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Dementia research lacks appropriate representation of diverse groups who often face substantial adversity and greater risk of dementia. Current research participants are primarily well-resourced, non-Hispanic White, cisgender adults who live close to academic medical centers where much of the research is based. Consequently, the field faces a knowledge gap about Alzheimer's-related risk factors in those other groups. The Alzheimer's Association hosted a virtual conference on June 14-16, 2021, supported in part by the National Institute on Aging (R13 AG072859-01), focused on health disparities. The conference was held entirely online and consisted of 2 days of core programming and a day of focused meetings centered on American Indian and Alaska Natives and on LGBTQIA+ populations. Over 1300 registrants attended discussions focused on the structural and systemic inequities experienced across diverse groups, as well as ways to investigate and address these inequities.

BackgroundGiven high rates of cancer mortality in Native communities, we examined how urban American Indian and Alaska Native elders talk about colorectal cancer (CRC) and CRC screening.MethodsWe conducted seven focus groups with a total of 46 participants in two urban clinics in the Pacific Northwest to assess participant awareness, perceptions, and concerns about CRC and CRC screening. Using speech codes theory, we identified norms that govern when and how to talk about CRC in this population.ResultsOur analyses revealed that male participants often avoided screening because they perceived it as emasculating, whereas women often avoided screening because of embarrassment and past trauma resulting from sexual abuse. Both men and women used humor to mitigate the threatening nature of discussions about CRC and CRC screening.ConclusionsWe offer our analytic results to assist others in developing culturally appropriate interventions to promote CRC screening among American Indians and Alaska Natives.

PurposeThe number of American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) people living with dementia is expected to increase 5-fold by 2060. Social determinants of health may explain disparities in the incidence of Alzheimer disease (AD) but remain largely overlooked.MethodsWe examined the time trend of AD mortality rates and associations of the percentage of AI/ANs, density of primary care physicians and neurologists, area deprivation index, rurality, and Indian Health Service region with AD mortality in 646 purchased/referred care delivery area counties.ResultsAD mortality rates significantly increased over time. Counties with higher concentrations of AI/AN people had lower AD mortality. More deprived counties had 34% higher AD mortality compared with less deprived counties. AD mortality was 20% lower in nonmetro counties than in metro counties.ConclusionsFindings have implications for prioritizing areas where more resources for AD care, education, or outreach are needed.

Pilot project programs offer early-stage and other investigators support to pursue emerging research areas, explore new methodologies, gain experience as principal investigators, and collect pilot data needed to pursue larger extramural research funding, such as from the National Institutes of Health. Pilot project programs may be particularly important to early-stage investigators from underrepresented backgrounds, who must overcome unique challenges to launching careers in community-based participatory research. This paper describes the structure, function, and impact of the Native Center for Alcohol Research and Education (NCARE) Pilot Project Core. Methods: During four calls for applications from 2018 to 2021, research investigators interested in conducting alcohol use disorder research in partnership with Tribal communities were recruited, with a focus on early-stage and American Indian and Alaska Native investigators. Eligible investigators were required to submit letters of intent prior to preparing full applications, which underwent a rigorous review process. Results: Eight pilot projects were awarded. Of the eight pilot project investigators, seven were early-stage scholars, seven were female, and four identified as American Indian or Alaska Native. The funded projects included two primary areas of research, epidemiological studies and intervention projects. Once funded, the Pilot Project Core assisted pilot project investigators with securing approvals for their research studies, responding to methodological and analysis questions, and mentoring and monitoring their progress. At the time of writing this paper, three pilot project investigators have completed their pilot projects, three investigators are currently collecting data, and one is in the analysis phase. One pilot project investigator did not complete their project due to COVID-19 restrictions early in the pandemic. The pilot project investigators submitted 36 grant proposals for independent external funding and received 25 grants after funding of their pilot project; four were directly related to pilot project grants. Additionally, four peer-reviewed manuscripts resulting from Pilot Project Core support were published. Conclusions: Despite challenges related to the COVID-19 pandemic the pilot project funding through NCARE provided eight pilot grants, half of which identified as AI/AN and most of which led directly to multiple grants and papers. The NCARE pilot program provides a model for other similar programs seeking to support early-stage investigators who identify as AI/AN or other groups underrepresented in science. Keywords: Pilot projects; training programs; substance use disorders; American Indian and Alaska Native communities, BACKGROUND Recently, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) has introduced a variety of initiatives focused on increasing the diversity of the scientific workforce (National Institutes of Health, 2022). These efforts [...]

BackgroundThe rate of smoking commercial tobacco products among American Indian youth is double the rate for white youth. Interventions are needed to reduce this disparity. ObjectiveTo test the feasibility of a Web-based intervention to influence attitudes toward and intentions about smoking cigarettes among American Indian youth who attended a Native summer camp in the Northern Plains. MethodsThe study website, the SmokingZine, was originally developed and tested in Canadian youth, then adapted to be appropriate for American Indian youth. We conducted a randomized controlled trial to test the influence of exposure to the adapted SmokingZine website on smoking attitudes and behaviors among American Indian youth 12–18 years of age. Participants assigned to the intervention group were given access to the website for 1 hour per day during their camp experience and asked to sign in to the site and use it. Control group participants were not given access to the site. ResultsA total of 52% of intervention youth signed in to the website at least once. Among nonsmokers, intentions to try a cigarette in the intervention group declined from 16% to 0%, and increased from 8% to 25% in the control group (P < .05). Compared with the control group, youth in the intervention group were more likely to help others quit (21 percentage point change in intervention versus no change in control; P < .05) and had less positive attitudes about the drug effects of smoking (–0.19 change in intervention versus 0.67 in control; P < .05). ConclusionThese data indicate that SmokingZine needs more long-term, rigorous investigation as a way to keep American Indian youth from becoming regular smokers. Because the intervention group could use computers only 1 hour per day, increasing access might result in more visits and a greater effect of the website on smoking behaviors.

ObjectivePosttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is highly comorbid with chronic pain conditions that often co-occur such as migraine headaches, temporomandibular disorder, irritable bowel syndrome, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome, and tension headaches. Using a genetically informative sample, the current study evaluated the genetic and environmental factors contributing to the co-occurrence of PTSD and chronic pain conditions.MethodsData from 4680 male twins in the Vietnam Era Twin Registry were examined. Biometric modeling was used to estimate genetic and environmental variance components and genetic and environmental correlations between PTSD and multiple chronic pain conditions.ResultsHeritabilities were estimated at 43% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 15%-63%) for PTSD and 34% (95% CI = 27%-41%) for the combined history of any one or more pain condition. Specific pain condition heritabilities ranged from 15% (95% CI = 0%-48%) for tension headaches to 41% (95% CI = 27%-54%) for migraine headaches. Environmental influences accounted for the remaining variance in pain conditions. The genetic correlation between PTSD and combined history of any one or more pain condition was rg= 0.61 (95% CI = 0.46-0.89) and ranged for individual pain conditions from rg= 0.44 (95% CI = 0.24-0.77) for migraine headache to rg= 0.75 (95% CI = 0.52-1.00) for tension headaches.ConclusionsPTSD and chronic pain conditions are highly comorbid, and this relationship can be explained by both genetic and environmental overlap. The precise mechanisms underlying these relationships are likely diverse and multifactorial.

Background and Aims: Despite known Indigenous health and socioeconomic disadvantage in countries with a Very High Human Development Index, data on the incidence of stroke in these populations are sparse. With oversight from an Indigenous Advisory Board, we will undertake a systematic review of the incidence of stroke in Indigenous populations of developed countries or regions, with comparisons between Indigenous and non-Indigenous populations of the same region, though not between different Indigenous populations. Methods: Using PubMed, OVID-EMBASE, and Global Health databases, we will examine population-based incidence studies of stroke in Indigenous adult populations of developed countries published 1990-current, without language restriction. Non-peer-reviewed sources, studies including

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and eating disorders (ED) frequently co-occur, but the mechanisms underlying this association remain unclear. EDs are characterized by features of maladaptive eating behaviors including disinhibited eating and cognitive dietary restraint. Identifying the genetic overlap between PTSD symptoms and maladaptive eating behaviors may elucidate biological mechanisms and potential treatment targets. A community sample of 400 same-sex twins (102 monozygotic and 98 dizygotic pairs) completed the PTSD Checklist-Civilian (PCL-C) for PTSD symptoms and the Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire-Reduced (TFEQ-R18) for eating behaviors (uncontrolled eating, emotional eating, and cognitive dietary restraint). We used biometric modeling to examine the genetic and environmental relationships between PCL-C and TFEQ-R18 total and subscales scores. Heritability was estimated at 48% for PTSD symptoms and 45% for eating behavior overall. Bivariate models revealed a significant genetic correlation between PTSD symptoms and eating behavior overall (rg =.34; CI:.07,.58) and Uncontrolled Eating (rg =.53; CI:.24,.84), and a significant environmental correlation between PTSD symptoms and Emotional Eating (re =.30; CI:.12,.45). These findings suggest the influence of common etiology. Future research and clinical efforts should focus on developing integrated treatments.

OBJECTIVES:Limited research suggests commonalities between urologic chronic pelvic pain syndromes (UCPPS) and other non-urologic chronic overlapping pain conditions (COPCs) including fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, and irritable bowel syndrome. The goal of this case-control study was to examine similarities and differences between UCPPS and these other COPCs. METHODS:As part of the Multidisciplinary Approach to the Study of Chronic Pelvic Pain Research Network, we examined 1,039 individuals with UCPPS (n=424), non-urologic COPCs (n=200), and healthy controls (n=415). Validated standardized measures were used to assess urological symptoms, non-urological pain symptoms, and psychosocial symptoms and traits. RESULTS:Participants with UCPPS had more urologic symptoms than non-urologic COPCs or healthy controls (P

ObjectiveTo evaluate the genetic and environmental relationship among prostatitis and other urological conditions, including benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and prostate cancer (CaP), a classical twin design and biometric modeling was used. While prostatitis-characterized by pain and voiding symptoms, no clear etiology, and functional and quality of life impairments-co-occurs with other urinary conditions, the degree of shared overlapping etiologic processes among them remains unclear. We examined the contribution of genetic and environmental factors to these conditions and the etiology of their associations at the level of genetic and environmental influences.Methods4380 monozygotic and dizygotic male twin pairs from the Vietnam Era Twin Registry reported lifetime physician-diagnosed prostatitis (combined acute and chronic), bladder problems, enlarged prostate/BPH, and CaP. Multivariate biometrical modeling estimated the magnitude of genetic and environmental influences for each condition, as well as their genetic and environmental covariance. The common pathway model tested the assumption that covariation among these urinary conditions is determined by a single latent factor.ResultsOverall prevalence of prostatitis was 2.7%. Heritability estimates ranged from 19% for bladder problems to 42% for CaP. Significant shared environmental influences were present for CaP (12%), enlarged prostate/BPH (10%) but were smaller than genetic influences. A reduced one factor common pathway model provided the best fit, suggesting that covariation among the conditions is determined by a shared latent factor.ConclusionWe identified a common, genetically-influenced factor that accounts for much of the comorbidity among these 4 disease conditions. Nonshared environmental factors also make a significant contribution.

ObjectivesChronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS) is characterized by pain and voiding symptoms in the absence of an obvious infection or other cause. CP/CPPS frequently occurs with non-urological chronic overlapping pain conditions (COPCs) of unknown etiology. We conducted a co-twin control study in men discordant for chronic prostatitis (CP), an overarching diagnosis of which approximately 90% is CP/CPPS. The primary aim was to investigate the contribution of familial factors, including shared genetic and common environmental factors, to the comorbidity of CP and COPCs.MethodsData from 6824 male twins in the Vietnam Era Twin Registry were examined to evaluate the association between self-reported lifetime physician diagnosis of CP with COPCs including fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, irritable bowel syndrome, temporomandibular disorder, tension headaches, and migraine headaches. Random effects logistic regression models were used and within-pair analyses evaluated confounding effects of familial factors on the associations.ResultsThere were significant associations between CP and all 6 examined COPCs. After adjusting for shared familial influences in within twin pair analyses, the associations for all COPCs diminished but remained significant. Familial confounding was strongest for the association of CP with fibromyalgia and temporomandibular disorder and smallest for irritable bowel syndrome.ConclusionsCP and COPCs are highly comorbid. These associations can be partially explained by familial factors. The mechanisms underlying these relationships are likely diverse and multifactorial. Future longitudinal research can help to further elucidate specific genetic and environmental mechanisms and determine potentially causal relationships between CP and its comorbidities.

IntroductionThe Resource Centers for Minority Aging Research (RCMAR) program was launched in 1997. Its goal is to build infrastructure to improve the well-being of older racial/ethnic minorities by identifying mechanisms to reduce health disparities.MethodsIts primary objectives are to mentor faculty in research addressing the health of minority elders and to enhance the diversity of the workforce that conducts elder health research by prioritizing the mentorship of underrepresented diverse scholars.ResultsThrough 2015, 12 centers received RCMAR awards and provided pilot research funding and mentorship to 361 scholars, 70% of whom were from underrepresented racial/ethnic groups. A large majority (85%) of RCMAR scholars from longstanding centers continue in academic research. Another 5% address aging and other health disparities through nonacademic research and leadership roles in public health agencies.ConclusionsLongitudinal, team-based mentoring, cross-center scholar engagement, and community involvement in scholar development are important contributors to RCMAR's success.

ObjectivesHypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis dysregulation is associated with chronic pain. Studying pain sensitivity and the HPA axis could elucidate the role of stress in chronic pain development, which might be influenced by familial factors, including genes.MethodsAssociations between pain sensitivity and salivary cortisol and familial confounding in these associations were examined in 88 female, community-based twin pairs (75% monozygotic, mean age 29 y). Cortisol was assessed after 0.25 mg dexamethasone (DEX), recovery from 0.25 mg DEX, and after 0.5 mg DEX. Cold pressor task (CPT) pain ratings were obtained at threshold and at tolerance. Conditioned pain modulation (CPM) was examined using thermal heat as the testing stimulus and hot water as the conditioning stimulus. Generalized estimating equation models were used and adjusted for baseline pain rating, age, and other relevant covariates.ResultsAfter controlling for baseline cortisol, greater cortisol suppression following DEX administration and lower recovery cortisol levels were associated with higher pain ratings at tolerance during the CPT (Bs=-2.42 to -17.82; Ps=0.031 to

PurposeWe examined symptom variability in men and women with urological chronic pelvic pain syndrome. We describe symptom fluctuations as related to early symptom regression and its effect on estimated 1-year symptom change. We also describe a method to quantify patient specific symptom variability.Materials and methodsSymptoms were assessed biweekly in 424 subjects with urological chronic pelvic pain syndrome during 1 year. To evaluate the impact of early symptom regression subjects were classified as improved, no change or worse according to the rate of change using 1) all data, 2) excluding week 0 and 3) excluding weeks 0 and 2. Patient specific, time varying variability was calculated at each interval using a sliding window approach. Patients were classified as high, medium or low variability at each time and ultimately as high or low variability overall based on the variability for the majority of contacts.ResultsPrior to excluding early weeks to adjust for early symptom regression 25% to 38% and 5% to 6% of patients were classified as improved and worse, respectively. After adjustment the percent of patients who were improved or worse ranged from 15% to 25% and 6% to 9%, respectively. High and low variability phenotypes were each identified in 25% to 30% of participants.ConclusionsPatients with urological chronic pelvic pain syndrome show symptom variability. At study enrollment patients had worse symptoms on average, resulting in a regression effect that influenced the estimated proportion of those who were improved or worse. Prospective studies should include a run-in period to account for regression to the mean and other causes of early symptom regression. Further, symptom variability may be quantified and used to characterize longitudinal symptom profiles of urological chronic pelvic pain syndrome.

PurposeSymptoms of urinary irritation, urgency, frequency and obstruction, known as lower urinary tract symptoms, are common in urological practice. However, little is known about the etiology or pathogenesis of lower urinary tract symptoms, especially the relative contributions of genetic and environmental factors to the development of these symptoms. We used a classic twin study design to examine the relative contributions of genetic and environmental factors to the occurrence of lower urinary tract symptoms in middle-aged men.Materials and methodsTwins were members of the Vietnam Era Twin Registry. We used a mail survey to collect data on lower urinary tract symptoms using the I-PSS (International Prostate Symptom Score) instrument. Twin correlations and biometric modeling were used to determine the relative genetic and environmental contributions to variance in I-PSS total score and individual items.ResultsParticipants were 1,002 monozygotic and 580 dizygotic middle-aged male twin pairs (mean age 50.2 years, SD 3.0). Nearly 25% of the sample had an I-PSS greater than 8, indicating at least moderate lower urinary tract symptoms. The heritability of the total I-PSS was 37% (95% CI 32-42). Heritability estimates ranged from 21% for nocturia to 40% for straining, with moderate heritability (34% to 36%) for urinary frequency and urgency.ConclusionsGenetic factors provide a moderate contribution (20% to 40%) to lower urinary tract symptoms in middle-aged men, suggesting that environmental factors may also contribute substantially to lower urinary tract symptoms. Future research is needed to define specific genetic and environmental mechanisms that underlie the development of these symptoms and conditions associated with lower urinary tract symptoms.

Background: Sleep-related disorders have been associated with cognitive decline and neurodegeneration. American Indians are at increased risk for dementia. Here, we aim to characterize, for the first time, the associations between sleep characteristics and subsequent cognitive performance in a sample of aging American Indians. Methods: We performed analyses on data collected in two ancillary studies from the Strong Heart Study, which occurred approximately 10 years apart with an overlapping sample of 160 American Indians (mean age at follow-up 73.1, standard deviation 5.6; 69.3% female and 80% with high school completion). Sleep measures were derived by polysomnography and self-reported questionnaires, including sleep timing and duration, sleep latency, sleep stages, indices of sleep-disordered breathing, and self-report assessments of poor sleep and daytime sleepiness. Cognitive assessment included measures of general cognition, processing speed, episodic verbal learning, short and long-delay recall, recognition, and phonemic fluency. We performed correlation analyses between sleep and cognitive measures. For correlated variables, we conducted separate linear regressions. We analyzed the degree to which cognitive impairment, defined as more than 1.5 standard deviations below the average Modified Mini Mental State Test score, is predicted by sleep characteristics. All regression analyses were adjusted for age, sex, years of education, body mass index, study site, depressive symptoms score, difference in age from baseline to follow-up, alcohol use, and presence of APOE e4 allele. Results: We found that objective sleep characteristics measured by polysomnography, but not subjective sleep characteristics, were associated with cognitive performance approximately 10 years later. Longer sleep latency was associated with worse phonemic fluency (β = -0.069, p = 0.019) and increased likelihood of being classified in the cognitive impairment group later in life (odds ratio 1.037, p = 0.004). Longer duration with oxygen saturation < 90% was associated with better immediate verbal memory, and higher oxygen saturation with worse total learning, short and long-delay recall, and processing speed. Conclusion: In a sample of American Indians, sleep characteristics in midlife were correlated with cognitive performance a decade later. Sleep disorders may be modifiable risk factors for cognitive impairment and dementia later in life, and suitable candidates for interventions aimed at preventing neurodegenerative disease development and progression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We examined if step-count goal setting resulted in increases in physical activity and walking compared to only monitoring step counts with pedometers among American Indian/Alaska Native elders. Outcomes included step counts, self-reported physical activity and well-being, and performance on the 6-minute walk test. Although no significant between-group differences were found, within-group analyses indicated that elders significantly improved on the majority of step count, physical activity, health-related quality of life, and 6-minute walk outcomes. (Contains 3 tables.)

PurposeWe used MAPP data to identify participants with urological chronic pelvic pain syndromes only or a chronic functional nonurological associated somatic syndrome in addition to urological chronic pelvic pain syndromes. We characterized these 2 subgroups and explored them using 3 criteria, including 1) MAPP eligibility criteria, 2) self-reported medical history or 3) RICE criteria.Materials and methodsSelf-reported cross-sectional data were collected on men and women with urological chronic pelvic pain syndromes, including predominant symptoms, symptom duration and severity, nonurological associated somatic syndrome symptoms and psychosocial factors.ResultsOf 424 participants with urological chronic pelvic pain syndromes 162 (38%) had a nonurological associated somatic syndrome, including irritable bowel syndrome in 93 (22%), fibromyalgia in 15 (4%), chronic fatigue syndrome in 13 (3%) and multiple syndromes in 41 (10%). Of 233 females 103 (44%) had a nonurological associated somatic syndrome compared to 59 of 191 males (31%) (p = 0.006). Participants with a nonurological associated somatic syndrome had more severe urological symptoms and more frequent depression and anxiety. Of 424 participants 228 (54%) met RICE criteria. Of 228 RICE positive participants 108 (47%) had a nonurological associated somatic syndrome compared to 54 of 203 RICE negative patients (28%) with a nonurological associated somatic syndrome (p < 0.001).ConclusionsNonurological associated somatic syndromes represent important clinical characteristics of urological chronic pelvic pain syndromes. Participants with a nonurological associated somatic syndrome have more severe symptoms, longer duration and higher rates of depression and anxiety. RICE positive patients are more likely to have a nonurological associated somatic syndrome and more severe symptoms. Because nonurological associated somatic syndromes are more common in women, future studies must account for this potential confounding factor in urological chronic pelvic pain syndromes.

BackgroundWe describe reach, partnerships, products, benefits, and lessons learned of the 25 Community Network Programs (CNPs) that applied community-based participatory research (CBPR) to reduce cancer health disparities.MethodsQuantitative and qualitative data were abstracted from CNP final reports. Qualitative data were grouped by theme.ResultsTogether, the 25 CNPs worked with more than 2,000 academic, clinical, community, government, faith-based, and other partners. They completed 211 needs assessments, leveraged funds for 328 research and service projects, trained 719 new investigators, educated almost 55,000 community members, and published 991 articles. Qualitative data illustrated how use of CBPR improved research methods and participation; improved knowledge, interventions, and outcomes; and built community capacity. Lessons learned related to the need for time to nurture partnerships and the need to attend to community demand for sustained improvements in cancer services.ImplicationsFindings demonstrate the value of government-supported, community-academic, CBPR partnerships in cancer prevention and control research.

UnlabelledUrologic chronic pelvic pain syndrome (UCPPS) may be defined to include interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS) and chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS). The hallmark symptom of UCPPS is chronic pain in the pelvis, urogenital floor, or external genitalia often accompanied by lower urinary tract symptoms. Despite numerous past basic and clinical research studies there is no broadly identifiable organ-specific pathology or understanding of etiology or risk factors for UCPPS, and diagnosis relies primarily on patient reported symptoms. In addition, there are no generally effective therapies. Recent findings have, however, revealed associations between UCPPS and "centralized" chronic pain disorders, suggesting UCPPS may represent a local manifestation of more widespread pathology in some patients. Here, we describe a new and novel effort initiated by the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) of the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH) to address the many long standing questions regarding UCPPS, the Multidisciplinary Approach to the Study of Chronic Pelvic Pain (MAPP) Research Network. The MAPP Network approaches UCPPS in a systemic manner, in which the interplay between the genitourinary system and other physiological systems is emphasized. The network's study design expands beyond previous research, which has primarily focused on urologic organs and tissues, to utilize integrated approaches to define patient phenotypes, identify clinically-relevant subgroups, and better understand treated natural history and pathophysiology. Thus, the MAPP Network provides an unprecedented, multi-layered characterization of UCPPS. Knowledge gained is expected to provide important insights into underlying pathophysiology, a foundation for better segmenting patients for future clinical trials, and ultimately translation into improved clinical management. In addition, the MAPP Network's integrated multi-disciplinary research approach may serve as a model for studies of urologic and non-urologic disorders that have proven refractory to past basic and clinical study.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01098279 "Chronic Pelvic Pain Study of Individuals with Diagnoses or Symptoms of Interstitial Cystitis and/or Chronic Prostatitis (MAPP-EP)".

BackgroundThe "Multidisciplinary Approach to the Study of Chronic Pelvic Pain" (MAPP) Research Network was established by the NIDDK to better understand the pathophysiology of urologic chronic pelvic pain syndromes (UCPPS), to inform future clinical trials and improve clinical care. The evolution, organization, and scientific scope of the MAPP Research Network, and the unique approach of the network's central study and common data elements are described.MethodsThe primary scientific protocol for the Trans-MAPP Epidemiology/Phenotyping (EP) Study comprises a multi-site, longitudinal observational study, including bi-weekly internet-based symptom assessments, following a comprehensive in-clinic deep-phenotyping array of urological symptoms, non-urological symptoms and psychosocial factors to evaluate men and women with UCPPS. Healthy controls, matched on sex and age, as well as "positive" controls meeting the non-urologic associated syndromes (NUAS) criteria for one or more of the target conditions of Fibromyalgia (FM), Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) or Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), were also evaluated. Additional, complementary studies addressing diverse hypotheses are integrated into the Trans-MAPP EP Study to provide a systemic characterization of study participants, including biomarker discovery studies of infectious agents, quantitative sensory testing, and structural and resting state neuroimaging and functional neurobiology studies. A highly novel effort to develop and assess clinically relevant animal models of UCPPS was also undertaken to allow improved translation between clinical and mechanistic studies. Recruitment into the central study occurred at six Discovery Sites in the United States, resulting in a total of 1,039 enrolled participants, exceeding the original targets. The biospecimen collection rate at baseline visits reached nearly 100%, and 279 participants underwent common neuroimaging through a standardized protocol. An extended follow-up study for 161 of the UCPPS participants is ongoing.DiscussionThe MAPP Research Network represents a novel, comprehensive approach to the study of UCPPS, as well as other concomitant NUAS. Findings are expected to provide significant advances in understanding UCPPS pathophysiology that will ultimately inform future clinical trials and lead to improvements in patient care. Furthermore, the structure and methodologies developed by the MAPP Network provide the foundation upon which future studies of other urologic or non-urologic disorders can be based.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01098279 "Chronic Pelvic Pain Study of Individuals with Diagnoses or Symptoms of Interstitial Cystitis and/or Chronic Prostatitis (MAPP-EP)". http://clinicaltrials.gov/show/NCT01098279.

BackgroundThere is a dearth of knowledge about the link between cortisol and pain sensitivity.PurposeWe examined the association of salivary cortisol with indices of cold pain sensitivity in 198 female twins and explored the role of familial confounding.MethodsThree-day saliva samples were collected for cortisol levels and a cold pressor test was used to collect pain ratings and time to threshold and tolerance. Linear regression modeling with generalized estimating equations examined the overall and within-pair associations.ResultsLower diurnal variation of cortisol was associated with higher pain ratings at threshold (p = 0.02) and tolerance (p

INTRODUCTION: Identification of Alzheimer's disease (AD) needs inexpensive, noninvasive biomarkers, with validation in all populations. METHODS: We collected plasma markers in older American Indian individuals: phosphorylated‐tau181 (pTau181); amyloid‐beta (Aβ) 40,42; glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP); and neurofilament light chain (NfL). Plasma markers were analyzed for discriminant properties with cognitive status and etiology using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. RESULTS: PTau181, GFAP, NfL plasma values were significantly associated with cognition, but Aβ were not. Discriminant performance was moderate for individual markers, with pTau181, GFAP, NfL performing best, but an empirically selected panel of markers (age, sex, education, pTau181, GFAP, NfL, Aβ4240 ratio) had excellent discriminant performance (AUC > 0.8). DISCUSSION: In American Indian individuals, pTau181 and Aβ values suggested more common pathology than in majority populations. Aβ was less informative than in other populations; however, all four markers were needed for a best‐performing dementia diagnostic model. These data validate utility of AD plasma markers, while suggesting population‐specific diagnostic characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]