bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
SUPPORTIVE CARE NEEDS AND INTERVENTIONS IN PANCREATIC CANCER PATIENTS AND THEIR CAREGIVERS: A SCOPING REVIEW
Authors: Fu Liang , Kim Su Hyun , Hayward Matt , Vieira Candice , Parikh Alexander , Song Lixin
Published: January 2025

Pancreatic cancer remains one of the most lethal cancers and predominantly affects older adults. This scoping review aims to provide a comprehensive review of the literature regarding supportive care needs and corresponding interventions in patients with pancreatic cancer and their family caregivers. We conducted this scoping review following the Joanna Briggs Institute Manual for Evidence Synthesis. We searched five English databases using ‘pancreatic cancer,’ ‘patients/caregivers,’ ‘supportive care,’ and ‘needs’ in January 2024. We summarized the data employing the Supportive Care Framework. Of the 4,342 references identified, 41 were included. Among the 31 descriptive studies, the top four highest supportive care needs were informational (n = 24), physical (n = 10), emotional (n = 9), and practical needs (n = 8). In the 10 experimental studies, most of the interventions in involved pain/symptom management (n = 8), following by adjustment/supportive counselling (n = 6), psycho-educational service or activity (n = 4), and orientation/ongoing patient and family education (n = 4). Four studies demonstrated statistically significant improvements in outcomes for intervention groups compared to control groups. Patients with pancreatic cancer and their family caregivers experienced a spectrum of supportive care needs, particularly informational needs. Several intervention strategies were applied to address these supportive care needs, but only a few demonstrated statistically significant improvements in outcomes. These findings enhance our understanding of the supportive care needs and appropriate interventions for patients with pancreatic cancer and their family caregivers, providing a foundation for further research to address these needs through a health equity lens.
CONTRIBUTING FACTORS TO POST-RETIREMENT EMPLOYMENT AND LIFE SATISFACTION
Authors: Wang Zhong
Published: January 2025

This study explores the factors influencing post-retirement employment and its impact on retirement satisfaction, aiming to provide insights to improve older adults’ productivity and well-being, thereby enhancing their life satisfaction and contributing to the cohesion of families, communities, and society at large. Utilizing secondary data from the RAND HRS Longitudinal File 2020, this quantitative research examines a sample of 1,561 individuals born in 1948 and 1949. The longitudinal data tracks changes in retirement trajectories and self-reported well-being over time. Logistic regression analysis revealed several key findings: African American and Hispanic individuals were less likely to intend to work beyond age 65 but more likely to engage in post-retirement employment. Higher household wealth correlated with a decreased intention to work past 65 but an increased likelihood of continued labor market participation. The health and employment status of a spouse significantly impacted older adults’ work intentions, retirement decisions, and satisfaction. Additionally, there were significant reciprocal relationships between respondents’ work plans and their retirement decisions. The findings highlight the need to address the diverse job-related needs of older adults in gerontological social work practice. Advocating for employment as a human right, the study highlights the importance of age-friendly policies, such as flexible work arrangements and phased retirement options. Social work practice can enhance opportunities for older adults through financial literacy programs, job training, and career counseling, particularly in underserved communities. Additionally, acknowledging the correlation between family dynamics and retirement experiences, gerontological social work can better support older adults in navigating their retirement transitions.
USING SOCIAL MEDIA POSTS TO UNDERSTAND THE HEALTH INFORMATION NEEDS FOR OLDER ADULTS WITH DEMENTIA
Authors: Larnyo Ebenezer , Benyassine Karim , Preece Natasha
Published: January 2025

Older adults with dementia and their caregivers face significant challenges, necessitating innovative approaches to support their evolving health information needs. This study leverages the power of social media to explore these needs, analyzing 664 posts from Reddit communities dedicated to dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Thematic analysis and sentiment analysis were employed to identify key themes and emotional undertones. Additionally, deep learning models (convolutional neural network (CNN), transformers, bidirectional long short-term memory (BI-LSTM), and gated recurrent unit (GRU)) were compared for sentiment prediction accuracy, with CNN demonstrating superior performance. Our findings reveal that caregivers constitute the majority of contributors, sharing experiences related to caregiving burden, dementia symptoms, and emotional challenges. Despite the inherent difficulties, a predominantly positive sentiment prevailed, highlighting the importance of social connection and support. This research underscores the potential of social media as a valuable resource for understanding the experiences of dementia caregivers. By harnessing these insights, healthcare providers and policymakers can develop more effective interventions and support systems to improve the quality of life for both patients and caregivers.
GENDER-SPECIFIC EFFECTS OF IL-6 AND DECLINES IN PROCESSING SPEED AND EXECUTIVE FUNCTIONING IN OLDER ADULTS
Authors: Gloger Elana , Smith Patrick , Segerstrom Suzanne
Published: January 2025

Elevated peripheral inflammatory markers among older adults associate with cognitive decline, particularly for women, for whom cognitive decline is more prevalent and rapid. Few prospective studies have examined gender-specific associations between inflammation and cognitive decline or examined stable differences vs. fluctuations in inflammation. Participants (N = 235) were older adults (Mage = 75.1, range = 60-92) from a longitudinal study of neuropsychological assessments and blood draws every six months across up to 12 years. Systemic inflammation was operationalized as serum IL-6. The Trail Making Test provided assessment of psychomotor processing speed (A) and executive functioning (B and B-A). Multilevel models tested associations between cognition and inflammation and moderation by gender. Higher stable differences and fluctuations over time in IL-6 were significantly associated with slower TMT-A performance for women and men (between-person: g = -.06, p =.04; within-person: g = -.02, p =.049). Higher IL-6 was more strongly associated with slower TMT-B and B-A performance for men (TMT-B: g =.006, p =.02; TMT-B-A: g =.008, p =.01). Older participants demonstrated slower TMT-A performance at higher IL-6 (g =.026, p =.01). Women experience higher rates of Alzheimer’s disease diagnosis and faster age-related cognitive decline, suggesting gender-specific factors related to cognition yet to be uncovered. In the present study, executive function was sensitive to changes in systemic inflammation in a gender-specific way. Gender-specific differences in neurological aging remains a critical target for future intervention research aimed at addressing preclinical AD and accelerated aging.
PAIN MANAGEMENT IN DEMENTIA: A NEED FOR SPECIFICITY AND SUSTAINABILITY IN EXERCISE-BASED PROGRAMS
Authors: Na Annalisa , Bradt Joke , Fritz Julie , Gliebus Gediminas , Gitlin Laura
Published: January 2025

Over 50% of people living with dementia (PLWD) experience pain associated with functional decline. Pain and dementia are heterogeneous and complex, making the development of effective nonpharmacological interventions challenging. Hence, we used Intervention Mapping (IM), an evidence-based process for designing complex behavioral interventions. This study focuses on completing Step 1 of IM (needs assessment) to define population and intervention priorities. We conducted and synthesized the findings of three studies: (1) a scoping review of 81 studies summarizing current literature, (2) an analysis of the National Health and Aging Trends Study (NHATS) database (n=9,974) to characterize pain among community-dwelling PLWD, (3) qualitative interviews with clinicians (n=19) and PLWD/caregivers (n=17) to assess perspectives on current care. The scoping review revealed that most research focuses on passive interventions in long-term care facilities and lacks specificity in reporting pain diagnosis and dementia severity. From the NHATS database, low back and knee osteoarthritis were the most prevalent pain conditions among community-dwelling PLWD. Qualitative analysis of interviews confirmed scoping review findings of an overall lack of exercise-based interventions for pain despite being standard care among cognitively intact individuals. While there was a shared interest in exercise-based interventions, clinicians expressed concerns about adapting and sustaining these programs. Triangulating data (epidemiological and qualitative sources) and following IM provides foundational support to design clinical interventions for pain in PLWD. Specifically, intervention development should prioritize community-dwelling PLWD with knee and/or low back pain using therapeutic exercises tailored to the individual’s interests and abilities; however, research is needed to address sustainability.
MEDIATING PROTEINS UNDERLYING THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN MITOCHONDRIAL DNA COPY NUMBER AND DEMENTIA FROM TWO COHORTS
Authors: Tian Teresa , Zweibaum David , Qian Yong , Pilling Luke , Ding Jun , Ferrucci Luigi
Published: January 2025

Recent reports have shown that blood mitochondrial DNA copy number (mtDNAcn) is associated with dementia risk, but the biological underpinnings remain unclear. Identifying proteins that mediate this relationship may provide mechanistic insights. In the UK Biobank, we performed mediation analyses of 2,917 proteins via Olink platform in the association between mtDNAcn estimated using fastMitoCalc and future dementia diagnosis among 33,852 participants initially free of dementia (mean age=57 years). Over an average 13.2 years of follow-up, 891 participants (2.6%) developed all-cause dementia. We found 57 mediating proteins for all-cause dementia (FDR-p< 0.05), mostly from inflammation and cardiometabolic function panels and implicated in 24 pathways with top ranked pathways being TNFs binding to physiological receptors, coagulation system, plasma lipoprotein assembly/remodeling/clearance, degradation of the extracellular matrix, and activation of matrix metalloproteinases (p< 0.05). Three protein networks with more than 10 significant proteins were related to organismal injury and abnormality, hereditary disorders, cellular function and maintenance, post-translational modification, cell death and survival, and lipid metabolism. Of 57 mediating proteins for all-cause dementia, 4 proteins (TNFRSF11B, SMOC1, Fibronectin, and SMAD1) also mediated the relationship between mtDNAcn and cognitive impairment or dementia in the validation cohort of 593 Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging participants with available cross-sectional data (mean age=76.8 years, SomaScan, p< 0.05). These findings may suggest that proteins important for energy metabolism, neurotransmitter synthesis, lipid and glucose homeostasis, and immunity may underlie the relationship between mitochondrial dysfunction and dementia risk. Future longitudinal studies should further validate these findings and investigate longitudinal changes in proteins.
PREDICTING THE ONSET OF DEMENTIA WITH LONGITUDINAL OBJECTIVE MEASURES OF PHYSICAL FUNCTION
Authors: Schaefer Sydney , Peterson Daniel , Bravell Marie Ernsth , Finkel Deborah
Published: January 2025

Older adults with dementia have reduced physical function; however, whether physical function decline accelerates prior to dementia onset remains unclear. This study compared changes in three objective physical function measures for up to 26 years in 518 older adults who did or did not develop dementia: Time to complete a three-meter walk (Gait), grip dynamometry (Grip strength), and time to complete five functional tasks (e.g., putting coins into a slot) (Fine motor). Data from three longitudinal Swedish datasets of older adults (OCTO-Twin, GENDER, SATSA) were analyzed. During the studies, 259 participants were diagnosed with dementia (through clinical consensus); only data prior to the age of dementia onset were included. Propensity matching identified 259 participants who did not develop dementia and whose age at last observation matched the age of diagnosis in the dementia group. Linear latent growth curve models captured longitudinal changes in each measure prior to the onset of disability; thus, intercepts reflect an estimate of physical function at dementia onset or the last timepoint in the study. After controlling for sex, the fine motor test declined faster in the dementia onset group, with differences emerging 9 years prior to dementia onset. Gait and grip strength showed no differences between groups in the rate of change. Fine motor decline also occurred at the same rate as cognitive decline (measured with the Mini-mental status exam). These findings suggest that functional fine motor tasks may identify elevated risk for developing dementia, particularly in cases where memory tests may not be reliable.
SHRINKING WORLDS: SOCIAL NETWORK OVERLAP FOR OLDER ADULTS WITH AND WITHOUT ADRD AND THEIR CLOSE TIES
Authors: Hamilton Lucas , Perry Brea
Published: January 2025

Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD) are an urgent public health issue with psychosocial consequences that reverberate through family systems, weakening key social bonds for diagnosed individuals and caregivers. Feelings of social isolation are associated with worse clinical outcomes for people with ADRD and elevated dementia risk in caregivers. Data from 124 focal-informant dyads were used to examine the characteristics and consequences of shared ties between older adults and their informants – typically a spouse or child. Focal participants were diagnosed as cognitively normal (n = 73) or experiencing ADRD-related cognitive impairment (n = 51). All participants completed separate social network interviews, naming people with whom they discuss important or health-related matters. Using multilevel logistic regression, we found that family members and individuals offering psychosocial support were significantly more likely to be shared ties (all odds ratios > 1.26, all p-values <.05). People who provided instrumental support were more likely to be shared ties only in the networks of ADRD informants (OR = 2.11, p <.01), suggesting they may mediate caregiving tasks on behalf of the person with ADRD. More network overlap was associated (p <.05) with worse general cognition and episodic memory (β = -.261; β = -.323, respectively) among ADRD focals, indicating that loss of social independence is associated with poorer cognition (or vice versa). Higher overlap was also associated with greater loneliness in ADRD informants (β =.282, p =.05), suggesting that lacking social ties outside the caregiving system may threaten caregiver wellbeing.
THE ASSOCIATION OF EARLY LIFE ADVERSITY AND LIFE COURSE RELATIONSHIP QUALITY WITH LATE-LIFE COGNITIVE HEALTH
Authors: Walters Monica , Wong Roger , Scambray Kiana , Antonucci Toni , Tarraf Wassim
Published: January 2025

Early life adversity (ELA) relates negatively to cognition, yet how particular ELA experiences may differentially relate to cognition and whether associations may be attenuated by life course relationship quality (LCRQ) is unclear. We aimed to assess how ELA subgroups related to cognition and whether associations may be buffered by LCRQ. Adults (ages 50-64 at baseline) from the Health and Retirement Study participated (n=4,193; 2006/2008=baseline; 2018/2020=follow-up). Latent class and profile analyses identified ELA and LCRQ subgroups, respectively. We related ELA and LCRQ subgroups to global cognition (linear regression) as well as risk of cognitive impairment, not dementia (CIND) and dementia (multinomial logistic regression) at follow-up. We included sociodemographic and health-related covariates. We identified 4 ELA (High Adversity, Family Disruptions, Elevated Household Trauma, Low Adversity) and 3 LCRQ (Strong Ties, Mixed Ties, Weak Ties) classes. Of note, racially/ethnically minoritized adults were more likely to belong to Family Disruptions and Weak Ties classes than White adults. Participants with Family Disruptions (vs. Low Adversity) had worse cognition (global: b=-0.84, 95% CI[-1.25;-0.43]; CIND: RRR=1.54, 95% CI[1.16;2.03]; dementia: RRR=1.64, 95% CI[1.02;2.64]); controlling for LCRQ and sociodemographics attenuated associations. Participants with Weak Ties (vs. Strong) had worse cognition (b=-2.70, 95% CI[-3.40;-2.01]) and higher risk of CIND (RRR=3.22, 95% CI[2.11;4.89]) and dementia (RRR=4.10, 95% CI[2.16;7.81]); associations were not explained by covariates. Family Disruptions negatively impacted cognition, but associations were explained by sociodemographics, indicating potential resilience from ELA. However, negative LCRQ, particularly Weak Ties, was consistently harmful to cognition. Therefore, targeting midlife and late-life social relationships may benefit cognition.
FLEXIBILITY IN PRACTICE: CASE EXAMPLES OF THE ROLE OF A BRAIN HEALTH INTERVENTIONIST IN THE AGEWISE-AP PROGRAM
Authors: McLaren Jaye , Moo Lauren , Nguyen Andrew , O’Connor Maureen
Published: January 2025

Healthy brain aging and reducing the risk of dementia is important to older adults. The Aging Well through Interaction and Scientific Education program (AgeWISE) provides group education (12 sessions) on lifestyle factors and techniques to manage age-related cognitive change. Participants who completed AgeWISE reported feeling that they had more control over their brain health, but many requested additional supports to help them make lifestyle changes important to them. We added an 8-session one-on-one action plan component to the AgeWISE program (AgeWISE-AP) to help participants make personalized lifestyle modifications that support healthy brain aging. AgeWISE-AP utilizes a Brain Health Interventionist (BHI) to guide participants in the creation and implementation of individualized, client-centered goals while adhering to a manualized scaffolding. Fifteen participants have engaged in AgeWISE-AP to date. We will provide case examples illustrating the flexibility required from the BHI to manage individual needs in goal setting, adapt goals as needed, and successfully guide participants in behavior change within a manualized program. The AgeWISE-AP program requires the BHI to have strong clinical skills and content-specific training to support goal setting and implementation that is client-centered while also ensuring the sessions are operating within the structure of the manualized program. Walking this fine line is imperative for the success of the program as well as for its replicability in other settings.
OPIOID DEPRESCRIBING: QUALITATIVE INSIGHTS INTO REDUCING MOTIVATION FOR UNHEALTHY SUBSTANCE USE
Authors: LaRowe Lisa , Stone Sarah , Granados Heily Chavez , Ritchie Christine
Published: January 2025

Nearly 38% of older adults in the United States have chronic pain, and opioids continue to be used frequently for chronic pain management in this population. While recommendations suggest limiting opioids in older adults, given limited effectiveness and associated harms, one potential consequence of deprescribing opioids is that patients may turn to non-prescribed opioids or nonopioid (e.g., alcohol, cannabis, nicotine) substances to self-medicate pain. We conducted 3 focus groups of older adults with chronic pain who were prescribed opioids (N = 10, 65-92 years old) to explore perspectives regarding factors that may influence motivation to use substances during opioid deprescribing. We also aimed to elicit preferences for an opioid deprescribing intervention that reduces risk for adverse substance use-related outcomes. Qualitative data were analyzed using rapid data analysis. Participants identified the following factors that may increase motivation to use substances during opioid deprescribing: intolerable pain, lack of access to alternative pain treatments, psychological distress, and history of substance use/abuse. Factors that may decrease motivation to use substances include: having access to alternative pain treatments, having access to psychosocial treatment, having adequate social support, and being aware of the risks/consequences of substance use. To mitigate risk that patients will use non-prescribed opioids and/or nonopioid substances to cope with pain during opioid deprescribing, participants highlighted the importance of having a clear plan for deprescribing, ensuring access to effective alternatives to opioids, utilizing psychosocial and other nonpharmacologic pain treatment strategies, and providing psychoeducation about the risks of substance use.
LONG-TERM CARE IN-HOME: LIVED EXPERIENCES OF INDIVIDUALS IN VA MEDICAL FOSTER HOMES
Authors: Manheim Chelsea , Fix Rachel , Haverhals Leah
Published: January 2025

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Foster Home (MFH) program provides long-term care for Veterans who are nursing home eligible but desire to reside in home-like environments. In MFHs, Veterans are matched with non-VA caregivers to live in the caregiver’s home and become part of their family. As the Veteran population rapidly ages, the VA is proactively expanding the MFH program to all VA Medical Centers (VAMCs) by 2026. This work describes lived experiences of Veterans in MFHs, their caregivers, and their family members. From February-April 2024, we conducted N=23 phone interviews with these individuals from 10 sites across eight states. Sites are part of a current VA Office of Rural Health (ORH) MFH expansion program. Veterans described living fulfilling lives in MFHs and taking advantage of activities in home and in the community through assistance from their caregivers. Veterans who lived previously in nursing homes shared that their lives improved greatly once they moved into MFHs. Many caregivers found their work highly rewarding, but also shared that caregiving can be isolating and that the VA provides them with limited respite options. Therefore, those who serve as caregivers must have a great desire to do this work. Some family members described that placing their Veteran family member in a MFH allowed them to return to work and expressed deep appreciation of the program. VAMCs starting and expanding MFH programs can apply findings from this work to better design and implement MFH programs in coming years.
INSIGHT FROM RECRUITING DYADS OF INDIVIDUALS WITH DEMENTIA AND CARE PARTNERS FOR A MULTI-SITE ORAL CARE INTERVENTION
Authors: Wang Jing , Siamdoust Shahrzad , Xu Sophie Zhijing , Anderson Ruth , Plassman Brenda , Bailey Donald , Wu Bei
Published: January 2025

Maintaining oral health is essential for individuals with dementia, yet they often need support. We sought to identify lessons learned during the recruitment process for an intervention designed to teach care partners skills to guide individuals with mild dementia in proper oral hygiene techniques and provide reminders to practice oral hygiene care. Throughout the study, research team members from two research sites met regularly to discuss their experiences in recruiting participants. Notes from these meetings served as the basis for identifying key challenges and effective strategies. Recruitment involved direct patient engagement, collaboration with dementia research centers and community organizations, and the use of electronic health record systems, including MyChart. Recruitment coordinators connected study personnel with organizations and support groups, thereby broadening the recruitment base. The most effective strategies were leveraging established relationships or building new ones with clinical dementia experts to access a clinically well-characterized patient pool and presenting at support groups within dementia-focused community organizations to build connections and disseminate information about the study. Barriers to recruitment included the reduced frequency of patient visits to clinics during the COVID-19 pandemic, which limited in-person recruitment opportunities, as well as the time required to establish new relationships with non-affiliated hospitals and community organizations. Facilitating factors included building trust-based relationships with medical and community facilities, diversifying recruitment channels, maintaining flexible and clear communication, and customizing strategies for different contexts. In conclusion, successful recruitment for this intervention required a multifaceted approach that combined strong partnerships with flexibility and tailored communication strategies.
THE ROLE OF TELEHEALTH PAYMENT PARITY ON RECOMMENDED CARE AMONG WORKERS WITH HIGH-RISK FACTORS OF DEMENTIA
Authors: Zhang Zhang
Published: January 2025

Objective

This study examines the impact of telehealth payment parity, requiring equal payment rate for telehealth and in-person services, on the use of recommended care services and emergency department (E.D.) visits among insured workers with high-risk factors of dementia.

Methods

We conducted a causal inference design and adopted a two-way fixed-effect difference-in-differences approach using the Merative Commercial Claims and Encounters database from 2019 to 2021. We focused on insured workers with mental health disorders or cardiometabolic risks (CMRs), which are high-risk factors for dementia.

Results

Telehealth payment parity significantly increased psychotherapy visits by 0.2208 visits per quarter and tele-psychotherapy by 0.4107 visits per quarter. Additionally, it reduced E.D. visits among those with mental health disorders by 0.003 visits per quarter, a 25% relative decrease. However, the policy did not significantly enhance the uptake of preventive care counseling for CMRs.

Conclusion

Telehealth payment parity effectively boosted psychotherapy usage and reduced E.D. visits for mental health disorders. Public health Implications: Future policies and public health interventions should optimize the telehealth payment model to enhance preventive care uptake, especially for those with CMRs.
AGE DIFFERENCES IN PRO-ENVIRONMENTAL BEHAVIORS: IS IT ABOUT ME OR THE NEXT GENERATION?
Authors: Lin Zhixuan , Fung Helene Hoi-Lam
Published: January 2025

Aging society and climate change have emerged as two pressing concerns in modern society. However, questions remain unsolved regarding whether older and younger adults engage in pro-environmental behavior with different frequencies and/or out of different motivations. In the current study, we examined age differences in pro-environmental behaviors, as well as two underlying motivations: self-relevance and self-transcendence motivations. The former is defined as the extent to which people feel personally harmed or worried by climate change (i.e., ecological risk perceptions), and the latter is defined as the extent to which people hold concerns about the next generation. According to the positivity effect in the aging process and the socioemotional selectivity theory, older age could be correlated with lower risk perceptions and higher generativity concerns. These factors indicate opposing directions in age-related differences in pro-environmental behaviors. We conducted a survey among 126 older adults (Mean age = 70.65, SD = 5.12, 61.5% females) and 117 younger adults (Mean age = 25.43, SD = 5.93, 67.2% females). The results revealed that older adults engaged in pro-environmental behaviors more frequently and scored higher on social generativity concerns compared to younger adults. However, no significant age difference was found in ecological risk perceptions. Moreover, social generativity concerns positively correlated with pro-environmental behaviors only among younger adults, but not among older adults. Ecological risk perceptions positively correlated with pro-environmental behaviors among both younger and older adults. These results provide insights into different approaches for encouraging pro-environmental behaviors among younger and older adults.
APP ENGAGEMENT IN TECHNOLOGY-SUPPORTED SPEECH-LANGUAGE THERAPY FOR PRIMARY PROGRESSIVE APHASIA
Authors: Fegter Ollie , Rademaker Alfred , Bona Matthew , Roberts Angela , Rogalski Emily
Published: January 2025

As the global population ages, dementia prevalence is increasing. Primary Progressive Aphasia (PPA) is a clinical dementia syndrome characterized by progressive language decline. Access to care for individuals living with PPA is limited by a shortage of qualified clinicians and evidence-based interventions. While technology-supported interventions have the potential to overcome this barrier, there has been no systematic exploration of factors affecting web application use in this population. This study aimed to evaluate feasibility and acceptability and identify clinical and demographic factors affecting app usage in individuals with PPA. Web application data were analyzed from participants (N=95) of Communication Bridge-2, an NIH stage 2 randomized controlled trial of speech-language therapy for PPA (NCT03371706). Participants were encouraged to complete app-based practice exercises five days per week over the 12-month intervention. Data-driven user-type clustering determined engagement groups based on number of logins. Multinomial logistic regression identified demographic and clinical factors that differed between groups. On average, participants completed 13.7 (SD = 5.95) home practice exercises 3.99 days per week (SD = 1.19) and logged into the app 5.88 times per week (SD = 1.29). Older age and increased education significantly predicted increased app engagement (p <.05), even when accounting for work status; other clinical and demographic factors were nonsignificant. All participants logged into and completed practices exercises on the app at least weekly, demonstrating high feasibility and acceptability. These findings suggest that technology-supported interventions may be a valuable tool to improve access to evidence-based care to individuals with PPA and related conditions.
EVALUATION OF A NURSE PRACTITIONER-LED VIRTUAL BEHAVIORAL MEDICINE PROGRAM: INNOVATIVE NEUROPSYCHIATRIC CARE
Authors: Vellani Shirin , Haslam Lynn , Luke Miles , Singh Amaya , Iaboni Andrea
Published: January 2025

People living with dementia in long-term care (LTC) who exhibit severe neuropsychiatric symptoms are often at risk of being transferred to the hospital from their familiar environment. The virtual Behavioral Medicine (VBM) model was designed to manage these symptoms with intensive virtual support within LTC to prevent hospitalization. We adapted this model to a nurse practitioner (NP)-led approach and conducted a program evaluation to assess its implementation and preliminary effectiveness during its first year. Between April 2023 to March 2024, 102 patients were referred for management of severe neuropsychiatric symptoms and/or consideration for admission to our psychogeriatric unit. The average wait time from referral to the first consultation was 10 days, with follow-ups occurring every 7.6 days by an NP and every 16.2 days involving a geriatric psychiatrist. The average length of stay in the program was 41 days. The average Neuropsychiatric Inventory score improved from 31 to 9.4 at discharge, and the number of medications decreased from 16 to 9. Among the 102 patients, 48 (47%) improved with VBM alone, avoiding hospital admission. In a survey of 60 LTC teams, 49 (81%) responded. Over 90% noted improvement in neuropsychiatric symptoms and expressed satisfaction with the quality of care and support provided by the VBM team. All respondents felt heard and more equipped to care for residents in-house, though some reported challenges with the virtual technology. These first-year insights into operations will inform continuous quality improvement. Further evaluation of caregiver satisfaction and the effectiveness of the NP-led model is warranted.
NEXT STEPS: ADVANCING CLINICAL TRIALS RESEARCH IN NURSING HOMES
Authors: Unroe Kathleen , Hickman Susan , Levy Cari , Zimmerman Sheryl , Floyd Alex , Saliba Debra
Published: January 2025

The National Institute on Aging recently funded the $15.6 million NEXT STEPs (Nursing home EXplanatory clinical Trials: Supporting Transformation by Enhancing Partnerships) initiative to create the organizational structure, processes, and procedures to develop a sustainable, diverse network of nursing home (NH) partners and researchers conducting clinical trials to guide optimal care. The perspectives and participation of interdisciplinary clinical providers and researchers are critical to inform the launch and activities of this innovative network. In addition to leveraging existing infrastructure and collaborations, NEXT STEPs embraces a comprehensive perspective of NH research that addresses six key elements of successful trials: 1) Designing the intervention, including anticipation of the study’s potential burden on NH staff and residents, and potential regulatory issues; 2) Ensuring equity throughout the trial’s design, conduct, analyses and dissemination; 3) Recruiting both NHs and individual participants, such as assessing and communicating the value of a given intervention to residents, providers, staff or leadership; 4) Cultivating engagement throughout the project, including plans to monitor and respond to internal or external events that affect projects; 5) Assessing outcomes, including identifying metrics and reliable data sources that can be used across projects; and 6) Following up and following through on communicating results and developing sustainable paths to implement successful interventions. Activities of this project will be guided through deep involvement with partner workgroups. This presentation will describe the evidence that supported the key elements and highlight the opportunities available for researchers, providers, and advocates to participate in the NEXT STEPS initiative.
TRAJECTORIES OF FALLS AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS AMONG ADULTS 65 AND OLDER: INSIGHTS FROM THE HEALTH AND RETIREMENT STUDY
Authors: Balasundaram Rohit Baal , Krenek-Schneider Brittany , Mendoza Edna Patricia , Patel Anup Dharmendrakumar , Quach Lien , Nguyen Uyen-Sa
Published: January 2025

Falls are the leading cause of injuries among older adults in the United States, with over 14 million older adults, or 1 in 4, reporting a fall each year. This longitudinal prospective cohort study investigated fall trajectories and associated risk factors in people with no prior history of falls. We analyzed 2006 to 2018 data from the Health and Retirement Study (HRS), restricted to participants 65+ who did not report falls prior to the baseline year of 2006. The outcome is biennial incidence of falls, and risk factors include sociodemographic and biological factors, and health behaviors. Group-based trajectory modeling identified distinct fall trajectories. Multinomial logistic regression assessed associations between trajectories and risk factors;. Three distinct trajectories of falls incidence were identified over a 12-year period. Nearly half of the population (48.9%) remained in a low-stable risk group, 22.4% experienced a moderate but steadily increasing risk, and 28.7% belonged to a high-increasing risk group. Individuals identified as Black/African American or “Other” race were associated with a lower likelihood of being in the high-risk group compared to White/Caucasian individuals (OR = 0.38, 95% CI: 0.27, 0.55; OR = 0.32, 95% CI: 0.16, 0.67, respectively). Conversely, having comorbid conditions was associated with a higher likelihood of being in the high-risk group (OR = 1.37, 95% CI: 1.08, 1.73). The study identified distinct trajectories of fall risk among older adults without a history of falls, significantly varying by race/ethnicity and comorbid conditions, highlighting the need for targeted fall prevention strategies tailored to specific groups.
Volumetric (dilatant) plasticity in geodynamic models and implications on thermal dissipation and strain localization
Authors: Momoh Ekeabino , Bhat Harsha S , Tait Stephen , Gerbault Muriel
Published: January 2025

Here, we present a new thermomechanical geodynamic, numerical implementation that incorporates Maxwell viscoelastic rheology accounting for temperature-dependent power-law dislocation creep and pressure-sensitive, non-associated Drucker–Prager brittle failure, as well as for volumetric stresses and strains during viscoplastic flow, a departure from the traditional incompressible assumptions. In solving for energy conservation, we incorporate the heat source term resulting from irreversible mechanical deformations, which embodies viscoelastic and viscoplastic work, and by considering the total stress tensor and total inelastic strain rate tensors, including dilatant plasticity effects for lithospheric-scale applications, instead of only the shear terms as is usually assumed for incompressible materials. This form of the work term thus allows to consider, volumetric deformation and to couple the energy equation to the constitutive description, and hence the stress balance, via the evolving temperature field. Code design enables us to switch individual features of this general rheology ‘on or off’ and thus to benchmark this implementation with published numerical experiments of crustal-scale shortening experiments. We investigate whether ‘brittle-plastic’ compressibility can promote or inhibit localization of deformation and thermal evolution during compression for crustal, and upper mantle rheology. For both crustal-scale and lithospheric-scale experiments, we establish that the feedback from volumetric dissipation, while contributing to temperature increase along with shear dissipation, can potentially slow down heat production per unit time, depending on the choice of boundary conditions. Our new implementation can be used to address buckling problems and collision tectonics.
Effects of maternal Cu, Mn, and Zn supplementation from different sources on physiological and productive responses of cows and their offspring
Authors: Cruz Vinicius Alves , Marques Rodrigo S , Kvamme Keenan , Limede Arnaldo Cintra , Cidrini Fernando Alerrandro Andrade , Cidrini Iorrano Andrade , dos Santos Nascimento Keuven , Mackey Shea J , Cooke Reinaldo F , Farmer Chance , Heldt Jeff
Published: January 2025

Seventy-two nonlactating, pregnant Angus cows (initial body weight [BW] = 637 ± 13 kg; body condition score [BCS] = 5.5 ± 0.07 yr; and age = 6.1 ± 0.57; exposed to artificial insemination = 54 and bull = 18) were ranked by pregnancy type, BW, and BCS and assigned to receive a supplement containing: 1) Cu, Mn, and Zn sulfate source (INR; n = 24), 2) Cu, Mn, and Zn organic-complexed source (ORG; n = 24), or 3) Cu, Mn, and Zn hydroxychloride source (HDX; n = 24). From day 11 (days of gestation 195 ± 5.1) to calving, cows were allocated to rangeland pasture. From day 0 until calving, cows were gathered and fed the treatments thrice a week. Cow BW and BCS were recorded, and blood was collected on days 11 and 10, upon calving, and at weaning. Liver biopsies were performed in all cows on day 10 and upon calving (cows and calves). Longissimus muscle (LM) biopsies were performed, and blood was collected in all calves upon calving. Calves were weaned on day 260, backgrounded for 99 d, and then sent to a commercial feedyard. Calves blood samples were collected on days 245, 260, 264, 268, 275, 280, and 288. No differences were detected (P ≥ 0.31) for cow BW and BCS changes among treatments during gestation, and mineral sources did not improve (P ≥ 0.16) mineral liver concentrations of Zn, Mn, Se, and Co at parturition. However, there was a tendency (P = 0.07) for HDX to have improved liver Cu concentration vs. ORG and INR cows. Cows fed HDX and ORG had improved (P ≤ 0.03) BCS at weaning, and BCS changed from parturition to weaning vs. INR cows. No treatment differences were detected (P ≥ 0.21) for calf birth measurements, IgG levels, mRNA expression of hepatic enzymes, or LM genes associated with muscle and adipose tissue development. At weaning and during the backgrounding, no treatment differences were detected (P ≥ 0.21) for offspring performance, health outcomes, plasma cortisol, serum nonesterified fatty acids, and serum β-hydroxybutyrate. However, a tendency for a treatment × day interaction was detected (P = 0.07) for haptoglobin concentrations, which was reduced (P < 0.01) in calves from cows supplemented with HDX vs. calves from cows supplemented with ORG and INR 15 d after weaning. No treatment effects were noted (P ≥ 0.35) for final BW, feedyard average daily gain, and carcass traits between treatment groups. Overall, different sources of Cu, Mn, and Zn supplemented to late-gestating beef cows yielded similar cow-calf productive responses from birth to finishing.
The First Spin-Orbit Obliquity of an M dwarf/brown dwarf system: an eccentric and aligned TOI-2119 b
Authors: Doyle Lauren , Cañas Caleb I , Libby-Roberts Jessica E , Cegla Heather M , Stefánsson Guðmundur K , Anderson David , Armstrong David J , Bender Chad , Bayliss Daniel , Carmichael Theron W , Casewell Sarah , Kanodia Shubham , Lafarga Marina , Lin Andrea S J , Mahadevan Suvrath , Monson Andy , Robertson Paul , Veras Dimitri
Published: January 2025

We report the first instance of an M dwarf/brown dwarf obliquity measurement for the TOI-2119 system using the Rossiter–McLaughlin effect. TOI-2119 b is a transiting brown dwarf orbiting a young, active early M dwarf ($T_{\rm {eff}}$ = 3553 K). It has a mass of 64.4 M$_{\rm {J}}$ and radius of 1.08 R$_{\rm {J}}$, with an eccentric orbit (e = 0.3) at a period of 7.2 d. For this analysis, we utilize NEID spectroscopic transit observations and ground-based simultaneous transit photometry from the Astrophysical Research Consortium and the Las Campanas Remote Observatory. We fit all available data of TOI-2119 b to refine the brown dwarf parameters and update the ephemeris. The classical Rossiter–McLaughlin technique yields a projected star–planet obliquity of $\lambda =-0.8\pm 1.1^\circ$ and a three-dimensional obliquity of $\psi =15.7\pm 5.5^\circ$. Additionally, we spatially resolve the stellar surface of TOI-2119 utilizing the Reloaded Rossiter–McLaughlin technique to determine the projected star–planet obliquity as $\lambda =1.26 \pm 1.3^{\circ }$. Both of these results agree within $2\sigma$ and confirm the system is aligned, where TOI-2119 b joins an emerging group of aligned brown dwarf obliquities. We also probe stellar surface activity on the surface of TOI-2119 in the form of centre-to-limb variations as well as the potential for differential rotation. Overall, we find tentative evidence for centre-to-limb variations on the star but do not detect evidence of differential rotation.
Legacy Effects of Cropping System and Precipitation Influence the Core Camelina sativa Microbiome
Authors: Barnes Elle M. , Yin Chuntao , Schlatter Daniel , Peng Hao , Willmore Cody , Lu Chaofu , Tringe Susannah G. , Paulitz Timothy C.
Published: January 2025

Camelina (Camelina sativa L.) is a potential biofuel crop and beneficial rotation crop in dryland cropping systems. Little is known about camelina microbiota or the legacy effect of soil origin/cropping system zones on camelina-associated microbiome assembly. To explore camelina-microbe associations, we grew camelina in the greenhouse using soil transplanted from 33 locations in the dryland wheat production area of eastern Washington. Bacterial, archaeal and fungal communities from bulk soil, rhizosphere and endosphere were characterized with 16S rRNA and ITS amplicon sequencing and were analyzed alongside site-specific climatic and edaphic data. We found soil from the highest precipitation zone had higher alpha diversity than soil from the driest zone, but this effect was not seen in the greenhouse rhizosphere or endosphere. Plant compartment, cropping system zone, and soil origin all significantly influenced microbial composition with soil pH and organic matter as well as precipitation at origin as major predictors. Analysis of abundance-occupancy distributions suggests that camelina selects for several different Actinobacteria (though distinct genera in the rhizosphere and endosphere). Rhizobium, and Clostridium. Sphingomonas ASVs were also consistently enriched in the rhizosphere, suggesting that they are present in soils collected throughout eastern Washington and may represent good candidate biostimulants. Several lignin decomposing fungi had site-specific rhizospheric distributions suggesting that they may be dispersal-limited or result from the legacy effect of long-term wheat cropping. Overall, this study contributes to our understanding of microbiome assembly in and on camelina roots while also highlighting the potential impact of cropping history on soil and plant-associated microbiomes.
Episodic slow breathing in mice markedly reduces fear responses
Authors: de Sousa Abreu Raquel P. , Hoffman Ann N. , Bondarenko Evgeny , Huang Yuqing , Burgos Pujols Rosanna E. , Fanselow Michael S. , Feldman Jack L.
Published: January 2025

We sought to delineate neural mechanisms underlying the effects of controlled breathing in humans, such as in meditation or breathwork, which can reduce depression, anxiety, stress, and pain. Thus, we developed a murine model, where breathing frequency in awake mice can be substantially slowed. When done for 30 min/day for 4 weeks, these mice had significant reductions in stress-related changes in behavior compared to control mice. We conclude that slow breathing effects on emotional state are present in mice, and which cannot be attributed directly to top-down influences such as volitional or emotional control or placebo effects. Our study paves the way for investigations of the neural mechanisms underlying body-brain interactions related to the effects of controlled breathing as well as a platform for optimization of its therapeutic use for amelioration of ordinary and pathological stress and anxiety in humans.
TGFβ1 and RGD Cooperatively Regulate SMAD 2/3 Mediated Oncogenic Effects in Prostate Cancer Cells in Bioorthogonally Constructed Hydrogels
Authors: Pol Mugdha , Gao Hanyuan , Fox Joseph M , Jia Xinqiao
Published: January 2025

To recapitulate prostate cancer metastasis, DU145 cells were cultured in a hyaluronic acid-based, bioorthogonally constructed, protease-degradable hydrogel. In the presence of covalently conjugated integrin-binding peptide (GRGDSP), DU145 cells formed tumoroids and exhibited small protrusions. Upon addition of soluble transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGFβ1), cells underwent morphological changes to form extended interconnected cellular networks. Contrarily, in RGD-free hydrogels, cells maintained spherical structures even in the presence of TGFβ1. In RGD-conjugated hydrogels, TGFβ1 induced nuclear localization of SMAD2/3, upregulating a wide range of TGFβ1 target genes and proteins. Prolonged exposure to TGFβ1 led to matrix remodeling and induced epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition in DU145 cells, with loss of epithelial markers and gain of mesenchymal markers. TGFβRI/ALK5 inhibitor SB-431542 attenuated TGFβ1-induced morphological changes, abrogated nuclear localization of SMAD2/3, and restored the expression of key epithelial markers. Our findings highlight the cooperative role of TGFβ1 signaling and integrin binding peptide in the acquisition of aggressive phenotype and promoting tumor progression.

TEASER

Physiologically relevant 3D cell culture platforms enabled mechanistic investigation of growth factor signaling related to prostate cancer metastasis.