Significant Age Group Differences Research Articles

White matter tract integrity predicts visual search performance in young and older adults

Functional imaging research has identified frontoparietal attention networks involved in visual search, with mixed evidence regarding whether different networks are engaged when the search target differs from distracters by a single (elementary) versus multiple (conjunction) features. Neural correlates of visual search, and their potential dissociation, were examined here using integrity of white matter connecting the frontoparietal networks. The effect of aging on these brain-behavior relationships was also of interest. Younger and older adults performed a visual search task and underwent diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) to reconstruct 2 frontoparietal (superior and inferior longitudinal fasciculus; SLF and ILF) and 2 midline (genu, splenium) white matter tracts. As expected, results revealed age-related declines in conjunction, but not elementary, search performance; and in ILF and genu tract integrity. Importantly, integrity of the superior longitudinal fasciculus, ILF, and genu tracts predicted search performance (conjunction and elementary), with no significant age group differences in these relationships. Thus, integrity of white matter tracts connecting frontoparietal attention networks contributes to search performance in younger and older adults.

Suction cautery adenoidectomy (SCA): Is the additional cost justified?

Objectives Adenoidectomy is one of the oldest and most frequent ENT procedures. This study aimed to compare adenoidectomy using suction-cautery adenoidectomy (SCA) to curettage with respect to operative time, postoperative complications, and cost-effectiveness. Methods The data for this retrospective case control study were retrieved from the Medical Records Department at one of the few medical centers that perform this technique in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The data for each case included the following: patient demographic features, type of procedure, time of operation, occurrence of any postoperative complications, length of hospital stay and cost of the procedure. To minimize the sources of variance in our data, all adenoidectomies were performed by the same consultant otolaryngologist, using either SCA or curettage. Result Of the 86 patients who underwent adenoidectomy in this study, SCA was performed in half of them (43) and curettage in the other half. The two groups were well matched with no significant group differences in either age or gender ( p = 0.2 and p = 0.19, respectively). There was a significant reduction in operative time ( p < 0.001) in the SCA group. There were no cases of postoperative hemorrhage after SCA, but there was one case of hemorrhage in the curette group that required a 2nd surgery to control the bleeding. Regarding cost, there were additional profits of more than 700,000 SR (US$180,000) each month with SCA as compared to curettage. Conclusions The suction cautery technique was superior at reducing operative time, increasing cost-effectiveness and decreasing the risk of postoperative complications. Therefore, we suggest suction cautery as the most appropriate method for adenoidectomy.

Molecular Analysis of Human T Cell Lymphotropic Virus Type 1 and 2 (HTLV-1/2) Seroindeterminate Blood Donors from Northeast Iran: Evidence of Proviraltax,env, andgagSequences

Human T cell lymphotropic virus type 1 and 2 (HTLV-1/2) Western blot indeterminate results are a problem for blood banks in endemic areas. To determine the prevalence of HTLV-1/2 infection among indeterminate donors, we analyzed 130 cases from Mashhad, an HTLV-1/2 endemic area in Northeast Iran. The most frequent Western blot bands were GD21 alone (37.2%) followed by rgp46-2 alone (32.1%). We further tested 40 available DNA samples of these cases by PCR for viral sequences, tax, gag, and pol, and found five cases (12.5%) to be positive for two or three HTLV-1 genes. There were no significant age, sex, and blood group differences between PCR-positive and PCR-negative cases. Among PCR-positive individuals, the most prevalent Western blot bands were variable combinations of rgp46-1, GD21, and gp21. The mean of the optical density (OD) of the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) test was significantly higher in PCR-positive individuals. The frequency of the rgp46-1 band was also significantly higher in PCR-positive cases compared to PCR-negative ones. In conclusion, the majority of HTLV-indeterminate donors lack the HTLV provirus and therefore are not considered infected. However, in some cases with higher ODs in the ELISA test and seroreactivity to env proteins, rgp46-1 and GD21 in particular may be indicative of infection and need further evaluation by molecular methods.

Age-Specific Characteristics of Serious Suicide Attempters in China

Characteristics of four age groups of patients with medically serious suicide attempts from nine general hospitals in China (N = 617) were compared. There were no significant age-group differences by residence (rural vs. urban), method of attempt, proportion with prior attempts, or level of family functioning. Attempters < or = 20 years of age were less likely to use alcohol at the time of the attempt. Attempters age 20-44 years had less regular contact with family members but were more likely to make the attempt in the presence of someone else. And attempters > or = 45 years were more likely to have high suicidal intent, lower quality of life, mood disorders, and substance abuse disorders. These results highlight the need for age-specific intervention programs for suicide attempters.

Low-dose, 128-slice, dual-source CT coronary angiography: accuracy and radiation dose of the high-pitch and the step-and-shoot mode

ObjectiveTo compare the diagnostic accuracy and radiation doses of two low-dose protocols for coronary artery imaging with second-generation, dual-source CT in comparison with catheter angiography (CA).Design, setting and patientsProspective, single-centre...

Eccentric Peak Torque is Related to Fall Risk in Physically Active Older Adults

It is well-known that lower extremity weakness, commonly expressed as a reduction in isometric or concentric strength, is associated with fall risk in older adults. It is also understood that successful completion of functional tasks requires a minimum threshold of eccentric strength. However, data is sparse concerning the relationship between isokinetic eccentric strength and fall risk. PURPOSE: To compare activities-specific balance confidence (ABC) and isokinetic peak torque (PT) in physically active older adults. METHODS: Ninety-eight physically active, community dwelling men and women were recruited and divided into two groups: Fallers (F; n=21, 66±8 yr, 76±17 kg) and Non-Fallers (NF; n=77, 65±8 yr, 75±15 kg). All participants completed the Berg Balance Test (BBT), ABC scale, and measurement of isokinetic PT. PT was recorded at two velocities (60°/s and 180°/s) with two contraction modes (concentric and eccentric) on a Biodex isokinetic dynamometer for two muscle groups: knee extensors and knee flexors. RESULTS: One-way ANOVA revealed no significant group differences for age, self-reported physical activity frequency or intensity, or body mass index. Despite these baseline similarities, F had significantly lower ABC (81 vs. 93; p<0.001) and eccentric PT in knee flexors at 180°/s (193 vs. 241 n·M; p<0.05) as compared to NF. Although not statistically significant, F had lower PT values in three other eccentric measures (11-14% lower) and all four concentric PT measures (9-15% lower). CONCLUSIONS: Despite similar levels of physical activity and BBT scores, F had lower balance confidence and lower isokinetic eccentric PT than NF. These data suggest that lower limb eccentric PT may be an important factor in understanding fall risk in active older adults.

PW01-183 - Relationship of personality disorders to the symptoms of schizophrenia

IntroductionIt is well estabhished that the frequency of all types of personality disorders are increased in schizophrenia. Stable personality traits influence the progress of the illness. The aim of this study was to investigate comorbid personality disorders and their relations with positive and negative symptoms in schizophrenia patients.Materials and methodsData belonging to 27 female and 23 male schizophrenic patients (n=50) followed-up in our outpatient clinic constituted our series. Any patients having a history of mental retardation, head injury, prior neurological illness, alchohol or substance abuse were excluded. All patients were in a clinically stable phase of illness, and having no changes in medication for at least three months. Having obtained informed consent, patients were administered the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV (SCID) as well as the Scale for the Assessment of Negative Symptoms (SANS), Scale for the Assessment of Positive Symptoms (SAPS), Hamilton Axiety Scale (HAM-A), Calgary Depression Scale for Schizophrenia, Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF), and The Structured Clinical Interview for DSM III-R Axis II Personality Disorders.ResultsThirty-six schizophrenia patients had at least one kind of comorbid personality disorder (72%) while 14 (28%) had not. Comparing the patients having personality disorders to the rest of our patient population, we have found no statistically significant differences in age groups, clinical variables and functioning.DiscussionWe have shown that approximately three fourths of our series accompanied by at least one type of personality disorders, a finding consolidating and concordant with some of the previous works.

Developmental dysplasia of the hip – angle trends after operation in different age groups

IntroductionThe aim of our study was to evaluate changes in collodiaphyseal, Hilgenreiner and Wiberg’s centre-edge angle values in different age groups of children before and after surgical correction of developmental dysplasia of the hip.Material and methodsWe evaluated 78 children with developmental hip dysplasia treated at University Children’s Hospital in Belgrade during a 10-year period. Three age groups were analysed: the first group younger than 24 months of life, the second group between 25 and 48 months, and the third group older than 48 months of life. Three angles were evaluated separately before and after surgical correction: collodiaphyseal angle, Hilgenreiner angle and Wiberg’s centre-edge angle.ResultsWe found a highly statistically significant difference (p < 0.001) before and after the operation for collodiaphyseal and Hilgenreiner angle in the first and second age group, while there was a statistically significant difference (p < 0.05) in the third age group. Regarding Wiberg’s centre-edge angle, there was a highly statistically significant difference (p < 0.001) in all age groups. One way ANOVA revealed a highly statistically significant difference (p < 0.001) for collodiaphyseal and Hilgenreiner angle in age groups before the operation, while after surgery such a trend remained for Hilgenreiner angle. Regarding collodiaphyseal and Wiberg’s centre-edge angle in the period after correction, there was no statistical difference (p > 0.05) between age groups of the participants.ConclusionsOur findings demonstrate that age of participants is in correlation with correction of values for collodiaphyseal angle, Hilgenreiner angle and Wiberg’s centre-edge angle in surgically treated children diagnosed with developmental dysplasia of the hip.

Seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis in horses in Niğde Province of Turkey

The present study was conducted to investigate the prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii specific antibodies in local horses from four districts of Niğde in the middle of Turkey, between April-June 2004. Serum samples were obtained a total of 125 horses which consisted of 81 (50 female, 31 male) 1-10 years old and 44 (25 female, 19 male) 11-20 years old and tested for antibodies to T. gondii using the Sabin Feldman Dye Test (SFDT). According to the results of the SFDT, antibodies to T. gondii were found by the SFDT in 9 (7.2%) of 125 sera with the titers of 1:16 (8 horses) and 1:64 (1 horse). Antibodies to T. gondii were found in 6 (7.40%) of 81 horses (1-10 years old) and 3 (6.81%) of 44 horses (11-20 years old). From the 5 (10%) out of 50 male horses and the 4 (5.33%) out of 75 female horses were detected anti-T. gondii antibodies. No statistically significant difference in age groups (p > 0.01) and genders (p > 0.005) were observed between the seropositive and seronegative horses using the x(2) test. Seropositivity rates ranged from 2.85% to 11.42%, depending on the study sites. In regard to study sites, there was no statistically significant difference was found (p > 0.005). This is the first serological report on toxoplasmosis in horses from Niğde of Turkey.

Doctors' attitudes towards invasive prenatal diagnosis

To assess the influence of a doctor's gender, age group, religion and invasive prenatal diagnosis (PND) knowledge on their attitude towards invasive PND. All non-obstetric and gynecologic doctors were surveyed using a structured questionnaire. The questionnaire enquired about demographic information, and doctors' knowledge, attitude and experience regarding invasive PND for themselves, and their spouses, relatives, friends, colleagues and patients. Responses from the 289 respondents revealed that two-thirds of respondents knew only a little about invasive PND. Most males and females were in the 31-39 and < or =30-year-old groups, respectively. There were no statistically significant differences in gender, age group, religion and invasive PND knowledge when recommending of invasive PND. If fetal anomalies were detected, most of the females in the Buddhist group (P < 0.05), males with quite a lot of PND knowledge group (p < 0.05) and younger doctors group (P < 0.05) would their own terminate pregnancies, or those of wives and relatives. Attitudes towards invasive PND and pregnancy termination was influenced by gender, age group, religion and PND knowledge. Females and younger doctors from both gender groups tended to recommend the termination of pregnancy if they found fetal anomalies.

Analysis of histopathological aspects in acquired middle ear cholesteatoma

SummaryMiddle ear cholesteatomas are characterized by the presence of stratified squamous epithelium in this cavity with highly invasive properties causing bone destruction and it may lead to complications. Aim: To study the histopathological features in acquired cholesteatomas of the middle ear, correlating this data with patient age. Study design:clinical and experimental cross-sectional study. Material and Methods: Samples were obtained from 50 patients submitted to otologic surgery for the removal of middle ear cholesteatomas from 2006 to 2007. Thirty four patients were adults and 16 were children. Samples were studied by histological analysis. Results: we found the presence of epithelial atrophy (78%), epithelial acanthosis (88%), hyperplasia of the basal layer (88%) and formation of epithelial cones (62%). There was a positive and significant correlation between histopathological variables (such as epithelial acanthosis, hyperplasia of the basal layer and formation of epithelial cones). Histopathological variables presented no statistical significant difference in both age groups (p>0,05). Conclusion: Cholesteatomas have hyperproliferating characteristics with epithelial acanthosis, hyperplasia of the basal layer and the presence of epithelial cones in the matrix.

Abstract 2017: A Single Bolus Intravenous Administration of Sodium Bicarbonate is Effective in the Prevention of Contrast-Induced Nephropathy in Patients with Renal Insufficiency Undergoing Diagnostic Coronary Arteriography or Elective Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

BACKGROUND: Recent prospective studies have demonstrated that intravenous hydration with sodium bicarbonate (SB) is effective in the prevention of contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN). However, it has not yet been invetigated whether a single bolus intravenous administration of SB immediately before exposure to contrast media can prevent CIN. Accordingly, this prospective, controlled, randomized trial was designed to examine the efficacy of a single bolus administration of SB in the prevention of CIN in patients with renal insufficiency undergoing diagnostic coronary arteriography (CAG) or elective percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). METHODS: A total of 144 patients with a serum creatinine level of &gt;1.1 mg/dl and &lt;2.0 mg/dl scheduled for diagnostic CAG or elective PCI were enrolled in this study. The patients were randomly assigned to the following 2 groups: standard intravenous hydration with sodium chloride plus a single bolus intravenous administration of SB (20 ml = 20 mEq) 5 min before exposure of contrast media (group A, n = 72) and standard intravenous hydration with sodium chloride alone (group B, n = 72). The primary end point was the development of CIN, defined as an increase of ≥25% or ≥0.5mg in serum creatinine level within 3 days after the procedure. We also evaluated the incidence of adverse clinical events, including acute pulmonary edema, acute renal failure requiring dialysis, and death within the first 7 days after the procedure. RESULTS: There were no significant group differences in age, gender, the frequencies of diabetes mellitus and PCI, serum creatinine at baseline, the volume of contrast media, and drugs administered. The single bolus intravenous administration of SB led to a significant increase in arterial blood pH (7.41 ± 0.04 to 7.43 ± 0.03, p &lt;0.001). The incidence of primary end point was significantly lower in group A than in group B (1.4% vs 12.5%, p = 0.017). The incidence of adverse clinical events did not differ significantly between the 2 groups (0% vs 1.4%). CONCLUSIONS: A single bolus intravenous administration of SB before contrast injection is effective in the prevention of CIN in patients with renal insufficiency undergoing diagnostic CAG or elective PCI.

BMD and Bone Geometry in Transtibial and Transfemoral Amputees

Prolonged unloading of bone(s) in the residual limb after amputation may cause significant bone loss in the hip and distal bony end of the residual limb. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of amputation on bone geometry, volumetric BMD (vBMD), and areal BMD (aBMD) by comparing the intact and residual limbs in unilateral transfemoral and transtibial amputees. Amputees (seven above-knee; seven below-knee) and two groups of nonamputee control subjects gave informed consent to participate in this study. aBMD of the dual proximal femur, lumbar spine, and total body was assessed using DXA. Bone geometry and vBMD were assessed at the distal ends of the residual limb and intact limb and at a comparable cross-sectional slice of the intact limb using pQCT (Stratec XCT 3000). There were no significant group differences in age, height, weight, physical activity, time as an amputee, hours wearing a prosthesis per day, or total body and lumbar spine BMD and BMC. There were significant side x group interactions for total hip, femoral neck, and trochanter BMD, with the amputated side having lower BMD, and differences being most severe in above-knee amputees. Total and cortical vBMD and area were significantly lower at the end of the residual limb compared with the similar slice of the intact limb for both above- and below-knee amputees. In conclusion, amputees exhibited large decrements in BMD, both at the hip and at the end of the residual limb, compared with the intact side. These lower BMD values put amputees, particularly the above-knee amputees, at increased risk for osteoporosis and fragility fractures in the hip.

Never-smokers with a positive family smoking history are more likely to be overweight or obese than never-smokers with a negative family smoking history

To shed light on the complex relationship between smoking and body weight, we used never-smokers stratified on family smoking history to model the effects of a diathesis for smoking on body weight without the potential confound of metabolic changes or decreased physical activity caused by chronic tobacco smoke exposure. Participants were 100 family history negative never-smokers (FH−; 2 never-smoking parents) and 71 family history positive never-smokers (FH+; 2 ever-smoking parents). Controlling for significant group differences in race and age, BMI was significantly higher in FH+ (26.7 ± .6) than in FH− (24.5 ± .4; F = 10.351 p < .01). Further analysis using logistic regression showed that FH+ were 2.7 times as likely to be overweight/obese (BMI ≥ 25; 95% C.I. 1.398–5.351; p < .01). FH+ scored significantly higher on the Dieting and Bingeing Severity Scale than FH− and were significantly more likely to score in the severe or at-risk range. FH+ drank significantly more alcohol than FH−; they scored significantly higher on the CAGE and on the Michigan Alcohol Screening Test. Our analyses provide support for the role of inherited and/or environmentally-driven tendencies towards disinhibited eating and/or risky behaviors in general in the observed differences in BMI. No group differences in BMI or likelihood of being overweight/obese emerged based on prenatal exposure to nicotine in FH+ smokers, although our sample was too small to rule out an association. Further research in larger samples, using more complex statistical models, will be needed to disentangle these issues and identify causal pathways.

Cognitive Dysfunctions Associated With PTSD: Evidence from World War II Prisoners of War

The authors aim to delineate cognitive dysfunction associated with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) by evaluating a well-defined cohort of former World War II prisoners of war (POWs) with documented trauma and minimal comorbidities. The authors studied a cross-sectional assessment of neuropsychological performance in former POWs with PTSD, PTSD with other psychiatric comorbidities, and those with no PTSD or psychiatric diagnoses. Participants who developed PTSD had average IQ, while those who did not develop PTSD after similar traumatic experiences had higher IQs than average (approximately 116). Those with PTSD performed significantly less well in tests of selective frontal lobe functions and psychomotor speed. In addition, PTSD patients with co-occurring psychiatric conditions experienced impairment in recognition memory for faces. Higher IQ appears to protect individuals who undergo a traumatic experience from developing long-term PTSD, while cognitive dysfunctions appear to develop with or subsequent to PTSD. These distinctions were supported by the negative and positive correlations of these cognitive dysfunctions with quantitative markers of trauma, respectively. There is a suggestion that some cognitive decrements occur in PTSD patients only when they have comorbid psychiatric diagnoses.

Noninvasive coronary venous system imaging using 64-slice CT angiography

Objective To evaluate the 64-slice CT angiography in characterizing the coronary venous anatomy and the arterio-venous relationship.Methods Sixty-four slice CT coronary veins angiography images of 300 patients(187 men and 113 women,)were analyzed.The visibility of the coronary veins and arterio-venous spatial relationship were assessed qualitatively on two-and three-dimensional displays.The diameter of the coronary sinus ostium(CSO),middle cardiac vein ostium(MCVO)and posterior vein of left ventricle ostium(PVLVO)were measured.All data was statistically processed with SPSS for Windows.Results The CS,great cardiac vein(GCV)and MCV could be clearly visualized in all of the images.1-3 branches of PVLV could be observed in 273 patients(91.0%).Small cardiac vein(SCV)and Marshall vein were found in 56(18.7%)and 24(8.0%)cases respectively.Three patients had permanent vena cava superior on the left and one patient had a CS diverticulum.Posterior descending artery(PDA)was concomitant with MCV in 189 cases(63.0%)and intersected with MCV in 96 cases(32.0%).Left circumflex artery(LCX)was concomitant with CS in 122 cases(40.7%),intersected with MCV in 15 cases(5.0%),and intersected with PVLV in 104 cases(34.7%).There were no significant differences in age,sex and CHD groups among CSO,MCV,PVLV value.The supero-inferior diameter of CSO had a significant difference between male and female(F=6.67,P＜0.05).Conclusion Sixty-four slice CT venous angiography is able to be used for guiding electrophysiological procedures,which is especially useful due to the considerable variations in venous anatomy. Key words: Coronary vessels; Tomography,X-ray computed; Anatomy

Joint kinetics during Tai Chi gait and normal walking gait in young and elderly Tai Chi Chuan practitioners

Background Tai Chi Chuan is becoming a popular exercise among elders. This study measured the inter-segmental forces and moments at the lower extremity joints during a Tai Chi gait as compared to those during normal walking gait, in both apparently healthy young and elderly Tai Chi Chuan practitioners. Methods Three-dimensional inter-segmental joint reaction force and moment were computed using the Inverse Dynamic Approach based on the kinematics and ground reaction force measurements in a laboratory setting in six young (two females, mean age 28; SD 6 years) and six elderly (five females, mean age 72; SD 8 years) subjects who had previous training of Yang style Tai Chi Chuan. Findings The results showed significant gait differences in both age groups, with significantly smaller peak compressive forces, larger peak shear forces in the ankle, knee and hip joints, and larger peak moments in the knee and hip joints during Tai Chi gait as compared to normal gait. Moreover, the peak shear force was oriented more in the medial–lateral direction at the ankle and knee joints, and the peak moment was in the frontal plane at the knee and hip joints. The results also showed significant age differences, with significantly smaller peak shear forces in all three joints in the elderly group than in the young group during Tai Chi gait. Interpretation Tai Chi gait has an increased shear force and frontal plane torque at lower extremity joints than normal gait. The shear force at all three lower extremity joints during Tai Chi gait is lower in the elderly subjects than young subjects. This data suggest that, in Tai Chi Chuan training, elderly people with degenerative joint diseases in the lower extremity should use caution when practicing Tai Chi Chuan.

Evidence for Impaired Skeletal Muscle Contraction‐Induced Rapid Vasodilation in Aging Humans

We tested the hypothesis that aging is associated with an impaired contraction‐induced rapid vasodilation in healthy adults. Single contractions of a small muscle mass were employed to isolate the local rapid vasodilatory responses independent of systemic influences on forearm hemodynamics. We measured forearm blood flow (Doppler ultrasound) and arterial blood pressure (finapres) on a beat‐by‐beat basis, and calculated the changes in forearm vascular conductance in response to forearm contractions in 18 young (24 ± 1 yrs) and 13 older (62 ± 2 yrs) healthy subjects. Single, 1‐second dynamic forearm contractions were performed at 5, 10, 20, and 40% of the subjects’ maximal voluntary contraction (MVC). At 5% MVC, there were no significant age‐related differences in contraction‐induced forearm vasodilation. However, the peak vasodilatory responses were impaired ∼40–45% in older adults at 10, 20, and 40% MVC, as were the total vasodilatory responses (∼40–50%; all P&lt;0.05). Additionally, the immediate vasodilation (first cardiac cycle post‐contraction) for the 20% and 40% MVC trials was also impaired ∼50% with age (P&lt;0.05). There were no significant age‐group differences in MVC or forearm fat‐free mass. Under these experimental conditions, the blunted responses with age reflect impaired local contraction‐induced rapid vasodilation.Supported by AG‐022337, AG‐027150, HL‐087952

Evidence for impaired skeletal muscle contraction-induced rapid vasodilation in aging humans

We tested the hypothesis that aging is associated with an impaired contraction-induced rapid vasodilation in healthy adults. We reasoned that employing single contractions of a small muscle mass would allow us to isolate the local rapid vasodilatory responses independent of systemic hemodynamic and sympathetic neural influences on forearm hemodynamics. We measured forearm blood flow (Doppler ultrasound) and arterial blood pressure (Finapres) on a beat-by-beat basis and calculated the changes in forearm vascular conductance (DeltaFVC) in response to forearm contractions in 18 young (24 +/- 1 yr) and 13 older (62 +/- 2 yr) healthy subjects. Single, 1-s dynamic forearm contractions were performed with the experimental arm slightly above heart level at 5, 10, 20, and 40% of the subjects' maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) in random order. In general, muscle contractions evoked a rapid increase in FVC that reached a peak within approximately four to five cardiac cycles postcontraction in both age groups. At 5% MVC, there were no significant age-related differences in contraction-induced forearm vasodilation. However, the peak vasodilatory responses were impaired approximately 40-45% in older adults at 10, 20, and 40% MVC, as were the total vasodilatory responses (area under curve approximately 40-50%; all P < 0.05). Additionally, the immediate vasodilation (first cardiac cycle postcontraction) for the 20% and 40% MVC trials was also impaired approximately 50% with age (P < 0.05). There were no significant age-group differences in MVC or forearm fat-free mass, and these variables were not correlated with local vasodilation within a given exercise intensity. Under the experimental conditions employed, the blunted responses with age reflect impaired local contraction-induced rapid vasodilation.

Schizotypy in Adolescence

Schizotypy is a multidimensional personality construct that appears to indicate psychosis proneness. Supposedly, schizotypal traits behave differently depending on a person's age and gender, but few studies have examined this relationship. In our study we used the Thinking and Perceptual Style Questionnaire and the Junior Schizotypy Scales. The sample was made up of 321 students (169 males) with an age range of 12 to 17 years. The results show significant differences in gender and age groups. Males score higher than females on Physical Anhedonia, Social Anhedonia, and Impulsive Non-Conformity scales, while females score higher or Positive Symptoms, Negative Evaluation, and Social Paranoia scales. Significant differences were also found among age groups: Unusual experiences, self-referent ideation, social paranoia, thought disorder, and negative evaluation were more frequent in later stages of adolescence. However, the meaning of this difference could be interpreted in terms of emotional turbulence rather than as a direct indicator of vulnerability to psychosis.