Chemerin Levels in Individuals with Type 2 Diabetes and a Normal Weight versus Individuals with Type 2 Diabetes and Obesity: An Observational, Cross-Sectional Study.

Chemerin acts as both a chemotactic agent and an adipokine that undergoes proteolytic cleavage, converting inactive precursors into their active forms before being subsequently inactivated. Elevated chemerin levels are linked to obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D). This study aimed to elucidate the effects of T2D and obesity on chemerin levels by comparing plasma samples from individuals with a normal weight and T2D (BMI < 25; NWD group n = 22) with those from individuals who are overweight or obese and have T2D (BMI ≥ 25; OWD group n = 39). The total chemerin levels were similar in the NWD and OWD groups, suggesting that T2D may equalize the chemerin levels irrespective of obesity status. The cleavage of chemerin has been previously linked to myocardial infarction and stroke in NWD, with potential implications for inflammation and mortality. OWD plasma exhibited lower levels of cleaved chemerin than the NWD group, suggesting less inflammation in the OWD group. Here, we showed that the interaction between obesity and T2D leads to an equalization in the total chemerin levels. The cleaved chemerin levels and the associated inflammatory state, however, differ significantly, underscoring the complex relationship between chemerin, T2D, and obesity.

Linear hair growth rates in preschool children.

BACKGROUND: Human scalp hair is a validated bio-substrate for monitoring various exposures in childhood including contextual stressors, environmental toxins, prescription or non-prescription drugs. Linear hair growth rates (HGR) are required to accurately interpret hair biomarker concentrations. METHODS: We measured HGR in a prospective cohort of preschool children (N = 266) aged 9-72 months and assessed demographic factors, anthropometrics, and hair protein content (HPC). We examined HGR differences by age, sex, race, height, hair pigment, and season, and used univariable and multivariable linear regression models to identify HGR-related factors. RESULTS: Infants below 1 year (288 ± 61 µm/day) had slower HGR than children aged 2-5 years (p = 0.0073). Dark-haired children (352 ± 52 µm/day) had higher HGR than light-haired children (325 ± 50 µm/day; p = 0.0019). Asian subjects had the highest HGR overall (p = 0.016). Younger children had higher HPC (p = 0.0014) and their HPC-adjusted HGRs were slower than older children (p = 0.0073). Age, height, hair pigmentation, and HPC were related to HGR in multivariable regression models. CONCLUSIONS: We identified age, height, hair pigment, and hair protein concentration as significant determinants of linear HGRs. These findings help explain the known hair biomarker differences between children and adults and aid accurate interpretation of hair biomarker results in preschool children. IMPACT: Discovery of hair biomarkers in the past few decades has transformed scientific disciplines like toxicology, pharmacology, epidemiology, forensics, healthcare, and developmental psychology. Identifying determinants of hair growth in children is essential for accurate interpretation of hair biomarker results in pediatric clinical studies. Childhood hair growth rates define the time-periods of biomarker incorporation into growing hair, essential for interpreting the biomarkers associated with environmental exposures and the mind-brain-body connectome. Our study describes age-, sex-, and height-based distributions of linear hair growth rates and provides determinants of linear hair growth rates in a large population of children. Age, height, hair pigmentation, and hair protein content are determinants of hair growth rates and should be accounted for in child hair biomarkers studies. Our findings on hair protein content and linear hair growth rates may provide physiological explanations for differences in hair growth rates and biomarkers in preschool children as compared to adults.

Increased Grades of Rectal Intussusception: Role of Decline in Pelvic Floor Integrity and Association With Dyssynergic Defecation.

INTRODUCTION: The natural history of rectal intussusception (RI) is poorly understood. We hypothesized that decline in pelvic floor integrity and function leads to increasing RI grades. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of a registry of patients with defecatory disorders with high-resolution anorectal manometry and magnetic resonance defecography was performed. Association of risk factors on increasing RI grades was assessed using logistic regression. RESULTS: Analysis included a total of 238 women: 90 had no RI, 43 Oxford 1-2, 49 Oxford 3, and 56 Oxford 4-5. Age ( P = 0.017), vaginal delivery ( P = 0.008), and prior pelvic surgery ( P = 0.032) were associated with increased Oxford grades. Obstructive defecation symptoms and dyssynergic defecation were observed at relatively high rates across groups. Increased RI grades were associated with less anal relaxation at simulated defecation yet, higher rates of normal balloon expulsion ( P < 0.05), linked to diminished anal sphincter. Indeed, increased RI grades were associated with worsening fecal incontinence severity, attributed to higher rates of anal hypotension. Levator ani laxity, defined by increased levator hiatus length and its excessive descent at straining, was associated with increasing RI grades, independent of age, history of vaginal delivery, and pelvic surgeries and could independently predict increased RI grades. Concurrent anterior and posterior compartments, and visceral prolapse were associated with higher Oxford grades. DISCUSSION: Our data suggest that decline in pelvic floor integrity with abnormal levator ani laxity is associated with increased RI grades, a process that is independent of age, history of vaginal deliveries, and/or pelvic surgeries, and perhaps related to dyssynergic defecation.

Understanding Wheelchair Use in Older Adults From the National Health and Aging Trends Study.

OBJECTIVE: To identify the trends of wheelchair use and physical characteristics among older people who used wheelchairs relative to those who did not. DESIGN: Cohort and survey. SETTING: General community. PARTICIPANTS: 7026 participants (N=7026) were selected from the 2011 cohort of the National Health and Aging Trends Study (NHATS), which is made up of Medicare beneficiaries over the age of 65. Repeated observations among participants in the 2011 cohort were analyzed in the 4 following rounds: 2013 (N=4454), 2015 (N=3327), 2017 (N=2623), and 2019 (N=2091). Participants were divided into 2 groups: those who used and did not use wheelchairs. INTERVENTIONS: Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOMES MEASURES: Physical characteristics, including pain, strength limitation, balance problems, mobility disability, as well as the frequency of going outside. RESULTS: The number of older adults who use wheelchairs had increased significantly from 4.7 per 100 people in 2011 to 7.1 in 2019 (P<.001). The logistic regression analysis indicated that participants who reported less frequently going out were at least 4.27 times more likely to be wheelchair users than non-wheelchair users (P<.01). Participants who reported health and physical problems were at least 2.48 times more likely to be wheelchair users than non-wheelchair users from 2011 to 2017 (P<.0001). Balance or coordination problems increased (24%-38%) significantly among non-wheelchair users from 2011 to 2019 (all P<.05). CONCLUSIONS: Current wheelchair users reported more physical difficulties and were much less likely to go outside. This lower outdoor mobility could be due to physical difficulties or potential barriers in physical and socio-cultural environments. In addition, older adults who do not use wheelchairs showed increasing physical problems over time (including balance or coordination problems). Clinicians should consider older wheelchair users' health and physical limitations when prescribing wheelchairs.

Impact of an Interactive, Animation-Based Electroencephalography Curriculum on Learner Confidence and Knowledge.

BACKGROUND: There is a national need for innovative electroencephalography (EEG) education with efficacy evaluated by rigorous statistical analysis. We created a dynamic, online resource that includes a series of animated videos at a single academic medical center. METHODS: For the animations and interactive module, we used VideoScribe and Articulate, respectively. The module comprised three chapters: (1) Origin & Technical Aspects of EEG, (2) Normal Adult EEG in Wakefulness & Sleep, and (3) Abnormal EEG, with appendices on artifacts, variants, activation procedures, seizure/epilepsy classification, and neonatal/pediatric EEG. The curriculum and knowledge assessments were reviewed independently by two fellowship-trained physicians before distribution. Linear mixed-effects models with bootstrapping were used to compare paired pre- and post-tests as well as Likert scale questionnaires. RESULTS: Forty-nine learners participated in the pretest survey; 38 matched participants completed post-tests (78%). Learners across fields perceived benefit (100% would recommend to colleagues), indicated improved self-efficacy (P < 0.0001), and performed better on post-test knowledge assessments (54.1 vs 88.2%, P < 0.0001). In the neurology providers subgroup (n = 20), pretest scores correlated with years in training (Spearman r = 0.52, P = 0.039), neurology rotations (r = 0.70, P = 0.003), epilepsy/EEG rotations (r = 0.6, P = 0.014), and EEG teaching hours (r = 0.62, P = 0.01); content knowledge and self-efficacy improvement for neurology providers remained significant in a multivariate model adjusting for these covariates. CONCLUSIONS: This animation-based, interactive EEG module proved effective in elevating learner confidence and knowledge across several medical specialties and training levels. Further study across institutions and subspecialties is needed to substantiate broad applicability, but our data appear promising for early EEG learners.

Prevalence of Mpox (Monkeypox) in patients undergoing STI screening in northern California, April-September 2022.

BACKGROUND: Despite the sharp increase in mpox (formerly monkeypox) incidence and the wide geographic spread of mpox during the 2022 outbreak, the community prevalence of infection remains poorly characterized. This study is a retrospective epidemiologic survey to estimate mpox prevalence. METHODS: Samples obtained for sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing from April to September 2022 in the public hospital and clinic system of San Mateo County, California were screened for mpox virus (MPXV) using polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: 16/1,848 samples from 11/1,645 individuals were positive for MPXV by qPCR. 4/11 individuals with positive MPXV testing were cisgender women, 2 of whom were pregnant at the time of sample collection. Both deliveries were complicated by chorioamnionitis. Anorectal and oropharyngeal samples were the most likely to be positive for MPXV (4/60 anorectal samples and 4/66 oropharyngeal samples compared with 5/1,264 urine samples and 3/445 vaginal samples). CONCLUSIONS: Our study is one of the first epidemiologic surveys for MPXV infection outside of sexual health/STI clinic settings. Relatively high rates of MPXV from oropharyngeal and anorectal samples reinforces the importance of MPXV testing at various anatomic sites, particularly if patients are presenting with non-lesional symptoms (pharyngitis, proctitis). However, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not yet authorized non-lesional MPXV testing. The identification of MPXV in women in our cohort suggests that the rates of mpox in women may have previously been underestimated and highlights the risk of pregnancy complications associated with mpox.

Comparison of whole-body DW-MRI with 2-[18F]FDG PET for staging and treatment monitoring of children with Langerhans cell histiocytosis.

PURPOSE: To assess and compare the diagnostic accuracy of whole-body (WB) DW-MRI with 2-[18F]FDG PET for staging and treatment monitoring of children with Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH). METHODS: Twenty-three children with LCH underwent 2-[18F]FDG PET and WB DW-MRI at baseline. Two nuclear medicine physicians and two radiologists independently assessed presence/absence of tumors in 8 anatomical areas. Sixteen children also performed 2-[18F]FDG PET and WB DW-MRI at follow-up. One radiologist and one nuclear medicine physician revised follow-up scans and collected changes in tumor apparent diffusion (ADC) and standardized uptake values (SUV) before and after therapy in all detectable lesions. 2-[18F]FDG PET results were considered the standard of reference for tumor detection and evaluation of treatment response according to Lugano criteria. Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, and diagnostic accuracy of WB DW-MRI at baseline were calculated, and the 95% confidence intervals were estimated by using the Clopper-Pearson (exact) method; changes in tumor SUVs and ADC were compared using a Mann-Whitney U test. Agreement between reviewers was assessed with a Cohen's weighted kappa coefficient. Analyses were conducted using SAS software version 9.4. RESULTS: Agreement between reviewers was perfect (kappa coefficient = 1) for all analyzed regions but spine and neck (kappa coefficient = 0.89 and 0.83, respectively) for 2-[18F]FDG PET images, and abdomen and pelvis (kappa coefficient = 0.65 and 0.88, respectively) for WB DW-MRI. Sensitivity and specificity were 95.5% and 100% for WB DW-MRI compared to 2-[18F]FDG PET. Pre to post-treatment changes in SUVratio and ADCmean were inversely correlated for all lesions (r: -0.27, p = 0·06) and significantly different between responders and non-responders to chemotherapy (p = 0.0006 and p = 0·003 for SUVratio and ADCmean, respectively). CONCLUSION: Our study showed that WB DW-MRI has similar accuracy to 2-[18F]FDG PET for staging and treatment monitoring of LCH in children. While 2-[18F]FDG PET remains an approved radiological examination for assessing metabolically active disease, WB DW-MRI could be considered as an alternative approach without radiation exposure. The combination of both modalities might have advantages over either approach alone.

Adherence to Screen Time and Physical Activity Guidelines is Associated with Executive Function in US Toddlers Participating in the STRONG Kids 2 Birth Cohort Study.

OBJECTIVE: To test the hypothesis that healthy weight status and adherence to American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) guidelines for diet and physical activity would extend to greater executive function (EF) at age 24 months. STUDY DESIGN: Parents of 24-month-old children from the STRONG Kids 2 cohort study (n = 352) completed the Behavioral Rating Inventory of Executive Function for Preschoolers (BRIEF-P) and reported physical activities, diet, and screen time. Toddlers met AAP guidelines if they consumed at least 5 servings of fruits and vegetables, were physically active, refrained from sugar-sweetened beverages, and limited daily screen time to <60 minutes. Relationships between EF, 24-month weight status, and meeting AAP guidelines were tested independent of child sex, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, weight status at birth, and maternal pregnancy weight status. RESULTS: Weight-for-length z-score had no effect on EF. Toddlers meeting the screen time guideline had greater EF (ß, -0.125; 95% CI, 0.234 to -0.008), inhibitory self-control (ß, -0.142; 95% CI, -0.248 to -0.029), and emergent metacognition (ß, -0.111; 95% CI, -0.221 to 0.002), indicated by lower BRIEF-P scores. Those with more minutes of screen time had poorer overall EF (ß, 0.257; 95% CI, 0.118-0.384), inhibitory self-control (ß, 0.231; 95% CI, 0.099-0.354), cognitive flexibility (ß, 0.217; 95% CI, 0.082-0.342), and emergent metacognition (ß, 0.257; 95% CI, 0.120-0.381). Daily physical activity was associated with greater emergent metacognition (ß, -0.116; 95% CI, -0.225 to -0.005). CONCLUSIONS: Meeting AAP guidelines for physical activity and screen time was related to greater EF in a demographically homogenous sample of toddlers. Future randomized control trials and more diverse samples are needed to confirm the directionality of this relationship. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03341858.

Pilot Study of a Fall Prevention and Management Intervention Program for People With Multiple Sclerosis Who Use a Wheelchair or Scooter Full-Time.

Objective: To examine the efficacy of a fall prevention/management intervention among persons with multiple sclerosis (PwMS) who use a wheelchair (WC) or scooter full-time. Design: Pre-post/follow-up trial. Setting: Community and research laboratory. Participants: Twenty-one PwMS who used a WC or scooter full-time, self-reported at least 1 fall/12 months, and could transfer independently or with minimal/moderate assistance (N=21). Intervention: Six-week, group and community-based fall prevention and management intervention. The intervention included six 2-hour in-person weekly sessions led by a physical or occupational therapist featuring interactive group discussions, skill practice, and action planning opportunities. Main Outcome Measures: Fall frequency tracked 12 weeks pre- and 24 weeks post intervention. Outcomes were assessed pre- and post intervention and 12 weeks post intervention. Measures included surveys to examine fear of falling (FOF), fall prevention/management, quality of life, community participation, and assessment of functional mobility skills. Semistructured interviews were administered post intervention to ascertain overall experiences with the program and effect on daily life. A Friedman test with signed-rank post hoc analysis was run to determine differences across the 3 study visits. Results: After the intervention, fall incidence did not significantly change, but fall management strategies (P=.01-0.05), importance of community participation (P=.01), and transfer quality (P=.02) significantly improved. Moderate effect sizes were noted among concerns about falling, activity curtailment because of to FOF, and WC skills. Qualitative results indicate that participants found the intervention beneficial and applied intervention content in their daily lives. Conclusions: This study is the first to describe the effect of a multicomponent fall prevention/management intervention designed specifically for PwMS who use a WC or scooter full-time. Results indicate the program has potential to reduce fall risk; however, further testing is needed to fully examine the effect of the program.

Racial disparities in opioid administration and prescribing in the emergency department for pain.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To investigate the holistic characteristics of patients administered or prescribed opioids to treat pain in the emergency department (ED). METHODS: We used National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey (NHAMCS) data for 2018 to examine the administration and prescribing of opioids for pain-related ED visits. Weighted logistic regression models were developed to evaluate the association between opioid administration and prescribing (OAP) in the ED and patients' pain/severity of conditions, demographic/socioeconomic factors, behavioral factors, contextual factors, and organizational factors. Then, subgroup analyses were conducted by type of pain. RESULTS: Nearly 55% of the ED visits in 2018 involved pain as a main reason for visiting the ED. The odds of receiving opioids were 45% less in black patients than in white patients when other covariates were adjusted (OR: 0.55; CI: 0.430-0.703). Compared to patients with private insurance, Medicaid beneficiaries and uninsured/self-pay patients had a 45% (OR: 0.55; CI: 0.423-0.706) and 44% (OR: 0.56; CI: 0.386-0.813) lower chance of receiving or being prescribed opioids for a pain-related ED visit when all covariates were adjusted. Other significant predictors of OAP for pain in EDs included older age, higher pain level, ED arrival by ambulance, admission to hospital, ED arrival during a night shift, geographic region of the ED. Behavioral factors, such as ED return within 72 h and whether a patient has substance/alcohol abuse or dependence, were not significantly associated with OAP. The subgroup analysis indicated that black patients had lower odds of OAP than their white counterparts only for certain pain categories. CONCLUSION: Despite increasing awareness of potential implicit bias in managing pain in the ED, racial disparities in OAP still existed. More education and training on implicit bias would help with reduce the disparities. Also, our study result indicated that non-clinical factors may play a role in emergency physicians' decision making in OAP. Increased recognition of the variation and systemic efforts to address factors affecting the variability are needed.

Different Relationships Between Steps and Movements and Healthy Biomarkers in People With and Without Disability.

BACKGROUND: Physical activity benefits have been extensively studied. However, the public health guidelines seem unclear about the relationships between steps and movements with healthy biomarkers for people with (PWD) and without disabilities (PWOD), respectively. While public health guidelines illustrate types of exercise (eg, running, swimming), it is equally important to provide data-driven recommended amounts of daily steps or movements to achieve health biomarkers and further promote a physically active lifestyle. METHODS: Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2003-2006 were used. The authors conducted sensitivity, specificity, and receiver-operating-characteristic curve analyses regarding cut points from ActiGraph 7164 of daily steps and movements for health biomarkers (eg, body mass index, cholesterol) in PWD (2178 participants) and PWOD (4414 participants). The authors also examined the dose relationships of steps, movements, and healthy biomarkers in each group. RESULTS: The authors found significant differences in the cut points of daily steps and movement for health biomarkers in PWD and PWOD. For daily steps, cut points of PWD were ranged from 3222 to 8311 (area under the receiver-operating-characteristic curve [AUC] range = 0.52-0.93) significantly lower than PWOD's daily steps (range = 5455-14,272; AUC = 0.58-0.87). For daily movement, cut points of PWD were ranged from 115,451 to 430,324 (AUC = 0.53-0.91) significantly lower than the PWOD's daily movements (range = 215,288-282,307; AUC = 0.60-0.88). The authors found strong but different dose relationships of many biomarkers in each group. CONCLUSIONS: PWD need fewer daily steps or movement counts to achieve health biomarkers than PWOD. The authors provided data-driven, condition-specific recommendations on promoting a physically active lifestyle.

Fear of Falling, Community Participation, and Quality of Life Among Community-Dwelling People Who Use Wheelchairs Full Time.

OBJECTIVES: To examine the differences in community participation and quality of life (QOL) among individuals who use wheelchairs full time with and without fear of falling (FOF). DESIGN: Cross-sectional study design. SETTING: University research laboratory. PARTICIPANTS: Individuals (N=85) who use a manual or power wheelchair full time who are living with various health conditions and have a history of at least 1 fall in the past 12 months (age, 45.4±15.8y; disability duration, 21.5±13.6y) were included. Forty-six (54%) were manual wheelchair users. INTERVENTIONS: Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: To quantify FOF, participants responded (yes/no) to the question: "Are you worried or concerned that you might fall?" Community participation and QOL were indexed by the Community Participation Indicator (CPI) and the World Health Organization Quality of Life-Brief version (WHOQOL-BREF), respectively. A multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) was performed to examine the differences in CPI and WHOQOL-BREF scores among wheelchair users who reported FOF and no FOF. RESULTS: A total of 54 participants (63.5%) reported that they were worried or concerned about falling. The MANOVA revealed significant differences in overall CPI (F2,82=4.714; P=.012; Wilks' λ=0.897) and WHOQOL-BREF (F4,63=3.32; P=.016; Wilks' λ=.826) scores. Participants who reported FOF demonstrated significantly lower CPI and WHOQOL-BREF scores compared with those who did not report FOF. CONCLUSIONS: FOF and associated activity curtailment are prevalent and may be a factor influencing full time wheelchair users' community participation and QOL. Prospective research is needed to better understand how FOF influences community participation and QOL among individuals who use wheelchairs full time. Findings would support the development of interventions, specifically for individuals who use wheelchairs full time, to reduce FOF and improve community participation and QOL.

The Emerging Adult Reasons for Substance Use (EARS): Preliminary Support for Multidimensionality, Validity and Reliability.

Introduction: Substance use peaks during the transition to adulthood, beckoning additional research on its developmental influences. This article reports initial findings on the validity and reliability of the Emerging Adult Reasons for Substance use (EARS), a new measure of substance use motives based on Arnett's (2000) proposed emerging adult dimensions. Method: Content experts in emerging adulthood theory generated EARS items and collected data from a large online sample. We completed exploratory (EFA) and confirmatory factor analyses (CFA) on split halves of the total sample (n = 750). Then, we tested for invariance across genders and age cohorts, as well as examined cross-correlations with the Inventory of Dimensions of Emerging Adulthood (IDEA), Drinking Motives Questionnaire (DMQ-Revised), and measures of substance use. Results: The EFA identified three internally consistent factors: Normative Expectancy, Developmental Strain, and Subjective Invulnerability. Confirmatory factor analyses supported the three factor model, but fit indices were slightly below published standards (RSMEA = .82, CFI = .85, TLI = .83, SRMR = .07). For Normative Expectancy and Developmental Strain, intercepts varied across age cohorts, with higher intercepts for emerging relative to older adults. The patterns of correlations generally supported the construct validity of the EARS subscales. Conclusion: The EARS is reliable and valid, and appears to measure developmentally specific motives for substance use. Additional studies may further validate this promising instrument.

Work Personality, Core Self-evaluation and Perceived Career Barriers in Young Adult Central Nervous System Cancer Survivors.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between work personality, core self-evaluation (CSE), and perceived internal and external barriers to employment in a group of young adult CNS survivors. METHODS: The participants consisted of 110 young adult survivors of pediatric central nervous system (CNS) tumors aged between 18 and 30 years old (M = 23.05, SD = 3.36). Mediation analysis with structural equational modeling (SEM) technique was used to correlate a number of different measures (Work Personality [WP], Perceived Employment Barriers [PEB], and Core-Self Evaluation [CSE]). RESULTS: Results revealed an exceptionally well-fitting model to our data with work personality predicting CSE positively: ß = 0.34, SE = 0.07, 95% CI (0.18, 0.47) while CSE inversely predicts Perceived Barriers to Employment, ß = - 0.60, SE = 0.06, 95% CI (- 0.70, - 0.49). There is a direct pathway from WP to PEB once CSE was accounted for ß = - 0.20, SE = 0.07, 95% CI (- 0.33, - 0.06). The presence of both significant direct and indirect effects of WP on PEB implied that there was a partial mediating effect of CSE on the association between WP and PEB. CONCLUSIONS: Work personality is a robust construct that can be applied to young adult CNS survivors in effort to gain more insight into the personality and psychological factors that impact career development and employment in this group. The major finding of this study was that work personality and CSE had a significant direct effect on perceived career barriers and that there was a significant indirect effect with CSE acting as a mediator between developmental work personality and perceived career barriers.

Fresh- and lean-pork intake in relation to functional limitations among US older adults, 2005-2016.

BACKGROUND: Pork consumption, in particular fresh/lean-pork consumption, provides protein and other essential micronutrients that older adults need daily and may hold the potential to prevent functional limitations resulting from sub-optimal nutrition. AIM: Assess fresh/lean-pork intake in relation to functional limitations among older adults in the USA. METHODS: Individual-level data came from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2005-2016 waves. Nineteen validated questions assessed five functional limitation domains: activities of daily living (ADLs); instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs); leisure and social activities (LSAs); lower extremity mobility (LEM); and general physical activities (GPAs). Logistic regressions were performed to examine pork, fresh-pork and fresh lean-pork intake in relation to functional limitations among NHANES older adults (n = 6135). RESULTS: Approximately 21, 18 and 16% of older adults consumed pork, fresh pork and fresh lean pork, respectively. An increase in pork consumption by 1 oz-equivalent/day was associated with a reduced odds of ADLs by 12%, IADLs by 10% and any functional limitation by 7%. An increase in fresh-pork consumption by 1 oz-equivalent/day was associated with a reduced odds of ADLs by 13%, IADLs by 10%, GPAs by 8%, and any functional limitation by 8%. Similar effects were found for fresh lean-pork consumption on ADLs, IADLs, GPAs and any functional limitation. CONCLUSION: This study found some preliminary evidence linking fresh/lean-pork consumption to a reduced risk of functional limitations. Future studies with longitudinal/experimental designs are warranted to examine the influence of fresh/lean-pork consumption on functional limitations.

Fresh and Fresh Lean Beef Intake in Relation to Functional Limitations among US Older Adults, 2005-2016.

Objectives: In this study, we assessed fresh and fresh lean beef intake in relation to functional limitations among US adults 65 years and older. Methods: We conducted logistic regressions on individual-level 24-hour dietary recall and health indicator data (N = 6135) retrieved from 2005-2016 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Results: Approximately 51%, 14%, and 9% of older adults consumed beef, fresh beef, and fresh lean beef, respectively. Daily increase in fresh beef consumption by one-ounce-equivalent was associated with a reduction in the odds of lower extremity mobility limitation (LEM) by 16% (95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 4%-27%), general physical activities limitation by 13% (95% CI: 1%-24%), and any functional limitation by 14% 95% CI: (2%-24%). Daily increase in fresh lean beef consumption by one-ounce-equivalent was associated with a reduction in the odds of LEM by 22% (95% CI: 7%-34%) and any functional limitation by 15% (95% CI: 1%-28%). We identified no association with activities of daily living, instrumental activities of daily living, or leisure and social activities limitations. Conclusions: Preliminary evidence links fresh and fresh lean beef consumption to reduced functional limitation risk. Future studies with longitudinal/experimental design are warranted to examine the relationship between fresh/lean beef consumption and functional limitations among older adults.

Validation of an individualized reduction of falls intervention program among wheelchair and scooter users with multiple sclerosis.

INTRODUCTION: Falls are a serious concern for wheelchair and scooter users with multiple sclerosis (MS). Approximately, 75% of the population reports at least one fall in a 6-month period and nearly half report frequent falls. Falls can result in physical injuries and contribute to activity curtailment. Despite the negative consequences, limited evidenced-based fall prevention programs designed specifically for wheelchair and scooter users with MS exist. PURPOSE: Recognizing the threat falls pose to health and well-being and the dearth of fall prevention programs, the purpose of this study is to perform a structured process evaluation and examine the feasibility and efficacy of a community-based intervention specifically designed to reduce fall incidence among wheelchair and scooter users with MS. Secondary aims of the intervention are to improve functional mobility skills associated with fall risk (e.g., transfer and wheelchair skills, balance), increase knowledge of fall risk factors, decrease fear of falling, and enhance quality of life and community participation. METHODS: To evaluate our specific aims, a clinical trial will be performed with 160 wheelchair and scooter users with MS. (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03705364). Participants will be recruited to participate in a small group-style community-based program. The content of the program will be based on factors found to be associated with falls among wheelchair and scooter users with MS. These factors include but are not limited to, wheelchair/scooter related characteristics, transfer activities, impaired seated balance, and environmental factors. A physical or occupational therapist, will implement the intervention, which is comprised of 6 sessions that occur once weekly. The incidence of falls, along with an examination of wheelchair/scooter and transfer skills, seated postural control and knowledge of fall related risk factors will be compared between intervention and control participants, with assessment periods occurring prior to the intervention, 1 to 2 weeks after completion of the 6-week intervention session, and 12 weeks after the intervention period is complete. CONCLUSION: Results from this study will guide the refinement of the intervention program and inform future research among a large and diverse group of wheelchair and scooter users living with MS.

Voluntary Saccade Training Protocol in Persons With Parkinson's Disease and Healthy Adults.

Background: Voluntary saccade function gradually decreases during both the progression of Parkinson's disease (PD) and neurologically healthy adult aging. Voluntary saccades display decreased length and increased saccade latency, duration, and the number of compensatory saccades in aging and PD. Saccades serve as the key eye movement for maintaining salient features of the visual environment on the high visual acuity fovea of the retina. Abnormal saccade behavior has been associated with freezing of gait in PD. We have not identified any studies that have investigated improvement in voluntary saccade function using voluntary saccade training. Objective: We report an experimental protocol that tests a training paradigm following the principle of specificity to improve voluntary saccade velocity and amplitude, while decreasing latency and the number of compensatory saccades. Methods: Persons with PD (n = 22) and persons with no known neurological disorders (n = 22) between the ages of 40 and 65 years will be recruited. In a randomized-block study design, all participants will perform voluntary saccades to targets in eight cardinal and intercardinal directions. In each of the eight sessions during the four-week intervention period, participants will train at three target amplitudes. Participants will perform 40 trials for each amplitude block, consisting of five randomly presented repetitions for each direction. Voluntary and reflexive saccades will be recorded pre- and post-intervention, along with clinical mobility assessment using the Movement Disorder Society Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale. Mobility scores, the amplitude, latency, and duration of the first saccade, and the number of saccades to reach the fixation target will be analyzed using an ANOVA of mixed effects. Discussion: This protocol holds promise as a potential method to improve voluntary saccade function in persons with PD. Should persons with PD not improve on any outcome following the intervention, this lack of response may support the use of saccade assessment as a response biomarker for the diagnosis of PD. Trial Registration: This protocol was retrospectively registered at ISRCTN (ISRCTN.com) since July 25, 2018. The first participant was recruited March 12, 2016. The protocol identifier is 17784042. Descriptive Title: A two-arm, pre/post-protocol to compare the effects of a four-week voluntary saccade training intervention in persons with Parkinson's disease and healthy adults aged forty years or older.