Age Group Differences Research Articles

Oral Diadochokinesis and Potential Associated Factors in Japanese Older Adult Outpatients.

This study investigated oral diadochokinesis (ODK) and its associated factors, including age group differences, among Japanese older adult outpatients. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 127 outpatients (≥65 years) receiving dental check-ups (May 2022-February 2023). Oral function was assessed using ODK (pa/ta/ka/) (KENKOU-KUN®), tongue pressure (TPM-01), masticatory performance (gummy jelly), and swallowing function (RSST). Structured interviews measured social engagement (LSNS-16), depression (GDS-15), and cognitive function (MMSE). Statistical analyses included Chi-square tests, t-tests, and linear regression. Mean ODK values were 6.2 ± 0.7 (/pa/), 6.1 ± 0.8 (/ta/), and 5.6 ± 0.9 (/ka/). Age-grouped differences were found in tongue pressure and ODK /ta/, /ka/. Unadjusted analysis revealed associations between ODK /pa/ and sex, number of remaining teeth, and social engagement. ODK /ta/ was associated with tongue pressure (B: 0.022, 95%CI: 0.008, 0.036), masticatory performance, and swallowing difficulty. ODK /ta/ and /ka/ showed age and sex association. Adjusted regression analysis showed associations between ODK /pa/ and number of remaining teeth (B: 0.028, 95% CI: 0.004, 0.052), ODK /ta/ and tongue pressure (B: 0.021, 95% CI: 0.007, 0.035), masticatory performance (B: 0.095, 95% CI: 0.018, 0.161), and swallowing difficulty (B: -0.679, 95% CI: -1.192, -0.165). This study reveals ODK's multifaceted nature, highlighting its relationships with various oral and psychosocial factors. Associations between ODK (pa and ta) and other oral functions suggest that improving ODK could maintain overall oral health and quality of life in older adults. Incorporating ODK assessments into routine dental check-ups should be further assessed.

Age-related differences in postural stability and asymmetries among female rhythmic gymnasts: implications for injury prevention and performance enhancement.

The purpose of this study was to determine age group differences in the postural stability of female rhythmic gymnasts, as well as the asymmetries in postural control between them. A total of 126 female rhythmic gymnasts (aged 6-12 years) were tested. The rhythmic gymnasts were grouped based on their age between 6-8 years (N.=45; young pioneers), 9-10 years (N.=36; pioneers), and 11-12 years (N.=45; cadets). Postural stability and asymmetry were evaluated by the Y-Balance Test (YBT) with both legs (right and left) in three directions: anterior, posteromedial, and posterolateral and Balance Error Scoring System (BESS). Postural stability was analyzed between age categories using the Kruskal-Wallis Test and Dunn's post-hoc test, and the differences in asymmetry were determined by univariate analysis of variance (ANOVA). The young pioneers (age 6-8 years) had a greater number of errors in the single-leg foam stance and tandem foam stance than the 9-10-year-old and 11-12-year-old rhythmic gymnasts (P≤0.005). They also had a greater number of errors in BESS Total scores compared to other age categories (young pioneers 18.42±5.63; pioneers 15.08±4.78 and cadets 13.89±5.61; P≤0.005). Results showed significant differences (P≤0.005) between the young pioneers (age 6-8 years) and the cadets (age 11-12 years) in normalized left and right posteromedial reach direction. No significant differences (P≥0.005) in reach asymmetry were observed among age categories. In conclusion, 6-8-year-old rhythmic gymnasts (young pioneers) should have continuum screening during training and completion development.

Views of aging and subjective cognition in middle-aged and older adults: A systematic review

Introduction: Views of aging have been linked with many important outcomes in older adults. Subjective cognition, or one’s perception of their cognitive functioning, may be a valuable indicator of cognitive changes as individuals age, but is known to be impacted by a variety of factors. The aim of this systematic review was to synthesize the evidence on relationships between views of aging and subjective cognition, including whether and how these relationships may differ based on age. Methods: Guided by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) criteria, we conducted a comprehensive literature search in four databases: PubMed, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and ProQuest Dissertations and Theses. Critical appraisal utilized the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) checklists. Twenty sources (including 21 studies) met inclusion and exclusion criteria, from which data were systematically extracted and results narratively synthesized. Results: Seventeen out of the 21 identified studies (81%) found a relationship between more positive views of aging and better subjective cognition; however, some studies reported mixed results based on the domain of aging views. Domains that were consistently associated with subjective cognition were subjective age, attitudes toward one’s own aging, aging well, and essentialist beliefs about aging. Only three studies reported age group differences or changes in associations over time, precluding conclusions about differences across middle- and older ages. Conclusion: Most studies supported associations between views of aging and subjective cognition. More longitudinal as well as qualitative research is needed to advance understanding of factors that influence these relationships.

Muscular robusticity and strength in the lower extremities in elite handball players

The relationship between structural and functional of parameters of skeletal muscles in young athletes needs further observations. The analyses of their age-group differences, sexual dimorphism, asymmetry characteristics in body regions, in sports having different pattern of physical loading could serve important information in this topic. 175 elite Hungarian handball players aged between 14 and 21 years were examined in 2023. Muscle mass component of the body segments was estimated by DEXA method and muscle thickness of the anterior mid-thigh region was measured by a new ultrasonic technique. The strength of knee extensor muscles was assessed by using an isokinetic protocol (Kineosystem dynamometer). A strong association between muscle robusticity and strength in the thigh region was confirmed in males, but not in females. Asymmetry in muscle mass reflected in the asymmetry in the knee extensor strength. A new predictive equation of muscle mass in the jumping leg and the total body from the muscle thickness in the anterior mid-thigh region of jumping leg was introduced. The exploration and understanding of asymmetric structural and functional adaptations can help athletes and trainers in planning the training and training interventions to reduce the risk of injuries.

Bronchial Asthma among Chechen Republic Schoolchildren: Regional Features

Background. The widespread increase in allergic diseases incidence is crucial issue of modern pediatrics. Objective. The aim of the study is to analyze the clinical and epidemiological features of bronchial asthma (BA) in schoolchildren of Chechen Republic.Methods. The study included two stages. 3398 children were surveyed via ISAAC questionnaire at the first stage. All participants were represented by 2 age groups: group 1 — 7–8 years old (n=1331), group 2 — 13–14 years old (n=2067). The second study phase covered clinical and diagnostic examination of children with asthma-like symptoms, enrolled by questionnaire (n=52) — 34 first-graders and 18 eighth-graders.Results. BA symptoms were recorded in 18.4% (625) of children (mostly in the older age group) according to the first stage results. Comparative analysis of the BA symptoms has revealed their prevalence in urban residents (p<0.05). BA was diagnosed in only 46.3% (37) of children during the clinical diagnostic stage. There were no statistically significant differences in age groups at the second stage of the study. No gender differences were revealed at both stages. The highest prevalence of verified BA was recorded in urban residents. Sensitization spectrum analysis in children with isolated BA in Chechen Republic has revealed predominance of domestic allergens sensitivity (house dust mites — D. pteronyssinus, D. farinae) and allergic rhinitis to pollen (ragwort, herd grass).Conclusion. Thus, our study results (according to the ISAAC program) have shown high prevalence of BA symptoms in schoolchildren of Chechen Republic at the first stage, however, the second stage indicated that allergy diagnosis cannot be based only on the questionnaire data and requires clinical and diagnostic verification. The identified regional features of the sensitization spectrum will allow physicians to perform economically optimal diagnosis of BA in children living in Chechen Republic.

Understanding oral malignancies: 2 case reports

The clinical presentation, diagnosis, and management of several squamous cell carcinoma cases are covered thoroughly. Roughly 94% of all mouth malignancies are squamous cell carcinomas. Race, gender, and age group differences exist in annual incidence and mortality rates. This percentage is 7.7 per 100,000 in the US. Like other carcinomas, intraoral carcinoma is more common in older adults, especially in men. Individuals with oral SCC have often known about an abnormality in that area for four to eight months prior to seeking professional medical attention. Early growth is characterized by little discomfort, which may account for the delay in seeking professional assistance. The clinical manifestations of oral SCC include exophytic, endophytic, leukoplakic, and erythroplakic, all of which exhibit apparent surface alterations.Tobacco usage, excessive alcohol consumption, HPV infection, eating little fruits and vegetables, prolonged sun exposure, and having a compromised immune system are risk factors. Improving outcomes requires early discovery and treatment, which may include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgery, or a combination of these. In order to improve the prognosis for oral cancer, early identification and intervention are crucial. Survival risk from squamous cell carcinoma is often low. This article emphasis on the clinical presentation of oral malignancies.

Normative Values for Thyroid Volume and Tracheal Index in Healthy Turkish Newborns in an Iodine Sufficient Region.

The study aims to determine the normal values of thyroid volume and tracheal index in healthy term newborns born in an iodine-sufficient population. Additionally, we investigated the usability of a handheld device for assessing the tracheal index. Thyroid imaging was performed at 0-2 days and 15-30 days using handheld and portable ultrasound devices. Thyroid volume and tracheal index were calculated using standard formulas. A total of 144 healthy term newborns with a mean birth weight 3230 g were enrolled. The normal thyroid volume for the entire population was 0.66 ± 0.25 ml at 0-2 days, which significantly increased to 1.12 ± 0.33 ml at 15-30 days (p<0.01). There were no significant differences in thyroid volume between genders in either age group (p=0.246 and p=0.879). Thyroid volume correlated with birth weight, length, and head circumference, with the strongest correlation being with birth weight (r=0.404, p<0.001; r=0.252, p=0.002; r=0.223, p=0.007, respectively). The tracheal index at 0-2 days was 1.84±0.30 in girls, 1.82±0.27 in boys, and 1.83±0.29 overall. At 15-30 days, it was 1.99±0.23 in girls, 2.00±0.28 in boys, and 1.99±0.25 overall. Similar to thyroid volume, the tracheal index increased with age (p<0.01), with no significant gender differences in either age group (p=0.593 and p=0.886). Thyroid volume and tracheal index were moderately correlated in both measurements (rho=0.538, p<0.01). Measurements of the trachea, and thyroid lobe widths using portable and handheld ultrasound devices were correlated (r=0.449, p<0.01; r=0.638, p<0.01; r=0.497, p<0.01). There was also a correlation between tracheal index measurements using both devices in both the first and second measurements. This study provides normative data on thyroid volumes and tracheal index in newborns from an iodine-sufficient population. The tracheal index can estimate thyroid size when volume calculation is not feasible and handheld ultrasound devices are effective for this assessment.

Influence of Lifestyle Factors on Ocular Surface Parameters in Relation to Age.

To evaluate how Video Display Terminal (VDT) use, Contact Lens (CL) wear, and eyedrop use affect ocular surface parameters in participants with ocular discomfort and how these factors may vary across different age groups. The current cross-sectional study initially involved a total of 252 participants who completed a self-administered survey to collect information about ocular discomfort and lifestyle factors. This online survey was composed of an Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) questionnaire and three extra questions regarding lifestyle factors (VDT use, CL wear, and eyedrop use). Only 185 symptomatic participants, those with OSDI values > 12, were scheduled to undergo a comprehensive ocular examination that included tear film osmolarity, Fluorescein Break-Up Time (FBUT), Maximum Blink Interval (MBI), and corneal staining. Differences in ocular parameters and lifestyle factors across age groups (<40 years, 40-60 years, >60 years) were analyzed, along with their correlations and regression. Significant age group differences were found in OSDI, osmolarity, FBUT, and MBI (One-way ANOVA, all p ≤ 0.029). Correlations were observed between CL wear and osmolarity and MBI (Pearson's correlation, both p ≤ 0.049). Multiple regression confirmed age associations with OSDI, osmolarity, FBUT, and MBI (Multiple linear regression, all p ≤ 0.040) and found links between VDT use and osmolarity and MBI (Multiple linear regression, both p ≤ 0.038) and between eyedrop use and OSDI (Multiple linear regression, p = 0.040). Aging is a primary factor affecting ocular homeostasis, with older adults showing lower FBUT and MBI values and higher osmolarity. Prolonged use of VDTs exacerbates this effect, further contributing to ocular discomfort and destabilized tear film. No associations between CL wear and any of the ocular parameters were found. Eyedrop use shows varied effects on ocular comfort across age groups, emphasizing the need for age-specific ocular care. Overall, these findings confirm that aging and extended VDT use play a significant role in ocular surface discomfort.

Examining Whether Patient Portal and Video Visit Use Differs by Race and Ethnicity Among Older Adults in a US Integrated Health Care Delivery System: Cross-Sectional Electronic Health Record and Survey-Based Study.

Health care systems are increasingly encouraging patients to use patient portals and participate in video visits. However, there is limited information about how portal use differs among older adults. This study aimed to understand how patient portal and video visit use differed by age, race, and ethnicity among older adult patients with access to the same digital health resources. This cross-sectional study used electronic health record and survey data for adults aged 65 to 85 years who were members of a large Northern California health care delivery system throughout 2019 and 2020. The electronic health record cohort (N=471,152) included 320,686 White, 35,892 Black, 44,922 Latino, 20,786 Chinese, 28,732 Filipino, 8473 South Asian, 6716 Japanese, 2930 Vietnamese, and 2015 Korean adults. Racial and ethnic group and age group (65 to 75 years vs 76 to 85 years) differences in having a patient portal account by December 2020, the performance of 2 portal activities (sending ≥1 message to a clinician in 2019 or 2020 and viewing ≥1 laboratory test result in 2020), and having ≥1 video visit during 2020 were examined. Modified log-Poisson regression was used to examine prevalence ratios for portal and video visit use, comparing racial and ethnic groups to White adults and Asian ethnic groups to Chinese adults after adjusting for sex and age. Data from a 2020 member survey were used to compare internet use factors among 2867 White, 306 Black, 343 Latino, 225 Chinese, and 242 Filipino adults. Black, Latino, and Filipino adults were less likely to have a patient portal account than White adults, and Filipino adults were less likely to have a patient portal account than Chinese adults. Black, Latino, Filipino, Korean, Vietnamese, and South Asian adults were less likely to have sent messages and viewed test results than White adults, while Chinese and Japanese adults' use of these features was similar to that of White adults. Filipino, Vietnamese, and Korean adults were less likely to have performed the aforementioned activities than Chinese adults. Video visit use was lower among Black and Latino adults and higher among Chinese and South Asian adults compared with White adults (aged 76 to 85 years) and lower among Filipino, Korean, and Vietnamese adults compared to Chinese adults. Survey data suggested that underlying differences in internet use may partially explain the lower use of messaging by Black, Latino, and Filipino adults compared with White and Chinese adults. Patient portal and video visit use differed by race, ethnicity, and age group among older adult patients with access to the same patient portal. Internet use factors may contribute to these differences. Differences in patient portal and video visit use across Asian subgroups underscore the importance of disaggregating use data by Asian ethnicity.

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

The 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. The 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. The 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. The 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.

Effect of Enhanced Recovery after Surgery (ERAS) Protocol on Maternal Outcomes Following Caesarean Delivery

Background: Caesarean Section is a commonly performed surgical procedure in obstetric practice, with its incidence rising every year. This increase has led to higher bed occupancy and cost burdens. Conventional Caesarean Sections have several drawbacks, including patients being kept nil per oral overnight before surgery and for 12-24 hours after surgery, immobilization for up to 24 hours or more, continuation of catheter use for 24 hours or more, and the use of opioid-based anesthetics. To address these issues, Enhanced Recovery after Surgery (ERAS) has been introduced. ERAS consists of multimodal pathways during the pre-, intra-, and post-operative periods. Numerous clinical trials, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses have shown that applying ERAS in Caesarean delivery reduces the length of hospital stay, decreases the use of opioid-based anesthetics, improves patient satisfaction, reduces post-operative pain scores, and increases compliance with breastfeeding. Objectives: To determine the outcome of Enhanced Recovery after Surgery (ERAS) pathway in Caesarean Delivery. Methodology: This was a prospective observational study conducted at Paropakar Maternity and Women’s Hospital. Total duration of study period was 3 months from July 2024 to September 2024. A total of 106 patients meeting the inclusion criteria were included in the study. Those receiving care as per the ERAS protocols and standard conventional protocols were observed throughout pre, intra and post-operative period. The two groups were compared in terms of demographic characteristics, intravenous fluid requirement, duration of surgery, length of hospital stay, post-operative pain scores and other post-operative characteristics such as nausea, vomiting, headache, urinary retention, hospital readmission and neonatal outcome. Results: Total of 106 patients were included in the study with 53 in each of ERAS and SC group. In this study, there was no statistical difference in age group, Body Mass Index (BMI), co morbid conditions, gravidity, duration of gestation, indication of CS, duration of surgery and estimated blood loss. The average amount of intravenous fluid required intra operatively in ERAS group was 1350 ml and in SC group was 1650 ml with difference of 300 which was statistically significant, p &lt; .001. The mean length of post-operative hospital stay was 54 hrs. in ERAS group and 71 hrs. in SC group with difference of 17 hrs. which was statistically significant with p = 0.023. The mean post-operative score in ERAS group on Day 0, Day 1 and Day 2 were lower than in SC group with p value &lt; .001. There was no significant difference in post-operative complications between two groups. Conclusion: This study showed that implementation of ERAS protocol is associated with decrease in intra operative fluid requirement, decrease in post-operative length of hospital stay and is associated with significant difference in post-operative pain with use of multi modal analgesia. ERAS can be implemented in Caesarean delivery for addressing the issues of prolonged immobilization, delayed discharge, increased bed occupancy and many more issues associated with it.

Ocular Surface Disease Index Questionnaire (OSDI-Q), Unidimensionality, and Differential Item Functioning

Objective The OSDI-Q is a 12-item scale used instrument for DED prevalence, assess symptom severity, and impact on vision-related functioning. The research analysis investigates the precision, separation index and reliability of unidimensionality, and DEF, stratified by age and gender. The reliability analysis is to assess the internal consistency of the scale using Cronbach's α coefficient and McDonald's ω coefficient with item-rest correlations. Method 634 respondents took part in the OSDI questionaire. Rasch analysis was conducted using precision, separation index, and reliability for items and person, item and person fit statistics, assessing unidimensionality stratified by age and gender, and the use of SPSS to conduct the reliability analysis of the scale using analytical coefficients. Results The OSDI-Q items displayed robust reliability, with high PSI values of 7.63 and 0.98, respectively. Infit and outfit statistics were within acceptable ranges, explaining 39.90 % of variance. Differential item functioning was observed among the age groups involved. Additionally, the contrast in the principal component analysis of the unexplained variance exhibited an eigenvalue of 2.80 and a proportion of variance of 14%. DIF analysis showed significant differences for age groups of (16-26 years) and (27-40 years). The coefficients of Cronbach's and McDonald's are 0.85 for OSDI-Q demonstrated strong internal consistency. Conclusions OSDI-Q displayed appropriate infit and outfits. DIF analysis results of OSDI-Q of age group (16-26 years) performed better in poor vision while age group (27-40 years) performed better in areas with low humidity. Furthermore, the results of DIF analysis in males group performed better in driving at night, while the female group showed better performance in the questinaire. The OSDI-Q items scale reliability data for Cronbach's scale show high internal consistency and reliability. This research can help the medical communities to begin a better surge for medically integrated research.

Does the Bayley-4 measure the same constructs across girls and boys and infants, toddlers, and preschoolers?

This study tested the assumption that the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development, Fourth Edition (Bayley-4) functions similarly for boys and girls and for four age groups. The Bayley-4 American norming sample of 1,700 children ages 0-42 months (3.5 years) was used, which included 50% boys and girls. Fifty-three percent of the children identified as White, 22.1% as Hispanic, 12.5% as Black, 8.5% as other, and 4.0% as Asian. A confirmatory factor analysis demonstrated the three-factor structure of cognitive, language, and motor abilities fit the data well (comparative fit index = .99, root-mean-square of error of approximation = .08, standardized root-mean-square residual = .02) and fit significantly better than the two- and one-factor models. The correlations between the latent factors were moderate (r = .73) to large sized (r = .81). Measurement and structural invariance were tested for boys and girls and four age groups (0-5, 6-13, 14-25, and 26-42 months). Residual invariance was supported for girls and boys, and intercept invariance was supported for the four age groups. The measurement invariance results suggest the Bayley-4 is not biased toward these gender and age groups, and group comparisons and decision making can be made with the Bayley-4 scores. Structural invariance findings suggested some differences for gender and age groups. The relations between the cognitive, language, and motor factors and factor variances were equal across girls and boys but differed significantly across the four age groups. Girls scored significantly higher on the three latent means, but these differences were small to negligible. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Effects of changes in temperature and precipitation as climate factors that influence the spread of climate-related diseases: a systematic review

ABSTRACT Climate change is an environmental problem that leads to extreme flood and drought events in various geographical regions. The review seeks to establish pertinent issues around changes in temperature and precipitation as climate factors which have been under-researched. It will be established whether the spread of disease and other human risks have been reported under various temperature and precipitation levels; whether sound adaptation measures are in place; communities are provided with awareness toward adaptation methods; and educated on how to deal with mental problems and anxiety caused by climate change. The review has established that little research has modeled variation in human characteristics like age group differences and health fluctuations with climate change, under a wide spectrum of temperature and precipitation. Southern African countries’ research also lacks projection of climate change impacts and risk distribution maps for vector borne diseases under RCP2.6, RCP4.4, RCP6.0 and RCP8.0. In addition, there has been bias in previous studies regarding a combination of temperature and precipitation, as well as non-climatic factors that may be favorable for spread and transmission of specified VBDs. Recommendations from this review could be adopted by countries in order to protect communities’ health.

Using multivariate partial least squares on fNIRS data to examine load-dependent brain-behaviour relationships in aging.

Researchers implementing non-invasive neuroimaging have reported distinct load-dependent brain activity patterns in older adults compared with younger adults. Although findings are mixed, these age-related patterns are often associated with compensatory mechanisms of cognitive decline even in the absence of direct comparisons between brain activity and cognitive performance. This study investigated the effects of cognitive load on brain-behavior relationships in younger and older adults using a data-driven, multivariate partial least squares (PLS) analysis of functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) data. We measured bilateral prefrontal brain activity in 31 older and 27 younger adults while they performed single and dual 2-back tasks. Behavioral PLS analysis was used to determine relationships between performance metrics (reaction time and error rate) and brain oxygenation (HbO) and deoxygenation (HbR) patterns across groups and task loads. Results revealed significant age-group differences in brain-behavior relationships. In younger adults, increased brain activity (i.e., increased HbO and decreased HbR) was associated with faster reaction times and better accuracy in the single task, indicating sufficient neural capacity. Conversely, older adults showed a negative correlation between HbR and error rates in the single task; however, in the dual task, they demonstrated a positive relationship between HbO and performance, indicative of compensatory mechanisms under the higher cognitive load. Overall, older adults' showed relationships with either HbR or HbO, but not both, indicating that the robustness of the relationship between brain activity and behavior varies across task load conditions. Our PLS approach revealed distinct load-dependent brain activity between age groups, providing further insight into neurocognitive aging patterns, such as compensatory mechanisms, by emphasizing the variability and complexity of brain-behavior relationships. Our findings also highlight the importance of considering task complexity and cognitive demands in interpreting age-related brain activity patterns.

Age Group Differences in Social Media Language Use: Identity Representation via Emojis and Abbreviations

This paper aims to analyse how age groups impact the use of social media language (SL) in online textual conversations, focusing on the type, polarity, and subjectivity of SL to explore identity representation across different age groups. During data collection in 2023, there were 4.76 billion social media users worldwide; hence, understanding the use of SL is essential for analysing how individuals express their emotions and identities online. SL consists of emoticons/emojis, abbreviations, and mixed language in textual conversations. For this study, a qualitative approach was used, with 46 participants from three age groups: 25-34, 35-44, and 45-54 engaging in mock group conversations for one hour using WhatsApp. The participants were separated into six group conversations. The findings show that the older age groups (35-44 and 45-54) prefer to discuss technical or professional topics, whereas the younger age groups (25-34) are more interested in games, food, entertainment, and fun. Furthermore, for the age group 25-34 there is a high usage of emoticons/emojis, whereas the age group 45-54 uses them the least. These findings indicate that age groups have a significant influence on the use of SL and topic preferences in textual conversations, providing insights that will be used to develop a Natural Language Processing (NLP) tool for online identity classification. This study enhances human-computer interaction by investigating how different age groups use SL in digital environments.

Differences in SARS-CoV-2 antibody prevalence at the end of the pre-vaccination period between age groups: A cross-sectional analysis of the multi-ethnic population-based HELIUS study.

During the first waves of the COVID-19 pandemic, SARS-CoV-2 antibody prevalence (seroprevalence) was lower in older compared to younger adults. We studied age group differences in SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence, across ethnic groups, and assessed the explanatory value of factors that increase the exposure to the virus, and factors related to susceptibility, given the level of exposure. We analysed cross-sectional data from 2,064 participants from the multi-ethnic HELIUS study (Amsterdam, The Netherlands). SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence at the second wave of infections was compared between age groups (<40, 40-54, and ≥55 years), within ethnic groups, using Poisson regression with robust standard errors. To determine whether age group differences were explained by differences in exposure and in susceptibility, we sequentially adjusted for exposure (job setting, occupation level, health literacy, household size, household member with suspected infection), education level, and susceptibility (vitamin D intake, BMI, systolic blood pressure, haemoglobin level, number of comorbidities). SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence did not statistically differ across age groups (p>0.05), but age patterns varied across ethnic groups. Age group differences in SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence were most pronounced in the Dutch majority group, with the highest prevalence ratio in the youngest group (2.55, 95%CI 0.93-6.97) and the lowest in the oldest group (0.53, 95%CI 0.16-1.74), compared to the middle-aged group. In ethnic minority groups, age group differences were smaller. In all groups, patterns did not substantially change after adjustments for exposure and susceptibility variables. We found no evidence of age group differences in SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence, particularly for ethnic minority groups, even when accounting for exposure and susceptibility. While early prevention strategies particularly aimed at protecting older adults against SARS-CoV-2 infections, seroprevalence was similar across age groups in ethnic minority groups. Thus, older adults in ethnic minority groups may pose a target group for additional prevention strategies for future infectious disease outbreaks.

Historical change in associations between perceived risk, disapproval, and use of cannabis among young adults ages 19–30, 2011–2022

BackgroundThe current study used U.S. young adult data to examine overall and age group-specific historical trends in (a) mean perceived risk and disapproval of cannabis use, and (b) risk/use and disapproval/use associations. MethodsData were collected from 2011 to 2022 from 16,492 respondents aged 19–30 in the national Monitoring the Future panel study. Trends in mean risk and disapproval overall and by age group (19–22, 23–26, 27–30) were modeled. Models regressing any past 30-day cannabis use on risk and disapproval controlled for sex, race/ethnicity, college education, population density, state cannabis policy, region, and year. Age group differences and historical trends in regression estimates from year-specific models were examined. ResultsFrom 2011 to 2022, overall mean perceived risk decreased from 3.08 (just over moderate) to 2.50 (between slight and moderate); mean disapproval decreased from 2.21 (between disapprove and strongly disapprove) to 1.66 (between don’t disapprove and disapprove). Higher risk and disapproval were independently associated with lower odds of past 30-day cannabis use overall (AORs 0.86 and 0.76, respectively); controlling for sociodemographics and state policy had virtually no impact on association strength. There were no significant age-related association differences. The risk/use association weakened from AOR 0.84 in 2011 to AOR 0.91 in 2022; the disapproval/use association remained stable (AORs 0.753 and 0.749). ConclusionsYoung adults now perceive cannabis as less risky and are less disapproving of using than they were a decade ago. Perceived risk has weakened as a cannabis use risk factor over time; disapproval has remained a stable risk factor.

Mapping Age Differences in Brain Energy Metabolites and Metabolic Markers of Cellular Membrane Production and Degradation With 31P Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy.

Using Phosphorus Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (31P MRS), we examined five metabolites associated with brain energy cycle, and cellular membrane production and degradation in 11 brain regions of 48 children (age 6-15), and 80 middle-aged and older adults (age 52-87). Levels of phosphomonoesters (PMEs) and phosphodiesters (PDEs), gamma plus alpha adenosine triphosphate (γαATP), phosphocreatine (PCr) and inorganic phosphate (Pi), were residualized on the total amplitude value. PMEs were greater in children compared to adults, whereas PDEs showed the opposite age difference. Higher γαATP and lower Pi were found in children compared to adults. The age group differences were particularly salient in the association cortices and anterior white matter. Among children, age correlated negatively with PMEs and positively with PDEs in association cortices. Compared to children, adults had lower intracellular pH. The results suggest reduction in membrane synthesis and increase in membrane degradation in adolescents and to a greater degree in adults compared to younger children. Concomitant reduction in γαATP and increase in Pi are consistent with reduced energy consumption in adolescents and further drop in middle-aged and older adults, although it is impossible to distinguish declines in energy supply from reduced demand due to shrinking neuropil, without longitudinal studies.

Self-rated health predicts mortality -- but it depends on your age

While self-rated health (SRH) has long been known to predict mortality in adult populations, the age of respondents plays an interesting and complex role in both explaining and modifying the association. The objective of this study is to test for differences by age in the association of SRH with all-cause mortality. Because much of the research has been conducted with older samples, a wider age range of adults may show that some age groups have more predictive SRH than others. We estimated Cox proportional hazards models to determine if SRH in 1999 predicted survival to 2021 differently based on age, using data from the Panel Study of Income Dynamics. The sample consisted of 5843 respondents aged 25 to 97 who were interviewed in 1999 and followed for survival until 2021. We included demographic and socioeconomic factors, physical health and mental health indicators, and health risk behaviors as covariates to assess their potential mediating role in the predictive ability of SRH. The results showed a significant interaction between SRH and age, with larger and more significant hazards for those aged 40–54 and 55–74. There were no significant effects at all for the youngest group and virtually none for the oldest group. For example, for individuals aged 40–54, there were significant HRs for poor health (2.49, 95% CI 1.05, 5.89) and fair health (1.95, 95% CI 1.11, 3.42) compared to excellent health in the fully adjusted models. Our findings suggest that age group differences in the predictiveness of SRH may reflect an absence of health knowledge and experience for younger respondents, and a survivor bias for the oldest age group due to the lifetime elimination of those with poor health.