scholarly journals Longitudinal assessment of U-shaped and inverted U-shaped developmental changes in the spontaneous movements of infants via markerless video analysis

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Naoki Kinoshita ◽  
Akira Furui ◽  
Zu Soh ◽  
Hideaki Hayashi ◽  
Taro Shibanoki ◽  
...  

Abstract Various attempts have been made to elucidate the development patterns in the spontaneous movements of infants through longitudinal evaluations. Movement complexity has been found to demonstrate u-shaped changes in the measurements focusing on limb movements. However, researchers have not yet clarified how other characteristics, besides movement complexity, change over time. This paper presents a longitudinal evaluation of spontaneous movements in infants using evaluation indices calculated through markerless video analysis. Nine infants with corrected ages from $$-1$$ - 1 to 15 weeks participated in the experiments. We confirmed the change in indices over time using statistical methods. Index changes can be classified as positively correlated, u-shaped, inverted u-shaped, and uncorrelated. We also confirmed that the u-shaped and inverted u-shaped indices are negatively correlated. Furthermore, the principal component analysis revealed that the first principal component had the inverted u-shaped changes with the corrected age. These results suggest that it is important to synchronize the inverted u-shaped variations in the movement and velocity with the u-shaped changes in the movement complexity for infant development.

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicolas Barizien ◽  
Morgan Le Guen ◽  
Stéphanie Russel ◽  
Pauline Touche ◽  
Florent Huang ◽  
...  

AbstractIncreasing numbers of COVID-19 patients, continue to experience symptoms months after recovering from mild cases of COVID-19. Amongst these symptoms, several are related to neurological manifestations, including fatigue, anosmia, hypogeusia, headaches and hypoxia. However, the involvement of the autonomic nervous system, expressed by a dysautonomia, which can aggregate all these neurological symptoms has not been prominently reported. Here, we hypothesize that dysautonomia, could occur in secondary COVID-19 infection, also referred to as “long COVID” infection. 39 participants were included from December 2020 to January 2021 for assessment by the Department of physical medicine to enhance their physical capabilities: 12 participants with COVID-19 diagnosis and fatigue, 15 participants with COVID-19 diagnosis without fatigue and 12 control participants without COVID-19 diagnosis and without fatigue. Heart rate variability (HRV) during a change in position is commonly measured to diagnose autonomic dysregulation. In this cohort, to reflect HRV, parasympathetic/sympathetic balance was estimated using the NOL index, a multiparameter artificial intelligence-driven index calculated from extracted physiological signals by the PMD-200 pain monitoring system. Repeated-measures mixed-models testing group effect were performed to analyze NOL index changes over time between groups. A significant NOL index dissociation over time between long COVID-19 participants with fatigue and control participants was observed (p = 0.046). A trend towards significant NOL index dissociation over time was observed between long COVID-19 participants without fatigue and control participants (p = 0.109). No difference over time was observed between the two groups of long COVID-19 participants (p = 0.904). Long COVID-19 participants with fatigue may exhibit a dysautonomia characterized by dysregulation of the HRV, that is reflected by the NOL index measurements, compared to control participants. Dysautonomia may explain the persistent symptoms observed in long COVID-19 patients, such as fatigue and hypoxia. Trial registration: The study was approved by the Foch IRB: IRB00012437 (Approval Number: 20-12-02) on December 16, 2020.


Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 388
Author(s):  
Minghua Tang ◽  
Nicholas E. Weaver ◽  
Lillian M. Berman ◽  
Laura D. Brown ◽  
Audrey E. Hendricks ◽  
...  

Background: Research is limited in evaluating the mechanisms responsible for infant growth in response to different protein-rich foods; Methods: Targeted and untargeted metabolomics analysis were conducted on serum samples collected from an infant controlled-feeding trial that participants consumed a meat- vs. dairy-based complementary diet from 5 to 12 months of age, and followed up at 24 months. Results: Isoleucine, valine, phenylalanine increased and threonine decreased over time among all participants; Although none of the individual essential amino acids had a significant impact on changes in growth Z scores from 5 to 12 months, principal component heavily weighted by BCAAs (leucine, isoleucine, valine) and phenylalanine had a positive association with changes in length-for-age Z score from 5 to 12 months. Concentrations of acylcarnitine-C4, acylcarnitine-C5 and acylcarnitine-C5:1 significantly increased over time with the dietary intervention, but none of the acylcarnitines were associated with infant growth Z scores. Quantitative trimethylamine N-oxide increased in the meat group from 5 to 12 months; Conclusions: Our findings suggest that increasing total protein intake by providing protein-rich complementary foods was associated with increased concentrations of certain essential amino acids and short-chain acyl-carnitines. The sources of protein-rich foods (e.g., meat vs. dairy) did not appear to differentially impact serum metabolites, and comprehensive mechanistic investigations are needed to identify other contributors or mediators of the diet-induced infant growth trajectories.


2021 ◽  
pp. 016502542110204
Author(s):  
Ben Hinnant ◽  
John Schulenberg ◽  
Justin Jager

Multifinality, equifinality, and fanning are important developmental concepts that emphasize understanding interindividual variability in trajectories over time. However, each concept implies that there are points in a developmental window where interindividual variability is more limited. We illustrate the multifinality concept under manipulations of variance in starting points, using both normal and zero-inflated simulated data. Results indicate that standardized estimates and effect sizes are inflated when predicting components of growth models with limited interindividual variance, which could lead to overinterpretation of the practical importance of findings. Conceptual implications are considered and recommendations are provided for evaluating developmental changes in common situations that researchers may encounter.


Author(s):  
Paula Corabian ◽  
Bing Guo ◽  
Carmen Moga ◽  
N. Ann Scott

AbstractObjectivesThis article retrospectively examines the evolution of rapid assessments (RAs) produced by the Health Technology Assessment (HTA) Program at the Institute of Health Economics over its 25-year relationship with a single requester, the Alberta Health Ministry (AHM).MethodsThe number, types, and methodological attributes of RAs produced over the past 25 years were reviewed. The reasons for developmental changes in RA processes and products over time were charted to document the push–pull tension between AHM needs and the HTA Program's drive to meet those needs while responding to changing methodological benchmarks.ResultsThe review demonstrated the dynamic relationship required for HTA researchers to meet requester needs while adhering to good HTA practice. The longstanding symbiotic relationship between the HTA Program and the AHM initially led to increased diversity in RA types, followed by controlled extinction of the less fit (useful) “transition species.” Adaptations in RA methodology were mainly driven by changes in best practice standards, requester needs, the healthcare environment, and staff expertise and technology.ConclusionsRAs are a useful component of HTA programs. To remain relevant and useful, RAs need to evolve according to need within the constraints of HTA best practice.


2018 ◽  
Vol 31 (04) ◽  
pp. 1541-1556 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ashley M. Ebbert ◽  
Frank J. Infurna ◽  
Suniya S. Luthar

AbstractThis study examined changes in adolescents’ perceived relationship quality with mothers and fathers from middle school to high school, gender differences, and associated mental health consequences using longitudinal data from the New England Study of Suburban Youth cohort (n = 262, 48% female) with annual assessments (Grades 6–12). For both parents, alienation increased, and trust and communication decreased from middle school to high school, with greater changes among girls. Overall, closeness to mothers was higher than with fathers. Girls, compared to boys, perceived more trust and communication and similar levels of alienation with mothers at Grade 6. Girls perceived stronger increases in alienation from both parents and stronger declines in trust with mothers during middle school. Increasing alienation from both parents and less trust with mothers at Grade 6 was associated with higher levels of anxiety at Grade 12. Less trust with both parents at Grade 6 and increasing alienation and decreasing trust with mothers in high school were associated with higher levels of depressive symptoms at Grade 12. Overall, girls reported having higher levels of anxiety at Grade 12 compared to boys. Findings on the course of the quality of parent–adolescent relationships over time are discussed in terms of implications for more targeted research and interventions.


2021 ◽  
Vol 23 (Supplement_6) ◽  
pp. vi162-vi162
Author(s):  
Melissa Gardner ◽  
Giuliana Zarrella ◽  
Jorg Dietrich ◽  
Michael Parsons

Abstract INTRODUCTION Estimates of subjective cognitive function (SCF) generally show minimal correlation with objective measures of neurocognitive function (NCF). Our group recently validated a new metric of SCF in neuro-oncology patients, creating the Cognitive Index of the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Brain (FACT-Br-CI). This study examines whether brain tumor (BT) patients evaluated on more than one occasion show improved relationship between SCF and NCF. We hypothesized that change scores in SCF and NCF across evaluation would be more highly correlated than SCF and NCF at either timepoint. METHODS A retrospective study of BT patients who completed two neuropsychological evaluations (baseline, follow-up) was conducted. NCF was measured by the clinical trial battery composite (CTBC), a mean of 6 commonly used neuropsychological test scores. SCF was measured by the FACT-Br-CI. Mood/Anxiety were measured by the Beck scales (BAI/BDI-II). Change over time on each metric was evaluated with paired t-test. Correlational analyses evaluated relationships between NCF, SCF, and mood within and between time points. RESULTS Twenty-nine patients (16 female; mean age=54.6y; mean education=15.5y) completed all CTBC measures and FACT-Br-CI, 28 of whom completed and BDI and/or BAI. On group analyses, there were no significant differences between baseline and follow-up on CTBC (t=-.53;p=ns) or FACT-Br-CI (t=-.98;p=ns). Correlations between CTBC and FACT-Br-CI were nonsignificant at baseline (r=.24;p=ns), but significant at follow-up (r=.56;p=0.002). Change scores over time were unrelated (r=-.104;p=ns). Similar to previous studies, the FACT-BR-CI correlated with the BDI-II at baseline (r=-.38;p=0.04) and follow-up (r=-.59;p< 0.001) and with the BAI at follow-up (r=-.44;p=0.02). CONCLUSION In this small group of brain tumor patients seen for repeated neuropsychological evaluations, we found that agreement between SCF and NCF was much higher on their second than initial evaluation. These findings suggest that patients may develop enhanced awareness of their cognitive function from an initial evaluation that persists over time.


2021 ◽  
pp. annrheumdis-2021-221352
Author(s):  
Brian Skaug ◽  
Marka A Lyons ◽  
William R Swindell ◽  
Gloria A Salazar ◽  
Minghua Wu ◽  
...  

ObjectivesDetermine relationships between skin gene expression and systemic sclerosis (SSc) clinical disease features, and changes in skin gene expression over time.MethodsA total of 339 forearm skin biopsies were obtained from 113 SSc patients and 44 matched healthy controls. 105 SSc patients had a second biopsy, and 76 had a third biopsy. Global gene expression profiling was performed, and differentially expressed genes and cell type-specific signatures in SSc were evaluated for relationships to modified Rodnan Skin Score (mRSS) and other clinical variables. Changes in skin gene expression over time were analysed by mixed effects models and principal component analysis. Immunohistochemical staining was performed to validate conclusions.ResultsGene expression dysregulation was greater in SSc patients with affected skin than in those with unaffected skin. Immune cell and fibroblast signatures positively correlated with mRSS. High baseline immune cell and fibroblast signatures predicted higher mRSS over time, but were not independently predictive of longitudinal mRSS after adjustment for baseline mRSS. In early diffuse cutaneous SSc, immune cell and fibroblast signatures declined over time, and overall skin gene expression trended towards normalisation. On immunohistochemical staining, most early diffuse cutaneous SSc patients with high baseline T cell and macrophage numbers had declines in these numbers at follow-up.ConclusionsSkin thickness in SSc is related to dysregulated immune cell and fibroblast gene expression. Skin gene expression changes over time in early diffuse SSc, with a tendency towards normalisation. These observations are relevant for understanding SSc pathogenesis and could inform treatment strategies and clinical trial design.


2022 ◽  
pp. 002076402110701
Author(s):  
Rajesh Sagar ◽  
Mahadev Singh Sen ◽  
Nand Kumar ◽  
Nishtha Chawla

Objectives: To assess and compare the changes in disability scores associated with Bipolar Depression (BD) and Unipolar Depression (UD) over 1 year. Methods: A longitudinal study was taken up in adults diagnosed with unipolar or bipolar depressive disorder with current depressive episode. Diagnosis was made according to Schedule for Clinical Assessment in Neuropsychiatry. Severity scoring was done using Hamilton’s Depression (HAM-D) rating scale and Hamilton’s Anxiety (HAM-A) rating scale. Disability was assessed using Indian Disability Evaluation and Assessment Scale (IDEAS) and London handicap Scale (LHS) at baseline, 6 and 12 months. Results: Sixty participants were recruited (42 UD and 18 BD). No significant differences were seen in socio-demographic parameters, except higher education levels and males being overrepresented in UD. Significant differences at baseline were seen in HAM-D ( p = .001) and HAM-A ( p = .003) scores. The extent of disability was seen to correlate with severity of illness only in case of BD at baseline. No significant differences were seen in the IDEAS scores at baseline. IDEAS score improved at each follow-up assessment ( p < .001). LHS showed significant improvement over time in UD ( p < .001), but not BD ( p = .076). Percentage individuals meeting cut-off for benchmark disability (>40%) were comparable at baseline but were significantly more in the BD at 12-months ( p = .049). Conclusion and implications: Disability in psychiatry occurs equally amongst unipolar and bipolar depressive disorders and tends to improve over time, although the level of improvement may differ. It may not always correspond to severity of illness. These factors should be considered while certifying disability.


Circulation ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 141 (Suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Natalie Cameron ◽  
Megan McCabe ◽  
Lucia Petito ◽  
Norrina B Allen ◽  
Mercedes R Carnethon ◽  
...  

Introduction: Estimating effects of population-level increases in obesity on diabetes has important implications for public health policy. Therefore, we used the population attributable fraction (PAF) to quantify trends in the burden of obesity on incident diabetes in key sex and race/ethnicity subgroups over time. Hypothesis: PAFs for obesity attributable incident diabetes will be greatest for women, differ by race/ethnicity and increase over time. Methods: Using data from the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA), we estimated unadjusted and adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) of obesity on incident diabetes mellitus (DM). We included non-Hispanic White (NHW), non-Hispanic Black (NHB) and Hispanic-Mexican (MA) MESA participants with available data on body mass index and key covariates and without DM at baseline. Next, we estimated the prevalence of obesity in four pooled groups of NHANES survey cycles from 2001-2016 with similar characteristics to MESA participants (age 45-80 years, NHW, NHB, and MA without cardiovascular disease). Lastly, we combined estimates from MESA and NHANES to quantify unadjusted and adjusted PAFs (adjusted for age, income, education, physical activity and diet). Leveraging the objective longitudinal assessment of incident DM in MESA and a nationally representative sample of NHANES, we estimated broadly generalizable PAF estimates over time. Results: Of 3869 MESA participants, mean age was 61 (± 10) years with 47% men, 56% NHW, 31% NHB, and 13% MA. Incidence of DM was 11% with overall adjusted HR of 2.75 (95% CI 2.26, 3.34) for obesity. Prevalence of obesity increased from 34% (32, 37) in 2001-2004 to 41% (39, 44) in 2013-2016. Overall adjusted PAFs ranged from 0.23 to 0.52 over the study period (TABLE), with greatest estimates in NHW women. Conclusions: In conclusion, over time, the proportion of diabetes due to obesity has increased across multiple subgroups of the population, further highlighting the health burden of obesity in the population.


2019 ◽  
Vol 90 (10) ◽  
pp. 1124-1130 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stefano Gazzina ◽  
Mario Grassi ◽  
Enrico Premi ◽  
Maura Cosseddu ◽  
Antonella Alberici ◽  
...  

ObjectiveCognitively engaging lifestyles have been associated with reduced risk of conversion to dementia. Multiple mechanisms have been advocated, including increased brain volumes (ie, brain reserve) and reduced disease progression (ie, brain maintenance). In cross-sectional studies of presymptomatic frontotemporal dementia (FTD), higher education has been related to increased grey matter volume. Here, we examine the effect of education on grey matter loss over time.MethodsTwo-hundred twenty-nine subjects at-risk of carrying a pathogenic mutation leading to FTD underwent longitudinal cognitive assessment and T1-weighted MRI at baseline and at 1 year follow-up. The first principal component score of the graph-Laplacian Principal Component Analysis on 112 grey matter region-of-interest volumes was used to summarise the grey matter volume (GMV). The effects of education on cognitive performances and GMV at baseline and on the change between 1 year follow-up and baseline (slope) were tested by Structural Equation Modelling.ResultsHighly educated at-risk subjects had better cognition and higher grey matter volume at baseline; moreover, higher educational attainment was associated with slower loss of grey matter over time in mutation carriers.ConclusionsThis longitudinal study demonstrates that even in presence of ongoing pathological processes, education may facilitate both brain reserve and brain maintenance in the presymptomatic phase of genetic FTD.


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