bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Digital Technologies To Enhance Social Connectedness in Long-Term Care Facilities During COVID-19: A Review
Authors: Freeman Shannon , Abgoji Aderonke , Koopmans Alanna , Ross Christopher 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
A consequence of the strict visitor restrictions implemented by many Long-term Care Facilities (LTCFs), during the COVID-19 pandemic, was the exacerbation of loneliness and social isolation felt by older adult residents. While there had been a shift by some persons to utilize digital solutions to mitigate the effects of the imposed social isolation, many facilities did not have sufficient information regarding available solutions to implement institutional strategies to support social connectedness through digital solutions. To support our partners in evidence-based policy-making we conducted a scoping review to identify existing virtual technology solutions, apps, and platforms feasible to promote social connectedness among persons residing in a long-term care facility context during times of lockdown such as experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic. Initial identification of relevant literature involved a combination of keywords and subject headings searches within 5 databases (PubMed, CINAHL EBSCO, PsychINFO EBSCO, Embase OVIDSP, and Web of Science ISI). DistillerSR was used to screen, chart and summarize the data. There is growth in the availability of technologies focused on promoting health and well-being in later life for persons in long-term care facilities however a gap remains in widespread uptake. We will describe the breadth of technologies identified in this review and discuss how they vary in utility in smaller scale facilities common in rural areas. Of the technologies that can be used to mitigate the impacts of social isolation felt by long-term care residents, many “solutions” depend on stable highspeed internet, which remains a challenge in rural and northern areas.
Older age is associated with more positive reframing of memories from the spring phase of the covid-19 pandemic
Authors: Garcia Sandry , Ford Jaclyn , Fields Eric , Cunningham Tony , Kensinger Elizabeth 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Older adults often focus on positive aspects of past events, showing resiliency that runs counter to negative stereotypes of aging. We asked whether older adults would retain this positive focus even during the COVID-19 pandemic that puts older adults at particular health risk. We examined how age would relate to the experience of affect during the spring phase of the pandemic and also how it would affect their memories of that spring phase. We predicted that when reflecting on the spring phase of the pandemic, older age would be associated with an increased tendency to focus on “silver linings” and a decreased focus on negative aspects. Furthermore, we explored whether focusing on those “silver linings” would be driven by (i) more positive experienced affect during the spring-phase, or (ii) by a memory-specific effect that would persist after controlling for experienced affect. As predicted, older age was associated with increased focus on “silver linings” such as feelings of hope that the measures would reduce disease spread (p &lt;.001) or memories of the community coming together (p &lt;.001). These effects remained even when controlling for older adults’ more-positive affect during the spring phase of the pandemic (community coming together, p=.03, and feeling hope, p=.008). These results suggest that older adults remain resilient during the ongoing pandemic. Compared to younger adults, older adults experience greater affective well-being in the moment and also benefit from a memory-specific mechanism allowing them to view the ongoing negative event through a rosier lens.
Group Differences in Patterns of Retirement and Social Security Benefits Receipt in the United States
Authors: Yeo Hyesu 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Extended working lives are a clear phenomenon in the U.S. However, the Social Security benefits and old-fashioned retirement concept has not changed by the new trend. This study is to examine 1) whether retirement and Social Security benefits simultaneously happen as Social Security was planned, and 2) differences in groups based on the trajectories in retirement and Social Security benefits. This study used data from the Health and Retirement Survey (HRS) 2000-2016. The sample consisted of respondents the ages of 54 or older who worked for pay without receiving Social Security benefits in 2000 (N=1,924). A Latent Class Growth Analysis was conducted to classify the number of groups based on individuals’ trajectories in retirement and Social Security. The bivariate analysis tested group members’ characteristics. The final model included four groups: 1) ‘delayed retirement and Social Security,’ 2) ‘early Social Security but re-entry of the labor market after early retirement,’ 3) ‘delayed retirement but early Social Security,’ and 4) ‘retirement and Social Security at the same time point.’ The bivariate analysis demonstrated significant differences between groups in retirement age, Social Security age, education, health, and income. The result indicated that Group 2, with lower health status, education level, and income, was vulnerable in retirement. The group retired and received Social Security comparatively earlier, whereas they finally retired at the oldest age after reentering the labor market. This finding suggests that Social Security and retirement do not happen simultaneously, and Social Security is not enough for some people’s living.
LifePlanning: A Better Retirement Planning Option for Our Times
Authors: Nagaich Rajiv , Redfield Carol , Harvill Ben 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Ten thousand turn 65 daily. Majority look forward to retiring in the beginning and then become afraid of outcomes they often hear about- dealing with institutional care, becoming a burden, or running out of money. This is not because retirees do not plan, but despite of having planned their entire life for retirement. Many employers provide financial retirement planning such as a 401K plan. Individuals have relied on employee benefit plans to ready themselves, yet few are “very confident” about it. Two-thirds of retirees say their most recent employers did “nothing” to help them transition into retirement; 16% are “not sure” what their employers did. Many may be overlooking important factors in their strategies. Among retirees who currently have a retirement strategy, 85% have factored Social Security and Medicare benefits into their strategy. Most have included on-going living expenses (79%), total savings and income needs (57%) into their plan. Fewer than half have considered other critical factors (e.g., investment returns, ongoing healthcare costs, inflation, long-term care needs, tax planning, etc.). Only 9% have contingency plans for retiring sooner than expected and/or savings shortfalls. The truth is that education offered by employers tends to be traditional planning advice, which may not be enough to address the concerns retirees will have in retirement. To this, we introduce a multi-disciplinary LifePlanning Framework which takes a wholistic, integrated approach in addressing the many complex issues of retirement found in health, housing, finance, legal, and family. Our results may impact future practice, research, and policy.
Productive Aging in India: Pre-Retirement Perceptions, Priorities, and Gendered Perspectives
Authors: Sen Reema , Kahana Eva 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
This study explores the perceptions of urban, middle class, white collar employees in India approaching retirement, to unpack ‘productive aging’ through a specific sociocultural lens. India, is aging fast with limited social security. Projected growth in the 60+ age group is 326% (2000 -2050) and 700% for the 80+. Prior studies largely focused on rural and blue collar adults. This study involves a sample of 76 people’s (41 men, 35 women of relatively high SES) attitudes to aging. Key findings show, self-perceived health status was different between men and women (ordinal regression analysis showed p value 0.034 at 95% CI). 51.22% men rated their health excellent/very good compared with 28.57% women. 12.2% men rated their health fair/poor compared with 25.72% women. Despite this, results of men and women’s perceptions of aging were remarkably similar though living in a country with entrenched gender inequality. Cultural influence was apparent from the gendered difference (p value 0.036, 95% CI) in response to the question “our society frowns upon paid work after retirement” (20% women agreed compared with 4.77% men). Interestingly, despite social constraints 68.58% women agreed that they prefer a paid alternate career after retirement compared with 53.66% men. Another difference (p value 0.006, 95% CI) on the question “I need to be gainfully occupied for my own personal satisfaction” had 100% women reporting they agree or strongly agree as compared with 85.37% men. Findings will be discussed in the context of gender and changing family structures among adults in late middle age.
Impaired Mitochondrial and Glycolytic Functions in Peripheral Blood Leukocytes of Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Bharadwaj Ravindra , Gibler Hayley , Srivastava Sanjay , Tewari Hena 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Recent failures of the trials targeting amyloid to treat Alzheimer’s disease (AD) are prompting scientists to explore other pathological pathways. Brains of AD patients have been noted to have impaired mitochondrial function. It has not yet been determined if AD is caused by a systemic defect in cellular bioenergetics. To determine the cellular bioenergetics, we compared the Oxygen Consumption Rate (OCR – indicating oxygen dependent respiration) and Extra Cellular Acidification Rate (ECAR – indicating glycolytic function) in leukocytes of collected blood samples of Alzheimer’s and non-dementia patients. Methods: After IRB approval and consents, blood samples from each clinically diagnosed Alzheimer’s and age matched normal subjects were collected. Immediately after collection the blood samples were analyzed using Agilent Seahorse XFe/XF Analyzer as per protocol by manufacturer. Results: Impaired mitochondrial and glycolytic functions were noted in Alzheimer’s patients as compared to normal subjects. OCR was significantly lower in Alzheimer’s patients. A lower rate of respiration was noted both at basal as well as maximal respiration. Reduced spare respiration capacity was also noted in response to the stressors. Similarly reduced ECAR and reduced glycolytic reserve was also noted in Alzheimer’s patients, indicating impaired oxygen independent mitochondrial respiration. Discussion: This pilot study demonstrates that there is an impaired mitochondrial and glycolytic function in the peripheral blood cells. This indicates towards a systemic nature of the disease and a potential future bio-marker. Further studies should be planned in this direction.
Low Dose Brain Radiation Reduces Elevated Plasma Branch Chain Amino Acid Levels in APP/PS1 Mice
Authors: Maddens Michael , Wilson George , Graham Stewart , Yilmaz Ali 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Branch Chain Amino Acids (BCAA) have recently been implicated in Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). We previously showed that low dose brain radiation (RT) [5 fractions of 2 Gy] reduces amyloid-beta plaque burden and results in improved cognition in the APP/PS1 model of AD. In this study we investigated whether this schedule of radiation altered the metabolomic profile of serum. 10 month old male (M) and female (F) APP/PS1 mice were either treated with whole brain radiotherapy (5 x 2 Gy) or received sham irradiation. Eight weeks later the animals were euthanized and blood, urine and brain tissue collected. 1H NMR spectra were acquired. 256 transients were acquired for each sample and chemical shifts (δ) are reported in parts per million (ppm). Analysis included: 3 F and 5 M with no transgene (as a background controls), 5 F who received no RT, 7 F who received RT, 12 M who received RT and 12 M who received no RT. A total of 46 metabolites were analyzed. The most significantly changed metabolites were the BCAAs leucine, isoleucine and valine.. The effect was most pronounced in female mice where levels were reduced to those found in non-transgenic mice. APP/PS1 mice spontaneously display increased plasma BCAA, suggesting that AD pathology potentiates defects in BCAA metabolism, putting patients with AD at a higher risk of BCAA-induced brain damage. Reduction of these levels by low dose radiation may be beneficial.
Metabolic Regulation of Longevity by One-Carbon Metabolism and Flavin-Containing Monooxygenase
Authors: Choi Christopher , Leiser Scott , Evans Charles , Beard Daniel 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Nematode flavin-containing monooxygenase-2 (fmo-2) is induced by dietary restriction and hypoxia, and is required for the longevity and health benefits of these pathways. It is also sufficient to confer these benefits when overexpressed. As FMOs are well-conserved across taxa, the fmo-2 mechanism has high translational potential. To determine the changes that occur following fmo-2 induction, we performed RNA-seq and untargeted metabolomics analyses. Our data reveal that one-carbon metabolism (OCM) is significantly altered by fmo-2 overexpression. OCM is a nexus for essential metabolic pathways, including transmethylation, transsulfuration, nucleotide synthesis, and amino acid metabolism. We hypothesized that fmo-2 confers longevity benefits by altering key metabolic processes within or downstream of OCM. To test this, we asked whether fmo-2 and OCM interact to regulate longevity by knocking down expression of genes involved with OCM and measuring lifespan and oxidative stress resistance. To understand the biological implications of these interactions, we generated a computational model using qPCR data of key OCM-related genes to predict changes in OCM metabolic flux. Our model predicts significant changes in OCM flux that are regulated by fmo-2 expression levels and are consistent with our RNAi and multi-omics results. We are now testing this model by knocking down genes downstream of OCM to determine their role in fmo-2-mediated benefits. Preliminary results support our hypothesis that changes in metabolic flux through OCM are involved downstream of fmo-2 expression, and may also implicate the UPRER in this pathway. Our future work will elucidate this mechanism and link stress perception and fmo-2-mediated longevity.
Serum Factors Mediate the Bioenergetic Benefits of Exercise Training and Caloric Restriction
Authors: Gonzalez-Armenta Jenny , Nicklas Barbara , Molina Anthony 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Diet and exercise interventions have been shown to improve age-related decline in mitochondrial function. While the systemic benefits of diet and exercise are apparent, the mechanisms underlying these changes are not known. Our lab and others have used blood-based bioenergetic profiling to demonstrate that systemic bioenergetic capacity is related to many aspects of healthy aging, including: gait speed, grip strength, and inflammation. This work suggests a potential role for circulating factors in mediating systemic mitochondrial function. In this study, we developed a high-throughput respirometry assay to examine the effects of circulating factors on mitochondrial function of myoblasts in vitro. We used serum from older, overweight and obese adults who participated in a clinical trial comparing resistance training (RT) and resistance training plus caloric restriction (RT+CR). When combined, both interventions significantly increased serum-mediated basal (42.08 to 50.14 pmol/min, p=0.004), ATP-linked (35.57 to 42.37 pmol/min, p=0.006), and maximal respiration (132.30 to 150.00 pmol/min, p=0.02). With RT, we found significantly increased basal (40.80 to 53.85 pmol/min, p=0.01) and ATP-linked respiration (34.36 to 46.39 pmol/min, p=0.007) and trends for increased maximal respiration (130.09 to 153.24 pmol/min, p=0.10) and spare respiratory capacity (89.30 to 101.38 pmol/min, p=0.07). With RT+CR, there were trends for increased maximal respiration (134.32 to 147.06 pmol/min, p=0.10) and spare respiratory capacity (91.06 to 100.41 pmol/min, p=0.11). Additionally, we found that post-intervention serum-mediated basal and ATP-linked respiration were significantly and positively correlated with physical ability, as reported by SPPB score. Future studies will focus on identifying circulating factors responsible for these changes.
Age-Dependent Changes in Nuclear Mechanotransduction as a Driver of Sarcopenia
Authors: Iyer Shama , Ward Christopher , Stains Joseph , Ryan Alice , Folker Eric , Lovering Richard 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Informed by evidence that dysregulated nuclear dynamics and nuclear transport may contribute to atrophy in diseased skeletal muscle, the purpose of this study was to assess nuclear deformability, permeability, transport, and mechano-signaling outputs (YAP/TAZ, a marker of mechano-responsiveness, and their downstream genes) in aging skeletal muscle. We hypothesized that aging muscle would show changes in: proteins within LINC (linker of the nucleus to the cytoskeleton) complex, lamina and nuclear pore complex (NPC), and mechano-signaling outputs, with consequent decreased nuclear deformability and increased permeability. We further expected an increase in nuclear strain would increase nuclear YAP/TAZ and downstream indicators of YAP activity (Ankrd1, Cyr61). We used young, adult and aged C57BL6 mice (~4, 14, and 26 months, respectively). Nuclei were less deformable to passive mechanical stretch ex-vivo in adult muscle fibers compared to young muscle fibers. LINC protein gene expression, YAP/TAZ protein, and expression of their downstream genes were significantly increased in adult muscles compared to young muscles. YAP/TAZ protein and their downstream genes were further increased in aged muscles, indicating hyperactivation of YAP/TAZ in aging muscle. Changes with aging in the lamina and NPC included a loss of lamin β1, Nup107 and POM 121, which could underlie the increased nuclear permeability we found in nuclei of aged muscle. In summary, these data highlight a possible role for LINC, lamina and NPC in changes of aging-related nuclear dynamics and mechano-sensing, and may represent therapeutic targets for sarcopenia. Future studies will examine how altering these components affects muscle function during aging.
Age-Related Increased Onset and Progression of Prostate Cancer Is Revealed in Novel Pten-Null Mouse Models
Authors: Zhang Qiuyang , Liu Sen , Zhang Bing , Abdel-Mageed Asim , Steele Chad , Wang Alun , Jazwinski S , Myers Leann 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Prostate cancer (PCa) is associated with advanced age. To better understand how age impacts PCa, it is critical to use PCa animal models generated at different ages (aged vs. non-aged). The PB-Cre4 driven phosphatase and tensin homolog (Pten) conditional knockout mouse model, which closely imitates human PCa initiation and progression. However, the Pten deletion is triggered in a 2-week-old prostate, when comparing the extent of PCa between aged and non-aged mice, it is difficult to distinguish the extent to which the onset and progression of PCa are due to the acceleration of the normal aging process or due to the manifestation of PCa pathologies over time. We present here a protocol to inject Cre-expressing adenovirus with luciferin tag intraductally into the prostate anterior lobes of Pten floxed mice, thus, the Pten-loss will be triggered at different ages post-Cre expression. The in vivo imaging of luciferin signals following viral infection was conducted to confirm the Cre expression and activity. Immunohistochemical staining was performed to confirm the Cre expression, Pten loss, and p-Akt and p-S6 activation. Prostate weight and histopathology were compared between aged and non-aged mice. The results showed that the virus infection was limited in the prostate glands and aged mice had significantly increased PCa onset and progression compared to young mice. Although technical skill is required to carry out this procedure and the success rate of viral infection is about 80%, this model of PCa is of great use to all investigators in the aging and cancer research field.
Hospital Discharge Interventions: A Cost-Savings Comparison
Authors: Albright Bonnie , Pelenur Yael 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
For an older patient, transitioning back into the community after an acute health incident is a critical juncture. Avoidable acute-care readmissions are expensive for hospitals and federal programs. Negative health outcomes for patients and negative financial outcomes for hospitals and federal programs have focused attention on effective discharge interventions to improve care transitions and decrease avoidable acute-care readmissions. This study compares cost and readmissions outcomes from peer-reviewed publication data for three discharge interventions: Care Transitions Intervention (CTI), Project RED (ReEngineered Discharge), and the Transitional Care Model (TCM). This study adjusted costs to 2015 rates and compared cost savings per patient, return on investment (ROI) and percent reduction of readmissions. Cost savings per patient (2015-adjusted) were found for all interventions: CTI ($152.89); Project RED ($327.03); TCM ($1565.84). ROI was positive for all interventions: CTI (832%); Project RED (535%); TCM (232%). Compared to control groups, intervention group readmissions were 3.6% lower for CTI (n.s.), 5.5% lower for Project RED (p&lt;.05), and 13.2% lower for TCM (p&lt;.05). These three discharge interventions differ in scale and intensity, but they all show cost savings and reductions in readmissions. The lower-cost intervention shows cost savings and ROI (CTI), and the more resource-intensive interventions (Project RED and TCM) reduce costs and statistically significantly reduce rates of readmission. Even with small budget dollars, hospitals have options for finding an effective discharge intervention to reduce costs and readmission rates.
Intergenerational Trauma Transmission? Test of Cellular Aging in Mothers Exposed to Sexual Abuse and Their Children
Authors: Etzel Laura , Hastings Waylon , Mattern Brooke , Heim Christine , Noll Jennie , Putnam Frank , Oxford Monica , Shalev Idan 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Exposure to maltreatment during childhood can lead to increased risk for poor health outcomes in adulthood. Child maltreatment and later poor health may be linked by premature biological aging. We tested whether childhood sexual abuse (CSA) is associated with telomere length (TL) in adult females. We further tested the hypothesis of intergenerational transmission of trauma by measuring TL in both CSA-exposed and non-exposed mothers and their children. TL was measured in a subset of participants and their children from a prospective-longitudinal cohort study of sexually abused females and a demographically matched comparison group. Linear regression models were used to test for associations between CSA-exposure and age-adjusted TL in females (N=108, mean age 36.3 years). Multilevel linear models were used to test the intergenerational effect of maternal-CSA exposure on age-adjusted TL in their children (N=124 children mean age 10.5 years across 61 mothers). CSA-exposure was not associated with TL in females. Replicating previous work in this area, maternal TL and sex were significant predictors of child TL in all models tested. Longer maternal TL predicted longer TL in children, and female children had longer TL than male children. Maternal-CSA exposure did not predict TL in children. This finding is in line with some previous results on CSA and TL measured in adulthood. Previous significant results associating child maltreatment with shorter TL in adulthood may be capturing a population of individuals exposed to either multiple types of maltreatment or maltreatment in childhood with concurrent TL measurements.