Predictors of Lower Depression Levels in Older Adults During COVID-19 Lockdown

Background: Social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic may lead to adverse mental health consequences, such as depression, among older adults. This study aimed to investigate the predictors of lower depression scores in older adults living under lockdown. Methods: 1,123 older Brazilian adults were cross-sectionally assessed for depression, physical activity (PA), pet ownership (dogs, cats, and birds), ability to make video calls, leaving home during lockdown, and not living alone. The statistical procedures included linear regression and analysis of covariance (ANCOVA). Results: After adjusting for age, sex, and race, moderate to vigorous PA (β = -0.014, p < .001), it was found that PA (β = -0.905, p < .001) and dog ownership (β = -0.545, p = .004) were associated with lower depression. No association was observed between depression and other conditions. Conclusions: With the likelihood of subsequent COVID-19 waves, remotely delivered PA programs might be a strategy to counteract the negative psychological effects of lockdown on older adults.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Characterisation of microbial attack on archaeological bone

As part of an EU funded project to investigate the factors influencing bone preservation in the archaeological record, more than 250 bones from 41 archaeological sites in five countries spanning four climatic regions were studied for diagenetic alteration. Sites were selected to cover a range of environmental conditions and archaeological contexts. Microscopic and physical (mercury intrusion porosimetry) analyses of these bones revealed that the majority (68%) had suffered microbial attack. Furthermore, significant differences were found between animal and human bone in both the state of preservation and the type of microbial attack present. These differences in preservation might result from differences in early taphonomy of the bones. © 2003 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved