Different Age Groups (different + age_groups)

Distribution by Scientific Domains
Distribution within Medical Sciences


Selected Abstracts


Eye remember you two: gaze direction modulates face recognition in a developmental study

DEVELOPMENTAL SCIENCE, Issue 5 2006
Alastair D. Smith
The effects of gaze direction on memory for faces were studied in children from three different age groups (6,7, 8,9, and 10,11 years old) using a computerized version of a task devised by Hood, Macrae, Cole-Davies and Dias (2003). Participants were presented with a sequence of faces in an encoding phase, and were then required to judge which faces they had previously encountered in a surprise two-alternative forced-choice recognition test. In one condition, stimulus eye gaze was either direct or deviated at the viewing phase, and eyes were closed at the test phase. In another condition, stimulus eyes were closed at the viewing phase, with either direct or deviated gaze at the test phase. Modulation of gaze direction affected hit rates, with participants demonstrating greater accuracy for direct gaze targets compared to deviated gaze targets in both conditions. Reaction times (RT) to correctly recognized stimuli were faster for direct gaze stimuli at the viewing phase, but not at the test phase. The age group of participants differentially affected these measures: there was a greater hit rate advantage for direct gaze stimuli in older children, although RTs were less affected by age. These findings suggest that while the facilitation of face recognition by gaze direction is robust across encoding and recognition stages, the efficiency of the process is affected by the stage at which gaze is modulated. [source]


Switching between spatial stimulus,response mappings: a developmental study of cognitive flexibility

DEVELOPMENTAL SCIENCE, Issue 4 2004
Eveline A. Crone
Four different age groups (8,9-year-olds, 11,12-year-olds, 13,15-year-olds and young adults) performed a spatial rule-switch task in which the sorting rule had to be detected on the basis of feedback or on the basis of switch cues. Performance errors were examined on the basis of a recently introduced method of error scoring for the Wisconsin Card Sorting Task (WCST; Barcelo & Knight, 2002). This method allowed us to differentiate between errors due to failure-to-maintain-set (distraction errors) and errors due to failure-to-switch-set (perseverative errors). The anticipated age differences in performance errors were most pronounced for perseverative errors between 8,9 years and 11,12 years, but for distraction errors adult levels were not reached until 13,15 years. These findings were interpreted to support the notion that set switching and set maintenance follow distinct developmental trajectories. [source]


Prognostic Value of Exercise Stress Test and Dobutamine Stress Echo in Patients with Known Coronary Artery Disease

ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY, Issue 1 2009
Francesca Innocenti M.D.
Background: The aim of this study was to compare the feasibility of dobutamine stress echocardiography (DSE) and exercise stress test (EST) between patients in different age groups and to evaluate their proportional prognostic value in a population with established coronary artery disease (CAD). Methods: The study sample included 323 subjects, subdivided in group 1 (G1), comprising 246 patients aged <75 years, and group 2 (G2), with 77 subjects aged ,75 years. DSE and EST were performed before enrollment in a cardiac rehabilitation program; for prognostic assessment, end points were all-cause mortality and hard cardiac events (cardiac death or nonfatal myocardial infarction). Results: During DSE, G2 patients showed worse wall motion score index (WMSI), but the test was stopped for complications in a comparable proportion of cases (54 G1 and 19 G2 patients, P = NS). EST was inconclusive in similarly high proportion of patients in both groups (76% in G1 vs. 84% in G2, P = NS); G2 patients reached a significantly lower total workload (6 ± 1.6 METs in G1 vs. 5 ± 1.2 METs in G2, P < 0.001). At multivariate analysis, a lower peak exercise capacity (HR 0.566, CI 0.351,0.914, P = 0.020) was associated with higher mortality, while a high-dose WMSI >2 (HR 5.123, CI 1.559,16.833, P = 0.007), viability (HR 3.354, CI 1.162,9.678, P = 0.025), and nonprescription of beta-blockers (HR 0.328, CI 0.114,0.945, P = 0.039) predicted hard cardiac events. Conclusion: In patients with known CAD, EST and DSE maintain a significant prognostic role in terms of peak exercise capacity for EST and of presence of viability and an extensive wall motion abnormalities at peak DSE. [source]


The association of snus and smoking behaviour: a cohort analysis of Swedish males in the 1990s

ADDICTION, Issue 9 2009
Magnus Stenbeck
ABSTRACT Background The European Union has banned sales of moist snuff (snus) in all member states, with the exception of Sweden. The ban is motivated by the potential adverse health effects of snus, but snus may also help people to avoid smoking or stop tobacco use. Aims The purpose of this study is to investigate the association between snus and smoking behaviour. Measurements The Swedish Survey of Living Conditions (ULF) health interview panel running from 1988/9 to 1996/7 was used to examine the gross and net flows between smoking and snus among Swedish males. Females were excluded from the analysis due to low snus prevalence. Contingency table models were used to investigate several hypotheses about the relationships between snus and smoking behaviour. Findings We found clear associations between the two habits. For the younger cohort (age 16,44 years), snus use contributed to approximately six smoking quitters per smoking starter attributable to snus. For the older cohort (age 45,84) there were slightly more than two quitters per starter. In terms of odds ratios, in the younger group smoking cessation attributable to snus was twice as common as smoking initiation, but in the older group the odds of starting smoking attributable to snus was 2.5 times higher than for quitting. Conclusions Snus contributed to the reduction of smoking among Swedish males in the 1990s. Snus had different effects among non-smokers and smokers in different age groups. [source]


Photosensitivity in Relation to Epileptic Syndromes: A Survey from an Epilepsy Center in Japan

EPILEPSIA, Issue 3 2001
Hideaki Shiraishi
Summary: ,Purpose: We examined the incidence and distribution of photosensitivity among the different age groups and different types of epilepsies and epileptic syndromes. Furthermore, we considered the influence of ethnic and geographic factors on the incidence of photoparoxysmal response (PPR) in epilepsy patients. Methods: We analyzed the responses to intermittent photic stimulation (IPS) by using a Grass PS22 or PS33 photic stimulator for in 2,187 unselected patients with epilepsy who were treated in our center. Results: The classic PPR was elicited in 37 (1.7%) patients. The mean age of these 37 patients was 17.0 years. The subpopulation of patients having PPR included 2.0% of all patients with symptomatic generalized epilepsy, 5.6% (p < 0.01) of those with idiopathic generalized epilepsy, 0.7% of those with symptomatic localization-related epilepsy, and 2.9% of those with undetermined epilepsy. PPR accounted for 17.4 % (p < 0.01) of the patients with juvenile myoclonic epilepsy, 7.6% (p < 0.01) of those with grand mal on awakening, and 6.1% (p < 0.01) of those with symptomatic occipital lobe epilepsy. The incidence of PPR increased in patients up to age 15 years, and suddenly decreased after age 20 years. Conclusion: The present study presents the first report from eastern Asia, analyzing the incidence of PPR with a restricted definition comparable to the other studies, and the rate of PPR was relatively low compared with the studies performed in the European countries. We could confirm the clear relation between age and positive PPR. [source]


Clinical dental examinations of 357 donkeys in the UK.

EQUINE VETERINARY JOURNAL, Issue 4 2009
Part 1: Prevalence of dental disorders
Summary Reasons for performing study: Dental disorders have a high prevalence in older donkeys and horses, but the nature and pathogenesis of many of these disorders have yet to be established. Objectives: The identification and determination of the prevalence of important dental disorders in different age groups in a large single population of donkeys, to establish a better understanding of the nature and pathogenesis of these disorders. Methods: A prospective cross-sectional study was performed on the donkey population at The Donkey Sanctuary with detailed oral examinations of 357 donkeys within 7 different age groups (age range 2,53 years) recorded. Results: The prevalence of dental disease in all donkeys was 73%, increasing in prevalence from 28% in the youngest to 98% in the oldest age group. There was an increase in prevalence of commonly recognised dental disorders with increasing age, such as: diastemata (3.8% in youngest to 86% in oldest group); missing teeth (0,56%); overgrown teeth (15,86%); worn teeth (8,84%); displaced teeth (0,38%); and periodontal disease (0,28%). Conclusions: There was a significant increase in the prevalence of dental disorders with increasing age with the largest significant increase for most dental disorders occurring in the 15,20 year age group. Potential significance: Most dental disorders significantly increase in prevalence in the 15,20 year age group and, therefore, prophylactic geriatric dental treatment in donkeys should be commenced from age 15 years. [source]


Per capita alcohol consumption and liver cirrhosis mortality in 14 European countries

ADDICTION, Issue 1s1 2001
Mats Ramstedt
Aim. To estimate the effects of changes in per capita alcohol consumption on liver cirrhosis mortality rates in various demographic groups across 14 western European countries. Method. Yearly changes in gender- and age-specific mortality rates from 1950 to 1995 were analysed in relation to corresponding yearly changes in per capita alcohol consumption, employing the Box-Jenkins technique for time series analysis. Country-specific estimates were pooled into three regions: northern, central and southern Europe. Measurements. Cirrhosis mortality data for 5-year age groups were converted into gender-specific mortality rates in the age groups 15 +, 15-44, 45-64 and 65 + and expressed as the number of deaths per 100 000 inhabitants. Alcohol sales were used to measure aggregate consumption, which were calculated into consumption (litres 100% alcohol) per year per inhabitant over 14 years of age and weighted with a 10-year distributed lag model. Findings. The country-specific analyses demonstrated a positive and statistically significant effect of changes in per capita consumption on changes in cirrhosis mortality in 13 countries for males and in nine countries for females. The strongest alcohol effect was found in northern Europe, due mainly to a large effect in Sweden. Moreover, when different age groups were analysed significant estimates were obtained in 29 of 42 cases for males and in 20 of 42 cases for females. Most of the non-significant estimates were found in older age groups. Conclusions. The results suggest clearly that a change in the overall level of drinking as a general rule affect cirrhosis mortality in different drinking cultures as well as among different demographic groups. Moreover, the findings correspond with what is expected from the collectivity theory of drinking cultures. [source]


Children and adults with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia have similar gene expression profiles

EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF HAEMATOLOGY, Issue 6 2005
E. Kuchinskaya
Abstract:,Objectives:,To compare the gene expression pattern in children and adults with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) in order to improve our understanding of the difference in disease biology and prognosis. Methods:,The gene expression profiles in diagnostic samples from 29 children and 15 adults with ALL were analysed using the oligonucleotide chip Hu95ver2a, produced by Affymetrix. Results:,Unsupervised hierarchical cluster analysis revealed that, in spite of differences in outcome, patients clustered irrespective of age, first by T-cell or B-precursor immunophenotype, and second by cytogenetic changes within the B-precursor group. The expression pattern analysis allowed the reclassification of some samples into the proper cytogenetic group. We also showed that separate clustering of samples with the BCR/ABL translocation could be explained by different breakpoint regions in the BCR. No significant difference in gene expression was observed between samples with and without CDKN2A deletion within the B-precursor group. Analysis of different age groups revealed a similarity in expression profiles when infants with the MLL translocation and adults over 40 yr of age were compared irrespective of karyotype. Conclusions:,In spite of the difference in clinical outcome, the gene expression pattern in children and adults with ALL is very similar and is primarily dependent on immunophenotype and cytogenetic aberrations. However, when age groups are compared, the expression patterns of infants and adults over 40 show a remarkable similarity. [source]


Trends and methodological impacts in soil CO2 efflux partitioning: A metaanalytical review

GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY, Issue 6 2006
JENS-ARNE SUBKE
Abstract Partitioning soil carbon dioxide (CO2) efflux (RS) into autotrophic (RA; including plant roots and closely associated organisms) and heterotrophic (RH) components has received considerable attention, as differential responses of these components to environmental change have profound implications for the soil and ecosystem C balance. The increasing number of partitioning studies allows a more detailed analysis of experimental constraints than was previously possible. We present results of an exhaustive literature search of partitioning studies and analyse global trends in flux partitioning between biomes and ecosystem types by means of a metaanalysis. Across all data, an overall decline in the RH/RS ratio for increasing annual RS fluxes emerged. For forest ecosystems, boreal coniferous sites showed significantly higher (P<0.05) RH/RS ratios than temperate sites, while both temperate or tropical deciduous forests did not differ in ratios from any of the other forest types. While chronosequence studies report consistent declines in the RH/RS ratio with age, no difference could be detected for different age groups in the global data set. Different methodologies showed generally good agreement if the range of RS under which they had been measured was considered, with the exception of studies estimating RH by means of root mass regressions against RS, which resulted in consistently lower RH/RS estimates out of all methods included. Additionally, the time step over which fluxes were partitioned did not affect RH/RS ratios consistently. To put results into context, we review the most common techniques and point out the likely sources of errors associated with them. In order to improve soil CO2 efflux partitioning in future experiments, we include methodological recommendations, and also highlight the potential interactions between soil components that may be overlooked as a consequence of the partitioning process itself. [source]


An epidemiological analysis of severe cases of the influenza A (H1N1) 2009 virus infection in Japan

INFLUENZA AND OTHER RESPIRATORY VIRUSES, Issue 4 2010
Koji Wada
Please cite this paper as: Wada et al. (2010). An epidemiological analysis of severe cases of the influenza A (H1N1) 2009 virus infection in Japan. Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses 4(4), 179,186. Background, The age distribution of confirmed cases with influenza A (H1N1) 2009 has shifted toward children and young adults, in contrast to interpandemic influenza, because of the age specificities in immunological reactions and transmission characteristics. Objectives, Descriptive epidemiological analysis of severe cases in Japan was carried out to characterize the pandemic's impact and clinical features. Methods, First, demographic characteristics of hospitalized cases (n = 12 923), severe cases (n = 894) and fatal cases (n = 116) were examined. Second, individual records of the first 120 severe cases, including 23 deaths, were analyzed to examine potential associations of influenza death with demographic variables, medical treatment and underlying conditions. Among severe cases, we compared proportions of specific characteristics of survivors with those of fatal cases to identify predictors of death. Results, Age distribution of hospitalized cases shifted toward those aged <20 years; this was also the case for deaths without underlying medical conditions. Deaths in adults were mainly seen among those with underlying medical conditions, resulting in an increased risk of death as a function of age. According to individual records, the time from onset to death in Japan appeared rather short compared with that in other countries. Conclusion, The age specificity of severe cases and their underlying medical conditions were consistent with other countries. To identify predictors of death in influenza A (H1N1) 2009 patients, more detailed clinical characteristics need to be examined according to different age groups and types of manifestations, which should ideally include mild cases as subjects. [source]


Population-based detection of Lynch syndrome in young colorectal cancer patients using microsatellite instability as the initial test

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CANCER, Issue 5 2009
Lyn Schofield
Abstract Approximately 1,2% of colorectal cancers (CRC) arise because of germline mutations in DNA mismatch repair genes, referred to as Lynch syndrome. These tumours show microsatellite instability (MSI) and loss of expression of mismatch repair proteins. Pre-symptomatic identification of mutation carriers has been demonstrated to improve survival; however, there is concern that many are not being identified using current practices. We evaluated population-based MSI screening of CRC in young patients as a means of ascertaining mutation carriers. CRC diagnosed in patients aged <60 years were identified from pathology records. No prior information was available on family history of cancer. PCR techniques were used to determine MSI in the BAT-26 mononucleotide repeat and mutation in the BRAF oncogene. Loss of MLH1, MSH2, MSH6 and PMS2 protein expression was evaluated in MSI+ tumours by immunohistochemistry. MSI+ tumours were found in 105/1,344 (7.8%) patients, of which 7 were excluded as possible Lynch syndrome because of BRAF mutation. Of the 98 "red flag" cases that were followed up, 25 were already known as mutation carriers or members of mutation carrier families. Germline test results were obtained for 35 patients and revealed that 22 showed no apparent mutation, 11 showed likely pathogenic mutations and 2 had unclassified variants. The proportion of MSI+ cases in different age groups that were estimated to be mutation carriers was 89% (<30 years), 83% (30,39), 68% (40,49) and 17% (50,59). We recommend MSI as the initial test for population-based screening of Lynch syndrome in younger CRC patients, regardless of family history. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]


A review of gastrointestinal foreign bodies

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CLINICAL PRACTICE, Issue 6 2006
A. A. Ayantunde
Summary Gastrointestinal tract (GIT) foreign bodies represent a significant clinical problem in the Emergency Department, causing a high degree of financial burden, morbidity and mortality. A large variety of foreign bodies are accidentally ingested or inserted into the GIT in different age groups. This a retrospective review of 38 patients who presented to the Emergency Department with GIT foreign bodies between January 2001 and December 2004. Computer database and case note search of patients' personal data, nature of the foreign objects and mode of entry to the GIT were recorded. There were 30 males and eight females (M : F ratio of 3.75:1) with an age range of 10 months to 87 years (median age 25.5 years). Foreign body ingestion/insertion was accidental in 14 patients, deliberate in 11, for anal erotism in 11 and as a result of assault in two cases. The median time before presentation was 12 h, and the mean length of hospital stay was 1.7 days. Treatment was conservative in 15 patients; five patients had gastroscopic retrieval; 15 patients underwent examination under anaesthetic, retrieval and proctosigmoidoscopy and three patients underwent laparotomy for impacted foreign bodies. GIT foreign body ingestion or insertion is common; however, majority of cases can be successfully managed conservatively. [source]


Influence of environmental stress on skin tone, color and melanogenesis in Japanese skin

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF COSMETIC SCIENCE, Issue 1 2005
K. Kikuchi
Introduction It is needless to say that one of the most potent environmental stress for melanogenesis of the human skin is the effect of ultraviolet (UV) light from the sunlight. Characteristic skin aging as a result of this UV light is recognized as photoaging. Clinical features in photoaging are wrinkles, skin laxity, coarseness, leathery, yellowing, lentigenes, mottled pigmentation, telangiectasia, sebaceous hypertrophy and purpura. There is an apparent difference in clinical features in photoaging among different races, i.e. between Caucasians, African American and Asians that include Japanese. Not only photo skin type but also environmental factors, such as climate, latitude, altitude and their habit of sunbathing, smoking and skin care influence the characteristic development of their photoaging. Racial difference in photoaging Caucasians tend to develop skin laxity and fine wrinkles more than Asians [1]. Asians tend to produce coarser wrinkles than the Caucasians although their development is rather late in life. There is also a difference in the skin color. Pigmentation is an earliest and prominent skin changes in Asians [1] and it increases with age [2]. In contrast, pigmentation is not apparent in the Caucasians although redness probably because of an increase in cutaneous vascularization becomes prominent in middle aged Caucasians [2]. Chung reported that seborrheic keratosis is a major pigmentary lesion in men, whereas hyperpigmented macules are prominent features in women in Koreans [3]. Melanogenesis pigmentation disorders in Japanese Ephelides (freckles) are commonly found in those with photo skin type I who have fair skin and red eyes and blond hair. They are also found in the Japanese. Clinical feature reveals that multiple small pigmentary macules on sun-exposed areas mainly on the mid-portion of the face. These lesions seem to be familial, becoming apparent even in early childhood after sun exposure. Melasma is an acquired pigmentary disorder commonly found in middle aged Japanese women characterized by irregular brown macules and patches on the sun-exposed areas on the face typically as bilaterally present macules on the cheeks. An increase in sex hormones as a result of pregnancy and intake of contraceptive pills is one of the etiological factors to develop melasma. Sun exposure also worsens it. Nevus of Ota is also a common pigmentary disorder found in the Japanese. It is usually unilateral, blue-brown to slate-gray pigmentary macules on the eyelid and cheek that appear in early childhood or in puberty. Acquired dermal melanocytosis is also a pigmentary disorder, in which dermal melanocytes are found as shown in nevus of Ota, characterized by bilateral brown to blue-gray macules on the forehead, temple, eyelid and malar areas in middle aged Japanese women. This tends to be misdiagnosed as melasma. Solar lentigo is an acquired pigmented macule induced by sun exposure. Solar lentigines are usually multiple, circumscribed brown macules. There are two types of solar lentigo. One is a small macular type, characterized by multiple, small brown macules whose diameter is less than 5 mm, being similar to ephelides (freckles). The other type is a large macular type, characterized by a few round to oval, brown macules whose diameter is beyond 1 cm. Some of their surface are hyperkeratotic and become elevated to produce seborrheic keratosis. Again, the early sign of photoaging in Japanese is pigmentated spots and these pigmentation disorders increase with age. Among the pigmentary changes, nevus of Ota, acquired dermal melanocytosis, melasma and large macular type of solar lentigo are characteristic skin changes found in the Japanese in addition to ephelides and small macular type of solar lentigo. Seasonal changes of the various functional properties of the skin including skin color assessed by non-invasive bioengineering techniques [4]. When we consider skin tone, color and melanogenesis, UV light from the sunlight is the most potent environmental stress, although we cannot forget also the important influence of environmental relative humidity affects our skin functions as well as its appearance. We investigated seasonal influences on the various properties of the skin in 39 healthy Japanese females consisting of different age groups. Their skin is thought to be affected by the UV light in summer, and by the exposure to the dry and cold air in winter. Materials and methods Biophysical, non-invasive measurements, including transepidermal water loss (TEWL) as a parameter for the barrier function of the stratum corneum (SC), high frequency conductance as a parameter for the hydration state of the SC, skin color and casual surface lipid levels, were conducted during late summer and winter months. Skin color was determined with a chromameter according to the L*a*b* CIE 1976 system, where L* is an attribute on the luminance scale, a* that on the red versus green scale and b* that on the yellow versus blue scale. All the measurements were conducted in an environment controlled-chamber (21 ± 1 °C room temperature, and 50 ± 3% relative humidity). Results The barrier function of the SC was found to be significantly impaired in winter on the cheek as compared with that measured in summer, whereas no such seasonal change was apparent both in the hydration state of the SC and sebum levels on the cheek. In the assessment of the skin color on the cheek, a significant increase in a* (redness) and a decrease in b* (yellowness) were observed in winter. In contrast, on the flexor forearm, the values of L* (luminescence) increased in winter, but no seasonal change was noted in the values of a* and b*. In this study, skin changes with aging were also found by the non-invasive bioengineering methods. The value of TEWL on the cheek tended to increase with age, whereas no significant change was observed in the value of TEWL on the forearm. In the assessment of skin color, b* value on the cheek significantly increased with age whereas a* and L* values on the cheek did not show any significant change with age. Summary of this study We think that such an increase in yellowness with aging of the cheek skin is a phenomenon unique to the Japanese (Asians) since an increase in b* value was not observed in Caucasians [2]. The facial skin that is always exposed shows barrier impairment in a dry and cold winter environment and demonstrates increased yellowness in skin color because of a prolonged exposure to the UV light from the sun in the summer season. The non-invasive bioengineering methods are useful to demonstrate even invisible seasonal changes occurring in the same individuals and changes with age occurring in the skin. References 1.,Goh, S.H. The treatment of visible signs of senescence: the Asian experience. Br. J. Dermatol.122, 105,109 (1990). 2.,LeFur, I., Numagami, K., Guinot, C. et al. Age-related reference values of skin color in Caucasian and Japanese healthy women according to skin site. Pigment Cell Res. 7, 67 (1999). 3.,Chung, J.H., Lee, S.H., Youn, C.S. et al. Cutaneous photodamage in Koreans: influence of sex, sun exposure, smoking, and skin color. Arch. Dermatol. 137, 1043,1051 (2001). 4.,Kikuchi, K., Kobayashi, H., Le Fur, I. et al. Winter season affects more severely the facial skin than the forearm skin: comparative biophysical studies conducted in the same Japanese females in later summer and winter. Exog. Dermatol. 1, 32,38 (2002). [source]


The relative position of ilioinguinal and iliohypogastric nerves in different age groups of pediatric patients

ACTA ANAESTHESIOLOGICA SCANDINAVICA, Issue 5 2010
J.-Y. HONG
Background: Ilioinguinal nerve (IIN) and iliohypogastric nerve (IHN) blocks provide good perioperative pain relief for children undergoing inguinal procedures such as inguinal hernia repair, orchiopexy, and hydrocelectomy. The aim of this ultrasound imaging study is to compare the relative anatomical positions of IIN and IHN in different age groups of pediatrics. Methods: Two-hundred children (aged 1,82 months, ASA I or II) undergoing day-case surgery were consecutively included in this study. Following the induction of general anesthesia, an ultrasonographic exam was performed using a high-frequency linear probe that was placed on an imaginary line connecting the anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS) to the umbilicus. Results: There were significant differences in ASIS,IIN (distance from ASIS to IIN), ASIS,IHN (distance from the ASIS to the IHN), and IIN,IHN (distance between IIN and IHN) between the age groups: <12 months (n=84), 12,36 months (n=80), and >37 months (n=36). However, IIN,Peritoneum (distances from IIN to peritoneum), skin,IIN, and skin,IHN (depth of IIN and IHN relative to skin) were similar in three groups. ASIS,IIN and ASIS,IHN showed significantly positive correlations with age. Conclusions: Age should be considered when placing a needle in landmark techniques for pediatric II/IH nerve blocks. However, needle depth should be confirmed by the fascial click due to the lack of predictable physiologic factors. [source]


Caries prevalence in Belgian children: a review

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PAEDIATRIC DENTISTRY, Issue 3 2001
J. Vanobbergen
A review of epidemiological surveys on dental caries prevalence, published between 1980 and 1999 in Belgian children, was compiled through a literature search. The number of studies performed in Belgium to date is limited. Methodological differences and confounding factors, especially socio-demographic influences, limit national comparisons of caries prevalence data. Although exact comparisons are difficult, data suggests a decline in caries prevalence in 5, 7 and 12 year-old Belgian schoolchildren in the last 20 years. In the primary dentition dmft values have decreased from 2·66 (1981) to 1·38 (1994) in 5-year-olds and from 4·1 (1983) to 2·24 (1996) in 7-year-olds. In 12-year-olds DMFT values in the permanent dentition have decreased from 3·9 (1983) to 1·93 (1994). WHO goals for the year 2000 appear to have been already reached in Flanders, with a recent estimate of 1·93 for DMFT in 12-year-olds and 56% of children being recorded as caries free at the age of 5. Continuing efforts are needed to screen the oral health of different age groups but standardised criteria and sampling procedures should be used if benefits are to be gained from national and international comparison. Data has often been limited to small selected areas and information representing the entire community of Flanders or Wallonia would be of particular value. [source]


Insecurity related to working life by age groups in Finland and Estonia in the 1990s

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SOCIAL WELFARE, Issue 3 2000
Raija Väisänen
This article compares the reasons for insecurity related to working life in different age groups in Finland and Estonia, and the coping strategies evident in the two countries. Insecurity related to working life is more common in Finland than in Estonia. The differences between the two countries are more distinct with respect to experienced work-related insecurity than to an experienced lack of well-being linked to work. This shows that feelings of insecurity are affected not only by external factors, but also by internal factors linked to a person's earlier development. The most common causes of insecurity for people of working age are unemployment, mental strain and difficulties in interpersonal relationships at the work place. The individual's willingness to find means of coping at work is more clearly evident in Estonia than in Finland. People of working age in Finland are more likely to attempt to change the external conditions of work than are their Estonian counterparts. [source]


The etiology of erectile dysfunction and contributing factors in different age groups in Turkey

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF UROLOGY, Issue 7 2004
TURHAN CASKURLU
Abstract Background:, The aim of the present study was to determine the pathophysiological factors which cause erectile dysfunction (ED), as well as the risk factors in different age groups in Turkey. Methods:, A total of 948 patients with ED who were admitted to three andrology clinics were evaluated in terms of etiological factors. They underwent a multidisciplinary diagnostic evaluation. Erectile dysfunction was classified as primarily organic, primarily psychogenic, mixed or unknown in etiology. Results:, Psychogenic ED was diagnosed in 65.4% of the patients and organic ED was diagnosed in 34.6% of patients overall. In patients under 40 years, the rate of psychogenic ED was 83% and the rate of organic ED was 17%, but in the patients over 40 years, the rate of psychogenic ED was 40.7% and the rate of organic ED was 59.3%. The causes of organic ED were identified as arteriogenic ED, 40.5%; cavernosal factor (venogenic) ED, 10%; neurogenic ED, 12.5%; endocrinologic ED, 1.8%; mixed type ED, 11.8%; and drug induced ED, 4.5%. Conclusion:, Our data represent a higher ratio of ED in patients under 40, which are mostly psychogenic, This finding potentially results from local social and cultural differences. [source]


Age-Varying Association Between Blood Pressure and Risk of Dementia in Those Aged 65 and Older: A Community-Based Prospective Cohort Study

JOURNAL OF AMERICAN GERIATRICS SOCIETY, Issue 8 2007
Ge Li MD
OBJECTIVES: To assess variation in the association between blood pressure (BP) and risk for dementia across a spectrum of older ages and to examine BP changes before dementia onset. DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. SETTING: A large health maintenance organization in Seattle, Washington. PARTICIPANTS: A cohort of 2,356 members of a large health maintenance organization aged 65 and older who were initially without dementia. MEASUREMENTS: Dementia diagnosis was assessed biennially, and systolic (SBP) and diastolic BP (DBP) were measured at baseline and at four follow-up assessments. Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) for dementia and Alzheimer's disease (AD) associated with baseline BP in different age groups. RESULTS: Within the youngest age group (65,74 at enrollment) a greater risk for dementia was found in participants with high SBP (,160 mmHg) (hazard ratio (HR)=1.60, 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.01,2.55) or borderline-high DBP (80,89 mmHg) (HR=1.59, 95% CI=1.07,2.35) than for those with normal BP (SBP <140 mmHg and DBP <80 mmHg). The dementia risk associated with SBP declined with increasing age (SBP-by-age interaction, P=.01). SBP declined similarly with aging in subjects who developed dementia and those who did not. Thus, in this sample, the association between SBP and dementia risk was not dependent on when BP was measured in relation to onset of dementia. CONCLUSION: High SBP was associated with greater risk of dementia in the young elderly (<75) but not in older subjects. Adequate control of hypertension in early old age may reduce the risk for dementia. [source]


Relationship Between Patient Age and Duration of Physician Visit in Ambulatory Setting: Does One Size Fit All?

JOURNAL OF AMERICAN GERIATRICS SOCIETY, Issue 7 2005
Agnes Lo BSP, PharmD
Objectives: To determine whether patient age, the presence of comorbid illness, and the number of prescribed medications influence the duration of a physician visit in an ambulatory care setting. Design: A cross-sectional study of ambulatory care visits made by adults aged 45 and older to primary care physicians. Setting: A probability sample of outpatient follow-up visits in the United States using the National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey (NAMCS) 2002 database. Participants: Of 28,738 physician visits in the 2002 NAMCS data set, there were 3,819 visits by adults aged 45 and older included in this study for analysis. Measurements: The primary endpoint was the time that a physician spent with a patient at each visit. Covariates included for analyses were patient characteristics, physician characteristics, visit characteristics, and source of payment. Visit characteristics, including the number of diagnoses and the number of prescribed medications, the major diagnoses, and the therapeutic class of prescribed medications, were compared for different age groups (45,64, 65,74, and ,75) to determine the complexity of the patient's medical conditions. Endpoint estimates were computed by age group and were also estimated based on study covariates using univariate and multivariate linear regression. Results: The mean time±standard deviation spent with a physician was 17.9±8.5 minutes. There were no differences in the duration of visits between the age groups before or after adjustment for patient covariates. Patients aged 75 and older had more comorbid illness and were prescribed more medications than patients aged 45 to 64 and 65 to 74 (P<.001). Patients aged 75 and older were also prescribed more medications that require specific monitoring and counseling (warfarin, digoxin, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, diuretics, and levothyroxine) than were patients in other age groups (P<.001). Hypertension, coronary artery disease, atrial fibrillation, congestive heart failure, cerebrovascular disease, and transient ischemic attack were more common in patients aged 75 and older than in other age groups (P<.001). Despite these differences, there were no differences in unadjusted or adjusted duration of physician visit between the age groups. Conclusion: Although patients aged 75 and older had more medical conditions and were at higher risk for drug-related problems than younger patients, the duration of physician visits was similar across the age groups. These findings suggest that elderly patients may require a multidisciplinary approach to optimize patient care in the ambulatory setting. [source]


The Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha ,308G>A Polymorphism Is Associated with Dementia in the Oldest Old

JOURNAL OF AMERICAN GERIATRICS SOCIETY, Issue 8 2004
Helle Bruunsgaard MD
Objectives: To test the hypothesis that the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) ,308 G>A promoter gene polymorphism is a risk factor in age-related dementia and longevity. Design: A cross-sectional and a longitudinal study. Setting: A population-based sample of Danish centenarians. Participants: One hundred-year-old Danes (n=122) from "The Longitudinal Study of Danish Centenarians." Octogenarians (n=174) and healthy volunteers aged 18 to 30 (n=47) served as reference groups. Methods: Whether the distribution of TNF ,308 GG/GA/AA genotypes were different in centenarians than in younger age groups was investigated (Fischer exact test). Furthermore, whether the TNF ,308 G>A polymorphism was associated with the prevalence of dementia (logistic regression analysis), the plasma level of TNF-, (analysis of variance), and mortality in the following 5 years (Cox regression analysis) within the cohort of centenarians was tested. Results: The distribution of TNF ,308 genotypes was not different across the three different age groups, but the GA genotype was associated with decreased prevalence of dementia in centenarians. The few centenarians with AA carrier status had higher mortality risk and tended to show higher plasma levels of TNF-,, but the significance was questionable due to a low number of subjects with this genotype. Conclusion: It is possible that the TNF ,308 A allele is maintained during aging because subjects who are heterozygous for this polymorphism possess the optimal inflammatory response with regard to protection against age-related neurodegeneration. [source]


The Vulnerability of Middle-Aged and Elderly Patients to Hepatitis C Virus Infection in a High-Prevalence Hospital-Based Hemodialysis Setting

JOURNAL OF AMERICAN GERIATRICS SOCIETY, Issue 2 2004
Anil K. Saxena MD
Objectives: To determine the relationship between advancing age and the risk of acquiring hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, through evaluation and statistical comparison of seroprevalence and seroconversion rates in different age groups of patients on long-term hemodialysis (HD). Design: Retrospective cohort study. Setting: Hemodialysis facility of King Fahad Hospital and Tertiary Care Center, Al-Hasa region of the eastern province of Saudi Arabia. Participants: One hundred ninety-eight patients with end-stage renal disease enrolled for long-term HD therapy from September 1995 to September 2000. Measurements: HCV seroprevalence and seroconversion rates. Results: The overall HCV seroprevalence of 43.4% (86/198) and seroconversion rate of 8.6% per year were recorded. Patients aged 55 to 64 had the highest anti-HCV prevalence (55.3% (26/47)) and annual seroconversion rates (11.0%). Those aged 65 to 74 had the next-highest prevalence (48.9% (24/49)) and seroconversion rate (9.7%), and patients aged 15 to 24 had the lowest prevalence (12.5% (1/8)) and seroconversion rate (2.5%) (reference group). Conclusion: Significantly higher annual seroconversion rates in those aged 55 to 64 and 65 to 74 during a shorter dialysis period (35.6 and 32.7 vs 58.0 months), suggest the greater susceptibility of the middle-aged and elderly patients to acquisition of HCV infection than the younger (15,24 years) group. This could be attributed to the combined effect of immunosuppression associated with advancing age, uremia, and undernutrition, but multicenter molecular follow-up studies with larger sample sizes would be needed to corroborate these findings and plan appropriate strategies for these high-risk groups. [source]


Age-related differences in susceptibility to cisplatin-induced renal toxicity,,

JOURNAL OF APPLIED TOXICOLOGY, Issue 2 2010
P. Espandiari
Abstract Limited experimental models exist to assess drug toxicity in pediatric populations. We recently reported how a multi-age rat model could be used for pre-clinical studies of comparative drug toxicity in pediatric populations. The objective of this study was to expand the utility of this animal model, which previously demonstrated an age-dependent sensitivity to the classic nephrotoxic compound, gentamicin, to another nephrotoxicant, namely cisplatin (Cis). Sprague,Dawley rats (10, 25, 40 and 80 days old) were injected with a single dose of Cis (0, 1, 3 or 6,mg,kg,1 i.p.). Urine samples were collected prior and up to 72,h after treatment in animals that were , 25 days old. Several serum, urinary and ,omic' injury biomarkers as well as renal histopathology lesions were evaluated. Statistically significant changes were noted with different injury biomarkers in different age groups. The order of age-related Cis-induced nephrotoxicity was different than our previous study with gentamicin: 80 > 40 > 10 > 25 day-old vs 10 , 80 > 40 > 25-day-old rats, respectively. The increased levels of kidney injury molecule-1 (Kim-1: urinary protein/tissue mRNA) provided evidence of early Cis-induced nephrotoxicity in the most sensitive age group (80 days old). Levels of Kim-1 tissue mRNA and urinary protein were significantly correlated to each other and to the severity of renal histopathology lesions. These data indicate that the multi-age rat model can be used to demonstrate different age-related sensitivities to renal injury using mechanistically distinct nephrotoxicants, which is reflected in measurements of a variety of metabolite, gene transcript and protein biomarkers. Published in 2009 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]


Basal and residual lower esophageal pressures increase in old age in classic achalasia, but not vigorous achalasia

JOURNAL OF GASTROENTEROLOGY AND HEPATOLOGY, Issue 8 2010
Kee Wook Jung
Abstract Background and Aim:, The relationship between age and esophageal motility parameters (i.e. basal and residual pressure of the lower esophageal sphincter [LES]) remains to be established in achalasia patients, possibly because most previous studies did not distinguish between classic and vigorous achalasia patients. We investigated the relationship between age and esophageal motility parameters in both classic and vigorous achalasia patients. Methods:, A retrospective review of esophageal manometry data in a single center was undertaken. Basal and residual pressure for LES was analyzed. A total of 103 achalasia patients were enrolled, comprising 84 classic and 19 vigorous types. They were subdivided into three different age groups as follows: 21,40 years old (group A), 41,60 years old (group B), and over 60 years old (group C). Results:, In classic achalasia patients (M : F = 27:57, mean age = 44 ± 15 years old) the older age group showed a significantly higher basal LES pressure (49.62 ± 19.63 mmHg) than the younger age group (P < 0.0001). Moreover, the older age group also showed significantly high residual LES pressure (20.46 ± 8.61 mmHg) than the younger age group (P = 0.0006). In contrast, in vigorous achalasia patients (M : F = 12:7, mean age: 47 ± 15 years old) there were no difference between age and motility indices (all P > 0.05). Conclusion:, In classic achalasia patients there appears to be a correlation between age and esophageal motility indices, especially basal and residual LES pressure. Such correlations do not appear to exist for vigorous achalasia patients. [source]


Differences in the quantitative and qualitative performance of a calcium-specific food frequency questionnaire across age and sex

JOURNAL OF HUMAN NUTRITION & DIETETICS, Issue 5 2006
F. Magkos
Abstract Objective, To examine putative differences in the quantitative and qualitative performance of a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) for assessing dietary calcium intake across age and sex in the Greek population. Materials and methods, A total of 351 children (189 girls and 162 boys, aged 11.9 ± 1.2 years), 260 adults (192 women and 68 men, aged 29.6 ± 2.7 years) and 390 elderly individuals (317 women and 73 men, aged 68.6 ± 4.6 years) were recruited. Estimates of calcium intake from the 30-item FFQ were compared with those from a multi-pass 24-h recall. Results, The FFQ significantly underestimated mean calcium intake in all age groups and both sexes (P < 0.05). The magnitude of underestimation, however, was greater in adults (,207 ± 344 mg day,1), less in the elderly (,137 ± 310 mg day,1) and even less in children (,74 ± 340 mg day,1; P < 0.025), with no differences between sexes. Calcium intakes by the two methods were positively and significantly correlated in all study groups (r = 0.536,0.739, P < 0.001). Cohen's weighted kappa statistic ranged from 0.39 to 0.57, indicating moderate agreement between the two methods. The 95% limits of agreement were comparably wide across age and sex (boys: ,762, 585 mg day,1; girls: ,747, 624 mg day,1; adult men: ,972, 505 mg day,1; adult women: ,867, 412 mg day,1; elderly men: ,858, 486 mg day,1; elderly women: ,732, 480 mg day,1). A significant association between age, sex and the classification of individuals as true/false positive/negative was detected (P < 0.001), implying that sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values of the FFQ were not independent of the age and sex of the participants. Gross misclassification by the FFQ ranged from 0% to 4.2%, whereas 75.3,87.3% of the subjects were correctly classified. In this respect, the FFQ performed similarly across the study groups (P = 0.065). Without controlling for age, however, gross misclassification appeared to be higher in females than in males (3.2% versus 0.7%, respectively, P = 0.048). Conclusions, There may be several significant differences in the quantitative and qualitative performance of a calcium-specific FFQ across age and sex. This should be taken into account when attempting to evaluate dietary calcium intake in men and women or in different age groups, as some of the differences between study groups may actually be due to the different response of these groups to the FFQ. [source]


Vaccinate your child and save its grandparents from a heart attack?

JOURNAL OF INTERNAL MEDICINE, Issue 5 2009
Current perspectives in antipneumococcal vaccination
Abstract. Streptococcus pneumoniae is an important cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. There are three established approaches to anti-pneumococcal vaccination: capsular polysaccharide pneumococcal vaccine (PPV), protein,polysaccharide conjugate pneumococcal vaccine (CPV) and protein-based pneumococcal vaccine (PBPV). At present, only a 23-valent PPV for use in adults and a seven-valent CPV for use in infants are available in clinical practice. This study reviews available data on the efficacy of the available vaccines in different age groups and disease presentations, and the advantages and shortcomings of each type of vaccine, including future perspectives. Special attention is given to controversies regarding the efficacy of PPV against pneumonia in adults and its protective effects against myocardial infarction. [source]


ORIGINAL ARTICLE: Radiological review of intercostal artery: Anatomical considerations when performing procedures via intercostal space

JOURNAL OF MEDICAL IMAGING AND RADIATION ONCOLOGY, Issue 4 2010
S Choi
Abstract Introduction: The aim of this study was to closely examine the course of the intercostal arteries within the intercostal spaces particularly with regard to where the arteries were located in relation to their adjacent ribs. The degree of tortuosity of the arteries was also examined, along with anatomical differences in different age groups. Methods: A total of 81 patients between the age of 30 and 90 years who had underwent a CT examination of the chest for any indication were included in the study. All studies were performed on a dual source 64 slice CT (Siemens Definition Erlangen Germany). Analysis of the intercostal arteries was performed on a CT workstation using volume rendered 3D reconstructions F, or each patient the 10'n intercostals pacesb ilaterally were examined for the course and tortuosity of the intercostal arteries. Results: The ICA is located relatively inferiorly in the intercostal space at costovertebral junction and it gradually becomes more superiorly positioned within the intercostal space it as courses laterally. This finding was consistent in all age groups. In addition, analysis of the data demonstrated increasing intercostal artery tortuosity with advancing age. Conclusion: In this study we have examined the course of the posterior intercostal arteries using MDCT. This study confirms the classical description of the course of ICA. We have shown that in the medial chest, posteriorly, the artery is located in the inferior half of the intercostal space. As it moves away from the costovertebral junction it travels closer to the inferior border of the rib above and reaches the intercostal groove. We have also shown that the artery tends to be more tortuous in elderly patients, decreasing the area of "safe" space for interventions. Both of these findings are relevant to radiologists and non-radiologists performing interventional procedures via the intercostal space. [source]


Prevalence and genotype distribution of cervical human papillomavirus infection in Macao

JOURNAL OF MEDICAL VIROLOGY, Issue 10 2010
Yuk-Ching Yip
Abstract Population-specific epidemiological data on human papillomavirus (HPV) infection are essential for formulating strategies to prevent cervical cancer. The age-specific prevalence of HPV infection was determined among 1,600 women enrolled for cervical screening in Macao. A U-shaped age-specific prevalence curve with a first peak (prevalence rate, 10%) at 20,25 years and a second peak (13%) at 51,55 years was observed. Co-infections with multiple types were detected in 32.5% of HPV-positive subjects and without significant variation among different age groups (P,=,0.318). The majority (84.6%) of the positive samples harbored high- or probable high-risk HPV types, and these types also exhibited a similar U-shaped age-specific prevalence curve. In contrast, low and unknown-risk HPV types remained at a low prevalence (1.5,2.5%) throughout the age groups between 20 and 50 years, and with a small peak (4.5%) at 51,55 years. HPV 52 was the most common type found in 26.8% of positive samples, followed by HPV 16 (15.5%), HPV 68 (11.4%), HPV 18 and HPV 58 (8.9% each), HPV 54 (8.1%), HPV 53 (7.3%), HPV 39 (6.5%), HPV 33 and HPV 66 (5.7% each). In conclusion, because of the early peak of infection, vaccination and educational campaigns in Macao should start early and target at teenagers. The presence of a second peak containing mainly high-risk HPV types in older women indicates the need to evaluate the cover of the cervical screening programme for older women. Further study to determine the contribution of HPV 52 in high-grade cervical neoplasia and invasive cancers in Macao is warranted. J. Med. Virol. 82:1724,1729, 2010. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]


Hepatitis B viral loads in southern African Blacks with hepatocellular carcinoma

JOURNAL OF MEDICAL VIROLOGY, Issue 9 2009
Raquel Viana
Abstract Although viral loads are known to influence the development of hepatitis B virus-induced hepatocellular carcinoma in a number of populations, little information is available in the Black African population. Black African patients with hepatocellular carcinoma differ from those in other populations in having a lower frequency of e antigen-positivity and in other respects that might affect viral loads. Hepatitis B viral loads were measured using real-time polymerase chain reaction assay in 124 Black Africans with hepatocellular carcinoma and compared with those in 125 Black adult asymptomatic viral carriers. The geometric mean viral load in the cancer patients was 553,618,copies/ml (95% CI 301,953,1,015,033,copies/ml), with 62.1% having loads >1,×,105,copies/ml and 87.1% >1,× 104,copies/ml, whereas that in the carriers was 16,084,copies/ml (95% CI 9,184,28,168,copies/ml), with only 15.2% having values >1,× 105,copies/ml and 49.6% >1,×,104,copies/ml (P,<,0.001 in each instance). Mean viral load was significantly higher in e antigen-positive than e antigen-negative cancer patients (5,905,357 copies/ml [1,362,847,25,588,520] cf 238,173 copies/ml [97,200,685,730]: P,<,0.001) after adjusting for age and sex. No statistically significant difference existed between patients in different age groups, in men and women, or in patients infected with genotype A or D after adjusting for the other variables. Conclusion: Black Africans with hepatocellular carcinoma have high hepatitis B viral loads in spite of the relative infrequency of e antigen-positivity. J. Med. Virol. 81:1525,1530, 2009. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]


Molecular epidemiology of molluscum contagiosum virus and analysis of the host-serum antibody response in Spanish HIV-negative patients

JOURNAL OF MEDICAL VIROLOGY, Issue 2 2002
Monica Agromayor
Abstract Molluscum contagiosum virus (MCV) lesions from Spanish human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-negative patients were clinically examined and analyzed for virus detection and typing. In a study of 147 patients, 97 (66%) were children under 10 years, of whom 49% had atopic dermatitis. MCV lesions were morphologically indistinguishable among the different age groups, but atopic patients presented larger lesions compared with patients without the disorder. In adults, lesions were observed mainly on the genitals. MCVI was the predominant subtype. The deduced MCVI/MCVII ratio (146:1) was much higher than that found in other geographical areas. Protein preparations of the virus-induced lesions were immunoblotted with sera from 25 MCVI patients. The host-serum antibody response was weak and variable, although no significant differences were found between atopic and nonatopic patients. Three immunoreactive proteins of 74/80, 60, and 35 kDa were detected in almost all the analyzed sera. The 35 and 74/80-kDa proteins were virus specific, whereas the 60-kDa protein band was composed of a mix of human keratins. Immunoblotting of MCV lesions and vaccinia virus-infected cell extracts with either MCV patient serum or a rabbit antiserum against vaccinia virus showed no cross-reactivity of these two human poxviruses at the antigenic level. J. Med. Virol. 66:151,158, 2002. © 2002 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]


Ageing and surface EMG activity patterns of masticatory muscles

JOURNAL OF ORAL REHABILITATION, Issue 4 2010
F. A. CECÍLIO
Summary, The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of age on the electromyographic activity of masticatory muscles. All volunteers were Brazilian, fully dentate (except for Group I , mixed dentition), Caucasian, aged 7,80, and divided into five groups: I (7,12 years), II (13,20 years), III (21,40 years), IV (41,60 years) and V (61,80 years). Except for Group V, which comprised nine women and eight men, all groups were equally divided with respect to gender (20 M/20 F). Surface electromyographic records of masticatory muscles were obtained at rest and during maximal voluntary contraction, right and left laterality, maximal jaw protrusion and maximal clenching in the intercuspal position. Statistically significant differences (P < 0·05) were found in all clinical conditions among the different age groups. Considerably different patterns of muscle activation were found across ages, with greater electromyographic activity in children and youth, and decreasing from adults to aged people. [source]