Non-isolated Groups Research Articles

The Association between Social Isolation and Physical Activity among Korean Adolescents.

This study investigated the impact of structural isolation within peer relationships on physical activity levels among Korean adolescents, exploring how different types of social isolation within classroom networks influence physical activity. This study utilized cross-sectional survey data. Specifically, using data from the 8th Korean Children and Youth Happiness Index survey (2016), which included 3356 middle and high school students in Korea, the study employed binary logistic regression and social network analysis to assess the relationship between social isolation and physical activity. Based on types of isolation, adolescents were categorized into social avoidant, actively isolated and socially indifferent groups. The analysis demonstrated significant differences in physical activity based on social isolation status (χ2 = 13.0, p < 0.001) and types of social isolation (χ2 = 18.3, p < 0.001). Key variables such as gender, household subjective economic status, and self-rated health significantly influenced physical activity. The number of physically active friends had a considerable impact on both non-isolated groups (OR = 1.31, p < 0.001) and the actively isolated group (OR = 1.42, p < 0.05). The actively isolated group exhibited the highest explanatory power in the logistic regression models (Nagelkerke R² = 0.230). This study has highlighted that not only social isolation but also the type of isolation significantly influences physical activity among adolescents. Understanding these distinctions and tailoring interventions accordingly are crucial for promoting physical activity among socially isolated adolescents.

Retrospective analysis of the prognostic factors of fetal corpus callosum dysplasia

BackgroundTo analyze the genetic characteristics and long-term outcomes of fetuses with dysplasia of the corpus callosum (DCC) or partial agenesis of the corpus callosum (PACC).MethodsA total of 42 fetuses with DCC (n = 36) or PACC (n = 6) were retrospectively analyzed from January 2016 to December 2022 at the Peking University First Hospital. The cohort was categorized into isolated (15/42, 36%) and nonisolated groups (27/42, 64%), and differences in the genetic abnormalities and long-term outcomes between the two groups were analyzed. DCC was subdivided into short CC, thin CC, and thick CC. The outcomes of the three different types of DCC were analyzed and discussed.Results(1) Thirty-nine of the 42 cases underwent CMA (chromosomal microarray analysis) and CMA + WES (whole exome sequencing), with 13/15 cases in isolated group and 26/27 cases in nonisolated group. Only pathogenic or likely pathogenic (P/LP) variants were considered, identifying P/LP variants in 2/13 cases in isolated group and 12/26 cases in nonisolated group. There was no significant difference between the two groups (χ² = 3.566, P = 0.05897). (2) In the isolated group, 8 cases were terminated, and 7 cases were delivered. Postnatal follow-up detected 1 case of gross motor development delay one year after birth; no obvious abnormalities were found in the other six cases. In the nonisolated group, 21 cases were terminated, and 6 cases were delivered. Postnatal follow-up detected 4 cases of children with different degrees of language, motor and intelligence abnormalities; 1 case died 10 days after birth. No obvious abnormalities were observed in one case. Six cases (86%, 6/7) in the isolated group showed normal development, compared with 1 case (17%, 1/6) in the nonisolated group, with a significant difference (χ² = 6.198, P = 0.01279). (3) In DCC, the delivery rates of short CCs (18 cases), thin CCs (13 cases), and thick CCs (5 cases) were 17% (3/18), 54% (7/13), and 20% (1/5), respectively, with good outcomes observed in 0% (0/3), 71% (5/7), and 0% (0/1), respectively. P/LP variants were found in 6/17 cases of short CC, 3/12 cases of thin CC, and 2/5 cases of thick CC.ConclusionsFetuses with DCC or PACC combined with other structural abnormalities had a poor long-term prognosis compared with the isolated group. Patients with thin CCs had a higher probability of a good prognosis than those with short or thick CCs.

Prenatal diagnosis and outcomes in fetuses with duplex kidney.

Duplex kidney is a relatively frequent form of urinary system abnormality. This study aimed to elucidate the value of chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA) and whole exome sequencing (WES) for duplex kidney and the perinatal outcomes of duplex kidney fetuses. This retrospective cohort study included 63 patients with duplex kidney diagnosed using antenatal ultrasound between August 2013 and January 2023. We reviewed the clinical characteristics, genetic test results, and pregnancy outcomes of the patients. Among the 63 cases based on the inclusion criteria, the CMA detected seven (11.1%) clinically significant variants and nine variants of uncertain significance (VUS), and the pathogenic/likely pathogenic (P/LP) copy number variations (CNVs) in the recurrent region that were associated with prenatal duplex kidney included 17q12, 17p13.3, and 22q11.2. No significant disparity was observed in the CMA detection rate between the unilateral and bilateral groups, or between the isolated and non-isolated groups. WES identified three (50%) P/LP single-gene variants in six fetuses with duplex kidney. We detected the following pathogenic genes in the duplex kidney fetuses: KMT2D, SMPD4, and FANCI. Pregnancy termination in cases where clinically significant variants were detected by genetic testing was different in statistical significance from that in cases with negative results (9/10, 90.0% vs 8/48, 16.7%, P < 0.001). This study elucidated the value of CMA and WES for fetal duplex kidney, proving that CMA and WES may be useful tools in prenatal diagnosis and genetic counseling.

SOCIAL WELL-BEING OF OLDER PEOPLE IN ENGLAND SINCE THE PANDEMIC: DID ALREADY-ISOLATED OLDER ADULTS FARE WORSE?

Abstract The COVID-19 pandemic and actions to reduce transmission (including stay-at-home orders and workplace closures) have had an impact on actual and perceived social isolation and support across all age groups. There was a clear increase in social isolation during the pandemic, especially among older adults, potentially due to the heightened risks of complications and mortality if infected with the novel coronavirus. In England, employing data from the nationally representative English Longitudinal Study of Ageing and using pre- (2018/19) and during pandemic data (June/July 2020 and November/December 2020), we found that overall, older adults who were already experiencing social isolation prior to the pandemic (isolated group) experienced a larger rise in loneliness and drop in social contact during the pandemic than older adults who were previously socially connected (non-isolated group). Results are robust even when we account for the fact that respondents socially isolated (including those not married and with infrequent contact with relatives and friends) felt lonelier and less supported even before the pandemic, and when we adjust for demographic and socioeconomic characteristics. Expanding on this work with post-pandemic data collected between October 2021 and March 2023, this paper describes loneliness, social contact, and social support pre-, during, and post-COVID-19 pandemic and investigates whether and to what extent trends in social well-being continued to diverge between the isolated and non-isolated groups.

Association of social isolation with health status among community-dwelling Chinese older adults living with homecare services: a cross-sectional survey in Hong Kong.

Defined as having few social relationships or infrequent social contact with family, friends, and the community, social isolation is a public health crisis. We aimed to evaluate the prevalence of social isolation and explore the association between social isolation and health status among community-dwelling Chinese Older Adults living with homecare services. This is a cross-sectional survey with a structured questionnaire conducted among older adults aged ≥60 in the Central Kowloon District of Hong Kong during 2017-2018. Social isolation was assessed by the Lubben Social Network Scale-6 and a score less than 12 was defined as socially isolated. Six aspects of health status including fall risk, cognitive function, depression, activities of daily living (ADL), instrumental activities of daily living (IADL), and functional mobility were measured by standardized instruments. Multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) was applied to estimate an index to represent the overall health status of the respondents. Multivariate logistic/linear regression models were applied to examine the associations between social isolation and health status after adjusting the sociodemographic characteristics. Among the 1,616 participants included in this analysis, the mean age was 80.9 years, 66.3% were female and 41.4% were identified as socially isolated. Compared with the non-isolated group, the socially isolated group had higher proportions of males, divorced or unmarried, ever smoking and drinking, living alone, and living in public housing without religion. After adjusting for confounders, the odds ratios (OR) comparing the socially isolated vs. non-isolated groups were 2.52 (95%CI: 1.79, 3.56) for high fall risk, 1.51 (1.17, 1.94) for cognitive impairment, and 1.78 (1.31, 2.43) for depression. The socially isolated group increased the odds of abnormal ADL, IADL, and functional mobility by 105-150%, and decreased the overall health score by 5.30 (3.42, 7.18). We demonstrated the association of social isolation with poorer physical function and mental health and overall health status among the community-dwelling Chinese older adults living with homecare services. These findings provided new knowledge about the association of social isolation with both physical and mental function for daily living even for those receiving an integrated homecare service in the community. It implies that an unmet healthcare need existed when comparing the service scope of the current homecare services in the community. It also highlighted the need for targeted prevention and intervention initiatives among community-dwelling old adults to alleviate social isolation for better health and good functioning in the community.

Evaluation of fetal cardiac anomalies and their outcomes in isolated cardiac anomalies and non-isolated groups and based on minor and major abnormalities

Background: This study was aimed to evaluate the characteristics and outcomes of isolated CHD and non isolated CHD and also compare with major and minor cardiac anomalies.

Value of chromosomal microarray analysis for the diagnosis of fetuses with anomalies of central nervous system

To assess the value of chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA) for the diagnosis of fetuses with anomalies of the central nervous system (CNS) and summarize the outcome of the pregnancies and follow-up. A total of 636 fetuses from June 2014 to December 2020 who were referred to the Prenatal Diagnosis Center of Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital due to abnormal CNS prompted by ultrasound were selected as the research subjects. Based on the ultrasound findings, the fetuses were divided into ventricular dilatation group (n = 441), choroid plexus cyst group (n = 41), enlarged posterior fossa group (n = 42), holoprosencephaly group (n = 15), corpus callosum hypoplasia group (n = 22), and other anomaly group (n = 75). Meanwhile, they were also divided into isolated (n = 504) and non-isolated (n = 132) groups based on the presence of additional abnormalities. Prenatal samples (amniotic fluid/chorionic villi/umbilical cord blood) or abortus tissue were collected for the extraction of genomic DNA and CMA assay. Outcome of the pregnancies and postnatal follow-up were summarized and subjected to statistical analysis. In total 636 fetuses with CNS anomalies (including 89 abortus tissues) were included, and 547 cases were followed up. The overall detection rate of CMA was 11.48% (73/636). The detection rates for the holoprosencephaly group, ACC group, choroid plexus cyst group, enlarged posterior fossa group, ventricular dilatation group and other anomaly group were 80% (12/15), 31.82% (7/22), 19.51% (8/41), 14.29% (6/42), 7.48% (33/441) and 9.33% (7/75), respectively. Compared with the isolated CNS anomaly group, the detection rate for the non-isolated CNS anomaly group was significantly higher (6.35% vs. 31.06%) (32/504 vs. 41/132) (χ² = 62.867, P < 0.001). Follow up showed that, for 52 fetuses with abnormal CMA results, 51 couples have opted induced labor, whilst 1 was delivered at full term with normal growth and development. Of the 434 fetuses with normal CMA results, 377 were delivered at full term (6 had developmental delay), and 57 couples had opted induced labor. The rate of adverse pregnancy outcome for non-isolated CNS abnormal fetuses was significantly higher than that of isolated CNS abnormal fetuses (26.56% vs. 10.54%) (17/64 vs. 39/370) (χ² = 12.463, P < 0.001). Fetuses with CNS anomaly should be tested with CMA to determine the genetic cause. Most fetuses with negative CMA result have a good prognosis, but there is still a possibility for a abnormal neurological phenotype. Fetuses with CNS abnormalities in conjunct with other structural abnormalities are at increased risk for adverse pregnancy outcomes.

Developmental differences in amygdala projection neuron activation associated with isolation-driven changes in social preference.

Adolescence is a developmental period characterized by brain maturation and changes in social engagement. Changes in the social environment influence social behaviors. Memories of social events, including remembering familiar individuals, require social engagement during encoding. Therefore, existing differences in adult and adolescent social repertoires and environmentally-driven changes in social behavior may impact novel partner preference, associated with social recognition. Several amygdala subregions are sensitive to the social environment and can influence social behavior, which is crucial for novelty preference. Amygdala neurons project to the septum and nucleus accumbens (NAc), which are linked to social engagement. Here, we investigated how the social environment impacts age-specific social behaviors during social encoding and its subsequent impact on partner preference. We then examined changes in amygdala-septal and -NAc circuits that accompany these changes. Brief isolation can drive social behavior in both adults and adolescents and was used to increase social engagement during encoding. We found that brief isolation facilitates social interaction in adolescents and adults, and analysis across time revealed that partner discrimination was intact in all groups, but there was a shift in preference within isolated and non-isolated groups. We found that this same isolation preferentially increases basal amygdala (BA) activity relative to other amygdala subregions in adults, but activity among amygdala subregions was similar in adolescents, even when considering conditions (no isolation, isolation). Further, we identify isolation-driven increases in BA-NAc and BA-septal circuits in both adults and adolescents. Together, these results provide evidence for changes in neuronal populations within amygdala subregions and their projections that are sensitive to the social environment that may influence the pattern of social interaction within briefly isolated groups during development.

Social isolation impairs feed intake, growth and behavioural patterns of catfish under culture conditions

Globally, the culture of fishes is important for food production. There is a growing interest in understanding and improving the welfare of cultured fish from both ethical and production perspectives. Social isolation is a common practice in catfish farming. This study assessed how social interactions affect the feeding behaviour, growth performance, and behavioural pattern of Clarias gariepinus under different social conditions. Juveniles of African catfish with a mean weight of 23.6 ± 1.09 g were stocked in 20L-aquaria (1.7 m × 1.2 m × 1.0 m) and fed twice daily in isolated (one fish/tank; N = 6 replicates) and non-isolated (six fish/tank; N = 6 replicates) conditions for a 36-day experimental period. Feed intake and growth response were monitored, while behavioural patterns were observed twice per week using focal sampling techniques for a total of 40 minutes per day. Wilcoxon two-sample tests and GLMs were used to analyse the data. Social context significantly (P < 0.001) affected the feed intake, feeding duration, and other observed behavioural patterns. However, the time of feeding (P > 0.001) did not affect the feed intake or the duration of feeding. Fish cultured in non-isolated conditions consumed more pellets (63 ± 2.36). The duration of feeding was longer in isolated conditions (431 s) while the latency to feed increased significantly (P < 0.001) from the first and fifth day of the experiment for the non-isolated and isolated, respectively. Behaviourally, isolated groups were inactive (Ws = 446.34, z = 5.397; P < 0.01) and displayed fewer aggressive acts (Ws = 0.95, z = 1.19; P < 0.01), while non-isolated groups were more active (Ws = 564.39, z = −5.397; P < 0.01) and displayed more escape attempts (Ws = 11.56, z = −5.47; P < 0.01). Non-isolated groups had higher (Ws = 23.41, z = 1.06; P < 0.01) number of scars and bruises. Furthermore, non-isolated fish had a higher specific growth rate (2.36 ± 0.12), feed conversion ratio (1.27 ± 0.01) and a better condition factor (1.01 ± 0.08). Conclusively, these findings are relevant to African catfish welfare as social isolation changes the behavioural attributes, feeding pattern and growth rate of C. gariepinus. However, social context should be monitored since it resulted in more scars and bruises, which might affect the acceptability and welfare of this aquatic fish species.

The Impact of Quarantine on Sleep Quality and Psychological Distress During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

PurposeWe investigated the impact of isolation on sleep quality and psychological distress during the COVID-19 pandemic in Saudi Arabia.MethodsAn online survey was conducted on 353 (88 isolated and 265 not isolated) individuals from May to June 2020. Subjective sleep quality was determined using the Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI), and psychological distress measured using the Kessler psychological distress scale (K10).ResultsThe mean age of the isolated group was 28.6 years versus 27.5 years for the non-isolated group, with male participants accounting for 37% in both groups. The mean PSQI score was 8.5±3.6 and 8.4±3.5 for the isolated and non-isolated groups, respectively (P= 0.92). The mean K-10 score was 27.6± 9.4 and 25.3± 9.5 for the isolated and non-isolated groups, respectively (P= 0.04). Poor sleep (PSQI ≥6) was reported in 235 (66.6%) and psychological distress (K-10 ≥20) in 244 (69.1%) participants. Isolation was not associated with poor sleep (OR: 0.73 (95% CI: 0.41–1.3), P=0.29), but was statistically significant with psychological distress (OR: 2.12 (95% CI: 1.10–4.08), P=0.03).ConclusionPoor sleep and psychological distress symptoms were highly prevalent in our study population. Isolation may influence psychological distress but not sleep quality during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The associtation between aberrant right subclavian artery and trisomy 21 in a tertiary center in Turkey.

We hoped to reveal the frequency of Aberrant Right Subclavian Artery (ARSA) and to find the relationship of isolated/non-isolated ARSA with chromosomal defects and other fetal congenital heart diseases (FCHD) in a heterogeneous population. This was a retrospective cohort study conducted between December 2015 to September 2018. Women admitted for routine ultrasound examination or referred to our hospital for a suspected fetal anomaly were underwent detailed fetal anomaly ultrasonography scan and tested for the presence of ARSA. ARSA was detected in 27 patients and an isolated finding in 13 (48%) cases. Among 13 cases with isolated ARSA, trisomy 21 was diagnosed in 1 case. In the non-isolated group (n: 14, 52%), five cases presented with trisomy 21. There was no significant difference of trisomy 21 frequency between isolated and non-isolated groups (7.6% vs 35.7%, p = 0.08). In 3 patients, FCHD was diagnosed and 2 of them had trisomy 21. Our study shows that ARSA can be the only marker in trisomy 21. The examination of the subclavian artery must be a part of the fetal anomaly ultrasonography. Detecting an ARSA should increase the attentiveness of the sonographer to investigate for the other markers of trisomy 21. In the existence of other findings, invasive diagnostic procedures should be offered to the patients, whereas in cases that arsa is the only finding, other risk factors should be investigated to offer karyotyping or cell-free DNA analysis.

Feeling Isolated and Lonely During Covid-19 Lockdown

Isolation and loneliness have been associated with negative mood states, sleep disturbances and health problems. People experiencing pandemic lockdowns are susceptible to feelings of isolation and loneliness. In this Survey Monkey study conducted during a COVID-19 lockdown (N= 260 respondents), 81% reported feeling isolated and 68% feeling lonely. Correlation analyses suggested that feeling isolated and lonely were related to each other and were, in turn, negatively related to health practices scale scores and positively related to scores on scales measuring COVID-related stress, negative mood states including anxiety and depression, fatigue, sleep disturbances, and posttraumatic stress symptoms. Analyses of variance revealed significant differences between isolated and non-isolated groups as well as between lonely and non-lonely groups on these measures. Only a weak correlation was noted between living alone and loneliness, suggesting that feelings of isolation and loneliness extended to those living with others as well. Positive correlations between both feeling isolated and lonely and time on Facebook and gaming suggested that these activities did not compensate for their isolated and lonely feelings. Feelings of isolation and loneliness and their associated problems also increased across the lockdown survey period. The lack of touch and exercise suggested that those activities might have alleviated the negative feelings and associated problems. The results of this survey are limited by the self-reported data from a non-representative sample that is crosssectional. Nonetheless, they highlight the negative effects of isolation and loneliness during a COVID-19 lockdown

Feeling Isolated and Lonely During Covid-19 Lockdown

Isolation and loneliness have been associated with negative mood states, sleep disturbances and health problems. People experiencing pandemic lockdowns are susceptible to feelings of isolation and loneliness. In this Survey Monkey study conducted during a COVID-19 lockdown (N= 260 respondents), 81% reported feeling isolated and 68% feeling lonely. Correlation analyses suggested that feeling isolated and lonely were related to each other and were, in turn, negatively related to health practices scale scores and positively related to scores on scales measuring COVID-related stress, negative mood states including anxiety and depression, fatigue, sleep disturbances, and posttraumatic stress symptoms. Analyses of variance revealed significant differences between isolated and non-isolated groups as well as between lonely and non-lonely groups on these measures. Only a weak correlation was noted between living alone and loneliness, suggesting that feelings of isolation and loneliness extended to those living with others as well. Positive correlations between both feeling isolated and lonely and time on Facebook and gaming suggested that these activities did not compensate for their isolated and lonely feelings. Feelings of isolation and loneliness and their associated problems also increased across the lockdown survey period. The lack of touch and exercise suggested that those activities might have alleviated the negative feelings and associated problems. The results of this survey are limited by the self-reported data from a non representative sample that is cross- sectional. Nonetheless, they highlight the negative effects of isolation and loneliness during a COVID-19 lockdown.

Social isolation, health literacy, and mortality risk: Findings from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing.

To investigate the relationships between social isolation, health literacy, and all-cause mortality, and the modifying effect of social isolation on the latter relationship. Data were from 7731 adults aged ≥50 years participating in Wave 2 (2004/2005) of the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing. Social isolation was defined according to marital/cohabiting status and contact with children, relatives, and friends, and participation in social organizations. Scores were split at the median to indicate social isolation (yes vs. no). Health literacy was assessed as comprehension of a medicine label and classified as "high" (≥75% correct) or "low" (<75% correct). The outcome was all-cause mortality up to February 2013. Cox proportional hazards models were adjusted for sociodemographic factors, health status, health behaviors, and cognitive function. Mortality rates were 30.3% versus 14.3% in the low versus high health literacy groups, and 23.5% versus 13.7% in the socially isolated versus nonisolated groups. Low health literacy (adj. HR = 1.22, 95% CI 1.02-1.45 vs. high) and social isolation (adj. HR = 1.28, 95% CI 1.10-1.50) were independently associated with increased mortality risk. The multiplicative interaction term for health literacy and social isolation was not statistically significant (p = .81). Low health literacy and high social isolation are risk factors for mortality. Social isolation does not modify the relationship between health literacy and mortality. Clinicians should be aware of the health risks faced by socially isolated adults and those with low health literacy. (PsycINFO Database Record

ISOLATION, SLEEP, COGNITION AND NEUROPHYSIOLOGICAL RESPONSES – AN INVESTIOGATION IN THE HUMAN EXPLORATION RESEARCH ANALOG (HERA)

ISOLATION, SLEEP, COGNITION AND NEUROPHYSIOLOGICAL RESPONSES – AN INVESTIOGATION IN THE HUMAN EXPLORATION RESEARCH ANALOG (HERA)

Chromosomal microarray analysis of 85 fetus with growth restriction

Objective To investigate the clinical value of chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA) in identifying the genetic etiology of fetal growth restriction (FGR). Methods Eighty-five FGR cases were recruited from Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, the Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School from January 2014 to October 2016. Samples of amniotic fluid (n=74), skin tissues from aborted fetuses (n=9), umbilical cord blood (n=1) and peripheral blood from a premature infant (n=1) were collected. Affymetrix CytoScan 750K Array was used to detect copy number variation (CNV) in fetal samples. Microarray analysis or fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction was further recommended for the parents if fetal CMA result was variants of unknown significance (VOUS). Karyotype analysis of umbilical cord blood was further recommended if fetal CMA result was chromosome mosaicism. Chromosome analysis of peripheral blood was further recommended for the parents if fetal CMA result of a fetus was submicroscopic CNVs. Adjusted Chi-square test was used as the statistical method. Results CMA was successful in all samples in identifying chromosomal abnormalities. Among the 36 isolated FGR cases (42.4%, 36/85), CMA identified in four cases of chromosome imbalance recombination and four cases of VOUS, and the rest 28 cases were normal. Besides, no CNV was detected. Among the other 49 FGR cases (57.6%, 49/85) with ultrasound abnormalities, there were five cases of VOUS, and five cases of chromosome imbalance recombination and nine cases of CNVs. No significance difference in the detection rate of chromosome imbalance recombination was observed between the isolated and non-isolated FGR groups [11% (4/36) vs 10% (5/49), adjusted χ2=0.000, P>0.999]. Parents of six cases of VOUS were further examined and the same variants was found in either one. One case of sex chromosome mosaicism was validated by cord blood karyotyping. One case of chromosome imbalance recombination was due to the paternal balanced translocation. Conclusions CMA is helpful in detecting the chromosome imbalance recombination in FGR cases. Key words: Fetal growth retardation; Microarray analysis; Chromosomes, human; DNA copy number variations

TURNING AROUND ALONG THE COSMIC WEB

ABSTRACT A bound violation designates a case in which the turnaround radius of a bound object exceeds the upper limit imposed by the spherical collapse model based on the standard ΛCDM paradigm. Given that the turnaround radius of a bound object is a stochastic quantity and that the spherical model overly simplifies the true gravitational collapse, which actually proceeds anisotropically along the cosmic web, the rarity of the occurrence of a bound violation may depend on the web environment. Assuming a Planck cosmology, we numerically construct the bound-zone peculiar velocity profiles along the cosmic web (filaments and sheets) around the isolated groups with virial mass identified in the Small MultiDark Planck simulations and determine the radial distances at which their peculiar velocities equal the Hubble expansion speed as the turnaround radii of the groups. It is found that although the average turnaround radii of the isolated groups are well below the spherical bound limit on all mass scales, the bound violations are not forbidden for individual groups, and the cosmic web has an effect of reducing the rarity of the occurrence of a bound violation. Explaining that the spherical bound limit on the turnaround radius in fact represents the threshold distance up to which the intervention of the external gravitational field in the bound-zone peculiar velocity profiles around the nonisolated groups stays negligible, we discuss the possibility of using the threshold distance scale to constrain locally the equation of state of dark energy.

Chromosomal microarray analysis for lateral ventriculomegaly in fetus

To investigate the relationship between fetal lateral ventriculomegaly and chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA) abnormalities. Fifty fetuses with lateral ventriculomegaly detected by ultrasound and a normal karyotype were included. Forty four fetuses were classified as mild ventriculomegaly (MVM), in which the lateral ventricular atrium was 10-15 mm. Six had severe ventriculomegaly (SVM), with the lateral ventricularatrium being ≥ 15 mm. The fetuses were also divided into isolated (n= 21) and non-isolated groups (n= 29) based on whether they are associated with other anomalies. Thirteen (26%) of the fetuses were found to be abnormal by CMA. For the 44 cases with MVM, 9 (20.9% ) were found to be abnormal, while for the 6 cases with SMV, 4 (66.7%) were found to be abnormal (P>0.05). CMA abnormalities were found in 2 (9.5%) of the 21 fetuses with isolated ventriculomegaly group and 11 (37.9%) of the 29 fetuses with non-isolated ventriculomegaly group (P<0.05). Chromosome microdeletions and microduplications are the most common abnormalities found in fetal lateral ventriculomegaly. When ventriculomegaly is associated with other anomalies, the incidence of CMA abnormally is much higher. Prenatal diagnosis is necessary for fetuses with lateral ventriculomegaly.

Perinatal characteristics of fetuses with borderline ventriculomegaly detected by routine ultrasonographic screening of low‐risk populations

Fetal borderline ventriculomegaly represents a frequent dilemma in perinatal management. The present study aimed to evaluate the clinical significance of fetal borderline ventriculomegaly in a low-risk Japanese population and to identify the risk factors for associated anomalies. Data of cases of fetal borderline ventriculomegaly detected at 26-28 weeks of gestation by routine ultrasonographic screening of low-risk singleton pregnancies between 2006 and 2012 were retrospectively collected. Ventricular width, in utero progression, associated anomalies, chromosomal abnormalities, and perinatal and postnatal outcomes were assessed. The ventricular width, in utero progression and other perinatal characteristics were compared between the isolated and non-isolated groups. Among the total 6020 singleton low-risk pregnancies, we noted that 42 had borderline ventriculomegaly. Six (14%) of these cases had other defects by subsequent detailed examination. Ventriculomegaly resolved or regressed in 35 (83%) and progressed in four (10%) cases, of which three were associated with other anomalies. The median ventricular width was 12.8 mm (range, 10.0-14.7) in the six non-isolated cases and 10.5 mm (range, 10.0-13.3) in the 36 isolated cases; the differences were statistically significant. A ventricular width of 12 mm or more and in utero progression were more frequently observed in non-isolated cases than in isolated cases. Fetal borderline ventriculomegaly frequently resolves in utero. A ventricular diameter of more than 12 mm and in utero progression are risk factors for additional anomalies. After the initial diagnosis of borderline ventriculomegaly, the pregnancy should be carefully followed up to determine whether the ventricle size is resolved, remains stable or increases.

Current status of and factors associated with social isolation in the elderly living in a rapidly aging housing estate community

The aim of this study was to examine social isolation development among elderly persons living in a rapidly aging housing estate community in terms of the frequency of activities of daily living outside the home and social contact with neighbors and to identify associated factors. A self-administered questionnaire survey was conducted in 2007 (102 subjects) and 2010 (104 subjects) involving elderly residents living on a suburban housing estate. The data collected on the 87 subjects who responded to both surveys were analyzed. The survey investigated physical, psychological, and social factors regarded as being associated with social isolation. The subjects were divided into four social types according to the frequency of activities of daily living outside the home and social contact with neighbors. Multiple logistic regression analysis involved would-be-isolated and non-isolated groups as dependent variables and each factor as an independent variable. Isolated group subjects increased from 2.3 to 7.0% during the study period, with the would-be-isolated group accounting for 33.7% of the study population in both years. Factors strongly associated with the would-be-isolated group were a low subjective sense of well-being and socioeconomic status were identified in 2007, and an older age, low subjective sense of socioeconomic status, and no provision of emotional support in 2010. The health condition and social well-being of the elderly on a rapidly aging housing estate community tended to decline, revealing that the number of isolated and would-be-isolated subjects is increasing. Taking preventive action against social isolation among the elderly population is essential, suggesting the need to combine community health promotion and social communication interventions and to develop programs aimed at providing opportunities for elderly persons to be emotional support providers.