Adult Female Age Research Articles

Assessment of ISTH-BAT Scores in a Primary Care Clinic Population of Menstruating Adolescents

Background Accurate assessment of bleeding severity is critical for timely diagnosis and appropriate management of inherited bleeding disorders. To achieve standardized and reliable evaluation, the International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis (ISTH) developed the Bleeding Assessment Tool (BAT). The ISTH-BAT is a comprehensive questionnaire designed to systematically evaluate bleeding symptoms in both children and adults. A crucial aspect of utilizing the ISTH-BAT in clinical practice is determining the normal range of bleeding scores in the general population. Defining this baseline aids in distinguishing abnormal bleeding tendencies from variations within the healthy population. The ISTH-BAT Merging Project established a normal range of BAT scores for children age <18 years as 0-2 and for adult females age ≥18 years as 0-5. However, the normal range of BAT scores for adolescent females remains undetermined. This population is unique because they have undergone the bleeding challenge of menarche but are less likely to have experienced childbirth or multiple surgeries. Furthermore, while prior studies have shown age-related increases in BAT scores in individuals with von Willebrand Disease, there are limited data on the effect of aging on BAT scores in a healthy adolescent population. This study aims to determine the range of BAT scores in a diverse menstruating adolescent population, compare bleeding scores to published reference ranges from the ISTH-BAT Merging Project and assess potential age-related variations in BAT scores. Methods In an ongoing large population study, 10-20 year-old menstruating adolescents presenting for routine care are recruited from primary care clinics across Nationwide Children's Hospital (Columbus, OH, USA). Patients with a prior diagnosis of a bleeding disorder are excluded. The ISTH-BAT is administered by trained study personnel. Data analyses were completed using nonparametric methods such as Wilcoxon signed-rank or rank sum tests and Spearman's correlation. Means and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated and compared to historical estimates. Results In a preliminary analysis of the first 150 participants, the median age was 15 years (IQR: 13-18). Participants represented a diverse range of backgrounds, with 69% of participants identifying as Black/African American, 19% as White, and 12% as other races. 94% identified as non-Hispanic, while 6% identified as Hispanic/Latino. The mean BAT score was 1.06 (95% CI: 0.87-1.25), with scores ranging from 0-5. The data exhibited a non-normal distribution, with most scores concentrated at 0 or 1, accounting for 72% of the dataset. The mean BAT score is significantly higher than the ISTH-BAT Merging Project pediatric mean score of 0.34 (p<0.0001), but not significantly different from the adult female mean of 1.28 (p=0.99). When analyzed by age group, participants aged 10-17 years had a mean BAT score of 0.96, significantly higher than the published pediatric mean (p<0.0001) but similar to the published adult mean (p=0.99). Similarly, participants aged 18-20 years had a mean BAT score of 1.33. To assess if BAT score increased with age, we compared participants aged 10-14 years to adolescents 15-20 years, and identified a small, but significant increase in mean BAT score with age (p=0.001). Participants aged 10-14 years had a mean score of 0.69 (95% CI: 0.45-0.94), falling between the published pediatric and adult means, with no significant difference from either one (p=0.003 and p=0.99, respectively) (Figure 1). However, participants aged 15-20 had a mean BAT score of 1.30 (95% CI: 1.03-1.56), which remained significantly higher than the published pediatric mean (p<0.0001) but still showed no significant difference from the published adult mean (p=0.81). There was a weak, but statistically significant positive correlation between age and bleeding score, indicating that as age increases, bleeding scores tend to rise (Spearman's correlation r s= 0.21, p=0.001) (Figure 2). Similarly, a weak positive relationship exists between years post-menarche and bleeding score (r s=0.23, p=0.005). Conclusion This study provides insight on ISTH-BAT scores in a population of healthy menstruating adolescent females, suggesting that after the onset of menstruation, the adult female bleeding score range may be more suitable for adolescents than the pediatric range.

High-pitched tin-filtered CT pulmonary angiography in radiation dose reduction for pulmonary embolism investigations in young females.

Computed tomography pulmonary angiography (CTPA) is the gold standard test to investigate pulmonary embolism (PE). This technique carries significant radiation risk in young females because of radiosensitive breast and thyroid tissues. A high-pitched CT technique offers significant radiation dose reduction (RDR) and minimises breathing artefact. The addition of CT tube tin-filtration may offer further RDR. The aim of this retrospective study was to assess RDR and image quality (IQ) of high-pitch tin-filtered (HPTF)-CTPA against conventional-CTPA. Retrospective review of consecutive adult females age < 50years undergoing high pitch tin filtration (HPTF) and standard pitch no tin filtration (SPNF) during a 3-year period beginning in November 2017. CTs in both groups were compared for radiation dose, pulmonary arteries contrast density (Hounsfield units (HU)) and movement artefact. Findings of both groups were compared with the Student's T-test and Mann-Whitney U test, where p < 0.05 being considered significant. Diagnostic quality was also recorded. Ten female patients (mean age 33, 6/10 pregnant) in HPTF group and 10 female patients (mean age 36, 1/10 pregnant) in SPNF group were included. The HPTF group achieved 93% RDR (dose length product: 25.15mGy.cm vs 337.10mGy.cm, p < 0.01). There was significant contrast density difference between the two groups in the main, left or right pulmonary arteries (322.72 HU, 311.85 HU and 319.41 HU in HPTF group vs 418.60 HU, 405.10 HU and 415.96 HU in SPNF group respectively, p = 0.03, p = 0.03 and p = 0.04). 8/10 HPTF group and 10/10 in the control group were > 250 HU in all three vessels; the remaining 2 HPTF CTPA were > 210HU. All CT scans in both groups were of diagnostic quality and none exhibited movement artefact. This study was the first to demonstrate significant RDR with the HPTF technique whilst maintaining IQ in patients undergoing chest CTPA. This technique is particularly beneficial in young females and pregnant females with suspected PE.

Biochemical and hormonal abnormalities in adult female acne.

Prevalence of adult patients with acne is increasing and women comprise majority of the cases. There is lack of data on biochemical and hormonal abnormalities in adult female acne (AFA). To evaluate biochemical and hormonal parameters in 60 patients of AFA. A cross-sectional observational study conducted from November 2018 to March 2020 in Dermatology outpatient department of a tertiary care hospital in North India. Adult females (age > 25 years) with a clinical diagnosis of acne were included in the study. 60 cases of AFA were included. The age ranged between 26-41 years with mean age at presentation being 29.45 years. 53.3% patients had persistent acne while 46.7% had late-onset acne. 50% patients had history of premenstrual flare-up of their acne. Raised FBG was found in 25% patients. 10% had raised serum insulin levels. HOMA-IR index was deranged in 55% patients. At least one lipid alteration was reported in 91.6% of patients. In hormonal parameters, raised TT was present in 6.7%, LH in 3.3%, FSH in 18.3%, prolactin in 3.3%, and TSH in 15%. No association was found between acne severity and biochemical and hormonal parameters. Our study highlighted the importance of measuring lipid profile in AFA and calculating HOMA-IR index for measuring insulin resistance rather than simply measuring serum insulin levels. In our study, additional parameter deranged in significant number of patients was FBG. Hence, we recommend routine screening of lipid profile, FBG and calculation of HOMA-IR index in AFA.

Age structure and growth of Bufo verrucosissimus (Amphibia, Anura, Bufonidae) in the Caucasian State Nature Biosphere Reserve (Russia) at the end of the XX century

Bufo verrucosissimus is an endangered species in the Russian Federation. One of the largest protected areas where B. verrucosissimus is preserved is the Caucasian State Nature Biosphere Reserve. The paper presents data on age structure and growth of B. verrucosissimus collected in the Caucasian State Nature Biosphere Reserve in 1987–1990 and stored in the collection of Sochi National Park. The age of 16 females and 51 males was determined using the method of skeletochronology. The age of adult females was 6–10 years (on average 7.9 years), and males 2–9 years (on average 5.8 years). Females were statistically significantly superior to males in average age. In terms of body length, significant differences between males and females where noted in groups of seven- and ten-year-old animals. The body length of studied animals (60.8–116.4 mm for females and 61.2–86.3 mm for males) corresponds to the size of adult toads from other localities in the North Caucasus. Females grow evenly throughout their lives, while the growth of males slows down significantly after reaching puberty. Males were able to reach the maximum body length faster than females (the growth coefficient was 0.722 for males and 0.163 for females). According to the von Bertalanffy equation, the maximum possible body length was 130.9 mm for females and 74.6 mm for males.

Effects of a Bonded Arginine Silicate Inositol combination (nooLVL®) on Cognitive function in esports Gamers

ObjectivesThe purpose of this open‐label study was to assess the ability of a bonded arginine silicate inositol combination (nooLVL) to affect reaction time and responses to cognitive tasks in esports gamers. nooLVL is a non‐stimulant complex of bonded arginine silicate with inositol. Previous studies have evaluated nooLVL in esports gamers showing improvements in accuracy, decision making, and reaction time during gaming. This study looks to further detect cognitive changes in esports gamers on an array of cognitive tests developed by Cambridge Brain Sciences.MethodsAssessments were evaluated on six Cambridge Brain Sciences (CBS) cognitive tasks: Feature Match, Double Trouble, Mental Rotations, Polygons, Odd One Out, and Spatial Planning. These tests measure visuospatial processing, deductive reasoning, intelligent behavior, concentration, and attention. The subjects were healthy adult males and females (age &gt;18; n=9) with minimum previous gaming experience of 3‐5 hours of video games per week for at least 6 months. All study participants consumed 1600mg per day of nooLVL (600mg arginine, 105mg silicon, 385mg inositol and 60mg potassium) for seven days. They completed the CBS tests at baseline, on day 1 after a single dose of nooLVL, and again on day 7.ResultsMean changes within group at baseline to day 1, day 1 to day 7 and baseline to day 7 were analyzed with paired t‐tests. Significant differences were found in Double Trouble (baseline vs day 1 [p=0.0019], day 1 vs day 7 [p=0.0369] and baseline vs day 7 [p=0.0005]), Mental Rotations (baseline to day 1 [p=0.0506] and baseline to day 7 [p=0.0192]), and Spatial Planning (baseline to day 7 was observed [p=0.0266]). The Double Trouble assessment measures concentration, Mental Rotations examination measures the function of visual representation in the brain, and Spatial Planning assessment measures intelligent behavior through forethought and sequencing performance.Outcomes of the Feature Match, Polygons, and Odd One Out tests did not show significance.ConclusionsThese data show that nooLVL® a complex of bonded arginine silicate with inositol, when used in esport gamers, improves outcomes on certain functioning tests such as visual processing, concentration, and spatial learning as early as after a single dose and lasting up to seven days.

Activation of G protein-coupled estrogen receptor fine-tunes age-related decreased vascular activities in the aortae of female and male rats

BackgroundHormone replacement therapy was found to be effective in cardiovascular protection only in younger women, not in older women. In this study, we tested whether G protein-coupled estrogen receptor 1 (GPER) activation improves vascular activities in response to ET-1 and ACh in aging rats. MethodsIsometric tension study was applied on aortic rings isolated from young adult (5–7 months) and reproductive senescent middle-aged (10–12 months) female Sprague Dawley rats and age matched males. ResultsThe aortic contractile response to ET-1 and the relaxation response to ACh were reduced in the female middle-aged rats compared to the female young adult rats. The presence of G-1, the GPER agonist, normalized the reduced vascular activities. Cyclooxygenase inhibitor, meclofenamate, blocked the increased constriction effect of G-1, but further enhanced relaxation effect of G-1. There was no significant difference in aortic reactivity to either ET-1 or ACh between the male middle-aged and young adult rats. The contractile response to ET-1 was not different within the same age of the two sex groups, but there was a remarkable difference in relaxation response to ACh between young adult females and males with better response in females. GPER activation greatly improved the aortic relaxation of both young adult and middle-aged females, but not the males. ConclusionsEndothelial dysfunction occurs earlier in males, but in females, dysfunction delays until middle age. GPER activation improves the vascular activities in females, but not males. It is promising to employ GPER as a potential drug target in cardiovascular disease in women.

Body image perception as predictor of positive and negative self-concept scale for young adults (BIPS)

PurposeBody image perception is a complex cognitive process that involves several different dimensions. This has necessitated several studies to have different findings about each dimension, therefore. This is because body image perception is a continuous and constantly evolving process. The development of self-concept depends largely on positive or negative perception of body image in today’s time. This paper aims to develop an instrument to measure beliefs and attitudes of people involved in the perception of body image, defined as the perception that a person has of their physical self and the thoughts and feelings that result into a positive or negative self-concept.Design/methodology/approachThe factorial structure, reliability, content validity and impact of gender on factor structure of body image perception scale (BIPS) were examined among university students (N = 200) in study, with male (n = 100) and female (n = 100) population. Self-made instrument BIPS was used.FindingsExploratory factor analysis using direct obliman method based on principal component analysis indicated a three-factor, 20-item scale including subscales 1) negative feeling; 2) public perception; and 3) future success. BIPS exhibited decent reliability (0.789) and content validity in both male and female university students, suggesting a highly significant difference between the two genders on BIPS.Research limitations/implicationsThe major limitation was that the sample was obtained from student population; therefore, it will not be entirely correct to generalize it to the whole population of Pakistan. Future studies need to include samples from different populations in Pakistan to bring out a more generalized view and try to minimize the variances in sample as much as possible for better results. Finally, the sample was drawn only from educated and young adult males and females (age ranging 17–28). Middle age and old age people must be included in future study. Also, in this study incremental and discriminant validity can be computed by comparing results on BIPS with any other body image questionnaire.Practical implicationsThis standard instrument can be efficiently used for the research purpose and will enable the researcher to identify the positive and negative feelings and attitudes of male and females towards their body image and towards the development of healthy self-concept. The scale can be used by clinical psychologists and medical health professionals to help assess and treat their patients more accurately.Originality/valueAll in all, it can be suggested that the findings received illustrated that body image perception differs significantly among both men and women in Pakistani culture. The newly established version of BIPS with its high reliability indicates that the scale can be used in future as well with diverse populations to assess whether which among them hold either positive or negative self-concept of themselves based on their body image perceptions. Moreover, as the psychometric strength of the scale is well established, it can be used with future researches by health psychologists, dietitians and nutritionists to identify body image concerns among young males and females, especially in individuals with eating disorders.

Noninvasive bladder testing of adolescent females to assess visceral hypersensitivity.

Excess pain after visceral provocation has been suggested as a marker for chronic pelvic pain risk in women. However, few noninvasive tests have been validated that could be performed readily on youth in early risk windows. Therefore, we evaluated the validity and reliability of a noninvasive bladder pain test in 124 healthy premenarchal females (median age 11, [interquartile range 11-12]), as previously studied in adult women. We explored whether psychosocial, sensory factors, and quantitative sensory test results were associated with provoked bladder pain and assessed the relation of bladder pain with abdominal pain history. Compared with findings in young adult females (age 21 [20-28]), results were similar except that adolescents had more pain at first sensation to void (P = 0.005) and lower maximum tolerance volume (P < 0.001). Anxiety, depression, somatic symptoms, and pain catastrophizing predicted provoked bladder pain (P's < 0.05). Bladder pain inversely correlated with pressure pain thresholds (r = -0.25, P < 0.05), but not with cold pressor pain or conditioned pain modulation effectiveness. Bladder pain was also associated with frequency of abdominal pain symptoms (r = 0.25, P = 0.039). We found strong retest reliability for bladder pain at standard levels of sensory urgency in 21 adolescents who attended repeat visits at 6 to 12 months (intraclass correlations = 0.88-0.90). Noninvasive bladder pain testing seems reproducible in adolescent females and may predict abdominal pain symptomatology. Confirmation of our findings and further investigation of the bladder test across menarche will help establish how visceral sensitivity contributes to the early trajectory of pelvic pain risk.

A paleodemographic assessment of mortality and fertility rates during the second demographic transition in rural central Indiana.

Since its inception, skeletally based paleodemographic research has emphasized the utility of biocultural models for interpreting the dynamic relationship between the sociocultural and ecological forces accompanying demographic transitions and shaping populations' health and well-being. While the demographic transition associated with the Neolithic Revolution has been a common focus in bioarcheology, the present study analyzes human skeletal remains from a large 19th century cemetery in central Indiana to examine population dynamics during the second demographic transition, a period generally characterized by decreasing fertility rates and improvements in life expectancy. This study demonstrates the potential to methodologically identify regional variations in the timing and interactions between broad-scale socioeconomic changes and technological advancements that characterized the time period through observed changes in survivorship and fertility based on age-at-death distributions. This study uses three temporally distinct samples (AD 1827-1869; 1870-1889; 1890-1935) from the Bethel Cemetery (n=503). Kaplan-Meier survival analyses with a log- rank tests are utilized to evaluate survivorship and mortality over time. Next, Cox proportional hazard analyses are employed to examine the interaction between sex and time as covariates. Finally, the D0-14/D ratio is applied to estimate fertility for each of the three temporally bounded cohorts. The Kaplan-Meier survival analyses and Cox proportional hazard modeling revealed statistically significant differences in survivorship between the three time periods. Age-specific mortality rates are reduced among adult female and male age classes in this rural community over the course of the 19th and early 20th centuries, resulting in the increasing life expectancies associated with the second demographic transition. While mortality in early adulthood was common during the first time period and decreases thereafter, sex was not identified as a meaningful covariate. The proportion of juveniles in the three temporal samples indicate that fertility rates were higher than national averages for the better part of the 19th century and subsequently declined around the turn of 20th century for this community. The results indicate temporal differences between the three periods, demonstrating increased survivorship and decreased mortality and fertility over time. These findings corroborate two key features of the second demographic transition characterized by the move from high rates of both fertility and mortality to reduced rates and a general easing of demographic pressures. The observed trends likely reflect improvements in health, coinciding the industrial advance and economic development within and around Indianapolis. While the socioeconomic factors characterizing the Industrial Revolution drove demographic shifts that parallel an equally important epidemiological transition, potential regional differences are discussed to highlight variability in the timing of demographic transitions. The paleodemographic methods utilized in this study demonstrate improved accuracy and efficacy, which ultimately advances researchers' potential to disentangle population-specific socioeconomic factors that may contribute to asymmetrical experiences of health and mortality.

Epidemiology of Cryptococcal antigenemia among HIV infected patients in South-western Nigeria

Background: Cryptococcosis is a life-threatening fungal infection that presents diversely with no specific pathognomonic features. Cryptococcal disease is one of the most important opportunistic infections, and a major contributor to early mortality in HIV infected subjects. Cryptococcal antigenemia occurs in Nigeria, but the magnitude of this disease remains unclear. This study was carried out to determine the prevalence of CrAg among HIV seropositive and seronegative individuals attending Adeoyo Maternity Teaching Hospital (AMTH), Yemetu, Ibadan. Methods and materials: This was a case-control study in which 114 cases and 228 controls were recruited. Cases were HIV seropositive individuals while controls were HIV seronegative individuals receiving care at AMTH. Adult male and female (age range: 18–65 years) who agree to participate in the study were recruited. Simple random sampling was used to select subjects. Semi-structured interviewer administered questionnaire was used to collect data from subjects and retrospective review of CD4 count records in HIV infected subjects. Five millilitres venous blood was collected from each participant. Serum Cryptococcal antigen testing was done using CrAg Lateral Flow Assay. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and bivariate analysis at 5% level of significance. Results: Mean age of cases was 41.2 ± 10.0 years and 85 (74.6%) were females while mean age of control subjects was 38.9 ± 13.7 years 156 (68.4%) were females. The cumulative prevalence of CrAg was 8.5%. However, the prevalence of CrAg among cases was 11.4% and 7.0% among controls. Age groups 41-50 years and 21-30 years were the most affected among cases and controls respectively. HIV positive subjects were about two times more likely to test positive for CrAg. Individuals with CD4 counts of ≤100cells/μl were 20 times more likely to have positive serum cryptococcal antigen than individuals with CD4 counts >100 cells/μl (OR: 20.3, 95%CI: 5.23-78.9). Conclusion: Cryptococcal antigen was present among both cases and controls; however, the prevalence was higher among cases. Since asymptomatic cryptococcal antigenemia predicts impending cryptococcal infection (pneumonia and meningitis) with probable mortality, screening for CrAg should be part of the routine tests amongst all confirmed HIV seropositive cases

Growth Curves of Wild and Reintroduced Broad-Snouted Caimans (Caiman latirostris) and Their Management Implications

We describe body growth functions of broad-snouted caimans (Caiman latirostris) for wild and reintroduced individuals. Snout–vent length (SVL, cm) and age of young individuals and adult females were recorded for two different groups: (Py) animals born in the Proyecto Yacare ranching program, from eggs collected in the wild; and (Wy) wild caimans Class I (< 25 cm SVL) whose age was determined by Size Frequency Analysis, plus females reintroduced by the Proyecto Yacare and subsequently recaptured at reproductive age. To describe body growth, we adjusted five models through non-linear regression: Logistic, 4-Parameter Logistic (4-PL), Gompertz, 4-Parameter Gompertz (4-G), and von Bertalanffy. Each group was analyzed separately (Py and Wy), and we selected the most parsimonious model based on the Akaike criterion. We also analyzed the possible linear growth difference using ANCOVA. For Py, the Logistic model was best, whereas for Wy the most suitable was 4-PL, in which wild animals would arrive at the inflexion point 1.4 years later on average than in Py. Analyzing the stage at which their development was linear in shape, we detected that the wild animals had a similar growth rate to reintroduced individuals. As a result, although Py animals had experienced accelerated development whilst in captivity, it did not modify their subsequent growth in the wild. The likelihood of survival in this species increases with body size, thus it is important to emphasize that reintroduced animals are larger than wild animals of the same age and that previous farming conditions seem not to affect their growth in the wild. Therefore, we expect that reintroduced caimans will exhibit greater survivorship than natural animals of the same age. Consequently, an adjustment of the current ranching program should be considered, in the sense that population viability could be achieved by reintroducing a lower number of caimans each season.

Muscle Activation Response Using a Constant Resistance Sled Trainer Within Different Tasks

The XPO Trainer used in this inquiry is a novel device which provides low rolling resistance at low speeds with an immediate and automatic proportional gain in resistance with increased speed. Resistance exercise (RE) has been shown to induce many positive benefits to the body and mind, including hypertrophy of muscles, increased muscle performance, cardiovascular benefits, decrease risk of mortality, and decrease the risk of functional limitations.PURPOSEExamine the impact of pushing a constant resistance on gait and neuromuscular activation at low and high speeds in young, seemingly healthy adults.METHODSThe study consisted of 21 healthy adult males and females (age: 25.07±3.46 years, weight: 148.2±25.96 lbs, height: 66.57±4.14 inches). Each participant wore surface electromyography electrodes on their dominant leg for their quadriceps (QUAD), hamstring (HAM), anterior tibialis (TA), and gastrocnemius (GA). First, the maximal voluntary isometric contractions were gathered for each muscle. Then, participants performed 3 trials of 4 conditions: walking, walking and pushing, running, and running and pushing. After the data was normalized as a percentage (0–100%) for the gait tasks and the muscle activation amplitude, a repeated measures ANOVA was performed with the SPSS 24 system.RESULTSThe QUAD muscle exhibited a significantly higher muscle activation (P≤0.05) between walk (45.39±24.43) and walk push (74.40±56.73) tasks. Additionally, there is a significantly higher muscle activation (p≤0.05) between GA (81.85±37.84) and QUAD (46.06±23.93) during the walking task. A significant difference (p≤.05) was found between GA (0.33±0.17) and HAM (0.47±0.17) muscle activation timing during walking activity. During the walking activity, maximal muscle activation occurred in the GA muscle earlier than the HAM muscle. Additionally, there was a significant difference (p≤.05) in timing of the TA (0.43±0.17) vs QUAD (0.55±0.18), as well as the GA (0.41±0.10) vs the QUAD(0.55±0.18). TA and GA activation occurred significantly earlier than the QUAD activation during the walk and push task.CONCLUSIONWith the constant resistance sled being a novel device, it is important to understand how it affects the activation and response of muscles during different activities. Based on the results, patients can benefit from utilizing the sled in combination of walking and running to either promote a higher or lower muscle activation. With patients with weak QUADs or in need of QUAD strength training, a walking task is advocated. Additionally, if the goal of the intervention is to focus on endurance of the TA and GA, two of the main muscles used in postural balance, walking with the sled is recommended. Knowing all of these effects on muscle activation utilizing a constant resistance sled trainer will allow for more effective exercise training.

A millennium of population change in pre-modern Danish Ribe.

Denmark experienced major socioeconomic changes, including overall population growth, during the Viking, medieval and post-medieval periods from ca. AD 800 to 1800. Archaeological skeletons provide a unique perspective on the population structure of Ribe, a Danish town in Jutland, during the millennium that immediately precedes the industrialization of northern Europe. This skeletal study adds temporal depth to our understanding of an overall trend toward longer life as seen from historical records and in modern studies. Adult male and female mean age at death and mortality profiles during three time periods are based on 943 adult skeletons from three urban cemeteries that collectively represent a cross-section of this urban community. For both males and females, the mean age at death decreased slightly from the Viking (males 38.5 years, females 38.6 years) to the medieval (males 37.4 years, females 36.9 years) periods. This decline was followed by an increase in mean age at death for both sexes from the medieval to post-medieval (males 40.4 years, females 43.2 years) periods, a notable gain of 3.0 and 6.3 years for men and women, respectively.

Variation of Compressive Deformation of Body Surface and Fat Thickness by Age of Adult Females

Variation of Compressive Deformation of Body Surface and Fat Thickness by Age of Adult Females

Demographic Tipping Points as Early Indicators of Vulnerability for Slow-Breeding Megafaunal Populations

Decisions based on trends in population abundance and distribution may fail to protect populations of slow-breeding, long-lived megafauna from irrevocable decline if they ignore demographic constraints. For such taxa, we suggest that understanding the interactions among vital rates governing population growth rates be prioritized over predicting probabilities of extinction. The proximity of a population to the demographic tipping points, i.e. where growth rate switches from positive to negative, can signal vulnerability to perturbation long before numbers drop below a point of no return. We define the “demographic safe space” as the combination of key vital rates that support a non-negative growth rate and illustrate this approach for Asian elephants. Using modeling, we find that even with optimal reproduction, Asian elephant populations cannot tolerate annual female mortality rates exceeding 7.5%. If adult mortality is very low (3% / yr), populations can tolerate high annual mortality in calves below age 3 (up to 31.5% / yr), or slow female reproduction (primiparity at 30 years or average inter-birth interval of up to 7.68 years). We then evaluate potential impact of current threats, showing that near-optimal reproduction and high calf survival is necessary to offset even modestly increased mortality among adult female age classes. Rather than rely on simple counts or “viability” assessments, we urge that conservation resources for slow-breeding megafauna also be invested in identifying demographic tipping points and how to maintain populations within their safe spaces.

Nutritional Status and Cognitive Abilities of Adults (20-60 years) from the City of Mumbai

Early identification of cognitive failure and its association with nutritional status might aid in the planning of appropriate prevention strategies. The present study was planned to find out the association between the age, gender, body composition and dietary nutrient consumption of adult males and females residing in the city of Mumbai, with their cognitive ability. Four hundred apparently healthy adults (20-60 years) residing in the city of Mumbai were purposively selected for the survey. Cognitive ability of participants was assessed using Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) tool. Anthropometric and body composition parameters were analysed using standard procedures. Information on the dietary nutrient intake was collected using 3 day dietary recall method. Data was statistically analysed using the IBM SPSS (Version 22) software and Microsoft excel 2007 for windows. MCI was found in 21.5% of the participants. High prevalence of general and abdominal obesity was also observed in the participants. Data on the dietary nutrient intake showed that young adults (20-40 years) with high dietary fat especially SFA and MUFA consumption were found to be at a lower risk of developing MCI. Their anthropometric parameters i.e. Body Mass Index positively correlated with cognitive scores (p&amp;lt;0.05) whereas in older adults (40-60 years), body fat showed negative association (p&amp;lt;0.05) where as height, muscle mass and bone mass showed positive association with their cognitive scores (p&amp;lt;0.01). Thus, results of the study suggested that early detection of cognitive impairment would facilitate prevention of further neurodegeneration. Hence, identifying and preventing risk factors of cognitive impairment such as obesity and encouraging consumption of neuroprotective foods would help in the prevention of cognitive impairment.

Estimation of stature from dimensions of hand and foot in Egyptian population at greater Cairo

Abstract: In the study of human remains, forensic anthropologists must have the necessary knowledge of human variation specific to a given region and population in order to be able to identify any unknown individual. Height estimation by measurement of various long bones has been attempted by several workers with variable degree of success. Population based differences exist in both metric and morphological features of the skeleton and these have changed over time. Therefore, it is vital for biological anthropologists to conduct up-to-date research on diverse population groups residing in different geographic zones. Objective: to establish a relationship between the stature and both foot & hands dimensions among male and female individuals of Greater Cairo. Subjects and methods: Measurements of stature, foot length, foot width, hand length, and hand width were recorded from 500 adult males and from 500 adult females (age range 18-60 years). Results: the present study has established definite correlation between stature and foot-length and also regression equations have been established. Conclusion: the established correlation in the present study will help in establishing identity of individuals in greater Cairo.

062 Temperature Controlled Radiofrequency Electrocoagulation for the Treatment of Vulvovaginal Tissue Laxity

Radiofrequency has been shown to be a non-surgical method of treating vaginal laxity that works by inducing a mild, controlled reaction in the submucosal tissues by stimulating neocollagenesis. The ThermiVa system is a monopolar radiofrequency device that provides mild heat to tissues (ThermiVa device temperature parameters are 35 to 47°C). Vulvovaginal laxity is thought to be caused by connective tissue injury or tissue stretching and thinning due to vaginal childbirth and aging, and may result in a reduction in sexual satisfaction and quality of life. The ThermiVa system is FDA cleared for dermatological and general surgical procedures for electrocoagulation and hemostasis. and was studied in this non-randomized pilot trial to evaluate safety and potential benefits on vaginal laxity and underlying sexual satisfaction. To evaluate the ThermiVa Generator and RFDE-VA disposable radiofrequency electrode (ThermiVa® System) for the treatment of vulvovaginal laxity, subject/sexual satisfaction and safety. Healthy adult females age 21-65 y/o who scored 1, 2, or 3 on the Vaginal Laxity Scale (VLQ) underwent up to 3 treatments with the ThermiVa System at 30 + 10-day intervals. Subjects were assessed at 90, 180 and 365 days post treatment. Each treatment with the study device was 25 to 35 minutes in duration, delivering sufficient energy to achieve tissue temperatures between 40°C and 45°C for approximately 5 minutes or more of total heat time per treatment area.

Declining home range area predicts reduced late-life survival in two wild ungulate populations.

Demographic senescence is increasingly recognised as an important force shaping the dynamics of wild vertebrate populations. However, our understanding of the processes that underpin these declines in survival and fertility in old age remains limited. Evidence for age-related changes in foraging behaviour and habitat use is emerging from wild vertebrate studies, but the extent to which these are driven by within-individual changes, and the consequences for fitness, remain unclear. Using longitudinal census observations collected over four decades from two long-term individual-based studies of unmanaged ungulates, we demonstrate consistent within-individual declines in home range area with age in adult females. In both systems, we found that within-individual decreases in home range area were associated with increased risk of mortality the following year. Our results provide the first evidence from the wild that age-related changes in space use are predictive of adult mortality.

Do moderate aerobic exercise and strength training influence electromyographic biofeedback of the pelvic floor muscles in female non-athletes?

[Purpose] To assess the influence of moderate physical exercise on pelvic floor muscle electromyographic (EMG) biofeedback signal in female non-athletes. [Subjects and Methods] A prospective, non-randomized study of 90 adult females (age ≥18 years) divided into three groups: Intervention (I), which began physical exercise upon study enrollment; Moderate Exercise (ME), comprising those who already engaged in physical activity; and Sedentary (S), comprising those who had a sedentary lifestyle. All participants underwent EMG biofeedback of the pelvic floor muscles upon study enrollment (T1) and at the end of the third subsequent month (T2). [Results] Mean age was 35.7 (SD: 7.5) years, with no significant difference between groups. T1 values in groups I and S were significantly lower than in group ME. There was no statistically significant difference between groups S and I. On comparison between groups at T2, values were highest in group I (18.5 µV vs. 15.3 µV in group S, vs. 16.1 µV in group ME). There was no significant difference between groups S and ME. On age-adjusted analysis, group I exhibited the greatest change between T1 and T2 (I, 4.7 µV; ME, 2.1 µV; S, 1.5 µV). [Conclusion] Females who exercise exhibit better pelvic floor muscle function than those who do not engage in physical activity.