bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nucleotide Sequences Specific for Nonnominal Immunoglobulin Allotypes in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients and in Normal Individuals and Their Expression in Synovial Tissue of Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients
Authors: Bjarnadottir Maria , Nathansson Carl-Michael , Balbin Milagros , Eberhardt Kerstin , Åman Pierre , Grubb Rune
Published: April 2003

The production of antibodies against nonnominal immunoglobulin allotypes in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients suggests that the immune system of these patients has been exposed to such foreign allotypes. The presence of nonnominal allotypes is, however, a genetic enigma. We searched for nucleotide sequences specific for nonnominal G3mg and G3mb copies in individuals homozygous for these alleles. Using a sensitive and specific nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method with genomic DNA from blood of 18 RA patients and 5 normal controls, we found G3mg sequences in 18 of 18 tested G3mb homozygous persons. The allele specificity of the PCR fragments was confirmed by sequencing and RFLP analysis. The PCR products contained genomic nonspliced parts of the nonnominal sequences. An analysis of cDNA from inflammatory tissue of 5 RA patients detected nonnominal G3mb sequences in 1 of 3 tested G3mg homozygotes and G3mg sequences in 2 of 2 tested G3mb homozygotes. The cDNA-derived PCR products contained sequences from normally spliced nonnominal Ig fragments. The results also showed that the nonnominal Ig sequences were present in very low copy numbers, lower than the Mendelian 1–2 copies per cell. The origin of such a low copy number of Ig gene fragments may be explained by a virus-mediated capture and transfer mechanism of Ig gene fragments generated by the normal Ig switch-associated gene excision process.
Characterisation of the Human Central MHC Gene, BAT1: Genomic Structure and Expression
Authors: Allcock Richard J.N. , Price Patricia , Gaudieri Silvana , Leelayuwat Chanvit , Witt Campbell S. , Dawkins Roger L.
Published: April 2003

The BAT1 gene (D6S81E) encodes a member of the DEAD-box family of RNA-binding proteins, and lies in the central MHC. This region contains genes which affect susceptibility to immunopathological diseases. A 14-kb section of the human MHC containing the BAT1 gene and a further 5-kb telomeric of BAT1 was sequenced using DNA from individuals homozygous for HLA-A1, B8, DR3 and HLA- A1, B57, DR7. Analysis of our sequences and the previously reported human cDNA sequence showed that the expressed sequence of the 8.1 and 57.1 haplotypes is identical with only minor substitutions in the introns. Phylogenetic analysis suggests BAT1 may be a translation initiation factor. Screening of cells and tissues for BAT1 mRNA suggests an abundant member of a family of proteins expressed in multiple cell types, notably macrophages and hepatocytes. Expression was independent of MHC haplotype, consistent with the lack of sequence polymorphism.
Polymorphism of Transmembrane Region of MICA Gene and Kawasaki Disease
Authors: Huang Fu-Yuan , Lee Yann-Jinn , Chen Ming-Ren , Hsu Chyong-Hsin , Lin Shuan-Pei , Sung Tseng-Chen , Chang Shih-Chuan , Chang Jan-Gowth
Published: April 2003

Kawasaki disease is a febrile disease of children complicated with vasculitis of the coronary arteries and potential aneurysm formation. It has been recognized worldwide and appears to be increasing in frequency. Studies have found that Kawasaki disease is associated with major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I B antigens. The MHC-class-I-chain-related gene A (MICA) is located near HLA-B. It has a triplet repeat microsatellite polymorphism in the transmembrane region. We investigated the microsatellite polymorphism in children with Kawasaki disease and controls. Seventy children (46 boys), age at diagnosis 1.68 ± 1.69 years, with Kawasaki who were treated with aspirin as well as intravenous gamma-globulin were enrolled. Control subjects consisted of 154 children (87 boys), age 2.81 ± 2.12 years. Phenotype frequency of allele A4 in patients with aneurysm formation was significantly lower than in patients without aneurysms [relative risk (RR) = 0.06, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.01–0.48, p = 0.00469, pc = 0.0232] and showed a similar tendency when compared with controls. Gene frequency of allele A4 was also significantly lower in patients who developed aneurysms than in patients who did not (RR = 0.07, 95% CI = 0.01–0.57, p = 0.0057, pc = 0.0282). Gene frequency of allele A5 showed a tendency to be higher in patients who developed aneurysms than in controls (RR = 2.35, 95% CI = 0.98–5.63, p = 0.0486, pc = 0.220). Allele A5.1 tended to be negatively associated with Kawasaki disease (RR = 0.57, 95% CI = 0.35–0.93, p = 0.022, pc = 0.105). Our study showed that allele A4 was negatively associated with coronary aneurysm formation in Kawasaki disease. This suggests that allele A4 protects the children with Kawasaki disease from developing coronary aneurysms after aspirin and gamma globulin therapy.
Aktuelle Untersuchungen zur Präferenzohrigkeit
Authors: Reiss M.
Published: April 2003

Sensorische Asymmetrien zeigen sich vor allem im Bereich der Augen und der Ohren. Es gibt verschiedene Möglichkeiten, diese Asymmetrien zu untersuchen. Hierbei kann man Präferenz-, Leistungstests and sensorische Tests unterscheiden. Im Gegensatz zur Präferenz der Augen wurde die Ohrpräferenz bisher nur wenig berücksichtigt. Das Ziel dieser Studie ist es, einige neue Aspekte zur Untersuchung vorzulegen. Wir konnten in der Literatur insgesamt 13 verschiedene Tests zur Bestimmung der Präferenzohrigkeit nachweisen: «Schublade», «Tischdecke», «Schachtel», «Stoppuhr», «Telefonhörer», «Wandtelefon», «Ohrstecker», «Tür», «Herzschlag», «Taschenradio», «Stimme», «Wand» und «Kopfbewegung». Bei insgesamt 300 Studenten wurde nun die Brauchbarkeit dieser 13 Testproben geprüft. Es konnte eine hohe Beziehung zwischen «Stoppuhr», «Herzschlag», «Tür» und «Schachtel» nachgewiesen werden, nicht jedoch zwischen Telefonieren und Ohrigkeit. Es wird vorgeschlagen, die Ohrigkeit mit einer Testbatterie zu bestimmen, welche vier Testproben umfasst («Stoppuhr», «Herzschlag», «Tür» und «Schachtel»).
Aerodynamic Assessment of Velopharyngeal Function during Normal Speech Containing Different Places of Articulation
Authors: Dotevall Hans , Lohmander-Agerskov Anette , Almquist Sven-Åke , Bake Björn
Published: April 2003

The aim of this study was to describe the aerodynamics related to velopharyngeal function during speech in bilabial, dental, and velar articulatory positions in Swedish speakers. Repeated syllables including voiceless stop consonants and sentences including combinations of voiceless stops and nasal consonants were uttered by 11 normal adults. Oropharyngeal pressure was assessed with a miniature pressure transducer positioned transnasally, in combination with measurement of nasal pressure and nasal airflow. The corresponding velopharyngeal opening area was estimated. The results suggest that the velopharyngeal function during stop consonants is similar in different articulatory positions. Differences in oropharyngeal pressure and nasal airflow between bilabial versus dental and velar positions were found, presumably due to differences in volume and compliance of the vocal tract.
Occurrence of Dental Consonant Misarticulations in Different Cleft Types
Authors: Laitinen Jaana , Haapanen Marja-Leena , Paaso Marjukka , Pulkkinen Joonas , Heliövaara Arja , Ranta Reijo
Published: April 2003

To study the occurrence and type of misarticulations in dental consonants /r/, /s/ and /l/ 280 (115 girls, 165 boys) 6-year-old cleft children were examined by 1 of the 2 experienced speech pathologists of the cleft team. The patients included 82 children with isolated cleft palate (CP), 82 with cleft lip with (34) or without (48) cleft alveolus [CL(A)], 85 with unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP) and 31 with bilateral cleft lip and palate (BCLP). CP children were first divided into subgroups; there were 17 children with soft palate cleft, 49 with partial and 16 with complete hard palate cleft. All patients were native Finnish speakers, and had normal hearing, no known syndrome or associated anomalies possibly affecting speech or psychomotor retardation. The results showed that the occurrence and severity as well as the number of errors of all studied sounds separately or grouped increased with the severity of the cleft being constantly greatest in the BCLP group and lowest in the CL(A) group. Altogether 44% of the patients misarticulated at least one studied sound; 41% distorted and 5% substituted, and 2% both distorted and substituted. The /r/ sound was misarticulated by 36%, the /s/ sound by 23%, and the /l/ sound by 18% of the patients. Boys tend to have more problems in producing the studied sounds correctly.
Treatment Research in Speech, Language and Swallowing: Lessons from Child Language Disorders
Authors: Gallagher Tanya M.
Published: April 2003

Three major types of treatment research methodologies are described. Studies on child language intervention are reviewed as examples of trends and methodological issues characterizing treatment research in speech, language, and swallowing within the last 2–3 decades. Principles are drawn from that literature and suggestions for future directions are discussed with particular attention to recent efforts to support clinical trials and treatment outcomes research.
What Determines the Differences in Perceptual Rating of Dysphonia between Experienced Raters?
Authors: Millet B. , Dejonckere P.H.
Published: April 2003

Although the perceptual GRBAS scale for pathological voice quality has been found to be sufficiently reliable in clinical practice, even experienced raters disagree to some extent, and the degree of disagreement depends on the perceptual characteristics. We looked for a possible link between the degree of disagreement (65 voices; 2 experienced raters) and objective acoustical measurements. No significant correlation appeared between any acoustical parameter and the degree of disagreement for G. By contrast, the difference in perceptual rating of R was related to the amount of shimmer, and the difference in perceptual rating of B was related to some extent to the amount of jitter. Thus the presence of a strong breathy component in a pathological voice disturbs the rating of the rough component, and reciprocally.
The Operation of Rendaku in the Japanese Specifically Language- Impaired: A Preliminary Investigation
Authors: Fukuda Suzy E. , Fukuda Shinji
Published: April 2003

Rendaku is a well-documented phenomenon in Japanese phonology in which a word-initial voiceless obstruent becomes voiced when it is the second member of a compound (e.g., ori + kami → origami ‘paper folding’). It was hypothesized that Japanese specifically language-impaired (SLI) children who appear to rely on explicit declarative memory as opposed to implicit procedural memory to learn language would have difficulty forming such compounds: word-initial voiceless obstruents would remain unvoiced in the second members of non-frequent and novel compounds. Six Japanese SLI children, ranging in age from 8;9 to 12;1, 6 age-matched non-SLI children and 4 younger non-SLI children were given a word formation task involving three different categories of compounds. A significant difference in performance between the groups was found. The data indicate that the SLI children did not in fact voice most of the initial obstruents of the second member in non-frequent and novel compounds, whereas the age-matched non-SLI children did voice the appropriate obstruents of all the compounds and the younger non-SLI children voiced some initial obstruents of all the compounds. Qualitative differences in the responses provide evidence that the SLI children did not have or were unable to construct a productive procedural rule of voicing.
Interobserver Agreement on Normal Swallowing Physiology as Viewed by Videoendoscopy
Authors: Logemann Jeri A. , Rademaker Alfred W. , Pauloski Barbara Roa , Ohmae Yukio , Kahrilas Peter J.
Published: April 2003

This study examines the agreement of 2 observers in identifying selected normal oropharyngeal swallow events in the 1- and 5-ml swallows of 3 normal young adult males as identified by videoendoscopy at each of two endoscopic positions: (1) with the tip of the endoscope just at or below the tip of the uvula (high position), and (2) with the tip of the endoscope just below the tip of the epiglottis (low position), and thereby defines the needed focus for observer training in endoscopic assessment of swallowing. Overall, the more and less experienced examiners agreed on seeing or not seeing the onsets and terminations of the 12 events 83% of the time. Scope position affected observer agreement on several events while bolus volume did not.
Comparison of Different Voice Samples for Perceptual Analysis
Authors: Revis Joana , Giovanni Antoine , Wuyts Floris , Triglia Jean-Michel
Published: April 2003

Choice of voice sample material can influence perceptual judgments by a jury. The twofold purpose of this study was first to validate the pertinence of a sustained vowel for perceptual voice analysis in French speakers and second to test the hypothesis that use of only the stabilized portion of the vowel would lead to underestimation of dysphonia. Voice samples were recorded in 60 dysphonic patients and 20 normal controls. Three different sample materials were obtained for each subject, i.e. connected speech, a sustained vowel including both the initial and stable portion (complete sustained vowel), and a sustained vowel including only the stable portion (stabilized sustained vowel). The jury was composed of 7 experienced listeners. Jury consistency was measured as a percentage of agreeing judgments for the same subject. No difference in consistency was observed using the three sample materials. Judgments on stabilized sustained vowels were confirmed as less severe than judgments on connected speech. Judgments on complete sustained vowels were comparable to judgments on connected speech.
Food Measures and Other Critical Diagnostic Measures
Authors: Fujiu-Kurachi Masako
Published: April 2003

The physiology of swallowing has been extensively investigated by a number of researchers with the use of various techniques. These studies contributed greatly to our understanding of human deglutition. However, in order to provide better treatment to the patients with swallowing disorders, certain areas of swallowing need further research and/or objective measures to quantify data. This article discusses the controllable aspects of the swallowing evaluation, including the materials to be given to the patients and the measures useful in diagnosis and treatment of swallowing disorders.
Augmentative and Alternative Communication in Logopedics
Authors: Jensen Mogens Hygum
Published: April 2003

Like logopedics, augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) has a short history and a long past. In the 1950s and 60s the field of AAC emerged as a response to the need of individuals who, despite years of ‘traditional speech therapy’, had not developed adequate oral communication skills, and for whom compensatory rather than remedial approaches were thus deemed advisable. Various trends like the shift from form to function in language development research, dissemination of sign language, use of non-speech graphic symbols, advances in computer technology, and international collaboration have all contributed to AAC’s present-day status as a multidisciplinary enterprise involving speech-language therapists and an array of other professions. Clinical experience, for lack of comprehensive empirical studies, seems to indicate that AAC is warranted for congenital as well as acquired communication disorders.
Respiratory Responses to Sudden Pressure Venting during Stop Consonant Production
Authors: Smith Hammond Carol , Warren Donald W. , Mayo Robert , Zajac David
Published: April 2003

Twenty healthy adults, age range 20–55 years, participated in a study to assess the responses of the upper airway to sudden, unanticipated pressure venting during speech production. A computer was used to open or close a valve in a random fashion during one of two productions of the word ‘hamper’. The SAR System (Microtronics Corp., Chapel Hill, N.C., USA) was used to collect and monitor respiratory variables associated with speech production. Results indicated no significant changes in duration between vented and unvented conditions. Although intraoral pressure was reduced under vented conditions, the magnitude was sufficient for sound generation. Respiratory effort increased when the airway was suddenly vented, suggesting a compensatory response to experimental perturbation. However, the response contrasted somewhat from what has been observed in patients with velopharyngeal inadequacy, indicating that the strategy used may be different.
The Number of Therapeutic Sessions in Logopedic Care: A Description and Analysis
Authors: Hofhuis Hannelore , Steultjens Martijn , Sluijs Emmy , Raaijmakers Marianne , Dekker Joost
Published: April 2003

The aim of this study was (i) to describe the number of therapeutic sessions in logopedic care in the Netherlands and (ii) to analyse which factors determine the number of sessions. An analysis was performed on a data set of 517 patients who received logopedic treatment. Data concerning patient characteristics, medical diagnosis, logopedic diagnosis (in terms of impairments, disabilities and handicaps) and the number of sessions were available. The mean number of sessions was 17.2 (SD 10.7). In a multivariate analysis 19.4% of the total amount of variance in the number of sessions was explained; impairments were the only significant determinant. Language development impairments, aural impairments and impairments of auditory functions were associated with a relatively large number of sessions; impairments in reading and writing were associated with relatively few sessions. Recommendations for the design of future studies on the optimal number of sessions are derived from these findings.
Function and Cytochemical Characteristics of Postural Limb Muscles of the Rhesus Monkey: A Telemetered EMG and Immunofluorescence Study
Authors: Jouffroy Françoise K. , Stern Jack T. , Medina Monique F. , Larson Susan G.
Published: April 2003

Using telemetered electromyography and immunocytochemical fibre typing (of both fresh frozen and preserved specimens), the present paper demonstrates clearly that at the elbow, knee, and ankle joints, the rhesus monkey (Macaca mulatta) is endowed with one extensor-muscle head specialized for posture. These postural heads are distinguished by (a) recruitment at low levels to maintain joint position against the effect of gravity, (b) recruitment near maximum levels during walking, and (c) high content and relatively large size of slow, fatigue-resistant (type I) muscle fibres. The nonpostural heads of the investigated muscles were recruited at levels correlated to the strenuousness of the effort and are notable by the small percentage and size of slow muscle fibres. The postmortem stability of the structural properties of myosin makes immunocytochemical fibre typing suitable for the study of preserved cadavers.
A Longitudinal Study of the Growth Pattern of the Maxillary Sinus in the Pig-Tailed Macaque (Macaca nemestrina)
Authors: Koppe Thomas , Swindler Daris R. , Lee Sung Hee
Published: April 2003

The ontogeny of sexual dimorphism in maxillary sinus size in a nonhuman primate was studied longitudinally for a period of 8 years in 25 female and 25 male Macaca nemestrina via lateral cephalograms. The maxillary sinus was traced and its area digitized. The growth of female maxillary sinuses was described with a Gompertz model; the best fit to the male data was obtained by the logistic model. Growth curves and confidence intervals revealed that the sinuses grew in a similar fashion for 3–4 years in both sexes. After this, female sinuses achieved a plateau in their development while male sinuses continued to grow. Confidence intervals suggested that size dimorphism appeared at the age of 6.3 years. Lowess regression indicated growth spurts in both sexes. Females experienced an earlier and smaller spurt than males. Sexual dimorphism in maxillary sinus size seems to represent a combination of differences in velocity and length of growth. This study indicates that growth of the maxillary sinus follows closely the growth in body size. Nevertheless, due to the variation in sinus size in Macaca, it is questionable if body size is the main determinant of maxillary sinus size. It is suggested that Macaca, with its wide geographic range and different environments, is an especially appropriate genus to use to test hypotheses about the evolution of skull pneumatization in primates.
Senescent Erythrocytes Exhibit a Single-Hit Response to Staphylococcal Alpha Toxin
Authors: Kantor Lana , Fackrell Hugh B.
Published: April 2003

In vitro aged rabbit erythrocytes are 2- to 3-fold less sensitive than fresh erythrocytes to lysis by the alpha toxin of Staphylococcus aureus. Previously, we correlated the loss in hemolytic sensitivity as cells aged with the proteolytic degradation of Band 3, a putative binding site for staphylococcal alpha toxin. Here we separated young and old erythrocytes by density gradient centrifugation and compared their patterns of lysis by alpha toxin. Derivative plots of lytic-time curves exhibited two lytic peaks for young erythrocytes versus a single peak for the aged erythrocytes. Hit analysis showed that the first peak in the young cells was generated by the monomeric form of the toxin while the second peak involved the polymeric form. Similar analysis of the single peak in the aged erythrocytes showed that only a monomeric form of the toxin is involved in the lysis. Furthermore, analysis of alpha toxin receptor (Band 3) indicated that the receptor is gradually lost as erythrocytes age. This loss in Band 3 is proportional to the decrease in the rate of lysis by alpha toxin. Based on these comparisons we suggest that the intact Band 3 promotes polymeric assembly of the alpha toxin which becomes disrupted by the age-related changes occurring in the receptor.
The Use of Tetanus Toxoid to Elucidate the Delayed-Type Hypersensitivity Response in an Older, Immunized Population
Authors: French Audrey L. , McCullough Marsha E. , Rice Kathleen T. , Schultz Maureen E. , Gordin Fred M.
Published: April 2003

Tuberculin reactivity decreases with age despite epidemiologic evidence that the elderly are more likely to have been infected. Whether this phenomenon is due to lack of antigenic stimulus or host inability to mount a delayed type hypersensitivity (DTH) response is unclear. In order to determine if the DTH response to tetanus toxoid in an exposed population is a useful tool to understand the phenomenon of lack of tuberculin reactivity in the remotely exposed elderly, a trial of skin testing was undertaken. Seventy-seven residents of a Veterans Affairs domiciliary were skin-tested using solutions of tetanus toxoid, candida and mumps skin test antigen. The 35 subjects who had negative reaction to the tetanus skin test were randomized into two groups: one which received tetanus vaccination before repeat skin testing and one which did not. Positive skin test reactions occurred in 42 patients to tetanus toxoid, 44 to mumps and 37 to candida. Of the 35 randomized, 27 were available for repeat skin tests. None reacted to the repeat tetanus skin test although 5 reacted to other antigens to which they had previously been nonreactive. Tetanus toxoid was equal to other antigens in its ability to elicit a DTH response originally; however antigenic stimulation with vaccination did not elicit positive skin test in nonreactors. Lack of DTH response to tetanus toxoid in recently vaccinated patients implies that nonresponse was secondary to host factors rather than lack of antigenic stimulation.
Influence of Aging on Cortical and Trabecular Bone Response to Estradiol Treatment in Ovariectomized Rats
Authors: Gaumet N. , Braillon P. , Seibel M.J. , Pointillart A. , Coxam V. , Davicco M.J.
Published: April 2003

Three groups (n = 15/group) of 6-, 12- and 30-month-old (mature, old and senescent animals, respectively) female Wistar rats on a diet (6 g/100 g BW/day) containing 0.8% calcium and 0.8% inorganic phosphorus were studied. Within each group, 10 rats were ovariectomized surgically and 5 injected s.c. with 17β-estradiol (E rats, 10 µg/kg BW/48 h) and 5 with solvent alone (OVX rats) from day 2 until day 60 after ovariectomy. Five other rats were sham-operated (SH rats) and received solvent only. All rats were killed by exsanguination 60 days after ovariectomy. Neither ovariectomy nor estradiol treatment had a significant effect upon tibial mechanical properties in 6-, 12- and 30-month-old animals. Bone mineral density (BMD) and bone mineral content (BMC) of the distal femur and BMC of the whole femur were decreased by ovariectomy in 6- and 12-month-old rats, but were not different in the SH and E groups. In senescent animals, in which the lowest BMD and BMC were measured, estradiol treatment was more effective in increasing these parameters than in adult and old rats. Image analysis of the distal femoral diaphysis showed that estradiol treatment prevented trabecular bone loss induced by senescence and/or ovariectomy. In each group, urinary deoxypyridinoline excretion and plasma osteocalcin concentration were higher in the OVX animals than in the controls, consistent with increased bone turnover in the estrogen-deficient state. Both biochemical turnover markers were reduced in the estrogen-treated groups. These results indicate that 17β-estradiol is particularly effective at preventing high-turnover-induced osteopenia in 30-month-old animals.
Insulin Stimulates Collagen Synthesis in Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells from Elderly Patients
Authors: Ruiz-Torres A. , Melón J. , Muñoz F.J.
Published: April 2003

The process of aging results in an increase in collagen in arterial walls, but the blood levels of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) decrease remarkably as adults age. There is an almost simultaneous increase in insulin secretion, particularly in obese individuals. It is not known if, under these hormonal conditions, the enrichment of collagen in the arterial wall is due to insulin. We studied the effect of insulin on the production of collagen in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) from elderly persons with high levels of insulin secretion after blocking the insulin receptors with a monoclonal antibody. Results were compared to those without insulin receptor blockage and to those with IGF-1. Despite the inhibition of 14C-glucose uptake, insulin clearly stimulated the release of procollagen III, and increased the collagen synthesis. The hydroxyproline labelling rate from 3H-proline increased to more than twice the control values. IGF-1 is a more potent effector than insulin, but the effect of insulin on the rate of collagen production became similar to IGF-1 when the specific receptors were blocked. The results indicate that under special conditions that occur with aging, insulin interacts with nonspecific receptors in VSMC, especially IGF-1, stimulating these cells to produce collagen.
Ageing and Rheological Properties of Facial Skin in Women
Authors: Piérard G.E. , Henry F. , Castelli D. , Ries G.
Published: April 2003

Ageing affects the mechanical properties of skin. Studies using objective measurements on facial skin have been rare and yielded contradictory information. In the present study, the age-related changes occurring in the mechanical properties of facial skin were reviewed using a computerized suction method. A total of 200 healthy women, aged from 17 to 68 years, were enrolled. Data show a significant increase in skin extensibility and a significant decline in elasticity with ageing. These changes become obvious in women approaching 40 years.
Influence of Age on Oxidative Bursts (Chemiluminescence) of Polymorphonuclear Neutrophil Leukocytes
Authors: Braga P.C. , Sala M.T. , Dal Sasso M. , Mancini L. , Sandrini M.C. , Annoni G.
Published: April 2003

The release of reactive oxygen species (ROS) during neutrophil oxidative bursts is the last of a sequence of different steps leading to the neutralization of pathogen microorganisms. Using luminol-amplified chemiluminescence (LACL), the oxidative burst activity of neutrophils in elderly people (≥75 years) was compared with that in younger controls (39 years on average) after activation with both particulate (Candida albicans) and soluble (formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine; fMLP) stimulants. After Candida stimulation, a reduction in LACL was observed in the elderly subjects in comparison with the controls, but the difference did not reach statistical significance. After fMLP stimulation, the reduction in LACL was significant, thus suggesting that the Candida pathway of chemiluminescence production seems to be less affected than the fMLP pathway. This finding raises questions concerning the complex differences in the pathways of cell killing and ROS generation, and their efficacy in the elderly. Various possible explanations are discussed, all of which need further investigation.
Age-Related Changes in Gastric Mucosal Repair and Proliferative Activities in Rats Exposed Acutely to Aspirin
Authors: Lee Makau , Hardman W. Elaine , Cameron Ivan
Published: April 2003

The present study was designed to determine whether there are any age-related changes in the repair of acute gastric mucosal injury induced by aspirin in Fischer 344 rats. We have also examined the influence of aging on gastric mucosal proliferative activities, a major component of gastric mucosal defense and repair mechanisms. Our data demonstrated that aging was associated with significant delays in both resolution of gross mucosal injury and regeneration of the injured gastric mucosa. However, there were no correlations between the regeneration of the injured gastric mucosa and gastric mucosal expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen and transforming growth factor-α immunoreactivities.
Total Knee Arthroplasty in the Elderly: Patients’ Self-Appraisal 6 and 12 Months Postoperatively
Authors: Dickstein Ruth , Heffes Yael , Shabtai Esther I. , Markowitz Emanuel
Published: April 2003

The objective of this work was to study patients’ self-appraisal of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) 6 and 12 months postoperatively, and to establish which factors determine dissatisfaction from surgery. The study group consisted of 79 patients subjected to TKA who underwent rehabilitation in a specialized institution from which they were discharged home after becoming independently ambulatory and capable of independent home care. Data were collected by interviews and physical examinations which were conducted upon admission to the rehabilitation program and at the patients’ homes 6 and 12 months postoperatively. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression were applied for data analysis. Results of the 1-year follow-up indicated a decrease in the prevalence of pain in the postoperated knee and improvement in ambulatory capacities. The frequency of reliance on a walking aid and the prevalence of pain in the nonoperated knee were not substantially changed, however. In 27% of the subjects pain in the nonoperated knee had worsened at 1 year. One third of the respondents expressed dissatisfaction from the operation. Outcomes of the logistic regression analysis pointed to pain in both the ipsi- and contralateral knee and to the limitations in using stairs as the variables which significantly affected the levels of dissatisfaction 1 year postoperatively. Dissatisfaction could have resulted from inappropriate expectations from either misinterpretations or limited prior knowledge of the likely results of the operation.
Peripheral Serotonin Levels in Women: Role of Aging and Ethnicity
Authors: Kumar Adarsh M. , Weiss Sharlene , Fernandez Jesus B. , Cruess Dean , Eisdorfer Carl
Published: April 2003

Serotonin has been implicated to play an important role in regulating emotions and behavior, and it is well accepted that the platelet serotonergic system mirrors the presynaptic central serotonergic system. Since prevalence of psychiatric problems increases with age and women are known to be more vulnerable than men, the present investigation was carried out to study the relationship between serotonin activity and age in women. Levels of serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) and its metabolite 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) were measured in platelets and plasma in women (n = 49) aged 40– 84 years (30 women aged 40–60 years and 19 women aged 61–84 years). There was a significant age difference between the two groups (mean: 47.6 ± 5.91 years in the younger and 73.0 ± 6.83 years in the older women, respectively, p < 0.00001). Platelet 5-HT as well as 5-HIAA levels were significantly higher in older women as compared to those in the younger women (89.41 ± 21.95 ng/108 platelets in younger vs. 112.9 ± 36.07 in older women, p < 0.02, and 1.20 ± 1.10 in younger vs. 2.19 ± 1.88 ng/108 platelets in older women, p < 0.05, respectively). Pearson correlation coefficients determined in the combined group (n = 49) showed a significant positive correlation between platelet 5-HT and age (r = 0.31, p < 0.03). Plasma 5-HT levels on the other hand were lower in older women compared to those in the younger women (4.50 ± 3.20 in younger vs. 1.04 ± 1.28 ng/ml plasma in older women, p < 0.0001) and a significant negative correlation was observed between plasma 5-HT and age (r = –0.44, p < 0.002). Plasma 5-HIAA concentration did not differ between the two groups. Platelet 5-HT levels in the younger group were independent of ethnicity. Since high serotonin activity has also been associated with psychiatric problems, our results of increased concentration of platelet 5-HT as well as 5-HIAA with age may have implications in predisposing aging women to behavioral/psychiatric problems.
Effects of Low-Impact, Moderate-Intensity Exercise Training with and without Wrist Weights on Functional Capacities and Mood States in Older Adults
Authors: Engels H.-J. , Drouin J. , Zhu W. , Kazmierski J.F.
Published: April 2003

This study examined the effects of low-impact, moderate-intensity exercise training with and without wrist weights (0.68 kg·wrist–1) on functional capacities and mood states in older adults (age 68.6 ± 5.6, mean ± SD). Twenty-three senior citizens residing in the community were randomly assigned to wrist weight (WW; n = 12) and no-wrist weight (NW; n = 11) exercise groups while 11 matched subjects served as non-exercise controls (NE). Exercise training was performed for 10 weeks, 3 days/week, for 60 min/session and consisted of low-impact aerobic dance (50–70% of maximal heart rate) combined with exercises to promote muscular fitness, flexibility, and balance. Before and after the intervention, each participant’s aerobic fitness, muscular strength, flexibility, static and dynamic balance, skinfold thickness, and psychological mood states were assessed under standardized testing conditions. Exercise training resulted in significant improvements in peak oxygen uptake, lower extremity muscle strength, and psychological vigor (p < 0.05) but did not affect other fitness components (p > 0.05). There were no differences between the WW and NW exercise groups for any of the same variables studied (p > 0.05). No significant pre- to post-test changes were found for the NE control group (p > 0.05). It is concluded that 10 weeks of low-impact, moderate-intensity exercise training of the type that can be considered well-rounded in nature provides a sufficient stimulus to augment aerobic fitness, beneficially affects leg strength, and increases feelings of vigor in older adults. The present observations indicate that the use of light wrist weights has no beneficial or adverse effects on the measured training outcomes.
Serum Free and Total Insulin-Like Growth Factor-I, Insulin-Like Growth Factor Binding Protein-1 and Insulin-Like Growth Factor Binding Protein-3Levels in Healthy Elderly Individuals
Authors: Janssen J.A.M.J.L. , Stolk R.P. , Pols H.A.P. , Grobbee D.E. , Lamberts S.W.J.
Published: April 2003

Background: Little is known about the influence of the free insulin-like growth factor-I/insulin-like growth factor binding protein (IGF-I/IGFBP) system on the quality of health and on disability in the elderly population. Design: In a cross-sectional population based study of 218 healthy elderly subjects (age 55–80 yrs) fasting free and total insulin-like growth factor (IGF-I), insulin-like growth factor binding protein-1 (IGFBP-1) and insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3) levels were measured. Subjective quality of health was assessed by asking all participants whether they judged the quality of their health as better, the same or worse than that of their peers. Disability was determined by the Disability Index of the Stanford Health Questionnaire. Results: Mean serum-free IGF-I levels were significantly lower in the 21 subjects who experienced their health as worse than those of their peers, compared to the 181 subjects who experienced their health as better or the same as their peers 0.069 (SE 0.009) vs. 0.093 nmol/l (SE 0.004) (p = 0.04). Mean IGFBP-1 levels were significantly higher in subjects, who felt less healthy than their peers 1.23 (SE 0.26) vs. 0.73 nmol/l (SE 0.82) (p = 0.01). Free and total IGF-I, IGFBP-1 and IGFBP-3 levels, were not different in subjects with the lowest and the highest Disability Index Score. Conclusion: Low free IGF-I and high IGFBP-1 levels are associated with a decreased self-reported quality of health, but are not related to physical disability in the elderly.
Effect of Ageing on Colonic Endocrine Cell Population in Mouse
Authors: Sandström Olof , Mahdavi Jafar , El-Salhy Magdy
Published: April 2003

Background: Dysmotility in the gastrointestinal tract increases with age. Colonic endocrine cells play an important role in regulating intestinal secretion and motility. The objective was to study possible age-related changes in the colonic endocrine cells of an animal model. Methods: The colonic endocrine cells in four different age groups of mice were investigated by immunocytochemistry and quantified by computerized image analysis. The ages of these groups were 1, 3, 12 and 24 months old. Results: The numbers of peptide YY (PYY), enteroglucagon and serotonin immunoreactive (IR) cells in 1-month-old mice were significantly increased compared with those of 3-month-old mice. Similarly, the numbers of these cells were significantly greater in 12- and 24-month-old mice than in 3-month-old mice. The cell secretory index (CSI) of enteroglucagon and serotonin IR cells was higher in 1-, 12- and 24-month-old mice than in 3-month-old mice. There was no significant difference between the different age groups regarding the CSI of PYY IR cells, nor was there any statistical difference between females and males in all endocrine cell types regarding numbers and CSI. Conclusion: It is suggested that the increase in colonic endocrine cells prior to puberty might reflect the role of gut hormones in the development of the gastrointestinal tract. It is speculated further that the increase in colonic endocrine cells with ageing may compensate for increased receptor resistance and/or weakened response of effector organs. It is suggested that the increase in numbers and unchanged CSI of PYY cells with advancing age may be responsible for the slow colonic transit and constipation, both of which increase with age.
Increased Prevalence of Fall Risk Factors in Older People following Hip Fracture
Authors: Sherrington Catherine , Lord Stephen R.
Published: April 2003

Background: Many people who suffer a hip fracture do not achieve full functional recovery. Simple tests of physical function such as quadriceps strength and postural sway may provide insight into why this population is at increased risk of experiencing further falls and fractures and assist in developing rehabilitation strategies for preventing falls. Objective: To determine whether impairments in a range of physiological measures and specific medical conditions are more prevalent in people who have suffered a fall-related hip fracture than in a matched sample of community-dwelling people without a history of falls. Methods: This case-control study involved 88 older people. The hip fracture group comprised 44 persons aged 64–94 years, assessed on average 7 months following a fall-related hip fracture. An age- and sex-matched control group (older persons who had not fallen in a 12-month period before recruitment) was drawn randomly from community samples. Results: Compared with the control group, the hip fracture group had markedly reduced quadriceps strength and increased body sway when tested on firm and compliant (foam rubber) surfaces. Patients in the hip fracture group also had higher prevalence rates of poor vision, arthritis and stroke, were taking more medications, were less physically active and perceived themselves to be at greater risk of falling than the control group. No significant differences were apparent for cardiovascular conditions, subjective health status and psychoactive medication use between the groups. Multivariate analyses identified quadriceps strength and body sway on the compliant surface as the most important variables for distinguishing between the hip fracture and no hip fracture groups. These two variables correctly classified 92% of the cases, with equal sensitivity and specificity. Conclusion: The findings identify an increased prevalence of certain physical fall risk factors among older persons who have suffered a hip fracture. Decreased quadriceps strength and increased postural sway are potentially modifiable. Intervention programs designed to improve performance on these variables among this population require investigation.
Age Increases Leucine Enkephalin Hydrolysis in Human Plasma
Authors: Bongiorno Lucilla , Marzano Marina , Marini Mario , Roda L. Giorgio , Urbani Alessandra , Spagnoli Giulio
Published: April 2003

Background: The existence of age-associated alterations in immune functions and neuropeptides capable of modulating these functions prompted us to advance the hypothesis that the degradation of plasma neuropeptides, specifically opioid peptides, may be altered by aging. Objective: To verify the possible existence of age-induced variations in neuropeptide hydrolysis in human plasma, using leucine enkephalin as the model substrate. Methods: The hydrolysis of leucine enkephalin and the formation of its hydrolysis byproducts in the presence of plasma enzymes were studied by kinetic and chromatographic techniques in a group of elderly individuals and a control group. Results: The results obtained indicate that in elderly individuals the activity of enkephalin-degrading plasma enzymes is greater than in controls. ANOVA analysis of these data indicates that the dependency of the variation of hydrolysis upon the 2 age groups is statistically significant. Increased substrate hydrolysis, and a modified hydrolysis pattern, appear to be associated with increased activity of the enzymes involved, and with different distribution of the individual enzymes within each class, as well as with severely reduced activity of the low molecular weight plasma inhibitors. Conclusion: The combination of the above-mentioned factors appears to define a characteristic hydrolysis pattern for elderly individuals which is different from that found in controls.
Insulin Exposure and Unifying Aging
Authors: Parr Tyler
Published: April 2003

Background: Absence of a widely agreed upon central paradigm for mammalian aging. Objective: Detailed elaboration of a proposed mammalian aging paradigm. Methods: Elaboration of a new theoretical model. Results: Hormonal imbalance-growth factor exposure theory (HI-GFE theory) can account for two major aging phenomena: (1) decline in mammalian ‘reserve capacity’ and consequent rise of diseases of maintenance, and (2) rise then peaking of most age-associated proliferative diseases. Reserve capacity decline via gradual decline in mitochondrial maximal energy production (state 3) accounts for the gradual redirection of declined maximal energy production toward survival functions like ion pumping to the relative detriment of RNA and protein synthesis as seen in lesser synthetic rates and slower turnover with consequent gradual cellular impairment. Developmental program triggered, and over-ample nutritionally driven, growth factor exposure in youth to middle age encourages promotional events that lead to proliferative diseases that rise coincident to rapidly declining reserve capacity and cumulative increased mutational status of age. Conclusions: Declining mitochondrial state 3 aging energy production status is easily and safely reversible with probable consequences of greatly postponing the decline in overall ‘reserve capacity’ which may also improve insulin: growth hormone balance and result in lower overall growth factor exposure and consequent longer healthy life of a potentially greater magnitude increase in life spans than that seen in calorie-restricted animals.
Opinions of Elderly People on Treatment for End-Stage Renal Disease
Authors: Ahmed S. , Addicott C. , Qureshi M. , Pendleton N. , Clague J.E. , Horan M.A.
Published: April 2003

Background: As more people survive into old age, a greater number are becoming eligible for dialysis treatment for end-stage renal failure. In the UK the elderly have previously been excluded from treatment programmes, and continuing financial constraints are unlikely to improve this situation. There are few data on the views of elderly subjects on renal replacement treatment. We have, therefore, explored the views of elderly subjects in this study. Methods: 50 subjects were selected from hospital geriatric wards and nursing homes. A short clinical vignette about a 75-year-old patient with renal failure was presented, and the subjects were asked to give their opinion on choices made by the patient to different treatment options. The subjects were then asked what choice they would make if in the same situation. They were asked what level of symptoms they would tolerate and for their views on cost and treatment allocation. Important contributors to quality of life were also determined for each subject using visual analogue scales. Results: 84% of the subjects would choose dialysis treatment, and 78% of all elderly would attend hospital as necessary, if their symptoms could be relieved. 54% of the in-patient elderly and 83.3% of nursing home elderly even when physically disabled and living in a nursing home would want dialysis for end-stage renal failure. 74% of all elderly preferred to have home dialysis treatment. Only 36% of the subjects thought cost was important when allocating dialysis to the elderly. Being independent and free from major symptoms was regarded as important for a good quality of life. Conclusions: In this survey, elderly subjects wanted dialysis treatment. Neither age nor cost were considered important determinants for resource allocation. Symptom relief and maintaining independence were considered the main goals of treatment.
Lack of Effect of 1 Year Intake of a High-Dose Vitamin and Mineral Supplement on Cognitive Function of Elderly Women
Authors: Baker Herman , De Angelis Barbara , Baker Elliott R. , Frank Oscar , Jaslow† Seymour P.
Published: April 2003

Objective: To determine if long-term, high-vitamin supplementation could reverse cognitive malfunction in old people. Methods: We performed a longitudinal study relating the 12-month outcome to baseline values. Twenty non-vitamin-deficient elderly females with a Folstein mini mental state examination score indicating cognitive malfunctions were recruited to ascertain if feeding a high-dose vitamin-mineral supplement for 1 year could, by mass vitamin action, reverse some existing cognitive malfunctions. Ten females were fed a high-dose vitamin-mineral supplement pill with each of three daily meals for 1 year; the other 10 did not receive this supplementation. Twelve blood vitamin analyses and a Folstein mini mental state examination were performed for each of the 20 subjects before and after 1 year; each subject served as its own control. Results: No improvement in cognitive malfunction was noted despite elevation of blood vitamins. Conclusion: Feeding of a high-dose vitamin and mineral supplement for 1 year did not improve cognitive malfunction in non-vitamin-deficient elderly in this study.