included in the analysis. Patients with a Type D personality had lower scores on the "social opportunity" variable compared to non-Type D patients (F = 6.72; p = .01). Type D personality was associated with lower social participation after adjusting for depression and anxiety. No association between Type D personality and general activity or behavioral variety was observed. This is the first study to use an ecological measure to assess social behavior of cardiac patients with a Type D personality. Results show that Type D personality might be associated with lower social engagement, which could, in turn, partly explain its association with adverse health outcomes. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved).

Resistance monitoring to four insecticides and mechanisms of resistance in Lygus lineolaris Palisot de Beauvois (Hemiptera: Miridae) populations of southeastern USA cotton.

Economically damaging infestations of the tarnished plant bug, Lygus lineolaris (Palisot de Beauvois), have become more frequent in Virginia and North Carolina cotton since 2013 and 2010, respectively. Foliar insecticide use has increased dramatically in response. Efficacy data (LC50 ) are needed to evaluate L. lineolaris susceptibility and resistance levels (RR50 ) to commonly used and recommended insecticides for managing this pest in the southeastern USA. Elevated resistance levels to acephate and bifenthrin were measured in L. lineolaris populations collected from wild and cultivated hosts in Virginia, North Carolina and northern Alabama when compared to a susceptible laboratory population. High levels of bifenthrin resistance were observed in 2018 and 2019. Mixed-function oxidase and esterase (EST) inhibitors, piperonyl butoxide and S,S,S-Tributyl phosphotrithioate, respectively, had a synergistic effect on bifenthrin with resistant populations of L. lineolaris. Bifenthrin-resistant L. lineolaris populations expressed elevated levels of cytochrome P450 (CYP450 ) monooxygenase and general EST activity. Results suggest that insecticide resistance is present in some locations and that CYP450 and EST activity in L. lineolaris contribute to pyrethroid resistance in the southeastern USA. Results can serve as a baseline for continued monitoring of L. lineolaris insecticide resistance and inform insecticide resistance management strategies that help southeastern USA cotton producers to minimize inputs and slow resistance development. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry.

P1306EFFECT OF A SUPERVISED PERI- DIALYTIC EXERCISE PROGRAM ON SERUM ASYMMETRIC DIMETHYLARGININE IN MAINTENANCE HEMODIALYSIS PATIENTS

Abstract Background and Aims End-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients treated with maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) have high cardiovascular disease morbidity and mortality. Accumulation of asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), an endogenous nitric oxide synthase inhibitor, has been strongly implicated in endothelial dysfunction, premature atherosclerosis, vascular events and mortality. Regular physical exercise effectively decreased serum ADMA in several studies. This potential should be explored among MHD patients. Method Forty four middle-aged ESRD patients treated with thrice-weekly MHD for >6 months completed a 6 months regimen of peri-dialytic lower limb exercise comprising pre-dialytic 10-12 stretching cycles and 20-30 minutes of intra-dialytic pedalling cycles. Plasma ADMA, CRP, other laboratory parameters and overall physical activity level were assessed initially and at the end of the study. Results S.ADMA increased from a median of 2375 to 3000 ng/mL (P=0.016). 31 patients sustained an increase in S.ADMA (ADMA_Inc), whereas 13 patients had a declining or stable S.ADMA (ADMA_Dec). Compared with ADMA_Inc, ADMA_Dec patients had significantly higher Kt/V (P=0.02), significantly higher grade of basal general physical activity level (P=0.017) and significantly less intra-dialytic hypotension episodes (IDHs) (P=0.019). The increase in S.ADMA and the post- study S.ADMA level had statistically significant positive correlations with number of IDHs (r=0.401,P=0.007 and r=0.305,P=0.044, respectively). Conclusion A 6 months program of combined aerobic and resistance peri-dialytic exercise failed to reduce S.ADMA in most MHD patients studied. A modest S.ADMA decline, however, occurred in patients with higher basal exercise level, higher Kt/V, and less IDHs. A potential benefit of peri-dialytic exercise in decreasing S.ADMA may be promoted by a multidisciplinary approach targeting increased physical activity, improved dialysis efficiency and prevention of IDHs.

No evidence of sickness behavior in immune-challenged field crickets.

Sickness behavior is a taxonomically widespread coordinated set of behavioral changes that increases shelter‐seeking while reducing levels of general activity, as well as food (anorexia) and water (adipsia) consumption, when fighting infection by pathogens and disease. The leading hypothesis explaining such sickness‐related shifts in behavior is the energy conservation hypothesis. This hypothesis argues that sick (i.e., immune‐challenged) animals reduce energetic expenditure in order have more energy to fuel an immune response, which in some vertebrates, also includes producing an energetically expensive physiological fever. We experimentally tested the hypothesis that an immune challenge with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) will cause Gryllus firmus field crickets to reduce their activity, increase shelter use and avoid foods that interfere with an immune response (i.e., fat) while preferring a diet that fuels an immune response (i.e., protein). We found little evidence of sickness behavior in Gryllus firmus as immune‐challenged individuals did not reduce their activity or increase their shelter‐seeking. Neither did we observe changes in feeding or drinking behavior nor a preference for protein or avoidance of lipids. Males tended to use shelters less than females but no other behaviors differed between the sexes. The lack of sickness behavior in our study might reflect the fact that invertebrates do not possess energetically expensive physiological fever as part of their immune response. Therefore, there is little reason to conserve energy via reduced activity or increased shelter use when immune‐challenged.

Effects of acute and chronic arecoline in adult zebrafish: Anxiolytic-like activity, elevated brain monoamines and the potential role of microglia

Arecoline is a naturally occurring psychoactive alkaloid with partial agonism at nicotinic and muscarinic acetylcholine receptors. Arecoline consumption is widespread, making it the fourth (after alcohol, nicotine and caffeine) most used substance by humans. However, the mechanisms of acute and chronic action of arecoline in-vivo remain poorly understood. Animal models are a valuable tool for CNS disease modeling and drug screening. Complementing rodent studies, the zebrafish (Danio rerio) emerges as a promising novel model organism for neuroscience research. Here, we assessed the effects of acute and chronic arecoline on adult zebrafish behavior and physiology. Overall, acute and chronic arecoline treatments produced overt anxiolytic-like behavior (without affecting general locomotor activity and whole-body cortisol levels), with similar effects also caused by areca nut water extracts. Acute arecoline at 10 mg/L disrupted shoaling, increased social preference, elevated brain norepinephrine and serotonin levels and reduced serotonin turnover. Acute arecoline also upregulated early protooncogenes c-fos and c-jun in the brain, whereas chronic treatment with 1 mg/L elevated brain expression of microglia-specific biomarker genes egr2 and ym1 (thus, implicating microglial mechanisms in potential effects of long-term arecoline use). Finally, acute 2-h discontinuation of chronic arecoline treatment evoked withdrawal-like anxiogenic behavior in zebrafish. In general, these findings support high sensitivity of zebrafish screens to arecoline and related compounds, and reinforce the growing utility of zebrafish for probing molecular mechanisms of CNS drugs. Our study also suggests that novel anxiolytic drugs can eventually be developed based on arecoline-like molecules, whose integrative mechanisms of CNS action may involve monoaminergic and neuro-immune modulation.

Quality of Life with Respect to Physical Activity Level in the Unemployed

Sustainable development is related to the quality of life of individuals and societies. The unemployed have limited opportunities for sustainable individual development. Their life quality conditions remain unclear. The study aim was to assess the relationship between life quality and physical activity level of the unemployed. The research was performed in 2014 and 2015 in Wrocław, Poland, among 403 unemployed persons. The participants’ quality of life was evaluated with the World Health Organization Quality of Life questionnaire. Physical activity was assessed with the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Most respondents evaluated their general life quality as ≤3 points in the scale of 1–5. The assessments were highest in the social and psychological domains and lowest in the physical and environmental domains. Significant relationships were observed between general life quality and physical activity level. Subjects with the minimum physical activity level recommended by WHO presented higher life quality assessments in the psychological and social domains. Unemployed people with physical activity levels optimal for health benefit evaluated their life quality in the psychological domain worse than people with physical activity below WHO recommendations. Comprehensive health programs should be addressed to the unemployed, including systematic physical activities as health training, which would improve their life quality and promote sustainable individual development.

Age-related lymphoma patient experience: Results from the Lymphoma Coalition 2018 Global Patient Survey.

e20071 Background: Over the past two decades, the incidence of lymphoma has increased by 8-10% per year in older adults. Despite the growing population of older cancer patients, there are a limited number of studies that focus on the experience of these patients. Lymphoma Coalition (LC) saw the need in the 2019 Report Card on Lymphomas to examine the age-related lymphoma patient experience. The objectives of this study were to identify: 1) informational needs and understanding levels, 2) physical conditions and medical issues, 3) psychosocial issues, and 4) barriers in patient-doctor communication. Methods: Using a subset of data from the LC 2018 Global Patient Survey on Lymphomas and CLL (LC 2018 GPS), this study will specifically examine the experiences of newly diagnosed lymphoma patients within the following age categories: 1) Young (18-59) (n = 1473); Mid (60-69) (n = 371); Old (70+) (n = 162). Results: From January to March 2018, 2,006 participants were included in this analysis from 47 countries. The majority of all three patient groups wanted additional medical information beyond what was provided at their diagnosis meeting with the doctor, with the greatest need for information in the young patient group (73%). The highest proportion of poor understanding was reported by the mid-age group (14%) and the highest proportion of very good understanding was reported by the old age group (53%). Across all three age groups, fatigue was the top reported physical condition affecting well-being. Regarding older patients, hair loss was reported in 36% vs 54% in younger patients (p = 0.01), and muscle weakness was reported in 40%. A greater proportion of those in the old group reported that their lifestyle (86%) and general activity level (87%) had been affected. The reported prevalence of medical issues was highest in the young group and lowest in the old group, both during and after treatment. Fear of relapse was the top reported psychosocial issue following treatment for patients in all three age groups. Of those who discussed their fear of relapse with their doctor (young 42% vs old 21%, p = 0.0022), less than one third of patients felt their discussion helped alleviate the fear. Conclusions: This study emphasizes that lymphoma patients in all age groups need more information and support beyond what is currently being provided. While certain age-specific trends were identified, the majority of patient-reported issues span across all three of the age groups examined.

Efficacy of internet-delivered cognitive behavioural therapy following an acute coronary event: A randomized controlled trial

Depression and anxiety are common among people who have experienced an acute coronary event (e.g., heart attack). Multidisciplinary cardiac rehabilitation programs often focus on reducing risk factors associated with future cardiac events, however, mental health interventions are not routinely available. Given known difficulties with access to mental health treatment, the present study sought to explore the efficacy and acceptability of an Internet-delivered cognitive behavioural therapy program (Cardiac Wellbeing Course) among participants who experienced an acute coronary event. The five-lesson course was delivered over eight weeks and was provided with brief weekly contact, via telephone and secure email with a guide. Participants were randomized to the Cardiac Wellbeing Course (n = 25) or waiting-list control group (n = 28). Symptoms were assessed at pre-treatment, post-treatment, and four-week follow-up. Completion rates (84%) and satisfaction ratings (95%) were high. Statistically significant between-group improvements were observed for the treatment group on primary measures of general anxiety (Cohen's d = 1.62; 67% reduction), depression (Cohen's d = 1.09; 61% reduction), and physical activity levels (Cohen's d = 0.27; 70% increase). Statistically significant improvements were also observed on secondary measures of distress (Cohen's d = 0.98; 51% reduction), cardiac anxiety (Cohen's d = 0.92; 34% reduction), and mental-health quality of life (Cohen's d = 0.23; 24% improvement). The changes were maintained at four-week follow-up. The current findings add to the existing literature and highlight the potential of Internet-delivered cognitive behavioural therapy programs among participants who have experienced an acute coronary event.

Condition, Regional Disparity And Strategic Priorities Of Providing Technological Competitiveness Of Ukraine's Economy

The proper role and high importance of regional peculiarity of innovation and technological activity in the context of ensuring technological competitiveness of the economy depends on its identification and understanding of the critical differentiation of the regions of Ukraine by the number of innovatively active enterprises, production volumes, share of realized innovative products, as well as the positioning the regions of Ukraine by the share of enterprises with technological innovations, the rate of its growth and the share of realized innovative products in the total volume of industrial products sold. It is shown that the modern policy of ensuring technological competitiveness of the Ukrainian economy is formed in the context of contemporary challenges of global competition, fundamental features, which are the impact of global crises, financial and economic instability; increase of external expansion due to processes of globalization, development of information economy; pressure on the country's debt; increase in import dependency; high external labour migration activity; destabilization of economic development through military conflict and hybrid attacks; critical disparities in regional development. The strategic priorities of the state policy of ensuring technological competitiveness of the Ukrainian economy have been determined: intensification of technological development of the economy, growth of the general level of innovative activity, formation of a competitive market of intellectual property, development of infrastructure for support of technological innovations, improvement of resource provision of innovative activity, improvement of business parameters of competition.

Vagal afferent nerve ghrelin signaling influences energy balance and episodic memory

Vagal afferent nerve (VAN) signaling sends sensory information from the gut to the brain and participates in the regulation of meal size and blood glucose control. Recent findings reveal that VAN signaling also plays a critical role in cognitive processes, including hippocampus(HPC)‐ dependent memory function. The nodose ganglia (VAN neurons) express receptors for various gut‐derived endocrine signals, however, the function of these receptors with regards to feeding behavior, glucose regulation, and HPC‐dependent memory is poorly understood. We hypothesized that these VAN‐mediated behavioral and physiological processes are influenced by ghrelin, a stomach‐derived orexigenic hormone, via communication to its receptor (growth hormone secretagogue receptor [GHSR]) expressed on gut‐innervating VAN terminals. To examine this hypothesis, adult male rats received bilateral nodose ganglion injections of an adeno‐associated virus (AAV) expressing short hairpin RNAs targeting GHSR (or a scrambled control AAV) for RNA interference‐mediated VAN GHSR knockdown. Meal‐pattern analyses revealed a significant increase in meal frequency in the VAN GHSR knockdown group compared with controls, coupled with a nonsignificant trend in reduced average meal size such that cumulative 24h food intake did not differ between groups. Results from an intraperitoneal glucose tolerance test revealed impaired glucose tolerance in VAN GHSR knockdown animals vs. controls. Despite no differences in cumulative 24h food intake, the VAN GHSR knockdown group also had significantly increased body weight gain compared with controls. Lastly, to examine the role of VAN GHSR signaling in HPC‐dependent memory function, the rats were tested in novel object in context task that measures contextual episodic memory. Results reveal that VAN GHSR knockdown impairs memory performance in this task, yet has no effect on measures of anxiety‐like behavior or levels of general activity. Collectively, these results reveal that VAN GHSR signaling is important for the control of both energy balance as well as HPCdependent memory function.

Time interval affects physical activity scores: a comparison of the Marx Activity Rating Scale and the Hospital for Special Surgery Pediatric Functional Activity Brief Scale

The Marx Activity Rating Scale (Marx Scale) is a commonly used activity-related patient-reported outcome which evaluates the highest activity level within the last year, whereas the Hospital for Special Surgery Pediatric Functional Activity Brief Scale (HSS Pedi-FABS) assesses highest activity level within the last month. This study aims to determine whether the different timeframes used for the common items of Marx Scale and HSS Pedi-FABS affect scores, and if so, to determine whether age or injury status affect this difference. The Marx Scale and four analogous items on the HSS Pedi-FABS were administered in random order to patients being evaluated for knee injuries and in addition to healthy controls to enroll an uninjured comparison group. Responses to each question were scored from 0 to 4 for a maximum overall score of 16. Paired and independent-sample t tests were used to determine mean differences between groups. The final cohort included 88 participants of which 47% were children (ages 10-17) and 51% had a knee injury. All participants except for healthy adults scored significantly lower on the HSS Pedi-FABS than the Marx Scale (p < 0.05). On the HSS Pedi-FABS activity scale, healthy participants scored significantly higher than injured participants (p < 0.01), but there were no significant differences based on age. Conversely, on the Marx Scale, children scored higher than adults (p ≤ 0.001), but there were no significant differences based on injury. Physical activity level differs when evaluated with the Marx Scale or the analogue part of HSS Pedi-FABS with timeframe being the only difference between the two. The lower scores on the HSS Pedi-FABS are likely due to seasonal changes in activity which do not affect the Marx Scale. HSS Pedi-FABS analyzes a shorter window and it is more likely to capture changes in physical activity due to a recent injury than the Marx Scale which is better suited for assessing general physical activity level unaffected by seasonality or recent injury. Understating the differences between these physical activity scales can better guide clinicians when using them and interpreting scores. II.

Physical activity level and temporomandibular disorders in South Koreans.

This study aimed to investigate the association between general physical activity level and TMD pain in Koreans in a large-scale national database established through a nationwide survey. Data from the Fourth Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES IV), which was conducted from 2007 to 2009, were analysed. In total, 16941 participants were included in this cross-sectional study. Data on sociodemographic characteristics, TMD-related variables, and general physical activity level were collected. Participants were divided into moderate- and low-intensity exercise groups according to their physical activity levels. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed, adjusting for sociodemographic and other covariates. The adjusted odds ratio (OR) (95% confidence interval; CI) for TMD pain was 1.373 (1.017-1.854) for people doing moderate-intensity exercises and 0.797 (0.629-1.008) among people doing low-intensity exercises. Those who did moderate-intensity exercises had significantly more TMD pain. This was higher in the 30- to 39-year age group (OR: 1.991, 95% CI: 1.137-3.488), with significantly higher risk for TMD pain in those who did moderate-intensity exercise, whereas low-intensity exercise significantly decreased the risk for TMD pain in the same age group (OR: 0.625, 95% CI: 0.409-0.958). Moderate-intensity physical activity is associated with more TMD pain. Patients with TMD should avoid high-intensity level exercises and continue low-intensity exercises to prevent pain aggravation.