bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
GENDER DIFFERENCES IN MUSCLE STRENGTH AND TISSUE ASYMMETRY CHANGES OVER FIVE YEARS AMONG OLDER ADULTS
Authors: Chang (Gudjonsson) Milan , Recenti Marco , Ricciardi Carlo , Ponsiglione Alfonso Maria , Amato Francesco , Gislason Magnus Kjartan , Gargiulo Paolo 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Background
The declines in muscle strength during aging process is linked to reductions in tissue integrity and underlying cellular processes. It suggests potential gender differences in these fundamental mechanisms. The current study investigates whether the decline in muscle strength over a 5-year period correlates with changes in tissue asymmetry and explores potential gender differences between men and women.

Methods
The longitudinal study comprised 3156 participants residing in Reykjavik, Iceland, with a baseline mean age of 74.9. The analysis included 1,150 men and 1,587 women (n=2,737). Tissue asymmetry, assessed through CT scans, was defined by differences between the right and left sides across 11 soft tissue composition parameters for fat, muscle, and connective tissue. Changes in leg strength and asymmetry parameters over 5 years were calculated by subtracting follow-up values from baseline. Linear regression analysis was performed to assess the association between changes of maximum knee extension strengths and changes in soft-tissue asymmetry over 5 years, adjusting for confounders by gender.

Results
In men, a decline in leg strength over 5 years was significantly associated with an increased asymmetry across five parameters (2 related to fat and 3 related to muscle (p&lt; 0.05)). In women, associations were observed with an increased asymmetry parameters involving fat, muscle, and connective tissue (p&lt; 0.03).

Conclusion
Gender-specific variations in asymmetry parameters highlight how fat and muscle composition in men uniquely contribute to leg strength changes over time. This emphasizes the need to consider gender-specific factors in understanding age-related muscle strength changes, informing targeted interventions for older adults.
PLASMA AND SKELETAL MUSCLE METABOLIC PATHWAYS ASSOCIATED WITH WEIGHT LOSS, LOW MUSCLE, OR POOR FUNCTION IN CANCER
Authors: Anderson Lindsey , Xia Lu , Kerr Haiming , Wu Peter , Dash Atreya , Gharib Sina , Garcia Jose 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Cancer cachexia (muscle wasting leading to functional impairment) is experienced by most individuals with cancer and increases with age. There are no approved treatments in the U.S./E.U. because Phase III trials have failed to achieve functional endpoints. Identification of metabolites/metabolic pathways related to poor functional performance may reveal therapeutic targets but metabolomics analyses in cancer cachexia have only examined weight loss and/or muscle mass. We characterized metabolomic perturbations in plasma and abdominal wall skeletal muscle from men (n=75; median age=65) with cancer undergoing laparotomy and tested associations with function (handgrip strength “HGS” and stair climb power “SCP” assessed within two weeks pre-surgery), muscle mass (CT L3: cross-sectional area “CT-CSA”), or weight loss (six months pre-surgery). We hypothesized that metabolomic signatures in plasma and muscle would be associated with poorer HGS and SCP and alterations would be distinguishable from associations with weight loss or lower CT-CSA. Spearman correlations and pathway analyses (global test) were performed using “R.” Benjamini-Hochberg false discovery rate (FDR)&lt; 0.1 indicated significance. Lipid/fatty acid peroxidation/transport/metabolism was disrupted in muscle with lower CT-CSA (FDR≤0.09) and in plasma (FDR≤0.07) and muscle (trend; FDR=0.14) with weight loss. Phenylalanine/tyrosine/tryptophan biosynthesis (p=0.045) and amino/nucleotide sugar metabolism (p=0.018) were disrupted in muscle with worse SCP, but not after adjustment (FDR&gt;0.5). Significant/trending dysregulation was not detected in plasma with worse SCP or in muscle/plasma with worse HGS. Lipid metabolism was associated with cancer-related weight loss and low muscle mass. Future studies should analyze metabolomics in activity/mobility-related muscles to elucidate metabolite/pathway dysregulation in cancer-related functional impairment.
PM2.5 IS ASSOCIATED WITH DAILY OUTPATIENT VISITS FOR ANKYLOSING SPONDYLITIS: A TIME-SERIES ANALYSIS IN CHINA
Authors: Chen Hongbo 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Exposure to ambient fine particulate matter (PM2.5) has a great impact on human body’s immune system, but the correlation between PM2.5 and ankylosing spondylitis has not yet been clarified. We extracted 58,600 outpatient visits for ankylosing spondylitis from the Beijing Medical Claim Data for Employees database from 2010 to 2017. The percentage of outpatient visits following PM2.5 concentrations was estimated using generalized additive models with Poisson connections. Increase by 10 μ g/m3, PM2.5 is associated with daily outpatient visits for ankylosing spondylitis. In this test, the average concentration of PM2.5 was 86.8 (74.3) μ g/m3. For every 10 μg/m3 increase in PM2.5 concentration, there was a 0.34% (95% CI, 0.26-0.42%) increase in the risk of patients who visited the doctor on the same day. Females and younger patients were most susceptible to the impact of PM2.5 exposure (P&lt;0.05). This study revealed the relationship between exposure to PM2.5 and ankylosing spondylitis, and future research can further confirm this finding and explore the potential mechanisms.
A LIFE COURSE APPROACH TO NEIGHBORHOOD SEGREGATION AND HEALTH AMONG BLACK AND WHITE AMERICANS
Authors: Fike Kayla , Sun Huaman , Esposito Michael , Sylvers Dominique , Duchowny Kate , Lee Hedwig , Hicken Margaret 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Research documents a positive association between high levels of neighborhood segregation and several negative health outcomes among Black Americans. However, few studies examine the relationship between neighborhood segregation and the health of both Black and White Americans. We apply a lifecourse framework to better understand how exposure to neighborhood segregation earlier in life may lead to racial inequities in health byway of cumulative advantages/disadvantages (CAD). Utilizing data from the nationally-representative Americans’ Changing Lives study (ACL), we employ growth curve models to investigate the relationship between neighborhood segregation in 1990 and the trajectories of two health outcomes over the adult lifespan: the number of chronic conditions and the probability of experiencing functional limitations. Our analysis reveals that, for Black participants, the baseline level of black segregation does not significantly impact their trajectories in these health outcomes. However, among White participants, residing in neighborhoods with lower levels of white segregation is associated with an increased probability of developing more chronic conditions and experiencing functional limitations later in life. We explore the roles of systemic and cultural racism as shaping forces in neighborhood structures and as contributors to negative health outcomes for both Black and White Americans. Research implications include further parsing different types of white underrepresentation in neighborhoods (i.e., living in predominantly Black neighborhoods vs racially diverse integrated areas) to examine their unique effects on health trajectories. Further, we discuss how intervention efforts may identify and address detractors from healthy aging for White Americans who are underrepresented in their neighborhoods.
EDUCATION AND MIDLIFE COGNITIVE FUNCTIONING: EVIDENCE ABOUT MEDIATORS FROM THE HIGH SCHOOL AND BEYOND COHORT
Authors: Warren John , Muller Chandra , Grodsky Eric , Brickman Adam , Manly Jennifer 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Educational attainment is associated with cognitive functioning and risk of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD). However, (1) aspects of schooling that precede degree completion have rarely been considered and (2) the social and biological pathways through which education shapes ADRD risk are not well understood. Do schools’ social and academic contexts, students’ schooling outcomes, and students’ degree completion independently predict cognitive outcomes? If so, how do life course social and biological factors mediate the effects of various dimensions of education? This study included a nationally representative sample of 12,530 Americans followed prospectively from high school through age ~60. We estimated associations between aspects of schooling and multiple dimensions of cognition, before and after adjustment for confounders. We then considered the mediating roles of midlife socioeconomic factors (e.g., income, financial precarity, debt, bankruptcy risk) and biological/health factors (e.g., cardiovascular disease, immunological function, inflammatory markers). We employ a variety of methodological approaches informed by recent advances in approaches to mediation analysis within causal frameworks. Education is more than just degree attainment. Understanding how and through what pathways education shapes cognitive functioning and ADRD risk requires longitudinal data with nuanced information about schools, schooling, and student performance.
FAMILY HEALTH STRESS AND INSOMNIA SYMPTOMS AMONG OLDER ADULTS: THE MODERATING ROLE OF ACTIVITY ENGAGEMENT
Authors: Jang Jeein , Burr Jeffrey 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Insomnia symptoms that arise from stress pose a significant physical and psychological health concern for older adults. Yet, little empirical research has explicitly examined the association between stress caused by family health concerns and insomnia symptoms, along with the role that activity engagement plays in moderating this relationship. Pearlin’s stress process model is used to frame this study. Using data from the 2018 and 2020 waves of the Health and Retirement Study (N=9,003), this study employed ordered logistic regression models to assess the link between family health stress and insomnia severity using four items (i.e., trouble falling asleep, nighttime awakening, early morning awakenings, and feelings of nonrestorative sleep). Additionally, the moderating role of overall activity engagement, as well as three activity domains (cognitive, social, and physical activities) were included in the analysis. All statistical analyses were adjusted for sociodemographic characteristics, health-related factors, and caregiver status. The results of the regression analysis show older adults experiencing ‘somewhat upsetting’ and ‘very upsetting’ family health stress had 23% and 49% higher odds, respectively, of experiencing more severe insomnia symptoms compared to those with no family health stress. In addition, the relationship was buffered by overall activity engagement between the ‘very upsetting’ group and insomnia symptoms in the logistic regression. For the specific activity domains, cognitive activities were the only ones that moderated the association between family health stress and insomnia symptoms. These findings offer implications for public health interventions that seek to promote activity engagement among older adults.
US MEN’S SHEDS: MAINTAINING PURPOSE AND CONNECTION WITH OTHERS
Authors: Heinz Melinda , Kent-Thomas Kaylin , Hinders Julie Smith 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
The purpose of this study was to explore U.S. Men’s Sheds, learn how they operate, who attends them, and how participants perceived them. It is the first study exploring Men’s Sheds in the U.S. An explanatory sequential mixed methods study was conducted, and paper-based surveys were sent to sheds registered with the U.S. Men’s Sheds Association. Shed chairpersons encouraged members to complete surveys (N = 76), and results showed that most members were male (91%), older adults (M = 70), in good/excellent health (76%), and joined to make new friends or learn new skills. Four interviews were also conducted and two themes and a subtheme were noted. Theme 1: Purpose of the Men’s Shed represented the varied perspectives on what the Men’s Shed was meant to do for the community. Some members saw it as an extension of the church and felt it was important to share religious perspectives with the community, while others disagreed. A Subtheme on Serving the Community was also noted where members did agree on the importance of serving the community. Theme 2: Building Connections- Possibilities and Challenges illustrated the opportunities Men’s Sheds create for men in/approaching retirement. However, the lack of a formal space for members to meet was a barrier and reduced informal socializing that might otherwise occur. These findings revealed that many of the men joined because they wanted something worthwhile to do with their time. The interviews revealed that there may be opportunities to start Men’s Sheds within existing faith- based organizations.
POWER EXPANDS FUTURE TIME PERSPECTIVE AMONG OLDER ADULTS
Authors: Wang Liru , Su Mengxuan , Lu Minjie 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Social power has been conceptualized as the ability to control or influence others in meaningful ways (Fiske, 1993). According to Socioemotional Selectivity Theory (Carstensen, 2006), when aging, individuals tend to perceive their future as more limited. This project aims to examine whether older adults with power may perceive their future as more expanded. In Study 1, 241 participants aged from 18 to 80 (154 females, Mage=50.27, SD=16.76) reported their sense of their own power and perception of the future. Results showed that the sense of power was positively associated with an expanded future time perspective, measured by a future time perspective scale and a life-axis index. In Study 2, 55 older adults (24 females, Mage=64.25,SD=3.09) who are currently in authority at work were recruited for the high-power group, and 52 older adults (25 females, Mage=65.38,SD=3.68) without authority at word were recruited for the low-power group. Consistent with Study 1, the high-power group of older adults reported a more expanded future than did the low-power group. In addition, the high-power group of older adults displayed a stronger inclination to pursue knowledge-related goals (e.g., obtaining new skills and experiences, knowing new friends). In both studies, the effect of power on expanding future time perspective was mediated by the participants’ sense of control. These findings highlight that role of power in counteracting the age-related changes in future time perspective.
THE MEDIATING EFFECT OF SELF-TRANSCENDENCE IN THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SOCIAL SUPPORT AND SUCCESSFUL AGING
Authors: Huyen Do Thi Thu , Park Moonkyoung , Gao Xianqi 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Background
The migration of old adults Chinese often involves accompanying their children to assist with caregiving for the younger generation, a strategy that addresses the shortfall in familial support.However, it remains unclear whether these old adults migrants can effectively adapt to their new environments, maintain their daily lives, and age successfully. Access to psychological and social resources is crucial for successful aging. Among these, transcendence is highlighted as a key psychological component. Purpose To verify the mediating effect of transcendence in the relationship between social support and successful aging among Chinese migrant old adults.

Methods
Participants consisted of 306 Chinese migrant old adults aged 60 and above, and data on demographic information, social support, successful aging, and transcendence were collected using a structured questionnaire from August to December 2023. Analyzed using the SPSS 26.0 and AMOS 26.0 software programs. Results Social support was significantly correlated with successful aging and transcendence. Social support had a significant direct effect on both successful aging (β=.480, p&lt;.001) and transcendence (β=.54, p&lt;.001). Transcendence also had a significant direct effect on successful aging (β=.660, p&lt;.001). The mediating effect of transcendence between social support and successful aging was significant (β=.306,p=.008,95%CI [.220-.392]).

Conclusion
This study indicate that transcendence has a mediating effect on achieving successful aging among Chinese migrant old adults. Since social support can enhance the capacity for transcendence, it is necessary to develop interventions that support transcendence, enhanced by social support, to promote successful aging among Chinese migrant old adults in new environments.
ATTITUDES TOWARD MOTIVATIONAL MESSAGING IN A DIGITAL HEALTH ACTIVITY PROGRAM FOR OLDER FAMILY CARE PARTNERS
Authors: Baik Dawon , Cook Paul , Jankowski Catherine 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Older family care partners of patients with heart failure (HF-FCPs) often experience physical, psychological, and social health issues due to age-related health needs, less emotional support, and social isolation. We developed a tailored digital health physical activity (PA) program, TPA4You that includes videoconferencing with a health coach, wearable sensor, and motivational messaging. To refine TPA4You, a 1-week, two-phase, iterative field test of TPA4You was conducted. Herein, we report on older HF-FCPs’ perceptions and attitudes toward the motivational messaging. We used an existing motivational messaging system. Prior to generating messages, the system queried PA barriers. The system automatedly generated a message to overcome the barrier rated highest by the participant at the time of the survey. The seven participants in Phase 1 were women aged 68.3 ±7.1 yrs. (M±SD), predominantly non-Hispanic White (86%), and caring for a spouse (71%). Some attitudes toward the motivational messages were favorable, such as encouraged PA, provided logical and applicable advice, and reinforced a committed to exercise, while others were unfavorable, such as the messages were easily ignored, ineffective for increasing PA, and not sufficiently tailored to the perceived barrier. The messaging system was perceived as easy to use and quick to complete by some, while others felt that answering questions within the system was confusing, questions were repetitive, and response options too limited. Many reported twice weekly messaging was sufficient. These data will be used to modify the frequency, content, and system (automated vs. manual) of motivational messaging in Phase 2 of TPA4You modifications.
EMBRACING THE DIGITAL ROUTE: EMPOWERMENT THROUGH EHEALTH LITERACY AMONG OLDER ADULTS
Authors: Seckin Gul 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Browsing the internet for health information is one of the most common online activities, with people aged 50 and above leading the technology used for health purposes. This study was conducted to examine how much older adults trust electronic sources of health information (e-health trust) and whether e-health trust had significant associations with electronic health literacy (e-health literacy), consumption of electronic health information (e-health consumerism), and sense of empowerment. The study used selective optimization with compensation theory and corrective and proactive models of successful aging as conceptual frameworks. The respondents (N= 499) were drawn from the national probability-based research panel for online surveys. The study conducted subsample analyses of middle-aged (45≤age≤59, n = 233) and older respondents (age≥60, n= 194). T-tests, multivariate regression analyses, and structural equation modeling were performed. Middle-aged respondents reported greater empowerment than older adults (M=3.31 vs. M=3.05; χ²=5.709, p&lt;.001). No significant association was found between e-health consumerism and perceived empowerment (β=.134, p=.115). However, perceived empowerment has positive associations with e-trust (β=.252, p&lt;.001) and e-health literacy (β=.326, p &lt;.0010). E-trust is positively associated with e-health consumerism (β=.551, p &lt;=.001), suggesting an indirect mediational association between e-health consumerism and perceived empowerment. By empowering older patients to become informed users of digital information and developing educational interventions to improve their health literacy, they may be more likely to take action to improve their health. This is also consistent with the literature that older adults with a higher sense of empowerment have significantly slower rates of health decline over time.
EXPLORING THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN INTERNET USE AND BELIEF IN CONSPIRACY THEORIES AMONG OLDER ADULTS IN JAPAN
Authors: Takeuchi Masumi , Fukuzawa Ai , Kobayashi Tetsuro 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
The use of the internet among older adults in Japan has become increasingly prevalent, leading to both positive and negative effects, such as the association between internet use and belief in conspiracy theories (Toriumi, 2023). In Japan, it has been observed that older adults are more susceptible to conspiracy theories when exposed to extreme content, such as online videos. However, there is a lack of empirical studies examining this phenomenon. This study aims to investigate the relationship between internet use and belief in conspiracy theories among older adults. An online survey was conducted in March 2024, involving 1,200 participants aged 20-79 residing in Japan. The survey assessed internet usage, belief in conspiracy theories, the UCLA Loneliness Scale, and basic demographic information. Participants were categorized into three age groups: young (20-39), middle-aged (40-59), and older adults (60-79). The results revealed no significant difference in belief in conspiracy theories among the age groups. However, multiple regression analysis indicated that among older adults, those who spent more time watching online videos were more likely to believe in conspiracy theories, particularly those who experienced higher levels of loneliness. No similar pattern was observed among the young and middle-aged participants. The results indicate that older adults, who have fewer social relationships due to retirement and other factors, may come to believe in conspiracy theories through viewing online videos. Further extensive research is required to establish protective measures that mitigate the potential risks associated with internet usage for the older population.
TECHNOLOGY ATTITUDES, PROFICIENCY, AND USAGE PATTERNS AMONG OLDER ADULTS WITH A COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT
Authors: Lin Xin Yao , Boot Walter , Rogers Wendy , Charness Neil , Czaja Sara 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Older adults with cognitive impairment (OAwCI) may be challenged by increasing demands to engage with technology to accomplish daily activities. We investigated technology attitudes, proficiency, and usage across health, social, transportation, leisure, and domestic domains among OAwCI, including those with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), traumatic brain injury (TBI), and post-stroke cognitive impairment (PSCI). We examined if age, gender, health, cognition, and attitude towards technology (comfort, interest, efficacy) predicted technology proficiency and use in each domain and technology usage patterns. Data were gathered from 159 OAwCI, age range 60-93 years who participated in the Everyday Needs Assessment for Cognitive Tasks (ENACT) study. We found that OAwCI were frequent users of technology, were largely proficient in the use of mobile devices, and had generally positive attitudes toward technology. With respect to use of technology, the data indicated that the highest degree of engagement was with social technologies (e.g., telephone, email, text) and the least engagement was in the use of technologies in the transportation domain (e.g., using apps to purchase tickets or schedule rides). Data from the regression analyses showed that younger age, more comfort and interest towards technology predicted more technology proficiency. Perceptions of memory problems predicted more proficiency. These findings underscore that OAwCi are able to and are receptive towards using technology. The findings also provide valuable insights for tailoring interventions to meet the needs and preferences of OAwCI.