JULIAN J. FARAWAY. Extending the Linear Model with R: Generalized Linear, Mixed Effects, and Nonparametric Regression Models, 2nd edition. Boca Raton: CRC Press

Peer Reviewedhttps://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/141062/1/biom12825.pd

CD4 memory T cell levels predict life span in genetically heterogeneous mice

Peer Reviewedhttps://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/154484/1/fsb2011010006.pd

Big mice die young: early life body weight predicts longevity in genetically heterogeneous mice

Small body size has been associated with long life span in four stocks of mutant dwarf mice, and in two varieties of dietary restriction in rodents. In this study, small body size at ages 2–24 months was shown to be a significant predictor of life span in a genetically heterogeneous mouse population derived from four common inbred mouse strains. The association was strongest for weights measured early in adult life, and somewhat weaker, though still statistically significant, at later ages. The effect was seen both in males and females, and was replicated in an independent population of the same genetic background. Body size at ages 2–4 months was correlated with levels of serum leptin in both males and females, and with levels of IGF-I and thyroid hormone in females only. A genome scan showed the presence of polymorphic alleles on chromosomes 2, 6, 7 and 15 with significant effects on body weight at 2–4 months, at 10–12 months, or at both age ranges, showing that weight gain trajectory in this stock is under complex genetic control. Because it provides the earliest known predictor of life span, body weight may be usefully included in screens for induced mutations that alter aging. The evidence that weight in 2-month-old mice is a significant predictor of life span suggests that at least some of the lethal diseases of old age can be timed by factors that influence growth rate in juvenile rodents.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/75162/1/j.1474-9728.2002.00006.x.pd

Preservation of femoral bone thickness in middle age predicts survival in genetically heterogeneous mice

Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/87136/1/j.1474-9726.2011.00671.x.pd

Male lifespan extension with 17â α estradiol is linked to a sexâ specific metabolomic response modulated by gonadal hormones in mice

Peer Reviewedhttps://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/145263/1/acel12786.pdfhttps://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/145263/2/acel12786_am.pd

Relation between functional polymorphism of catalase gene (- 262C>T) and recurrent depressive disorder

Abstract BACKGROUND: Numerous studies have provided information indicating the involvement of oxidative stress in the pathophysiology of depressive disorder (DD). The antioxidative system protects against the effects caused by reactive oxygen species (ROS). Catalase (CAT) is one of antioxidative enzymes observed to change their levels in the course of depression. The enzyme decomposes hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ), whose overproduction is a result of many processes taking place in depression. Therefore, functional polymorphism of the CAT gene can be a candidate marker of the risk of depression. DESIGN: The presented study assessed the correlation between -262C>T polymorphism of the CAT gene, which influences the increase of CAT expression and activity, and the risk of depression development. The study, carried out on a homogeneous group recruited from the Polish population, enrolled 149 healthy subjects and 149 depressive patients. The groups were age-matched. RESULTS: The obtained results indicate no correlation between -262C>T polymorphism of the CAT gene (both with respect to genotype distribution and allele frequency) and the risk of depression. Nevertheless, further studies assessing the correlations between depression and polymorphism of the genes encoding antioxidative enzymes on larger groups of subjects should be undertaken

Blood Pressure and Cognitive Decline Over 8 Years in Middle-Aged and Older Black and White Americans

Although the association between high blood pressure (BP), particularly in midlife, and late-life dementia is known, less is known about variations by race and sex. In a prospective national study of 22 164 blacks and whites ≥45 years without baseline cognitive impairment or stroke from the REGARDS cohort study (Reasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke), enrolled 2003 to 2007 and followed through September 2015, we measured changes in cognition associated with baseline systolic and diastolic BP (SBP and DBP), as well as pulse pressure (PP) and mean arterial pressure, and we tested whether age, race, and sex modified the effects. Outcomes were global cognition (Six-Item Screener; primary outcome), new learning (Word List Learning), verbal memory (Word List Delayed Recall), and executive function (Animal Fluency Test). Median follow-up was 8.1 years. Significantly faster declines in global cognition were associated with higher SBP, lower DBP, and higher PP with increasing age ( P<0.001 for age×SBP×follow-up-time, age×DBP×follow-up-time, and age×PP×follow-up-time interaction). Declines in global cognition were not associated with mean arterial pressure after adjusting for PP. Blacks, compared with whites, had faster declines in global cognition associated with SBP ( P=0.02) and mean arterial pressure ( P=0.04). Men, compared with women, had faster declines in new learning associated with SBP ( P=0.04). BP was not associated with decline of verbal memory and executive function, after controlling for the effect of age on cognitive trajectories. Significantly faster declines in global cognition over 8 years were associated with higher SBP, lower DBP, and higher PP with increasing age. SBP-related cognitive declines were greater in blacks and men

Functional Exercise Improves Mobility Performance in Older Adults With Type 2 Diabetes: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background: Diabetes-related disability occurs in approximately two-thirds of older adults with diabetes and is associated with loss of independence, increased health care resource utilization, and sedentary lifestyle. The objective of this randomized controlled trial was to determine the effect of a center-based functional circuit exercise training intervention followed by a 10-week customized home-based program in improving mobility function in sedentary older adults with diabetes. Methods: Participants (n = 111; mean age 70.5 [7.1] y; mean body mass index 32.7 [5.9] kg/m2) were randomized to either a moderate-intensity functional circuit training (FCT) plus 10-week home program to optimize physical activity (FCT-PA) primary intervention or one of 2 comparison groups (FCT plus health education [FCT-HE] or flexibility and toning plus health education [FT-HE]). Results: Compared with FT-HE, FCT-PA improvements in comfortable gait speed of 0.1 m/s (P \u3c .05) and 6-minute walk of 80 ft were consistent with estimates of clinically meaningful change. At 20 weeks, controlling for 10-week outcomes, improvements were found between groups for comfortable gait speed (FCT-PA vs FT-HE and FCT-HE vs FT-HE) and 6-minute walk (FCT-PA vs FCT-HE). Conclusions: Functional exercise training can improve mobility in overweight/obese older adults with diabetes and related comorbidities. Future studies should evaluate intervention sustainability and adaptations for those with more severe mobility impairments

Dynamic Balance and Stepping Versus Tai Chi Training to Improve Balance and Stepping in At-Risk Older Adults

To compare the effect of two 10-week balance training programs, Combined Balance and Step Training (CBST) versus tai chi (TC), on balance and stepping measures. DESIGN : Prospective intervention trial. SETTING : Local senior centers and congregate housing facilities. PARTICIPANTS : Aged 65 and older with at least mild impairment in the ability to perform unipedal stance and tandem walk. INTERVENTION : Participants were allocated to TC (n= 107, mean age 78) or CBST, an intervention focused on improving dynamic balance and stepping (n=106, mean age 78). MEASUREMENTS : At baseline and 10 weeks, participants were tested in their static balance (Unipedal Stance and Tandem Stance (TS)), stepping (Maximum Step Length, Rapid Step Test), and Timed Up and Go (TUG). RESULTS : Performance improved more with CBST than TC, ranging from 5% to 10% for the stepping tests (Maximum Step Length and Rapid Step Test) and 9% for TUG. The improvement in TUG represented an improvement of more than 1 second. Greater improvements were also seen in static balance ability (in TS) with CBST than TC. CONCLUSION : Of the two training programs, in which variants of each program have been proven to reduce falls, CBST results in modest improvements in balance, stepping, and functional mobility versus TC over a 10-week period. Future research should include a prospective comparison of fall rates in response to these two balance training programs.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/65189/1/j.1532-5415.2006.00971.x.pd

Poor Functional Status as a Risk Factor for Severe Clostridium difficile Infection in Hospitalized Older Adults

Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/112304/1/jgs12442.pd