Healthy Young Adult Population Research Articles

Regulating emotion to improve physical health through the amygdala.

The opinion of mind-body interaction has been increasingly acknowledged in recent years, as exemplified by accumulating evidence indicating that physical health (body) is associated with emotion and emotion regulation (mind). Yet, the neural basis linking emotion regulation with physical health remains largely uninvestigated. Here we used magnetic resonance imaging to investigate the neural basis of this pathway in a large population of healthy young adults. With a systematic study revealing the association of self-reported physical health and emotion traits of personality and general affective experiences, we further demonstrated that, for better physical health, individuals needed to regulate their emotion more effectively. Importantly, individuals who had larger gray matter (GM) volume in the amygdala reported not only a higher ability of emotion regulation but also better physical health. Further, GM volume in the amygdala mediated the correlation between emotion regulation ability and physical health. Our findings suggest that the amygdala plays a critical role in the neural circuit through which emotion regulation may influence physical health. Therefore, our study takes the first step toward exploring the neuroanatomical basis for body-mind interaction and may inform interventions aimed at promoting physical health by augmenting skills of emotion regulation.

The gray matter volume of the amygdala is correlated with the perception of melodic intervals: a voxel-based morphometry study.

Music is not simply a series of organized pitches, rhythms, and timbres, it is capable of evoking emotions. In the present study, voxel-based morphometry (VBM) was employed to explore the neural basis that may link music to emotion. To do this, we identified the neuroanatomical correlates of the ability to extract pitch interval size in a music segment (i.e., interval perception) in a large population of healthy young adults (N = 264). Behaviorally, we found that interval perception was correlated with daily emotional experiences, indicating the intrinsic link between music and emotion. Neurally, and as expected, we found that interval perception was positively correlated with the gray matter volume (GMV) of the bilateral temporal cortex. More important, a larger GMV of the bilateral amygdala was associated with better interval perception, suggesting that the amygdala, which is the neural substrate of emotional processing, is also involved in music processing. In sum, our study provides one of first neuroanatomical evidence on the association between the amygdala and music, which contributes to our understanding of exactly how music evokes emotional responses.

Respiratory muscle training: a mechanism study (706.22)

Previous work has shown that hypertensive patients that undertake 8 weeks of inspiratory muscle strength training exhibit significant declines in systolic and diastolic blood pressure [Ferreira et al., 2011], and our lab has been able to reproduce these results in a healthy young adult population over a 6 week training period [unpublished data]. The mechanism underlying this change is not known. Here, we compare inspiratory muscle strength training (‐ pressure, + lung volume) against four other training protocols: deep breathing (+ lung volume), Mueller maneuver (‐ pressure), expiratory muscle strength training (+ volume, + pressure), and placebo, to determine which parameter may affect blood pressure. Fifty healthy adult volunteers (ages 18‐30) were randomly assigned to one of the five treatment groups and undertook 5 minutes of supervised training, 5 days a week, over a period of 6 weeks. After 4 weeks, preliminary findings from fifteen men and women show reductions in systolic and diastolic blood pressure for individuals in inspiratory (‐8.0/‐2.3) and expiratory (‐9.6/‐2.1) muscle strength training groups as well as the Mueller maneuver (‐4.4/‐3.4) group, compared to no change in the placebo group. On this basis we suggest that the large pressure swings associated with both respiratory resistance training and Mueller maneuvers may contribute to improvements in blood pressure. Our findings support additional studies aimed at assessing the effects of training on efferent mechanism(s), such as sympathetic outflow, that may underpin alterations in blood pressure.

Perfil de risco cardiovascular de adultos jovens saudáveis – evolução temporal

Background and ObjectiveThe high prevalence and natural history of atherosclerosis make young people important targets for cardiovascular prevention. This study aimed to analyze changes over time in the cardiovascular risk profile of a population of healthy young adults. MethodsWe studied 923 Portuguese Air Force applicants between 1991 and 2007, divided into two‐year periods. In addition to cardiovascular risk factors, the Framingham score and HeartScore were calculated for age 65. Cochran‐Armitage and Jonckheere‐Terpstra tests for trend were used for categorical and continuous variables, respectively. ResultsMean age was 19.2±2.3 years (p=0.34) and 55 applicants (6%) were female (p=0.56). Mean body mass index was 22.4±2.5 kg (p for trend 0.35). The number of smokers decreased over the study period (11.6 vs. 7.0%, p for trend 0.02). Of the total number of applicants, 122 (13.2%) were classified as hypertensive. Mean systolic blood pressure was 127±12 mmHg and increased significantly over time (122±13 vs. 128±11 mmHg, p for trend <0.001). Hypercholesterolemia was found in 108 applicants (11.7%) and total cholesterol showed an improvement (170±35 vs. 155±26 mg/dl, p for trend <0.001). The mean modified Framingham score was 12.6±5.1 and improved over the study period (12.9±5.9% vs. 11.9±4.7%, p for trend 0.006). The mean modified HeartScore was 3.2±1.4 and remained unchanged (p for trend 0.10). ConclusionsIn our population, except for an increase in systolic blood pressure values, there was an overall improvement in cardiovascular risk from 1991 to 2007. Further studies are needed to better assess the situation in Portugal and help devise preventive strategies in young people.

Cardiovascular risk profile of young adults: Changes over time

Background and ObjectiveThe high prevalence and natural history of atherosclerosis make young people important targets for cardiovascular prevention. This study aimed to analyze changes over time in the cardiovascular risk profile of a population of healthy young adults. MethodsWe studied 923 Portuguese Air Force applicants between 1991 and 2007, divided into two-year periods. In addition to cardiovascular risk factors, the Framingham score and HeartScore were calculated for age 65. Cochran-Armitage and Jonckheere-Terpstra tests for trend were used for categorical and continuous variables, respectively. ResultsMean age was 19.2±2.3 years (p=0.34) and 55 applicants (6%) were female (p=0.56). Mean body mass index was 22.4±2.5 kg (p for trend 0.35). The number of smokers decreased over the study period (11.6 vs. 7.0%, p for trend 0.02). Of the total number of applicants, 122 (13.2%) were classified as hypertensive. Mean systolic blood pressure was 127±12 mmHg and increased significantly over time (122±13 vs. 128±11 mmHg, p for trend <0.001). Hypercholesterolemia was found in 108 applicants (11.7%) and total cholesterol showed an improvement (170±35 vs. 155±26 mg/dl, p for trend <0.001). The mean modified Framingham score was 12.6±5.1 and improved over the study period (12.9±5.9% vs. 11.9±4.7%, p for trend 0.006). The mean modified HeartScore was 3.2±1.4 and remained unchanged (p for trend 0.10). ConclusionsIn our population, except for an increase in systolic blood pressure values, there was an overall improvement in cardiovascular risk from 1991 to 2007. Further studies are needed to better assess the situation in Portugal and help devise preventive strategies in young people.

Ultrasound dimensions of the rotator cuff in young healthy adults

No studies have looked at the rotator cuff dimensions in the young healthy population using ultrasonography. Our aim is to define the ultrasound dimensions of the rotator cuff in the healthy young adult population and explore correlations with other patient characteristics. Thirty male and 30 female healthy volunteers (aged 18-40years), with no shoulder problems, underwent ultrasound assessment of both shoulders by a musculoskeletal radiologist. The dimensions of the rotator cuff, deltoid, and biceps were measured in a standardized manner. A total of 120 shoulders were scanned. The mean maximum width of the supraspinatus footprint was 14.9mm in men and 13.5mm in women (P<.001). The mean thickness of the supraspinatus tendon was 4.9mm in women and 5.6mm in men. The mean thickness of the subscapularis was 4.4 in men and 3.8mm in women and for the infraspinatus was 4.9mm in men and 4.4mm in women. There was no correlation between height, weight, biceps, or deltoid thickness with any tendon measurements. Apart from supraspinatus tendon thickness, the difference between dominant and nondominant shoulders in the same sex was not significant for any other tendon dimensions. This study has defined the dimensions of the rotator cuff in the young healthy adult, which has not been previously published. This is important for the documentation of normal ultrasound anatomy of the rotator cuff and also demonstrates that the asymptomatic contralateral shoulder can and should be used to estimate the expected dimensions.

Normal Thickness of the Tendo Calcaneus (TCT) in an Adult Nigerian Population: An Imaging Based Normographic Study

The tendo calcaneusis avitalstructure in the bipedalic system of human propulsion. Its thickness (TCT) was assessed in an apparently healthy young adult population of Southeast Nigeria using ultrasound.The relationship between TCT and other anthropometric parameters was also evaluated. 120 young adults with age ranging between 19 and 30 years volunteered for the study and their TCT was assessed using B-mode ultrasound. Height, weight, foot length and midcalf circumference were measured whileBody Mass Index (BMI) and Body Surface Area (BSA) were calculated for thesample population. Results show that the mean values of TCT were 6.26±0.56mm and6.32±0.58mm for the right and left sides respectively. TCT correlated positively with all the anthropometric variables assessed except age and BMI. TCT also showed significant sexual dimorphism(P=0.000),lateralityand bilateral asymmetry with the left being thicker (P=0.000). These findings will further emphasize the biomechanical relationships of thelargetendon. The study is the first to report lateralizationand significant sexual dimorphism in a young adult population.

Influence of resistance training on cardiac autonomic modulation: literature review

Among the benefits provided by its influence on cardiac modulation draws attention, given the importance of the nervous in the control of the internal functions of the body. The objective of this narrative review was to gather information about the effects of training on modulation in healthy young adults, assessed through rate This search was performed in May 2013 in the following databases: Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online (MEDLINE/PubMed), Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro), Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO) and Literature and Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences (LILACS), with articles published between January 2003 and March 2013. The keywords used were: resistance training, lifting, exercise therapy crossreferenced with autonomic nervous system and parasympathetic nervous system and also the term heart rate variability. Of the 1,940 titles found, 3 complete articles were selected to compose the review. Data were analyzed qualitatively. The analysis of these studies suggests that training can change the rate variability indices in the population of healthy young adults and that this change is due to increased vagal activity, provided by the practice of this type of training.

Effects of Food Colouring added to 2% Chlorhexidine Gluconate and 70% Alcohol for Surgical Site Antisepsis

Preoperative cleansing of a patient's skin with chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) in alcohol is superior to cleansing with povidone-iodine for preventing surgical site infection (SSI) after clean-contaminated surgery (Darouilche et al 2010). However, 2% CHG in 70% alcohol, tinted pink, is colourless when applied to limbs for surgery and complete coverage cannot be assured. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of food colouring added to CHG in preoperative skin preparation. Two hundred and eight subjects were randomly selected from a population of healthy young adults and were given a questionnaire. They were excluded if they had a known allergy to CHG or food dye, a current infection at the preparation site, or previous preparation with CHG at the site. CHG with food dye additive was applied on the subject's left foot while CHD without the additive was applied on the right. Skin swabs were then taken of both feet and plated on blood agar plates and incubated for 48 hours. Assessment of growth was compared. Patients treated with tinted CHG had around 3.4 times (95% CI: 1.5, 7.8) the risk of a positive bacterial swab compared with those treated with untinted CHG. The efficacy of CHG significantly decreased with food colouring additive. This is consistent with previous studies conducted on similar incompatible substances. In order to have the full efficacy of CHG as a preparation, much thought and care needs to be taken to prevent contamination of the site and substance.

Identifying markers of insulin resistance in the plasma proteome

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) represents a significant global health problem. The plasma proteome comprises numerous high‐abundance proteins that may be associated with the development of T2D. The objective was to determine the association between HOMA‐IR, a common measure of insulin resistance, and 54 plasma proteins belonging to disease‐associated pathways in a population of healthy young adults (n=488) from the Toronto Nutrigenomics and Health Study. Protein concentrations were measured by a multiple reaction monitoring HPLC‐MS/MS assay. General linear models were used to assess the association between plasma proteins and HOMA‐IR. Analyses were adjusted for age, sex, ethnicity, waist circumference, physical activity, and contraceptive use among women. Hemopexin, complement factor H, heparin cofactor II, afamin, α1‐anti‐trypsin, α2‐HS‐glycoprotein, apolipoprotein L1, complement C3, serum amyloid P‐component, vitronectin, and transthyretin were significantly (p&lt;0.0009) positively correlated with HOMA‐IR. Adiponectin, an anti‐inflammatory protein, was inversely correlated with HOMA‐IR. These results suggest that a number of plasma proteins may be useful biomarkers of insulin resistance and T2D risk. Research support from the Advanced Foods and Materials Network.

Runx-2 gene expression is associated with age-related changes of bone mineral density in the healthy young-adult population

Bone mineral density (BMD) and peak bone mass (PBM) are important determinants of skeletal resistance. The development of bone densitometry improved the possibility of studying BMD and the influence of genetic and environmental factors on bone. Heredity factors are important for BMD, and Runx-2 is accepted as a regulator of osteoblasts and bone formation. The aim of our study was to evaluate the behavior of Runx-2 during skeletal maturity in the healthy young-adult population. We analyzed spine and hip BMD in 153 volunteers, 98 women and 55 men, using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. In a subgroup of these volunteers, a sample of peripheral blood was taken to perform gene expression analysis of Runx-2 both in peripheral mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs; 28 subjects) and in peripheral mononuclear cells (PBMCs; 140 subjects). In our work BMD was comparable in both genders after puberty, then became higher in men than women during the third and fourth decades. PBM was achieved in the third decade in women and in the fourth in men. More interestingly, Runx-2 gene expression highly correlated with BMD in both genders. MSCs and PBMCs showed the same gene expression profile of Runx-2. In conclusion, PBM is reached earlier in females, BMD becomes higher in males later in life, and BMD and PBM are strictly associated with Runx-2. In addition, PBMC should be considered an important source for gene expression analysis in bone diseases.

A Review on Advanced Atrioventricular Block in Young or Middle‐Aged Adults

Complete atrioventricular block is a relatively uncommon arrhythmia that is nonetheless increasingly seen in elderly people of developed countries, due to the increase in life expectancy. Congenital and degenerative etiologies are the most commonly seen among young and old patients, respectively. However, scientific literature is surprisingly scarce regarding the etiology of complete atrioventricular block in the asymptomatic otherwise healthy young and middle-aged adult population. Coronary artery disease, autoimmune disorders such as systemic lupus erythematosus or rheumatoid arthritis, history of acute or chronic infectious or hypersensitivity myocarditis, infiltrative processes, hypothyroidism, congenital cardiopathies such as left ventricular noncompaction or Ebstein anomaly, lamin A/C mutations, and pathologic hypervagotony and idiopathic degenerative scleroatrophy of the atrioventricular junctional specialized tissue (Lenegre-Lev disease) are among the most frequent etiologies of complete atrioventricular block in young or middle-aged adults. To our knowledge, no comprehensive review on the specificities of the investigation warranted in this age group has ever been developed, nor have the implications of particular diagnoses on treatment modalities been appropriately addressed. We aim at reviewing the most frequent differential diagnoses of advanced atrioventricular block in otherwise healthy asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic young or middle-aged adults and their impact on therapeutic options. Additionally, we suggest a diagnostic algorithm that may be helpful in this group of patients.

Dietary patterns and ethnicity are associated with distinct plasma proteomic groups

High-abundance plasma proteins are involved in disease-associated pathways and are useful in the diagnosis of nutritional and disease states. However, little is known about how concentrations of many plasma proteins vary between individuals from different ethnocultural groups with different dietary habits. We explored the association between plasma proteomic groups, dietary patterns, and ethnicity in the Toronto Nutrigenomics and Health Study, an ethnically diverse population of healthy young adults. Concentrations of 54 high-abundance plasma proteins were measured simultaneously by liquid chromatography/multiple-reaction monitoring-mass spectrometry in 1090 individuals. Principal components analysis was used to identify plasma proteomic groups. Linear regression was used to investigate relations between proteomic groups and previously identified dietary patterns (Western, prudent, Eastern). Differences in individual protein concentrations between ethnocultural groups were tested by using general linear models. Four independent principal components representative of proteomic groups were identified. Principal components 1 and 2 included proteins from multiple pathways. Component 3 was inflammatory, and component 4 included coagulation cascade proteins. East Asians and South Asians had lower component 1 scores, and East Asians had higher component 2 scores. South Asians had higher average scores for component 3. Individual protein concentrations also varied across ethnocultural groups. Principal component 1 was positively associated with the Western dietary pattern and inversely associated with the Eastern pattern. Component 3 was positively associated with the Eastern pattern. Plasma proteomic groups differ between young adults of diverse ethnocultural groups with different dietary habits. These differences may partly account for different rates of cardiometabolic disease later in life.

Role of the TCF4 Gene Intronic Variant in Normal Variation of Corneal Endothelium

To identify early features of Fuchs endothelial dystrophy (FED) in carriers of the rs613872(G) transcription factor 4 gene (TCF4) aged 20 to 21 years. Prospective cohort study of people aged 20 to 21 years previously enrolled in the Western Australia Pregnancy (Raine) Cohort. Specular microscopy was performed using a noncontact specular microscopy (EM-3000; Tomey, Nagoya, Japan). Individual genotype data were extracted from the genome-wide Illumina 660 Quad Array. Analysis of the association between the rs613872 risk allele in TCF4 and specular microscopic measurements was conducted. Association between the rs613872 risk allele and corneal endothelial cell density (CD) as well as the coefficient of variation in cell shape was the main outcome measure. Genotype and specular microscopic data were available for a total of 445 participants (46% women). The median CD was 2851 and 2850 cells per square millimeter in the right and left eyes, respectively. No significant differences between intereye variability in endothelial CD were seen (right eye to left eye correlation = 0.64); however, a significant difference in variability of endothelial CD between men and women was observed (male: OD, 2839 ± 124 cells/mm² and OS, 2845 ± 124 cells/mm² vs. female: OD, 2838 ± 134 cells/mm² and OS, 2842 ± 132 cells/mm²; OD, P = 0.0013 and OS, P = 0.0016). Eleven individuals were homozygous for the rs613872 risk allele. We found no association between rs613872 genotype and CD or coefficient of variation. One of 11 homozygous GG individuals was found to have a gutta in 1 sample field on specular microscopy, whereas 2 of 297 TT individuals also had a gutta each in 1 sample field. We were unable to detect an association between TCF4 rs613872 genotype and the variation in corneal endothelial CD or variation in cell morphology in a healthy young adult population.

Beyond Punishment: Doping, Deterrence, and Moral Disengagement

Urine represents a valuable biofluid for noninvasive measurement of Human Growth Hormone (HGH) secretion. Unfortunately, currently available commercial HGH immunoassays do not achieve the sensitivity needed for urinary HGH measurement in the low picogram per milliliter range, the expected normal concentration range of HGH in urine. A nanotechnology based sample preprocessing step was used to extract and concentrate HGH in urine so that urinary HGH could be measured with a clinical grade standard immunoassay designed for serum (Immulite 1000, Siemens). We applied the nanoparticle enhanced immunoassay to evaluate the baseline value of urinary HGH in a population of healthy young adults (age 18-30, N=33, median 21, M: F=39%:61%, with no reported medical therapies). Nanoparticle sample preprocessing effectively improved the lower limit of detection of the Immulite HGH assay by more than 50 fold, shifting the linear range of the assay to encompass the expected value of urinary HGH. The full process between run and within run CV% was 7.9 and 9.0%, respectively. On 33 healthy volunteers, the 95% reference values for hGH in spot urine normalized to specific gravity were 0.64 - 16.85 pg/mL (0.05-5.82 ng/g creatinine). Nanoparticle preprocessing constitutes a reliable means of measuring urinary HGH with a clinical grade immunoassay, now establishing a normal baseline value for HGH in urine. Nanoparticles can be used to study the kinetics of HGH excretion in urine, and the factors that influence urinary HGH secretion and HGH isoform proportions.

Use of anthropometric indices as simple predictors of deranged lipid profile and at risk population for future cardiovascular events

Context: Estimation of lipid profile requires fasting blood sample which needs a higher level of motivation. We were looking for simpler noninvasive tests or measurements that can be applied to larger population to predict lipid profile abnormality and at-risk population for future cardiovascular events. Aims: The aim was to measure anthropometric indices in relation to lipid profile and modifiable risk factors such as smoking and alcohol in a healthy young adult local population, and to assess the risk for future cardiovascular complications. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted on 500 young individuals (aged 18-30 years) across different sections of society in the local population. The lipid profile (total cholesterol, high density lipoprotein, low density lipoprotein, very low density lipoprotein and triglycerides) along with anthropometric indices like body mass index, waist circumference, and waist hip ratio was measured. Information on alcohol intake, smoking, and dietary habits was obtained through a prevalidated questionnaire. Data entry and all statistical analysis were done using statistical software Microsoft excel and Epi-info version 3.5.1. Results: BMI showed a significant correlation with total cholesterol (P = 0.0116), triglycerides (P = 0.0199), LDL cholesterol (P = 0.0284), and VLDL cholesterol (P = 0.0199). Smokers and alcoholics showed a significant increase in total cholesterol (P = 0.0062, P = 0.0009), triglycerides (P = 0.0437, P = 0.0317), LDL cholesterol (P = 0.0356, P = 0.0023), and VLDL cholesterol (P = 0.0437, P = 0.0317) respectively. Alcoholics showed a significant increase in waist hip ratio (P = 0.0082) when compared to the nonalcoholics. Conclusions: In agreement with other study our study reiterates the use of noninvasive anthropometric parameters as a screening tool for lipid profile abnormalities.

Prevalence of Radiographic Findings Thought to Be Associated with Femoroacetabular Impingement in a Population-based Cohort of 2081 Healthy Young Adults

To report the prevalence of qualitative radiographic findings for femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) and associations among them and to characterize the inter- and intraobserver variability of these interpretations. This study is part of an institutional review board-approved population-based prospective follow-up of 2081 of 4006 (participation rate, 51.9%) young adults (874 [42.0%] male participants, 1207 [58.0%] female participants; mean age, 18.6 years) who took part in a randomized hip trial on developmental dysplasia of the hip. All participants gave informed consent. Two pelvic radiographs were obtained. Pistol-grip deformity, focal femoral neck prominence, and flattening of the lateral head, all suggestive of cam-type impingement, and the posterior wall sign, excessive acetabular coverage, and crossover sign, all suggestive of pincer-type impingement, were assessed subjectively by an experienced radiologist. To assess inter- and intraobserver agreement, images from 350 examinations were read independently twice by two observers. Cam-type deformities were seen in 868 male and 1192 female participants, respectively, as follows: pistol-grip deformity, 187 (21.5%) and 39 (3.3%); focal femoral neck prominence, 89 (10.3%) and 31 (2.6%); and flattening of the lateral femoral head, 125 (14.4%) and 74 (6.2%). Pincer-type deformities were seen in the same numbers of male and female participants, respectively, as follows: posterior wall sign, 203 (23.4%) and 131 (11.0%); and excessive acetabular coverage, 127 (14.6%) and 58 (4.9%) (all P < .001, according to sex distribution). The crossover sign was seen in 446 (51.4%) and 542 (45.5%) of the male and female participants, respectively (P = .004). There was a high degree of coexistence (odds ratio [OR] > 2) among most FAI findings. Interobserver agreement was good to very good (κ = 0.74-0.84) in rating cam- and pincer-type findings. Intraobserver agreement was moderate or good (κ = 0.49-0.80) for all findings for both observers. Overall, radiographic FAI findings are quite common in a population of healthy young adults, especially in males, with a high degree of coexistence among most findings (OR > 2).

Anterior and posterior knee laxity in a young adult Korean population

The purposes of this study were (1) to determine normal anterior and posterior knee laxity in a healthy young adult (20-30 years old) Korean population, (2) to compare knee laxity between the male and female populations, (3) to investigate whether generalized joint laxity affects anterior and posterior knee laxity, (4) to determine side-side differences between right and left knees, and thus, to determine normal values of side-side differences. Normal values of anterior and posterior knee laxity were measured in 100 healthy volunteers (50 men and 50 women) aged between 20 and 30 years. Stress radiography using a Telos device was performed in 20 and 70° of knee flexion for 134N anterior and posterior loads. Anterior and posterior tibial displacements relative to the femur condyle were measured using a computerized system. In the 100 subjects (200 knees), anterior knee laxity was greater at 20° of flexion with a mean of 4.9 ± 2.3 mm (P < 0.05) and posterior knee laxity was greater at 70° of flexion with a mean of 4.6 ± 2.7 mm (P < 0.05). The mean side-side difference was 1.4 ± 0.9 mm (range, -3 to +3). Women had greater anterior laxity (P < 0.05) than men at both 20 and 70° of flexion, but posterior laxity was not different (ns). Generalized joint laxity was greater in women compared to men (P < 0.05). Subjects with generalized joint laxity had greater laxity than normal populations in both 20 and 70° of flexion (P < 0.05). Side-side differences between right and left knees were not significantly different in women and men or between subjects with normal and generalized joint laxity (ns). This study suggests that the Korean population exhibits a wide range of normal anterior and posterior knee laxity, but small side-side differences. Subjects with generalized laxity showed greater knee laxity than those without, but side-side differences were less than 3 mm in all subjects. Thus, clinical guideline that a side-side difference more than 3 mm of anterior knee laxity is abnormal can be applicable for the subjects with generalized laxity.

Society's Name Change Advances Our Mission

As a community of health professionals, we have long recognized that health is more than just the absence of disease. The health of adolescents is no exception to this truth and, more than for any other age group, often depends on an interdisciplinary team of professionals working in concert. The organization that sponsors this journal has long acknowledged this fact and now has chosen to state the importance of this emphatically by changing its name to the Society for Adolescent Health and Medicine. This change represents our commitment to advancing a holistic approach to adolescent wellbeing. It recognizes that it takes a variety of unique health services and disciplines coming together to ensure a healthy adolescent and young adult population. The addition of “health” also reflects our desire to change our profile so that we can expand our identity and embrace all the partners that play a role in adolescent health. As a reader of this Journal, you know that its name and its pages have reflected just such an interdisciplinary approach to adolescent health and have done so for nearly two decades. Now its parent organization demonstrates a similar philosophy, which we have long espoused internally, in its new name. I am delighted that we can move forward with an agenda for positive change as the Society for Adolescent Health and Medicine. If you are not a member of SAHM, I encourage you to join us in our mission of serving the unique health needs of adolescents.

The Role of Screening Electrocardiograms in the Evaluation of ROTC Cadets Applying for Flight Status

The majority of sudden, nontraumatic deaths in young, otherwise healthy individuals result from an unknown underlying cardiac abnormality. The low sensitivity of the traditional history and physical exam in detecting these anomalies has led to a debate regarding the use of routine screening electrocardiograms (ECGs) in young adults. The present study screened 1,099 ROTC cadets applying for aviator status during the summers of 2005 and 2006. Seven candidates (0.6%) were disqualified because of ECG abnormalities, including two with Wolf Parkinson White syndrome. None of the individuals were identified by history and physical exam. ECG was an effective screening tool for detecting silent abnormalities with potential for arrhythmia in our population of healthy young adults. Other ECG findings indicative of anatomic abnormalities were not found. ECG screening can be a valuable tool and should be used in evaluating certain subsets of the population.