Elderly Subjects Research Articles

The quest for a good old age: mobility, immobility and Puerto Rican aging in the United States

ABSTRACT Mobility regimes refer to the political economic processes by which people are bounded, emplaced, forced, and permitted to move and to migrate. The literature on aging in contexts of mobility regimes has primarily focused on international migration, even though the framework is multi-scalar. This article examines how older Puerto Rican adults navigate mobility regimes in the quest for a subjective good old age. Puerto Rico is a US territory, which means that Puerto Rico-US migration does not span international borders. Drawing on remote ethnographic research with older Puerto Rican adults, I argue that political-economic processes rooted in US colonialism simultaneously condition migration as a strategy for the pursuit of a good old age and contribute to inequitable circumstances that make a good old age hard to find. These inequitable processes manifest in three ways: (1) Unequal healthcare benefits contribute to mobility; (2) Unequal social welfare benefits contribute to immobility; and (3) The meanings and mobilities associated with unequal benefits shift over the life course. By focusing on how governments differentially regulate the internal migration of their own citizens, this article advances understanding of how mobilities and immobilities operate at multiple scales, with important implications for a good old age.

Prediction on Chinese elderly's thermo-physiological and cardiovascular responses to non-uniform and transient thermal environment during getting-up process

Getting-up process after sleep would typically involve the non-uniform transition with temperature reduction, increased activity level, and change in clothing insulation, which is rarely explored in existing research. Due to the decline of physiological adaptability of the elderly, they may have sudden changes in physiology under transient environment. It is necessary to develop prediction models for the elderly to prevent or reduce health risks. The aim of this research is to predict the thermo-physiology and cardiovascular responses to non-uniform and transient thermal environments during getting-up process, a 4-node thermoregulatory-cardiovascular predicted model was established based on Gagge's thermoregulatory and heart rate model in International Organization for Standardization. Experimental data of twenty-six Chinese elderly subjects aged over 60 at a caring home in Chongqing both in winter and summer conditions was collected for validating. The results showed that the non-uniformity and dynamic states were 5.0–15.0 °C temperature differences between cover and bedroom. Core and overall skin temperatures decreased by 0.1–0.3 °C, while the heart rate increased by 5–10 %. Bare skin temperature decreased significantly by 0.2–1.0 °C. It implied that the process posed a potential risk to body cooling, local thermal discomfort, and cardiovascular health in the elderly, which was more severe in winter. The prediction result's error was below 6.0 %, which was more accurate by 6.0 %–18.0 % than that of typical models. This research can provide a reference for creating comfortable and healthy bedroom temperatures after sleeping for the elderly by intelligent air conditioning at residences and care homes.

Safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of a single intravenous dose of SHR-1707 in healthy adult subjects: two randomized, double-blind, single-ascending-dose, phase 1 studies

BackgroundSHR-1707 is a novel humanized anti-Aβ IgG1 monoclonal antibody that binds to Aβ fibrils and monomers to block the formation of Aβ plaques or to promote the microglial phagocytosis of Aβ. Preclinical studies showed that SHR-1707 reduced brain Aβ deposition in 5xFAD transgenic mice. Herein, we conducted two phase 1 studies to evaluate the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics (PK) and pharmacodynamics (PD) of a single intravenous dose of SHR-1707 in healthy adult subjects.MethodsTwo randomized, double-blind, single-ascending-dose, phase 1 studies were conducted in China (Study CHN) and Australia (Study AUS). Study CHN consisted of 2 parts. In Part 1, eligible healthy young adults (18–45 years) were sequentially randomized 8:2 to receive SHR-1707 (five cohorts: 2, 6, 20, 40, and 60 mg/kg) or placebo in each cohort; in Part 2, elderly subjects (55–80 years) were randomized 8:4 to receive SHR-1707 (20 mg/kg) or placebo. A similar design was used in Study AUS, but with only healthy young adults enrolled across three dosing cohorts (2, 20, and 60 mg/kg).ResultsSixty-two (part 1/2, n = 50/12; age range, 18–42/55–63 years) and 30 subjects (age range, 18–42 years) received SHR-1707 or placebo in Study CHN and Study AUS, respectively. In Study CHN, all treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs) were mild, with the most common being transient laboratory abnormalities. In Study AUS, TRAEs were mostly mild (1 moderate event each with SHR-1707/placebo); the most common TRAEs with SHR-1707 were dysgeusia and fatigue (8.3% each). In both studies, the exposure of SHR-1707 increased in a slightly greater than dose-proportional manner over the dose range of 2–60 mg/kg in young adults; there was a dose-dependent increase in plasma Aβ42 concentration following SHR-1707 administration compared with the placebo group. The safety and PK and PD profiles of SHR-1707 in the elderly subjects were consistent with the younger counterpart at the same dose level. No ethnic difference in safety, PK and PD of SHR-1707 was observed.ConclusionsA single intravenous dose of SHR-1707 at 2–60 mg/kg was safe and well tolerated in healthy young adult and elderly subjects. The PK and PD profiles are supportive for further clinical development.Trial registrationNCT04973189 (retrospectively registered on Jul.21, 2021) and NCT04745104 (registered on Feb.6, 2021) on clinicaltrials.gov.

Historical Cohort Differences in Views on Aging in the US: A Trend Toward Longer Midlife but Older Felt Age.

This study compared equal age groups from two cohorts from the Midlife in the United States (MIDUS) study surveyed at different times to characterize societal changes in measures of subjective age and age threshold. Two successive MIDUS cohorts were utilized (1995-1996 and 2011-2014; age range 25-74). Outcomes included subjective age (felt age and desired age) and age threshold. Following multiple imputations of missing data and balancing methods, weighted linear regression measured associations between subjective age outcomes and cohort, sex, and chronological age. Individuals of the later MIDUS cohort reported older felt age and younger desired age in middle age groups (35-64 years old). An increase in age threshold was observed only in older age groups (65+). Possible underlying historical changes in health and societal age stereotypes are explored to explain the observed trend toward older felt age and age threshold, but a younger desired age.

There are multiple clocks that time us: Cross-sectional and longitudinal associations among 14 alternative indicators of age and aging.

Aging is a complex process influenced by mechanisms operating at numerous levels of functioning. Multiple biomarkers of age have been identified, yet we know little about how the different alternative age indicators are intertwined. In the Berlin Aging Study II (nmin= 328; nmax= 1,517, women = 51%; 14.27 years of education), we examined how levels and seven-year changes in indicators derived from blood assays, MRI brain scans, other-ratings, and self-reports converge among older adults. We included eight epigenetic biomarkers (incl. five epigenetic "clocks"), a BioAge composite from clinical laboratory parameters, brain age, skin age, subjective age, subjective life expectancy, and future health horizon. We found moderate associations within aging domains, both cross-sectionally and longitudinally over seven years. However, associations across different domains were infrequent and modest. Notably, participants with older BioAge had correspondingly older epigenetic ages. Our results suggest that different aging clocks are only loosely interconnected and that more specific measures are needed to differentiate healthy from unhealthy aging.

Personal views of aging in midlife and older age: the role of personality.

Personal views of aging (VoA) reflect individuals' perceptions, attitudes, and expectations regarding their aging selves. The present cross-sectional study was aimed at examining whether personality traits, as defined by the Big Five model, are associated with different VoA concepts related to both subjective age and awareness of age-related gains and losses in midlife and older age. A sample of 224 participants aged 46-85 years reported their felt age and completed the Awareness of Age-Related Change (AARC) questionnaire, assessing perceptions of age-related gains (AARC-Gains) and losses (AARC-Losses) in various functioning domains, as well as the short version of the Big Five Inventory. Linear regression models showed that Openness contributed to explain youthful subjective age. Extraversion explained higher AARC-Gains scores, whereas Emotional Stability, along with younger chronological age and perceiving better self-rated health, contributed to explaining lower AARC-Losses scores. These findings confirm the relationship between personality traits and personal VoA. They further suggest that such an association varies depending on the VoA measure considered. They underscore the importance of considering personality among those individual characteristics capable of shaping personal VoA, with implications for the development of tailored interventions and the understanding of the underlying mechanisms linking personal VoA to health and longevity outcomes in midlife and older age.

Predicting clinical trial success for Clostridium difficile infections based on preclinical data.

Preclinical models are ubiquitous and essential for drug discovery, yet our understanding of how well they translate to clinical outcomes is limited. In this study, we investigate the translational success of treatments for Clostridium difficile infection from animal models to human patients. Our analysis shows that only 36% of the preclinical and clinical experiment pairs result in translation success. Univariate analysis shows that the sustained response endpoint is correlated with translation failure (SRC = -0.20, p-value = 1.53 × 10-54), and explainability analysis of multi-variate random forest models shows that both sustained response endpoint and subject age are negative predictors of translation success. We have developed a recommendation system to help plan the right preclinical study given factors such as drug dosage, bacterial dosage, and preclinical/clinical endpoint. With an accuracy of 0.76 (F1 score of 0.71) and by using only 7 features (out of 68 total), the proposed system boosts translational efficiency by 25%. The method presented can extend to any disease and can serve as a preclinical to clinical translation decision support system to accelerate drug discovery and de-risk clinical outcomes.

Associations between Circulating Biomarkers of One-Carbon Metabolism and Mitochondrial D-Loop Region Methylation Levels.

One-carbon metabolism is a critical pathway for epigenetic mechanisms. Circulating biomarkers of one-carbon metabolism have been associated with changes in nuclear DNA methylation levels in individuals affected by age-related diseases. More and more studies are showing that even mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) could be methylated. In particular, methylation of the mitochondrial displacement (D-loop) region modulates the gene expression and replication of mtDNA and, when altered, can contribute to the development of human illnesses. However, no study until now has demonstrated an association between circulating biomarkers of one-carbon metabolism and D-loop methylation levels. In the study presented herein, we searched for associations between circulating one-carbon metabolism biomarkers, including folate, homocysteine, and vitamin B12, and the methylation levels of the D-loop region in DNA obtained from the peripheral blood of 94 elderly voluntary subjects. We observed a positive correlation between D-loop methylation and vitamin B12 (r = 0.21; p = 0.03), while no significant correlation was observed with folate (r = 0.02; p = 0.80) or homocysteine levels (r = 0.02; p = 0.82). Moreover, D-loop methylation was increased in individuals with high vitamin B12 levels compared to those with normal vitamin B12 levels (p = 0.04). This is the first study suggesting an association between vitamin B12 circulating levels and mtDNA methylation in human subjects. Given the potential implications of altered one-carbon metabolism and mitochondrial epigenetics in human diseases, a deeper understanding of their interaction could inspire novel interventions with beneficial effects for human health.

Prevalence and risk factors of subjective cognitive decline in older adults in Baotou, China: a cross-sectional study.

Subjective cognitive decline (SCD) as a stage between healthy cognition and early neurocognitive disorders, has been proposed to be helpful in the diagnosis of prodromal neurocognitive disorders. To investigate the prevalence of SCD and the related risk factors on the prevalence. A cross-sectional study involving 1,120 elderly subjects residing in Baotou, China. From June 2021 to June 2023, the data were gathered by research assistants with training utilizing standardized questionnaires. The following factors were evaluated: subjective cognitive decline, physical and cognitive activity levels, past medical history, demographics, instrumental activities of daily living, and cognitive function. Risk factors of SCD were used chi-square tests and multivariate logistic regression analysis. The prevalence of SCD was 43.8%. Permanent residence, marital status, BMI, dietary habits, average sleep duration per night, smoking, diabetes, coronary heart disease, and visual impairment were significantly associated with SCD (p < 0 0.05). Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed obesity, vegetarian-based, smoking for a long time, diabetes and coronary heart disease, visual impairment, no spouse, and average sleep duration per night <6 h were independent risk factors for SCD. Based on the gender analysis, the difference in marital status, dietary habits, average sleep duration per night, smoking, drinking, and hypertension was statistically significant (p < 0.001). The prevalence of subjective cognitive decline was high among elder adults. We discovered significant differences in the prevalence or risk factors for SCD between men and women based on their sex. This study provides a more theoretical basis for the early prevention and screening of cognitive impairment diseases in the elderly population.

Lifestyle Patterns among Adolescents in Selected Schools of District Rohtak, Haryana: A Cross Sectional Study

Introduction: - Adolescence is a period in which an individual undergoes major physical and psychological changes. There is convincing evidence between lifestyle diseases and unhealthy habits which are acquired during adolescence and persist in adulthood. An early investigation of the lifestyles of adolescents will probably prevent their progression into serious diseases. Methods: - The present cross-sectional study recruited 600 adolescents studying 9th to 12th in the selected schools of Rohtak, Haryana, India. The lifestyle-related behavior and practices were assessed based on a structured proforma with the following domains: - home &amp; environment, education, eating habits, and sexuality. Ethical permission was obtained from the concerned authorities. Results: - The mean age of the study subjects was 15.9 (SD-1.4) and most of them were males (61%). More than half of the study subjects (52.7%) were having BMI of 18 to 25 Kg/m2 and 39.8% of them belonged to lower middle socio-economic status. A major proportion of the students felt happy to go to school (64%) and were regular in attending school (90%). The majority of them reported having some spiritual beliefs (88%). A major proportion of the students reported that they own smartphones (83%) and were using various social networking sites (83%). Around 63% of the subjects reported eating fast food on monthly basis. About 11% of the subjects reported the usage of alcohol in the current 3 months. Around 20% of the subjects reported knowledge regarding HIV/STD. Conclusion: - The study documents the presence of unhealthy dietary practices, higher levels of usage of mobile phones along with alcohol use in the school children in this setting. The current study provides some preliminary data for policymakers so that they can modify the current policies and interventions according to the needs of adolescents.

Age estimation at death in individuals over 50 using CT images: An innovative anthropological approach

ObjectivesThe aim of the present work is to develop a novel method for predicting age in individuals over 50 years old, utilizing regression models. MethodsThe conducted study is of an analytical cross-sectional nature, involving a sample of 44 young subjects and 107 elderly subjects. The necessary data for this research were extracted from "The New Mexico Decedent Image Database." Based on the phenomenon of height shrinkage with age, we created models for young subjects and applied them to elderly subjects, allowing us to extract the variables. ResultsWe obtained highly encouraging results with an R2 of 0.73, a mean absolute error of 3.94, and stable cross-validation. We used a Student's t-test, which demonstrated no significant difference between predicted and actual values (p-value >0.05). We also conducted a learning curve analysis and examined residuals against predicted values. This suggests that the forecasts are accurate, with no significant bias in predictions. ConclusionThis work has allowed us to conclude that it is possible to reliably estimate the age of subjects over 50, taking into account age-related physiological and pathological changes.

A scoping review of reporting gaps in FDA-approved AI medical devices

Machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI/ML) models in healthcare may exacerbate health biases. Regulatory oversight is critical in evaluating the safety and effectiveness of AI/ML devices in clinical settings. We conducted a scoping review on the 692 FDA-approved AI/ML-enabled medical devices approved from 1995-2023 to examine transparency, safety reporting, and sociodemographic representation. Only 3.6% of approvals reported race/ethnicity, 99.1% provided no socioeconomic data. 81.6% did not report the age of study subjects. Only 46.1% provided comprehensive detailed results of performance studies; only 1.9% included a link to a scientific publication with safety and efficacy data. Only 9.0% contained a prospective study for post-market surveillance. Despite the growing number of market-approved medical devices, our data shows that FDA reporting data remains inconsistent. Demographic and socioeconomic characteristics are underreported, exacerbating the risk of algorithmic bias and health disparity.

Association between serum albumin and disease severity of non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis

Background Bronchiectasis is a chronic debilitating but neglected pulmonary disease. It is associated with substantial health related burden and health care costs. However, the biochemical parameters related to disease severity have not been sufficiently assessed. Objective: Aim of the present study to find out any association between serum albumin and disease severity of non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis. Methods This was a cross-sectional observational study of 33 subjects with non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis at department of Respiratory Medicine, National Institute of Diseases of the Chest and Hospital (NIDCH) from December 2019 to March 2021. After taking informed written consent BSI score be calculated and blood was taken for to measure serum albumin. Data was collected through questionnaire. After completion of the data collection, analysis was done with the help of Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 22. Results Mean age of the study subjects was 43.36 ± 15.65 years with a range of 21 -76 years and more likely to be men (60.6%). History of previous pulmonary tuberculosis found in 48.5% subjects as associated conditions and pseudomonas aeruginosa (21.2%) was the most common organisms in sputum culture. 87.9% of the study subjects had history of exacerbation within last 12 months and 60.6% were hospitalized within last 2 years. More than half (54.6%) of the study subjects had severe, 33.3% had moderate and 12.1% had mild bronchiectasis with the mean BSI score of 9.00 ± 3.05. Mean serum albumin was 3.22 ± 0.84 g/dl. Albumin had a significant negative correlation with BSI score (r = -0.457 and p = 0.008). Conclusion The serum albumin had moderate correlation with disease severity of non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis. Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol. 23 No. 04 October’24 Page : 1104-1111

Empathy mitigates the relationship between ageism and subjective age in late life

This study corresponds with a dispute in gerontology literature about whether a younger subjective age acts as a psychological defense for older adults by perceiving themselves as younger in order to dissociate from their age-group or as a marker of good physical health. This cross-sectional study presents a preliminary step to clarify this dispute. We examined the role of emotional empathy (measured by the Multifaceted Empathy Test) as a moderator in the ageism (measured implicitly by the Brief Implicit Association Test) and subjective age (measured on Likert scale) association on a convenience sample of 203 community-dwelling older adults (aged 65–90, M = 74.54, SD = 6.76). It was hypothesized that implicit ageism would be associated with younger subjective age and that this association would be only evident among older adults with lower emotional empathy. Implicit ageism was not associated with younger subjective age. As expected, hierarchical linear regression showed that the connection between higher implicit ageism and a younger subjective age remains significant (p = 0.012) only among participants with lower emotional empathy (∆R2 = 0.022, β = 0.156). Higher emotional empathy was associated with younger subjective age. For older adults who are equipped with the ability to feel others' emotions, the defensive dissociation between self and other perceptions of aging might be unnecessary. Theoretical and methodological implications are discussed.

A nomogram prediction model for postoperative seroma/hematoma in elderly subjects after TAPP.

Formation of seroma/hematoma is one of the most common postoperative complications following laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair. This study aimed to identify risk factors associated with seroma/hematoma and construct a prediction model. Elderly subjects undergoing laparoscopic Transabdominal preperitoneal Patch Plasty (TAPP) were included in this study. The observation endpoint was set as the occurrence of seroma/hematoma within 3 months after TAPP surgery. Independent risk factors were identified through preliminary univariate screening and binary logistic regression analysis. These risk factors were then used to construct a nomogram predictive model using R software. A total of 330 patients were included in the analysis, of which 51 developed seroma/hematoma, resulting in an incidence rate of 15.5%. Obesity (OR: 3.54, 95%CI: 1.45-8.66, P = 0.006), antithrombotic drug use (OR: 2.73, 95%CI: 1.06-7.03, P = 0.037), C-reactive protein (CRP) ≥ 8 (OR: 2.72, 95%CI: 1.04-7.10, P = 0.041, albumin/fibrinogen ratio (AFR) < 7.85 (OR: 2.99, 95%CI: 1.28-7.00, P = 0.012), and lymphocyte/monocyte ratio (LMR) < 4.05 (OR: 12.62, 95%CI: 5.69-28.01, P < 0.001) were five independent risk factors for seroma/hematoma. The nomogram model has well predictive value for seroma/hematoma, with an AUC of 0.879. The nomogram model based on obesity, antithrombotic drug, CRP, AFR, and LMR has a proved good predictive value and it has potential in clinical practice.

Evaluation High-Resolution Computed Tomography (HRCT) Of Temporal Bone In Cholesteatoma Of Middle Ear In Comparison With Histopathological Findings: A Prospective Study

Background: Cholesteatoma is relatively common and potentially dangerous disease of the ear. It is characterised by local destruction and osseous erosion leading to complications. Pre-operative assessment of middle ear cholesteatoma is a must for assessing the disease's location, extent, and complication. High resolution computed tomography (HRCT) is the imaging modality of choice for evaluation of middle ear structures and pathology. Therefore, in the present study we aimed to evaluate HRCT of temporal bone in cholesteatoma of middle ear cleft in comparison with histopathological results. Materials and Methods: This is a prospective study carried out on total of 30 patients who were undergoing HRCT of temporal bone for middle ear cleft pathology and found to have imaging evidence of chronic otomastoiditis on HRCT, subsequently undergoing surgery and histopathological validation. Results: The mean age of study subjects was found to be 23.97 ± 11.30 years. Majority of the study subjects were belonged to age group of 11-40 years (40%) with female predominance (53.3%) as compared to male (46.7%). Majority of the patients i.e., 60% showed signs of loss of aeration and sclerosis of mastoid air cells followed by soft tissue density lesions (43.3%), bony erosions (26.7%), and bony expansions (6.7%). Surgical findings and histopathological reports were correlated with pre-operative HRCT scans analyses with 95.88% accuracy. Conclusion: Compared to histopathological findings, HRCT offers a diagnostic capacity that is remarkably sensitive and specific in identifying cholesteatoma and the condition of the bone structures in the temporal bone

Parathyroidectomy reduces inflammatory cytokines and increases vitamin D metabolites in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism

ContextPrimary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) is accompanied by a decreased 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) and vitamin D binding protein (DBP). High parathyroid hormone (PTH) is associated with elevated interleukin-6 (IL-6) and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), yet the role of parathyroidectomy (PTX) on DBP and cytokines is not clear. ObjectiveTo prospectively evaluate the effect of PTX on inflammatory profiles, total and free 25OHD, and DBP in patients with PHPT. MethodsNewly diagnosed patients with PHPT were recruited in the study (n=70). Twenty-eight patients returned after PTX, 3 months later. Biochemical markers were measured before and after PTX. A group of age and BMI-matched healthy subjects were included as controls (n=70). ResultsPrior to PTX, patients had lower serum DBP (37.5±6.0 vs 41.5±6.1mg/dL, p<0.001) and total 25OHD (30.1±9.5 vs 33.3±7.9ng/mL, P<0.05), but similar free 25OHD when compared to controls. Serum IL-6, C-reactive protein (CRP), and MCP-1 were higher in PHPT patients (p<0.05), whereas interleukin-10 (IL-10) was similar to controls. PTX increased total and free 25OHD and DBP (p<0.001), and decreased serum IL-6 and MCP-1 (p<0.05), but not CRP and IL-10. Multiple regression analysis indicated that the preoperative PTH explained a significant portion of the variance of IL-6 and MCP-1 (p<0.05). ConclusionsThese findings suggest that PTH may upregulate the production of MCP-1 and IL-6 and downregulate circulating DBP in patients with PHPT, that are normalized by PTX. The exact effect of IL-6 and MCP-1 on DBP, vitamin D metabolites and the role on clinical outcomes in patients with PHPT is an area requiring further study.

High-altitude cerebral oxygen saturation detection using wireless wearable cerebral oximeter.

Hypobaric hypoxic conditions encountered at high altitudes can significantly impact the physiological functions of human body. Therefore, accurate and real-time monitoring of physiological characteristics is crucial for the prevention of brain injuries in individuals with acute and chronic high-altitude exposure. In this study, a wireless wearable cerebral oximeter (WORTH band) was used for the continuous, real-time monitoring of physiological parameters, including regional cerebral oxygen saturation (rSO2) and heart rate (HR), among subjects with high-altitude exposure. During the high-altitude (from 46 m to 4300 m) expedition task, there was a significant decrease in rSO2 accompanied by a corresponding increase in heart rate as the altitude increased. Additionally, during the long-term (52 days) high-altitude (from 356 m to 4658 m) cycling task, the altitudes were significantly correlated with the rSO2 and SpO2 in the elderly subjects. The current findings indicate that the WORTH band oximeter can serve as a promising instrument for measuring rSO2 at high altitudes. We hope that the insights derived from this study could contribute to the management of cerebral oxygenation for individuals with high-altitude exposure and further expand the existing understanding of brain functional detection at high altitudes.

Measures of spatial memory, peripheral inflammation and negative emotional state predict social-cognitive skills in healthy aging cats

Aging is a complex, multidimensional process. Normative aging is typically accompanied by declines in several cognitive domains, including memory and social cognition. As aging progresses, the often-overlooked early manifestations of cognitive decline can advance, leading to an inability to adapt to new situations and environments. Potential mechanisms influencing cognitive decline remain elusive, but, among other mechanisms, inflammaging, an age-related increase in the chronic production of pro-inflammatory mediators, and emotional stress are implicated. Cognitive function in cats is under-researched, with no studies on the link between potential risk factors and cognitive signs in aging subjects. Understanding this link is essential as it may facilitate the early identification of cognitive decline and encourage preventative, individualized interventions. We carried out a citizen science study to investigate, for the first time, the relationship between cognitive functions, stress, and the inflammatory markers interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-10 in 44 healthy, privately owned pet cats (7–14 years of age), who underwent standardized testing in their home environment. A task was employed to test spatial memory, requiring the cat to recall the location of a food-baited container. An unsolvable task was used to assess cats' social cognition and cognitive flexibility by measuring how they used referential communication (i.e., gaze alternation between the apparatus and the caregivers) compared to their persistence in trying to obtain food which was out of reach. Generalized linear regression analysis, conducted while adjusting for demographic factors and stress behaviors, revealed: 1) a predictive positive relationship connecting spatial memory and the use of social referencing with the caregiver (more gaze alternation) in the unsolvable task, highlighting the importance of the interplay between cognitive domains in sustaining complex behaviors, and 2) a reduced engagement in social referencing toward caregivers (less gaze alternation) in the presence of higher serum levels of IL-1β in the unsolvable task, especially as cats get older. A cat’s social cognitive performance was also negatively predicted by stress-related behaviors, which is not surprising given that cats are sentient creatures whose everyday behavior is also influenced by emotional states. These findings provide new insights into the crosstalk between different cognitive domains during aging and the potential contributions of emotions and inflammation to cognitive changes in healthy aging cats. Further research using this multidimensional approach will help explore these mechanisms of cognitive aging and potential markers for early detection of cognitive changes in older cats, which is critical for timely interventions.

Cluster-analysis of human pulse wave by self-organizing Cohonen maps to identify markers of age groups

The present study is methodological in nature and describes an approach to the study of the human cardiovascular system. The assessment of biological age is important for the management of the human aging process. Regular monitoring of this indicator makes it possible to take preventive measures to reduce the likelihood of cardiovascular disasters. The aim of the study is to determine the age groups based on the pulse waves of the subjects using Kohonen neural networks. In this study, Kohonen self-organizing maps were used to cluster pulse waves of people of different ages by observing the dy-namic change of the pulse wave with the selection of parameters of the neural network self-organization algorithm. A data set of different age groups was used. Each group con-tained files of subjects of the same age, each file – pulse waves of these subjects. As a result of experiments with neural network configurations, cluster structures were obtained and geometric characteristics of pulse waves corresponding to age groups were estab-lished. The clustering algorithm used broke the pulse waves into clusters, the reliability of which in some cases reached 91–96 %. The software implementation of the trained neural network and the portability of the pulse wave measuring device allow the proposed tech-nique to be used to monitor the state of the cardiovascular system in people at risk of cardiovascular disasters, as well as people associated with dangerous professions, ath-letes, office workers, etc. Registration of changes in biological age contributes to the adoption of timely preventive measures, decisions on the modification of nutrition, life-style and physical activity. The resulting network can be used in diagnostic systems to support medical decision-making.