Subjects Of Different Age Groups Research Articles

Does facial asymmetry vary between subjects of different age groups? A 3D stereophotogrammetry analysis

This study was aimed to assess whether facial asymmetry increases with age and to examine potential gender differences using 3D stereophotogrammetry. A prospective cross-sectional study was performed. 3D photographs were acquired from 600 control subjects, 300 male, 300 female, and were stratified into 15 different age groups ranging from 0 to 70+. The 3D photographs were postprocessed and mirrored. The original and mirrored faces were surface-based matched using an iterative closest point algorithm. The primary outcome variable, facial asymmetry, was evaluated by calculating the absolute mean distance between the original and mirrored images. The primary predictor was age. Pearson’s correlation was used to assess the correlation between facial asymmetry and age. The average overall facial asymmetry was 0.72 mm (SD 0.72 mm; range 0.25 – 3.04 mm). Mean facial asymmetry increased significantly with age, from 0.45 mm in the age group of 0-4 years to 0.98 mm in the age group of 70+ (p<0.001). Facial asymmetry was positively correlated with age (Pearson’s r = 0.55; p<0.001). Male subjects were significantly more asymmetric compared to females, 0.77 mm and 0.67 mm, respectively (p<0.001). This study indicates that facial asymmetry significantly increases with age and is significantly larger in males than in females.

Nutritional knowledge, attitude, and practice of professional athletes in an Iranian population (a cross-sectional study)

BackgroundProper nutrition is vital in promoting community health, yet insufficient knowledge and improper dietary practices can lead to deficiencies and diseases. Professional athletes depend on optimal nutrition for their performance and recovery, but a lack of understanding can impede their potential. The nutritional status of athletes impacts their overall health and sports performance. Inadequate sports nutrition knowledge may result in suboptimal practices, reducing strength, power, endurance, and immunity. Additionally, disordered attitudes can lead to dietary imbalances and an increased risk of injury. This study, conducted in Qazvin, Iran, examined athletes’ nutritional knowledge, attitudes, and practices. By addressing these factors, there is potential to enhance dietary behaviors and ultimately improve athletes’ performance.MethodsThe study employed a descriptive-analytical, cross-sectional design to investigate the nutritional knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) of professional athletes in Qazvin, Iran. A total of 320 purposefully selected professional athletes (68.13% male, 31.87% female) from various sports fields participated in the research. The data collection tool consisted of demographic questions and a KAP questionnaire, including 27 nutritional knowledge questions, 16 nutritional attitude questions, and 14 nutritional performance questions. The quota sampling method was used to estimate sample sizes. Data analysis was carried out by SPSS v.26 using one sample t-test, one-way ANOVA, and Pearson’s correlation coefficient test.ResultsThe results showed that nutritional knowledge (the mean value was 79.594 ± 7.015 - the optimal knowledge level = 84) and attitude (the mean value was 23.347 ± 5.300 - the optimal attitude level = 26) for athletes are low, but their nutritional practice (the mean value was 21.788 ± 3.450 - the optimal performance level = 24) was moderate. Also, professional athletes’ nutritional knowledge, attitude, and practice were lower than normal (p < 0.05). Significant positive correlations were among knowledge, attitude, and practice (p < 0.05). However, there were no significant differences in nutritional knowledge, attitude, and practice among the subjects of different age groups, genders, and sports types (p > 0.05).ConclusionThis study showed that the nutritional knowledge, attitude, and practice of professional Iranian athletes in Qazvin province were low; therefore, the implementation of more theoretical and applied nutrition education, such as using knowledge assessment tools and interventions, irrespective of their age, sport’s field, and gender, is compelling.

Exercise Immunology Applied to Pediatric Sport and the Importance of Monitoring Stages of Puberty and Biological Maturation

Context: Exercise immunology is aimed at understanding how exercise sessions can affect the immune system in athletic subjects of different age groups. The objective of the current study was to discuss in which stage of biological maturation (BM) young athletes may be more vulnerable in relation to the immune system, and whether there is a BM range in which it is safer to perform sports training with strenuous exercise loads. Evidence Acquisition: Evidence from scientific research from several scientific disciplines (eg, immunology, sport immunology, pediatrics, sports medicine, human development) was gathered to holistically examine the main particularities of exercise immunology as applied to pediatric sport. Study Design: Narrative review. Level of Evidence: Level 5. Results: In pediatric patients, lymphoid tissue expands during puberty and involutes after puberty until it returns to pre-expansion values. This suggests that there is a specific period in which the immune system may be stronger, which may provide opportunities for strenuous exercise in pediatric athletes. However, the chronological period when puberty occurs will be determined by BM, which is the rate at which the biological systems of the human body improves. This may affect the period of lymphoid tissue expansion and, consequently, the behavior of the immune system in pediatric subjects of the same age category. Conclusion: During puberty, there is a significant increase in the proinflammatory profile; to compensate for this, there is an expansion of lymphoid tissue that may favor the efficiency of the immune system. The period in which puberty is reached may vary according to the stages of BM. Therefore, in exercise immunology applied to pediatric sports, in addition to external and internal training loads, it is necessary to consider BM and puberty, which have been shown to be safer biomarkers than chronological age for determining immune system behavior in pediatric athletes. Strength-of-Recommendation Taxonomy (SORT): Evidence B level 3.

THU076 GH, IGF-1 And Inflammatory Marker Interactions With Small Bowel Microbial Diversity Are Age And Sex Dependent

Abstract Disclosure: G. Leite: None. N. Tal: None. G. Barlow: None. W. Morales: None. R. de Souza Santos: None. M. Rashid: None. A. Hosseini: None. M. Pimentel: None. R. Mathur: None. Attenuated somatotroph axis function correlates inversely with age-related comorbidities in both animal and human studies. Mechanisms by which GH and IGF-1 may promote aging include increasing inflammation, DNA damage and cell senescence. Bidirectional interactions between GH, IGF-1 and stool microbial diversity occur with malnutrition, inflammatory bowel disease, colon cancer and acromegaly. Given the importance of the small bowel in sustaining immune system homeostasis, we assessed the relationship of the duodenal microbiome, GH, IGF-1 and inflammatory markers in human subjects of different age groups. Methods: Female (F) and male (M) subjects (18-80 years) undergoing upper endoscopy without colon preparation were recruited. Subjects answered a comprehensive medical history, and whole blood was collected. Duodenal luminal samples were obtained using a double lumen sterile catheter. Microbial DNA was extracted and 16S sequenced. Analyses were performed using CLC Genomics Microbial Module. Circulating GH, IGF-1, IGFBP3 and cytokine (GM-CSF, IFNγ, IL10, IL12P70, IL13, IL1B, IL2, IL4, IL5, IL6, IL8 and TNFα) levels were measured (Luminex FLEXMAP 3D). Results: 177 subjects were grouped by age (sex and BMI, P=NS): 18-35yrs (N=21, F=11), 36-50yrs (N=29, F=15), 51-65yrs (N=69, F=38) and 66-80yrs (N=58, F=28). While IGFBP3 levels were similar (P=0.22), IGF-1 levels gradually decreased in older subjects (18-35yrs: 41.8-173.8 ng/mL; 36-50yrs: 12-160 ng/mL; 51-65yrs: 2-156.8 ng/mL; 66-80yrs: 2-142.6 ng/mL, P&amp;lt;0.0001). Overall GH did not change among groups (P=0.58). In both M and F systemic GH inversely correlated with duodenal microbial diversity [Spearman r (R)=-0.234, P=0.001], and this was most pronounced in older M (66-80yrs, R=-0.517, P=0.003). GH and IGF-1 correlated positively with systemic inflammatory markers: GMCSF (GH: R=0.159, P=0.032; IGF-1: P=NS); IFNγ (GH: R=0.178, P=0.016; IGF-1: R=0.154, P=0.041); IL1B (GH: P=NS; IGF-1: R=0.210, P=0.005); IL6 (GH: R=0.160, P=0.031; IGF-1: P=NS) and IL8 (GH: R=0.219, P=0.003; IGF-1: P=NS). IL8 was negatively linked to duodenal microbial diversity (R=-0.213, P=0.001), and higher in older M and F subjects (P=0.008). All associations seen were stronger in M. In addition, systemic TNFα (P=0.024) and IL5 (P=0.011) levels were also higher in M vs. F.In M only, GH was also associated with TNFα (R=0.226, P=0.034) and IL5 (R=0.279, P=0.008). Conclusion: IGF-1 and GH are associated with circulating inflammatory biomarkers in both a sex-and age- dependent manner. We show that systemic levels of GH and the specific inflammatory marker IL-8 are associated with diminished duodenal microbial diversity. This association is most profound in older males. Considering that IL8 is an important senescence marker, the mutual regulation of the small bowel microbiome and the somatotroph axis suggest a novel mechanism promoting inflammation and aging. Presentation: Thursday, June 15, 2023

Determination of reference intervals for atomic force microscopy parameters characterizing erythrocyte size

Introduction. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) is the cutting-edge method for imaging of cells and subcellular structures, and it has wide application prospects in the laboratory diagnostics. For AFM effective using in practical medicine, it is necessary to determine the reference intervals (RI) for biological objects, particularly for erythrocytes (red blood cells). Aim.To determine the RI for AFM parameters characterizing erythrocyte size in healthy subjects. Materials and Methods. 32 blood donors aged 18–60 (22 males, 10 females) were enrolled into the study. All the participants have undergone light microscopy of a whole blood smear, clinical blood test, determination of the serum ferritin level, and AFM imaging of erythrocytes. Statistical analysis was done with SPSS, and parametrical criteria were used. RI were calculated according to the GOST (Russian State Standard) R 53022.3-2008. Results and Discussion. In all the participants, both all the parameters of clinical blood test and the ferritin serum level, were within their RI. According to light microscopy, in all the participants, erythrocytes were normocytes with unchanged form. So, investigated subjects showed their applicability to be used as the reference group for the determination of RI for AFM parameters characterizing erythrocyte size. We calculated RI and their confidential intervals for the following size parameters: minimal and maximal normocyte height, minimal and maximal normocyte diameter. Conclusion. Our results contribute to the development of AFM clinical methodology. Our results confirm the advisability of further investigations dedicated to the RI determination for AFM parameters characterizing erythrocyte size in increased samples of healthy subjects of different age groups.

Immunoaging - the effect of age on serum levels of NET biomarkers in men: a pilot study.

The study aimed to evaluate the impact of aging on the formation of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs). The impaired formation of NETs is the cause of an abnormal innate immune response. The study included a total of 45 healthy male subjects of different age groups. Whole blood was collected from the subjects, and the concentration of myeloperoxidase (MPO), the main biocidal protein in NETs, was determined in serum using ELISA. The serum levels of circulating free DNA (cfDNA), which are the structural basis of NETs, were also measured by fluorescence. In addition, the white blood cell count was determined, whole blood smear was evaluated, and the neutrophillymphocyte ratio was calculated. The variations in the levels of NET biomarkers were analyzed in different age groups. The low levels of MPO (243.70 ng/ml) and cfDNA (6.24 ng/100 μl) in boys indicated neutrophil insufficiency for NETosis in children. A progressive increase in the levels of MPO and cfDNA with age was observed among adolescents (420.91, p = 0.04; 13.55, p = 0.03, respectively), with the highest level noted in the healthy adult group (466.58, p = 0.01; 14.07, p = 0.01, respectively). The levels of the studied parameters were comparable in adolescents and young adults, which proved that the NETosis process was appropriate and suggested the attainment of neutrophil maturity for the release of NETs in adolescence. The levels of MPO and cfDNA were low in older men (225.46, p < 0.01; 5.19, p < 0.01, respectively) indicating impaired NET formation. Data on the generation of NETs in different age groups obtained in this study can allow a better understanding of the ontogenesis of the immune system in terms of the course of NETosis, and also indicate the need to support nonspecific responses in children and adults. Further research should be performed to determine the possibility of regulating the NETosis process. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2023;36(3):333-48.

Sensor-based Safety Alarm System for Injury Prevention in Chaff cutter machine

Agricultural activities pose significant hazards, leading to high rates of fatal and non-fatal injuries, particularly with the increased use of farm mechanization. One common machine used in farming is the chaff cutter or chaff cutter, which can cause permanent upper limb (hand) injuries during operation. To address this critical issue, a microcontroller-based alarming system was developed to provide advance warning when a worker's hand enters the injury-prone zone of the chaff cutter machine. The system incorporated a passive infrared (PIR) sensor that detected infrared radiation emitted by the human body. Extensive testing was conducted under various conditions, including different distances between the sensor and the human hand, hand orientations, room temperature, and fodder temperature, using subjects of different age groups. The Response Surface Methodology (RSM) was employed to derive regression equations for these parameters. The optimal distance for sensor placement was found to be 125mm ahead of the identified danger zone on the feeding chute. The sensor system showed good response for pronated and supinated hand orientations, followed by the holding position, under different temperature conditions. A temperature range of 24 to 27°C was identified as ideal for optimal sensor performance. Additionally, the speed of hand movement or fodder pushing and the worker's response to the audible frequency were found to effectively alert them. The developed alarming system can significantly enhance safety measures in chaff cutter machines, mitigating the risk of upper limb injuries and improving the overall well-being, productivity, and economic status of farmworkers.

Exploring the split hand phenomenon with the neurophysiological index

In 164 subjects of different age groups, we studied the neurophysiological index (NI) ([CMAP amplitude/Distal motor latency] *[F-wave frequency]; CMAP=compound muscle action potential) for three hand muscles (APB= abductor pollicis brevis; FDI= first dorsal interosseous; ADM= abductor digiti minimi). A split hand index based on CMAP amplitude (SHI_CMAP) and NI (SHI_NI) were calculated ([APB CMAP amplitude or NI * FDI CMAP amplitude or NI]/[ADM CMAP amplitude or NI]). All these neurophysiological measurements differed between age groups (p<0.001). Hand muscle NIs, as well as SHI_NI and SHI_CMAP were age dependent. This may be relevant for diagnostic purposes in motor neuron diseases.

Serological Diagnosis and Epidemiological impact of Helicobacter pylori infection on human health in Diyala Governorate, Iraq

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is one of the most common bacterial stomach infections and is implicated in a majority of stomach and duodenum ulcer as well as may be gastric cancer. The study showed that the incidence in diyala is nearly high comparing with the surrounding, little known about H. pylori prevalence in this population or other Native communities. In this cross-sectional study aimed to determine the prevalence of H. pylori among people subjects of different age groups ranged between 1 year to &gt;50 years old. Two hundred and fifty of blood samples were collected from patients admitted Teaching hospitals in Baqubaa city and subjected to serological screening test.&#x0D; The results revealed that the prevalence of H. pylori antibody in human blood samples were 75.2%. the results appeared that H. pylori in males were more infected than females as the rate78.1% among males compared with females’ infection rate was 70%. The study also showed that the high prevalence rate of H. pylori antibody in the blood of patient’s age group 31-40 years was (77.8%), followed by the age group of 41-50 years (76.2%). Regarding risk factors, smoker males were the most infected with H. pylori (78.4%) compared to smoker females (31.7%). The results concluded that, the seroprevalence of H. pylori among human in Diyala Governorate was very high, and the infection occurred at all ages, particularly the youth ages

Serological Diagnosis and Epidemiological impact of Helicobacter pylori infection on human health in Diyala Governorate, Iraq

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is one of the most common bacterial stomach infections and is implicated in a majority of stomach and duodenum ulcer as well as gastric cancer. The study showed that the incidence in Diyala is nearly high comparing with the surrounding, little known about H. pylori prevalence in this population or other Native communities. In this cross-sectional study aimed to determine the prevalence of H. pylori among people subjects of different age groups ranged between 1 year to &gt;50 years old. Two hundred and fifty of blood samples were collected from patients admitted Teaching hospitals in Baqubah city and subjected to serological screening test.&#x0D; The results revealed that the prevalence of H. pylori antibody in human blood samples were 75.2%. The results appeared that H. pylori in males were more than females as rate was 78% among males compared to females’ infection rate was 70%. The study also showed that the high prevalence rate of H. pylori antibody in the blood of patient’s age group 31-40 years was (77.8%), followed by the age group of 41-50 years (76.2%). Regarding risk factors, smoker males were the most infected with H. pylori (78.4%) compared to smoker females (31.7%). The results concluded that, the seroprevalence of H. pylori among human in Diyala Governorate was very high, and the infection occurred at all ages, particularly in the young people ages.

Using Quantitative Computed Tomography to Study the Correlation Between Physical Composition and Grip Strength in Young People

To study with quantitative computed tomography (QCT) the correlation between grip strength and physical composition and waist and hip circumferences in young people with different body mass indexes (BMIs). A total of 1310 young people who came to West China Hospital, Sichuan University for physical checkups and underwent chest QCT at our hospital from April to July 2021 were included in the study. Their data were collected and their BMIs were calculated. The subjects were divided according to their BMIs into 4 groups, underweight group (BMI<18.5 kg/m 2), normal-weight group (18.5 kg/m 2≤BMI<24 kg/m 2), overweight group (24 kg/m 2≤BMI<28 kg/m 2), and obesity group (BMI≥28 kg/m 2). The raw data were uploaded to QCT Mindways Pro 6.1 software to be processed for measurement of the fat content (area) of the physical components of the L2 vertebral body, including total adipose tissue (TAT), visceral adipose tissue (VAT), subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT), and abdominal fat ratio, or VAT/SAT. Grip strength was measured with CAMRY EH101 digital grip dynamometer. Statistical analysis of the data was performed, and the correlations between grip strength and various physical components, waist circumference, and hip circumference in subjects of different BMIs were examined. In addition, stratified analysis of normal-weight and overweight subjects of different age groups was conducted. In the normal-weight group, height, body mass, hip circumference and grip strength were positively correlated with grip strength in males aged 21-40 years, SAT was negatively correlated with grip strength in males aged 36-40 years, and VAT/SAT was positively correlated with grip strength in males aged 36-40 years. In normal-weight females aged 21-25 years, SAT was negatively correlated with grip strength, while VAT and VAT/SAT were positively correlated with grip strength. In normal-weight females aged 26-40 years, height, body mass, and hip circumference were positively correlated with grip strength. In normal-weight females aged 36-40 years, VAT/SAT was positively correlated with grip strength. In overweight males aged 21-25 years, hip circumference and body mass were positively correlated with grip strength. In overweight males aged 26-30 years, TAT, waist-to-hip ratio, and waist-to-height ratio were negatively correlated with grip strength. In overweight males aged 31-40 years, height and body mass were positively correlated with grip strength, while waist-to-hip ratio and waist-to-height ratio were negatively correlated with grip strength. In addition, hip circumference was positively correlated with grip strength in overweight males aged 31-35 years. In overweight females aged 21-25 years, waist circumference, hip circumference, and waist-to-height ratio were positively correlated with grip strength. In overweight females aged 26-30 years, height and body mass were positively correlated with grip strength. In overweight females aged 31-35 years, TAT, SAT, waist circumference, waist-to-hip ratio, and waist-to-height ratio were negatively correlated with grip strength. In overweight females aged 36-40 years, SAT and waist-to-height ratio were negatively correlated with grip strength, while VAT, VAT/SAT, height and body mass were positively correlated with grip strength. The height and body mass of males and females in the underweight group were positively correlated with grip strength, and the hip circumference of females in the underweight group was also positively correlated with grip strength. In the obesity group, TAT, VAT, and waist-to-height ratio were negatively correlated with grip strength in males, but no such correlation was observed in females. There is a close association between abdominal fat content and grip strength in young people with different BMIs, indicating that young people should control abdominal fat content and hip fat content in order to maintain the strength of corresponding muscles.

Association of BCL11A and HBS1L-MYB Polymorphisms in Sickle Cell Anaemia Subjects of Different Age Groups in Nigeria

Association of BCL11A and HBS1L-MYB Polymorphisms in Sickle Cell Anaemia Subjects of Different Age Groups in Nigeria

LB951 Assessing penetration, delivery, and mode of action of dissolving microneedle patches for reducing under-eye wrinkles using reflectance confocal microscopy

The purpose of this study was to visualize penetrance of self dissolving microneedles into different layers of the epidermis, visualize subsurface anatomical changes and calculate distance between microneedles and visualize deposition of drugs in the dermis. We recruited 8 subjects of different age groups to better understand how the microneedling patches containing hyaluronic acid and botulinum polypeptide-1 work under the eye to reduce wrinkles. Clinical pictures were taken and reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) was performed before application and after removal of the patch to view subsurface anatomical changes. Each under eye patch was left for at least 6 hours overnight before performing a confocal scan. In 1 subject, we performed confocal microscopy after 1 hour and 2 hours of patch application to better understand the mode of action of microneedle patches. We were able to visualize the area of penetration of microneedles into the epidermis. Distance between microneedles was calculated. We were clearly able to visualize deposition of drugs into the dermis in 3 subjects, as well as in the subject that was confocaled sequentially after 1 and 2 hours. Dissolving microneedle patches allow for targeted drug delivery and are available over the counter for various aesthetic reasons, including wrinkles. RCM can be a useful tool to study microneedle penetration and drug delivery. Furthermore, it can help visualize and determine which areas of the skin would be ideal for transdermal drug delivery.

Dexmedetomidine Improves Non-rapid Eye Movement Stage 2 Sleep in Children in the Intensive Care Unit on the First Night After Laparoscopic Surgery.

BackgroundPrevious studies have reported that children who were admitted to the ICU experienced a significant decrease in sleep quality compared to home. We investigated the effects of dexmedetomidine as an adjunct to sufentanil on the sleep in children admitted to the ICU on the first night after major surgery.MethodsThis is a prospective study From January to February 2022. Clinical trial number: ChiCTR2200055768, http://www.chictr.org.cn. Fifty-four children aged 1–10 years old children undergoing major laparoscopic surgery were recruited and randomly assigned to either the DEX group, in which intravenous dexmedetomidine (0.3 ug/kg/h) and sufentanil (0.04 ug/kg/h) were continuously infused intravenously for post-operative analgesia; or the SUF group, in which only sufentanil (0.04 ug/kg/h) was continuously infused. Patients were monitored with polysomnography (PSG) on the first night after surgery for 12 h. PSG, sleep architecture, physiologic variables and any types of side effects related to anesthesia and analgesia were recorded. The differences between the two groups were assessed using the chi-square and Wilcoxon rank-sum tests.ResultsFifty-four children completed data collection, of which thirty-four were 1–6 years old and twenty were aged >6 years. Compared to the SUF group, subjects in the DEX group aged 1–6 years displayed increased stage 2 sleep duration (P = 0.02) and light sleep duration (P = 0.02). Subjects aged >6 years in the DEX group also displayed increased stage 2 sleep duration (P = 0.035) and light sleep duration (P = 0.018), but decreased REM sleep percentage (P = 0). Additionally, the heart rate and blood pressure results differed between age groups, with the heart rates of subjects aged >6 years in DEX group decreasing at most time points compared to SUF group (P < 0.05).ConclusionDexmedetomidine prolonged N2 sleep and light sleep duration in the pediatric ICU after surgery but had different effects on the heart rate and blood pressure of subjects in different age groups.

Prediction of Blood Glucose Level Using Nonlinear System Identification Approach

Predicting the blood glucose level of type 1 diabetes mellitus of patients could prevent hypo/hyperglycemia incidents that are threats for the patients with this disease. A nonlinear system identification approach is proposed in this work to develop a mathematical model, which can be used to predict the blood glucose level over a given period with high accuracy. More specifically, the Hammerstein Box-Jenkins model is used to approximate the system, where two infinite impulse response filters represent the linear and noise processes, and a polynomial basis function represents the nonlinearity. The proposed identification method is based on the Steiglitz-McBride approach to predict the model parameters. Moreover, a simulation software licensed by the USA Food and Drug Administration that simulates the dynamics of the glucose-insulin system metabolism inside the body, called Type I Diabetes Metabolic Simulator (T1DMS), was used to generate the data. Thirty subjects of different age groups were considered, and the data was generated for a week with a sample per minute, i.e. 302430 data points. This data was then processed using a developed MATLAB code to predict the blood glucose level. Various scenarios were established to validate the proposed approach. The simulations showed very promising results with a very low average root mean square error of 1 mg/dl, which is seven times less compared to other prediction techniques. Other cost functions have also been used and they showed very good results. In the future, this approach can be embedded in closed-loop continuous blood glucose monitoring systems in order to give alerts to the patients and help in calculating the needed insulin dose.

Reference interval for type III procollagen (PIIINP) using the Advia centaur PIIINP assay in adults and elderly

Objective The amino-terminal peptide of type III procollagen (PIIINP) is a byproduct of type III collagen synthesis that exhibits promise as a biomarker of fibrosis, specifically in monitoring hepatic fibrosis in methotrexate treated patients. The Advia Centaur® PIIINP assay is developed for track-based automated laboratory systems and is suitable for large volume analysis. Reference intervals in children and younger adults have been published previously. Here we measured PIIINP to determine reference ranges, specifically including elderly patients, for whom such are currently lacking. Methods Samples were collected from subjects ranging from 20 to 98 years of age. Blood donors and clinical samples from primary care patients were used for reference interval calculation. Samples were analysed using the Advia Centaur® PIIINP assay. After exclusion of samples high in alanine transaminase (AST), aspartate transaminase (ALT), and C-reactive protein (CRP) 386 samples were used in the reference interval calculation. Results and conclusion We determined the following reference interval for the Advia Centaur® PIIINP assay: the lower limit of the reference interval (2.5% percentile with 95% CI) was 4.42 (4.20–4.65) µg/L and the upper limit of the reference interval (97.5% percentile 95% CI) 16.0 (15.04–17.02) µg/L.No significant differences in mean PIIINP concentrations were found between men and women. While differing mean PIIINP concentrations were seen among subjects in different age groups, the differences were small and partitioning of reference range was determined not to be necessary.

NATURALLY OCCURRING RADIONUCLIDE 40K BODY CONTENT OF KAKRAPAR GUJARAT SITE POPULATION

An attempt was made to investigate the naturally occurring radionuclide 40K body content of the Kakrapar Gujarat Site (India) population by using whole-body counting method. The population comprises occupational workers (regular and contract personnel working at Kakrapar Atomic Power station) and students from various educational institutions. A total of 1056 subjects of different age groups and gender were monitored for 40K body content by using a Standfast-II Whole Body Counting System. The reactor released radionuclides such as 137Cs, 60Co and 131I are not detected in occupational workers of Kakrapar Atomic Power station which indicates that occupational workers are free from radioactive contamination. Based on the activity measurement, an effective dose due to 40K was estimated for different groups of the site population based on the dietary habits, sex and age. Statistical significant correlation was not observed in any of the groups. The annual effective dose due to 40K was found to be in the range of 52-243μSvy-1 with an average of 133±35μSvy-1 for the vegetarian group (588 subjects), 60-223μSvy-1 with an average of 136±35μSvy-1 for the non-vegetarian group (468 subjects), 52-243μSvy-1 with an average of 134±35μSvy-1 for the male group (1007 subjects) and 67-203μSvy-1 with an average of 128±35μSvy-1 for the female group (49 subjects), respectively. Among the four age groups of the population studied, an effective dose due to 40K is slightly higher in the age group of 20-29 (161 subjects). The annual effective dose due to 40K reported by UNSCEAR, 1982(3) is 180μSvy-1.

Age- and Sex-Related Differences in Recovery From High-Intensity and Endurance Exercise: A Brief Review.

This brief review examines current research to indicate possible differences in recovery processes between male and female athletes of different age groups. The paper focuses on postexercise recovery following sprint and endurance tests and tries to identify determinants that modulate possible differences in recovery between male and female subjects of different age groups. The literature analysis indicates age- and sex-dependent differences in short- and long-term recovery. Short-term recovery differs among children, adults, and masters. Children have shorter lactate half-life and a faster cardiac and respiratory recovery compared to adults. Additionally, children and masters require shorter recovery periods during interval bouts than trained adults. Trained women show a slower cardiac and respiratory recovery compared to trained men. Long-term recovery is strongly determined by the extent of muscle damage. Trained adults tend to have more extensive muscle damage compared to masters and children. The influence of age and sex on the recovery process varies among the different functional systems and depends on the time of the recovery processes. Irrespective of age and sex, the performance capacity of the individual determines the recovery process after high-intensity and endurance exercise.

Non-invasive evaluation of the common carotid artery in normal adults using ultrasound radiofrequency data technology

To evaluate the changes in CCA-IMT and vascular elasticity in healthy subjects in relation to age using radiofrequency data technology, to produce reference values for potential clinical applications. The following variables were measured in 160 subjects using radiofrequency data techniques: CCA-IMT, carotid distensibility (CD), local pulse-wave velocity (PWVβ), and stiffness (β). The subjects were divided into four age groups (30-39, 40-49, 50-59, and 60-69 years), with 20 men and 20 women in each group. The above parameters were compared among the different age groups. CCA-IMT increased significantly with age (p<0.05). CD decreased significantly in the 40-49-years compared with the 30-39-years age group (p<0.05). PWVβ showed a significant increase in the 30-39-, 40-49-, and 50-59-years age groups (p<0.05). β increased significantly in the 50-59- compared with the 40-49-years age group (p<0.05). Compared with the 50-59-years age group, CD, PWVβ, and β showed no significant changes in the 60-69-years age group (p>0.05), with mean values of 329.39±102.06 μm, 7.22±1.91 m/s, and 10.04±4.91, respectively. Ultrasound radiofrequency data technology provides a non-invasive method for quantitatively and accurately assessing increased CCA-IMT and reduced vascular elasticity in healthy subjects in different age groups. The reference values produced in this study will be useful in clinical practice.

Correlation of soft palate shape with skeletal malocclusion

Introduction: Soft palate is a fibromuscular organ essential for phonation, deglutition, respiration, and velopharyngeal competence. It exists in various shapes including rat tail type, leaf type, butt type, straight line, crooked type, and S shaped. There have been studies in the literature that has compared the morphological variation of soft palate in genders and subjects of different age groups. However, the literature is limited regarding the correlation of soft palate shape with different skeletal patterns. Hence, this study was undertaken. Aims: To study various shape of soft palate on lateral cephalogram in patients with skeletal Class I, Class II, and Class III malocclusions. Settings and Design: A retrospective study. Subjects and Methods: Total 90 lateral cephalograms of skeletal Class I (30), Class II (30), and Class III (30) were classified on the basis of W angle into skeletal pattern as Class I, Class II, and Class III. Their soft palates were traced and compared for the shape variation. Statistical Analysis Used: Pearson's Chi-square test. Results: The result showed that crooked shape soft palate is more frequent type among the population. In skeletal Class I malocclusion, crooked was most frequent shape of palate followed by leaf shape. In skeletal Class II malocclusion, crooked was most common followed by rat tail type and in Class III malocclusion, butt shape was most common followed by leaf type. Conclusions: Significant correlation exists between the variants of soft palate and skeletal malocclusion