Different Age Groups Of Adults Research Articles

Association between physical activity and health-related quality of life among adults in China: the moderating role of age.

The aim of the study was to examine the association between physical activity (PA) and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) among adults and explore the role of age in the association between PA and HRQOL in Shandong, China. We investigated the relationship between PA and HRQOL and examined the moderated role of age in this association among adults with different age groups and physical activity levels. Data were obtained from the sixth China National Health Services Survey conducted in Shandong province in 2018. The multi-stage-stratified cluster random sampling method was used to selected respondents, with individuals aged 18 and above included in the present study. The tool of assessing HRQOL was the three-level EuroQol Five Dimensions Questionnaire (EQ-5D-3L). The study found PA was significantly related to HRQOL (P < 0.05). The interaction analysis indicated that the relationship between PA and HRQOL was significantly different across young, middle-aged, and older adults (P < 0.05). Older adults with the sufficient PA (coefficient = 0.090, 95%CI: [0.081, 0.100]) and active PA (coefficient = 0.057, 95%CI: [0.043, 0.072]) had significantly higher HRQOL compared with young and middle-aged groups. PA was positively associated with HRQOL among the adults. Age played a moderate role between the association between PA and HRQOL. Guidelines for PA should be specifically tailored to adults of different age groups in order to enhance their HRQoL.

Effects of sleep quality and physical activity measured by a Fitbit and self-rated questionnaire on the health-related quality of life in community-dwelling older adults: A cross-sectional study

Purpose: This study aimed to identify influencing factors on health-related quality of life by examining relationships among sleep quality, physical activity, and health-related quality of life in older adults living in the community using a Fitbit and self-rated questionnaire. Methods: The participants were adults aged 65 years and above who were recruited from one senior university and three senior citizen centers. A total of 106 participants were included in the analysis. The data were analyzed with t-test, ANOVA, Pearson’s correlations, and multiple regression analysis. Results: According to multiple regression analysis regarding objectively measured sleep quality and physical activity using a Fitbit, the factors affecting the health-related quality of life were age (β=-.30, p=.006), subjective health status as ‘moderate’ (β=.33, p=.001), and subjective health status as ‘good’ (β=.41, p=.001). In terms of using a self-rated questionnaire, the factors affecting health-related quality of life were age (β=-.27, p=.010), subjective health status as ‘moderate’ (β=.32, p=.001), subjective health status as ‘good’ (β=.37, p=.001), and physical activity (β=.18, p=.030). Conclusion: Although the findings may not be generalizable to community-dwelling older adults due to our convenience samples, this study suggests that customized physical activity programs are required to improve health-related quality of life in community-dwelling older adults of different age groups.

Tai Chi counteracts age-related somatosensation and postural control declines among older adults

ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of a 16-week Tai Chi practice on strength, tactile sensation, kinesthesia, and static postural control among older adults of different age groups. MethodsThis is a quasi-experimental study. Thirteen participants aged 60–69 years (60–69yr), 11 aged 70–79 years (70–79yr), and 13 aged 80–89 years (80–89yr) completed 16 weeks of 24-form Tai Chi practice. Their ankle and hip peak torque, tactile sensation, ankle and knee kinesthesia, and the root mean square of the center of pressure (Cop-RMS) were measured before (week 0) and after (week 17) practice. Results80–89yr showed less ankle plantar/dorsiflexion and hip abduction peak torques (p = 0.003, p < 0.001, p = 0.001), and a greater ankle plantar/dorsiflexion kinesthesia (p < 0.001, p = 0.002) than 60–69yr and 70–79yr. Greater ankle plantar/dorsiflexion and hip abduction torques (p = 0.011, p < 0.001, p = 0.045), improved arch and heel tactile sensation (p = 0.040, p = 0.009), and lower knee flexion/extension kinesthesia (p < 0.001, p = 0.044) were observed at week 17. The significant group*practice interaction for the fifth metatarsal head tactile sensation (p = 0.027), ankle plantar/dorsiflexion kinesthesia (p < 0.001, p = 0.004), and the CoP-RMS in the mediolateral direction (p = 0.047) only in 80–89yr revealed greater improvement at week 17. ConclusionTai Chi practice increased strength, tactile sensation, kinesthesia, and static postural control among older adults. Tai Chi practice improved tactile, kinesthesia sensations, and static postural control among older adults over 80, who presented with worse strength and kinesthesia than their younger counterparts. Tai Chi practice offers a safe exercise option for those aged over 80 to encourage improvements in sensorimotor control.

Isotretinoin-Induced Dyslipidemia: a Single-Center Study in Saudi Arabia.

Acne is a chronic inflammatory skin disease with a high prevalence in Saudi Arabia. Isotretinoin is used to treat severe, resistant nodulocystic acne. Side effects include joint discomfort, headache, mucosal dryness, and nose bleeds. Elevated lipids and liver enzymes have also been recorded. The study goal is to identify the prevalence of increased lipid levels during and after isotretinoin use. This retrospective study was conducted in the dermatology polyclinic at King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia. It included adults of different age groups diagnosed with acne vulgaris and treated with oral isotretinoin between January 2021 and December 2022. Parameters included baseline laboratory tests and follow-up laboratory results of cholesterol and triglycerides. Among 88 patients, 48.9% were aged 21-23 years, with females dominating. In total, 47.7% of patients started using isotretinoin at age 20 years or less, with starting doses ranging from 10 to 20 mg. Fifty percent of the patients had five months or more of treatment duration and only 6.8% of the patients had previously used isotretinoin. For the cholesterol and triglycerides, 87.5% of patients had normal pre-treatment with cholesterol and 90.9% with triglycerides, followed by 81.8% and 95.5% in the second reading, respectively. In the last reading, results were 77.3% for cholesterol and 94.3% for triglycerides. The study found that most acne patients treated with isotretinoin had normal cholesterol and triglyceride levels at baseline, second, and last readings. The incidence of higher laboratory alterations was low, with 12.5% and 4.5% for cholesterol and triglycerides at baseline, and 18.2% and 3.4% at second, and 22.7% and 5.7% at last readings. Overall, age, gender, age of start of isotretinoin, isotretinoin dose, and previous use of isotretinoin are factors that could affect laboratory readings.

Preclinical Orthostatic Abnormalities May Predict Early Increase in Vascular Stiffness in Different Age Groups: A Pilot Study.

Clinical orthostatic hypotension (OH) and hypertension (OHT) are risk factors for arterial hypertension (AH) and cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and are associated with increased vascular stiffness. Preclinical OH and OHT are poorly understood. The main objective was to investigate preclinical orthostatic abnormalities and their association with increased vascular stiffness in different age groups of adults. A specially designed head-up tilt test standardized for hydrostatic column height was used to detect them. Three age groups of clinically healthy subjects were examined. In the group of young adults up to 30 years old, a significant predominance of orthostatic normotension (ONT) and an insignificant number of subjects with preclinical OH and OHT were found. In the age group over 45 years, compared to the group under 30 years, there was a twofold decrease in the proportion of individuals with ONT and a significant increase with preclinical OH and OHT. In all age groups, there was a significant orthostatic increase in vascular stiffness (as measured by the brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV), which was recovered to the baseline level when returning to the supine position. Overall, subjects with preclinical OH and OHT had significantly higher baPWV values compared to those with ONT (p = 0.001 and p = 0.002, respectively), with all subjects having vascular stiffness values within normal age-related values.

Aging in 10 Minutes: Do Age Simulation Suits Mimic Physical Decline in Old Age? Comparing Experimental Data with Established Reference Data

ABSTRACT Introduction Age simulation suits are increasingly used in health care education. However, empirical evidence that quantifies the simulated performance losses in established geriatric tests and compares those declines with reference data of older adults is scarce. Methods In a standardized lab setting, we compared performance of N = 61 participants (46 middle-aged, 15 young adults) with and without age simulation suit, for example in the Timed Up and Go Test (+dual task), Short Physical Performance Battery, grip strength, and 30-Second-Chair- Standing Test. Additionally, we compared the results with suit to established reference values of older adults in different age groups. Results Reduced performance was observed in both groups when wearing the suit, yet to different degrees dependent on the assessment and user age. For one, larger declines were observed in more challenging and complex tasks across age groups. In addition, comparisons with reference values revealed age-differential “instant aging” effects. Discussion A simulated “fourth age,” where frailty and impairments are accumulating, was not reached in the majority of assessments, especially not among younger participants. In conclusion, existing age simulation suits may have some educational and empathy potential, but so far, they fail in simulating the age period with most serious functional loss.

Obstructive sleep apnea screening in different age groups: performance of the Berlin, STOP-Bang questionnaires and Epworth Sleepiness Scale

ObjectiveTo evaluate the performance of the Berlin Questionnaire, the STOP-Bang Questionnaire, and the Epworth Sleepiness Scale in screening for the disease in adults of different age groups by comparing them with polysomnography. MethodsCross-sectional study with prospective patient allocation, in which individuals underwent a medical interview, completion of the three screening instruments, and polysomnography. Individuals were categorized into three age groups: 18–39, 40–59, and ≥60 years. The results of the screening instruments were compared to the diagnostic criteria of the International Classification of Sleep Disorders—third edition. Performance was assessed using 2×2 contingency tables, estimating sensitivity, specificity, predictive value, likelihood ratio, and accuracy. Receiver Operating Characteristic curves were also constructed and the area under the curve was estimated for each instrument by age group. ResultsWe obtained a sample with 321 individuals suitable for analysis. The mean age was 50 years, with a predominance of females (56%). The prevalence of the disease in the overall sample was 79%, more prevalent in males in any age group and more frequent in the middle age group. The analyzes revealed that STOP-Bang performed better, both for the overall sample and for all age groups, followed by Berlin Questionnaire and Epworth Sleepiness Scale. ConclusionIn an outpatient setting with individuals with characteristics similar to those in this study, it seems sensible to choose the STOP-Bang as a screening tool for the disease, regardless of age group. Level of evidence according the guide for authorslevel 2.

Decomposing socioeconomic inequalities in dental caries among Chinese adults: findings from the 4th national oral health survey

ObjectiveThis cross-sectional study aimed to investigate socioeconomic inequalities in dental caries among adults (35 years and older) in China and explore the contributions of various factors to these inequalities.MethodsThis study included 10,983 adults (3,674 aged 35–44 years, 3,769 aged 55–64 years and 3,540 aged 65–74 years) who participated in the 4th National Oral Health Survey (2015–2016) in China. Dental caries status was evaluated by the decayed, missing and filled teeth (DMFT) index. Concentration indices (CIs) were applied to quantify the different degrees of socioeconomic-related inequality in DMFT, decayed teeth with crown or root caries (DT), missing teeth due to caries or other reasons (MT), and filled teeth without any primary or secondary caries (FT) among adults of different age groups. Decomposition analyses were conducted to identify the determinants and their associations with inequalities in DMFT.ResultsThe significant negative CI indicated that DMFT for the total sample were concentrated among socioeconomically disadvantaged adults (CI = − 0.06; 95% confidence interval [CI], − 0.073 to − 0.047). The CIs for DMFT for adults aged 55–64 and 65–74 years were − 0.038 (95% CI, − 0.057 to − 0.018) and − 0.039 (95% CI, − 0.056 to − 0.023), respectively, while the CI for DMFT for adults aged 35–44 years was not statistically significant (CI = − 0.002; 95% CI, − 0.022 to 0.018). The concentration indices of DT were negative and concentrated in disadvantaged populations, while FT showed pro-rich inequalities in all age groups. Decomposition analyses showed that age, education level, toothbrushing frequency, income and type of insurance contributed substantially to socioeconomic inequalities, accounting for 47.9%, 29.9%, 24.5%,19.1%, and 15.3%, respectively.ConclusionDental caries was disproportionately concentrated among socioeconomically disadvantaged adults in China. The results of these decomposition analyses are informative for policy-makers attempting to develop targeted health policy recommendations to reduce dental caries inequalities in China.

Becoming homebound by choice and constraint: a mixed-methods look into ageing and mobility transitions

This paper focuses on the transition of mobility practices and more specifically how certain older individuals experience patterns of Déprises leading them to adopt a more homebound lifestyle. As individuals age and advance in their life cycle, their capacities for mobility are prone to change, along with their lifestyles. Sometimes these changes are voluntary and done in a proactive manner, sometimes they are the product of external events. In some instances, following a transition period, these changes can result in a loss of mobility capacities, a continuation or reconfiguration of activities, or sometimes even an extension of mobility capacities, and therefore autonomy. As shown in earlier research, this process takes place in ways that are as diverse as the life course of each individual. This diversity, however, is still underrepresented in research, where older adults are often studied as a block according to their age (65+, 75+). This paper aims to delve deeper into the events and process leading to transition in mobility capacities among diverse profiles of older adults living in urban and suburban environments. To do so, the paper first presents results from statistical analysis showing how mobility practices can differ in older adults of different age groups representing different moments of the life cycle. Focusing afterward on a specific profile (the Stay-at-home), the article uses interview data to illustrate how diverse events, decisions and adaptation strategies led diverse individuals to become more homebound over the course of ageing. The article exposes a diversity of situations among Stay-at-home individuals, with transitions that are chosen or suffered. We conclude on strategies this plurality of Stay-at-home use to maintain their mobility and how we can support them to help them keep their autonomy.

Groundwater chemistry and health hazard risk valuation of fluoride and nitrate enhanced groundwater from a semi-urban region of South India.

Evaluation of groundwater chemistry and its related health hazard risk for humans is a prerequisite remedial measure. The semi-urban region in southern India was selected to measure the groundwater quality to know the human health risk valuation for different age groups of adults and children through oral intake and skin contact with elevated concentrations of fluoride ([Formula: see text]) and nitrate ([Formula: see text]) groundwater. Groundwater samples were collected from the semi-urban region for pre- and post-rainfall periods and resolute its major ion chemistry. The pH values showed the water is alkaline to neutral in nature. Total dissolved solid (TDS) ranged from 201 to 3612mg/l and 154 to 3457mg/l. However, [Formula: see text] concentration ranges from 0.28 to 5.48mg/l and 0.21 to 4.43mg/l; and NO3- ranges from 0.09 to 897.28mg/l and 0.0 to 606.10mg/l elevating the drinking water standards of [Formula: see text] in 32% and 38% samples and for [Formula: see text] about 62% and 38% during pre- and post-rainfall seasons, respectively. The fluoride-bearing minerals are the main sources of elevated concentrations of [Formula: see text] and excessive use of chemical fertilizers as the chief source of NO3- concentration in the aquifer regime. Water quality index (WQI) ranged from 18.3 to 233 and 12.97 to 219.14; 20% and 22% showed poor water quality for pre- and post-rainfall seasons with WQI ≥ 200. Piper plot suggests that 46% and 51% of samples signify carbonate water type ([Formula: see text]), and 32% and 28% of groundwater samples show ([Formula: see text]) type water for pre- and post-rainfall seasons respectively. Gibbs' plot suggests the dominance of water-rock interaction in the aquifer system. Further, the principal component analysis (PCA) revealed three and four components which explain 74.85% and 79.30% of the variance in pre- and post-rainfall seasons with positive loading of EC, TDS, Ca2+, Na+, Mg2+, K+, [Formula: see text], Cl-, and [Formula: see text] due to mineral weathering and water-rock interactions altering the chemistry for an elevated concentration of [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] in groundwater. Cluster analyses of chemical variables observed four clusters with a linkage distance of 5 to 25 with a linkage between different variables displaying predominant ion exchange, weathering of silicate and fluoride-rich minerals, salinization of the water, and a high value of [Formula: see text] concentration, resulting from fertilizers. The hazard quotient (HQ) through ingestion (HQing) and dermal (HQder) pathways of F- and NO3- was observed higher than its acceptable limit of 1.0 for different age groups indicating the non-carcinogenic effect on human health. Effective strategic measures like defluoridation, denitrification, safe drinking water supply, sanitary facilities, and rainwater harvesting structures are to be implemented in the area for improvement of human health conditions and also bring awareness to the local community about the health hazard effects of using high concentrated [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] water for daily uses.

Cost-effectiveness of 20-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine in Denmark compared with PPV23

Background A new 20-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV20) provides protection against 20 pneumococcal serotypes. The vaccine has the potential to decrease the impact of pneumococcal diseases in society and to increase health among vulnerable persons. Aim This study investigates the cost-effectiveness of vaccinating Danish adults in different age groups and risk of pneumococcal disease with PCV20 compared to the 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPV23) – either as PCV20 compared to PPV23 or as PPV23 followed by PCV20 compared to PPV23. Methods A Markov model adapted to the Danish setting was developed to estimate clinical outcomes and costs of vaccinating the Danish population in specific age and risk groups. The model used a restricted societal perspective and estimated outcomes and costs using a lifetime time horizon. To estimate the clinical outcomes and costs, inputs on vaccine effectiveness and waning were retrieved from other studies whereas data on risk groups, coverage and costs were based on real-world data. Results The results showed that in all scenarios the incidence and mortality of pneumococcal disease were reduced when vaccinating with PCV20, resulting in lower costs. For the vaccine target group of adults aged ≥18 years at moderate or high risk and all adults aged ≥65 years both in the case of PPV23+PCV20 compared to PPV23 and in case of PCV20 compared to PPV23 vaccination with PCV20 was found to be a dominant strategy gaining 1,350 or 5,821 quality-adjusted life years (QALYs), respectively, and reducing total costs by 60 or 396 million EUR, respectively, as compared to PPV23 vaccination alone. Similar results of dominant PCV20 strategy were found for other age and risk group comparisons. Both deterministic and probabilistic sensitivity analyses confirmed the results being robust to changes in input parameters and applied assumptions. Limitations Like other modelling studies, this analysis has limitations such as lack of detailed data for some inputs. Conclusion Vaccination with PCV20 reduced the incidence and mortality of pneumococcal diseases in Danish adults compared to PPV23. This reduction has the potential to reduce the financial burden related to managing diseases while also increasing public health.

Remote assessment of hand dexterity: an quantitative method to reduce human error in occupational therapy

Dexterity is the coordination of hands and fingers with the eyes. Existing unilateral movements and dexterity tests use wearable devices for recording hand assessment. It is understandable that whenever some wired devices tag hands, the patient tends to be more conscious, which may not reflect the actual outcome. In this paper, using the finger-tap counter and loop-wire test, an attempt is made to evaluate unilateral movements and dexterity in adults of different age groups without using any wearable device. The test timings are recorded automatically with the help of the ATmega328p microcontroller and transferred to the clinician wirelessly via Bluetooth communication. Healthy 30 subjects between the age range (20–35, 36–50, 51–65, 66–80) were tested for finger-tap counter and loop-wire tests. The experiment is also tested for dominant and non-dominant hands for the same subjects. In this experiment, the result shows as the age increases, the trend in the assessment completion time and number of failures during the performance of the test increases. Female groups can perform both tests quicker than male groups with fewer errors irrespective of age group.

Development of a Method and a Scheme for the Use of a Live Recombinant Vaccine "GamLPV". Safety and Tolerability of Double Intranasal Vaccination of Healthy Adult Volunteers

Introduction. The increase in the incidence of whooping cough in children and adults of different age groups justifies the need for their revaccination and the development of new, acceptable for these purposes. This work is devoted to substantiating the design of a clinical trial and describing the results of a comparative study of the safety and tolerability of the drug "GamLPV" with two-fold intranasal administration to healthy adult volunteers using two methods. The choice of the scheme and method of administration of the drug is justified. The serological structure of the population of adults aged 18–40 years living in Moscow and the Moscow region is characterized.Aim. Determination of the safety and tolerability of the drug with a double intranasal administration of the vaccine by drip method and spraying through an actuator.Materials and methods. A randomized placebo-controlled trial included 50 healthy male and female volunteers aged 18 to 40 years who met the inclusion criteria. The volunteers were divided into 2 groups of 25 people: a drip method of administration and spraying through an "actuator". By both methods, the drug was administered twice with an interval of 60 days.Results and discussion. Serological analysis of the population of healthy volunteers at the prescreening stage justified the inclusion in the study of volunteers containing anti-pertussis antibodies in the blood (IgG ≤40 Ed/ml). A comparison of the results of preclinical studies on an experimental model of non-human monkeys and the first phase of a clinical study of GamLPV allowed us to propose two methods of double administration of the drug as a promising vaccination scheme for volunteers. A comparative randomized study shows the safety of using the proposed scheme for vaccination of adult volunteers.Conclusions. Both proposed methods of double administration can be used to plan a multicenter study to research the immunogenicity and protective activity of GamLPV.

САМОПОНИМАНИЕ ЛИЧНОЙ И СОЦИАЛЬНОЙ ИДЕНТИЧНОСТИ КЫРГЫЗОВ В ЗАВИСИМОСТИ ОТ СОЦИАЛЬНО - ДЕМОГРАФИЧЕСКОГО СТАТУСА

This article presents the results of a study of cultural and family socialization, which is certainly important for revealing the topic of self-understanding through the study of parents who lived in the Soviet period and their socialization. The study interviewed only adults of different age groups, including people who lived for a long time in the Kyrgyz Republic, which is part of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, and including a generation of young people who were born after the collapse of the Soviet Union and the independence of Kyrgyzstan. Thus, the temporal aspect and the aspect of cultural-family socialization were studied, which is certainly important for revealing the topic of self-understanding, namely, not through the study of parents and their teenage children, but due to the inclusion in a group of adults of different ages with different experiences of living under the socialist regime, which has a significant impact on both cultural and family socialization of Kyrgyz.

An Empirical Analysis of Mental Health and Social Support in the Elderly of Different Age Groups: A Survey and Analysis of Data from China.

To explore the effects of social support on the mental health of older adults in different age groups in China, and to provide reference for the development of social support policies to promote the mental health of older adults in China. This paper uses a random sampling method to conduct a questionnaire survey of 3,000 older adults aged 60 years or older in Nanjing and a dichotomous logistic regression model for empirical analysis. The two dimensions of mental health and social adjustment were used to measure the mental health status of the elderly. The results showed that the overall mental health status of the elderly in Nanjing city was more optimistic, and the nonempty nesters with male gender, higher education level, and partners were generally healthier; objective and subjective support had significant positive effects on the mental health of middle and high aged elderly, while the utilization of support had more significant effects on the health of low-aged elderly. This paper proposes that government departments should develop a localized elderly support system and social support policies adapted to the actual situation in Nanjing according to the quantitative distribution and demand characteristics of the mental health of elderly people in different age groups. The study is structured as follows: the second part contains data sources and statistical methods. The third part is the analysis of empirical results. The fourth part is the discussion and conclusion part of the article.

Age-related differences in functional capacity, physical activity, life satisfaction, well-being and quality of life in Turkish adult population during COVID-19

Purpose: During the COVID-19 pandemic, the physical and mental health of general population has been adversely affected. This study aims to investigate if there are age-related differences in functional capacity, physical activity, life satisfaction, well-being and quality of life among adults of different age groups during this era.&#x0D; Methods: One-hundred fifty participants aged between 18-65 years were included. Participants were divided into 5 age groups, with 30 people in each age group i.e., 18-25, 25-35, 35-45, 45-55, and 55-65 years, using a block randomization. Functional capacity was evaluated with 1-minute sit-to-stand test (1-min STST); level of physical activity with International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form (IPAQ-SF); life satisfaction with The Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS); well-being with WHO-5 Well-Being Index (WHO-5); and the quality of life with Short Form-12 (SF-12). All assessments were applied via an online form.&#x0D; Results: Age negatively correlated to 1-min STST (p

A Survey on the Side Effects of Pfizer/BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine Among Vaccinated Adults in Saudi Arabia.

Background: Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine was the first of all coronavirus disease (COVID) vaccines to be used in Saudi Arabia. There have been over 17 million doses already administered to the general public in order to successfully reach herd immunity.Objective: The study aimed to explore the side effects of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine.Materials and methods: This is a cross-sectional study comprising a sample of 386 participating adults of different age groups and genders. A validated modified questionnaire was distributed as a Google form to residents of the kingdom via social networking sites from February to March 2021. The questionnaire included questions regarding participants’ socio-demographic details, vaccination details, and symptom analyses items.Results: The most common to least reported symptoms were local pain (79.3%), fatigue (42%), muscle pain (39.1%), local swelling (27.7%), joint pain (23.1%), headache (21.8%), fever (21.0%), chills (15.5%), local redness (14.8%), nausea (7.3%), with no reports of anaphylaxis, facial paralysis or syncope. There were more side effects after the second dose than the first (p<0.001). Significant predictors of a higher number of side effects after both doses of the vaccine were the female gender ((p<0.001)) and the presence of allergies (p=0.044).Conclusion: Pfizer/BioNTech vaccination was quite safe with no reported anaphylaxis or serious events. The most common reported side effects were local pain and fatigue. Symptoms began within 24 hours and were mild to moderate in nature with a regressive course, especially after analgesics. More side effects were experienced after the second dose than the first. The significant predictors of side effects were the female gender and a history of allergies.

Prepositional phrases in German in Austria – identifying patterns of variation

AbstractGerman in Austria is claimed to be shaped by wide-spread dialect use and historical language contact. In this context, variation in prepositional phrases (PPs) is frequently cited, but still underresearched. Three linguistic variables are particularly interesting: (1) preposition choice (p-choice), (2) case marking in PPs and (3) preposition–determiner contractions. The present study aims at identifying linguistic and sociolinguistic – including regional – patterns of variation in the realization of PPs with two-way prepositions in German in Austria on the basis of natural production data including formal and informal registers from urban and rural adults of different age groups and different socioeconomic backgrounds living in Bavarian regions of Austria. The data were compared against the German standard variety from Germany to identify all constructions (possibly) specific for German in Austria. Results indicate that p-choice (particularly in directed motion constructions) shows mostly regional effects: South Bavarian varieties are characterized by preposition drop, whereas in the other regions, the prepositionauf‘on(to)’ seems overrepresented. However, case marking is more dependent on sociodemographic variables and accusative–dative syncretism appears more frequently in plural than in singular contexts. Finally, specific preposition–determiner contractions are widespread across all regions and groups investigated, even in (close-to-)standard registers.

Hip muscle strength, dynamic balance and functional capacity of community-dwelling older adults aged 60 and older: A cross-sectional study

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the association of hip muscle strength, dynamic balance and functional capacity in the older adults aged 60 to 79 years and older adults aged 80 years and older. A total of 191 community-dwelling older adults participated in this study. Isometric muscle strength was quantified as the peak torque (PT), measured using an isokinetic dynamometer. Functional capacity was determined by the forward step test (ST) and the dynamic balance by the tandem gait (TG) test. The hip flexor, extensor, abductor and adductor PT in the older adults aged 60 to 79 years had a positive influence on the execution of the step test (p < 0.05). The peak adductor torque did not show a significant association with tandem gait (p = 0.649). In older adults aged 80 years and older, the peak adductor torque was the only one that showed an association with the performance of the ST (p = 0.001) and TG (p = 0.024) tests. The hip adductors may have a higher contribution in adults aged 80 years and older during the execution of clinical tests. These findings are relevant to clinical practice as they can help in the development of appropriate physical exercise programs targeting older adults of different age groups.

Longitudinal associations between cancer history and cognitive functioning among older adults

ObjectivesThis study aimed to examine (1) whether cancer history accelerates older adults’ rates of cognitive decline over time and (2) whether chemotherapy increases older cancer patients’/ survivors’ rates of cognitive decline over time. MethodsThis longitudinal study drew a subsample of 8811 adults aged 65 or older from Wave 6 of the Health and Retirement Study in 2002 and followed biennually until Wave 13 in 2016. Linear mixed-effects models were performed to test whether cancer history and chemotherapy were associated with accelerated rates of cognitive decline over time among older adults in different age groups. ResultsMiddle-old adults (aged 75–84) with a cancer history had significantly reduced rates of cognitive decline over time, including the global measure of cognitive functioning (B = 0.16, p< .01), mental status (B = 0.08, p< .01), and episodic memory (B = 0.09, p< .05) compared to their counterparts without a cancer history. This effect was not significant for the youngest-old (aged 65–74) or oldest-old adults (aged 85 or older). Also, chemotherapy was not significantly associated with older cancer patients’/survivors’ cognitive functioning at baseline or over time in different age groups. ConclusionsThis study finds that cancer history and chemotherapy do not further exacerbate older adults’ cognitive functioning over time. On the contrary, cancer history shows a “protective” effect on middle-old adults’ cognitive functioning. This encouraging finding indicates that older adults can be more actively engaged in the decision-making of treatments and following care plans. Future mediation studies are needed to further investigate underlying mechanisms.