bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
RACIAL DIFFERENCES IN HEARING LOSS AMONG MIDDLE-AGED AND OLDER ADULTS
Authors: West Jessica , Smith Sherri , Dupre Matthew 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Prior studies have documented how social and systemic factors contribute to racial differences in health; however, less is known about the life course and social determinants of racial differences in hearing loss (HL) among middle-aged and older adults. Evidence from U.S. population-based cohorts indicates that Black adults have better pure-tone thresholds and a 40-70% lower prevalence of HL compared to White adults. However, beyond documenting racial differences in general hearing sensitivity (i.e., degree of HL), it is unknown how the characteristics of HL (e.g., type, laterality, etc.) vary by race. Using ICD codes and the AMCLASS classification system, we will evaluate types of HL (e.g., sensorineural, conductive, and mixed HL); symmetry categories (e.g., symmetrical or asymmetrical HL); and severity categories (by classifying pure-tone average according to standard metrics: normal [-10-15 dB HL], slight [16–25 dB HL], mild [26–40 dB HL], moderate [41–55 dB HL], moderately severe [56–70 dB HL], severe [71–90 dB HL], and profound [&gt;90 dB HL]). We will examine audiological data on 22,905 adults aged 50 and older (17.9% Black, 82.1% White) using electronic health records (EHR) and linked area-level data from a large healthcare system. We will also investigate how socioeconomic (e.g., education, income, health insurance), psychosocial (e.g., mental health), behavioral (e.g., smoking), and clinical factors (e.g., disease comorbidities) are associated with HL characteristics in White and Black adults. Findings will provide important and actionable insights into racial differences in HL.
RACIAL DIFFERENCES IN THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN LONELINESS AND COGNITION AMONG OLDER ADULTS IN THE MIDWEST
Authors: Catt Wade , Fowler Nicole , Perry Brea , Peng Siyun , Williams-Farrelly Monica 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Findings from various studies have revealed a relationship between loneliness and negative health outcomes, including cognitive decline and dementia. The strength and direction of this relationship has been contested as there is wide variability in definitions and testing criteria for loneliness. If loneliness is risk factor for cognitive decline, it may represent a cost-effective site for interventional design. We used data from the Precision Health Initiative’s Person to Person Health Interview Study (P2P), a cross-sectional survey conducted in Indiana from 2020-2021, to investigate the relationship between loneliness (UCLA 3-item loneliness scale) and cognition (The Montreal Cognitive Assessment; MoCA) among older adults and to determine if the strength of the relationship varies for black and white adults. Among our subsample of adults 55 and older, over one quarter (26.7%) reported loneliness, with white respondents reporting more loneliness than black respondents (26.8 and 22.0%, respectively). Being lonely was associated with lower cognition, as was being older, male, black, and having no college education. However, we found that loneliness was associated with worse cognition, for white adults only. Although black respondents in our sample reported more loneliness than older white adults after age 70, we did not have adequate power to determine if advanced age moderated the relationship. Our findings highlight the role of loneliness in cognition for older, white adults and the need for more research to assess this relationship for the “mid-“ and “oldest-old” black adults who may be more susceptible to loneliness due, in part, to racial disparities in mortality.
RECURRENT FALLS IN OLDER ADULTS ARE ASSOCIATED WITH MORTALITY AND HOSPITALIZATION
Authors: Heslin Samita , Schoenfeld Elinor , Keister Melanie , Rajupet Sritha , Ladowski Kristi , Singer Adam 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Annually, 1 in 4 older adults fall and roughly half have a second fall within 6 months. We studied 57 hospitals in the TriNetX Network. We included all older adults discharged home from the emergency department (ED) after a fall in 2022 for a total of 89,061 patients. Of these, 13,389 (15%) patients returned to the ED for another fall within 6 months. Patients with repeat falls were older (78.7 vs 76.5 years), more likely to have hypertension (76 vs 56%), prior myocardial infarction (14 vs 3%), heart failure (29 vs. 15%), peripheral vascular disease (18 vs 10%), cerebrovascular event (19 vs 10%), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (23 vs 14%), diabetes (40 vs 23%), liver disease (17 vs 11%), chronic kidney disease (30 vs 16%), and cancer (45 vs 32%); P&lt; 0.001. Patients with recurrent falls were more likely to be prescribed cardiovascular medications (84 vs. 66%), central nervous system medications (87 vs 69%), opioids (71 vs 52%), sedatives/hypnotics (59 vs 42%), antipsychotics (23 vs 12%), antidepressants (51 vs 32%), antiparkinsonian agents (9 vs 4%), and antivertigo agents (15 vs 9%); P&lt; 0.001. Patients with a recurrent fall within 6 months had higher hospital admission rate (46.2 vs 15.8%, OR 4.6 [95%CI, 4.4-4.7]) and higher mortality rate (6.2 vs 3.5%, OR 1.83 [95%CI 1.7-2.0]). Older adults discharged home from the ED after falling are at high risk of a second fall and those who have a repeat fall within 6 months are at higher risk of hospital admission and mortality.
RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN DISTRESS AND NEIGHBORHOOD CHARACTERISTICS FOR MEXICAN AMERICAN CAREGIVERS
Authors: Johnson Florence , Mudrazija Stipica , Robinson-Lane Sheria , Fashaw-Walters Shekinah , Cantu Phillip 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Previous study demonstrates that caring for older relatives with physical or cognitive disability can increase caregiver stress—particularly if neuropsychiatric symptoms are present. The literature suggests that community features such as the percentage of immigrants may improve Mexican-American caregivers’ mental health. Using matched 2011/2012 data on caregivers and care recipients from the Hispanic Established Population for the Epidemiological Study of the Elderly(H-EPESE) and the 2010 census tract characteristics from the National Neighborhood Data Archive (NANDA) recently, we fit multilevel regression models to assess how neighborhood characteristics (census tract proportion Latino, proportion foreign-born, and proportion in poverty) affect caregiver distress (caregiver depression score, caregiver general stress, caregiver reports of neuropsychiatric behavioral symptoms of cognitive decline and caregiver report of stress from neuropsychiatric behavioral symptoms of cognitive decline). We found that living in an area with a higher proportion of foreign-born adults is related to lower reports of neuropsychiatric symptoms and lower levels of caregiver distress. Family caregivers residing in ethnic enclaves with high proportions of foreign-born persons reported significantly fewer symptoms of feeling stubborn and resistive, being in low spirits, feeling upset when separated from the care recipient, losing interest in usual activities, or experiencing changes in weight. While residing in these communities may reduce behavioral concerns in care recipients and increase social support availability, cultural factors such as ideas about normative aging may influence symptom reporting. Increasing available support for caregivers residing in ethnic enclaves is an important step toward developing dementia-capable communities and reducing caregiver health disparities.
RELIGIOSITY AND SENSE OF PURPOSE IN WHITE AND BLACK OLDER ADULTS
Authors: Toprakkiran Selin , Wilson Megan , Oltmanns Thomas , Bogdan Ryan , Hill Patrick 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Religiosity is a key factor in the lives of many older Americans, and it may help people develop a sense of purpose. This association is highly nuanced, across groups and measures. For instance, religiosity plays a different role across racial/ethnic groups in the United States, which may influence its association with sense of purpose. To examine whether the relationship between religiosity and sense of purpose differs across White and Black Americans, we used the St. Louis Personality and Aging Network data (N = 732), collected from older adults (M age = 67.96; SD age = 4.31; 76.37% White, 23.63% Black American). We used data from multiple waves to examine religiosity, sense of purpose, and social engagement. To disentangle different aspects of religiosity, we included three items focusing on the meaning of religion to one’s life, participation in religious activities, and how much religion influences one’s daily life. Black participants scored higher on all religiosity items compared to White participants. Nevertheless, the relationship between religiosity and sense of purpose did not differ based on one’s racial/ethnic identity or the aspect of religiosity. Additionally, social support did not moderate relationships between religiosity and sense of purpose, suggesting that these relationships are similar regardless of whether one perceives more or less social support from others. These findings add to our understanding of when and for whom religiosity correlates with purpose among older adults, and future directions include examining the influence of religiosity on changes in purpose over time.
ASSOCIATION BETWEEN LONG-TERM EXPOSURE TO AIR POLLUTION AND LOWER URINARY TRACT SYMPTOMS IN KOREAN OLDER MEN
Authors: Jee Youngmin 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Low Urinary Tract Symptoms(LUTS) is one of the common symptoms in older men and is important factor in terms of quality of life. The purpose of this research was to investigate the association between long-term exposure to air pollution and LUTS in korean older men. The study participants were recruited from a health checkup center of Seoul National University Hospital from January 1st, 2015 to December 31st, 2019. A total of 7,979 participants were aged over 65 years and underwent screening health checkup including International prostate symptom score (IPSS) for LUTS. To evaluate the exposure to air pollution, hourly measurements of air pollutants from nationwide air quality monitoring sites were utilized. The associations between exposure to air pollutants and LUTS were analyzed using logistic analysis in a crude model and an adjusted model, the latter of which included covariates. Most air pollutants including PM10, NO2, SO2, and CO were all significantly associated with LUTS in crude models, but the correlations were no longer significant in the adjusted models. PM2.5 exposures showed significantly positive association with voiding symptoms in adjusted model (OR, 1.07; 95% CI, 1.02~1.13; p=0.012). The associations of other air pollutants with voiding and storage symptoms showed negative tendency in unadjusted model, and some of them were significant. However, the associations were no longer significant in adjusted model. This study demonstrated that air pollutants including PM10, NO2, SO2, and CO are associated with LUTS, particularly PM2.5 showed a positive correlation with voiding symptoms of LUTS in the adjusted model.
GLYCATION-LOWERING COMBO EXTENDS LIFESPAN, IMPROVES INSULIN, REDUCES CALORIC INTAKE
Authors: Kapahi Pankaj 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Non-enzymatic reactions in glycolysis lead to the accumulation of methylglyoxal (MGO), a reactive precursor to advanced glycation end-products (AGEs), which has been suggested to drive obesity- and aging-associated pathologies. We observe that a combination of nicotinamide, lipoic acid, thiamine, pyridoxamine and piperine, which were selected to lower glycation (Gly-Low), reduce toxic glycolytic byproducts, MGO and MGO-derived AGE, MG-H1. Administration of Gly-Low reduced food consumption and body weight, improving insulin sensitivity and survival in both leptin receptor deficient (Lepr db) and wildtype C57 control mouse models. Unlike calorie restriction, Gly-Low inhibited ghrelin-mediated hunger responses and upregulated Tor pathway signaling in the hypothalamus. Gly-Low also extended lifespan when administered as a late life intervention, suggesting its potential benefits in ameliorating age-associated decline by inducing voluntary calorie restriction and reducing glycation.
REPRODUCIBILITY OF BRAIN AGE SALIENCIES ACROSS DEEP NEURAL NETWORK ARCHITECTURES
Authors: Kim Nicholas , Imms Phoebe , Chaudhari Nikhil , Chowdhury Nahian , Amgalan Anar , Bogdan Paul , Irimia Andrei 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
The brain’s biological age (BA) reflects structural changes related to neuroanatomic senescence. BA is estimated from magnetic resonance images (MRIs) using convolutional neural networks (CNNs), which provide interpretability through saliency maps. By conveying the importance of brain regions to BA estimation, these maps reveal sex differences in brain-aging. We compared two CNN architectures to assess the reproducibility of such differences. Both regression CNNs had T1-weighted MRIs as inputs; outputs were estimated BAs. One CNN was trained on males and females separately, whereas the other was trained on both sexes. The dataset used consisted of T1-weighted MRIs from 5,851 cognitively normal individuals (3,142 females) aged 22 to 95 years, sampled from the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (N = 510), Human Connectome Project Aging (N = 508) and Young Adult (N = 1,112), and UK Biobank (N = 3,721). For both models, compared to the average saliency for a null distribution, males’ BA estimation relied significantly (p &lt; 0.05) more on the right lateral temporal lobe and superior frontal gyrus. Females’ BA estimation depended significantly (p &lt;; 0.05) more on the right posterior and bilateral occipital regions, and medial parietal lobe. Simulated alterations in brain morphometry indicated saliencies correctly revealed regions with aging-related dynamics, which confirm prior findings on sex differences in brain-aging. Variations in CNN models’ saliencies did not affect overall anatomic patterns, suggesting that CNNs can capture brain-aging patterns robustly despite architecture differences. Novel statistical models for formal comparison of CNN saliencies should be developed to accommodate their nonlinear nature.
SCOPING REVIEW OF CLINICAL STUDIES EXPLORING THE ASSOCIATION BETWEEN EPIGENETIC AGE AND FRAILTY
Authors: Hillstedt Ebba , Wahlin Rebecka Rubsenson , Castegren Markus , Sandblom Gabriel , Kane Alice 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
An overall increase in life expectancy shines light on the complexity of human aging where some individuals seem to age at a faster pace than others, a phenomenon health care systems are already battling to identify. Multiple frailty scoring systems have been proposed as models for biological age estimations but their implementation within health care systems is time consuming and often deprioritized. Epigenetic clocks based on DNA methylation (DNAm) changes have been proposed as newer estimations of biological age, but there is conflicting data on the correlation between these two measures. We conducted a review of the literature to identify studies that have explored the correlation between frailty and epigenetic age. Our search strategy identified 37 articles, and after further screening we found 15 articles that directly compared frailty scores to epigenetic age. Most studies measured DNAm in whole blood (9/15), although there was great variability in the specific epigenetic clocks applied. Almost all studies measured frailty with either Fried’s frailty phenotype (4/15) or a Frailty Index (9/15). The studies were divided in their findings, with 7/15 showing moderate to strong associations and the other 8 studies showing no or weak associations. Interestingly, the associations with frailty were usually seen for epigenetic clocks predicting mortality or other phenotypes (eg GrimAge, PhenoAge), rather than epigenetic clocks predicting chronological age. More work is needed to understand the relationship between these biological age measures and their potential role in clinical risk assessment for older adults.
SECONDARY USE OF NIH AD/ADRD DATA RESOURCES FOR BIOMEDICAL RESEARCH
Authors: Tingle Sharna , Martin Damali , Larkin Jennie 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
People are living longer than ever before, and the world’s population aged 60 and older is expected to increase from 1 billion to 2.1 billion by 2050. As populations get older, they become more susceptible to age-related diseases such as Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias (AD/ADRD), which affects more than 55 million individuals worldwide. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) aims to prevent and treat diseases such as AD/ADRD through generalist and disease-specific data resources that foster findable, interconnected, and interoperable data to accelerate biomedical innovations and medical interventions that improve human health. The goal of this assessment was to understand the value of AD/ADRD secondary data use from NIH genomic and multi-omics data resources: NIA Genetics of Alzheimer’s Disease Data Storage Site (NIAGADS), database of Genotypes and Phenotypes (dbGaP), AD Knowledge Portal (ADKP), and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO). List of AD/ADRD datasets were retrieved through database searches or directly from repository staff (N=183). Citation frequency of data accessions were used to determine utilization of AD/ADRD genomic and multi-omics datasets in published literature. iSearch tool was used to assess secondary use drivers in resulting publications. Query of data accessions in Pubmed Central returned 284 unique publications. iSearch clustering by term showed that genomic datasets were used to study genetic risk factors of AD/ADRD while multi-omics datasets were used to functionally characterize genetic risk variants, identify gene regulatory networks, and biomarkers associated with neurodegenerative diseases. These findings indicate the usefulness of AD/ADRD secondary data to the scientific literature.
SPATIAL NAVIGATION SKILLS IN MILD COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT (MCI) – A META-ANALYSIS
Authors: Kossowska-Kuhn Dorota , Charness Neil 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Background
Dementia has a tremendous impact on societies and individuals world-wide. One of the earliest symptoms of Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) is spatial disorientation (Coughlan et al. 2018). Spatial orientation problems commonly manifest in Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI), which represents a state between cognitively healthy aging and dementia. It appears that spatial navigation skills might be an early indicator of cognitive decline due to MCI.

Methods
The present meta-analysis examines the difference between the performance of cognitively healthy older adults and older adults with MCI on spatial navigation tests. The standardized mean difference (Hedge’s g) is used as the effect size measure. In addition to simple characteristics (year of publication, country of study, age of participants, gender, education), we examined the form of test administration (i.e., real-world, virtual reality), type of measure (time, accuracy) and the additional spatial tasks connected with the main spatial navigation test in moderator analyses.

Results
Current data consists of 69 effect sizes across 26 studies. These studies represent 1359 participants (682 MCI, 677 healthy older adults). The overall result shows that the navigation skills of healthy cognitively older adults are significantly better (p &lt; 0.05) comparing to people with MCI by the standardized mean difference (SMD) = 0.81.

Conclusion
Given the large effect size, it is worthwhile to examine potential moderators. It would also be useful to assess the effect size for spatial navigation in people with Alzheimer’s Disease.
STATE-LEVEL DESCRIPTION OF MEDICAID POLICY AND ACCESS TO LICENSED ASSISTED LIVING CARE FOR LOW-INCOME ADULTS
Authors: Gunderson Rachel , Smith Lindsey , Cornell Portia , Gadkari Gauri , Thomas Kali 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
A growing proportion of Medicaid funds are allocated to care in assisted living (AL) settings. However, a state must have a state plan amendment or waiver to utilize these funds. States issue levels of licensure for AL communities, which govern the care and oversight that can be provided and may determine whether ALs can accept Medicaid funding. However, until now, Medicaid coverage for AL has been analyzed at the state level and is not well-documented for license types. Using Medicaid state plans and waiver applications, we describe the types of Medicaid funding mechanisms that states use to finance care in AL and identify the demographics and health characteristics of residents in Medicaid-eligible ALs. We find that five states do not utilize Medicaid to finance care in AL. Among the 45 states and DC with Medicaid-financed AL, 12 states limit Medicaid funding to specific licenses, whereas 34 states provide access to Medicaid-funded care for all AL license types. Among identified ALs, 86% are licensed to accept Medicaid funds. Although the modal funding mechanism is through 1915c waivers, the largest percentage (40%) of ALs licensed to accept Medicaid funding are in states that utilize multiple mechanisms. In states that fund AL through state plan amendments, 88% of Medicare beneficiaries reside in covered ALs; conversely, in states that use 1115 demonstration waivers, 99% of Medicare beneficiaries reside in covered ALs. This work will benefit future research and policymaking aiming to use Medicaid funding to increase access to appropriate, high-quality care in licensed ALs.
TARGETING P21CIP1-HIGHLY-EXPRESSING SENESCENT CELLS TO IMPROVE HEALTHSPAN IN PROGEROID MICE
Authors: Wang Binsheng , Wang Lichao , Xu Ming 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Aging is the leading risk factor for a variety of chronic diseases. Emerging evidence suggests that modulating fundamental aging processes such as cellular senescence may delay the onset of most chronic conditions as a group and increase healthy lifespan. Cellular senescence refers to the essentially irreversible growth arrest that occurs when cells experience stress. One common feature of senescent cells is the high expression level of p16Ink4a and/or p21Cip1. We and others have demonstrated the causal roles of p16Ink4a-highly-expressing (p16high) senescent cells in various age-related conditions. However, the role of p21high senescent cells in aging remains largely unknown. To address these questions, we have generated and validated a novel p21-Cre mouse model containing p21 promoter driving inducible Cre. By crossing with floxed mice, we managed to monitor, sort, image, eliminate, or modulate p21high cells in vivo. We investigated the maximal walking speed and grip strength of klotho (kl)-/- progeroid mice weekly starting from 5 weeks old until death. We showed that clearance of p21high cells can improve physical function in kl-/- mice for a long time period. Additionally, inactivation of NF-κB specifically in p21high cells also can improve tissue function in kl-/- mice. This study will provide invaluable research tools and pinpoint the role of cellular senescence in age-related tissue dysfunction.