bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
MEMORY FUNCTIONING AND CAREGIVING: CONTINUITY, CONNECTEDNESS AND METAPHORS IN ALASKA NATIVE PERCEPTIONS
Authors: Rosich Rosellen M , Crouch Maria 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Biomedical models often define dementia in a negative and diachronic manner, which shape Western, cultural understandings and approaches. However, utilizing a critical gerontological approach has allowed the current study to explore Alaska Natives (i.e., adults who hold “Elder” status and are 50 years or older) perception of memory decline, and the stresses imposed upon caregiving when a Western biomedical model of dementia is utilized. Multitudinous research demonstrates definitions and intersections of health, illness, ethnicity, and family are not universal. Subsequently, it is critical to examine these sociocultural concepts from diverse cultural belief systems and imperative to examine historical processes impacting these constructs to identify specific risk and protective factors regarding holistic health. Recent qualitative data analysis from an exploratory study of Alaska Native Elder’s perception of memory functioning and dementia has yielding themes that are consistent with previous research on indigenous culture. However, themes of continuity, connectedness, spirituality, intergenerational transmission, traditional belief systems, and barriers to cultural continuity such as oppression and historical trauma, are being filtered through Alaska Natives unique cultural lens. This cultural lens allows Alaska Natives to utilize positive metaphors for memory functioning and dementia embedded within their belief systems and these are distinct from Western biomedical definitions. The poster proposed will highlight themes recently uncovered from thematic analysis, code book development, and code matrices as well as present the positive, culturally adaptive and congruent representations that Alaska Native Elder’s utilize in understanding memory changes and forms of dementia that both explain and transcend biomedical models.
DOES PAIN PREDICTS FRAILTY AMONG OLDER ADULT AMERICANS: FINDINGS FROM THE NATIONAL HEALTH AND AGING TRENDS STUDY.
Authors: Sodhi Jaspreet k , Chou Lin-Na , Snih Soham Al 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Musculoskeletal pain is highly prevalent among older adults and is one of the common causes of disability. The objective of this study was to examine the effect of pain on becoming frail among American older adults over 6 years of follow-up. We studied 5,229 participants aged ≥ 65 years from the National Health and Aging Trends Study (2011-2017) who were non-frail at baseline. Key variables included pain, socio-demographic characteristics (age, gender, race/ethnicity, marital status, and education), depression, comorbidities, and body mass index. The outcome variable was frailty assessed using the frailty phenotype, defined as meeting three or more of the following criterions: shrinking, weakness, exhaustion, slowness, and low physical activity. General estimation equation model was fitted to test the effect of pain on frailty over time. Prevalence of pain in American older adults was 48.9% at baseline. The prevalence of frailty ranged from 6.7 % at baseline to 7.4 % at wave 6 among those with pain. The odds ratio (OR) of becoming frail overtime was 1.07 (95% CI 1.02 – 1.12) over time. The OR of becoming frail over time as a function of pain was 1.76 (95% CI 1.51-2.05), after controlling for all covariates. Other predictor factors of becoming frail were being ≥ 75 years, having one or more comorbid conditions, and with high depressive symptoms. Participants with higher level of education were less likely to become frail. These findings suggest that early treatment of pain may reduce frailty and improve the quality of life in this population
CARDIAC TROPONIN T MEDIATED AUTOIMMUNE RESPONSE AND ITS ROLE IN SKELETAL MUSCLE AGING
Authors: Zhang Tan , Feng Xin , Feng Bo , Dong Juan , Haas Karen , Nicklas Barbara M , Delbono Osvaldo , Kritchevsky Stephen 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Cardiac troponin T (cTnT), a key component of contractile machinery essential for muscle contraction, is also expressed in skeletal muscle under certain conditions (e.g. neuromuscular diseases and aging). We have reported that skeletal muscle cTnT regulates neuromuscular junction denervation preferentially in fast skeletal muscle of old mice. Here, we further report that cTnT is also enriched within some myofibers, and/or along microvascular walls in old mice fast skeletal muscle. Strikingly, immunoglobulin G (IgG), together with markers of complement system activation, cell death (necroptosis or apoptosis), and macrophage infiltration, were all found to be co-localized with cTnT and IgG in those areas. In addition, elevated cTnT and IgG are associated with lower dystrophin expression on muscle fiber membrane, lower muscle capillary density, and reduced muscle performance (wire hanging test). Using purified recombinant TnT proteins, we confirmed that only cTnT, but not slow or fast skeletal muscle TnT1 or TnT3, was detected by immunoblot using sera from old (but not young) mice with pre-determined elevated cTnT and IgG in their skeletal muscle, indicating the existence of anti-cTnT autoantibodies in sera (previously found in human blood) and skeletal muscle of old mice. Immunoblotting further revealed that the age related changes in skeletaI muscle cTnT and IgG are more prominent in fast skeletal muscle than in slow. Importantly, elevated cTnT and IgG were also detected in skeletal muscles from 4 older adults (65-70 yrs, IMFIT). Our finding suggests a novel autoimmune mechanism mediated by cTnT that underlies age related skeletal muscle abnormalities and dysfunction.
HEPATIC AGO2-MEDIATED RNA SILENCING REGULATES SYSTEMIC GLUCOSE METABOLISM.
Authors: Murakami Kazutoshi 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Obesity causes various metabolic complications, including insulin resistance and T2DM. However, currently, we have a limited understanding of the pathophysiology in the development of these processes. It’s generally considered that obesity develops when energy intake chronically exceeds total energy expenditure. The liver is a major organ for energy consumption, then mRNA translation accounts for the majority of energy expenditure in liver. While RNA silencing regulates mRNA translation, it’s unclear if RNA silencing regulates glucose metabolism. To investigate the role of RNA silencing in glucose metabolism, we focused on Argonaute 2 (Ago2), which is the main component of RNA-induced silencing complex that carries out RNA silencing. By generating liver-specific Ago2-deficient (L-Ago2 KO) mice, we revealed Ago2 regulates the maturation process of metabolic disease related miRNAs (MD-miRNAs), that silence genes critical for glucose metabolism. In addition, Ago2-deletion enhances ATP consumption associated with mRNA translation. Consequently, inactivation of hepatic Ago2 protect from diet-induced glucose intolerance in mice. Then, to further investigate if these molecular mechanisms are still activated in “older mice”, we employed 34-week of age mice and analyzed. Around this age, despite having the similar body weight, L-Ago2 KO mice fed HFD exhibited lower blood glucose and serum insulin levels. Consistently, expression levels of MD-miRNAs were decreased in the liver of L-Ago2 KO mice fed HFD. These results suggest that hepatic Ago2 function is continuously activated in “older mice” fed HFD, leading to enhanced biogenesis of MD-miRNAs and reduction of their target mRNAs, and these alterations are associated with systemic glucose metabolism.
BIOLOGICAL AGE INFLUENCES HEART FAILURE PATHOGENESIS
Authors: Woulfe Kathleen , Zumo Jacob , Cook Ross , McNair Benjamin , Schlatter Jacob , Schmitt Emily , Chhatre Vikram , Bruns Danielle 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Heart failure (HF) impacts patients of all ages and is an enormous public health problem. Historically, HF has been treated with a single, multi-purpose approach, despite the observation that biological differences such as age influence HF pathogenesis and therapeutic outcomes. We hypothesized that HF pathogenesis differs across the life-course, a hypothesis which we tested with a mouse model of cardiac dysfunction at three distinct stages of life. C57BL/6 mice at pediatric (5 weeks), adult (3-5 months), and old (18 months) ages were treated with a mini-osmotic pump that eluted isoproterenol (ISO; 30mg/kg/hour) for six days. As expected, cardiovascular morbidity and mortality were significantly worse in the old group. Both pediatric and adult underwent hypertrophic remodeling, as evident by higher LV weight relative to tibia length (TL). However, ISO exposure did not increase LV/TL in old mice. We performed RNA-sequencing to understand pathways and genes differentially regulated by age. 119, 1515, and 33 genes were significantly differentially expressed in pediatric, adult, and old mice exposed to ISO, respectively. Of these, only 2 transcripts were upregulated in response to ISO across all three ages. Expression of pro-fibrotic mediators differed across the life-course, with adults inducing a pro-fibrotic transcriptional program (α-smooth muscle actin, fibronectin, collagen, periostin) that was attenuated in old and absent in pediatric animals. Our data clearly demonstrates that pediatric, adult, and aged hearts activate distinct molecular remodeling in response to ISO, highlighting the significance of age as a biological variable in HF pathogenesis.
POST DISCHARGE WALKING ACTIVITY AND 30-DAY READMISSION IN OLDER ADULTS
Authors: Kemp Noah , Deer Rachel R , Volpi Elena , Fisher Steve 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has determined high rates of unplanned 30-day readmission to be an indicator of substandard care. More research is needed to identify strong, objective markers of readmission risk. The purpose of this analysis was to investigate the utility of average steps per day as a biomarker in determining the 30-day readmission risk of recently discharged older adults. 133 men and women, aged 65 and older, who were capable of walking on their own, recently hospitalized with an acute illness, and discharged to home were given a StepWatch Activity Monitor and monitored for up to 30 days following discharge. Average steps per day and clinical characteristics were assessed and compared with 30-day readmission. 20 of 133 participants were readmitted within 30 days. Those who were readmitted took significantly fewer steps per day overall: 4412 vs. 5948, p=0.027, and had significantly longer stays in the hospital: 4.50 vs. 2.90 days, p=0.002. Survival analysis of our sample, grouped by tertile of mean daily steps, while not statistically significant, p=0.093, demonstrated a trend toward greater probability of readmission over the 30 days post discharge for those who were in the lowest tertile. Walking activity appears to be a moderate predictor of readmission risk. A more extensive study must be conducted to better understand the relationship of walking activity after discharge and readmission.
PREPARATION FOR THE END OF LIFE AND PERCEIVED QUALITY OF CARE PRIOR TO HOSPICE REFERRAL: A SURVEY OF CAREGIVERS
Authors: Prater Laura , Wachowiak Phillip L , Otsubo Masami , Bose-Brill Seuli 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Lack of preparation for the end of life (EOL) can lead to poor outcomes for caregivers. The purpose of this study was to learn if perceived quality of EOL care and communication provided by the primary clinician prior to hospice referral is associated with caregivers’ perceived preparedness to deal with medical emergencies/complications at the EOL. We conducted a survey of caregivers of patients who died and were referred to hospice in the prior year. Perceived quality, was measured by the Quality of End of Life Care (QEOLC) scale, and “preparedness” was a binary measure asking if caregivers felt unprepared to deal with medical emergencies and/or complications related to the care of the patient at the EOL. We performed a bivariate analysis using a two-sample t-test to determine if QEOLC scores were greater among those indicating they were prepared compared to those indicating they were not prepared. We received a response rate of over 22.8% (49/215). Mean EOL scale scores were 82.0 (SD=3.8) for those reporting that they did not feel unprepared for medical emergencies/compilations that arose near the EOL, and 68.2 (SD=7.3) for those who reported that they did feel unprepared. Results show that the mean difference approached significance (t=1.85; p=0.07). Although results only approached significance, EOL care from clinicians involved prior to hospice enrollment may be perceived as higher quality among those who felt prepared to handle emergencies/complications. This finding suggests that caregivers highly value early EOL education and communication aiding in preparation for emergencies/complications arising after hospice referral.
HEALTH BEHAVIORS ASSOCIATED WITH SUBJECTIVE COGNITIVE DECLINE IN OLDER ADULTS
Authors: Wisniewski Kristi M , Zelinski Elizabeth M 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Participation in risky health behaviors can increase the potential for cognitive decline. Smoking, alcohol consumption, and minimal physical activity are modifiable risk factors associated with worse performance on cognitive assessments; however, the relationship between subjective cognitive decline (SCD) and risky practices has not been assessed. As a potential early indicator of cognitive impairment, SCD may serve as a screening measure for dementia. The Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System is an annual, self-reported telephone survey of Americans that includes fifteen core and twenty-five optional sections. The present study included Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System participants age 45 or older who completed the core and cognitive decline modules in 2015 (n=147,243). Roughly 11% of participants endorsed worsening memory in the previous year. Logistic regression examined the impact of smoking, drinking, and inactivity on self-reported cognitive decline. Current or former smokers had greater odds of endorsing cognitive decline compared to those who never smoked (OR=1.4; 95% CI: 1.27-1.52). Individuals who consumed at least one alcoholic beverage in the previous month had lower SCD odds compared to non-drinkers (OR=0.8; 95% CI: 0.72-0.87). Respondents who engaged in little to no physical activity had greater odds of endorsing cognitive decline compared to active respondents (OR=1.4; 95% CI: 1.31-1.57). Individuals who endorsed cognitive decline engaged in unhealthy habits such as smoking or inactive lifestyles; however, low to moderate alcohol consumption may be beneficial for cognitive functioning.
YY1-MEDIATED PROMOTER-SUPER ENHANCER INTERACTIONS REGULATE MSC MULTIPOTENCY DURING REPLICATIVE AGING
Authors: Sun Luyang , McCauley Brenna , Dang Weiwei 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) are versatile in stem cell therapy and regenerative medicine, due to its capacity of in-vitro expansion and multilineage differentiation. However, how the MSC’s functions and the underlying epigenomic features are affected by aging and cellular senescence remains poorly understood. Here we used culture expanded human MSC isolated from umbilical cord tissue as an ex vivo model to characterize the chromatin 3D conformational changes associated with aging and senescence and correlate these changes to the changes in MSC stem cell functions during aging. By comparing late passage (P15) vs early passage (P5) MSC, no fundamental changes were found on the large-scale chromatin spatial structures including compartment switching and TAD boundaries. However, when focused on super enhancers, which act as major cis-regulatory hubs associated with lineage-specific functions, a large number of significant promoter-super enhancer interaction changes were discovered. Further examination revealed that YY1, a key regulator of promoter-enhancer looping, was highly enriched in these promoters and their corresponding super-enhancers. The expression of the genes involved in such changes is positively correlated with the variation of promoter-super enhancer interaction, indicating that the spatial communications between promoter and super-enhancer positively regulate gene expression. GO-term and TFBS enrichment analysis showed that these genes involved in cell cycle, adipocyte and osteoblast differentiation. Collectively, these results suggest that YY1-mediated promoter-super enhancer looping is an important regulatory mechanism for MSC multipotency during replicative aging.
FRAILTY IN HEALTHY OLDEST OLD: CHARACTERIZING THE FRAILTY INDEX OF SUPER-SENIORS
Authors: Chinda Betty , Song* Xiaowei , Sarveswaran Shirromi , Rockwood Kenneth , Brooks-Wilson* Angela 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
People at advanced ages often have multiple comorbidities and high frailty. We characterized frailty in “Super-Seniors”, individuals 85 or older who have never been diagnosed with cancer, cardiovascular or lung disease, diabetes or dementia. Super-Seniors were enrolled in the Vancouver Healthy Aging Study that consisted of Phase1 (2004-2007; n=486; age=88.6±3.1 years; female=67.5%) and Phase2 (2014-2019; n=167; age=89.2±3.8 years; female=65.3%). A frailty index (FI) that assesses the accumulation of health deficits was calculated as the proportion of deficits present over those considered (here, 30). The FI distribution patterns, mean, median, 99% limit values, relationship to age, and sex differences were analyzed. The FI of Super-Seniors is right-skewed, with a mean of 0.19±0.09 (median=0.17; limit=0.54) in Phase1 and 0.22±0.08 (median=0.21; limit=0.47) in Phase2. Most Super-Seniors (79% and 61% in Phases 1 and 2) had ≤8 of the 30 deficits; FI≤0.24. The FI increased with age (r’s=0.29 and 0.24); women showed a higher mean FI than men. Data demonstrated the known and consistent characteristics of the FI. The Super-Seniors, who are healthier than the general population of oldest old, have a significantly lower FI that is more typical of individuals aged about 65. The low FI of these healthy oldest old is consistent with their health and high physical and cognitive function, and underscores their suitability for study as a healthy aged group. Further research will investigate how the FI of Super-Seniors is related to lifestyle and genetic factors and health outcomes.
FORMAL AND DAILY CARE DECISION-MAKING INVOLVEMENT IN AFRICAN-AMERICAN DEMENTIA DYADS
Authors: Bonds Kalisha , Song MinKyoung , Lyons Karen , Driessnack Martha 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Decision-making involvement (e.g., verbal and/or nonverbal communication) of persons with dementia (PWD) has been associated with quality of life of PWDs and their caregivers, underscores personhood, and reduces ethical dilemmas for caregivers regarding the PWD’s care. Yet, no study has explored the decision-making involvement in formal and daily care of both members of African-American dementia dyads (i.e., African-American PWDs and their African-American caregivers), limiting our understanding of how these dyads navigate decision-making during the dementia trajectory. This study took a closer look through in-depth, semi-structured interviews with African-American dementia dyads as they reflected on their decision-making surrounding formal and daily care. A pilot study of five dyadic interviews, each averaging 45 minutes, was completed. We used a combination of quantitative content analysis, decision-making matrices and I-poems created from I-statements of the dyad regarding their decision-making involvement. Decision-making matrices (i.e., diagrams of the degree of sharing, the balance of power within the dyad, and the final decision maker in formal and daily care) were constructed across interviews. The pairing of traditional analyses with the novel use of I-poems traces participants’ sense of self, ensuring their voice is retained. There was agreement within all five dyads regarding the final decision maker(s) in formal and daily care. Between dyads, daily decision-making involvement was led by African American PWDs; whereas, formal care decision-making involvement of African American PWDs varied. Findings highlight the importance of a deeper understanding of formal and daily care decision-making involvement within and between African-American dementia dyads and potential clinical implications.
INFLAMMATORY DIET PATTERN AND COGNITIVE FUNCTION IN 5 EUROPEAN COUNTRIES OVER 3-YEARS FOLLOW-UP
Authors: Chocano-Bedoya Patricia O , Vellas Bruno , Kressig Reto W , Orav Endel J , Willett Walter , Bischoff-Ferrari Heike A 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Diet patterns associated with low chronic inflammation may modulate cognitive decline. We investigated an empirical dietary pattern (EDP) associated with inflammation in five European countries and its association with cognitive changes over 3-years. This prospective study included 2157 community dwelling-seniors 70 years and older, followed for 3 years as part of DO-HEALTH, a randomized clinical trial. At baseline, participants completed a food frequency questionnaire and C-Reactive Protein (CRP) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) was measured. We used the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) every year of the study. Based on reduced rank regression, we estimated a dietary pattern associated with CRP and IL-6. To evaluate the association between the EDP and cognitive changes over time, we used repeated measure linear regression models adjusting for age, total calories, BMI, study center, time, alcohol intake, education, physical activity, presence of depression symptoms, hypertension, diabetes or heart disease. The EDP was characterized by higher intakes of red and organ meat, refined grains, legumes, poultry and white fish, and lower intakes of coffee, tea, ginger, nuts and cheese. In multivariate adjusted models, participants with lowest adherence to the EDP (range -7.3 to -0.3) increased their MoCA scores 0.7 points over three years whereas those with highest adherence (range 0.4-10.1) increased their MoCA scores only by 0.2 points (p=0.01). In conclusion, a low inflammatory diet was associated with better cognitive function over time among adults ≥70 years from five European countries. This finding supports the role of diet in the promotion of cognitive health among older adults.
BEING WOMEN AND BEING DEMENTIA CAREGIVERS: SELF-CONCEPTS IN THE MAKING OF VIETNAMESE FEMALE CAREGIVERS
Authors: Nguyen Trang T 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
In Vietnam, the majority of dementia caregivers are women. They play multiple social roles, and confront role conflicts and caregiving burdens with insufficient social supports. Dementia caregiving alters their self-concepts, or who they think they are. This paper aims to explore self-concepts of Vietnamese female caregivers of older relatives with Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). In total, 21 face-to-face, semi-structured interviews, including six follow-up interviews, with 13 Vietnamese female caregivers of older patients with AD were conducted. These 13 caregivers were from 44 to 71 years old, mostly spouses of the patients with AD (n = 8), and retired (n = 9). Thematic coding procedure and the program MaxQDA12 were used for data analysis. Results show that the self-concepts of female caregivers in dementia care were complex, contextualized, and manifested in different aspects. First, self-concepts of these female caregivers were the outcome of the interactions between the guided-self and the performed-self. Their guided-self was the self that their social norms and cultural traditions told them about who they should be, while their performed-self was the self they demonstrated to the outside world. The mismatch between these two types of self caused distress among caregivers. Second, caregivers’ self-concept was the combination of the three key types of the self: the moral-self (a filial daughter or a responsible wife); the feminine-self (a patient and graceful women); and the worthy-self (a devoted and helpful caregiver). Understanding Vietnamese women’s self-concepts associated with their sociocultural context will better inform the development of support programs for them.