bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A ROBOTIC SYSTEM FOR HIGH-THROUGHPUT AUTOMATED LIFESPAN ANALYSIS IN C. ELEGANS
Authors: Blue Ben , Vayndorf Elena , Kaeberlein Matt , Pitt Jason 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Over the past decade, the identification of potential genetic and pharmacological modifiers of lifespan and age-related pathologies in C. elegans and other model organisms has yielded fruitful leads for follow-up investigation. A major limitation of such studies, however, is that they are often time-consuming and labor-intensive. The advent of affordable high-quality digital cameras, robotics systems, and 3D printers, as well as the decreasing costs of image storage and processing have allowed us to automate data capture and analysis at an unprecedented scale. To this end, our group developed a tool consisting of an unbiased, high-throughput, automated robotic system to perform genetic and pharmacological quantification of lifespan and health measures in C. elegans and related nematode species. The WormBot utilizes industry-standard, commercially available robotics components to position a digital camera over individual wells of standard 12-well culture plates, containing a small population of C. elegans per well. A high-resolution image is captured of each plate every 10 minutes throughout the course of the experiment. Our software processes the images for stabilization, compiles them into a time-lapse series for each well, and quantifies survival and mobility (paralysis) with minimal input. In addition, a short video is captured of each well once each day, to allow for quantitative analyses of activity and coordinated movement. We will describe this technology and present applications to screen genetic and pharmacological libraries in aging and age-related disease.
METABOLIC FLEXIBILITY IN CLASSICAL MONOCYTES IS NOT AFFECTED BY AGE
Authors: Yarbro Johnathan , Pence Brandt 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Inflammaging is the chronic low-grade inflammation that occurs with age that contributes to the pathology of age-related diseases. Monocytes are innate immune cells that become dysregulated with age and which can contribute to inflammaging. Metabolism plays a key role in determining immune cell functions, with anti-inflammatory cells primarily relying on fatty acid oxidation and pro-inflammatory cells primarily relying on glycolysis. It was recently shown that lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated monocytes can compensate for a lack of glucose by utilizing fatty acid oxidation. Given that mitochondrial function decreases with age, we hypothesized that monocytes taken from aged individuals would have an impaired ability to upregulate oxidative metabolism and would have impaired effector functions. Aging did not impair LPS-induced oxygen consumption rate during glucose starvation as measured on a Seahorse XFp system. Additionally, aged monocytes maintained inflammatory gene expression responses and phagocytic capacity during LPS stimulation in the absence of glucose. In conclusion, aged monocytes maintain effector and metabolic functions during glucose starvation, at least in an ex vivo context.
INCREASED BETA2-ADRENERGIC RECEPTOR SIGNALING ENHANCES PROGRESSION OF HEPATOCELLULAR CARCINOMA
Authors: Pizzini Jason , Wang Hanzhou , Yeh Chih-Ko , Kamat Amrita 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
We investigated whether increased signaling by beta2-adrenergic receptors (β2-ARs), which mediate the action of catecholamines, enhances the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Mean age of patients with HCC, the most prolific form of liver cancer, has progressively increased over the last decade. Beta2-AR-mediated signaling in liver increases with age. We also observed increased β2-AR levels in liver tissues of patients with HCC compared to control subjects. We, therefore, hypothesized that increased β2-AR signaling enhances HCC progression while inhibition of β2-AR signaling by treatment with beta blockers suppresses its progression. To test this hypothesis, we used N-nitrosodiethylamine (DEN) to induce HCC in liver-specific β2-AR knockout (LKO) and control mice in the absence or presence of beta blocker propranolol. At the end of 25 weeks, we observed increased numbers of visible tumors, disarray of liver architecture, and mortality in DEN-induced control mice which was reduced by propranolol treatment. We also observed that DEN-treated LKO mice demonstrated reduced mortality, disarray of architecture, and phosphorylation of oncogene Src compared to DEN-treated control mice. Taken together, these results indicate that decreased β2-AR signaling because of a lack of receptors in the liver or inhibition of receptor action with propranolol reduces HCC progression. Studies are in progress to determine the β2-AR-mediated mechanisms involved in HCC progression. Our studies suggest that beta blocker propranolol, used to treat cardiovascular diseases, may be repurposed as a potential therapeutic option for treatment of HCC.
SKEWED MACROPHAGE POLARIZATION IN AGING SKELETAL MUSCLE
Authors: Cui Chang-Yi , Driscoll Riley , Piao Yulan , Chia Chee , Gorospe Myriam , Ferrucci Luigi 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Skeletal muscle aging is a major cause of disability and frailty in the elderly. The progressive impairment of skeletal muscle with aging was recently linked to a disequilibrium between damage and repair. Macrophages participate in muscle tissue repair first as pro-inflammatory M1 subtype and then as anti-inflammatory M2 subtype. However, information on the presence of macrophages in skeletal muscle is still sporadic and the effect of aging on macrophage phenotype remains unknown. In this study, we sought to characterize the polarization status of macrophages in human skeletal muscle at different ages. We found that most macrophages in human skeletal muscle are M2, and that this number increased with advancing age. On the contrary, M1 macrophages declined with aging, making the total number of macrophages invariant with older age. Notably, M2 macrophages co-localized with increasing intermuscular adipose tissue (IMAT) in aging skeletal muscle. Old BALB/c mice showed increased IMAT and regenerating myofibers in skeletal muscle, accompanied by elevated expression of adipocyte markers and M2 cytokines. Collectively, we report that polarization of macrophages to the major M2 subtype is associated with IMAT, and propose that increased M2 in aged skeletal muscle may reflect active repair of aging-associated muscle damage.
IMPACT OF END-OF-LIFE PLANNING ON SURROGATE DECISION-MAKER ANXIETY
Authors: Aloiau April , Segal Daniel L , Mouchawar Alan , Benton Melissa J 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
At the end of life, adults with advanced illness frequently rely on surrogate decision makers to make health care decisions. Surrogate decision makers often have anxiety related to the difficulty and complexity of making end of life decisions. This project evaluated whether an educational intervention focused on creating a specific plan of care for hospice patients would reduce anxiety among their surrogate decision makers. The Geriatric Anxiety Scale (GAS), the State Trait Anxiety Inventory–State Anxiety Scale (STAI-S), and a single question about decision-making anxiety were used to measure surrogate decision maker anxiety before the intervention, immediately after the intervention, and 2 weeks following the intervention. After completing an informed consent, 12 patients (age 80 ± 14.7 years) and 18 surrogate decision makers (age 60 ± 12.9 years) from a Southern California hospice organization participated in the educational intervention. Immediately following the intervention surrogate decision maker anxiety decreased. Mean GAS anxiety scores decreased (p = 0.003) from 21.3 ± 9.8 to 16.6 ± 7.6 and STAI-S scores decreased (p = 0.003) from 43.3 ± 11.5 to 38.1 ± 9.9. However, when surrogate decision maker anxiety was measured 2 weeks post-intervention, anxiety had increased again, so that it was no longer significantly different from pre-intervention levels. Qualitative analyses showed high satisfaction, with 85% of decision makers reporting that the education was very or extremely helpful This project demonstrated that an educational intervention in the hospice setting can be effective in creating a short-term decrease in surrogate decision maker anxiety levels.
DEFINITIONS MATTER WHEN DIAGNOSING MILD COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT
Authors: Derby Carol , Hall Charles B , Katz Mindy 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Prior studies have shown that when standard diagnostic criteria are applied, the majority of individuals diagnosed with aMCI do not progress to clinical dementia, with a much larger proportion reverting to normal cognition. This suggests that a prospective confirmation of aMCI diagnosis may improve the specificity of the classification. We examined the rates of aMCI reversion using two definitions: one based on a single annual assessment, and one requiring a diagnosis over two consecutive annual assessments within the population based Einstein Aging Study Cohort. Using the definition that used a single annual assessment resulted in 224 incident aMCI cases in 5,321 person years of follow-up, for an incidence rate of 4.21 cases per 100 person years. Requiring the confirmatory diagnosis resulted in only 94 incident aMCI cases in 5736 person years of follow-up, for an incidence rate of 1.64 cases per 100 person years. 41% of the persons diagnosed with aMCI using the single annual assessment were cognitively normal at the next follow-up. Only 14% of the persons diagnosed with incident aMCI using the definition requiring later confirmation ever returned to being cognitively normal. When the aMCI definition that required confirmation was used, a dramatic reduction in the incidence rate of aMCI was observed in persons born after 1930, similar to what has been reported in the same cohort for dementia, but there was no such difference for the definition based on a single annual assessment.
PREVENTABILITY OF DEMENTIA IN PRIMARY CARE SETTINGS
Authors: Pham Anh , Drummond Neil , Voaklander Don , Wagg Adrian , Lindeman Cliff 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Dementia is a long-term, chronic condition caused by a progressing physical damage in the brain. Evidence suggests that cardiovascular disease risk factors may contribute to the onset of dementia; however, the current literature on this association is inconsistent. To our knowledge, no study that has explored the occurrence of cardiovascular risk factors prior to a diagnosis of dementia using national primary care data in North America. We used electronic medical records from the Canadian Primary Care Sentinel Surveillance Network to create a Canadian cohort to conduct a retrospective analysis to (1) determine the number of incident diagnoses of dementia in primary care among community-dwelling seniors; (2) compare the risk of developing dementia in seniors (aged 65 and older) with and without modifiable cardiovascular risk factors. The cohort identified 21,628 patients who did not have a dementia diagnosis in 2008. During ten years of follow-up, 2,520 individuals developed dementia. The number of patients with dementia or cardiovascular risk factors increased slightly but steadily. Annually, the number of new cases of dementia increased from 0.5% in 2009 to 2.2% in 2017. Both Poisson regression and Cox’s proportional hazard model showed statistically significant relationships between hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia and obesity and dementia onset (p &lt; 0.001), hazard ratio equals to 0.82, 1.11, 0.68 and 0.58, respectively. In other words, people with hypertension, dyslipidemia and obesity being managed in primary care are less likely to develop dementia. These findings support the hypothesis that good control over chronic diseases may benefit cognitive health.
ACUPUNCTURE AND ACUPRESSURE FOR DEMENTIA BEHAVIORAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL SYMPTOMS: A SCOPING REVIEW
Authors: Harris Melissa L , Struble Laura M , Titler Marita 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
This scoping review synthesized the literature on acupuncture and acupressure therapy for treating behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD). BPSD affect most people with dementia and are overwhelming for caregivers and healthcare providers. Current evidence encourages use of nonpharmacologic interventions for BPSD due to the dangers of psychotropic medications. Acupuncture and acupressure present as alternative treatment options for BPSD. Systematic reviews examined acupuncture therapy for improving cognitive function, but not acupuncture and/or acupressure for BPSD. The methodology outlined by Joanna Briggs Institute Reviewers’ Manual guided this scoping review. Databases searched were PubMed, CINAHL, Embase, PsychINFO and AgeLine. Study inclusion criteria were published in English, subjects with dementia, acupuncture or acupressure tested and outcome measures included at least one BPSD. Gray literature was excluded. 836 citations were screened by title and abstract. 57 full texts were reviewed to determine inclusion criteria and 15 studies were retained. Nine studies examined acupressure and 6 examined acupuncture. Eight studies were RCT, 11 were conducted in China and 10 were conducted in long-term care. The percent of studies with statistically significant improvements in BPSD outcomes measured were: ADL’s (75%), agitation (100%), anxiety (67%), depression (100%), mood (100%), neuropsychological disturbances (67%) and sleep disturbances (100%). The therapies were safe and participant satisfaction was high across studies. Variations in research designs, outcome measures and incomplete descriptions of acupoints limit interpretations about effectiveness of these interventions for BPSD. Additional RCTs are needed to improve generalizability and to evaluate dosage/methods of acupressure and acupuncture for BPSD.
THE ROAD TO ACCEPTANCE OF DRIVER RETIREMENT FOR PATIENTS WITH DEMENTIA: PHYSICIANS’ AND PATIENTS’ PERSPECTIVES
Authors: Scott Theresa L , Liddle Jacki , Pachana Nancy A , Beattie Elizabeth , Mitchell Geoffrey 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
People living with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD) must eventually stop driving. While some will voluntarily retire, many others will continue to drive until a crisis. In Australia, like many other countries, general physicians/practitioners (“GPs”) play a key role in monitoring driving safety and driver retirement with their patients with ADRD. Advising patients about driving cessation is one of the most challenging aspects of clinical dementia care, complicated by limited time in consultations, lack of patient awareness and insight, and objective screening and assessment measures. We examined how to support best practice in relation to management of driving cessation with patients with ADRD through focus groups with 29 GPs and contrasted their perspectives with those of 11 retired drivers with ADRD. Focus groups and interviews were transcribed and thematically analysed. Themes discovered highlighted the importance of providing education about the effects of dementia on safe driving and incorporating regular assessment of driving safety into the care continuum. Key strategies that GPs successfully employed included acknowledging loss and encouraging continued community engagement, providing referral pathways, and deferring to other GPs within the practice in challenging circumstances. In conclusion, there is demand for an overhaul of the current system of management and a need to establish nationally aligned, standardized and evidence-based guidelines, in particular relating to assessment of safe driving. In the meantime, we can learn from these GPs who have implemented particular strategies that mitigate some of the challenges and complex driving related issues that present in primary care.
ASSESSING APATHY IN LONG-TERM CARE RESIDENTS WITH DEMENTIA: COMPARING SELF-EVALUATION WITH PROXY RATINGS
Authors: Jao Ying-Ling , Williams Kristine N , Berish Diane 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Background: Apathy affects most individuals with dementia in long-term care. Apathy assessment is fundamental for appropriate treatment. Apathy involves subjective feelings thus individual’s self-evaluation may offer important perspectives for assessment. However, it is unclear whether self-evaluation is a valid assessment approach for this population. This study compared apathy ratings from resident self-evaluation to assessments from family, clinicians, and research staff. Methods: This pilot study enrolled 8 residents from two long-term care facilities in Pennsylvania. One family member, one certified nursing assistant (CNA), and one nurse or activity staff were also enrolled for each resident. Researchers interviewed each resident using the Apathy Evaluation Scale (AES) and rated their apathy levels. Family, CNAs, and nurses/activity staff independently rated the resident’s apathy level using the AES. Direct observations were conducted by researchers using the Person-Environment Apathy Rating (PEAR). Results: Correlation analysis revealed a discrepancy across raters in assessing apathy. While self-evaluation and family ratings where moderately positively correlated (r=0.48, p=.23), there was a moderate correlation in the opposite direction between self-evaluation and CNA ratings (r=-0.64, p=.09). Resident self-evaluation did not correlate with nurses/activity staff ratings (r=0.01, p=.99) or researcher observations (r=-0.08, p=.86). Discussion: These findings may reflect residents’ cognitive impairment and lack of insights, family and clinicians’ lack of understanding of apathy, or nurses’ and researchers’ lack of acquaintance with the resident. It remains undetermined whether self-evaluation provides valid information for apathy assessment for this population. Additional research is necessary to identify the most valid assessment approach for long-term care residents with dementia.
GERIATRIC ASSESSMENT ADOPTION IN COMMUNITY CANCER CENTERS: TRENDS, BARRIERS, AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Authors: Plotkin Elana , Lucas Lorna , Burhenn Peggy Sue , Nightingale Ginah , Loh Kah Poh , Allen Priscilla D , Dotan Efrat 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Addressing the needs of older adults with cancer is critical for the delivery of high-quality, patient-centered care. The Association of Community Cancer Centers (ACCC) has identified barriers and best practices for serving this growing patient population in order to help support the multidisciplinary team in understanding and proactively preparing for this large subgroup of patients. A survey was administered to 332 cancer professionals. 95% agreed that their older adult patients would benefit from a comprehensive geriatric assessment, yet only 17% of respondents are performing CGAs. 74% of respondents are not using any screening tool to identify high risk patients. The top three barriers to this were time/personnel and limited familiarity with available, validated tools. 61% are not focused on increasing older adult participation in clinical trials which leads to a disparity in care. Techniques for evaluating fitness, cognitive status, psychological status, comorbidities, and toxicity risk were often informal and not recorded in an EMR. Three in-depth focus groups were completed at programs demonstrating effective, yet different models of care for an older population. City of Hope Cancer Center is running a Senior Adult program under a grant where patients receive care in concordance with a score (CARG toxicity calculator) and a team review with a geriatrician. Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center has a consultative clinic where patients attend a 2-hour appointment to complete a comprehensive geriatric assessment with oncology, geriatrics, and specialists including pharmacy and nutrition. ACCC has recommended resources to address deficits in care, particularly in the community setting.
EFFECT OF FREQUENCY OF PARTICIPATING IN THE REGION ACTIVITY ON FUNCTIONAL DECLINE
Authors: Yasunaga Masashi , Kawai Hisashi , Hirano Hirohiko , Suzuki Hiroyuki , Fujiwara Yoshinori , Obuchi shuichi 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
This 3-year prospective study was conducted to explore whether frequency of participating in the region activity exert independent effect on preventing functional decline among urban Japanese older adults after controlling for potential confounders. We examined a prospective cohort of 2,524 community-dwelling persons, aged 65 years or older, who responded to the baseline mail survey in Toshima ward, Tokyo, Japan in 2014. They were followed for the subsequent 3 years in terms of functional status. Multiple logistic regression models were used to analyze independent effects of frequency of participating in the region activity, such as 1) no participation, 2) no participation in the past year, 3) less than one day per month, 4) few days per month, 5) over one day per week, on functional status, controlling for potential confounders such as age, gender, self-rated health, chronic conditions and social capital at baseline. At baseline, the mean age of 1,261 participants who completely responded to follow-up survey in 2018 was72.1 years (SD=5.0), and 56.9% were women. As results of analyzing, only “over one day per week” was significant predictors of preventing subsequent functional decline even after adjustment for confounders (odds ratios .361; 95% CI .180–.725). Frequency of participating in the region activity over one day per week have effect on preventing functional decline among urban Japanese older adults after controlling for potential confounders.
ECONOMIC HARDSHIP INDICATORS ARE DIFFERENTIALLY ASSOCIATED WITH ADVERSE HEALTH OUTCOMES IN OLDER ADULTS
Authors: Anderson Loretta 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Previous studies have shown that higher levels of economic hardship in older adults is associated with increased odds of adverse health outcomes such as insomnia, anxiety, and depressive symptoms. The objective of this study was to determine if there was a differential association between individual measures of economic hardship and aforementioned adverse health outcomes. Cross-sectional analysis was conducted using data from the 2012 National Health and Aging Trends Study (NHATS). Logistic models were developed to assess the association between each of the four measures of economic hardship and three previously reported adverse health outcomes. Participants were asked if in the last month they did not have enough money for food, utility bills, mortgage/rent, or medical bills/prescription drugs. Measures of adverse health outcomes were symptoms of depression, anxiety, and insomnia. There were 7,075 community dwelling older adults aged 65 and older in the 2012 NHATS data. Results indicated that those who skipped meals were more likely to have depression, anxiety, and insomnia symptoms than those who did not skip meals. After adjusting for race, age, gender, education, and comorbid health conditions, skipping meals was associated with depression (OR=4.11, p&lt;.000), anxiety (OR=2.81, p&lt;.01), and insomnia (OR=2.16, p&lt;.05). These results were higher and more statistically significant than the other measures of economic hardship. These findings are relevant to population-based efforts of nutrition interventions to improve quality of life in aging populations.