The aim of this review is to present a scientific background given by recent pathophysiological studies on sport-related mild traumatic brain injuries (MTBI), which pay attention to long-term ...consequences and cognitive deficits in cases of too early physical and cognitive exertion after injuring, especially in children and adolescents; to present recent understanding by which MBTI should have more conservative approach in judging of recovery period before return to play. MTBI includes a transient complex mechanism of neural function disturbances due to traumatic biomechanical forces. New pathophysiological and neurocognitive research indicates that MBTI are more serious that was estimated before. Pathophysiologicaly MBTI includes diffuse axonal injury in initial phase as a consequence of the rotational force, activation of the inflammatory cascade, swelling, ishaemia, oxygen free radicals effects, ion disturbances and programmed cell death in the secondary phase. Release of neurotransmitters contributes to the secondary phase. Therefore, MBTI require more conservative approach regarding the return to play decision. Physical and cognitive rest are imperative for the acute healing period. Children and adolescents with mild traumatic brain/head injuries require a longer recovery period than adults. In cases of to early return to play, new injury may lead to sustained consequences. Prevention is directed to use of protective equipment particularly in young athletes practising sports with greater head injury risk, to change of some playing rules, to unfair play discouraging as well to education.Original Abstract: Blage traumatske ozljede glave predstavljaju patofizioloski slozen prolazan poremecaj mozdane funkcije izazvan traumatskim biomehanickim silama. Klinicki se ocituju jednim ili vise akutnih simptoma i znakova koji mogu znatno varirati u velicini ispoljenosti. U sportasa blage traumatske ozljede glave dogadaju se u borilackim sportovima, biciklizmu, sportskim igrama: u nogometu, hokeju na ledu, americkom nogometu, kosarci, rukometu i drugim sportovima, a zadnjeg desetljeca zaokupljaju sve vecu pozornost znanstvenika i klinicara, posebno kad se dogadaju u djece i adolescenata. Pozornost na te ozljede skrecu novija istrazivanja koja otkrivaju da se radi o mnogo tezim ozljedama no sto se dosada mislilo. U ovom radu prikazane su spoznaje dobivene novijim istrazivanjima patofizioloskih zbivanja koja upozoravaju na mogucnost dugotrajnijih posljedica i kognitivnog deficita u slucajevima preranog fizickog i kognitivnog opterecanja nakon ozljedivanja, posebno kod djece i mladih. Prikazani su suvremeni stavovi prema kojima se danas smatra da blage traumatske ozljede glave zahtijevaju konzervativniji pristup u prosudbi trajanja oporavka prije vracanja sportasa u sportski trening. Presudno je mirovanje i odmor u akutnoj fazi cijeljenja, sto je posebno vazno u djece i mladih sportasa. Prikazani rezultati neurofizioloskih istrazivanja koji upozoravaju da je u djece i mladih oporavak duzi, sto zahtijeva duze mirovanje nakon ozljede. Ponovna ozljedivanja u slucaju nepotpuna oporavka nose rizik dugotrajnih posljedica. Prikazane su smjernice prevencije glede uporabe zastitne opreme, promjeni nekih pravila igranja, netoleriranju nesportskog ponasanja i edukaciji sportasa, trenera i sportskih djelatnika.
Several studies performed on human subjects have examined the effects of adolescent cannabis consumption on brain structure or function using brain imaging techniques. However, the evidence from ...these studies is usually heterogenous and affected by several confounding variables. Animal models of adolescent cannabinoid exposure may help to overcome these difficulties. In this exploratory study, we aim to increase our understanding of the protracted effects of adolescent Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in rats of both sexes using magnetic resonance (MR) to obtain volumetric data, assess grey and white matter microstructure with diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and measure brain metabolites with 1H-MR spectroscopy (MRS); in addition, we studied brain function using positron emission tomography (PET) with 2-deoxy-2-18Ffluoro-d-glucose as the tracer. THC-exposed rats exhibited volumetric and microstructural alterations in the striatum, globus pallidus, lateral ventricles, thalamus, and septal nuclei in a sex-specific manner. THC administration also reduced fractional anisotropy in several white matter tracts, prominently in rostral sections, while in vivo MRS identified lower levels of cortical choline compounds. THC-treated males had increased metabolism in the cerebellum and olfactory bulb and decreased metabolism in the cingulate cortex. By contrast, THC-treated females showed hypermetabolism in a cluster of voxels comprising the entorhinal piriform cortices and in the cingulate cortex. These results indicate that mild THC exposure during adolescence leaves a lingering mark on brain structure and function in a sex-dependant manner. Some of the changes found here resemble those observed in human studies and highlight the importance of studying sex-specific effects in cannabinoid research.
The aim is to determine, how much and of what kind there are “hidden” pathologies in the breasts of adolescent girls.
Ultrasound is the main imaging modality of adolescent breasts, perfectly suitable ...to evaluate the dense breast tissue.
We share our clinical experience of sonographic evaluation of breasts of non-symptomatic adolescent girls and young adults in 1999 – 2022. Healthy volunteers or adolescents/young adults with non-breast problems were included in the study. The non-symptomatic individuals were divided into 3 groups: the first aged 9 – 13 years; the second aged 14 – 18 years; the third aged 19 – 25 years. This study was approved by Vilnius Regional Biomedical Research Ethics Committee at Vilnius University Faculty of Medicine (69-99-60)
Most of the examined nonsymptomatic girls had no complaints related to their breasts: 83% in the first group, 77% in the second group, 56 % in the third group.
When specifically asked about breast complaints, girls mostly noted mastalgia (14% – 18% – 32% respectively). Nipple discharge, self-palpable breast mass were presented rarely, less than 10% in groups 1 – 2, but reached 23 % in group aged 19 – 25 years.
Various sonographically detected abnormalities in the breasts were found in 9.67% of non-complaining girls. Younger girls (aged 9 – 13 years) had more findings without complaints than older; the explanation could be immature breast tissue. The main features are ductal ectasia and breast cysts (often multiple). Young adults had more complaints without identified ultrasound findings. Neither inflammation nor malignant changes were found in the breasts.
The aim of this study is to assess the role of complete weight restoration in sexual behaviors of adolescents diagnosed with Anorexia Nervosa (AN).
Prospective study of 60 adolescents presented with ...secondary amenorrhea and diagnosed with AN based on DSM-IV criteria. Anthropometrics, body composition by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, hormonal studies, responses to mental health screens (EAT-26) and Structured Interview for Anorexic and Bulimic Disorders–psychopathology scale (SIABP) concerning intimacy, libido, sexual anxiety, sexual behaviors, partner and sexual relationships were obtained at the beginning and at complete weight restoration, in all adolescents. Weight restoration was achieved by specific diets by nutritionists starting at 30–40 kilocalories per kilogram per day (kcal/kg/day) with increases gradually up to 70–100 kcal/kg/day.
Adolescents with AN reported in statistically significant degree (p < 0.01) fewer normative sexual experiences and sexual relationships at time of first attendance compared to time of complete weight restoration. Before complete weight restoration these girls reported as much as 75% of less frequently intercourse and 65% of less sexual desire and willingness for sex. A statistically significant (p < 0.01) lower frequency of masturbation was also reported at the beginning of the study compared to time of complete weight restoration.
AN is associated with sexual dysfunction, fewer sexual experiences and sexual relationships and impaired sexual behaviors. On the other hand, the sexual behaviors of adolescents with AN seem to be improved after complete weight restoration and proper treatment of disease.
Background. The core of the study involves comparing the secular trends in height among self-reported black and white racial groups in South Africa (SA). The white group represents that part of the ...population that has always been affluent and therefore has growth trends comparable with those of developed nations of the world. In comparing the groups, we wanted to see the extent to which the black population has caught up, if it all, since the introduction of democracy in 1994. Objectives. To establish the age at which linear growth plateaus; to compare the age of growth cessation and the achieved adult height between sexes and racial groups in SA; and to compare data from the Bone Health Cohort with previous similar studies to ascertain the secular trend. Methods. We analysed prospective data of 569 individuals who had annual anthropometric assessments from age nine until 20 years (1999-2010). The SuperImposition by Translation and Rotation (SITAR) statistical programme was used to model height and age at growth cessation. Results. There was a total of 183 black females, 93 white females, 205 black males and 88 white males. Black and white females achieved adult height at a similar age (15.1 and 15.3 years), but black females were 5.7 cm shorter. Black and white males achieved their adult height at 17.5 and 16.5 years, respectively, black males being 4.6 cm shorter. Mean adult black male height is currently 170.7 cm v. 166.9 cm in 1971, while there were no significant secular changes in the other groups. Conclusions. There has been a positive secular growth trend in height over 30 years among black males, but no changes in the other groups.
Medical advancements in neonatology have significantly increased the number of high-risk preterm survivors. However, recent long-term follow-up studies have suggested that preterm infants are at risk ...for behavioral, educational, and emotional problems. Although clear relationships have been demonstrated between preterm infants and developmental problems during childhood and adolescence, less is known about the early indications of these problems. Recently, numerous studies on resting-state functional connectivity (RSFC) have demonstrated temporal correlations of activity between spatially remote cortical regions not only in healthy adults but also in neuropathological disorders and early childhood development. In order to compare RSFC of the cerebral cortex between preterm infants at term-equivalent ages and full-term neonates without any anatomical abnormality risk during natural sleep, we used an optical topography system, which is a recently developed extension of near-infrared spectroscopy. We clarified the presence of RSFC in both preterm infants and full-term neonates and showed differences between these groups. The principal differences were that on comparison of RSFC between the bilateral temporal regions, and bilateral parietal regions, RSFC was enhanced in preterm infants compared with full-term neonates; whereas on comparison of RSFC between the left temporal and left parietal regions, RSFC was enhanced in full-term neonates compared with preterm infants. We also demonstrated a difference between the groups in developmental changes of RSFC related to postmenstrual age. Most importantly, these findings suggested that preterm infants and full-term neonates follow different developmental trajectories during the perinatal period because of differences in perinatal experiences and physiological and structural development.
Patients with schizophrenia and their siblings typically show subtle changes of brain structures, such as a reduction of hippocampal volume. Hippocampal volume is heritable, may explain a variety of ...cognitive symptoms of schizophrenia and is thus considered an intermediate phenotype for this mental illness. The aim of our analyses was to identify single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) related to hippocampal volume without making prior assumptions about possible candidate genes. In this study, we combined genetics, imaging and neuropsychological data obtained from the Mind Clinical Imaging Consortium study of schizophrenia (n = 328). A total of 743,591 SNPs were tested for association with hippocampal volume in a genome-wide association study. Gene expression profiles of human hippocampal tissue were investigated for gene regions of significantly associated SNPs. None of the genetic markers reached genome-wide significance. However, six highly correlated SNPs (rs4808611, rs35686037, rs12982178, rs1042178, rs10406920, rs8170) on chromosome 19p13.11, located within or in close proximity to the genes NR2F6, USHBP1, and BABAM1, as well as four SNPs in three other genomic regions (chromosome 1, 2 and 10) had p-values between 6.7510-6 and 8.310-7. Using existing data of a very recently published GWAS of hippocampal volume and additional data of a multicentre study in a large cohort of adolescents of European ancestry, we found supporting evidence for our results. Furthermore, allelic differences in rs4808611 and rs8170 were highly associated with differential mRNA expression in the cis-acting region. Associations with memory functioning indicate a possible functional importance of the identified risk variants. Our findings provide new insights into the genetic architecture of a brain structure closely linked to schizophrenia. In silico replication, mRNA expression and cognitive data provide additional support for the relevance of our findings. Identification of causal variants and their functional effects may unveil yet unknown players in the neurodevelopment and the pathogenesis of neuropsychiatric disorders.
Background and Objectives The cytolethal distending toxin (Cdt) is a highly conserved exotoxin that are produced by a number of Gram negative bacteria, including Aggregatibacter ...actinomycetemcomitans, and affects mammalian cells by inhibiting cell division and causing apoptosis. A complete cdt-operon is present in the majority of A. actinomycetemcomitans, but the proportion of isolates that lack cdt-encoding genes (A, B and C) varies according to the population studied. The objectives of this study were to examine serotype, Cdt-genotype, and Cdt-activity in isolates of A. actinomycetemcomitans collected from an adolescent West African population and to examine the association between the carrier status of A. actinomycetemcomitans and the progression of attachment loss (AL). Materials and Methods A total of 249 A. actinomycetemcomitans isolates from 200 Ghanaian adolescents were examined for serotype and cdt-genotype by PCR. The activity of the Cdt-toxin was examined by DNA-staining of exposed cultured cells and documented with flow cytometry. The periodontal status of the participants was examined at baseline and at a two-year follow-up. Results Presence of all three cdt-encoding genes was detected in 79% of the examined A. actinomycetemcomitans isolates. All these isolates showed a substantial Cdt-activity. The two different cdt-genotypes (with and without presence of all three cdt-encoding genes) showed a serotype-dependent distribution pattern. Presence of A. actinomycetemcomitans was significantly associated with progression of AL (OR = 5.126; 95% CI = 2.994-8.779, p<0.001). Conclusion A. actinomycetemcomitans isolated from the Ghanaian adolescents showed a distribution of serotype and cdt-genotype in line with results based on other previously studied populations. Presence of A. actinomycetemcomitans was significantly associated with disease progression, in particular the b serotype, whereas the association with disease progression was not particularly related to cdt-genotype, and Cdt-activity.
Advocates of the science of reading have invoked the simple view of reading (SVR) to justify an approach that foregrounds decoding in early reading instruction. The SVR, which describes comprehension ...as the product of decoding and listening comprehension, also served as the primary theoretical model underlying the Reading for Understanding (RfU) initiative. Research funded under the RfU initiative included direct examinations of the validity of the SVR and the nature of its underlying components and extended the SVR in studies of middle school and high school readers. In this article, the authors use research conducted under the RfU initiative to examine the validity and utility of the SVR, in general, and the appropriateness of its application in the "science of reading" debate. RfU research has provided not only evidence in support of the overall SVR model but also important cautions relevant to the "science of reading" debate. In particular, RfU has provided evidence regarding the significance of the listening comprehension component of the SVR, often overlooked by advocates of the science of reading. This research has documented the importance of early oral language skills, which support both decoding and listening comprehension in young readers and plays a critical role in students' success as readers as they move through school. In addition, RfU research has identified a complicated constellation of skills and knowledge that impact reading comprehension as students advance in school.
Obesity in children has become an epidemic in the U.S. and is particularly prominent in minority populations such as Mexican-Americans. In addition to physical activity and diet, genetics also plays ...a role in obesity etiology. A few studies in adults and adolescents suggest a link between obesity and paraoxonase 1 (PON1), a multifunctional enzyme that can metabolize organophosphate pesticides and also has antioxidant properties. We determined PON1192 genotype and arylesterase levels (ARYase, measure of PON1 enzyme quantity), to characterize the relationship between PON1 and obesity in young Mexican-American children (n = 373) living in an agricultural community in California. Since PON1 polymorphisms and obesity both vary between ethnic groups, we estimated proportional genetic ancestry using 106 ancestral informative markers (AIMs). Among children, PON1192 allele frequencies were 0.5 for both alleles, and the prevalence of obesity was high (15% and 33% at ages two and five, respectively). The average proportion of European, African, and Native American ancestry was 0.40, 0.09, and 0.51, yet there was wide inter-individual variation. We found a significantly higher odds of obesity (9.3 and 2.5- fold) in PON1192QQ children compared to PON1192RR children at ages two and five, respectively. Similar relationships were seen with BMI Z-scores at age two and waist circumference at age five. After adjusting for genetic ancestry in models of PON1 and BMI Z-score, effect estimates for PON1192 genotype changed 15% and 9% among two and five year old children, respectively, providing evidence of genetic confounding by population stratification. However even after adjustment for genetic ancestry, the trend of increased BMI Z-scores with increased number of PON1192 Q alleles remained. Our findings suggest that PON1 may play a role in obesity independent of genetic ancestry and that studies of PON1 and health outcomes, especially in admixed populations, should account for differences due to population stratification.
PDF
