Subjects Age Range Research Articles

Intervertebral disc heights and concavity index of the lumbar spine in young healthy adults

Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate lumbar intervertebral disc heights and concavity index of the lumbar spine, and the influence of age, gender, weight, height and body mass index (BMI) on these parameters. Methods: The study was conducted on 150 health young subjects (age 18 to 27) without any disorder which affects the lumbar spine and the discs. Subjects underwent standard standing lateral lumbar radiography. Mann-Whitney U test and Spearman’s correlation test were used for statistical analysis. Results: Of the 150 subjects (age range, 18–27 years), 80 (53.3%) were women and 70 (46.7%) were men. Men presented higher lumbar disc values than women. In both genders, disc height increased from T12–L1 to L4–L5, and then decreased at L5–S1. The heights of all lumbar discs increased with age, weight, height and BMI in both genders. Women demonstrated a higher concavity index at L2, L3 and L4 vertebrae compared to men, whereas men showed a higher concavity index value at L5 vertebra. The concavity index of T12, L1, L2, L3 and L4 vertebrae decreased with age. Conclusion: Our results will serve as guidelines and references for further studies, radiologists and spinal surgeons.

Atrial Fibrillation Manifestations Risk Factors and Sex Differences in a Population-Based Cohort (From the Gutenberg Health Study)

Sex differences in cardiovascular risk factors, cardiac structure and function, and disease and symptom burden in the common arrhythmia atrial fibrillation (AF) have not been investigated systematically at the population level. Cross-sectional data of 14,796 subjects (age range 35 to 74 years, 50.5% men) from the population-based Gutenberg Health Study were examined to show the distribution of cardiovascular risk factors by AF status and sex, and to determine sex-specific predictors for AF. The prevalence of AF was higher in men (4.3%) than in women (1.9%). Men had a worse cardiovascular risk factor profile, a higher prevalence of cardiovascular disease, but fewer symptoms than women. Age-adjusted Cox regressions showed sex interactions in the association of high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, triglycerides, diabetes mellitus, coronary artery disease, myocardial infarction, generalized anxiety disorder, and heart rate with AF. After multivariable adjustment, sex interactions were seen for thickness of interventricular end-diastolic septum, odds ratio (OR) per standard deviation (SD), 95% confidence interval women: 0.9 (0.8, 1.1), men: 1.2 (1.1, 1.4), interaction p value = 0.02; left atrial diameter index, OR per SD women: 1.5 (1.3, 1.8), men: 1.9 (1.7, 2.1), interaction p value = 0.03; and myocardial infarction, OR women: 2.7 (1.3, 5.6), men: 0.7 (0.5, 1.1), interaction p value = 0.002. In conclusion, in our large cohort, we observed substantial sex differences in AF distribution and clinical characteristics including comorbidities, symptom burden, and structural cardiac changes.

Comparisons Between Histology and Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography of the Periarterial Capillary-Free Zone

To use the capillary-free zone along retinal arteries, a physiologic area of superficial avascularization, as an anatomic paradigm to investigate the reliability of optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) for visualizing the deep retinal circulation. Validity analysis and laboratory investigation. Five normal human donor eyes (mean age 69.8 years) were perfusion-labeled with endothelial antibodies and the capillary networks of the perifovea were visualized using confocal scanning laser microscopy. Regions of the capillary-free zone along the retinal artery were imaged using OCTA in 16 normal subjects (age range 24-51 years). Then, 3× 3-mm scans were acquired using the RTVue XR Avanti (ver. 2016.1.0.26; Optovue, Inc, Fremont, California, USA), PLEX Elite 9000 (ver. 1.5.0.15909; Zeiss Meditec, Inc, Dublin, California, USA), Heidelberg Spectralis OCT2 (Family acquisition module 6.7.21.0; Heidelberg Engineering, Heidelberg, Germany), and DRI-OCT Triton (Ver. 1.1.1; Topcon Corp, Tokyo, Japan). Images of the superficial plexus, deep vascular plexus, and a slab containing all vascular plexuses were generated using manufacturer-recommended default settings. Comparisons between histology and OCTA were performed. Histologic analysis revealed that the capillary-free zone along the retinal artery was confined to the plane of the superficial capillary plexus and did not include the intermediate and deep capillary plexuses. Images derived from OCTA instruments demonstrated a prominent capillary-free zone along the retinal artery in slabs of the superficial plexus, deep plexus, and all capillary plexuses. The number of deep retinal capillaries seen in the capillary-free zone was significantly greater on histology than on OCTA (P < .001). Using the capillary-free zone as an anatomic paradigm, we show that the deep vascular beds of the retina are not completely visualized using OCTA. This may be a limitation of current OCTA techniques.

Selective large scale screening for lysosomal disorders in minority groups shows higher incidence rates

Dorsal midbrain syndrome (also known as Parinaud syndrome and pretectal syndrome) is a well-known complication of tumors of the pineal region. However, there are few reports regarding outcomes, especially in children. The purpose of this study was to report the ophthalmic outcomes in a group of children with pineal tumors treated at a single institution.The medical records of pediatric patients diagnosed with pineal region tumors and evaluated at our ophthalmology clinic were studied retrospectively. Descriptive statistics were used to assess rate of dorsal midbrain syndrome, defined as one or more of the following: limitation of upgaze, pupillary light-near dissociation, and convergence retraction nystagmus. Treatment outcomes were recorded.A total of 35 subjects (age range, 5 months to 20 years) were included, 18 (51%) of whom were found to have dorsal midbrain syndrome. Of those 18, 16 patients (89%) had limitation of upgaze, 15 (83%) had pupillary light-near dissociation, and 9 (50%) had convergence-retraction nystagmus. Convergence insufficiency was noted in 5 patients (28%); exotropia (either intermittent or constant), in 9 (50%). Improvement in dorsal midbrain syndrome findings following treatment was seen in 7 of 17 patients (41%), but only 2 (12%) experienced complete resolution. Treatment consisted of surgery, radiation, and/or chemotherapy.In our study cohort of children with pineal tumors have a high incidence of dorsal midbrain syndrome. Most cases had residual findings after treatment.

Responders and non-responders to influenza vaccination: A DNA methylation approach on blood cells

Several evidences indicate that aging negatively affects the effectiveness of influenza vaccination. Although it is well established that immunosenescence has an important role in vaccination response, the molecular pathways underlying this process are largely unknown. Given the importance of epigenetic remodeling in aging, here we analyzed the relationship between responsiveness to influenza vaccination and DNA methylation profiles in healthy subjects of different ages. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were collected from 44 subjects (age range: 19–90 years old) immediately before influenza vaccination. Subjects were subsequently classified as responders or non-responders according to hemagglutination inhibition assay 4–6 weeks after the vaccination. Baseline whole genome DNA methylation in peripheral blood mononuclear cells was analyzed using the Illumina® Infinium 450 k microarray. Differential methylation analysis between the two groups (responders and non-responders) was performed through an analysis of variance, correcting for age, sex and batch. We identified 83 CpG sites having a nominal p-value <.001 and absolute difference in DNA methylation of at least 0.05 between the two groups. For some CpG sites, we observed age-dependent decrease or increase in methylation, which in some cases was specific for the responders and non-responders groups. Finally, we divided the cohort in two subgroups including younger (age < 50) and older (age ≥ 50) subjects and compared DNA methylation between responders and non-responders, correcting for sex and batch in each subgroup. We identified 142 differentially methylated CpG sites in the young subgroup and 305 in the old subgroup, suggesting a larger epigenetic remodeling at older ages. Interestingly, some of the differentially methylated probes mapped in genes involved in immunosenescence (CD40) and in innate immunity responses (CXCL16, ULK1, BCL11B, BTC). In conclusion, the analysis of epigenetic landscape can shed light on the biological basis of vaccine responsiveness during aging, possibly providing new appropriate biomarkers of this process.

Axial elongation measured by long scan depth optical coherence tomography during pilocarpine-induced accommodation in intraocular lens-implanted eyes

We used an ultra-long scan depth optical coherence tomography (UL-OCT) system to investigate changes in axial biometry of pseudophakic eyes during pilocarpine- induced accommodation. The right eyes from 25 healthy subjects (age range 49 to 84 years) with an intraocular lens (IOL) were imaged twice in the non-accommodative and the accommodative states. A custom-built UL-OCT instrument imaged the whole eye. Then accommodation was induced by two drops of 0.5% pilocarpine hydrochloride separated by a 5-minute interval. Following the same protocol, images were acquired again 30 minutes after the first drop. The central corneal thickness (CCT), anterior chamber depth (ACD), IOL thickness (IOLT), and vitreous length (VL) were obtained using custom automated software. The axial length (AL) was calculated by summing the CCT, ACD, IOLT, and VL. With accommodation, ACD increased by +0.08 ± 0.09 mm, while the VL decreased by −0.04 ± 0.09 mm (paired t-test each, P<0.05). CCT and IOLT remained constant during accommodation (P > 0.05). The non-accommodative AL was 23.47 ± 0.93 mm, and it increased by +0.04 ± 0.04 mm after accommodation (P<0.01). The AL increased and the IOL moved backward during pilocarpine-induced accommodation in pseudophakic eyes.

Assessment of meniscus with adiabatic T1ρ and T2ρ relaxation time in asymptomatic subjects and patients with mild osteoarthritis: a feasibility study

To investigate the ability of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) adiabatic relaxation times in the rotating frame (adiabatic T1ρ and T2ρ) to detect structural alterations in meniscus tissue of mild OA patients and asymptomatic volunteers. MR images of 24 subjects (age range: 50-67 years, 12 male), including 12 patients with mild osteoarthritis (OA) (Kellgren-Lawrence (KL)=1, 2) and 12 asymptomatic volunteers, were acquired using a 3T clinical MRI system. Morphological assessment was performed using semiquantitative MRI OA Knee Score (MOAKS). Adiabatic T1ρ and T2ρ (AdT1ρ, AdT2ρ) relaxation time maps were calculated in regions of interest (ROIs) containing medial and lateral horns of menisci. The median relaxation time values of the ROIs were compared between subjects classified based on radiographic findings and MOAKS evaluations. MOAKS assessment of patients and volunteers indicated the presence of meniscal and cartilage lesions in both groups. For the combined cohort group, prolonged AdT1ρ was observed in the posterior horn of the medial meniscus (PHMED) in subjects with MOAKS meniscal tear (P<0.05). AdT2ρ was statistically significantly longer in PHMED of subjects with MOAKS full-thickness cartilage loss (P<0.05). After adjusting for multiple comparisons, differences in medians of observed AdT1ρ and AdT2ρ values between mild OA patients and asymptomatic volunteers did not reach statistical significance. AdT1ρ and AdT2ρ measurements have the potential to identify changes in structural composition of meniscus tissue associated with meniscal tear and cartilage loss in a cohort group of mild OA patients and asymptomatic volunteers.

Evaluation of the relationship between obesity, dental caries and periodontal disease in adolescents.

To assess the prevalence of caries, oral hygiene quality and periodontal disease in a cohort of obese adolescents compared to a control group. Study Design: cross-sectional study conducted on 204 subjects (age range 10-16 years). Ninety obese subjects (BMI >90) and 114 normal-weight subjects (BMI <75) were visited at the Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital and in a junior high school in Rome, respectively. An ad hoc questionnaire (investigating demographic and oral health behaviour data) was filled in by patients and their caregivers. Accurate oral examinations were conducted. The Decayed-Missing-Filled Teeth/Surfaces Index in both permanent (DMFT/DMFS) and primary dentition (dmft/dmfs), Gingival Bleeding Index (GBI), Visible Plaque Index (VPI), and Probing Depth (PD) were recorded. data analysis was carried out using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS 21.0; SPSS IBM, New York, NY). The data of the two groups were compared by means of Student's t Test or the Mann-Whitney test for numerical data and the Chi-square test for categorical data. Patients affected by obesity, compared with controls, presented less compromised teeth in the primary dentition (dmft obese: 0.30 &#177;± 1.12; normal-weight: 1.00 &#177; 1.90; P<0.001) and less compromised dental surfaces (dmfs obese: 0.51 &#177; 2.14; normal-weight: 1.61 &#177; 3.10; P<0.001). Furthermore obese patients showed minor gingival inflammation with less bleeding on probing (GBI) (obese: 23.95 &#177; 21.43; normal-weight: 38.17&#177; 24.37; P<0.001), and less probing depth in a greater number of sites (PPD &#8804; 3) (obese: 101.92 &#177; 9.27; normal-weight: 97.28 &#177; 12.13; P<0.001). Moreover, the obese group showed a better oral hygiene (VPI) (obese: 25.69 &#177;25.83; normal-weight: 37.72 &#177;24.34; P<0.001). In our study, obese adolescents showed a better oral hygiene, fewer compromised teeth and better periodontal health when compared with normal-weight patients.

Cortical and Subcortical Brain Morphometry Differences Between Patients With Autism Spectrum Disorder and Healthy Individuals Across the Lifespan: Results From the ENIGMA ASD Working Group.

Neuroimaging studies show structural differences in both cortical and subcortical brain regions in children and adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) compared with healthy subjects. Findings are inconsistent, however, and it is unclear how differences develop across the lifespan. The authors investigated brain morphometry differences between individuals with ASD and healthy subjects, cross-sectionally across the lifespan, in a large multinational sample from the Enhancing Neuroimaging Genetics Through Meta-Analysis (ENIGMA) ASD working group. The sample comprised 1,571 patients with ASD and 1,651 healthy control subjects (age range, 2-64 years) from 49 participating sites. MRI scans were preprocessed at individual sites with a harmonized protocol based on a validated automated-segmentation software program. Mega-analyses were used to test for case-control differences in subcortical volumes, cortical thickness, and surface area. Development of brain morphometry over the lifespan was modeled using a fractional polynomial approach. The case-control mega-analysis demonstrated that ASD was associated with smaller subcortical volumes of the pallidum, putamen, amygdala, and nucleus accumbens (effect sizes [Cohen's d], 0.13 to -0.13), as well as increased cortical thickness in the frontal cortex and decreased thickness in the temporal cortex (effect sizes, -0.21 to 0.20). Analyses of age effects indicate that the development of cortical thickness is altered in ASD, with the largest differences occurring around adolescence. No age-by-ASD interactions were observed in the subcortical partitions. The ENIGMA ASD working group provides the largest study of brain morphometry differences in ASD to date, using a well-established, validated, publicly available analysis pipeline. ASD patients showed altered morphometry in the cognitive and affective parts of the striatum, frontal cortex, and temporal cortex. Complex developmental trajectories were observed for the different regions, with a developmental peak around adolescence. These findings suggest an interplay in the abnormal development of the striatal, frontal, and temporal regions in ASD across the lifespan.

A Study of Locus of Control and Anxiety among Male and Female Graduate Students

Aim of the study: to investigate the locus of control and anxiety among male and female Graduate Students. Hypotheses: There was no significant difference between male and female Graduate Students with respect to locus of control. There was no significant difference between male and female Graduate Students with respect to anxiety. Methods: Sample: For the present study 100 Sample were belongings to Aurangabad, 50 subjects were male graduate students and 50 were female graduate students. The age range of subjects was 18-24 years. Purposive non-probability sampling technique was used. Tools Rotter’s Locus of Control Scale (1985): constructed by Dr. Anand Kumar and Dr. S. N. Srivastav. Sinha’s Comprehensive Anxiety Test (SCAT–SS): by A. K. P. Sinha and L. N. K. Sinha. Conclusions: Male Graduate Students had significantly locus of control (External Locus of Control) than the female Graduate Students (Internal Locus of Control). Female Graduate Students had significantly high anxiety than the male Graduate Students.

Contribution of structural brain phenotypes to the variance in resting energy expenditure in healthy Caucasian subjects.

Brain gray (GM) and white matter (WM) volumes are related to weight changes. The impact of structural variations in GM and WM on the variance in resting energy expenditure (REE) and the REE-on-fat-free mass (FFM) association is unknown. The aim of this study was to address this in healthy Caucasian subjects. Cross-sectional data analysis of 493 healthy Caucasian subjects (age range 6-80 years; 3 age groups) was conducted with comprehensive information on FFM, organ and tissue masses, and detailed brain composition as assessed by whole body magnetic resonance imaging and REE (assessed by indirect calorimetry). REE was calculated (REEc) using organ and tissue masses times their specific metabolic rates. FFM was the major determinant of REE (70.6%); individual masses of liver, total brain, and heart explained a further 2.1% of the variance in REE. Replacing total brain with GM and WM did not change the total R2. Nevertheless, GM added more to the variance in REE (5.6%) and corresponding residuals (12.5%) than did total brain. Additionally, up to 12% was explained by age and sex (<2%). There was a systematic bias between REE and REEc with positive values in younger subjects but negative values in older ones. This bias remained after substituting the specific metabolic rate of brain with the specific metabolic rates of GM and WM. In healthy Caucasian subjects, GM and WM contributed to the variance in REE. Detailed brain structures do not explain the bias between REE and REEc. NEW & NOTEWORTHY Detailed brain composition (gray and white matter) contributed to the variances of resting energy expenditure (REE) and REE-on-fat-free mass residuals. Gray matter explained most of the variances, and for future studies on energy expenditure, brain compartments should be analyzed separately with regard to their different energy needs.

General Lack of Correlations between Age and Signs of the Metabolic Syndrome in Subjects with Non-diabetic Fasting Glucose Values

ABSTRACTBackground: Insulin resistance and advancing age are well-recognized risk factors for metabolic syndrome. Recent reports indicate that fasting glucose levels in non-diabetic patients correlate appropriately with the development of certain elements in metabolic syndrome, which suggest a cause–effect relationship with insulin resistance.Objective: The present investigation assessed whether a significant association exists between chronological age and various elements of metabolic syndrome in this same group of subjects possessing non-diabetic fasting glucose levels.Methods: Baseline data were taken from 288 subjects (age 17–87 years) with fasting glucose levels ≤ 125 mg/dl. Correlations between chronological age and different metabolic parameters were assessed to determine any statistically significant relationships and compare these with previously demonstrated metabolic parameters.Results: With the exception of systolic blood pressure, the following correlations between age and components of metabolic syndrome were not significant or even significant in the opposite direction compared to those found in the same population using fasting glucose as the independent variable: body weight, body fat, diastolic blood pressure, white blood cell count (WBC)/neutrophil count, and circulating levels of insulin, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, triglycerides, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST). Although systolic blood pressure still increased, it was to a lesser extent than might be expected.Conclusions: In the present investigation, a cross-sectional analysis was carried out over a wide age range of subjects. It is noteworthy that fasting glucose levels and the other major elements of metabolic syndrome did not change significantly with advancing age. These results demonstrate that decreasing insulin resistance and fasting glucose levels may be an important way to overcome the adverse effects and perturbations of advancing age-induced consequences of metabolic syndrome.

Hyperpolarized Helium-3 Diffusion-weighted Magnetic Resonance Imaging Detects Abnormalities of Lung Structure in Children With Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia.

The aim of the study was to determine whether hyperpolarized He diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging detects abnormalities in the lungs in children with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) as compared with age-matched normal children. All experiments were compliant with Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and performed with Food and Drug Administration approval under an IND application. The protocol was approved by our Institutional Review Board, and written informed consent was obtained. Hyperpolarized He diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging was performed in 16 subjects with a history of preterm birth complicated by BPD (age range, 6.8 to 13.5 y; mean, 9.0 y) and in 29 healthy term-birth subjects (age range, 4.5-14.7 y; mean, 9.2 y) using a gradient-echo sequence with bipolar diffusion gradients and with measurements at 2 b values (0 and 1.6 s/cm). Age-related comparison of the whole-lung mean apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), 90th percentile ADC, and percentage of whole-lung volume with ADC>0.2 cm/s between the 2 groups was examined using ordinary least-squares multiple regression. The mean ADC was significantly greater in subjects with BPD (0.187 vs. 0.152 cm/s, P<0.001). The 90th percentile ADC and mean percentage lung volume with ADC>0.2 cm/s were also higher in the BPD group (0.258 vs. 0.215 cm/s, 30.3% vs. 11.9%, P<0.001 for both). The body surface area-adjusted ventilated lung volume was similar in the 2 groups (1.93 vs. 1.91 L, P=0.90). Children with BPD had higher ADCs and the same lung volumes when compared with age-matched healthy subjects, suggesting that children with BPD have enlarged alveoli that are reduced in number.

Normal upper age‐limits for photopic and mesopic visual acuity and functional contrast sensitivity

PurposeNormal, healthy aging causes a gradual worsening of vision with more pronounced effects at lower light levels (mesopic range). Normal spatial vision enables us to resolve fine spatial detail and to detect faint edges and boundaries that make up objects. Age‐related changes in the optics of the eye and diseases of the retina and / or systemic diseases that affect vision can also cause a loss of spatial vision. In order to separate the latter from the effects of normal aging, reliable, upper, normal limits of spatial vision are needed for both photopic and mesopic light levels. The purpose of this investigation was to measure visual acuity (VA) and functional contrast sensitivity (FCS) as a function of age in a large sample of normal subjects and to establish reliable, statistical limits to describe normal vision.Methods206 subjects (age range: 10‐77 years) have been investigated. A detailed medical and ocular history and eye examination were carried out. We measured photopic and mesopic VA and FCS in each subject under binocular and monocular viewing conditions with both positive and negative contrast using the Acuity‐Plus test (http://www.city.ac.uk/avot).ResultsThe best visual performance corresponds to ~ 15 to 35 years. The gradual increase in thresholds with increasing age was surprisingly small under all stimulus conditions below the fifth decade with significant differences between photopic and mesopic conditions.ConclusionsThresholds of VA and FCS increase gradually in normal aging. These preliminary results reveal a more pronounced effect between the fifth and sixth decade of life. On completion of this study, statistically‐reliable, upper, normal limits for VA and FCS will be determined as a function of age. These data will make it possible to detect reliable significant loss of spatial vision that cannot be attributed to normal aging.

Iron overload in steady state, non-chronically transfused children with sickle cell anaemia in Ile-Ife, Nigeria

IntroductionThe estimation of serum ferritin level is a method of determining iron status. We studied the iron status of a group of non-chronically transfused children with sickle cell anaemia (SCA), using their serum ferritin levels. ObjectiveTo determine the iron status among children with SCA in steady state in Ile-Ife, Nigeria. Material and methodsThe study was carried out at the Consultant Paediatric Haematology Outpatient Clinic of the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals' Complex, Ile-Ife between June and September 2013. History and clinical examination were evaluated in 48 HbSS subjects and 48 HbAA controls to ascertain that they did not have features of acute illness. Serum ferritin levels were assayed in both subjects and controls. Results/DiscussionThe age range of both subjects and controls was 1–15 years. The mean age was 8.0 (4.0) for both groups. The serum ferritin levels ranged from 34.2 to 3282.9 μg/l with mean of 381.2 (1.0), median 180 μg/l; this was significantly higher than that for the controls, with range of 3.7–26.6 μg/l, mean 46.1 (0.9) and median of 33.9 μg/l (p = 0.000). Among the SCA group 31 (64.6%) had had blood transfusion while 17 (35.4%) had not. The mean of the serum ferritin levels was not significantly higher in the group with blood transfusion compared with the group without blood transfusion (p = 0.923). Serum ferritin level was greater than 300 μg/l in 16 (33.3%) subjects with SCA, 6 (37.5%) of whom had no history of blood transfusion. There was no significant correlation between serum ferritin levels and age, haemoglobin concentration and number of blood transfusions. ConclusionDespite not being on chronic blood transfusion programme, higher serum ferritin levels indicative of iron overload were found in the SCA group compared with the controls. This suggests a tendency to excessive accumulation of iron within the reticuloendothelial tissues of the SCA group.

Changes in refractive status in an elderly Chinese population in a 7-year follow-up: The Shihpai Eye Study

BackgroundRefractive error is the major cause of moderate and severe visual impairment. Visual impairment limits people's ability to perform daily tasks and affects their quality of life. Longitudinal data on the refractive status of the elderly was available only for whites and Africans. The purpose of this study was to report the 7-year incidence of myopia, hyperopia and refractive error change as well as their associated risk factors in a metropolitan elderly Chinese population. MethodsThe Shihpai Eye Study 2006 included 460/824 (55.8%) subjects (age range 72–94 years old) of 1361 participants in the 1999 baseline survey for a follow-up eye examination. Incidences were calculated for those who had emmetropia (−0.50D < spherical equivalent (SE) <+0.50D) at baseline. Refractive error change at 7 year was defined as (SE at the 7-year visit – SE at baseline). Results90 (26.4%) subjects were emmetropic, 61 (17.9%) were myopic and 190 (55.7%) hyperopic. The mean refractive error was 0.49 ± 2.19 D and the average change in refractive error was −0.13 ± 1.03 D. The incidence of myopia at seven-year was 26.8 % [95% Confidence interval (C.I.): 22.8%–30.9%] and the incidence of hyperopia was 19.7% (95% C.I.: 16.1%–23.3%). Nuclear sclerosis (>Grade 2 vs. ≤Grade 2) [p < 0.0001; relative risk (RR): 8.94; 95% C.I.: 4.40–18.2], anterior chamber depth (mm) [p = 0.05; RR: 0.43; 95% C.I.: 0.18–1.01] and lens thickness (mm) [p < 0.01; RR: 2.35; 95% C.I.: 1.17–2.73] were significantly associated with myopic shift. On the other hand, hyperopic shift was significantly associated with cortical opacity (>Grade 2 vs. ≤Grade 2) (p = 0.02; RR: 1.21; 95% C.I.: 1.02–3.54). ConclusionIn this elderly Asian population, there was on average a slight myopic shift. The incidence of myopia was comparable to population-based studies of other ethnic groups, whereas the incidence of hyperopia was substantially higher.

CHANGES IN PERSPECTIVE TAKING ABILITY IN AGING PROCESS ARE DEPENDENT ON GENDER AND ALZHEIMER-RELATED COGNITIVE DECLINE

In recent years, there has been growing interest in age-related differences in emotional functions across life span, in part due to systematic move toward early detection of unhealthy aging such as Alzheimer's disease (AD). Accordingly, subtle changes in emotional functions that manifest in social relationships are gaining more attention. Perspective taking (PT), as defined as the tendency or ability to spontaneously adopt the psychological point of view of others, is an aspect of empathy and is a fundamental prerequisite to interact in complex social environments and relationships. As cognitive functions generally decline with age, whether it be healthy or unhealthy aging, it has been speculated that PT ability would also decline with age—though not systematically investigated. The aim of the current study is two-fold: (1) Examine if PT declines with age in healthy adults; and, (2) examine if the PT ability in older adults changes with AD. Total of 455 subjects (age range: 21 ∼ 87) from the Korean Brain Aging Study for Early Diagnosis & Prediction of Alzheimer's Disease (KBASE), an ongoing prospective cohort study, were included for this analysis. All participants underwent comprehensive clinical and neuropsychological assessment, and were identified as either cognitively normal (CN), mild cognitive impairment, or AD dementia. The Interpersonal Reactivity Index (IRI), a 28-item brief, multidimensional, self-report survey assessing aspects of empathy, was administered to all participants. The perspective taking subscale was used in the analysis. In overall CN adults, PT ability does not appear to change with age. However, an interaction between age and gender was found on PT ability where a linear pattern of decline in PT associated with age was seen only in male participants (F(1,155)=9.41, p = .003, R2=.057). In older adults, significant effects of diagnosis on PT ability was found after controlling for the effects age and gender (F(2,383)=8.62, p < .001, ηp2 = .043). The current findings indicate that PT changes differently between gender with aging while in cognitively healthy stage and that AD process negatively affects PT ability regardless of gender or age.

The Effects of a Normal Rate versus a Slow Intervalled Rate of Oral Nutrient Intake and Intravenous Low Rate Macronutrient Application on Psychophysical Function - Two Pilot Studies.

Stomach distension and energy per time are factors influencing satiety. Moreover, different rates of nutrient intake induce different stomach distension. The goal of our studies was to elucidate the influence of different oral rates of nutrient intake (normal rate versus slow intervalled rate; study I) and intravenous low rate macronutrient application (protein, carbohydrate, fat) or placebo (study II) on psychophysical function. The pilot studies investigated the effects of 1) study I: a mixed nutrient solution (1/3 protein, 1/3 fat, 1/3 carbohydrates) 2) study II: intravenous macronutrient infusions (protein, carbohydrate, fat) or placebo on psychophysical function (mood, hunger, food craving, alertness, smell intensity ratings and hedonic ratings) in human subjects. In study I 10 male subjects (age range: 21–30 years) completed the study protocol participating in both test conditions and in study II 20 male subjects (age range: 19–41 years) completed the study protocol participating in all test conditions. Additionally, metabolic function was analyzed and cognitive and olfactory tests were conducted twice starting 100 min before the beginning of the intervention and 240 min after. Psychophysical (mood, hunger, fat-, protein-, carbohydrate-, sweets- and vegetable-craving), alertness and metabolic function tests were performed seven times on each examination day. Greater effects on hunger and food cravings were observed for normal rate of intake compared to slow intervalled rate of intake and intravenous low rate macronutrient application. Our findings potentially confirm that volume of the food ingested and a higher rate of energy per time contribute to satiety during normal rate of food intake, while slow intervalled rate of food intake and intravenous low rate macronutrient application showed no effects on satiation. Our results motivate the view that a certain amount of volume of the food ingested and a certain energy per time ratio are necessary to reduce hunger and food craving.

A Comparative Study of Cognitive Style among Boys and Girls Graduate College Students

Aim of the study: To find the Systematic Styles among boys and girls graduate college students. To find the Intuitive Styles among boys and girls graduate college students. Hypotheses: There is no significant difference in the Systematic Styles among graduate college students in relation to their gender. There is no significant difference in the Intuitive Styles among graduate college students in relation to their gender. Sample: The sample size of the study is 100 belongings to Aurangabad, which includes college student. Out of 150 populations, 100 – college Student sample has been derived by Stratified Random sampling method. 50 boys’ graduate college students and 50 girls’ graduate college students. The age range of subjects was 18-25 years. Tools the tool used in this study was Cognitive-Style Inventory developed by Praveen Kumar Jha (2001). Variable Independent variable Gender: i) Boys ii) Girls Dependent Variable Cognitive Style – Systematic Styles and Intuitive Styles result girls college student found significantly better Systematic Style than the boys college. Girls’ college student found significantly better Intuitive Styles than the boys’ college.

Physical Activity and Age-related Macular Degeneration: A Systematic Literature Review and Meta-analysis

To better understand the association, in a white population, of physical activity and age-related macular degeneration (AMD)-the main cause of irreversible severe vision loss in developed countries-given the suggestion that a healthy lifestyle may assist in delaying the onset and progression of AMD. Systematic review and meta-analysis. Medline, EMBASE, and Google Scholar were systematically searched for studies up to May 2015. Reference lists of published articles were hand searched and study authors were contacted to provide additional data. Those in the lowest category of activity in each study were compared with all other participants to assess the association between physical activity and both early and late AMD using random-effects meta-analysis. Nine studies (subject age range 30-97 years) were included in the meta-analysis. Physical activity was found to have a protective association with both early AMD (8 studies, n= 38 112, odds ratio (OR) 0.92, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.86-0.98) and late AMD (7 studies, n= 28 854, OR 0.59, 95% CI 0.49-0.72). Physical activity is associated with lower odds of early and late AMD in white populations. These findings have important implications, reinforcing the public health message of staying active throughout life. However, further longitudinal studies are required to confirm and further characterize a protective effect of physical activity on the onset and/or progression of AMD.