Age Differences Research Articles

Emerging socioeconomic correlates of loneliness. Evidence from the Barcelona Health Survey 2021

Abstract Purpose Recent evidence shows that loneliness is associated with socioeconomic factors. However, studies often focus on traditional socioeconomic indicators (income, occupation, educational level) only, disregarding other important socioeconomic determinants, such as job insecurity, housing conditions or material deprivation. Therefore, we analyse the association of a broad range of socioeconomic indicators with loneliness. Moreover, we investigate potential age and gender differences in this relationship. Methods We used cross-sectional data from the Barcelona Health Survey 2021, representative of the population of Barcelona (Spain). Individuals over the age of 14 were selected (n = 3,337). The outcome was a loneliness score based on 4 items of the UCLA scale. Loneliness was regressed on a series of sociodemographic and emerging socioeconomic correlates. Linear regression models were fitted, and potential age and gender moderation effects were tested by means of two-way interactions. Results Job insecurity and precarity-related factors, such as having a temporary job or working without a contract, material deprivation and financial difficulties, as well as poor housing conditions and facing housing insecurity were associated with increased loneliness levels. While the association between loneliness and precarity-related factors is stronger among younger individuals, material deprivation is associated with increased loneliness among older workers and women. Conclusion Beyond sociodemographic individual characteristics, socioeconomic factors are strongly associated with loneliness levels in the population. Findings support the relevance of broadening the scope of socioeconomic indicators, assessing both material conditions as well as perceived insecurity.

Age differences in the treatment of lung cancer-a cohort study among 42,000 patients from Germany.

We aimed to describe treatment of lung cancer patients in Germany based on health claims data, focusing particularly on differences by age. Using the German Pharmacoepidemiological Research Database (GePaRD, ~ 20% of the German population) we identified lung cancer patients diagnosed in 2015-2018 based on a previously developed algorithm and followed them until death, end of continuous insurance or end of 2020. We described initial treatment patterns after diagnosis and survival, stratified among others by age. We included 42,629 incident lung cancer patients (58% male). Surgery within three months after diagnosis was performed in 36%, 31%, 29% and 18% of patients aged < 50, 50-69, 70-79 and ≥ 80, respectively. Among patients without surgery, systemic therapy was administered in 77%, 72%, 54% and 25% of patients aged < 50, 50-69, 70-79 and ≥ 80, respectively. Monoclonal antibodies were administered in 15-30% of patients across age groups, and 4% to 15% received protein kinase inhibitors. Overall, 21% of patients remained untreated. In the age groups < 50, 50-69, 70-79 and ≥ 80, this proportions was 9%, 12%, 22% and 48%, respectively. In conclusion, our study provides a comprehensive overview of the therapy of lung cancer patients in Germany and quantitatively demonstrates the considerable differences between age groups. In terms of clinical cancer registration, the results are useful to estimate the completeness of data for the different types of treatment.

Cumulative effects of H+ and Pi on force and power of skeletal muscle fibres from young and older adults.

The cellular causes of the age-related loss in power output and increased fatigability are unresolved. We previously observed that the depressive effects of hydrogen (H+) (pH 6.2) and inorganic phosphate (Pi) (30mm) did not differ in muscle fibres from young and older men. However, the effects may have been saturated in the severe fatigue-mimicking condition, potentially masking age differences in the sensitivity of the cross-bridge to these metabolites. Thus, we compared the contractile mechanics of muscle fibres from the vastus lateralis of 13 young (20-32years, seven women) and 12 older adults (70-90years, six women) in conditions mimicking quiescent muscle and a range of elevated H+ (pH 6.8-6.6-6.2) and Pi (12-20-30mm). The older adult knee extensor muscles showed hallmark signs of ageing, including 19% lower thigh lean mass, 60% lower power and a greater fatigability compared to young adult muscles. Progressively increasing concentrations of H+ and Pi in the chemically-permeabilized fibre experiments caused a linear decrease in fibre force, velocity and power; however, the effects did not differ with age or sex. Fast fibre cross-sectional area was 41% smaller in older compared to young adults, which corresponded with lower absolute power. Size-specific power was greater in fibres from older compared to young adults, indicating the age-related decline in absolute power was explained by differences in fibre size. These data suggest the age-related loss in power is determined primarily by fast fibre atrophy in men and women, but the age-related increase in fatigability cannot be explained by an increased sensitivity of the cross-bridge to H+ and Pi. KEY POINTS: The causes of the age-related loss in muscle power output and the increase in fatigability during dynamic exercise remain elusive. We show that progressively increasing concentrations of hydrogen (H+) and inorganic phosphate (Pi) causes a linear decrease in muscle fibre force, velocity and power, but the depressive effects of these metabolites on cross-bridge function did not differ in fibres from older compared to young adults across a range of fatigue-mimicking conditions. We also found peak absolute power did not differ in slow fibres from young and older adults but it was ∼33% lower in older adult fast fibres, which was explained entirely by age differences in fibre size. These data suggest that fast fibre atrophy is a major factor contributing to the loss in power of older men and women, but that the age-related increase in fatigability cannot be explained by an increased sensitivity of the cross-bridge to H+ and Pi.

The Effects of Age and Cultural Differences on the Relationship Between Aging Anxiety and Ageism: Focusing on Social Identity Theory.

This study aims to test the hypothesis that the association between aging anxiety and ageism will be enhanced by age differently in the United States and in Japan. Data were obtained from online surveys in the United States (Mage = 40.44, SD = 14.98; 39.7% women; n = 886) and in Japan (Mage = 50.32, SD = 16.38; 52.7% women; n = 556). Our findings illuminate that the levels of aging anxiety in the Japanese participants were positively associated with their levels of ageism regardless of their age. On the other hand, for the American participants, the level of aging anxiety was positively associated with higher ageism only among older adults, and not among younger adults. Differences in lifespan or traditional values are thought to have alleviated the strength of the association between aging anxiety and ageism.

Cultural and Practical Barriers to Seeking Help for Intimate Partner Violence Among Korean Immigrants: Exploring Gender and Age Differences

Immigrants in the United States, including Korean immigrants, are more vulnerable to intimate partner violence (IPV), yet they are less likely to seek help than non-immigrants. This qualitative study sought to understand barriers to seeking help for IPV among Korean immigrants and to explore age and gender differences in Korean immigrants’ understanding of these barriers. We conducted four focus groups with 38 adults grouped by age and gender. Thematic analysis was employed to understand Korean immigrants’ perceptions of IPV and barriers to help-seeking. As a result, four prominent themes emerged: (1) differential understanding of IPV, (2) Confucian cultural influences on IPV, (3) cultural barriers to help-seeking, and (4) practical barriers to help-seeking. Women participants showed an in-depth understanding of IPV, recognizing various forms beyond physical violence within the immigrant social context. Younger participants highlighted the intergenerational transmission of IPV. Cultural factors, rooted in Confucianism such as strict gender roles and women’s self-sacrifice, exacerbate IPV. Cultural barriers include shame culture, treating IPV as a private matter, and the emphasis on family unity. Practical barriers are linked to the challenges immigrants face. These insights illustrate the need for targeted IPV interventions tailored to distinct gender and age demographics within the community.

Age differences in mental state inference of sarcasm: Contributions of facial emotion recognition and cognitive performance.

Older age is associated with poorer ability to accurately infer mental states, but some mental states are more complex than others. Sarcasm is a complex mental state because the literal and intended meaning of a speaker's words are in opposition. Individuals must rely on additional cues (e.g., facial expressions, intonation) for accurate inference. We hypothesized that understanding of sarcastic versus sincere exchanges would be more sensitive to age-related difficulty in mental state understanding. We examined accuracy at identifying sarcasm among 263 adults (ages 18-90 years) using videos of social interactions in The Awareness of Social Inference Test. Hypotheses were tested using a logistic linear mixed effects model predicting correct/incorrect trial-level responses. To characterize why sarcasm differed with age, we measured two abilities commonly implicated in mental state understanding: facial emotion recognition and cognitive performance. Sarcasm understanding declined with age, whereas understanding of sincere exchanges did not. Both better emotion recognition and cognitive performance related to better understanding of sarcastic but not sincere exchanges. Only cognitive performance showed an age-related effect such that the cognitive performance among the oldest participants facilitated their understanding of both sarcastic and sincere exchanges. We showed that individual variation related to age and social and cognitive performance is more pronounced when the use of multiple mental state cues is more (sarcasm) or less (sincerity) necessary for accurate understanding of social interactions. Naturalistic paradigms involving multiple mental state cues can address important questions about how older adults make decisions in the real world.

Polygenic Risk Scores and Extreme Coronary Artery Calcium Phenotypes (CAC=0 and CAC≥1000) in Adults ≥75 Years Old: The ARIC Study.

Coronary artery calcium (CAC) is heterogeneous in older age and is incompletely explained by traditional atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk factors. The extremes of subclinical atherosclerosis burden are strongly associated with either a low or high 10-year risk of incident atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, respectively. However, the genetic underpinnings of differences in arterial aging remain unclear. We sought to determine the independent association of 2 polygenic scores for coronary heart disease (CHD) with CAC in adults ≥75 years of age. There were 1865 ARIC (Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities) participants who underwent genetic testing at visit 1 (1987-1989) and CAC scans at visit 7 (2018-2019). In the primary analysis, an externally derived multi-ancestry polygenic CHD risk score was calculated for both White and Black participants. Results were confirmed using a separate ARIC-derived polygenic CHD risk score, including ≥6 million variants computed for White participants. We used multivariable logistic regression models to assess the association of polygenic CHD risk with CAC, after adjusting for baseline, time-averaged lifestyle, traditional risk factors, and local ancestry principal components. In the primary analysis, the average age was 80.6 years old, 61.6% were women, and the median CAC score was 246 (189 participants with CAC=0, 364 participants with CAC≥1000). Compared with persons below the 20th percentile of polygenic CHD risk, persons with polygenic-CHD risk above the 80th percentile had 82% lower odds of having CAC=0 (odds ratio, 0.18 [95% CI, 0.09-0.37]) and had >4-fold higher odds of CAC≥1000 (odds ratio, 4.77 [95% CI, 2.88-7.88]). On a continuous scale, each SD increment increase in the polygenic risk score was associated with a 78% higher CAC score. Results were nearly identical using a second confirmatory polygenic CHD risk score in White participants. Polygenic CHD risk is robustly associated with a lower prevalence of CAC=0 and a higher prevalence of CAC≥1000 in adults ≥75 years of age, beyond lifestyle and traditional risk factors. These results suggest a heritable contribution to distinct healthy and unhealthy arterial aging phenotypes that persist throughout the life course.

Collision of tradition and visual perception: aesthetic evaluation and conservation intent in adapting traditional Chinese gates within architectural heritage

ABSTRACT The sustainable conservation of architectural heritage has attracted significant attention, especially with the rapid development of heritage tourism. Adaptation is a compromise to allow heritage to meet modern development demands; however, unregulated adaptations pose significant risks to sustainable conservation. This study involved 60 participants in a quasi-experimental investigation, using eye-tracking technology combined with evaluation questionnaires. The aim was to explore how material, ornament, and generational age differences impact aesthetic evaluation, visual attention, and conservation intention toward traditional Chinese architectural gates. The results show a general preference for traditional materials (wood) and intricate ornament (Ice Crack), with participants displaying a stronger conservation intention toward these elements. Notably, generational differences were evident, with older participants showing longer visual engagement with architectural heritage design elements. This study extends aesthetic response theory into the heritage domain, emphasizing material authenticity and design complexity in shaping conservation attitudes. It offers valuable insights for heritage adaptation strategies, emphasizing the need to balance historical authenticity with aesthetic appeal to enhance public engagement.

Executive Function and young children's Cardinality Principle: the mediating role of the Approximate Number System and the moderating role of age

BackgroundExecutive Function and the Approximate Number System are well-established as critical components in developing the Cardinality Principle in young children. However, most existing studies explore the relationship between these variables in isolation without examining whether Approximate Number System mediates the relationship between Executive Function and the Cardinality Principle and the role of age in this. This study aimed to address this gap by investigating the mediating role of the Approximate Number System in the relationship between Executive Function and the Cardinality Principle and the moderating role of age in young children.MethodsThis cross-sectional study was conducted in China from February to June 2024. A total of 203 young children (97 boys and 106 girls, Mean age = 68.93 ± 7.076 months) participated. Participants were assessed using a range of tests: the Day-Night Stroop Task, Digit Recall Task, Dimensional Change Card Sort Task, Panamath Test Software, How Many Task, and Give-N Task to measure Executive Function, Approximate Number System, and Cardinality Principle. Data were analyzed using SPSS 26.0 and PROCESS v4.1 (Model 4) to explore the relationships among Executive Function, the Approximate Number System, and the Cardinality Principle through Pearson correlations, multivariate regression, and mediation analysis with 5000 bootstrap samples.ResultsCorrelation analysis revealed that the Cardinality Principle was significantly and positively correlated with Inhibitory Control, Working Memory, Cognitive Flexibility, Executive Function, and the Approximate Number System. Regression analyses indicated that Executive Function positively predicted young children's Cardinality Principle. Specifically, Working Memory and Cognitive Flexibility were positive predictors of the Cardinality Principle, while Inhibitory Control was not. Mediation analysis results demonstrated that the Approximate Number System mediated the relationships between Inhibitory Control and the Cardinality Principle, Working Memory and the Cardinality Principle, and Cognitive Flexibility and the Cardinality Principle, respectively. In addition, the study found that young children's age negatively moderated the relationship between the Approximate Number System and the Cardinality Principle.ConclusionsThe study emphasizes that in developing young children's Cardinality Principle, emphasis should be placed on improving their Executive Function and Approximate Number System while considering the age differences of young children and developing appropriate educational methods for different age groups.

Food preferences in schoolchildren

Introduction. Understanding children’s eating behaviour is crucial for promoting healthy nutrition. Objective. To assess the food preferences in schoolchildren. Materials and methods. A mixed-mode survey was conducted in one hundred twelve 6 to 17 years schoolchildren, including 72 (70.5%) boys and 81 (72.3%) girl from Moscow. The average age was 12.23 ± 3.69 years (median = 13.0 years), with no significant age differences between genders (p = 0.855) or between Moscow and other regions (p = 0.690). The survey (α Cronbach = 0.891) included demographic and eating behaviour questions. Data were analyzed with SPSS using Spearman’s rank correlation, Mann–Whitney U test, Kruskal–Wallis test, and χ2 test, given the non-normal distribution of variables (p ≤ 0.001). Results. Daily, 11 (9.8%) of the respondents eat vegetables, 14 (12.5%) eat fruits or berries, 18 (16.1%) have breakfast, and 87 (77.7%) consume sweets. Additionally, 62 (55.4%) often skip main meals due to sweets; 81 (72.3%) always have sweets at home; and 51 (45.5%) favour of fast food. Children in families where sweets are always available are more likely to skip main meals and breakfast, consume sweets, and prefer fast food, but eat vegetables, fruits, and healthy breakfasts less frequently (p ≤ 0.001). Daily sweet consumption is linked to lower fruit intake (p ≤ 0.001). Demographic characteristics did not impact food preferences (0.068 ≤ p ≤ 0.946). The highest index of correct eating habits, equal to 0.86, was in 2 (1.8%) children. There is no relationship between the number of correct eating habits and age (p = 0.379) and gender (p = 0.172). The criterion of “correct eating habits” is (p = 0.046) higher in Moscow schoolchildren than in children from the regions. Conclusion. Unhealthy food preferences in children reflect parents’ non-compliance with healthy eating recommendations, which underscores the need for family initiatives in the field of healthy nutrition.

Age and sex-related differences in elastic properties of the gastrocnemius muscle-tendon unit: an observational prospective study

IntroductionChanges in the mechanical properties of the gastrocnemius muscle-tendon unit can lead to abnormal biomechanics of lower limbs, which is a risk factor for the development of many diseases. However, fewer studies have explored physiological changes in the gastrocnemius muscle-tendon unit stiffness. This study aimed to investigate the age- and sex-related differences in the gastrocnemius muscle-tendon unit stiffness.MethodsThe study included 20 older women, 20 young women, and 20 older men. Shear wave elastography (SWE) was used to measure the stiffness of the medial gastrocnemius (MG), lateral gastrocnemius (LG), and Achilles tendon (AT) in all subjects in relaxed, neutral, and standing positions.ResultsThe results showed no significant differences in the MG, LG, and AT stiffness between the dominant and non-dominant sides (p &amp;gt; 0.05). The MG, LG, and AT stiffness changed with positions (p &amp;lt; 0.05). The LG stiffness in older women was lower than in older men and young women in any position (p &amp;lt; 0.05). The MG stiffness in older men was greater than that in older women in any position, and age-related changes were found only in the relaxed and standing positions (p &amp;lt; 0.05). The AT stiffness was higher in older men only in the relaxed position (p &amp;lt; 0.05). There was no significant difference in AT stiffness between older and younger women at any position (p &amp;gt; 0.05).DiscussionThese results suggest that the bilateral gastrocnemius muscle-tendon unit stiffnesses were similar regardless of sex, age, and position. The stiffness of the gastrocnemius in women decreased with age. However, the effect of aging on AT stiffness was slight. Men have greater gastrocnemius stiffness in older adults.

Effect of STIN2VNTR polymorphism of the serotonin transporter gene on background EEG in aged subjects depends on the intellectual environment of professional activity

Previously, we found that associations between the STin2VNTR polymorphism of the serotonin transporter gene and cognitive characteristics during aging depend on the intellectual environment of professional activity. In this regard, the present study was aimed to investigate the age-related characteristics of the electrical activity of the brain depending on this polymorphism and long-term intellectual training. We examined EEG power indicators in subjects of the younger (YG, 18–35 years, N = 261) and older (OG, 55–80 years, N = 142) age groups. According to the intellectual richness of the professional activity environment, the subjects were divided into scientists (SA) and those engaged in non-scientific activities (NSA). All subjects were genotyped for the STin2VNTR polymorphism of the serotonin transporter gene. It was found that the power of delta-beta1 rhythms in older carriers of the 10/10 and 12/12 genotypes was opposite in SA and NSA groups (in the SA group 10/10 12/12, in the NSA 12/12 10/10) while similar effects in young subjects were absent. In the absence of cognitive training, genetic differences were determined by an age-related decrease in the power of delta-alpha3 rhythms in carriers of the 10/10 genotype with no age-related differences in carriers of the 12/12 genotype, suggesting the resistance of the 12/12 genotype to age-related changes. In contrast, under cognitive training conditions, there were no age differences in the 10/10 genotype, and a decrease in power was observed in the 12/12 genotype, suggesting an effect of cognitive training on both homozygous genotypes. The decrease in power observed for the 10/10 NSA and 12/12 SA genotypes appears to have different physiological significance, since it was accompanied by changes in attentional efficiency only in the NSA group. The work shows for the first time that the background EEG features associated with the STin2VNTR polymorphism of the serotonin transporter gene in elderly people are under the modulating influence of long-term cognitive training, determined by the specificity of professional activity.

Age Differences in the Correlation Between the Cardiometabolic Index and Chronic Kidney Disease Risk in Adults With Hypertension.

Literature on the association between the cardiometabolic index (CMI) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) risk is limited, especially in hypertensive populations. The objective of the present investigation was to assess the relationship between the CMI and CKD risk in a hypertensive population. The current cross-sectional study included a total of 13717 individuals with hypertension. The calculation of the CMI was based on the waist-to-height ratio and the triglyceride-to-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio. The definition of CKD was based on an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of less than 60mL/min/1.73 m2. The prevalence of CKD was found to be 4.24% in younger adults (aged < 65 years) and 14.93% in the elderly (aged ≥ 65 years). The results of the multivariate regression analysis indicated that in the elderly group, the CMI was positively associated with CKD risk (odd ratio [OR] 1.29; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.14, 1.46), while no significant relationship was observed in the younger group (OR 1.04, 95% CI: 0.85, 1.27). Furthermore, subgroup analyses did not identify any potential factors that could modify the relationship between the CMI and CKD risk (all p for interaction > 0.05). Among adults with hypertension, there was an independent and positive correlation between the CMI and CKD risk in the elderly, whereas such a correlation was not observed in younger adults. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: ChiCTR1800017274 [China Hypertension Registry Study].

Expression Profiles of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Splice Variants in the Hippocampus of Alzheimer's Disease Model Mouse.

Dysregulation of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) has been implicated in Alzheimer's disease (AD). In this study, we investigated the temporal dynamics of BDNF expression in the hippocampus of 5xFAD mice, an AD model, focusing on sex and age differences and Bdnf mRNA splice variants. At 3 months of age, female wild-type (WT) mice exhibited significantly higher Bdnf mRNA levels compared to males. However, this difference was abolished in female 5xFAD mice. At 6 months of age, no sex differences in Bdnf mRNA levels were observed in WT mice, and the levels tended to be lower in female 5xFAD mice. Additionally, a significant decrease in the mRNA levels of full-length tropomyosin-related kinase B (TrkB), a BDNF receptor, was found in female 5xFAD mice at 6 months, while mRNA levels of the truncated TrkB were increased in both male and female 5xFAD mice. Specifically, among the Bdnf mRNA splice variants, the levels of Bdnf exon IIA-IX, exon IIB-IX, exon IIC-IX, and exon IXA mRNA were significantly higher in female WT mice compared to male WT mice at 3 months, but this difference was lost in female 5xFAD mice. These findings suggest that the expression of specific Bdnf splice variants would be maintained at higher levels in the hippocampus of young female mice than in males but may be disrupted in AD model mice. Our study may provide insights into the relationship between sex differences in AD onset and BDNF expression.

Age and gender differences in skin characteristics: a study of 2543 Japanese individuals using advanced skin imaging techniques

Age and gender differences in skin characteristics: a study of 2543 Japanese individuals using advanced skin imaging techniques

Cancer disparities by age: a focus on sexual and gender minorities.

The purpose of this study is to examine the age at which sexual and gender minorities are diagnosed with cancer relative to heterosexual cisgender individuals. We use population-based representative Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Survey data with self-reported sexual orientation, gender identity, cancer diagnoses, and the age at diagnosis. We determined the mean age at diagnosis and used logistic regression modeling to obtain odds ratios, reporting significant differences defined as p < 0.05. Separately, we adjusted for race/ethnicity and corrected for underlying differences in the age of survey respondents. Compared to heterosexual cisgender populations, sexual and gender minorities are diagnosed about 4-11years earlier, with bisexual women and transgender individuals reporting the youngest age, 43.9 and 52.1years, respectively. When focusing on select cancer types, lesbian and bisexual women are diagnosed earlier with breast, melanoma, other skin cancers, and leukemia & lymphoma. Gay and bisexual men are diagnosed earlier with colorectal cancers, and transgender individuals earlier with breast, prostate, melanoma, and other skin cancers compared to heterosexual men and women. These findings suggest that sexual and gender minorities experience earlier onset of cancer and many of these age differences remained even after adjustments were made. These findings need to be confirmed in oncology settings that have cancer incidence and sexual orientation and gender identity data and call for greater attention to sexual and gender minorities in cancer research.

Validation of the Brief Index of Sexual Functioning for women and men (BISF-W and BISF-M) in an Italian sample

IntroductionThe Brief Index of Sexual Functioning for Women (BISF-W) is an international 4-factors tool assessing qualitative and quantitative aspects of sexual experiences in women, both in clinical and experimental settings. The present research aims at validating an Italian version of the BISF-W, to develop a BISF version for men (BISF-M) to fill the gap in the existing sexual function evaluation tools in Italy and to analyze gender and age groups differences in the BISF factors.MethodsThe research included 6,355 women, aged from 18 to 65 (M = 34.94, SD = 10.52) and 2,207 men, aged from 18 to 80 (M = 38.25, SD = 13.67), who completed the BISF-W and BISF-M. The Quality of Marriage Index (QMI) was administrated to both samples for testing divergent validity, while Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) were administered for testing convergent validity. Correlation analysis, MANOVA between gender and age and Confirmatory Factor Analysis were conducted.ResultsThe CFAs confirmed that the proposed 4-factor model (Dyadic, Solitaire and Anal Sexuality, and Sexual Difficulties) is suitable both for the BISF-W and the BISF-M, demonstrated strong psychometric properties for assessing sexual functioning in both genders, with dyadic sexuality being the most important factor. MANOVA analysis showed significative differences in the factors’ scores, according to gender and age.DiscussionThe BISF-W and the BISF-M are promising tools to address sexual functioning in individuals and couples, both in clinical and non-clinical settings. Gender and age differences are discussed regarding the potential use of BISF in the therapeutic context.

Clinical and audiological characteristics in adults with tinnitus in South Africa

Background: In South Africa, the prevalence of tinnitus and its associated clinical and audiological characteristics remain underexplored, posing challenges in the assessment and management of the condition. This knowledge gap affects clinician preparedness and effectiveness in treating tinnitus.Objectives: This study aimed to explore the clinical and audiological characteristics of adult patients reporting tinnitus at a tertiary academic hospital in South Africa.Method: A quantitative, non-experimental, retrospective review of 129 patient audiological records from the Audiology Department at Helen Joseph Hospital was conducted. Among these, 71 records were of patients who reported experiences of tinnitus.Results: Tinnitus was reported by 55% of patients, with a higher prevalence in females (76%). The mean age of patients was 51.9 years. Unilateral tinnitus was present in 28% of cases, while 78% of patients had hearing loss, predominantly sensorineural. Common audiological characteristics included vertigo (24%), otalgia (14%), otorrhea (17%) and perforated tympanic membrane (15%). Clinical conditions associated with tinnitus included hypertension (32%), heart disease (28%), diabetes (9%) and head trauma (9%). Findings regarding age and gender differences in the clinical and audiological manifestations of tinnitus are presented.Conclusion: Further research with larger, diverse samples and prospective designs is necessary to confirm these findings and explore possible underlying causes.Contribution: The findings highlight the significant prevalence of tinnitus and its association with various clinical and audiological conditions in the South African context. Understanding these characteristics will enhance the clinician‘s ability to accurately assess, diagnose and manage tinnitus, leading to improved treatment outcomes.

Sneaky Snake: assessing metacognitive behavior in 5 to 6 year-olds with an unsolvable task

In the present study, we developed an unsolvable behavioral metacognitive task for kindergarten children. The task was designed to gain insight into how children’s metacognitive processes, measured as monitoring (e.g., checking the plan) and control behavior (e.g., seeking a piece), operate in a problem-solving task that mimics real-life scenarios. Five to six-year-old kindergarten children (N = 72) were asked to build a wooden snake according to a plan. The middle piece of the snake (fourth out of seven pieces) was missing, making the task unsolvable. Other than expected, metacognitive behavior was not related to teacher ratings of metacognitive self-regulation. However, we found age differences. Children in kindergarten year two (M = 5.85 years old) showed more control behavior than children in kindergarten year one (M = 5.05 years old). Surprisingly, we did not find age differences in monitoring behavior. Lastly, we found that metacognitive behavior differed between the solvable part (before the missing piece is reached) and the unsolvable part (after the missing piece is reached). Children showed more monitoring and less control behavior in the solvable part than in the unsolvable part. The current study contributes to the metacognitive research methodology by capturing children’s metacognitive processes in action using an ecological-valid, unsolvable behavioral task.

Bibliometric Review of Passive Cooling Design Strategies and Global Thermal Comfort Assessment: Theories, Methods and Tools

Globally, a variety of factors, ranging from ethnicity and occupants’ lifestyles to the local climate characteristics of any studied location, as well as people’s age, can affect thermal comfort assessments. This review paper investigates the energy effectiveness of state-of-the-art passive systems in providing neutral adaptive thermal comfort for elderly people by exploring passive design strategies in four distinct climates, namely Canada, India, Abu Dhabi and the Eastern Mediterranean basin. The aim of the study is to analyse the available data provided by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers’ (ASHRAE) Global Thermal Comfort Database II, version 2.1. The main objective of the study is to develop an effective methodological framework for the on-going development of adaptive thermal comfort theory. To this extent, this study presents a comprehensive review of the assessment of energy effectiveness of passive design systems. To accomplish this, the impact of climate change factors in passive design systems was investigated. A meta-analysis method was adopted to determine the input variables for the statistical analysis. Cramer’s V and Fisher’s Exact tests were used to assess occupants’ thermal sensation votes (TSVs). The findings revealed that there are discrepancies detected between the in situ field experiments and the data recorded in the ASHRAE Global Thermal Comfort Database II. The study findings contribute to the development of adaptive thermal comfort theory by reviewing the existing methodologies globally. Furthermore, a critical review of the significance of occupants’ age differences should be conducted in the identification of neutral adaptive thermal comfort.