Generalized Linear Models Research Articles

Built for movement: Neighborhoods and adolescent physical activity behaviors, and the moderating role of socioeconomic position and gender

This study examined whether the built environment was associated with physical activity among adolescents in Oslo, Norway, and the role of socioeconomic position and gender as potential moderators of this association. We used data from 897 adolescents who participated in the TACKLE cross-sectional study conducted in 2020. Built environment features (recreational facilities, parks, forest, public transport, traffic calming devices, and schools) were assessed objectively using Geographical Information Systems. Physical activity data included device-measured moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, total physical activity, and self-reported active transportation to school. Using general linear models and logistic regression, we found that most built environment features were unrelated to the participants’ device-measured physical activity. Longer distances to school and to traffic calming devices were associated with decreased likelihood of participants reporting active transportation to school. Our moderated regression analysis showed that adolescents with low socioeconomic backgrounds seemed less affected by longer distances to school compared with their high socioeconomic counterparts. Furthermore, boys appeared to be more sensitive to traffic safety relative to girls. Implementing traffic calming devices may enhance active transportation to school and improve traffic safety for Norwegian adolescents.

Computational Hemodynamics-Based Growth Prediction for Small Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms: Laminar Simulations Versus Large Eddy Simulations.

Prior studies have shown that computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations help assess patient-specific hemodynamics in abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs); patient-specific hemodynamic stressors are frequently used to predict an AAA's growth. Previous studies have utilized both laminar and turbulent simulation models to simulate hemodynamics. However, the impact of different CFD simulation models on the predictive modeling of AAA growth remains unknown and is thus the knowledge gap that motivates this study. Specifically, CFD simulations were performed for 70 AAA models derived from 70 patients' computed tomography angiography (CTA) data with known growth status (i.e., fast-growing [> 5mm/yr] or slowly growing [< 5mm/yr]). We used laminar and large eddy simulation (LES) models to obtain hemodynamic parameters to predict AAAs' growth status. Predicting the growth status of AAAs was based on morphological, hemodynamic, and patient health parameters in conjunction with three classical machine learning (ML) classifiers, namely, support vector machine (SVM), K-nearest neighbor (KNN), and generalized linear model (GLM). Our preliminary results estimated aneurysmal flow stability and wall shear stress (WSS) were comparable in both laminar and LES flow simulations. Moreover, computed WSS and velocity-related hemodynamic variables obtained from the laminar and LES simulations showed comparable abilities in differentiating the growth status of AAAs. More importantly, the predictive modeling performance of the three ML classifiers mentioned above was similar, with less than a 2% difference observed (p-value>0.05). In closing, our findings suggest that two different flow simulations investigated did not significantly affect outcomes of computational hemodynamics and predictive modeling of AAAs' growth status, given the data investigated.

Effectiveness of bedside staplers in bariatric robotic procedures.

Few studies have evaluated the use of laparoscopic staplers in robotic procedures (bedside stapling, BS). This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of BS compared with robotic staplers (RS) in bariatric robotic procedures. Patients who underwent robotic sleeve gastrectomy or gastric bypass elective procedures between 1/1/2021 and 12/31/2021 were extracted from PINC AI™ Healthcare Data. The following clinical outcomes were compared: blood transfusion, bleeding, anastomotic leak, intensive care unit (ICU) visit, and 30-day readmission, operating room (OR) time, inpatient costs, and length of stay. We evaluated baseline balance in BS and RS and bivariate association between covariates and outcomes using Chi-square or Fisher exact test and t-test or ANOVA. Multivariable general linear mixed models (GLMMs) with respective gamma or binomial distribution and log-link function were used to obtain adjusted outcomes variations between BS and RS. Total of 7268 discharges were included with 1603 (22.1%) BS and 5665 (77.9%) RS cases. RS cases consisted of a higher number of patients who were Hispanic (17.0% vs. 9.4%), had Medicaid (26.9% vs. 19.4%) and underwent sleeve gastrectomy (68.4% vs. 53.5%). Higher proportions of RS cases were done by providers in Northeast region (35.5% vs. 24.3%), smaller size (< 500 beds; 71.1% vs. 52.3%), and teaching hospitals (59.4% vs. 39%). The adjusted outcomes variations demonstrated that patients that had RS were significantly more likely to have blood transfusions, ICU stays, increased ORT (19min) and costs ($1273). Sensitivity analysis showed similar results, except no significant differences in blood transfusion rates in both groups. Bedside staplers significantly reduce healthcare resource utilization with equivalent effectiveness and fewer ICU stays compared to robotic staplers.

CHARACTERIZATION OF SURFACE, SUBSURFACE DAMAGE AND THEIR EFFECT ON FATIGUE LIFE AFTER MACHINING OF AEROSPACE-GRADE ALUMINUM ALLOY (Al 6082-T6)

Aluminum alloys are widely used in the automotive and aerospace industries due to their lower mass-to-strength ratio than other metallic alloys. Apart from their inherent properties, aluminum alloys like other metallic alloys show a significant change in their mechanical properties according to the machining parameters. The research literature on obtaining optimum mechanical properties of aluminum alloys that undergo machining is very limited. Moreover, the combined effect of several parameters on the machinability of aluminum alloys has not yet been explored. In this paper, the effect of three machining parameters (Depth of Cut (DoC)), feed rate (FR), and cutting speed (CS) on the subsurface damage and fatigue life of aerospace-grade aluminum alloy (Al-6082-T6) is observed. Samples are prepared using a full fractional approach to effectively capture the effect of all input parameters. Thereafter, samples were subjected to surface roughness, micro-hardness, and fatigue life tests. Results of surface roughness and micro-hardness tests are compared with fatigue life. The general linear model was employed to capture the percentage effect of each input parameter on the output parameters. The results showed that DoC was the main contributing factor that caused subsurface damage, while surface roughness and fatigue life were mainly affected by FR and CS. Optical microscope images showed a white layer formation that had higher hardness than the base metal. Overall, this research work proposes the input parameters that can be used to achieve minimum surface damage and fatigue life.

Value of foetal umbilical vein standardised blood flow volume in predicting weight gain in the third trimester: a prospective case-cohort study

ObjectiveThis study aims to establish a prediction model of foetal umbilical vein standardised blood flow volume (sQuv) on estimated foetal weight (EFW) in the third trimester.MethodsA case-cohort study involving 200 eligible normal foetuses was conducted at the Ultrasound Department of Longquanyi District of Maternity and Child Healthcare Hospital between June 1, 2020 and December 31, 2021. Ultrasound measurements were taken at two separate intervals to assess EFW and the rate of EFW (rEFW) [first: between 28 w and 33 w6d of gestational age (GA); second: after 4–6 weeks]. Umbilical vein blood flow volume (Quv) and sQuv (normalised with EFW) were calculated only during the initial measurement. Using general linear regression, a prediction model for EFW based on GA and sQuv was developed, with the gestational week employed as a calibration scalar and validated using linear regression cross-validation.ResultsIn the third trimester, EFW exhibited significant correlations with GA, abdominal circumference (AC), head circumference (HC) and Quv (all ρ &amp;gt; 0.6, P &amp;lt; 0.001). Furthermore, the rEFW showed significant correlations with Quv and sQuv (all ρ &amp;gt; 0.6, P &amp;lt; 0.001). A linear regression equation was established using a general linear regression model: rEFW = 0.32689 × sQuv. Additionally, a foetal weight prediction model (EFW = −2,554.6770 + 0.9655 × sQuv + 129.6916 × GA) was established using sQuv. The above two formulas were cross-validated by intra-group linear regression and proved to be of good efficacy.ConclusionsIn the third trimester, EFW displayed significant correlations with GA, AC, HC and Quv. Additionally, the rEFW exhibited significant correlations with Quv and sQuv. The sQuv during the third trimester has predictive value for foetal weight, serving as an early warning indicator.

Associations of lipids in adolescence and adulthood with self- and other-directed compassion in adulthood.

Self- and other-directed compassion have been linked with better mental and physical health but research on factors contributing to their development is scarce. Previous studies indicate a possible causal relationship of lipids with personality and socioemotional functioning. As an extension to earlier research, in the present study we examine whether lipids assessed in adolescence and adulthood are associated with self-compassion and other-directed compassion in adulthood. The study utilizes data on lipids from two follow-ups in the Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1986 at ages 15-16 and 33-35. In the latter follow-up also self-compassion and other-directed compassion were assessed with the self-compassion scale - short form and the subscale for compassion in the dispositional positive emotions scale, respectively. The sample for the cross-sectional associations of lipids in adulthood with the compassion variables in adulthood includes 1,459 participants, whereas the sample for the longitudinal associations of lipids in adolescence and the compassion variables in adulthood consists of 1,509 participants. The associations were examined with hierarchical linear regression (lipids as continuous variables) and univariate general linear model (lipids as categorical variables). The results suggest that in women, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol in adolescence is associated with high empathic concern (a component of other-directed compassion) in adulthood. The results show further that, in women, an HDL cholesterol level above 1.2 mmol/L in adulthood is associated with high other-directed compassion and empathic concern in adulthood. The present study provides tentative evidence that biological factors such as lipids might play a role in the development of empathic concern and other-directed compassion.

The severity of preoperative bone marrow oedema negatively influences short-term clinical outcomes following arthroscopic bone marrow stimulation for osteochondral lesions of the talus.

The purpose of this study was to study the effects of the severity of preoperative bone marrow oedema (BME) on the postoperative short-term outcomes following bone marrow stimulation (BMS) for osteochondral lesions of the talus (OLTs) and to propose a new metric that combines volume and signal density to evaluate BME. Sixty-five patients with symptomatic OLTs (<100 mm2) and preoperative BME, who received BMS in our institution from April 2017 to July 2021 with follow-ups of 3, 6and 12 months, were analysed retrospectively. The area, volumeand signal value of the BME were collected on preoperative magnetic resonance imaging. The enroled patients were divided into two groups according to the BME index (BMEI), which was defined as the product of oedema relative signal intensity and the relation of oedema volume to total talar volume. Visual analogue scale,American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS), Tegner, Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM)-activities of daily living (ADL) and Sports scores were assessed before surgery and at each follow-up. The relationship between the scores and the volume, relative signal intensityand BMEI was explored. Sixty-five patients with preoperative BME were divided into the mild (n = 33) and severe (n = 32) groups based on the BMEI. A significant difference was found for each score with the general linear model for repeated measures through all follow-up time points (p < 0.001). For the preoperative and 12-month postoperative changes of the enroled patients, 53 patients (81.5%) exceeded the minimal clinically important difference of AOFAS and 26 (40.0%) exceeded that of FAAM-sports in this study. The mild group showed significantly more improvement in AOFAS scores at 12 months (89.6 ± 7.0 vs. 86.2 ± 6.2) and FAAM-ADL scores at 6 months (83.6 ± 7.6 vs. 79.7 ± 7.7) and 12 months (88.5 ± 8.5 vs. 84.4 ± 7.7) than the severe group (p < 0.05). No significant difference of all the scores between the groups was found at 3 months. No significant correlation was found in each group between BMEI and clinical outcomes. The severity of the preoperative BME negatively affected short-term clinical outcomes following arthroscopic BMS for OLTs. Worse clinical outcomes were shown at postoperative 6 and 12 months in patients with a high preoperative BMEI, which could be a favourable parameter for assessing the severity of BME and assist in developing personalised rehabilitation plans and determining the approach and timing of surgery. Level III.

Effects of external verbal cueing on countermovement rebound jump performance

ABSTRACT This study examined the effects of three external verbal cues on countermovement rebound jump (CMRJ) performance. Twenty-five recreational athletes completed nine jumps with distinct height, velocity and combined cue focus. A general linear model analysis of variance was used to evaluate systematic bias between conditions (p < 0.05). The height and velocity cues significantly altered jump height and contact times in both jumps during the CMRJ, respectively (p ≤ 0.002). The combined cue significantly reduced contact time while increasing leg stiffness compared to the height cue (p ≤ 0.038). It also increased jump height compared to the velocity cue (p ≤ 0.005) in both jumps, resulting in the highest explosive power and reactive strength values among all conditions. Furthermore, the combined cue enhanced the positive ankle contribution compared to the height cue (p = 0.020) and increased positive hip and negative knee joint work compared to the velocity cue (p ≤ 0.040) in the second jump of the CMRJ. These findings advise practitioners to use the height cue to maximise jump height, the velocity cue to minimise contact times and the combined cue to maximise explosive power and reactive strength.

Brain state dynamics differ between eyes open and eyes closed rest.

The human brain exhibits spatio-temporally complex activity even in the absence of external stimuli, cycling through recurring patterns of activity known as brain states. Thus far, brain state analysis has primarily been restricted to unimodal neuroimaging data sets, resulting in a limited definition of state and a poor understanding of the spatial and temporal relationships between states identified from different modalities. Here, we applied hidden Markov model (HMM) to concurrent electroencephalography-functional magnetic resonance imaging (EEG-fMRI) eyes open (EO) and eyes closed (EC) resting-state data, training models on the EEG and fMRI data separately, and evaluated the models' ability to distinguish dynamics between the two rest conditions. Additionally, we employed a general linear model approach to identify the BOLD correlates of the EEG-defined states to investigate whether the fMRI data could be used to improve the spatial definition of the EEG states. Finally, we performed a sliding window-based analysis on the state time courses to identify slower changes in the temporal dynamics, and then correlated these time courses across modalities. We found that both models could identify expected changes during EC rest compared to EO rest, with the fMRI model identifying changes in the activity and functional connectivity of visual and attention resting-state networks, while the EEG model correctly identified the canonical increase in alpha upon eye closure. In addition, by using the fMRI data, it was possible to infer the spatial properties of the EEG states, resulting in BOLD correlation maps resembling canonical alpha-BOLD correlations. Finally, the sliding window analysis revealed unique fractional occupancy dynamics for states from both models, with a selection of states showing strong temporal correlations across modalities. Overall, this study highlights the efficacy of using HMMs for brain state analysis, confirms that multimodal data can be used to provide more in-depth definitions of state and demonstrates that states defined across different modalities show similar temporal dynamics.

Genital Pain and the Spectrum of Bladder-Related Symptoms: Findings from the Prevention of Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms Research Consortium RISE FOR HEALTH Study, USA.

Women with vulvovaginal or genital pain more commonly experience interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS) and urinary tract infections. However, the relationship between genital pain and bladder health is lacking. Women in the Prevention of Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms Consortium's RISE FOR HEALTH population-based study answered questions about bladder health globally, and across nine bladder health domains of holding, efficacy, social-occupation, physical activity, intimacy, travel, emotion, perception, and freedom. Bladder function was assessed across six indices including urinary frequency, sensation, continence, comfort, emptying, and dysbiosis (e.g., urinary tract infections). Participants were grouped by no pain beyond transitory events (i.e., minor headaches, toothaches, or sprains), nongenital-related pain only, and any genital pain using a validated pain diagram. Mean adjusted scores and indices were compared using general linear modelling. Of 1,973 eligible women, 250 (12.7%) reported genital pain, 609 (30.9%) reported nongenital pain only, and 1,114 (56.5%) reported no pain. Women with any genital pain had lower (worse) adjusted mean scores across all bladder health scales (BHS; BHS global adjusted mean 47.5; 95% CI 40.8-54.1), compared with those with nongenital pain only (53.7; 95% CI 47.6-59.8), and no pain (59.3; 95% CI 53.3-65.4). Similarly, adjusted mean total Bladder Functional Index scores were lower for those with genital pain (63.1; 95% CI 58.4-67.9) compared with nongenital pain (72.1; 95% CI 67.7-76.5) and no pain (77.4; 95% CI 73.0-81.8). Heightened awareness of the relationship between genital pain and bladder health should prompt clinicians caring for women with genital pain to assess bladder health and function.

Cerebral blood flow in relation to peripheral endothelial function in youth bipolar disorder

IntroductionAnomalous cerebral blood flow (CBF) is evident in bipolar disorder (BD), however the extent to which CBF reflects peripheral vascular function in BD is unknown. This study investigated endothelial function, an index of early atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease risk, in relation to CBF among youth with BD. MethodsParticipants included 113 youth, 13–20 years old (66 BD; 47 healthy controls [HC]). CBF was measured using arterial spin labeling with 3 T MRI. Region of interest analyses (ROI; global grey matter, middle frontal gyrus, anterior cingulate cortex, temporal cortex, caudate) were undertaken alongside voxel-wise analyses. Reactive hyperemia index (RHI), a measure of endothelial function, was assessed non-invasively via pulse amplitude tonometry. General linear models were used to examine RHI and RHI-by-diagnosis associations with CBF, controlling for age, sex, and body mass index. Bonferroni correction for multiple comparisons was used for ROI analyses, such that the significance level was divided by the number of ROIs (α = 0.05/5 = 0.01). Cluster-extent thresholding was used to correct for multiple comparisons for voxel-wise analyses. ResultsROI findings were not significant after correction. Voxel-wise analyses found that higher RHI was associated with lower left thalamus CBF in the whole group (p < 0.001). Additionally, significant RHI-by-diagnosis associations with CBF were found in three clusters: left intracalcarine cortex (p < 0.001), left thalamus (p < 0.001), and right frontal pole (p = 0.006). Post-hoc analyses showed that in each cluster, higher RHI was associated with lower CBF in BD, but higher CBF in HC. ConclusionWe found that RHI was differentially associated with CBF in youth with BD versus HC. The unanticipated association of higher RHI with lower CBF in BD could potentially reflect a compensatory mechanism. Future research, including prospective studies and experimental designs are warranted to build on the current findings.

Species Diversity of Anastrepha Fruit Flies (Diptera: Tephritidae) in Environments with Different Levels of Anthropogenic Changes.

Studies on the diversity of Anastrepha species have been conducted mainly in agricultural orchards due to the economic importance of this insect group, consequently, research on fruit flies in undisturbed environments is scarce. Moreover, very few studies have investigated the diversity of fruit flies in urban areas, where fruit flies survive under native or exotic hosts. Thus, to understand the diversity of Anastrepha species in an environment with different anthropization degrees, surveys were carried out in four areas of the "Luiz de Queiroz" campus, in Piracicaba, São Paulo State (Brazil), using Multilure traps with putrescine and ammonium acetate for 12 months. The software R 3.6.3 was used to characterize the fruit fly community and the faunistic analysis was carried out using the ANAFAU program. The analysis of species richness and total abundance of fruit flies among the sites was carried out using the rarefaction method and adjustment to the generalized linear model (GLM) using the Poisson distribution, respectively. We collected 1,080 females and 14 species of Anastrepha in the four sampled sites. Anastrepha fraterculus and A. obliqua were the predominant species (behavioral patterns). Similar to agricultural sites, A. fraterculus and A. obliqua also show a predominant occurrence in urban environments.

Comparison of dietary patterns and daily food intake across kidney disease stages in England: a-posteriori cluster analysis

ObjectiveDietary patterns are rapidly becoming a major focus of medical nutrition therapy in CKD and the analysis of dietary patterns has emerged as a practical approach to evaluate qualitative as well as quantitative aspects of overall diet. In an a-posteriori data-driven approach, dietary patterns are based on the actual food intake of the population evaluated. Investigation of dietary patterns in CKD are not well described, and, to our knowledge, have not been conducted in a UK-based cohort. MethodsAdult participants with a diagnosed kidney condition (CKD 1-5 not requiring dialysis) were recruited into a multi-centre observational cross-sectional study. Dietary intake was assessed using the European Prospective Investigation of Cancer in Norfolk Food Frequency Questionnaire. Logistic Principal Components Analysis was used to identify food group clusters. Differences between groups were assessed using univariate general linear modelling. ResultsIn total, 696 patients were included. The mean age was 64.7 (±14.0) years, 61% of the cohort were male. Most participants were White British (89%). The mean eGFR was 36.6 (±20.9) ml/min/1.732. We found differences in food group intake across stages (e.g., greater intake of nuts and seeds intake in CKD 1-2 versus CKD 4) and across sex (e.g., females had a higher intake of fruit and vegetables versus males). Comparison with the reference cohort revealed that, overall, the CKD cohort had reduced intakes of food stuffs such as cereals and cereal products, but higher intakes of groups such as meat and meat products. There were limited differences in micronutrients, although Vitamin B2 and calcium were higher in earlier stages. ConclusionOverall, the findings from a novel a-posteriori approach underline the complex diversity of food patterns in CKD. The findings from our study may inform dieticians and other healthcare providers about the need to consider treatment modalities and stages when giving dietary recommendations.

Loneliness and Resting-State Functional Brain Connectivity Among Older Adults: A Proportional Correlation.

Loneliness reportedly increases the risk of dementia, especially Alzheimer's disease (AD). The authors' previous study demonstrated associations between loneliness and structural abnormalities observed in early-stage AD. The present study examined associations between the brain's functional characteristics and loneliness among older adults with concerns about cognitive decline. This single-center study included 43 participants (13 with amnestic mild cognitive impairment and 30 with normal cognition). Participants were assessed with the revised University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) Loneliness Scale and underwent resting-state functional MRI. Functional images were preprocessed with the CONN toolbox. The selected seeds were within brain regions reportedly associated with loneliness. One-sample general linear model analysis was performed to examine regressions of UCLA Loneliness Scale scores and functional connectivity between the seeds and regions of interest. The revised UCLA Loneliness Scale scores were positively correlated with functional connectivity between the right hippocampus and left lateral parietal lobe and were negatively correlated with functional connectivity between the left amygdala and left frontal operculum and between the left amygdala and right supramarginal gyrus. Analyses were adjusted for age, sex, and education and scores on the Mini-Mental State Examination and Clinical Dementia Rating scale. Loneliness was associated with abnormal function of the hippocampus, parts of the parietal lobe and frontal cortex, and the amygdala. These findings may suggest a possible correlation between loneliness and neurological changes associated with dementia.

Mapping the Future: Revealing Habitat Preferences and Patterns of the Endangered Chilean Dolphin in Seno Skyring, Patagonia

Species distribution modeling helps understand how environmental factors influence species distribution, creating profiles to predict presence in unexplored areas and assess ecological impacts. This study examined the habitat use and population ecology of the Chilean dolphin in Seno Skyring, Chilean Patagonia. We used three models—random forest (RF), generalized linear model (GLM), and artificial neural network (ANN)—to predict dolphin distribution based on environmental and biotic data like water temperature, salinity, and fish farm density. Our research has determined that the RF model is the most precise tool for predicting the habitat preferences of Chilean dolphins. The results indicate that these dolphins are primarily located within six kilometers of the coast, strongly correlating with areas featuring numerous fish farms, sheltered waters close to the shore with river inputs, and shallow productive zones. This suggests a potential association between dolphin presence and fish-farming activities. These findings can guide targeted conservation measures, such as regulating fish-farming practices and protecting vital coastal areas to improve the survival prospects of the Chilean dolphin. Given the extensive fish-farming industry in Chile, this research highlights the need for greater knowledge and comprehensive conservation efforts to ensure the species’ long-term survival. By understanding and mitigating the impacts of fish farming and other human activities, we can better protect the habitat and well-being of Chilean dolphins.

On the functional regression model and its finite-dimensional approximations

AbstractThe problem of linearly predicting a scalar response Y from a functional (random) explanatory variable $$X=X(t),\ t\in I$$ X = X ( t ) , t ∈ I is considered. It is argued that the term “linearly” can be interpreted in several meaningful ways. Thus, one could interpret that (up to a random noise) Y could be expressed as a linear combination of a finite family of marginals $$X(t_i)$$ X ( t i ) of the process X, or a limit of a sequence of such linear combinations. This simple point of view (which has some precedents in the literature) leads to a formulation of the linear model in terms of the RKHS space generated by the covariance function of the process X(t). It turns out that such RKHS-based formulation includes the standard functional linear model, based on the inner product in the space $$L^2[0,1]$$ L 2 [ 0 , 1 ] , as a particular case. It includes as well all models in which Y is assumed to be (up to an additive noise) a linear combination of a finite number of linear projections of X. Some consistency results are proved which, in particular, lead to an asymptotic approximation of the predictions derived from the general (functional) linear model in terms of finite-dimensional models based on a finite family of marginals $$X(t_i)$$ X ( t i ) , for an increasing grid of points $$t_j$$ t j in I. We also include a discussion on the crucial notion of coefficient of determination (aimed at assessing the fit of the model) in this setting. A few experimental results are given.

Genetic parameter estimates for growth traits in Texel sheep of Brazil

The present study aimed to estimate the genetic parameters for direct and maternal influences on birth weight (BW), weaning weight (WW) and postweaning weight (PW) of Texel sheep, raised in an extensive system from Brazil. Data file used in this study consisted of 834 body weight records of 834 Texel lambs (376 males and 458 females) born from 2020 to 2021, offspring of 475 ewes and 45 rams. Multivariate animal model was conducted to estimate the variance components, heritability and genetic correlations using the restricted maximum likelihood method in ASReml-R software, while the effects of fixed factors were analyzed by the general linear model procedure of statistical analysis system. Five different animal models, with or without maternal genetic effect, maternal permanent environment effect and covariance between additive genetic and maternal genetic effects, were fitted on the growth traits data of the Texel sheep population. AIC and BIC test results were used to evaluate the best fit models for growth traits. The effect of lamb's sex was significant on BW, WW and PW while birth type and year of lambing effects were on all traits (P < 0.05). Model 4, incorporating direct additive genetic, maternal additive genetic and maternal permanent environmental effects showed the minimum AIC estimate for all growth traits. The direct additive genetic heritability for BW, WW and PW were 0.11 ± 0.03, 0.37 ± 0.05 and 0.31 ± 0.08, respectively and maternal heritability for these traits were 0.00 ± 0.00, 0.04 ± 0.02 and 0.00 ± 0.00, respectively. The total heritability estimates for BW, WW and PW were 0.11 ± 0.03, 0.39 ± 0.05 and 0.31 ± 0.08, respectively. The estimates of the direct additive genetic correlation between BW-WW, BW-PW and WW-PW were 0.68 ± 0.12, 0.66 ± 0.12 and 0.78 ± 0.07, respectively. The maternal permanent environmental correlation between BW-WW, BW-PW and WW-PW were 0.38 ± 0.27, 0.29 ± 0.20 and 0.74 ± 0.16, respectively. Phenotypic correlation ranged from 0.43 ± 0.03 to 0.75 ± 0.02. It is concluded that due to the existence of genetic variation for BB, WW and PW and strong genetic correlation among them, genetic progress for these traits is possible by selection in Texel sheep from Brazil.

Decreased DTI-ALPS index in delirium: a preliminary MRI study.

Delirium is linked to brain abnormalities, yet the role of the glymphatic system is not well understood. This study aims to examine alterations in brain physiology in delirium by using diffusion-tensor imaging (DTI) to assess water diffusion along the perivascular space (ALPS) and to explore its correlation with clinical symptoms. We examined 15 patients with delirium and 15 healthy controls, measuring water diffusion metrics along the x-, y-, and z-axes in both projection and association fibers to determine the DTI-ALPS index. We used a general linear model, adjusted for age and sex, to compare the DTI-ALPS index between groups. We also investigated the relationship between the DTI-ALPS index and clinical symptoms using partial correlations. Patients with delirium exhibited significantly lower DTI-ALPS indices compared to healthy controls (1.25 ± 0.15 vs. 1.38 ± 0.10, t = 2.903, p = 0.007; 1.27 ± 0.16 vs. 1.39 ± 0.08, 1.22 ± 0.16 vs. 1.37 ± 0.14, t = 2.617, p = 0.014; t = 2.719, p = 0.011; respectively). However, there was no significant correlation between the DTI-ALPS index and clinical symptoms. Our findings indicate a decreased DTI-ALPS index in patients with delirium, suggesting potential alterations in brain physiology that may contribute to the pathophysiology of delirium. This study provides new insights into the mechanisms underlying delirium.

Inflammatory bowel disease associated with primary sclerosing cholangitis is associated with an altered gut microbiome and bile acid profile.

Primary sclerosing cholangitis associated with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD-PSC) carries significant morbidity compared to IBD without PSC. Alterations in microbial composition and bile acid (BA) profiles have been shown to modulate chronic inflammation in IBD, but data in IBD-PSC is scarce. We aimed to assess the differences in gut microbiome composition as well as in the BA profile and BA-related microbial functions between IBD-PSC and IBD-only. 54 IBD-PSC and 62 IBD-only subjects were enrolled from 2012 to 2021. Baseline samples were collected for fecal DNA shotgun metagenomic sequencing, fecal and serum BA quantitation using mass spectrometry and fecal calprotectin. Liver fibrosis measured by transient elastography (TE) was assessed in the IBD-PSC group. Data was analyzed using general linear regression models and Spearman rank correlation tests. Patients with IBD-PSC had reduced microbial gene richness (p=0.004) and significant compositional shifts (PERMANOVA: R2=0.01, p=0.03) compared to IBD-only. IBD-PSC was associated with altered microbial composition and function, including decreased abundance of Blautia obeum, increased abundance of Veillonella atypica, Veillonella dispar and Clostridium scindens (q<0.05 for all), and increased abundance of microbial genes involved in secondary BA metabolism. Decreased serum sulfated and increased serum conjugated secondary BA were associated with IBD-PSC and increased liver fibrosis. We identified differences in microbial species, functional capacity and serum BA profiles in IBD-PSC compared with IBD-only. Our findings provide insight into the pathophysiology of IBD associated with PSC and suggest possible targets for modulating the risk and course of IBD in subjects with PSC.

Cardiometabolic multimorbidity, peripheral biomarkers, and dementia in rural older adults: The MIND-China study.

Evidence has emerged that cardiometabolic multimorbidity (CMM) is associated with dementia, but the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. This population-based study included 5704 older adults. Of these, data were available in 1439 persons for plasma amyloid-β (Aβ), total tau, and neurofilament light chain (NfL) and in 1809 persons for serum cytokines. We defined CMM following two common definitions used in previous studies. Data were analyzed using general linear, logistic, and mediation models. The presence of CMM was significantly associated with an increased likelihood of dementia, Alzheimer's disease (AD), and vascular dementia (VaD) (p<0.05). CMM was significantly associated with increased plasma Aβ40, Aβ42, and NfL, whereas CMM that included visceral obesity was associated with increased serum cytokines. The mediation analysis suggested that plasma NfL significantly mediated the association of CMM with AD. CMM is associated with dementia, AD, and VaD in older adults. The neurodegenerative pathway is involved in the association of CMM with AD. The presence of CMM was associated with increased likelihoods of dementia, AD, and VaD in older adults. CMM was associated with increased AD-related plasma biomarkers and serum inflammatory cytokines. Neurodegenerative pathway was partly involved in the association of CMM with AD.