Phonological span in children and adults: Does response format matter?

2019 ◽  
Vol 43 (5) ◽  
pp. 393-402 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eva Oesterlen ◽  
Katja Seitz-Stein
Keyword(s):  
Visual Search ◽  
Digit Span ◽  
Fourth Graders ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Verbal Response ◽  
Response Format ◽  
Verbal Recall ◽  
Age Dependent ◽  
Span Tasks ◽  
Underlying Mechanisms

In contrast to classical phonological span tasks, which require verbal recall, those used in self-reliant, group-administrable working memory measurement contain a visuospatial response format. As a consequence, these tasks involve recoding, executive, and visual search requirements in addition to encoding and storage processes. To examine age-dependent effects of these special requirements, tablet-based word and digit span tasks with a visuospatial response format were compared to corresponding tasks with a verbal response format in first and second graders, third and fourth graders, and adults ( N = 105). Whereas children’s performance was impaired by the visuospatial response format, adults’ performance was not. Whether the arrangement of stimuli in the visuospatial response format—either variable or fixed—has differential effects on performance in children and adults ( N = 434) was examined in a second experiment. No substantial differences between variable and fixed response format were found in any of the age groups. Possible underlying mechanisms for age-dependent effects of response format and the role of executive functions and visual search in automatized phonological span tasks are discussed.

Tapping versus Saying: Effects of Age, Recoding, and Visual Search on Phonological Span

2021 ◽  
pp. 073428292110091
Author(s):  
Eva Oesterlen ◽  
Katja Seitz-Stein
Keyword(s):  
Visual Search ◽  
Secondary School ◽  
Primary School ◽  
Cognitive Processes ◽  
School Children ◽  
Primary School Children ◽  
Verbal Recall ◽  
Age Dependent ◽  
Underlying Mechanisms

In contrast to traditional word spans with verbal recall, recently developed automated tasks employ a visuospatial response format (RF). This RF involves additional cognitive processes such as recoding and visual search, which develop across childhood. The aim of the present study was to extend previous findings on age-dependent RF effects, examining the role of recoding and visual search as underlying mechanisms. Groups of primary school children, secondary school children, and adults performed analogous word spans with visuospatial and verbal RF. Additionally, two tasks assessing recoding and visual search skills were conducted. Results show that primary school children performed poorer under visuospatial than verbal RF, whereas secondary school children and adults showed no performance differences. The analyses further suggest that search skills contribute to age-differential RF effects. Recoding seems less decisive, but its role could not be conclusively clarified. Developmental mechanisms and the necessity to disentangle the role of recoding from search are discussed.

scholarly journals Age-dependent sex differences in calcium and phosphate homeostasis

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
W N H Koek ◽  
N Campos-Obando ◽  
B C J van der Eerden ◽  
Y B De Rijke ◽  
Ma Ikram ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sex Differences ◽  
Serum Calcium ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Serum Phosphate ◽  
Age Group ◽  
Phosphate Homeostasis ◽  
Younger Age ◽  
Age Dependent ◽  
Underlying Mechanisms ◽  
Group 1

Background: Sex differences in calcium and phosphate have been observed. We aimed to assess a relation with age. Methods: We used laboratory values of serum calcium, phosphate and albumin from three different samples (years 2005, 2010 and 2014) using the hospital information system of Erasmus MC, Rotterdam. The samples were divided into 3 age groups: 1-17, 18-44 and ≥45 years. Sex differences in calcium and phosphate were analyzed using ANCOVA, adjusting for age and serum albumin. Furthermore, sex by age interactions were determined and we analyzed differences between age groups stratified by sex Results: In all 3 samples there was a significant sex*age interaction for serum calcium and phosphate, whose levels were significantly higher in women compared to men above 45 years. No sex differences in the younger age groups were found. In men, serum calcium and phosphate levels were highest in the youngest age group compared to age groups 18-44 and ≥45 years. In women, serum calcium levels were also significantly higher in the age group 1-17 and the age group ≥45 years compared to the 18-44 years age group. In women, serum phosphate was different between the three different age groups with highest level in the group 1-17 years and lowest in the group 18-44 years. Conclusion: There are age dependent sex differences in serum calcium and phosphate. Furthermore, we found differences in serum calcium and phosphate between different age groups. Underlying mechanisms for these age- and sex differences are not yet fully elucidated.

COVID - 19 AND THE PROBLEM OF PERSONALITY

2020 ◽  
pp. 31-35
Author(s):  
Mazaeva N.A. ◽  
Golovina A.G.
Keyword(s):  
General Population ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Personal Transformation ◽  
Personality Changes ◽  
Age Dependent

In order to determine possible trends in the dynamics and characterological structure of personality in the General population caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, which is a long-term strong stressful effect and clinically and psychopathologically comparable to chronic personality changes after experiencing a disaster, the conditions predisposing to personal transformation, including clinical and prognostic patterns, are analyzed. The age-dependent nature of these changes is shown, and a number of features identified for different age groups are discussed.

scholarly journals Metabolomics of aging in primary fibroblasts from small and large breed dogs

GeroScience ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paul S. Brookes ◽  
Ana Gabriela Jimenez
Keyword(s):  
Aging Process ◽  
Tca Cycle ◽  
Therapeutic Strategies ◽  
Targeted Metabolomics ◽  
The Tca Cycle ◽  
Age Dependent ◽  
Primary Fibroblasts ◽  
Aging Rates ◽  
Underlying Mechanisms ◽  
Coenzyme A Biosynthesis

AbstractAmong several animal groups (eutherian mammals, birds, reptiles), lifespan positively correlates with body mass over several orders of magnitude. Contradicting this pattern are domesticated dogs, with small dog breeds exhibiting significantly longer lifespans than large dog breeds. The underlying mechanisms of differing aging rates across body masses are unclear, but it is generally agreed that metabolism is a significant regulator of the aging process. Herein, we performed a targeted metabolomics analysis on primary fibroblasts isolated from small and large breed young and old dogs. Regardless of size, older dogs exhibited lower glutathione and ATP, consistent with a role for oxidative stress and bioenergetic decline in aging. Furthermore, several size-specific metabolic patterns were observed with aging, including the following: (i) An apparent defect in the lower half of glycolysis in large old dogs at the level of pyruvate kinase. (ii) Increased glutamine anaplerosis into the TCA cycle in large old dogs. (iii) A potential defect in coenzyme A biosynthesis in large old dogs. (iv) Low nucleotide levels in small young dogs that corrected with age. (v) An age-dependent increase in carnitine in small dogs that was absent in large dogs. Overall, these data support the hypothesis that alterations in metabolism may underlie the different lifespans of small vs. large breed dogs, and further work in this area may afford potential therapeutic strategies to improve the lifespan of large dogs.

scholarly journals How do we measure attention? Using factor analysis to establish construct validity of neuropsychological tests

2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Melissa Treviño ◽  
Xiaoshu Zhu ◽  
Yi Yi Lu ◽  
Luke S. Scheuer ◽  
Eliza Passell ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Working Memory ◽  
Factor Analysis ◽  
Visual Search ◽  
Object Tracking ◽  
Visual Working Memory ◽  
Neuropsychological Tests ◽  
Digit Span ◽  
Digit Symbol ◽  
Attentional Capacity ◽  
Spatial Span

AbstractWe investigated whether standardized neuropsychological tests and experimental cognitive paradigms measure the same cognitive faculties. Specifically, do neuropsychological tests commonly used to assess attention measure the same construct as attention paradigms used in cognitive psychology and neuroscience? We built on the “general attention factor”, comprising several widely used experimental paradigms (Huang et al., 2012). Participants (n = 636) completed an on-line battery (TestMyBrain.org) of six experimental tests [Multiple Object Tracking, Flanker Interference, Visual Working Memory, Approximate Number Sense, Spatial Configuration Visual Search, and Gradual Onset Continuous Performance Task (Grad CPT)] and eight neuropsychological tests [Trail Making Test versions A & B (TMT-A, TMT-B), Digit Symbol Coding, Forward and Backward Digit Span, Letter Cancellation, Spatial Span, and Arithmetic]. Exploratory factor analysis in a subset of 357 participants identified a five-factor structure: (1) attentional capacity (Multiple Object Tracking, Visual Working Memory, Digit Symbol Coding, Spatial Span), (2) search (Visual Search, TMT-A, TMT-B, Letter Cancellation); (3) Digit Span; (4) Arithmetic; and (5) Sustained Attention (GradCPT). Confirmatory analysis in 279 held-out participants showed that this model fit better than competing models. A hierarchical model where a general cognitive factor was imposed above the five specific factors fit as well as the model without the general factor. We conclude that Digit Span and Arithmetic tests should not be classified as attention tests. Digit Symbol Coding and Spatial Span tap attentional capacity, while TMT-A, TMT-B, and Letter Cancellation tap search (or attention-shifting) ability. These five tests can be classified as attention tests.

scholarly journals 1465. Age-Dependent Interactions Among Clinical Characteristics, Viral Loads and Disease Severity in Young Children with Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection (RSV) Infection

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S734-S735
Author(s):  
Helena Brenes-Chacon ◽  
Cristina Garcia-Maurino ◽  
Melissa Moore-Clingenpeel ◽  
Sara Mertz ◽  
Fang Ye ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Young Children ◽  
Disease Severity ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Panel Member ◽  
Signs And Symptoms ◽  
Research Support ◽  
Review Panel ◽  
Viral Loads ◽  
Age Dependent ◽  
Rsv Infection

Abstract Background Differences in clinical presentation and viral loads according to age in young children with RSV, and their correlation with disease severity are poorly defined. The aim of this study was to define age-dependent the differences in demographic, clinical factors and viral loads between children < 2 years of age with mild RSV infection evaluated as outpatients versus those hospitalized with severe RSV infection. Figure 1. Sign and Symptoms according to disease severity and age in infants with RSV infection. Most relevant signs and symptoms were stratified in outpatients (orange) vs inpatients (blue) by age in (A) < 3 months, (B) between 3 and 6 months, and (C) > 6 to 24 months of age. The Y axis represents the signs and symptoms in the two disease severity groups and the X axis the frequency of that specific symptom (%). Numbers next to bars represent the exact number of patients with that specific sign/symptom. Comparisons by Fisher exact test. Symbol (*) indicate significant 2-sided p values Figure 2. Viral load differences according to age in infants with RSV infection. The Y axis represents RSV loads in log10 copies/mL and the X axis differences in viral loads in outpatients (orange) and inpatients (blue) in the three age groups. Comparisons by Mann Whitney test. Methods Previously healthy children < 2 years old with mild (outpatients) and severe (inpatients) RSV infection were enrolled and nasopharyngeal swabs were obtained for RSV typing and quantitation by real-time PCR. Patients were stratified by age (0-< 3, 3-6, and >6-24 months) and multivariable analyses were performed to identify clinical and viral factors associated with severe disease. Results From 2014-2018 we enrolled 534 children with RSV infection: 130 outpatients and 404 inpatients. Median duration of illness was 4 days for both groups, yet viral loads were higher in outpatients than inpatient in the three age groups (Fig 1). Wheezing was more frequent in outpatients of older age (>3 months) than in inpatients (p< 0.01), while fever was more common in inpatients that outpatients (p< 0.01) and increased with age (Fig 2). Adjusted analyses confirmed that increased work of breathing and fever were consistently associated with hospitalization irrespective of age, while wheezing in infants >3 months, and higher RSV loads in children >6-24 months were independently associated with reduced disease severity. Conclusion Age had a significant impact defining the interactions among viral loads, specific clinical manifestations and disease severity in children with RSV infection. These observations highlight the importance of patient stratification when evaluating interventions against RSV. Disclosures Octavio Ramilo, MD, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (Grant/Research Support)Janssen (Grant/Research Support, Advisor or Review Panel member)Medimmune (Grant/Research Support)Merck (Advisor or Review Panel member)NIH/NIAID (Grant/Research Support)Pfizer (Consultant, Advisor or Review Panel member)Sanofi/Medimmune (Consultant, Advisor or Review Panel member) Asuncion Mejias, MD, PhD, MsCS, Janssen (Grant/Research Support, Advisor or Review Panel member)Merck (Advisor or Review Panel member)Roche (Advisor or Review Panel member)

scholarly journals Could age increase the strength of inverse association between ultraviolet B exposure and colorectal cancer?

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Vidya Lakshmi Purushothaman ◽  
Raphael E. Cuomo ◽  
Cedric F. Garland ◽  
Timothy K. Mackey
Keyword(s):  
Colorectal Cancer ◽  
Vitamin D ◽  
Vitamin D Deficiency ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Incidence Rates ◽  
Ultraviolet B ◽  
Inverse Association ◽  
Crude Incidence ◽  
Age Dependent ◽  
Uvb Exposure

Abstract Background Vitamin D has been identified as a potential protective factor in the development of colorectal cancer (CRC). We expect to see a stronger association of ultraviolet B (UVB) exposure and CRC crude rates with increasing age since chronic vitamin D deficiency leads to sustained molecular changes that increase cancer risk. The DINOMIT (disjunction, initiation, natural selection, overgrowth, metastasis, involution, and transition) model postulates various stages of cancer development due to vitamin D deficiency and the associated latency period. The purpose of this study is to examine this age-dependent inverse relationship globally. Methods In this ecological study, a series of linear and polynomial regression tests were performed between country-specific UVB estimates adjusted for cloud cover and crude incidence rates of CRC for different age groups. Multiple linear regression was used to investigate the association between crude incidence rates of colorectal cancer and UVB estimate adjusting for urbanization, skin pigmentation, smoking, animal consumption, per capita GDP, and life expectancy. Statistical analysis was followed by geospatial visualization by producing choropleth maps. Results The inverse relationship between UVB exposure and CRC crude rates was stronger in older age groups at the country level. Quadratic curve fitting was preferred, and these models were statistically significant for all age groups. The inverse association between crude incidence rates of CRC and UVB exposure was statistically significant for age groups above 45 years, after controlling for covariates. Conclusion The age-dependent inverse association between UVB exposure and incidence of colorectal cancer exhibits a greater effect size among older age groups in global analyses. Studying the effect of chronic vitamin D deficiency on colorectal cancer etiology will help in understanding the necessity for population-wide screening programs for vitamin D deficiency, especially in regions with inadequate UVB exposure. Further studies are required to assess the need for adequate public health programs such as selective supplementation and food fortification.

scholarly journals Chloroplast Hsp70 Isoform Is Required for Age-Dependent Tissue Preference of Bamboo mosaic virus in Mature Nicotiana benthamiana Leaves

2017 ◽  
Vol 30 (8) ◽  
pp. 631-645 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ying Wen Huang ◽  
Chung Chi Hu ◽  
Ching Hsiu Tsai ◽  
Na Sheng Lin ◽  
Yau Heiu Hsu
Keyword(s):  
Mosaic Virus ◽  
Nicotiana Benthamiana ◽  
Transit Peptide ◽  
Plant Viruses ◽  
Age Dependent ◽  
Efficient Replication ◽  
Underlying Mechanisms ◽  
Lines Of Evidence ◽  
Suitable Environment

Plant viruses may exhibit age-dependent tissue preference in their hosts but the underlying mechanisms are not well understood. In this study, we provide several lines of evidence to reveal the determining role of a protein of the Nicotiana benthamiana chloroplast Hsp70 (NbcpHsp70) family, NbcpHsp70-2, involved in the preference of Bamboo mosaic virus (BaMV) to infect older tissues. NbcpHsp70 family proteins were identified in complexes pulled down with BaMV replicase as the bait. Among the isoforms of NbcpHsp70, only the specific silencing of NbcpHsp70-2 resulted in the significant decrease of BaMV RNA in N. benthamiana protopalsts, indicating that NbcpHsp70-2 is involved in the efficient replication of BaMV RNA. We further identified the age-dependent import regulation signal contained in the transit peptide of NbcpHsp70-2. Deletion, overexpression, and substitution experiments revealed that the signal in the transit peptide of NbcpHsp70-2 is crucial for both the import of NbcpHsp70-2 into older chloroplasts and the preference of BaMV for infecting older leaves of N. benthamiana. Together, these data demonstrated that BaMV may exploit a cellular age-dependent transportation mechanism to target a suitable environment for viral replication.

Different ATP-catabolism in reperfused adult and newborn rat hearts

1988 ◽  
Vol 254 (6) ◽  
pp. H1091-H1098
Author(s):  
P. W. Achterberg ◽  
A. S. Nieukoop ◽  
B. Schoutsen ◽  
J. W. de Jong
Keyword(s):  
Oxidase Activity ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Similar Degree ◽  
Ischemia And Reperfusion ◽  
Xanthine Oxidoreductase ◽  
Newborn Rat ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Rat Hearts ◽  
Age Dependent ◽  
Atp Breakdown

Age-dependent differences in the effects of ischemia and reperfusion on ATP breakdown were studied in perfused adult and newborn (10 days old) rat hearts. No-flow ischemia (15 min at 37, 30, or 23 degrees C) was applied and reperfusion (20 min at 37 degrees C) was studied after ischemia at 23 or 37 degrees C. Hypothermia during ischemia protected both age groups to a similar degree against ATP decline, which was linear with temperature. Reperfusion after normothermic ischemia resulted in higher ATP levels in newborn hearts with less release of ATP catabolites (purines). We found no age-related differences in lactate release but large differences in purine release. During normoxia, adult hearts released mainly urate (80% of total) and inosine (7%), but newborns released hypoxanthine (64%) and inosine (15%). Early during reperfusion adult hearts released inosine (58%) and adenosine (18%), but newborns released inosine (53%) and hypoxanthine (38%). These data suggested a lower activity of the potentially deleterious enzyme xanthine oxidoreductase in newborn hearts, which was confirmed by enzymatic assay. ATP-catabolite release during reperfusion was less in newborn than adult hearts, and this coincided with lower xanthine oxidase activity.

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