bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluating Service-Learning with Older Adults on Undergraduate College Students During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Merkin Sharon 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Introduction: Students in the Frontiers in Human Aging course at UCLA participate in service-learning (SL) with older adults. In 2020, completion of SL coincided with the outbreak of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. We evaluated the impact of SL on student attitudes on aging and community service in the context of the pandemic. Methods: Students were assigned to senior residential and daycare programs for 18-20 hours of SL. A retrospective pretest-posttest survey asked about attitudes and interests before and after SL and how the COVID-19 pandemic affected these perceptions; 73 (of 103) students responded. Mean differences before and after SL were tested and differences were assessed within groups reporting COVID-19 effects. Results: SL improved students’ attitudes and ability to engage with older adults, knowledge about aging concepts, interest in future work with older adults, attitudes on community service, social well-being and feelings of usefulness (p&lt;0.001). There was no significant change in overall anxiety about aging (p=0.1), however, students showed increased anxiety about losing independence and finances when older (p&lt;0.05). At least 50% of students reported that the COVID-19 pandemic increased their awareness of needs of older adults (81.9%) and decreased connection to their peers (50.7%); the impact of SL remained unchanged by these effects. Conclusion: Despite the overall benefits of SL, increased anxiety about aspects of aging suggests the need to address these concerns. While the COVID-19 pandemic did not seem to affect the impact of SL, this event did seem to influence perceptions about aging and social integration.
Examining the Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Psychosocial Outcomes across Age: A Stress and Coping Framework
Authors: Minahan Jillian , Falzarano Francesca , Yazdani Neshat , Siedlecki Karen 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
The emergence of COVID-19 and the measures implemented to curb its spread are anticipated to have long-term implications for mental health. Older adults may be at increased risk for adverse mental health outcomes as opportunities to remain socially connected have diminished. Further research is needed to better understand the impact of pandemic-related stress on mental health. Utilizing the stress and coping framework, the purpose of this study is three-fold: 1) to examine the influences of COVID-19-related stress on depression, anxiety, and loneliness, 2) to assess the mediating role of coping style and social support, and 3) to investigate whether these relationships vary across age. Participants (N = 1,318) between the ages of 18-92 years completed an online survey, assessing pandemic-related stress, mental health, social support, coping, and their experiences with social distancing, during the initial implementation of social distancing measures in the United States. Stress, social support, and coping style were related to psychosocial outcomes. Results suggested that avoidant coping mediated the relationship between pandemic-related stress and psychosocial outcomes, particularly depression. Avoidant coping more strongly mediated the relationship between stress and depression in younger adults compared to older adults. Results were consistent with the stress and coping framework and recent work highlighting the older adults’ resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic. Findings highlight the associations between positive coping behaviors and psychosocial well-being and indicate that older adults may use unique adaptive mechanisms to preserve well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Trends in Mortality in Puerto Rico Between 1979 and 2018: An Analysis of the Puerto Rico Healthcare Reform
Authors: Santos Alexis 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Between 1993 and 2000, the Government of Puerto Rico decided to transform the role of the government from a provider of healthcare to an insurer. Despite claims about the success of the reform, no study has assessed whether it improved the health of the population or reduced mortality. The aim of this study is to assess whether the implementation of the Puerto Rico Healthcare Reform of 1993 reduced mortality and infant mortality in Puerto Rico in a significant way. I calculated crude death rates (CDR), age-standardized death rates, infant mortality rates, total deaths and life expectancy between 1980 and 2018. I used a quasi-experimental design to study the effect of the implementation of the Puerto Rico Healthcare Reform on these indicators. The primary objective was to estimate changes in trends after 2000. The Age-Specific Mortality Rates have reduced since 1980. The least pronounced change for 2018, in comparison to 1980, was for young adults (20-24 years, 25-29 years, and 30-34 years). The CDR was affected based on the implementation of the reform, but the Infant Mortality Rates was not. The Standardized Death Rate and deaths indicate that there was a small reduction in these indicators. I also found that the gains in life expectancy were concentrated in older adults (aged 65 and older). Analysis of all-cause mortality indicators allows for the evaluation of this healthcare reform. The reduction in mortality in the post-2000 period was not entirely due to the trend that existed before the healthcare reform was implemented.
How Age Affects Personal and Social Reactions to COVID-19: Results from the National Understanding America Survey
Authors: Kim Jung Ki , Crimmins Eileen 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
The pandemic of COVID-19 has had tremendous impact on Americans’ lives including their personal and social behaviors. While everyone is affected in some way by the pandemic, older persons have been far more likely to suffer the most severe health consequences. For this reason, how people have responded to the COVID-19 outbreak may differ by age. Using a nationally representative sample from the Understanding America Study (UAS), we examined differentials in behavioral responses to COVID-19 by age and how they change over time. At the beginning of the pandemic (March, 2020), older people were less likely than younger ones to engage in preventive behaviors. As the pandemic progressed, however, older people have adopted healthy behavioral changes more than younger people, such that about two months after the pandemic started, older people were more likely to comply with suggested and regulated behaviors including practicing better hygiene, quarantining, and social distancing. Even when considering other potential influences on behavioral responses, older age was significantly related to performing more preventive behaviors, and gender, racial/ethnic minority status, perceived risk for infection and dying and political orientation were also found to be related to people’s behavioral responses.
Living Alone During COVID-19: Social Contact and Emotional Well-Being among Older Adults
Authors: Ng Yee To , Fingerman Karen , Zhang Shiyang , Britt Katherine , Colera Gianna , Birditt Kira , Charles Susan 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
The COVID-19 outbreak and the associated physical distancing measures dramatically altered the social world for most older adults, but people who live alone may have been disproportionately affected. The current study examined how living alone was related to social contact and emotional well-being among older adults during the pandemic. Adults (N = 226) aged 69+ completed a brief survey assessing their living situation, social contact with different social partners (in person, by phone, electronically), and emotions during the morning, afternoon and evening the prior day. Older adults who live alone were less likely to see others in person or to receive or provide help, and reported less positive emotion the prior day than those who lived with others. Living alone was associated with more positive emotions concurrent with in-person contact. In contrast, phone contact was related to higher levels of negate affect among those living alone, but not among those who live with others. Findings suggest older adults who live alone may be more reactive to social contact during the COVID 19 outbreak than older adults who reside with others. In-person contact appears to confer distinct benefits not available via telephone contact, suggesting that possible interventions during the pandemic may work best with safe forms of in-person contact.
Recombinant SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein Mediates Glycolytic and Inflammatory Activation in Human Monocytes
Authors: Pence Brandt 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in part through cytokine storm. Metabolic reprogramming in immune cells mediates inflammation, and recent evidence suggests SARS-CoV-2 activates glycolysis in monocytes to facilitate cytokine production. In this study I investigated the ability of the spike protein (subunit 1) from SARS-CoV-2 to cause glycolytic reprogramming and inflammatory activation in isolated human monocytes. Primary human monocytes were isolated from healthy young donors (N=4) by immunomagnetic negative selection and stimulated with recombinant SARS-CoV-2 spike protein subunit 1 (rS1) for 6 hr. Glycolysis was monitored by assessing extracellular acidification using a Seahorse assay. Supernatants and cell lysates were subsequently processed for gene and protein expression assays by qPCR and ELISA respectively. Treatment of monocytes with rS1 at 10 nM and 30 nM led to significant upregulation of glycolysis, as well as a substantial increase in gene and protein expression of interleukin-6. Mouse bone marrow-derived macrophages did not display enhanced glycolysis when stimulated with rS1, suggesting a specific interaction of the protein with the ACE2 receptor, rather than a general inflammatory response caused by contamination with endotoxin or similar. Glycolytic activation in monocytes in response to rS1 suggests that immunometabolic modulators, including common geroprotectors such as rapamycin and metformin, may have efficacy in treating COVID-19.
Health Access and Outcome Differentials Among Older Adults Age 50 Years or Above in Ghana
Authors: Yale Kodwo-Nyameazea , Amponsah Nana Akua 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Health outcomes are substantially influenced by demographic and socioeconomic indicators. Their presence or absence can act to boost or curtail health opportunities and outcomes. These health indicators are often not evenly distributed across geographic regions. The focus of this study is to explore how Ghana’s north-south regional divide manifests in the health outcomes of its people. The study was based on a data from the Research on Early Life and Aging Trends and Effects (RELATE), a harmonized cross-sectional dataset with 147,278 respondents from 14 countries including Ghana. This study pooled 4724 respondents from Ghana aged 50 years or above. The study found that several demographic and socioeconomic indicators had significant associations with optimal health. However, most of the associations were attenuated after other variables in the model were controlled. Specifically, the study found that being a male gender and doing rigorous work were risk factors for living below optimal health in both the North and South regions. However, using healthcare services and being single or unmarried were protective factors but only in the South region. The results of the study also showed that indicators for good health generally favored the South region but the North region reported higher self-rated health score, smaller proportions of overweight and obese residents, fewer numbers of chronic health conditions, and a smaller proportion of resident living below optimal health. This finding demonstrates that the link between positive health indicators and healthiness has subtle nuances that could be attributed to how people conceptualize health and healthiness.
Predictors of Breast Cancer Screening Behaviors Among American Indian Women in the Northern Plains
Authors: Roh Soonhee , Lee Yeon-Shim , Moon Heehyul 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Purpose: This study examined predictive models of the utilization of mammograms among American Indian women adapting Andersen’s behavioral model. Using a sample of 143 American Indian women residing in the Northern Plains. Methods: Data were collected using a self-administered survey completed by 143American Indian women over the age of 45 in the Midwest. Logistic regression analyses were conducted to assess predisposing (age and marital status), need (personal and family cancer history), and enabling factors (education, monthly household income, mammogram screening awareness, breast cancer knowledge, self-rated health, and cultural practice to breast cancer screening). Results: Nested logistic regression analyses indicated that only 55.5% of participants reported having had a breast cancer screening within the past 2 years, whereas 21.0% never had a mammogram test. After controlling for predisposing and need factors, higher education, greater awareness of mammogram, and higher utilization of traditional Native American approaches were significant predictors of mammogram uptake. Conclusions: The findings highlight important implications for intervention strategies aimed at improving breast cancer screening and service use among American Indian women. Educating health professionals and American Indian community members about the importance of breast cancer screening is highly needed. It is critical to assess a woman’s level of traditional beliefs and practices and its possible influence on screening participation and future screening intention. Given the findings, prevention and intervention strategies, including public awareness and education about breast cancer screening are promising avenues to reduce screening disparities among American Indian women.
Older Adult Cohousing Communities: The Lived Experience
Authors: Cummings Sherry , Kropf Nancy 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
“We’re on the leading edge of the baby boomers so we don’t do anything like anybody has ever done before and that includes aging.” (Tammy, SS). This quote embodies the perspective of older adults engaged in a new housing phenomenon – older adult cohousing communities (OACCs). OACCs are designed, managed, governed and maintained by the older residents themselves. Seventeen such communities currently exist, and more are being developed by active baby boomers who are searching for more meaningful, relational and eco-friendly options for aging-in-place. The older adult cohousing movement in the U.S., which began in 2005, is small but growing quickly. However, a dearth of literature exists on this phenomenon. This qualitative study examined older adult cohousers’ lived experiences. The study employed an existential-phenomenological research method. Maximum variation purposive sampling was employed. Twelve communities were identified that represented the full range of geographic environments, structures, missions, cost and size. Interviews were conducted individually or in focus groups. In all, 73 older adult cohousers participated in the study. The Gerotranscendence Theory of Aging was used to guide the development of the structured interview questions and to organize data analysis and interpretation. Digital recordings were transcribed, and an inductive method was used to allow codes and themes to arise from the data itself. Patton’s (1990) criteria for judging themes was employed. This poster will clarify the nature, principles and structure of OACCs. Themes that emerged from the study - benefits, challenges, aging-in-place, interpersonal relationships and personal growth - will be described .
Social Isolation, Health, and Health Care: Perspectives Among Older Adults Residing in Public Housing
Authors: Sanchez Ruth , Wagen Brooke , Williams Whitney , Jacobs Elizabeth 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
By 2035, U.S. adults &gt; 65 will outnumber children. The growing lack of affordable housing combined with fixed incomes will lead to more older adults residing in public housing. Public housing authorities, in turn, will face growing health and social needs among their residents. In partnership with a local housing authority, we conducted a qualitative study to better understand the health and social needs of older adult public housing residents. We conducted semi-structured qualitative interviews with 27 older adults at two public housing sites in Austin, Texas; we asked about their experience of aging in public housing, their health, healthcare, and community life. Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed; interviews were systematically coded and verified by a second coder. Themes were identified using comparative analysis. We interviewed 16 females and 11 males (mean age = 71.7 years). We identified three themes. Residents characterized good healthcare as that which is provided by physicians who are consistent educators that listen to residents’ primary concerns. They defined health as being mobile and lacking pain. Finally, they desire more, recurring opportunities to learn about health and connect interpersonally within their housing community; they perceive limited meaningful relationships as a significant contributor to poor health among residents. The older adult public housing residents in our study outlined what good health and healthcare looks like. These themes can be utilized to improve relationships between residents and their healthcare providers. Social isolation can be mitigated through public housing programming that promotes physical and mental acuity.
Cognitively Impaired Old Mice Display Correlated Reduction in Cortical NMDA Receptor and Complex IV
Authors: Thiyagarajan Ramkumar , Redae Yonas , Seldeen Kenneth , Troen Bruce 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Cognitive decline in older adults represents a major challenge since cognitive impairment is found in 10% of those ≥ 65 and 50% ≥ 85. Thus it is increasingly important to understand the impact of aging on cognitive health. We performed a battery of tests to assess cognition in 6 month-old (n=12) and 24 month-old (n=8) C57BL/6J mice, equivalent to 30 and 70 year old humans, respectively, and also assessed protein markers in cortex for mitochondrial health and cognition. We found that aged mice displayed fewer spontaneous alternations in the T maze test (p=0.034) and lower recognition of novel objects (p=0.022). In addition, aged mice showed prolonged escape time in the Barnes maze (p=0.035), all of which taken together suggest reduced capacity for learning and recall. Aged mice also exhibited diminished nest building (p&lt;0.001), revealing an impaired functional capacity analogous to the instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) geriatric assessment. We found reduced mitochondrial complex IV expression in the cortices of aged mice concomitant with less expression of N-Methyl D-Aspartate (NMDA) receptor subunits 1, 2A and 2B. The cortices from old mice also exhibited greater expression of immature brain derived neurotrophic factor (pro-BDNF). The alterations in NMDA receptors and pro BDNF are consistent with memory impairment and greater neuronal cell death. Therefore, aged mice exhibit significantly reduced recall and learning ability alongside marked alterations in mitochondrial complex, NMDA receptor, and pro-BDNF expression. Studies are underway to assess whether these molecular changes are responsible for the cognitive declines with aging.
A 3-Week Tryptophan-Deficient Diet Resulted in Decreased Body Weight and Increased Trabecular Bone Mass in Mice
Authors: Isales Carlos , Ding Kehong , McGee-Lawrence Meghan , Bollag Wendy , Hill William , Fulzele Sadanand , Awad Mohamed , Hamrick Mark 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Tryptophan is an essential amino acid with a variety of bioactive metabolites including serotonin, melatonin and nicotinamide. Dietary Trp restriction results in increased lifespan but with detrimental side effects. The initial catabolite in the Trp breakdown pathway, kynurenine, increases with aging and induces bone loss. Thus, we hypothesized that eliminating Trp in the diet of older mice might be osteoprotective. In an IACUC-approved protocol, we fed either 0, 0.2 (standard), 0.7 or 1.25% Trp-containing diets to aged (23-month-old) C57BL/6 mice for a planned eight weeks. There was a rapid decrease in body weight in the mice fed the 0% tryptophan diet and the mice had to be sacrificed at three weeks (25.2±1.4 vs 35.4±3.6 vs 33.9±2.4 vs 33.4±3.1 gm, (Means+SD, No Trp: 0%; Standard Trp 0.2%; High Trp: 0.7%; High Trp: 1.25%, p=0.0004, 0 vs 0.2%, n=9-10/group). Removal of Trp from the diet had a differential effect on bone mineral density (BMD). Total BMD was increased in the low Trp group: (0.0548±0.0017 vs 0.518±0.0021 vs 0.0526±0.0021 vs 0.0524±0.0022, Means+SD, No Trp: 0%; Standard Trp 0.2%; High Trp: 0.7%; High Trp: 1.25%, p=0.016, 0 vs 0.2%). Femoral BMD did not change; however, spinal BMD rose (0.0603±0.005 vs 0.0477±0.06 vs 0.0505±0.005 vs 0.0535±006; Means+SD, Trp 0% vs 0.2%, p=0.00009). The mice on the 0% Trp diet also had lower body fat (22.4±2.3% vs 26.7±3.3%; Means+SD, Trp 0 vs 0.2%, p=0.005). Thus, dietary Trp restriction resulted in a beneficial increase in spinal BMD, though at least in part related to weight loss.
Longevity-Extending MetAP2 Inhibitors Induce Caloric Restriction Through P53-Dependent Induction of GDF-15
Authors: MacArthur Michael , Mitchell Sarah , Jung Jon , Torrence Margaret , Kane Alice , Mehmet Huseyin , Manning Brendan , Mitchell James 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
MetAP2 is a 67kDa protein which sits at the translation initiation complex and cleaves N-terminal methionine off of nascent peptides. Inhibitors of MetAP2 cause profound weight loss secondary to decreased food intake. These inhibitors also significantly extend longevity in mice in late-life intervention. However, the exact mechanism of action causing decreased food intake is not known. Here we investigated the molecular mechanism and target tissue of a MetAP2 inhibitor’s (Zgn1062) anorectic effects. First we identified the target tissue by testing targeted Zgn1062 delivery to specific brain regions. Delivery to the medio-basal hypothalamus did not have a significant effect but delivery to the lateral ventricle resulted in significantly decrease food intake and body weight after 2 and 14 hours. When we delivered a neuron-targeted AAV encoding MetAP2 shRNA we saw decreased efficacy of MetAP2 confirming the required for neuronal MetAP2 for anorectic effects. To determine the molecular mechanisms we performed RNAseq of wildtype and MetAP2 KO HT1080 cells across a timecourse of Zgn1062 treatment. The main pathway activated across timepoints in MetAP2-dependent manner was P53 signaling. A main P53 target that was upregulated was the known anorectic peptide GDF15. We confirmed GDF15 increases in vivo at both mRNA (liver and intestines) and protein level (serum) in response to Zgn1062. We also found that Zgn1062 treatment reduces senescent cell burden in visceral adipose tissue in vivo and reduces SASP gene expression in fat explants ex vivo. We hypothesize that Zgn1062’s potent P53 activation may play a role in clearance of senescent cells.