bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impact of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Variants on Inpatient Clinical Outcome
Authors: Robinson Matthew L , Morris C Paul , Betz Joshua F , Zhang Yifan , Bollinger Robert , Wang Natalie , Thiemann David R , Fall Amary , Eldesouki Raghda E , Norton Julie M , Gaston David C , Forman Michael , Luo Chun Huai , Zeger Scott L , Gupta Amita , Garibaldi Brian T , Mostafa Heba H 
Published: December 2022

Abstract

Background
Prior observation has shown differences in COVID-19 hospitalization risk between SARS-CoV-2 variants, but limited information describes hospitalization outcomes.

Methods
Inpatients with COVID-19 at 5 hospitals in the eastern United States were included if they had hypoxia, tachypnea, tachycardia, or fever, and SARS-CoV-2 variant data, determined from whole-genome sequencing or local surveillance inference. Analyses were stratified by history of SARS-CoV-2 vaccination or infection. The average effect of SARS-CoV-2 variant on 28-day risk of severe disease, defined by advanced respiratory support needs, or death was evaluated using models weighted on propensity scores derived from baseline clinical features.

Results
Severe disease or death within 28 days occurred for 977 (29%) of 3369 unvaccinated patients and 269 (22%) of 1230 patients with history of vaccination or prior SARS-CoV-2 infection. Among unvaccinated patients, the relative risk of severe disease or death for Delta variant compared with ancestral lineages was 1.30 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.11–1.49). Compared with Delta, the risk for Omicron patients was .72 (95% CI: .59–.88) and compared with ancestral lineages was .94 (.78–1.1). Among Omicron and Delta infections, patients with history of vaccination or prior SARS-CoV-2 infection had half the risk of severe disease or death (adjusted hazard ratio: .40; 95% CI: .30–.54), but no significant outcome difference by variant.

Conclusions
Although risk of severe disease or death for unvaccinated inpatients with Omicron was lower than with Delta, it was similar to ancestral lineages. Severe outcomes were less common in vaccinated inpatients, with no difference between Delta and Omicron infections.
RNA Editing is a Valuable Biomarker for Predicting Carcinogenesis in Ulcerative Colitis
Authors: Takahashi Kazutaka , Shigeyasu Kunitoshi , Kondo Yoshitaka , Gotoh Kazuyoshi , Yano Shuya , Umeda Yuzo , Inokuchi Toshihiro , Xu Caiming , Yoshida Kazuhiro , Umeda Hibiki , Takahashi Toshiaki , Takeda Sho , Yoshida Ryuichi , Teraishi Fuminori , Kishimoto Hiroyuki , Mori Yoshiko , Noma Kazuhiro , Okugawa Yoshinaga , Hiraoka Sakiko , Michiue Hiroyuki , Tazawa Hiroshi , Matsushita Osamu , Goel Ajay , Fujiwara Toshiyoshi 
Published: December 2022

Abstract

Background and Aims
Ulcerative colitis [UC] can lead to colitis-associated colorectal neoplasm [CAN]. Adenosine-to-inosine RNA editing, which is regulated by adenosine deaminase acting on RNA [ADAR], induces the post-transcriptional modification of critical oncogenes, including antizyme inhibitor 1 [AZIN1], leading to colorectal carcinogenesis. Therefore, we hypothesized that ADAR1 might be involved in the development of CAN in UC.

Methods
We systematically analysed a cohort of 139 UC cases [40 acute phase, 73 remission phase, 26 CAN]. The degree of inflammation was evaluated using the Mayo endoscopic score [MES].

Results
The type 1 interferon [IFN]-related inflammation pathway was upregulated in the rectum of active UC, rectum of UC-CAN and tumour site of UC-CAN patients. ADAR1 expression was upregulated in the entire colon of CAN cases, while it was downregulated in non-CAN MES0 cases. ADAR1 expression in the rectum predicted the development of CAN better than p53 or β-catenin, with an area under the curve of 0.93. The high expression of ADAR1 and high AZIN1 RNA editing in UC was triggered by type 1 IFN stimulation from UC-specific microbiomes, such as seen in Fusobacterium in vitro analyses. The induction of AZIN1 RNA editing by ADAR1, whose expression is promoted by Fusobacterium, may induce carcinogenesis in UC.

Conclusions
The risk of CAN can be evaluated by assessing ADAR1 expression in the rectum of MES0 UC patients, freeing UC patients from unnecessary colonoscopy and reducing their physical burden. RNA editing may be involved in UC carcinogenesis, and may be used to facilitate the prevention and treatment of CAN in UC.
East Texas forests show strong resilience to exceptional drought
Authors: Chaudhary Tilak , Xi Weimin , Subedi Mukti , Rideout-Hanzak Sandra , Su Haibin , Dewez Nicholas P , Clarke Stephen 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Drought-induced tree mortality has increased in many parts of the world because of climate change, and in some regions, has altered forest structure, species composition and ecosystem functions. These developments have the potential to reduce forest resilience and push forests over a tipping point to an alternate state (i.e. a different forest type or a non-forest ecosystem). Texas experienced an exceptional drought in 2011, which killed an estimated 65.5 million trees in the heavily forested areas of the East Texas region. The objective of this study was to understand the effects of the 2011 drought on mortality, biomass and growth in this region and explore forest stability at species, forest and ecoregion levels. We categorized 19 years’ time-series data of 1455 Forest Inventory and Analysis plots into four periods, base (2001–2003), pre-drought (2004–2010), drought (2011–2016) and post-drought (2017–2019), and used repeated-measures analysis of variance to analyse annual mortality, biomass loss, growth rates and the Forest Stability Index to understand forest stability. Our results show that tree mortality and biomass loss increased significantly during the drought period and annual growth rates declined. During the post-drought period, mortality and biomass loss rates returned to the pre-drought level and growth partially recovered. During the drought period, FSI dropped at species, forest type and ecoregion levels but recovered during the post-drought period, except for the Oak Woods and Prairies ecoregion and for forests dominated by southern red oak. Our results indicate that East Texas forests are undergoing a reorganization and recovery stage (in terms of species composition and stand structure) but have yet to reach a tipping point. Given the increased frequency and severity of climate change-induced weather events, East Texas forests could approach a tipping point in the future if there is insufficient time between events for reorganization and recovery. Further analyses are needed to understand the fate of tree species and forests in East Texas under global climate change.
Challenges in automatic forest change reporting through land cover mapping
Authors: Alonso Laura , Rodríguez Andrés , Picos Juan , Armesto Julia 
Published: December 2022

AbstractUp-to-date knowledge about changes in forest resources and their spatial distribution is essential for sustainable forest management. Therefore, monitoring of forest evolution is increasingly demanded by national and international agencies to design forestry policies and to track their progress. Annually updated land cover maps based on open access satellite imagery may serve as a primary tool for monitoring forest surface evolution over time. Spatially detailed information about forest change might be obtained by comparing land cover maps over time. This study aims to better understand the processes underlying pixels whose land cover changes from 1 year’s map to the next and to understand why errors occur. In this study, two annual land cover maps were produced using Sentinel-2 images and afterwards they were compared. The comparison was performed in terms of total surface occupied in each map by each of the classes (net comparison) and in terms of spatial agreement, comparing the results pixel to pixel. The study was performed for the entire region of Galicia (in the Northwest of Spain) for the years 2019 and 2020. Land cover maps obtained had overall accuracies of 82 and 85 per cent. Differences in the total surface of change were encountered when performing the net comparison and spatial agreement comparison. The detailed analysis performed in this study helps to better understand the processes underlying the maps’ discrepancies revealing the processes leading to wrongly identified forest changes. Future studies could aim to integrate this knowledge into the monitoring system to improve the ultimate usability of land cover maps to retrieve information about forest changes.
TEACHING GERONTOLOGY TO SOCIAL WORK STUDENTS: APPLYING THE EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING USING ETHNOGRAPHIC INTERVIEW
Authors: Li Lun , Lee Yeonjung 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
There is an increasing need for well-trained social workers to support the growing aging population in Canada. Still, concerns arise regarding social work students’ insufficient knowledge and understanding of aging and aging-related issues. This study aims to examine social work students’ experience when experiential learning through ethnographic interview with older adults is applied as a pedagogical approach. This study was conducted based on two cohorts of social work undergraduate students who enrolled in a gerontology course in a Canadian university between 2020 and 2021. Students conducted an ethnographic interview with older adults aged 70 years and older and wrote a reflection paper as an assignment. We did a thematic analysis of eight reflection papers in which consent was obtained from students. We find that students connect aging-related theories/models to various topics discussed during their ethnographic interview, reflect on their personal experiences with aging family members, and show a positive perception of aging and attitude towards working with aging. The findings also suggest the benefit of adopting an approach of experiential learning through the ethnographic interview with older adults to teach gerontology to social work students. We offer recommendations for educators to create opportunities for students, especially from social work or other helping professions who traditionally have shown a lack of interest in working with older adults, to meet and interact with older adults, and to further enhance students’ competencies and interests in the fields of senior care.
"BECAUSE HE'S MY BABY": HOW MOTHERS EXPLAIN FAVORING THEIR FIRST- AND LAST-BORN CHILDREN IN LATER LIFE
Authors: Kincaid Reilly , Suitor J Jill , Gilligan Megan , Ogle Destiny 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Past research suggests that adult children’s birth order is an important predictor of mothers’ favoritism in later life. Older mothers are especially likely to favor their last-born children for socioemotional relationship dimensions such as emotional closeness. However, researchers have not examined how children’s birth order affects the reasons underlying these patterns. To address this question, we examine: (1) how older mothers' reasons for favoritism differ by favored children’s birth order, and (2) how these differences help explain mothers' disproportionate likelihood of favoring their last-borns. Qualitative data were collected during in-home interviews with 156 older mothers as part of the Within-Family Differences Study-II. Ninety-two of the mothers chose their last-borns and 64 chose their first-borns as the children to whom they felt most emotionally close. Findings suggest that last-borns were most often favored because they were seen as understanding and empathetic or in greater need of mothers’ attention and support. First-borns were often favored based on birth order and geographical proximity or contact frequency. Birth order itself was mentioned in 17.39% and 23.44% of cases of favoritism toward last-borns and first-borns, respectively. These findings enrich and extend past research on the role of birth order in shaping intergenerational relationships by shedding light on the reasons why last-borns are often mothers’ emotionally closest children. Given that poor parent–child relationship quality is linked to worse physical and psychological health for both adult children and their older parents, findings have important implications for research on family well-being in later life.
LONELINESS AND ACTIVITIES OF DAILY LIVING PERFORMANCE IN OLDER ADULTS: EXPLORING THE MODERATING ROLE OF COGNITION
Authors: Velez Bianca , Dulaney Cynthia 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Resulting from changes in the sociodemographic landscape and the global pandemic, rates of loneliness have exponentially risen (Myers & Palmarini, 2017; Piette et al., 2020). Prior research demonstrates that loneliness is associated with an increased risk of cognitive and functional impairment (Cacioppo & Hawkley, 2009; de Jong Gierveld & van Tilburg, 1995; Holmén, et al., 1992; Wilson et al., 2007) as well as depression (Cacioppo et al., 2006; Kwon et al., 2017; Purtill, 2018). Although cognition has been studied as either a predictor or outcome of loneliness, it has yet to be examined as a moderator between loneliness and functional impairment (i.e., performance of basic and instrumental activities of daily living; ADLs, IADLs). Participants (N = 106) were community and non-community dwelling adults aged 65 years and older who completed four self-report measures assessing loneliness, ADLs/IADLs, cognitive functioning and depression. Hierarchical linear regression analyses were conducted to test the moderation model. Data revealed that cognition moderated the relationship between loneliness and IADLs. Follow-up simple slope analyses revealed that high cognition and low cognition were associated with decreased IADL performance amongst individuals with loneliness, and this association was stronger when cognition was low. The current study sheds light on the social, emotional, and physical disruptions the pandemic has caused in the lives of older adults. It highlights the need for interventions to enhance the quantity and quality of social relationships, and older adults’ involvement in physical and cognitive activities to uphold functional independence in later life.
CHANGES IN GENERAL SELF-EFFICACY FOLLOWING THE WITS WELLNESS PROGRAM: PRELIMINARY FINDINGS FROM THE 12-WEEK RCT
Authors: Gothe Neha , Hofer Molly , Byers Chelsey , Payne Laura , Bobitt Julie 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Self-efficacy among older adults has been associated with better sleep, increased vitality, decreased pain and discomfort as well as overall satisfaction with life. Interventions designed to increase general self-efficacy can therefore have wide-ranging effects on individual’s health as well as reduce the burden on healthcare systems. In this abstract we present preliminary data examining the impact of Wits Wellness on general self-efficacy among participants. Middle aged and older adults, Nf285 (Mean age 65.58 yrs, males=28) were randomized to either a Wits Wellness group or a Waitlist Control for 12-weeks. The 12-week wellness program addresses multiple factors including physical activity, stress, sleep, social isolation and diet with the goal of empowering older adults to make healthier lifestyle choices. At baseline and end of the 12-week trial, the 10-item PROMIS general self-efficacy scale was used to assess global self-efficacy which reflects a problem-solving approach despite perceived obstacles and challenges. Older participants aged 65 and above, who attended 8 or more weeks (Nf123, n=63 in Wits Wellness group) of the program demonstrated significant increases in their general self-efficacy. Results showed a significant group*time effect favoring the Wits Wellness intervention (F(1,120)=4.10, p=.045, partial eta2=.03). The intervention was most effective in boosting confidence among the older adults within the trial (&gt;65 yrs.). These findings demonstrate preliminary efficacy of the Wits Wellness program and are significant as general self-efficacy is considered an important moderator of healthy adaptation to illness which is critical in old age. Funded by the Midwest Roybal Center grant P30AG022849.
CHANGES IN OLDER ADULTS’ LONELINESS OVER TWO YEARS OF COVID-19: A MIXED-METHODS ANALYSIS
Authors: Kinkade Emily , Fuller Heather , Van Vleet Bryce , Huseth-Zosel Andrea 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, social distancing and stay-at-home behaviors have been recommended to protect older adults from severe illness. However, despite disease reduction benefits, self-isolation may place older adults at an increased risk for loneliness, another serious public health concern. This longitudinal, mixed-methods study investigates whether older adults’ perceptions of loneliness changed across two years of the pandemic and how older adults described their experiences with loneliness at different points of the pandemic. Between April 2020 and June 2022, five waves of interviews were conducted with 76 Midwestern older adults between the ages of 70 and 97. At each interview, participants completed the UCLA Three-Item Loneliness Scale and answered several open-ended questions about their current daily life, social connections, and experiences and perceptions during the pandemic. A repeated-measures ANOVA indicated that participants’ loneliness scores significantly decreased between the first and final interview, although there was a nonsignificant increase in loneliness at the third interview. Thematic coding of the interview transcripts identified four emergent themes related to loneliness across two years of the pandemic: 1) differentiation of isolation from loneliness, 2) acceptance of circumstances, 3) adaptation to prevent loneliness, and 4) barriers to adaptation. Findings suggest older adults had nuanced and shifting experiences of loneliness throughout the pandemic, in which they generally showed increasing acceptance and strong adaptation to feelings of loneliness. However, adaptation was also challenged as the pandemic endured. Our discussion will highlight protective and risk factors for older adults’ loneliness and directions for future study and practice.
SERUM PROGRANULIN AS A POTENTIAL BIOMARKER FOR FRAILTY IN CHINESE OLDER ADULTS
Authors: Liu Pan , Li Yun , Li Shijie , Zhang Yaxin , Song Yu , Ji Tong , Li Ying , Ma Lina 
Published: December 2022

Abstract

Background
Frailty increases the risk of adverse health outcomes in older adults. Progranulin is a secreted glycoprotein involved in regulating various biological processes. A few studies have investigated the relationship between progranulin and frailty in middle-aged and older populations; however, different perspectives exist. We aimed to evaluate the association of progranulin with frailty in older Chinese adults.

Methods
We included 265 older in-patients who were divided into the frail (n=107) and non-frail (n=158) groups according to the FRAIL scale. Serum IL-6, CXCL-10, and progranulin levels were assayed. Spearman’s correlation analysis and logistic regression models were used to analyze the association of serum biomarkers with frailty, and the ROC was used to evaluate the diagnostic progranulin value for frailty.

Results
The frail group was older, had lower BMI, higher prevalence of coronary heart disease, worse grip strength and walking speed, and higher serum levels of IL-6, CXCL-10, and progranulin, than the non-frail group. Progranulin levels were negatively correlated with grip strength and positively correlated with IL-6 and CXCL-10. The logistic regression analysis showed that IL-6, CXCL-10, and progranulin were associated with frailty, respectively. Furthermore, progranulin remained associated with frailty after adjusting for age, sex, BMI, smoking, and chronic diseases (OR=1.003, 95%CI=1.001–1.005, p=0.013). The AUC of serum progranulin levels for diagnostic frailty was 0.872 (95%CI=0.829–0.914, p &lt; 0.001).

Conclusion
High serum progranulin levels were observed in frail older in-patients and associated with worse physical function and chronic inflammation. This association indicates that progranulin may be a potential biomarker for frailty.
AN EVIDENCE-BASED APPROACH TO TELEPHONE REASSURANCE CALLS: A RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIAL PROTOCOL
Authors: Minyo Morgan , Bass David , McCarthy Catherine , Judge Katherine , Perkins Fatima , Beach Douglas 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
The COVID-19 Pandemic forced many health and community organizations to suspend some previously offered services and supports for older adults. This created heightened concerns about negative impacts of isolation and loneliness on already vulnerable older adults. In response, the Western Reserve Area Agency on Aging (WRAAA) began the TeleCare Program, providing weekly telephone reassurance calls to home and congregate meal clients to maintain contact and identify unmet service needs. Because of its success, the TeleCare Program has continued as a regularly offered service, but the WRAAA sought to improve the Program by integrating it with BRI Care ConsultationTM, an evidence-based program of the Benjamin Rose Institute on Aging (BRIA). This poster reports on initial results of a randomized controlled trial to test the efficacy and feasibility of a new protocol for delivering telephone reassurance calls. The new protocol is modeled after the Initial Assessment in BRI Care Consultation, which is a semi-structured, telephone conversation covering a comprehensive range of potentials problems. The protocol also connects high-risk clients to existing available home- and community-based services. Results demonstrate that components of proven evidence-based interventions are feasible to integrate into existing programs and services. This includes adapting a model for problem-identification and assessment based on a consumer-driven conceptual framework, a record keeping system to enhance consistency and fidelity of program delivery, and establishing a formal referral protocol to more seamlessly link clients to other available services.
AGE AND SITE DIFFERENCES IN PLANNED AND PERFORMED ACTIONS IN RESPONSE TO IDENTIFIED RISKS IN OLDER ADULTS
Authors: Finkel Deborah , Johansson Linda , Westerlind Björn , Lindmark Ulrika , Ernsth-Bravell Marie 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
The Swedish health care system focuses on allowing older adults to “age in place”; however, that approach assumes that home health services are adequate to support health and prevent unnecessary decline. Data from the Senior Alert national quality register in Sweden were examined to compare the quality of care across care locations. First registration in Senior Alert was available for 2914 adults aged 57–109 (median age = 81): 3.6% dementia unit, 7.8% home health care, 4.4% rehabilitation unit, 62.8% hospital, 21.4% care home. There were significant differences across units in the number of identified risks in 4 categories: falls, malnutrition, oral health, and pressure ulcer. Individuals in rehabilitation units averaged 2.4 risks, individuals in dementia and care homes averaged 2.0 risks, and individuals in home health care and hospitals averaged 1.4 risks. For individuals with identified risks, the differences between planned and performed actions for each risk independently were greatest for those in home health care. Moreover, the correlation between total planned and performed actions in home health care was .79 for adults aged 65–80 years and .39 for adults aged 81 and over. The correlation did not differ across age for the other care units. Results suggest that individuals most in need of actions to address health risks (older adults in home health care) are least likely to have the actions performed. Training and support of workers responsible for home health care need to be improved if the “age in place” policy is to continue.