scholarly journals On the Primary Influences of Age on Articulation and Phonation in Maximum Performance Tasks

Languages ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (4) ◽  
pp. 174
Author(s):  
Fredrik Karlsson ◽  
Lena Hartelius

Maximum performance tasks have been identified as possible domains where incipient signs of neurological disease may be detected in simple speech and voice samples. However, it is likely that these will simultaneously be influenced by the age and sex of the speaker. In this study, a comprehensive set of acoustic quantifications were collected from the literature and applied to productions of sustained [a] productions and Alternating Motion Rate diadochokinetic (DDK) syllable sequences made by 130 (62 women, 68 men) healthy speakers, aged 20–90 years. The participants were asked to produce as stable (sustained [a] and DDK) and fast (DDK) productions as possible. The full set of features were reduced to a functional subset that most efficiently modeled sex-specific differences between younger and older speakers using a cross-validation procedure. Twelve measures of [a] and 16 measures of DDK sequences were identified across men and women and investigated in terms of how they were altered with increasing age of speakers. Increased production instability is observed in both tasks, primarily above the age of 60 years. DDK sequences were slower in older speakers, but also altered in their syllable and segment level acoustic properties. Increasing age does not appear to affect phonation or articulation uniformly, and men and women are affected differently in most quantifications investigated.

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sébastien Czernichow ◽  
Adeline Renuy ◽  
Claire Rives-Lange ◽  
Claire Carette ◽  
Guillaume Airagnes ◽  
...  

AbstractThis study provides trends in obesity prevalence in adults from 2013 to 2016 in France. 63,582 men and women from independent samples upon inclusion from the Constances cohort were included. Anthropometrics were measured at Health Screening Centers and obesity defined as a Body mass index (BMI) ≥ 30 kg/m2; obesity classes according to BMI are as follows: class 1 [30–34.9]; class 2 [35–39.9]; class 3 [≥ 40 kg/m2]. Linear trends across obesity classes by sex and age groups were examined in regression models and percentage point change from 2013 to 2016 for each age category calculated. All analyses accounted for sample weights for non-response, age and sex-calibrated to the French population. Prevalence of obesity ranged from 14.2 to 15.2% and from 14 to 15.3% in women and men respectively from 2013 to 2016. Class 1 obesity category prevalence was the only one to increase significantly across survey years in both men and women (p for linear trend = 0.04 and 0.01 in women and men respectively). The only significant increase for obesity was observed in the age group 18–29 y in both women and men (+ 2.71% and + 3.26% point increase respectively, equivalent to an approximate rise of 50% in women and 93% in men, p = 0.03 and 0.02 respectively). After adjustment for survey non-response and for age and sex distribution, the results show that class 1 obesity prevalence has significantly increased in both women and men from 2013 to 2016, and only in young adults in a representative sample of the French population aged 18–69 years old.


2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (Supplement_2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Z Raisi-Estabragh ◽  
A Jaggi ◽  
N Aung ◽  
S Neubauer ◽  
S Piechnik ◽  
...  

Abstract Introduction Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) radiomics use voxel-level data to derive quantitative indices of myocardial tissue texture, which may provide complementary risk information to traditional CMR measures. Purpose In this first stage of our work, establishing the performance characteristics of CMR radiomics in relation to disease outcomes, we aimed to elucidate differences in radiomic features by sex and age in apparently healthy adults. Methods We defined a healthy cohort from the first 5,065 individuals completing the UK Biobank Imaging Enhancement, limiting to white Caucasian ethnicity, and excluding those with major co-morbidities, or cardiovascular risk factors/symptoms. We created evenly distributed age groups: 45–54 years, 55–64 years, 65–74 years. Radiomics features were extracted from left ventricle segmentations, with normalisation to body surface area. We compared mean values of individual features between the sexes, stratified by age and separately between the oldest and youngest age groups for each sex. Results We studied 657 (309 men, 358 women) healthy individuals. There were significant differences between radiomics features of men and women. Different features appeared more important at different age groups. For instance, in the youngest age group “end-systolic coarseness” showed greatest difference between men and women, whilst “end-diastolic run percentage” and “end-diastolic high grey level emphasis” showed most variation in the oldest and middle age groups. In the oldest age groups, differences between men and women were most predominant in the texture features, whilst in the younger groups a mixture of shape and texture differences were observed. We demonstrate significant variation between radiomics features by age, these differences are exclusively in texture features with different features implicated in men and women (“end-diastolic mean intensity” in women, “end-systolic sum entropy in men”). Conclusions There are significant age and sex differences in CMR radiomics features of apparently healthy adults, demonstrating alterations in myocardial architecture not appreciated by conventional indices. In younger ages, shape and texture differences are observed, whilst in older ages texture differences dominate. Furthermore, texture features are the most different features between the youngest and oldest hearts. We provide proof-of-concept data indicating CMR radiomics has discriminatory value with regard to two characteristics strongly linked to cardiovascular outcomes. We will next elucidate relationships between CMR radiomics, cardiac risk factors, and clinical outcomes, establishing predictive value incremental to existing measures. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: Other. Main funding source(s): European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme (825903),British Heart Foundation Clinical Research Training Fellowship (FS/17/81/33318)


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chao Ji ◽  
Huixu Dai ◽  
Zhiying Zhao ◽  
Tiancong Liu ◽  
Shuhui Tong ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: Peak expiratory flow (PEF), as an essential index used for screening and monitoring asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and respiratory mortality especially in elderly, is recommended especially for low resource settings in low- and middle-income countries. However, few reports have focused on the reference of PEF in China, especially in the middle-aged and elderly. Thus, the aim of this study was to determine age- and sex-specific reference values of PEF in the middle-aged and older Chinese population.Methods: There were 11,717 participants included for reference value analysis and 11,340 participants were included for risk factor analysis. The PEF was measured using a peak flow meter in L/min. The distribution of PEF terciles stratified by sex and age were reported. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to determine the associations between risk factors and PEF.Results: The PEF was higher in men than women across all age subgroups. The value of PEF decreased with age in both men and women. Height, weight, handgrip strength, and household air pollution were positively associated with PEF, and age, waist circumference smoking status were negatively associated with PEF significantly in both men and women (all P <0.05). The mean values were 9.38 L/min and 64.12 L/min for men and women. Meanwhile, the prevalence of low PEF was 1.62% and 2.16% for men and women, respectively.Conclusions: Age- and sex-specific centiles of PEF for the middle-aged and older Chinese population were estimated. The reference values for low PEF were provided for epidemiological studies and clinical practice in the future. Interventions on lung function or respiratory disease should be pay more attention on factors associated with PEF.


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Tanja Zamrik ◽  
Mirjam Frank ◽  
Carina Emmel ◽  
Lars Christian Rump ◽  
Raimund Erbel ◽  
...  

AbstractSocial inequalities in health and disease are well studied. Less information is available on inequalities in biomarker levels indicating subclinical stages of disease such as cystatin C, an early diagnostic marker of renal dysfunction and predictor for cardiovascular disease. We evaluated the relationship between cystatin C, socioeconomic position (SEP) and established cardiovascular risk factors in a population-based study. In 4475 men and women aged 45–75 years participating in the baseline examination of the Heinz Nixdorf Recall Study cystatin C was measured from serum samples with a nephelometric assay. SEP was assessed by education and household income. Linear regression models were used to analyse the association between SEP and cystatin C as well as the impact of cardiovascular risk factors (i.e., body mass index, blood pressure, blood glucose, diabetes mellitus, blood lipids, C-reactive protein, smoking) on this association. After adjustment for age and sex cystatin C decreased by 0.019 mg/l (95% confidence interval (CI) − 0.030 to − 0.008) per five years of education. While using a categorical education variable cystatin C presented 0.039 mg/l (95% CI 0.017–0.061) higher in men and women in the lowest educational category (≤ 10 years of education) compared to the highest category (≥ 18 years). Concerning income, cystatin C decreased by 0.014 mg/l (95% CI − 0.021 to − 0.006) per 1000 € after adjustment for age and sex. For men and women in the lowest income quartile cystatin C was 0.024 mg/l (95% CI 0.009–0.038) higher compared to the highest income quartile. After adjusting for established cardiovascular risk factors the observed associations were substantially diminished. Social inequalities seem to play a role in subclinical stages of renal dysfunction, which are also related to development of cardiovascular disease. Adjustment for traditional cardiovascular risk factors showed that these risk factors largely explain the association between SEP and cystatin C.


Author(s):  
Emma V. Ekeyeva ◽  
◽  
Nikolay V. Ekeyev ◽  

Introduction. With reference to works by Russian ethnographers and collected field materials, the paper presents the first insight into specific features of Altaian traditional clothes and changes the latter undergo in the modern period. Goals. The work primarily seeks to reveal transformations of Altaian national garments in the late 20th – early 21st centuries. Materials. The study examines data from field expeditions to Ust-Kansky, Shebalinsky and other districts of the Altai Republic in 2017-2019. The research data collection methods included those of questionnaires and interviews among local communities of the mentioned districts of the region. Results. The paper highlights various aspects of men’s and women’s clothes represented mainly by outer garments, such as sheepskin coats, e.g., nekey ton (a sheepskin coat a with long thick fur), akar ton (a coat sheepskin with short thick fur), kyptu ton (a coat with fabric-trimmed upper elements), tortok ton (a short sheepskin coat), and also sleeveless jackets (kögÿspek) and national gowns (chekpen). The work describes caps worn both by men and women (tÿlkÿ bychkak börÿk, talbañ börÿk, kish börÿk, bolchok börÿk), shoes made of fur (skin) from animals’ lower legs (bychkak ödÿk) or leather ones (katu/ köm ödÿk, charyk ödÿk, shiri ödÿk) usually decorated with upright pointed toes. Special attention is paid to women’s wedding and festal clothes, namely: dresses with wide sleeves and long cuffs that were to completely cover hands, the former decorated with buttons, beads, and ornaments to be worn under a full-length silk sleeveless jacket. The research explains differences between the classical and contemporary conventionalized chegedek full-length sleeveless jackets worn by women over a special dress during wedding ceremonies. Chegedek communicates a symbolic message that a girl acquires the new status of a married woman. Some attention is given to men’s undergarments, such as regular shirts (chamcha) mostly worn untucked with woolen trousers (shtan). Conclusions. The Altaian clothes have underwent certain changes but some centuries-old traditions survive till nowadays, e.g., women’s dresses are distinguished by special sleeves (ushtuktar) and ‘wings’ (kanattar). However, it is noteworthy that the tradition of selecting colors for garments with due regard of age and sex is lost, and layout of decorative elements has also changed. The loss of ethnic features in national clothes results from the wide use of commercial cloths and services of tailor shops.


Circulation ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 129 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Beatrice A Golomb ◽  
Hayley J Koslik

Background: Increasing evidence suggests that factors beyond calorie balance may affect fat deposition (consider environmental obesogens like bisphenol A). Trans fats are prooxidant, proinflammatory, have shown adverse metabolic effects and increased fat deposition in animals. Goal: To assess the relation of dietary trans fatty acid ( dTFA ) consumption to BMI in humans. Method: Subjects were 1018 adult men and women clinical trial screenees (age 20-85, without known diabetes, CVD, with screening LDL 115-190mg/dL). Height and weight were measured at screening and BMI calculated. The Fred Hutchinson Food Frequency Questionnaire provided data on dTFA (gm/d) and calories. Surveys elicited activity, and chocolate consumption (times/week, previously linked favorably in this sample to BMI). Mood (adversely linked to dTFA in this sample and in literature) was assessed by the CES-D (depression scale). Regression assessed the relation of BMI (outcome) to dTFA, unadjusted and in models adjusted for age and sex, calories and activity, chocolate consumption, and mood. Results: Higher dTFA was linked with higher BMI across adjustment models, with strong statistical significance. The coefficient was strengthened, not attenuated, when calories and activity were considered. Each additional gram/day of dTFAs was associated with around 0.4 points greater BMI. Discussion: These findings extend adverse metabolic associations of dTFA, and comport with evidence suggesting that composition of calories, as well as their number, has relevance to BMI.


1997 ◽  
Vol 80 (2) ◽  
pp. 499-507 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jasmin Tahmaseb McConatha ◽  
Frances Marshall Leone ◽  
Jill M. Armstrong

Although it is widely believed that emotions vary with age, there is a dearth of information on emotional experiences in later adulthood. Several researchers think that older adults experience less emotional intensity than younger people while others have suggested that aging is accompanied by a decrease in positive affect and an increase in negative emotions. Sex similarities and differences in emotionality have also been documented. This study focuses on age and sex similarities and differences in emotional control. Three hundred and twenty seven men and women aged 19 to 92 years were administered two emotion measures. The results support previous research which suggests that the control of emotions increases with age. In evaluating sex differences in emotional control, women scored as more emotionally expressive than men, a finding which is consistent with previous research. Results are discussed in relation to socioemotional selectivity theory.


1978 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
pp. 369-372
Author(s):  
Ricky E. Savage ◽  
Robert C. Williges ◽  
Beverly H. Williges

A double, cross-validation procedure was used to validate regression equations which predict training time to learn a two-dimensional pursuit tracking task. Motor skill and information processing tasks were used as predictors. The results yielded a reliable regression equation for each training condition, and these equations were quite similar in cross-validation. Subsequently, a regression equation based on pooled data from the original and cross-validation sample was calculated for each training condition. To establish the usefulness of a regression approach for selecting training strategies, these equations will be used in a future study where students will be matched, mismatched, and randomly assigned to various training alternatives.


2019 ◽  
Vol 17 (03) ◽  
pp. 1950017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matthew Stephenson ◽  
Gerarda A. Darlington ◽  
Flavio S. Schenkel ◽  
E. James Squires ◽  
R. Ayesha Ali

Genetic selection of farm animals plays an important role in genetic improvement programs. Regularized regression methods on single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) data from a set of candidate genes can help to identify genes that are associated with the trait of interest. This complex task must also consider the relative effect sizes on the desired trait and account for the relationships among the candidate SNPs so that selection of a SNP does not promote other undesirable traits through breeding. We present the Doubly Sparse Regression Incorporating Graphical structure (DSRIG), a novel regularized method for genetic selection that exploits the relationships among candidate SNPs to improve prediction. DSRIG was applied in the prediction of skatole and androstenone levels, two compounds known to be associated with boar taint. DSRIG was shown to provide a predictive benefit when compared to ordinary least squares (OLS) and the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) in a cross-validation procedure. The relative sizes of the coefficient estimates over the cross-validation procedure were compared to determine which SNPs may have the greatest impact on expression of the boar taint compounds and a consensus graph was used to infer the relationships among SNPs.


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