Correlates of sport participation among community-dwelling elderly people in Germany: a cross-sectional study

The aims of this study were (1) to analyze the sport participation in a cohort of community-dwelling elderly people in Germany and (2) to evaluate associations between sport participation, sociodemographic factors, cardiovascular risk factors, and health status. In a monitored prospective cohort study (getABI), 6,880 unselected patients ≥65 years have been followed up by 344 general practitioners beginning in 2001. As part of the 5-year follow-up telephone interview, a sample of 1,376 participants was interviewed on sport participation. The association between participation in at least one sporting activity (“sporty” yes/no) during the past week (cycling) or month (other sports) and the following parameters was analyzed by logistic regression: age, sex, immigration background, education, waist circumference, smoking, self-reported health, history of vascular events, diabetes mellitus, lipometabolic disorder, and arterial hypertension. Analysis of activities (n = 1,304; median age 76 (70–94) years; 55.1% women) showed that 27.6% of participants rode a bicycle during the previous week. During the previous month, 24.9% of participants did gymnastics or strength training, and 16.5% swam. Of all participants, 53.8% were sporty. Multivariate analysis revealed several independent factors to be associated with being sporty (p < 0.05): younger age, male sex, higher education, nonsmoking, better self-reported health, and not being diagnosed with diabetes. Immigration background, waist circumference, history of vascular events, lipometabolic disorder, and hypertension did not show a statistically significant association (p ≥ 0.05) with sport participation. Summing up, the most frequently performed sporting activities were cycling, gymnastics or strength training, and swimming. Sport participation was associated with, for example, age and sex.     

Serum oxidizability potential is associated with age and exercise test results

The purpose of this paper is to find out whether serum oxidizability potential measured before an exercise test (EXT) correlates with age and ischemic heart disease severity. Oxidizability potential was determined in 3 age groups, in gr. I patients < 45 years, in gr. II age range = 45 - 70years {\hbox{range}} = {45} - {7}0{\hbox{years}} , and in gr. III patients > 70 years. Included subjects had chronic ischemic heart disease (IHD) and underwent a symptom-limited EXT upon initiation of a cardiac rehabilitation program. The thermo-chemiluminescence (TCL) assay was used to assess serum oxidizability potential. This assay is based on heat-induced oxidation of serum, leading to the formation of electronically excited species in the form of unstable carbonyls, which further decompose into stable carbonyls and light energy (low chemiluminescence). Measured photons emission is represented by a kinetic curve which is described by its amplitude and slope (=ratio). We assessed the correlations of TCL ratio with age, exercise duration, metabolic equivalents (METS), maximal heart rate (mHR), maximal systolic BP, >1 mm S-T depression, diabetes, hypertension, smoking, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF)> or <40%, previous myocardial infarction, and aorto-coronary bypass surgery. A high TCL ratio (%) correlated well with METS (r = 0.82), mHR (r = 0.77) and with exercise-induced S-T segment shift (r = 0.86, p < 0.05). A lower serum oxidizability potential, expressed as a low TCL ratio, thus suggestive of a previous high oxidative stress, was found in the two older age groups compared to gr. I (<45 years), p = 0.041, and in particular, in gr. III patients with low LVEF%. The TCL ratio (%) in gr. III was 188.7 ± 14.5, 192 ± 17 in gr. II, and 214 ± 13 in gr. I (p < 0.05), and was 166 ± 13.1 in gr. III with LVEF < 45% as compared to 271 ± 15.7 in gr. I patients with LVEF > 45% (p < 0.01). A trend for lower TCL ratio (%) was found in diabetic, hypertensive, and post-coronary bypass surgery patients. A paradoxically low TCL ratio (low oxidizability potential) was observed in patients without S-T depression compared to patients with S-T depression (189 ± 22 vs. 201 ± 15, p = NS), due to the fact these patients had a much lower LVEF% and a lower exercise capacity. Serum oxidizability potential is associated with age, EXT parameters, results, and IHD severity. TCL ratio is an “easy-to-measure marker” that might be incorporated into risk assessment and prediction in aged IHD patients.     

The differences of sarcopenia-related phenotypes: effects of gender and population

Sarcopenia is a serious condition especially in the elderly population mainly characterized by the loss of skeletal muscle mass and strength with aging. Extremity skeletal muscle mass index (EMMI) (sum of skeletal muscle mass in arms and legs/height²) is gaining popularity in sarcopenia definition (less than two standard deviations below the mean of a young adult reference group), but little is known about the gender- and population-specific differences of EMMI. This study aimed at investigating the differences of EMMI, arm muscle mass index (AMMI), and leg muscle mass index (LMMI) between gender groups and populations (Chinese vs. Caucasians). The participants included 1,809 Chinese and 362 Caucasians with normal weight aged from 19 to 45 years old. Extremity muscle mass, arm muscle mass, and leg muscle mass were measured by using dual energy x-ray absorptiometry. Independent sample t tests were used to analyze the differences in muscle mass indexes between the studied groups. All the study parameters including EMMIs, AMMIs, and LMMIs were significantly higher (P ≤ 0.0003) in the Caucasian group than in the Chinese group and also higher in the male group than in the female group, and these significant differences (P ≤ 0.0005) remained after adjusting for age by simple regressions. The detected differences of muscle mass indexes between different gender and ethnic groups may provide important implications in their different risk of future sarcopenia.     

Toward increasing avian diversity: urban wildscapes programs

Residential development in urban and suburban settings is a major cause of habitat change affecting avian communities. The effects from land-clearing prior to initiation of construction followed by landscaping focused on traditional aesthetics has reduced habitat diversity at multiple levels. These residential developments generally emphasize the use of ornamental, nonindigenous vegetation with little to no concern for native species and natural vegetation parameters. As a result, avian community composition and diversity is changed. We compared avian communities at three sites in Bexar County, Texas; two residential neighborhoods in the city of San Antonio and an unincorporated undeveloped site, Government Canyon State Natural Area. The residential neighborhoods were a Texas Parks and Wildlife Department certified wildscapes development and a traditionally developed neighborhood. Bird abundance and species richness in the neighborhoods were greater than at Government Canyon State Natural Area (P < 0.01), but no differences existed between the neighborhoods. Bird diversity was greatest at the wildscapes neighborhood (P < 0.01). Further, bird diversity did not differ between the traditional neighborhood and the natural area. Evenness differed among sites (P = 0.006) with the natural area having the greatest value. Bird diversity measures correlated with woody plant density and vertical cover (r = 0.358 to 0.673, P < 0.05) at residential sites. Residential areas incorporating natural landscapes into their design attracted a greater variety of birds than traditionally landscaped residential areas.     

Gray squirrel density,habitat suitability,and behavior in urban parks

Increased density, increased intraspecific aggression, and a reduced fear of humans have been suggested as the more observable and frequently described characteristics of wildlife species undergoing synurbization, the process of becoming urbanized. The relationship among these variables and how they may be related to environmental variables that change with urbanization is poorly understood. In this paper we explore the relationship between density, intraspecific aggression, and reduced fear of humans in urban populations of gray squirrel. In the summer and fall of 2003 and 2004, we studied a park with a documented high density of gray squirrels, Lafayette Park, Washington, DC, and six urban parks in Baltimore, MD with unknown squirrel densities. We used linear regression (SAS Institute, SAS/STAT user’s guide. SAS Institute, Cary, NC, 2005) to determine if there was a relationship (P < 0.05) between squirrel density and intraspecific aggression, squirrel density and reduced fear of humans (wariness), and squirrel density and habitat suitability. We found a positive association between density and intraspecific aggression (R ² = 0.81, P < 0.00). A negative relationship between density and wariness (, P < 0.00). However, no relationship was evident between habitat suitability and squirrel density (, P = 0.437).     

Does Prior Banking Experience Matter? Differences of the Banked and Unbanked in Individual Development Accounts

Using data from the 4-year American Dream Demonstration, this study compares saving performance and program participation of banked (n = 1,538) and unbanked participants (n = 466) enrolled in 14 IDA programs. The study shows banked participants had $2.74 higher average monthly net deposit (p < 0.05); 5% higher deposit frequency (p < 0.001); and 42% less odds of drop out than unbanked participants (p < 0.001). Moreover, program characteristics such as financial education, monthly saving targets, peer group meetings, and direct deposit are important predictors of program performances. Individual characteristics such as race/ethnicity, home ownership, and income are significantly associated with program performance.     

Use of urban marine habitats by foraging wading birds

Wading birds (i.e, Ardeidae: herons, egrets, and bitterns) are a guild of waterbirds that forage in coastal habitats which in the US and Europe are often located in close proximity to urban centers. However, the use of urban marine habitats may have consequences for bird populations, as birds can be subject to stress from increased levels of passive and active human disturbance. We examined the effects of human disturbance, available foraging habitat, and prey abundance on wading bird density and species richness at 17 urban coastal sites in Narragansett Bay, Rhode Island USA. The sites represented a gradient of immediately adjacent residential and commercial land use (e.g., 0.0–67.7% urban land use within a 30.5 m buffer of the sites) within an urban matrix (i.e., all sites were located within a suburban center with a population of about 85,000 people). Wading bird density (0.62 ± 0.12 birds ha⁻¹) and species richness (average 4.49 ± 0.37 species across all sites) were not influenced by passive human disturbance as measured by the extent of urban land surrounding a site. However, wading bird density and species richness both decreased significantly as active disturbance (i.e., number of boats moored or docked upstream of the site) increased (r = −0.56, F = 6.85, p = 0.019 and r = −0.73, F = 16.6, p = 0.001, respectively). In addition, both density (r = 0.72, F = 16.2, p = 0.001) and species richness (r = 0.72, F = 16.2, p = 0.001) increased concomitantly with a prey index that combines the density of fish and invertebrates on which the birds feed with the amount of available shallow water foraging habitat at a site. Our results suggest that wading birds i) may not be negatively affected by urban land surrounding estuarine foraging areas in and of itself; and ii) may be utilizing urban areas in the absence of high levels of active disturbance to take advantage of potentially enhanced prey resources. In the case where the benefits of foraging at a site outweigh the costs related to human disturbance, urban marine habitats may need to be considered for restoration or protection from further increases in active human disturbance.     

The impact of unsupervised regular walking on health: a sample of Turkish middle-aged and older adults

Regular walking is one of the most recommended and popular physical activity worldwide. This study (1) detected the effects of unsupervised regular walking on physical and cognitive functioning, emotional status, and quality of life in middle-aged and older adults and (2) compared the results with inactive controls. Forty middle-aged and older adults with a mean age of 56.30 ± 4.85 years (range 40–70) walking for at least 1 year, at least three times a week, and at least 45 min a day and 40 inactive participants with a mean age of 55.15 ± 5.64 years (range 40–70) participated. Before testing, sociodemographics of the participants were recorded. Body mass index and waist–hip ratio were calculated. The two groups were evaluated and compared in terms of physical functioning (handgrip strength, balance performance, cardio-vascular endurance, flexibility, muscular endurance and coordination), cognitive functioning (Mini Mental Test), emotional status (Beck Depression Inventory), and health related quality of life (CDC HRQOL- 4). The results obtained from this study showed that there were significant differences in terms of all outcome measurements between the groups (p < 0.05). The regular walking group had better scores in most parameters than the inactive controls. The results indicate that unsupervised regular walking improves health and is also a safe, cheap, and can easily be adapted into daily life. Therefore, it can be recommended to improve physical and cognitive functioning, emotional status, and quality of life of middle-aged and older adults.     

Depression and Elder Abuse and Neglect Among a Community-Dwelling Chinese Elderly Population

ABSTRACT

Our recent survey of an elderly cohort in mainland China suggests that elder abuse and neglect are common. Unfortunately, there is minimal knowledge about the risk factors for elder abuse and neglect among this population. We aimed to examine depression as a risk factor for elder abuse and neglect among Chinese elderly. A cross-sectional study was performed in a major urban medical center in NanJing, China. Depression was assessed using the Geriatric Depression Scale and direct questions were asked regarding abuse and neglect experienced by the elderly since the age of 60; 412 patients completed the survey. The mean age of the participants was 70 and 34% were female. Depression was found in 12% of the participants and elder abuse and neglect was found in 35% of the participants. After multiple logistical regression, feeling of dissatisfaction with life (OR, 2.92; 95% CI, 1.51–5.68, p < 0.001), often being bored (OR, 2.91; CI, 1.53–5.55, p < 0.001), often feeling helpless (OR, 2.79; CI, 1.35–5.76, p < 0.001), and feeling worthless (OR, 2.16; CI, 1.10–4.22, p < 0.001) were associated with increased risk of elder abuse and neglect. Multiple logistic regression modeling showed that depression is independently associated with elder abuse and neglect (OR, 3.26; CI, 1.49–7.10, p < 0.003). These findings suggest that depression is a significant risk factor associated with elder abuse and neglect among Chinese elderly.     

Effects of testosterone supplementation on prevention of age-related penile remodeling

Abstract

Erectile dysfunction develops among 46.2% of men between 40 and 70 years. Studies demonstrated substitution on detrusor muscle by collagen due testosterone deprivation. It is clear the correlation among aging and oxidative stress, accelerating apoptosis process in many tissues. This study aims to demonstrate the collagen substitution over the muscle fibers on muscle structure of rat’s penis and the effects of testosterone supplementation. Sixteen senescent Wistar rats were divided into two groups: treatment (receiving standard supplementation testosterone dose) and control (receiving equivalent saline solution). Testosterone was dosed on D0 and D56 of study. All penises were prepared with picrosirius colored histology; stereology was applied to determine the volumetric density of collagen fibers (Vv). Analysis of variance demonstrated testosterone group’s replacement therapy to be effective, while the androgenic decline continued by the time of experiment in control group (p?<?0.05). Testosterone group had Vv of 20.6%, lower than control group (47.8%); t-test (p?<?0.001). Pearson’s correlation demonstrated an inverse correlation between the Vv and testosterone’s levels (p?<?0.001). This is a pioneer study on demonstration of structural alterations over the cavernous corpora muscle caused by deprivation of testosterone on elderly rat. These finding implicate that the testosterone levels can influence, not only the libido, but also the erectile function.     

Gambling on Electronic Gaming Machines in Germany: An Age-Period-Cohort Analysis

To provide insights into etiological factors of gambling at the population level, it is critical to document the separate contributions of biological aging, period influences, and birth cohorts on observed temporal trends in gambling. This study investigated age, period, and cohort effects on prevalence rates of electronic gaming machine (EGM) gambling in Germany. We used data from a series of repeated cross-sectional surveys from the Federal Centre for Health Education covering the period 2007–2015. A total of 53,005 participants were surveyed about their past-year participation in EGMs. Using the intrinsic estimator, we disentangled the separate effects of age (16–17 to 64–65 years), period (2007, 2009, 2011, 2013, 2015), and birth cohort (1941–42 to 1997–98). Age effects were highest for those aged 18–33 (p < 0.001). Period effects were highest in 2013 and lowest in 2015 (p < 0.005). A significant increasing birth cohort effect was evident in cohorts born between 1985 and 1998 (p < 0.005). Implications of these results are discussed with regard to the vulnerability of younger ages to gambling, period changes in the regulatory framework of Germany, and differential cohort vulnerability of the Millennial generation due to early-life video gaming experiences.     

Sex life after 65: How does erectile dysfunction affect ageing and elderly men?

Introduction. We report the findings pertinent to the ageing and elderly participants of a population-based study of erectile dysfunction (ED).

Method. We examined the sociodemographic characteristics, self-reported morbidities and responses to the 5-item International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5) of participants aged ≥65 years and ≥80 years.

Results. Most (73%) participants were married or had partners. Among the participants aged ≥65 years, the prevalence of ED (IIEF-5 scores <22) was 67% and of severe ED (IIEF-5 scores <8) 48%. About 32% were sexually active, and 11% had regular sexual intercourse. Cardiovascular disease (CVD) was reported in 37% and diabetes mellitus (DM) in 13%, with odds of ED at 3.91 and 4.68, respectively. Among those aged ≥80 years, the prevalence of ED was 68% and of severe ED 57%. About 12% were sexually active, and 3% had regular sexual intercourse. CVD was reported in 44% and DM in 11%, with corresponding odds of ED at 2.55 and 2.90.

Conclusions. Most ageing and elderly men are in a relationship and many are sexually active. ED is prevalent and severe. Morbidities are common and significantly associated with ED, impairing the sex lives of affected men.     

Effect of testosterone therapy on lumbar spine and hip mineral density in elderly men

Objective.?The aim of the present study was to analyse the effect of testosterone therapy on bone mineral density in healthy elderly men who had low levels of total testosterone.

Design.?Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.

Participants.?Forty-eight men over 60 years old with decreased testosterone levels (≤320 ng/dL) comprised the study. Twenty-five out of 48 received intramuscular injections of testosterone enanthate every three weeks during 12 months; the remaining 23 participants formed the control group. All participants had measurements of bone mineral density (BMD) in both lumbar spine and hip before and at the end of the study as well as testosterone and 17-β estradiol levels.

Results:?Testosterone treated group exhibited a significant (p < 0.05) increment (from 1.198 ± 0.153 to 1.240 ± 0.141 g/cm²) in lumbar BMD in parallel with a significant (p < 0.001) increment (from 301 ± 32 to 471 ± 107 ng/dL) in testosterone concentrations, whereas no significant change occurred in femoral neck BMD.

Conclusions.?Testosterone therapy elicited a positive effect only in lumbar BMD in elderly men with diminished testosterone serum levels.     

Impacts of traffic noise on anuran and bird communities

Anurans and birds rely on sound for a number of social behaviors. Species that use roadside habitats are exposed to traffic noise that can mask important social signals and directly affect the community diversity and composition. We evaluate the impact of traffic noise on anuran and bird species richness, species occurrence, and composition in Puerto Rico, where there is a high density of highways and cars that generate high levels of noise pollution. We compared paired forest sites near (100 m, n = 20, dB > 60) and far (>300 m, n = 20, dB < 60) from highways, with similar vegetation structure, but different levels of noise. We found that the anuran community was not affected by traffic noise. In contrast, bird species richness and occurrence were significantly lower in sites near the highway, and bird species composition also varied significantly. Bird species with low-frequency songs were only detected in sites far from highways. The differences in the ecology and communication behavior between anurans and birds could explain these results. Anurans mainly call at night, when traffic activity was low. In contrast, bird singing activity occurs during the day and overlaps with the high levels of traffic noise. In addition, in natural habitats, Puerto Rican anurans occur at high densities and form noisy choruses (>80 dB), which may allow them to tolerate high levels of anthropogenic noise.     

An Assessment of the Psychometric Properties of Lithuanian Versions of DSM-IV-MR-J and SOGS-RA

Objective: Since no Lithuanian instrument focuses specifically on the measurement of pathological gambling in adolescence, we aimed to adapt commonly used international instruments (SOGS-RA, DSM-IV-MR-J) and assess their psychometric properties. Methods: Cross-cultural adaptation of DSM-IV-MR-J and SOGS-RA was performed in several steps including translations, synthesis of translations, back-translations, expert committee review, and pre-testing. Adapted instruments were administered to randomly selected adolescents in grades V through XII from all schools in the second largest Lithuanian city (Kaunas). Results: The DSM-IV-MR-J identified 4.2% of the representative sample as pathological gamblers, whereas the SOGS-RA generated prevalence of 5.2%. Cronbach’s alpha for DSM-IV-MR-J in this sample was 0.80 and 0.75 for the SOGS-RA. The correlation coefficient between the SOGS-RA and the DSM-IV-MR-J was statistically significant (Pearson correlation = 0.892, P < 0.001). Using the DSM-IV-MR-J as the baseline for pathological gambling in adolescence, the overall classification accuracy of the SOGS-RA was judged to be adequate, correctly identifying 34 out of 35 pathological gamblers (Kappa = 0.833, P < 0.001). Conclusions: The Lithuanian versions of DSM-IV-MR-J and SOGS-RA exhibited acceptable validity and reliability. The DSM-IV-MR-J was found to be a more conservative measure of pathological gambling.     

Serum levels of inhibin B in men of different age groups

The decline of testosterone levels in aging men is well documented. However, it is unclear to what extent the Sertoli cell marker inhibin B changes during aging. Herein we report on the determination of serum levels of inhibin B, follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH) and testosterone in 906 patients from 16 to 89 years of age, presenting to our department for different complaints. There was a weak but significant correlation of the levels of inhibin B with age (r = 0.064, p < 0.05). A significant negative correlation of FSH and inhibin B was documented in all age groups (r = -0.423, p < 0.01). Also, the LH levels increased significantly with low inhibin B levels (r = -0.289, p < 0.01). Testosterone levels showed no significant correlation with inhibin B. We conclude from our study that Sertoli cell function as documented by serum levels of inhibin B is stable throughout life. In addition, the ongoing correlation of FSH and inhibin levels also indicates no significant decline of Sertoli cell function in the aging male.     

The effect of aging on pacing strategies of cross-country skiers and the role of performance level

Background

The participation of master cross-country (XC) skiers in training and competition has increased during the last decades; however, little is known yet about whether these athletes differ from their younger counterparts in aspects of performance such as pacing. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to examine the combined effect of age and performance (race time) on pacing in cross-country (XC) skiing. We analyzed all finishers (n?=?79,722) in ‘Vasaloppet’ from 2012 to 2017, the largest cross-country skiing race in the world, classified according to their race time into 10 groups: 3-4 h, 4-5 h, ..., 12-13 h.

Results

A trivial main effect of sex on total pace range was observed (p?<?0.001, η²?=?0.002), where women (44.1?±?10.2%) had larger total pace range than men (40.9?±?11.8%). A large main effect of performance group on total pace range was shown (p?<?0.001, η²?=?0.160), where the smallest total pace range was 21.8?±?1.9% (3-4 h group) and the largest 50.1?±?9.9% (10-11 h group). A trivial sex×performance group interaction on total pace range was found (p?<?0.001, η²?=?0.001) with the largest sex difference in pacing shown in 9-10 h group. A trivial and small main effect of age was found in women (p?<?0.001, η²?=?0.005) and men (p?<?0.001, η²?=?0.011), respectively, where the masters had smaller total pace range than their younger counterparts. A trivial age group×performance group interaction on total pace range was observed in both women (p?<?0.001, η²?=?0.008) and men (p?<?0.001, η²?=?0.006) with smaller differences among age groups in the faster performance groups.

Conclusions

In summary, master XC skiers adopted a relatively even pacing independently from their race time and the differences in pacing from the younger XC skiers were more pronounced in the slower masters. These findings suggest that exercise attenuates the decline of performance in master XC skiers as shown by the similar pacing strategies between fast master XC skiers and their younger counterparts.

     

Living status in patients over 85 years of age after TUVRP

Abstract

Introduction: To evaluate surgical risk and post-operative quality of living status in patients over 85 years of age after transurethral vaporization resection of the prostate (TUVRP).

Methods: Sixty patients over 85 years of age underwent TUVRP were compared with 228 patients less than the age of 80 years. Group A was 60 patients greater than 85 years of age, Group B was 137 patients from 71 to 79 years of age, and Group C was 91 patients from 60 to 70 years of age.

Results: In Group A, pre-operative ASA grade was higher than the other two groups, compared with Group C, p?<?0.01. Operating time was 40.03?±?18.90?min, compared in the three groups, p?>?0.05. Follow-up was obtained in 49 (81.67%) patients; of them 10 patients were deaths with a survival time of 22.90?±?11.14 months. In the 39 survivors, post-operative IPSS score was 11.17?±?6.9, compared with Group B, p?>?0.05 and Group C, p?<?0.01. Quality of Life (QOL) index was 1.11?±?0.80, compared with Group B, p?<?0.001 and Group C, p?<?0.01. Barthel Index score in 16 patients was >60 and the score was 82.81?±?8.56 pre-operatively. The patients with >60 were increased to 19 cases and the score was improved to 90.93?±?7.58 (p?<?0.001) in follow-up.

Conclusion: Surgical risk in patients over 85 years of age was higher than patients less than the age of 80 years. A safety TUVRP could improve their voiding function and activities of daily living.     

Internet Gamblers: A Latent Class Analysis of Their Behaviours and Health Experiences

In order to learn about the behaviours and health experiences of people who gamble on the Internet, we conducted an international online survey with respondents recruited via gambling and gambling-related websites. The mean (SD) age of the 4,125 respondents completing the survey was 35.5 (11.8) years, with 79.1% being male and 68.8% UK residents. Respondents provided demographic details and completed validated psychometric screening instruments for problem gambling, mood disturbances, as well as alcohol and substance misuse, and history of deliberate self harm. We applied latent class analysis to respondents’ patterns of regular online gambling activities, and identified subgroups of individuals who used the Internet to gamble in different ways (L ² = 44.27, bootstrap P = 0.07). We termed the characteristic profiles as ‘non-to-minimal gamblers’; ‘sports bettors’; ‘casino & sports gamblers’; ‘lottery players’; and ‘multi-activity gamblers’. Furthermore, these subgroups of respondents differed on other demographic and psychological dimensions, with significant inter-cluster differences in proportion of individuals scoring above threshold for problem gambling, mood disorders and substance misuse, and history of deliberate self harm (all Χ ²s > 23.4, all P-values <0.001). The ‘casino & sports’ and ‘multi-activity-gamblers’ clusters had the highest prevalence of mental disorder. Internet gamblers appear to be heterogeneous but composed of several subgroups, differing markedly on both demographic and clinical characteristics.     

Intellectual Integration and Articles in Core Sociology Journals, 1960–2000

This study builds on and extends two studies by Oromaner (J Am Soc Inf Sci, 28:34–37, 1977; Int J Inf Manage, 6:29–35, 1986) in which he examined the integrating role of sociology’s three core general journals (American Journal of Sociology (AJS), American Sociological Review (ASR), Social Forces (SF)) among both core (N = 3) and specialty (N = 7) journals. In each study he traced the number of citations received by full-length articles published in the core journals (1960, 1973) during the first 10 years after publication. The present study replicates this methodology for articles published in 1990. In addition, the present study looks at the relationship between each of the core journals and each of the ten citing journals. The percent of core articles cited has increased from 67 to 84, however, the percent cited in five or more journals has remained quite stable and low (13%, 10%, 12%). Core journal articles are more likely to be cited in core journals than they are in specialty journals, and there appears to be some relationship between specific core journals and certain specialty journals. More in depth analysis is presented for the 1990 cohort.