Cancer health research relies on large-scale cohorts to derive generalizable results for different populations. While traditional epidemiological cohorts often use costly random sampling or self-motivated, preselected groups, a shift toward health system-based cohorts has emerged. However, such cohorts depend on participants remaining within a single system. Recent consumer engagement models using smartphone-based communication, driving projects, and social media have begun to upend these paradigms.

We initiated the Healthy Oregon Project (HOP) to support basic and clinical cancer research. HOP study employs a novel, cost-effective remote recruitment approach to effectively establish a large-scale cohort for population-based studies. The recruitment leverages the unique email account, the HOP website, and social media platforms to direct smartphone users to the study app, which facilitates saliva sample collection and survey administration. Monthly newsletters further facilitate engagement and outreach to broader communities.

By the end of 2022, the HOP has enrolled approximately 35,000 participants aged 18–100 years (median = 44.2 years), comprising more than 1% of the Oregon adult population. Among those who have app access, ∼87% provided consent to genetic screening. The HOP monthly email newsletters have an average open rate of 38%. Efforts continue to be made to improve survey response rates.

This study underscores the efficacy of remote recruitment approaches in establishing large-scale cohorts for population-based cancer studies. The implementation of the study facilitates the collection of extensive survey and biological data into a repository that can be broadly shared and supports collaborative clinical and translational research.

Women have a greater lifetime risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease (AD) dementia than men, a sex/gender disparity that cannot be explained by female longevity alone. There is substantial evidence for sex differences in the effects of APOE £4 on risk for AD. While APOE e4 increases AD risk in both sexes, women who carry APOE e4 are disproportionately vulnerable to cognitive impairment and AD compared to their counterpart men. In contrast to APOE e4, APOE £2 is associated with slower cognitive decline and a lower risk of AD. Although a less robust literature, APOE e2 may also have sex-specific effects. Because APOE e2 is the rarest major APOE allele, well-powered studies are needed to examine sex-specific effects. The objective of the present study was to examine sex-specific associations of APOE e2 carriage with longitudinal cognitive decline in a large cohort of clinically unimpaired adults.

We used observational data from two sources: the National Alzheimer’s Coordinating Center (NACC) and the Rush Alzheimer’s Disease Center (ROS/MAP/MARS) studies. We included data from clinically unimpaired adults who were >50 years old at baseline who self-identified as non-Hispanic White (NHW) or non-Hispanic Black (NHB). Participants were categorized as APOE £2, £4, or £3/e3 carriers. APOE e2/e4 carriers were excluded. The same battery of neuropsychological tests was used to assess global cognition in participants from both data sources. Linear mixed models examined interactive associations of genotype (£2 or £4 vs. £3/£3), sex, and time on longitudinal cognition in NHW and NHB participants separately. Analyses were first performed in a pooled sample of NACC and ROS/MAP/MARS participants and if significant they were repeated separately in each data source.

Across both data sources, 9,766 NHW (mean (SD) age=73.0(9.00) years, mean (SD) education=16.3(2.83) years, n(%) women=6,344(65.0)) and 2,010 NHB participants (mean(SD) age=71.3(7.59) years, mean(SD) education=14.9(3.10) years, n(%) women=1,583(78.8)) met inclusion criteria. Sex modified the association between APOE £2 and cognitive decline in NHW (ß=0.097, 95% CI: 0.023-0.172, pint=.01) but not NHB participants (ß=-0.011, 95% CI: -0.153-0.131, pint=.9). In sex-stratified analyses of NHW participants, APOE £2 (vs. £3/£3) carriage was associated with attenuated cognitive decline in men (ß=0.096, 95% CI: 0.037-0.155, p=.001), but not women (ß=-0.001, 95% CI: -0.044-0.043, p=.97). In analyses comparing men and women APOE £2 carriers, men exhibited slower cognitive decline than women (ß=0.120, 95% CI: 0.051-0.190, p=.001). Analyses performed separately in NACC and ROS/MAP revealed the same pattern of male-specific APOE £2 protection in NHW participants in both data sources.

In light of the longstanding view that APOE £2 protects against AD and dementia, our results provide evidence that APOE £2 is associated with attenuated cognitive decline in men but not women among NHW adults. This male-specific protection may contribute to sex differences in AD-related cognitive decline. Our findings have important implications for understanding the biological drivers of sex differences in AD risk, which is crucial for developing sex-specific strategies to prevent and treat AD dementia.

The brain is reliant on mitochondria to carry out a host of vital cellular functions (e.g., energy metabolism, respiration, apoptosis) to maintain neuronal integrity. Clinically relevant, dysfunctional mitochondria have been implicated as central to the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Phosphorous magnetic resonance spectroscopy (31p MRS) is a non-invasive and powerful method for examining in vivo mitochondrial function via high energy phosphates and phospholipid metabolism ratios. At least one prior 31p MRS study found temporal-frontal differences for high energy phosphates in persons with mild AD. The goal of the current study was to examine regional (i.e., frontal, temporal) 31p MRS ratios of mitochondrial function in a sample of older adults at-risk for AD. Given the high energy consumption in temporal lobes (i.e., hippocampus) and preferential age-related changes in frontal structure-function, we predicted 31p MRS ratios of mitochondrial function would be greater in temporal as compared to frontal regions.

The current study leveraged baseline neuroimaging data from an ongoing multisite study at the University of Florida and University of Arizona. Participants were older adults with memory complaints and a first-degree family history of AD [N = 70; mean [M] age [years] = 70.9, standard deviation [SD] =5.1; M education [years] = 16.2, SD = 2.2; M MoCA = 26.5, SD = 2.4; 61.4% female; 91.5% non-latinx white]. To achieve optimal sensitivity, we used a single voxel method to examine 31p MRS ratios (bilateral prefrontal and left temporal). Mitochondrial function was estimated by computing 5 ratios for each voxel: summed adenosine triphosphate to total pooled phosphorous (ATP/TP; momentary energy), ATP to inorganic phosphate (ATP/Pi; energy consumption), phosphocreatine to ATP (PCr/ATP; energy reserve), phosphocreatine to inorganic phosphate (PCr/Pi; oxidative phosphorylation), and phosphomonoesters to phosphodiesters (PME/PDE; cellular membrane turnover rate). All ratios were corrected for voxel size and cerebrospinal fluid fraction. Separate repeated measures analyses of variance controlling for scanner site differences (RM ANCOVAs) were performed.

31p MRS ratios were unrelated to demographic characteristics and were not included as additional covariates in analyses. Results of separate RM ANCOVAs revealed all 31p MRS ratios of mitochondrial function were greater in left temporal relative to bilateral prefrontal voxel: ATP/TP (p < .001), ATP/Pi (p = .001), PCr/ATP (p = .004), PCr/Pi (p = .004), and PME/PDE (p = .017). Effect sizes (partial eta squared) ranged from 0.6-.20.

Consistent and extending one prior study, all 31p MRS ratios of mitochondrial function were greater in temporal as compared to frontal regions in older adults at-risk for AD. This may in part be related to the intrinsically high metabolic rate of the temporal region and preferential age-related changes in frontal structure-function. Alternatively, findings may reflect the influence of unaccounted factors (e.g., hemodynamics, auditory stimulation). Longitudinal study designs may inform whether patterns of mitochondrial function across different brain regions are present early in development, occur across the lifespan, or some combination. In turn, this may inform future studies examining differences in mitochondrial function (as measured using 31p MRS) in AD.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a well-known risk factor for cognitive impairment and dementia, particularly among minoritized groups that have experienced a history of low childhood socioeconomic status (SES). Although previous literature has linked all levels of SES to varying degrees of stress exposure, children raised in higher SES households have more access to resources and services that encourage optimal growth and development than children who grow up in lower SES households. Given the disproportionate burden of dementia and cognitive deficits within minoritized groups, the present study examined whether childhood SES is associated with later life cognition among Black and White older adults and if this association persists after accounting for hypertension, a possible mediator of the relationship between childhood SES.

1,184 participants were from the first wave of the STAR (n = 397 Black [Mage= 75.0 ±6.8 years]) and KHANDLE (386 Black [Mage= 76.2 ±7.2 years] and 401 White [Mage= 78.4 ±7.5 years]) cohorts. We used general linear models to examine the relationship between childhood SES and later-life executive function, semantic memory, and verbal memory scores, and midlife hypertension. Childhood SES was measured by self-reported perceived financial status (with participants given the following options: ‘pretty well off financially’, ‘about average’, ‘poor’, or ‘it varied’). These models were assessed in the full sample and also stratified by race.

In the full sample, childhood financial status was not associated with semantic memory, verbal episodic memory, or executive function. Financial status was associated with semantic memory in Black adults (β = -.124, t(771) = -2.52, p = .01) and this association persisted after accounting for hypertension (β = -.124, t(770) = -2.53, p = .01). There was no association between childhood financial status and later life semantic memory among White adults. There was no association between childhood financial status and later life verbal episodic memory or executive function in either Black or White adults in models with or without adjustment for hypertension.

Our findings showed no relationship between childhood SES and cognition, except for semantic memory in Black participants; this relationship persisted after accounting for midlife CVD. Future analyses will assess both direct and indirect effects of more predictive measures of childhood SES on late-life cognition with midlife CVD as a mediator.

To assess whether measurement and feedback of chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) skin concentrations can improve CHG bathing practice across multiple intensive care units (ICUs).

A before-and-after quality improvement study measuring patient CHG skin concentrations during 6 point-prevalence surveys (3 surveys each during baseline and intervention periods).

The study was conducted across 7 geographically diverse ICUs with routine CHG bathing.

Adult patients in the medical ICU.

CHG skin concentrations were measured at the neck, axilla, and inguinal region using a semiquantitative colorimetric assay. Aggregate unit-level CHG skin concentration measurements from the baseline period and each intervention period survey were reported back to ICU leadership, which then used routine education and quality improvement activities to improve CHG bathing practice. We used multilevel linear models to assess the impact of intervention on CHG skin concentrations.

We enrolled 681 (93%) of 736 eligible patients; 92% received a CHG bath prior to survey. At baseline, CHG skin concentrations were lowest on the neck, compared to axillary or inguinal regions (P < .001). CHG was not detected on 33% of necks, 19% of axillae, and 18% of inguinal regions (P < .001 for differences in body sites). During the intervention period, ICUs that used CHG-impregnated cloths had a 3-fold increase in patient CHG skin concentrations as compared to baseline (P < .001).

Routine CHG bathing performance in the ICU varied across multiple hospitals. Measurement and feedback of CHG skin concentrations can be an important tool to improve CHG bathing practice.

To develop, implement, and evaluate the effectiveness of a unique centralized surveillance infection prevention (CSIP) program.

Observational quality improvement project.

An integrated academic healthcare system.

The CSIP program comprises senior infection preventionists who are responsible for healthcare-associated infection (HAI) surveillance and reporting, allowing local infection preventionists (LIPs) a greater portion of their time to non-surveillance patient safety activities. Four CSIP team members accrued HAI responsibilities at 8 facilities.

We evaluated the effectiveness of the CSIP program using 4 measures: recovery of LIP time, efficiency of surveillance activities by LIPs and CSIP staff, surveys characterizing LIP perception of their effectiveness in HAI reduction, and nursing leaders’ perception of LIP effectiveness.

The amount of time spent by LIP teams on HAI surveillance was highly variable, while CSIP time commitment and efficiency was steady. Post-CSIP implementation, 76.9% of LIPs agreed that they spend adequate time on inpatient units, compared to 15.4% pre-CSIP; LIPs also reported more time to allot to non-surveillance activities. Nursing leaders reported greater satisfaction with LIP involvement with HAI reduction practices.

CSIP programs are a little-reported strategy to ease burden on LIPs with reallocation of HAI surveillance. The analyses presented here will aid health systems in anticipating the benefit of CSIP programs.

Febrile neutropenia (FN) is a medical emergency with significant morbidity and mortality for oncology patients, requiring comprehensive workup and timely antibiotic administration. We evaluated concordance with locally developed FN guidelines and outcomes of cancer patients admitted to general internal medicine at an academic teaching hospital.

We conducted a retrospective observational cohort study of patients admitted between July 1, 2016, and June 30, 2017, for FN. Patients were classified as having low-risk or high-risk FN according to their malignancy and chemotherapy. Primary outcome was the proportion of patients receiving guideline-concordant antibiotics within 48 hours of admission to general internal medicine. Secondary outcomes were the proportion of patients in whom empirical antibiotics were active against pathogens isolated, rate of antibiotic-associated adverse events, and in-hospital mortality. We used logistic regression to model relationship between FN risk and guideline-concordant antibiotics.

Among 100 patients included, 34 (34%) were low-risk FN and 66 (66%) were high-risk. Proportion of guideline-concordant empirical antibiotics was significantly lower among low-risk FN patients than high-risk patients: 12 (35%) of 34 versus 47 (71%) of 66 (P = .001). Empirical antibiotics were active against 17 (94%) of 18 isolated pathogens. The mortality rate was 3%, and 16% of patients experienced antibiotic-associated adverse events. Hematological malignancy and infectious diseases–trained physician involvement were associated with guideline-concordant prescribing, with adjusted odds ratios of 3.76 (95% CI, 1.46–9.70; P = .006) and 3.71 (95% CI, 1.49–9.23; P = .005), respectively.

Guideline concordance was low compared to published reports. Factors influencing appropriate antimicrobial prescribing in patients with FN warrant further exploration.

With advances in care, an increasing number of individuals with single-ventricle CHD are surviving into adulthood. Partners of individuals with chronic illness have unique experiences and challenges. The goal of this pilot qualitative research study was to explore the lived experiences of partners of individuals with single-ventricle CHD.

Partners of patients ≥18 years with single-ventricle CHD were recruited and participated in Experience Group sessions and 1:1 interviews. Experience Group sessions are lightly moderated groups that bring together individuals with similar circumstances to discuss their lived experiences, centreing them as the experts. Formal inductive qualitative coding was performed to identify salient themes.

Six partners of patients participated. Of these, four were males and four were married; all were partners of someone of the opposite sex. Themes identified included uncertainty about their partners’ future health and mortality, becoming a lay CHD specialist, balancing multiple roles, and providing positivity and optimism. Over time, they took on a role as advocates for their partners and as repositories of medical history to help navigate the health system. Despite the uncertainties, participants described championing positivity and optimism for the future.

In this first-of-its-kind pilot study, partners of individuals with single-ventricle CHD expressed unique challenges and experiences in their lives. There is a tacit need to design strategies to help partners cope with those challenges. Further larger-scale research is required to better understand the experiences of this unique population.