bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Physical activity and physical fitness in prediction of all-cause mortality and age at death in European extinct cohorts of middle-aged men followed for 60 years
Authors: Menotti Alessandro , Puddu Paolo Emilio , Geleijnse Johanna M , Kafatos Anthony , Tolonen Hanna
Published: February 2024

Aims

A study of the power of physical activity (Phyac) and physical fitness (Fitscore) in predicting very long-term all-cause mortality and age at death (AD) is missing.

Methods and results

A total of 5482 middle-aged men were examined with measurement of several risk factors and followed for 60 years until the virtual extinction of cohorts. Phyac in three classes was estimated from their type of work while Fitscore was derived from the linear combinations of levels of arm circumference, heart rate, and vital capacity computed as a factor score by principal components analysis. The predictive power of these characteristics (adjusted for five traditional cardiovascular risk factors) was made by Cox models (for all-cause mortality) and multiple linear regression models (for AD). Single levels of the three indicators of fitness were highly related to the three levels of Phyac and of Fitscore. High levels of both Phyac and of Fitscore forced into the same models were associated with lower all-cause mortality and higher AD. The predictive power of Fitscore was systematically better than that of Phyac. Hazard ratios (high vs. low) for all-cause mortality were 0.85 (Phyac) and 0.70 (Fitscore). The coefficients (all significant) were 2.25 years (Phyac) and 3.79 of AD by Fitscore. Fitscore was independently and significantly predictive of all-cause mortality for both the first and second 30-year follow-up periods.

Conclusion

Phyac and Fitscore are related, and both showed important predictive power for all-cause mortality and AD. The role of Fitscore was more powerful, and both characteristics seem to be expressions of health status.
Safety of ventricular arrhythmia radiofrequency ablation with half-normal saline irrigation
Authors: Hasegawa Kanae , Yoneda Zachary T , Powers Edward M , Tokutake Kenichi , Kurata Masaaki , Richardson Travis D , Montgomery Jay A , Shen Sharon , Estrada Juan C , Saavedra Pablo J , Emerson Amy , Walker Marilyn L , Tandri Harikrishna , Michaud Gregory F , Kanagasundram Arvindh N , Stevenson William G
Published: February 2024

Aims

Failure of radiofrequency (RF) ablation of ventricular arrhythmias is often due to inadequate lesion size. Irrigated RF ablation with half-normal saline (HNS) has the potential to increase lesion size and reduce sodium delivery to the patient if the same volume of RF irrigant were used for normal saline (NS) and HNS but could increase risks related to steam pops and lesion size. This study aims to assess periprocedural complications and acute ablation outcome of ventricular arrhythmias ablation with HNS.

Methods and results

Prospective assessment of outcomes was performed in 1024 endocardial and/or epicardial RF ablation procedures in 935 consecutive patients (median age 64 years, 71.2% men, 73.4% cardiomyopathy, 47.2% sustained ventricular tachycardia). Half-normal saline was selected at the discretion of the treating physician. Radiofrequency ablation power was generally titrated to a ≤15 Ω impedance fall with intracardiac echocardiography monitoring. Half-normal saline was used in 900 (87.9%) and NS in 124 (12.1%) procedures. Any adverse event within 30 days occurred in 13.0% of patients treated with HNS RF ablation including 4 (0.4%) strokes/transient ischaemic attacks and 34 (3.8%) pericardial effusions requiring treatment (mostly related to epicardial access). Two steam pops with perforation required surgical repair (0.2%). Patients who received NS irrigation had less severe disease and arrhythmias. In multivariable models, adverse events and acute success of the procedure were not related to the type of irrigation.

Conclusion

Half-normal saline irrigation RF ablation with power guided by impedance fall and intracardiac echocardiography has an acceptable rate of complications and acute ablation success while administering half of the saline load expected for NS irrigation.
Risk assessment in patients with symptomatic and asymptomatic pre-excitation
Authors: Jemtrén Anette , Saygi Serkan , Åkerström Finn , Asaad Fahd , Bourke Tara , Braunschweig Frieder , Carnlöf Carina , Drca Nikola , Insulander Per , Kennebäck Göran , Nordin Astrid Paul , Sadigh Bita , Rickenlund Anette , Saluveer Ott , Schwieler Jonas , Svennberg Emma , Tapanainen Jari , Turkmen Yusuf , Bastani Hamid , Jensen-Urstad Mats
Published: February 2024

Aims

Controversy remains as to whether the exercise stress test (EST) is sufficient for risk evaluation in patients with pre-excitation. This study aims to clarify the usefulness of EST in risk stratification in both asymptomatic and symptomatic patients presenting with pre-excitation.

Methods and results

This prospective study includes consecutive asymptomatic and symptomatic patients with pre-excitation referred for risk assessment. All participants performed an incremental EST (bicycle) prior to an electrophysiology study (EPS). Primary data from the EST included loss of pre-excitation during exercise, and primary data from the EPS included the measurement of accessory pathway effective refractory period (APERP), shortest pre-excited RR interval (SPERRI), and inducible arrhythmia with the use of a beta-adrenergic receptor agonist if deemed necessary. One hundred and sixty-four patients (59 asymptomatic, 105 symptomatic) completed an EST and EPS. Forty-five patients (27%) demonstrated low-risk findings on EST, of which 19 were asymptomatic and 26 were symptomatic. Six patients with low-risk EST findings had SPERRI/APERP ≤ 250 ms at EPS, and two of them were asymptomatic. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value (NPV), and accuracy of low-risk EST for excluding patients with SPERRI/APERP ≤ 250 ms were 40, 91, 87, 51, and 60%, respectively. The number of patients with inducible arrhythmia at EPS was similar in the asymptomatic (36, 69%) and symptomatic (73, 61%) groups.

Conclusion

Sudden loss of pre-excitation during EST has a low NPV in excluding high-risk APs. The EPS with the use of isoproterenol should be considered to accurately assess the risk of patients with pre-excitation regardless of symptoms (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03301935).
Intracardiac echocardiography in paediatric and congenital cardiac ablation shortens procedure duration and improves success without complications
Authors: Headrick Andrew , Ou Zhining , Asaki S Yukiko , Etheridge Susan P , Hammond Benjamin , Gakenheimer-Smith Lindsey , Pilcher Thomas , Niu Mary
Published: February 2024

Aims

Common to adult electrophysiology studies (EPSs), intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) use in paediatric and congenital heart disease (CHD) EPS is limited. The purpose of this study was to assess the efficacy of ICE use and incidence of associated complications in paediatric and CHD EPS.

Methods and results

This single-centre retrospective matched cohort study reviewed EPS between 2013 and 2022. Demographics, CHD type, and EPS data were collected. Intracardiac echocardiography cases were matched 1:1 to no ICE controls to assess differences in complications, ablation success, fluoroscopy exposure, procedure duration, and arrhythmia recurrence. Cases and controls with preceding EPS within 5 years were excluded. Intracardiac echocardiography cases without an appropriate match were excluded from comparative analyses but included in the descriptive cohort. We performed univariable and multivariable logistic regression to assess associations between variables and outcomes. A total of 335 EPS were reviewed, with ICE used in 196. The median age of ICE cases was 15 [interquartile range (IQR) 12–17; range 3–47] years, and median weight 57 [IQR 45–71; range 15–134] kg. There were no ICE-related acute or post-procedural complications. There were 139 ICE cases matched to no ICE controls. Baseline demographics and anthropometrics were similar between cases and controls. Fluoroscopy exposure (P = 0.02), procedure duration (P = 0.01), and arrhythmia recurrence (P = 0.01) were significantly lower in ICE cases.

Conclusion

Intracardiac echocardiography in paediatric and CHD ablations is safe and reduces procedure duration, fluoroscopy exposure, and arrhythmia recurrence. However, not every arrhythmia substrate requires ICE use. Thoughtful selection will ensure the judicious and strategic application of ICE to enhance outcomes.
Adolescents with emotional and behavioural problems are at higher risk to become excessive or addicted Internet users: is this association moderated by gender?
Authors: Bitto Urbanova Laura , Holubcikova Jana , Madarasova Geckova Andrea , van Dijk Jitse P , Reijneveld Sijmen A
Published: February 2024

Background

The Internet offers many opportunities for adolescents to facilitate their lives. However, its everyday use may lead to excessive behaviour, including addiction. Our aim was to assess the association between emotional and behavioural problems (EBP) and level of internet use, and whether gender moderates this association.

Methods

We used data from a representative sample of 5,433 Slovak adolescents (mean age: 13.51, 48.8% boys) from the Health Behaviour in School-aged Children-study conducted in 2018, collected through online self-report questionnaires. EBP was measured by the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire and excessive internet use (EIU) and internet addiction (IA) by the Excessive internet use scale. We analysed using multinomial logistic regression.

Results

More than 25% of the adolescents reported EIU; almost 4% reported being addicted to Internet. EIU was more prevalent in girls, but IA was more prevalent in boys. Adolescents with borderline or increased levels of EBP were more likely to report EIU (odds ratio, OR/95% confidence interval, CI: 1.85/1.60–2.14; 3.16/2.67–3.75, respectively) and IA (OR/95% CI: 2.23/1.57–3.18; 4.89/3.41–7.03, respectively). Adjustment for gender, age or perceived family wealth hardly changed the findings. Moreover, gender did not modify the associations between EBP with EIU.

Conclusion

Adolescents with higher levels of EBP are more likely to become excessive Internet users or Internet addicts. This shows a need of early identification of adolescents with EBP as they seem to be relatively vulnerable to develop EIU or IA.
Pharmacists’ involvement in physical activity promotion in community pharmacy: a systematic review
Authors: Viegas Ruben , Barbosa Ana , Mendes Romeu , Duarte-Ramos Filipa , Alves da Costa Filipa
Published: February 2024

Background

Physical activity (PA) promotion in healthcare systems is one of the priority areas highlighted by the World Health Organization, which recognizes that progress has been slow largely due to a lack of awareness and investment while requiring a system-based approach. Community pharmacies are one of the health structures that are more easily accessible to populations, thus constituting an ideal venue for developing health promotion activities. This research aimed to describe PA-enabling interventions developed in community pharmacies by pharmacists.

Methods

An electronic search was performed in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane and reference lists of the different papers until June 2023. Studies were eligible if performed in community pharmacies by pharmacists, focused on interventions aimed at increasing PA levels and if at least one PA-specific outcome was measured at two different time points.

Results

We identified 7076 publications in the initial search, plus 31 records identified through backward citation tracking from relevant studies. After an initial screening, 236 were selected for full-text analysis. Of the 29 selected papers, 10 presented a low risk of bias for the measurement of PA levels. PA outcomes were generally self-reported outcomes where the change in terms of the percentage of individuals considered active or who increased PA because of the intervention.

Conclusion

Several interventions to improve PA through community pharmacies were found although with a high level of heterogeneity and with only few with a low risk of bias. More targeted research that aims to capture PA levels and support the training of healthcare professionals is needed.
Toward the integration of speciation research
Authors: Stankowski Sean , Cutter Asher D , Satokangas Ina , Lerch Brian A , Rolland Jonathan , Smadja Carole M , Segami Marzal J Carolina , Cooney Christopher R , Feulner Philine G D , Domingos Fabricius Maia Chaves Bicalho , North Henry L , Yamaguchi Ryo , Butlin Roger K , Wolf Jochen B W , Coughlan Jenn , Heidbreder Patrick , Hernández-Gutiérrez Rebeca , Barnard-Kubow Karen B , Peede David , Rancilhac Loïs , Salvador Rodrigo Brincalepe , Thompson Ken A , Stacy Elizabeth A , Moyle Leonie C , Garlovsky Martin D , Maulana Arif , Kantelinen Annina , Cacho N Ivalú , Schneemann Hilde , Domínguez Marisol , Dopman Erik B , Lohse Konrad , Rometsch Sina J , Comeault Aaron A , Merrill Richard M , Scordato Elizabeth S C , Singhal Sonal , Pärssinen Varpu , Lackey Alycia C R , Kumar Sanghamitra , Meier Joana I , Barton Nicholas , Fraïsse Christelle , Ravinet Mark , Kulmuni Jonna
Published: February 2024

Speciation research—the scientific field focused on understanding the origin and diversity of species—has a long and complex history. While relevant to one another, the specific goals and activities of speciation researchers are highly diverse, and scattered across a collection of different perspectives. Thus, our understanding of speciation will benefit from efforts to bridge scientific findings and the diverse people who do the work. In this paper, we outline two ways of integrating speciation research: (i) scientific integration, through the bringing together of ideas, data, and approaches; and (ii) social integration, by creating ways for a diversity of researchers to participate in the scientific process. We then discuss five challenges to integration: (i) the multidisciplinary nature of speciation research, (ii) the complex language of speciation; (iii) a bias toward certain study systems; (iv) the challenges of working across scales; and (v) inconsistent measures and reporting standards. We provide practical steps that individuals and groups can take to help overcome these challenges, and argue that integration is a team effort in which we all have a role to play.
Influence of host phylogeny and water physicochemistry on microbial assemblages of the fish skin microbiome
Authors: Bell Ashley G , McMurtrie Jamie , Bolaños Luis M , Cable Jo , Temperton Ben , Tyler Charles R
Published: February 2024

The skin of fish contains a diverse microbiota that has symbiotic functions with the host, facilitating pathogen exclusion, immune system priming, and nutrient degradation. The composition of fish skin microbiomes varies across species and in response to a variety of stressors, however, there has been no systematic analysis across these studies to evaluate how these factors shape fish skin microbiomes. Here, we examined 1922 fish skin microbiomes from 36 studies that included 98 species and nine rearing conditions to investigate associations between fish skin microbiome, fish species, and water physiochemical factors. Proteobacteria, particularly the class Gammaproteobacteria, were present in all marine and freshwater fish skin microbiomes. Acinetobacter, Aeromonas, Ralstonia, Sphingomonas and Flavobacterium were the most abundant genera within freshwater fish skin microbiomes, and Alteromonas, Photobacterium, Pseudoalteromonas, Psychrobacter and Vibrio were the most abundant in saltwater fish. Our results show that different culturing (rearing) environments have a small but significant effect on the skin bacterial community compositions. Water temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen concentration, and salinity significantly correlated with differences in beta-diversity but not necessarily alpha-diversity. To improve study comparability on fish skin microbiomes, we provide recommendations for approaches to the analyses of sequencing data and improve study reproducibility.
Metric analysis of the patella for sex estimation in a Portuguese sample
Authors: Maio Cláudia , Cunha Eugénia , Navega David
Published: February 2024

The biological profile estimation is the first step toward positive identification. However, it is not always possible to access a complete and well-preserved skeleton due to postmortem damage and taphonomic changes. As such, there is a need to develop new alternatives to analyze different bones of the human skeleton. The present study aims to analyze the patellar osteometry, with attention to its degree of sexual dimorphism, to establish a simple method for estimating sex in Portuguese adults. Six measurements were taken from 222 patella pairs, including 117 females and 105 males from the XXI Century Identified Skeleton Collection of the University of Coimbra. Subsequently, this method was validated in a different sample of 50 individuals equally representing both sexes. Maximum height stands out with a 77.0% of correct sex estimation, reaching 98.0% when applied to the new sample. The linear discriminant function analysis containing all the six variables showed the best results, with 80.2% of correct classification after cross-validation and 96.0% when applied to the independent sample.
An efficient and robust ABC approach to infer the rate and strength of adaptation
Authors: Murga-Moreno Jesús , Casillas Sònia , Barbadilla Antonio , Uricchio Lawrence , Enard David
Published: February 2024

Inferring the effects of positive selection on genomes remains a critical step in characterizing the ultimate and proximate causes of adaptation across species, and quantifying positive selection remains a challenge due to the confounding effects of many other evolutionary processes. Robust and efficient approaches for adaptation inference could help characterize the rate and strength of adaptation in nonmodel species for which demographic history, mutational processes, and recombination patterns are not currently well-described. Here, we introduce an efficient and user-friendly extension of the McDonald–Kreitman test (ABC-MK) for quantifying long-term protein adaptation in specific lineages of interest. We characterize the performance of our approach with forward simulations and find that it is robust to many demographic perturbations and positive selection configurations, demonstrating its suitability for applications to nonmodel genomes. We apply ABC-MK to the human proteome and a set of known virus interacting proteins (VIPs) to test the long-term adaptation in genes interacting with viruses. We find substantially stronger signatures of positive selection on RNA-VIPs than DNA-VIPs, suggesting that RNA viruses may be an important driver of human adaptation over deep evolutionary time scales.
Embryonic spatiotemporal expression pattern of Folded gastrulation suggests roles in multiple morphogenetic events and regulation by AbdA
Authors: Katagade Vrushali , Kandroo Manisha , Ratnaparkhi Anuradha
Published: February 2024

In Drosophila, the signaling pathway activated by the ligand Folded gastrulation (Fog) is among the few known G protein–coupled receptor (GPCR) pathways to regulate cell shape change with a well-characterized role in gastrulation. However, an understanding of the spectrum of morphogenetic events regulated by Fog signaling is still lacking. Here, we present an analysis of the expression pattern and regulation of fog using a genome-engineered Fog::sfGFP line. We show that Fog expression is widespread and in tissues previously not associated with the signaling pathway including germ cells, trachea, and amnioserosa. In the central nervous system (CNS), we find that the ligand is expressed in multiple types of glia indicating a prominent role in the development of these cells. Consistent with this, we have identified 3 intronic enhancers whose expression in the CNS overlaps with Fog::sfGFP. Further, we show that enhancer-1, (fogintenh-1) located proximal to the coding exon is responsive to AbdA. Supporting this, we find that fog expression is downregulated in abdA mutants. Together, our study highlights the broad scope of Fog-GPCR signaling during embryogenesis and identifies Hox gene AbdA as a novel regulator of fog expression.
Chromosome-level assembly of the gray fox (Urocyon cinereoargenteus) confirms the basal loss of PRDM9 in Canidae
Authors: Armstrong Ellie E , Bissell Ky L , Fatima H Sophia , Heikkinen Maya A , Jessup Anika , Junaid Maryam O , Lee Dong H , Lieb Emily C , Liem Josef T , Martin Estelle M , Moreno Mauricio , Otgonbayar Khuslen , Romans Betsy W , Royar Kim , Adler Mary Beth , Needle David B , Harkess Alex , Kelley Joanna L , Mooney Jazlyn A , Mychajliw Alexis M
Published: February 2024

Reference genome assemblies have been created from multiple lineages within the Canidae family; however, despite its phylogenetic relevance as a basal genus within the clade, there is currently no reference genome for the gray fox (Urocyon cinereoargenteus). Here, we present a chromosome-level assembly for the gray fox (U. cinereoargenteus), which represents the most contiguous, non-domestic canid reference genome available to date, with 90% of the genome contained in just 34 scaffolds and a contig N50 and scaffold N50 of 59.4 and 72.9 Megabases, respectively. Repeat analyses identified an increased number of simple repeats relative to other canids. Based on mitochondrial DNA, our Vermont sample clusters with other gray fox samples from the northeastern United States and contains slightly lower levels of heterozygosity than gray foxes on the west coast of California. This new assembly lays the groundwork for future studies to describe past and present population dynamics, including the delineation of evolutionarily significant units of management relevance. Importantly, the phylogenetic position of Urocyon allows us to verify the loss of PRDM9 functionality in the basal canid lineage, confirming that pseudogenization occurred at least 10 million years ago.
The Biofilm Lifestyle Shapes the Evolution of β-Lactamases
Authors: Lorentzen Øyvind M , Haukefer Anne Sofie B , Johnsen Pål J , Frøhlich Christopher
Published: February 2024

The evolutionary relationship between the biofilm lifestyle and antibiotic resistance enzymes remains a subject of limited understanding. Here, we investigate how β-lactamases affect biofilm formation in Vibrio cholerae and how selection for a biofilm lifestyle impacts the evolution of these enzymes. Genetically diverse β-lactamases expressed in V. cholerae displayed a strong inhibitory effect on biofilm production. To understand how natural evolution affects this antagonistic pleiotropy, we randomly mutagenized a β-lactamase and selected for elevated biofilm formation. Our results revealed that biofilm evolution selects for β-lactamase variants able to hydrolyze β-lactams without inhibiting biofilms. Mutational analysis of evolved variants demonstrated that restoration of biofilm development was achieved either independently of enzymatic function or by actively leveraging enzymatic activity. Taken together, the biofilm lifestyle can impose a profound selective pressure on antimicrobial resistance enzymes. Shedding light on such evolutionary interplays is of importance to understand the factors driving antimicrobial resistance.
Intestinal Permeability, Gut Inflammation, and Gut Immune System Response Are Linked to Aging-Related Changes in Gut Microbiota Composition: A Study in Female Mice
Authors: Gámez-Macías Paola Elizabeth , Félix-Soriano Elisa , Samblas Mirian , Sáinz Neira , Moreno-Aliaga María Jesús , González-Muniesa Pedro
Published: February 2024

Aging entails changes at the cellular level that increase the risk of various pathologies. An association between gut microbiota and age-related diseases has also been attributed. This study aims to analyze changes in fecal microbiota composition and their association with genes related to immune response, gut inflammation, and intestinal barrier impairment. Fecal samples of female mice at different ages (2 months, 6 months, 12 months, and 18 months) and gene expression in colon tissue were analyzed. Results showed that the older mice group had a more diverse microbiota than the younger group. Additionally, the abundance of Cyanobacteria, Proteobacteria, Flavobacteriaceae, Bacteroides, Parabacteroides, Prevotellaceae_UCG-001, Akkermansia, and Parabacteroides goldsteinii increased with age. In contrast, there was a notable decline in Clostridiaceae, Lactobacillaceae, Monoglobaceae, Ligilactobacillus, Limosilactobacillus, Mucispirillum, and Bacteroides faecichinchillae. These bacteria imbalances were positively correlated with increased inflammation markers in the colon, including Tnf-α, Ccl2, and Ccl12, and negatively with the expression of tight junction genes (Jam2, Tjp1, and Tjp2), as well as immune response genes (Cd4, Cd72, Tlr7, Tlr12, and Lbp). In conclusion, high levels of diversity did not result in improved health in older mice; however, the imbalance in bacteria abundance that occurs with aging might contribute to immune senescence, inflammation, and leaky gut disease.
Metabolome-Wide Mendelian Randomization Assessing the Causal Relationship Between Blood Metabolites and Sarcopenia-Related Traits
Authors: Chen Simin , Dong Yiran , Aiheti Nuerbiyamu , Wang Jie , Yan Shikang , Kuribanjiang Kaidiriyan , Li Huilong , Peng Xing , Wupuer Abudunaibi , Li Yihan , Yang Lei , Zhao Jianping
Published: February 2024

Sarcopenia is among the most common musculoskeletal illnesses, yet its underlying biochemical mechanisms remain incompletely understood. In this study, we used Mendelian randomization (MR) to investigate the causal relationship between the genetically determined blood metabolites and sarcopenia, with the overall objective of identifying likely molecular pathways for sarcopenia. We used 2-sample MR to investigate the effects of blood metabolites on sarcopenia-related traits. 452 metabolites were exposure, and 3 sarcopenia-related traits as the outcomes: handgrip strength, appendicular lean mass, and walking pace. The inverse-variance weighted (IVW) causal estimates were determined. For sensitivity analysis, methods such as MR-Egger regression, the weighted median, the weighted mode, and the heterogeneity test were used. Additionally, for complementation, we performed replication, meta-analysis, and metabolic pathway analyses. Candidate biomarkers were defined by meeting one of the following criteria: (1) significant metabolites are defined as pIVW < pBonferroni [1.11 × 10−4 (.05/452)]; (2) strong metabolites are defined as 4 MR methods p < .05; and (3) suggestive metabolites are defined as passing sensitivity analysis. Three metabolites (creatine, 1-arachidonoylglycerophosphocholine, and pentadecanoate [15:0]) with significant causality, 3 metabolites (glycine, 1-arachidonoylglycerophosphocholine, and epiandrosterone sulfate) with strong causality, and 25 metabolites (including leucylleucin, pyruvic acid, etc.) with suggestive causality were associated with sarcopenia-related traits. After further replication analyses and meta-analysis, these metabolites maintained substantial effects on sarcopenia-related traits. We additionally identified 14 important sarcopenia-related trait metabolic pathways. By combining metabolomics with genomics, these candidate metabolites and metabolic pathways identified in our study may provide new clues regarding the mechanisms underlying sarcopenia.
Associations Between D3Cr Muscle Mass and Magnetic Resonance Thigh Muscle Volume With Strength, Power, Physical Performance, Fitness, and Limitations in Older Adults in the SOMMA Study
Authors: Cawthon Peggy M , Blackwell Terri L , Kritchevsky Stephen B , Newman Anne B , Hepple Russell T , Coen Paul M , Goodpaster Bret H , Duchowny Kate , Hetherington-Rauth Megan , Mau Theresa , Shankaran Mahalakshmi , Hellerstein Marc , Evans William J , Cummings Steven R
Published: February 2024

Background

How magnetic resonance (MR) derived thigh muscle volume and deuterated creatine dilution derived muscle mass (D3Cr muscle mass) differentially relate to strength, fitness, and other functions in older adults—and whether associations vary by sex—is not known.

Methods

Men (N = 345) and women (N = 482) aged ≥70 years from the Study of Muscle, Mobility, and Aging completed leg extension strength (1-repetition max) and cardiopulmonary exercise testing to assess fitness (VO2peak). Correlations and adjusted regression models stratified by sex were used to assess the association between muscle size measures, study outcomes, and sex interactions.

Results

D3Cr muscle mass and MR thigh muscle volume were correlated (men: r = 0.62, women: r = 0.51, p < .001). Each standard deviation (SD) decrement in D3Cr muscle mass was associated with lower 1-repetition max strength (−14 kg men, −4 kg women, p < .001 for both; p-interaction = .003) and lower VO2peak (−79 mL/min men, −30 mL/min women, p < .001 for both, p-interaction: .016). Each SD decrement in MR thigh muscle volume was also associated with lower strength (−32 kg men, −20 kg women, p < .001 for both; p-interaction = .139) and lower VO2peak (−217 mL/min men, −111 mL/min women, p < .001 for both, p-interaction = .010). There were associations, though less consistent, between muscle size or mass with physical performance and function; associations varied by sex.

Conclusions

Less muscle—measured by either D3Cr muscle mass or MR thigh muscle volume—was associated with lower strength and fitness. Varied associations by sex and assessment method suggest consideration be given to which measurement to use in future studies.
Identity Development and Disruption in Older Adults During COVID-19: A Longitudinal, Mixed-Methods Study
Authors: Mitchell Lauren L , Burns Mary K , Impellizzeri Daniel Koch , Falso Victoria R , Famularo Maeve , Finlay Jessica M
Published: February 2024

Objectives

Disruptive life events, such as the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, may trigger adjustment and revision of older adults’ identities. This mixed-methods study explored how older adults perceived their identities changing as a result of the pandemic, and how such identity dynamics related to pandemic-related events and well-being.

Methods

Participants included 2,248 older adults who participated in the longitudinal COVID-19 Coping Study spanning from April/May 2020 to April/May 2021. Mean age was 67.8 years, 70% were women, and 93% were White. We used qualitative thematic analysis to identify the ways the pandemic affected participants’ identities. We then investigated the association between identity themes and testing positive for COVID-19, having a friend or family member hospitalized or dying due to COVID-19, or being vaccinated. Finally, we tested whether identity disruption was associated with 12-month trajectories of well-being (including life satisfaction, loneliness, depressive symptoms, anxiety, and self-rated health) using latent growth curve models.

Results

Some participants reported positive identity themes, such as rethinking and revising priorities and realization of strength and resilience. Others indicated harmful effects, including identity disruption. Individuals reporting identity disruption had worse well-being at baseline and remained consistently worse over time.

Discussion

Findings highlight that identity remains malleable in later life and that stressful events like the COVID-19 pandemic may trigger positive adaptive identity processes, but can also cause identity disruption that is associated with persistently worse well-being over time.
Association of Childhood Friendship Experience and Depressive Symptoms Among Older Adults: A Causal Mediation Approach
Authors: Zhou Zi
Published: February 2024

Objectives

Few studies to date have investigated the potential mechanisms linking childhood friendship experiences to late-life depressive symptoms. This study examines the association of childhood friendship experiences with depressive symptoms among older adults and the mediating effects of social disconnectedness and cognitive function.

Methods

A retrospective cohort analysis was performed using longitudinal data from a sample of 8,745 participants aged 60 years and above in the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study from 2013 to 2018. The causal association of childhood friendship experiences with depressive symptoms and the mediating roles of social disconnectedness and cognitive function were estimated using marginal structural models and the inverse odds ratio weighting method. Mediation proportions and confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using a bootstrap resampling method.

Results

Respondents with greater childhood friendship deficits were more likely to have depressive symptoms (odds ratio: 1.19, 95% CI: 1.11, 1.26) than those with more favorable friendship experiences during childhood. The causal mediation analysis revealed that social disconnectedness, cognitive function, and their combination partially mediated the association of childhood friendship experiences with depressive symptoms by 15.70% (95% CI: 8.66%–24.17%), 17.18 % (95% CI: 7.61%–30.00%), 28.35% (95% CI: 17.75%–42.56%), respectively.

Discussion

Friendship experiences during childhood were related to the risk of depressive symptoms in older Chinese adults; more importantly, social disconnectedness and cognitive function partially mediated this association. Thus, improving social engagement and cognitive function in older adults could alleviate the accumulated disadvantages due to childhood friendship deficits and help to improve their psychological well-being.
A Greater Variety of Social Activities Is Associated With Lower Mortality Risk
Authors: Jeon Sangha , Turiano Nicholas A , Charles Susan T
Published: February 2024

Objectives

More frequent engagement in social activity is often associated with better physical health outcomes. Yet, less is known about whether engagement in a greater variety of social activities such as a mix of volunteering and attending club meetings (social activity variety) is important for health. The current study assessed whether social activity variety relates to mortality risk after adjusting for social activity frequency, nonsocial activity frequency and variety, and sociodemographic covariates, and how this relationship varies depending on age.

Methods

Using data from the Health and Retirement Study, we included 5,017 adults aged 51 and older who completed questions about social activity participation in 2008 and whose mortality status was recorded up to 2019. We also examined whether age moderated the relationship between social activity variety and mortality risk.

Results

Cox proportional hazard model analyses revealed that those with higher activity variety in social activities were more likely to survive over the following 11 years than those with low social activity variety. Moreover, age moderation indicated that the association between social activity variety with mortality risk was stronger among the oldest adults.

Discussion

Findings suggest that a greater variety of social activities is linked to mortality risk even after adjusting for social activity frequency, nonsocial activities, and health status across adulthood.
Purpose in Life and Cognitive Function: Evidence for Momentary Associations in Daily Life
Authors: Sutin Angelina R , Luchetti Martina , Gamaldo Alyssa A , Mogle Jacqueline , Lovett Hephzibah H , Brown Justin , Sliwinski Martin J , Terracciano Antonio
Published: February 2024

Background and Objectives

Purpose in life is associated with healthier cognitive outcomes in older adulthood. This research examines within-person dynamics between momentary purpose and cognitive function to provide proof of concept that increases in purpose are associated with better cognitive performance.

Research Design and Methods

Participants (N = 303; 54% female; Mage = 51.71, SD = 7.32) completed smartphone-based momentary assessments of purpose and short cognitive tasks 3 times a day for 8 days.

Results

In moments when participants felt more purpose driven than their average, they had faster processing speed (b = −1.240, SE = 0.194; p < .001), independent of person, temporal, and contextual factors and practice effects. Momentary purpose was unrelated to visual working memory performance (b = −0.001, SE = 0.001; p = .475). In contrast to purpose, momentary hedonic affect (e.g., happiness) was unrelated to momentary cognition.

Discussion and Implications

Feeling more momentary purpose may support faster processing speed in daily life. Such evidence provides stage 0 support for a purpose-based intervention for healthier cognition, which may be particularly useful in middle adulthood and the transition to older adulthood before the onset of cognitive impairment.
Nonpharmacological Interventions for Chronic Pain in Older Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Leung Dara Kiu Yi , Fong Annabelle Pui Chi , Wong Frankie Ho Chun , Liu Tianyin , Wong Gloria Hoi Yan , Lum Terry Yat Sang
Published: February 2024

Background and Objectives

Gate control theory and fear-avoidance model of chronic pain posit that biopsychosocial factors can modulate pain. Nonpharmacological interventions are recommended in managing chronic pain, but little information is available regarding their efficacy in older adults. We examined and compared the efficacy of different nonpharmacological intervention approaches for chronic pain management among older adults via meta-analysis and subgroup analysis.

Research Design and Methods

Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines (PROSPERO number CRD42020222767), a systematic search was undertaken using MEDLINE, Embase, and PsycINFO up to March 21, 2022. Randomized controlled trials were included, and data were pooled using a random-effects meta-analysis model. Risk of bias was assessed using a quality rating scale for psychological interventions.

Results

Twenty-five trials (N = 2,394 participants) were identified. Six types of nonpharmacological interventions were compared with control conditions (sham/attention control and treatment as usual). Nonpharmacological interventions were associated with significant reductions in pain intensity, pain interference, depressive symptoms, catastrophizing beliefs, and improvement in physical performance (standardized mean differences −0.34 to 0.54). Subgroup analyses based on different nonpharmacological approaches revealed the benefits of psychological approaches combined with physical activity.

Discussion and Implications

Nonpharmacological interventions, particularly those adopting psychological approaches and physical activity, have a small but statistically significant effect on chronic pain management in older adults. Reduction in pain interference may be related to reduced catastrophizing beliefs, thus providing support for the fear-avoidance model. Further research with adequate power is needed to establish the efficacy and mechanism of various intervention modalities for older adults.
“When somebody says this is a program for adults, it kind of smacks of pornography”: Older Adults’ Opinions on Age Labels in the Public Library
Authors: Dalmer Nicole K , Bull Amanda , Mitrovica Bria
Published: February 2024

Background and Objectives

Chronological age is invariably used as a categorizing tool for spaces, collections, and programs in public libraries. With age-based conceptions of human experience in library practice, education, and scholarship primarily focused on those under the age 18, little is known how age-based classifications are implemented in public libraries, and with what impacts, for older library patrons.

Research Design and Methods

Stemming from a larger project that seeks to bring attention to the ways in which public libraries engage with community-dwelling older adults, this paper explores 51 older patrons’ perspectives on the numbers and language (e.g., 55+, older adult, seniors, adult) assigned to older adults in library programs and which label best (or least) suits their sense of identity and, in turn, what language encourages or deters their engagement with library programs.

Results

Findings illustrate that age-based language describing older adult library programs is often at odds with patrons’ perceptions of how library programming relevant to them ought to be labeled. Common to all participants was a clear dislike for the term “elderly.” While most participants preferred “older adult” to “senior,” others voiced no preference, as long as they felt heard and valued. Many participants linked the use of language used to describe library programs to being excluded from and treated differently from other (younger) library patrons.

Discussion and Implications

The language used to group and describe different library populations directly shapes feelings of belonging (or exclusion) in library programs. Insights from this research contribute to our evolving understandings of the ways in which language connected to age can shape one’s sense of identity. Results also serve to cultivate a more sensitive and critical approach to the question of age within library science, and, by extension, the experiences of older adults who frequent the library.
The Impact of Disability and Assistive Technology Use on Well-Being in Later Life: Findings From the National Health and Aging Trends Study
Authors: Su Tai-Te , Mejía Shannon T
Published: February 2024

Background and Objectives

Although assistive technologies have the potential to bridge the gap between personal capabilities and environmental demands, they may not always fully accommodate disability. This study examined the implications of change in the extent of accommodation provided by assistive technology for well-being in older adulthood.

Research Design and Methods

Data from 5 waves (2015–2019) of the National Health and Aging Trends Study provided information on disability and assistive technology use among older adults aged 65 and older in the United States (n = 7,057). An eight-level index that jointly characterized the spectrum of disability and assistive technology use was applied to 7 activities of daily living (ADLs). Fixed-effects panel model assessed within-person associations between well-being and the extent of assistive technology accommodation along different levels of the disability spectrum.

Results

At baseline, bathing (28.7%; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 27.6, 29.8) and toileting (37.9%; 95% CI: 36.2, 39.6) were the 2 activities in which most older adults successfully accommodated their limitations with assistive technologies. Longitudinally, the level of support provided by assistive technology changed widely across activities and over time. Within-person analyses showed that for all ADLs except for eating, there was a significant decline in well-being when the adopted assistive technology no longer supported users’ needs and successfully resolved their disabilities.

Discussion and Implications

Our findings highlight the utility of technology-based interventions and underscore the imperative that assistive technologies attend to the specific needs of older adults and support independence in everyday activities.
Subsurface anatomy of the Irazú–Turrialba volcanic complex, inferred from the integration of local and ambient seismic tomographic methods
Authors: Jiwani-Brown E A , Koulakov I , Muñoz-Burbano F , Pacheco J F , Mora M M , Savard G , Lupi M
Published: February 2024

Irazú and Turrialba are a twin volcanic complex that marks a distinct stop in volcanism along the Central America volcanic arc. We present a new traveltime velocity model of the crust beneath Irazú and Turrialba volcanoes, Costa Rica, and interpret it considering the results of previous ambient noise tomographic inversions. Data were acquired by a temporary seismic network during a period of low activity of the Irazú–Turrialba volcanic complex in 2018–2019. Beneath the Irazú volcano, we observe low P-wave velocities (VP = 5 km s−1) and low velocity ratios (VP/VS = 1.6). In contrast, below the Turrialba volcano, we observe low S-wave velocities (VS = 3 km s−1) and a high VP/VS (= 1.85) anomaly. We found that locations of low VP and VS anomalies (−15 %) correspond well with shear wave velocity anomalies retrieved from ambient noise tomography. At shallower depths, we observe high VP and VS anomalies (+15 %) located between the summits of the volcanoes. Subvertical velocity anomalies are also observed at greater depths, with high VP and VS anomalies appearing at the lower limits of our models. We propose a complex structure of an intermediate magmatic reservoir, presenting multiphase fluid states of a liquid-to-gas transition beneath Irazú and a juvenile store of magmatic fluid beneath Turrialba, while shallow fluid transport provides evidence of magmatic–hydrothermal interactions.
Deep investigation of muography in discovering geological structures in mineral exploration: a case study of Zaozigou gold mine
Authors: Liu Guorui , Yao Kaiqiang , Niu Feiyun , Li Zhuodai , Tian Heng , Li Jiangkun , Luo Xujia , Jin Long , Gao Jinlei , Rong Jian , Fu Zhiqiang , Kang Youxin , Zhang Weixiong , Ding Shuhong , Wang Yuxi , Zeng Junjie , Luo Xiaogang , Tian Xiangsheng , Shi Wenquan , Hu Jiqiu , Zhang Zhiping , Yu Minghai , Wu Feng , Chen Jingjing , Liu Juntao , Liu Zhiyi
Published: February 2024

Muography is a promising and rapidly developing physical prospecting technique based on the attenuation of muon flux. The feasibility and potential of applying muography to mining were presented in a small number of previous case studies. In this work, we aimed to address three challenges that limit the applicability and efficiency of muography in mineral exploration: (1) application to low-density-contrast ore body exploration, (2) analysis of altitudinal impacts on measurements and (3) precise and efficient reconstruction. We conducted the first case of applying muography to the exploration for low-density-contrast ore bodies. Six muon imaging systems were placed underground to collect surviving muons for roughly half a year. We analysed the altitudinal impact on the data measurements and proposed a simplified method to eliminate it. We also developed the seed algorithm, a novel 3-D reconstruction algorithm, that can reconstruct anomalies located far away from the detectors and avoid their elongation along the observed directions. Benefitting from the seed algorithm, a low-density-contrast ore body and a limonitic siliceous slate structure were reconstructed, demonstrating the sensitivity of this technique in density distinction; discoveries of several mined-out areas are important for accident avoidance; and reconstruction of the stope and scarps served as strong circumstantial evidence of the reliability of the result. The success of this experiment shows the great value of muography in the economic, research and safety aspects of mineral exploration and inspection. Moreover, the overcoming of challenges is helpful for the development of muography, making it an effective and competitive technique in this field.