bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Geographic Disparities of Comorbidities in Mortality of Patients With Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Kravchenko Julia 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Comorbidities can contribute to the gap in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) mortality between the East and West coast U.S. Using Multiple-Cause-of-Death and 5%-Medicare data, we analyzed age-adjusted (65+) mortality rates from AD in two Health and Human Services (HHS) areas with opposed mortality patterns in 2010-2018: 150.9±0.6/100,000 in HHS2 (NJ,NY) and 363.1±1.5/100,000 in HHS10 (AK,ID,OR,WA). Co-existing diabetes, heart failure, cerebrovascular, digestive, and kidney diseases significantly contributed to this gap, while contribution of heart diseases reduced its magnitude. An unexpectedly strong effect (higher rate in HH10 by a factor of 3-5) was identified for symptoms/signs that are not from identified specific diseases, life-threatening injures/falls and other external causes that are common among patients with AD. We concluded that although contributions of comorbidities with well-developed treatment guidelines (e.g., heart disease) to geographic disparities in AD mortality were small, the disparities can be generated by unexpected comorbidities including diseases with poorly defined conditions.
Identifying Translational Longevity Targets With Genetically Mediated Transcriptome-Wide Association Studies
Authors: Evans Daniel , Cummings Steven , Schork Nicholas 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
We hypothesized that trait associations with genetically mediated gene expression could be used to screen for genes that are good candidates for translational studies of longevity. We compiled a collection of genetically-mediated transcriptome-wide association studies using 33 traits and outcomes from large-scale, publicly-available GWAS meta-analysis results. The traits/outcomes were grouped within eight categories (aging, anthropometric, cardiovascular, inflammation, lung function, metabolic, musculoskeletal, and neurological). To test the utility of this approach, we examined trait associations with the drug target of statins, and we correctly identified known therapeutic effects and adverse events of statins. Specifically addressing the hypothesis, we examined a collection of candidate longevity-associated genes and identified one gene associated with lifespan that appears to also be associated with protection from atrial fibrillation and hearing impairment without being associated with adverse events. This screening approach can be used to prioritize gene targets for longevity translational efforts.
Behavioral and Social Considerations
Authors: Barry Lisa 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Cognitive, behavioral and social dimensions also demonstrate increasing heterogeneity with aging. For example, a longitudinal study of over 1,000 clergy revealed increasing heterogeneity in cognitive function and rate of decline with aging. Moreover, studies of individuals with probable Alzheimer’s disease have shown heterogeneity in terms of clinical manifestations and rates of cognitive decline. Older adults also demonstrate greater heterogeneity in mood, anxiety, and the nature and patterns of symptoms over time. Heterogeneity of overall health status increases with aging, as does reported quality of life. Health and Retirement Study (HRS) data have shown that low socioeconomic status or being an underrepresented minority are both associated with greater intra-individual variability in health status in old age, with greatest differences seen in Hispanics. Finally, early life adversity can contribute to heterogeneity of multidimensional health trajectories even in late life.
Strategies to Improve Health Technologies for Older Adults With Cognitive Impairment and Dementia
Authors: Niemiec Stacey Schepens , Lee Elissa , Blanchard Jeanine , Strizich Adam 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Technology may improve health self-management of older people with cognitive deficits, yet these individuals may have unique needs influencing its utility. This study’s purpose was to gather current strategies described in the literature and by expert stakeholders for utilizing digital health technologies in older adults with cognitive impairment (CI) or dementia. We conducted a rapid literature review to identify articles that featured digital health technology use in persons with CI/dementia. Additionally, we conducted interviews (n=12) with expert stakeholders who were identified through online academic, professional, and community organization biographies and snowball referral. Qualitative-based thematic analysis was used to identify emergent themes from selected literature and transcribed interviews. Recommended strategies addressed instructional methods (e.g., reducing distractions), technology adaptations (e.g., simplified interface), care partner involvement, and dosage/exposure. Findings are applicable to development of technology-driven interventions and products, with the aim of improving the effectiveness of such technology for older people with CI/dementia.
A Pilot Study on Relationships of the Workplace Intergenerational Climate Scale with Other Ageism and Sexism Scales
Authors: Bae Sangkyung , Choi Moon 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Due to the demographic changes such as longevity and low birthrates, the proportion of workers over 55 years old is expected to rise more than twice in the coming years. As the age diversity in the workplace is increasing, ageism needs more attention in every context. This study aims to explore relationships of the workplace intergenerational climate scale with other ageism and sexism scales in workplace and non-workplace contexts. Data came from a pilot online survey conducted in South Korea in December 2019 (N=74; average age=46.8 years old ranged from 20 to 76), and the data was analyzed using a series of ANOVAs and logistic regressions. The results showed that chronological age did not have a linear relationship with ageist attitudes in the workplace although relatively younger groups tend to have more ageist attitudes compared to their counterparts. In particular, those in their thirties were most reluctant to work with different generations. Conspicuously, negative attitudes towards working with different generations in the workplace were statistically significantly related to ageist attitudes towards older adults in non-workplace contexts as well as sexist attitudes in the workplace. The findings imply that prejudice and stereotypes towards different age and gender groups in workplace and non-workplace contexts might be intertwined, and interventions reducing ageism in the workplace might also have positive impacts on alleviating other types of ageism and sexism while promoting diversity.
Partnering With Title VI Directors to Put Survey Data to Use in Improving the Health and Well-Being of Native Elders
Authors: Adamsen Collette , Danielson Ramona 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Through Title VI of the Older Americans Act, federally recognized American Indian tribes, Alaska Native villages, and Native Hawaiians are eligible for grant funding to promote elders’ access to nutritious food and address other community-specific needs, such as transportation. Title VI directors are often short-staffed and work flexibly and creatively to accomplish administrative tasks as well as direct care for elders. The National Resource Center on Native American Aging (NRCNAA) developed the “Identify our Needs: A Survey of Elders”, conducted with adults ages 55+ every three years since 1999, to help directors fulfill grant-required requirements to report on community needs assessment data about elders’ needed services and health status. Directors administer the survey; responses are then scanned and analyzed by NRCNAA, with a site-specific summary returned to directors, at no cost to the site. To learn more about how survey data are utilized, NRCNAA staff interviewed four Title VI directors from across the US in 2018. In addition to meeting the needs assessment requirement, directors use the data to seek resources and support, build collaborative relationships, and evaluate and build their programs. Conducting the survey has allowed for discussions with elders about dimensions of elder health, advanced medical directives, and medical power of attorney. Additionally, specific interventions have been designed to address needs identified by the survey, including diabetic foot care, yoga, and falls prevention. Through the survey, the NRCNAA is able to support many dedicated Title VI directors working to improve the health and well-being of Native elders.
Amyloid beta-42 Levels in Companion Dog Brains Correlate with Age and Cognitive Function
Authors: Urfer Silvan , Darvas Martin , Keene Dirk , Czeibert Kálman , Kubinyi Enikő , Sándor Sára , Guscetti Franco , Kaeberlein Matt 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
The privately owned companion dog is an increasingly important model in aging research because it shares the human environment, is exposed to similar environmental risk factors, receives comparable medical care, and develops many of the same age-related pathologies. One such pathology is Canine Cognitive Dysfunction (CCD), which shares many of the clinical features of human Alzheimer’s Disease (AD), including progressive loss of cognitive function, loss of normal sleep patterns, increased anxiety, and aimless wandering. Amyloid-beta 42 (Aβ42) plaques similar to these found in humans with AD are known to naturally occur in the brains of aged dogs, making them an intriguing potential model for AD in humans. As part of the Dog Aging Project (www.dogagingproject.org), we studied frozen samples taken from the frontal cortex, medial temporal cortex, entorhinal cortex, and hippocampus of n=24 companion dogs of various ages that were euthanized for unrelated health reasons and donated by their owners. Brains were removed and frozen within 4 hours post mortem. Using a novel quantitative Luminex assay, we found a significant correlation between age and Aβ42 levels in all of these brain regions, as well as a significant correlation between Aβ42 levels and cognitive function scores as measured by the Canine Cognitive Dysfunction Scale. We will now investigate histopathology in the same dogs and brain regions, and investigate whether we can also measure Tau and pTau in these samples using Luminex and mass spectrometry.
Endurance Exercise Training Modes to Improve Physical Function in Older Mice: HIIT vs. VWR
Authors: Graber Ted , Byrd Chris , Seguin Emily , Seguin Anna , Fennel Alyssa , Nadigama Nainika 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
With age, we experience a progressive loss of physical function. Exercise is a promising therapy to preserve muscle health and functional aptitude. Animal models are needed to examine the underlying molecular mechanisms at the intersection of aging, exercise, and functional decline. In this study, we compare the efficacy of two types of individualized endurance exercise training in older C57BL/6 mice (26-months old at completion): HIIT (high intensity interval training on a treadmill, n=10) and VWR (voluntary wheel running, n=8). We hypothesized that while both exercises would improve function, HIIT would promote more extensive adaptation. For four months the VWR mice ran 4 days/week and the HIIT group ran 3x/week. We determined function pre/post-training by utilizing our composite scoring system, the Comprehensive Functional Assessment Battery (CFAB). CFAB consists of the following: treadmill running (endurance), rotarod (overall motor function), wheel running (volitional exercise rate/activity), grip strength (fore-limb strength), and inverted cling (overall strength/endurance). EchoMRI determined body composition. After training, we found significant CFAB improvement (repeated measures t-test, p&lt;0.05) in both exercise groups, specifically including: rotarod (+37%, HIIT and VWR); treadmill (+61% VWR; +58% HIIT), grip strength (+20% VWR), body mass (-17% VWR, -10% HIIT), and fat percentage (-44% VWR, -20% HIIT). Contrary to our hypothesis, HIIT did not improve function more than VWR, though we suspect increasing training intensity would improve response. Thus, future studies will need to address defining HIIT dose response and optimal training volume for older mice. We conclude that our models will be useful for future mechanistic investigations.
Impact of Radiotherapy on Daily Function Among Older Adults Living with Advanced Cancer
Authors: Nehlsen Anthony , Agarwal Parul , Mazumdar Madhu , Dharmarajan Kavita 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Radiation therapy (RT) improves quality of life and symptomatic burden for patients with advanced malignancies. However, RT can also confer toxicity and little is known about the contribution of geriatric conditions to RT-related outcomes in older adults. This study aims to examine changes in daily function among RT patients at 1 and 6 months following RT. We reviewed charts of 137 patients who underwent RT with intent to improve daily functioning. ADL and IADL scores ranging from 0-6 and 0-8, respectively were collected at baseline, 1-, and 6-months post-RT. Latent class analysis of baseline ADL and IADL was conducted to categorize patients into two classes (high and low deficit). Latent transition analysis was used to examine transitions at each time point. One-hundred seventy courses of RT were identified; 99 were fully evaluable. Median age was 66 years. For ADL and IADL, at baseline 28.9% and 28.3% were classified as high deficit and 71.1%, 71.3% as low deficit respectively; 2% and 7% of low deficit patients had the potential to move to high deficit group at 1 month; and 20% and 13% had the potential to have the same movement from 1 to 6 months. All patients classified as high deficit for both measures at 1 month remained so at 6 months. ADL and IADL functioning may be useful in describing changes in daily function after and identifying groups of patients who may benefit from additional supportive geriatric and/or palliative care interventions.
Influence of aging, macronutrient composition and time-restricted feeding on the rat gut microbiome
Authors: Hernandez Abbi , Burke Sara , Buford Thomas , Carter Christy 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Declining health and cognition are hallmarks of advanced age that reduce both the quality and length of the lifespan. While caloric restriction has been highlighted as a strategy for increasing healthspan, time-restricted feeding and changes in dietary macronutrient composition may be more feasible alternatives with similar health outcomes. Furthermore, age-related changes in gut microbiome composition may reciprocally interact with several physiological systems – providing a good target for future therapeutic interventions. To begin to investigate the potential utility of a ketogenic (high fat, low carbohydrate) diet and/or time-restricted feeding, fully mature young (5 mo) and older (22 mo) adult male Fischer Brown Norway Hybrid rats were placed on a time-restricted feeding regimen of a ketogenic or micronutrient and calorically matched control diet for 7 months. A third group of rats was permitted to eat standard chow ad libitum. Fecal samples collected at the conclusion of the study were submitted for 16S microbiome analysis, which revealed significant differences across age and diet groups, as well as across feeding paradigms. Beta diversity analysis demonstrated distinct microbiome composition across the three diet groups regardless of age. Furthermore, diet group significantly impacted abundance in expression of several microbiota at the phylum level, including Verrucomicrobia, Cyanobacteria, Actinobacteria and Patescibacteria, though age did not. Verrucomicrobia was significantly increased (p=0.02) and Actinobacteria and Patescibacteria (p&lt;0.01) were significantly decreased in animals fed in a time-restricted fashion. These results indicate the value of both altered macronutrient composition and altered feeding methodology for therapeutic interventions targeting the gut microbiome.
Muscle Mitochondrial DNA Copy Number, Deletion Mutation Frequency, and Physical Performance in Older Adults
Authors: Wanagat Jonathan , Herbst Allen , Prior Steven , Aiken Judd , McKenzie Debbie , Liu Nianjun , Chen Xiwei , Allison David 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) quantity and quality influence hallmarks of aging – mitochondrial dysfunction and genomic instability. The interactions between mtDNA quantity and quality and physical performance have not been extensively examined in humans. The aim of this study was to test the interactions between skeletal muscle mtDNA copy number, mtDNA deletion mutation frequency, and physical performance measures in older adults. Total DNA was isolated from muscle biopsies and used for quantitation of mtDNA copy number and mutation frequency by digital PCR. The biopsies were obtained from a cross-sectional cohort of 53 adults aged 50 to 86 years. Before the biopsy, physical performance measures were collected. MtDNA deletions increased exponentially with advancing age. On average, mtDNA deletion frequency increased 18-fold between 50 and 80, with a trend toward lower deletion frequency in females. MtDNA deletion frequency predicted declines in VO2 max, where 4.7% of the variation in VO2 max was explained by mtDNA deletion frequency. MtDNA copy number was negatively correlated with age and mtDNA deletion frequency, but positively correlated with lean mass. There was a trend to lower mtDNA deletion frequency in females, consistent with increased longevity in females. Larger studies may better delineate sex effects. These data are consistent with a role for mitochondrial function and genome integrity in the maintenance of physical performance with age. Analyses of mtDNA quality and quantity in longitudinal studies could extend our understanding of the importance of mitochondria in human aging and longevity.
Depression Complicates the Relationship Between Subjective Memory Complaints and Memory in Older Adults
Authors: Wisniewski Kristi , Choi Eun Young , Beam Christopher , Zelinski Elizabeth 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Subjective memory complaints (SMCs) are self-reported changes in memory performance and may indicate prospective dementia. Cognitive function and depressive symptoms are negatively correlated; however, depression’s influence on the relationship between SMCs and cognition is unclear. Data were drawn from the Long Beach Longitudinal Study, a three-panel study of community-dwelling older adults from southern California who were assessed every three years. The present study included participants ages 54-89 who completed a 20-item immediate recall task at each wave and the Memory Functioning Questionnaire Frequency of Forgetting (FOF) subscale, a measure of SMC, on 2+ occasions from 1994-2014 (n=788; Mage=73 years at baseline, Meduc=15 years). Higher FOF scores indicated fewer memory complaints. Depression was measured as the average Geriatric Depression Scale score across occasions. Bivariate linear latent growth models over age adjusted for age, sex, and education (covariates associated with cognition). The SMC and recall slopes were positively correlated (parameter estimate=1.40; p&lt;0.05). After controlling for depression, the slope-slope correlation was not significant (parameter estimate=0.83; p=0.127). However, after removing cognitively-relevant items from the Geriatric Depression Scale then adjusting for depression, the SMC slope-recall slope correlation trended toward significance (parameter estimate=0.99; p=0.070) suggesting that the cognitively relevant items were confounding the slope-slope correlation. These findings indicate that depression impacts the relationship between SMC and objective memory over age; therefore, depression may limit the clinical utility of SMCs as a cognitive screening measure. Future studies should assess depression using scales devoid of cognitive items to differentiate its influence on subjective and objective memory performance.
Vision and Cognitive Function in the Mid- to Later-Life Transition: the Study of Women’s Health Across the Nation
Authors: Kolli Ajay , Hood Michelle , Karvonen-Gutierrez Carrie , Moroi Sayoko , Ehrlich Joshua , Gillespie Brenda , Wood Sarah , Musch David 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
In this analysis of data from the Study of Women Across the Nation (SWAN), a longitudinal cohort study of mid-life women, we sought to describe the relationship between vision impairment (VI) during mid-life and future CF during the mid- to later-life transition period. Presenting visual acuity was assessed at baseline, between 1996-2000, using a Titmus occupational screener. “Mild” and “moderate to severe” VI were respectively categorized as visual acuity &lt;20/40 and &lt;20/60 in the better seeing eye. CF was measured at near-annual visits from 2003-2015 using the East Boston Memory Test immediate (EBMTi) and delayed (EBMTd) recall and Digit Span Backwards (DSB). Linear mixed models with a random intercept and slope for age were constructed to detect associations between vision and CF, adjusting for race, education, financial strain, alcohol use, and tobacco use. The sample included 341 women aged 42-53 years (mean: 46.6) at baseline with up to 16 years of follow-up. The prevalence of VA &lt;20/40 and &lt;20/60 was 12.9% and 7.6%, respectively. While mild VI was associated with lower EBMTi (β= -0.46, p=0.034), EBMTd (β= -0.49, p=0.031), and DSB (β= -0.78, p= 0.015) scores in unadjusted models, these relationships were not statistically significant after adjustment for covariates. After adjusting for covariates, baseline moderate to severe VI was associated with worse EBMTi (β= -0.87, p=0.001) and EBMTd (β= -0.52 p=0.039) scores. Altogether, moderate to severe VI during mid-life was associated with lower verbal episodic memory scores (EMBTi/d) over a 16-year period representing the transition from mid-life to later adulthood.
Cognitive Impairment and Decline in Physical Function Among Older Mexican Americans Over 20 Years
Authors: Givan Amy , Snih Soham Al 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
The aim of this study was to examine cognitive function as a predictor of physical function decline over a 20-year follow-up period among older Mexican Americans who were non-disabled and were able to complete the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) at baseline. The sample consisted of 2,232 Hispanics 65 years and older from the Hispanic Established Population for the Epidemiological Study of the Elderly. Measures included socio-demographics, self-reported medical conditions, body mass index (BMI), disability, depressive symptoms, limitations in activities of daily living, Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), and SPPB. General linear mixed models were used to estimate changes in SPPB over time as a function of MMSE. At baseline, 11% of the participants had cognitive impairment (MMSE &lt; 21) and the average SPPB score for those with and without cognitive impairment was 7.16 + 2.75 and 7.81 + 2.36, respectively. Mixed model analysis showed that those with cognitive impairment (MMSE &lt; 21) experienced a decline in the SPPB of 0.34 points per year (Standard Error = 0.09, p-value = 0.0002) after controlling for all covariates. Other significant predictor factors of decline in the SPPB were older age, depressive symptoms, diabetes, any assistance with activities of daily living, having had a hip fracture, and high BMI. Cognitive impairment predicted decline in physical function among older Mexican Americans who were non-disabled at baseline. These findings underscore the need of developing interventions to maintain cognitive and physical function to delay or prevent disability in this underserved population with high rates of disability.