Browsing by Author "O'Bryant, Sid PhD"
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Item Automated Diagnostic Testing for Detection of Alzheimer’s Disease(2019-03-05) Conger, Tori BS; Hall, James PhD; O'Bryant, Sid PhD; Julovich, David BSPurpose: Alzheimer’s disease (AD) historically has been detected with brain imaging scans by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or positron emission tomography (PET) and by measurement of protein levels in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). These tests pose limitations due to high cost and invasiveness of the procedures. Our automated blood-based biomarker screening utilizes ELISA based detection and provides a realistic, cost-effective approach for detection of AD and mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Methods: MesoScale Discovery (MSD) multiplex biomarker platform, integrated with a Hamilton StarPlus liquid handler and Quanterix single molecule array (Simoa) HD-1 fully automated analyzer are the platforms used to conduct our multiplexed biomarker screening. Several experiments to assess the effectiveness of an automated system were conducted. Precision and accuracy of hand pipetting verses automated pipetting was tested using aliquots of control materials. Assays were conducted over a three-day period by separate individuals and by the automation. Plate washing and ECL addition was held constant and carried out by the automation for both groups. Covered verses uncovered incubation determined if evaporative loss caused differences on biomarker detection levels. Sample incubation times were tested by shortening the interval from the recommended maximum to determine if less time had effect on detection levels. Automation liquid classes were verified using a Mettler Toledo balance and Hamilton software. Gravimetric measurements were made under control conditions (room temperature, humidity and reagent temperature). Different sample volumes were tested to determine the effect of freeze thaw on detection levels. Results: Although interestingly similar the automation pipetting profile was slightly different than the hand pipetting; automation was more precise. Covered verses uncovered incubation showed virtually no difference in detection levels. Shorting sample incubations times had little effect on detection levels. Gravimetric measurements of liquid classes showed excellent precision and accuracy. Sample volume size did influence detection levels, lower volumes showed a decrease in biomarker levels. Conclusions: Although differences are seen screening with automation verses hand processing, the significance is negligible. The automated diagnostic screening for detection of AD would be a cost effect, easily implemented solution and could become the first in line test.Item Recruiting elders into research(2019-03-05) Wong, Lillian; Izurieta, Haydee; Large, Stephanie; Ruiz, Daisy; Hall, James PhD; O'Bryant, Sid PhD; Johnson, Leigh; Vintimilla, RaulHypothesis/Objective Recruiting older adults into research is a complex task and utilizing ineffective recruitment methods is a waste of research grant money and researcher time. Research in aging and Alzheimer’s disease is particularly sensitive to low levels of enrollment and study completion, as it tends to have a higher participant burden (several study visits, time-consuming appointments and transportation issues). Enrolling sufficient participants is vital for the results of the study to be significant and representative of the population. The purpose of this study was to examine the most effective methods of recruitment in a cohort of adults 50 years or older. Methods The Health and Aging Brain Study among Latino Elders (HABLE) Study is a community based, epidemiological study of cognitive aging among Mexican American and non-Hispanic White elders. The study will recruit 1,000 Mexican Americans and 1,000 Non-Hispanic Whites. The HABLE study uses a combination of community based participatory research methods and targeted marketing for recruitment. On first contact, all participants are asked, “how did you hear about us?”; this information was compared with data from our outreach and advertising tracking system which includes information on the number and type of recruitment events (such as conferences, community talks, etc.), and marketing materials (such as postcards, paid advertisements, etc). Results The total number of new potential participant contacts was 2,136. Of that, 1038 (49%) were scheduled for a study visit; of those scheduled, 856 (82%) completed the study. The majority of participants reporting hearing about the study via: word of mouth (29%), print advertisement (19%) and community outreach at senior centers and churches (16%). Only a small fraction of participants heard about the research through free social media recruitment (1%) and health fair/conference/sponsorship (7%). Conclusions Out of all our recruitment strategies, word of mouth was the most effective. Additionally, print advertising (brochures, postcards and newspaper advertisements placed in various locations in the community) and community outreach in local senior centers or churches were highly successful. The data shows that a combination of mass advertising (print) and face-to-face recruitment (being present in community outreach events) is crucial in getting adults 50 years or older to enroll in aging research.Item The Effects of Sleep-Disordered Breathing on Depression-Related Cognitive Impairment (DepE) in Elderly Mexican Americans(2016-03-23) Edwards, Melissa MA; Johnson, Leigh PhD, LMSW; Roane, Brandy PhD, CBSM; O'Bryant, Sid PhD; Weiser, BrentObjective: Sleep-disordered breathing (SDB), such as found in excessive sleepiness (ES) & obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), has been recognized as a common occurrence in the elderly. SDB has been linked to a number of negative health outcomes in older persons, as well as both cognitive dysfunction and depression. Research shows that the likelihood of depression increased with the frequency of SDB. Likewise, breathing problems during sleep may also be linked to early mental decline and Alzheimer’s disease in Mexican Americans, a new study suggests. There remains, however, a dearth in the literature regarding the impact of SDB on the link between depression and cognition in this population. This study seeks to address the gap in knowledge on the relationship of SDB on depression-related cognitive impairment in Mexican Americans. Methods: Data were analyzed from 516 Mexican American participants from the Health and Aging Brain among Latino Elders (HABLE) study. Excessive sleepiness (ES) was determined based on having a score ≥10 on the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS). Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) was identified as those with a score ≥3 on the STOP-BANG Sleep Apnea Questionnaire. Depression-related cognitive impairment was determined based on the DepE (Depression endophenotype), which was coded on a five-point scale with the GDS-30. Linear regression models were utilized with the DepE as the dependent variable and the Epworth Sleepiness Scale, as well as the STOP-BANG Sleep Apnea Questionnaire, serving as two separate, independent variables. Covariates included age, gender, education, BMI, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and diabetes mellitus. Significance was set at p Results: SDB was found to be elevated among the Mexican American population in this study, with significant associations being shown among ES and DepE, as well as among OSA and DepE. Specifically, for those who met criteria for ES, a significant positive correlation was shown between the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (B[SE]= 0.93[0.27], t=3.47, p=0.001) and DepE. Additionally, among those who met criteria for OSA, a significant positive correlation was also shown between the STOP-BANG Questionnaire (B[SE]= 0.98[0.23], t=4.21, p) and DepE. Conclusions: Elevated ES and OSA show an increased risk for depression-related cognitive impairment (DepE) among Mexican Americans. Potential implications include treatment of ES and OSA as a means of therapeutic intervention for individuals with DepE. Further research should continue examining the effects of other SDB conditions on DepE, as well as exploring the role of DepE on SDB.