bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
SELF-CARE AS A FORTITUDE FACTOR AGAINST COMPASSION FATIGUE: LESSONS LEARNED FROM COVID-19
Authors: Scott Cathy , Shi Junrong , Samuel Linda 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Gerontology practitioners did not receive the national attention as others, but they were on the frontlines during the COVID-19 pandemic caring for older adults, one of our nation’s most vulnerable populations. They helped older adults manage health complications, isolation and navigate limited services. This mixed-methods study examined self-care among gerontology practitioners. Qualitative data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 13 gerontological practitioners. The thematic content analysis demonstrated the overall well-being of gerontology practitioners during the COVID-19 pandemic including fear, physical exhaustion, and anxiety coupled with an unsupportive workplace are associated with compassion fatigue. Gerontology practitioners described spiritual/faith practices, leisure activities, and the support of family as self-care activities that sustained them and contributed to their constancy while serving older adults. Quantitative data were collected using an online survey. The statistical analysis with a small sample (N= 37) showed that gerontological practitioners engaged in self-care activities (M=31.9, SD=4.83, range=22-41), measured by a 10-item Likert-scale (Cronbach alpha=0.60). They showed a medium level of compassion fatigue (M=29.7, SD=7.86, range:16-45), measured by a 10-item Likert-scale (Cronbach alpha=0.88). The linear regression showed a strong negative correlation between self-care and compassionate fatigue (b=-0.8, p&lt; 0.01) controlling for age, race, professional field, and years of working with older people (gender is not included with only two males). Findings suggest self-care as a protective factor against compassion fatigue and the need for increased administrative support/resources, communication, and recognition of the psychological impact on clients and practitioners, especially for agencies working with chronic and terminally ill clients during crisis situations.
SEROTONIN DEFICIENCY FROM CONSTITUTIVE SKN-1 ACTIVATION DRIVES PATHOGEN APATHY
Authors: Weathers Brandy , Nair Tripti , Curran Sean , Nhan James , Sthur Nicole 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
When an organism encounters a pathogen, the host innate immune system activates to defend against pathogen colonization and toxic xenobiotics produced. In humans, nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor (Nrf2) is a critical regulator in innate immune responses under stress; it regulates gene expression in response to the oxidative stress induced by pathogens and is activated within innate immunity cells in response to pathogenic stress. Caenorhabditis elegans activate defense responses to ensure survival upon exposure to pathogens, including activation of the cytoprotective transcription factor SKN-1, a homolog of human Nrf2. SKN-1 directs homeostasis against cellular stress, including pathogenic stress. Exposure to Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA14) revealed that animals with constitutive activation of SKN-1 develop an apathy-like behavior towards the pathogenic bacteria. Though wild-type C. elegans adapt to avoid pathogens, animals with constitutive SKN-1 activation choose not to leave while continuing to feed on the pathogen. This behavior is mediated by tissue-specific actions of SKN-1 that initiate cell non-autonomous outcomes for pathogen avoidance, survival, and metabolic adaptation. Remarkably, although animals with SKN-1 activation are initially apathetic to leaving behaviors associated with PA14 exposure, treatment with exogenous serotonin significantly reduces this phenotype. SKN-1 activation in neurons and intestinal tissues triggers a distinct transcriptional defect in serotonin signaling from both neurons and non-neuronal tissues, and a significant reduction of serotonin production. This altered signaling is the driving force behind the pathogen apathy behavior observed. Taken together, this work defines the role(s) of the SKN-1-serotonin-immunomodulatory pathway in organismal health and aging and in pathogen defenses.
SERUM PTAU181/NEUROFILAMENT LIGHT ELEVATIONS CORRELATE WITH OPIOID USE AND FECUNDITY IN A PSYCHIATRIC CLINIC
Authors: Hanson Emily , Berner Karl , Berner Jon 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Chart review of initial N=73 cohort screening for dementia risk revealed expected positive control with age across standard ATN measures. All ATN measures were independent of insulin sensitivity (insulin/BMI) Amyloid ratio was uncorrelated with ptau181/Nfl. Broad chart review revealed a divergence between amyloid and tau serum markers: tau associates with opioid use (r. 259, p. 01) and increased fecundity (r. 215, p. 079) while adverse amyloid ratio associates with decreased fecundity (r. -0.223, p.067) and absent statistical association with opioid use. This data is consistent with previous CSF studies documenting elevated ptau181 and TNFa in patients with pain. These results have implications for patient stratification and treatment selection. Granular psychosexual histories may provide an assay for the biochemical tradeoffs associated with harem vs. monogamous mating strategies, obviously implicated the current size disparities in human males vs. females. Ptau 181 elevations associated with a pain behavioral phenotype and CSF elevations of TNFa direct attention to prophylactic medications with known efficacy in human neurogenic pain likely associated with equilibrium distributions of the “M1-like” and “M2-like” microglia: ketamine, rapamycin, and dimethylfumarate. Acute cortisol challenge may also provide useful clinical information regarding the potentially post- translational equilibrium distribution, opaque to RNAseek in autopsy specimens, of the “M2c- like” microglia vs. the IL-4 dependent “M2a-like” microglia.
SEX AS A BIOLOGICAL VARIABLE IN CARDIAC AGING: CORRELATIONS AMONG ECHOCARDIOGRAM, FRAILTY, AND ANESTHESIA RECOVERY
Authors: Marquez Grecia Garcia , Pham Thuy , Cieslik Katarzyna , Taffet George 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Cardiovascular dysfunctions are associated with advanced age. By 2050, the number of people older than 65 will triple. With this increased number of older individuals, it becomes crucial to understand how different organs respond to aging and if the processes are different between men and women. If so, then we need sex-specific approaches to extend patients’ healthspan and lifespan through effective management and treatment strategies. We and others have found sex-specific distinct cellular responses in cardiac aging in mice. In this study, we examined the correlation between anesthesia recovery time, frailty index, and cardiac parameters obtained by echocardiography and Doppler imaging performed under 1.5% isoflurane anesthesia in 25-month-old mice. Post-anesthesia recovery time and the frailty index (involving recordings of 24 different parameters) are markers of “whole body resilience”. Using matrix analysis with non-parametric Spearman correlation with two-tailed p values, we found notable differences between sexes. In males, a strong correlation was observed between diastolic parameters, anesthesia recovery time, and frailty index. In females, the correlation was strongest for systolic parameters. These findings suggest that anesthesia recovery time and frailty index are associated with different cardiac parameters in older male and female mice, underscoring the implications of cardiovascular aging differing between sexes and highlighting the importance of consideration of sex as a biological variable (SABV) in geroscience research.
SHARING THE CARE: SOCIAL MEDIA USE FOR SELF-DISCLOSURE IN FAMILY CAREGIVERS OF PEOPLE WITH DEMENTIA
Authors: Kohl Gianna , Scior Katrina , Charlesworth Georgina 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Family caregivers of people with dementia often face unique challenges in their caregiving role, including the complex task of sharing their caregiving experiences and identity with their social networks. Social media platforms provide a valuable avenue for self-disclosure of stigmatized identities such as dementia, enabling access to support. This study explores the patterns and purposes of self-disclosure by family caregivers of people with dementia on social media. A cross-sectional online survey was conducted with 323 respondents, aged 20 to 86 (M = 59.2, SD = 12.34), of whom 78% were female. Among the whole sample, 255 (79%) reported using social media, with 66% of them using it daily. Facebook was the most frequently used platform (81%), followed by Twitter (42%) and Instagram (33%). Of the social media users, 121 (47%) also posted dementia-related content. Content analysis of open-ended questions revealed that these caregivers use social media to share their dementia caregiving journey, including providing insights into the lives and experiences of the person they support, while also engaging in awareness raising and mutual support activities with other caregivers. The findings show that social media is an important resource for family caregivers of people with dementia, facilitating the sharing of personal experiences, building support networks, and engaging in advocacy. The high rate of regular use underscores its value in navigating caregiving experiences and challenges. Healthcare professionals and organizations should leverage these platforms to offer targeted support, while future research should explore how social media can be integrated into support strategies.
SLEEP DISTURBANCES AND PAIN ON DEPRESSION IN OLDER ADULTS WITH AND WITHOUT ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE
Authors: Wu YingHua , Hougaard Benjamin , Cáceres Bárbara Gómez , Kiefer Jamie , Gomez Rowena 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Pain is associated with depression and sleep disturbance in older adults (OAs), including those with Alzheimer’s disease (AD; Cao et al., 2019; Tsai et al., 2021). However, limited research examines how various sleep disturbances moderate the relationship between pain and depression in OAs and those with and without AD. From the Health and Retirement Study, the sample included 15,512 OAs without AD (59% female; Mage = 69.28; SDage = 10.81) and 211 OAs with Alzheimer’s disease (64.9% female; Mage = 81.15; SDage = 9.82). Depression was measured based on 14 questions about depressive symptoms corresponding with criteria A of major depressive episode. Pain was assessed by two survey questions about present pain and severity. The severity of different sleep disturbances was also assessed. Custom ANOVAs indicated that trouble waking up too early (p &lt;.001), trouble falling asleep (p &lt;.001), trouble waking up during the night (p &lt;.001), and feeling rested in the morning (p &lt;.001) significantly moderated the effect of pain on depression severity in OAs without AD. However, the moderation was not significant in OAs with AD, though there was a main effect of trouble falling asleep, feeling rested in the morning, and pain on depression. Interventions aimed at improving specific aspects of sleep may help mitigate the effects of pain on depression severity in OAs without AD. The absence of this moderation in OAs with AD still suggests the impact of sleep disturbance and pain on depression.
SOCIAL DETERMINANTS OF HEALTH ASSOCIATED WITH 30-DAY REHOSPITALIZATION BY USING DISCHARGE SUMMARIES
Authors: Kang Youjeong , Lu Jiaying 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Background
There has been increasing interest in the use of Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) in cardiovascular disease outcomes by reducing health disparities. For example, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services will require the hospitals reporting five SDOH components (housing, intimate partner violence, utilities, food insecurity and transportation insecurity) in 2025. There is limited evidence which SDOH components are associated with 30-day rehospitalization in HF patients who were in the ICU. Objective: To assess associations between the SDOH and 30-day rehospitalization in HF patients who were in the ICU by using the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care III (MIMIC-III) data.

Methods
We identified HF patients by using ICD-9 codes related to HF from the MIMIC-III data that is de-identified and is publicly available. We used python to extract SDOH features from discharge summaries and used Chi-square statistical test (whether or not keyword is contained in discharge summaries vs whether or not HF patients have 30-day hospital rehospitalization).

Results
Mean age was 71 (± 14.2), 53% were male, and 73% were white. In particular, keyword “daughter” contributes to the 30-day rehospsitalization. It is unclear how daughter contributes 30-day rehospitalization but “daughter can be one of the SDOH components as social support.

Conclusion
It is difficult to identify how “daughter” is related to 30-day rehospitalization. We will utilize natural language processing models to analyzing the real-world social meaning of SDOH keywords to understand the correlation (e.g. the “daughter” reflecting patients have daughter accompany or other status).
SYMPTOM OVERLAP BETWEEN SLEEP DISORDER AND DEPRESSIVE SYMPTOMS
Authors: Oladimeji Abolade , O’Donnell Kari , Gunzler Douglas , Berg Kristen , Einstadter Douglas , Pfoh Elizabeth , Dalton Jarrod , Perzynski Adam 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Introduction
The PHQ-9, a common screening tool for depression, asks about sleep and fatigue. An under-recognized concern is the overlap between sleep and fatigue depressive symptoms and sleep disturbances. We investigated whether elevated depression screening scores were due to sleep disorders rather than depression itself in older adults.

Methods
The study cohort included 2,257 adults (65+) with at least two outpatient primary care visits and at least one Medicare Annual Wellness Visit, who initially screened positive on the PHQ-2 (≥2) and completed the PHQ-9. A multiple indicator multiple cause (MIMIC) analysis was used to examine differential item functioning of the sleep and fatigue items of the PHQ-9, attributable to sleep disorders, based on diagnosis codes.

Results
The MIMIC analysis revealed a positive association between sleep disorders and depression (β = 0.19, p &lt; 0.001), and a small positive effect on the “feeling tired” fatigue item of the PHQ-9 (β = 0.06, p &lt; 0.001). No significant relationship was observed between sleep disorders and the PHQ-9 “sleep” item. The model exhibited a good fit, with RMSEA=0.040 (90% CI: 0.034-0.047), CFI=0.99, TLI=0.99, and SRMR=0.04.

Discussion
Sleep disorders and depressive symptoms are associated but no meaningful differential item functioning was detected in this sample of older adults. The PHQ-9 is an adequate screening tool for depression in older adults with sleep disorders.
SYNCHRONIZED ACTIVITIES PROMOTE POSITIVE SENTIMENTS OF YOUNGER ADULTS TOWARDS OLDER ADULTS
Authors: Kim Sarah , Liao Hsiao-Wen 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Studies have shown that younger adults often hold negative perceptions toward older adults, which can compromise intergenerational relationships and social harmony. The present study centers on interpersonal synchrony as a potential intervening venue. It adopted a pre- and post-test experimental design to test whether synchronous activities, specifically synchronous walking, promote positive sentiments of younger adults toward older adults. Components essential for forming positive interpersonal relationships regarding impression, perceived self-other closeness, connectedness, prosociality, and conversation engagement were examined. Participants (N = 51; 64.7% female) first completed a battery of questionnaires online assessing background information. After a few days, they were paired up with an older confederate and engaged in tasks. Participants were randomly assigned to one of the three conditions (i.e., synchronous walking, asynchronous walking, and no walking) and completed standard questionnaires assessing their sentiments toward the older confederate throughout experiments. A series of one-way repeated measures ANOVA, one-way ANOVA, and chi-square test of independence were conducted. Results revealed that synchronous walking significantly enhanced participants’ impressions, perceived self-other closeness, connectedness, and prosocial attitudes and behavior toward their older partner compared to asynchronous and no walking. The results remained significant when a set of individual difference factors was considered. This study extends past research on interpersonal synchrony to the context of aging. It sheds light on intervention practices for improving young people’s sentiment and behavior toward older adults, promoting intergenerational relationships.
THE HEALTH DISPARITIES AMONG OLDER ADULTS AGING IN PLACE: A RURAL-URBAN COMPARISON IN KOREA
Authors: Choi Mi Sun , Lee Hyunmin 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Aging in place (AIP) has emerged as a pivotal focus of welfare policies for the aging population in Korea, with health being a crucial determinant of AIP success. Regional variations can significantly impact the health of older adults who choose to remain in their communities. This study aims to elucidate the differences in factors affecting the health of older adults who continue to reside in their communities between urban and rural areas. Utilizing the ecological model of aging and the push and pull framework, we performed a multiple regression analysis on data from 647 older adults (aged 65 and above) from the Korean Welfare Panel Study, all of whom have lived in the same residence since the first wave in 2006. The analysis identified that, for both urban (n=342) and rural (n=305) older adults, work ability, levels of depression, and housing satisfaction significantly affect subjective health status. Specifically, for urban residents, male gender, higher income, compliance with minimum housing standards, and fewer outpatient visits were positively associated with health perception. The results show differences in health characteristics between urban and rural AIP older adults. In urban settings, both subjective perceptions and the physical housing environment play substantial roles in health, whereas, in rural areas, subjective perceptions are more pronounced. To promote health equity among AIP older adults, urban areas may benefit from targeted housing improvement initiatives, whereas enhancing the living environment in rural communities is essential for supporting the well-being of the aging population in these areas.
THE MEDIATING EFFECT OF BRAIN CONNECTIVITY ON DUAL-TASK PERFORMANCE: A PILOT STUDY
Authors: Manning John , Yentes Jennifer 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Neural connections between the prefrontal cortex and the striatum, known as cortico-striatal (CSTR) connections, are important in both cognitive tasks and gait. The purpose of this study was to investigate the mediating role of CSTR resting-state functional connectivity in the relationship between dual-tasking and gait in older adults. We made two primary hypotheses: 1) set shifting dual-task would exert a significant direct effect on gait measures and 2) task would exert a significant indirect effect on gait through CSTR functional connectivity. Five older adults completed a set shifting task where a letter-number combination (e.g. B7) was presented and subjects verbalized the number if the background was orange, or the letter if the background was blue, while standing and walking (dual-task). Later, fMRI was collected and CONN toolbox was used to calculate CSTR. A mediation analysis was performed with task as the exposure variable, CSTR as the mediator variable, and dual-task performance as the outcome variable. Results of the simple linear regression indicate no relationship between dual-task and gait (β=-0.03, p=0.62). Results of the mediation analysis indicate there is not a significant indirect effect of dual-task on gait through CSTR connectivity (i.e.=-0.024, p=0.77). This provides foundational knowledge on how these neural connections may or may not be directly related to dual-task performance during a set-shifting dual-task, which is an important step in understanding how these methods could be used for identifying early warning signs of neurodegeneration. Data collection is ongoing and updated results will be presented at the conference.
THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN AGING PERCEPTIONS AND COGNITION AMONG OLDER ADULTS
Authors: Mcvey Ava , Phillips Christine , Ross Lesley 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Maintaining cognition is critical to overall health and independence. While behavioral predictors (e.g., cognitive engagement, social engagement, physical activity) of cognition well-established in research, the relationship of one’s perceptions of aging and cognition have been less thoroughly investigated. The current study cross-sectionally explored the relationships between self-perceptions of aging (SPA; including awareness of age-related change and expectations regarding aging) and cognition, including performance-based measures of executive function (Matrix Reasoning, Letter/Number Switching, Digit Symbol, Trails A & B, Visual Paired Associates) and self-reported cognition (Cognitive Self Report Questionnaire). Participants (n=334) included community dwelling older adults from the: Elucidating the Necessary Active Components of Training (ENACT) and Everyday Function Intervention Trials (E-FIT) studies. A series of four multivariate linear regressions were conducted, one for each facet of SPA and both executive function and self-reported cognition. Results found that neither awareness of age-related change nor expectations regarding aging predicted performance-based executive functioning. However, both awareness of age-related change (β =.65, p &lt;.001, 95% CI [.29,1.03]) and expectations regarding aging (β =.17, p &lt;.001, 95% CI [.11,.23]) predicted self-reported cognition. The current study addresses a gap in understanding how different facets of SPA may associate with different aspects of cognition (executive functioning and self-reported cognition). Results suggest that SPA do not correlate with objective executive functioning performance in this sample. However, one’s perception of the aging process may give insight into how they perceive their own current cognitive abilities, which can be an important indicator of well-being.