Two-way Analysis Of Covariance Research Articles

Are physical fitness, a history of childbirth and injury history related to knee valgus in female Canadian Armed Forces members during a bodyweight overhead squat movement?

ObjectivesA history of childbirth is associated with musculoskeletal injury (MSKi) in female members of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF). While previous injury and pregnancy impact knee kinematics, it is unclear...

The variability of anthropometric and body composition parameters in middle-aged women associated with menopause and smoking

Menopause and its related hormonal changes are associated with the variation of body composition, especially impacting adipose tissue metabolism and the reduction of lean mass. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the impact of smoking during menopause on the subsequent effects on body composition. The sample comprised of 572 Slovak women aged between 39 and 65 years (49.67±6.2). Standard anthropometric techniques were used to collect anthropometric measurements, whereas bioelectrical parameters were measured utilizing a mono-frequency bioimpedance analyzer (BIA 101). Data on menopausal status, physical activity, and smoking habits were obtained via a specific questionnaire. In postmenopausal women, our results showed a statistically significant difference between smokers and non-smokers in BMI, TBW%, ECW%, ICW%, MM%, FFM%, FM% (p < 0.05). No significant differences were observed in premenopausal women, although two-way analysis of covariance revealed a significant interaction between smoking and menopausal status on the FM% (p < 0.001), FFM% (p < 0.001), and MM% (p = 0.002), whilst controlling for age and physical activity. In our sample group of middle-aged women, the combined impact of menopause and smoking appeared to influence anthropometric parameters and body composition.

Increased anterior insula connectivity associated with cognitive maintenance in amnestic mild cognitive impairment: a longitudinal study.

The insula, a crucial hub of the human brain network, can be divided into anterior and posterior regions. Previous studies have reported that different insula subregions play various roles in amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI). However, the longitudinal changes in the functional connectivity (FC) of each insula subregion in aMCI patients over time remain unclear. Twenty aMCI patients and 20 healthy controls (HCs) were recruited and underwent resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) scans and neuropsychological assessments at baseline and at the 15-month follow-up. FMRI data were preprocessed using SPM 12 and the CONN toolbox. Two-way analysis of covariance was used to compare longitudinal changes in the FC of each insula subregion with covariates including sex, age, education, follow-up interval, volume of gray matter, and global correlation (GCOR). Pearson's correlation was used to evaluate the relationship between insula subregional FC and neuropsychological performance in aMCI patients. In aMCI patients, the right anterior insula exhibited significantly increased FC with the left anterior cingulate cortex, whereas the left posterior insula exhibited decreased FC with the right precuneus compared with HCs. Furthermore, FC between the right anterior insula and left anterior cingulate cortex was significantly correlated with global cognition at follow-up. The current findings revealed different functional alterations in the insula subregions and provided new insights into the neurodegenerative process in aMCI patients.

The Effects of Question-Answer-Relationship (QAR) Instruction on Standardized Reading Comprehension Test Scores of Third-Grade Students

Despite many school reform initiatives designed to ensure reading proficiency for all students, recent reports from the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) reveal that only 37 percent of fourth-grade students and only 34 percent of eighth-grade students performed at or above the proficiency levels measured in reading (NAEP, 2017). This quantitative study used a non-equivalent control group design to examine the impact of direct instruction of the Question-Answer-Relationship (QAR) strategy on standardized reading test scores of third-grade students. It also specifically examined the impact of direct instruction of the QAR strategy on traditionally underserved students' standardized test scores. A two-way Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) was conducted. Adjusted marginal mean post-test scores in the group receiving treatment of the QAR strategy (64.580) were higher than the mean post-test scores of students who did not receive QAR instruction (56.382). Adjusted marginal mean post-test scores of students who did not receive QAR instruction (56.382). Adjusted marginal mean post-test scores of historically underserved students showed no significant differences (60.05 and 60.90, respectively). In addition, adjusted marginal mean post-test scores of historically underserved and non-historically underserved students who received QAR instruction showed no significant differences (54.48 and 58.29).

Effect of multiple sclerosis and aging on prospective memory using the ecological test of prospective memory.

Prospective memory (PM) is the ability to remember to produce an action at a specific moment in the future signaled by the occurrence of a specific event (event-based [EB] condition), a time or a time interval (time-based [TB] condition). Detection of the appropriate moment corresponds to the prospective component, while production of the appropriate action corresponds to the retrospective component. Although PM difficulties have been reported in healthy aging and in association with multiple sclerosis (MS), PM has not been examined in older persons with MS (PwMS). The main objective of this study was to investigate whether the decline in PM performance with advancing age is influenced by the presence of MS. This study also aimed to clarify the type of PM impairment (prospective vs. retrospective component in TB and EB conditions) in MS as a function of age. A total of 80 participants were recruited and separated into four groups: older PwMS (n = 20), younger PwMS (n = 20), older controls (n = 20), and younger controls (n = 20). PM and its components were measured using the Test Ecologique de Mémoire Prospective (TEMP), an experimental ecological tool using naturalistic stimuli developed by our laboratory that has been validated in previous studies. On the TEMP total score, a two-way analysis of covariance showed a main effect of age, a main effect of the presence of MS, as well as a significant Age × Disease interaction. Direct comparison between EB and TB conditions revealed that for the prospective component, only older PwMS had more difficulty in the TB than in the EB condition, whereas the retrospective component score was significantly lower in the TB than in the EB condition in all groups except in younger controls. The TEMP revealed a marked impairment in PM in older PwMS compared to older controls and young PwMS. This impairment was particularly evident on the prospective component in the TB condition. Retrospective difficulties noted in the TB condition in all, but younger controls reflect the arbitrary nature of the cue-action link that is particularly sensitive to episodic memory difficulties often observed in aging and MS. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Lower cerebrovascular reactivity in prefrontal cortex and weaker negative functional connectivity between prefrontal cortex and insula contribute to white matter hyperintensity-related anxiety or depression

BackgroundWhite matter hyperintensities (WMHs) are associated with higher anxiety or depression (A/D) incidence. We investigated associations of WMHs with A/D, cerebrovascular reactivity (CVR), and functional connectivity (FC) to identify potential pathomechanisms. MethodsParticipants with WMH (n = 239) and normal controls (NCs, n = 327) were assessed for A/D using the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAMA) and Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD). The CVR and FC maps were constructed from resting-state functional MRI. Two-way analysis of covariance with fixed factors A/D and WMH was performed to identify regional CVR abnormalities. Seed-based FC analyses were then conducted on regions with WMH × A/D interaction effects on CVR. Logistic regression models were constructed to examine the utility of these measurements for identifying WMH-related A/D. ResultsParticipants with WMH related A/D exhibited significantly greater CVR in left insula and lower CVR in right superior frontal gyrus (SFG.R), and HAMA scores were negatively correlated with CVR in SFG.R (r = −0.156, P = 0.016). Insula–SFG.R negative FC was significantly weaker in WMH patients with suspected or definite A/D. A model including CVR plus FC changes identified WMH-associated A/D with highest sensitivity and specificity. In contrast, NCs with A/D exhibited greater CVR in prefrontal cortex and stronger FC within the default mode network (DMN) and between the DMN and executive control network. LimitationsThis cross-sectional study requires validation by longitudinal and laboratory studies. ConclusionsImpaired CVR in SFG.R and weaker negative FC between prefrontal cortex and insula may contribute to WMH-related A/D, providing potential diagnostic imaging markers and therapeutic targets.

Types of bereavement and depressive symptoms among older adults: Does race/ethnicity matter?

To explore racial/ethnic differences in relation between types of bereavement and depressive symptoms among older adults in the USA. The sample limited to racially/ethnically diverse adults aged ≥55 (n = 879) was drawn from the third wave of the National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project (NSHAP). The NSHAP provides self-identified racial/ethnic categories (non-Hispanic Whites, Blacks, and Hispanics) of respondents who were categorized into three groups by experience of bereavement: non-loss, spousal loss, and parental loss. Using the weights, a two-way analysis of covariance with Bonferroni post-test was conducted to explore the main effect of types of loss and race/ethnicity and their interaction effects on depressive symptoms. Spousal loss reported higher levels of depressive symptoms than non-loss or parental loss. Based on the interaction between types of loss and race/ethnicity; however, distinctive patterns were observed. Blacks and Hispanics who lose a parent reported significantly higher levels of depressive symptoms than non-Hispanic Whites did. An increase in depressive symptoms after bereavement manifested distinctively based on racial/ethnic background and the relationship with the deceased. This implies that it is necessary to develop coping strategies concerning race/ethnicity and whom they lose. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2024; 24: 266-272.

Association between animal protein intake, oral frailty and calf circumference in middle-aged and older adults: a cross-sectional analysis from the Shika study

ObjectiveTo investigate the relationship between oral frailty (OF), nutrient intake and calf circumference (CC) in middle-aged and older adults.DesignCross-sectional study.SettingResidents of four model districts of Shika town, Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan,...

Interaction of 5-HTTLPR and SLE disease status on resting-state brain function

BackgroundNeuropsychiatric involvement in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a common clinical manifestation. In SLE patients, cerebral function is a more sensitive predictor of central nervous system damage, and abnormalities in cerebral function may be apparent before substantial neuropsychiatric symptoms occur. The 5-hydroxynyptamine(5-HT) system has the ability to interact with the majority of the neurochemical systems in the central nervous system (CNS), influencing brain function. Serotonin transporter gene-linked polymorphic region (5-HTTLPR) is an essential element of the 5-HT system gene polymorphism and is directly related to the control of 5-hydroxytryptamine transporter (5-HTT)gene expression. The relationship between 5-HTTLPR and functional brain measurements in SLE patients requires more investigation because it is one of the most attractive imaging genetics targets for shedding light on the pathophysiology of neuropsychiatric lupus.MethodsResting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) images were collected from 51 SLE patients without obvious neuropsychiatric manifestations and 44 healthy volunteers. Regional homogeneity (ReHo), amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations (ALFF), and fractional amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations (fALFF) were selected as indicators for evaluating brain function. In accordance with the Anatomical Automatic Labeling template, the gray matter was divided into 116 regions. The mean ReHo value, mean ALFF value, and mean fALFF value of each brain region were extracted. 5-HTTLPR genotypes of all research objects were tested by polymerase chain reaction and agarose gel electrophoresis. Two-way analysis of covariance was used to investigate whether there is an interaction effect between SLE disease status and 5-HTTLPR genotype on resting-state brain function.ResultsIn SLE patients with S/S homozygosity, there were notably lower mean ReHo, mean ALFF, and mean fALFF values observed in the right parietal, inferior angular gyrus, and the right paracentral lobule compared to healthy controls. However, this distinction was not evident among carriers of the L allele. Within the S/S genotype, SLE patients exhibited decreased mean ReHo in the left posterior cingulate gyrus, reduced mean fALFF in the left caudate nucleus, and diminished mean ALFF in the left temporal pole: superior temporal gyrus, in contrast to the HC group. Conversely, no such differences were discerned among carriers of the L allele. Notably, among L allele carriers, SLE patients displayed a higher mean ReHo value in the right hippocampus compared to the HC group, while demonstrating a lower mean ALFF value in the left medial and paracingulate gyrus in contrast to the HC group. Conversely, these differences were not apparent among S/S homozygotes.ConclusionsBrain function in the right parietal and inferior angular gyrus and the right paracentral lobule is affected by the interaction effect of SLE disease status and 5-HTTLPR genotype.

Atrophy of the cholinergic regions advances from early to late mild cognitive impairment.

We investigated the volumetric changes in the components of the cholinergic pathway for patients with early mild cognitive impairment (EMCI) and those with late mild cognitive impairment (LMCI). The effect of patients' apolipoprotein 4 (APOE-ε4) allele status on the structural changes were analyzed. Structural magnetic resonance imaging data were collected. Patients' demographic information, plasma data, and validated global cognitive composite scores were included. Relevant features were extracted for constructing machine learning models to differentiate between EMCI (n = 312) and LMCI (n = 541) and predict patients' neurocognitive function. The data were analyzed primarily through one-way analysis of variance and two-way analysis of covariance. Considerable differences were observed in cholinergic structural changes between patients with EMCI and LMCI. Cholinergic atrophy was more prominent in the LMCI cohort than in the EMCI cohort (P < 0.05 family-wise error corrected). APOE-ε4 differentially affected cholinergic atrophy in the LMCI and EMCI cohorts. For LMCI cohort, APOE-ε4 carriers exhibited increased brain atrophy (left amygdala: P = 0.001; right amygdala: P = 0.006, and right Ch123, P = 0.032). EMCI and LCMI patients showed distinctive associations of gray matter volumes in cholinergic regions with executive (R2 = 0.063 and 0.030 for EMCI and LMCI, respectively) and language (R2 = 0.095 and 0.042 for EMCI and LMCI, respectively) function. Our data confirmed significant cholinergic atrophy differences between early and late stages of mild cognitive impairment. The impact of the APOE-ε4 allele on cholinergic atrophy varied between the LMCI and EMCI groups.

Sex Differences in Alterations of Brain Functional Network in Tobacco Use Disorder.

Many studies have found sex differences in alterations of brain function in cigarette-smoking adults from the perspective of functional activity or connectivity. However, no studies have systematically found different alteration patterns in brain functional topology of cigarette-smoking men and women from three perspectives: nodal and network efficiency and modular connections. Fifty-six tobacco use disorder (TUD) participants (25 women) and 66 non-TUD participants (28 women) underwent a resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging scan. The whole-brain functional networks were constructed, and a two-way analysis of covariance with false discovery rate correction (q < 0.05) was performed to investigate whether men and women TUD participants had different alterations in the topological features at global, modular, and nodal levels. Compared to non-TUD participants, men but not women TUD participants showed significantly lower global efficiency (lower intermodular connections between the visual and executive control and between the visual and subcortical modules did not pass the correction) and significantly lower nodal global efficiency in the right superior occipital gyrus, bilateral fusiform gyrus, the right pallidum, right putamen, the bilateral paracentral lobule, the postcentral gyrus, and lower nodal local efficiency in the left paracentral lobule. Men and women TUD participants have different topological properties of brain functional network, which may contribute to our understanding of neural mechanisms underlying sex differences in TUD. Compared to non-TUD participants, we found men but not women TUD participants with significantly lower network metrics at global, modular, and nodal levels, which could improve our understanding of neural mechanisms underlying sex differences in TUD and lay a solid foundation for future sex-based TUD prevention and treatment.

Adolescents’ Self-Determined Motivation to Learn About Safer Sex Online

Self-determined motivation fosters better learning and sustained health behaviour adoption than controlled motivation. Self-determined motivation can be strengthened by satisfying the need for autonomy. Therefore, this study investigated if adolescents’ (1) intrinsic motivation to learn about safer sex and (2) self-determined motivation to perform safer sex would be higher when an online message is presented in autonomy-supportive language compared to controlling language. Furthermore, this study also investigated if adolescents’ (1) intrinsic motivation to learn about safer sex and (2) self-determined motivation to perform safer sex changes depending on whether the online message is written by someone that is similar to them. To this end, a 2 (autonomy-supportive language vs. controlling language) x 2 (identification vs. no identification) experimental study (N = 214) was conducted using a website page about safe sex from the Dutch sexual health website sense.info. Even though we found some indications of the expected effects, a two-way analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) showed no significant difference for either autonomy-supportive language, identification, or an interaction of both strategies. However, we found some preliminary evidence that this could be due to a ceiling effect. We therefore recommend further exploring these strategies, considering some lessons learned.

Association of Lower Extremity Muscle Strength and Function with Renal Resistive Index in Individuals with and without Chronic Kidney Disease.

Age-related loss of lower extremity muscle strength is pronounced in individuals with chronic kidney disease (CKD). In contrast, an increase in intrarenal flow pulsatility results in initial age-related changes in renal hemodynamics, leading to the development of CKD. To date, it remains unclear whether lower extremity muscle strength determines elevated renal flow pulsatility. This study aimed to determine the association of lower extremity muscle strength and function with intrarenal hemodynamics in individuals with and without CKD. One hundred seventy-six individuals without CKD (aged 63 ± 9 years) and 101 individuals with CKD (aged 66 ± 8 years) were included in this study. Using Doppler ultrasound, the renal resistive index (RI) was measured as a parameter of renal hemodynamics. Knee extensor muscle strength (KES), gait speed (GS), and the 30 s chair stand test (30s-CST) were used to measure lower extremity muscle strength and function. Multivariate analyses showed that GS and 30s-CST scores were independent determinants of renal RI, whereas the KES score was not associated with renal RI in individuals with and without CKD. In the two-way analysis of covariance, renal RI was the highest in individuals with CKD who had lower KES, GS, and 30s-CST scores. Reduced lower extremity muscle strength and function are independent determinants of elevated renal flow pulsatility in individuals with and without CKD.

Aberrant hyperfocusing in schizophrenia indicated by elevated theta phase-gamma amplitude coupling

ObjectiveWe aimed to investigate electroencephalographic (EEG) markers of aberrant hyperfocusing, a novel framework of impaired selective attention, in schizophrenia patients by using theta phase-gamma amplitude coupling (TGC). MethodsFifty-four schizophrenia patients and 73 healthy controls (HCs) underwent EEG recording during an auditory oddball paradigm. For the standard and target conditions, TGC was calculated using the source signals from 25 brain regions of interest (ROIs) related to attention networks and sensory processing; TGC values were then compared across groups and conditions using two-way analysis of covariance. Correlations of altered TGC with performance on the Trail Making Test Parts A and B (TMT-A/B), were explored. ResultsCompared to HCs, schizophrenia patients showed elevated TGC in the left inferior frontal gyrus (IFG) and superior temporal gyrus in the standard condition but not in the target condition. Correlation analyses revealed that the TGC in the left IFG was positively correlated with the TMT-A/B completion times. ConclusionsAberrant hyperfocusing, as reflected by elevated TGC in attention-related brain regions, was related to behavioral performance on the TMT-A/B in schizophrenia patients. SignificanceThis study suggests that TGC is a electrophysiological marker for aberrant hyperfocusing of attentional processes that may result in cognitive impairments in schizophrenia patients.

Abstract 16949: The Effects of the Technology-Based Family-Centered Empowerment (T-FamE) Heart Failure Transitional Program: Preliminary Analysis of a Randomized Controlled Trial

Introduction: Health digitization and advanced dyadic science offer new opportunities to enhance the transitional care model for heart failure (HF). The T-FamE program a transitional care model integrating digital health and optimized carer support to enhance the post-discharge outcomes of HF patients. Hypothesis: The T-FamE was more effective than usual care to enhance self-care, perceived control, family function, HRQoL and hospital readmission of HF patients. Methods: From Aug 2021 to March 2022, a RCT randomized 170 post-discharge HF patients (mean age = 69.0; SD=11.5; NYHA Grade II/III/IV = 53.9/40.6/.5.5%. LVEF&lt;40% =58.5%) to the T-FamE or usual care. The 12-week nurse-delivered T-FamE comprises an interactive mobile Apps, which allows i) proactive health monitoring with tailored autonomous guideline-based feedback; ii) family-centerd goal-setting on self-care, iii) personalized drug education, iv) mobile access to nurse, v) video-based HF compass for rehabilitation and self-care. The cardiac nurse conducted three monthly visits for family-based empowerment on disease management. Outcome evaluation by Self-care Heart Failure index, Self-care Self-Efficacy Scale, Control Attitude Scale, Family Functioning Device and EuroQoL at baseline and post-test. Results: Two-way analysis of covariance showed significant greater improvement of T-FamE group on self-care maintenance (F=21.46, p&lt;0.001, η 2 p =0.113), management (F=22.52, p=0.01, η 2 p =0.118), symptom perception (F=69.70, p&lt;0.001, η 2 p =0.29) and confidence (F=13.36, p&lt;0.001, η 2 p =0.073) than the control. They have greater improvement in EuroQoL (F=5.78, p=0.017, η 2 p =0.033) and sense of control (F=5.78, p=0.017, η 2 p =0.033), and significantly lower number ore readmission in one year (-0.278 (95%CI=-0.54, -0.008, p=0.043). Conclusions: The T-FamE is effective to improve the self-care, HRQL and readmission outcomes. Digitalized transitional care model with optimized family support play explain the therapeutic benefits. Autonomous response to health monitoring data may enhance self-care decision-making.

Resting-state cerebral blood flow and functional connectivity abnormalities in depressed patients with childhood maltreatment: Potential biomarkers of vulnerability?

Childhood maltreatment (CM) is an important risk factor for major depressive disorder (MDD). This study aimed to explore the specific effect of CM on cerebral blood flow (CBF) and brain functional connectivity (FC) in MDD patients. A total of 150 subjects were collected including 55 MDD patients with CM, 34 MDD patients without CM, 19 healthy controls (HC) with CM, and 42 HC without CM. All subjects completed MRI scans and neuropsychological tests. Two-way analysis of covariance was used to detect the main and interactive effects of disease and CM on CBF and FC across subjects. Then, partial correlation analyses were conducted to explore the behavioral significance of altered CBF and FC in MDD patients. Finally, a support vector classifier model was applied to differentiate MDD patients. MDD patients represented increased CBF in bilateral temporal lobe and decreased CBF in right visual cortex. Importantly, significant depression-by-CM interactive effects on CBF were primarily located in the frontoparietal regions, including orbitofrontal cortex (OFC), lateral prefrontal cortex (PFC), and parietal cortex. Moreover, significant FC abnormalities were seen in OFC-PFC and frontoparietal-visual cortex. Notably, the abnormal CBF and FC were significantly associated with behavioral performance. Finally, a combination of altered CBF and FC behaved with a satisfactory classification ability to differentiate MDD patients. These results highlight the importance of frontoparietal and visual cortices for MDD with CM experience, proposing a potential neuroimaging biomarker for MDD identification.

Maximal oxidative capacity during exercise is associated with muscle power output in patients with long coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) syndrome. A moderation analysis

Long COVID syndrome (LCS) involves persistent symptoms experienced by many patients after recovering from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). We aimed to assess skeletal muscle energy metabolism, which is closely related to substrate oxidation rates during exercise, in patients with LCS compared with healthy controls. We also examined whether muscle power output mediates the relationship between COVID-19 and skeletal muscle energy metabolism. In this cross-sectional study, we enrolled 71 patients with LCS and 63 healthy controls. We assessed clinical characteristics such as body composition, physical activity, and muscle strength. We used cardiopulmonary exercise testing to evaluate substrate oxidation rates during graded exercise. We performed statistical analyses to compare group characteristics and peak fat oxidation differences based on power output. The two-way analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) results, adjusted for covariates, showed that the patients with LCS had lower absolute maximal fatty acid oxidation (MFO), relative MFO/fat free mass (FFM), absolute carbohydrates oxidation (CHox), relative CHox/FFM, and oxygen uptake (V˙˙O2) at maximum fat oxidation (g min-1) than the healthy controls (P<0.05). Moderation analysis indicated that muscle power output significantly influenced the relationship between LCS and reduced peak fat oxidation (interaction β=-0.105 [95% confidence interval-0.174;-0.036]; P=0.026). Therefore, when muscle power output was below 388W, the effect of the LCS on MFO was significant (62% in our study sample P=0.010). These findings suggest compromised mitochondrial bioenergetics and muscle function, represented by lower peak fat oxidation rates, in the patients with LCS compared with the healthy controls. The patients with LCS had lower peak fat oxidation during exercise compared with the healthy controls, potentially indicating impairment in skeletal muscle function. The relationship between peak fat oxidation and LCS appears to be mediated predominantly by muscle power output. Additional research should continue investigating LCS pathogenesis and the functional role of mitochondria.

Circadian rest-activity rhythms and cognitive decline and impairment in older Chinese adults: A multicohort study with prospective follow-up

BackgroundThe associations between rest-activity rhythms and cognitive health are inconclusive. The potential changes in rest-activity rhythms in older people with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) remains unclear. This study aimed to examine the association between rest-activity rhythms and cognitive health across different outcome measures in older Chinese people. MethodsA total of 710 community-dwelling participants (average age 81.1 ± 5.2 years) from two cohort studies. Wrist-worn accelerometer data was used to estimate the circadian rest-activity rhythms at baseline. Cognitive function was assessed and clinical diagnosis was made at baseline and follow-up. The two-way Analysis of Co-variance was used to compare the differences in rest-activity rhythms across participants with cognitively normal, MCI and Alzheimer's disease (AD). Logistic regression models were used to investigate the association between rest-activity rhythms and incidence of cognitive decline and impairment in a 4-year prospective follow-up of cognitively normal individuals. ResultsThere was a progressive trend of lower relative amplitude and higher activity level during the least active 5 h across participants with cognitively normal, MCI and Alzheimer's disease (AD). Among the cognitively normal participants, lower relative amplitude at baseline was associated with a greater risk of cognitive decline (per 1 SD decrease, odds ratio 1.66 [95 %CI 1.13–2.45]) and increased incidence of MCI or AD (per 1 SD decrease, 1.68 [1.12–2.50]). ConclusionsLower relative amplitude could potentially serve as a robust biomarker of cognitive decline and impairment. Further studies could evaluate the potential benefits of interventions associated with rest-activity relative amplitude to prevent or delay the progression of AD.

Independent and combined effects of methamphetamine use disorders and APOEε4 allele on cognitive performance and brain morphometry.

Prior studies showed that methamphetamine (METH) users had greater than normal age-related brain atrophy; whether having the apolipoprotein E (APOE)-ε4 allele may be a contributory factor has not been evaluated. We aimed to determine the independent and combined effects of chronic heavy METH use and having at least one copy of the APOE-ε4 allele (APOE-ε4+) on brain morphometry and cognition, especially in relation to aging. We compared brain morphometry and cognitive performance in 77 individuals with chronic heavy METH use (26 APOE-ε4+, 51 APOE-ε4-) and 226 Non-METH users (66 APOE-ε4+, 160 APOE-ε4-), using a 2 × 2 design (two-way analysis of co-variance). Vertex-wise cortical volumes, thickness and seven subcortical volumes, were automatically measured using FreeSurfer. Linear regression between regional brain measures, and cognitive scores that showed group differences were evaluated. Group differences in age-related decline in brain and cognitive measures were also explored. Regardless of APOE-ε4 genotype, METH users had lower Motor Z-scores (P = 0.005), thinner right lateral-orbitofrontal cortices (P < 0.001), smaller left pars-triangularis gyrus volumes (P = 0.004), but larger pallida, hippocampi and amygdalae (P = 0.004-0.006) than nonusers. Across groups, APOE-ε4+ METH users had the smallest volumes of superior frontal cortical gyri bilaterally, and of the smallest volume in left rostral-middle frontal gyri (all P-values <0.001). Smaller right superior-frontal gyrus predicted poorer motor function only in APOE-ε4+ participants (interaction-P < 0.001). Cortical volumes and thickness declined with age similarly across all participants; however, APOE-ε4-carriers showed thinner right inferior parietal cortices than noncarriers at younger age (interaction-P < 0.001). Chronic heavy use and having at least one copy of the APOE-ε4 allele may have synergistic effects on brain atrophy, particularly in frontal cortices, which may contribute to their poorer cognitive function. However, the enlarged subcortical volumes in METH users replicated prior studies, and are likely due to METH-mediated neuroinflammation.

Conservation of the Bird Cherry (Padus Mill.) Germplasm by Cold Storage and Cryopreservation of Winter Cuttings.

Conservation at cryogenic temperatures, usually in liquid nitrogen (LN) or in its vapor, is the only reliable method for the long-term ex situ conservation of fruit and berry crops with vegetative reproduction. In this study, five bird cherry (Padus Mill.) varieties of different genetic origin from the bird cherry genebank at the N.I. Vavilov All-Russian Institute of Plant Genetic Resources (VIR, Russia) were tested for their response to cryopreservation in LN vapor (-183--185 °C). The response included viability under laboratory and field conditions, morphological assessment of the developed plants and biochemical analysis of fruits produced during three consecutive years by plants developed from cryopreserved cuttings. All parameters were compared to those recorded after cold storage of cuttings (-5 °C), a routine mid-term conservation method currently used at the VIR genebank. The initial viability of winter cuttings varied from 86.7% to 93.3%. Six-month cold storage and cryopreservation reduced viability to 53.3-86.7% and 43.3-60.0%, respectively, which was above the 40% viability threshold in all varieties tested. Cuttings after cold storage showed better viability when recovered in the laboratory (80% mean viability) than in the field (58% mean viability); viability of cryopreserved cuttings was not affected by recovery conditions. The results of a two-way analysis of covariance suggested that storage and recovery conditions had the most significant effect on viability (p < 0.0001), while the effects of genotype (p = 0.062) and factor interactions (p = 0.921) were minor. Cryopreservation had little or no influence on morphological parameters of the plants recovered in the field, including plant height, number of shoots, internodes and roots, and root length. Similarly, no effect of cryopreservation was recorded on dry matter content, total sugar content and ascorbic acid concentration in fruits produced by plants developed from the cryopreserved cuttings. These results suggest that cryopreservation in LN vapor is a reliable method for conservation of the bird cherry genetic collection and is worth testing with a broader variety of genotypes.