scholarly journals The Ageing Brain: Investigating the Role of Age in Changes to the Human Cerebral Microvasculature With an in silico Model

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 ◽  
Author(s):  
Barnaby J. Graff ◽  
Stephen J. Payne ◽  
Wahbi K. El-Bouri
Keyword(s):  
Surface Area ◽  
Old Age ◽  
In Silico ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Volume Ratio ◽  
Morphological Data ◽  
Middle Aged ◽  
Cerebral Microvasculature ◽  
Capillary Bed ◽  
The Brain

Ageing causes extensive structural changes to the human cerebral microvasculature, which have a significant effect on capillary bed perfusion and oxygen transport. Current models of brain capillary networks in the literature focus on healthy adult brains and do not capture the effects of ageing, which is critical when studying neurodegenerative diseases. This study builds upon a statistically accurate model of the human cerebral microvasculature based on ex-vivo morphological data. This model is adapted for “healthy” ageing using in-vivo measurements from mice at three distinct age groups—young, middle-aged, and old. From this new model, blood and molecular exchange parameters are calculated such as permeability and surface-area-to-volume ratio, and compared across the three age groups. The ability to alter the model vessel-by-vessel is used to create a continuous gradient of ageing. It was found that surface-area-to-volume ratio reduced in old age by 6% and permeability by 24% from middle-age to old age, and variability within the networks also increased with age. The ageing gradient indicated a threshold in the ageing process around 75 years old, after which small changes have an amplified effect on blood flow properties. This gradient enables comparison of studies measuring cerebral properties at discrete points in time. The response of middle aged and old aged capillary beds to micro-emboli showed a lower robustness of the old age capillary bed to vessel occlusion. As the brain ages, there is thus increased vulnerability of the microvasculature—with a “tipping point” beyond which further remodeling of the microvasculature has exaggerated effects on the brain. When developing in-silico models of the brain, age is a very important consideration to accurately assess risk factors for cognitive decline and isolate early biomarkers of microvascular health.

scholarly journals INTEGRATIVE CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM ACTIVITY OF RATS IN GERONTOGENESIS UNDER EXPERIMENTAL HYPERGLYCEMIA

2021 ◽  
Vol 77 (3) ◽  
pp. 99-104
Author(s):  
Katerina Basysta ◽  
Alexander Rodinskiy ◽  
Ludmila Guz
Keyword(s):  
Diabetes Mellitus ◽  
Blood Glucose ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Latency Period ◽  
Aged Rats ◽  
Middle Aged ◽  
Research Activity ◽  
Central Nervous System Activity ◽  
The Brain

Diabetes mellitus has a major impact on the brain and its cognitive function. The pathogenesis of these disorders is still not well understood. Therefore, it is necessary to find ways of solving these manifestations in hyperglycemia in order to prevent the risk of complications that will lead to a worsening of living conditions.  In the experiment, the state of conditioned-reflex and orientation-research activity of rats of different ages (middle-aged rats and old rats) in conditions of experimental hyperglycemia was found. The animals were kept under standard vivarium conditions. Experimental hyperglycemia was modeled by intraperitoneal solution injection of alloxan monohydrate (120 mg/kg body weight, Sigma). For 10 days, blood glucose was determined using a portable glucometer «Bionime». On day 10, those animals were selected that had a blood glucose value above 28 mmol/L. The analysis of orientation-research and emotional activity was carried out using the «Open Field» technique. The number of squares crossed, the number of lifts on the hind legs, the number of peeking into the burrows, grooming, and the number of bowel movements were recorded. The conditioned passive avoidance technique was used to study the stable and labile phases of memory. In both age groups, the indicators of orientation-research activity differed significantly (p < 0.05). The decrease in the number of squares crossed, the number of racks up and the study of minks was more pronounced in middle-aged animals with diabetes mellitus. The increase in the number of amnesiac animals was also more pronounced in the middle-aged rats of the research group. A decrease in the latency period was noted in both age groups. Thus, it was found that experimental hyperglycemia had pronounced consequences for the cognitive function of animals, respectively, diabetes mellitus has a negative effect on the brain.

Different dimensions of ageist attitudes among men and women: a multigenerational perspective

2012 ◽  
Vol 24 (6) ◽  
pp. 895-901 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ehud Bodner ◽  
Yoav S. Bergman ◽  
Sara Cohen-Fridel
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Gender Differences ◽  
Old Age ◽  
Older Adult ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Middle Aged ◽  
Age And Gender ◽  
Age And Gender Differences ◽  
And Gender ◽  
Age Range

ABSTRACTBackground: Ageism, a form of prejudice in which one relates negatively to people due to their age, exists throughout life. However, no attempt has been made to compare ageist attitudes across the life cycle, from young adulthood to old age. Consequently, the current study examined age and gender differences in ageism throughout adulthood.Methods: 955 Israeli participants (age range: 18–98 years) were divided into three age-groups: young (18–39), middle-aged (40–67), and old (68–98), and were administered the Fraboni Scale of Ageism. Age and gender differences were examined both for the three groups and for subgroups within the older adult cohort.Results: Multivariate analysis of variance revealed that middle-aged participants were significantly more ageist than younger and older groups. Across all age groups, men exhibited more avoidance and stereotypical attitudes toward older adults than women. Among the old age group, participants aged 81–98 held more ageist stereotypes and reported more avoidance of older adults than those aged 68–73. Within the older adult cohort, gender was a significant predictor for ageist attitudes among those aged 68–73 and 81–98, but not for people aged 74–80.Conclusions: Ageism demonstrates a changing pattern across the life span. While gender differences remain stable, ageist attitudes toward growing old as we age ourselves are constantly changing. In order to gain a better understanding of ageism as a general and global phenomenon, we need to consider the role of such attitudes in different stages of life.

scholarly journals Psychological distress across the lifespan: examining age-related item bias in the Kessler 6 Psychological Distress Scale

2011 ◽  
Vol 24 (2) ◽  
pp. 231-242 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matthew Sunderland ◽  
Megan J. Hobbs ◽  
Tracy M. Anderson ◽  
Gavin Andrews
Keyword(s):  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Old Age ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Item Bias ◽  
Ratio Method ◽  
Middle Aged ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Significant Magnitude ◽  
Psychological Distress Scale ◽  
Distress Scale

ABSTRACTBackground: Old age respondents may differ systemically in their responses to measures of psychological distress over and above their actual latent distress levels when compared to younger respondents. The current study aimed to investigate the potential for age-related bias(es) in the Kessler 6 Psychological Distress Scale (K6) items.Methods: Data from the 2007 Australian National Survey of Mental Health and Wellbeing were analyzed using Item Response Theory to detect the presence of item bias in each of the K6 items. The potential for item bias was assessed by systematically comparing respondents classed as young (16–34 years), middle aged (35–64 years), and old aged (65–85 years). The significance and magnitude of the item bias between the age groups was assessed using the log-likelihood ratio method of differential item functioning.Results: After statistical adjustment, there were no biases of significant magnitude influencing the endorsement of K6 items between young and middle-aged respondents or between middle-aged and old age respondents. There was a bias of significant magnitude present in the endorsement of the K6 item addressing levels of fatigue between young and old age respondents.Conclusions: Despite the identification of significant item bias in the endorsement of K6 items between the age groups, the magnitude and influence of the bias on total K6 scores is likely to have little influence on the overall interpretation of group data when comparing psychological distress across the lifespan. Researchers should be cautious, however, when examining individual levels of fatigue related to psychological distress in older individuals.

scholarly journals Prevalence Of Partial Edentulism, Complete Edentulism And Single Complete Opposing Partial Edentulism In Relation To The Age Groups And Gender In The Local Population Of Hyderabad

2017 ◽  
Vol 08 (01) ◽  
pp. 26-30
Author(s):  
Farzana Memon ◽  
Diya Ram Khatri ◽  
Daud Mirza ◽  
Salwa Memon
Keyword(s):  
Old Age ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Local Population ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Complete Denture ◽  
Middle Aged ◽  
Aged Patients ◽  
And Gender ◽  
Male Subjects ◽  
Edentulous Jaws

Objective: This study was carried out to evaluate the prevalence of partial edentulism, complete edentulism and complete edentulous arch opposing the partial edentulous arches in relation to the various age groups and gender in local population of Hyderabad. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at the Department of Prosthodontic, Isra Dental College, Hyderabad. Duration of the study was 6 months, from January 2016 to June, 2016. A total 504 patients were selected for this study on the basis of history and clinical examination. The selected subjects were divided into six age groups. Data was statistically analysed by SPSS statistics software version 21. Descriptive statistics such as frequencies, percentages, mean and cross tabulation were applied to test the variables. The level of statistical significance was set to 0.5%. Results: The results showed that out of 504 selected subjects 426 (84.5%) subjects were partially edentulous, as compared to completely edentulous patients who numbered only 66 (13.1%) whereas 7 (1.4%) subjects had complete edentulous upper ridge and partially edentulous lower ridge, only 5 (1%) subjects had complete edentulous lower ridge and partially edentulous upper ridge. Partially edentulous jaws were more prevalent in females and in middle aged patients ranging from 31-40 years and completely edentulous jaws were more prevalent among male subjects in old age subjects who were above 60 years of age. Single complete denture opposing partially edentulous ridges were more common in females and in patients who were above 30 years of age. Conclusion: This study concluded that the partially edentulous jaws were more prevalent as compared to completely edentulous jaws. Partially edentulous jaws were more prevalent in females and in middle aged patients while completely edentulous jaws were more prevalent among male subjects and in old age subjects of either age, whereas single complete denture opposing partially edentulous ridges were more common in females and in patients who were above 30 years of age

The Effects of Significant International Sports Events on Hungarian Suicide Rates

Crisis ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 37 (2) ◽  
pp. 148-154 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karoly Bozsonyi ◽  
Peter Osvath ◽  
Sandor Fekete ◽  
Lajos Bálint
Keyword(s):  
Significant Relationship ◽  
Olympic Games ◽  
Arima Model ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Intervention Analysis ◽  
Middle Aged ◽  
Sports Events ◽  
Sport Events ◽  
The Olympic Games

Abstract. Background: Several studies found a significant relationship between important sport events and suicidal behavior. Aims: We set out to investigate whether there is a significant relationship between the raw suicide rate and the most important international sports events (Olympic Games, FIFA World Cup, UEFA European Championship) in such an achievement-oriented society as the Hungarian one, where these sport events receive great attention. Method: We examined suicide cases occurring over 15,706 days between January 1, 1970, and December 31, 2012 (43 years), separately for each gender. Because of the age-specific characteristics of suicide, the effects of these sport events were analyzed for the middle-aged (30–59 years old) and the elderly (over 60 years old) generations as well as for gender-specific population groups. The role of international sport events was examined with the help of time-series intervention analysis after cyclical and seasonal components were removed. Intervention analysis was based on the ARIMA model. Results: Our results showed that only the Olympic Games had a significant effect in the middle-aged population. Neither in the older male nor in any of the female age groups was a relationship between suicide and Olympic Games detected. Conclusion: The Olympic Games seem to decrease the rate of suicide among middle-aged men, slightly but significantly.

Ligand and Structure-based Modeling of Passive Diffusion through the Blood-Brain Barrier

2018 ◽  
Vol 25 (9) ◽  
pp. 1073-1089 ◽  
Author(s):  
Santiago Vilar ◽  
Eduardo Sobarzo-Sanchez ◽  
Lourdes Santana ◽  
Eugenio Uriarte
Keyword(s):  
Blood Brain Barrier ◽  
In Silico ◽  
Passive Diffusion ◽  
Brain Barrier ◽  
Barrier Permeability ◽  
Blood Brain Barrier Permeability ◽  
Blood Brain ◽  
Brain Barrier Permeability ◽  
Different Types ◽  
The Brain

Background: Blood-brain barrier transport is an important process to be considered in drug candidates. The blood-brain barrier protects the brain from toxicological agents and, therefore, also establishes a restrictive mechanism for the delivery of drugs into the brain. Although there are different and complex mechanisms implicated in drug transport, in this review we focused on the prediction of passive diffusion through the blood-brain barrier. Methods: We elaborated on ligand-based and structure-based models that have been described to predict the blood-brain barrier permeability. Results: Multiple 2D and 3D QSPR/QSAR models and integrative approaches have been published to establish quantitative and qualitative relationships with the blood-brain barrier permeability. We explained different types of descriptors that correlate with passive diffusion along with data analysis methods. Moreover, we discussed the applicability of other types of molecular structure-based simulations, such as molecular dynamics, and their implications in the prediction of passive diffusion. Challenges and limitations of experimental measurements of permeability and in silico predictive methods were also described. Conclusion: Improvements in the prediction of blood-brain barrier permeability from different types of in silico models are crucial to optimize the process of Central Nervous System drug discovery and development.

Evaluation of Nanotechniques and Conventional Techniques for the Removal of Dioxins

2018 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 79-84
Author(s):  
Vaishali V. Shahare ◽  
Rajni Grover ◽  
Suman Meena
Keyword(s):  
Soil Sample ◽  
Human Health ◽  
Surface Area ◽  
Contaminated Soil ◽  
Conventional Treatment ◽  
Volume Ratio ◽  
Soil Samples ◽  
Dioxins And Furans ◽  
Palladized Iron ◽  
The Impact

Background: The persistent dioxins/furans has caused a worldwide concern as they influence the human health. Recent research indicates that nonmaterial may prove effective in the degradation of Dioxins/furans. The nanomaterials are very reactive owing to their large surface area to volume ratio and large number of reactive sites. However, nanotechnology applications face both the challenges and the opportunities to influence the area of environmental protection. Objective: i) To study the impact of oil mediated UV-irradiations on the removal of 2,3,7,8-TCDD, 2,3,7,8-TCDF, OCDD and OCDF in simulated soil samples. ii) To compare the conventional treatment methods with the modern available nanotechniques for the removal of selected Dioxins/furans from soil samples. Methods: The present work has investigated an opportunity of the degradation of tetra and octachlorinated dioxins and furans by using oil mediated UV radiations with subsequent extraction of respective dioxins/furans from soils. The results have been compared with the available nanotechniques. Results: The dioxin congeners in the simulated soil sample showed decrease in concentration with the increase in the exposure time and intensity of UV radiations. The dechlorination of PCDD/Fs using palladized iron has been found to be effective. Conclusion: Both the conventional methods and nanotechnology have a dramatic impact on the removal of Dioxins/furans in contaminated soil. However, the nanotechniques are comparatively costlier and despite the relatively high rates of PCDDs dechlorination by Pd/nFe, small fraction of the dioxins are recalcitrant to degradation over considerable exposure times.

The Brain In Silico

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-36
Author(s):  
Joaquin Marro ◽  
Joaquin J. Torres
Keyword(s):  
In Silico ◽  
The Brain

scholarly journals Opioid Literacy in an Immigrant Group in Rural Area: Use of Social Determinant of Health Framework

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 397-397
Author(s):  
Hee Yun Lee ◽  
Eun Young Choi ◽  
Jieun Song ◽  
Jamie Gajos ◽  
Yan Luo
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Young Adults ◽  
Health Literacy ◽  
Rural Area ◽  
Limited English Proficiency ◽  
English Proficiency ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Social Determinant ◽  
Opioid Overdose ◽  
Middle Aged

Abstract Opioid overdose risk is particularly high in immigrant communities partly due to limited English proficiency (Guarino et al., 2015). Previous studies reported that social determinants of health (SDH) have been associated with risk for opioid overdose (Dasgupta et al., 2018). The current study examines the association between SDH and literacy of opioid overdose risk among the immigrant population living in a rural area. Specifically, we examine the association in various age groups including young adults (aged 20 to 34), middle-aged (aged 35 to 49), and older adults (ages 50 to 75). Data were drawn from a sample of Korean American immigrants residing in rural Alabama (N=225). The participants administered the Brief Opioid Knowledge (BOOK) Questionnaire (Dunn et al., 2016). Multiple regression analyses were conducted for three age groups to identify predictors of opioid literacy. Overall, older adults had lower levels of opioid literacy relative to their younger counterparts. Among young adults, low English proficiency, more chronic conditions, and greater depressive symptoms were significant predictors of limited opioid literacy. For the middle-aged adults, lower levels of health literacy and more pain symptoms were associated with limited opioid literacy. Among older adults, women, those with higher English proficiency, and lower health literacy had lower levels of opioid literacy. The findings demonstrated a greater vulnerability of older immigrants to limited opioid literacy. Different predictors based on SDH of limited opioid literacy across age groups have implications for tailored health promotion strategies to reduce opioid overdose risk.

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