bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Engaging Older Veterans With Serious Mental Illness in Physical Activity: In-Person, Remote, and Hybrid Models
Authors: Muralidharan Anjana , Havrilla Sera , Lucksted Alicia , Medoff Deborah , Fortuna Karen , Peeples Amanda
Published: December 2021

Older adults with serious mental illness (SMI) have complex care needs across medical, psychiatric, cognitive, and social domains. This growing population exhibits high levels of medical comorbidity and sedentariness. Innovative interventions that promote holistic recovery for this group are needed, especially in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Peer Education on Exercise for Recovery (PEER) is a peer coaching intervention, delivered by VA Peer Specialists (Veterans with lived experience of mental illness), to promote exercise and physical activity among older adults with SMI. This paper will present on three different models of PEER: fully in-person, fully remote, and a hybrid model with both in-person and remote elements. Preliminary data indicates that PEER is (1) engaging and well-liked, (2) associated with greater sustained increases in physical activity compared to an active control, and (3) can lead to sustained physical activity increases that are resilient to situational constraints such as physical distancing.
Diabetes Mellitus, Edentulism, and Trajectory of Cognitive Decline Among Older Adults
Authors: Wu Bei , Tan Chenxin , Plassman Brenda , Sloan Frank , Schwartz Mark , Adhikari Samrachana , Kamer Angela , Luo Huabin
Published: December 2021

We examined the impact of diabetes mellitus (DM) and edentulism on the trajectory of cognitive decline, using the Health and Retirement Study. We analyzed self-reported DM and edentulism collected in 2006 and cognition data from 2006 and its follow up waves through 2018. Among 15,709 eligible participants age 50+ in 2006, 65.96% had neither DM nor edentulism (Group 1), 15.12% had DM alone (Group 2), 13.79% had edentulism alone (Group 3), and 5.12% had both conditions (Group 4). Results from linear mixed-effects models show that in comparison to Group 1, individuals in Group 4 had the lowest level of cognitive function, followed by those in Group 3 and Group 2. Group 4 had a modestly faster rate of cognitive decline (p=0.052). This study illustrates that co-occurrence of DM and edentulism has a higher risk of more rapid cognitive decline with advancing age than the presence of each condition alone.
Perceived Physical Fatigability: A Prognostic Marker of Biological, Organ System, and Brain Aging
Authors: Glynn Nancy W , Simonsick Eleanor , Eldadah Basil
Published: December 2021

Characterizing perceived physical fatigability enables researchers to quantify an individual’s susceptibility to experiencing fatigue in the context of a standardized physical task. This approach eliminates self-pacing, and is a less-biased, more sensitive means to measure the degree to which fatigue may limit activity. Our previous work with two validated measures of perceived fatigability, the Pittsburgh Fatigability Scale (PFS) and Borg Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE) at the end of a standardized 5-minute treadmill walk, are prognostic indicators of phenotypic aging. This symposium will present new directions related to greater fatigability as a marker of biological aging, organ system health and functioning, as well as brain pathology and structure. Specifically, Mr. Katz will explore the relationship between leukocyte telomere length, a marker of biological aging, with PFS fatigability in participants from the Long Life Family Study. The other four papers use data from the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging (BLSA) and RPE fatigability (RPE). Drs. Simonsick and Karikkineth investigate fatigability as an early marker of aging and disease related impacts on key organ systems, specifically diminished renal function as reflected in estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate and cardiovascular health evaluated as vascular stiffness. Ms. Liu and Dr. Schrack will share whether there are associations of perceived fatigability with brain health, specifically Alzheimer’s disease-related pathology (PiB) and changes in brain structure. Lastly, our Discussant, Dr. Eldadah, will critically review the presentations in the context of new directions in fatigability research.
Prospective Monitoring of Newly Marketed Drugs in Frail Older Adults Using Real-World Databases
Authors: Kim Dae , Patorno Elisabetta
Published: December 2021

In recent years several new drugs have been approved for treatment of heart failure and type 2 diabetes. Despite their life-prolonging benefits, uptake of new drugs is often slow among older patients with frailty due to under-representation of frail older adults in pivotal clinical trials and concerns for adverse events. To optimize pharmacotherapy, timely evaluation of the drug benefits and risks is urgently needed. We propose a novel drug monitoring framework that prospectively evaluates the effectiveness and safety of newly marketed drugs for frail and non-frail patients in real-world databases. This framework utilizes a validated claims-based frailty index (CFI) (range: 0-1; frail if ≥0.20) to find early signals for effectiveness and safety of new drugs by updating the analysis at regular intervals as new data become available. In this symposium, we present early results of this prospective monitoring framework for 2 new drug classes using Medicare claims data from the approval date until the end of 2017: 1) angiotensin receptor-neprilysin inhibitor (ARNI) (approved in July 2015) for heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) and 2) sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) (approved in March 2013) for type 2 diabetes. We first show the uptake of ARNI and SGLT2i over time among the eligible Medicare beneficiaries by clinical characteristics, including frailty. Subsequently we present the results of sequential cohort analysis for the effectiveness and safety results of ARNI and SGLT2i. After these presentations, the panel will discuss the strengths, limitations, and challenges of implementing our monitoring framework in real-world databases.
Recruitment of Older Adults During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Utilizing Two Recruitment Techniques
Authors: Coates Martha , Sefcik Justine , Hathaway Zachary , DiMaria-Ghalili Rose Ann
Published: December 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic has limited in-person interactions and reduced access to research participants. To recruit older adults for a study on the impact of COVID-19 on physical, mental, and social wellbeing we utilized two recruitment techniques: 1) ResearchMatch, a free recruitment database, and 2) a convenience sample of residents in a retirement community. Messages were sent via ResearchMatch to 1,491 adults age 65 and over. In total, 228 individuals responded over 2 weeks; 194 responded in the first 24 hours. Eighty-four completed the online survey. For the retirement community, recruitment information was shared during a Zoom townhall meeting; 44 expressed interest and 30 completed the study (half over the phone with a research assistant). We will discuss differences between the older adults recruited by each strategy (e.g., the ResearchMatch group was highly educated; more staff needed to interview retirement community participants). Overall, these were effective recruitment techniques during challenging times.
Health and Social Determinants Associated With Delay of Health Care Among Rural Older Adults
Authors: Decker Autumn , Weaver Raven
Published: December 2021

Delaying healthcare has the capacity to increase morbidity and mortality, especially among individuals with chronic and acute health conditions. Older adults in rural areas are more likely to have chronic health conditions and are more likely to delay care due to financial barriers than their urban counterparts. To further investigate these associations, we conducted descriptive, bivariate, and regression analyses using data from a needs assessment designed to identify health needs and service delivery gaps among an economically diverse eight-county region. A random sample of adults responded to the survey, with 1,226 respondents aged 60+ (mean age = 71). The majority of respondents were White, female, and had insurance coverage. Overall, 35% of respondents experienced a delay in healthcare. We used logistic regression to determine the associations of age, gender, number of health conditions, household income, distance from medical facility, and perceived quality of neighborhood with delay of healthcare. Individuals with younger age (p = .017), more chronic conditions (p < .001), lower income (p < .001), and lower perceived quality of neighborhood (p = .008) were more likely to experience a delay in healthcare. These findings highlight risk factors that were salient prior to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the pandemic has contributed to an increasing trend of delaying healthcare and may have amplified existing challenges. Findings may inform efforts led by healthcare providers and policy makers to facilitate timely and preventive healthcare use. Future research is needed to investigate the compounding long-term health implications of delaying healthcare.
I Think I Age Gracefully: A Focus Group Study of Successful Aging Conceptions Among Older Women Living With HIV
Authors: Rubtsova Anna , Taylor Tonya , Wingood Gina , Ofotokun Igho , Gustafson Deborah , Holstad Marcia
Published: December 2021

Our previous quantitative research found high prevalence of self-rated successful aging (SA) among older (age ≥50) women living with HIV (OWLH) enrolled in the Women’s Interagency HIV Study (WIHS). However, little is known about how OWLH define SA. Most studies have examined SA among predominantly white men living with HIV. Therefore, the purpose of our qualitative study was to examine subjective understandings of SA among OWLH and, as a comparison group, older HIV-seronegative women at risk of HIV. Four focus group discussions (FGD) were conducted among 23 participants (12 OWLH, 11 HIV-seronegative). These women were recruited from WIHS participants previously enrolled in our quantitative study of SA, “From Surviving to Thriving” (FROST), at two WIHS sites – Atlanta and Brooklyn. At each site, we conducted two FGD – one with OWLH and one with older HIV-seronegative women in February-March of 2019. Participants were, on average, 56 years old (range, 51-70), 78% Black, and 60% with annual income ≤ $12,000. A team of coders conducted thematic coding of fully transcribed FGD using MAXQDA software. Several themes emerged. Both OWLH and older HIV-seronegative women defined SA as “aging gracefully,” i.e. accepting and celebrating aging after having survived hardships of earlier life (e.g., HIV diagnosis, drug use). They also emphasized taking care of themselves (e.g., taking their meds) and spirituality in their definitions of SA. In contrast to HIV-seronegative participants, who prioritized sobriety as taking good care of themselves, OWLH emphasized taking care of their HIV (e.g., “staying on top of your numbers”).
Making the Case for Advancing Age Inclusivity
Authors: Morrow-Howell Nancy , Schumacher John
Published: December 2021

How do you present the most effective case for promoting age-inclusivity to your campus leadership? Educational institutions differ in their missions and resources; and these factors affect their readiness to becoming more age-inclusive. This presentation suggests that the best approaches are tailored to intentionally and robustly advance your institution’s values, mission, and strategic plan as demonstrated through your proposed age-inclusivity initiative. We review the persuasive arguments for increasing the focus on age-inclusivity in higher education, including securing increasing external research and development funding, supporting employees and alums exploration of encore careers, attracting more students in light of demographic shifts, contributions to overall campus diversity, etc. Identifying the most compelling arguments for particular institutions, consistent with their missions, is connected to the various resources in the AFU toolkit. Finally, we show examples from a range of institutions who successfully made their cases for embracing age inclusivity and have not looked back.
Care Facilities for Older People With Long-Term Substance Use: Promising Practices From Sweden
Authors: Harnett Tove , Jonson Hakan
Published: December 2021

The stigma of alcohol and long-term substance use is well-known and may be even greater for older people. This is a presentation on “wet” eldercare facilities, i.e. care settings designed for older people with long-term substance use problems, where abstinence is abandoned for well-being. Wet eldercare facilities exist in several European countries and the Swedish ones have a hybrid formal organization: They target people over 50 years, but are regarded as nursing homes and residents lease their own flats inside the setting, which makes it correct to describe residents as tenants. Guided by symbolic interactionism, the aim is to analyze how residents in wet eldercare facilities manage to view these places in a positive light. Forty-two residents of four facilities were interviewed, revealing how the hybrid status of these places enabled residents to frame their situation as being “in the right place”, but for different reasons. Some framed the place as a nursing home, others as an ordinary flat. Although wet eldercare facilities are undisputedly linked to stigma and the inability to become sober, the formal hybrid organization enabled residents to construct less stigmatized characterizations of the place and of themselves. The study suggests that it is an (often-neglected) gerontological responsibility to counter stigma and improve the sense of dignity for older people living in stigmatized settings. Based on promising practices in the Swedish system, the study therefore presents strategies that enable older people to ascribe positive characteristics to themselves and to the place where they live.
COVID-19 and the Intersection of Race, Ethnicity, and Sexual Minority Status.
Authors: Beringer Robert , de Vries Brian , Gutman Gloria , Gill Paneet , Dault Helena
Published: December 2021

The COVID-19 virus has caused millions of deaths and impaired physical and mental health and social disconnection for countless persons around the world; concomitantly, the pandemic has exposed and exacerbated the pervasive effects of racism and stigma experienced by Black, Indigenous, or People of Color (BIPOC) and other marginalized/stigmatized groups. This study adopts an intersectional perspective examining multiple marginalized identities (i.e., the combination of LGBTQ and BIPOC status) and COVID-19 pandemic health stressors. We report on data from an online survey (conducted between Aug 10 and Oct. 10, 2020) focusing on current experiences and future planning during the COVID-19 pandemic in Canada. LGBTQ respondents (n=415) indicated significantly higher levels of depression, loneliness, sadness, and isolation in comparison to heterosexuals (n=3916). Heterosexual white respondents (n=3446) reported significantly higher levels of acceptance in their community and reported greater happiness but also higher rates of feeling of isolation than heterosexual BIPOC heterosexuals (n=470) who reported significantly higher rates of feeling judged/shamed by others than the heterosexual white respondents. In contrast to our expectations, white LGBTQ respondents (n=366) reported significantly more depression, loneliness, anxiety, and sadness than their BIPOC LGBTQ peers (n=49). These findings are interpreted as reflecting a complex mix of the effects of marginalization (as experienced by LGBTQ persons in general), and privilege and relative deprivation (as experienced by heterosexual and LGBTQ white persons) along with resilience and the moderated expectations and experiences of BIPOC LGBTQ persons.
Cultural Continuity in a Reservation Nursing Home
Authors: Monaghan-Geernaert Pamela
Published: December 2021

Throughout our lifespan we experience the culture of our families and communities. Our cultural selves guide our understanding of health and illness. However the health care system often ignores our culture in the delivery of care. This can have devastating effects on individuals and particularly the elderly. This presentation reviews a case study of a tribally owned and operated nursing home. The emphasis on maintaining cultural activities, feasting on traditional foods, offering sacred practices led to high satisfaction of the health care experience by residents and staff. Creating this environment was difficult and barriers in culturally responsive care delivery will also be discussed.
Sociocultural Factors Influencing the Management of Meningitis Among Older Adults in Kwara State, Nigeria
Authors: Mahmoud Kafayat , Issah Moshood , Bakare Hameed
Published: December 2021

During epidemic and non-epidemic seasons, the Kwara North, Nigeria, has consistently reported high incidence rates for meningitis, a disease which mostly affects older members of the community. Limited studies have investigated the nexus between climate change-meningitis and socio-cultural factors influencing the management and control of meningitis among the older adults. This study explored the lived experiences of older individuals with meningitis and relationships with their caregivers in Kaiama Local Government area of Kwara state, Nigeria. 15 participants, 6 men and 9 women, aged 65+ years were purposively selected, and in-depth interviews were conducted. Results indicated that most of the older adults believed that the disease is caused by spiritual or supernatural forces (such as witchcrafts, demons, evil spirits among others), and the treatment and management, using orthodox medicine of it has been hampered by certain socio-cultural beliefs. Due to beliefs about contagion, older adults are mostly left on their own, with adult children occasionally visiting their parents to provide care only to return to their own homes. Also, children visit with traditional healers who perform rites of purification and give older adults concoctions to use. The study concluded that meningitis is one of the leading causes of untimely death of some older adults in the study communities and it has been worsened by some socio-cultural practices. Based on this conclusion, the study recommended massive enlightenment of the general public about best practices in the treatment and management of the disease among the older members of the study communities.
Informal Caregiving Between Residents in LTC Facilities in India: Demanding or Rewarding Role
Authors: Balaswamy Shantha
Published: December 2021

Research on caring for older adult with health problems by Informal caregivers (IC) in the community in developing countries like India is increasing. However, IC in institutions is largely unacknowledged. This exploratory study examines the perceived role, demands, and rewards of informal caring for residents in independent LTC facilities in South India. A total of 187 residents were interviewed in Tamil and Kannada using structured and open-ended questions on demographics, health, mental health, residents’ interactions, tasks performed and personal experiences. About 50% reported assisting other residents with ADLs, 30% helped with IADLs, and 75% provided emotional support. The caregivers’ appraisals as residents and their relationship with care-recipient was both positive and negative. In addition to socialization, personal accomplishment, caregivers reported emotional exhaustion, stress, and burnout. Implications related to paid and unpaid labor policy in LTC and reducing IC stress are discussed.
Neighborhood Characteristics and Accelerated Aging: Evidence From the Health and Retirement Study
Authors: Lee Haena , Ailshire Jennifer , Crimmins Eileen
Published: December 2021

An individual’s rate of aging directly impacts one’s functioning, morbidity and mortality. Identifying factors related to accelerated or delayed aging may provide important information for potential areas of intervention. While race/ethnicity, socioeconomic status and behavior characteristics have been linked to biological aging, it is unclear whether neighborhood characteristics are associated with one’s rate of aging. We use a novel aging measure, Expanded Biological Age, from the 2016 Health and Retirement Study Venous Blood Study (HRS-VBS) to investigate whether individuals living with unfavorable neighborhood conditions are experiencing accelerated aging compared to those living in more favorable conditions. We constructed a summary measure of expanded biological age using 22 novel biomarkers in the HRS-VBS; we then regressed the summary measure on age and used the residuals as indicators of accelerated or delayed aging. We measured neighborhood physical disorder, presence of green space, and perceived social cohesion using the 2016 HRS Interviewer Observation data and Self-Administered Questionnaire. We find that individuals living with higher levels of neighborhood physical disorder appeared 1.05 years older biologically than the average for those of the same chronological age. Individuals living near green space including parks were 1.5 years younger biologically than expected based on their chronological age though this association was marginally significant. We did not find an association between neighborhood social cohesion and accelerated aging. This implies that living with severe neighborhood disorder, characterized by presence of disrepair, trash/litter, and abandoned structures, and living near green space, play an important role in who lives longer.
Identifying Senescent Cells That Drive Aging
Authors: Niedernhofer Laura
Published: December 2021

Cellular senescence is a potent tumor suppressor mechanism. However, the untoward effect is that the accumulation of senescent cells promotes loss of resilience, aging and age-related diseases. One approach to maintaining the benefits of senescence while preventing the negative consequences is senolytic therapies: drugs that do not prevent senescence, but selectively kill senescent cells. Since virtually any type of cell can become senescent, it is important to identify the lineages of senescent cells that are most potent at driving loss of tissue homeostasis and aging. This will enable honing development of senolytics. We used a genetic approach to drive increased genotoxic stress, a potent inducer of senescence, in a tissue specific manner. The impact of this targeted senescence on different organs and cell types will be discussed, identifying a lead target for senolytics.
Minimizing Complications of Aging That Lead to Dry Mouth and Poor Oral Health
Authors: Papas Athena
Published: December 2021

Poor oral health causes severe pain and untreated infections to spread throughout the body. For older adults, the prevalence of root decay exceeds that of any other medical condition. Our research shows tooth loss and edentulousness were associated with increased mortality and inversely associated with BMI, waist circumference, blood pressure, and fasting blood glucose. Our Stop-it study found people who lost bone density had fewer teeth, problems chewing, and involuntary weight loss and frailty. 88% of the elderly take medications that cause loss of saliva. Sjögren’s and radiation therapy for head and neck cancer patients heighten risk. Without saliva, patients have increased tooth decay, periodontal disease and fungal infections, salivary gland blockage, and problems swallowing and speaking. Dry mouth leads people to suck on candy that further increase caries. Substituting sugarfree gum for candy increases salivary flow and reduces dental caries. Brushing, flossing, and limiting sugar also lessen tooth decay.
Research Confirms Effectiveness of Oral Health Preventive Practices
Authors: Dodds Michael
Published: December 2021

Lack of insurance or funds for dental services, lack of access to dental offices, fear of dentists, and avoidance of dental offices during COVID can lead to oral health problems in older adults. Brushing, flossing, and drinking fluoridated water can protect teeth when dentists are unavailable. Limiting intake frequency of carbohydrates and chewing sugarfree gum after eating add protection. A recent systematic review and meta-analysis confirmed the effectiveness of sugarfree gum in reducing caries, in children and adults who chewed sugarfree gum compared with those who did not chew. Chewing sugarfree gum significantly reduced caries increment, with a prevented fraction of 28 percent, roughly equivalent to the prevented fractions for fluoride toothpastes and supplements. A follow-up systematic review provides further evidence that chewing sugarfree gum reduces the numbers of Streptococcus mutans in the oral cavity. Finally, chewing sugarfree gum could alleviate symptoms of xerostomia and may reduce caries.
The Difference LTC Corporate Ownership Makes in Collaborations With Emergency Operation Centers During Disasters
Authors: Dobbs Debra , June Joseph , Dosa David , Peterson Lindsay , Hyer Kathryn
Published: December 2021

Collaboration between nursing homes (NHs) and assisted living communities (ALCs) with state and local entities (e.g., emergency operation centers (EOCs)) is critical during a disaster. The corporate structure of NHs and ALCs can make a difference in their ability to collaborate with these entities during a disaster. This mixed-method study examines differences in satisfaction with collaboration with state and local entities during Hurricane Irma in Florida in 2017 between corporate-owned NHs (N=24), larger (25+ beds) ALCs (N=38) and smaller ALCs (N=30). We also explore collaboration in Florida NHs (N=35) and ALCs (N=123) specific to COVID19. Scaled 1-5 survey data results indicate that small ALCs are the least satisfied (M=2.90) with EOC collaboration, compared to NHs (M=3.04) and larger ALCs (M=3.33) during Irma. Smaller ALCs were more dissatisfied with COVID19 mandates compared to larger ALCs and NHs. Ways to improve collaboration during a disaster, especially for smaller ALCs, will be discussed.
Positive Aspects of Caregiving in Incident and Long-Term Caregivers: Role of Social Engagement and Distress
Authors: Liu Chelsea , Marino Victoria , Howard Virginia , Haley William , Roth David
Published: December 2021

Positive aspects of caregiving (PAC) are positive appraisals that caregivers report about their role such as feeling appreciated or important, and may increase with caregiver adaptation over time. We aimed to examine differences in PAC by caregiving duration and social engagement, controlling for measures of distress. A total of 283 African American or White caregivers from the Caregiving Transitions Study with a wide range of caregiving durations were included in our analysis. We used multivariable linear regressions to model total PAC score on years of caregiving and social engagement (social network, monthly social contact), adjusting for age, sex, race, marital status, relationship to care recipient, dementia status of care recipient and measures of distress (depressive symptoms, perceived stress, caregiving strain). Caregivers with higher social engagement reported significantly higher PAC while caregivers with longer duration of care reported marginally higher PAC in most analytic models. African American caregivers reported higher PAC compared to White caregivers. Dementia caregivers reported lower PAC than non-dementia caregivers in models that adjusted for demographic variables and social network size, but the association was attenuated with the addition of caregiving strain. In summary, higher social engagement and longer care duration were associated with higher PAC after adjusting for demographic variables and measures of distress. Future studies should aim to understand how caregivers shift appraisal to positive aspects of their role and explore implementation of interventions targeting PAC in order to improve the caregiving experience.
The impact of the Caring Callers Program on Senior Companion Volunteers and Clients During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Lee Kathy , Fields Noelle , Feinhals Gretchen , Calhoun Melanie
Published: December 2021

Purpose of the Study: The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of the Caring Callers Program on older adults and volunteers. Our research team piloted this telephone reassurance program during the COVID-19 pandemic. In the Caring Callers Program, socially isolated older adults were paired with older adult volunteers from the Senior Companion Program (20 pairs). Methods: In the Caring Callers Program, Senior Companion volunteers provided the clients with emotional support through a weekly phone call over the 12 weeks period (May through July 2020). Prior to the intervention implementation, the volunteers received a two-hour group-based training through a teleconference platform. Program outcomes were measured through quantitative and qualitative approaches. Results: The clients (mean age=73.5) showed significantly increased overall self-rated health at post-test, compared to pre-test and they discussed social and emotional benefits. The clients were very satisfied with the program and indicated that the program met their expectations. Our individual, in-depth interviews with the volunteers (mean age=73.2) also revealed that the volunteers were able to develop their skills that are helpful for their Senior Companion volunteer activities and experience mutual benefits by spending their time more purposefully. Overall, our participants shared that they wanted to continue participating in the Caring Callers Program. Discussion: We learned the importance of training not only for the volunteers but also for the clients, prior information on their pair, making sure of the volunteer-client fit, and benefits of using telephone particularly in this group of vulnerable older adults.
The Role of Intersectionality in Access to Technology Among Older Adults
Authors: Suntai Zainab , Beltran Susanny
Published: December 2021

In the era of COVID-19, technology has become a primary means of connecting with the world while maintaining physical distance, which is crucial for older adults who are at disproportionately high risk of infection and death. Throughout the pandemic, there has been increased emphasis on using telehealth to access medical and mental health care, and technology (e.g., apps, social media, video calls) for social interactions/communication to mitigate loneliness/isolation. Thus, COVID-19 has increased the need for older adults to access technology, and widened disparities experienced by those with limited access. This study used data from the 2018 National Health and Aging Trends Study, an annual longitudinal panel survey of Medicare beneficiaries aged 65+ in the U.S, to explore the association between the interaction of race/ethnicity and sex, and access to both a working cell phone and laptop/computer. Chi-square tests and multivariable logistic regressions were conducted. The sample (N=2,442) was 83.7% white, 8.5% Black, and 7.8% Hispanic. After accounting for other explanatory variables, logistic regression analysis indicated significantly higher odds of not having both a working cell phone or computer/laptop among White women (OR=1.518, CI=.1.510-1.527), Black men (OR=.1.741, CI= 1.720-1.763), Black women (OR=2.567, CI= 2.545-2.589), Hispanic men (OR=1.036, CI=1.022-1.050), and Hispanic women (OR=2.265, CI=.2.243-2.287) compared to White men. Overall, Hispanic and Black women were the least likely to have access to technology compared to other groups. Addressing technological equity remains a need. Future research should consider how the provision of devices along with technological literary programs can improve well-being among BIPOC women.
Sporadic hypothalamic hamartoma is a ciliopathy with somatic and bi-allelic contributions
Authors: Green Timothy E , Motelow Joshua E , Bennett Mark F , Ye Zimeng , Bennett Caitlin A , Griffin Nicole G , Damiano John A , Leventer Richard J , Freeman Jeremy L , Harvey A Simon , Lockhart Paul J , Sadleir Lynette G , Boys Amber , Scheffer Ingrid E , Major Heather , Darbro Benjamin W , Bahlo Melanie , Goldstein David B , Kerrigan John F , Heinzen Erin L , Berkovic Samuel F , Hildebrand Michael S
Published: December 2021

Hypothalamic hamartoma with gelastic seizures is a well-established cause of drug-resistant epilepsy in early life. The development of novel surgical techniques has permitted the genomic interrogation of hypothalamic hamartoma tissue. This has revealed causative mosaic variants within GLI3, OFD1 and other key regulators of the sonic-hedgehog pathway in a minority of cases. Sonic-hedgehog signalling proteins localize to the cellular organelle primary cilia. We therefore explored the hypothesis that cilia gene variants may underlie hitherto unsolved cases of sporadic hypothalamic hamartoma. We performed high-depth exome sequencing and chromosomal microarray on surgically resected hypothalamic hamartoma tissue and paired leukocyte-derived DNA from 27 patients. We searched for both germline and somatic variants under both dominant and bi-allelic genetic models. In hamartoma-derived DNA of seven patients we identified bi-allelic (one germline, one somatic) variants within one of four cilia genes—DYNC2I1, DYNC2H1, IFT140 or SMO. In eight patients, we identified single somatic variants in the previously established hypothalamic hamartoma disease genes GLI3 or OFD1. Overall, we established a plausible molecular cause for 15/27 (56%) patients. Here, we expand the genetic architecture beyond single variants within dominant disease genes that cause sporadic hypothalamic hamartoma to bi-allelic (one germline/one somatic) variants, implicate three novel cilia genes and reconceptualize the disorder as a ciliopathy.
Prevention of surgical adhesions with gelatine sealing sheet in a canine adhesion model
Authors: Niwa Kosuke , Yamashita Keigo , Hirose Tomoaki , Hiraga Shun , Fukuba Ryohei , Takemura Junichi , Nishikawa Hiroshi , Taniguchi Shigeki
Published: December 2021

OBJECTIVES

Although reoperation has been increasingly performed in cardiovascular surgery in recent years, preventing surgical adhesions remains an unsolved complication. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate whether gelatine sealing sheets are more effective than fibrin sealing sheets in preventing surgical adhesions.

METHODS

Bilateral femoral arteries of 20 beagle dogs under general anaesthesia were pricked with syringe needles, and gelatine and fibrin sealing sheets were applied on the bleeding points to make canine adhesion models. The femoral artery was harvested after 4 and 12 weeks to evaluate adhesion formations. The adhesive grade was quantified by scoring the area and strength of adhesion tissues. Histological staining was performed to examine the structural features of surgical adhesions.

RESULTS

Significantly fewer macroscopic adhesions were observed with gelatine sealing sheets than those with fibrin sealing sheets at 4 and 12 weeks postoperatively. Microscopically, CD3+ T lymphocytes at 4 and 12 weeks postoperatively in gelatine sealing sheets were significantly lower than those in fibrin sealing sheets. Microvessel density determined by CD34 at 4 and 12 weeks postoperatively in gelatine sealing sheets was also significantly lower than those in fibrin sealing sheets.

CONCLUSIONS

The gelatine sealing sheets are more effective than the fibrin sealing sheets in preventing surgical adhesions. These findings suggest that the gelatine sealing sheet may help prevent adhesions and thus be a therapeutically effective biomaterial in vascular surgery.
Determinants of the use of insecticide-treated mosquito nets in pregnant women: a mixed-methods study in Ghana
Authors: Dun-Dery F , Kuunibe N , Meissner P , Winkler V , Jahn A , Müller O
Published: December 2021

Background

Malaria in pregnancy remains a significant cause of morbidity and mortality, affecting the highly endemic countries of sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) are effective for malaria prevention. However, poor adherence in SSA remains a challenge.

Methods

We conducted a standard questionnaire survey among 710 pregnant women from 37 primary care clinics in the Upper West Region of Ghana from January through May 2019. Using a sequential explanatory design, we integrated the survey data from six focus group discussions with pregnant women.

Results

While 67% of women had some general knowledge about malaria prevention, only 19% knew the specific risks in pregnancy. Determinants of ITN use included ITN ownership (odds ratio [OR] 2.4 [95% confidence interval {CI} 1.3 to 4.4]), good maternal knowledge of the risks of malaria in pregnancy (OR 2.4 [95% CI 1.3 to 4.3]) and more antenatal care (ANC) contacts (OR 1.3 [95% CI 1.0 to 1.5)]. Focus group discussions showed that non-use of ITNs resulted from inappropriate hanging infrastructure, a preference for other malaria prevention alternatives, allergy and heat.

Conclusions

Specific maternal knowledge of malaria risks in pregnancy was low and influenced the regular use of ITNs. Community and ANC-based malaria interventions should prioritize increasing knowledge of the specific risks of malaria.
Development of Chromium(III) Selective Potentiometric Sensors for Its Determination in Petroleum Water Samples Using Synthesized Nano Schiff Base Complex as an Ionophore
Authors: Ali Tamer Awad , Mohamed Gehad G
Published: December 2021

Background

Many analytical techniques, such as X-ray fluorescence spectrometry, inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectrometry, and even traditional spectroscopic and fluorimetric methods, are used for the measurement of Cr(III) ions. These methods are sophisticated and very expensive, so the cheapest and low-cost ion selective electrodes were used.

Objective

The quantification of Cr(III) ions in various samples of petroleum water using ion selective electrodes was suggested. Nano chromium modified carbon paste sensor (MCPE) and nano chromium modified screen printed sensor (MSPE) based on Schiff base Cr(III) complex are developed.

Method

The developed nano Cr(III) Schiff base chelate was characterized using elemental, spectroscopic, and thermal analysis techniques. The proposed nano Cr(III) has good properties for antibacterial and antifungal activity. The modified carbon paste and screen-printed sensors were fabricated for determination of Cr(III) ion.

Results

The proposed MCPE (sensor I) and MSPE (sensor II) obeys Nernstian equation upon incorporating nano Cr(III) ionophore in the paste at 25°C with a trivalent cationic slope of 18.8 ± 0.2 and 20.0 ± 0.4 mV/decade. They have showed fast response time around 8 and 5 s, and they may be used for at least 98 and 240 days without significant changes in MCPE and MSPE potential, respectively. The sensors I and II showed good selectivity for Cr(III) ion toward a wide variety of metal ions or anions as confirmed by potentiometric selectivity coefficients values. The detection and quantification limits were defined alongside the other process validation parameters. The results have been compared well to those obtained by atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS), and the data of F- and t-test indicated no significant difference between the proposed and AAS methods.

Conclusions

These sensors have been used to determine Cr(III) ions in genuine spiked different petroleum well water samples with satisfactory percentage recoveries, low standard, and relative standard deviation values using direct potentiometric and standard addition methods. The proposed method of producing nano Cr(III) complex as a sensor material possesses the distinct advantages of being simple, easily reproducible, appropriate for operation, and highly selective and sensitive.

Highlights

Modified carbon paste and screen-printed electrodes were fabricated based on nano Cr(III) complex as ionophore. The electrodes follow Nernstian behavior, and they optimized according to IUPAC recommendation. They showed a high selectivity for Cr(III) ion over many bi- or trivalent metal ions and anions. The results obtained compared well with those obtained using AAS. They successfully applied for determination of Cr(III) in petroleum water samples.
Comparative Study of the Selectivity Power of Colorimetric Method Over Chromatographic Methods for the Analysis of Valaciclovir Hydrochloride
Authors: Morgan Eman M , Lotfy Hayam Mahmoud , Fayez Yasmin Mohammed , Abdelkawy Mohamed
Published: December 2021

Background

Valaciclovir hydrochloride (VAL) is an essential antiviral prodrug used to cure various types of herpes. Analysis of VAL by different analytical techniques demonstrates a persuasive aspect that is favorable in quality control application.

Objective

This study describes a comparison between colorimetric and chromatographic (RP-high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and thin-layer chromatography (TLC)-densitometric) methods concerning selectivity and specificity for the determination of VAL in all possible degradation products (alkali- and acid-induced degradation products, namely aciclovir [ACI] and guanine [GUA], respectively) in their synthetic mixture and pharmaceutical formulations.

Method

The colorimetric method was accomplished by forming a highly colored complex with ferric hydroxamate reagent measured at 493 nm in the concentration range (0.20–1.60 mg/mL). Both chromatographic methods were successfully applied using ultraviolet (UV) detection at 256 nm in the concentration range (2.00–5.00 µg/mL) for the RP-HPLC method and (10.00–900.00 ng/band) for the TLC-densitometric method.

Results

The linearity studies, regression equations, assay parameters, and validation sheet of the proposed colorimetric and chromatographic methods to determine VAL were obtained with highly acceptable values.

Conclusions

The International Council for Harmonization (ICH) guidelines were followed to validate the described methods and the statistical comparison regarding both accuracy and precision, and satisfactory results were accomplished.

Highlights

In this study, we configure a full comparative study between different analytical methods for the analysis of challengeable mixture containing the drug of interest, VAL, along with its degradation products, ACI and GUA.
Effects of postweaning supplementation of immunomodulatory feed ingredient on circulating cytokines and microbial populations in programmed fed beef heifers
Authors: McCarty Keelee J , Tipton Jessie E , Ricks Ralph E , Danielo Jessica , Thompson Jesse S , Block Elliot , Pratt Scott L , Long Nathan M
Published: December 2021

The objective was to determine the effects of an immunomodulatory feed ingredient following weaning on cytokine expression and fecal microbial populations of heifers. Commercial Angus heifers (n = 72) were weaned (227 ± 7 d of age), blocked by BW (n = 9 blocks), and randomly assigned to one of two pens per block. Pens within weight block (four heifers per pen) were then randomly assigned to treatments. Heifers were fed twice daily from days 0 to 60 (to gain 0.75 kg/d) and top dressed with either 18 g/heifer/d of the immunomodulatory feed ingredient (Celmanax; Arm and Hammer Animal Nutrition, Princeton, NJ; CEL) or corn-germ meal (CON). Blood samples were collected on days 0, 15, 30, 45, 60 and fecal grab samples on day 0 of the feeding trial. After day 60, two heifers per pen (n = 32) were randomly selected for a transportation challenge. Serum samples were collected at hours 0, 4, 8, 12 and fecal grab samples at hours −24, 0, 24 and 7 d postchallenge. Blood samples were analyzed for interferonγ (IFNγ), interleukin-8 (IL-8), and haptoglobin (HP) using commercially available ELISA kits and qRT–PCR for genes of interest associated with cytokine expression. Fecal samples were enumerated for Clostridia and E. coli using selective media (≤5 isolates from each media/sample), tested to determine whether they were Clostridium perfringens or pathogenic E. coli, and then enriched for detection of Salmonella. Data were analyzed via ANOVA. During the feeding trial, HP was reduced (P = 0.018) in CEL compared with CON at days 15, 45, and 60, whereas IFNγ and IL-8 did not differ (P > 0.080) between treatments. All cytokines were decreased (P < 0.001) in CEL compared with CON during the challenge. During the feeding trial, HP mRNA was increased (P = 0.045) in CEL compared with CON at days 30 and 60. Similarly, IFNγ mRNA was increased (P = 0.040) in CEL compared with CON; however, other genes of interest did not differ (P > 0.172). Both C. perfringens and total E. coli counts were decreased (P = 0.036) in CEL compared with CON at 24 h after the start of the transportation challenge. Clostridia and pathogenic E. coli counts did not differ (P = 0.941) between treatments. Total Clostridia and E. coli counts were increased (P < 0.014) 24 h postchallenge. All microbial populations, except pathogenic E. coli, observed decreased (P ≤ 0.009) counts from 24 h to 7 d postchallenge. Overall, Celmanax supplementation decreased circulating cytokines, and altered microbial populations and gene expression, thus, may serve a role in preparing animals to better cope with immunological challenges.
Evaluation of quality and reliability of musculoskeletal ultrasound videos on YouTube
Authors: Cüzdan Nihan , Türk İpek
Published: December 2021

Objectives

To evaluate musculoskeletal ultrasound (MSUS) video contents on YouTube, regarding their quality, reliability, and educational value.

Method

The first three pages for the keywords ‘Musculoskeletal Ultrasound’, ‘joint ultrasound’, and ‘articular ultrasound’ were searched through YouTube website. The quality of the videos was assessed according to the European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) Guidelines and EULAR Competency Assessment in MSUS. The reliability was evaluated with modified DISCERN tool.

Results

After the exclusion criteria applied, 58 videos were evaluated. The video quality analysis showed that probe holding (68.9%; median: 5, range: 0–5), scanning technique (63.8%; median: 4, range: 0–5), identification of anatomic structures (72.4%; median: 4, range: 0–5), and description of ultrasound findings (65.5%; median: 4, range: 0–5) were found to be sufficient, whereas ultrasound machine settings adjustments (1.7%; median: 0, range: 0–4) and final ultrasound diagnosis (12.1%; median: 0, range: 0–5) were insufficient. The total median value of the modified DISCERN scale was 2 (percentile: 2–2, range: 0–3).

Conclusion

MSUS video contents on YouTube are insufficient for educational purposes on MSUS training. There is a need for affordable, easily accessed, standardized, and peer-reviewed online training programmes on MSUS and MSUS-guided injections.
Thyroid hormone dependent transcriptional programming by TRβ requires SWI/SNF chromatin remodelers
Authors: Gillis Noelle E , Boyd Joseph R , Tomczak Jennifer A , Frietze Seth , Carr Frances E
Published: December 2021

Transcriptional regulation in response to thyroid hormone (3,5,3′-triiodo-l-thyronine, T3) is a dynamic and cell-type specific process that maintains cellular homeostasis and identity in all tissues. However, our understanding of the mechanisms of thyroid hormone receptor (TR) actions at the molecular level are actively being refined. We used an integrated genomics approach to profile and characterize the cistrome of TRβ, map changes in chromatin accessibility, and capture the transcriptomic changes in response to T3 in normal human thyroid cells. There are significant shifts in TRβ genomic occupancy in response to T3, which are associated with differential chromatin accessibility, and differential recruitment of SWI/SNF chromatin remodelers. We further demonstrate selective recruitment of BAF and PBAF SWI/SNF complexes to TRβ binding sites, revealing novel differential functions in regulating chromatin accessibility and gene expression. Our findings highlight three distinct modes of TRβ interaction with chromatin and coordination of coregulator activity.