Adults Of Different Ages Research Articles

HiddenWolbachiadiversity in field populations of the European cherry fruit fly,Rhagoletis cerasi(Diptera, Tephritidae)

The European cherry fruit fly Rhagoletis cerasi has been a field model for cytoplasmic incompatibility since the mid 1970s. Two Wolbachia strains were detected in this tephritid species and wCer2 was described as the CI inducing agent dividing European populations into two unidirectional incompatible groups, i.e. southern females produce viable offspring with northern males, whereas the reciprocal cross results in incompatibility. We detected three new Wolbachia strains by sequencing a multitude of plasmids derived from Wolbachia surface protein gene (wsp) polymerase chain reaction (PCR) products. Strain-specific primers were developed allowing individual diagnosis without need for cloning. Hybridization of specific PCR products with a wsp oligonucleotide enhanced the detection limit significantly and revealed the presence of low-titre infections in some strains, in different ontogenetic stages and in adults of different age. We then performed a survey of strain prevalence and infection frequency in eight European regions. wCer1 was fixed in all populations, whereas wCer2 was detected only in the South. wCer3 frequency was the lowest without a clear distribution pattern. The abundance of wCer4 was homogenous across Europe. Like wCer2, wCer5 showed significant differences in spatial distribution. Our new findings of previously undetected and recombinant Wolbachia strains in R. cerasi reveal a major caveat to the research community not to overlook hidden Wolbachia diversity in field populations. Low-titres and geographical variability in Wolbachia diversity are expected to influence the outcome of Wolbachia population dynamics and Wolbachia-based insect population control and may create invasion barriers for expanding and artificially introduced Wolbachia strains.

Compendium Of Physical Activities Underestimates Individual Energy Expenditure Of Healthy Participants

PURPOSE: This study evaluated the MET values presented in the CPA for estimating energy expenditure and intensity during laboratory physical activities in a group of fit subjects. METHODS: 10 Subjects, 5 women and 5 men, performed 12 exercise bouts in the laboratory. Activities, including walking and jogging, cycling, and resting assessments, were measured at steady state values. Calisthenics included a specific number of repetitions, but did not reach steady state. Oxygen uptake was measured through indirect calorimetry. RESULTS: Subjects (N=10) represented healthy adults of different ages (28-64 years). The population was in good health, with the average age of 39 years, an average BMI of 24 kg/m2, and an average resting metabolic rate of 3.6 ml/kg/min. The resting metabolic measurements were significantly (P<.000) higher than the CPA prediction of 1.0 MET. Sitting, walking (3.0 mph), jogging (5.0 mph), and cycling (100 watts) had higher measured MET values (P<.000) than CPA. Graded walking measurements matched the CPA "3.5 mph walking uphill" at 3.0 mph and 6% grade, but were much higher at 3.0 mph and 9% grade. Three cycling stages were all higher (P<.000) than similar CPA values (8.7 METs vs 5.5 METs at 100W). For the entire time of steady-state exercise, there was a significantly (p=.015) higher energy expenditure for the group than what was predicted by the CPA (31 kcals in 26 min), but there was a very strong correlation of.959 (P=.000) between the measured and CPA predicted values. CONCLUSIONS: The difference in predicted and measured MET values could be due to individual differences in resting metabolic rate, body composition, and age. Higher METs measured during cycling stages could imply a misclassification of the intensity when using the CPA as a reference. Good correlation between the VO2 measurements and the prediction suggest that using the CPA values could be more accurate in this fit sample if they were corrected for variation in resting metabolic rate. Perhaps the proposed updates to the CPA for specific sub-groups will increase the usability of the CPA for calculating individual energy expenditure.

FM-radio and TV tower signals can cause spontaneous hand movements near moving RF reflector

For testing human sensitivity to radio frequency (RF) standing waves a movable reflecting wall was constructed. Radio waves from the radio–TV tower reflected back and formed a standing wave near the reflector. When the reflector was moved, the position of the maximums of the standing waves changed and the electromagnetic intensity changed in the body of the standing test subject. The computer with an AD-converter registered the signals of the hand movement transducer and the RF-meter with 100 MHz dipole antennas. A total of 29 adults of different ages were tested. There were 9 persons whose hand movement graphs included features like the RF-meter. Six showed responses that did not correlate with the RF-meter. There were also 14 persons who did not react at all. Sensitive persons seem to react to crossing standing waves of the FM-radio or TV broadcasting signals.

Local Knowledge and Management of the Royal Fern (Osmunda regalis L.) in Northern Spain: Implications for Biodiversity Conservation

This study reports the harvesting, management, trading and use of the royal fern (Osmunda regalis) in Cantabria (Spain), where medicinal plant gathering has been mainly abandoned and nowadays only few species are still commonly gathered. We interviewed 50 adults of different age, sex, and origins to obtain information on local knowledge and management practices of royal fern. Osmunda regalis is locally considered a highly efficient remedy. The rhizome has been traditionally employed in Cantabria mainly for the treatment of bone fractures, joint disorders and rheumatic and arthritic pain. Its consumption prevails in rural areas but it is also employed in towns and cities and its demand has led to small-scale marketing. More than half of the interviewees (54%) had only passive knowledge about their medicinal uses while the rest of informants (46%) were consumers, collectors or sellers (22% ‘collector-consumers’, 6% ‘non collector-consumers’, 4% ‘collector-sellers’ and 14% ‘non collector-sellers’). People from villages harvested O. regalis for their own consumption and expressed concern about overexploitation by a rising demand from urban areas, whereas people from cities were unaware of the ecology of the fern. The scarcity of the fern has led to rural residents to develop local management practices that contribute to the species conservation. These practices included keeping the location of the fern secret, not harvesting the complete rhizome for not killing the plant and allowing its regeneration, and cultivating the species in home-gardens. The inclusion of local knowledge in harvesting regulations might result in environmental norms accepted and internalized by the local population.

Comparative gas chromatography-mass spectrometry study of the composition of microbial chemical markers in feces

Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis was used to determine fatty acids, the markers of microorganisms, in the feces, including neonatal transitional stool and meconium, and healthy adults of different ages. It revealed the markers of Eubacterium, Clostridium, Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus, Enterococcus, Rhodococcus, Streptomyces, Enterobacteriaceae, Bacteroides, Helicobacter pylori, Alcaligenes, Peptostreptococcus, Candida, Streptococcus, Staphylococcus, Fusobacterium sp. and other bacteria, as well as yeast, microscopic fungi, and viruses. The fecal microbial concentration was estimated to be within (0.3-4) × 1011/g depending on the examinees’ age and sex, which is in agreement with genetic and cultural findings in relation to both the total number of microorganisms and the dominant role of the bacteria of the genera Eubacterium, Bacteroides, Clostridium, and Bifidobacterium in the feces.

Public Expectations for Return of Results from Large-Cohort Genetic Research

The National Institutes of Health and other federal health agencies are considering establishing a national biobank to study the roles of genes and environment in human health. A preliminary public engagement study was conducted to assess public attitudes and concerns about the proposed biobank, including the expectations for return of individual research results. A total of 141 adults of different ages, incomes, genders, ethnicities, and races participated in 16 focus groups in six locations across the country. Focus group participants voiced a strong desire to be able to access individual research results. Recognizing the wide range of possible research results from a large cohort study, they repeatedly and spontaneously suggested that cohort study participants be given ongoing choices as to which results they received.

Benefit of Adherence With Bisphosphonates Depends on Age and Fracture Type: Results From an Analysis of 101,038 New Bisphosphonate Users

The relationship between high adherence to oral bisphosphonates and the risk of different types of fractures has not been well studied among adults of different ages. Using claims data from a large U.S. health care organization, we quantified adherence after initiating bisphosphonate therapy using the medication possession ratio (MPR) and identified fractures. Cox proportional hazards models were used to evaluate the rate of fracture among nonadherent persons (MPR < 50%) compared with highly adherent persons (MPR >or= 80%) across several age strata and a variety of types of clinical fractures. In conjunction with fracture incidence rates among the nonadherent, these estimates were used to compute the number needed to treat with high adherence to prevent one fracture, by age and fracture type. Among 101,038 new bisphosphonate users, the proportion of persons with high adherence at 1, 2, and 3 yr was 44%, 39%, and 35%, respectively. Among 65- to 78-yr-old persons with a physician diagnosis of osteoporosis, the crude and adjusted rate of hip fracture among the nonadherent was 1.96 (95% CI, 1.48-2.60) and 1.74 (95% CI, 1.30-2.31), respectively, resulting in a number needed to treat with high adherence to prevent one hip fracture of 107. The impact of high adherence was substantially less for other types of fractures and for younger persons. Analysis of adherence in a non-time-dependent fashion artifactually magnified differences in fracture rates between adherent and nonadherent persons. The antifracture effectiveness associated with high adherence to oral bisphosphonates varied substantially by age and fracture type. These results provide estimates of absolute fracture effectiveness across age subgroups and fracture types that have been minimally evaluated in clinical trials and may be useful for future cost-effectiveness studies.

Measurement and analysis of geometric parameters of human carotid bifurcation using image post-processing technique

Objective To investigate variation in the carotid bifurcation geometry of adults of different age by MR angiography images combining image post-processing technique. Methods Images of the carotid bifurcations of 27 young adults (≤40 years old) and 30 older subjects ( >40 years old) were acquired via contrast-enhanced MR angiography. Three dimensional (3D) geometries of the bifurcations were reconstructed and geometric parameters were measured by post-processing technique. Results The geometric parameters of the young versus older groups were as follows: bifurcation angle (70.268°± 16.050° versus 58.857°±13.294°), ICA angle (36.893°±11.837° versus 30.275°± 9.533°), ICA planarity (6.453°±5.009° versus 6.263°±4.250°),CCA tortuosity (0.023°0.011 versus 0.014± 0.005), ICA tortuosity (0.070±0.042 versus 0.046±0.022), ICA/CCA diameter ratio (0.693± 0.132 versus 0.728±0.106), ECA/CCA diameter ratio (0.750±0.123 versus 0.809±0.122), ECA/ ICA diameter ratio (1.103±0.201 versus 1.127±0.195), bifurcation area ratio (1.057±0.281 versus 1.291±0.252). There was significant statistical difference between young group and older group in bifurcation angle, ICA angle, CCA tortuosity, ICA tortuosity, ECA/CCA and bifurcation area ratio (F= 17.16,11.74,23.02,13.38,6.54,22.80,respectively, P<0.05). Conclusions MR angiography images combined with image post-processing technique can reconstruct 3D carotid bifurcation geometry and measure the geometric parameters of carotid bifurcation in vivo individually. It provides a new and convenient method to investigate the relationship of vascular geometry and flow condition with atherosclerotic pathological changes. Key words: Imaging process, computer-assisted; Carotid arteries; Magnetic resonance imaging

75. The electroencephalogram and the neurodyinamic esthesiometry in healthy adults of different ages

75. The electroencephalogram and the neurodyinamic esthesiometry in healthy adults of different ages

Changes in circulating B cells and immunoglobulin classes and subclasses in a healthy aged population.

The study of 87 adults of different ages, including 15 centenarians, selected for their healthy status, showed that profound changes of humoral immunity occur throughout life. In particular, a statistically significant age-related increase of the serum level of immunoglobulin classes (IgG and IgA but not IgM) and IgG subclasses (IgG1, 2 and 3, but not IgG4) was detected. A parallel age-related decrease of circulating B cells was also observed. The hypothesis of a complex derangement of B cell function and/or compartmentalization with age is put forward, together with the proposal that healthy centenarians (as representative of successful ageing) may be helpful in identifying the physiological age-related modifications of the immune system.

Multiple Wireless Accelerometers and Heart Rate Accurately Predict Energy Expenditure during Level Walking

Accelerometers have been shown to be a promising way of monitoring activity and estimating energy expenditure (EE) during physical activity. Many of the published studies examine one accelerometer mounted at the hip for estimating EE. This pilot study evaluated data from a system of seven custom wireless accelerometers and heart rate. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to use wireless accelerometers combined with heart rate to estimate EE during treadmill exercise. METHODS: 7 Subjects performed four minute exercise bouts on the treadmill. The speed was increased between each stage of the exercise. The subjects wore a system of wireless tri-axial accelerometers, a heart rate strap, and a mask for oxygen uptake measurement. Accelerometers were worn on both shoes, both wrists, one arm, one leg, and on one hip. Data was analyzed using the last minute of each stage on the treadmill to represent steady-state exercise. Averaged accelerations (sampled at a rate of 45 hertz) were compared with average energy expended in VO2 (mL/kg/min). RESULTS: Subjects (N=7) represented healthy adults of different ages (28-64 years). The population was in good health, with the average age of 39 years, an average BMI of 24 kg/m2, and an average resting metabolic rate of 3.6 ml/kg/min. Regression equations to predict EE during level walking and jogging very accurately predicted energy expenditure if all seven accelerometers and heart rate were included (R2 = .97). Three accelerometers (hip, wrist and ankle) improved EE estimates (R2 = .81) over a single accelerometer mounted at the hip (R2 = .77). Heart rate was an important factor in estimating EE, but seven accelerometers without heart rate still produced an acceptable estimate (R2 = .85). CONCLUSIONS: Combining accelerometry with heart rate improves estimates of EE during steady-state level walking. Multiple accelerometers in a wireless system give a more accurate estimate of energy expenditure than the traditional single accelerometer mounted at the hip. While seven accelerometers are not required to produce an accurate EE estimate, additional sensors greatly improve estimates and three accelerometers gave an acceptable EE estimate. Future research will evaluate the utility of predicting EE during less controlled activities using the multiple accelerometer system.

Ethical implications of including children in a large biobank for genetic‐epidemiologic research: A qualitative study of public opinion

The National Institutes of Health and other federal agencies are considering initiating a cohort study of 500,000 people, including 120,000 children, to measure genetic and environmental influences on common diseases. A community engagement pilot study was conducted to identify public attitudes and concerns about the proposed cohort study, including the ethics of involving children. The pilot included 15 focus groups where the inclusion of children in the proposed cohort study was discussed. Focus groups, conducted in six cities, included 141 adults of different ages, incomes, genders, ethnicities, and races. Many of the concerns expressed by participants mirrored those addressed in pediatric research guidelines. These concerns included minimizing children's fear, pain, and burdens; whether to include young children; and how to obtain children's assent. There was little agreement about which children can assent. Some voiced concern about children's privacy, but most expected that parents would have access to children's study results. Some believed children would not benefit from participating, while others identified personal and societal benefits that might accrue. A few people believed that children's participation would not advance the study's goals. To successfully include children, proposed cohort study would need to address children's changing capabilities and rights as they grow and reach the age of consent.

Enjoyment and fear in urban woodlands – Does age make a difference?

Urban dwellers experience conflicting thoughts and feelings about urban woodlands; valued for their natural qualities, the relief they provide from the stress of modern urban living and the opportunities they afford for children's play and exploration. At the same time the seclusion inherent in this type of urban greenspace seems fraught with risk from crime, vandalism and abuse. Whilst many of these characteristics are well-researched, less is known about the differing perceptions of particular social groups. This study aimed to explore the ways in which age affects urban dwellers’ aspirations, values and fears concerning the woods, and woodland accessibility, focusing on the views of elderly people (aged over 65). This pilot study was based in Norfolk Heritage Park, an urban park containing a variety of woodland settings located in Sheffield, UK. The questionnaire survey (participants n=97) revealed that although walking is the most popular leisure activity, most respondents did not visit urban parks as often as they would like, regardless of age. Whilst many of the meanings associated with urban woodland (“relaxation”, “peacefulness”, “seasonal change”, “scenery” and “education”) were shared amongst age groups, it seemed that the elderly respondents particularly valued the woods for their links with the past, and opportunities for immersion in the natural world. Some respondents from all age groups had fears about their personal security in the woodland, and the concerns of the elderly were heightened by their perceived frailty, reduced mobility and sense of vulnerability; this age group had a corresponding need for particular measures to alleviate these problems. The study provides preliminary evidence for the idea that adults of different ages have differing perceptions and requirements in relation to urban woodlands. Due to the small sample size and other methodological issues, further research is needed to confirm and develop the findings.

Abstracts of papers and posters presented at the 33rd conference of the New Zealand society for Parasitology, at Massey University, Palmerston North, 24 October 2006

Ostertagia (Teladorsagia) circumcincta is a nematode parasite which infects the abomasum of sheep and goats. The utilisation of substrates for energy production in O. circumcincta is largely unknown. This parasite has been shown to consume oxygen, and have a full glycolytic and TCA cycle in both L3 and adult stages, although the metabolism of carbohydrates in adults appears to be more geared towards an anaerobic pathway. As well as glycogen, O. circumcincta also contains high levels of stored lipid in both L3 and adult stages, which could also be utilised to provide energy. However, the relative importance of glycogen and lipid for energy production is unknown: in the L3, in which nutrient intake is thought to be restricted by the presence of the sheath; or the adult, in which lipid metabolism may be restricted by oxygen supply. The key enzymes of the glyoxylate cycle, malate synthase and isocitrate would allow this parasite to convert lipid to glucose for metabolism via glycolysis. The enzyme phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK) has also been detected in both L3 and adult O. circumcincta. Although this enzyme is typically associated with anaerobic metabolism in nematode parasites, it is also central to gluconeogenesis. As the O. circumcincta has a full TCA cycle and consumes oxygen, gluconeogenesis may be the key function of PEPCK in this parasite species, particularly in L3s. The activity of the glyoxylate cycle along relative levels of glycogen and lipid in L3 and adults of different ages will be discussed.

Trisomy-driven overexpression of DYRK1A kinase in the brain of subjects with Down syndrome

Down syndrome (DS) is the most common genetic disorder associated with mental retardation (MR). It is believed that many of the phenotypic features of DS stem from enhanced expression of a set of genes located within the triplicated region on chromosome 21. Among those genes is DYRK1A encoding dual-specificity proline-directed serine/treonine kinase, which, as documented by animal studies, can potentially contribute to cognitive deficits in DS. Whether this contribution can be exerted through elevated levels of DYRK1A protein in the brain of DS subjects was the main goal of the present study. The levels of DYRK1A protein were measured by Western blotting in six brain structures that included cerebral and cerebellar cortices and white matter. The study involved large cohorts of DS subjects and age-matched controls representing infants and adults of different age, gender and ethnicity. Trisomic Ts65Dn mice, an animal model of DS, were also included in the study. Both in trisomic mice and in DS subjects, the brain levels of DYRK1A protein were increased approximately 1.5-fold, indicating that this protein is overexpressed in gene dosage-dependent manner. The exception was an infant group, in which there was no enhancement suggesting the existence of a developmentally regulated mechanism. We found DYRK1A to be present in every analyzed structure irrespective of age. This widespread occurrence and constitutive expression of DYRK1A in adult brain suggest an important, but diverse from developmental role played by this kinase in adult central nervous system. It also implies that overexpression of DYRK1A in DS may be potentially relevant to MR status of these individuals during their entire life span.

Contracaecum rudolphii Hartwich (Nematoda, Anisakidae) from the Neotropical Cormorant, Phalacrocorax brasilianus (Gmelin) (Aves, Phalacrocoracidae) in southern Brazil

The present report is part of a larger study on the helminth fauna of Neotropical Cormorants, Phalacrocorax brasilianus (Gmelin, 1789) in Brazil, particularly, in the southernmost State of Rio Grande do Sul. The nematodes which were found loose in the proventriculus/ventriculus or in groups of adults of different ages and of L3 and L4 larval stages, forming eosinophylic granulomas had a prevalence of 100% in 47 Neotropical cormorants from Lago Guaíba, Municipality of Guaíba. The morphology of the labia/interlabia, the distribution pattern of the caudal papillae in males examined under scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and the tips of the spicules allowed determination of the species as Contracaecum rudolphii Hartwich, 1964 sensu lato (s. l.). This is the first record of C. rudolphii in southern Brazil.

Contracaecum rudolphii Hartwich (Nematoda, Anisakidae) parasita de biguás (cormorões Neotropicais, Phalacrocorax brasilianus (Gmelin) (Aves, Phalacrocoracidae) na região Sul do Brasil

The present report is part of a larger study on the helminth fauna of Neotropical Cormorants, Phalacrocorax brasilianus (Gmelin, 1789) in Brazil, particularly, in the southernmost State of Rio Grande do Sul. The nematodes which were found loose in the proventriculus/ventriculus or in groups of adults of different ages and of L 3 and L 4 larval stages, forming eosinophylic granulomas had a prevalence of 100% in 47 Neotropical cormorants from Lago Guaiba, Municipality of Guaiba. The morphology of the labia/interlabia, the distribution pattern of the caudal papillae in males examined under scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and the tips of the spicules allowed determination of the species as Contracaecum rudolphii Hartwich, 1964 sensu lato ( s. l. ). This is the first record of C. rudolphii in southern Brazil.

Pharmacist or Physician: Age Differences in Satisfaction with Medical Advice

Two studies examined predictors of medical care satisfaction in communities in Eastern Canada. Both studies focused on how the roles of pharmacists and physicians are perceived by adults of different ages. Using a survey methodology, Study 1 demonstrated that middle-aged adults, older adults, and community pharmacists differ in the extent to which they rate pharmacists as being important members of the health care team. Specifically, community members value pharmacists as health care providers, and this is especially true for older adults. Using an experimental paradigm, Study 2 examined ratings of medical interaction scenarios, ratings that varied as a function of kind of health professional (pharmacist vs. physician) and type of advice (directive vs. non-directive). Results suggest that older adults may have a more complex set of expectations about their health care interactions than do younger adults and that, for older adults, the factors that determine satisfaction differ across the professions being evaluated.

Age determination in yellow-pine chipmunks (Tamias amoenus): a comparison of eye lens masses and bone sections

Virtually all biological characteristics of organisms change with age, and thus, to assess the impact of these changes, accurate aging techniques are essential. However, many current methods are unable to accurately distinguish among adults of different ages. We determined the age of yellow-pine chipmunks (Tamias amoenus) from the Rocky Mountains of Alberta using eye lens masses, annuli from mandible sections, and annuli from femurs. Each of these methods was assessed against nine known-age animals and seven animals that had not been caught previously and were presumed to be juveniles. Eye lens masses could distinguish juveniles from adults but not adults of different ages. Mandibular sections were not practical in this species because of excessive tearing during sectioning. Femoral sections precisely predicted age. We found that the number of adhesion lines, minus one, accurately represented the ages of adults ranging from 1 to 5 years old. Femoral annuli have not previously been used to age mammals and our results suggest that they may be useful in aging other mammals, especially rodents.

Effect of sublethal concentrations of flufenoxuron on growth, development and reproductive performance of Tribolium castaneum (Herbst) (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae)

Summary The effect of sublethal concentrations 0.00141%(LC20), 0.00251%(LC30) and 0.00336% (LC40) of a dispersible concentrated formulation of the insect growth regulator flufenoxuron (Cascade®), on larval growth and development, adult reproductive potential and egg hatchability of the red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum, was investigated. When neonates were subjected to sublethal concentrations of flufenoxuron in artificial diet for 24 h, there were dose-dependent effects on larval weight, percent pupation and percent adult emergence, as well as time taken for adult emergence. A small proportion of larval-pupal as well as pupal-adult intermediates were observed at all concentrations. Adults emerging from the LC20 and LC30 concentrations laid mostly non-viable eggs, and the few larvae which emerged from viable eggs died at the first instar stage. At the LC40 concentration, all the adults that emerged were deformed and subsequently died. Flufenoxuron exhibited transovarial ovicidal activity resulting in the production of non-Viable eggs upon exposure of adults of different ages (2 days old, 3 days old and 4 days old) to treated diet. It was observed that in 2-day-old adults, fecundity decreased with an increased concentration. In the case of 3-day-old adults, there was no difference in fecundity with respect to the concentrations tested, although it was significantly less than the control. In the case of 4-day-old adults there was a drastic reduction in fecundity at LC40 and the eggs laid were abnormal at all concentrations. Topical application of sublethal concentrations of flufenoxuron to adults of either sex reduced the fecundity in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, the fecundity was reduced drastically in pairs where both the sexes were treated as compared to the pairs where only one sex was treated. Eggs showed a decrease in hatching percentage with increasing concentrations of flufenoxuron mixed with diet to which the eggs were exposed.