Significant Main Effect Of Age Research Articles

NEUROCORRELATES BETWEEN THEORY-OF-MIND AND BILINGUALISM IN GRAY MATTER VOLUME OF YOUNG AND OLDER ADULTS

Abstract The experience of being bilingual may accrue cognitive reserve against age-related declines in older adults. Early bilingualism, e.g., second language age-of-acquisition (L2AoA), has been shown to be associated with better theory-of-mind (ToM) performance in older adults (Yow et al., 2021). Here, we aim to understand the brain structural correlates associated with bilingualism and ToM performance in normal aging. Forty-six young (YA, aged 19-30, M=21.87) and 51 older adult bilinguals (OA, aged 54-77, M=63.61) completed 1) ToM assessments, where they viewed vignettes and answered questions about the protagonists’ mental states, 2) an anatomical MRI scan, 3) a demographic questionnaire including L2AoA and years of education, and 4) a general cognitive ability assessment by the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) test. As expected, ANCOVA on ToM composite scores revealed a significant main effect of age – YA showed better ToM performance than OA, F(1,93)=9.48, p=.003, controlling for education and MoCA scores. Importantly, MRI data were preprocessed to obtain gray matter volume (GMV), proxy of neuronal density, of 430 brain regions. Partial least square correlation analysis identified one significant multivariate pattern linking individual differences in GMV with ToM score and L2AoA (48.7% covariance explained, p=.014). Regardless of age, larger GMV in several regions including prefrontal, frontal, medial temporal, and superior temporal cortices were associated with earlier L2AoA (p=.003) and higher ToM score (p=.004), indicating shared variance between ToM and L2AoA in brain morphology. Findings suggest that earlier bilingual acquisition might promote brain maturation that would preserve ToM ability well into later stages of life.

Recall of Vocabulary from a Second Language: Picture Naming vs. Word Definition

The present study investigated the differences between early and late-acquired words from a second language in terms of the method of recall, speed and accuracy. This involved comparing the performance of 24 native Arabic participants on two different recall methods: picture naming vs. word definition. Each participant attended two sessions, with a 24-hour interval: a learning session, in which they learned new words, and a retrieval session, in which they performed the picture-naming and word-definition tasks while their ERP signals were recorded. The main results showed a significant main effect of age of acquisition on both accuracy and reaction time. Additionally, the N400 ERP component showed a significant interaction between age of acquisition and method of recall in the N400 values recorded in the left frontal area. Together, these findings indicate that both accuracy and reaction time measures can detect differences between early and late-acquired words, recalled through either a picture-naming or word-definition task.

Audiovisual temporal binding window narrows with age in autistic individuals.

Atypical sensory perception has been recognized in autistic individuals since its earliest descriptions and is now considered a key characteristic of autism. Although the integration of sensory information (multisensory integration; MSI) has been demonstrated to be altered in autism, less is known about how this perceptual process differs with age. This study aimed to assess the integration of audiovisual information across autistic children and adolescents. MSI was measured using a non-social, simultaneity judgment task. Variation in temporal sensitivity was evaluated via Gaussian curve fitting procedures, allowing us to compare the width of temporal binding windows (TBWs), where wider TBWs indicate less sensitivity to temporal alignment. We compared TBWs in age and IQ matched groups of autistic (n= 32) and neurotypical (NT; n= 73) children and adolescents. The sensory profile of all participants was also measured. Across all ages assessed (i.e., 6 through 18 years), TBWs were negatively correlated with age in the autistic group. A significant correlation was not found in the NT group. When compared as a function of child (6-12 years) and adolescent (13-18 years) age groups, a significant interaction of group (autism vs NT) by age group was found, whereby TBWs became narrower with age in the autistic, but not neurotypical group. We also found a significant main effect of age and no significant main effect of group. Results suggest that TBW differences between autistic and neurotypical groups diminishes with increasing age, indicating an atypical developmental profile of MSI in autism which ameliorates across development.

Impact On Lonliness During the COVID-19 Pandemic Lockdown Based on Age and Household Size

During the COVID-19 global pandemic, individuals have had to learn to cope with isolation and adjust to new social protocols (Nooraie et al., 2021). In Washington state, a lockdown mandate was issued between March to May 2020 in response to a surge in COVID-19 cases (Washington Governor, 2020). This study aimed to analyze how King County residents experienced the lockdown and the impact it had on their daily activities, behaviors, and well-being. We examined the age and the dynamics within the household including household size and how they relate to the person’s experience of loneliness. The UCLA Loneliness Scale (Appendix A; Russel et al., 1978) was distributed online through Qualtrics, an online survey provider. The participants were adults between the ages of 18-65 living in King County during the lockdown. We hypothesized (H1) that people living alone or in crowded households experienced the highest levels of loneliness during the COVID quarantine and (H2) that age groups experienced isolation differently, specifically loneliness increases with age. The results demonstrate a significant main effect for age. The largest differences in feelings of loneliness were found between the youngest age group (18-24) and the oldest age group (55-64), although it appears that overall loneliness decreased as age increased. No significant effects were found for household size which contradicts the findings of previous studies.

Impact On Loneliness During the COVID-19 Pandemic Lockdown Based On Age and Household Size

During the COVID-19 global pandemic, individuals have had to learn to cope with isolation and adjust to new social protocols (Nooraie et al., 2021). In Washington state, a lockdown mandate was issued between March to May 2020 in response to a surge in COVID-19 cases (Washington Governor, 2020). This study aimed to analyze how King County residents experienced the lockdown and the impact it had on their daily activities, behaviors, and well-being. We examined the age and the dynamics within the household including household size and how they relate to the person’s experience of loneliness. The UCLA Loneliness Scale (Appendix A; Russel et al., 1978) was distributed online through Qualtrics, an online survey provider. The participants were adults between the ages of 18-65 living in King County during the lockdown. We hypothesized (H1) that people living alone or in crowded households experienced the highest levels of loneliness during the COVID quarantine and (H2) that age groups experienced isolation differently, specifically loneliness increases with age. The results demonstrate a significant main effect for age. The largest differences in feelings of loneliness were found between the youngest age group (18-24) and the oldest age group (55-64), although it appears that overall loneliness decreased as age increased. No significant effects were found for household size which contradicts the findings of previous studies.

The Bivalent Shape Task in a Dutch primary school population: A pilot study for a first psychometric assessment

Objective The Bivalent Shape Task (BST) tests the ability to suppress interfering information. The purpose of this study was to assess some psychometric properties of the BST in 5–11-year-old children, using multilevel analysis. Methods The present study was initiated in a Dutch primary school in October 2019. The BST was administered as part of a larger neuropsychological assessment. The outbreak of Covid-19 and the subsequential lockdown in the Netherlands led to a premature termination of the study in March 2020. Data of 38 children were available. This dataset was analyzed and labeled as pilot. Results Significant main effects of age, time components, levels, correct answer, and several interactions were found on the reaction time in the predicted direction. Random effects could also be modeled. A final statistical combination model is described. Conclusion Despite the small study sample, it seems to be justified to conclude that the BST is a potentially valuable instrument to test interference suppression in 5–11-year-old children. In the analysis of the BST, multilevel analysis has proven to be very rewarding. Since the present study only examined a small part of reliability and validity aspects, further psychometric research is desired.

Should I Stay or Should I Go? Behavioral Acts That Negatively Affect Relationships' Prospects.

Intimate relationships are not easy to keep as the high rates of divorce and singlehood testify. The current research aimed to examine the behavioral acts which are likely to have a negative effect on people's willingness to continue an intimate relationship. More specifically, by using qualitative research methods on a sample of 269 Greek-speaking participants, Study 1 identified 88 acts that have a negative impact on people's willingness to continue an intimate relationship. Study 2 employed quantitative research methods on a sample of 536 Greek speaking participants, and classified these acts into six broader factors. The one with the most negative impact was rated to be the "Does not care about me," followed by the "Does not treat well our children," and the "Tries to control me." Women and single participants rated the identified factors more negatively than men and participants who were in a relationship or married. Significant main effects of age, sex, relationship status and having children were also found for several factors.

Exploring Factors Associated With Mobile Phone Behaviors and Attitudes Toward Technology Among Adults With Alcohol Use Disorder and Implications for mHealth Interventions: Exploratory Study.

BackgroundAlcohol use disorder (AUD) is associated with severe chronic medical conditions and premature mortality. Expanding the reach or access to effective evidence-based treatments to help persons with AUD is a public health objective. Mobile phone or smartphone technology has the potential to increase the dissemination of clinical and behavioral interventions (mobile health interventions) that increase the initiation and maintenance of sobriety among individuals with AUD. Studies about how this group uses their mobile phone and their attitudes toward technology may have meaningful implications for participant engagement with these interventions.ObjectiveThis exploratory study examined the potential relationships among demographic characteristics (race, gender, age, marital status, and income), substance use characteristics (frequency of alcohol and cannabis use), and clinical variables (anxiety and depression symptoms) with indicators of mobile phone use behaviors and attitudes toward technology.MethodsA sample of 71 adults with AUD (mean age 42.9, SD 10.9 years) engaged in an alcohol partial hospitalization program completed 4 subscales from the Media Technology Usage and Attitudes assessment: Smartphone Usage measures various mobile phone behaviors and activities, Positive Attitudes and Negative Attitudes measure attitudes toward technology, and the Technological Anxiety/Dependence measure assesses level of anxiety when individuals are separated from their phone and dependence on this device. Participants also provided demographic information and completed the Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7) scale. Lastly, participants reported their frequency of alcohol use over the past 3 months using the Drug Use Frequency Scale.ResultsResults for the demographic factors showed a significant main effect for age, Smartphone Usage (P=.003; ηp2=0.14), and Positive Attitudes (P=.01; ηp2=0.07). Marital status (P=.03; ηp2=0.13) and income (P=.03; ηp2=0.14) were associated only with the Technological Anxiety and Dependence subscale. Moreover, a significant trend was found for alcohol use and the Technological Anxiety/Dependence subscale (P=.06; R2=0.02). Lastly, CES-D scores (P=.03; R2=0.08) and GAD symptoms (P=.004; R2=0.13) were significant predictors only of the Technological Anxiety/Dependence subscale.ConclusionsFindings indicate differences in mobile phone use patterns and attitudes toward technology across demographic, substance use, and clinical measures among patients with AUD. These results may help inform the development of future mHealth interventions among this population.

The Impact of Removal of Exercise for 3 Days on Glycemic Control in Older Active Adults

Postprandial glycemia (PPG) predicts cardiovascular disease, and 3 days of physical inactivity impairs PPG in young, active adults. Whether this occurs in older, active adults who may be more prone to bouts of inactivity is unknown. This study determined if PPG was impaired in active older adults (old) following a 3 day removal of exercise compared to active young adults. In this randomized, crossover study, 10 older (73.0 ± 1.9 yrs) and 9 young (32.8 ± 1.8 yrs) habitually active (≥90 min/week of exercise) adults completed a 3 day period of exercise removal (NOEX) and a 3 day period of normal exercise maintenance (EX), separated by ≥ 1 week. Diet was standardized across phases. Glycemic control (GC) (2 hour PPG, peak glucose values, and standard deviation (STDEV) of blood glucose values) was assessed via continuous glucose monitoring (IPro2, Enlite Sensors, Medtronic Inc., Northridge, CA) during both phases. No differences in body mass index (Old: 26.5 ± 1.3, Young: 24.8 ± 1.0 kg/m2, p>0.05) existed between groups. Both groups had a similar reduction in activity during NOEX (Old: ‐64.6% ± 6.2, Young: ‐55.7% ± 4.9, p>0.05). There were significant main effects (p<0.05) in PPG of age (Old: 116±1.2 mg/dL, Young: 106 ± 1.3 mg/dL), phase (Inactive: 113 ± 1.3 mg/dL, Active: 109 ± 1.2 mg/dL), and time (0 min: 99 ± 2.0, 30 min: 118 ± 2.0, 60 min: 117 ± 2.0, 90 min: 112 ± 2.0, 120 min: 108 ± 2.0 mg/dL), but no interaction (p>0.05). Further, a trend (p=0.06) for significant main effect of age (Old: 149±5.6, Young: 133±5.9 mg/dL) and phase (p<0.05; Inactive: 145±4.4, Active: 136±4.4 mg/dL) were found for peak glucose values. Significant main effects (p<0.05) exist for age (Old: 15.3±1.2, Young: 11.3±1.2) and phase (Inactive: 14.4±0.97, Active: 12.2±0.97) for blood glucose STDEV. These results indicate that older adults have impaired GC compared to young adults and that removal of exercise impairs GC. Yet, the impairment in GC with exercise removal is not different between old and young adults when the decrease in daily physical activity is similar.

Age-Related Decrease in Default-Mode Network Functional Connectivity Is Accelerated in Patients With Major Depressive Disorder.

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a common psychiatric disorder which is associated with an accelerated biological aging. However, little is known whether such process would be reflected by a more rapid aging of the brain function. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that MDD would be characterized by accelerated aging of the brain’s default-mode network (DMN) functions. Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging data of 971 MDD patients and 902 healthy controls (HCs) was analyzed, which was drawn from a publicly accessible, multicenter dataset in China. Strength of functional connectivity (FC) and temporal variability of dynamic functional connectivity (dFC) within the DMN were calculated. Age-related effects on FC/dFC were estimated by linear regression models with age, diagnosis, and diagnosis-by-age interaction as variables of interest, controlling for sex, education, site, and head motion effects. The regression models revealed (1) a significant main effect of age in the predictions of both FC strength and dFC variability; and (2) a significant main effect of diagnosis and a significant diagnosis-by-age interaction in the prediction of FC strength, which was driven by stronger negative correlation between age and FC strength in MDD patients. Our results suggest that (1) both healthy participants and MDD patients experience decrease in DMN FC strength and increase in DMN dFC variability along age; and (2) age-related decrease in DMN FC strength may occur at a faster rate in MDD patients than in HCs. However, further longitudinal studies are still needed to understand the causation between MDD and accelerated aging of brain.

Anthropometric characteristics and aerobic performance of professional soccer players by playing position and age

PurposeThis study examined the impact of playing position and age on professional soccer players’ anthropometric characteristics and aerobic performance.MethodsA total of 308 professional soccer players (25.42 ± 4.66 years, 178.88 ± 6.13 cm, 76.72 ± 7.05 kg) from the Eastern Mediterranean participated in the study. They were divided into 5 playing positions (defenders, midfielders, full-backs, forwards, wingers) and categorized into 3 age groups (18–24, 25–29, 30–35 years). Anthropometric variables were recorded. In addition, maximal cardiopulmonary exercise testing on a treadmill was performed to assess the players’ aerobic physical fitness.ResultsA two-way MANOVA factorial analysis indicated that there was a significant main effect of playing position [F(12,25) = 9.34, <i>p</i> < 0.001] and age [F(6,548) = 6.80, <i>p</i> < 0.001] on the anthropometric characteristics of the players. Moreover, the multivariate analysis implied a significant main effect of age [F(4,448) = 4.47, <i>p</i> = 0.002] and a marginal significant effect of playing position [F(8,448) = 1.77, <i>p</i> = 0.81] on maximal oxygen consumption and run times. However, there was no significant interaction between playing position and age.ConclusionsThe findings of the present study significantly contribute to understanding male soccer players’ age-related and performance characteristics in the Eastern Mediterranean region. Our results can be applied to ensure training specificity, aid in contract arrangements and player replacement, and identify the best players for particular playing positions.

In vivo potentiation of post-tetanic twitch across age and sex

Twitch force potentiation of fast-twitch skeletal muscle is produced by repetitive stimulation that can be achieved from either (1) the staircase effect (continual low frequency stimulation) or (2) post-tetanic potentiation (a 1-2 s high-frequency tetanic stimulation). Previous studies examining twitch force potentiation have been conducted in vitro and shown that it is related to phosphorylation of myosin regulatory light chain (pRLC). We previously found, in vitro, reduced potentiation of twitch force and decreased pRLC in ovariectomized (Ovx, estrogen-deficient) compared with sham-operated (estrogen-replete) mice. Thus, we questioned whether this phenomenon occurred in vivo and whether age and sex would affect the potentiation of twitch force. Using an in vivo post-tetanic potentiation method (one twitch contraction followed by a tetanic contraction-100 Hz for 1,000 ms with 0.01 ms pulses, and two post-tetanic twitch contractions), we investigated twitch torque potentiation in C57BL/6 young and old, male and female mice. There were significant main effects of sex (P < 0.001) and age (P < 0.001) on body mass and significant main effects of sex (P < 0.001) on tibialis anterior and extensor digitorum longus muscle masses, with males and aged being relatively greater. Analysis of twitch torque using a three-way ANOVA across time, age, and sex showed a significant main effect of time (pre < post; P < 0.001), time × age (P = 0.038), and time × sex (P = 0.028), indicating potentiation occurred in young and old, males and females. Analysis of twitch torque potentiation (percent increase) using a two-way ANOVA revealed a significant main effect of age (young = 45.16 ± 2.04 versus old = 27.88 ± 9.96; P < 0.001) with no effect of sex (P = 0.215). In summary, enhanced generation of twitch force of skeletal muscle using a post-tetanic potentiation method does occur in vivo and is affected by age but not sex, as there is greater twitch torque potentiation in young than old mice.

Prenatal androgenization causes expression changes of progesterone and androgen receptor mRNAs in the arcuate nucleus of female mice across development.

Prenatal exposure to excess androgens is associated with the development of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). In prenatally androgenised (PNA) mice, a model of PCOS, progesterone receptor (PR) protein expression is reduced in arcuate nucleus (ARC) GABA neurons. This suggests a mechanism for PCOS-related impaired steroid hormone feedback and implicates androgen excess with respect to inducing transcriptional repression of the PR-encoding gene Pgr in the ARC. However, the androgen sensitivity of ARC neurons and the relative gene expression of PRs over development and following prenatal androgen exposure remain unknown. Here, we used a quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) of microdissected ARC to determine the relative androgen receptor (Ar) and progesterone receptor (Pgr) gene expression in PNA and control mice at five developmental timepoints. In a two-way analysis of variance, none of the genes examined showed expression changes with a statistically significant interaction between treatment and age, although PgrA showed a borderline interaction. For all genes, there was a statistically significant main effect of age on expression levels, reflecting a general increase in expression with increasing age, regardless of treatment. For PgrB and Ar, there was a statistically significant main effect of treatment, indicating a change in expression following PNA (increased for PgrB and decreased for Ar), regardless of age. For PgrA, there was a borderline main effect of treatment, suggesting a possible change in expression following PNA, regardless of age. PgrAB gene expression changes showed no significant main effect of treatment. We additionally examined androgen and progesterone responsiveness specifically in P60 ARC GABA neurons using RNAScope® (Advanced Cell Diagnostics, Inc.) in situ hybridization. This analysis revealed that Pgr and Ar were expressed in the majority of ARC GABA neurons in normal adult females. However, our RNAScope® analysis did not show significant changes in Pgr or Ar expression within ARC GABA neurons following PNA. Lastly, because GABA drive to gonadotropin-releasing hormone neurons is increased in PNA, we hypothesised that PNA mice would show increased expression of glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD), the rate-limiting enzyme in GABA production. However, the RT-qPCR showed that the expression of GAD encoding genes (Gad1 and Gad2) was unchanged in adult PNA mice compared to controls. Our findings indicate that PNA treatment can impact Pgr and Ar mRNA expression in adulthood. This may reflect altered circulating steroid hormones in PNA mice or PNA-induced epigenetic changes in the regulation of Pgr and Ar gene expression in ARC neurons.

Side differences of upper quarter Y balance test performance in sub-elite young male and female handball players with different ages

BackgroundHandball is characterised by repetitive passing and shooting actions mainly performed with the throwing arm. This can lead to side differences (inter-limb asymmetry) in upper quarter mobility/stability between the throwing and non-throwing arm, which could even increase with advancing age (i.e., playing experience). However, side differences in upper quarter mobility/stability is associated with an increased musculoskeletal injury risk. Therefore, we assessed side differences in upper quarter mobility/stability in young handball players at different ages using a cross-sectional study design.MethodsUpper Quarter Y Balance test performance of the throwing and non-throwing arm was assessed in 190 sub-elite young female and male handball players (13–18 years). Per arm, relative maximal reach distances (% arm length) for all three directions (i.e., medial, inferolateral, superolateral) and the composite score (CS) were calculated and used for an age × side analysis of variance. Additionally, partial eta-squared (ηp2) was calculated as an effect size measure.ResultsIrrespective of measure, statistically significant main effects of age (except for the composite score) and side but no statistically significant age × side interaction effects were detected. Further, limb asymmetry in the inferolateral reach direction was above the injury-related cut-off value (i.e., ≥ 7.75% arm length) in 13- and 14-year-olds but not in the older players.ConclusionThe detection of limb asymmetry above the proposed injury-related cut-off value in younger players (13- and 14-year-olds) but not in older players (15- to 18-year-olds) may be indicative for an increased injury risk for the younger age group. Thus, prevention programs should be implemented in the handball training routine, especially for the younger ones.

Assessment of Quality of Life in Patients With Cardiovascular Disease Using the SF-36, MacNew, and EQ-5D-5L Questionnaires.

BackgroundCardiovascular disease (CVD) is responsible for 18 million annual deaths worldwide. CVD affects patients’ Quality of Life (QoL) mainly in physical, emotional and social dimension.AimTo assess the QoL of patients with CVD in Northern Greece, using three different instruments.MethodsThe study was conducted in one large hospital located in a major Greek city. A convenience sample of 80 patients participated. A questionnaire including Short Form-36 Health Survey (SF-36), EuroQoL 5-dimensions 5-levels (EQ-5D-5L), MacNew, demographic, and clinical characteristics was used to collect data.ResultsThe mean age of the patients was 63.31±14.07. Analysis revealed statistically significant main effects of age on the physical limitations, emotional limitations, social functioning, and pain. Also, the analysis showed significant main effects of education on the MacNew Physical, MacNew Social, and the EQ-5D-5L index (p< 0.05). Participants who had graduated primary school had significantly lower quality of life scores than higher education graduates in the MacNew physical (p< 0.02). Furthermore, in the SF-36 pain subscale, the heart failure group had a significantly lower quality of life than the other heart diseases (p= 0.03).ConclusionQuality of life is affected by factors such as age, type of heart disease, therapy, and comorbidities. Health care providers should be knowledgeable of the factors that affect the quality of life sectors (physical, emotional, and social life) of patients with CVD in order to meet their needs and have the most suitable treatment.

P–480 Adding fuel to the flame of low fertility: Fertility intention and perceived socio-political stability of young adults in Hong Kong

Abstract Study question How does perceived socio-political stability impact on the fertility intention of Hong Kong adults? Summary answer Political and economic uncertainties play an especially significant role in reproductive decision-making among young adults in Hong Kong, where traditional family beliefs diminish in importance. What is known already Hong Kong has one of the lowest fertility rates in the world, despite the importance placed on values like family lineage and childbearing as a filial obligation. Previous investigation of Hong Kong students’ perception of reproduction showed that proximal factors such as having a stable relationship and personal maturity as the most important conditions for parenthood. It is yet to be explored whether more distal factors such as the economy and political stability also play a role in reproductive decision-making among Hong Kong adults, especially under the influence of the Anti-Extradition Bill Movement from onwards. Study design, size, duration This study uses cross-sectional data from an online survey that explores the fertility attitudes, intentions, and behaviours and perceived socio-political stability of Hong Kong Chinese adults. Data were collected between July and August 2020. Participants/materials, setting, methods Participants were 629 childless Hong Kong Chinese women (mean age = 30±6.68) recruited through community network and social media. Participants answered questions on fertility intention, and rated the extent to which ‘political environment’, ‘economic stability’ and ‘education system’ are important social-political factors in considering family formation, and to which they agree with traditional family beliefs. We conducted binary logistic regression with fertility intention as the criterion variable and social-political factors of family formation as predictors. Main results and the role of chance Participants considered the ‘political environment’ and ‘education system’ very important factors when considering family formation, especially among those aged 25 or below. More than 70% of respondents said they would like to have children, yet only 44% said they plan on actualizing their parenthood goals in the near future. Regression analyses showed significant main effects of age and gender on fertility intention, such that younger (P&amp;lt;.001) and male (P&amp;lt;.01) participants were less likely to intend on becoming parents. The more participants valued ‘political environment’ (B = 0.48, P&amp;lt;.001) and ‘economic stability’ (B = 0.39, P&amp;lt;.05), the less likely it is for them to intend on becoming parents, controlling for age and gender. There was also significant interaction between age and importance of ‘political environment’ (P&amp;lt;.01), indicating that for whom ‘political environment’ is an important condition for parenthood, younger participants had lower intention of having children than older participants. There was no significant effect of gender. Overall, participants did not subscribe to traditional beliefs such as that childbearing is ‘a necessary part of married life’ or that it is ‘a filial obligation as sons or daughters’ (ratings = 1.95 – 3.05, out of 5). Limitations, reasons for caution Participants were recruited by self-selection through community network and social media, potentially favouring individuals who were more concerned with fertility issues to begin with. Additionally, men were largely under-represented in this sample (15%), potentially obscuring any significant gender differences relating to traditional family beliefs and determinants of reproductive decisions. Wider implications of the findings: With economic and political uncertainties expected to persist, these findings call for increased psychosocial and fertility education for young adults in navigating long-term parenthood goals and reproductive options, and policies that assist young adults in overcoming personal and structural barriers to parenthood amid diminishing confidence in governmental support. Trial registration number Not applicable

Preschoolers’ imitation of sentential complement sentences: Does the nature of the matrix clause matter?

Preschoolers’ earliest productions of sentential complement sentences have matrix clauses that are limited in form. Diessel proposed that matrix clauses in these early productions are propositionally empty fixed phrases that lack semantic and syntactic integration with the clausal complement. By 4 years of age, however, preschoolers produce sentential complement sentences with matrix clauses that are more varied. Diessel proposed that the matrix clauses in these later productions semantically and syntactically embed the complement clause. We refer to these matrix clauses as formulaic and true, respectively. Diessel’s hypothesis about the development of sentential complement sentences was based on an analysis of spontaneous language. The purpose of this study was to evaluate Diessel’s hypothesis with an experimental sentence imitation task wherein stimuli varied in the nature of the matrix clause. Thirty children with typical language development participated; 10 children in each age group (3-, 4-, and 5-year-olds) imitated 50 sentential complement sentences that included either a true or a formulaic matrix clause; the structure of the dependent clauses did not vary. Dependent variables were percent sentence imitation and percent matrix clause imitation. There was a significant main effect for matrix clause type on imitation of sentences and matrix clauses. There was also a significant main effect for age on imitation of sentences and matrix clauses. Significant matrix clause type-by-age interactions were such that percent sentence imitation and percent matrix clause imitation varied by age. Three- and 4-year-olds were less proficient than 5-year-olds on imitation of sentences with true matrix clauses and on imitations of true matrix clauses. Only 3- and 4-year-olds were less proficient imitating true matrix clauses than formulaic matrix clauses. Experimental findings support Diessel’s hypothesis that there is a developmental progression in the nature of preschoolers’ production of sentential complement sentences.

Taste Responses to Chocolate Pudding with Different Sucrose Concentrations through Physiological and Explicit Self-Reported Measures.

The past few decades have seen significant methodological and theoretical change within sensory science, including in food sciences. The physiological reaction to the Autonomous Nervous System (ANS) provides insightful information in interpreting consumers’ sensory and affective reactions. In this regard, we investigated how explicit responses of liking and perceived intensity of sensory features (sweet, bitter, and astringency) and implicit objective physiological responses of Heart Rate (HR) and Galvanic Skin Response (GSR) are modulated when varying the sweetness (sucrose concentration with 38; 83; 119; 233 g/kg) level in a cocoa-based product (dark chocolate pudding) and their relationship. The demographic effects on responses were also investigated. Results showed the effects of the sucrose concentration levels on liking and perceived intensity of all the sensory characteristics and on HR responses, which highlighted a significant effect of the sucrose concentration level. As regards the relationship between variables, a significant positive effect was found for the sucrose concentration level 3, where an increase in HR leads to an increase in liking; for the perceived bitterness, a significant positive effect of HR for the sucrose concentration level 1; and for the perceived astringent, a significant positive effect of HR for the sucrose concentration level 2. While we found no significant main effect of gender on our dependent variables, the results highlight a significant main effect of age, increasing the adult population responses. The present research helps to understand better the relationship between explicit and implicit sensory study variables with foods. Furthermore, it has managerial applications for chocolate product developers. The level of sweetness that might be optimal to satisfy at the explicit level (liking) and the implicit level (HR or emotional valence) is identified.

Skeletal Muscle‐Specific Deletion of AMPKβ1β2 Modulates Age‐Induced Neuromuscular Junction Remodeling in Fast Glycolytic Muscles

The neuromuscular junction (NMJ) is the electrochemical signaling apparatus between an ⍺-motoneuron and the skeletal muscle fibers that it innervates. AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) regulates neuromuscular phenotype. However, the precise role of this kinase at the NMJ has yet to be elucidated. The purpose of the current study was to examine the role of skeletal muscle AMPK on NMJ biology across the lifespan. We utilized 3- and 12-month-old (mo) skeletal muscle-specific AMPKβ1β2 knock out (mKO, n = 10) and wild-type (WT, n = 10) mice, as well as 22 mo WT (n = 3) animals. The extensor digitorum longus (EDL) and soleus (SOL) muscles were examined to represent fast glycolytic and slow oxidative tissues, respectively. Utilizing confocal microscopy, we acquired 20-25 NMJ images per muscle to conduct 3D NMJ morphology analyses. Contralateral EDL and SOL muscles were also collected for immunofluorescence staining and muscle innervation determination. Quantitative real-time PCR was employed to examine genes critical for NMJ maintenance and remodeling in tibialis anterior (TA) muscles. Presynaptic axonal blebbing and sprouting was observed more frequently (p < 0.05) in the EDL and SOL muscles of aged WT animals relative to their younger counterparts. Additionally, the proportion of dysmorphic axons was greater (p < 0.05) in mKO animals compared with age-matched WT mice. As expected, there was a significant main effect of age on the total number of fragmented and ectopic NMJs in both genotypes. mKO animals displayed a greater (p < 0.05) number of dysmorphic NMJs than their age-matched WT littermates, which suggests that AMPK is required for the development and maintenance of NMJ structure. Indeed, the number of NMJs positive for postsynaptic abnormalities in the EDL muscles of 12 mo mKO animals was significantly greater than 22 mo WT mice. Fiber type grouping was significantly higher in EDL and SOL muscles of 22 mo WT animals relative to their younger counterparts. Statistical trends (p = 0.09) were also observed towards greater fiber type grouping and increased muscle fibers co-expressing multiple myosin heavy chain isoforms in only the SOL muscles of mKO animals relative to their age-matched WT controls, which suggests that AMPK elicits muscle-specific denervation/reinnervation cycling. mRNA expression of the acetylcholine receptor gamma subunit was significantly greater in mKO mice relative to WT animals. Interestingly, additional NMJ transcripts, such as agrin, rapsyn, docking protein 7, and fibroblast growth factor binding protein 1, were significantly lower in mKO animals relative to their WT littermates. Collectively, these data suggest that the absence of skeletal muscle AMPK accelerates age-associated changes at the NMJ in more glycolytic muscle fibers, potentially due to a greater ability for reinnervation in oxidative muscles. These results reveal a novel role for AMPK in the maintenance and remodeling of the NMJ during aging.

Speech Rate Varies With Sentence Length in Typically Developing Children.

Purpose The primary purpose of this study was to examine the effect of sentence length on speech rate and its characteristics, articulation rate and pauses, in typically developing children. Method Sixty-two typically developing children between the ages of 10 and 14 years repeated sentences varying in length from two to seven words. Dependent variables included speech rate (syllables per second), articulation rate (syllables per second), and proportion of time spent pausing. Results Speech rate and articulation rate significantly increased with increases in sentence length, but proportion of time spent pausing did not increase with sentence length. There were no significant main effects of age. Conclusions This is the first study to suggest that sentence length differentially impacts the component parts of speech rate, articulation rate and pause time. Increases in sentence length led to increases in speech rate, primarily due to increases in articulation rate and not increases in pause time. Articulation rate appears to be highly sensitive to the impact of sentence length, while a higher cognitive-linguistic load may be required to see sentence length effects on pause time.