Age Differences In Effects Research Articles

Immigrant assimilation in health care utilisation in Spain

Abundant evidence has tracked the labour market and health assimilation of immigrants, including static analyses of differences in how foreign-born and native-born residents consume health care services. However, we know much less about how migrants’ patterns of healthcare usage evolve with time of residence, especially in countries providing universal or quasi-universal coverage. We investigate this process in Spain by combining all the available waves of the local health survey, which allows us to separately identify period, cohort, and assimilation effects. We find robust evidence of migrant assimilation in health care use, specifically in visits to general practitioners and emergency care and among foreign-born women. The differential effects of ageing on health care use between foreign-born and native-born populations contributes to the convergence of utilisation patterns in most health services after 15 years in Spain. Substantial heterogeneity by the time of arrival and by region of origin both suggest that studies modelling future welfare state finances would benefit from a more thorough assessment of migration.

Differential effects of aging on hippocampal ultrastructure in male vs. female rats.

Age-related decline in physical and cognitive functions are facts of life that do not affect everyone to the same extent. We had reported earlier that such cognitive decline is both sex- and context-dependent. Moreover, age-associated ultrastructural changes were observed in the hippocampus of male rats. In this study, we sought to determine potential differences in ultrastructural changes between male and female rats at various stages of life. We performed quantitative electron microscopic evaluation of hippocampal CA1 region, an area intimately involved in cognitive behavior, in both male and female adolescent, adult and old Wistar rats. Specifically, we measured the number of docking synaptic vesicles in axo-dendritic synapses, the length of active zone as well as the total number of synaptic vesicles. Distinct age- and sex-dependent effects were observed in several parameters. Thus, adult female rats had the lowest synaptic active zone compared to both adolescent and old female rats. Moreover, the same parameter was significantly lower in adult and old female rats compared to their male counterparts. On the other hand, old male rats had significantly lower number of total synaptic vesicles compared to both adolescent and adult male rats as well as compared to their female counterparts. Taken together, it may be suggested that age- and sex-dependent ultrastructural changes in the hippocampus may underlie at least some of the differences in cognitive functions among these groups.

Cognitive control, interference inhibition and ordering of information during working memory in younger and older healthy adults

AbstractBackgroundInvestigating effects of aging on neurophysiological mechanisms underlying working memory provides a better understanding of potential targets for brain intervention to prevent cognitive decline. Theta‐gamma coupling (TGC) indexes the ability to order information processed during working memory tasks. Frontal theta event‐related synchronization (ERS) and parietal alpha event‐related desynchronization (ERD) index cognitive control and interference inhibition, respectively. Relative contributions of TGC, theta ERS and alpha ERD in relation to stimulus presentation are not characterized. Further, differential effect of normal aging on pre or post‐stimulus processes is unknown.MethodElectroencephalography was recorded in 66 younger and 41 older healthy participants while performing 3‐back working memory task. We assessed relationships between 3‐back task performance and each of post‐stimulus TGC, pre‐stimulus parietal alpha ERD, and pre‐stimulus frontal theta ERS in each age group.ResultWhile older adults performed worse on 3‐back task than younger adults. TGC, alpha ERD or theta ERS did not differ between the two groups. TGC was positively associated with 3‐back performance in both age groups; pre‐stimulus alpha ERD was associated with performance among younger adults; and pre‐stimulus theta ERS was not associated with performance in either group.ConclusionOur findings suggest that both pre‐stimulus interference inhibition and post‐stimulus ordering of information are important for working memory in younger adults. In contrast, performance in older adults appears to depend only on post‐stimulus ordering of information. These specific contributions of neurophysiological resources may explain the poorer performance of older adults and suggest different targets to enhance working memory in age groups.

Age Differences in Effects of Global Factors on Cultural Identity: An Exploration of Tribal Community Dera Ghazi Khan

The study explored effects of global factors on cultural identity of tribal men in Dera Ghazi Khan. For data collection, twelve tribal men (six young and six old) were interviewed. Through deductive thematic analysis eight themes were formed based on predetermined research questions. The results showed that use of global factors was common and frequent among tribal men. Among global factors, internet was preferred by young tribal men for entertainment while old men preferred radio for news updates and weather forecasts. The tribal people were learning and adopting new languages, different styles in dressing, food and ways of celebration from other cultures. Traditional occupations and leisure time activities were being replaced with modern ones. Attitude towards traditional roles of men and women were in transition. The tribal customs like horse riding, shooting, dancing with swords, dress pattern and Jirga system were being extinct while values like hospitality, cooperation, respect for women and elders still exist. Young tribal people liked to form social relations with people from other cultures while older liked to maintain their relationships with local community members.

Age differences in effectiveness of encoding techniques on memory

ABSTRACT We compared the effectiveness of different encoding techniques across the adult age range. Three hundred participants: 100 younger, 100 middle-aged, and 100 older adults, were asked to encode a set of visually presented concrete and abstract words. Participants were shown target words one at a time, along with prompts (randomly and intermixed, within-subject) to either silently read, read aloud, write, or draw a picture of the target, for a duration of 10-seconds each. On a later free recall test, participants were given 2-minutes to type all the words they could remember from the encoding phase. Across age groups, we showed that drawing, writing, and reading aloud as encoding techniques yielded better memory than silently reading words, with drawing leading to the largest boost. While memory performance did decrease as age increased, it interacted with the encoding technique. Of note, there were no differences in memory performance in middle-aged compared to young adults. Importantly, age differences in memory emerged only when drawing was used as the encoding strategy, in line with previously reported age-related deficits in generating imagery, or integrating it with motoric processes. Despite this, concrete relative to abstract words that were drawn or written during encoding were better retained, regardless of age, suggesting these techniques facilitate formation of age-invariant visuo-spatial representations. Our findings suggest that whether age differences in memory emerge depends on the strategy used at encoding, and the type of information being encoded.

Hematological and biochemical profiles in children with cerebral palsy: A cross-sectional study.

Cerebral palsy is a common pediatric neurological problem that has multiple comorbidities, including nutritional issues. Hematological and biochemical parameters significantly affect the health status of patients with cerebral palsy, and till now very few studies have analyzed these parameters. This study aimed to describe the hematological and biochemical parameters of children diagnosed with cerebral palsy. This four-year observational study included children with cerebral palsy who were admitted to the Department of Pediatrics of a medical college teaching hospital.Hemoglobin, platelet count, white blood count (WBC), red blood cells (RBCs), packed cell volume, RBC indices, and biochemical parameters (urea, creatinine, total bilirubin, total protein, albumin, globulin, aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase, electrolytes, calcium and alkaline phosphatase) were noted and values (mean, standard deviation, and interquartile range) presented. Age and gender-based analyses were performed. The average hemoglobin level was 11.48 mg/dl, platelet count was 301.24×109/L, and WBC count was 11.13 109/L. Anemia was observed more commonly in males younger than nine years of age. Of 282 patients, 14 (4.96%) had a platelet count of less than 150×109/L. Abnormal alkaline phosphatase levels were observed more commonly in patients who were younger than nine years of age and in females more than males, and the difference was statistically significant. Protein levels and calcium levels were similar between both age groups. Anemia was more common in younger patients and males with cerebral palsy. Abnormal bone turnover markers (alkaline phosphatase) were more common in young patients and females with cerebral palsy. Understanding the differential effect of age and gender on various investigational parameters will help improve care of children with cerebral palsy by initiating appropriate and timely clinical interventions, thereby providing a better quality of life.

Modelling the differential effects of age on transcranial magnetic stimulation induced electric fields

Objective. The therapeutic application of noninvasive brain stimulation modalities such as transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) has expanded in terms of indications and patient populations. Often neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative changes are not considered in research studies and clinical applications. This study sought to examine TMS dosing across time points in the life cycle. Approach. TMS induced electric fields with a figure-of-eight coil was simulated at left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex regions and taken in vertex as a control region. Realistic magnetic resonance imaging-based head models (N = 48) were concurrently examined in a cross-sectional study of three different age groups (children, adults, and elderlies). Main results. Age had a negative correlation with electric field peaks in white matter, grey matter and cerebrospinal fluid (P < 0.001). Notably, the electric field map in children displayed the widest cortical surface spread of TMS induced electric fields. Significance. Age-related anatomical geometry beneath the coil stimulation site had a significant impact on the TMS induced electric fields for different age groups. Safety considerations for TMS applications and protocols in children are warranted based on the present electric field findings.

Using animal models to identify clinical risk factors in the older population due to alcohol use and misuse.

The number of people over the age of 65 years old is increasing and understanding health risks associated with the aged population is important. Recent research has revealed that alcohol (ethanol) consumption levels in older demographics remains elevated and often occurs in a dangerous binge pattern. Given ethical constraints on investigating high level or binge pattern alcohol consumption in humans, animal models are often used to study the effects of ethanol. The current review highlights ongoing work revealing that aged rats are often more sensitive to the effects of acute ethanol compared to younger rats. Specifically, aged rats are more sensitive to the motor impairing, hypnotic, hypothermic, and often the cognitive effects of ethanol compared to younger rats. In addition, the development of ethanol tolerance following chronic exposure may have a different temporal pattern in aged rats compared to younger rats. However, the neurobiological mechanisms that cause the increased sensitivity to ethanol in aged animals have yet to be identified. Furthermore, the differential age effects of ethanol highlight clinical risk factors for alcohol misuse in the older human population. Future work is needed to determine underlying CNS mechanisms producing altered effects of ethanol in aged subjects and also the development of educational material concerning ethanol's effects across ages for health care providers working with the aged population.

Innovation Working Trends: A Review About Well-Being and Work Motivation Relations of People Working from Home

This paper reports on the well-being and work motivation interactions of people working from home. Therefore, whether demographic variables could create differentiation is the second issue of this research. For their benefit, companies prefer to switch remote working formats to be financially efficient and innovative for the most necessities, led by knowledge and computer-based innovation communication technologies. However, on the employee’s side, it is still debated whether this approach is good, bad or sustainable for a long time. The relevance of this scientific problem decision is arguable because there are many aspects of remote working practices and employer/employee interactions for finding an optimum. Therefore, well-being and work motivation wereselected as the research aspects because these factors could reflect the perceived status of people working from home. The survey was administered in Turkey 4 months a time via an online questionnaire, which consisted of the Multidimensional Working Motivation Scale, the Well-Being Index and demographic variables related to a total of 19 questions with 214 participants. Thegathered data revealed that work motivation and well-being interact in a positive manner according to the correlation coefficient. was 0.177 (p&lt;0.01). The interaction between the Amotivation subscale and Well-Being was negative. was found to be -0.306 (p&lt;001). However, demographic variables impacting the differentiation of work motivation and well-being are considered demographic variables, as not all demographic variables have the same impact on work motivation and well-being. The identifiedRegulation, Intrinsic Motivation and Well-Being interaction were also found to be positive, as they had correlation coefficients of0.383 and 0.351, respectively. On the other hand, for demographic variable differential effect purposes, age and income hadmeaningful differential effects on well-being; 35- to 44-year-old people had more well-being points (57.2), and those whose income was higher had a better well-being situation (56.45) than others. However, for work motivation evaluation, there was no meaningful effect of demographic variables.

How culturally unique are pandemic effects? Evaluating cultural similarities and differences in effects of age, biological sex, and political beliefs on COVID impacts.

Despite being bio-epidemiological phenomena, the causes and effects of pandemics are culturally influenced in ways that go beyond national boundaries. However, they are often studied in isolated pockets, and this fact makes it difficult to parse the unique influence of specific cultural psychologies. To help fill in this gap, the present study applies existing cultural theories via linear mixed modeling to test the influence of unique cultural factors in a multi-national sample (that moves beyond Western nations) on the effects of age, biological sex, and political beliefs on pandemic outcomes that include adverse financial impacts, adverse resource impacts, adverse psychological impacts, and the health impacts of COVID. Our study spanned 19 nations (participant N = 14,133) and involved translations into 9 languages. Linear mixed models revealed similarities across cultures, with both young persons and women reporting worse outcomes from COVID across the multi-national sample. However, these effects were generally qualified by culture-specific variance, and overall more evidence emerged for effects unique to each culture than effects similar across cultures. Follow-up analyses suggested this cultural variability was consistent with models of pre-existing inequalities and socioecological stressors exacerbating the effects of the pandemic. Collectively, this evidence highlights the importance of developing culturally flexible models for understanding the cross-cultural nature of pandemic psychology beyond typical WEIRD approaches.

Differential effects of age and sex on medial temporal lobe networks revealed by longitudinal analyses across the adult lifespan

AbstractBackgroundThe medial temporal lobe (MTL) is extensively connected to the rest of the brain through two specific networks which are particularly affected in Alzheimer’s disease (AD): the anterior‐temporal (AT) and posterior‐medial (PM) systems. As the specific and respective effects of age and sex on the functional integrity of these networks are still largely unknown, we sought to fill this gap using longitudinal data spanning the entire adult life.MethodLongitudinal data from 215 cognitively unimpaired adults (aged 19‐85, including 113 females, followed‐up up to 47 months, 419 scans) were analysed. Seed‐based analyses were applied to resting‐state functional magnetic resonance imaging to generate connectivity maps (seeds: the perirhinal cortex for AT and the parahippocampal cortex for PM). The AT and PM networks were defined by comparing baseline maps from adults younger than 40 using a paired permutation t‐test with threshold‐free cluster enhancement (TFCE) and familywise error (FWE) correction (p&lt;.05) (Figure 1). These masks were then used to extract the mean functional connectivity (FC) for each participant. The interaction effects between network, age and sex were investigated using linear mixed models.ResultThere was a significant interaction between age and networks (p&lt;.001), with a decrease of FC with age in PM and an increase in AT (Figure 2). Sex differences were also observed within these two systems (p&lt;.001), with males exhibiting higher FC than females in AT but lower FC in PM (Figure 3). Age‐related trajectories were not modulated by sex differences (p&gt;.05) and were best described by a linear relationship according to model comparison testing different polynomials.ConclusionBy encompassing the entire adult lifespan and assessing longitudinal changes, our study provides strong support that the two MTL networks display differential alterations in the context of aging, as well as sex differences. Since MTL connectivity has been described as particularly affected in the early stages of AD, and age and sex are risk factors, these findings may be helpful to enhance the clinical utility of such biomarkers for the early detection of AD‐related changes.

Differential effects of age and sex on medial temporal lobe networks revealed by longitudinal analyses across the adult lifespan

AbstractBackgroundThe medial temporal lobe (MTL) is extensively connected to the rest of the brain through two specific networks which are particularly affected in Alzheimer’s disease (AD): the anterior‐temporal (AT) and posterior‐medial (PM) systems. As the specific and respective effects of age and sex on the functional integrity of these networks are still largely unknown, we sought to fill this gap using longitudinal data spanning the entire adult life.MethodLongitudinal data from 215 cognitively unimpaired adults (aged 19‐85, including 113 females, followed‐up up to 47 months, 419 scans) were analysed. Seed‐based analyses were applied to resting‐state functional magnetic resonance imaging to generate connectivity maps (seeds: the perirhinal cortex for AT and the parahippocampal cortex for PM). The AT and PM networks were defined by comparing baseline maps from adults younger than 40 using a paired permutation t‐test with threshold‐free cluster enhancement (TFCE) and familywise error (FWE) correction (p&lt;.05) (Figure 1). These masks were then used to extract the mean functional connectivity (FC) for each participant. The interaction effects between network, age and sex were investigated using linear mixed models.ResultThere was a significant interaction between age and networks (p&lt;.001), with a decrease of FC with age in PM and an increase in AT (Figure 2). Sex differences were also observed within these two systems (p&lt;.001), with males exhibiting higher FC than females in AT but lower FC in PM (Figure 3). Age‐related trajectories were not modulated by sex differences (p&gt;.05) and were best described by a linear relationship according to model comparison testing different polynomials.ConclusionBy encompassing the entire adult lifespan and assessing longitudinal changes, our study provides strong support that the two MTL networks display differential alterations in the context of aging, as well as sex differences. Since MTL connectivity has been described as particularly affected in the early stages of AD, and age and sex are risk factors, these findings may be helpful to enhance the clinical utility of such biomarkers for the early detection of AD‐related changes.

Partner choice in genito-genital rubbing among female bonobos (Pan paniscus) is highly dependent on physical proximity.

Sociosexual interactions of non-human primates have multiple functions, and information on partner choice could help us to determine the major purpose of these behaviors. Female bonobos (Pan paniscus) frequently engage in genito-genital (GG) rubbing, which is categorized as a sociosexual behavior. The functions of GG rubbing may vary across allopatric bonobo populations, especially in relation to its use in social bonding. Thus, we aimed to examine the use of GG rubbing in the formation and maintenance of social bonds by examining partner choice in this context in the habituated bonobo population at Wamba, Democratic Republic of the Congo. We examined the effect of female age (and correlated dominance rank) on the proportion of solicited GG rubbing, and the effects of age difference, proximity index, and grooming index on the successful GG rubbing occurrences. Our results showed that female age significantly affected the proportion of solicited GG rubbing, indicating that older and higher-ranking females solicited this activity more frequently. Individuals of female-female dyads who were close in age and dominance rank frequently engaged in GG rubbing. The more the females in a dyad were in physical proximity, the more they engaged in GG rubbing. No correlation was observed between grooming and GG rubbing. These results indicate that partner choice in GG rubbing is highly dependent on physical proximity, and suggest that characteristics of female gregariousness might be important with respect to this choice among bonobos.

Differential effects of age, sex and dexamethasone therapy on ACE2/TMPRSS2 expression and susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 infection.

ACE2 and TMPRSS2 are crucial for SARS-CoV-2 entry into the cell. Although ACE2 facilitates viral entry, its loss leads to promoting the devastating clinical symptoms of COVID-19 disease. Thus, enhanced ACE2/TMPRSS2 expression is likely to increase predisposition of target cells to SARS-CoV-2 infection. However, little evidence existed about the biological kinetics of these two enzymes and whether dexamethasone treatment modulates their expression. Here, we show that the expression of ACE2 at the protein and mRNA levels was significantly higher in the lung and heart tissues of neonatal compared to adult mice. However, the expression of TMPRSS2 was developmentally regulated. Our results may introduce a novel concept for the reduced susceptibility of the young to SARS-CoV-2 infection. Moreover, ACE2 expression but not TMPRSS2 was upregulated in adult female lungs compared to their male counterparts. Interestingly, the ACE2 and TMPRSS2 expressions were upregulated by dexamethasone treatment in the lung and heart tissues in both neonatal and adult mice. Furthermore, our findings provide a novel mechanism for the observed differential therapeutic effects of dexamethasone in COVID-19 patients. As such, dexamethasone exhibits different therapeutic effects depending on the disease stage. This was supported by increased ACE2/TMPRSS2 expression and subsequently enhanced infection of normal human bronchial epithelial cells (NHBE) and Vero E6 cells with SARS-CoV-2 once pre-treated with dexamethasone. Therefore, our results suggest that individuals who take dexamethasone for other clinical conditions may become more prone to SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Differential effect of age in academia: a three-way interaction effect of age, technological aids and knowledge sharing on research output

PurposeAmidst the concerns surrounding knowledge sharing, especially in academia, the study attempts to understand its impact on Research output. To deepen our understanding, the study considered the differing impact of age on knowledge sharing and research output through the lens of Continuity Theory and Socioemotional Selectivity Theory.Design/methodology/approachData were collected from 385 faculties working in higher education institutions in India. The study uses Hierarchical regression analysis in SPSS 22.0 to test the hypotheses proposed.FindingsA three-way interaction analysis of 385 faculties confirmed our presumption that the effect of knowledge sharing on research output was different for the two-age groups. Surprisingly, the positive effect of knowledge sharing on research output was stronger in older faculties than younger ones. However, technology usage and its effect on research output, declined with age.Research limitations/implicationsFindings gave interesting insights which contradict our earlier notions of increasing age and suggest that instead of blaming increasing age alone for the reduced output, attention must be paid towards other hidden influencing factors.Originality/valueThe study is the first of its kind that investigates the effectiveness of knowledge sharing in academia and the impact of age on the underlying phenomenon. This study makes a novel attempt to deepen our understanding of the impact of age on research output.

Metabolic syndrome predictors of brain gray matter volume in an age-stratified community sample of 776 Mexican- American adults: Results from the genetics of brain structure image archive.

IntroductionThis project aimed to investigate the association between biometric components of metabolic syndrome (MetS) with gray matter volume (GMV) obtained with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) from a large cohort of community-based adults (n = 776) subdivided by age and sex and employing brain regions of interest defined previously as the “Neural Signature of MetS” (NS-MetS).MethodsLipid profiles, biometrics, and regional brain GMV were obtained from the Genetics of Brain Structure (GOBS) image archive. Participants underwent T1-weighted MR imaging. MetS components (waist circumference, fasting plasma glucose, triglycerides, HDL cholesterol, and blood pressure) were defined using the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III. Subjects were grouped by age: early adult (18–25 years), young adult (26–45 years), and middle-aged adult (46–65 years). Linear regression modeling was used to investigate associations between MetS components and GMV in five brain regions comprising the NS-MetS: cerebellum, brainstem, orbitofrontal cortex, right insular/limbic cluster and caudate.ResultsIn both men and women of each age group, waist circumference was the single component most strongly correlated with decreased GMV across all NS-MetS regions. The brain region most strongly correlated to all MetS components was the posterior cerebellum.ConclusionThe posterior cerebellum emerged as the region most significantly associated with MetS individual components, as the only region to show decreased GMV in young adults, and the region with the greatest variance between men and women. We propose that future studies investigating neurological effects of MetS and its comorbidities—namely diabetes and obesity—should consider the NS-MetS and the differential effects of age and sex.

Age Differences in Effects of Sacubitril/Valsartan on Cardiac Remodeling, Biomarkers, and Health Status

BackgroundSacubitril/valsartan (Sac/Val) improves outcomes in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). ObjectivesIn this study, the authors sought to explore age differences in effects of Sac/Val on biomarkers, Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire (KCCQ)-23 scores and cardiac remodeling. MethodsAfter initiation and titration of Sac/Val, concentrations of N-terminal pro–B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), high-sensitivity troponin T (hs-cTnT), and soluble suppressor of tumorigenicity 2 (sST2) were measured and KCCQ-23 scores obtained from baseline to 12 months. Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), and indexed left ventricular end-systolic (LVESVi) and indexed left ventricular end-diastolic (LVEDVi) and left atrial volume index (LAVi) volumes were measured with the use of echocardiography. Safety end points were assessed. Age-stratified analysis was performed for groups aged <65, 65-74, and ≥75 years. ResultsAmong 794 participants with HFrEF (mean age 65.1 years, 28.5% women), compared with patients aged <65 years (n = 369), 65-74 years (n = 237), and those aged ≥75 years (n = 188), had similar reductions in hs-cTnT and sST2, but less NT-proBNP reduction (−45.6% vs −40.2% vs −30.5%, respectively; P = 0.02). Gains in KCCQ-23 were smaller (+11.8 vs +11.4 vs +6.0 points; P = 0.03) in patients aged ≥75 years, although similar proportions of each age group achieved ≥10-point and ≥20-point increases in KCCQ-23 by month 12. Improvements in LVEF, LVEDVi, LVESVi, and LAVi were similar among age groups. Incidence of safety end points was also similar. ConclusionsSac/Val resulted in significant improvements in prognostic biomarkers and measures of cardiac remodeling and health status from baseline to month 12 across age categories. Older study participants showed somewhat blunted reduction in NT-proBNP and less improvement in KCCQ-23 overall summary scores. (Effects of Sacubitril/Valsartan Therapy on Biomarkers, Myocardial Remodeling, and Outcomes [PROVE-HF]; NCT02887183)

Characterization of the angular gyrus in an older adult population: a multimodal multilevel approach

The angular gyrus (AG) has been associated with multiple cognitive functions, such as language, spatial and memory functions. Since the AG is thought to be a cross-modal hub region suffering from significant age-related structural atrophy, it may also play a key role in age-related cognitive decline. However, the exact relation between structural atrophy of the AG and cognitive decline in older adults is not fully understood, which may be related to two aspects: First, the AG is cytoarchitectonically divided into two areas, PGa and PGp, potentially sub-serving different cognitive functions. Second, the older adult population is characterized by high between-subjects variability which requires targeting individual phenomena during the aging process. We therefore performed a multimodal (gray matter volume [GMV], resting-state functional connectivity [RSFC] and structural connectivity [SC]) characterization of AG subdivisions PGa and PGp in a large older adult population, together with relations to age, cognition and lifestyle on the group level. Afterwards, we switched the perspective to the individual, which is especially important when it comes to the assessment of individual patients. The AG can be considered a heterogeneous structure in of the older brain: we found the different AG parts to be associated with different patterns of whole-brain GMV associations as well as their associations with RSFC, and SC patterns. Similarly, differential effects of age, cognition and lifestyle on the GMV of AG subdivisions were observed. This suggests each region to be structurally and functionally differentially involved in the older adult’s brain network architecture, which was supported by differential molecular and genetic patterns, derived from the EBRAINS multilevel atlas framework. Importantly, individual profiles deviated considerably from the global conclusion drawn from the group study. Hence, general observations within the older adult population need to be carefully considered, when addressing individual conditions in clinical practice.

Maturation of Speech-in-Speech Recognition for Whispered and Voiced Speech.

Some speech recognition data suggest that children rely less on voice pitch and harmonicity to support auditory scene analysis than adults. Two experiments evaluated development of speech-in-speech recognition using voiced speech and whispered speech, which lacks the harmonic structure of voiced speech. Listeners were 5- to 7-year-olds and adults with normal hearing. Targets were monosyllabic words organized into three-word sets that differ in vowel content. Maskers were two-talker or one-talker streams of speech. Targets and maskers were recorded by different female talkers in both voiced and whispered speaking styles. For each masker, speech reception thresholds (SRTs) were measured in all four combinations of target and masker speech, including matched and mismatched speaking styles for the target and masker. Children performed more poorly than adults overall. For the two-talker masker, this age effect was smaller for the whispered target and masker than for the other three conditions. Children's SRTs in this condition were predominantly positive, suggesting that they may have relied on a wholistic listening strategy rather than segregating the target from the masker. For the one-talker masker, age effects were consistent across the four conditions. Reduced informational masking for the one-talker masker could be responsible for differences in age effects for the two maskers. A benefit of mismatching the target and masker speaking style was observed for both target styles in the two-talker masker and for the voiced targets in the one-talker masker. These results provide no compelling evidence that young school-age children and adults are differentially sensitive to the cues present in voiced and whispered speech. Both groups benefit from mismatches in speaking style under some conditions. These benefits could be due to a combination of reduced perceptual similarity, harmonic cancelation, and differences in energetic masking.

Physiological changes throughout an insect ear due to age and noise - A longitudinal study

SummaryHearing loss is not unique to humans and is experienced by all animals in the face of wild and eclectic differences in ear morphology. Here, we exploited the high throughput and accessible tympanal ear of the desert locust, Schistocerca gregaria to rigorously quantify changes in the auditory system due to noise exposure and age. In this exploratory study, we analyzed tympanal displacements, morphology of the auditory Müller’s organ and measured activity of the auditory nerve, the transduction current, and electrophysiological properties of individual auditory receptors. This work shows that hearing loss manifests as a complex disorder due to differential effects of age and noise on several processes and cell types within the ear. The “middle-aged deafness” pattern of hearing loss found in locusts mirrors that found for humans exposed to noise early in their life suggesting a fundamental interaction of the use of an auditory system (noise) and its aging.