bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Social Support and Living Situation of Older Adults With Hip-Fracture: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Krassikova Alexandra , Stewart Steven , Bethell Jennifer , Davis Aileen , McGilton Katherine 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Sustaining a hip-fracture is a life-changing event negatively affecting older adults. Although, social support is a known determinant of health outcomes, the relationship between social support and living situation of older adults with hip fracture remains under researched. For this study social support is conceptualized using the Finfgeld-Connett framework, where social support is seen as being composed of emotional and instrumental support. The objectives were to examine the relationship between two domains of social support and living situation: 1) after discharge; 2) 3-months after discharge; and 3) 6-months after discharge from an inpatient rehabilitation facility in a sample of older adults with hip fracture. Emotional support was measured as frequency of interaction with someone one week prior to hip fracture, whereas instrumental support was measured as help received in instrumental activities of daily living. Logistic regression was performed to examine the association between social support and living situation. Majority of study participants (N=139) were older (mean age 81.31), female (77.70%), had no cognitive impairment (68.35%), were not married (58.99%), and lived with someone (51.80%) in their own house (71.95%). Older adults with more emotional support were more likely to be discharged home, however little can be said about the effect of the association (OR 6.80, 95% CI 1.08, 22.31, P&lt;.001). Persons receiving more instrumental support had less odds of living at home 3-months (OR 0.41, 95% CI 0.21, 0.78; P=.007) and 6-months after discharge (OR 0.59, 95% CI 0.38, 0.91, P=0.017). Social support is important for older adults during recovery.
Environmental Features Supporting Non-transportation Walking in Older Dwellers in a Hilly Neighbourhood
Authors: Nitanai Ryoichi , Ogino Ryogo , Umemoto Daisuke , Goto Jun , Okata Junichiro 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Walking is the basic mode of transportation; however, it is also considered as a recreational and physical activity. For elderly people, non-transportation walking (NTW) is necessary to maintain a good health; thus, irrespective of topography, living in an environment conducive to NTW is essential for the ageing community. This case study explores the features of the physical environment supporting NTW in older people, living in a hilly Japanese neighbourhood. We conducted semi-structured interviews with 23 older participants, with 6 being in their seventies, 13 in their eighties, and 4 in their nineties. We investigated the destinations and routes of their outings for a week, as well as their perception of walkability. Thereafter, we analysed the location of the NTW and the rationale behind the location choice. Consequently, four groups of people were identified based on their walking location: those who walked within a 1 km radius zone (N=6), those who walked outside the zone (N=8), those who walked both within and outside the zone (N=3), and those who did not walk (N=6). Moreover, each group had varied expectations regarding the physical environment, which is determined by their motivations and physical conditions, relating to the land use of the location of NTW. This implies the necessity of target identification and a suitable environmental approach for the target to promote NTW among older people in a hilly residential neighbourhood, such as improving comfort and connectedness by installing rest spots for the within-and-outside the zone walking group.
A Food Box Intervention to Reduce Blood Pressure in Native American Adults With Hypertension: The CHEERS Study
Authors: Taniguchi Tori , Standridge Joy , Shackleford Tyra , Brookins Hilary , Jacob Tvli , Jernigan Valarie Blue Bird 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Diet-related chronic diseases, such as hypertension and obesity, are prevalent in Native American (NA) communities where poor food environments are prominent and healthy food access is limited. The Chickasaw Healthy Eating Environments Research Study (CHEERS) is an NIH-funded study aimed to improve Body Mass Index and blood pressure control among NA adults with uncontrolled hypertension. This multi-level randomized trial, guided by a community-based participatory research orientation, was co-created by tribal and university partners and is implemented within the Chickasaw Nation of Oklahoma. We created hypertension-specific food boxes that contained DASH diet foods, coupons for purchasing vegetables and fruits, educational materials, and heart-healthy recipes for supporting healthy eating. Food boxes were packed and shipped monthly to intervention participants with a 30-day supply of: one fruit serving/day, one vegetable serving/day, one serving of unsalted nuts or seeds/day, one serving of beans or lentils/day, and two servings of fatty fish/week. We will present our participatory approach in co-developing the CHEERS study methods, findings with a focus on older adults, and lessons learned. CHEERS is the first innovative food box intervention to be conducted in NA communities. Food box interventions show promise in improving dietary intake and reducing hypertension and obesity in rural and poor food environments.
Impacts of Social Capital Factors on Blood Glucose Control and Depressive Symptoms
Authors: Xue Tingzhong (Michelle) , Rahmaty Zahra , McConnell Eleanor , Xu Yingzhi (Lindsay) , Corazzini Kirsten 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Social capital, conceptualized as resources arising from social networks, is receiving increased attention for its role in prevention and management of chronic conditions such as diabetes and depression that commonly co-occur. Although social capital has been linked to control of blood glucose and depression, previous research has not considered these two outcomes simultaneously while distinguishing between cognitive (i.e., perceived social support, shared values and trust in community) and structural (i.e., social connectedness and participation) domains. This study examined how these two domains of social capital relate to glucose control and depressive symptoms, and whether physical exercise and care access mediate those relationships, using structural equation modeling. The sample included 3,043 older adults aged 57 and above from wave 2 of the National Social Life, Health and Aging Project. Although a higher level of cognitive social capital was associated with higher levels of physical exercise (b=.38, p&lt;.001), access to care (b=.40, p=.007), lower levels of blood glucose (b=-.43, p&lt;.001) and depressive symptoms (b=-.84, p&lt;.001), a higher level of structural social capital was associated only with a higher level of physical exercise (b=.16, p=.002). The mediating effects of physical exercise and access to care were not significant. Findings suggest that cognitive social capital may have greater influence on blood glucose and depressive symptoms than structural social capital, and therefore have different implications for practice, especially in the context of pandemic-related disruptions to social capital. Future research should examine other mediators and investigate how promotion of cognitive social capital might improve health outcomes.
Construction and Performance of the Hospice Care Index Claims-Based Quality Measure
Authors: Plotzke Michael , Christian Thomas , Groover Kim , Harrison Zinnia , Abdur-Rahman Ihsan , Massuda Cindy 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
As part of the Medicare Hospice Benefit (MHB), hospices submit claims containing information that allows policy makers to assess hospice quality, help policy makers improve the MHB, and increase patients’ experiences of care. We examine ten different hospice quality indicators related to the provision of services and patterns of live discharge. We calculated indicators using 100% Medicare fee-for-service (FFS) claims from October 1, 2018 through September 30, 2019. A hospice’s total score among all ten indicators is referred to as their Hospice Care Index (HCI), with a possible high score of 10. We examined all hospices with at least 20 discharges. After exclusion, we examined 4,155 hospices representing 1,562,003 beneficiaries. Most hospices earn a high HCI score: over 85% of hospices had scores of eight or more. At the same time, there were some lower scoring hospices: one in ten hospices scored seven on the index, and the remaining 4.9% scored six or lower. We find that on average hospices with higher HCI scores have better Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (CAHPS®) Hospice ratings. Among hospices with a score of ten, 85.1% of caregivers reported they would definitely recommend the hospice vs. 82.9% of caregivers of patients receiving treatment from hospices with a score of seven or less. Using the HCI, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and hospice patient caregivers can assess hospices across a broad set of indicators. Policymakers and hospices should monitor these ten indicators to understand their performance relative to peers.
Needs Assessment of Perimenopause Resources and Services
Authors: Losinski Genna , Hicks Hilary , Thangwaritorn Pilar , Engel Ilana , Laffer Alexandra , Berkley Amy , Watts Amber 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Studies show that women lack knowledge about perimenopause and feel unprepared to make healthcare decisions during this life transition. Most women want to be involved in their healthcare decisions and need timely, free, and accurate information. We conducted a needs assessment in Douglas County, Kansas by systematically reviewing regional organizations that might offer services and resources related to women’s health in midlife. We compared these resources to a benchmark for menopausal care available online nationwide (Gennev.com). We documented the primary purpose of each organization (e.g., cosmetic, wellness, medical care), services and resources offered (e.g., hormone therapy, counseling, non-pharmacological treatments), methods of outreach (e.g., blogs, classes), target audience, costs, and types of service providers (e.g., physician, counselor). We surveyed 9 regional websites: 5 offered medical care, 3 cosmetic and wellness services, 2 were municipal organizations, 2 offered mental health/social support. Four organizations offered services targeted specifically towards perimenopausal women. The most commonly offered services were hormone replacement therapy (44%), nutritional supplements (33%), and weight loss programs (33%). Very few offered educational resources (1) or menopause assessments (1) and none offered tailored psychosocial support for the perimenopause transition. The services offered were expensive with no free services and very few free resources. Organizations were primarily staffed by medical providers, only 1 organization had Menopause Practitioners certified by the North American Menopause Society. Our results demonstrate a need for comprehensive educational and support services for perimenopausal women to fulfill the need for timely, accessible, and accurate information during this understudied health transition.
Self-Reported Physical Limitations Among U.S. Veterans Compared to Non-Veterans: Findings from NHANES
Authors: Robbins Ronna , Serra Monica , Addison Odessa 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Approximately 43% of males over the age of 65 years are Veterans. Veterans may be at elevated risk for functional declines due to barriers to health care access leading to accelerated loss of independence. This compared the prevalence of functional limitations in Veterans and non-Veterans. Data from two National Health and Examination Survey collection periods, administered 2013-2014 and 2015-2016, were used to compare physical functioning data between male Veterans (N=369) and non-Veterans (N=738) matched 1:2 for sex, race, and BMI. Individuals were considered a Veteran if they self-reported having “served in active duty in the U.S. Armed forces.” Pearson’s chi-square tests were used to assess differences in the prevalence of various self-reported functional limitations between groups. Veterans (mean±SEM: age: 64.5±0.54 years; BMI: 30.0±0.3 kg/m2) were disproportionately affected by self-reported functional limitations caused by long-term physical, mental, or emotional illnesses (8% vs. 3%, p&lt;0.004). Twenty-five % of Veterans reported that these limitations kept them from working compared to 18% of non-Veterans (p&lt;0.003). Veterans (38%) were also more likely to report being limited in the amount of work they could perform compared to non-Veterans (27%) (p&lt;0.01). Additionally, Veterans (20%) were more likely to report the use of special healthcare equipment (i.e. cane, wheelchair) than non-Veterans (12%) (p&lt;0.001). These data suggest that Veterans are at greater risk for functional limitations caused by self-reported long-term physical, mental or emotional illness. Therefore, further research is needed to determine if home- and community-based services could prevent further functional decline, ultimately allowing Veterans to maintain independence.
Assessment of Sleep Duration Based on Ankle and Wrist Actigraphy in Hospitalized Older Patients.
Authors: Smichenko Juliana , Shochat Tamar , Gur-Yaish Nurit , Zisberg Anna 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Poor sleep at time of hospitalization is associated with undesirable outcomes. Most studies performed in the hospital assess sleep by self-report, while only few rely on actigraphy. Although wrist actigraphy is commonly used for sleep assessment in field studies, in-hospital assessment may be challenging and cumbersome due to other more necessary monitoring devices that are often attached to patients’ upper limbs, that may in turn affect interpretation of wrist activity-data. Placement on the ankle may be a viable solution. In this pilot study, we aimed to compare total sleep time (TST) using concomitant wrist and ankle actigraphy as well as self-report. Twenty-one older adults (65+) hospitalized in medical units wore ankle and wrist actigraphy devices and subjectively estimated their TST for an average of (2.15±1.01) nights. A total of 45 nights were available for analysis. Average TST in minutes was 332.06±81.58, 427.05±97.74 and 374.28±124.96 based on wrist, ankle, and self-report, respectively. Repeated measure mixed models analysis was performed adjusting for age, gender, and sleep medications. TST was significantly lower using wrist compared to ankle actigraphy (F(2,102)=7.63, p=0.0008), and both were not different from self-report. No significant within subjects variation and no interaction between device and repeated measures were found. Despite differences between ankle and wrist assessments, all three provide consistent TST estimation within subjects. Self-report provides a stable and accessible assessment of TST, representing a good approximation of ankle and wrist actigraphy. Findings provide preliminary support for the use of ankle actigraphy for sleep assessment in hospital settings.
Spatial Usage and Circadian Rhythm for Older Adults in the Community in Taiwan
Authors: Wang Chih-Liang , Chiu Ching-Ju 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Objective measure of lifestyle of the older adults living in the community is void in the literature. To obtain both objective and subjective measurements to ascertain mobile and day and night lifestyle of older adults living in the community, and to build lifestyle model of older adults in the community by sociodemographic character. This study is a cross-sectional research. 200 over-50-year older adults who own smartphone and live in southern Taiwan were interviewed. Wrist accelerometers to detect behavioral circadian rhythm, GPS app in smartphone to survey mobility, and questionnaire to assess psychological and social status. Preliminary finding of six participants (2 men and 4 women) was analyzed. Data show that participants about 60 years old have large discrepancies in comparison with participants in their 50s: lower sleep efficiency (73 vs 83), earlier Most active 10 hour midpoint (11.48vs 14.13 hour), higher interdaily variability (0.84 vs 0.75), wake after sleep onset (100.39vs 47.78 minutes), and higher exercise frequency (4.33 vs 1.66 times per week). In addition, men have more chronic disease, bigger waistline (103.5 vs 77.5 cm), higher BMI (30 vs 22.5), lower middle to vigorous physical activity time (39 vs 79 minutes), and more total sleep time (356 vs 317 minutes). Age and sex seem to be significant factors determining lifestyle of older adults. Other sociodemographic parameters will be further analyzed.
Comparing Cortical Demyelination in Geriatric Mild Traumatic Brain Injury and Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Wang Shania , Chowdhury Nahian , Mahoney Sean , Irimia Andrei 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) accelerates the rate of age-associated brain atrophy, whose pattern resembles the cortical neurodegeneration pattern observed in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Because the ratio R of T1-to-T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) intensities is a surrogate measure of cortical myelin concentration, mapping and quantifying changes in this ratio can improve our understanding of demyelination after geriatric mTBI and AD. T1- and T2-weighted MRIs were acquired acutely and ~6 months post-injury from 68 healthy controls (HCs, age (years, y): μ = 76 y, σ = 4 y), 19 mTBIs (age μ = 70 y, σ = 5 y), and 33 ADs (age μ = 77, σ = 6). Volumes were co-registered using 3D Slicer’s BRAINSFit module, and T2-constrained segmentations of T1 volumes were obtained using FreeSurfer. R and its time changes were computed at each cortical location. When comparing mTBI and AD patients to HCs, significant differences in R were found across ~10% and ~23% of the cortex, respectively (p &lt; 0.05). When comparing mTBI to AD, the former exhibited significantly less myelin content in the lateral, medial, and ventral temporal lobes (p &lt; 0.05), on the medial aspects of superior parietal lobules and superior frontal gyri (p &lt; 0.05), and in orbital gyri (p &lt; 0.05), whereas AD subjects had less myelin content on lateral aspect of the parietal lobe (p &lt; 0.05). These results highlight demyelination differences in mTBI and AD. Future studies should examine the long-term trajectories to quantify the risk of neurodegenerative disease after mTBI.
Local Atrophy Observed in Subjective Cognitive Decline Varies Based on Questionnaire Employed in ADNI
Authors: Morrison Cassandra , Dadar Mahsa , shafiee Neda , Collins Louis 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Background: Subjective cognitive decline (SCD) may be associated with increased risk for Alzheimer’s disease. However, neither research nor clinical practices have implemented a universal approach to operationalize SCD. This study was designed to determine whether four different methods of defining SCD influence atrophy differences observed between SCD and normal controls (NC). Methods: We included MRI scans from 273 participants (NC and SCD) from the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative. We used four methods to operationalize SCD: Cognitive Change Index (CCI), Everyday Cognition Scale (ECog), Worry, and ECog+Worry. Deformation-based morphometry was performed to examine volumetric change at the lateral ventricles, amygdala, and superior temporal regions (CerebrA atlas; Manera et al., 2020)). A previously validated MRI analysis method (SNIPE) was used for volume and grading of the hippocampus and entorhinal cortex (Coupe et al., 2012). A logistic regression was completed to examine the association between diagnosis and atrophy in SCD and NC. Results: Left hippocampal grading was lower in SCD than NC with the CCI (p=.041) and Worry (p=.021). When using ECog+Worry, smaller left entorhinal volume was observed in SCD than NC (p=.025). Both the right (p=.008) and left (p=.003) superior temporal regions were smaller in SCD than NC, with only the ECog. Conclusion: Although SCD questionnaires are designed to measure the same construct, the results here suggest otherwise. These results suggest that the SCD questionnaire employed will influence whether atrophy is observed in SCD relative to NC. Future research is warranted to better understand how different methodologies result in inconsistent findings.
Remyelination Improves Voiding Dysfunction in a Mouse Model of Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Ramasamy Ramalakshmi , Hardy Cara , Crocker Stephen , Smith Phillip 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory demyelinating disease of the central nervous system (CNS). Of note, over 80% of MS patients have urinary symptoms as one of their earliest symptoms. Since MS patients often live into older age, urinary incontinence and retention are significant problems affecting their quality of life. Although several studies show that inflammatory-demyelinating animal models of MS develop bladder dysfunction, the confounding influence of systemic inflammation in these models limits potential interpretation on the contribution of CNS-myelination to bladder dysfunction. We sought to address this knowledge gap using the cuprizone model of demyelination and remyelination. C57Bl/6 mice were treated with dietary cuprizone (0.2%w/w) for four weeks to induce demyelination. One group was allowed four additional weeks for recovery and remyelination. We performed voiding spot assay (VSA), urethane-anesthetized cystometry, and CNS-histology to assess demyelination-induced differences in urinary performance. We observed that cortical demyelination causes significant aberrance in voiding behavior (conscious cortical control) characterized by increased micturition frequency and reduced volume per micturition. Interestingly, remyelination restored healthy bladder function. However, there were no significant changes in the cystometric parameters (brainstem reflex) between the treatment groups. While MS is not classically considered a disease of aging, extending the longevity of these patients has not been reciprocated with improved treatments for their most-bothersome conditions, notably urinary symptoms that persist throughout life. Our data represent a novel compelling connection and strong correlation between CNS-myelination and cortical control of bladder function, which has potential implications in MS, aging, and aging-associated neurological disorders.
Senolytics in a Model of Alzheimer's Disease
Authors: Wang Ellen , Lee Suckwon 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
The therapeutic effects of senescent cell killing with senolytics in neurodegeneration mouse models poise this strategy as an intervention candidate for Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). However, it is unclear whether senolytic therapies for AD are translatable to human cells. To determine whether senolytics could be a viable therapeutic for AD, we have treated long-term mixed human neuron/astrocyte primary cultures with amyloid beta oligomers (ABO), which we have shown to induce a phenotype consistent with senescence in neurons. Fifteen days after ABO treatment, we administered Navitoclax (Nav) and the natural killer cell-line NK92, which are known to selectively kill senescent cells in the periphery. Following treatment, we assessed senescence markers in our cultures as well as senescent cell killing selectivity through cleaved Caspase 3 quantification. Our preliminary data show that Nav (8, 4, and 0.5uM) kills both control and ABO treated cells. NK92 cells (10 to 1 effector to target ratio) also kill some control cells, suggesting there is not a clear cut mechanism by which NK92 cells can distinguish senescent from non-senescent neurons or astrocytes. Although analysis of selective killing is ongoing, off-target killing indicates that we need more refined senolytic strategies to implement their safe human use.