Association Between Mid-arm Muscle Circumference and Cognitive Function: A Longitudinal Study of Chinese Adults

BACKGROUND

Dementia affects 55 million people worldwide and low muscle mass may be associated with cognitive decline. Mid-arm muscle circumference (MAMC) correlates with dual-energy Xray absorptiometry and bioelectrical impedance analyses, yet are not routinely available. Therefore, we examined the association between MAMC and cognitive performance in older adults.

METHODS

We included community-dwelling adults ≥55 years from the China Health and Nutrition Survey. Cognitive function was estimated based on a subset of the modified Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status (0-27, low-high) during years (1991, 1993, 1997, 2000, 2004, 2006, 2009, 2011, 2015, 2018). A multivariable linear mixed-effects model was used to test whether MAMC was associated with rate of cognitive decline across age groups and cognitive function overall.

RESULTS

Of 3702 adults (53% female, 63.2 ± 7.3 years), mean MAMC was 21.4 cm ± 3.0 and baseline cognitive score was 13.6 points ±6.6. We found no evidence that the age-related rate of cognitive decline differed by MAMC (P = .77). Declines between 5-year age groups ranged from -.80 [SE (standard error) .18] to -1.09 [.22] for those at a mean MAMC, as compared to -.86 [.25] to -1.24 [.31] for those at a 1 MAMC 1 standard deviation above the mean. Higher MAMC was associated with better cognitive function with .13 [.06] higher scores for each corresponding 1 standard deviation increase in MAMC across all ages.

CONCLUSION

Higher MAMC at any age was associated with better cognitive performance in older adults. Understanding the relationship between muscle mass and cognition may identify at-risk subgroups needing targeted interventions to preserve cognition.

Association Between Weight Status and Rate of Cognitive Decline: China Health and Nutrition Survey 1997-2018

BACKGROUND

There is a close relationship between weight status and cognitive impairment in older adults. This study examined the association between weight status and the trajectory of cognitive decline over time in a population-based cohort of older adults in China.

METHODS

We used data from adults aged ≥55 years participating in the China health and nutrition survey (1997-2018). Underweight (body mass index [BMI] ≤ 18.5 kg/m2), normal weight (18.5-23 kg/m2), overweight (23-27.5 kg/m2), and obesity (BMI ≥ 27.5 kg/m2) were defined using the World Health Organization Asian cutpoints. Global cognition was estimated every 2-4 years through a face-to-face interview using a modified telephone interview for cognitive status (scores 0-27). The association between BMI and the rate of global cognitive decline, using a restricted cubic spline for age and age category, was examined with linear mixed-effects models accounting for correlation within communities and individuals.

RESULTS

We included 5 992 adults (53% female participants, mean age of 62 at baseline). We found differences in the adjusted rate of global cognitive decline by weight status (p = .01 in the cubic spline model). Models were adjusted for sex, marital status, current employment status, income, region, urbanization, education status, birth cohort, leisure activity, smoking status, and self-reported diagnosis of hypertension, diabetes, or Myocardial Infarction (MI)/stroke. In addition, significant declines by age in global cognitive function were found for all weight status categories except individuals with obesity.

CONCLUSIONS

In a cohort of adults in China, cognitive decline trajectory differed by weight status. A slower rate of change was observed in participants classified as having obesity.

ASSOCIATION OF MID UPPER ARM CIRCUMFERENCE AND COGNITION: A POPULATION-BASED COHORT STUDY

Introduction

Evidence suggests a positive association between muscle mass and cognitive impairment exists. Mid-upper arm muscle circumference (MUMC) is a simple measure that may provide prognostic information on cognitive status.

Methods

We included adults aged ≥55 years from the China Health and Nutrition Survey 1997-2018 with MUAC and triceps skinfold (TSF) measurements at each visit. Cognition was estimated based on a subset of the modified Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status (TICS, 0─27). Sex-stratified linear mixed-effects models accounting for within-individual and within-community correlation assessed the association between MUAC and the ratio of MUAC:TSF with TICS across age. We tested whether the rate of cognitive decline by age differed by quartiles of MUAC and MUAC:TSF in separate models. In cases of no statistical differences in cognitive declines by age, we tested whether overall cognitive function was associated with quartiles of MUAC and MUAC:TSF across all ages.

Results

Of 5,964 adults (53% female, age 62.4±6.4), mean MUAC was 26.6±3.74 and 26.2±3.9 cm, mean MUAC:TSF ratio was 2.9±1.6 and 1.94±1.1, and baseline TICS was 15.4±6.1 and 13.2±6.4 for men and women, respectively. MUAC was not associated with the rate of cognitive decline. Lower MUAC was associated with higher overall cognitive function scores for men (p=0.01) and women (p=0.05). For men and women there was no association between MUAC:TSF ratio and either cognitive decline or overall function.

Conclusion

MUMC can be a marker to predict overall cognitive function across this period in the lifecycle, suggesting that declining MUAC may help predict lower overall cognitive function

IV. TESTING FOR DOSAGE-OUTCOME ASSOCIATIONS IN EARLY CARE AND EDUCATION

In this chapter, we turn to the question of whether there is evidence of an association between children’s development and the quantity or dosage of ECE across several large studies. As follow-up to the results summarized in the literature review, it is important to control adequately for selection effects in studying effects of dosage. There is also a need to examine different measures of dosage to see if consistent patterns of findings emerge across different measurement approaches. Accordingly, in this chapter, we will summarize analyses by using more rigorous approaches to controlling for selection than those used in previous research and will adopt several approaches to operationalizing dosage. Again, we are seeking replicated findings, as indicated in this section by similar significant findings across projects in analyses of dosage.

Modeling the impact of Trichomonas vaginalis infection on HIV transmission in HIV-infected individuals in medical care

BACKGROUND

To assess factors associated with having a Trichomonas vaginalis (TV) infection among persons receiving care for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and estimate the number of transmitted HIV infections attributable to TV.

METHODS

HIV clinic patients were recruited from 2 secondary prevention studies, screened by urine nucleic-acid amplification tests for sexually transmitted infections, and interviewed about risk factors (baseline, 6, and 12 months). We conducted mathematical modeling of the results to estimate the number of transmitted HIV infections attributable to TV among a cohort of HIV-infected patients receiving medical care in North Carolina.

RESULTS

TV was prevalent in 7.4%, and incident in 2% to 3% of subjects at follow-up. Individuals with HIV RNA <400 copies/mL (odds ratio, 0.32; 95% CI: 0.14-0.73) and at least 13 years of education (odds ratio, 0.24; 95% CI: 0.08-0.70) were less likely to have TV. Mathematical modeling predicted that 0.062 HIV transmission events occur per 100 HIV-infected women in the absence of TV infection and 0.076 HIV infections per 100 HIV- and TV-infected women (estimate range: 0.070-0.079), indicating that 23% of the HIV transmission events from HIV-infected women may be attributable to TV infection when 22% of women are coinfected with TV.

CONCLUSIONS

The data suggest the need for improved diagnosis of TV infection and suggest that HIV-infected women in medical care may be appropriate targets for enhanced testing and treatment.

Exploration of CYP450 and drug transporter genotypes and correlations with nevirapine exposure in Malawians

AIM

Genetic polymorphisms have the potential to influence drug metabolism and vary among ethnic groups. This study evaluated the correlation of genetic polymorphisms with nevirapine pharmacokinetics exposure in Malawians.

MATERIALS & METHODS

CYP450 2B6, 2D6, 3A4 and 3A5, ABCB1 and constitutive androstane receptor and pregnane X receptor, were analyzed for polymorphisms in 26 subjects.

RESULTS

Allele frequencies (variant) were: CYP2B6 514G>T (0.31) CYP2D6*4 (0.02); CYP2D6*17 (0.35); CYP3A4*1B (0.77); CYP3A5*3 (0.25); ABCB1 2677G>T (0.0), ABCB1 3435C>T (0.21), NR1I3 13711152T>C (0.02), NR1I2 44477T>C (0.10), NR1I2 63396C>T (0.33), NR1I2 6-bp indel (del: 0.17). CYP2B6 516G>T (non-wild-type/wild-type) correlated with nevirapine pharmacokinetic parameters; geometric mean ratios (95% CI): 1.75 (1.27-2.40) for area under the concentration time curve (AUC)(0-12 h), 1.58 (1.03-2.42) for C(0), and 0.53 (0.31-0.91) for clearance. In a multivariable model, nevirapine AUC increased by 1.5% per year of age (p < 0.0001), CYP2B6 516 T allele increased AUC by 92% (p < 0.0001), and CYP3A5*3 decreased AUC by 31% (p = 0.0027).

CONCLUSION

Allele frequencies were similar to other sub-Saharan African populations. The T allele for CYP2B6 516 was significantly associated with nevirapine exposure.

Plasma bile acid concentrations in patients with human immunodeficiency virus infection receiving protease inhibitor therapy: possible implications for hepatotoxicity

STUDY OBJECTIVES

To evaluate whether patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection who were receiving protease inhibitor therapy had altered bile acid concentrations compared with noninfected control subjects, and whether bile acid concentrations could predict the onset of hepatotoxicity caused by protease inhibitors.

DESIGN

Retrospective sample analysis from a prospectively conducted clinical trial.

SETTING

Academic research center.

PATIENTS

Eleven adults with advanced HIV disease who were taking protease inhibitor-based antiretroviral therapy, one of whom had developed protease inhibitor-induced hepatotoxicity.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Plasma concentrations of cholic acid (CA), chenodeoxycholic acid (CDCA), deoxycholic acid (DCA), lithocholic acid (LCA), ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA), and taurocholic acid (TC) were analyzed by using a novel high-performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry detection method. Comparisons of the relative contribution of each bile acid to the total bile acid pool were made with previously published values and with bile acid concentrations contained in two pooled plasma samples from healthy, non-HIV-infected volunteers analyzed in our laboratory. Each pooled plasma sample used for this analysis contained contributions from three non-HIV-infected volunteers. The LCA and TC concentrations in HIV-infected patients were 3-4-fold higher than those previously reported for non-HIV-infected subjects; concentrations of other bile acids were similar to those of previous reports. The relative contribution of CDCA to the total bile acid pool was 9% in HIV-infected patients compared with 30-50% in noninfected subjects. Total and individual bile acid concentrations in the HIV-infected patient who developed hepatotoxicity were similar to the bile acid concentrations from the other study patients who did not develop hepatotoxicity.

CONCLUSION

These data suggest that bile acid concentrations may be altered by HIV infection and/or protease inhibitor therapy. However, further investigations should be performed to assess whether antiretroviral-associated hepatotoxicity can be predicted by alterations in individual bile acid concentrations.

Psychosocial characteristics and sexual behaviors of people in care for HIV infection: an examination of men who have sex with men, heterosexual men and women

Few studies have examined the psychosocial factors associated with sexual transmission behaviors among HIV-positive men who have sex with men (MSM), heterosexual men (MSW) and women. We enrolled 1,050 sexually active HIV-positive patients at seven HIV clinics in six US cities as part of a clinic-based behavioral intervention. We describe the sexual transmission behaviors and examine demographic, clinical, psychosocial, and clinic prevention variables associated with unprotected anal or vaginal intercourse (UAVI). Twenty-three percent of MSM, 12.3% of MSW and 27.8% of women engaged in UAVI with partners perceived to be HIV-negative or of unknown serostatus. Among MSM and MSW, having multiple partners and lower self-efficacy were associated with increased odds of UAVI. Self-rating one's health status as excellent/very good was a risk factor for UAVI among MSM. Among women, binge drinking and stressful life events were associated with UAVI. These findings identify variables that warrant attention in targeted interventions.

Evaluating nurses' implementation of an infant-feeding counseling protocol for HIV-infected mothers: The Ban Study in Lilongwe, Malawi

A process evaluation of nurses' implementation of an infant-feeding counseling protocol was conducted for the Breastfeeding, Antiretroviral and Nutrition (BAN) Study, a prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV clinical trial in Lilongwe, Malawi. Six trained nurses counseled HIV-infected mothers to exclusively breastfeed for 24 weeks postpartum and to stop breastfeeding within an additional four weeks. Implementation data were collected via direct observations of 123 infant feeding counseling sessions (30 antenatal and 93 postnatal) and interviews with each nurse. Analysis included calculating a percent adherence to checklists and conducting a content analysis for the observation and interview data. Nurses were implementing the protocol at an average adherence level of 90% or above. Although not detailed in the protocol, nurses appropriately counseled mothers on their actual or intended formula milk usage after weaning. Results indicate that nurses implemented the protocol as designed. Results will help to interpret the BAN Study's outcomes.

Effect of omeprazole on the plasma concentrations of indinavir when administered alone and in combination with ritonavir

PURPOSE

The effects of omeprazole on indinavir when administered alone or in combination with ritonavir were evaluated.

METHODS

Fourteen men and women age 18-55 years not infected with human immunodeficiency virus who met study qualifications were randomized to receive placebo, 20 mg of omeprazole, or 40 mg of omeprazole daily. After seven days, the single-dose pharmacokinetic profile of an 800-mg dose of indinavir alone or in combination with 200 mg of ritonavir was evaluated. Study participants received each of four study regimens in one of four randomly assigned orders. Blood samples were collected, and plasma indinavir and ritonavir concentrations were analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography.

RESULTS

The coadministration of 20 or 40 mg of omeprazole with indinavir significantly reduced the mean indinavir area under the concentration-versus-time curve (AUC) from 30.0 mg x hr/L (95% confidence interval [CI], 21.9-41.1 mg x hr/L) to 19.7 mg x hr/L (95% CI, 14.6-26.8 mg x hr/L) or 16.0 mg x hr/L (95% CI, 11.8-21.7 mg x hr/L), respectively (p < 0.002). The addition of 200 mg of ritonavir to 800 mg of indinavir in combination with 40 mg of omeprazole significantly increased the mean indinavir AUC from 30.0 mg x hr/L (95% CI, 21.9-41.1 mg x hr/L) to 46.6 mg x hr/L (95% CI, 34.0-63.8 mg x hr/L), but it did not significantly affect mean omeprazole concentrations (p < or = 0.02).

CONCLUSION

The AUC of indinavir was substantially decreased in healthy volunteers who received omeprazole 20 or 40 mg daily for seven days before the administration of a single 800-mg dose of indinavir. Concomitant administration of ritonavir 200 mg with indinavir in participants receiving omeprazole led to a significant increase in the AUC of indinavir.

Dose separation does not overcome the pharmacokinetic interaction between fosamprenavir and lopinavir/ritonavir

Previous investigations have shown a significant negative two-way drug interaction between fosamprenavir (FPV) and lopinavir/ritonavir (LPV/RTV) in both human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients and seronegative volunteers. This randomized, nonblinded, three-way crossover study of HIV-seronegative adult volunteers investigated dose separation and increased doses of RTV as a means to overcome the interaction between FPV and LPV/RTV. Eleven HIV-seronegative volunteers were given FPV plus LPV/RTV at 700 mg plus 400/100 mg every 12 hours (q12h) simultaneously for 10 days and then randomized to receive each of three 7-day treatments in one of six possible sequences, as follows: FPV plus LPV/RTV at 700 mg plus 400 mg/100 mg q12h simultaneously, FPV/RTV at 700 mg/100 mg q12h plus LPV/RTV at 400 mg/100 mg q12h, with doses separated by 4 h, and FPV/RTV at 1,400 mg/200 mg in the morning plus LPV/RTV at 800 mg/200 mg in the evening. Pharmacokinetic sampling was performed on day 8 of each treatment, and samples were analyzed for FPV, amprenavir (APV), LPV, and RTV concentrations by high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Geometric mean ratios (GMR [with 95% confidence intervals]) for the 4- and 12-h dose separation strategies compared to simultaneous administration were calculated for the areas under the concentration-time curves from 0 to 24 h. Compared to simultaneous administration, RTV exposures increased with both 4-h and 12-h dose separation strategies (GMR, 5.30 [3.66 to 7.67] and 4.45 [3.09 to 6.41], respectively). LPV exposures also significantly increased with both 4-h and 12-h dose separation strategies (GMR, 1.76 [1.34 to 2.32] and 1.43 [1.02 to 2.01], respectively). However, both the 4- and 12-h strategies resulted in greater reductions in APV exposure (0.67 [0.54 to 0.83] and 0.77 [0.59 to 0.99], respectively) compared to simultaneous administration. Additional investigations are warranted to determine the optimal dosing of FPV with LPV/RTV.

A 2-arm, randomized, controlled trial of a motivational interviewing-based intervention to improve adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) among patients failing or initiating ART

RATIONALE AND PURPOSE

Motivational interviewing (MI) is a counseling technique that has been used effectively to change a number of health-related behaviors. We sought to assess the impact on patients' antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence of a multicomponent, MI-based ART adherence intervention compared with that of an HIV informational control program.

STUDY DESIGN

Two-arm, randomized, controlled trial.

SAMPLE

One hundred forty adult HIV-infected patients attending a large, academic center infectious diseases clinic who were either failing or newly initiating an ART regimen. STUDY ENDPOINTS: (1) Mean adherence level (% of prescribed doses take in the prior month) at the week 12 visit, (2) change in mean adherence, (3) percentage of patients achieving >95% adherence in the third 4-week block, and (4) change in viral load.

MAIN FINDINGS

The MI group's mean adherence improved by 4.5% compared with a decrease in the control group's adherence by 3.83% (P = 0.10). In the treatment group, 29% achieved >95% adherence compared with only 17% in the control group (P = 0.13). When we controlled for ethnicity, the intervention group had 2.75 times higher odds of achieving more than 95% adherence than did the controls (P = 0.045; 95% confidence interval: 1.023, 7.398). Although a number of mediating variables (beliefs about ART, coping style, social support, and goals set) had statistically significant changes in the expected direction in the MI group compared with controls, in the intent-to-treat analysis, the mean adherence at study exit for the intervention group was 76% (SD = 27%) and 71% (SD = 27%) for the control group (P = 0.62).

CONCLUSION

Although not definitive, this study provides some evidence that MI offers an effective approach to improving adherence. Future studies able to build MI into the intervention for longer than 3 months may have a greater impact.

Randomized study of the safety and efficacy of fish oil (omega-3 fatty acid) supplementation with dietary and exercise counseling for the treatment of antiretroviral therapy-associated hypertriglyceridemia

BACKGROUND

Omega-3 fatty acids (fish oils) reduce fasting serum triglyceride levels and cardiovascular disease risk in individuals without HIV infection. Whether omega-3 fatty acid supplementation can reduce hypertriglyceridemia associated with antiretroviral therapy is not known.

METHODS

We conducted an open-label, randomized trial that enrolled 52 patients receiving > or =3 active antiretrovirals who had fasting triglyceride levels of >200 mg/dL and were randomized to receive nutritionist-administered dietary and exercise counseling with or without fish oil supplementation for 16 weeks.

RESULTS

Patients assigned to receive fish oil experienced a 25% mean decline in fasting triglyceride levels at week 4 (95% CI, -34.6% to -15.7% change), compared with a 2.8% mean increase among patients assigned to receive counseling alone (95% CI, -17.5% to +23.1% change) (P=.007). By week 16, the mean reduction in triglyceride levels in the fish oil arm remained significant, at 19.5% (95% CI, -34.9% to -4.0% change), whereas the mean decrease in the diet and exercise only arm was 5.7% (95% CI, -24.6% to +13.2% change); however, the difference between study arms was no longer statistically significant (P=.12). Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels had increased by 15.6% (95% CI, +4.8% to +26.4% change) at week 4 and by 22.4% (95% CI, +7.91% to +36.8% change) at week 16 in the fish oil arm but did not change in the diet and exercise only group. Fish oil was well tolerated; only 1 patient experienced treatment-limiting toxicity. Patients assigned to receive fish oil experienced a 25% mean decline in fasting triglyceride levels at week 4 (95% CI, -34.6% to -15.7% change), compared with a 2.8% mean increase in patients assigned to receive counseling alone (95% CI, -17.5% to 23.1% change) (P=.007). By week 16, the mean reduction in triglyceride levels in the fish oil arm remained significant, at 19.5% (95% CI, -34.9% to -4.0% change), whereas the mean decrease in the diet and exercise only arm was 5.7% (95% CI, -24.6% to 13.2% change); however, the difference between study arms was no longer statistically significant (P=.12). Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels had increased by 15.6% (95% CI, 4.8%-26.4% change) at week 4 and by 22.4% (95% CI, 7.91%-36.8% change) at week 16 in the fish oil arm but did not change in the diet and exercise only group. Fish oil was well tolerated; only 1 patient experienced treatment-limiting toxicity.

CONCLUSIONS

Supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids in combination with dietary and exercise counseling was well tolerated and reduced fasting triglyceride levels in patients receiving antiretrovirals. To what extent the increase in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels observed in patients assigned this intervention is attributable to omega-3 fatty acid supplementation and whether this increase attenuates any benefit in lowering triglyceride levels is unclear. Given these results, further investigation of omega-3 fatty acid supplementation for the treatment of hypertriglyceridemia in HIV-infected patients is warranted.

Effect of release from prison and re-incarceration on the viral loads of HIV-infected individuals

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of release from prison and subsequent re-incarceration on the viral loads of HIV-infected individuals receiving highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART).

METHODS

Fifteen re-incarcerated HIV-infected prisoners on HAART were identified from a retrospective cohort of HIV-infected prison inmates released from January 1, 1997, to August 31, 1999. The re-incarcerated prisoners were matched (1:2) to 30 HIV-infected incarcerated prisoners on HAART who remained incarcerated during the re-incarcerated participants' release time period. The outcomes measured were plasma HIV RNA levels, CD4+ lymphocyte counts, percentage of re-incarcerated and incarcerated participants with plasma HIV RNA levels <400 copies/mL, and the median change in plasma HIV RNA levels of the re-incarcerated and incarcerated participants at the end of the study.

RESULTS

At the beginning of the study, 8/15 re-incarcerated participants had plasma HIV RNA levels <400 copies/mL, compared with 15/30 incarcerated participants. At the end of the study, only three of those eight re-incarcerated participants had plasma HIV RNA levels <400 copies/mL, compared with 14/15 incarcerated participants (p=0.0086). The median change in plasma HIV RNA levels of the re-incarcerated participants was 1.29 log10 copies/mL (interquartile range 0.04 to 1.70), compared with -0.03 log10 copies/mL (interquartile range -0.65 to 0.09) in the incarcerated participants (p=0.0183).

CONCLUSIONS

Release from prison was associated with a deleterious effect on virological and immunological outcomes. These data suggest that comprehensive discharge planning efforts are required to make certain that HIV-infected inmates receive access to quality care following incarceration.

Diagnosis and treatment of lipomas of the internal auditory canal

A Chinese woman came to the otolaryngology department with a complaint of a longstanding progressive left hearing loss and intractable tinnitus. A finding of asymmetry on sensorineural hearing loss and auditory brainstem response testing provided evidence of a retrocochlear lesion on the left side. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging detected a tumor in the left internal auditory canal (IAC). In addition to these radiologic features, our suspicion of the possibility of an IAC lipoma was raised by the observation of multiple lipomas over the patient's trunk and limbs. The patient underwent a complete tumor resection via the translabyrinthine approach, Pathology confirmed the diagnosis of an IAC lipoma. Although we were not able to preserve the hearing in her left ear, the patient was satisfied that we had relieved her constant tinnitus. In this article, we review the particulars of this case and discuss the clinical, radiologic, and pathologic features of IAC lipomas.

Organic integrity test (OIT) as an empirical guide in the treatment of schizophrenia

The study of a single case, though less conclusive, sometimes heralds methodological advance. Hopefully, other investigators will be able to replicate the findings on a large number of subjects. This report, based on the case history of Bob R., describes in detail how the Organic Integrity Test (OIT) may be used as a daily therapeutic index in the treatment of schizophrenia.