Young Adults Research Articles

Prediction ability in bilingual individuals: an eye tracking study with younger and older adults

AbstractStudies with monolingual speakers show that people predict upcoming linguistic elements during sentence processing. Linguistic prediction behavior has been found to be less consistent in studies with bilingual individuals performing in their non-native language and in neurotypical older monolingual adults. The present study utilized an eye-tracking paradigm to investigate whether bilingual younger and older neurotypical individuals predict upcoming nouns in sentences that include constraining verbs, and if they do so both in their first language (L1) and in their second language (L2). Data were analyzed from 44 Norwegian-English proficient bilingual adults; 27 younger (20–35 years, mean age 27) and 17 older adults (54–81 years, mean age 64) who completed the eye-tracking experiment in each of the two languages, as well as cognitive and linguistic tests. The results demonstrated similar prediction abilities in L1 and L2 for both the younger and older participants on sentences with constraining verbs. Older adults predicted slower than younger adults. Participants’ working memory span and language proficiency did not explain prediction performance; cognate status of the stimuli partially did. The study adds to the relatively sparse existing data on prediction abilities in bilingual people and in older individuals.

Phenotypic and oncological insights in ANNA1 autoimmunity: Age stratification and biomarker analysis

AbstractObjectiveTo describe the phenotypes, oncological associations, biomarker profiles, and outcomes across different age groups in patients with ANNA1 (anti‐Hu) autoimmunity.MethodsA retrospective review of patients with ANNA1‐IgG in serum/CSF between January 1, 2001, and December 31,2019 was performed. Patients were classified into three groups based on the age of symptom onset. Phage immunoprecipitation sequencing (PhIP‐Seq) and neurofilament light chain (NfL) measurements were done in patient sera/CSF with archived samples.ResultsOf 122 patients, 81 (66%), 20 (16%), and 21 (17%) patients belonged to older adults, young adults, and pediatric groups, respectively. Lung cancer and neuromuscular presentations were more common in older adults (p < 0.001), while limbic encephalitis and neuroblastoma were more common in pediatric patients (p < 0.005). Most young adults (75%) did not have cancer identified. Proportions of patients with a favorable response to immunotherapy were 20%, 30%, and 52% among older adults, young adults, and pediatric groups, respectively. PhIP‐Seq demonstrated significant enrichment for ELAVL4 peptides especially for amino acids 240–289, in the majority of samples evaluated (36/67, 54%). ZIC and SOX2 peptides were significantly enriched in those with central nervous system presentations. Serum NfL levels were elevated in patients with cancer and those with poor long‐term outcomes.InterpretationYoung adults with ANNA1 autoimmunity phenotypically resembled older adults but rarely had an underlying cancer. Pediatric patients frequently presented with limbic encephalitis and neuroblastoma and often responded favorably to immunotherapy. Distinct antigenic signatures may underlie differences in clinical presentations. Serum NfL levels may be a biomarker of poor long‐term outcomes in ANNA1 autoimmunity.

Retrospective analysis of a tertiary care centre of sex differences in risk factors, aetiology and short-term clinical outcome after revascularization treatment in young adults’ ischemic stroke

Retrospective analysis of a tertiary care centre of sex differences in risk factors, aetiology and short-term clinical outcome after revascularization treatment in young adults’ ischemic stroke

Identifying predictors of stroke in young adults: a machine learning analysis of sex-specific risk factors

IntroductionStroke among Americans under age 49 is increasing. While the risk factors for stroke among older adults are well-established, evidence on stroke causes in young adults remains limited. This study used machine learning techniques to explore the predictors of stroke in young men and women.MethodsThe least absolute shrinkage and selection operator algorithm (LASSO) was applied to data from Wave V of the National Longitudinal Survey of Adolescent to Adult Health (N = 12,300)—nationally representative, longitudinal panel containing demographic, lifestyle, and clinical information for individuals aged 33–43—to identify the key factors associated with stroke in men and women. The resulting LASSO model was tested and validated on an independent sample and model performance was assessed using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) and calibration. For robustness, synthetic minority over sampling technique (SMOTE) was applied to address data imbalance and analyses were repeated on the balanced sample.ResultsApproximately 1.1% (N = 59) and 1.3% (N = 90) of the 5,318 and 6,970 men and women in the sample reported having a stroke. LASSO was used to predict stroke using demographic, lifestyle, and clinical predictors on both balanced and imbalanced data sets. LASSO performed slightly better on the balanced data set for women compared to the unbalanced set (Female AUC: 0.835 vs. 0.842), but performance for men was nearly identical (Male AUC: 0.820 vs. 0.822). Predictor identification was similar across both sets. For females, marijuana use, receipt of health services, education, self-rated health status, kidney disease, migraines, diabetes, depression, and PTSD were predictors. Among males, income, kidney disease, heart disease, diabetes, PTSD, and anxiety were risk factors.ConclusionsThis study showed similar clinical risk factors among men and women. However, variations in the behavioral and lifestyle determinants between sexes highlight the need for tailored interventions and public health strategies to address sex-specific stroke risk factors among young adults.

Nonmedical Use of Controlled Medications by Adolescents and Young Adults: Clinical Report

Nonmedical prescription drug use (NMPDU), the use of controlled prescription medications for purposes other than initially intended by the prescriber, is common among adolescents and young adults (AYAs). Prescription stimulants, sedatives, and opioid medications are the 3 main categories of controlled medications nonmedically used by AYAs. The intent of this clinical report is to provide an overview of the epidemiology, motives, sources, and risk factors of NMPDU among AYAs. This report also describes acute and long-term morbidity and mortality associated with NMPDU and discusses the importance of primary and secondary prevention to reduce the burden of NMPDU among AYAs. This report concludes with a series of recommendations on how pediatricians can address NMPDU with patients and their families.

Factors associated with sarcopenia among young adults with juvenile idiopathic arthritis: a cross-sectional study

Factors associated with sarcopenia among young adults with juvenile idiopathic arthritis: a cross-sectional study

PEERS® for School-Based Professionals via Zoom as a Pre-Employment Transition Service

Previous research has shown that conversational language predicts vocational independence and friendship development. This study investigated the efficacy of the Program for the Education and Enrichment of Relational Skills (PEERS®) for School-Based Professionals delivered via Zoom as a pre-employment transition service on the social competence of teens and young adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The program was administered weekly by vocational rehabilitation counselors via telehealth. A Quasi-experimental pilot design using pre/post-test analysis was used because all students in the vocational rehabilitation case management telehealth group indicated a desire to participate in the PEERS® training, leaving none available to form a comparison group. Results indicate a decrease in the severity of ASD symptomatology regarding social communication and an increase in conversational skills associated with vocational independence. They were invited to and hosted more get-togethers with peers who shared their interests, a measure of future collegiality. Implications for individuals on the autism spectrum and employment transition service providers are discussed.

Psychotropic drug-induced adverse drug reactions in 462,661 psychiatric inpatients in relation to age: results from a German drug surveillance program from 1993–2016

Abstract Background Clinical practice suggests that older adults (i.e., ≥ 65 years of age) experience adverse drug reactions (ADRs) more often than younger patients (i.e., < 65 years of age). ADRs such as falls, extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS), metabolic disorders, sedation, and delirium are particularly worrisome and often associated with psychotropic drugs. Methods This observational study investigated the risk for psychotropic drug-related ADRs in older (n = 99,099) and younger adults (n = 363,562) in psychiatric inpatients using data from the German pharmacovigilance program “Arzneimittelsicherheit in der Psychiatrie” (AMSP) from 1993–2016. The aim was to assess whether age influenced the risk of specific ADR types and if certain psychotropic drugs posed particular concerns. Results The risk for ADRs did not differ between older and younger patients (relative risk 0.98, 95% confidence interval 0.92–1.05). However, older patients had a higher risk for delirium (2.35, 1.85–2.99), hyponatremia (3.74, 2.85–4.90), and orthostatic syncope (2.37, 1.72–3.26), as well as certain types of EPS, e.g., parkinsonism (1.89, 1.45–2.48) and Pisa-/metronome syndrome (3.61, 2.51–5.18). The risk for other ADRs, such as acute dystonia (0.20, 0.10–0.37), akathisia (0.47, 0.29–0.76), liver dysfunction (0.63, 0.48–0.82), weight gain (0.07, 0.04–0.14), sexual dysfunction (0.03, CI 0.00–0.25), and hyperprolactinemia/galactorrhea (0.05, 0.02–0.17) was significantly lower for older patients. Older patients treated with any type of antidepressant drug (1.33, 1.26–1.40)—especially selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (1.57, 1.26–1.40) and selective serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (2.03, 1.80–2.29)—and lithium (1.74, 1.52–2.00) had a higher ADR risk than younger patients. Second-generation antipsychotic drugs had a lower (0.74, 0.71–0.77) and low-potency first-generation antipsychotic drugs a higher (1.19, 1.07–1.33) ADR risk in older patients. The risk for ADRs involving multiple drugs was higher in older patients (1.28, 1.22–1.34). ADRs in older patients were 6.4 times more likely to result in death. Conclusions Clinicians and pharmacists should be aware of the types of ADRs and high-risk drugs across age groups and provide appropriate monitoring. Pharmacovigilance is crucial in psychiatric patients of all ages and should not be neglected, even for drugs generally considered “safe”.

Burden of gastrointestinal cancers among adolescent and young adults in Asia-Pacific region: trends from 1990 to 2019 and future predictions to 2044

Burden of gastrointestinal cancers among adolescent and young adults in Asia-Pacific region: trends from 1990 to 2019 and future predictions to 2044

Unveiling Practical Insights: An Assessment of Media Influence on Tertiary Students' Perceptions of Crime and Criminals in Jigawa State

This study examines the influence of media on tertiary students' perceptions of crime and criminals in Jigawa State, Nigeria. With the rise in media consumption, particularly of crime-related content, there is growing concern about its potential to distort reality and elevate fear of crime among young adults. Utilizing Gerbner’s Cultivation Theory as a framework, this research explores how different media types impact students' understanding of crime, including television, social media, and news outlets. A mixed-method approach was used, combining surveys and focus group discussions with students across various institutions. The results indicate a significant correlation between high media consumption and exaggerated crime perception. Findings further reveal that students frequently exposed to sensational crime stories report heightened fear and misconceptions about criminal activity. These insights underscore the need for media literacy programs and balanced crime reporting to mitigate the influence of media on students' perceptions of crime.

Adolescent Blood Pressure and Early Age Stroke.

Underdiagnosis of relevant risk factors has contributed to the increasing stroke incidence in young adults. Blood pressure cut-off values for adolescents are neither sex specific nor based on cardiovascular outcomes. This nationwide, population-based, retrospective cohort study included all Israeli adolescents 16-19 years of age who were medically evaluated before compulsory military service from 1985 to 2013, including routine blood pressure measurements. The primary outcome was the first occurrence of a stroke (ischemic or hemorrhagic) at a young age (≤52 years), as documented in the Israeli National Stroke Registry. Cox proportional hazard models were stratified by sex and adjusted for birth year, sociodemographic variables, and adolescent body mass index. The cohort comprised 1,897,048 adolescents (42.4% women). During 11,355,476 person-years of follow-up, there were 1470 first stroke events at a young age. In men, an adolescent diastolic blood pressure value of ≥80 mmHg, compared with the reference group (diastolic blood pressure value of <70 mmHg), was associated with an increased risk of stroke (adjusted hazard ratio 1.28; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.04 to 1.58), while a diastolic blood pressure value of 70-79 mmHg was not associated with an increased risk of stroke (adjusted hazard ratio 1.11; 95% CI 0.90 to 1.34). Among women, an adolescent diastolic blood pressure value of ≥80 mmHg, compared with the reference group (diastolic blood pressure value of <70 mmHg) was associated with an increased risk of stroke at a young age (adjusted hazard ratio 1.38; 95% CI 1.03 to 1.88), as was a diastolic blood pressure value of 70-79 mmHg (adjusted hazard ratio 1.41; 95% CI 1.09 to 1.81). Elevated adolescent systolic blood pressure values (≥120 mmHg) were not associated with an increased risk of stroke. Diastolic blood pressure values of ≥80 mmHg in adolescence were associated with an increased risk of stroke at a young age in both men and women. No similar association was observed for elevated systolic blood pressure.

The association between childhood adversity and hippocampal volumes is moderated by romantic relationship experiences

AbstractReduced hippocampal volumes are a feature of many mental disorders. Childhood maltreatment is a known risk factor for the development of psychopathology and has consistently been linked to hippocampal volume reductions in adults, but not in children and adolescents. We propose that maltreatment‐related difficulties in coping with developmental tasks in adolescence and young adulthood might underlie the delayed emergence of hippocampal volume reductions in maltreated individuals. In a study with 196 healthy young adults (mean age [years]: 24.0 ± 3.2, 50% female, 20.6% living with a partner (missings: n = 2)), we investigated the interaction between childhood maltreatment (Childhood Trauma Screener) and the breakup of a steady romantic relationship (List of Threatening Experiences Questionnaire) on hippocampal magnetic resonance imaging grey matter volumes. The experience of a romantic relationship breakup moderated the association between childhood maltreatment and bilateral hippocampal volumes, revealing more negative associations with hippocampal volumes in participants with at least one breakup compared to those with no breakup experience (right hippocampus: β = − 0.05 ± 0.02, p = 0.031, p (FDR) = 0.031; left hippocampus: β = −0.06 ± 0.02, p = 0.005, p (FDR) = 0.009). Moreover, our findings provide some evidence that childhood maltreatment is related to smaller bilateral hippocampal volumes only in those adults who suffered from a relationship breakup (right hippocampus: β = −0.23 ± 0.10, p = 0.018, p (FDR) = 0.018; left hippocampus: β = −0.24 ± 0.10, p = 0.016, p (FDR) = 0.018;). Our study highlights the interaction of adult social bonds with early adversity on vulnerability to psychopathology.

Modulation of Serum Metabolic Profiles by Bifidobacterium breve BBr60 in Obesity: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Obesity, a prevalent metabolic disorder in youth, leads to complications and economic strain. Gut dysbiosis significantly contributes to obesity and metabolic issues. Bifidobacterium breve, a probiotic strain, may help regulate gut dysbiosis and benefit obese individuals. However, more research is needed on its effect on serum metabolism. A total of 75 overweight or obese young adults (aged 19–45) participated in the current study, and were randomly divided into probiotic and placebo groups using a random number table. Both groups received dietary guidance and underwent twelve weeks of intervention with either oral Bifidobacterium breve BBr60 (BBr60) or a placebo. After the intervention, collection and analysis of fasting serum samples were conducted using mass spectrometry coupled with liquid chromatography. Analyses of associations were conducted in order to determine the correlations between key serum metabolites and clinical obesity indicators, aiming to understand the influence of BBr60. Due to 10 participants dropping out for personal reasons, the study included 32 and 33 participants in the placebo and the BBr60 groups, respectively. The BBr60 intervention significantly regulated 134 serum metabolites and influenced crucial metabolic pathways in obesity management (p &lt; 0.05), including ascorbate and aldarate metabolism for oxidative stress reduction, cholesterol metabolism for lipid regulation, parathyroid hormone synthesis, secretion and action for the endocrine system, oxidative phosphorylation for enhanced energy efficiency, and glycolysis/gluconeogenesis for glucose metabolism. Analysis showed a positive relationship between fasting blood glucose (FBG), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), total protein (TP), and the content of 5-Methyl DL-glutamate (p &lt; 0.05). Similarly, body mass index (BMI), weight, and body fat percentage (BFP) were positively linked to serum metabolites (1-Hydroxycyclohexyl) acetic acid, and 5-Oxooctanoic acid (p &lt; 0.05). Significant associations of AST levels with key serum metabolites in cholesterol metabolism pathways further suggest BBr60’s potential to improve liver function and overall metabolic health in overweight or obese individuals. These findings support BBr60’s effectiveness in modulating serum metabolic profiles and suggest it may improve liver function and BMI in overweight or obese individuals by regulating key serum metabolites.

What is the Relationship Between Time in Range, Time in Tight Range, and HbA1c in Youth and Young Adults With Type 1 Diabetes? Results From the German/Austrian/Luxembourgian/Swiss Diabetes Prospective Follow-Up Registry.

Time in range (TIR, 70-180 mg/dL) is an established marker of glycemic control. More recently, time in tight range (TTR, 70-140 mg/dL) has been proposed as well. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between TIR, TTR, and HbA1c in youth and young adults with type 1 diabetes (T1D) in the German/Austrian/Luxembourgian/Swiss Diabetes Prospective Follow-up (DPV) registry. Data of youth and young adults aged ≤25 years with T1D for >3 months, documented in the DPV registry between 2019 and 2022 were analyzed. The most recent available HbA1c and corresponding continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) profiles in the 12 preceding weeks with at least 80% completeness were included. Associations were investigated using correlation and adjusted regression models. 1901 individuals (median age 14.0 years [IQR 10.4-16.9]) were included in the analysis. TIR and TTR correlated strongly, r = 0.965 (95% CI [0.962, 0.968]), P < .001. TTR estimates predicted from TIR were significantly higher in the group with high coefficient of variation (CV group ≥ 36%), P < .001. Correlations between TIR or TTR and HbA1c were both strong, r = -0.764 (95% CI [-0.782, -0.745]) and r = -0.777 (95% CI [-0.795, -0.759]), both P < .001, with no significant difference (P = .312) However, adjusted regression models indicated a slightly better fit for the prediction of HbA1c from TIR compared with TTR. Based on large, real-world data from a multinational registry, TIR and TTR correlated strongly, and both showed a good prediction of HbA1c. TTR estimates predicted from TIR were significantly higher in people with high glucose variability (CV).

The Relationship Between Smile Type, Dental Composition, and Personality Traits in Young Adults

Introduction. This study investigates the complex interplay between dental compositions, smile styles, and personality traits in young adults seeking oral and dental care, guided by the Visagism paradigm. Methods. A total of 150 young adult volunteers aged 18-35 years participated in the study. The participants completed a questionnaire designed to assess personality traits. A survey containing various personality characteristics was administered to determine the participants’ fundamental personality traits, with respondents encouraged to indicate the traits they most closely identified with honestly. Based on the survey responses, individuals were categorized into one of four main personality groups: melancholic/sensitive, sanguine/dynamic, choleric/strong, and phlegmatic/peaceful. Subsequently, a careful clinical examination was conducted to assess each patient’s tooth form, smile style, and the visibility of teeth and gums at different smile stages (stages III and IV). Statistical analysis was then conducted. Results. Oval tooth forms (36%) and the commissure (Mona Lisa) smile style (72.5%) were most frequently observed, aligning with previous research. Notably, women exhibited a higher prevalence of a melancholic temperament. However, the study found no significant relationship between self-reported personality traits and dental compositions or smile styles. Conclusions. The study did not confirm a significant association between personality traits and smile styles or dental forms. While the findings align with existing research, they highlight the complexity of the Visagism paradigm, emphasizing the need for further investigations into the relationship between temperament and dental aesthetics.

Exploring the Experience of Existential Anxiety During the COVID-19 Isolation Period in a Small Sample of Young Kosovar Adults

International literature has documented the mental health impact of the coronavirus 2019 pandemic on global communities. However, for this period, a significant lack of research exists on the human and psychological experiences of Albanian Kosovars. This study aimed to retrospectively explore a specific experience associated with the isolation period, that is, the Kosovar young adults’ experience of existential anxiety. The notion of isolation is significant for the Kosovars as their country is recently independent with some referencing its political isolation in the European context. The current study was conducted from March to June 2022; Stage 1 included a quantitative sampling of existential anxiety among 115 Albanian Kosovars through the Existential Anxiety Questionnaire (Weems et al., 2004). In Stage 2, five participants with high levels of existential anxiety partook in in-depth interviews. For the qualitative analysis, the Existential Phenomenological Research approach was adopted. Using Paul Tillich’s existential anxiety framework, results revealed that this study’s participants experienced great losses with the start of the lockdown as they were students who had to return to their families. It appears that a process of transformation occurred in light of the hardships that individuals experienced. Implications for mental health practitioners and researchers are offered.

Higher Long-Term Visit-to-Visit Blood Pressure Variability Is Associated With Severe Cerebral Small Vessel Disease in the General Population.

Long-term visit-to-visit blood pressure (BP) variability is linked to various diseases, but its impact on cerebral small vessel disease (cSVD) burden, and its features remains uncertain. We analyzed 1284 participants from the Kailuan cohort (2006-2022). Visit-to-visit systolic BP (SBP), diastolic BP (DBP), and pulse pressure (PP) variability were categorized into tertiles (low, middle, high). Magnetic resonance imaging identified white matter hyperintensities (WMH), lacunae of presumed vascular origin (LA), cerebral microbleeds (CMBs), and visible perivascular spaces (PVS). Total cSVD burden was classified as none (0), mild (1), moderate (2), or severe (3-4) based on the presence of these features. Logistic regression estimated odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). High SBP variability was associated with moderate cSVD burden (OR = 1.89, 95% CI: 1.09-3.29) and PVS (OR = 1.62, 95% CI: 1.10-2.39). High DBP variability was associated with LA (OR = 1.74, 95% CI: 1.06-2.84). High PP variability showed a significant risk for severe cSVD burden (OR = 2.49, 95% CI: 1.34-4.63). These associations were modified by age and hypertension status. Among young adults (age < 60 years), high PP variability was associated with severe cSVD burden (OR = 3.33, 95% CI: 1.31-8.44), LA (OR = 3.02, 95% CI: 1.31-6.93), and PVS (OR = 1.86, 95% CI: 1.20-2.88). The risk effects of SBP and PP variability on cSVD burden were significant only in participants with hypertension. High long-term visit-to-visit BP variability (BPV), particularly in combination with hypertension, is a significant risk factor for total cSVD. Special attention should be given to PP variability in younger adults.

Predictors of the continuous use of an infectious disease self-management app for epidemiological investigations: a survey of young and middle-aged adults in South Korean citizens.

In the wake of the coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) pandemic, research on the difficulties faced by epidemiologists conducting epidemiological investigations has been progressing steadily. However, few studies have developed applications (apps) that can directly support epidemiological investigations via information and communication (ICT) technology, and conducted usability evaluations on them via user responses. This has caused difficulties when developing such technologies. We introduced and evaluated two mobile apps that support epidemiological investigations. This study attempted to identify the predictors affecting the acceptance of infectious disease self-management apps. We developed two infectious disease self-management smartphone apps for epidemiological investigations: KODARI (the Korean version) and MEDARI (in English version). We collected data from 248 users of KODARI by surveying Korean citizens. This study was conducted from November 15 to December 14, 2022. We used multiple regression analysis to identify the variables that affected continuous intention to use the KODARI app. We conducted two independent-samples t-tests to determine whether there were any differences in the perception of each variable in relation to demographic and COVID-19-related user characteristics. The factors that affected continuous intention to use the KODARI app, in order of relative importance, were: price value, satisfaction, performance expectancy, and facilitating conditions. Overall, male participants were more satisfied with the KODARI app than female ones, and more willing to continue using it. The male participants also evaluated facilitating conditions more positively than the female ones did. Married participants rated the app higher than single ones in terms of price value, performance expectancy, and continued intention to use. The study suggests factors that increase the use of health apps and suggests that use of these apps may increase further in the event of a future pandemics. These results are expected to help researchers study other infectious disease apps in the context of public health surveillance.

Comparisons between Caucasian-validated and Chinese-validated photo-numeric scales for assessing facial wrinkles.

Skin ageing results in wrinkling. In this study, we discuss four types of facial wrinkles: Crow's Feet wrinkles, forehead wrinkles, glabellar frown wrinkles, and nasolabial folds. These four phenotypes can be assessed either with a photo-numeric scale developed and validated on Caucasian skin (i.e., Caucasian scale) or with a photo-numeric scale developed and validated on Chinese skin (i.e., Chinese scale). As Caucasian and Chinese skin have inherent differences, the main objective of this study is to determine whether these inherent differences affect the suitability of evaluating facial wrinkles on ethnic Chinese skin with a Caucasian scale. Three trained assessors studied four types of wrinkles on the faces of 1,081 ethnic Chinese young adults from the Singapore/Malaysia Cross-sectional Genetics Epidemiology Study (SMCGES). We found that Caucasian scales and Chinese scales are concordant (Spearman's Rank Correlation (ρ) values: 0.53-0.80) and the level of agreement between the Caucasian scales and Chinese scales is moderately high (Cohen's Kappa (κ) values: 0.40-0.49). When tested on ethnic Chinese skin, both the Caucasian scale and the Chinese scale are largely consistent in showing presence or absence of a given facial wrinkle (Area under curve (AUC) values: 0.79-0.90). All assessors are highly internally consistent (Weighted Kappa (κw) values: 0.686-0.992). Our results build confidence that four types of facial wrinkles on ethnic Chinese faces can be assessed with Caucasian scales. To the best of our knowledge, Chinese scales for facial wrinkles beyond the four types discussed here have yet to be developed. Caucasian scales for these other facial wrinkles will also need to be tested for their suitability to be used on ethnic Chinese skin as and when more Chinese scales are developed.

Motor inhibition during voluntary gait initiation in young and older adults.

Based on a novel approach, this study explores feasibility and relevance of an inhibition task for studying age-related differences in motor inhibition during gait initiation. When presented with a go-signal, young adults (YA, n = 24) and older adults (OA, n = 55) were required to promptly initiate gait. Participants completed 3 blocks of 12 gait trials. Each block contained 3 stop trials in which the go-signal was followed by a stop-signal that required the person to block gait initiation and remain standing. Stop-signals were presented randomly and with different delays. Data analyses focused on changes in the centre of pressure (COP) and success of motor inhibition. Compared to go-trials, stop trials resulted in a marked decrease of timing and amplitude of COP displacement. Overall success rate of motor inhibition was low (29% in YA vs. 19% in OA) and decreased with increasing COP displacement. Inhibitory success was associated with two strategies: a pro-active cautious COP displacement; and the inhibition of further COP displacement after a stop-signal. Results demonstrate age-related differences in adaptive behavior as well as boundaries beyond which neither old nor young persons were successful. This study yields important insights into motor inhibition during gait and essential input nto further studies.