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Multivariate associations between psychiatric drug intake and grey matter volume changes in individuals at early stages of psychosis and depression
- C. Weyer, D. Popovic, A. Ruef, L. Hahn, E. Sarişik, J. Fanning, J. Kambeitz, R. K. Salokangas, J. Hietala, A. Bertolino, S. Borgwardt, P. Brambilla, R. Upthegrove, S. J. Wood, R. Lencer, E. Meisenzahl, P. Falkai, N. Koutsouleris
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- Journal:
- European Psychiatry / Volume 67 / Issue S1 / April 2024
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 27 August 2024, pp. S272-S273
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Introduction
Psychiatric drugs, including antipsychotics and antidepressants, are widely prescribed, even in young and adolescent populations at early or subthreshold disease stages. However, their impact on brain structure remains elusive. Elucidating the relationship between psychotropic medication and structural brain changes could enhance the understanding of the potential benefits and risks associated with such treatment.
ObjectivesInvestigation of the associations between psychiatric drug intake and longitudinal grey matter volume (GMV) changes in a transdiagnostic sample of young individuals at early stages of psychosis or depression using an unbiased data-driven approach.
MethodsThe study sample comprised 247 participants (mean [SD] age = 25.06 [6.13] years, 50.61% male), consisting of young, minimally medicated individuals at clinical high-risk states for psychosis, individuals with recent-onset depression or psychosis, and healthy control individuals. Structural magnetic resonance imaging was used to obtain whole-brain voxel-wise GMV for all participants at two timepoints (mean [SD] time between scans = 11.15 [4.93] months). The multivariate sparse partial least squares (SPLS) algorithm (Monteiro et al. JNMEDT 2016; 271:182-194) was embedded in a nested cross-validation framework to identify parsimonious associations between the cumulative intake of psychiatric drugs, including commonly prescribed antipsychotics and antidepressants, and change in GMV between both timepoints, while additionally factoring in age, sex, and diagnosis. Furthermore, we correlated the retrieved SPLS results to personality domains (NEO-FFI) and childhood trauma (CTQ).
ResultsSPLS analysis revealed significant associations between the antipsychotic classes of benzamides, butyrophenones and thioxanthenes and longitudinal GMV decreases in cortical regions including the insula, posterior superior temporal sulcus as well as cingulate, postcentral, precentral, orbital and frontal gyri (Figure 1A-C). These brain regions corresponded most closely to the dorsal and ventral attention, somatomotor, salience and default network (Figure 1D). Furthermore, the medication signature was negatively associated with the personality domains extraversion, agreeableness and conscientiousness and positively associated with the CTQ domains emotional and physical neglect.
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ConclusionsPsychiatric drug intake over a period of one year was linked to distinct GMV reductions in key cortical hubs. These patterns were already visible in young individuals at early or subthreshold stages of mental illness and were further linked to childhood neglect and personality traits. Hence, a better and more in-depth understanding of the structural brain implications of medicating young and adolescent individuals might lead to more cautious, sustainable and targeted treatment strategies.
Disclosure of InterestNone Declared
Exploring Associations between Grey Matter Volume and Clinical High-Risk for Psychosis: A Transdiagnostic Study Utilizing the NAPLS-2 Risk Calculator in the PRONIA Cohort
- L.-M. Neuner, L. Hahn, J. Kambeitz, R. K. Salokangas, J. Hietala, A. Bertolino, S. Borgwardt, P. Brambilla, R. Upthegrove, S. J. Wood, R. Lencer, E. Meisenzahl, P. Falkai, T. D. Cannon, N. Koutsouleris
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- Journal:
- European Psychiatry / Volume 67 / Issue S1 / April 2024
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 27 August 2024, pp. S271-S272
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Introduction
The clinical high-risk state for psychosis (CHR) is associated with alterations in grey matter volume (GMV) in various regions such as the hippocampus (Vissink et al. BP:GOS 2022; 2(2) 147-152). Within the scope of the North American Prodrome Longitudinal Study (NAPLS-2; Cannon et al. AM J Psychiatry 2016; 173(10), 980-988), a publicly available risk calculator based on clinical variables was developed to assess the likelihood of individuals to transition to psychosis within a 2-year period.
ObjectivesIn the current study, we aim to examine the association between GMV and NAPLS-2 risk scores calculated for individuals with CHR and recent-onset depression (ROD), taking a transdiagnostic approach on the transition to psychosis.
MethodsThe sample consisted of 315 CHR (M = 23.85, SD = ± 5.64; female: 164) and 295 ROD (M = 25.11, SD = ± 6.21; female: 144) patients from the multi-site Personalised Prognostic Tools for Early Psychosis Management (PRONIA) Study (Koutsouleris et al. JAMA Psychiatry 2018; 57(11), 1156-1172). Risk scores were calculated using the six clinical and neurocognitive variables included in the NAPLS-2 risk calculator that were significant for predicting psychosis. Further, we derived smoothed GMV maps from T1-weighted structural magnetic resonance imaging using a full width at half maximum kernel size of 8 mm. We employed a multiple regression design in SPM12 to examine associations between risk scores and GMV. On the whole-brain level, we calculated permutation-based threshold-free cluster enhancement (TFCE) contrasts using the TFCE toolbox. Additionally, we calculated t-contrasts within a region-of-interest (ROI) analysis encompassing the hippocampus. All results were thresholded at p < 0.05 with family wise error correction to address multiple comparisons.
ResultsOur analysis revealed that linear GMV increases in the right middle and superior frontal gyrus (kE= 2726 voxels) were significantly associated with higher risk for psychosis transition within two years (see figure 1, highlighted in blue). In the ROI analysis, we found a significant negative linear association between GMV decreases in the left hippocampus (kE = 353 voxels) and higher risk for psychosis transition (see figure 1, highlighted in red).
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ConclusionsGMV reductions in the hippocampus have frequently been observed in CHR and psychosis patients (Vissink et al. BP:GOS 2022; 2(2) 147-152), therefore our results further highlight the crucial role of this region in the progression of the disease. There is limited evidence on GMV increases in CHR patients. However, the GMV increase we found in the frontal pole may reflect compensatory mechanisms of the brain in the development of psychosis. In addition, we were able to provide biological validation of the NAPLS-2 risk calculator and its assessment of risk for transition to psychosis.
Disclosure of InterestNone Declared
Ectoparasite and bacterial population genetics and community structure indicate extent of bat movement across an island chain
- Clifton D. McKee, Alison J. Peel, David T. S. Hayman, Richard Suu-Ire, Yaa Ntiamoa-Baidu, Andrew A. Cunningham, James L. N. Wood, Colleen T. Webb, Michael Y. Kosoy
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- Parasitology , First View
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 24 May 2024, pp. 1-14
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Few studies have examined the genetic population structure of vector-borne microparasites in wildlife, making it unclear how much these systems can reveal about the movement of their associated hosts. This study examined the complex host–vector–microbe interactions in a system of bats, wingless ectoparasitic bat flies (Nycteribiidae), vector-borne microparasitic bacteria (Bartonella) and bacterial endosymbionts of flies (Enterobacterales) across an island chain in the Gulf of Guinea, West Africa. Limited population structure was found in bat flies and Enterobacterales symbionts compared to that of their hosts. Significant isolation by distance was observed in the dissimilarity of Bartonella communities detected in flies from sampled populations of Eidolon helvum bats. These patterns indicate that, while genetic dispersal of bats between islands is limited, some non-reproductive movements may lead to the dispersal of ectoparasites and associated microbes. This study deepens our knowledge of the phylogeography of African fruit bats, their ectoparasites and associated bacteria. The results presented could inform models of pathogen transmission in these bat populations and increase our theoretical understanding of community ecology in host–microbe systems.
Exploring school food provision programs and links to local foods in Pacific Island countries
- J. Perry, B. Horsey, J. Raneri, D. Hunter, S. O’Connor, M. Hyland-Wood, E. Casey, S. Burkhart
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- Proceedings of the Nutrition Society / Volume 83 / Issue OCE1 / April 2024
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 07 May 2024, E20
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Providing access to food in schools can serve as a platform for food system transformation, while simultaneously improving educational outcomes and livelihoods. Locally grown and procured food is a nutritious, healthy, and efficient way to provide schoolchildren with a daily meal while, at the same time, improving opportunities for smallholder farmers(1). While there is significant potential for school food provision activities to support healthy dietary behaviours in the Pacific Islands region, there is limited evidence of these types of activities(2), including scope and links to local food production in the region. Therefore, the aim of this scoping study was to understand the current state of school food activities (school feeding, gardening and other food provision activities) and any current, and potential links to local agriculture in the Pacific Islands. A regional mapping activity was undertaken, initially covering 22 Pacific Island countries. The mapping included two steps: 1) a desk based scoping review including peer-reviewed and grey literature (2007-2022) and 2) One-hour semi-structured online Zoom interviews with key country stakeholders. Twelve sources were identified, predominately grey literature (n = 9). Thirty interviews were completed with at least 1 key stakeholder from 15 countries. A variety of school food provision activities were identified, including school feeding programs (n = 16, of varying scale), programs covering both school feeding and school gardens (n = 2), school garden programs (n = 12), and other school food provision activities (n = 4, including taste/sensory education, food waste reduction, increasing canteen capacity for local foods, supply chain distribution between local agriculture and schools). Existing links to local agriculture varied for the different programs. Of the 16 school feeding programs, 8 had a requirement for the use of local produce (policy requirement n = 6, traditional requirement from leaders n = 2). Of the 12 school garden programs, 6 used local or traditional produce in the garden and 5 involved local farmers in varying capacities. Challenges to linking local agriculture into school food provision programs were reported for 17 activities and were context dependent. Common challenges included limited funding, inflation, Covid-19, inadequate produce supply for the scale of program, limited farmer capacity, limited institutional support for local produce, low produce storage life, climatic conditions and disasters, water security, delayed procurement process, and limited professional development and upskilling opportunities. Modernisation and colonisation of food systems resulting in a preference for hyperpalatable foods and challenges in incorporating local produce in a way that is accepted by students was also identified as a challenge. This evidence can be used to develop a pathway to piloting and implementing models of school food provision programs and promoting opportunities for shared learning and collaboration with key stakeholders across the Pacific Islands region.
Electrical Conductivity of Na/Ca-Montmorillonite Gels
- I. Shainberg, J. D. Oster, J. D. Wood
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- Clays and Clay Minerals / Volume 30 / Issue 1 / February 1982
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 02 April 2024, pp. 55-62
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The specific conductivity, κg, of Na/Ca montmorillonite gels (0.02 and 0.04 g clay/cm3) as a function of the specific conductivity of the interclay solution, κw, was measured. For low values of κw (<3 mmho/cm) the conductivity curves were convex with respect to xw; at higher values they were linear. The κw at which deviation from linearity began increased with increasing sodium content from 0.7 mmho/cm for the Ca-montmorillonite gel to 2.6 mmho/cm for Na-montmorillonite gel. The intercept of the linear portion of the conductivity curve increased and its slope decreased with increasing exchangeable sodium. The experimental results were described by a conductance model comprised of two elements connected in parallel: an element consisting of the solid and solution phases connected in series, and another consisting of the solution phase. At low electrolyte concentrations, the first element accounts for the curvature of the κg-κw curve, whereas at high electrolyte concentrations, the second element dominates, and the curve is linear with a slope determined by a formation factor and an intercept determined by exchangeable cation mobility.
An adjustable parameter in the conductivity term for the first element, which accounts for the thickness of the clay particles, increased with exchangeable Na, and its numerical value indicated that the solid phase also includes the diffuse double layer. The mobility of the exchangeable cation relative to that in water increased from 4% for Ca to 41% for Na with the largest increase occurring between 20 and 40% exchangeable Na. Similar effects of exchangeable Na were evident on the axial ratio of the clay particles calculated from the slopes of the linear lines. These observations are consistent with an exchangeable-ion demixing model where the initial exchangeable Na is adsorbed on the external surfaces of the Ca-montmorillonite tactoids without affecting exchangeable ion mobility or tactoid size. Further additions of exchangeable Na result in Na adsorption on the internal surfaces of the tactoid and tactoid breakdown with a subsequent increase in both exchangeable ion mobility and the axial ratio of the clay particles.
53 2-Back Performance Does Not Differ Between Cognitive Training Groups in Older Adults Without Dementia
- Nicole D Evangelista, Jessica N Kraft, Hanna K Hausman, Andrew O’Shea, Alejandro Albizu, Emanuel M Boutzoukas, Cheshire Hardcastle, Emily J Van Etten, Pradyumna K Bharadwaj, Hyun Song, Samantha G Smith, Steven DeKosky, Georg A Hishaw, Samuel Wu, Michael Marsiske, Ronald Cohen, Gene E Alexander, Eric Porges, Adam J Woods
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- Journal:
- Journal of the International Neuropsychological Society / Volume 29 / Issue s1 / November 2023
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 21 December 2023, pp. 360-361
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Objective:
Cognitive training is a non-pharmacological intervention aimed at improving cognitive function across a single or multiple domains. Although the underlying mechanisms of cognitive training and transfer effects are not well-characterized, cognitive training has been thought to facilitate neural plasticity to enhance cognitive performance. Indeed, the Scaffolding Theory of Aging and Cognition (STAC) proposes that cognitive training may enhance the ability to engage in compensatory scaffolding to meet task demands and maintain cognitive performance. We therefore evaluated the effects of cognitive training on working memory performance in older adults without dementia. This study will help begin to elucidate non-pharmacological intervention effects on compensatory scaffolding in older adults.
Participants and Methods:48 participants were recruited for a Phase III randomized clinical trial (Augmenting Cognitive Training in Older Adults [ACT]; NIH R01AG054077) conducted at the University of Florida and University of Arizona. Participants across sites were randomly assigned to complete cognitive training (n=25) or an education training control condition (n=23). Cognitive training and the education training control condition were each completed during 60 sessions over 12 weeks for 40 hours total. The education training control condition involved viewing educational videos produced by the National Geographic Channel. Cognitive training was completed using the Posit Science Brain HQ training program, which included 8 cognitive training paradigms targeting attention/processing speed and working memory. All participants also completed demographic questionnaires, cognitive testing, and an fMRI 2-back task at baseline and at 12-weeks following cognitive training.
Results:Repeated measures analysis of covariance (ANCOVA), adjusted for training adherence, transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) condition, age, sex, years of education, and Wechsler Test of Adult Reading (WTAR) raw score, revealed a significant 2-back by training group interaction (F[1,40]=6.201, p=.017, η2=.134). Examination of simple main effects revealed baseline differences in 2-back performance (F[1,40]=.568, p=.455, η2=.014). After controlling for baseline performance, training group differences in 2-back performance was no longer statistically significant (F[1,40]=1.382, p=.247, η2=.034).
Conclusions:After adjusting for baseline performance differences, there were no significant training group differences in 2-back performance, suggesting that the randomization was not sufficient to ensure adequate distribution of participants across groups. Results may indicate that cognitive training alone is not sufficient for significant improvement in working memory performance on a near transfer task. Additional improvement may occur with the next phase of this clinical trial, such that tDCS augments the effects of cognitive training and results in enhanced compensatory scaffolding even within this high performing cohort. Limitations of the study include a highly educated sample with higher literacy levels and the small sample size was not powered for transfer effects analysis. Future analyses will include evaluation of the combined intervention effects of a cognitive training and tDCS on nback performance in a larger sample of older adults without dementia.
4 Risk Factor and Biomarker Correlates of FLAIR White Matter Hyperintensities in Former American Football Players
- Monica T Ly, Fatima Tuz-Zahra, Yorghos Tripodis, Charles H Adler, Laura J Balcer, Charles Bernick, Elaine Peskind, Megan L Mariani, Rhoda Au, Sarah J Banks, William B Barr, Jennifer V Wethe, Mark W Bondi, Lisa Delano-Wood, Robert C Cantu, Michael J Coleman, David W Dodick, Michael D McClean, Jesse Mez, Joseph N Palmisano, Brett Martin, Kaitlin Hartlage, Alexander P Lin, Inga K Koerte, Jeffrey L Cummings, Eric M Reiman, Martha E Shenton, Robert A Stern, Sylvain Bouix, Michael L Alosco
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- Journal:
- Journal of the International Neuropsychological Society / Volume 29 / Issue s1 / November 2023
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 21 December 2023, pp. 608-610
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Objective:
White matter hyperintensity (WMH) burden is greater, has a frontal-temporal distribution, and is associated with proxies of exposure to repetitive head impacts (RHI) in former American football players. These findings suggest that in the context of RHI, WMH might have unique etiologies that extend beyond those of vascular risk factors and normal aging processes. The objective of this study was to evaluate the correlates of WMH in former elite American football players. We examined markers of amyloid, tau, neurodegeneration, inflammation, axonal injury, and vascular health and their relationships to WMH. A group of age-matched asymptomatic men without a history of RHI was included to determine the specificity of the relationships observed in the former football players.
Participants and Methods:240 male participants aged 45-74 (60 unexposed asymptomatic men, 60 male former college football players, 120 male former professional football players) underwent semi-structured clinical interviews, magnetic resonance imaging (structural T1, T2 FLAIR, and diffusion tensor imaging), and lumbar puncture to collect cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers as part of the DIAGNOSE CTE Research Project. Total WMH lesion volumes (TLV) were estimated using the Lesion Prediction Algorithm from the Lesion Segmentation Toolbox. Structural equation modeling, using Full-Information Maximum Likelihood (FIML) to account for missing values, examined the associations between log-TLV and the following variables: total cortical thickness, whole-brain average fractional anisotropy (FA), CSF amyloid ß42, CSF p-tau181, CSF sTREM2 (a marker of microglial activation), CSF neurofilament light (NfL), and the modified Framingham stroke risk profile (rFSRP). Covariates included age, race, education, APOE z4 carrier status, and evaluation site. Bootstrapped 95% confidence intervals assessed statistical significance. Models were performed separately for football players (college and professional players pooled; n=180) and the unexposed men (n=60). Due to differences in sample size, estimates were compared and were considered different if the percent change in the estimates exceeded 10%.
Results:In the former football players (mean age=57.2, 34% Black, 29% APOE e4 carrier), reduced cortical thickness (B=-0.25, 95% CI [0.45, -0.08]), lower average FA (B=-0.27, 95% CI [-0.41, -.12]), higher p-tau181 (B=0.17, 95% CI [0.02, 0.43]), and higher rFSRP score (B=0.27, 95% CI [0.08, 0.42]) were associated with greater log-TLV. Compared to the unexposed men, substantial differences in estimates were observed for rFSRP (Bcontrol=0.02, Bfootball=0.27, 994% difference), average FA (Bcontrol=-0.03, Bfootball=-0.27, 802% difference), and p-tau181 (Bcontrol=-0.31, Bfootball=0.17, -155% difference). In the former football players, rFSRP showed a stronger positive association and average FA showed a stronger negative association with WMH compared to unexposed men. The effect of WMH on cortical thickness was similar between the two groups (Bcontrol=-0.27, Bfootball=-0.25, 7% difference).
Conclusions:These results suggest that the risk factor and biological correlates of WMH differ between former American football players and asymptomatic individuals unexposed to RHI. In addition to vascular risk factors, white matter integrity on DTI showed a stronger relationship with WMH burden in the former football players. FLAIR WMH serves as a promising measure to further investigate the late multifactorial pathologies of RHI.
2 Higher White Matter Hyperintensity Load Adversely Affects Pre-Post Proximal Cognitive Training Performance in Healthy Older Adults
- Emanuel M Boutzoukas, Andrew O’Shea, Jessica N Kraft, Cheshire Hardcastle, Nicole D Evangelista, Hanna K Hausman, Alejandro Albizu, Emily J Van Etten, Pradyumna K Bharadwaj, Samantha G Smith, Hyun Song, Eric C Porges, Alex Hishaw, Steven T DeKosky, Samuel S Wu, Michael Marsiske, Gene E Alexander, Ronald Cohen, Adam J Woods
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- Journal:
- Journal of the International Neuropsychological Society / Volume 29 / Issue s1 / November 2023
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 21 December 2023, pp. 671-672
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Objective:
Cognitive training has shown promise for improving cognition in older adults. Aging involves a variety of neuroanatomical changes that may affect response to cognitive training. White matter hyperintensities (WMH) are one common age-related brain change, as evidenced by T2-weighted and Fluid Attenuated Inversion Recovery (FLAIR) MRI. WMH are associated with older age, suggestive of cerebral small vessel disease, and reflect decreased white matter integrity. Higher WMH load associates with reduced threshold for clinical expression of cognitive impairment and dementia. The effects of WMH on response to cognitive training interventions are relatively unknown. The current study assessed (a) proximal cognitive training performance following a 3-month randomized control trial and (b) the contribution of baseline whole-brain WMH load, defined as total lesion volume (TLV), on pre-post proximal training change.
Participants and Methods:Sixty-two healthy older adults ages 65-84 completed either adaptive cognitive training (CT; n=31) or educational training control (ET; n=31) interventions. Participants assigned to CT completed 20 hours of attention/processing speed training and 20 hours of working memory training delivered through commercially-available Posit Science BrainHQ. ET participants completed 40 hours of educational videos. All participants also underwent sham or active transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) as an adjunctive intervention, although not a variable of interest in the current study. Multimodal MRI scans were acquired during the baseline visit. T1- and T2-weighted FLAIR images were processed using the Lesion Segmentation Tool (LST) for SPM12. The Lesion Prediction Algorithm of LST automatically segmented brain tissue and calculated lesion maps. A lesion threshold of 0.30 was applied to calculate TLV. A log transformation was applied to TLV to normalize the distribution of WMH. Repeated-measures analysis of covariance (RM-ANCOVA) assessed pre/post change in proximal composite (Total Training Composite) and sub-composite (Processing Speed Training Composite, Working Memory Training Composite) measures in the CT group compared to their ET counterparts, controlling for age, sex, years of education and tDCS group. Linear regression assessed the effect of TLV on post-intervention proximal composite and sub-composite, controlling for baseline performance, intervention assignment, age, sex, years of education, multisite scanner differences, estimated total intracranial volume, and binarized cardiovascular disease risk.
Results:RM-ANCOVA revealed two-way group*time interactions such that those assigned cognitive training demonstrated greater improvement on proximal composite (Total Training Composite) and sub-composite (Processing Speed Training Composite, Working Memory Training Composite) measures compared to their ET counterparts. Multiple linear regression showed higher baseline TLV associated with lower pre-post change on Processing Speed Training sub-composite (ß = -0.19, p = 0.04) but not other composite measures.
Conclusions:These findings demonstrate the utility of cognitive training for improving postintervention proximal performance in older adults. Additionally, pre-post proximal processing speed training change appear to be particularly sensitive to white matter hyperintensity load versus working memory training change. These data suggest that TLV may serve as an important factor for consideration when planning processing speed-based cognitive training interventions for remediation of cognitive decline in older adults.
1 Task-Based Functional Connectivity and Network Segregation of the Useful Field of View (UFOV) fMRI task
- Jessica N Kraft, Hanna K Hausman, Cheshire Hardcastle, Alejandro Albizu, Andrew O’Shea, Nicole D Evangelista, Emanuel M Boutzoukas, Emily J Van Etten, Pradyumna K Bharadwaj, Hyun Song, Samantha G Smith, Steven T DeKosky, Georg A Hishaw, Samuel Wu, Michael Marsiske, Ronald Cohen, Eric Porges, Adam J Woods
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- Journal of the International Neuropsychological Society / Volume 29 / Issue s1 / November 2023
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 21 December 2023, pp. 606-607
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Objective:
Interventions using a cognitive training paradigm called the Useful Field of View (UFOV) task have shown to be efficacious in slowing cognitive decline. However, no studies have looked at the engagement of functional networks during UFOV task completion. The current study aimed to (a) assess if regions activated during the UFOV fMRI task were functionally connected and related to task performance (henceforth called the UFOV network), (b) compare connectivity of the UFOV network to 7 resting-state functional connectivity networks in predicting proximal (UFOV) and near-transfer (Double Decision) performance, and (c) explore the impact of network segregation between higher-order networks and UFOV performance.
Participants and Methods:336 healthy older adults (mean age=71.6) completed the UFOV fMRI task in a Siemens 3T scanner. UFOV fMRI accuracy was calculated as the number of correct responses divided by 56 total trials. Double Decision performance was calculated as the average presentation time of correct responses in log ms, with lower scores equating to better processing speed. Structural and functional MRI images were processed using the default pre-processing pipeline within the CONN toolbox. The Artifact Rejection Toolbox was set at a motion threshold of 0.9mm and participants were excluded if more than 50% of volumes were flagged as outliers. To assess connectivity of regions associated with the UFOV task, we created 10 spherical regions of interest (ROIs) a priori using the WFU PickAtlas in SPM12. These include the bilateral pars triangularis, supplementary motor area, and inferior temporal gyri, as well as the left pars opercularis, left middle occipital gyrus, right precentral gyrus and right superior parietal lobule. We used a weighted ROI-to-ROI connectivity analysis to model task-based within-network functional connectivity of the UFOV network, and its relationship to UFOV accuracy. We then used weighted ROI-to-ROI connectivity analysis to compare the efficacy of the UFOV network versus 7 resting-state networks in predicting UFOV fMRI task performance and Double Decision performance. Finally, we calculated network segregation among higher order resting state networks to assess its relationship with UFOV accuracy. All functional connectivity analyses were corrected at a false discovery threshold (FDR) at p<0.05.
Results:ROI-to-ROI analysis showed significant within-network functional connectivity among the 10 a priori ROIs (UFOV network) during task completion (all pFDR<.05). After controlling for covariates, greater within-network connectivity of the UFOV network associated with better UFOV fMRI performance (pFDR=.008). Regarding the 7 resting-state networks, greater within-network connectivity of the CON (pFDR<.001) and FPCN (pFDR=. 014) were associated with higher accuracy on the UFOV fMRI task. Furthermore, greater within-network connectivity of only the UFOV network associated with performance on the Double Decision task (pFDR=.034). Finally, we assessed the relationship between higher-order network segregation and UFOV accuracy. After controlling for covariates, no significant relationships between network segregation and UFOV performance remained (all p-uncorrected>0.05).
Conclusions:To date, this is the first study to assess task-based functional connectivity during completion of the UFOV task. We observed that coherence within 10 a priori ROIs significantly predicted UFOV performance. Additionally, enhanced within-network connectivity of the UFOV network predicted better performance on the Double Decision task, while conventional resting-state networks did not. These findings provide potential targets to optimize efficacy of UFOV interventions.
78 BVMT-R Learning Ratio Moderates Cognitive Training Gains in Useful Field of View Task in Healthy Older Adults
- Cheshire Hardcastle, Jessica N. Kraft, Hanna K. Hausman, Andrew O’Shea, Alejandro Albizu, Nicole D. Evangelista, Emanuel Boutzoukas, Emily J. Van Etten, Pradyumna K. Bharadwaj, Hyun Song, Samantha G. Smith, Eric Porges, Steven DeKosky, Georg A. Hishaw, Samuel Wu, Michael Marsiske, Ronald Cohen, Gene E. Alexander, Adam J. Woods
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- Journal of the International Neuropsychological Society / Volume 29 / Issue s1 / November 2023
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 21 December 2023, pp. 180-181
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Objective:
Cognitive training using a visual speed-of-processing task, called the Useful Field of View (UFOV) task, reduced dementia risk and reduced decline in activities of daily living at a 10-year follow-up in older adults. However, there is variability in the level of cognitive gains after cognitive training across studies. One potential explanation for this variability could be moderating factors. Prior studies suggest variables moderating cognitive training gains share features of the training task. Learning trials of the Hopkins Verbal Learning Test-Revised (HVLT-R) and Brief Visuospatial Memory Test-Revised (BVMT-R) recruit similar cognitive abilities and have overlapping neural correlates with the UFOV task and speed-ofprocessing/working memory tasks and therefore could serve as potential moderators. Exploring moderating factors of cognitive training gains may boost the efficacy of interventions, improve rigor in the cognitive training literature, and eventually help provide tailored treatment recommendations. This study explored the association between the HVLT-R and BVMT-R learning and the UFOV task, and assessed the moderation of HVLT-R and BVMT-R learning on UFOV improvement after a 3-month speed-ofprocessing/attention and working memory cognitive training intervention in cognitively healthy older adults.
Participants and Methods:75 healthy older adults (M age = 71.11, SD = 4.61) were recruited as part of a larger clinical trial through the Universities of Florida and Arizona. Participants were randomized into a cognitive training (n=36) or education control (n=39) group and underwent a 40-hour, 12-week intervention. Cognitive training intervention consisted of practicing 4 attention/speed-of-processing (including the UFOV task) and 4 working memory tasks. Education control intervention consisted of watching 40-minute educational videos. The HVLT-R and BVMT-R were administered at the pre-intervention timepoint as part of a larger neurocognitive battery. The learning ratio was calculated as: trial 3 total - trial 1 total/12 - trial 1 total. UFOV performance was measured at pre- and post-intervention time points via the POSIT Brain HQ Double Decision Assessment. Multiple linear regressions predicted baseline Double Decision performance from HVLT-R and BVMT-R learning ratios controlling for study site, age, sex, and education. A repeated measures moderation analysis assessed the moderation of HVLT-R and BVMT-R learning ratio on Double Decision change from pre- to post-intervention for cognitive training and education control groups.
Results:Baseline Double Decision performance significantly associated with BVMT-R learning ratio (β=-.303, p=.008), but not HVLT-R learning ratio (β=-.142, p=.238). BVMT-R learning ratio moderated gains in Double Decision performance (p<.01); for each unit increase in BVMT-R learning ratio, there was a .6173 unit decrease in training gains. The HVLT-R learning ratio did not moderate gains in Double Decision performance (p>.05). There were no significant moderations in the education control group.
Conclusions:Better visuospatial learning was associated with faster Double Decision performance at baseline. Those with poorer visuospatial learning improved most on the Double Decision task after training, suggesting that healthy older adults who perform below expectations may show the greatest training gains. Future cognitive training research studying visual speed-of-processing interventions should account for differing levels of visuospatial learning at baseline, as this could impact the magnitude of training outcomes.
6 Adjunctive Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation and Cognitive Training Alters Default Mode and Frontoparietal Control Network Connectivity in Older Adults
- Hanna K Hausman, Jessica N Kraft, Cheshire Hardcastle, Nicole D Evangelista, Emanuel M Boutzoukas, Andrew O’Shea, Alejandro Albizu, Emily J Van Etten, Pradyumna K Bharadwaj, Hyun Song, Samantha G Smith, Eric S Porges, Georg A Hishaw, Samuel Wu, Steven DeKosky, Gene E Alexander, Michael Marsiske, Ronald A Cohen, Adam J Woods
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- Journal:
- Journal of the International Neuropsychological Society / Volume 29 / Issue s1 / November 2023
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 21 December 2023, pp. 675-676
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Objective:
Aging is associated with disruptions in functional connectivity within the default mode (DMN), frontoparietal control (FPCN), and cingulo-opercular (CON) resting-state networks. Greater within-network connectivity predicts better cognitive performance in older adults. Therefore, strengthening network connectivity, through targeted intervention strategies, may help prevent age-related cognitive decline or progression to dementia. Small studies have demonstrated synergistic effects of combining transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and cognitive training (CT) on strengthening network connectivity; however, this association has yet to be rigorously tested on a large scale. The current study leverages longitudinal data from the first-ever Phase III clinical trial for tDCS to examine the efficacy of an adjunctive tDCS and CT intervention on modulating network connectivity in older adults.
Participants and Methods:This sample included 209 older adults (mean age = 71.6) from the Augmenting Cognitive Training in Older Adults multisite trial. Participants completed 40 hours of CT over 12 weeks, which included 8 attention, processing speed, and working memory tasks. Participants were randomized into active or sham stimulation groups, and tDCS was administered during CT daily for two weeks then weekly for 10 weeks. For both stimulation groups, two electrodes in saline-soaked 5x7 cm2 sponges were placed at F3 (cathode) and F4 (anode) using the 10-20 measurement system. The active group received 2mA of current for 20 minutes. The sham group received 2mA for 30 seconds, then no current for the remaining 20 minutes.
Participants underwent resting-state fMRI at baseline and post-intervention. CONN toolbox was used to preprocess imaging data and conduct region of interest (ROI-ROI) connectivity analyses. The Artifact Detection Toolbox, using intermediate settings, identified outlier volumes. Two participants were excluded for having greater than 50% of volumes flagged as outliers. ROI-ROI analyses modeled the interaction between tDCS group (active versus sham) and occasion (baseline connectivity versus postintervention connectivity) for the DMN, FPCN, and CON controlling for age, sex, education, site, and adherence.
Results:Compared to sham, the active group demonstrated ROI-ROI increases in functional connectivity within the DMN following intervention (left temporal to right temporal [T(202) = 2.78, pFDR < 0.05] and left temporal to right dorsal medial prefrontal cortex [T(202) = 2.74, pFDR < 0.05]. In contrast, compared to sham, the active group demonstrated ROI-ROI decreases in functional connectivity within the FPCN following intervention (left dorsal prefrontal cortex to left temporal [T(202) = -2.96, pFDR < 0.05] and left dorsal prefrontal cortex to left lateral prefrontal cortex [T(202) = -2.77, pFDR < 0.05]). There were no significant interactions detected for CON regions.
Conclusions:These findings (a) demonstrate the feasibility of modulating network connectivity using tDCS and CT and (b) provide important information regarding the pattern of connectivity changes occurring at these intervention parameters in older adults. Importantly, the active stimulation group showed increases in connectivity within the DMN (a network particularly vulnerable to aging and implicated in Alzheimer’s disease) but decreases in connectivity between left frontal and temporal FPCN regions. Future analyses from this trial will evaluate the association between these changes in connectivity and cognitive performance post-intervention and at a one-year timepoint.
48 Elevated Postconcussive Symptoms are Associated with Increased Anterior Cerebral Blood Flow and Not Cortical Thickness in Veterans with a History of Remote mTBI
- Erin D Ozturk, Victoria C Merritt, Monica T Ly, Alexandra L Clark, Katherine J Bangen, Adan F. Ton-Loy, Lisa Delano-Wood
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- Journal:
- Journal of the International Neuropsychological Society / Volume 29 / Issue s1 / November 2023
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 21 December 2023, pp. 154-155
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Objective:
Veterans with a history of mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) often endorse enduring postconcussive symptoms (PCS) including cognitive and neuropsychiatric complaints. However, although several studies have shown associations between these complaints and brain structure and cerebrovascular function, few studies have examined relationships between structural and functional brain alterations and PCS in the context of remote mTBI. We therefore examined whether PCS were associated with cortical thickness and cerebral blood flow (CBF) in a well-characterized sample of Veterans with a history of mTBI.
Participants and Methods:116 Veterans underwent structural neuroimaging and a clinical interview to obtain detailed TBI history and injury-related information. Participants also completed the following self-report measures: the Neurobehavioral Symptom Inventory (NSI) for ratings of cognitive, emotional, somatic-sensory, and vestibular symptoms, and the Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Checklist for PTSD symptom severity. Regional brain thickness was indexed using FreeSurfer-derived cortical parcellations of frontal and temporal regions of interest (ROIs) including the superior frontal gyrus (SFG), middle frontal gyrus (MFG), inferior frontal gyrus (IFG), orbitofrontal cortex (OFC), anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), medial temporal lobe (MTL), and lateral temporal lobe (LTL). A subset of Veterans (n=50) also underwent multi-phase pseudo-continuous arterial spin labeling (MPPCASL) to obtain resting CBF. T1-weighted structural and MPPCASL scans were co-registered and CBF estimates were extracted from the 7 bilateral parcellations of ROIs. To assess the relationship between NSI total and subscale scores and ROI thickness and CBF, multiple regression analyses were conducted adjusting for age, sex, and PTSD symptom severity. False Discovery Rate was used to correct for multiple comparisons.
Results:NSI total and subscale scores were not associated with cortical thickness of any ROI. However, higher NSI scores were associated with increased ROI CBF of the SFG (q=.014) and MFG CBF (q=.014). With respect to symptom subscales, higher affective subscale scores were associated with increased SFG (q=.001), MFG (q=.001), IFG (q=.039), ACC (q=.026), and LTL CBF (q=.026); higher cognitive subscale scores were associated with increased SFG (q=.014) and MFG CBF (q=.032); and higher vestibular subscale scores were associated with increased ACC CBF (q=.021). NSI somatic-sensory subscale scores were not associated with ROI CBF.
Conclusions:Results demonstrate that in TBI-susceptible anterior ROIs, alterations in CBF but not cortical thickness are associated with postconcussive symptomatology in Veterans with a history of mTBI. Specifically, postconcussive total symptoms as well as affective, cognitive, and vestibular subscale symptoms were strongly linked primarily to CBF of frontal regions. Remarkably, these results indicate that enduring symptoms in generally younger samples of Veterans with head injury histories may be closely tied to cerebrovascular function rather than brain structure changes. These findings may provide a neurological basis for negative clinical outcomes (e.g., enduring PCS and poor quality of life) that is frequently reported by many individuals following mTBI. Future work is needed to examine unique effects of blast exposure as well as associations with repeated injury on brain-behavior relationships.
72 Cognitive Training Paired with Bifrontal tDCS Decreases Depressive Symptoms in a Non-Clinical Sample of Older Adults: Preliminary Evidence
- Sarah M Szymkowicz, Warren D Taylor, Adam J Woods
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- Journal:
- Journal of the International Neuropsychological Society / Volume 29 / Issue s1 / November 2023
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 21 December 2023, pp. 477-478
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Objective:
Subthreshold depressive symptoms are both prevalent and associated with negative outcomes in older adults, including conversion to major depressive disorder and other medical conditions. Antidepressants are not recommended as first-line or sole intervention for subthreshold depression; thus, finding other efficacious interventions is important. In depressed adults, transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) applied to the frontal lobe has antidepressant properties and pairing tDCS with cognitive training results in additional benefit due to enhancement of frontal cortical activity. However, these studies have primarily targeted depressed adults under age 65 years and less is known about whether this intervention combination is beneficial or affects subthreshold depressive symptoms in older adults.
Participants and Methods:We are reporting secondary data analyses from Nissim et al. (2019), who recruited 30 non-demented healthy older adults and randomized them to receive active or sham tDCS in combination with cognitive training for 2 weeks. Active tDCS was delivered bifrontally over F3 (cathode) and F4 (anode) for 20-min at 2 mA intensity through two 5x7 cm2 saline saturated sponge electrodes using the Soterix Medical 1x1 tDCS clinical trials device. Sham tDCS had identical set-up with 2 mA stimulation for 30-sec with 30-sec ramp up and down. Cognitive training was administered for 40-min daily using attention/processing speed and working memory modules from BrainHQ. The first 20-min of cognitive training was paired with active or sham tDCS. To allow room for symptom improvement, we only included participants with Beck Depression Inventory, 2nd edition (BDI-II) scores of 5 or greater ("minimal" depression severity). We identified 15 participants who met this cut-off (70.93 ± 5.41 years old, 10 females, 16.4 years ± 2.32 years education, MoCA = 27.27 ± 2.34; 7 active, 8 sham).
Results:tDCS conditions did not significantly differ in age, sex, years of education, MoCA scores, number of completed intervention days, or baseline BDI-II (active: 7.71 ± 2.93, sham: 11.38 ± 6.44). There were no differences in sensation ratings between groups or in confidence ratings for condition received (suggesting successful blinding). Results indicated the combination of active (and not sham) tDCS with cognitive training was associated with reduced depressive symptoms (2.7 vs. 1.4 points, active vs. sham). Including covariates (age, sex, education, MoCA scores, and number of completed intervention days) in the model further strengthened this discrepancy (3.7 vs. 0.51 points, active vs. sham).
Conclusions:While preliminary, these results suggest this intervention combination may be a potential method for improving subthreshold depressive symptoms in older adults via targeting prefrontal neural circuitry and promoting neuroplasticity of the underlying neural network. While baseline BDI-II scores did not significantly differ, the active tDCS group had a lower score than sham, but saw greater improvement in BDI-II scores post-intervention despite having less room for change. Adequate treatment of subthreshold depressive symptoms may prevent or reduce negative outcomes associated with depressive symptoms in at-risk older adults. Larger randomized clinical trials are needed to better understand tDCS plus cognitive training antidepressant effects in this age group.
9 Connecting memory and functional brain networks in older adults: a resting state fMRI study
- Jori L Waner, Hanna K Hausman, Jessica N Kraft, Cheshire Hardcastle, Nicole D Evangelista, Andrew O’Shea, Alejandro Albizu, Emanuel M Boutzoukas, Emily J Van Etten, Pradyumna K Bharadwaj, Hyun Song, Samantha G Smith, Steven T DeKosky, Georg A Hishaw, Samuel S Wu, Michael Marsiske, Ronald Cohen, Gene E Alexander, Eric C Porges, Adam J Woods
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- Journal:
- Journal of the International Neuropsychological Society / Volume 29 / Issue s1 / November 2023
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 21 December 2023, pp. 527-528
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Objective:
Nonpathological aging has been linked to decline in both verbal and visuospatial memory abilities in older adults. Disruptions in resting-state functional connectivity within well-characterized, higherorder cognitive brain networks have also been coupled with poorer memory functioning in healthy older adults and in older adults with dementia. However, there is a paucity of research on the association between higherorder functional connectivity and verbal and visuospatial memory performance in the older adult population. The current study examines the association between resting-state functional connectivity within the cingulo-opercular network (CON), frontoparietal control network (FPCN), and default mode network (DMN) and verbal and visuospatial learning and memory in a large sample of healthy older adults. We hypothesized that greater within-network CON and FPCN functional connectivity would be associated with better immediate verbal and visuospatial memory recall. Additionally, we predicted that within-network DMN functional connectivity would be associated with improvements in delayed verbal and visuospatial memory recall. This study helps to glean insight into whether within-network CON, FPCN, or DMN functional connectivity is associated with verbal and visuospatial memory abilities in later life.
Participants and Methods:330 healthy older adults between 65 and 89 years old (mean age = 71.6 ± 5.2) were recruited at the University of Florida (n = 222) and the University of Arizona (n = 108). Participants underwent resting-state fMRI and completed verbal memory (Hopkins Verbal Learning Test - Revised [HVLT-R]) and visuospatial memory (Brief Visuospatial Memory Test - Revised [BVMT-R]) measures. Immediate (total) and delayed recall scores on the HVLT-R and BVMT-R were calculated using each test manual’s scoring criteria. Learning ratios on the HVLT-R and BVMT-R were quantified by dividing the number of stimuli (verbal or visuospatial) learned between the first and third trials by the number of stimuli not recalled after the first learning trial. CONN Toolbox was used to extract average within-network connectivity values for CON, FPCN, and DMN. Hierarchical regressions were conducted, controlling for sex, race, ethnicity, years of education, number of invalid scans, and scanner site.
Results:Greater CON connectivity was significantly associated with better HVLT-R immediate (total) recall (ß = 0.16, p = 0.01), HVLT-R learning ratio (ß = 0.16, p = 0.01), BVMT-R immediate (total) recall (ß = 0.14, p = 0.02), and BVMT-R delayed recall performance (ß = 0.15, p = 0.01). Greater FPCN connectivity was associated with better BVMT-R learning ratio (ß = 0.13, p = 0.04). HVLT-R delayed recall performance was not associated with connectivity in any network, and DMN connectivity was not significantly related to any measure.
Conclusions:Connectivity within CON demonstrated a robust relationship with different components of memory function as well across verbal and visuospatial domains. In contrast, FPCN only evidenced a relationship with visuospatial learning, and DMN was not significantly associated with memory measures. These data suggest that CON may be a valuable target in longitudinal studies of age-related memory changes, but also a possible target in future non-invasive interventions to attenuate memory decline in older adults.
The association between plant and animal protein intake and disability free survival in community-dwelling older adults: the results of the ASPREE Longitudinal Study of Older Persons (ALSOP)
- H. Wild, D. Gasevic, R.L. Woods, J. McNeil, C. Britt, A. Owen
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- Proceedings of the Nutrition Society / Volume 82 / Issue OCE2 / 2023
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 22 March 2023, E120
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Impact of electronic alerts on repeat urine culture testing: Analysis from a large academic medical center
- Satish R. Munigala, Helen Wood, Melanie L. Yarbrough, Ronald R. Jackups, Jr, Carey-Ann D. Burnham, Michael J. Durkin, Kevin Hsueh, David K. Warren
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- Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology / Volume 44 / Issue 2 / February 2023
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 03 January 2023, pp. 345-347
- Print publication:
- February 2023
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The association between area-level residential instability and gray matter volume changes
- B. Ku, J. Addington, C. Bearden, K. Cadenhead, T. Cannon, M. Compton, B. Cornblatt, B. Druss, M. Keshavan, D. Mathalon, T. Mcglashan, D. Perkins, L. Seidman, W. Stone, M. Tsuang, S. Woods, E. Walker
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- European Psychiatry / Volume 65 / Issue S1 / June 2022
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 01 September 2022, p. S787
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Introduction
Area-level residential instability (ARI), an index of social fragmentation, has been shown to explain the association between urbanicity and psychosis. Urban upbringing has been shown to be associated with decreased gray matter volumes (GMV)s of brain regions corresponding to the right caudal middle frontal gyrus (CMFG) and rostral anterior cingulate cortex (rACC).
ObjectivesWe hypothesize that greater ARI will be associated with reduced right posterior CMFG and rACC GMVs.
MethodsData were collected at baseline as part of the North American Prodrome Longitudinal Study. Counties where participants resided during childhood were geographically coded using the US Censuses to area-level factors. ARI was defined as the percentage of residents living in a different house five years ago. Generalized linear mixed models tested associations between ARI and GMVs.
ResultsThis study included 29 HC and 64 CHR-P individuals who were aged 12 to 24 years, had remained in their baseline residential area, and had magnetic resonance imaging scans. ARI was associated with reduced right CMFG (adjusted β = -0.258; 95% CI = -0.502 – -0.015) and right rACC volumes (adjusted β = -0.318; 95% CI = -0.612 – -0.023). The interaction terms (ARI X diagnostic group) in the prediction of both brain regions were not significant, indicating that the relationships between ARI and regional brain volumes held for both CHR-P and HCs.
ConclusionsLike urban upbringing, ARI may be an important social environmental characteristic that adversely impacts brain regions related to schizophrenia.
DisclosureNo significant relationships.
Pain perception and physiological correlates in body-focused repetitive behavior disorders
- Christine Lochner, Janine Roos, Martin Kidd, Gaironeesa Hendricks, Tara S. Peris, Emily J. Ricketts, Darin D. Dougherty, Douglas W. Woods, Nancy J. Keuthen, Dan J. Stein, Jon E. Grant, John Piacentini
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- CNS Spectrums / Volume 28 / Issue 2 / April 2023
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 22 March 2022, pp. 197-204
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Background
Behaviors typical of body-focused repetitive behavior disorders such as trichotillomania (TTM) and skin-picking disorder (SPD) are often associated with pleasure or relief, and with little or no physical pain, suggesting aberrant pain perception. Conclusive evidence about pain perception and correlates in these conditions is, however, lacking.
MethodsA multisite international study examined pain perception and its physiological correlates in adults with TTM (n = 31), SPD (n = 24), and healthy controls (HCs; n = 26). The cold pressor test was administered, and measurements of pain perception and cardiovascular parameters were taken every 15 seconds. Pain perception, latency to pain tolerance, cardiovascular parameters and associations with illness severity, and comorbid depression, as well as interaction effects (group × time interval), were investigated across groups.
ResultsThere were no group differences in pain ratings over time (P = .8) or latency to pain tolerance (P = .8). Illness severity was not associated with pain ratings (all P > .05). In terms of diastolic blood pressure (DBP), the main effect of group was statistically significant (P = .01), with post hoc analyses indicating higher mean DBP in TTM (95% confidence intervals [CI], 84.0-93.5) compared to SPD (95% CI, 73.5-84.2; P = .01), and HCs (95% CI, 75.6-86.0; P = .03). Pain perception did not differ between those with and those without depression (TTM: P = .2, SPD: P = .4).
ConclusionThe study findings were mostly negative suggesting that general pain perception aberration is not involved in TTM and SPD. Other underlying drivers of hair-pulling and skin-picking behavior (eg, abnormal reward processing) should be investigated.
Characterizing sustained social anxiety in individuals at clinical high risk for psychosis: trajectory, risk factors, and functional outcomes
- Wisteria Deng, Jean Addington, Carrie E. Bearden, Kristin S. Cadenhead, Barbara A. Cornblatt, Daniel H. Mathalon, Diana O. Perkins, Larry J. Seidman, Ming T. Tsuang, Scott W. Woods, Elaine F. Walker, Tyrone D. Cannon
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- Psychological Medicine / Volume 53 / Issue 8 / June 2023
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 11 February 2022, pp. 3644-3651
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Background
While comorbidity of clinical high-risk for psychosis (CHR-P) status and social anxiety is well-established, it remains unclear how social anxiety and positive symptoms covary over time in this population. The present study aimed to determine whether there are more than one covariant trajectory of social anxiety and positive symptoms in the North American Prodrome Longitudinal Study cohort (NAPLS 2) and, if so, to test whether the different trajectory subgroups differ in terms of genetic and environmental risk factors for psychotic disorders and general functional outcome.
MethodsIn total, 764 CHR individuals were evaluated at baseline for social anxiety and psychosis risk symptom severity and followed up every 6 months for 2 years. Application of group-based multi-trajectory modeling discerned three subgroups based on the covariant trajectories of social anxiety and positive symptoms over 2 years.
ResultsOne of the subgroups showed sustained social anxiety over time despite moderate recovery in positive symptoms, while the other two showed recovery of social anxiety below clinically significant thresholds, along with modest to moderate recovery in positive symptom severity. The trajectory group with sustained social anxiety had poorer long-term global functional outcomes than the other trajectory groups. In addition, compared with the other two trajectory groups, membership in the group with sustained social anxiety was predicted by higher levels of polygenic risk for schizophrenia and environmental stress exposures.
ConclusionsTogether, these analyses indicate differential relevance of sustained v. remitting social anxiety symptoms in the CHR-P population, which in turn may carry implications for differential intervention strategies.
Neurobiology of subtypes of trichotillomania and skin picking disorder
- Jon E. Grant, Richard A. I. Bethlehem, Samuel R. Chamberlain, Tara S. Peris, Emily J. Ricketts, Joseph O’Neill, Darin D. Dougherty, Dan Stein, Christine Lochner, Douglas W. Woods, John Piacentini, Nancy J. Keuthen
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- CNS Spectrums / Volume 28 / Issue 1 / February 2023
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 03 November 2021, pp. 98-103
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Background
Trichotillomania (TTM) and skin picking disorder (SPD) are common and often debilitating mental health conditions, grouped under the umbrella term of body-focused repetitive behaviors (BFRBs). Recent clinical subtyping found that there were three distinct subtypes of TTM and two of SPD. Whether these clinical subtypes map on to any unique neurobiological underpinnings, however, remains unknown.
MethodsTwo hundred and fifty one adults [193 with a BFRB (85.5% [n = 165] female) and 58 healthy controls (77.6% [n = 45] female)] were recruited from the community for a multicenter between-group comparison using structural neuroimaging. Differences in whole brain structure were compared across the subtypes of BFRBs, controlling for age, sex, scanning site, and intracranial volume.
ResultsWhen the subtypes of TTM were compared, low awareness hair pullers demonstrated increased cortical volume in the lateral occipital lobe relative to controls and sensory sensitive pullers. In addition, impulsive/perfectionist hair pullers showed relative decreased volume near the lingual gyrus of the inferior occipital–parietal lobe compared with controls.
ConclusionsThese data indicate that the anatomical substrates of particular forms of BFRBs are dissociable, which may have implications for understanding clinical presentations and treatment response.