Caucasian Study Research Articles

Racial salience modulated the face race lightness illusion: A comparative study of Caucasians and Asians.

Previous research has demonstrated the existence of the face race lightness (FRL) illusion. It indicates that Black faces tend to appear darker than White faces, even when their luminance values are objectively adjusted to be the same. However, the debate over the exclusive influence of face-race categories on the FRL illusion continues, with the impact of racial groups on the illusion remaining relatively unexplored. To address these gaps, we conducted studies to investigate whether the FRL illusion varies in terms of racial salience and racial groups. We manipulated the racial salience by altering the orientation of the faces. A total of 64 Caucasians (Study 1) and 63 Asians (Study 2) were recruited. Participants were shown pairs of faces in rapid succession and were asked to report which face appeared lighter or darker. In each trial, the two faces belonged to the same race category: Black, Black-White ambiguous, or White. The luminance of the first face remained consistent across trials while the luminance of the second face varied and was adjusted across eight levels (- 20, - 12, - 8, - 4, + 4, + 8, + 12, + 20). Our findings reveal that the FRL illusion is largely dependent on the salience of face-race information. When faces were presented upright, the FRL illusion was prominent; however, it disappeared when faces were inverted. Remarkably, the FRL illusion was observed not only in Caucasians but also in Asians. Therefore, our results suggest that the FRL illusion primarily stems from race salience rather than participants' racial groups.

Identification of inflammatory biomarkers in IgA nephropathy using the NanoString technology: a validation study in Caucasians

Objective and designImmunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN) is a kidney disease characterized by the accumulation of IgA deposits in the glomeruli of the kidney, leading to inflammation and damage to the kidney. The inflammatory markers involved in IgAN remain to be defined. Gene expression analysis platforms, such as the NanoString nCounter system, are promising screening and diagnostic tools, especially in oncology. Still, their role as a diagnostic and prognostic tool in IgAN remains scarce. In this study, we aimed to validate the use of NanoString technology to identify potential inflammatory biomarkers involved in the progression of IgAN.SubjectsA total of 30 patients with biopsy-proven IgAN and 7 cases of antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated pauci-immune glomerulonephritis were included for gene expression measurement. For the immunofluorescence validation experiments, a total of 6 IgAN patients and 3 controls were included.MethodsTotal RNA was extracted from formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded kidney biopsy specimens, and a customized 48-plex human gene CodeSet was used to study 29 genes implicated in different biological pathways. Comparisons in gene expression were made between IgAN and ANCA-associated pauci-immune glomerulonephritis patients to delineate an expression profile specific to IgAN. Gene expression was compared between patients with low and moderate risk of progression. Genes for which RNA expression was associated with disease progression were analyzed for protein expression by immunofluorescence and compared with controls.ResultsIgAN patients had a distinct gene expression profile with decreased expression in genes IL-6, INFG, and C1QB compared to ANCA patients. C3 and TNFRSF1B were identified as potential biomarkers for IgAN progression in patients early in their disease course. Protein expression for those 2 candidate genes was upregulated in IgAN patients compared to controls. Expression of genes implicated in fibrosis (PTEN, CASPASE 3, TGM2, TGFB1, IL2, and TNFRSF1B) was more pronounced in IgAN patients with severe fibrosis compared to those with none.ConclusionsOur findings validate our NanoString mRNA profiling by examining protein expression levels of two candidate genes, C3 and TNFRSF1B, in IgAN patients and controls. We also identified several upregulated mRNA transcripts implicated in the development of fibrosis that may be considered fibrotic markers within IgAN patients.

Cortical bone thickness on preoperative CT scans as predictor of bone quality in distal femur fractures: a retrospective study in Caucasians.

Distal femur fractures (DFF) are rare, but associated with high complication rates and mortality, particularly in patients with osteoporosis. To improve preoperative assessment, we analyzed if cortical bone thickness on CT and AP radiographs is associated with clinical parameters of bone quality. Retrospective single-center study of adult patients presenting at a level-one trauma center, with a DFF between 2011 and 2020. Clinical parameters for bone quality, such as age, sex, body mass index (BMI), energy impact level of trauma, and known history of osteoporosis, were assessed. Mean cortical bone thickness (CBTavg) on AP radiograph was determined using a previously published method. Cortical thickness on CT scan was measured at 8 and 14cm proximal to the articular surface of the lateral condyle. 71 patients (46 females) between 20 and 100years were included in the study. Cortical thickness determined by CT correlated significantly with CBTavg measurements on AP radiograph (Spearman r = 0.62 to 0.80; p < 0.001). Cortical thickness was inversely correlated with age (Spearman r = -0.341 to -0.466; p < 0.001) and significantly associated with trauma impact level and history of osteoporosis (p = < 0.001). The CT-based values showed a stronger correlation with the clinical parameters than those determined by AP X-ray. Our results showed that cortical thickness of the distal femur correlates with clinical parameters of bone quality and is therefore an excellent tool for assessing what surgical care should be provided. Interestingly, our findings indicate that cortical thickness on CT is more strongly correlated with clinical data than AP radiograph measurements.

Risk of MGUS, a multiple myeloma precursor, in relation to food and beverage intake in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES).

e20062 Background: Monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) is a plasma cell disorder (PCD) with a prevalence of 3% in adults over age 50. The annual risk of progression to multiple myeloma (MM) is 1%. Although one cohort study in Caucasians reported that diets low in certain plant-based foods were associated with MGUS (Thordardottir et al. 2018), research on diet and MGUS in a more diverse population is scarce. Given that diet can vary greatly across ethnic/racial groups, we conducted a population-based study with multiple races and ethnicities. Methods: Using the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), we conducted a case-control study in 373 individuals with MGUS and 1,406 controls frequency matched on age, body mass index, NHANES cycle, sex, and race. Diet was characterized by one 24-hour dietary recall, with gram intake of individual foods and beverages aggregated into groups. MGUS status was determined by blood screening. Unconditional multivariable logistic regressions were used to model associations between MGUS and intake, with odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals reported for the highest quantile of intake. Results: Daily intake of several food and beverage groups were significantly associated with MGUS, low-risk MGUS (LRMGUS) or intermediate/high-risk MGUS (IHRMGUS). Whole-grain bread, oats, and rice; fruits and vegetables; tomatoes; and cruciferous vegetables were associated with significantly lower risk (28-78%). Sugar- and artificially sweetened beverages were associated with significantly higher risk (34-113%). Interestingly, there were more significant findings for LRMGUS than IHRMGUS, suggesting potential contributing etiologic differences for LRMGUS and IHRMGUS. Conclusions: Our study shows that low intake of whole grains, fruits and vegetables and high intake of sweetened beverages are associated with MGUS. The identification of dietary risk factors for MGUS in a diverse population is of direct public health relevance. These findings also provide rationale for exploration of mechanistic links between diet and PCDs, such as the ongoing studies NCT04920084, NCT05640843, and NCT05312255. [Table: see text]

PS-BPP02-3: FACTORS FOR NEW-ONSET ISOLATED DIASTOLIC HYPERTENSION AND PROGRESSION TO SYSTOLIC HYPERTENSION IN JAPAN

Objective: Factors for New-Onset of isolated diastolic hypertension (IDH: systolic blood pressure ≧ 140 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure ≧ 90 mmHg) have been identified as increasing body mass index (BMI), young age at baseline, male, and BMI by analysis of the Framingham Study in middle-class Caucasians. However, in Japanese, there are few reports of predictors of IDH or the progression from IDH to systolic and diastolic hypertension (SDH: systolic blood pressure ≧ 140 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure ≧ 90 mmHg). Method: The present study analyzed 42,591 subjects aged 35 to 65 years who underwent a health checkup between 2007 and 2013 and re-examined 5 years later. A logistic regression analysis was performed for three patterns of blood pressure change (normal to IDH, normal to SDH, and IDH to SDH) after 5 years from the time of the first health checkup. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure, age, gender, smoking habit, exercise habit, fasting blood glucose level, total cholesterol level, heart rate, and BMI were used as factors for adjustment. Results: At the time of the first checkup, 29,965 subjects were normotensive, 1,169 had IDH, and 11,457 had SDH. Of the 29,965 normotensive subjects, 566 developed IDH after 5 years. Multivariate logistic regression analysis adjusted for blood pressure showed a 1-unit increase in age (OR 0.96, CI[0.95–0.97], p &lt; 0.0001), men (OR 1.44, CI[1.14–1.82], p = 0.002), BMI (OR 1.03, CI[1.00–1.06], p = 0.002), and a 1-unit increase in heart rate (OR 1.02, CI[1.01–1.03], p &lt; 0.0001) were independently significant predictors of developing IDH. Of the 29,965 normotensive subjects, 4,631 developed SDH after 5 years, and all factors except heart rate were independently significant predictors. On the other hand, 612 (52%) of the 1,169 subjects with IDH at the initial visit developed SDH 5 years later. The first checkup systolic blood pressure was significantly (p &lt; 0.0001, 132.3 ± 5.5 mmHg vs. 129.5 ± 6.5 mmHg) higher, but no factors were found to be associated with the development of SDH. Conclusions: In Japanese subjects, IDH predominantly occurs in young, male, obese, and high heart rate individuals. However, the progression from IDH to SDH is difficult to predict, and it is important to prevent obesity from developing IDH.

Age-related changes of the periocular morphology: a two- and three-dimensional anthropometry study in Caucasians

PurposeTo determine age-and sex-related changes in periocular morphology in Caucasians using a standardized protocol.MethodsHealthy Caucasian volunteers aged 18–35 and 60–90 years old were recruited from the Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital, Cologne, between October 2018 and May 2020. Volunteers with facial asymmetry, facial deformities, history of facial trauma, facial surgery, botox injection, eyelid ptosis, strabismus, or nystagmus, were excluded. Standardized three-dimensional facial photos of 68 young volunteers and 73 old volunteers were taken in this clinical practice. Position changes of endocanthion, pupil center, and exocanthion were analyzed in different age and gender groups, including palpebral fissure width (PFW): distance between endocanthions (En-En), pupil centers (Pu–Pu), exocanthions (Ex-Ex), endocanthion and nasion (En-Na), pupil center and nasion (Pu-Na), exocanthion and nasion (Ex-Na), endocanthion and pupil center (Pu-En), exocanthion and pupil center (Pu-Ex), and palpebral fissure inclination (PFI); angle of endocanthions to nasion (En-Na-En), pupils to nasion (Pu-Na-Pu), exocanthions to nasion (Ex-Na-Ex); endocanthion inclination (EnI), and exocanthion inclination (ExI).ResultsPFW, En-En, Ex-Na, Pu-Ex, PFI, ExI, and Ex-Na-Ex were significantly different between the young and old groups (p ≤ 0.004). There were sex-related differences in PFW, Ex-Ex, En-Na, Pu-Na, Ex-Na, Pu-En, PFI, and EnI between both groups (p ≤ 0.041).ConclusionThe position change of the pupil is minimal relative to age; it is preferred to establish the reference plane to describe periocular changes. The endocanthion tends to move temporally and inferiorly, while the exocanthion tends to shift nasally and inferiorly with age.

Identifying the most attractive umbilical position – an eye tracking- and survey-based investigation

Abdominoplasty is a popular procedure in plastic surgery providing aesthetic, functional and psychological relief for patients suffering from excess abdominal tissue. Correct umbilical positioning is crucial for a successful aesthetic surgical outcome. This study aims to assess the most attractive position of the umbilicus by means of subjective and objective outcome measures. 58 Caucasian study participants with a mean age of 36.87 (15.6) years rated eight different umbilical positions. The various positions were determined based on the ratio of the distance between the xiphoid process and the umbilicus and the distance between the umbilicus and the infra-umbilical crease: 1:1, 1.25:1, 1.5:1, 1.75:1, 2:1, 2.5:1, 3:1 and 5.5:1. Semi-quantitative scoring of attractiveness based on a 5-point Likert scale and eye tracking analyses were utilized. The results revealed that the volunteers perceived as most attractive the ratio of 2:1 with 4.32 (out of possible 5.0). The ratio of 5.5:1 received the lowest rating with 1.8. The results of the objective eye tracking analyses confirmed the subjective rating as the 2:1 ratio was fixated last amongst all other displayed ratios with 1.85 s whereas the 5.5:1 ratio had the shortest interval between image display and first stable eye fixation with 0.94 s. The study confirms the concept of ‘internal representation of beauty’. Abdominoplasty procedures could rely on this easy to perform ratio by dividing the distance into thirds and using the boundary between the inferior and middle third as a clinically reliable landmark.

Genetic association study of NOD2 and IL23R amino acid substitution polymorphisms in Saudi Inflammatory Bowel Disease patients

BackgroundInflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is a complex autoimmune disease whose genetic basis is not well explored in the highly consanguineous Saudi population. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the relevance of NOD2 and IL23R genes polymorphisms, selected from Caucasian Genome-wide association study (GWAS) findings, as risk markers for IBD pathology in Saudi patients. Materials and MethodsThe genetic status of NOD2 and IL23R polymorphisms of 97 IBD patients and 100 healthy individuals was determined through real-time PCR based TaqMan Allelic Discrimination Assay. Genotype calls of TaqMan assay were further validated by the direct DNA sequencing method. The pathogenicity of the variants was further explored by computational predictions and by 3D structural modelling methods. ResultsOur study found no evidence for a significant association of Caucasian IBD risk alleles, i.e., NOD2 (P268S and R702W) and IL23R (G149R and R381Q) with IBD pathology in Saudi Arabian patients under dominant, recessive or co-dominant genetic models. Moreover, SNP-SNP interaction analysis with multidimensionality reduction assays have also confirmed the above findings. Our computational predictions of the variants suggest the variable deleterious nature and minor structural drifts on the tertiary protein structures. ConclusionThis study expands the genetic heterogeneity of IBD and concludes that Caucasian genetic risk markers have limited or of no use in estimating the risk of IBD development in Saudi patients. Future genetic association studies in Saudi Arabia need to employ genetic markers whose minor allele frequencies exceed 10% in Arab population to have robust outcomes.

VDR Gene Polymorphisms and Cluster Headache Susceptibility: Case-Control Study in a Southeastern European Caucasian Population.

Cluster headache (CH) is a severe primary headache disorder with a genetic component, as indicated by family and twin studies. Diurnal and seasonal rhythmicity are key features of the disease and might be related to vitamin D, as low vitamin D levels have been observed in patients with cluster headache. In addition, the vitamin D receptor (VDR) occurs in brain areas and particularly in the hypothalamus. The aim of the present case-control study was to investigate the association of cluster headache susceptibility and clinical phenotypes with the VDR gene polymorphisms FokI, BsmI and TaqI in a Southeastern European Caucasian population. DNA was extracted from 131 unrelated CH patients and 282 non-headache controls and genotyped using real-time PCR (melting curve analysis). Linkage disequilibrium (LD) analysis confirmed that BsmI and TaqI, both located in the 3'UTR of the VDR gene, are in strong LD. Genotype and allele frequency distribution analysis of the VDR FokI, BsmI, and TaqI polymorphisms showed no statistically significant difference between cases and controls, whereas haplotype analysis indicated that the TAC haplotype might be associated with decreased cluster headache susceptibility. Intra-patient analysis according to diverse clinical phenotypes showed an association of the BsmI GG and TaqI TT genotypes with more frequent occurrence of CH attacks in this cohort. Therefore, a possible association was observed between VDR gene polymorphisms BsmI and TaqI or a linked locus and susceptibility for cluster headache development and altered clinical phenotypes in the Southeastern European Caucasian study population. Further large-scale replication studies are needed to validate these findings.

The Impact of Breast Symmetry on Eye Movement and Gaze Pattern: An Eye-Tracking Investigation.

The objective assessment of beauty remains challenging despite ongoing research efforts. A new method of objectively determining the aesthetic appeal of body features by analyzing gaze patterns and eye movements has recently been investigated. The objective of this study was to assess, by means of objective eye-tracking technology, differences in the gaze patterns of observers presented with standardized 3-dimensional images showing different degrees of breast asymmetry. A total of 83 Caucasian study participants with a mean age of 38.60 (19.8) years were presented with 5 images depicting varying degrees of breast asymmetry. In addition to the assessment of eye movements, participants were asked to rate the aesthetic appeal and the asymmetry of the breasts on a 5-point Likert scale. Overall, the data showed that participants' rating of the breasts' aesthetic appeal was inversely related to the level of asymmetry. The mean [standard deviation] time until fixation was shortest for the image depicting the greatest breast asymmetry (50 cc) at 0.77 [0.7] seconds (P < 0.001). In addition, the mammary region was also viewed longest in this image at 3.76 [0.5] seconds (P < 0.001). A volume difference of 35 cc between breasts deflected the observers' gaze significantly toward the larger of the asymmetric breasts (P < 0.001). Surgeons should focus on achieving symmetric breast volume (ie, differences <35 cc between breasts) to avoid noticeable asymmetry with regard to breast size.

Two-year efficacy after first transscleral controlled cyclophotocoagulation in patients with and without pseudoexfoliation

PurposeTransscleral controlled cyclophotocoagulation (COCO) is a transscleral 810-nm diode laser cyclophotocoagulation that automatically adjusts the applied laser energy utilizing an optical feedback loop. The present study investigates the influence of pseudoexfoliation (PEX) on the efficacy of COCO in a Caucasian study population.MethodsRetrospective data from 130 consecutive eyes were analyzed during a 2-year follow-up. Baseline characteristics, intraocular pressure (IOP), number of IOP-lowering medications, visual field, best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), and secondary surgical interventions (SSI) were analyzed. The primary endpoint was IOP reduction at M24 compared to baseline, and the secondary endpoints were IOP course, reduction of IOP-lowering medications, surgical success, and IOP-lowering SSIs stratified by PEX and baseline IOP.ResultsIOP reductions of −35, −39, −25, −25, −23, −34, and −36% could be achieved from baseline to D1, W1, M1, M3, M6, M12, and M24 (all p < 0.001), respectively, while there was a significant overall reduction over time (p < 0.001) in the number of topical IOP-lowering medications postoperatively. The proportion of eyes requiring additional systemic IOP-lowering medication reduced from 31 to 0% at M24 (p = 0.025). Eyes without PEX and IOP < 30 mmHg at baseline had the lowest risk for IOP-lowering SSIs (p < 0.03). BCVA dropped at M12 (0.25 [95% CI: 0.12–0.38]), and the drop persisted during the following 12 months.ConclusionThe present study demonstrates a midterm IOP-lowering effect after COCO while reducing the burden for topical and systemic IOP-lowering medications. Patients without PEX and IOP < 30 mmHg have a lower risk of SSI. The procedure per se cannot be excluded as causative for the decreased postoperative BCVA. Further prospective investigations are suggested.

Clinical Significance of Tumor Microenvironment in Acral Melanoma: A Large Single-Institution Study of Caucasians.

Background: The presence of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) in many studies is associated with a better prognosis in melanoma patients. Programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression has a significant value in predicting several cancers, but its role in melanoma remains ambiguous. The study aims to report a comprehensive analysis of TILs characteristics and their impact on survival in primary acral melanoma (AM). Methods: Clinical and pathological features and survival outcomes were investigated in 70 patients with AM. Immunohistochemical quantitative analysis of TILs, including expression of CD4, CD8, FOXP3, PD-1, and PD-L1, on melanoma cells was performed. Results: Kaplan-Meier analysis showed significant differences in overall survival (OS) for CD4+ (p = 0.021), CD8+ (p = 0.037), FOXP3+ (p = 0.007), and TILs density (p = 0.043). In univariate analysis of immunohistochemical features, FOXP3, CD4, CD8, PD-1, and Melanoma Institute of Australia (MIA) grading TILs (grade, density, and distribution) were correlated with survival. The higher density of FOXP3-positive cells was an independent factor associated with better survival. Conclusions: High TILs content (classed as brisk Clark scale and marked/diffuse TILs MIA grade) regardless of its immunophenotype was associated with better survival outcomes in AM. PD-L1 expression on tumor cells did not influence OS and was independent of clinical and pathological characteristics. We demonstrated that TILs are significant biomarkers in sentinel lymph node status prediction.

Variability of the Circle of Willis in North American Caucasian and Middle East Arabic Cohorts

The cerebral arterial circle (circle of Willis) plays an important role in the redistribution of the blood flow between the anterior and posterior territories and maintains the plasticity of the cerebral blood circulation. The anatomical variability of the vascular circle often alters the cerebral hemodynamics and determines the outcomes of acute and chronic cerebrovascular disease. The heritability and prevalence of certain variants of the circle of Willis in different ethnic and racial groups are frequently disputed by authors. Our cross-sectional retrospective study aims to compare the patterns of the cerebral arterial circle in 64 Caucasian cadavers with 64 Arabic living individuals, by methods of anatomic dissection and magnetic resonance angiography, respectively. The typical structure of the circle of Willis was revealed in 8.3% of the Caucasian study group, and in 22.2% of the Arabic one. The anterior part of the circle of Willis was incomplete in 6 out of 64 of the Caucasian specimens, where the anterior communicating artery was hypoplastic (6.3%) or absent (3.1%). The posterior part of the circle of Willis had hypoplastic or absent posterior communicating artery on one side in 20, and on both sides in 12 out of 64 Caucasian specimens. In the Arabic cohort, the posterior part of the circle of Willis was incomplete in 17 out of 64 specimens, with absence of the posterior communicating artery unilaterally (in 11 cases) or bilaterally (in 6 cases). The present study reveals that the configuration of the cerebral arterial circle and distribution of the blood flow between the anterior and posterior territories have certain differences in the Caucasian study group versus the Arabic one.

Lung function parameters among Australian Aboriginal ‘apparently healthy’ adults: an Australian Caucasian and Global Lung Function Initiative (GLI-2012) various ethnic norms comparative study

ABSTRACT Background: There is sparse literature evidence evaluating the applicability of the GLI-2012 spirometric norms for Australian Aboriginal adults. Methods: Lung function parameters (LFPs) were compared between Australian Aboriginal and Australian Caucasians, and the fit of Australian Aboriginals LFPs with various ethnic GLI equations was tested. Results: Of 1350 and 5634 Pulmonary function tests (PFTs) in Australian Aboriginal and Australian Caucasian adults, 153 and 208 PFTs matched for anthropometrics and normal chest radiology, respectively. Absolute FVC and FEV1 values were 20% lower in Australian Aboriginals compared to Australian Caucasians. Differences remained significant after accounting for age, sex, height, weight and smoking status in multivariate regression (FVC −0.84 L (−0.98, −0.71), FEV1 − 0.72 L (−0.84, −0.59), but with nearly preserved FEV1/FVC. GLI-2012 transformation resulted in z-scores significantly below zero for each of FVC, FEV1 and FEV1/FVC with z-scores ranging from −4.52 (−4.87, −4.16) for North East Asian FVC transformation for males, to −0.34 (−0.73, 0.05) for Black FVC transformation for females. Conclusions: Australian Aboriginal adults had 20% lower values for FVC and FEV1 but nearly preserved absolute FEV1/FVC in comparison to Australian Caucasians. The GLI-2012 spirometric norms do not appear to fit for Australian Aboriginal adults regardless of which ethnicity options selected, including ‘others/mixed’.

Interleukin-6 and Interleukin-10 Gene Polymorphisms in Patients with Chronic Periodontitis and Response to Treatment after 3 Years.

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to investigate whether genetic susceptibility to chronic periodontitis, conferred by the presence of the IL-6 -572GG genotype or the IL-10 -592A allele, influences the outcomes following a non-surgical periodontal therapy (NSPT)over a long period of time.Material and methodsThirty-seven chronic periodontitis patients were divided into two groups according to genotype as susceptible (SCP) and non-susceptible (NSCP). All subjects were clinically evaluated at baseline and 3 years following NSPT. Blood samples were collected at baseline from the individuals who fulfilled the inclusion criteria. All participants received NSPT from a single periodontist who was blind to the genotype status of each patient. A statistical analysis was performed by comparing the variables between groups using the Mann-Whitney U test and between baseline and 3 years for each group using the Wilcoxon test.ResultsThe mean age of the population was estimated to be 47.68±8.64 years and it included 51.4% females, 48.6% smokers, and 45.9% alcohol consumers. Following a genetic analysis, 70.3% of patients were homozygous carriers of the IL-6 -572G (IL-6 SCP), and 46.0% of them were carriers of the IL-10 -592A allele (IL-10 SCP). NSPT reduced all studied parameters (probing depth, attachment loss, bleeding on probing, percentage of sites with 4-6mm and ≥7mm pocket depth and attachment loss) to all participants, but the treatment outcome was not associated with the genotype. The SCP and NSCP individuals showed similar clinical parameters at baseline and at 3 years.ConclusionsWithin the limitations of this 3-year prospective cohort study in Caucasians diagnosed with chronic periodontitis, individuals susceptible to periodontal disease as determined by the presence of the IL-6 -572GG genotype or the IL-10 -592A allele showed similar treatment outcome following NSPT.

Sonographic Assessment of Fetal Neck Circumference (NC) As a Predictor of Gestational Age

Abstract Background The need for development of population based nomograms for ultrasound fetal dating cannot be overemphasised. The objective of this study was to develop a nomogram of Fetal Neck Circumference (NC) for predicting gestational age for this population. Methods This was a cross sectional prospective study of 203 singleton normal pregnant women of 15–40 weeks’ gestation. Fetal NC was measured the 5th, 50th and 95th centile values were estimated at each week of gestational age, 50th centile values were then compared to Caucasian and African population study to assess variability. Results A nomogram was derived and NC values showed no statistical significant difference compared to the Caucasians (p = 0.065, 0.257) and African (p = 0.947) population. There was a strong positive significant correlation (r2 = 0.799; p = 0.001) between NC and average gestational age. Method of least square yielded to the equation y = 2.22x + 5.390. NC relationship with BPD (r2 = 0.859; p = 0.001), FL (r2 = 0.842; p = 0.001) and HC (r2 = 0.662; p = 0.001) were also significant and positive. Estimated weekly increase in NC was 0.72 cm. Conclusion This study derived nomogram for ultrasound measurement of fetal NC in a Northern Nigerian population. However, NC values from this study differ less with an African population than with Caucasian study population.

Parental evaluation of behavioral problems in children with developmental language disorder

Parental evaluation of behavioral problems in children with developmental language disorder Abstract. Objective: Children with developmental language disorder (DLD) often suffer from problems in everyday communication and react with social withdrawal or oppositional behavior. In light of the lack of studies in preschool children regarding this topic, the present study analyzes the occurrence of behavioral problems in children with DLD aged 4;0 to 5;11 years. Furthermore, we assessed differences in parental perception regarding their child's behavior. Methods: This monolingual, Caucasian study sample consisted of 30 children with DLD and 40 healthy controls. The groups were matched for nonverbal IQ and socioeconomic status. All children were examined for their language proficiency level. The Child Behavior Checklist was used to detect behavioral problems. Results: The study revealed significant differences between children with DLD and the control group on several syndrome scales including the total problem scale. Children with DLD always showed more severe symptoms and also reached T-scores in clinical range (≥64) significantly more often. The parental perception did not differ. Conclusions: The results indicate the presence of behavioral problems in children with DLD already in preschool age. In particular, we found social problems, attention problems, and internalizing disorders.

Cephalic Malposition of the Lateral Crura and Parenthesis Deformity: A Cadaver Study in Caucasians.

Improving the shape and contour of the nasal tip is a major goal in rhinoplasty. Extreme bulbosity and parenthesis deformity of the nasal tip are both frequently encountered. However, the underlying anatomical features that cause this kind of tip deformity are still not fully understood. To evaluate the relation between the shape of the nasal tip and the anatomical position, orientation and shape of the lateral crura of the lower lateral cartilages and to estimate the incidence of cephalic malposition of lateral crura in Caucasian noses. Nineteen Caucasian cadaver noses were studied, and the alar cartilages were measured and evaluated using a standardized method. Fourteen of the total 38 lateral crura evaluated had cephalic malposition (long axis angle with the midline equal to or less than 30°). Of the nasal tips classified as having parenthesis deformity, 84.6% had cephalic malposition of lateral crura and 46.2% had convex lateral crura. Vertical orientation of the short axis of the lateral crura was no more common in noses with parenthesis deformity of the nasal tip than in other kinds of nasal tip. The incidence of cephalic malposition of the lateral crura in this series of Caucasian noses was 36.8%. There was a statistically significant association between parenthesis deformity of the nasal tip and cephalic malposition of the lateral crura, as well as with convex shape of the lateral crura. No statistically significant association was found between the sagittal angle of the lateral crura and the type of nasal tip. This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Fine-tuning of Genome-Wide Polygenic Risk Scores and Prediction of Gestational Diabetes in South Asian Women

Gestational diabetes Mellitus (GDM) affects 1 in 7 births and is associated with numerous adverse health outcomes for both mother and child. GDM is suspected to share a large common genetic background with type 2 diabetes (T2D). The aim of our study was to characterize different GDM polygenic risk scores (PRSs) and test their association with GDM using data from the South Asian Birth Cohort (START). PRSs were derived for 832 South Asian women from START using the pruning and thresholding (P + T), LDpred, and GraBLD methods. Weights were derived from a multi-ethnic and a white Caucasian study of the DIAGRAM consortium. GDM status was defined using South Asian-specific glucose values in response to an oral glucose tolerance test. Association with GDM was tested using logistic regression. Results were replicated in South Asian women from the UK Biobank (UKB) study. The top ranking P + T, LDpred and GraBLD PRSs were all based on DIAGRAM’s multi-ethnic study. The best PRS was highly associated with GDM in START (AUC = 0.62, OR = 1.60 [95% CI = 1.44–1.69]), and in South Asian women from UKB (AUC = 0.65, OR = 1.69 [95% CI = 1.28–2.24]). Our results highlight the importance of combining genome-wide genotypes and summary statistics from large multi-ethnic studies to optimize PRSs in South Asians.

Association of hippocampal volume polygenic predictor score with baseline and change in brain volumes and cognition among cognitively healthy older adults

A high hippocampal volume polygenic predictor score (HV-PPS), computed based on GWAS summary statistics (n = 33,536), could be protective against declines in brain volume and cognition in older adults. Linear mixed-effects models with random intercepts and slopes were used to estimate associations of HV-PPS with baseline and annual rate of change in both brain volumes (n = 508) and cognitive performance (n = 1041) in Caucasian Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging participants. Higher HV-PPS was associated with greater baseline volumes of the hippocampus and parahippocampal gyrus, and slower rates of ventricular enlargement and volume loss in frontal and parietal white matter, all adjusted for intracranial volume. In addition, higher HV-PPS was associated with better executive function performance and slower rates of decline in verbal fluency scores over time. Individuals with a genetic predisposition toward larger hippocampal volumes show better baseline executive function, slower decline in verbal fluency performance, and slower rates of longitudinal brain atrophy.