bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
ASSOCIATION BETWEEN LIMITED ENGLISH PROFICIENCY AND MEDICARE ENROLLMENT CHOICE
Authors: Estenson Lilly , Jacobson Mireille 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Choosing between traditional Medicare and Medicare Advantage (MA) is an important health and financial decision that can be especially complicated for Medicare beneficiaries who have limited proficiency speaking or reading English (LEP). In this study, we used data from the 2016–2018 Medicare Current Beneficiary Survey and ordinary least squares regression to examine the association between LEP and MA enrollment. Among the 19,621 respondents (32,912 person-year observations) who answered LEP questions, 9.2% self-reported having LEP and 38% were enrolled in MA. Limited proficiency reading English was significantly associated with enrollment choice; respondents who reported reading English “not well” or “not at all” were 6.7 percentage points less likely to enroll in MA than respondents who reported reading English “well” or “very well” (SE=0.025; p &lt; 0.01). However, when we stratified respondents by language spoken at home, we discovered considerable variation in this association among language subgroups (English: -6.5 percentage points, SE=0.029, p &lt; 0.05; Spanish: -1.5 percentage points, SE=0.051, p=NS; other: -11.2 percentage points, SE=0.065, p &lt; 0.10). Additionally, respondents with limited proficiency reading English were 8.0 percentage points less likely to positively rate their Medicare knowledge (SE=0.022, p &lt; 0.01) and 6.4 percentage points less likely to review their Medicare options annually (SE=0.023, p &lt; 0.01) than respondents with English reading proficiency. Limited proficiency speaking English was not significantly associated with MA enrollment, Medicare knowledge, or annual options review. These findings suggest that English literacy rather than speaking proficiency may be a crucial determinant of enrollment choices. Language access around health insurance information is critical for equitable Medicare enrollment.
BEFORE IT WAS COOL: THE AGING NETWORK’S ROLE IN ADDRESSING SOCIAL NEEDS AND REDUCING DISPARITIES
Authors: Wilson Traci , Kunkel Suzanne 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Decades before social determinants of health (SDOH) became such a focus of attention across health and social care, Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs), Title VI Native American Aging Programs, and their Aging Network partners had developed local systems of coordinated services and supports to assess and address health-related social needs. Every service and program provided by an AAA or Title VI program addresses a need related to SDOH risks. The Older Americans Act mandates that funded services such as congregate and home-delivered meals, support for caregivers, transportation, and housing supports are targeted to older adults with the greatest economic or social need. Using the foundational study on “ACL’s Impact on the Social Determinants of Health” as a framework, this symposium will demonstrate how OAA-funded programs map to SDOH pathways. Presenters will describe specific programs and new practices within the Aging Network that identify and address social needs of older adults from historically marginalized and underserved communities. These initiatives, many of which were born through COVID response, include analyses and partnerships to advance health equity and care integration. Presenters will describe how Aging Network practices and partnerships have altered community environments to make community living accessible to older adults who have been traditionally underserved, and current workforce challenges that threaten continued progress. The session will conclude with an interactive discussion about gaps, strategies, and next steps to reinforce, articulate and demonstrate the value of Aging Network services in addressing SDOH risks and needs.
ROBUST LONGEVITY EFFECTS OF NOVEL COMPOUNDS TESTED BY THE CAENORHABDITIS INTERVENTION TESTING PROGRAM
Authors: Driscoll Monica , Onken Brian , Sedore Christine , Coleman-Hulbert Anna , Hall David , Lithgow Gordon , Phillips Patrick , Montes Viviana Perez 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Many efficacious interventions that promote mouse longevity (sirtuins, TOR, insulin signaling) have identification roots in invertebrate genetics. The Caenorhabditis Intervention Testing Program (CITP) was charged by the NIA to evaluate pharmacological interventions that promote healthy aging in a robust and reproducible manner across diverse genetic backgrounds of natural variant Caenorhabditis strains. The central premise of the CITP effort is that compounds that have strong effects across diverse genetic backgrounds have enhanced probability of translatability into pre-clinical research. Indeed, some CITP-verified compounds have been shown to promote healthspan and longevity in mouse models, in support of this fundamental premise. One example that supports the Geroscience hypothesis (anti-aging compounds will promote systemic health) is our finding that when HBX, the counterpart of one of the strongest C. elegans longevity interventions (ThioT), was tested in a comprehensive multi-laboratory collaboration (Buck Institute), a remarkable increase in bone health in aging mice emerged (PMID 33778327). Our current effort includes pursuing compound submissions from the larger scientific aging community, as well as identification of candidates via high-throughput screening of chemical libraries and data mining of peer-reviewed publications. We now evaluate whole-organism RNA sequence data to estimate the mode of action for successful interventions, and conduct mortality analysis from a generalized family of distributions on high-resolution automated lifespan data to determine whether a given intervention changes the rate or onset of aging. Our recent lifespan-altering discoveries include a small molecule, a proprietary compound, an isothiocyanate and a vitamin derivative. We will present on the breaking compound successes.
EVALUATING INSTRUMENTS FOR ASSESSING HEALTHSPAN: A MULTI-CENTER CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY IN THE COMPANION DOG
Authors: Chen Frances , Ullal Tarini , Graves Jessica , Ratcliff Ellen , Naka Alexander , McKenzie Brennen , Carttar Tennery , LaCroix-Fralish Michael 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
The companion dog is an emerging model in translational geroscience and offers novel opportunities to investigate aging biology and potential gerotherapeutics. However, there is a scarcity of validated tools and clinical outcome measures to characterize and understand the impact of aging in this translational species. Here we report on a multi-center, cross sectional veterinary clinical study, where we evaluated a clinical questionnaire (Canine Frailty Index; CFI; Banzato et al., 2019) to assess frailty and an owner assessment tool (VetMetrica HRQL) to evaluate HRQL in 451 adult companion dogs. Results support evidence of validity for the tools by confirming expectations that frailty and HRQL deteriorate with age. CFI scores were significantly higher (higher frailty) and HRQL scores significantly lower (worse HRQL) in old dogs (≥ 7 years of age) compared to young dogs (≥ 2 and &lt; 6 years of age). Body size (small &lt; 25lbs or large &gt; 50lbs) was not associated with CFI or total HRQL score. However, older, larger dogs showed faster age-related decline in HRQL scores specific to owner-reported activity and comfort. Findings suggest that the clinician-assessed CFI and owner-reported VetMetrica HRQL may be useful tools to evaluate two determinants of healthspan in dogs: the accumulation of frailty and the progressive decline in quality of life. Establishing validated tools that operationalize the assessment of canine healthspan is critical for the linking pathophysiological mechanisms to aging phenotypes in the companion dog and for accelerating the development of gerotherapeutics that benefit both human and veterinary medicine.
USING SOCIAL MEDIA TO UNDERSTAND FAMILY CAREGIVER PERSPECTIVES ON ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY FOR PERSONS WITH ALS
Authors: Choi Yong K , Alomairi Salhah 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
ALS Forum (alsforums.com) is an online support group for those who have motor neuron disease or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). It provides information, advice, connection, care, and assistance to persons living with ALS and their family caregivers. This study aimed to analyze the online discussion posts by caregivers of persons with ALS and assess their perceptions, experiences, and challenges of using assistive technologies (AT). Posts were extracted from the ALS caregiver discussion forum via web scraping using Python in March 2022. The extracted posts are dated between June 2005 and January 2022. The total number of posts and replies generated during this period was 52,292 by 2,397 unique users. Additional searches were conducted using assistive technology-related keywords to create the text dataset. A total of 263 posts by 137 unique users were identified. After the initial review, 186 posts were included in the final analysis. Thematic analysis revealed six major themes: (1) Uses of AT (automation/control, communication, mobility); 2) Barriers and Facilitators (cost, effort to learn new technology, rejection, interoperability, customer service); 3) Usability (hardware and software-related); 4) Sharing Experience on AT; 5) Giving Advice; 6) Seeking Information on AT. The findings are consistent with previous literature that online health discussion forums provide access to rich data that contains lived experiences of patients and caregivers. The findings may inform the design of future assistive technology that incorporates the patients’ and caregivers’ perspectives to increase the adoption and long-term sustainability of the technology for people living with ALS and their caregivers.
OLDER AMERICANS ACT PROVISIONS AND SOCIAL DETERMINANTS OF HEALTH: INTERSECTIONS AND IMPACTS
Authors: Griffin Shannon , Skinner Robbie , Kunkel Suzanne , Blair Elizabeth , Simon Lois , Graham Robert , Wilson Traci , Hudgins Kristen 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Older Americans Act (OAA) programs and services are strongly linked to social determinants of health (SDOH) and integral to addressing social needs among older adults and individuals with disabilities and their families. Supported by the Administration for Community Living, researchers examined the intersection of OAA-funded programs and services under Titles III, VI, and VII and their impacts on SDOH. This study used an integration of extant literature; secondary data; and interviews with ACL office leadership, AAAs, Title VI program staff, and other local service providers to examine existing social needs among older adults, equity prioritization within OAA-funded program development, and impacts of OAA-funded programs and services. Study findings highlighted relationships between ACL and Aging Network entities, best practices for and process challenges of transforming grant funding into recipient services, and OAA-funded program areas for possible future development.
RACE AND DETERMINANTS OF HEALTH MODERATE ASSOCIATIONS BETWEEN COGNITIVE DECLINE AND DRIVING MOBILITY OVER 10 YEARS
Authors: Wheeler Katie , Pope Caitlin , Bell Tyler , Carroll Brooke , Ross Lesley , Ball Karlene 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
The ability to drive a vehicle is an everyday function that helps older adults maintain independence. Few observational studies have examined the relationship between cognitive decline and driving mobility and in context of racial differences and social determinants of health (SDOH). To address this empirical gap, this study aimed to characterize how cognitive functioning is longitudinally associated with driving mobility (driving space, driving exposure, and driving difficulty) in older age, and how it may vary by race and SDOH. Using the control arm of the Advanced Cognitive Training in Vital Elderly study (n=581, 24.5% Black), multilevel models examined longitudinal associations between processing speed, visual attention, memory, and reasoning with driving mobility outcomes. Race and SDOH moderations were explored. Only declines in reasoning and processing speed related to driving mobility, moderated by race and SDOH. Reasoning decline related to increased driving space in White (β=-.21,p=.006) but not Black older adults (p=.286). Processing speed decline related to greater driving exposure in Black older adults (β=-.15,p &lt; .001) but less driving exposure in White older adults (β=.13,p=.006). Processing speed decline related to reduced driving exposure (β=-.06,p=.001) and increased driving difficulty (β=-.35,p &lt; .001), but only in people living in poorer neighborhood and built environment and poorer social community contexts, respectively. Overall, findings emphasize that relationships between cognitive decline and driving mobility are dependent on race and SDOH. Consideration of such factors may help target those in greatest need to sustain safe driving mobility and functional independence.
FINANCIAL HARDSHIPS AND MEDICATION ADHERENCE DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC
Authors: Lytle Megan , Carr Dawn , Homan Patricia 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Medication nonadherence is associated with numerous negative health outcomes among older adults, including myocardial infarction, stroke, preventable hospitalizations, and increased risk of decline in self-reported health status. Maintaining continuous use and access to needed medications in later life has important implications for quality and length of life. A primary barrier shown to interfere with medication adherence in older adults is an inability to pay for medication. Relative to their younger counterparts, older adults have more financial protections that increase access to needed prescription medication through health insurance coverage. Despite these added protections, older adults are more likely to experience financial insecurity, with some evidence suggesting that COVID-19 accentuated existing vulnerabilities. Data are derived from the Health and Retirement Study (HRS), leveraging data drawn from the 2016, 2018, and 2020 study waves (n=3,185). Logistic models were used to evaluate the association between five COVID-19 related financial setbacks (i.e., inability to pay mortgage/rent, credit card bills, utility or insurance bills, medical bills, and inadequate money for food), and medication nonadherence among adults 60+. Results show that net of pre-COVID financial vulnerabilities and socioeconomic status, individuals who reported being unable to pay medical bills and those unable to pay rent/mortgage after the start of the pandemic reported higher odds (19% higher and 230% higher odds, respectively) of not taking/filling their prescription medication due to cost. Results suggest that greater financial protections for housing and medical bills among financially vulnerable older adults will increase medication adherence.
COVID-19 VACCINATIONS AMONG COMMUNITY-DWELLING PERSONS LIVING WITH DEMENTIA AND THEIR CAREGIVERS
Authors: McCann Brandy Renee , Savla Jyoti , Roberto Karen , Blieszner Rosemary 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
There is a paucity of information regarding the uptake of the COVID-19 vaccine among community-dwelling persons living with dementia and their family caregivers. We examined factors influencing COVID-19 vaccine acceptance and hesitancy among community-dwelling persons living with dementia and their family caregivers during the early months of the vaccine rollout (February-March, 2021). Data came from three waves of telephone interviews (Mtime = 38.33 minutes) with 26 family caregivers living in rural Appalachian Virginia (96% White, 81% Female, Mage= 63±12 years, 42% Spouse Caregivers). We conducted a four-stage trajectory-based thematic content analysis and used the health belief model to interpret the data. Whereas all family caregivers and their relative living with dementia were eligible for the vaccine at Wave 3, only 10 dyads received it, while 10 dyads did not. In two families, the caregivers received the vaccine but not the person living with dementia; in four families, the caregiver had not received the vaccine, but their relative did. COVID vaccination acceptance was influenced by perceived direct and indirect health risks, cues from trusted allies, and ability to overcome vaccination barriers. Homebound people living with dementia faced unique barriers including transportation to vaccine sites and providers’ inability to deliver the vaccine to the home. Caregivers who refused or delayed vaccinations for themselves or their relatives discussed confusion about eligibility, low perceived risk of COVID, vaccine fear, and personal choice beliefs. Findings inform direct care delivery for interdependent family members who live in remote locations facing a public health crisis.
PSYCHOMETRICS IN THE DEVELOPING OF LONGITUDINAL MEASURES OF FRAILTY
Authors: Voll Stacey , Terrera Graciela Muniz , Hofer Scott 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Frailty has become an increasingly important aspect in the field of health research in studies of vulnerability to adverse events and individuals functioning due to accumulated health deficits. Yet, there is no agreement on how to measure frailty or identify adults as frail, resulting in high heterogeneity between estimates of frailty and identification of frail individuals. The purpose of this poster is to provide a summary of the process in the development of a frailty index with robust psychometric properties to be used in research using longitudinal health study sets.
DEVELOPMENT OF PREDICTIVE MODELS FOR INCIDENT FRAILTY IN OLDER ADULTS: MACHINE LEARNING APPROACHES
Authors: Jung Heeeun , Kim Miji , Park Mina , Ryu Jinhyung , Mun Kyung-Ryoul , Won Chang Won 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Frailty is not only a clinical symptom accompanying adverse health outcomes but also a syndrome that involves a dynamic transition between varying phases. This study aimed to develop machine learning (ML) models for predicting incident frailty over a 2-year follow-up period among Korean community-dwelling adults aged 70 years and older. We conducted prospective analyses (n=2,408) among participants who underwent measurement of frailty status at baseline and 2-year follow-up from the Korean Frailty and Aging Cohort Study. Frailty was defined as the presence of three or more of five components using the Fried frailty phenotype. A total of 2,250 participants classified as non-frail at baseline and 116 (5.2%) with incident frailty during the 2-year follow-up. 32 variables selected by stepwise analysis were used as inputs among 77 variables composed of sociodemographic and clinical characteristics. The different ML models such as Logistic Regression(LR), K-Nearest Neighbor(KNN), Gaussian Naïve Base(NB), Support Vector Machine(SVM), and Random Forest(RF) with the 10-fold cross validation were compared. A feature selection, grid search, and data resampling methods were applied to find the best inputs and models. The best performing inputs of 16 variables were found and Gaussian NB achieved the highest accuracy of 0.82 and F1-score of 0.79 in predicting frailty incidence after 2-years with selected 16 inputs, followed by RF (accuracy 0.82, F1-score 0.76) and LR (accuracy 0.80, F1-score 0.76). We developed ML models for predicting frailty and is expected to contribute to the early prediction of frail older adults and timely intervention in clinical and community settings.
WHAT I KNOW NOW THAT I WISH I HAD KNOWN WHEN I WAS YOUNGER: OLDER WOMEN’S RELATIONSHIP ADVICE AS SKINNY POETRY
Authors: Watson Wendy , Faulkner Sandra , Stelle Charlie 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Research has demonstrated that relationships are important in the lives of older women. Eighteen women between the ages of 64–84 participated in interviews about their lives and relationships across the life course. As a final question, the women were asked, “What do you know now about relationships that you wish you’d known when you were young?” Responses to that question were examined using a skinny poem. The Skinny poem is a short poetry form that portrays a vivid image in 11 “skinny” lines. It is a type of lyric poem that uses condensed images, expressions of personal feelings, and demonstrations of emotional context in musical lines. Skinnys were written by one author and analyzed by a second author. This poster will present the 18 skinny poems and the analysis of the poems. In these skinnys, one can see the relationship experiences the women had throughout their lives. There is a connection to wisdom, a recognition that they have grown and learned about relationships over time and have advice they wished their younger selves had known. Emotions range from anger and anxiety to trepidation and regret. Most of the women reflect on things they would have done differently, from how they treated others to how they felt about themselves. They recognize that relationships take work and that as older women, they still do not know everything about relationships. They also learned about themselves as individuals and wished they had not searched for their identity and self-worth in their connection to others.
SHORT-TERM DIESEL EXHAUST PARTICLE NEUROTOXICITY MEDIATED BY TLR4 ACROSS AGE AND SEX
Authors: Shkirkova Kristina , Zhang Hongqiao , Diaz Arnold , Mack Wendy , Sioutas Constantinos , Finch Caleb , Pike Christian , Mack William 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Experimental animal exposures show neurotoxic effects of diesel in young mice even after short-term exposures. We hypothesize that neuroinflammatory effects of diesel exhaust particles (DEP) are mediated by toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) activation in brain microglia. We studied both sexes of young (2 months) and middle-aged (18 months) TLR4 flx/flx (CX3CR1CreER +/-) mice, in which macrophage-specific TLR4 deletion is induced by tamoxifen. DEP from National Institute of Science and Technology (NIST 2975) was suspended in pure water and re-aerosolized for 5 hr exposure at 100 µg/m3 concentration. Experimental groups were Filtered Air+Corn Oil, DEP+Corn Oil, Filtered Air+Tamoxifen, DEP+Tamoxifen. We studied markers of inflammation, oxidative stress, and microglia activation in the white matter of corpus callosum. At baseline, middle-aged mice showed higher levels of microglia activation (Iba-1), complement activation (C5, C5a), and oxidative stress (8-OHdG, 4HNE). DEP significantly increased microglial activation, inflammation, and oxidative stress. TLR4 knockdown showed a rescue effect in DEP group for Iba-1 and 8-OHdG in young but not in middle-aged mice. Both C5a and 4HNE were rescued by TLR4 knockdown in young and middle-aged mice, possibly with less robust effects in older mice. No significant sex effects were observed. Middle-aged mice have higher levels of baseline white matter inflammation and oxidative stress. DEP exposure caused robust neuroinflammatory and oxidative responses in white matter across ages. TLR4 knockdown attenuated DEP caused neuroinflammatory and oxidative responses, suggesting that microglia play an important role in DEP neurotoxicity.