bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
USING AN OLDER ADULT MENTORING PROGRAM TO INCREASE INTEREST IN GERIATRICS AMONG MEDICAL STUDENTS
Authors: Arnette Shannon , McIntyre Madeline 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Older adults are the largest consumers of healthcare, yet there is a projected shortage of geriatricians in the future. The Older Adult Mentoring Program at a large, urban-serving, mid-Atlantic university aims to educate first-year medical students by increasing their awareness of internal and external ageism within healthcare through three semi-structured interviews conducted by the students with their mentors over two semesters, allowing them to interact with community-dwelling older adults and gain a person-centered perspective of aging. We conducted a quantitative study to determine the program’s impact on the students’ openness to working in geriatrics as a specialty. In April 2024, at the end of the program, we asked the students several questions, such as how they think about their healthcare goals as they age, their comfort level working with older adults, and their openness to pursuing geriatrics. Our findings suggest that the program positively impacted students’ attitudes to working with older adults. Over 75% of students agreed that the program changed how they think about their healthcare needs and/or goals as they age. Approximately 77% of students agreed that they feel more confident working with older adults. Over 60% of students either somewhat agreed or agreed that they are more open to pursuing geriatrics as a specialty, and over 90% were more open to working with older adults regardless of their future specialty. This shows how meaningful a program like this can be in changing students’ attitudes towards older adults and geriatrics.
USING GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS ANALYSIS TO UNDERSTAND THE BURDEN OF PROVIDING RIDES FOR OLDER ADULTS
Authors: Mauldin Rebecca , Handique Swasati , Jang Soeun , Parekh Rupal 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Transportation is a significant factor for older adults’ mobility and quality of life. However, some older adults need rides from others for transportation and ride providers may experience burdens when providing rides regularly. This study explores the use of geographic information systems to develop geospatial models (or “activity spaces”) of routine travel patterns, both for regular activities and for providing transportation to older adults. This exploratory study was a cross-sectional survey among people who provided rides to older Vietnamese immigrants in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex area (N=20). Geospatial analyses using ArcGIS were employed to examine activity spaces (AS) and the geospatial burden of providing rides. Results indicated that nearly half of the ride providers experienced transportation costs, missed work, and increased personal stress from giving rides. Significant portions of ride-provision activity spaces were found outside the provider’s regular activity spaces. We present and compare three potential indicators for assessing ride providing burden based on the ride providers’ regular and ride-provision activity spaces. The percentage of the ride-provision AS outside the AS was associated with giving fewer rides per month. Findings suggest potential ways to measure ride provider burden for research and practice and have the potential to inform transportation subsidy policies. This study has implications a policy subsidizing private ride providers which could reduce costs and improve accessibility without additional infrastructure. Geospatial tools can assess ride-provision burdens, guide subsidy eligibility, and provide valuable data for city planning and service location optimization.
WORKPLACE RETENTION FRAMEWORKS FOR NURSING IN LONG-TERM CARE: AN INTEGRATIVE REVIEW
Authors: Sun Winnie , Martignetti Lucas , Calver Jen 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Background
Nurses and Personal Support Workers are essential for care and services provided for Long term Care (LTC) homes. Concerns regarding unsafe living and working condition resulting in high turnover rates. Despite high turnover rate, very little guidance to help improve staffing stability and workforce retention planning. The purpose of this integrative review is to synthesise the existing literature regarding LTC staff retention to guide the development of a comprehensive framework addressing LTC staffing issues.

Methods
This review was conducted using Whittemore and Knafl’s integrative review methodology to assess both empirical, theoretical and grey literature. Databases were searched such as CIHNL, PubMed, PyschINFO. Included articles are published in English; use empirical and theoretical methodologies; and focuses on workplace retention frameworks, models, and strategies for the LTC workforce. Articles involving non-facility based LTC and those focused on recruitment rather than retention was excluded. Thematic analysis using Braun & Clark was used to identify themes related to retention frameworks and models influencing turnover.

Results
A total of 1196 articles were retrieved, with 1086 articles screened, while 17 articles were included in the final sample. Examples of identified models including Huber’s Structural Model and the Dual-Driver Model. Retention framework focuses on five group factors: Organizational and personal characteristics, leadership/management, social systems and labour market conditions.

Conclusion
The results of this study will be useful to guide subsequent stages of this research to gain consensus of LTC staff using Delphi methodology to support the co-creation of a workforce retention framework in LTC sector.
CLINICAL CORRELATION OF MMSE AND TAU RESULTS FROM BLOOD OR IMAGING REPORTS
Authors: Sunil Surya , Nair Malini , Huang Rui , Obando Viviana , Ferreira Kyra , Glynn Jennifer , Nair Anil 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Background
A novel blood test for Alzheimer pathology is now available. Abnormal tau measurements from blood or brain PET may indicate brain tau. We analyzed the correlation of Mini Mental Status Examination (MMSE) to tau results disclosed to patients in a memory clinic.

Objectives
To assess the correlation of blood or PET tau positivity to MMSE test scores. To evaluate an MMSE score cut-off that translates optimally to tau positivity.

Method
Retrospective observational chart review of patients attending a memory clinic in Boston, MA, with a MMSE test score and blood tau or tau-results were included for analysis. Baseline MMSE and a binary blood or PET scan result were analyzed with covariates age, sex and race. Spearman correlation of MMSE to blood/PET tau. Kruskal Wallis/Chi square tests for relationship of age, sex, gender and education with MMSE score and tau-PET status. ROC analyses and sensitivity/specificity were obtained.

Results
We disclosed 45 positive and 10 negative tau results. 58.2% were female and 82.7% were white. Mean age was 70.12 ± 14.17, mean MMSE was 21.35±7.36. Tau abnormality trended negatively with MMSE score (r= -0.26, p=0.07). A cut point of 28 for MMSE estimated tau deposition in the brain by PET scan or blood tau, with an AUC of 0.694 (95%CI 0.48 to 0.90).

Conclusion
In a small pilot study, tau blood or PET results trended negatively with MMSE scores, possibly indicating a ceiling effect as we only analyzed very mildly impaired subjects.
COMPREHENSIVENESS AND READABILITY OF CHATGPT’S ANSWERS TO DEMENTIA FAMILY CAREGIVERS’ QUESTIONS
Authors: Han Soojeong , Aryoyudanta Bayu , Choi Yong Kyung 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Family caregivers experience challenges in deciding on care transitions. As ChatGPT is a powerful tool for obtaining information, this study aims to evaluate the comprehensiveness and readability of ChatGPT’s answers to dementia family caregivers’ questions regarding transitioning to hospice and palliative care. We extracted data from a public online forum, ALZConnected.org, dedicated to caregivers and individuals affected by dementia. Our dataset comprised 35,482 original posts collected from 2011 to 2023. By filtering with the search terms “palliative”, “hospice”, or “end of life”, 123 questions regarding transitioning were discovered. Of 123 questions, 24 were selected with convenience sampling and entered into ChatGPT. The comprehensiveness of ChatGPT’s answers was evaluated using single-turn and then multi-turn conversations. The readability of all final answers was assessed using the Flesch Reading Ease (FRE) (Rouhi et al., 2024). Results revealed that 41.67 % (n = 10) was scored as comprehensive, 33.33 % (n = 8) as adequate, and 25.00 % (n = 6) as incomplete. The median comprehensiveness score was 2.00 (mean 2.08, SD 0.88). The mean (SD) FRE score was 25.37 (10.39), indicating ‘very difficult to read’. We further investigated whether ChatGPT can provide answers that are easier to read on a different literacy level. The mean (SD) FRE score of revised answers was 46.42 (12.99), indicating ‘difficult to read’. The t-test revealed significant differences between the two answers on the FRE scale (t = -6.20; p &lt; 0.0001). Further studies can explore how to maximize the benefits of using ChatGPT for family caregivers.
DETERMINATION OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND SLEEP LEVELS FROM ACTIGRAPH LEAP USING OPEN-SOURCE R PACKAGE
Authors: Suarez Jethro Raphael , Banarjee Chitra , Park Joon-Hyuk , Thiamwong Ladda 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Accelerometers are the most common devices used for objectively assessing physical activity (PA) and sleep levels, but cleaning and analysis of the data takes time and requires expertise. Raw Accelerometer Data Analysis (also called GGIR) is an open-source R package that helps researchers process and analyze raw multi-day data from accelerometers and calculates PA and sleep levels. GGIR can process various formats of raw data (e.g.,.csv,.gt3x) from several types of accelerometers but not the raw.csv data from the ActiGraph LEAP device. We aimed to determine PA and sleep levels from LEAP devices by investigating how the raw.csv data file could be manipulated to be compatible with GGIR. We used the pilot data from our NIH-funded study with 24 community-dwelling older adults aged 62 to 91 (mean age = 74.63 ± 7.73 years) who wore the LEAP device for 7 consecutive days. The raw.csv data files were analyzed using a code created in R language that read each raw.csv data file in chunks using the “read.csv” function. We found that manipulation of the column and row structure of the raw.csv file in R resulted in compatibility with GGIR only after removal of the Time Stamps column and matching the header formatting of raw accelerometer.csv files exported from the ActiLife program. Our findings indicated that GGIR can be used to analyze data from LEAP devices and allows for creating a detailed report of PA and sleep levels that benefits both researchers and older adults.
DIGITAL INTERVENTIONS FOR URINARY TRACT INFECTIONS PREVENTION IN PERSONS LIVING WITH DEMENTIA: A SCOPING REVIEW
Authors: Wu Kuan-Ching , Belza Basia , Berry Donna , Lewis Frances , Zaslavsky Oleg 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
People with dementia are significantly more prone to hospitalizations for urinary tract infections (UTIs) and experience more severe health outcomes compared to those without dementia. Digital interventions, such as smartphone applications, wearable devices, and telehealth platforms, show potential for transforming UTI detection, monitoring, and adherence to preventive measures. However, there is a lack of studies examining how existing digital interventions support UTI prevention in persons living with dementia. This paper reviewed various digital interventions tested in current literature for managing or preventing UTIs in this population and identified key outcomes. Utilizing the PRISMA-ScR framework, this scoping review searched five databases for studies from January 1998 to January 2024 that included digital interventions using technological devices. After screening 1800 citations, we included seven studies and evaluated three digital interventions: Technology Integrated Health Management (TIHM), a real-time locating system (RTLS), and a smart diaper system. These studies reported various outcome variables and AI algorithms for health monitoring and UTI prediction, with sensitivities up to 91%. TIHM and RTLS were highly effective in UTI detection, while the smart diaper system had lower sensitivity for urine voiding detection. Despite the prevalence of sensor-based technology and AI algorithms for early UTI detection, most interventions lack theoretical foundations and preventive strategies, highlighting the need for comprehensive approaches involving dementia caregivers. Future research should diversify its scope and integrate preventive measures guided by clinical guidelines and behavioral theories to enhance UTI management, improve quality of life, and reduce healthcare costs for persons with dementia and their caregivers.
EFFECT OF TIME-RESTRICTED EATING ON NEUROVASCULAR COUPLING AND METABOLIC PROFILE IN OLDER ADULTS
Authors: da Langley Ana Clara Costa Pinaffi , Pinto Camila Bonin , Kleszynski Keith , Tarantini Stefano , Yabluchanskiy Andriy 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Vascular cognitive impairment and dementia (VCID) account for up to 30% of dementia cases worldwide, representing an important public health challenge. Normal cognitive function requires adequate cerebral blood flow (CBF) regulation. Therapeutical strategies aimed at rescuing age-related CBF dysregulation can delay or mitigate the incidence of VCID. Time-restricted eating (TRE) is an accessible alternative to caloric restriction that has demonstrated benefits on cardiometabolic outcomes. However, the effect of TRE on cerebrovascular function in older adults remains unexplored. Therefore, this pilot study aimed to investigate whether TRE improved cerebrovascular function and metabolic profile in heathy older adults. Participants were instructed to maintain a 10:14 intermittent fasting regimen daily for 6 months. Outcomes of interest were changes from baseline to endpoint in neurovascular coupling (NVC) response assessed with near-infrared spectroscopy and metabolic profile assessed using metabolomics analysis. Six participants (100% female, mean age: 59±5 years) completed the pilot study. Six months of TRE were associated with a significant increase in NVC responses (n=5) in the dorso-lateral prefrontal cortex, the region relevant to the cognitive stimulation paradigm. TRE was also associated with an increase in the levels of tetrahydrofolate, L-arginine and nicotinamide, metabolites involved in vascular health (n=5). TRE resulted in an increase in several metabolites directly implicated in antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, or anti-senescence pathways in the vasculature. Further, principal component analysis revealed a distinct clustering of the before and after TRE data. Our limited dataset indicates that TRE may improve NVC and the availability of metabolites relevant to vascular health in older adults.
EFFECTIVENESS OF A NOVEL MEDITERRANEAN DIET APP IN ENHANCING ADHERENCE: RCTS BASED ON SCT
Authors: Su Yan , Zaslavsky Oleg 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Adherence to the Mediterranean diet is a proven nutritional intervention that supports healthy aging and reduces chronic disease risk among community-dwelling older adults. Two pilot RCTs were conducted to evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of a novel mobile health intervention aimed at enhancing adherence to this diet among older users. A total of 34 participants, aged 56-88, were randomized into intervention and control groups. The intervention group used a mobile app for 3 months, receiving feedback on food choices, personalized recipe recommendations, and in-app messaging. Outcomes measured included adherence to the Mediterranean diet, five Social Cognitive Theory (SCT) constructs, and Mediterranean diet knowledge. Linear mixed models (LMMs) showed the intervention group had a significantly greater improvement of 1.52 points in Mediterranean diet adherence compared to the control group after the intervention (P&lt;.05). The intervention group also increased their whole grain intake by 1.53-ounce equivalents more than the control group (P&lt;.01) and their legume intake by 0.14-ounce equivalents more than the control group (P&lt;.01). Additionally, the intervention group reduced their red meat consumption by 0.67 ounces more than the control group (P&lt;.05). However, when each SCT construct or Mediterranean diet knowledge was included in the models individually, none were significant predictors, nor did they affect the group-time interaction, suggesting these factors did not mediate the intervention’s effectiveness. The novel mobile intervention effectively improved dietary adherence among community-dwelling older adults, likely due to the combined influence of multiple behavior change techniques or other factors not captured by SCT.
EFFECTS OF ACUTE EXERCISE AND A DUAL COGNITIVE TASK ON A NOVEL CIRCULATING BIOMARKER
Authors: Croucher Madison , McCall Jennifer R , Sausman Kathryn , de Albuquerque Lidio L , Arms Tamatha , Peterson Matthew 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

This study reports on the effect of aerobic exercise, with or without a concurrent cognitive task on circulating levels of beta hydroxybutyric acid (b-HBA) and glucose in older adults with normal cognition.

Methods
Two bouts of exercise one week apart were performed to examine pre-post b-HBA and glucose in, 1) 10-minutes of stationary bicycling, and 2), 10-minutes of stationary bicycling with a cognitive challenge. Variables included cognitive screening (MoCA), fasting blood samples, health status, physical performance (SPPB), hand function, and depressive symptoms.

Results
N=10 female participants were 90% Caucasian, 71.6 +/-4.3 years old with 3.2 +/-2.1 comorbidities, normal cognitive functioning (MoCA=27 +/-1.5) and good physical performance (SPPB 11.1 +/-1.1). There was a clinically meaningful positive association between change in circulating concentrations of b-HBA and MoCA scores with the dual task condition (r=0.32). Glucose was utilized more in the exercise only task compared to the dual condition task (Visit 2 – Visit 1 difference: mean increase of 9.5% +/- 16.4% in pre-post % change), whereas b-HBA was depleted in the dual task condition (Visit 2-Visit 1 difference: mean decrease of 17.0% +/- 33.4% in pre-post % change). Both b-HBA and glucose concentrations changes had moderate effect sizes (Cohen’s D=0.51 and 0.57, respectively). Conclusions: This study provides proof of concept for differing energy substrate utilization, when the brain is tasked with a cognitive challenge added to an already moderately intense whole-body cycling exercise. Future studies will objectively quantify energy substrate utilization in the brain using this experimental design and imaging studies.
EVALUATION OF PRECLINICAL ALZHEIMER’S DEMENTIA USING PLANTAR PRESSURE REGULATION ABILITY
Authors: Yoon Jieun , Ota Kazuki , Arai Tetsuaki , Nemoto Miyuki , Nemoto Kiyotaka , Ota Miho , Miyashita Mariko , Okura Tomohiro 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Strong connectivity between peripheral sensors and the central nervous system assists in cognitive load distribution. Aging and neurological disorders, including various peripheral neuropathies cause decreased plantar skin sensitivity. The early detection and prevention of Alzheimer’s disease, particularly during the preclinical period, is highly important. The preclinical Alzheimer’s cognitive composite 5 (PACC5) test formula is an effective test for assessing the preclinical AD period. However, completing the PACC5 is time consuming and psychologically and physically challenging for 60- to 87-year-old patients. We developed a plantar pressure performance test to evaluate the correlation between PACC5 scores and graded plantar distributions in the preclinical period. Participants (n = 210) aged 60–87 years (mean: 71.0 ± 7.0) provided informed consent. PACC5, gap_total, gap_downslope, gap_upslope, and error (deviation from the target value) values for each relaxing- and exerting-force movement of the legs were evaluated. We used the BM-220 (prototype, Tanita Co. Ltd) for analyzing plantar pressure. The participants were divided into three groups (upper, middle, and lower) based on plantar pressure. Group differences were assessed using Spearman’s correlation and the Kruskal-Wallis tests, with P &lt; 0.05 considered statistically significant. All items showed a weak negative correlation value trend (R = –0.370 to –0.234). PACC5 scores among the upper, middle, and lower groups (differences ordered from lowest to high) showed significant differences, and the PACC5 scores of the lower group were less than those of the upper group. Thus, plantar pressure movement may serve as a preliminary performance index for preclinical period selection.
EVERYDAY CHALLENGES IN OLDER ADULTS WITH TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY: A CASE STUDY OF TWO DYADS
Authors: Umar Tooba , Payonk Cassie , Kuhl Olivia , Mudar Raksha , Rogers Wendy 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) results in various cognitive, somatic, and psychological challenges that affect daily life. We explored self-perceptions of these challenges in older persons with TBI (PwTBI) and their care partners (CareP), using data from two dyads (N=4). We interviewed participants about daily activities and related cognitive challenges in five domains: health, social engagement, transportation, domestic life, and leisure activities. Participants rated the difficulty of activities for the PwTBI on a scale from 1 (very easy) to 5 (very difficult). Thematic and content analyses revealed discordances in perceptions between PwTBI and CareP on several domains in both dyads, with concordance only in diet and nutrition activities in Dyad 1, which are crucial aspects of the health domain. Other activities showed discordances across both participants. In Dyad 1, PwTBI reported cognitive challenges more frequently than their CareP. However, in Dyad 2, the PwTBI reported cognitive difficulties much less frequently during activity ratings. Conversely, their care partner reported cognitive difficulties related to episodic memory and social cognition affecting the domains of health, social engagement, and transportation. These findings underscore the complexity of cognitive challenges faced by PwTBI and the differing perspectives between participants and care partners. The study highlights the need for tailored interventions that address both the challenges expressed by PwTBI and those noticed by their CareP to better support daily functioning and quality of life in older adults with TBI. This dyadic approach provides valuable insights for developing personalized care strategies.