Subjects Age Range Research Articles

Quantifying the correlation between photoplethysmography and laser Doppler flowmetry microvascular low-frequency oscillations.

Photoplethysmography (PPG) and laser Doppler flowmetry (LDF) are two recognized optical techniques that can track low-frequency perfusion changes in microcirculation. The aim of this study was to determine, in healthy subjects, the correlation between the techniques for specific low-frequency bands previously defined for microcirculation. Twelve healthy male subjects (age range 18 to 50 years) were studied, with PPG and LDF signals recorded for 20 min from their right and left index (PPG) and middle (LDF) fingers. Wavelet analysis comprised dividing the low-frequency integral wavelet spectrum (IWS) into five established physiological bands relating to cardiac, respiratory, myogenic, neurogenic, and endothelial activities. The correlation between PPG and LDF was quantified using wavelet correlation analysis and Spearman correlation analysis of the median IWS amplitude. The median wavelet correlation between signals (right-left side average) was 0.45 (cardiac), 0.49 (respiratory), 0.86 (myogenic), 0.91 (neurogenic), and 0.91 (endothelial). The correlation of IWS amplitude values (right-left side average) was statistically significant for the cardiac (ρ = 0.64, p < 0.05) and endothelial (ρ = 0.62, p < 0.05) bands. This pilot study has shown good correlation between PPG and LDF for specific physiological frequency bands. In particular, the results suggest that PPG has the potential to be a low-cost replacement for LDF for endothelial activity assessments.

The effects of Ramadan fasting on the level of sex hormones in pre-menarche girls in Mashhad, Iran

The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of Ramadan fasting on the level of sex hormones in girls between 9-13 years before age at menarche. This study was conducted on a sample of 58 subjects (age range: 9-13 years), who were divided into two groups of fasting (N=31) and non-fasting (N=27). The levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), progesterone and estradiol were measured in all the subjects before and after Ramadan. Measurements were carried out three days before the start of Ramadan, and one day afterwards. In this study, FSH levels significantly increased in the non-fasting group (P=0.01), and the level of Dehydroepiandrostenedione (DHEA) had a significant decrease during the time of study in both groups (P=0.001, P=0.006). In addition, serum levels of LH significantly increased in the non-fasting group after Ramadan (P=0.006), and estradiol significantly increased in both groups (P=0.008, P=0.004). Given the similar changes in the levels of DHEA, progesterone and estradiol in both study groups, it could be concluded that fasting has no effects on these parameters, and the changes in LH and FSH levels could be due to other contributing factors.

The Influence of Angle of Insonation and Target Depth on Speckle-Tracking Strain

Speckle-tracking strain is almost universally cited as being independent of angle of insonation, but there are minimal confirmatory studies, and this claim may not be consistent with the known limitations of ultrasound axial and lateral spatial resolution. The aim of this study was to assess the influence of angle and depth on longitudinal peak systolic strain (LPS). Thirty-four healthy pediatric subjects (age range, 6-18years; 47% male) with normal cardiac anatomy and good image quality were prospectively imaged. Angular comparisons of LPS were investigated by examining interangle reproducibility on the basis of one standard and one alternative image acquisition relative to intraobserver reproducibility of two standard views of the same left ventricular segments. A single-window comparison was used to evaluated septal LPS: standard apical four-chamber versus right ventricular centered four-chamber. Two paired standard and alternative window comparisons were as follows: (1) four-chamber: standard apical versus subcostal; and (2) three-chamber: standard apical versus parasternal long-axis. The global LPS intraobserver difference using the paired standard and alternative window comparisons was lower than the interangle difference in global LPS (-1.0 ± 0.1% vs -2.1 ± 2.4%). Intraobserver reproducibility was significantly higher than interangle reproducibility (intraclass correlation coefficient=0.9 vs 0.29, P<.001). Similar results were found in the segmental strain analysis. Interangle reproducibility was significantly decreased compared with intraobserver reproducibility in the septal single-window comparison. Target depth assessment demonstrated a systematic bias between the near-field and far-field segments. Echocardiographically derived LPS values were modestly dependent on angle of insonation and target depth in this pediatric population. Normal strain ranges derived from standard apical images should not be applied to strain derived from sub-costal images, off-axis apical imaging, or applications in which a standard window cannot be defined.

Assessing the effect of unilateral cerebral revascularisation on the vascular reactivity of the non-intervened hemisphere: a retrospective observational study

ObjectivesUnilateral haemodynamically significant large-vessel intracranial stenosis may be associated with reduced blood-oxygen-level-dependent (BOLD) cerebrovascular reactivity (CVR), an indicator of autoregulatory reserve. Reduced CVR has been associated with ipsilateral cortical thinning...

Disconnected neuromagnetic networks in children born very preterm: Disconnected MEG networks in preterm children.

Many children born very preterm (≤32 weeks) experience significant cognitive difficulties, but the biological basis of such problems has not yet been determined. Functional MRI studies have implicated altered functional connectivity; however, little is known regarding the spatiotemporal organization of brain networks in this population. We provide the first examination of resting-state neuromagnetic connectivity mapped in brain space in school age children born very preterm. Thirty-four subjects (age range 7–12 years old), consisting of 17 very preterm-born children and 17 full-term born children were included. Very preterm-born children exhibited global decreases in inter-regional synchrony in all analysed frequency ranges, from theta (4–7 Hz) to high gamma (80–150 Hz; p < 0.01, corrected). These reductions were expressed in spatially and frequency specific brain networks (p < 0.0005, corrected). Our results demonstrate that mapping connectivity with high spatiotemporal resolution offers new insights into altered organization of neurophysiological networks which may contribute to the cognitive difficulties in this vulnerable population.

High-resolution imaging of gunn's dots.

In healthy fundi, glistening whitish dots (so-called Gunn's dots) can often be seen, especially in young subjects. They are commonly attributed to the reflectance of Müller cell's footplates. However, despite their potential interest as biomarkers of retinal diseases, Gunn's dots have received little attention in the scientific literature. Scanning laser ophthalmoscope reflectance imaging and adaptive optics infrared flood imaging were performed in 18 healthy subjects (age range, 18-58 years) to analyze the localization, density, and shape of Gunn's dots. Gunn's dots were more easily observed in the midperipheral retina along temporal vessels, although in two subjects, they could be detected in the macula. The reflectance of Gunn's dots showed a strong directional variability, which paralleled that of the inner limiting membrane. The mean (±SD) diameter of Gunn's dots was 13.3 µm (±3.5). Their density peaked at ∼120 per square millimeter and decreased with age to become barely detectable after 50 years. Gunn's dots are highly anisotropic structures close to the inner limiting membrane. Their density, size, and age-related decline are closer to the characteristics of hyalocytes than those of Müller cells. Further studies are necessary to progress in the determination of their origin and interest as biomarkers of retinal diseases.

Efficacy of Punch Elevation Combined with Fractional Carbon Dioxide Laser Resurfacing in Facial Atrophic Acne Scarring: A Randomized Split-face Clinical Study.

Background:A number of treatments for reducing the appearance of acne scars are available, but general guidelines for optimizing acne scar treatment do not exist. The aim of this study was to compare the clinical effectiveness and side effects of fractional carbon dioxide (CO2) laser resurfacing combined with punch elevation with fractional CO2 laser resurfacing alone in the treatment of atrophic acne scars.Materials and Methods:Forty-two Iranian subjects (age range 18–55) with Fitzpatrick skin types III to IV and moderate to severe atrophic acne scars on both cheeks received randomized split-face treatments: One side received fractional CO2 laser treatment and the other received one session of punch elevation combined with two sessions of laser fractional CO2 laser treatment, separated by an interval of 1 month. Two dermatologists independently evaluated improvement in acne scars 4 and 16 weeks after the last treatment. Side effects were also recorded after each treatment.Results:The mean ± SD age of patients was 23.4 ± 2.6 years. Clinical improvement of facial acne scarring was assessed by two dermatologists blinded to treatment conditions. No significant difference in evaluation was observed 1 month after treatment (P = 0.56). Their evaluation found that fractional CO2 laser treatment combined with punch elevation had greater efficacy than that with fractional CO2 laser treatment alone, assessed 4 months after treatment (P = 0.02). Among all side effects, coagulated crust formation and pruritus at day 3 after fractional CO2 laser treatment was significant on both treatment sides (P < 0.05).Conclusion:Concurrent use of fractional laser skin resurfacing with punch elevation offers a safe and effective approach for the treatment of acne scarring.

Aging and Technology

In a recent article (Ferraro, Wunderlich, Wyrobek, & Weivoda, 2014), my co-authors and I observed some interesting relationships between age and texting and iPod dependence. We wanted to see if texting and iPod dependence were related to each other (they are) but also included a wide age range of subjects, primarily due to the fact that we were employing MTurk (Buhrmester, Kwang, & Gosling, 2011). Across all four of the texting and iPod dependence scales (Emotional Reaction, Excessive Use, Relationship Disruption, Psychological/ Behavioral Symptoms), all relationships with the variable Age were negative (r’s ranged from -.06 to -.45) and all but one was significant (ps<0.01).

Analysis of Endurance among Different Levels of School Handball Players

The purpose of the study was to analysis endurance among different levels of school handball players. Sixty (60) male players were selected they were divided into three groups (20) twenty in each. They were classified into junior, senior and super senior these boys were selected from AGM Higher secondary school, Thuraiyur. The subjects age range between 10 to 17 years was selected. Endurance was selected as criterion variable and tested by 600 yard run.ANOVA test was used to compare the mean differences between the three groups. The result showed that there was no significant difference existing among these groups on endurance (F = 3.78, p> 0.05). It is concluded that endurance among different levels of handball players remain similar.

 Cytomorphometrical analysis of exfoliated buccal mucosal cells: Effect of smoking

Introduction: Exfoliative cytology is a non-aggressive, non-invasive procedure with higher patient compliance and is therefore, an attractive technique for the early diagnosis of oral lesions. The purpose of this study is to evaluate and compare cytological changes using morphometric analysis of the exfoliated buccal mucosal cells in smokers, with results obtained for non-smokers. Methods: Smears were collected from the clinically normal buccal mucosa of 120 individuals. Age range of subjects taken was 40-60 years. Smears were then stained with Papanicolaou stain. Results: Mean NA for smokers was significantly elevated compared with the mean NA for non-smokers. Mean CA in smokers was decreased as compared to non-smokers but the diff erence was not significant. Also, N/C ratio was significantly elevated in smokers group. With increasing heavy exposure in duration of years, Cytomorphometric changes show significant altered values for all three measured parameters (NA, CA and N/C ratio). Conclusion: Increase in NA and decreased CA as well as altered N/C ratio would appear to be due to smoking tobacco. Cytomorphometric analysis can be used regularly to detect these cell alterations. Th is method can also aid in motivating individuals to withdraw from adverse eff ects of tobacco smoking. Currently, use of exfoliative cytology has increased as an adjunct to screening of precancerous lesions and malignancies of the oral cavity.

O-073 Total And Regional Corpus Callosum Volumes Are Related To Intelligence And Motor Function In Dyskinetic Cerebral Palsy

Background The relationship between corpus callosum (CC) morphology and mainly motor outcomes has been studied in spastic cerebral palsy (CP) but not yet in dyskinetic CP, which has been recently related to a diffuse brain injury pattern. This study aims to analyse the relationship of total and regional CC volumes with intelligence and motor impairment severity in dyskinetic CP. Methods 15 subjects (age range, 12–34) with dyskinetic CP and signs of perinatal asphyxia underwent a MRI. CC total, anterior, central and posterior volumes were calculated (Figure 1). The intelligence and motor scales most commonly used in CP were administered. Results The CC total volume and most of its parts were related to intelligence and motor measures (Table 1). Conclusions Total CC volume may be indicative of intelligence and motor status in dyskinetic CP. Regionally, the posterior part is the most related to intelligence, in agreement with recent theories of intelligence. The anterior part of the CC is not found to be related to motor function. This result agrees with the fact that premotor and sensorimotor fibres are located more posteriorly than previously thought.

High-spatial- and high-temporal-resolution dynamic contrast-enhanced MR breast imaging with sweep imaging with Fourier transformation: a pilot study.

To report the results of sweep imaging with Fourier transformation (SWIFT) magnetic resonance (MR) imaging for diagnostic breast imaging. Informed consent was obtained from all participants under one of two institutional review board-approved, HIPAA-compliant protocols. Twelve female patients (age range, 19-54 years; mean age, 41.2 years) and eight normal control subjects (age range, 22-56 years; mean age, 43.2 years) enrolled and completed the study from January 28, 2011, to March 5, 2013. Patients had previous lesions that were Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System 4 and 5 based on mammography and/or ultrasonographic imaging. Contrast-enhanced SWIFT imaging was completed by using a 4-T research MR imaging system. Noncontrast studies were completed in the normal control subjects. One of two sized single-breast SWIFT-compatible transceiver coils was used for nine patients and five controls. Three patients and five control subjects used a SWIFT-compatible dual breast coil. Temporal resolution was 5.9-7.5 seconds. Spatial resolution was 1.00 mm isotropic, with later examinations at 0.67 mm isotropic, and dual breast at 1.00 mm or 0.75 mm isotropic resolution. Two nonblinded breast radiologists reported SWIFT image findings of normal breast tissue, benign fibroadenomas (six of six lesions), and malignant lesions (10 of 12 lesions) concordant with other imaging modalities and pathologic reports. Two lesions in two patients were not visualized because of coil field of view. The images yielded by SWIFT showed the presence and extent of known breast lesions. The SWIFT technique could become an important addition to breast imaging modalities because it provides high spatial resolution at all points during the dynamic contrast-enhanced examination.

The trajectories of sleep disturbances in Rett syndrome.

Rett syndrome is a rare neurodevelopmental disorder usually affecting females, and is associated with a mutation in the MECP2 gene. Sleep problems occur commonly and we investigated the trajectories and influences of age, mutation and treatments. Data were collected at six time points over 12 years from 320 families registered with the Australian Rett Syndrome Database. Regression analysis was used to investigate relationships between sleep disturbances, age, mutation type and use of treatment, and latent class growth analysis was performed to identify sleep problem phenotypes and model the effect of mutation type. The age range of subjects was 2.0-35.8 years. The study showed that sleep problems occurred in more than 80% of individuals and the prevalence decreased with age. Night laughing and night screaming occurred in 77 and 49%, respectively, when younger. Those with a large deletion had a higher prevalence of night laughing, which often occurred frequently. Treatment was associated with a 1.7% reduction in risk of further sleep problems. High and low baseline prevalence groups were identified. Approximately three-quarters of girls and women with sleep disturbances were in the high baseline group and problems persisted into adulthood. Conversely, 57% with night laughing and 42% with night screaming in the high baseline group exhibited mild improvement over time. Mutation type was not found to be a significant predictor of group membership. In conclusion, the evolution of sleep problems differed between subgroups of girls and women with Rett syndrome, in part explained by age and genotype. Treatment was not associated with improvement in sleep problems.

Psychometric properties of the Hong Kong Chinese (Cantonese) TEMPS-A in medical students

BackgroundThe self-rated auto-questionnaire, the Temperament Scale of Memphis, Pisa, Paris and San Diego (TEMPS-A) is the latest development in the study of temperamental attributes. It has been used and validated in different cultures and countries. The current study aims at validating the Chinese (Cantonese) version of the TEMPS-A and comparing the psychometric properties of the long and short forms of the translated scale. MethodsThe Chinese (Cantonese) version of TEMPS-A was prepared with the standard translation and back-translation method, and approved by the original authors (HSA & KKA). It was administered to medical students of the two local universities, and results were analyzed. Results613 valid questionnaires were returned. The Cronbach-Alpha coefficients for the depressive, cyclothymic, hyperthymic, irritable and anxious temperament subscales were 0.63, 0.82, 0.78, 0.80, and 0.84, respectively. The strongest correlation was observed between the cyclothymic and irritable temperaments (R=0.600). Factor analysis yielded one large composite (depressive and anxious) and four homogenous factors, cyclothymic, anxious, hyperthymic and irritable. A newly reconstituted 43-item short form, based on methods suggested by the original authors yielded similar factor structure. LimitationsThe narrow age range of subjects somewhat limits generalization of the results. However, external and concurrent validations against other validated scales have been demonstrated for the original English versions as well as against the most commonly used languages of the world; furthermore, such validation has also been demonstrated for Chinese (Mandarin). ConclusionsThe Chinese (Cantonese) version of TEMPS-A and the reconstituted 43-item short form were found to have good internal consistency and factor structures comparable to those of other languages from diverse cultures across the planet. We propose that the Cantonese TEMPS-A is a useful tool for local use.

No. 138 Functional Imaging Study Comparing Movement Mirroring With Movement Observation in Both Hands in an Otherwise Identical Setting

Objective: To compare lateralized cerebral activations elicited during self-initiated movement mirroring and observation of movements. Design: Functional imaging study comparing movement mirroring with movement observation in both hands in an otherwise identical setting. Imaging data were analysed using statistical parametric mapping software with significance threshold set at p<0.01 (false discovery rate) and a minimum cluster size of 20 voxels. Setting: MRI department. Participants: A total of 15 right-handed healthy subjects age range 22-56 years. Intervention: Not applicable. Main Outcome Measures: Cerebral activation during movement mirroring and movement observation. Level of Evidence: level 1. Results: Movement mirroring induced additional activation in primary and higher-order visual areas strictly contralateral to the limb seen by the subject. There was no significant difference of brain activity when comparing movement observation of somebody else’s right hand with left hand. Conclusion: Lateralized cerebral activations are elicited by inversion of visual feedback (movement mirroring) but not by movement observation.

Comparison of Allograft Versus Autograft Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Graft Survival in an Active Adolescent Cohort

Background: Graft selection for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstructive surgery is a controversial topic. Few studies have compared graft outcomes in adolescents. Purpose: To identify factors related to ACL graft failure in an adolescent cohort. Study Design: Case-control study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: After institutional review board approval was obtained, adolescent subjects (age range, 11-18 years) who underwent primary ACL reconstruction surgery at a large tertiary pediatric hospital between July 2005 and July 2009 were identified through a query of International Classification of Diseases, 9th Revision, diagnostic and Current Procedural Terminology codes. Subject data were obtained by means of a retrospective chart review, phone survey, and the administration of functional knee outcome instruments. A multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression analysis was used to analyze factors related to graft survival. Results: The average ages at surgery in the allograft (n = 38) and autograft (n = 35) groups were 15.29 ± 2.24 and 15.60 ± 1.57 years, respectively. There were 11 graft failures (28.95%) in the allograft group compared with 4 graft failures (11.43%) in the autograft group. In the multivariate model, graft type (P = .0352) and postoperative knee laxity according to the Lachman test (P = .0217) were the only variables significantly related to graft survival. The hazard of graft failure was 4.4 (95% CI, 1.23-18.89) times greater in the allograft group compared with the autograft group. The hazard of graft failure was 5.28 times (95% CI, 1.1-12.72; P = .0217) greater for a subject who demonstrated increased postoperative knee laxity relative to the contralateral knee. The risk for autograft failure tended to remain constant 24 to 48 months after initial surgery, whereas the risk for allograft failure continued to increase during postoperative months 24 to 48. There were no differences (P > .05) between the allograft and autograft groups with respect to International Knee Documentation Committee score, Lysholm score, and the rate of return to previous activity level. Conclusion: Graft type and postoperative knee laxity were identified as significant predictors of graft survival. On the basis of this large retrospective cohort, we recommend the use of autogenous grafts in children and adolescents undergoing primary, transphyseal ACL reconstruction. Patients who demonstrate increased translation during a postoperative Lachman test should be carefully followed because of concerns for subsequent graft failure.

Cortical morphology of adolescents with bipolar disorder and with schizophrenia

IntroductionRecent evidence points to overlapping decreases in cortical thickness and gyrification in the frontal lobe of patients with adult-onset schizophrenia and bipolar disorder with psychotic symptoms, but it is not clear if these findings generalize to patients with a disease onset during adolescence and what may be the mechanisms underlying a decrease in gyrification. MethodThis study analyzed cortical morphology using surface-based morphometry in 92 subjects (age range 11–18years, 52 healthy controls and 40 adolescents with early-onset first-episode psychosis diagnosed with schizophrenia (n=20) or bipolar disorder with psychotic symptoms (n=20) based on a two year clinical follow up). Average lobar cortical thickness, surface area, gyrification index (GI) and sulcal width were compared between groups, and the relationship between the GI and sulcal width was assessed in the patient group. ResultsBoth patients groups showed decreased cortical thickness and increased sulcal width in the frontal cortex when compared to healthy controls. The schizophrenia subgroup also had increased sulcal width in all other lobes. In the frontal cortex of the combined patient group sulcal width was negatively correlated (r=−0.58, p<0.001) with the GI. ConclusionsIn adolescents with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder with psychotic symptoms there is cortical thinning, decreased GI and increased sulcal width of the frontal cortex present at the time of the first psychotic episode. Decreased frontal GI is associated with the widening of the frontal sulci which may reduce sulcal surface area. These results suggest that abnormal growth (or more pronounced shrinkage during adolescence) of the frontal cortex represents a shared endophenotype for psychosis.

Smartphone hearing screening with integrated quality control and data management

Objective: To determine if a smartphone application could be used as a calibrated screening audiometer with real-time noise monitoring for school screening using automated test sequences. Design: The investigation comprised three studies. Study 1 evaluated calibration accuracy across four Samsung S5301 smartphones (Android v4.0.4) using commercial Sennheiser HD202 headphones. Study 2 involved referencing smartphone microphone sensitivity to narrowband noise intensity as measured in octave bands by a sound-level meter between 30 and 75 dB SPL (5 dB increments). Study 3 compared screening outcomes of smartphone based and conventional hearing screening. Study sample: Study 2: 15 normal-hearing subjects (age range, 18–22 years; all female). Study 3: 162 children (324 ears) aged 5 to 7 years. Results: Smartphone calibration at 20, 30, and 40 dB was within 1 dB of recommended reference equivalent thresholds levels. Microphone calibration for noise monitoring had maximum variability across phones of 0.9, 0.6, and 2.9 dB at 1, 2, and 4 kHz, respectively, from reference intensities (30 to 75 dB SPL). Screening outcomes demonstrated no significant difference between smartphone and conventional audiometry with an overall referral rate of 4.3% and 3.7%, respectively. Conclusions: The newly developed smartphone application can be accurately calibrated for audiometry with valid real-time noise monitoring, and clinical results are comparable to conventional screening.

Self-esteem and achievement motivation level in overweight and obese adolescents

&lt;b&gt;Background &lt;/b&gt;&lt;br /&gt; The increase in the prevalence of obesity and overweight is a global trend, whereas the number of studies devoted to the psycho-social functioning of the overweight young is comparatively small. The objective of this study was to investigate the correlations between the occurrence of overweight and obesity during adolescence and achievement motivation and self-esteem levels, taking into consideration the sex and age of subjects.&lt;br /&gt; &lt;br /&gt; &lt;b&gt;Participants and procedure&lt;/b&gt;&lt;br /&gt; Altogether, 72 subjects were included in the study. Of them, 36 were overweight (n = 16; BMI = 25-29.9) or obese (n = 20; BMI ≥ 30), whereas the control group (n = 36) comprised individuals with standard body weight. Both the overweight/obese group and the control group were composed of 18 females and 18 males. The age range of subjects was 14-21 (M = 17.32; SD = 2.61). The M. Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, the Questionnaire of Measuring Achievement Motivation (by M. Widerszal-Bazyl), and also a socio-demographic survey, were applied.&lt;br /&gt; &lt;br /&gt; &lt;b&gt;Results&lt;/b&gt;&lt;br /&gt; Overweight and obese individuals are characterized by lower (average or low) self-esteem and achievement motivation (they are characterized by a lower perseverance level while performing tasks, perceive time in a less dynamic way, are less future-oriented, and their self-confidence level is lower) than individuals with standard body weight, and who are characterized by high self-esteem and average achievement motivation. In the scope of school mark average, and also of planning higher academic education, there are no intergroup differences. Sex, and also age, does not differentiate overweight or obese individuals in the scope of self-esteem or achievement motivation. Differences occur in the case of comparing individuals of the same sex. Overweight or obese women are characterized by a lower self-esteem level than those whose body mass index is normal. Overweight or obese men are characterized by a lower self-esteem and achievement motivation levels (apart from the above-mentioned indicators, they are characterized by a lower level of ability to delay gratification, and of striving for social recognition) than these whose body mass index is normal. &lt;br /&gt; &lt;br /&gt; &lt;b&gt;Conclusions&lt;/b&gt;&lt;br /&gt; Higher self-esteem occurs together with a stronger motivation achievement in the entire studied group. This correlation does not occur when the group of overweight and obese individuals, and also the control group, are considered separately. In the entire studied group, as well as in subgroups (of overweight and obese, and also of people with normal weight), there is no connection between self-esteem, mean school grades and planning higher academic education.

Pyramidal neurons of the prefrontal cortex in post-stroke, vascular and other ageing-related dementias.

Dementia associated with cerebrovascular disease is common. It has been reported that ∼30% of elderly patients who survive stroke develop delayed dementia (post-stroke dementia), with most cases being diagnosed as vascular dementia. The pathological substrates associated with post-stroke or vascular dementia are poorly understood, particularly those associated with executive dysfunction. Three separate yet interconnecting circuits control executive function within the frontal lobe involving the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, anterior cingulate cortex and the orbitofrontal cortex. We used stereological methods, along with immunohistological and related cell morphometric analysis, to examine densities and volumes of pyramidal neurons of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, anterior cingulate cortex and orbitofrontal cortex in the frontal lobe from a total of 90 elderly subjects (age range 71-98 years). Post-mortem brain tissues from post-stroke dementia and post-stroke patients with no dementia were derived from our prospective Cognitive Function After Stroke study. We also examined, in parallel, samples from ageing controls and similar age subjects pathologically diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, mixed Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia, and vascular dementia. We found pyramidal cell volumes in layers III and V in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex of post-stroke and vascular dementia and, of mixed and Alzheimer's disease subjects to be reduced by 30-40% compared to post-stroke patients with no dementia and controls. There were no significant changes in neuronal volumes in either the anterior cingulate or orbitofrontal cortices. Remarkably, pyramidal neurons within the orbitofrontal cortex were also found to be smaller in size when compared to those in the other two neocortical regions. To relate the cell changes to cognitive function, we noted significant correlations between neuronal volumes and total CAMCOG, orientation and memory scores and clinical dementia ratings. Total estimated neuronal densities were not significantly changed between patients with post-stroke dementia and post-stroke patients with no dementia groups or ageing controls in any of the three frontal regions. In further morphometric analysis of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, we showed that neither diffuse cerebral atrophy nor neocortical thickness explained the selective neuronal volume effects. We also noted that neurofilament protein SMI31 immunoreactivity was increased in post-stroke and vascular dementia compared with post-stroke patients with no dementia and correlated with decreased neuronal volumes in subjects with post-stroke dementia and vascular dementia. Our findings suggest selective regional pyramidal cell atrophy in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex-rather than neuronal density changes per se-are associated with dementia and executive dysfunction in post-stroke dementia and vascular dementia. The changes in dorsolateral prefrontal cortex pyramidal cells were not associated with neurofibrillary pathology suggesting there is a vascular basis for the observed highly selective neuronal atrophy.