Comparison Of Cognitive Performance Following One Hour Of Passive Heating Or Walking In Older Adults: A Preliminary Analysis

Moderate-intensity exercise increases measures of cognitive performance such as working memory and cognitive flexibility. Hyperthermia can result in declines in cognitive performance through reduced motor function and response inhibition. However, these results have been observed during cognitive performance in the heat while core temperatures remain elevated. Heat therapy may promote improvements in cognitive function after treatment similar to exercise training by inducing a stress-related response. The purpose of this study was to compare cognitive performance immediately following one hour of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise or one hour of whole-body passive heating. METHODS: Four adults (age: 67.3 + 3.3 years, BMI: 29.0 + 5.4 kg/m2, 2 female) participated in a randomized repeated measures study. Participants completed either one hour of moderate intensity walking on a treadmill (TM; 65-75% age-predicted maximum heart rate) or one hour of seated passive heating (HEAT) in a controlled environmental heat chamber (32-35 degrees Celsius, \u3c 40% humidity). Cognitive performance was measured using computerized software (Automated Neuropsychological Assessment Metrics, ANAM, Vista LifeSciences, Inc.), which provides objective measures of cognitive performance through a variety of test batteries designed to measure variables such as motor coordination, cognitive flexibility, and response inhibition. Variables were analyzed as a change in score from the familiarization exam (pre- or post-treatment minus – baseline) to minimize the learning effect. RESULTS: No differences between measures of motor coordination (TM: 6 + 12.7 vs. 5 + 12.7; HEAT: 0 + 1.4 vs. -1 + 1.4), cognitive flexibility (TM: -1 + 1.4 vs. 1.5 + 0.7; HEAT: 3.5 + 0.7 vs. 3.5 + 0.7), or response inhibition (TM: 17 + 22.6 vs. 23.5 + 23.3; HEAT: 1.5 + 2.1 vs. 8 + 2.8) were found following either treatment. CONCLUSION: One bout of moderate intensity aerobic exercise or whole-body passive heating does not impair cognitive performance. In addition, one hour of passive heating does not result in decreased cognitive performance in older adults. Post-hyperthermic stress response did not impair cognitive function

Anaerobic Performance in Female Collegiate Wrestlers During Ovulation Versus the Mid-luteal Phase of the Menstrual Cycle: A Pilot Study

Anaerobic performance may vary during different phases of the menstrual cycle. The greatest differences occur between the late-follicular phase (i.e., ovulation) and the mid-luteal phase. Optimal anaerobic performance may be observed during the mid-luteal phase. PURPOSE: To explore differences in upper and lower body anaerobic performance during ovulation versus the mid-luteal phase of the menstrual cycle in collegiate female wrestlers. METHODS: Six female collegiate wrestlers (age = 18.6 ± 0.2 yrs; height = 165.0 ± 0.5 cm; body mass = 79.7 ± 9.6 kg; lean body mass = 45.6 ± 2.8 kg; % body fat = 31.4 ± 6.6%) performed both upper and lower body Wingate tests, each lasting 30 seconds, during the ovulation and the mid-luteal phases of the menstrual cycle. Upper and lower body tests were performed 24 hours apart. Menstrual cycle phases were determined by calendar tracking, reverse estimation of ovulation, and administration of a urinary luteinizing hormone test assessed daily until positive results indicated ovulation. Lower body power was measured using a Velotron cycle ergometer, with a resistance of 0.075 kg/kg applied after a 5-second sprint at a resistance of 1 kg (50 W). Peak power (W) and relative power (W/kg) were measured. Upper body power was measured using a Monark hand ergometer with a 0.045 kg/kg resistance applied after a 5-second sprint at a resistance of 0.5 kg (25 W). Peak power (W) and relative power (W/kg) was calculated using rotation count, weight applied, and distance per rotation. Paired t-tests were used to analyze differences in means during the ovulation vs mid-luteal phases with a significance level of 0.05. RESULTS: There were no significant differences between trials for any variables measured. Lower body peak power (W) was 848.3 ± 126.1W vs 855.0 ± 143.9W. Lower body relative power (W/kg) was 11.8 ± 0.7W/kg vs 11.9 ± 0.8W/kg. Upper body peak power (W) was 162.1 ± 29.6 vs 160.2 ± 13.2W. Upper body relative power (W/kg) was 2.3 ± 0.4W/kg vs 2.2 ± 0.2W/kg. CONCLUSION: There may not be an optimal timing of significantly increased anaerobic performance in regard to menstrual phase in these wrestlers

31st Annual Meeting and Associated Programs of the Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer (SITC 2016) : part two

Background The immunological escape of tumors represents one of the main ob- stacles to the treatment of malignancies. The blockade of PD-1 or CTLA-4 receptors represented a milestone in the history of immunotherapy. However, immune checkpoint inhibitors seem to be effective in specific cohorts of patients. It has been proposed that their efficacy relies on the presence of an immunological response. Thus, we hypothesized that disruption of the PD-L1/PD-1 axis would synergize with our oncolytic vaccine platform PeptiCRAd. Methods We used murine B16OVA in vivo tumor models and flow cytometry analysis to investigate the immunological background. Results First, we found that high-burden B16OVA tumors were refractory to combination immunotherapy. However, with a more aggressive schedule, tumors with a lower burden were more susceptible to the combination of PeptiCRAd and PD-L1 blockade. The therapy signifi- cantly increased the median survival of mice (Fig. 7). Interestingly, the reduced growth of contralaterally injected B16F10 cells sug- gested the presence of a long lasting immunological memory also against non-targeted antigens. Concerning the functional state of tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs), we found that all the immune therapies would enhance the percentage of activated (PD-1pos TIM- 3neg) T lymphocytes and reduce the amount of exhausted (PD-1pos TIM-3pos) cells compared to placebo. As expected, we found that PeptiCRAd monotherapy could increase the number of antigen spe- cific CD8+ T cells compared to other treatments. However, only the combination with PD-L1 blockade could significantly increase the ra- tio between activated and exhausted pentamer positive cells (p= 0.0058), suggesting that by disrupting the PD-1/PD-L1 axis we could decrease the amount of dysfunctional antigen specific T cells. We ob- served that the anatomical location deeply influenced the state of CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes. In fact, TIM-3 expression was in- creased by 2 fold on TILs compared to splenic and lymphoid T cells. In the CD8+ compartment, the expression of PD-1 on the surface seemed to be restricted to the tumor micro-environment, while CD4 + T cells had a high expression of PD-1 also in lymphoid organs. Interestingly, we found that the levels of PD-1 were significantly higher on CD8+ T cells than on CD4+ T cells into the tumor micro- environment (p < 0.0001). Conclusions In conclusion, we demonstrated that the efficacy of immune check- point inhibitors might be strongly enhanced by their combination with cancer vaccines. PeptiCRAd was able to increase the number of antigen-specific T cells and PD-L1 blockade prevented their exhaus- tion, resulting in long-lasting immunological memory and increased median survival

Co‐ideation and co‐design in co‐creation research: Reflections from the ‘Co‐Creating Safe Spaces’ project

Abstract Introduction Numerous frameworks for defining and supporting co‐created research exist. The practicalities of designing and conducting co‐created research are clearly important, yet the utility of these frameworks and their operationalisation within local contexts and involving a diversity of stakeholders and interests are currently not well‐researched. Methods Using an instrumental case study approach, we examined the utility of a published systematic framework designed to improve clarity about co‐creation as a concept and approach. The framework is explored based on the first two processes that correspond to our own work to date: co‐ideation and co‐design. Results Our study showed that diverse stakeholders bring challenges regarding research priorities, methods, language and the distribution of power within co‐creation processes. Co‐creation activities were incremental, adaptable, responsive and made best use of established relationships, structures and collective leadership to meet the competing demands of funders and human research ethics committees, while ensuring the meaningful participation of multiple stakeholders. Conclusion The findings highlight the iterative, fluid and deeply relational nature of co‐created research. Rather than seeking to categorise these processes, we argue that the social relations of research production that provide the structures within which all co‐created knowledge is generated are more important drivers of effective knowledge mobilisation and implementation. Thus, close attention to these social relations is needed in co‐created research. Patient or Public Contribution People with lived experience of emotional distress and/or suicidal crisis, including academic researchers, service and peer workers, carers and advocates were involved in the co‐ideation and co‐design of this research. All authors identify as people with lived experience, from both academic and nonresearch backgrounds

Designing a Web-Based Navigation Tool to Support Access to Youth Mental Health Services: Qualitative Study

BackgroundMany young people with mental health problems do not readily seek help or receive treatment and support. One way to address low help-seeking behavior is to improve access to information on mental health services and how to navigate the mental health system via a web-based tool. Seeking input from the end users (young people and parents or caregivers) on key features of the tool is imperative to ensure that it is relevant, engaging, and likely to meet their needs and expectations. ObjectiveThis study aims to investigate young person and parent or caregiver views on the design, content, functioning, and user experience of a web-based mental health navigation tool to support connection to mental health services for children and young people aged up to 25 years. MethodsA total of 4 online focus groups were conducted: 2 with young people aged 16 years and older (total n=15) and 2 with parents or caregivers (total n=13). Focus groups were structured around a series of guiding questions to explore participants’ views on content, features, user experience, and design of a mental health navigation website. Focus groups were audio recorded with detailed notes taken. In addition, 53 young people aged 16-25 years and 97 parents or caregivers completed an online survey, comprising closed- and open-ended questions; open-ended responses were included with the focus group data in the qualitative analysis. All qualitative data were analyzed using thematic analysis. ResultsA total of 2 topic areas and 7 themes were developed. The first topic area covered the types of information needs of young people and parents. Identified themes concerned the scope of the navigation website, as well as the provision of up-to-date and practical information on how to navigate the whole help-seeking process. The second topic area covered website features that would be beneficial and included the consideration of the website design; search engines; supported navigation; and forums, reviews, and user accounts. ConclusionsThis study provides important insights into the navigation needs of young people and parents or caregivers in seeking mental health services. Key findings identified through this research have directly informed the development of MindMap, a web-based youth navigation tool providing a searchable database of local services, including a clear description, their location, and potential wait times. The website can be navigated independently or with support

The Music Engagement Program for People With Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia: Pilot Feasibility Trial Outcomes

Alzheimer’s disease and dementia are common, highly disabling conditions frequently requiring residential care. This exploratory proof-of-concept study aimed to determine if the specialised Music Engagement Program (MEP) was sustainable, acceptable, and effective in improving quality of life, emotional wellbeing, and depression symptoms in this population. Sixteen residents, six staff members, and three family and community members took part in the evaluation of the MEP for people living with dementia in a residential aged-care nursing home in Canberra, Australia. Multiple methods were used. Quantitative evaluation assessed residents’ depression symptoms (Cornell scale) at pre- and post-intervention, and emotional wellbeing pre- and post-session. Qualitative interviews with staff, and family and community members addressed the MEP’s acceptability and potential sustainability. Results showed residents’ mean depression scores were reduced from pre- to post-intervention (p = .039; dz = 0.72). Interviews established multiple benefits for residents including improved mood, calmness, and reduced aggression. However, staff did not believe it was feasible to continue the MEP sessions beyond the trial period without an external facilitator, citing potential difficulties in adhering to internal activities due to time constraints. This pilot study provides encouraging preliminary evidence for the MEP’s acceptability and potential effectiveness for improving depression and wellbeing in this group. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved

Patterns and predictors of alcohol use during the early stages of the COVID‐19 pandemic in Australia: Longitudinal cohort study

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in disruptions across many life domains. The distress associated with the pandemic itself, and with public health efforts to manage the outbreak, could result in increased alcohol use. This study aimed to quantify changes in alcohol use during the early stages of the pandemic and factors associated with different patterns of use. METHODS: Data were obtained from a longitudinal survey of a representative Australian adult sample (N = 1296, 50% female, Mage  = 46.0) conducted from March to June 2020, during the first wave of the COVID-19 outbreak in Australia. Change in alcohol consumption was examined using Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test-Consumption (AUDIT-C) scores from waves one, three, five, and seven of the study, each 4 weeks apart. Factors associated with alcohol consumption were examined, including depression (PHQ-9) and anxiety (GAD-7) symptoms, health risk tolerance, stress and coping, work and social impairment (WSAS), COVID impacts, and sociodemographic variables. We tested changes in alcohol use across the full sample using a mixed effects repeated measure ANOVA model and a multinomial logistic regression to identify factors assessed at wave 1 that were independently associated with alcohol use. RESULTS: There was no significant change in AUDIT-C scores across the study. For most participants, alcohol use did not increase during the early phase of the COVID-19 pandemic in Australia. COVID-19 exposure, higher perceived coping, depression symptoms, and male gender were associated with greater odds of increasing or elevated levels of alcohol use. Social changes, which included working from home, had mixed effects on alcohol consumption. CONCLUSIONS: Although no evidence was found for increased alcohol use overall during the early months of the pandemic, several factors were associated with alcohol consumption at risky levels. Greater understanding of motivations for drinking across public and private contexts, along with targeted support for high-risk groups, could assist in reducing harm associated with alcohol consumption

Co-creating safe spaces: Study protocol for translational research on innovative alternatives to the emergency department for people experiencing emotional distress and/ or suicidal crisis

Introduction Safe spaces are an alternative to emergency departments, which are often unable to provide optimum care for people experiencing emotional distress and/or suicidal crisis. At present, there are several different safe space models being trialled in Australia. However, research examining the effectiveness of safe space models, especially in community settings, is rare. In this paper, we present a protocol for a study in which we will investigate the implementation, effectiveness, and sustainability of safe space models as genuine alternatives for people who might usually present to the emergency department or choose not to access help due to past negative experiences. Material and methods We will use a mixed methods, co-designed study design, conducted according to the principles of community-based participatory research to obtain deep insights into the benefits of different safe space models, potential challenges, and facilitators of effective practice. We developed the study plan and evaluation framework using the RE-AIM framework, and this will be used to assess key outcomes related to reach, effectiveness, adoption, implementation, and maintenance. Data collection will comprise quantitative measures on access, use, satisfaction, (cost) effectiveness, distress, and suicidal ideation; and qualitative assessments of service implementation, experience, feasibility, acceptability, community awareness, and the fidelity of the models to service co-design. Data will be collected and analysed concurrently throughout the trial period of the initiatives. Discussion This study will enable an extensive investigation of safe spaces that will inform local delivery and provide a broader understanding of the key features of safe spaces as acceptable and effective alternatives to hospital-based care for people experiencing emotional distress and/ or suicidal crisis. This study will also contribute to a growing body of research on the role and benefits of peer support and provide critical new knowledge on the successes and challenges of service co-design to inform future practice