Significant Main Effect Of Group Research Articles

Landing Biomechanics Following Patellar And Hamstring Tendon Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

Individuals with an ACL reconstruction (ACLR) have different landing adaptations depending if they received patellar (PG) or hamstring tendon (HG) graft reconstruction. No study has evaluated landing biomechanics following these procedures in soccer players. PURPOSE: To compare landing biomechanics between soccer players following PG or HG ACLR during planned and unplanned landing tasks. METHODS: Six soccer players with a PG ACLR (age, 25.83 ± 4.44 years; height, 1.73 ± 0.04 m; weight, 70.91 ± 8.00 kg, BMI, 23.64 ± 3.29 kg/m2, time since surgery, 4 ± 3.38 years) and 6 soccer players with a HG ACLR (age, 26.83 ± 3.25 years; height, 1.69 ± 0.08 m; weight, 67 ± 6.16 kg, BMI, 23.40 ± 2.08 kg/m2 time since surgery, 5 ± 2.89 years) participated in the study. Planned landing (PL) included jumping forward and landing on two force plates, whereas unplanned landing (UL) included jumping forward to head a soccer ball and landing on the force plates. Participants performed 4 trials of each landing task. Outcome measures included peak flexion angles and extension moments of the hip, knee, and ankle joints, and electromyography of gluteus maximus, quadriceps, hamstrings, and gastrocnemius muscles. A 2×2 ANOVA (group × landing) was performed for each measure. RESULTS: There were no significant group × landing interactions for any of the outcomes. Significant main effects of landing were found. The UL showed smaller hip flexion (F1,10 = 48.77, p < 0.001), smaller knee flexion (F1,10 = 28.02, p < 0.001), and lower ankle platarflexion moments (F1,10 = 26.48, p < 0.001). Significant main effects for group for quadriceps muscle and hip extension moments were found showing that the PG group landed with reduced quadriceps activity (F1,10 = 11.72, p = 0.007), and greater hip extension moments (F1,10 = 14.69, p = 0.003). CONCLUSION: The UL showed greater injury predisposing factors compared with the PL. Although the PG group showed nearly similar landing biomechanics to the HG group during both maneuvers, they (PG) demonstrated a protective landing pattern by reducing quadriceps activity and increasing the demand on the hip extensors. These findings reinforce the clinical emphasis on improving the use of hip and knee joints during landing to reduce the risk of consequent injuries in soccer players following PG ACLR.

Freeze-dried Whole Grapes Lower Serum Triglycerides in Postmenopausal Women (OR22-04-19)

ObjectivesAfter the onset of menopause, the risk of cardiovascular disease increases drastically due to ovarian hormone deficiency. Grapes are high in polyphenolic compounds that have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The present study examined the effects of freeze-dried whole grape powder (GP) in reducing cardiovascular disease risk factors. MethodsIn this double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 40 postmenopausal women (1 to 5 years past menopause), not on hormone therapy, were randomly assigned to consume either 46 g of GP or grape placebo powder for 12 weeks. Fasting blood samples, anthropometrics, blood pressure, physical activity, and dietary data were collected at baseline and after 12 weeks of the intervention. A mixed-effects model (PROC MIXED) was used to examine the effects of time, group, and the interaction between time and group. Paired t-tests were performed to compare changes from baseline within the group. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. ResultsThirty-two women successfully completed the study. There was a significant time x group interaction effect observed for serum triglyceride (TG) (P < 0.05) and a borderline significant time x group interaction effect observed for serum total cholesterol (TC) (P = 0.06). In addition, a significant main effect of group was found in fasting glucose (P < 0.05), but without significant impacts of time and time x group interaction. Within-group analysis showed that the serum levels of TG significantly decreased by 26% (P < 0.05), while the serum levels of TC and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol numerically decreased by 8% and 11%, respectively after 12 weeks of GP consumption compared with corresponding baseline values. Neither GP nor placebo powder significantly altered body weight, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, blood pressure, insulin or homeostatic model assessment-insulin resistance. ConclusionsOur findings show that daily consumption of grapes lowers serum levels of TG in postmenopausal women. Larger follow-up studies are needed to ensure the validity of these findings. Funding SourcesThis research was funded by the California Table Grape Commission. Funders had no role in the study design, data collection, data analysis or interpretation, or writing of the abstract.

Systolic Blood Pressure Response to Orthostasis after Concussion is Related to ADRA2A Gene Receptor Subtypes

Orthostasis causes a gravity-dependent redistribution of blood volume to the lower extremities. The baroreflex coordinates effector organs of the cardiovascular autonomic nervous system (CV-ANS) to produce a proportional response to mitigate an aberrant change in systolic blood pressure (SBP). In autonomic dysfunction (AD), there may be a lag or impaired accommodation leading to dramatic changes in SBP. Growing evidence indicates that AD is a part of the post-injury period after concussion. The impact of genetic variability of CV-ANS receptors including that of alpha-2 adrenoceptor (ADRA2A) gene polymorphisms remains undefined. PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of ADRA2A gene variants on SBP responses to orthostasis in recently concussed athletes. METHODS: A prospective study was performed in 13 concussed college athletes (gender: 10 female, 3 male; age: 20±1 yrs; height: 1.70±0.11 m; weight: 74±17 kg). Beat-to-beat SBP was assessed digitally at rest for 10 minutes in the supine (SUP) position and then for 3 minutes in the standing (STND) position within 48 hours (48H) of concussion; SBP was averaged and a change score computed (ΔSBP = STND SBP - SUP SBP). Fast-Fourier transform was performed and power calculated for the low frequency (LF) spectra in each position (e.g., SUP LF-SBP, STND LF-SBP); the variables were log10 transformed for parametric analyses. A saliva sample was obtained from each participant and a commercial laboratory identified the ADRA2A single nucleotide polymorphism (rs1800544) using PMR-array. RESULTS: Data are presented as group mean (±SD). There were no ADRA2A [C/C: n=5; C/G: n=5, G/G: n=3) group differences for demographics, SUP and STND SBP or LF-SBP. A significant group main effect (p<0.05) was observed for ΔSBP and post-hoc tests revealed that the G/G [-21(±3)] response was significantly (p<0.05) lower than the C/G [7(±18)] group. A 3 X 2 RMANOVA for LF-SBP was performed. A significant group, position and interaction effect (p<0.05) was observed; post-hoc tests were not significant, but trending for an effect in the G/G group. CONCLUSION: The ADRA2A receptor, whose activation is known to inhibit the release of norepinephrine and reduce peripheral vasoconstriction, contributed to a blunted SBP response to orthostasis in G/G homozygotes compared to other variants within 48H of concussion.

The effects of acute exercise intensity on episodic and false memory among young adult college students.

Background: Previous experimental work demonstrates that acute exercise may enhance episodic memory performance. However, limited research has examined the extent to which acute exercise influences false episodic memory production, and no studies, to date, have examined whether there is an intensity-specific effect of acute exercise on both true episodic and false episodic memories. Thus, the present experiment evaluated the effects of intensity-specific acute exercise on episodic memory and false episodic memory. Methods: A three-arm, parallel, between-group randomized controlled trial was employed in the University setting, with participants (N=60; Mage= 20.8 years) randomized into a moderate intensity exercise group (15-minute bout of treadmill exercise at 50% heart rate reserve), a high intensity exercise group (15-minute bout of treadmill exercise at 80% heart rate reserve), or a control group (time-matched period of sitting). True episodic and false episodic memory were both assessed using 6 word-lists from the Deese-Roediger-McDermott (DRM) paradigm, including both a short-term recall and a delayed memory recognition assessment. Results: For the number of words recalled across each of the 6 lists, there was a significant main effect for list (P<0.001, η2p=0.15), marginally significant main effect for group (P=0.07, η2p=0.09), but no list by group interaction effect (P=0.44, η2p=0.03). Those in the high-intensity exercise group recalled significantly (P<0.05) more words than the control group. For the false episodic word recall, across various lists, high-intensity acute exercise was associated with a greater rate of false episodic memories. For the memory recognition task, there was no main effect for word type (P=0.46, η2p=0.01), group (P=0.4443, η2p=.03), word type by group interaction (P=0.44,η2p=0.03), recall by group interaction (P=0.4441, η2p=0.04), or word type by recall by group interaction (P=0.32, η2p=0.04). However, there was a main effect for recall (P<0.001, η2p=.54)and a word type by recall interaction (P<0.001, η2p=0.77).Conclusion: These findings suggest that acute high-intensity exercise may enhance true episodic memories, and, possibly, also increase the rate of false episodic memories. We discuss these findings in the context of how different acute exercise intensities may have unique and differential effects on underlying mechanistic processes related to true and false episodic memory.

Activated Microglia in Cortical White Matter Across Cognitive Aging Trajectories

Activation of microglia, the primary mediators of inflammation in the brain, is a major component of gliosis and neuronal loss in a number of age-related neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The role of activated microglia in white matter, and its relationship with cognitive decline during aging are unknown. The current study evaluated microglia densities in the white matter of postmortem specimens from cognitively normal young adults, cognitively normal older adults, and cognitive “SuperAgers,” a unique group of individuals over age 80 whose memory test scores are at a level equal to or better than scores of 50-to-65-year-olds. Whole hemisphere sections from cognitively normal old, young, and “SuperAgers” were used to quantify densities of human leukocyte antigen-D related (HLA-DR)-positive activated microglia underlying five cortical regions. Statistical findings showed a significant main effect of group on differences in microglia density where cognitively normal old showed highest densities. No difference between SuperAgers and young specimens were detected. In two autopsied SuperAgers with MRI FLAIR scans available, prominent hyperintensities in periventricular regions were observed, and interestingly, examination of corresponding postmortem sections showed only sparse microglia densities. In conclusion, activated microglia appear to respond to age-related pathologic changes in cortical white matter, and this phenomenon is largely spared in SuperAgers. Findings offer insights into the relationship between white matter neuroinflammatory changes and cognitive integrity during aging.

Effects of a 12-Month Complex Proprioceptive-Coordinative Training Program on Soccer Performance in Prepubertal Boys Aged 10–11 Years

Boraczyński, MT, Sozański, HA, and Boraczyński, TW. Effects of a 12-month complex proprioceptive-coordinative training program on soccer performance in prepubertal boys aged 10-11 years. J Strength Cond Res 33(5): 1380-1393, 2019-The aim was to examine the effects of a series of on-field proprioceptive-coordinative (P-C) exercises on motor performance (MP) in prepubertal soccer players. Fifty-three male soccer players aged 10.1-11.8 years were randomized among 2 experimental programs receiving P-C training (P-CT; n = 26) or regular training (RT; n = 27). A control group (C; n = 22) consisted of age-matched (10.3-11.9 years) cohorts not involved in any regular physical activity. Both experimental groups completed an identical 12-month comprehensive soccer program except training in P-CT was modified to substitute small-sided conditioning games with 24 multimode P-C exercises with modulated exercise intensity (every 8-9 weeks based on predicted maximal heart rate [HRmax]). Pre-, peri-, and posttraining measures included anthropometry and 5 tests assessing soccer-specific MP: movement rhythm (turning the ball backwards-T1), motor adaptation (running with the ball around poles-T2), spatial orientation (running to sequentially numbered balls-T3), balance (single-leg static balance-T4), and kinesthetic differentiation of movement (landing the ball on a 2 × 2 m sector-T5). Repeated-measures analysis of variance revealed no significance between-group differences for age, anthropometry, and body-fat percentage at baseline. Significant main effects for group (P-CT vs. RT) were found in all tests (T1-T5) and main effects for time (group P-CT) in T3-T5, whereas a significant group × time interaction was observed only in T4 (F = 2.98, p = 0.0204). Post hoc tests indicated that P-CT attained significantly better results than RT at peritraining (by 26.4%; p < 0.01) and posttraining (by 31.9%, p < 0.01). Modulated exercise intensity had little effect on soccer performance (T1-T3, T5). Based on the results, it is recommended that the training of young soccer players be supplemented with the bilateral balance exercises and games used in the study. Furthermore, the suitability of monitoring HR in P-C exercises targeting the analyzed MP skills is questionable.

Feasibility and Outcomes of an Exercise Intervention for Chemotherapy-Induced Heart Failure.

Cancer treatment-related heart failure (HF) is an emerging health concern, as the number of survivors is increasing rapidly, and cardiac health issues are a leading cause of mortality in this population. While there is general evidence for the efficacy of exercise rehabilitation interventions, more research is needed on exercise rehabilitation interventions for patients specifically with treatment-induced HF and whether such interventions are safe and well-accepted. This study provides feasibility and health outcomes of a pilot exercise intervention for cancer survivors with chemotherapy-induced HF. Twenty-five participants were randomized to a clinic-based exercise intervention or a wait-list control group or, alternatively, allowed to enroll in a home-based exercise intervention if they declined the randomized study. For purposes of analysis, both types of exercise programs were combined into a single intervention group. Repeated-measures analysis of variance was conducted to assess for significant time and treatment group main effects separately and time × treatment group interaction effects. Significant improvements in maximum oxygen uptake ((Equation is included in full-text article.)O2max) were observed in the intervention group. Intervention satisfaction and adherence were high for both clinic- and home-based interventions, with no reported serious adverse events. Enrollment was initially low for the clinic-based intervention, necessitating the addition of the home-based program as an intervention alternative. Results suggest that exercise rehabilitation interventions are feasible in terms of safety, retention, and satisfaction and have the potential to improve (Equation is included in full-text article.)O2max. To maximize adherence and benefits while minimizing participant burden, an ideal intervention may incorporate elements of both clinic-based supervised exercise sessions and a home-based program.

Relation Between Oppositional/Conduct Behaviors and Executive Function Among Youth with Histories of Heavy Prenatal Alcohol Exposure.

Youth with heavy prenatal alcohol exposure have high rates of behavioral concerns and psychopathology, including increased oppositional and conduct behaviors. The relation between those concerns and executive function (EF) deficits is unknown. We investigated the association of oppositional and conduct behavior and EF in adolescents to inform targeted intervention. Subjects (N=267) ages 10 to 17years comprised 3 groups: alcohol-exposed with oppositional/conduct behaviors (AE+), alcohol-exposed without oppositional/conduct behaviors (AE-), and controls (CON). Group differences on direct neuropsychological (Delis-Kaplan Executive Function System [D-KEFS]) and indirect parent-report (Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function [BRIEF]) EF measures were tested with multivariate analysis of covariances, followed by univariate analysis of variances and pairwise comparisons. The contribution of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) within the AE groups was assessed in secondary analyses. On the D-KEFS, there was an omnibus main effect of group, with significant main effects on 3 of 6 variables (CON>AE+, AE-). Within the AE groups, ADHD did not alter the results. On the BRIEF, there was an omnibus significant main effect of group, with significant main effects on all scales (CON<AE-<AE+). Within the AE groups, the AE+ group had higher BRIEF scores (i.e., more difficulty) than the AE- group on 4 of 8 subscales when accounting for presence of ADHD. EF deficits in youth with histories of prenatal alcohol exposure were confirmed using direct and indirect measures. Oppositional/conduct behaviors related to EF deficits on indirect but not direct EF measures. Greater understanding of the contribution of concurrent psychopathology to long-term outcomes for alcohol-exposed youth requires further investigation.

0523 Increased CPAP Adherence Over Twelve Months Associated with Phone-Based Behavior Change Coaching

Research suggests that adherence to continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) declines following withdrawal of an intervention designed to increase usage. We have developed Patient Adherence Management Service (PAMS), a central call-center with staff trained in health behavior change, to provide personalized coaching based on motivational enhancement principles for patients beginning CPAP in the clinical setting. We retrospectively examined adherence for up to 12-months between patients who underwent the intervention for 365-days (Coaching-365), those who underwent the intervention for 90-days and then continued CPAP without further support (Coaching-90), and those who started CPAP without the intervention (Coaching-0; usual care). A blinded analyst retrieved 180-365 nights of usage data for all Coaching-365 patients in our database (n=136), as well as randomly selected patients in the Coaching-90 and Coaching-0 groups (n=16,691 each), propensity-matched for age, gender, and CPAP start-date. Nights with no usage were imputed with 0 hours/night. We modeled adherence (hours/night) including the between-subject factor of group and repeated-measure factor of time, adjusted for age and gender, and examined a group-by-time interaction. The sample (58% male) had a mean ± standard deviation (SD) age of 57±14 years. Over days 0-90, the mean ± standard error (SE) adjusted adherence was 5.5±0.3, 4.8±0.02, and 3.6±0.02 hours/night in the Coaching-365, Coaching-90, and Coaching-0 groups, respectively. Modeling up to 12-months per patient, we observed significant main effects for group and time, and a significant group-by-time interaction (all <0.001). The difference between groups persisted over 12-months, with adjusted adherence of 4.8±0.3, 3.5±0.03, and 2.6±0.03 hours/night in the Coaching-365, Coaching-90, and Coaching-0 groups, respectively, over days 270-365. Remote behavior change coaching over 12-months is associated with significantly increased CPAP adherence. Although usage declined in all groups, the rate of decline was not as steep in patients undergoing coaching for a full year, compared to those who stop coaching at day-90 or those who began CPAP without coaching. Our data suggest that phone-based behavior change coaching could represent an efficient, scalable solution to increase CPAP adherence. Philips Respironics.

A novel role of probiotics in improving host defence of elite rugby union athlete: A double blind randomised controlled trial

ObjectiveTo examine the effects of a probiotic protocol on the incidence and severity of respiratory and gastrointestinal infections in elite rugby union athletes across an international competition season. Associations were also investigated between salivary biomarkers of stress (cortisol, alpha-amylase) and mucosal immunity (secretory(s)-IgA). DesignA double-blind RCT was conducted over 27-weeks, divided into three stages: (1) control period; (2) domestic competition; and (3) international competition. MethodsAthletes were assigned a probiotic (n = 9) or placebo (n = 10) supplement. Ultrabiotic 60™ or placebo was taken with food twice daily for 17 weeks and SB Floractiv™ 250 mg added twice daily during stage three. ResultsFive infections were diagnosed by the team sports physician across the 27-weeks, three within the intervention period in athletes randomised to the placebo group. No significant group x time interaction effects for salivary cortisol, alpha-amylase or s-IgA were identified over the 27-week time period, although a significant main effect for group and time was identified for salivary cortisol, alpha-amylase, and s-IgA (p < 0.05 for all). When considering stage, significant differences were identified in stage one with s-IgA lower in the probiotic group (p = 0.015). In stage two and three, salivary cortisol was higher in the probiotic group (p = 0.016 and p = 0.001 respectively), and salivary alpha-amylase was higher in the probiotic group in stage three (p = 0.007). ConclusionThe probiotic protocol used in this study was associated with an increase in salivary alpha-amylase supporting its possible role as a host defence peptide.

Does the cleat model interfere with ankle sprain risk factors in artificial grass?

BackgroundThe cleats-surface interaction has been described as a possible risk factor for lateral ankle sprain. However, their interaction is still unknown in individuals with chronic ankle instability. The purpose of this study was to determine the influence of different soccer cleats on kinematic, kinetic and neuromuscular ankle variables on artificial grass in soccer players with and without chronic ankle instability. MethodsEighty-two amateur athletes divided in two groups: 40 with chronic ankle instability and 42 without chronic ankle instability. All subjects performed 2 series of 6 consecutive crossover jumps with dominant foot, each one with one of the four models of cleats (Turf, Artificial grass, Hard and Firm ground). Cleat and group main effect and interactions of kinematic, kinetic and neuromuscular variables were analyzed according to factorial repeated measures ANOVA. FindingsNo statistically significant cleat and group main effect and interactions were identified in kinematic, kinetic and electromyographic magnitude of the peroneal muscles. A main effect of the group was observed for peroneus longus activation time for TF model (p = 0.010). InterpretationIn soccer players, the contributor variables for ankle sprain were not influenced by the kind of soccer cleat used in a functional jump test on artificial grass. However, players with chronic ankle instability present delayed postural adjustments in peroneus longus with the TF model compared to players without chronic ankle instability.

Physical activity levels and social interactions of preschoolers with and without disabilities.

This study examined differences of physical activity levels and social interactions among preschoolers with/without disabilities and those at risk for a developmental delay (DD). Sixty preschoolers (20 in each group) were film during their designated large gross motor time. Their physical activity levels and social interaction were examined using the physical activity level screening. Regarding physical activity levels, the result of a two-way analysis of variance indicated significant main effects for groups, F(2,54)=4.192, P=0.02; preschoolers at risk for a DD were more active than preschoolers without disabilities, P=0.02. For social interaction, a significant main effect for groups, F(2,54)=8.994, P<0.001 was found; Preschoolers at risk for a DD were more interactive than preschoolers with/without disabilities, P=0.001 and P=0.002, respectively. There were no significant gender differences across three groups on physical activity levels and social interactions. Although preschoolers at risk for a DD was more active and interactive than the other groups, preschoolers across three groups engaged in light physical activity levels, and had limited social interactions with peers.

Differences in nutritional status and activities of daily living and mobility in elderly hospitalized patients with heart failure

AimsThis study aims to examine the effect of differences in nutritional status on activities of daily living (ADL) and mobility recovery of hospitalized elderly patients with heart failure (HF).Methods and resultsFrom among 377 consecutive HF patients who underwent rehabilitation at one acute‐care hospital from January 2013 to August 2015, those who were aged ≥ 65 years could walk with assistance before hospitalization and who were hospitalized for the first time were included in this retrospective cohort study. Exclusion criteria were pacemaker surgery during hospitalization, change to other departments, death during hospitalization, and unmeasured ADL. We investigated patient characteristics, basic attributes, Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index (GNRI), ADL [motor Functional Independence Measure (motor FIM)], and Rivermead Mobility Index (RMI). Of these 377 patients, 96 met the inclusion criteria and were divided into the low GNRI group (n = 38, 83.5 ± 8.3 years, 44.7% male) and high GNRI group (n = 58, 81.0 ± 6.6 years, 55.2%). Patient characteristics and the difference between motor ADL and motility recovery and nutrition data were analysed with unpaired t‐test, χ 2 test, and two‐way analysis of covariance. In comparing the two groups, the following parameters were significantly lower in the low GNRI group than in the high GNRI group: body mass index (18.7 ± 2.2 vs. 23.2 ± 2.7 kg/m2, P < 0.01), albumin (3.4 ± 0.4 vs. 3.8 ± 0.4 g/dL, P < 0.01), diabetes mellitus ratio (21.1% vs. 50.0%, P < 0.01), RMI at discharge (6.8 ± 2.6 vs. 8.2 ± 2.2, P = 0.01), and motor FIM at discharge (67.2 ± 19.5 vs. 75.6 ± 13.3, P = 0.02). RMI showed a significant group and term main effect and interaction effect (P < 0.05). Motor FIM showed a significant main effect of group and term (P < 0.05), and no significant interaction effect.ConclusionsLow nutritional status in hospitalized elderly HF patients affected their recovery of mobility but did not appear to affect the recovery of ADL.

The Experimental Effects of Acute Exercise on Reducing the Amount of Re-Learning Needed to Enhance Memory Recall

Emerging research suggests that acute exercise may subserve episodic memory function, including both short- and long-term memory. What has yet to be investigated in the literature is whether acute exercise can increase “savings”, that is, reduce the amount of re-learning needed to enhance recall, which was the purpose of this experiment. Participant were randomized into an experimental exercise group (15-minute moderate-intensity exercise) or a time-matched control group. The Open-Trial Selective Reminding Test (OT-SRT) was used to assess memory function, which was assessed at baseline and 4-hours later. The exercise group (vs. the control group) had slightly more favorable values. For the exercise and control groups, respectively, the number of words recalled after the first exposure to the word list (outcome 1) was 6.10 (1.6) and 5.95 (1.0). In these respective groups, it took the exercise group slightly fewer trials (outcome 2) to retrieve to criterion (5.95 (1.5) vs. 6.35 (1.8)). After the 20-minute delay (outcome 3), the exercise group recalled slightly more words (12.4 (1.6) vs. 12.15 (2.0)). Similarly, after the 4-hour delay (outcome 4), the exercise group recalled slightly more words (11.55 (2.4) vs. 11.25 (2.4). Lastly, for this 4-hour delayed assessment, it took the exercise group slightly fewer trials (outcome 5) to retrieve to criterion (3.00 (0.9) vs. 3.05 (0.7)). However, for the 2 (group) x 5 (outcomes) RM-ANOVA, there was no significant main effect for group (F=0.07, P=.79, η2p=.002) or group by time interaction (F=.25, P=.90, η2p=.007). In conclusion, acute exercise was not associated with better memory function or increased savings. Future work on this novel paradigm is warranted.

24-Week β-alanine ingestion does not affect muscle taurine or clinical blood parameters in healthy males.

To investigate the effects of chronicbeta-alanine (BA) supplementation on muscle taurine content, blood clinical markers and sensory side-effects. Twenty-five healthy male participants (age 27 ± 4years, height 1.75 ± 0.09m, body mass 78.9 ± 11.7kg) were supplemented with 6.4gday-1 of sustained-release BA (N = 16; CarnoSyn™, NAI, USA) or placebo (PL; N = 9; maltodextrin) for 24 weeks. Resting muscle biopsies of the m. vastus lateralis were taken at 0, 12 and 24 weeks and analysed for taurine content (BA, N = 12; PL, N = 6) using high-performance liquid chromatography. Resting venous blood samples were taken every 4weeks and analysed for markers of renal, hepatic and muscle function (BA, N = 15; PL, N = 8; aspartate transaminase; alanine aminotransferase; alkaline phosphatase; lactate dehydrogenase; albumin; globulin; creatinine; estimated glomerular filtration rate and creatine kinase). There was a significant main effect of group (p = 0.04) on muscle taurine, with overall lower values in PL, although there was no main effect of time or interaction effect (both p > 0.05) and no differences between specific timepoints (week 0, BA: 33.67 ± 8.18 mmolkg-1dm, PL: 27.75 ± 4.86 mmolkg-1dm; week 12, BA: 35.93 ± 8.79 mmolkg-1dm, PL: 27.67 ± 4.75 mmolkg-1dm; week 24, BA: 35.42 ± 6.16 mmolkg-1dm, PL: 31.99 ± 5.60 mmolkg-1dm). There was no effect of treatment, time or any interaction effects on any blood marker (all p > 0.05) and no self-reported side-effects in these participants throughout the study. The current study showed that 24weeks of BA supplementation at 6.4gday-1 did not significantly affect muscle taurine content, clinical markers of renal, hepatic and muscle function, nor did it result in chronic sensory side-effects, in healthy individuals. Since athletes are likely to engage in chronic supplementation, these data provide important evidence to suggest that supplementation with BA at these doses for up to 24weeks is safe for healthy individuals.

Anticipatory pleasure for future rewards is attenuated in patients with schizophrenia but not in individuals with schizotypal traits

The anhedonia paradox is consistently observed in individuals with schizophrenia. However, the underlying mechanism of the dissociation between trait and state hedonic capacity remains unclear. In the present study, we aimed to re-examine anhedonia in patients with schizophrenia (SCZ) and individuals with high schizotypy (HS) using the Monetary Incentive Delay (MID) task to assess different dimensions of anticipatory and consummatory pleasure. We recruited 44 SCZ patients, 46 matched healthy controls (HC), 30 individuals with HS and 35 with low schizotypy (LS). The modified MID task was used to measure anticipatory and consummatory pleasure in terms of valence and arousal ratings. To measure the predictive value of anticipatory pleasure, participants were asked to predict their hedonic experience before the MID task. For SCZ patients, there was no significant Group main effect or Group × Prize interaction on consummatory pleasantness to reward received or loss avoidance. As expected, SCZ patients (particularly male patients) reported less pleasantness and arousal to future rewards in both the prediction and feeling dimensions compared with HC. Additionally, male patients reported less anticipatory and consummatory negativity than HC. Individuals with HS predicted more arousing experience to high-rewards than LS individuals. They also reported and predicted more negativity to in-the-moment and future monetary losses. Further, the negative dimension of schizotypy predicted low levels of pleasantness and arousal towards future rewards, but the positive dimension predicted increased arousing experience towards future rewards. In conclusion, the anhedonia paradox in schizophrenia could be partially accounted for by the dissociation between anticipatory and consummatory pleasure.

Intrinsic thalamocortical connectivity varies in the age of onset subtypes in major depressive disorder.

BackgroundDifferences in the thalamocortical system have been shown in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD). Given prior evidence of phenotypic heterogeneity by the age of onset in MDD, we examined whether differences in thalamocortical connectivity could identify biological subtypes of MDD defined by the age of illness onset.MethodsA total of 94 subjects including 20 early-onset (EO) MDD (onset, 18 years), 34 adult-onset (AO) MDD, and 40 healthy controls (HCs) underwent resting-state functional MRI. Blood-oxygen-level-dependent time courses were extracted from six cortical regions of interest (ROIs) consisting of frontal, temporal, parietal, and occipital lobes and precentral and postcentral gyri. Each ROI’s time course was then correlated with each voxel in thalamus, while covarying out signal from every other ROI.ResultsThe analysis of variance results showed significant main effects of group in frontal and temporal connectivity with thalamus. Group contrasts showed a right fronto-thalamic hypo-connectivity only in AO-MDD, but not in EO-MDD, when compared to HCs. However, direct comparison between EO-MDD and AO-MDD showed no differences. Furthermore, there was a right temporal–thalamic hyperconnectivity in both EO-MDD and AO-MDD patients relative to HCs. These results were not accounted for by sex, age, or illness burden.ConclusionThe age of illness onset may be a source of heterogeneity in fronto-thalamic intrinsic connectivity in MDD.

Social anhedonia in major depressive disorder: a symptom-specific neuroimaging approach.

While research concerning brain structural biomarkers of major depressive disorder (MDD) is continuously progressing, our state of knowledge regarding biomarkers of specific clinical profiles of MDD is still limited. The aim of the present study was to investigate brain structural correlates of social anhedonia as a cardinal symptom of MDD. In a cross-sectional study, we investigated n = 166 patients with MDD and n = 166 matched healthy controls (HC) using structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Social anhedonia was assessed using the Chapman Scales for Social Anhedonia (SAS). An anhedonia x group ANCOVA was performed in a region of interest approach of the dorsal and ventral striatum (bilateral caudate nucleus, putamen, nucleus accumbens respectively) as well as on whole-brain level. The analyses revealed a significant main effect for social anhedonia: higher SAS-scores were associated with reduced gray matter volume in the bilateral caudate nucleus in both the MDD-group (pFWE = 0.002) and the HC-group (pFWE = 0.032). The whole-brain analysis confirmed this association (left: pFWE = 0.036, right: pFWE = 0.047). There was no significant main effect of group and no significant anhedonia x group interaction effect. This is the first study providing evidence for volumetric aberrations in the reward system related to social anhedonia independently of diagnosis, depression severity, medication status, and former course of disease. These results support the hypothesis that social anhedonia has a brain biomarker serving as a possible endophenotype of depression and possibly providing an alternative approach for a more precise and effective treatment.

Effect of Affective Reward on Cognitive Event-related Potentials and its Relationship with Psychological Pain and Suicide Risk among Patients with Major Depressive Disorder.

The present study aimed to explore the electrophysiological correlates involved in three-dimensional psychological pain and their relationship with suicide in patients with major depressive disorder. The sample comprised 23 and nine patients with major depressive disorder with high and low risk for suicide, respectively, and 24 healthy controls. All participants completed the measurements and performed an event-related potential-based analogue of the affective incentive delay task. The event-related potential components previously associated with motivationally salient cue (contingent negative variation, P2, and cue-P3), target (target-P3), and feedback (reward vs. punishment, feedback-related negativity, and feedback-P3) stimuli were examined. All inventory scores differed significantly among the high-risk, low-risk, and healthy control groups. During the expectant phase, the main effect of group and interaction between group and condition was significant in the average amplitudes of the cue-P2 component. During the feedback phase, the feedback-P3 elicited by positive feedback had a significant main effect of group and of the interaction between group and condition. Specifically, the feedback-P3 elicited by negative feedback in the punitive condition showed significant positive correlations with the total and subscale scores on the Three-Dimensional Psychological Pain Scale. Feedback-P3 may be an electrobiological component underlying the processing of psychological pain in suicidality.

Androgen treatment effects on hippocampus structure in boys with Klinefelter syndrome

Klinefelter syndrome (KS, 47,XXY) is the most common sex chromosome aneuploidy in males. A variety of complex clinical needs is associated with KS, including physical, cognitive and psychosocial impairments. Standard treatment for KS consists of androgen replacement therapy in adolescence to offset testosterone deficiency. Such treatment has a beneficial effect on the physical and behavioral manifestations of this syndrome. Whether androgen supplementation has a significant influence on the brain, however, is unknown. In the current study, we examined regional gray matter volume in boys with KS to assess whether treatment with oxandrolone, a synthetic hormone analog of testosterone, was associated with structural changes in the brain. Specifically, we focused our investigation on the hippocampus, given (1) its involvement in KS, and (2) the high concentration of androgen receptors found in this region. Structural magnetic resonance imaging data was acquired from a subsample of boys who completed a 2-year double-blind clinical trial in which patients were randomized to treatment with oxandrolone or to placebo, as well as from a sample of typically developing (TD) boys. Group differences in hippocampal volume were examined. A significant main effect of group was observed. Pairwise comparisons indicated smaller hippocampal volume in the placebo group relative to the oxandrolone group, as well as smaller volume in the placebo group relative to the TD control group. No difference in volume was observed between the treatment and TD groups. Moreover, across KS subgroups, a significant positive association was observed between hippocampus volume and performance on a spatial memory task, indicating treatment-based changes in brain structure may underlie cognitive change. These findings confirm prior reports implicating a role of the hippocampus in KS and are important in extending previous research by demonstrating a significant effect of androgens on brain structure.