Growth Curve Research Articles

Interpersonal, Community, and Societal Stressors Mediate Black-White Memory Disparities.

Structural racism creates contextual stressors that disproportionately affect Black, relative to White, older adults in the U.S. and may contribute to worse cognitive health. We examined the extent to which interpersonal, community, and societal stressors uniquely explain Black-White disparities in initial memory and memory change. The sample included 14,199 non-Latino Black and White older adults (Mage=68.32, 19.8% Black) from the U.S. Health and Retirement Study who completed psychosocial questionnaires at baseline and a word list memory task every two years over an eight-year period. Interpersonal, community, and societal stressors were operationalized as self-reported everyday discrimination, neighborhood physical disorder, and subjective societal status, respectively. Latent growth curves modeled longitudinal memory performance. Stressors were modeled simultaneously and allowed to correlate. Covariates included age, sex, education, wealth, parental education, and Southern residence. Compared to White participants, Black participants experienced more discrimination (β=-.004, SE=.001, p<.001), more neighborhood physical disorder (β=-.009, SE=.002, p<.001), and lower perceived societal status (β =-.002, SE=.001, p=.001), each of which uniquely mediated the racial disparity in initial memory. Sensitivity analyses utilizing proxy-imputed memory scores revealed an additional racial disparity in memory change, wherein Black participants evidenced faster decline than White participants. This disparity in memory change was only uniquely mediated by more everyday discrimination among Black participants. Elements of structural racism may contribute to cognitive disparities via disproportionate stress experiences at multiple contextual levels among Black older adults. Future research should consider multilevel protective factors that buffer against negative impacts of racism on health.

Efficient approximation of global population dynamic models through statistical inference using local data

Biological growth curves are pivotal in predicting natural growth across disciplines, typically analyzed using nonlinear least squares or maximum likelihood methods. Bhowmick et al. (2014) introduced the interval-specific rate of parameters (ISRP) for growth equations, improving the estimation of relative growth rate (RGR) and model selection accuracy. Despite its effectiveness, computing these model-specific RGR estimates involves complex calculations and lacks explicit expressions for many nonlinear models. Also, for highly nonlinear models and non-monotonic data where the parameters are non-linearly related, the computation of interval estimates is almost impossible and may suffer from significant approximation errors. So, the need for a more efficient computation method for ISRP remains a significant challenge in growth studies. In this article, we propose a computational approach to obtain interval estimates of parameters based on the maximum likelihood estimation method. The likelihood function is maximized using the data on smaller intervals. Our study underscores the importance of an efficient ISRP computation technique, providing a more stable, unbiased, and normally distributed estimator. The most important advantage is that it can be implemented using existing optimizers in software packages efficiently, therefore, giving more accessibility to the practitioners. Both simulation studies and real data analysis have been carried out to validate the proposed estimation process. Additionally, its applicability to non-monotonic growth profiles and its robustness in handling highly non-linear growth equations highlight its versatility. We also developed a web application GpEM-R which is freely available for researchers and practitioners to analyze growth data.

Estimating genetic parameters and trends in growth curve traits of Zandi sheep using the SAEM algorithm.

The objectives of this study were to evaluate the influence of environmental effects on growth curve traits of Zandi lambs and estimate their genetic parameters with the best-fit animal model. For this purpose, live body weight (BW) records (n = 10,607) of 2,519 individuals (which were progeny of 278 rams and 1,485 ewes) were used to estimate genetic effects on growth curve traits from birth to yearling age of Zandi lambs. Using the Stochastic Approximation Expectation Maximization (SAEM) algorithm the growth curve parameters of five different mixed functions (i.e., Brody, Richards, Von Bertalanffy, Gompertz and Logistic) were obtained, then for the most appropriate model the genetic parameters were estimated using a Bayesian approach fitted multivariate animal model and ignoring or including maternal genetic effect. Except Richards model, all other mixed functions used here closely fitted actual BW records (R2 > 0.96). However, the Logistic function provided the best fit in every type. So, studied growth curve traits were estimated asymptotic weight which considered as mature weight (a), rate parameter (b), rate of maturing (k), and age (Ai)/weight (Wi) at the point of inflection. Of the fixed effects studied (i.e., gender, birth type, dam age, season and year of birth), the only non-significant relationship was the effect dam age on b and Ai. Based on the best-fitted model, posterior means of heritability estimates for a, b, k, Wi and Ai were 0.142 ± 0.036, 0.094 ± 0.029, 0.143 ± 0.063, 0.149 ± 0.039 and 0.029 ± 0.013, respectively. Posterior means of genetic correlations between mentioned traits ranged from -0.018 ± 0.069 (b-k) to 0.959 ± 0.029 (a-b), whereas the phenotypic correlation varied from -0.047 ± 0.014 (b-k) to 0.836 ± 0.007 (a-b). It was concluded that the model including only direct additive effect was sufficient to explain the variation in all investigated growth traits of Zandi lambs, selection for these traits results in slow genetic gain (due to the lack of sufficient genetic variation), but it would not be difficult to improve their mature weight and rate of maturing jointly. The results indicate that although the rate of genetic change for mature weight has been small (0.008 ± 0.003 kgyear-1; P < 0.05) but in the favorable direction for this breed.

Long-term impact of adverse childhood experiences and perceived social support on depression trajectories

BackgroundWhile the impact of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) on depression is well-documented, how ACEs, physical violence victimization, social support, and school belongingness altogether shape depression from adolescence to young adulthood remains unclear. This study aims to clarify these relations by tracing the trajectory of depression across this critical developmental period. MethodsWe utilized a 14-year, four-wave dataset from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health (Add Health), including 5734 participants who were 7th to 12th graders at baseline (51.4 % females). Latent growth curve modeling (LGCM) was used to analyze the trajectory of depression from adolescence to young adulthood, assessing the impact of ACEs, physical violence victimization, social support, and school belongingness on this progression. ResultsResults from the LGCM indicated that childhood maltreatment and physical violence victimization were positively associated with an increase in depression from adolescence to young adulthood. Conversely, social support and school belongingness showed a negative association with depression, indicating their protective effects over time. Gender was found to moderate these longitudinal associations, with females showing increased vulnerability to the negative relations between early stressful environments (i.e., childhood maltreatment and physical violence victimization) and depression. Conversely, they seemed to benefit more from school belongingness and social support in mitigating depression. LimitationsThe study variables were all self-reported and exhibited some issues with reliability. ConclusionPractitioners should implement gender-specific programs for the prevention and intervention of depression from adolescence through young adulthood.

Internet-based therapist-supported interpersonal psychotherapy for depression: A randomized controlled trial

BackgroundDepression is a common disorder for which there are several treatments options including different psychological treatments. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of internet-based interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT) for symptoms of depression in randomized controlled trial. MethodsFollowing recruitment via advertisement a total of 113 participants with mild to moderate symptoms of depression were included and randomized to either a ten-week internet-based IPT with weekly therapist guidance or a waitlist control condition. The primary outcome was symptoms of depression measured weekly with the Montgomery Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS-S) and at pre- and post-treatment assessment with the Beck's Depression Inventory (BDI-II). Secondary outcomes were self-rated quality of life and symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder. We also measured therapeutic alliance and treatment credibility. Outcomes were evaluated with a latent growth curve model (for MADRS-S) and robust linear regression models (for the other measures). The trial was conducted during the Covid-19 pandemic in the spring of 2021. ResultsSignificant differences favoring the treatment group were found on three of the four outcomes: BDI-II, quality of life ratings, and ratings of generalized anxiety. Between-group effect sizes for these outcomes were moderate (BDI-II, quality of life) or small (generalized anxiety). The latent growth curve model did not indicate a significant difference on the weekly MADRS-S ratings. Exploratory analyses did not show an association between therapeutic alliance, treatment credibility and outcome. LimitationsMissing data at post-treatment was high in the treatment group (37 %), though the missingness was not significantly related to observed ratings at pre-treatment or estimated trajectories during the treatment. Few participants completed all modules. The Covid-19 pandemic situation may have affected both effects and dropout rates. ConclusionsInternet-based IPT can lead to significant improvements, though the reductions in symptoms of depression were not consistent across the two measures used. Completion rates and dropout patterns suggest a need for improved acceptability. Trial registrationThe trial was preregistered at Clinicaltrials.gov (Identifier: NCT04721678). Registered January 2021.https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT04721678

Perception Matters: The Influence of School Ethnic Racial Context on Ethnic Racial Identity Development for Black Adolescents.

In the current study, latent growth curve modeling is used to explore growth in ethnic-racial identity (ERI) commitment from 9th to 12th grade as a function of two aspects of the school ethnic-racial environment-perceived representation among peers and perceived discrimination from peers. The participants included 237 students that self-identified as African American (Mage = 14.7; 50% female). The results showed that perceiving more Black peers at school buffered the negative impact of racial discrimination from peers on ERI commitment. Further, the positive impact of perceived representation remained significant even after controlling for other markers of school ethnic-racial context including objective representation and school ethnic-racial diversity. The findings have implications for the environmental factors that support ERI development as well as how we study and conceptualize the influence of the school ethnic-racial environment.

Relationship between 25-OH-D3 levels and cognitive functions in children with obesity

Aims: The inconsistent results about neurocognitive functions in children with obesity may be suggestive of factors like vitamin deficiencies rather than the disorder itself. So we aimed to investigate the 25(OH)D3 levels and cognitive functions in obese children in the present study. Methods: Seventy-two children were included to this study. Forty-one of them were obese children and 31 children were with normal weight. The patients were diagnosed as obese according to body mass index &gt;95 percentile, considering the sex and age-specific growth curves for Turkish children. The participants completed the battery tests of the central nervous system vital signs (CNSVS), a neurocognitive test battery, via computer. The battery calculates seven domain scores (Memory, Psychomotor speed, Processing speed, Reaction time, Complex attention, Executive function, Cognitive flexibility) and a summary score (Neurocognition Index). 25(OH)D3 levels were measured in residual samples using a Shimadzu HPLC system with the aid of a 25(OH)D3 kit. The scores were compared by using commercial software (IBM SPSS Statistics 18). Results: The mean 25-OH-vitamin D levels were 13.41±7.91 µg/L in obese children and 20.31±5.92µg/L in controls. Vitamin D3 levels were significantly lower in obese children than in control group (p

Socioeconomic status and depression in later life: longitudinal mediation effects of activities of daily living

BackgroundSocioeconomic status (SES) is associated with both depression and activities of daily living (ADL and IADL). However, the role of ADL as a biological mechanism in the relationship between SES and late-life depression, examined through longitudinal data, remains understudied. This study explored the longitudinal mediation effects of basic ADL or IADL on the SES-depression link in older adults.MethodsData from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (N = 4104) were utilized. Mediation analysis was performed using parallel process latent growth curve modeling.ResultsThe average age of participants was 57.76 years, and 55.7% being females. Significant linear growth over time was observed in ADL, IADL, and depression. Adjusting for covariates, SES was positively linked to the initial levels (intercepts) of ADL (βiADL=-0.100[-0.143, -0.057]), IADL (βiIADL=-0.140[-0.185, -0.095]), and depression (βiDEP=-0.103[-0.158, -0.048]). However, SES showed no significant correlation with the rate of change (slopes) in ADL, IADL, or depression (P > 0.05). The intercepts of ADL (βiDEP = 0.566[0.503, 0.629]) and IADL (βiDEP = 0.607[0.544, 0.670]) were positively correlated with the depression intercept but negatively with the depression slope. Conversely, the slopes of ADL and IADL were positively associated with the depression slope. These results suggest a negative indirect relationship between SES and the initial level of depression, but a positive indirect relationship with the rate of increase in depression through ADL (or IADL) intercept.ConclusionsHigher SES is associated with a lower initial risk of depression and ADL difficulties. However, this same higher SES may relate to a faster increase in ADL difficulties and depression among middle-aged and older adults. The findings underscore the need for increased governmental healthcare funding and improved healthcare accessibility. Additionally, maintaining adequate sleep and physical activity can help prevent disability and reduce depression risk later in life, particularly among older adults with lower SES.

Comparison of growth curves of the Pacific white shrimp, Penaeus vannamei Boone, 1931 (Decapoda, Penaeidae) reared in earthen ponds with three different water sources

Abstract The growth of the Pacific white shrimp, Penaeus vannamei was analysed with data from nine earthen ponds in three aquaculture farms located at the mouth of the Gulf of California in the state of Sinaloa, Mexico. Each farm has a different source of water supply: marine, estuarine-freshwater, and estuarine-hypersaline. Growth was estimated with a multi-model approach using five versions of the Schnute model. The parametrization was done with maximum likelihood as an objective function, and observing the variance criterion. The best model was selected via the Bayesian information criterion. The Schnute model reproduced the Von Bertalanffy model in the estuarine-freshwater conditions; the Logistic model in the estuarine-hypersaline situation; and the Gompertz model in the case of the marine water source. Differences in growth curves were corroborated via the Kimura ratio test. The difference in water quality was most evident in the factor salinity. The best performance was obtained with the estuarine-freshwater water source. The results support the hypothesis that postlarvae and juveniles exhibit better growth in brackish water than when supplied from a marine water source.

Unveiling Chinese EFL students’ academic burnout and its prediction by anxiety, boredom, and hopelessness: a latent growth curve modeling

ABSTRACT Due to the undesirable influences of academic burnout on students’ overall well-being, multitudes of studies have examined this psychological distress and its potential antecedents. Nevertheless, earlier studies have predominantly employed a linear, monolithic research method to probe students’ academic burnout. Moreover, the majority of existing studies have exclusively concentrated on the external predictors of this phenomenon. To address these gaps, adopting the ‘latent growth curve modeling (LGCM)’ as a dynamic research approach, the current inquiry examined Chinese EFL students’ academic burnout and its potential variations over a course of a semester. With this approach, this inquiry assessed the role of boredom, hopelessness, and anxiety as internal predictors of students’ academic burnout. For this purpose, 621 EFL students were randomly chosen from two Chinese universities and four self-scoring questionnaires were given to participants at the onset, middle, and conclusion of the semester. The outcomes of the LGCM disclosed that the rate of students’ academic burnout reduced throughout the semester. The findings further revealed that students’ unpleasant feelings, boredom, hopelessness, and anxiety, positively predicted their academic burnout. Overall, the results of this longitudinal research would be invaluable for language teachers seeking to reduce academic burnout among their learners.

Building Blocks of Parent-Child Sex Communication: Body Talk During Infancy and Early Childhood

ABSTRACT The current study investigated how foundational conversations about the body and sexuality begin, how they develop longitudinally, and whether parental body talk varies as a function of characteristics of both the parent and child. Participants included 442 mothers (M age = 32.50, SD = 5.61, 93% heterosexual, 85% White) and 337 available father-figures (M age = 33.99, SD = 5.68, 98% heterosexual, 80% White), who were the parents of infants (age at Time 1 = 28.13 months, SD = 6.85, 52% male). Factor analyses suggested that parents engaged in positive, avoidant, and scolding body talk with their young children, and growth curve analyses suggested that frequency of positive body talk increased from when the child was age two to when they were age four for both mother- and father-figures. Results also suggested that the most consistent predictors of body talk included parents’ perceptions of whether their child was too young to discuss sexuality, and the child’s own questions and behaviors about their bodies and sexuality. The discussion focuses on the frequency of parental body talk and the active role of the child in the early socialization of healthy sexuality.

Influence of trauma on longitudinal association between depressive symptoms and use of alcohol and cannabis among young people.

Trauma, depressive symptoms, and the use of alcohol and drugs are common among youth, especially those with marginalized racial/ethnic identities, sexual and gender minority youth (SGMY), and those with low socioeconomic status, homelessness, and HIV-positive status. However, most research on trauma, depression, and substance use among such youth is cross-sectional. This article examines these patterns over time. Participants were youth with multiple life challenges (N = 1,728) recruited from 13 community-based agencies and health centers in Los Angeles, CA, and New Orleans, LA, and reassessed twice at 4-month intervals over 8 months (follow-up > 70%). Youth were predominantly Black, Latiné, and SGMY, with an average age of 21 years (range 12-24). We analyzed the association between trauma, depression, and substance use using a Bayesian approach to latent growth curve modeling. Trauma had a robust, positive association with depressive symptoms and substance use, although this association differed depending on whether alcohol or cannabis use was examined. Higher levels of trauma were also associated with a slower decline in depressive symptoms over time. Study findings highlight the longitudinal association between trauma and both depression and substance use. This suggests the potential utility of trauma-focused interventions among vulnerable youth with one or both of these issues. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

A growth curve model to estimate longitudinal effects of parental BMI on Indonesian children's growth patterns.

The global surge in childhood obesity is also evident in Indonesia. Parental body mass index (BMI) values were found to be one of the major determinants of the increasing prevalence of childhood obesity. It is uncertain if parental BMI during their offspring's childhood significantly affects their children's BMI trajectories into adulthood. We aimed to investigate the influence of parental BMI Z-scores on BMI trajectories of Indonesian school-aged children, with a focus on sex-specific effects. This study utilized data from the Indonesian Family Life Survey and tracked the same respondents over four time points, from wave 2 (1997-1998) to wave 5 (2014-2015). The sample of this study consisted of children aged 5-12 years in wave 2 for whom height and weight data were available. We utilized a two-level growth curve model to account for the hierarchical structure of the data, with time nested within individual children. Fathers' BMI Z-scores in wave 2 had a pronounced influence (β = 0.31) on female children's BMI Z-scores compared to the influence of mothers' BMI Z-scores (β = 0.17). Mothers' BMI Z-scores in wave 2 showed a stronger positive association with male children's BMI Z-scores (β = 0.22) than did the father's BMI Z-scores (β = 0.19). A significant interaction of fathers' BMI Z-scores and years of follow-up was found for male children. As male children's BMI Z-scores increased by year, this effect was stronger in those whose fathers' BMI Z-scores were at a higher level. In conclusion, we found that parental BMI values profoundly influenced their children's BMI trajectories.

Family shapes child development: The role of codevelopmental trajectories of interparental conflict and emotional warmth for children's longitudinal development of internalizing and externalizing problems.

This study aimed (1) to identify distinct family trajectory profiles of destructive interparental conflict and parent-child emotional warmth reported by one parent, and (2) to examine whether these codevelopmental profiles were associated with the longitudinal development of children and adolescents' self-reported internalizing and externalizing problems. Six longitudinal data waves from the German Family Panel (pairfam) study (Waves 2-7) from 722 parent-child dyads were used (age of children and adolescents in years: M = 10.03, SD = 1.90, range = 8-15; 48.3% girls; 73.3% of parents were native Germans). Data were analyzed using growth mixture and latent growth curve modeling. Two classes, harmonious and conflictual-warm families, were found based on codevelopmental trajectories of interparental conflict and emotional warmth. These family profiles were linked with the development of externalizing problems in children and adolescents but not their internalizing problems. Family dynamics are entangled in complex ways and constantly changing, which appears relevant to children's behavior problems.

Bacterial cell size modulation along the growth curve across nutrient conditions.

Under stable growth conditions, bacteria maintain cell size homeostasis through coordinated elongation and division. However, fluctuations in nutrient availability result in dynamic regulation of the target cell size. Using microscopy imaging and mathematical modelling, we examine how bacterial cell volume changes over the growth curve in response to nutrient conditions. We find that two rod-shaped bacteria, Escherichia coli and Salmonella enterica, exhibit similar cell volume distributions in stationary phase cultures irrespective of growth media. Cell resuspension in rich media results in a transient peak with a five-fold increase in cell volume ≈ 2h after resuspension. This maximum cell volume, which depends on nutrient composition, subsequently decreases to the stationary phase cell size. Continuous nutrient supply sustains the maximum volume. In poor nutrient conditions, cell volume shows minimal changes over the growth curve, but a markedly decreased cell width compared to other conditions. The observed cell volume dynamics translate into non-monotonic dynamics in the ratio between biomass (optical density) and cell number (colony-forming units), highlighting their non-linear relationship. Our findings support a heuristic model comparing modulation of cell division relative to growth across nutrient conditions and providing novel insight into the mechanisms of cell size control under dynamic environmental conditions.

Impact of COVID-19 on psychological distress in subsequent stages of the pandemic: The role of received social support.

This longitudinal study examined a sample of adult Poles (N = 1245), who were interviewed three times from July 2021 to August 2022, during the later stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. The study had two primary objectives. The first was to assess the impact of the pandemic on psychological distress, measured through symptoms of depression and anxiety. The pandemic's effects were evaluated using three predictors: direct exposure to COVID-19, COVID-19 related stressors, and perceived threats from COVID-19. The second objective was to investigate the role of received social support in coping with the pandemic's hardships. Receipt of social support was measured by both the quantity of help received and the perceived quality of that support. A Latent Growth Curve Model (LGCM) was employed to analyze psychological distress across three waves, controlling for sociodemographic variables, non-COVID life events, coping self-efficacy, and perceived social support. Findings indicated that COVID-19 stressors and COVID-19 threats were strongly and consistently associated with greater psychological distress throughout the study period. The impact of direct COVID-19 exposure was limited. The quantity of received support predicted higher distress, whereas higher quality of received support was linked to better mental health. Crucially, the relationship between the quantity of support and distress was moderated by the quality of support. Effective social support was associated with the lowest distress levels, regardless of the amount of help received. Conversely, receiving large amounts of low-quality support was detrimental to psychological health. In summary, the ongoing psychosocial challenges of COVID-19 significantly eroded mental health, highlighting the importance of support quality over quantity in coping with significant life adversities.

Biological and genome characteristics of a novel broad host-range phage ΦEP1 infecting enteroinvasive Escherichia coli

We analyzed the biological and genome characteristics of a phage infecting enteroinvasive Escherichia coli (EIEC), aiming to provide resources and a reference for the prevention and treatment of EIEC. With the EIEC preserved in our laboratory as the host bacterium, one strain of phage was isolated from the effluent sample from a chicken farm in Huzhou, Zhejiang and named ΦEP1. The titer, optimal multiplicity of infection, one-step growth curve, temperature, pH value, chloroform and bile salt sensitivity of ΦEP1 were determined by the double-layer agar plate method. The morphology of the phage was observed by transmission electron microscopy. The biocontrol effects of ΦEP1 in different food matrixes and the protective effect of this phage on Caco-2 cells were tested. The phage ΦEP1 showed the optimal multiplicity of infection of 0.1, the titer of 1.3×1010 PFU/mL, strong tolerance to temperature, pH, chloroform, and bile salt, and a broad host spectrum. Furthermore, it expressed lysis activity against multiple strains of multiple antibiotic-resistant pathogenic E. coli and Shigella with different serotypes. Phage ΦEP1 had an incubation period of 10 min, an outbreak period of 80 min, and an outbreak volume of 48 PFU/cell. According to the morphology observed by transmission electron microscopy, phage ΦEP1 belonged to the order of Caudovirales, and it had a good protective effect on Caco-2 cells. Phage ΦEP1 had a genome of 87 182 bp with the GC content of 39.80%, 128 putative open reading frames, and no antibiotic resistance genes or virulence genes. ΦEP1 inhibited the growth of EIEC in artificially contaminated milk and beef and eliminated EIEC in cell protection experiments. It significantly increased the survival rate of Caco-2 cells and down-regulated the expression of interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-1β to reduce inflammation. We obtained an EIEC-targeting phage ΦEP1 with a high titer and strong tolerance to the environment, which provided a basis for the application of phages in food preservation and other fields.

Ctr9 promotes virulence of Candida albicans by regulating methionine metabolism

ABSTRACT Candida albicans, a part of normal flora, is an opportunistic fungal pathogen and causes severe health issues in immunocompromised patients. Its pathogenicity is intricately linked to the transcriptional regulation of its metabolic pathways. Paf1 complex (Paf1C) is a crucial transcriptional regulator that is highly conserved in eukaryotes. The objective of this study was to explore the role of Paf1C in the metabolic pathways and how it influences the pathogenicity of C. albicans. Paf1C knockout mutant strains of C. albicans (ctr9Δ/Δ, leo1Δ/Δ, and cdc73Δ/Δ) were generated using the CRISPR-Cas9 system. To investigate the effect of Paf1C on pathogenicity, macrophage interaction assays and mouse survival tests were conducted. The growth patterns of the Paf1C knockout mutants were analyzed through spotting assays and growth curve measurements. Transcriptome analysis was conducted under yeast conditions (30°C without serum) and hyphal conditions (37°C with 10% FBS), to further elucidate the role of Paf1C in the pathogenicity of C. albicans. CTR9 deletion resulted in the attenuation of C. albicans virulence, in macrophage and mouse models. Furthermore, we confirmed that the reduced virulence of the ctr9Δ/Δ mutant can be attributed to a decrease in C. albicans cell abundance. Moreover, transcriptome analysis revealed that metabolic processes required for cell proliferation are impaired in ctr9Δ/Δ mutant. Notably, CTR9 deletion led to the downregulation of methionine biosynthetic genes and the cAMP-PKA signaling pathway-related hypha essential genes, which are pivotal for virulence. Our results suggest that Ctr9-regulated methionine metabolism is a crucial factor for determining C. albicans pathogenicity.

The Night Divide: Gender-Specific Trajectories of Sleep Disturbances Among Multiple Cohorts of Aging Populations.

Sleep disturbances in later life are prevalent and can profoundly impact health and well-being. However, whether and how trajectories of sleep disturbances vary as people age by gender and across age cohorts remains unexplored. This study uses an integrated theoretical framework to understand gender-specific trajectories of sleep disturbances over time and how they vary by cohort. Accelerated longitudinal data from the Health and Retirement Study (N=20,947; M=8,562, F=12,385) was analyzed to investigate gender-specific trajectories of sleep disturbances and potential cohort variations. Weighted growth curve model was applied with sociodemographic and health-related variables. Men and women were analyzed separately. Results showed that sleep disturbances increased with age in men, but not in women. Also, younger cohorts of men increased sleep disturbances over time at a slower rate than older cohorts. Among men, health profiles accounted for the association between age and sleep disturbances. Among men and women, younger cohorts started with higher levels of sleep disturbances around midlife. When examining specific types of sleep disturbance separately, having trouble falling asleep was the type that drove the observed patterns in men. For women, there was no association between age and any individual type of sleep disturbance. This study shows that men, rather than women, tend to experience increasing sleep disturbances with age, with some variations across cohorts. These findings imply that different strategies for men and women and targeted timing over the life course would be most effective at promoting sleep health in American men and women.

Association between frailty and subsequent disability trajectories among older adults: a growth curve longitudinal analysis from the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (2004-19).

Frailty is associated with adverse health outcomes in ageing populations, yet its long-term effect on the development of disability is not well defined. The study examines to what extent frailty affects disability trajectories over 15 years in older adults aged 50+. Using seven waves of data from the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE), the study estimates the effect of baseline frailty on subsequent disability trajectories by multilevel growth curve models. The sample included 94360 individuals from 28 European countries. Baseline frailty was assessed at baseline, using the sex-specific SHARE-Frailty-Instrument (SHARE-FI), including weight loss, exhaustion, muscle weakness, slowness, and low physical activity. Disability outcomes were the sum score of limitations in activities of daily living (ADL) and Instrumental ADL (IADL). Analyses were stratified by sex. Over 15 years, baseline frailty score was positively associated with disability trajectories in men [βADL = 0.074, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.064; P = .083; βIADL = 0.094, 95% CI = 0.080; P = 0.107] and women (βADL = 0.097, 95% CI = 0.089; P = .105; βIADL = 0.108, 95% CI = 0.097; P = .118). Frail participants showed higher ADL and IADL disability levels, independent of baseline disability, compared with prefrail and robust participants across all age groups. Overall, participants displayed higher levels of IADL disability than ADL disability. Study findings indicate the importance of early frailty assessment using the SHARE-FI in individuals 50 and older as it provides valuable insight into future disability outcomes.