Greater Increase Research Articles

Synthesis and investigation of sustainable long-chain branched poly(lactic acid-r-malic acid) copolymer as toughening agent for PLA blends

Poly(lactic acid) (PLA) is the most promising candidate for biobased and biodegradable plastic which combines biocompatibility, renewability as well as excellent processability. However, toughening is still needed for PLA as to obtain materials suitable for broader applications. In this work, long-chain branched random copolymers poly(lactic acid-r-malic acid) (PMLA) were synthesized based on bio-resourced lactic acid (LA) and malic acid (MA) through polycondensation as toughening agent for PLA. The chemical structures of PMLA were characterized by 1H NMR and 1H–13C HSQC analysis. In the PLA and PMLA blends, PMLA has apparent effect on the crystallinity of PLA and the blends show a great increase of elongation at break to over 300 % even at low PMLA content of 2%wt. Furthermore, the thermal properties of the blend are characterized through DSC and the micro-structure investigated through Positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopic (PALS) technique. PMLA with long-chain branched topology shows an excellent capability in the toughening of PLA and maintains the total biodegradability of the resultant blend at the same time, that is critical for environment-friendly materials.

An examination of retinal findings with optical coherence tomography in hypothyroidism patients with vitamin D deficiency: A comparative study

<b>Aim: </b>This study aimed to examine the retinal layer before and after treatment in patients with hypothyroidism with vitamin D deficiency, since the vitamin also protects the retinal cells against inflammatory damage.<br /> <b>Material and methods: </b>The free T3, free T4, and vitamin D levels of 104 patients with no ocular disease were first measured. Ophthalmological examinations of these patients, who were divided into three groups, were performed by specialist ophthalmologists, while retinal findings were examined using optical coherence tomography (OCT) and recorded. The first group was given vitamin D for three months, the second levothyroxine, and the third vitamin D + levothyroxine. After three months repeat OCT was performed, and the results were compared with the previous values.<br /> <b>Results:</b> The thickness of the left inner nuclear cell layer of the patients in the vitamin D group increased significantly compared to pre-treatment. Post-treatment right central macular thickness, right nerve fiber layer, right outer nuclear cell layer, right pigment epithelial layer, left central macular, and left inner nuclear cell layer thicknesses were all significantly higher compared to pre-treatment in the patients in the levothyroxine + vitamin D group, while right outer retinal layer and left retinal nerve fiber thicknesses decreased (p<0.05).<br /> <b>Conclusion:</b> A greater increase in cell layer thickness was observed in the group using vitamin D and levothyroxine together compared to those in which vitamin D and levothyroxine were employed alone. However, further studies on the effect of vitamin D on retinal cell development and protection against injury are now needed.

Non-Obstetric Maternal Mortality Trends by Race in the United States.

Public health interventions to reduce maternal mortality have largely focused on obstetric causes of death. However, previous studies have noted that non-obstetrics factors, such as motor vehicle accidents, substance overdoses, homicides, and suicides, may account for a large proportion of maternal deaths. The study objective was to examine trends in maternal deaths from non-obstetric causes across races in the United States (US). A population-based cross-sectional study was conducted on 80,710,348 live births using data from the "Birth Data" and "Mortality Multiple Cause" files compiled by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention from 2000 to 2019. The annual incidence of maternal deaths attributed to non-obstetric causes (/100,000 live-births) during pregnancy and up to 42 days postpartum were calculated across racial groups. Then the effects of race on the risk of non-obstetric maternal mortality and temporal changes over the study period were examined using logistic regression models. From 2000 to 2019, a total 7,334 women died during pregnancy, childbirth, and within 42 days postpartum from non-obstetric causes, representing 34.5% (7,334/21,241) of all maternal mortality. Of non-obstetric deaths, 31.3% were caused by transport accidents and 27.3% by accidental poisoning. American Indian women were found to have the highest risk of non-obstetric maternal mortality (OR 2.20,95% CI 1.90-2.56), and 46.1% (176/382) of all deaths among pregnant American Indian women were caused by non-obstetric complications. Risk of non-obstetric maternal mortality increased overall during the 20-year study period, with a greater increase among Black (1.15, 1.13-1.17) and American Indian women (1.17, 1.13-1.21). Non-obstetric causes of death have become increasingly prevalent in the US, especially in American Indian women. Novel interventions to address these non-obstetric factors should especially target American Indian women to improve maternal outcomes.

Job happiness: influence of work flexibility through work-life balance and gender moderation

PurposeThis research aims to determine the influence that work flexibility (WF) has on the happiness of workers through the work and personal life balance, work-life balance (WLB), as a mediating variable, as well as the moderating role of gender between WLB and job happiness (JH). A structural model that describes the interactions between these study variables is proposed.Design/methodology/approachA quantitative approach was used. The data were collected by non-probabilistic sampling, surveying 200 mid-level employees in small and medium industrial enterprises (industrial SMEs). The proposed hypotheses were analyzed and tested using partial least squares structural equation modeling.FindingsThe results confirmed the hypotheses presented. In the relation of WLB and JH, positive work-family and family-work interactions would result in a greater increase in JH in the women group compared to men, and special characteristics were found in the variables in the Mexican context.Practical implicationsThis study will provide information to those responsible for the human resources departments of companies to design and implement good practices in which importance can be given to labor agreements involving WF and the implementation of WLB policies differentiated by gender to generate happiness at work.Originality/valueThe JH construct proposed by Fisher (2010) was applied, and its relationship with WF and WLB in a post-pandemic context was studied. The research applied to supervisors and area managers of industrial SMEs reflects the importance of considering the balance between their life and work to achieve JH, understanding it as job satisfaction and more commitment to work, in addition to considering the differences by gender.

The Effects of Six-Gram D-Aspartic Acid Supplementation on the Testosterone, Cortisol, and Hematological Responses of Male Boxers Subjected to 11 Days of Nocturnal Exposure to Normobaric Hypoxia.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of D-aspartic acid (DAA) supplementation during a simulated altitude protocol on the hormonal and hematological responses in athletes. We hypothesized that DAA supplementation would contribute to an increase in the luteinizing hormone (LH), free, and testosterone and a greater increase in hematological variables. Sixteen male boxers participated; they were randomly assigned to an experimental group (DAA) or a control group (C) and underwent 14 days of supplementation, 6 g/day of DAA. Both DAA and C participants were exposed to normobaric hypoxia (FiO2 = 15.5%; 2500 m) for 10-12 h a day over a period of 11 days. The results showed that DAA had no significant effect on resting, LH, or the testosterone/cortisol ratio during the training camp. Hypoxic exposure significantly (p < 0.05) increased red blood cell and reticulocyte counts as well as hemoglobin and hematocrit concentrations in both groups, but DAA had no significant effect on these changes. In conclusion, we found that DAA supplementation at a dose of 6 g/day for 14 days does not affect the testosterone, cortisol, or hematological responses of athletes during.

Evaluation of climate-change impacts on the temporal and spatial behaviour of drought in South-Central Chile

ABSTRACT Chile is particularly vulnerable to climate change due to its geomorphology, ecological wealth and economic dependence on water resources, and has been facing a severe drought since 2010. The objective of this work is to propose a methodology able to project and evaluate changes in the magnitude, duration and frequency of meteorological and hydrological droughts, as a decision-making tool to support adaptation to climate change. Four basins were assessed using different downscaled General Circulation Models (GCM) and the Soil & Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) model. Results were evaluated using Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) and Standardized Streamflow Index (SSFI) comparing drought events over two periods of time. An increase in magnitude and duration of meteorological droughts is projected, especially in the Andes Mountain range. Regarding hydrological drought, greater increases in magnitude and duration are projected for the Itata River Basin. In both types of droughts, an increase in frequency is expected.

Global impact of population aging on vision loss prevalence: A population-based study

BackgroundVision loss is a leading cause of healthy life loss in late adulthood. We aimed to comprehensively examine the impact of population aging on vision loss prevalence worldwide. MethodsThis population-based study used repeated cross-sectional data on vision loss and its related causes from the Global Burden of Disease 2019 study. We investigated the impact of population aging by decomposing changes in vision loss prevalence into contributions of population growth, population aging, and epidemiological rate changes using the latest decomposition method and comparing the net effect of population aging and epidemiological rate changes. ResultsThe global vision loss prevalence attributed to population aging increased from 1991 to 2019, reaching 183.37 million in 2019. In relation to the 19 vision loss causes, the greatest increase in population aging-attributed vision loss prevalence was observed for near vision loss, refraction disorders, and cataract, whereas the contributions of glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and age-related macular degeneration were not substantial. The impact of population aging on vision loss prevalence varied greatly worldwide based on development levels. However, in most countries, the increase in vision loss prevalence caused by population aging exceeded far and could not be offset by epidemiological rate variations. ConclusionsWith the aging of the population, vision loss has become one of the most serious public health concerns. It is imperative that policy makers invest more in vision health preventive medicine and implement proven, cost-effective interventions to combat the epidemic of vision loss as the population ages.

Is there a right time for dairy Alpine goat kid weaning: How does the weaning age of dairy Alpine goat kids affect their growth and behavior?

In dairy goat kids, weaning is often associated with poor growth leading to a decline in welfare and performance; however, little is known about optimal weaning practices. This study aimed to determine the optimal weaning age for dairy goat kids to maximize outcome measures of welfare related to growth, feed intake, and behavior. Thirty-six newborn female Alpine kids were blocked by weight and birth date, paired with a similar male companion and randomly allocated to one of the three weaning age treatments: 6 (6W), 8 (8W), and 10wk (10W). Kids had ad libitum access to acidified milk replacer refilled twice daily, concentrates, hay, and water. Milk consumption was measured daily, and concentrate consumption, weekly. Ten behaviors were live observed on days -8, -4, 0, 6, and 12 relative to weaning (i.e., weaning day = 0). Kruskal-Wallis tests were used to assess differences from baseline between the 6W, 8W, and 10W treatments. Post hoc analysis using the Dwass, Steel, Critchlow-Fligner (DSCF) multiple comparison analysis was used to evaluate pairwise treatment differences based on two-sample Wilcoxon comparisons. Kids weaned at 10wk had the greatest increase compared to baseline in concentrate consumption (P = 0.0160), and greatest decrease compared to baseline in vocalization (P = 0.0008) while both 8- and 10- wk kid's groups had the greatest increase compared to baseline in self-grooming time (P < 0.0001), and cross-sucking time (P = 0.0006). Kids weaned at 6wk of age were found to have the smallest increase compared to baseline in concentrate consumption (P = 0.0160) and self-grooming time (P < 0.0001), and the greatest increase compared to baseline in allogrooming time (P = 0.0032) and in redirected behaviors aimed towards the environment (biting and licking time [P = 0.0173]; displacement at the nipple frequency [P = 0.0236]). No negative impact of weaning on growth of either group was identified. Overall, our results tend towards a higher degree of discomfort behaviors (allogrooming, biting/licking, displacement, and vocalizations) in kids weaned earlier compared to later weaning, while kids weaned later showed higher levels of positive behaviors (lying time and self-grooming).

Exaggerated Peripheral and Systemic Vasoconstriction During Trauma Recall in Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: A Co-Twin Control Study

BackgroundIndividuals with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) face an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, but the mechanisms linking PTSD to cardiovascular disease remain incompletely understood. We used a co-twin control study design to test the hypothesis that individuals with PTSD exhibit augmented peripheral and systemic vasoconstriction during a personalized trauma recall task. MethodsIn 179 older male twins from the Vietnam Era Twin Registry, lifetime history of PTSD and current (last month) PTSD symptoms were assessed. Participants listened to neutral and personalized trauma scripts while peripheral vascular tone (Peripheral Arterial Tone ratio) and systemic vascular tone (e.g., total vascular conductance) were measured. Linear mixed-effect models were used to assess the within-pair relationship between PTSD and vascular tone indices. ResultsThe mean age of participants was 68 years, and 19% had a history of PTSD. For the Peripheral Arterial Tone ratio analysis, 32 twins were discordant for a history of PTSD, and 46 were discordant for current PTSD symptoms. Compared with their brothers without PTSD, during trauma recall, participants with a history of PTSD had greater increases in peripheral (β = −1.01, 95% CI [−1.72, −0.30]) and systemic (total vascular conductance: β = −1.12, 95% CI [−1.97, −0.27]) vasoconstriction after adjusting for cardiovascular risk factors. Associations persisted after adjusting for antidepressant medication use and heart rate and blood pressure during the tasks. Analysis of current PTSD symptom severity showed consistent results. ConclusionsPTSD is associated with exaggerated peripheral and systemic vasoconstrictor responses to traumatic stress reminders, which may contribute to elevated risk of cardiovascular disease.

Pulmonary hypertension alters blood flow distribution and impairs the hyperemic response in the rat diaphragm.

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is characterized by pulmonary vascular remodeling, respiratory muscle and cardiac impairments, and exercise intolerance. Specifically, impaired gas exchange increases work of the diaphragm; however, compromised contractile function precludes the diaphragm from meeting the increased metabolic demand of chronic hyperventilation in PH. Given that muscle contractile function is in part, dependent upon adequate blood flow (), diaphragmatic dysfunction may be predicated by an inability to match oxygen delivery with oxygen demand. We hypothesized that PH rats would demonstrate a decreased hyperemic response to contractions compared to healthy controls. Methods: Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized into healthy (HC, n = 7) or PH (n = 7) groups. PH rats were administered monocrotaline (MCT) while HC rats received vehicle. Disease progression was monitored via echocardiography. Regional and total diaphragm blood flow and vascular conductance at baseline and during 3min of electrically-stimulated contractions were determined using fluorescent microspheres. Results: PH rats displayed morphometric and echocardiographic criteria for disease (i.e., acceleration time/ejection time, right ventricular hypertrophy). In all rats, total costal diaphragm increased during contractions and did not differ between groups. In HC rats, there was a greater increase in medial costal compared to PH rats (55% ± 3% vs. 44% ± 4%, p < 0.05), who demonstrated a redistribution of to the ventral costal region. Conclusion: These findings support a redistribution of regional diaphragm perfusion and an impaired medial costal hyperemic response in PH, suggesting that PH alters diaphragm vascular function and oxygen delivery, providing a potential mechanism for PH-induced diaphragm contractile dysfunction.

Investigation of heat transfer characteristics in air-to-air heat exchanger with steady flow, oscillating flow and sound waves

A steady flow with a high flow rate, oscillating flow, and audible sound waves can enhance the heat transfer performance in air-to-air heat exchangers, while the comparison of influence mechanisms and degrees of different methods is ignored. This study investigates flow instability and heat transfer characteristics in an air-to-air heat exchanger under steady flow, oscillating flow and sound waves. The results show that steady flow and oscillating flow with different amplitudes have little effect on the distribution characteristics of velocity and vortices. However, the vortices disappear and generate periodically under 140 dB. Moreover, oscillating flow and sound waves exert distinct influences on flow instability. The cold side experiences the highest increase in turbulence kinetic energy when subjected to high-amplitude oscillating flow, while the greatest increase on the hot side occurs under high-amplitude sound waves, and the influence of steady flow on turbulence kinetic energy is relatively low. Additionally, the steady flow enhances the heat transfer performance by increasing flow rate, while the oscillating flow and sound waves promote the heat transfer between the fluid and surface. Under the effect of steady flow, oscillating flow, and sound waves, the values of heat flux are 1.22, 1.24, and 1.31 times that of the initial condition with the amplitude increasing to 0.683 m/s (140 dB). The results demonstrate that with the increase in amplitude acting on the inlet, the sound waves have the greatest impact on heat transfer performance, followed by oscillating flow, and the effect of steady flow is relatively slight. The research can provide guidelines for the development of heat transfer enhancement in air-to-air heat exchangers.

Temporal trends of migraine and tension-type headache burden across the BRICS: implications from the Global Burden of Disease study 2019.

Headache disorders have become a significant global public health issue, with a notably high prevalence observed in developing countries. However, few studies have assessed headache disorders trends in Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (BRICS). This study aimed to assess the prevalence of headache disorders in individuals across the BRICS, spanning the years 1990 to 2019. We obtained headache disorders data from the Global Burden of Disease 2019 study (GBD2019). This evaluation examined incidence rates, prevalence, and disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) for migraine and tension-type headache (TTH) across demographic factors like age, gender, year, and country. Migraine and TTH were diagnosed based on the International Classification of Headache Disorders (ICHD-3) criteria. We used disease codes from the International Classification of Diseases, 10th revision to identify migraine and TTH cases. Statistical analyzes included calculating age-standardized rates and estimated annual percentage changes. Future disease burden was projected using a log-linear age-period-cohort model. In 2019, India had the highest prevalence of migraine (213890207.93 cases) and TTH (374,453,700 cases). Brazil had the highest migraine age-standardized prevalence rate (18,331 per 100,000) and incidence rate (1,489 per 100,000). For TTH, India had the highest prevalence (26,160 per 100,000) while Russia had the highest incidence (11,512 per 100,000). From 1990 to 2019, China showed the greatest increase in migraine and TTH prevalence. India had the highest migraine (7,687,692) and TTH (741,392) DALYs in 2019. Migraine and TTH remain highly prevalent in BRICS nations, inflicting considerable disability burden. While India and China face mounting disease prevalence, Brazil contends with high incidence rates. Tailored interventions based on country-specific epidemiological profiles are warranted to mitigate the public health impact.

METHYLATION RISK SCORES ARE ASSOCIATED WITH CARDIOVASCULAR RISK FACTORS IN OLDER US ADULTS

Abstract DNA methylation risk scores (MRS) are biomarkers that may prove clinically useful by enabling earlier prevention and individualized treatment of cardiovascular diseases (CVD). However, it is unclear whether relationships between methylation and CVD risk factors differ by demographics or health behaviors. Using existing epigenome-wide association studies, we created MRSs for eight CVD risk factors: systolic and diastolic blood pressure, body mass index (BMI), C-reactive protein (CRP), low- and high-density lipoprotein cholesterols (LDL-C, HDL-C), triglycerides (TG), and fasting glucose. Methylation was measured in whole blood samples from Health and Retirement Study participants (N=3,996, mean age=69.5 years). In linear regression, each MRS was positively associated with its corresponding CVD risk factor after controlling for demographics and health behaviors (all p&amp;lt; 0.001). Adding interaction terms between each MRS and age, gender, or alcohol use revealed differences in MRS associations with their corresponding CVD risk factors across groups: higher MRSs were associated with greater increases in BMI, HDL-C, and TG in younger participants than older participants, greater increases in BMI and HDL-C in females than males, and a greater increase in CRP in non-drinkers than heavy drinkers (≤65 years old: &amp;gt;2 per day for males and &amp;gt;1 per day for females; &amp;gt;65 years old: &amp;gt;1 per day for both genders). In conclusion, some MRSs for CVD risk factors have stronger associations in younger adults, women, and non-drinkers. Additional research is needed to better understand the potential clinical utility of MRSs for early CVD prevention and intervention.

PRACTICE AND THEORY: THE SIGNIFICANCE OF PARTICIPATING IN CULTURALLY-RELEVANT CRAFTS FOR DIVERSE OLDER ADULTS

Abstract In the last 25 years, there has been a great increase in interest in the benefits of creative activities for older adults, especially for dementia patients. More recent research (Adams-Price et al., 2018) has identified specific benefits that healthy older adults get from participating in arts activities. However, little research has featured the benefits of traditional craft activities, especially those prominent in different ethnic groups. The focus of this symposium will be on the benefits of traditional crafts for older adults, especially when those crafts are traditional to one’s culture and have benefits for identity. The proposed symposium will include papers by Chen and Alcantar on the impact of craft participation on diverse older adults. Kaori Otera Chen will be discussing older women weavers in New York State, and the psychological growth they experience from learning and practicing skills associated with weaving, and from creating beautiful pieces. Sandy Alcantar will be discussing a program that she runs for older Hispanic immigrants that promotes participation in traditional crafts to provide income and connect the immigrants to their culture of origin. Adams-Price will be discussing life-span developmental psychology and the sociocultural theory of creativity from Vlad Glaveanu, and their implications of the theory for discussing the significance of long-term participating in culturally-relevant crafts in later life, singly and in groups. She will tie in examples from diverse cultures, including older rural African American women who quilt.

Bendamustine lymphodepletion before axicabtagene ciloleucel is safe and associates with reduced inflammatory cytokines

AbstractLymphodepletion (LD) is an integral component of chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CART) immunotherapies. In this study, we compared the safety and efficacy of bendamustine (Benda) to standard fludarabine/cyclophosphamide (Flu/Cy) LD before CD19-directed, CD28-costimulated CART axicabtagene ciloleucel (axi-cel) for patients with large B-cell lymphoma (LBCL) and follicular lymphoma (FL). We analyzed 59 patients diagnosed with LBCL (n = 48) and FL (n = 11) consecutively treated with axi-cel at the University of Pennsylvania. We also analyzed serum samples for cytokine levels and metabolomic changes before and after LD. Flu/Cy and Benda demonstrated similar efficacy, with complete remission rates of 51.4% and 50.0% (P = .981), respectively, and similar progression-free and overall survivals. Any-grade cytokine-release syndrome occurred in 91.9% of patients receiving Flu/Cy vs 72.7% of patients receiving Benda (P = .048); any-grade neurotoxicity after Flu/Cy occurred in 45.9% of patients and after Benda in 18.2% of patients (P = .031). In addition, Flu/Cy was associated with a higher incidence of grade ≥3 neutropenia (100% vs 54.5%; P < .001), infections (78.4% vs 27.3%; P < .001), and neutropenic fever (78.4% vs 13.6%; P < .001). These results were confirmed both in patients with LBCL and those with FL. Mechanistically, patients with Flu/Cy had a greater increase in inflammatory cytokines associated with neurotoxicity and reduced levels of metabolites critical for redox balance and biosynthesis. This study suggests that Benda LD may be a safe alternative to Flu/Cy for CD28-based CART CD19-directed immunotherapy with similar efficacy and reduced toxicities. Benda is associated with reduced levels of inflammatory cytokines and increased anabolic metabolites.

HETEROGENEITY OF PREFRONTAL CORTICAL ACTIVITY DURING WALKING AMONG OLDER ADULTS

Abstract Higher prefrontal cortical (PFC) activity during simple walking may indicate neural compensation for impaired gait automaticity. On average, older adults have higher PFC activity during walking than younger adults, but the heterogeneity amongst older adults is understudied. We examined PFC activity during simple and dual-task walking in adults aged 65+ (n=173, mean age=72, 62% female). Participants walked quietly and while reciting every-other-letter of the alphabet (dual-task; 4 repsx15 meters). Change in PFC activity from standing was estimated using functional near-infrared spectroscopy. We grouped participants with significantly increased, significantly decreased, or no change in PFC activity from standing to simple walking (t-test, alpha=0.05). We tested for group differences in PFC activity change from simple to dual-task walking, task performance (gait speed, rate of correct letters), age, and cognitive function (trail-making A/B). PFC activity increased from standing to walking in 52 (30%), decreased in 21 (12%), and did not change in 100 (58%) participants. Those who reduced PFC activity from standing to simple walking (vs no change or increased, respectively) walked faster (mean+/-SD=1.12+/-0.17 vs 1.00+/-0.17 0.99+/-0.18m/s; both p=0.014) and had a greater increase in PFC activity from simple to dual-task walking (t-stat=1.96+/-2.2 vs 0.49+/-1.53 vs -0.26+/-1.43; p=0.008, p=0.0006). Those who increased PFC activity from standing to simple walking had a smaller PFC change (vs no change) from simple to dual-task walking (p=0.005). Age, alphabet performance, and cognitive function did not differ across groups. Differences in PFC activity during simple walking may contribute to differences in task performance and capacity for walking challenges.

USING THE ELECTRONIC MEDICAL RECORD OF NURSING HOME RESIDENTS FOR IMPROVED MEASURE OF BEHAVIORAL SYMPTOMS

Abstract Behavioral symptoms as study outcomes are measured by routinely collected data such as the Minimum Data Set (MDS), the standardized assessment of nursing home (NH) residents. However, MDS under-detects neuropsychiatric symptoms in people with dementia, and better identification in this outcome measurement is needed. This work aims to determine if the electronic medical record (EMR) NH data, the Interventions to Reduce Acute Care Transfers (eINTERACT) form, could improve the identification of agitated behaviors (behaviors). 77,936 assessments of the MDS and the EMR of 19,705 long-stay residents with dementia from 322 NHs, conducted between January 2020 and August 2022, were used. MDS behaviors were defined as any verbal or physical behaviors directed at others, resistance to care, or other behaviors (e.g., pacing). eINTERACT behaviors were defined as any general agitation or verbal or physical aggression. 96% of NHs used eINTERACT forms for at least half of their residents. On average, 14.8% (SD 35.6) of residents with a qualifying assessment in a given month had an MDS-documented behavior, and 2.4% (SD 15.2) had an eINTERACT-documented behavior. 1.4% (SD 11.7) had behaviors documented only on the eINTERACT form representing about a 10% increase in detectable behaviors in a given month over MDS alone. Results were robust to stratification by NH-level prevalence of MDS behaviors. Using the eINTERACT forms in addition to the MDS behavioral items increased in detection among long-stay residents with ADRD. There is some indication that greater use of eINTERACT is associated with greater increases in behavior identification.

A LONGITUDINAL EXAMINATION OF THE EFFECT OF RESILIENCE AGAINST ANXIETY DURING COVID-19

Abstract This longitudinal study of community dwelling older adults (N = 453) examined consequences of COVID-related worries on changes in anxiety symptoms before relative to during the pandemic. We further evaluated if pre-COVID psychological resilience (PR) buffered the impact of COVID-related worry. Pre-COVID data were collected in September 2018. COVID-related worry and COVID anxiety symptoms were collected in October 2020 (Wave 2). Controlling for pre-COVID anxiety symptoms, we examined if COVID-related worries (e.g., I’m worried that I might die from COVID-19) were associated with increased anxiety symptoms, and whether pre-COVID PR moderated the association between COVID-related worries and prospective increases in anxiety symptoms. COVID-related worries were associated with increased anxiety symptoms (β = 0.005, p &amp;lt; .01), whereas pre-COVID PR was associated with a decrease in anxiety symptoms (β = -0.029, p &amp;lt; .05). PR moderated the association; COVID-related worries were associated with greater increases in anxiety symptoms among those with low pre-COVID PR (Model η2 = 0.35). Thus, the extent to which COVID-related worries influenced psychological health was dependent on pre-COVID levels of PR. We conclude the combined vulnerabilities of low pre-COVID PR and high COVID-related worries significantly increased the psychological consequences of COVID-19 for our sample of older adults.

THE RELATIONSHIPS OF VOICE PROSODY MEASURES TO COGNITIVE CHANGES OVER 10 YEARS

Abstract Voice prosody measures, especially jitter and shimmer, can differentiate cognitive impairment from healthy cognition, and may be promising early biomarkers for identifying high risk before later-life disease onset. In our past work, higher jitter and lower pulse assessed during the second cognitive assessment were associated with 10-year cognitive declines in middle-age and older adults from the Midlife in the U.S. (MIDUS) study. The current study assessed voice biomarkers taken at baseline, 10 years before the second cognitive assessment, and measured voice on speech that was independent of the cognitive assessments to address the possible influence of cognitive performance on concurrent voice prosody measures. Participants (ages 34 to 82 at the first occasion) were included if they were in the Boston Longitudinal Study (BOLOS, a subset of MIDUS) and had voice measures collected from the audio recordings of the cognitive interviews. Multilevel analyses controlled for age, sex, education, race, neurological conditions, and depressive symptoms at baseline. Higher jitter, lower shimmer, and lower pulse predicted greater 10-year declines in episodic memory. Higher pitch and lower pulse were associated with greater increases in reaction time on an executive functioning task. Thus, voice biomarkers previously associated with cognitive impairment could be useful as early indicators of later-life cognitive declines. Identifying voice biomarkers that could predict 10-year cognitive change may facilitate earlier intervention for decline through modification of disease risk factors.

The role of discrete emotional reactions to child sexual abuse (CSA) testimony in mock juror decision-making

ABSTRACT Child sexual abuse (CSA) cases often involve graphic descriptions of abuse. Jurors may experience emotional reactions to this type of evidence, which may impact decision making. Two studies were conducted to understand mock jurors’ emotions in response to children’s testimony about alleged CSA, how emotions relate to moral outrage, objective verdict decisions, sentence recommendations, and witness evaluations. Jury-eligible participants (Study 1 N = 143, Study 2 N = 169) reported their emotions (i.e. anger, sadness, and disgust) before and after exposure to child testimony in a CSA case, and then provided case decisions (i.e. verdict decision, verdict confidence, sentencing length) and reported moral outrage. Participants experienced increases in all emotions from pre to post transcript, with the greatest increase in disgust. Moral outrage mediated the relationship between disgust and sentencing recommendations (Study 1 & 2), and between disgust and credibility ratings (Study 2). These studies reveal that CSA cases elicit negative emotions in jurors and emotions predict more punitive decision-making, posing a concern for objectivity.