bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
SEX-SPECIFIC BIOMARKER PREDICTION OF FEMORAL NECK BONE LOSS AFTER HIP FRACTURE
Authors: Rathbun Alan , Hochberg Marc , Shardell Michelle , Ryan Alice , Orwig Denise , Magaziner Jay 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Hip fracture exacerbates age-related inflammation and metabolic dysfunction, which could accelerate bone loss post-fracture. This study aimed to develop biomarker prediction models for declines in femoral neck bone mineral density (BMD) after hip fracture. Participants were Caucasian men (n=99) and women (n=75) from the Baltimore Hip Studies 7th cohort with a hip fracture who were not receiving glucocorticoids, sex-hormone therapy, or bone-active medications. Data were collected at baseline (within 15 days of admission) and 2-, 6-, and 12-months later. Biomarkers were categorized into tertiles: interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1RA), interleukin-6 (IL-6), soluble tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) receptor type 1, estradiol (E), testosterone (T), intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH), sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG), insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen (CTX), and procollagen type I N-propeptide (PINP). Femoral neck BMD was measured using dual energy x-ray absorptiometry. Mixed-effects models adjusted for age, height, and weight estimated 1-year changes in femoral neck BMD after hip fracture. Bone loss was classified as accelerated for intra-individual changes that exceeded the mean decline. Logistic regression models were stratified by biological sex and implemented using stepwise selection. The area under the curve (AUC) estimate among men was 0.68, and biomarkers related to bone loss were E, IGF-1, SHBG, and CTX. Similarly, the AUC metric among women was 0.69, but identified biomarkers were IL-6, iPTH, IGF-1, and SHBG. Findings indicate that both inflammatory and hormonal biomarkers relate to accelerated bone loss post-fracture; however, there are differential associations in physiological mechanisms between men and women.
COGNITIVE RESERVE ATTENUATES THE EFFECT OF AD GENETIC RISK ON COGNITIVE AND BRAIN TRAJECTORIES
Authors: Pettigrew Corinne , Soldan Anja , Wang Jiangxia , Gross Alden , Hohman Timothy , Davatzikos Christos , Erus Guray , Albert Marilyn 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) genetic risk factors impact cognitive and brain health, but the extent to which these effects are mitigated by cognitive reserve (CR) is less well understood. This study examined whether higher levels of CR (measured by education and reading ability) were associated with a reduced impact of AD genetic risk on both longitudinal cognitive trajectories (N = 1,819, M follow-up = 9.9 years) and brain atrophy (N = 1,542, M follow-up = 5.3 years) measured in middle-aged and older individuals with normal cognition at baseline. AD genetic risk was measured by APOE genetic status and AD polygenic risk scores (AD-PRS, excluding APOE). Cognitive outcomes included global, episodic memory, and executive function factor scores. Atrophy, derived from volumetric magnetic resonance imaging, included a composite of AD vulnerable regions (SPARE-AD), hippocampal volume, and a composite of regions indexing advanced non-AD related brain aging (SPARE-BA). In mixed-effects models, APOE-ε4 was associated with declines in all cognitive measures and with greater atrophy in SPARE-AD, SPARE-BA, and hippocampal regions over time. Importantly, the negative associations of APOE-ε4 with declines in global cognition and memory, and of APOE-ε4 with atrophy in SPARE-AD and the hippocampus were reduced among individuals with higher levels of CR. The AD-PRS was associated with executive function and global cognition declines (not memory), and with greater atrophy in SPARE-AD and hippocampal regions. However, CR did not attenuate AD-PRS-related changes in these measures. Results suggest that some APOE-ε4-related declines in cognition and brain atrophy may be mitigated by potentially modifiable factors.
RESTING STATE ELECTROENCEPHALOGRAPHY AND INHIBITORY CONTROL IN COGNITIVELY UNIMPAIRED OLDER ADULTS
Authors: Warren Teresa , Ashrafi Jaya , Shende Shraddha , Lydon Elizabeth , Mudar Raksha 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Resting state electroencephalography (EEG) activity captures spontaneous neural activity while at rest. Mounting evidence suggests that resting state EEG activity is linked to cognitive performance and event-related potentials in young adults. However, little is known on the relationship between resting state EEG activity and event-related spectral perturbations (ERSPs) and/or behavioral performance linked to inhibitory control in cognitively unimpaired older adults (OA). This study examined the relationship between resting state alpha power and 1) alpha-band ERSPs and 2) behavioral measures during a Go/NoGo inhibitory control task in 22 OA (Age: M = 64.04, SD = 6.18 years; Montreal Cognitive Assessment score: M = 28.43, SD = 0.99). Participants’ EEG data were collected during eyes-open resting state and a Go/NoGo task. Fourier transformation-based spectral analysis was used to calculate power in the alpha frequency band (8-12 Hz), with absolute power spectral density for the resting state condition and event-related desynchronization (ERD) for the Go/NoGo task. Behavioral performance was assessed using reaction time on Go trials (M = 340.27 ms, SD = 33.71) and accuracy on Go (M = 0.92, SD = 0.13) and NoGo trials (M = 0.92, SD = 0.06). Based on preliminary analyses, lower absolute alpha power in resting state was correlated with better accuracy (r(4) = -0.995, p =.005) and lower alpha ERD (r(4) = -0.96, p =.005) on Go trials. These preliminary results suggest that resting state brain oscillations may predict brain dynamics and performance linked to inhibitory control in OA.
CONTINUOUS PASSIVE MONITORING OF DAILY FUNCTION AND SYMPTOMS IN OLDER ADULTS WITH PROSTATE CANCER
Authors: Tibbitts Deanne , Beattie Zachary , Roeland Eric , Silbermann Rebecca , Webb Jason , Meyers Gabrielle , Kaye Jeffrey , Winters-Stone Kerri 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) for prostate cancer (PC) increases the risk of physical and cognitive decline as well as side effects impacting quality of life. However, we lack a holistic understanding of the timing and spectrum of ADT-related side effects. Thus, we evaluated the feasibility of using home-based, continuous passive monitoring of daily life functioning, symptom surveys, physical performance, and cognitive testing in patients with PC beginning ADT. We assessed enrollment, passive monitoring uptake, retention, sensor data coverage, and data completion. Passive monitoring included infrared motion sensors (activity), door contact sensors (time out-of-home), watch (activity/sleep), bed mat (sleep), biometric scale (weight), electronic pillbox (medication adherence), and computer-use software (computer habits). We assessed health events and treatment-related symptoms (weekly online survey), physical functioning (short physical performance battery, timed up-and-go test), and cognitive functioning (online cognitive test). We enrolled 17 patients of 52 approached (median age, 73 years); 24 chose not to participate primarily due to concerns of burden (n=10, 42%) and feeling overwhelmed (n=5; 21%). Retention over 14 months was 82% (n=3 withdrawals). Weekly survey completion was 79%. Data coverage for passive monitoring ranged from 55% for watch-based sleep to 98% for motion sensor activity. Testing visit completion across 6 months was 93%; cognitive test completion was 98%. In sum, passive monitoring of daily functioning, symptom surveys, physical performance, and cognitive testing is feasible among older patients with PC beginning ADT. Future research will integrate symptoms, functioning, and health events to examine longitudinal variations in health during ADT.
EMPATHIC COMMUNICATION WITH OLDER ADULTS DURING DIGNITY THERAPY
Authors: Bylund Carma , Koch Mary Kate , Crowe Alyssa , Bluck Susan 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Dignity Therapy (DT) is designed to preserve patient dignity through a life story-legacy interview guided by a trained provider. Given the evidence on the important role of empathy in provider-patient interactions, we focused on the provider in dignity therapy interviews with older adults and aimed to assess: 1) relative frequency of use of varying empathic skills; 2) whether use of empathic skills varies by provider and DT modality, and (3) whether older palliative outpatients’ physical functioning status impacted the frequency of providers’ use of empathic communication skills. We analyzed 203 transcribed DT sessions with palliative care cancer outpatients aged 55 years or older, for providers’ use of four empathic skills: acknowledgement, reflection, validation, and empathic self-disclosure. Patients (M=65.78 years; SD=7.43 years) completed the Palliative Performance Scale before the session. Across all providers (n=14), acknowledgement was used most frequently (M =.45, SD =.23), followed closely by validation (M =.43, SD =.24). Use of empathic communication skills did not differ by provider occupation, gender, or DT modality. Multi-level modeling indicated providers used more validation (B = -.12, p &lt;.05) and total empathic communication skills (B = -.19, p &lt;.05) in Dignity Therapy sessions with patients who had lower palliative performance scores (i.e., had reduced physical functioning). Thus, providers seem to adjust their approach to DT interviews based on patients’ physical functioning. More research is needed to understand the impact of empathic communication skills on patient outcomes.
OVARIAN CANCER IN OLDER ADULTS IN EAST INDIA
Authors: Chakravarty Esha 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Ovarian cancer is a lethal gynaecological malignancy whose incidence rates increase with age and is called ‘silent killer’ due to lack of symptoms and late diagnosis. Cases of 500 elderly patients with ovarian cancer were studied with respect to age of diagnosis, survival rate and factors influencing survival from Calcutta Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology (CMIG), regional resource and training centre on ageing in East India. Fifty five percent of the patients had a diagnosis between 60-70 years, 25% had a diagnosis between 70-80 years and 20% at &gt;80 years. The mean age of diagnosis was 69 years. The study found that cancer outcome deteriorates with age of the patient. The age standardized relative survival rates for 1 year was 57% for patients between 60-70 years, 43% for 70-80 years and 21% for &gt;80 years. The 4 main factors for deceased survival in older women were found to be aggressive tumour and higher grade, resistance to chemotherapy, functional and cognitive decline and co morbid conditions. This study can help in introduction of decision aids that can will create a clear category of patients who will and will not benefit from cytoreductive surgery and chemotherapy and influence allocation of State resources.
THE IMPACT OF DIGITAL HEALTH LITERACY ON CANCER PREVENTION BEHAVIORS AMONG OLDER ADULTS
Authors: Nutakor Jonathan , Zhou Lulin , Larnyo Ebenezer , Addai-Dansoh Stephen 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
In today’s age of digital advancement, it is crucial to understand how digital health literacy affects the cancer prevention behaviors of older adults. This study investigates how digital health literacy influences older adults’ ability to navigate online health information and its impact on adopting behaviors to prevent cancer. This study analyzes data from the Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS) 5, focusing on individuals aged 60 and above. It explores different variables related to digital health literacy and engagement in cancer prevention behaviors, such as smoking cessation, physical activity, alcohol cessation, and cancer screening. Better digital health literacy is linked to an increased chance of quitting smoking (OR = 1.90, 95% CI: 1.02-3.52, p = 0.043). However, there is no such link to physical activity or cancer screening. Nevertheless, searching for health information electronically is associated with giving up alcohol, suggesting that digital health literacy can assist older adults in quitting drinking (OR = 1.47, 95% CI: 1.09-1.98, p = 0.012). The study highlights the importance of digital health literacy in promoting healthy habits among older adults. Specifically, it may help support smoking and alcohol cessation efforts. Though it may not apply to all behaviors, improving digital competencies is crucial to prevent cancer in older adults effectively. Therefore, tailored digital health literacy interventions are necessary to cater to the unique needs of this demographic and minimize their cancer risk.
VALIDATION OF MODIFIED SENSE OF CONTROL SCALE AMONG OLDER CANCER PATIENTS
Authors: Zhang Peiyuan , Clem Sarah , Guan Ting , Becker Todd , Sacco Paul 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Sense of control, defined as the degree to which individuals feel able to influence their behavior and are responsible for the consequences, is a key intervention target for older cancer populations who experience high levels of distress. Despite being widely used, the 10-item Sense of Control Scale (SCS) with two subscales (i.e., Perceived Constraints and Personal Mastery) has not been validated with older cancer populations. This study aimed to examine (1) factorial and convergent validity of SCS and (2) measurement invariance between older cancer and non-cancer populations. Using data (N=2,865) from the most recent wave (2020) of the Health and Retirement Study, we examined factorial validity and measurement invariance using second-order confirmatory factor analysis and multi-group confirmatory factor analysis, respectively. We then assessed convergent validity with depression via Pearson product–moment correlation. SCS had adequate global model fit, χ2(33)=295.43, p&lt;.001 (RMSEA=.08, SRMR=.04, CFI=.94, TLI=.92) and good local fit (rangeλ=.64–.88). Regarding measurement invariance, likelihood chi-square ratio test results showed significant differences in model fit across configural, metric, and scalar models (p&lt;.001), but the magnitude of the change was negligible (ΔCFI&lt;.01). Thus, we concluded that SCS is invariant between older cancer and non-cancer populations. Compared to older non-cancer populations, older cancer populations appeared to have a significantly lower personal mastery (ΔM= –0.12, p=.045) and higher perceived constraints (ΔM= –0.1, p=.047). SCS was negatively correlated with depression (r= –.36, p&lt;.05), showing desirable convergent validity. Overall, the SCS exhibits favorable preliminary psychometric properties with older cancer patients and appears invariant to cancer status.
ASTHMA AND COPD EXACERBATIONS: ED VISITS AND HOSPITALIZATIONS AFTER WILDFIRE SMOKE EXPOSURE AMONG OLDER ADULTS
Authors: Lin Zhao Xiang , Sharon Tal , Szerszen Anita 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Global temperatures are rising, leading to more intense wildfires, as seen in Quebec, Canada, on June 2023, where 13 million acres burned. The resulting particulate matter may severely degrade air quality, posing risks to older adults (OAs) with respiratory diseases. Studies indicate Black/African American communities may be disproportionately affected by air pollution compared to white communities. This study evaluated the impact of wildfires on emergency department (ED) visits and hospitalizations for COPD and asthma among adults 65 and older. The observational cohort study assessed 1321 patient records from two representative New York City hospitals. Findings revealed no significant change in the overall volume of ED visits, hospitalizations, and median length of stay during the smoke-affected months compared to the previous year. However, there was a significant increase in non-white OAs’ ED visits and hospitalizations due to COPD or asthma: 27.19% in 2022 to 35.87% in 2023 (p = 0.0007), and more non-white patients with Medicaid insurance (80% in 2023, 71.43% in 2022). Significantly, more Black/African Americans required acute care: 16.74%, from 11.06% in 2022 (p = 0.003). These results indicate that worsening air quality may disproportionally impact non-white OAs. Black/African Americans and those with Medicaid insurance may more likely experience COPD or asthma exacerbation, requiring ED evaluation and/or hospitalization due to smoke pollution. The escalation in global temperatures and resulting wildfires may particularly affect OAs of color, especially those facing socioeconomic disadvantages. The findings underscore the importance of targeted public health strategies to address these disparities.
EXAMINING THE IMPACT OF EXTREME HEAT TEMPERATURES IN FOOD INSECURITY AMONG LOW INCOME OLDER ADULTS
Authors: Crook Jennifer , Kim Dahee , Xie Rui , Emrich Christopher , Hawthorne Timothy , Zhong YunYing , Brightman James , Thiamwong Ladda 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Extreme heat significantly impacts health outcomes in low-income older adults (LOAs), though a better understanding of the mediating effects in food insecurity (FI) has not been fully appreciated. Food insecurity is the lack of or inability to obtain adequate nutrition and the added burden of extreme weather overwhelms already tenuous household environments, especially in LOAs with limited resources. Through onsite interviews, our team sought to uncover the impact of extreme heat in LOAs (n=45) from low-income communities in Central Florida. We assessed FI with the U.S. Food Security Survey Module (US FSSM) 10-item questionnaire. Participants reported either food secure (FS) (n=32) or FI (n=13) status. Statistically significant impacts of extreme heat or hot weather were identified in health and day-to-day activities (x2[df=1] = 5.27, p = 0.02) with mean rank scores of FS 18.6 and FI 27.9 and sleep (x2[df=1] = 6.25, p = 0.01), with mean rank scores of FS 16.2 and FI 25.6, though none were observed for food or hydration or connection with friends. Significant barriers to community resource utilization included transportation (x2[df=1] = 9.99, p = 0.002) and distance from home to the center (x2[df=1] = 4.54, p = 0.03), but not time, health issues, or knowledge about services provided. No significant findings were detected in reduced physical activity, staying inside, visiting a cool place, or staying hydrated. Severely hot weather temperatures facilitate increased barriers in LOAs living with FI. Future efforts should consider FI when designing interventions targeted towards LOAs living in hot climate conditions.
BODY WEIGHT CHANGE IN OLDER PEOPLE DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC: RESULTS FROM THE BERLIN AGING STUDY II (BASE-II)
Authors: Vetter Valentin , Drewelies Johanna , Düzel Sandra , Homann Jan , Bertram Lars , Regitz-Zagrosek Vera , Gerstorf Denis , Demuth Ilja 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Low body weight and especially unwanted weight loss were shown to be associated with higher mortality in older adults. Change in body weight was reported to be one of the unintended side effects of lockdown measures that were put in place to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. In this study, we first describe weight change in 472 participants (mean age: 67.5 years, 48% women) of the Berlin Aging Study-II (BASE-II) that was collected at four timepoints over an average total follow-up time of 10 years. In a second step we examine differences in weight change between groups defined by socio-economic, cognitive, and psychosocial variables as well as morbidity burden, biological aging markers (epigenetic clocks, telomere length), and frailty. During the follow-up period, which includes the first six months of the pandemic, women and men lost on average 0.87% and 0.5% of their body weight per year. A statistically significantly higher rate of weight loss was detected for men with low positive affect, accelerated epigenetic age (7-CpG clock), diagnosed metabolic syndrome as well as a more masculine gender score (all p&lt; 0.05). Although the literature generally suggests an increase in body weight during the pandemic, older participants of the BASE-II sample lost 2.5-times (women) and 2-times (men) more weight than expected in this age group. Our explorative analysis of additional variables assessed during an examination directly before the pandemic’s onset could inform future studies that aim at a more in depth understanding of the matter.
BRIDGING THE DIGITAL DIVIDE: FACTORS INFLUENCING EHEALTH USE AMONG HOMEBOUND OLDER ADULTS DURING THE PANDEMIC
Authors: Park Joonhyeog , Kim BoRin , Cho Joonyoung , Park Sojung 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
The pandemic has increased the use of eHealth. However, homebound older adults may face a significant digital divide and need support in adopting eHealth. This study investigates to what extent and how access to devices for information and communication technologies (ICTs), previous online experience, and ICT training are associated with eHealth use during the pandemic. Data came from the COVID-19 survey of the National Health and Aging Trend Study. The sample was restricted to homebound older adults aged 70+ who rarely or never left home, or left home with difficulty or assistance (N=591). Hierarchical multinomial logistic regression was used to examine the influence of access to ICT devices, online experience, and ICT training with or without assistance on eHealth engagements including non-users, patient portal users, video telehealth users, and users of both services. Findings indicate that access to ICT devices was positively associated with all forms of eHealth use: patient portal (RRR=3.69, p&lt;.05), video telehealth (RRR=2.56, p&lt;.05), and both (RRR=3.81, p&lt;.05). However, after adding previous online experience and ICT training into the analyses, access to ICT devices was not significant. While previous online experience was a significant predictor for the use of patient portal (RRR=11.97, p&lt;.001), ICT training with assistance significantly increased the probability of the use of video telehealth and both forms of eHealth. This study highlights that access to ICT devices alone does not address eHealth disparities among homebound older adults. Educational interventions and strategies that encourage online engagement are crucial to bridge this gap.
CHANGES IN CARE TRAJECTORIES DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC AMONG OLDER ADULTS WITH CARE NEEDS
Authors: Leggett Amanda , Truskinovsky Yulya , Freedman Vicki , Wiemers Emily , Corman Jennifer , Hoffman Geoffrey 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Background and Objectives
This study examined whether the progression of care after the onset of an activity limitation changed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Because the pandemic caused widespread disruptions in care, we considered changes in care type and intensity.

Research Design and Methods
We used longitudinal data from the National Health and Aging Trends Study between 2015-2022 to examine trajectories of care after the onset of an activity limitation defined as having difficulty or getting help with any self-care or mobility activity or having probable dementia [N=4,191]. Outcomes included use of paid and unpaid help, number of paid and unpaid helpers, hours of paid and unpaid help, living in a residential care setting, living with adult children, and receiving no care. We estimated trajectories of care using mixed effects models and models with individual fixed effects and compared trajectories before and after the onset of the pandemic.

Results
We found no changes in whether individuals received any paid or unpaid care but we found a reduction in the number of paid and unpaid caregivers and mixed evidence on changes in hours of paid and unpaid care in the post-pandemic period. We did not find evidence that changes in care trajectories during the pandemic differed by years since the onset of the activity limitation.

Discussion and Implications
Reductions in the number of caregivers without a reduction in hours of care implies more intensive caregiving demands among caregivers during the pandemic with potential implications for the well-being of caregivers and care recipients.