Search

This research evaluated the impact of service user involvement on the knowledge and competence development of social work students in their Field Forum class at Belmont University, Tennessee, USA. Over a two-week period in March, 2019, students heard from service users with diverse aspects of lived experience in the following areas: Childhood abuse, trafficking, domestic abuse, mental ill-health, homelessness, addictions and disability. The service users involved worked closely with local community groups in the university's neighboring area and shared their lived experience with the students in key aspects of social work skills, knowledge and values. In their evaluations, the students indicate positive growth in their perceptions and understandings in important aspects of social work competence such as communication skills, attitudes, values and principles of social work practice. Importantly also, the students indicated that exposure to service users' lived experience in the classroom helped sharpen their preparations for field practice. These findings have resonance and applicability internationally, particularly in the US, for social work educators preparing to involve social work service users/clients in social work education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metal ores are mineralogically characterised to understand their genesis in order to allow informed decisions on mineral processing and to recognise likely environmental risks upon mining. However, standard mineralogical techniques generate only two-dimensional information at best, which in addition may be subject to sampling and stereological errors. By contrast, computed tomography (CT) is a non-destructive imaging technique that allows three-dimensional analysis of solid materials. In the present study, two ore types of the Kara Fe-W deposit (Australia) were characterised using CT to examine their mineral texture and modal mineralogy as well as scheelite distribution and ore grade (WO3). The results show that scheelite is primarily associated with hydrous phases (e.g., epidote, chlorite, amphibole) and occurs as massive or disseminated mineral as well as vein-fill at minor and trace concentrations. This study demonstrates that CT of scheelite ore enables accurate 3D texture visualisation (volume, grain size distribution) and yields valid quantitative data on modal mineralogy and WO3 grade of individual ore samples. Consequently, CT analysis of scheelite-bearing ore provides information relevant for ore genesis studies and comminution strategies for the possible recovery of scheelite as a by-product from metalliferous ores. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is growing interest of ergogenic aids that deliver supplemental oxygen during exercise and recovery, however, breathing supplemental oxygen via specialist facemasks is often not feasible. Therefore, this study investigated the effect of an oxygen-nanobubble beverage during submaximal and repeated sprint cycling. In a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study, 10 male cyclists (peak aerobic capacity, 56.9 ± 6.1 mL·kg−1·min−1; maximal aerobic power, 385 ± 25 W) completed submaximal or maximal exercise after consuming an oxygen-nanobubble (O2) or placebo (PLA) beverage. Submaximal trials comprised 30-min of steady-state cycling at 60% peak aerobic capacity and 16.1-km time-trial (TT). Maximal trials involved 4 × 30 s Wingate tests interspersed by 4-min recovery. Time-to-completion during the 16.1-km TT was 2.4% faster after O2 compared with PLA (95% CI = 0.7–4.0%, p = 0.010, d = 0.41). Average power for the 16.1-km TT was 4.1% higher for O2 vs. PLA (95% CI = 2.1–7.3%, p = 0.006, d = 0.28). Average peak power during the repeated Wingate tests increased by 7.1% for O2 compared with PLA (p = 0.002, d = 0.58). An oxygen-nanobubble beverage improves performance during submaximal and repeated sprint cycling, therefore may provide a practical and effective ergogenic aid for competitive cyclists. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Femoral artery (FA) endothelial function is a promising biomarker of lower extremity vascular health for peripheral artery disease (PAD) prevention and treatment; however, the impact of age on FA endothelial function has not been reported in healthy adults. Therefore, we evaluated the reproducibility and acceptability of flow-mediated dilation (FMD) in the FA and brachial artery (BA) (n = 20) and performed cross-sectional FA- and BA-FMD measurements in healthy non-smokers aged 22–76 years (n = 50). FMD protocols demonstrated similar good reproducibility. Leg occlusion was deemed more uncomfortable than arm occlusion; thigh occlusion was less tolerated than forearm and calf occlusion. FA-FMD with calf occlusion was lower than BA-FMD (6.0 ± 1.1% vs 6.4 ± 1.3%, p = 0.030). Multivariate linear regression analysis indicated that age (−0.4%/decade) was a significant independent predictor of FA-FMD (R2 = 0.35, p = 0.002). The age-dependent decline in FMD did not significantly differ between FA and BA (pinteraction agexlocation = 0.388). In older participants, 40% of baseline FA wall shear stress (WSS) values were <5 dyne/cm2, which is regarded as pro-atherogenic. In conclusion, endothelial function declines similarly with age in the FA and the BA in healthy adults. The age-dependent FA enlargement results in a critical decrease in WSS that may explain part of the age-dependent predisposition for PAD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Muscle wasting is implicated in the pathogenesis of intensive care unit acquired weakness (ICU-AW), affecting 40% of patients and causing long-term physical disability. A repetitive vascular occlusion stimulus (RVOS) limits muscle atrophy in healthy and orthopaedic subjects, thus, we explored its application to ICU patients. Adult multi-organ failure patients received standard care +/− twice daily RVOS {4 cycles of 5 min tourniquet inflation to 50 mmHg supra-systolic blood pressure, and 5 min complete deflation} for 10 days. Serious adverse events (SAEs), tolerability, feasibility, acceptability, and exploratory outcomes of the rectus femoris cross-sectional area (RFCSA), echogenicity, clinical outcomes, and blood biomarkers were assessed. Only 12 of the intended 32 participants were recruited. RVOS sessions (76.1%) were delivered to five participants and two could not tolerate it. No SAEs occurred; 75% of participants and 82% of clinical staff strongly agreed or agreed that RVOS is an acceptable treatment. RFCSA fell significantly and echogenicity increased in controls (n = 5) and intervention subjects (n = 4). The intervention group was associated with less frequent acute kidney injury (AKI), a greater decrease in the total sequential organ failure assessment score (SOFA) score, and increased insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), and reduced syndecan-1, interleukin-4 (IL-4) and Tumor necrosis factor receptor type II (TNF-RII) levels. RVOS application appears safe and acceptable, but protocol modifications are required to improve tolerability and recruitment. There were signals of possible clinical benefit relating to RVOS application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is limited evidence on the effect of remote ischaemic preconditioning (RIPC) following non-cardiac surgery. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of RIPC on morbidity following intra-abdominal cancer surgery. We conducted a double blinded pilot randomised controlled trial that included 47 patients undergoing surgery for gynaecological, pancreatic and colorectal malignancies. The patients were randomized into an intervention (RIPC) or control group. RIPC was provided by intermittent inflations of an upper limb tourniquet. The primary outcome was feasibility of the study, and the main secondary outcome was postoperative morbidity including perioperative troponin change and the urinary biomarkers tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-2 and insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 7 (TIMP-2*IGFBP-7). The recruitment target was reached, and the protocol procedures were followed. The intervention group developed fewer surgical complications at 30 days (4.5% vs. 33%), 90 days (9.5% vs. 35%) and 6 months (11% vs. 41%) (adjusted p 0.033, 0.044 and 0.044, respectively). RIPC was a significant independent variable for lower overall postoperative morbidity survey (POMS) score, OR 0.79 (95% CI 0.63 to 0.99) and fewer complications at 6 months including pulmonary OR 0.2 (95% CI 0.03 to 0.92), surgical OR 0.12 (95% CI 0.007 to 0.89) and overall complications, OR 0.18 (95% CI 0.03 to 0.74). There was no difference in perioperative troponin change or TIMP2*IGFBP-7. Our pilot study suggests that RIPC may improve outcomes following intra-abdominal cancer surgery and that a larger trial would be feasible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Neoadjuvant therapy reduces fitness, muscle mass, and quality of life (QOL). For patients undergoing chemotherapy and surgery for esophagogastric cancer, maintenance of fitness is paramount. This study investigated the effect of exercise and psychological prehabilitation on anaerobic threshold (AT) at cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET). Secondary endpoints included peak oxygen uptake (peak VO2), skeletal muscle mass, QOL, and neoadjuvant therapy completion. Methods: This parallel-arm randomized controlled trial assigned patients with locally advanced esophagogastric cancer to receive prehabilitation or usual care. The 15-week program comprised twice-weekly supervised exercises, thrice-weekly home exercises, and psychological coaching. CPET was performed at baseline, 2 weeks after neoadjuvant therapy, and 1 week preoperatively. Skeletal muscle cross-sectional area at L3 was analyzed on staging and restaging computed tomography. QOL questionnaires were completed at baseline, mid-neoadjuvant therapy, at restaging laparoscopy, and postoperatively at 2 weeks, 6 weeks and 6 months. Results: Fifty-four participants were randomized (prehabilitation group, n = 26; control group, n = 28). No difference in AT between groups was observed post-neoadjuvant therapy. Prehabilitation resulted in an attenuated peak VO2 decline {−0.4 [95% confidence interval (CI) −0.8 to 0.1] vs. −2.5 [95% CI −2.8 to −2.2] mL/kg/min; p = 0.022}, less muscle loss [−11.6 (95% CI −14.2 to −9.0) vs. −15.6 (95% CI −18.7 to −15.4) cm2/m2; p = 0.049], and improved QOL. More prehabilitation patients completed neoadjuvant therapy at full dose [prehabilitation group, 18 (75%) vs. control group, 13 (46%); p = 0.036]. No adverse events were reported. Conclusions: This study has demonstrated some retention of cardiopulmonary fitness (peak VO2), muscle, and QOL in prehabilitation subjects. Further large-scale trials will help determine whether these promising findings translate into improved clinical and oncological outcomes. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02950324. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of International Journal of Sports Medicine is the property of Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Introduction: Evidence‐based veterinary medicine (EBVM) is a fundamental core competency for new graduates. Our objectives were to evaluate clinical students' use, understanding of, and confidence in EBVM before undertaking an exercise consisting of an hour seminar in conjunction with a medical librarian, followed by a journal club and to evaluate students' knowledge of and ability to apply EBVM following the exercise. Methods: In this cohort study, students undertaking a large animal ambulatory rotation completed questionnaires before the seminar, following the journal club, and at graduation. Students took a Fresno test evaluating EBVM knowledge at the end of the rotation. Results: Prior to the seminar, 94% of students defined EBVM at least somewhat accurately, and 51% reported EBVM was at least 'quite important'. During previous rotations, 71% of students had performed literature searches to answer a clinician‐assigned question; 89% had done this to answer their own questions. Students with previous research or EBVM training were more likely to perform self‐directed literature searches. The most frequently used resource was textbooks. Eighty‐seven per cent and 90% of students found the seminar and journal club, respectively, at least moderately useful in improving EBVM knowledge. Conclusions: Our results support the inclusion of an EBVM exercise during the clinical year and suggest spaced repetition may be helpful in teaching this topic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The potential ergogenic effects of vitamin D (vitD) in high performing athletes has received considerable attention in the literature and media. However, little is known about non-supplemented university athletes and students residing at a higher latitude. This study aimed to investigate the effects of vitD (biochemical status and dietary intake) on exercise performance in UK university athletes and sedentary students. A total of 34 athletes and 16 sedentary controls were studied during the spring and summer months. Serum vitD status and sunlight exposure were assessed using LC-MS/MS and dosimetry, respectively. Muscular strength of the upper and lower body was assessed using handgrip and knee extensor dynamometry (KE). Countermovement jump (CMJ) and aerobic fitness were measured using an Optojump and VO2max test, respectively. Statistical analysis was performed using paired/ independent t-tests, ANCOVA and Pearson/ Spearman correlations, depending on normality. VitD status increased significantly over the seasons, with athletes measuring higher status both in spring (51.7±20.5 vs. 37.2±18.9 nmol/L, p = 0.03) and summer (66.7±15.8 vs 55.6±18.8 nmol/L, p = 0.04) when compared to controls, respectively. Notably, 22% of the subjects recruited were vitD deficient during the spring term only (<25nmol/L, n 9). Subjects with 'insufficient' vitD status (<50nmol/L) elicited significantly lower CMJ when contrasted to the vitD 'sufficient' (>50nmol/l) group (p = 0.055) and a lower VO2 max (p = 0.05) in the spring and summer term (p = 0.05 and p = 0.01, respectively). However, an ANCOVA test showed no significant difference detected for either CMJ or VO2max following adjustments for co-variates. In conclusion, we provide novel information on the vitD status, dietary intake, physical fitness and sunlight exposure of UK young adults across two separate seasons, for which there is limited data at present. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Objective: Falls cause significant problems for older adults. Sedentary time is associated with lower physical function and could increase the risk for falls. Design: Prospective study. Setting: Sites across the United States. Participants: Older women (N = 5,545, mean age 79 years) from the Women's Health Initiative Objective Physical Activity and Cardiovascular Health study. Measurements: Accelerometers worn at the hip for up to 1 week collected measures of daily sedentary time and the mean sedentary bout duration, a commonly used metric for sedentary accumulation patterns. For up to 13 months after accelerometer wear, women reported daily whether they had fallen on monthly calendars. Results: In fully adjusted models, the incident rate ratios (95% confidence interval) for quartiles 1 (lowest), 2, 3, and 4 of sedentary time respectively were 1.0 (ref.), 1.07 (0.93–1.24), 1.07 (0.91–1.25), and 1.14 (0.96–1.35; P‐trend =.65) and for mean sedentary bout duration was 1.0 (ref.), 1.05 (0.92–1.21), 1.02 (0.88–1.17), and 1.17 (1.01–1.37; P‐trend =.01), respectively. Women with a history of two or more falls had stronger associations between sedentary time and falls incidence compared with women with a history of no or one fall (P for interaction =.046). Conclusions: Older women in the highest quartile of mean sedentary bout duration had a significantly increased risk of falling. Women with a history of frequent falling may be at higher risk for falling if they have high sedentary time. Interventions testing whether shortening total sedentary time and/or sedentary bouts lowers fall risk are needed to confirm these observational findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vitamin D deficiency has been commonly reported in elite athletes, but the vitamin D status of UK university athletes in different training environments remains unknown. The present study aimed to determine any seasonal changes in vitamin D status among indoor and outdoor athletes, and whether there was any relationship between vitamin D status and indices of physical performance and bone health. A group of forty-seven university athletes (indoor n 22, outdoor n 25) were tested during autumn and spring for serum vitamin D status, bone health and physical performance parameters. Blood samples were analysed for serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (s-25(OH)D) status. Peak isometric knee extensor torque using an isokinetic dynamometer and jump height was assessed using an Optojump. Aerobic capacity was estimated using the Yo-Yo intermittent recovery test. Peripheral quantitative computed tomography scans measured radial bone mineral density. Statistical analyses were performed using appropriate parametric/non-parametric testing depending on the normality of the data. s-25(OH)D significantly fell between autumn (52·8 (sd 22·0) nmol/l) and spring (31·0 (sd 16·5) nmol/l; P < 0·001). In spring, 34 % of participants were considered to be vitamin D deficient (<25 nmol/l) according to the revised 2016 UK guidelines. These data suggest that UK university athletes are at risk of vitamin D deficiency. Thus, further research is warranted to investigate the concomitant effects of low vitamin D status on health and performance outcomes in university athletes residing at northern latitudes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: A lower risk of falls is commonly cited as a reason to treat hypertension conservatively in older individuals. We examined the effect of hypertension treatment and control status and measured blood pressure (BP) level on the risk of falls in older women. DESIGN/SETTING: Prospective cohort study. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 5971 women (mean age 79 years; 50.4% white, 33.1% black, 16.5% Hispanic/Latina) enrolled in the Women's Health Initiative and Objective Physical Activity and Cardiovascular Health study. MEASUREMENTS: BP was measured by trained nurses, and hypertension treatment was assessed by medication inventory. Participants mailed in monthly calendars to self‐report falls for 1 year. RESULTS: Overall, 70% of women had hypertension at baseline (53% treated and controlled, 12% treated and uncontrolled, 5% untreated). There were 2582 women (43%) who reported falls in the 1 year of surveillance. Compared with nonhypertensive women, when adjusted for fall risk factors and lower limb physical function, the incidence rate ratio (IRR) for falls was 0.82 (confidence interval [CI] = 0.74‐0.92) in women with treated controlled hypertension (p =.0008) and 0.73 (CI = 0.62‐0.87) in women with treated uncontrolled hypertension (p =.0004). Neither measured systolic nor diastolic BP was associated with falls in the overall cohort. In women treated with antihypertensive medication, higher diastolic BP was associated with a lower risk of falls in a model adjusted for fall risk factors (IRR = 0.993 per mm Hg; 95% CI = 0.987‐1.000; p =.04). The only class of antihypertensive medication associated with an increased risk of falls compared with all other types of antihypertensive drugs was β‐blockers. CONCLUSION: Women in this long‐term research study with treated hypertension had a lower risk of falls compared with nonhypertensive women. Diastolic BP (but not systolic BP) is weakly associated with fall risk in women on antihypertensive treatment (<1% decrease in risk per mm Hg increase). J Am Geriatr Soc, 2019. J Am Geriatr Soc 67:726–733, 2019. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The effects of low-volume interval and continuous 'all-out' cycling, matched for total exercise duration, on mitochondrial and angiogenic cell signalling was investigated in trained individuals. Methods: In a repeated measures design, 8 trained males ([Formula: see text], 57 ± 7 ml kg(-1) min(-1)) performed two cycling exercise protocols; interval (INT, 4 × 30 s maximal sprints interspersed by 4 min passive recovery) or continuous (CON, 2 min continuous maximal sprint). Muscle biopsies were obtained before, immediately after and 3 h post-exercise. Results: Total work was 53 % greater (P = 0.01) in INT compared to CON (71.2 ± 7.3 vs. 46.3 ± 2.7 kJ, respectively). Phosphorylation of AMPK(Thr172) increased by a similar magnitude (P = 0.347) immediately post INT and CON (1.6 ± 0.2 and 1.3 ± 0.3 fold, respectively; P = 0.011), before returning to resting values at 3 h post-exercise. mRNA expression of PGC-1α (7.1 ± 2.1 vs. 5.5 ± 1.8 fold; P = 0.007), VEGF (3.5 ± 1.2 vs. 4.3 ± 1.8 fold; P = 0.02) and HIF-1α (2.0 ± 0.5 vs. 1.5 ± 0.3 fold; P = 0.04) increased at 3 h post-exercise in response to INT and CON, respectively; the magnitude of which were not different between protocols. Conclusions: Despite differences in total work done, low-volume INT and CON 'all-out' cycling, matched for exercise duration, provides a similar stimulus for the induction of mitochondrial and angiogenic cell signalling pathways in trained skeletal muscle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Previous investigations to establish factors influencing the blood flow restriction (BFR) stimulus have determined cuff pressures required for complete arterial occlusion, which does not reflect the partial restriction prescribed for this training technique. This study aimed to establish characteristics that should be accounted for when prescribing cuff pressures required for partial BFR.Methods: Fifty participants were subjected to incremental blood flow restriction of the upper and lower limbs by proximal pneumatic cuff inflation. Popliteal and brachial artery diameter, blood velocity and blood flow was assessed with Doppler ultrasound. Height, body mass, limb circumference, muscle-bone cross-sectional area, adipose thickness (AT) and arterial blood pressure were measured and used in different models of hierarchical linear regression to predict the pressure at which 60 % BFR (partial occlusion) occurred.Results: Combined analysis revealed a difference in cuff pressures required to elicit 60 % BFR in the popliteal (111 ± 12 mmHg) and brachial arteries (101 ± 12 mmHg). MAP (r = 0.58) and AT (r = -0.45) were the largest independent determinants of lower and upper body partial occlusion pressures. However, greater variance was explained by upper and lower limb regression models composed of DBP and BMI (48 %), and arm AT and DBP (30 %), respectively.Conclusion: Limb circumference has limited impact on the cuff pressure required for partial blood flow restriction which is in contrast to its recognised relationship with complete arterial occlusion. The majority of the variance in partial occlusion pressure remains unexplained by the predictor variables assessed in the present study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated protein kinase activation and gene expression of angiogenic factors in response to low-load resistance exercise with or without blood flow restriction (BFR). In a repeated measures cross-over design, six males performed four sets of bilateral knee extension exercise at 20% 1RM (reps per set = 30:15:15:continued to fatigue) with BFR (110 mmHg) and without (CON). Muscle biopsies were obtained from the vastus lateralis before, 2 and 4 h post-exercise. mRNA expression was determined using real-time RT-PCR. Protein phosphorylation/expression was determined using Western blot. p38MAPK phosphorylation was greater (p = 0.05) at 2 h following BFR (1.3 ± 0.8) compared to CON (0.4 ± 0.3). AMPK phosphorylation remained unchanged. PGC-1α mRNA expression increased at 2 h (5.9 ± 1.3 vs. 2.1 ± 0.8; p = 0.03) and 4 h (3.2 ± 0.8 vs. 1.5 ± 0.4; p = 0.03) following BFR exercise with no change in CON. PGC-1α protein expression did not change following either exercise. BFR exercise enhanced mRNA expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) at 2 h (5.2 ± 2.8 vs 1.7 ± 1.1; p = .02) and 4 h (6.8 ± 4.9 vs. 2.5 ± 2.7; p = .01) compared to CON. mRNA expression of VEGF-R2 and hypoxia-inducible factor 1α increased following BFR exercise but only eNOS were enhanced relative to CON. Matrix metalloproteinase-9 mRNA expression was not altered in response to either exercise. Acute low-load resistance exercise with BFR provides a targeted angiogenic response potentially mediated through enhanced ischaemic and shear stress stimuli. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives To examine whether moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) measured using accelerometry is associated with incident falls and whether associations differ according to physical function or history of falls. Design Prospective study with baseline data collection from 2012 to 2014 and 1 year of follow-up. Setting Women's Health Initiative participants living in the United States. Participants Ambulatory women aged 63 to 99 (N = 5,545). Measurements Minutes of MVPA per day measured using an accelerometer, functional status measured using the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), fall risk factors assessed using a questionnaire, fall injuries assessed in a telephone interview, incident falls ascertained from fall calendars. Results Incident rate ratios (IRRs) revealed greater fall risk in women in the lowest quartile of MVPA compared to those in the highest (IRR = 1.18, 95% confidence interval = 1.01-1.38), adjusted for age, race and ethnicity, and fall risk factors. Fall rates were not significantly associated with MVPA in women with high SPPB scores (9-12) or one or fewer falls in the previous year, but in women with low SPPB scores (≤ 8) or a history of frequent falls, fall rates were higher in women with lower MVPA levels than in those with higher levels (interaction P < .03 and < .001, respectively). Falls in women with MVPA above the median were less likely to involve injuries requiring medical treatment (9.9%) than falls in women with lower MVPA levels (13.0%) ( P < .001). Conclusion These findings indicate that falls are not more common or injurious in older women who engage in higher levels of MVPA. These findings support encouraging women to engage in the amounts and types of MVPA that they prefer. Older women with low physical function or frequent falls with low levels of MVPA are a high-risk group for whom vigilance about falls prevention is warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Limited evidence exists to inform physical activity (PA) and sedentary behavior guidelines for older people, especially women. Rigorous evidence on the amounts, intensities, and movement patterns associated with better health in later life is needed.Methods/design: The Objective PA and Cardiovascular Health (OPACH) Study is an ancillary study to the Women's Health Initiative (WHI) Program that examines associations of accelerometer-assessed PA and sedentary behavior with cardiovascular and fall events. Between 2012 and 2014, 7048 women aged 63-99 were provided with an ActiGraph GT3X+ (Pensacola, Florida) triaxial accelerometer, a sleep log, and an OPACH PA Questionnaire; 6489 have accelerometer data. Most women were in their 70s (40%) or 80s (46%), while approximately 10% were in their 60s and 4% were age 90 years or older. Non-Hispanic Black or Hispanic/Latina women comprise half of the cohort. Follow-up includes 1-year of falls surveillance with monthly calendars and telephone interviews of fallers, and annual follow-up for outcomes with adjudication of incident cardiovascular disease (CVD) events through 2020. Over 63,600 months of calendar pages were returned by 5,776 women, who reported 5,980 falls. Telephone interviews were completed for 1,492 women to ascertain the circumstances, injuries and medical care associated with falling. The dataset contains extensive information on phenotypes related to healthy aging, including inflammatory and CVD biomarkers, breast and colon cancer, hip and other fractures, diabetes, and physical disability.Discussion: This paper describes the study design, methods, and baseline data for a diverse cohort of postmenopausal women who wore accelerometers under free-living conditions as part of the OPACH Study. By using accelerometers to collect more precise and complete data on PA and sedentary behavior in a large cohort of older women, this study will contribute crucial new evidence about how much, how vigorous, and what patterns of PA are necessary to maintain optimal cardiovascular health and to avoid falls in later life.Clinical Trials Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT00000611 . Registered 27 October 1999. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The Women's Health Initiative has collected data on the aging process of postmenopausal women for over two decades, including data on many women who have achieved age 80 years and older. However, there has not been any previous effort to characterize the 80+ cohort and to identify associated retention factors.Methods: We include all women at baseline of the Women's Health Initiative who would be at least 80 years of age as of September 17, 2012. We summarize retention rates during the study and across two re-enrollment campaigns as well as the demographic and health-related characteristics that predicted retention. Further, we describe the longitudinal change from baseline in the women identified as members of the 80+ cohort.Results: Retention rates were lower during each of two re-enrollment periods (74% and 83% retained during re-enrollment periods 1 and 2, respectively) than during the first and second data collection periods (90% each). Women who were retained were more likely to be white, educated, and healthier at baseline. Women age 80 and older saw modest changes in body mass index and depression burden, despite lower physical activity and increased cardiovascular disease.Conclusions: The characteristics of women who were retained in the 80+ cohort differ in significant ways compared with their peers at baseline. Identifying the characteristics associated with attrition in older cohorts is important because aging and worsening health has a negative impact on study attrition. Strategies should be implemented to improve retention rates among less healthy older adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To address research gaps regarding women Veterans' alcohol consumption and mortality risk as compared to non-Veterans, the current study evaluated whether alcohol consumption amounts differed between women Veterans and non-Veterans, whether Veterans and non-Veterans within alcohol consumption groups differed on all-cause mortality, and whether Veteran status modified the association between alcohol consumption and all-cause mortality. Design and Methods: Six alcohol consumption groups were created using baseline data from the Women's Health Initiative Program (N = 145,521): lifelong abstainers, former drinkers, less than 1 drink/week (infrequent drinkers), 1-7 drinks/week (moderate drinkers), 8-14 drinks/week (moderately heavy drinkers), and 15 or more drinks/week (heavy drinkers). The proportions of Veteran and non-Veteran women within each alcohol consumption category were compared. Mortality rates within each alcohol consumption category were compared by Veteran status. Cox proportional hazard models, including a multiplicative interaction term for Veteran status, were fit to estimate adjusted mortality hazard (rate) ratios for each alcohol consumption category relative to a reference group of either lifelong abstainers or moderate drinkers. Results: Women Veterans were less likely to be lifelong abstainers than non-Veterans. Women Veterans who were former or moderate drinkers had higher age-adjusted mortality rates than did non-Veterans within these alcohol consumption categories. In the fully adjusted multivariate models, Veteran status did not modify the association between alcohol consumption category and mortality with either lifelong abstainers or moderate drinkers as referents. Implications: The results suggest that healthcare providers may counsel Veteran and non-Veteran women in similar ways regarding safe and less safe levels of alcohol consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]