bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
DO FUNCTIONAL ABILITY MEASURES IMPROVE THE ACCURACY OF A 12-MONTH MORTALITY PREDICTION MODEL?
Authors: Luth Elizabeth , Bowles Kathryn , Brickner Carlin , Gao Oude , Rakotoarivelo Harivony 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Mortality prediction algorithms using administrative claims data can help identify seriously ill individuals eligible for palliative care. However, predefined measures of functional ability, which clinicians report as important for eligibility determinations, may be inadvertently omitted or underweighted in the algorithm general design. In response to clinician input, we developed measures of functional ability using claims data and examined their association with death: activities of daily living (ADL) support, feeding support, respiratory support, physical and occupational therapy (PT/OT), and skilled nursing. Descriptive statistics were calculated. Multivariable logistic regression tested associations between five functional ability measures, symptom management, and death for Medicare Advantage plan members on census during the July 2022-June 2023 period. Of the 6625 Medicare Advantage plan members, 32% identified as Black, 32% White, 9% as Asian, and 26% as Other races; 37% as Hispanic/Latino; 69% female; average age of 73.5 years (SD: 11.8). Of these, 186 (4.6%) died the following year. Having PT/OT was associated with 24% lower odds of death (aOR: 0.76, 95%CI: 0.62-0.85, p&lt; 0001). Receiving respiratory support was associated with 45% higher odds of death (aOR: 1.45, 95%CI: 1.17-1.78, p&lt; 0.001). ADL support, feeding support, and skilled nursing were not associated with death. These functional ability measures, while not directly measured in claims data, were successfully approximated. Oxygen and ventilation use and PT/OT were associated with 12-month mortality, in opposite directions. Future work should examine how other factors used by clinicians for PC eligibility determinations can be measured using administrative claims data and their associations with mortality.
A LONGITUDINAL INVESTIGATION OF ALCOHOL USAGE AND COGNITIVE OUTCOMES AMONG HISPANIC/LATINO ADULTS
Authors: Lemus Armando , Araujo-Menendez Carlos , Carpio Rubi , Stickel Ariana 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
High alcohol use may lead to cognitive deficits and is recognized as a modifiable risk factor for dementia. However, recent cross-sectional research is contradictory: low to moderate alcohol may be protective against cognitive performance. The present study aimed to investigate the associations between alcohol use and cognitive decline within Hispanic/Latino adults, a community often underrepresented in the research field. Participants included 336 self-identified Hispanic/Latino adults (67% female; ages 65 - 92 years, M = 73.29 years, SD=5.5) without dementia from the National Alzheimer’s Coordinating Center dataset collected from 33 sites between 2015 – 2022. Alcohol use was assessed through self-reported consumption of any alcohol in the past 3 months (yes or no). Outcomes included cognitive tests administered to participants at a minimum of two visits. Using linear mixed models, we analyzed the relationships between alcohol use and cognitive trajectories, including possible modifications by sex and depressive symptoms (as assessed by the Geriatric Depression Scale), while adjusting for age, education, and cognitive status at baseline. Our results indicate that individuals who consumed alcohol performed better at baseline, (all F’s ≥ 6.187, all p’s &lt; 0.01) but declined at the same rate across all cognitive tests, except for language. We did not detect significant modifications. Our results suggest that alcohol use is not protective against cognitive aging among Latino adults. However, additional measures (e.g., number of binges in a month) are needed to better understand its impact on dementia risk.
ASSESSING FALLS RISK AND BALANCE SYSTEMS PROTOCOLS IN ADULT CANCER SURVIVORS
Authors: Marrone-Lloyd Kenzi , Nielsen Kelli , Christopher Emma , Hinrichs Raegan , O’Donnell Caitlin , Gilchrist Laura 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Adult cancer survivors have been shown to have an elevated risk of falling compared to control. These risks are hypothesized to be residual effects of chemotherapy treatment that can impact patients’ balance long-term through changes to vestibular, visual, and somatosensation systems. Medical providers and rehabilitation professionals may be asked to screen for fall risk, yet best screening measures for these balance system changes have not been identified. The purpose of this study is to determine if balance assessment outcomes differ between adult cancer survivors and control groups and if these balance outcomes are associated with prior falls history. Twenty participants underwent a series of sensory organization testing (SOT) using computerized posturography (BERTEC) and the MiniBest Test, which measures dynamic balance, gait and functional mobility. Cancer survivors (n=10) fell more than their control (n=10) counterparts (X²=3.81, p=0.050). On the SOT, cancer survivors (88.2 ± 13.4) had a preference for vision, even when distorted, compared to control (100.3 ± 11.9) (t=2.14, p=.023) however, scores for all other tests were not different between groups (p&gt;0.05). This preliminary data supports that cancer survivors fall more often than non-cancer survivors and that cancer survivors rely more on vision, as a means to maintain balance. Indicating that other balance systems may be unreliable or damaged. Continued development of screening tools to gauge the impact of cancer on balance and fall risk is indicated to improve the care of cancer survivors.
EFFECTS OF HDC-KNOCKOUT ON MITOCHONDRIAL FUNCTION AND SKELETAL MUSCLE IN BALB/C MICE
Authors: Hall Leighanna , sayles anijah 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Histamine is a signaling molecule widely associated with inflammatory and anaphylactoid responses. It is synthesized by the decarboxylation of L-histidine by an enzyme called histamine decarboxylase (HDC) that is mainly located in mast cells. According to previous study we obtained BALB/c mice with histamine knockout (KO) as well as wild type (WT) control that we confirmed through genotyping (the knockout of the HDC enzyme would further be confirmed through western blotting and histamine assay).Techniques used were; familiarization of exercise, examining the muscle fiber diameter of tibialis anterior using microscopy, and recording the muscle weight and mitochondrial data set to assess if the HDC knockout effected these measurements. Results suggest that HDC-KO confirmation requires a larger data set, future steps involve western blots and histamine assays.
EVIDENCE SUPPORTING CERAMIDE ACCUMULATION AS A NOVEL HALLMARK OF AGING
Authors: Scroggins Laila , Echevarria Klarisse , Gutierrez Eduardo , Palavicini Juan , Quiles Penelope 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Aging is the single greatest risk factor for all major chronic diseases, and thus, understanding the biological mechanisms that modulate aging is critical for the development of health-maximizing interventions. Lipids are small hydrophobic molecules that not only serve as fundamental cellular components, but also act as important cellular signaling molecules, with well-established roles in nutrition, health, and disease. The first longevity gene discovered in yeast, i.e. the longevity-assurance gene (LAG1), encodes an enzyme that synthesizes ceramides, a lipid class that has been associated with insulin resistance, apoptosis, mitochondrial dysfunction, senescence, inflammation, sarcopenia, frailty, among other age-related pathways and phenotypes. Using a number of animal models and methodologies, we have amassed a significant amount of data that place ceramides as a novel major driver of aging. Specifically, we found that: (1) ceramides consistently accumulate with age in circulation and in multiple organs in multiple mouse strains and marmosets; (2) circulating ceramides are dramatically reduced in long-lived isolated growth hormone deficient mice; (3) hepatic ceramides are substantially reduced in old marmosets treated with rapamycin, a well-established anti-aging drug, through a mechanisms that seems to involve an acid ceramidase (ASAH1); (4) low doses of myriocin, a potent inhibitor of ceramide synthesis, improves healthspan (i.e. glucose homeostasis and grip strength) in WT C57BL/6J, Balb/c, and UM-HET3 mice fed with Western diet. In addition, preliminary data suggests that myriocin significantly extends lifespan in mice as well. Taken together, our results place ceramide accumulation as a novel driver of aging.
HEPATIC STELLATE CELLS ARE A MAJOR COLLAGEN PRODUCING CELLS IN THE LIVER AND DRIVE LOCAL LIVER FIBROSIS
Authors: Iluobe Victory , Zhao Shangang 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are the major collagen-producing cells in the liver and key drivers of local fibrosis. Adiponectin, is also expressed in quiescent HSCs and plays a role in the progression of liver fibrosis. To assess adiponectin’s effects on fibrosis progression mice line models were crossed using these models liver fibrosis progression either progressed or reduced. We moreover show that adiponectin expression in HSCs correlates positively with that of PPARγ, suggesting a mechanistic involvement of this transcription factor. The involvement of this transcription factor has a marked influence on the progression of local fibrosis.
IBA1 EXPRESSION IN THE HIPPOCAMPUS OF APOLIPOPROTEIN EPSILON 4 SALT-TREATED MICE
Authors: Major Chloe’ , Rivers Mia , Khundmiri Syed , O’neil Jahn 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by a decline in cognitive abilities, memory loss, and heightened neuroinflammation. The presence of the APOE4 allele is the most significant genetic risk factor for AD, known to accelerate the onset and progression of the disease by interacting with hallmark features such as beta-amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tau tangles. Additionally, APOE4 directly impairs microglial function in AD leading to neuroinflammation, further contributing to neurodegeneration. While the relationship between AD and dietary habits or comorbid conditions, particularly hypertension, remains unclear, we hypothesize that high dietary salt intake will exacerbate neuroinflammation within the hippocampus of APOE4-expressing mice, providing a potential mechanistic link between diet, hypertension, and Alzheimer’s disease. To test this hypothesis, we utilized mice that exclusively expressed human APOE4 or the control APOE3 in the brain. Young adult male and female mice, aged 5–7 months old (n=18 in each group), were given a 4% NaCl (high salt) or a 0.1% NaCl (low salt) diet for 4 weeks. Using design-based stereology, we evaluated the total count of Iba1 positive microglia in the hippocampus of APOE4 expressing mice and the control APOE3 mice. Preliminary results show APOE4 mice exhibit significant neuroinflammation in the hippocampus when compared to APOE3 mice. However, the APOE4 low-salt diet was seen to be beneficial. Further work is needed, and results will be discussed.
MITOCHONDRIAL CHAPERONES MAY DICTATE OUTCOMES IN WOMEN OF ADVANCED MATERNAL AGE
Authors: Archer Hannah , Smith Caroline , Chang Arthur , Chosed Renee 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Background
A patient may seek the use of IVF technology when struggling to become pregnant. To improve IVF outcomes, research focuses on identifying markers to allow embryologists to transfer embryos with the highest chance of a successful pregnancy. RNASeq analysis indicated that DNAJC19 gene expression was higher in embryos that resulted in successful implantation. DNAJC19 is a mitochondrial chaperone whose role is to provide instructions for producing proteins within the mitochondria. Our study analyzes DNAJC19 expression in patients of advanced maternal age (&gt;35 years) to identify an additional biomarker during preimplantation embryo development to select the most viable embryo for successful implantation.

Methods
Blastocoel fluid-conditioned media was collected from day-5 IVF-embryos that underwent PGT-A and were from mothers of advanced maternal age. RNA was purified from pooled blastocoel fluid samples, and then cDNA was synthesized. RT-qPCR assessed 18S (control gene) and DNAJC19 levels.

Results
Expression of DNAJC19 was higher blastocoel fluid samples from euploid embryos from mothers of advanced maternal age when compared to aneuploid embryos from mothers of advanced maternal age. Conclusions: DNAJC19 is an important mitochondrial chaperone that assists in protein import in the mitochondria. This preliminary analysis indicates a higher expression of DNAJC19 in blastocoel fluid from embryos from mothers of advanced maternal age. This finding suggests that mitochondrial function is elevated in euploid embryos from mothers over 35 years old. Further research is needed to determine the significance of this observation in regards to embryo implantation.
THE ROLE OF MANAGED CARE IN HOME- AND COMMUNITY-BASED SERVICES SPENDING
Authors: Arp Patrick , White Lindsay , Meara Ellen , Ne’eman Ari , Coe Norma 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
The provision and management of Medicaid-financed long-term services and supports (LTSS) has changed dramatically over the last 25 years, including a substantial expansion of both home and community-based services (HCBS) and managed care programs. However, evidence on the costs of these services and drivers of costs is limited. The objective of this study is to describe LTSS and HCBS spending across states, over time, and to examine the impact of managed care on spending. We used a difference-in-difference approach, accounting for the staggered timing of managed care implementation, to analyze data from annual Medicaid LTSS reports and think tank reports from the year 2000 and onward. We find that, after adjusting for inflation, national LTSS spending increased from approximately $410 per capita in 2000 to $570 per capita in 2021; HCBS spending more than tripled during this period. Nineteen states introduced managed care into their LTSS programs between 2000 and 2021 (seven states had implemented programs prior to 2000). States that used managed care to provide some of their Medicaid LTSS demonstrated lower overall LTSS spending post-implementation, but no differences were observed in HCBS spending. However, uncertain fidelity of the data, particularly among states implementing managed LTSS programs, leads to questions of whether these differential trends are due to differences in reporting or changes in the efficiency of care delivery. Our findings highlight the need for increased accuracy and transparency in spending data to facilitate studies that will produce the evidence base for state and federal Medicaid policy makers.
UNDERSTANDING HEALTHCARE UTILIZATION AND COGNITION IN OLDER LATINO/A ADULTS: A COMMUNITY-BASED APPROACH
Authors: Hossain Sayeem , Perez Adriana 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s Disease present significant public health challenges, particularly for older Latino/a adults who experience high risk of cognitive impairment. The Tiempo Juntos por Nuestra Salud study tests a culturally relevant, community-based clinical trial designed to enhance physical activity, cardiovascular health, sleep quality, and cognitive function in older Latino/a adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). The data was obtained from the Tiempo Juntos participant dataset including 236 Spanish-speaking Latino/as aged 55 and older with MCI in North Philadelphia. Participant scores on cognition assessments and various survey instruments were used to conduct analyses. This secondary analysis examines 1) socioeconomic predictors of cognitive function, education level and monthly income levels in comparison to cognition scores in an analysis of variance; 2) predictors of healthcare utilization, using multiple regression to compare the number of clinician visits with variables related to neighborhood walkability, self-rated motivation, self-rated frequency of physical activity, and functional assessment score. Results showed that education and monthly income were significant socioeconomic drivers in later-life cognition. Healthcare utilization was negatively associated with neighborhood walkability but positively associated with motivation. Healthcare utilization is likely reduced by having environments conducive to doing physical activity. Greater individual motivation to improve health can lead to more connection to health services. This study highlights the impact of socioeconomic factors on health outcomes in a culturally tailored, community-based intervention among older Latino/as. Findings emphasize the need for future health services research, including public health strategies that address the unique cultural and socioeconomic needs of this population.
A DISEASE SIMILARITY APPROACH IDENTIFIES A LINK BETWEEN ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE AND NIEMANN-PICK TYPE C DISEASE
Authors: Gujjala Vikas , Kaya Alaattin 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Since its first description in 1906 by Dr. Alios Alzheimer, Alzheimer’s disease (AD) has been the most common type of dementia. Initially identified as caused by age-associated plaque accumulation, research has shifted to lysosomal storage and metabolic disorders, and pathogenesis from amyloid and tau accumulation to oxidative stress and impaired lipid and glucose metabolism aggravated by hypoxic conditions. However, the underlying mechanisms linking these processes to disease progression are undefined. Here, we applied a disease similarity approach on transcriptomic data of various congenital diseases with increased AD risk, namely Down Syndrome (DS), Niemann Pick Disease Type C (NPC), and Mucopolysaccharidosis I (MPS), to identify unknown molecular targets. We uncovered common pathways, hub genes, and miRNAs, many never associated with AD before. We discovered potential drug candidates for neuroprotection, and to ameliorate AD pathology through protein-drug interactions. Finally, we investigated molecular changes in brain samples from an NPC1 mouse model and analyzed the similarities to the brain samples of human and mouse AD models. We found a significant overlap between the NPC1 mice and AD human and mouse samples suggesting its potential in AD research as a comprehensive short-lived in vivo model. We believe our research represents the first comprehensive approach to congenital disease association with neurodegeneration and a new perspective on AD research while highlighting the lack of correlation in diverse in vitro models, which can accelerate diagnostic and therapeutic applications against dementia.
COMBINED MULTIMODAL EXERCISE AND COGNITIVE TRAINING FOR PERSONS WITH MILD DEMENTIA: A RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIAL
Authors: Xue Dandan , Li Polly Wai Chi , Yu Doris Sau Fung 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
The effects of combined exercise and cognitive interventions among persons with mild dementia (PwMD) are not known. This randomized controlled trial randomized 72 PwMD to a caregiver-assisted combined multimodal exercise and cognitive training (CA-MECT) intervention or health education. The 12-week CA-MECT included online multimodal exercise and cognitive training through videoconferencing supplemented with home visits and home-based training. Caregivers assisted PwMD in intervention delivery and home-based training. Validated tools were used to evaluate cognitive, psychological, functional outcomes, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Compared to the control group, the intervention group showed significantly greater improvement in global cognition (β = 2.468, 95% CI [1.254, 3.681], p &lt; 0.001), immediate recall (β = 2.924, 95% CI [1.387, 4.461], p &lt; 0.001), short-term delayed recall (β = 0.63, 95% CI [0.005, 1.255], p = 0.048), long-term delayed recall (β = 0.89, 95% CI [0.198, 1.582], p = 0.012), cued recall (β = 1.085, 95% CI [0.414, 1.757], p = 0.002), and word recognition (β = 2.438, 95% CI [1.273, 3.603], p &lt; 0.001) at immediate post-intervention. The intervention group also demonstrated a significant reduction in the severity of neuropsychic symptoms (NPS) (β = -2.166, 95% CI [-3.814, -0.519], p = 0.01). No significant changes were observed on cognitive shifting, working memory, response inhibition, attention, processing speed, the number of NPS, caregivers’ distress of NPS, functional ability, and HRQoL. In conclusion, CA-MECT was effective in improving cognition and reducing NPS among PwMD. It is warranted to examine the longer-term effects of the CA-MECT intervention.
CULTURAL ADAPTION OF THE INTERNET-BASED CONVERSATIONAL CLINICAL TRIAL (I-CONECT) FOR ASIAN OLDER ADULTS
Authors: Yu Kexin , Mar Amanda , Song Minju , Hu Qijia , Chen Shiyun , Le Christine , Huynh Mia , Dodge Hiroko 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD) are influenced by cultural and social factors. Asian older adults with limited English proficiency often face the risk of social isolation, which is recognized as a risk factor for the incidence of ADRD. However, few behavioral health interventions for dementia prevention have been designed specifically for the Asian American population. The Internet-Based Conversational Clinical Trial (I-CONECT, ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02871921) examined whether conversations through user-friendly video chats could enhance cognitive functions and emotional well-being. Although the previous study showed efficacy, it was limited to predominantly white Caucasian participants. This presentation will describe the cultural and linguistic adaptation process of I-CONECT for older Asian adults. A mixed-methods approach was used, including 1) conducting semi-structured interviews with older Asian adults to qualitatively understand the lived experience of social isolation to inform culturally competent intervention inclusion criteria and 2) translating and adapting the intervention material to be culturally competent and pilot testing it with 10 participants. Participants will have four times/week conversation sessions with trained research staff for a 6-week intervention period. The pre- and post-intervention assessments include loneliness, social isolation, and cognitive test scores. Participants will also elaborate on their experience in post-intervention qualitative interviews. The feasibility and acceptance of online conversation interventions have not been empirically tested with Asian Americans. The cultural adaptation of an existing evidence-based intervention model could lay the foundation for expanding effective behavioral health interventions for preventing ADRD in the underrepresented population.