bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
FEASIBILITY OF TRAINING CAREGIVERS ONLINE TO DELIVER LIFE REVIEW DEPRESSION INTERVENTION AT HOME
Authors: Miyawaki Christina , McClellan Angela , Bouldin Erin 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Due to the high prevalence of depressive symptoms and dementia in older Americans (≥65 years), we developed a six-week depression intervention, Caregiver-Provided Life Review (C-PLR) for care recipients (CRs) with early-stage dementia and mild depression and taught their family caregivers (CGs) life review skills online. The objective of this study was to examine the feasibility of training caregivers via an online video course and the impact of delivering the intervention at home (N=20 dyads). A mixed-methods design (surveys and interviews) was used for this study. We collected pre- and post-measures of CRs’ depression (primary outcome) and life satisfaction, CGs’ burden, rewards of caregiving, and dyads’ relationship quality (secondary outcomes) and compared them using paired t-tests. We took fidelity scores to measure CGs’ feasibility to deliver life reviews adhering to the intervention protocol. CGs were on average 64 years old, White (65%), married (65%), college-educated (70%), working or retired (40% each), and female (90%) in good/excellent health (100%). Their CRs were 80 years old (mean), White (70%), female (50%) in poor/fair health (50%). CGs’ average fidelity check-in score was 15.9±0.27 (out of 16), indicating excellent adherence. The C-PLR intervention significantly reduced CRs’ depressive symptoms (p=0.034) and increased CGs’ rewards of caregiving (p=0.019). Caregivers’ post-intervention qualitative interviews supported the quantitative results that online-trained caregivers could deliver the intervention by protocol without adding caregiver burden. This study demonstrated that the C-PLR, an innovative, cost-effective intervention with a flexible delivery schedule could make a positive impact on both caregivers’ and care recipients’ mental health.
RE-EVALUATING FORTITUDE, VULNERABILITY, AND FRAILTY IN CARE HOME STORIES
Authors: Kriebernegg Ulla 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
This paper analyzes how concepts of fortitude, vulnerability, frailty, and care are linked from the perspective of literary gerontology. Discussing the newly emerging genre of the care home novel, the paper shows how a close reading can challenge traditional assumptions about bodies on the margins of life and death as merely existing in the “black hole” of the fourth age (Gilleard and Higgs 2010). Examples are drawn from stories that are set in long-term care facilities that resemble “total institutions” (Goffman 1961), such as May Sarton’s As We Are Now (1973) or Oscar Casares’s Amigoland (2009), where aging into old age is often narrated as a creative process that allows for agency and involves the renegotiation of one’s identity despite extreme vulnerability. The humanities lens here examines such novels as “Reifungsromane” (novels of ripening, Waxman 1990) or “Vollendungsromane” (novels of completion, Rooke 1992), where vulnerability is represented as a meaningful condition that facilitates resistance in the face of loss and precarity. As such, these are striking individual narratives of fortitude and self-determination that are less about “successful aging,” than about “successful frailty,” which Wendy Lustbader describes as “turning the ‘nothing’ of empty time into the ‘something’ of good days” (1991: 14). Conclusions reiterate how vulnerability is a shared ontological condition, and why a humanities perspective is important to highlight vulnerability as a current socio-political issue in connection with care ethics and social justice.
BIDIRECTIONAL ASSOCIATIONS BETWEEN PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND AFFECT: AN ECOLOGICAL MOMENTARY ASSESSMENT STUDY
Authors: Liang Peichao 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Despite extensive evidence demonstrating the beneficial effects of physical activity on health outcomes, many older adults remain physically inactive. A growing body of research examines affective states as both determinants and consequences of physical activity. However, the nuanced and dynamic relationships between physical activity and affect among older adults remain understudied. We used ecological momentary assessment (EMA) to investigate the bidirectional relationships between physical activity and affect in daily life among older adults in Hong Kong. 168 older adults aged 65 to 84 received seven EMA prompts per day for fifteen consecutive days and completed a total number of 17,345 momentary assessments of affective states, mobility, and activities. We used multilevel models to test the bidirectional associations between physical activity and positive affect, negative affect, and energetic arousal, nested within individuals. Preliminary results reveal concurrent associations between physical activity and positive affect (b=0.042, SE=0.008, p&lt;.001) and energetic arousal (b=0.107, SE=0.027, p&lt;.001). When older adults engaged in physical activity before the prompt, they reported a higher level of positive affect (b=0.038, SE=0.008, p&lt;.001). However, physical activity did not significantly improve energetic arousal levels later (b=0.046, SE=0.027, p=0.089). Additionally, individuals were more likely to engage in physical activity after they reported a higher level of positive affect (OR=1.321, 95% CI=1.234-1.413, p&lt;.001) and feeling energetic (OR=1.078, 95% CI=1.044-1.112, p&lt;.001). No associations between physical activity and negative affect were identified. The implications of these findings for developing context-specific interventions to promote physical activity among older adults will be discussed.
HAPPINESS IN CONVENTIONAL VERSUS RETIREMENT HOMES: IMPORTANCE OF THRIVING AND COMMUNITY INTEGRATION
Authors: Levasseur Melanie , Naud Daniel , Lagacé Martine , Bédard Marie-Ève , Hebblethwaite Shannon 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Since aging sometimes implies a change in living environment, it is important to better understand happiness and associated factors such as thriving, social participation, community integration and ageism according to residential settings. This study aimed to compare the happiness of older women and men living in a conventional dwelling (CD) and in an independent living facility (ILF), and examined its associations with thriving, social participation, community integration and ageism (self-directed and discrimination). A cross-sectional survey was carried out on a random sample of 509 adults aged 75 and older living in DC and 470 in ILF. Regressions stratified by residential setting and gender examined associations between happiness, thriving and social participation, testing for the moderating effect of ageism and community integration. Participants were 81.3+/-5.3 on average, and two-thirds were women. Controlling for age, living situation and health, the happiness of older adults living in CD and ILF was similar (69.7+/-14.0 vs 68.8+/-18.4; p=0.262). Superior thriving was strongly associated with greater happiness, regardless of residential setting or gender. Higher social participation was associated with greater happiness among women in ILF. For both settings, self-directed ageism was associated with lesser happiness, but discrimination was associated with lesser happiness only in women living in ILF. Higher community integration was associated with greater happiness in both settings, except for men in ILF. According to these results, future studies should evaluate interventions aimed at facilitating thriving and reducing ageism may improve happiness of older adults.
HEMATOPOIETIC LOSS OF THE Y CHROMOSOME AND AGING PHENOTYPES
Authors: Chavkin Nick 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Life expectancy of men is six years less than women in developed countries. Recent epidemiological studies suggest that a significant portion of this discrepancy can be attributed to an age-related phenomenon in blood. As men age, a portion of their blood cells will lose the Y chromosome. This phenotype, termed Mosaic Loss of the Y Chromosome (mLOY), is the most common post-zygotic mutation in humans and is present in almost half of men by age 70. mLOY has been correlated with increased mortality and many age-related diseases. Recently, we have found that men with higher mLOY are more susceptible to non-ischemic heart failure. Using a mouse model of mLOY, we showed causal effects of mLOY on diminished lifespan, increased progression of age-associated cardiomyopathy, and increased progression of cardiac fibrosis after injury. Further analysis revealed that mLOY macrophages showed both an increased propensity towards pro-fibrotic macrophage polarization and increased expression of pro-fibrotic ligands. Genetic analysis of the Y chromosome identified the gene UTY as a potential causal locus for mLOY-mediated effects on cardiac fibrosis. Finally, analysis of published single cell RNA sequencing datasets from human male heart, lung, and kidney tissue suggests a broad correlation between mLOY and fibrotic pathology with potential direct effects of mLOY macrophages on tissue-resident fibroblasts. These mechanistic findings help explain the correlation between mLOY and cardiac fibrosis, and further suggest general effects of mLOY on age-related phenotypes.
PATHOGENIC PRE-LEUKEMIC MUTATIONS: RARE IN CLONAL HEMATOPOIESIS BUT ENRICHED IN MYELOID DISEASES
Authors: Zhang Jing 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Clonal hematopoiesis of indeterminate potential (CHIP) refers to the expansion of peripheral blood cells derived from hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) with at least one somatic driver mutation in healthy elderly individuals. CHIP is strongly linked to aging and confers an increased risk for blood cancers, non-hematological diseases (e.g. cardiovascular disease), and all-cause mortality. In blood cancers, CHIP mutations are associated with initiation of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and other myeloid diseases and thus considered as pre-leukemic mutations. However, some pathogenic pre-leukemic mutations are rarely found in CHIP patients. We will talk about two of such mutations. The first one is the hot spot G646WfsX12 mutation in the epigenetic regulator ASXL1. This mutation occurs in ~18% of patients with myeloid diseases but almost never found in CHIP patients. Using a knockin animal model (Atm/+), we show that Atm/+ HSCs were only expanded in aged mice but not in young mice. We are investigating if the mutant HSC expansion is caused by reduced immunosurveillance of aged immune cells and/or aged pro-inflammatory stromal cells. The second one is oncogenic NRASG12D mutation, which serves as an initiation or progression mutation in chronic myelomonocytic leukemia. It is shown that one copy of NRASG12D mutation confers bi-modal regulation of HSCs in which it enhances self-renewal in one subset of HSCs but promotes proliferation and exhaustion in another subset of HSCs. We hypothesize that ASXL1G646WfsX12 and NRASG12D mutations belong to the pathogenic pre-leukemic mutations, which easily incorporate additional mutations in leukemogenesis rather than remain stable in CHIP.
CROSS-CULTURE ADAPTATION AND VALIDATION OF THE CHINESE VERSION OF MANCHESTER COPD FATIGUE SCALE (MCFS)
Authors: Zhang Haihong , Huang Chongmei , Liu Minhui 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Fatigue is an aching, complex, and multifaceted sensation that is the second most prominent and disabling symptom of COPD, approximately 50% of COPD patients suffer from severe fatigue. Various scales or questionnaires has been developed to measure fatigue in COPD patients. The Manchester COPD fatigue scale (MCFS) has been proved to be a robust, simple, reliable, and valid scale in the American population with COPD. As a disease-specific measurement, MCFS can precisely identify the features of fatigue among COPD patients in the physical, cognitive, and psychosocial domains. The Brislin’s translation model was used to for cross-cultural adaptation. Internal consistency, test-retest reliability, constructive validity, convergent validity, and criterion validity were used to test the reliability and validity of MCFS. Diagnostic accuracy was used to determine the optimal cut-off point. Overall, a convenience sampling of 371 patients completed the fatigue scale. The results showed that the scale has acceptable constructive validity (CFI = 0.877, IFI = 0.878, SRMR = 0.027), excellent internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.97) and test-retest reliability (Cronbach’s alpha=0.93). MCFS presented good convergent validity. Using the BFI fatigue scale as a reference criterion, the areas under the curve were 0.941 and 0.900, respectively. The optimal cut-off points for mild, moderate, and severe fatigue were ≤16, &gt;16 and ≤29.5, and &gt;29.5 (sensitivity: 94.7% and 82.6%; specificity: 80.8% and 86.0%, respectively). The Chinese version of MCFS could be used to measure fatigue among Chinese patients with COPD.
DO NOT DRAG THE CHILDREN DOWN: MUTUAL SUPPORT AMONG COMORBID COUPLES WITH STROKE SURVIVORS IN HOSPITAL
Authors: Mei Yongxia , Zhang Zhenxiang , Zhang Qingqing , Liu Zhiwei , Fan Baoyu , Liu Yating , Zhang Sixun 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
The phenomenon of mutual support among co-morbid couples of recurrent older stroke survivors during hospitalization is gaining attention. Despite their crucial role, little is understood about how they support each other. The study aimed to explore the experiences of co-morbid couples of older stroke survivors with recurrent stroke supporting each other during hospitalization. Conducted as a descriptive phenomenology study, data collection occurred in neurology departments of five tertiary-level hospitals from July to September 2023. Twenty-one couples aged between 61 and 72 were purposively sampled. Interview recordings were transcribed and analyzed by two independent coders using Colaizzi’s framework in NVivo 12, revealing 9 subthemes across 3 macrothemes. “Do not drag the children down” is a strong thread, which is linked to three macrothemes: (1) maintaining the couple’s relationship through mutual support, (2) mutual support to avoid burdening the children, and (3) providing support while struggling between ideals and reality. Healthcare professionals should give more consideration to co-morbid couples of older stroke survivors with recurrent stroke who adhere to the idea of not burdening their children when supporting each other, and should take into account the cultural characteristics of the conflicts and differences that may arise between couples of stroke survivors in the process of mutual support. It is crucial to provide them with individualized and tailored support and interventions that can help these couples achieve a more optimal balance in their mutual support.
ASSOCIATION OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY WITH NEUROFILAMENT LIGHT IN NONDEMENTIA OLDER ADULTS AND THE MEDIATION OF FRAILTY
Authors: Liu Sofia , Li Mengchi , McPhillips Miranda , Calderon Russell , Li Junxin 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Neurofilament light (NfL) is a biomarker for neuronal health, indicative of neural damage and decline in older adults. Physical activity (PA) is known to promote healthy aging and prevent frailty. However, the interplay between PA, physical frailty, and NfL remains underexplored. This study examines the associations between PA and NfL and the mediating role of frailty using baseline data of 95 community-dwelling non-dementia older adults in a randomized controlled trial. PA was measured using ActiGraph Link and Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly (PASE). Frailty was assessed using the Fried frailty phenotype, and NfL levels were determined from plasma samples. Multiple linear regressions, adjusting for sociodemographic and health factors, tested the association, and Baron and Kenny’s approach was used to examine frailty’s mediation effect. Participants were aged 70.0 ± 6.0 years, 80% female, 28.6% Black, had 2.8 ± 1.9 chronic conditions, and 28% had mild cognitive impairment (MCI). In the adjusted models, a higher level of Actigraph-measured PA was associated with lower NfL (β= -7.4, 95% confidence interval (CI) = [-13.4 to -1.3]). The frail group showed increased NfL compared to the robust (β = 26.3, 95% CI = [11.8 to 40.8]) and pre-frail (β = 25.5, 95% CI = [39.9 to 11.1]) groups. Further, frailty status significantly mediated the PA-NfL relationship. In summary, increased PA level was associated with reduced NfL, and frailty status mediated the associations in our sample of older adults with normal cognition or MCI. PA interventions may reduce frailty-related neuronal damage; further study is needed.
OPTIMIZING PHYSICAL AND MENTAL FUNCTION ACROSS THE AGING CONTINUUM: PCORI’S FUNDING PORTFOLIO AND RESEARCH PRIORITIES
Authors: Akinbami Yewande , Majid Tabassum , Audley John , Arora Neeraj 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
In 2021, the National Academy of Medicine identified “Actualizing better health and healthcare for older adults” as one of five vital directions in healthcare. In response, PCORI launched a $50 million, targeted PCORI funding announcement (PFA) on Healthy Aging in 2021 that called for CER to optimize the physical and mental functioning of older adults. This funding announcement coincided with PCORI’s Board identifying 12 focused topic themes, including “Promoting the Health of Older Adults”. This project synthesizes PCORI’s portfolio of funded work aimed at promoting the health of older adults and presents the Healthy Aging continuum, a conceptual framework informed by stakeholders to guide future PCORI research investments. The conceptual framework encompasses four domains: (1) healthy older adults with 1-2 well-managed chronic conditions (2), individuals with sub-optimally managed multiple chronic conditions (3), individuals with significant functional impairment and (4), seriously ill older adults who may need end-of-life care. Caregivers who support older adults as they age throughout the continuum undercut all four of these domains. To date, PCORI has funded 63 CER projects, totaling $323 million, focused on promoting the health of older adults. PCORI’s targeted initiatives have called for CER on palliative care, hearing loss, visual impairment, osteoporotic fractures, delirium, and hypertension. This presentation will provide an overview of PCORI’s portfolio of older adult studies and implications for future research priorities. During the symposium discussion, PCORI will solicit further insights on evidence gaps and implications for future research focused on real-world decisional dilemmas in older adult health.
ENGAGING VILLAGES AS KEY PARTNERS IN PATIENT-CENTERED HEALTHY AGING RESEARCH
Authors: Greenfield Emily , Shih Regina , Kincaid William , Palimaru Alina , Pope Natalie , Sullivan Barbara 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Villages are a grassroots-led community-based movement to facilitate aging in place through social connection, sense of belonging, and services from neighbors and other local resources. With over 270 villages across the nation, villages present a unique opportunity to deliver patient-centered interventions for health aging. This presentation will provide an overview of a Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute-funded engagement project to promote the meaningful involvement of Villages in all phases of patient-centered comparative clinical effectiveness research (CER). This project serves as an early step toward the collaborative design of future research on how Villages promote healthy aging. First, we will describe the strategic value of establishing digital communications for the project as an early project goal. Second, we will discuss how the themes that arose during five focus groups (n=49) on villagers’ perspectives onhealthy aging, intersections with the health care system, and their involvement in research informed subsequent project activities. Third, we will provide an overview of the formation of the Villages Healthy Aging Ambassadors group for peer-to-peer engagement and collaborative research design. Fourth, we will summarize the planning and implementation of regionally-based virtual summits with Villages across the United States to gain further insights for future research projects and to strengthen the position of research as part of the national Village movement. We will conclude by reflecting on the value of collaboratively designing and implementing this project for optimizing the success of longer-term patient-centered CER with Villages and amplifying the efforts of Villages to advance healthy aging.
THE VALUE OF ENGAGEMENT: IMPROVING ORAL HEALTH THROUGH COMMUNITY-BASED INTERVENTIONS
Authors: Nelson Suchitra , Curtan Shelley , Ejaz Farida 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Many older adults accept oral health problems as an inevitable consequence of aging and do not seek dental care. Further, with limited dental insurance options alternative care models are needed. Our project investigated the most effective and efficient means of addressing oral health disparities and access to dental care among community-dwelling older adults. This clinical trial tested the comparative effectiveness of two non-surgical evidence based cavity treatments (Silver Diamine Fluoride vs. Atraumatic Restorative Treatment) in arresting tooth decay for adults 62+. Treatments required no needles or drills and were done using portable equipment in the independent housing sites where the adults lived. The project enrolled and screened 952 older adults, treated 568 with active decay, living in 34 housing sites (17 sites randomized to each treatment intervention). Follow-up visits at 26 and 52 weeks assessed caries arrest and participant report of oral pain and hypersensitivity. Focus groups were conducted to capture qualitative data related to participant’s treatment satisfaction. A stakeholder group comprised of individuals representing payers, policy makers, advocacy organizations, housing administrators, and patients have been active throughout each study phase, offering guidance and assistance with the project. We will outline experiences of participants and perspectives of stakeholders that enabled positive oral health outcomes for older adult participants. Challenges and successes will be shared, along with next steps for dissemination and ideas for health system change to support continuation of treatment based on project clinical outcomes.