Associations between circulating cardiovascular disease risk factors and cognitive performance in cognitively healthy older adults from the NuAge study

IntroductionCardiovascular disease risk factors (CVRFs) contribute to the development of cognitive impairment and dementia.MethodsThis study examined the associations between circulating CVRF biomarkers and cognition in 386 cognitively healthy older adults (mean age = 78 ± 4 years, 53% females) selected from the Quebec Longitudinal Study on Nutrition and Successful Aging (NuAge). Memory, executive function, and processing speed were assessed at baseline and 2-year follow-up. CVRF biomarkers included total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C), triglycerides, glucose, insulin, high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), homocysteine, protein carbonyls, and cortisol. Linear mixed models were used to determine associations between individual CVRF biomarkers and cognition at both time points.ResultsHDL-C was most consistently associated with cognition with higher values related to better performance across several domains. Overall, stronger and more consistent relationships between CVRF biomarkers and cognition were observed in females relative to males.DiscussionFindings suggest that increases in the majority of circulating CVRFs are not associated with worse cognition in cognitively healthy older adults

Gemini GMOS and WHT SAURON integral-field spectrograph observations of the AGN driven outflow in NGC 1266

We use the SAURON and GMOS integral field spectrographs to observe the active galactic nucleus (AGN) powered outflow in NGC 1266. This unusual galaxy is relatively nearby (D=30 Mpc), allowing us to investigate the process of AGN feedback in action. We present maps of the kinematics and line strengths of the ionised gas emission lines Halpha, Hbeta, [OIII], [OI], [NII] and [SII], and report on the detection of Sodium D absorption. We use these tracers to explore the structure of the source, derive the ionised and atomic gas kinematics and investigate the gas excitation and physical conditions. NGC 1266 contains two ionised gas components along most lines of sight, tracing the ongoing outflow and a component closer to the galaxy systemic, the origin of which is unclear. This gas appears to be disturbed by a nascent AGN jet. We confirm that the outflow in NGC 1266 is truly multiphase, containing radio plasma, atomic, molecular and ionised gas and X-ray emitting plasma. The outflow has velocities up to \pm900 km/s away from the systemic velocity, and is very likely to be removing significant amounts of cold gas from the galaxy. The LINER-like line-emission in NGC 1266 is extended, and likely arises from fast shocks caused by the interaction of the radio jet with the ISM. These shocks have velocities of up to 800 km/s, which match well with the observed velocity of the outflow. Sodium D equivalent width profiles are used to set constraints on the size and orientation of the outflow. The ionised gas morphology correlates with the nascent radio jets observed in 1.4 GHz and 5 GHz continuum emission, supporting the suggestion that an AGN jet is providing the energy required to drive the outflow.Comment: Contains 18 figures. Accepted to MNRA

An epigenome-wide association study of total serum immunoglobulin E concentration

Immunoglobulin E (IgE) is a central mediator of allergic (atopic) inflammation. Therapies directed against IgE can alleviate hay fever and allergic asthma. Genetic association studies have not yet identified novel therapeutic targets or pathways underlying IgE regulation. We therefore surveyed epigenetic associations between serum IgE concentrations and methylation at loci concentrated in CpG islands genome wide in 95 nuclear pedigrees, using DNA from peripheral blood leukocytes. We validated positive results in additional families and in subjects from the general population. Here we show replicated associations-with a meta-analysis false discovery rate less than 10(-4)-between IgE and low methylation at 36 loci. Genes annotated to these loci encode known eosinophil products, and also implicate phospholipid inflammatory mediators, specific transcription factors and mitochondrial proteins. We confirmed that methylation at these loci differed significantly in isolated eosinophils from subjects with and without asthma and high IgE levels. The top three loci accounted for 13% of IgE variation in the primary subject panel, explaining the tenfold higher variance found compared with that derived from large single-nucleotide polymorphism genome-wide association studies. This study identifies novel therapeutic targets and biomarkers for patient stratification for allergic diseases

Holocene Depositional History of the Southern New Jersy Barrier and Backbarrier Regions

Source: https://erdc-library.erdc.dren.mil/jspui/The subsurface stratigraphy of the backbarrier region of southern New Jersey was examined to determine the Holocene depositional history. The study area extends from Brigantine to Cape May and includes seven barrier islands and an extensive backbarrier region. Vibracores, augercores, surface samples, historical maps and charts, and radiocarbon dates were used to document the patterns of sedimentation. The Holocene backbarrier stratigraphy is characterized by a fining upward sequence that consists of a basal marsh or lagoon, overlain by a sand facies, tidal flats, marshes, tidal channels, and shallow lagoons. These data reflect a change from higher to lower energy backbarrier conditions that resulted as the barrier islands migrated landward throughout the Holocene transgression. A relative sea-level envelope has been developed based on radiocarbon dates from this study and other published results. Sea level has risen 11 m in the last 6,000 years at an average rate of approximately 1 mm/year. Regional data indicate that the rate of sea-level rise slowed after 2,000 years B.P. This change in rare, in conjunction with a continuous sediment supply, resulted in increased intertidal edimentation and the establishment of salt marshes. Sources of sediment to the backbarrier region have changed through time. During the late Pleistocene, rivers and streams deposited szdiments along the landward margin. In contrast, modern coastal plain rivers contribute very little sediment to the backbarrier. As sea level rose throughout the Holocene, erosion of the coastal headland to the north and the adjacent continental shelf contributed sediment to the seaward portion of the backbarrier region. Presently, the continental shelf, shoreface, and beaches supply the majority of sediment to the backbarrier system. Marine-derived sediment is transported to the west through tidal inlets and redistributed by tidal currents. Stratigraphic and geomorphologic evidence forms the basis for a model of Holocene backbarrier evolution and suggests that there are two different foundations to the marshes within the study area. First, the marshes located landward of the lagoons and adjacent to the upland formed on fluvially derived sediment deposited after the late Pleistocene sea level lowstand. Second, the marshes located seaward of the lagoons and adjacent to the barrier islands formed on marine-derived sediment deposited during late Holocene time. The numerous small lagoons represent a boundary between the two marsh environments. Although the position of the lagoons has remained relatively constant through time, they have shallowed and decreased in total area as energy conditions in the backbarrier region have decreased. Historical inlet data indicate that the total number of inlets has decreased since the 1700s. This trend should continue as the backbarrier region becomes progressively more infilled by tidal flat and marsh sedimentation, thus reducing the tidal prism and decreasing inlet efficiency

Interpretative Analysis of Surfical Sediments as an Aid in Transport Studies of Dredged Materials, Cape Canaveral, Florida

Source: https://erdc-library.erdc.dren.mil/jspui/Analyses of surface and core sediment samples; dredging records; bathymetric surveys; wind, wave, and current data; and pertinent literature were undertaken to determine the amount and direction of sediment transport from a dredge disposal site. The site is located 4.5 miles east of Cocoa Beach, Florida, in 40-55 ft of water, on the inner continental shelf. Dredge disposal material is composed of clay, silt, and fine sand removed from the entrance channel t o Port Canaveral Harbor located approximately 7 miles to the north. Volumetric calculations were made using 1983 bathymetric data. Comparison between the bathymetric data and the known amount of sediment placed on the site during disposal operations (1974-1983) indicates a loss of material from the site. However, consolidation of disposal material, unknown predisposal bathymetry, and "short-dumping" could account for much of the loss. Sediment analysis and subsequent plotting of sedimentologic parameters (mean grain size, standard deviation, and skewness) revealed no trends in sediment distribution at the disposal site. Insufficient sample intensity and the general similarity in the size and composition of the dredge disposal material and the indigenous shelf sediments may explain the lack of identifiable trends in sediment distribution. Sediment transport studies conducted in the Cape Canaveral region by previous investigators indicate that net movement is alongshore, or approximately north- south. The variability of local winds and currents in the vicinity of Cape Canaveral makes such generalizations only moderately reliable relative to this specific disposal site. Sand waves on the shelf surface, detected on side- scan sonar profiles, indicate recent current activity at the disposal site capable of transporting sediment. Results of this study suggest that detailed site-specific data are necessary in order to make conclusive statements about sediment transport off the disposal site

Further amino acid racemisation evidence for glacial age, multiple lowstand deposition on the New South Wales outer continental shelf, southeastern Australia

Amino acid racemisation (AAR) analyses (total acid hydrolysate) on the fossil bivalve molluscs, Pecten fumatus and Glycymeris radians, from 10 vibracores from the New South Wales continental shelf, in present water depths ranging between 123 and 152 m below present sea level and extending some 300 km of latitude, provide further evidence for multiple, lowstand deposition at times of glacial maxima. The extent of racemisation as determined for the amino acids alanine (ALA), aspartic acid (ASP), leucine (LEU) and valine (VAL) indicate that the fossil molluscs plot into three principal aminogroups of contrasting age, and in general accord with results previously obtained from three vibracores for the molluscs P. fumatus and Placamen placidium. Comparable extents of racemisation are evident in the fossil molluscs from the different cores, providing a framework for a shelf-wide, regional aminostratigraphy. Fossil molluscs of the past three Glacial Maxima [marine Oxygen Isotope Stages (OIS) 2, 6 and 8] are identified within the vibracores, based on amino acid racemisation evidence, calibrated by radiocarbon dating of the same shell associations, and correlation with independently dated deposits in southeastern Australia. The results extend the known geographical range of glacial age, lowstand deposits on the mid- and outer continental shelf of New South Wales, southeastern Australia, and help constrain the magnitude of sea-level fall for the past three Glaciations to at least 120 m below present sea level. The extent of racemisation in specimens of P. fumatus of marine OIS 6 age, with strongly indurated sediment encrustations adhering to the shell surfaces, is significantly higher than for shells of equivalent age, but without adhering sediment. The higher extent of racemisation is consistent with a higher diagenetic temperature history for these specimens. By implication, these individual shells are likely to have remained within a relatively shallow-water environment during the Last Glacial Maximum, resulting in the high degree of sediment induration, and the higher extent of racemisation

Examination of the effects of cannabinoid ligands on decision making in a rat gambling task

Although exposure to delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is perceived to be relatively harmless, mounting evidence has begun to show that it is associated with a variety of cognitive deficits, including poor decision making. THC-induced impairments in decision making are thought to be the result of cannabinoid CB1 receptor activation, and although clinical literature suggests that chronic activation via THC contributes to perturbations in decision making, acute CB1 receptor modulation has yielded mixed results. Using an animal model to examine how CB1-specific ligands impact choice biases would provide significant insight as to how recruitment of the endocannabinoid system may influence decision making. Here, we used the rat gambling task (rGT), a validated analogue of the human Iowa Gambling Task, to assess baseline decision making preferences in male Wistar rats. After acquisition rGT performance was measured. Animals were challenged with the CB1 receptor antagonist rimonabant, the partial agonist THC, and the synthetic agonist WIN55,212-2. Animals were also treated acutely with the fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) inhibitor URB597 to selectively upregulate the endocannabinoid anandamide. Blockade of the CB1 receptor produced a trend improvement in decision making in animals who preferred the advantageous task options, yet left choice unaffected in risk-prone rats. Neither CB1 receptor agonist had strong effects on decision making, but a high dose THC decreased premature responses, whereas WIN55,212-2 did the opposite. URB597 did not affect task performance. These results indicate that although chronic CB1 receptor activation may be associated with impaired decision making, acute modulation has modest effects on choice and instead may play a substantive role in regulating impulsive responding

The role of sediments in the carbon budget of a small boreal lake

We investigated the role of lake sediments as carbon (C) source and sink in the annual C budget of a small (0.07 km(2)) and shallow (mean depth, 3.4 m), humic lake in boreal Sweden. Organic carbon (OC) burial and mineralization in the sediments were quantified from Pb-210-dated sediment and laboratory sediment incubation experiments, respectively. Burial and mineralization rates were then upscaled to the entire basin and to one whole year using sediment thickness derived from sub-bottom profiling, basin morphometry, and water column monitoring data of temperature and oxygen concentration. Furthermore, catchment C import, open water metabolism, photochemical mineralization as well as carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4) emissions to the atmosphere were quantified to relate sediment processes to other lake C fluxes. We found that on a whole-basin and annual scale, sediment OC mineralization was three times larger than OC burial, and contributed about 16% to the annual CO2 emission. Other contributions to CO2 emission were water column metabolism (31%), photochemical mineralization (6%), and catchment imports via inlet streams and inflow of shallow groundwater (22%). The remainder (25%) could not be explained by our flux calculations, but was most likely attributed to an underestimation in groundwater inflow. We conclude that on an annual and whole-basin scale (1) sediment OC mineralization dominated over OC burial, (2) water column OC mineralization contributed more to lake CO2 emission than sediment OC mineralization, and (3) catchment import of C to the lake was greater than lake-internal C cycling.Funding Agencies|European Research Council (ERC); Swedish research council FORMAS; Swedish Research Council; King Carl XVI Gustavs award for environmental science</p

The putative lithium-mimetic ebselen reduces impulsivity in rodent models

Background: Deficits in impulse control feature in many psychiatric conditions including bipolar disorder, suicidality and addictions. Lithium lowers impulsivity in clinical populations and decreases pathological gambling in experimental medicine studies, but suffers from adverse effects, poor compliance and a low therapeutic index. Aims: Recently we identified that the neuroprotective agent ebselen, which is reportedly safe in humans, inhibited inositol monophosphatase (IMPase), a candidate lithium mechanism. Ebselen also reduced 5-HT receptor (5-HT2A) function which predicts impulsivity lowering properties. Here we investigated the effect of ebselen in rat models of impulsive behaviour. Methods: Ebselen was tested in two models of impulsivity with human analogues: the five-choice serial reaction time task (5-CSRTT) and rodent gambling task (rGT). The main outcome measures were premature responses (5-CSRTT and rGT) and choice behaviour (rGT), which model motor impulsivity and choice impulsivity, respectively. Results: At doses that decreased 5-HT2A receptor function (DOI-induced wet dog shakes), ebselen decreased premature responding in the 5-CSRTT both in the absence and presence of cocaine. The 5-HT2A receptor antagonist MDL 100,907 also reduced premature responding in the 5-CSRTT although not in the presence of cocaine. In the rGT ebselen showed a tendency to reduce premature responding but had no effect on choice behaviour. Conclusions: These findings suggest that ebselen preferentially reduces motor impulsivity over choice impulsivity, and that inhibition of 5-HT2A receptor function is a contributing mechanism. Collectively, these data support the repurposing of ebselen as an anti-impulsive treatment and fast-tracking to clinical trials in patient groups characterised by poor impulse control

Sodium intake and physical activity impact cognitive maintenance in older adults: The NuAge study

  This study examines the association between sodium intake and its interaction with physical activity on cognitive function over 3 years in older adults residing in Québec, Canada. We analyzed a subgroup from the NuAge cohort (aged 67–84 years) with nutrient intake data, including sodium, from a food frequency questionnaire administered at baseline. Baseline physical activity was assessed using the Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly (PASE; high-low). Modified Mini Mental State Examination (3MS) was administered at baseline and annually for 3 additional years. Controlling for age, sex, education, waist circumference, diabetes, and dietary intakes, analyses showed an association between sodium intake and cognitive change over time in the low PASE group only. Specifically, in the low PASE group, elders in the low sodium intake tertile displayed better cognitive performance over time (mean decline in 3MS over years: mean [M] = −0.57, standard error [SE] = 0.002) compared with the highest (M = −1.72, SE = 0.01) and mid sodium intake (M = −2.07, SE = 0.01) groups. This finding may have significant public health implications, emphasizing the importance of addressing multiple lifestyle factors rather than a single domain effect on brain health.  </p