bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
THE ROLE OF RELIGIOSITY IN DEPRESSIVE SYMPTOMS AMONG CHINESE OLDER ADULTS
Authors: Jia Ru , Kong Dexia , Dong XinQi 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
This study aims to examine the relationship between religiosity and depressive symptoms in a large cohort of community-dwelling U.S. Chinese older adults living in the Greater Chicago area, which has received relatively little research attention. Cross-sectional self-report data was obtained from the Population Study of Chinese Elderly in Chicago between 2011 and 2013 (N=3,157). Depressive symptoms were measured by the nine-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9). A score of 5 and above indicated the presence of clinically significant depressive symptoms. Logistic regression analyses were conducted to examine the association between religiosity and depressive symptoms. Out of 3,157 participants, 20.3% participants had a score of or above 5 on PHQ-9. 35.4% reported religiosity as being “important” (24.7%) and “very important” (10.7%); 16% reported attending organized religious services at least once a month (3.1% reported once a month; 12.3% reported once a week; 0.6% reported almost every day); 23% reported having religious services at home at least once a month (10.3% reported once a month; 3.2% reported once a week; 9.5% reported almost daily). Results showed that recognizing religiosity as important is significantly negatively associated with depressive symptoms (odds ratio [OR]=0.94, 95% confidence interval [CI]=0.89-0.99). However, no significant associations between depressive symptoms and religious activity attendance or religious service at home were observed. Findings suggest that senses of belonging and life meaning may help reduce depressive symptoms, rather than the religious activities per se. Future interventions could reduce depressive symptoms of U.S. Chinese older adults through religiosity.
DOES EXPOSURE TO INFORMATION ABOUT DEMENTIA CHANGE STIGMA? AN EXPERIMENTAL STUDY
Authors: Zhang Fan , Cheng Sheung-Tak 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Objectives: Educational programs on dementia may backfire, as recipients could feel more negatively about people with dementia after exposure to the alarming symptoms (e.g., behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia, or BPSD). This study aimed to investigate whether such exposures had any effect on stigma. Methods: 200 adults aged 18-83 years were randomly assigned to three groups. The first group read vignettes describing fictitious older adults with memory impairment. The second group read the same vignettes that were expanded to include descriptions of BPSD (i.e., memory impairment cum BPSD). After reading the vignettes, both groups answered questions about stigma, while the third group directly responded to this questionnaire without reading any vignette (i.e., not exposed to experimental manipulation). ANOVA was performed to analyze the effect of experimental manipulation, as well as that of age, education, whether having relatives with dementia, and belief about treatability of dementia. Results: At posttest, the level of stigma was moderate and was comparable across the three groups, suggesting that exposures to information about cognitive and behavioral symptoms did not change people’s stigmatizing attitude. The absence of group effect in stigma did not vary by age, education, whether having a relative with dementia, or belief about prognosis. Only the main effects of age and education were significant, where younger and least educated participants reported higher stigma. Conclusion: There was no evidence that stigma would be affected by exposure to information about symptoms of dementia, including the more disturbed ones (i.e., BPSD).
AGE DIFFERENCES IN PSYCHOSOCIAL AND HEALTH OUTCOMES AMONG ADULTS EXPERIENCING HOMELESSNESS
Authors: Turturro Carolyn L , Otters Rosalie , Turturro Zeferin 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Homelessness is a critical social problem for this nation. It takes a tremendous toll on individuals and families who live without stable shelter, adequate food, and personal security, as well as strains the societal resources. The mean age of death for people experiencing homelessness has been reported to be age 50, far less than the 76 years that is the average for Arkansas. This study investigates the sociodemographic, behavioral and health-related data of 331 adults experiencing homelessness in Central Arkansas. Data was collected by structured interviews during recent homeless counts. Participants ranged in age from 18 to 70, with quartiles established for ages 18-35, 36-45, 46-55 and 56 –70. Sociodemographic comparisons of the groups included education, income, months homeless, work and veteran status, behavioral variables included alcohol use and drug abuse, whereas health-related comparisons included reported diabetes, heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, problems with hearing, vision, walking as well as mental health including anxiety and depression; in addition, medication procurement and available assistance from family and friends were compared. Preliminary results suggest significant differences, as well as some similarities, among the four age quartiles. Analyses are on-going.
PROVIDING QUALITY ASSURANCE IN ONLINE GERONTOLOGY COURSES THROUGH A PEER REVIEW NETWORK
Authors: Murray Louise M , Park Enoch 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
In health care and senior housing and care, the challenge of meeting diverse regional workforce needs is increasingly important in higher education. Educators within gerontology are rising to this challenge using multiple platforms, including online education (Carter, Solberg, & Solberg, 2017; Nadash, Miller, Porell, Birchander, Glickman, & Burr, 2014). This poster presents the life cycle of a traditional face to face introductory level graduate gerontology course which was transitioned to a fully online course. This transition was achieved using a structured course development process based on nationally recognized online course quality standards by Quality Matters (QM). Utilizing a team approach, the process incorporated faculty (subject matter experts and course developers), instructional designers, and professional staff in distance education, faculty teaching support, and online learning specialists. QM standards serve to assure quality online instruction, with the goal of providing students with a positive and successful online learning experience. Analysis of this case highlights the role of Certified (QM) peer reviewers who have expertise in Gerontology and can serve as the connector of online gerontology courses offered within programs, between institutions, and globally. Recommendations are presented to improve the pedagogical quality of online courses to attract and retain students in gerontology and aging studies courses. The case for building an initial network of online course peer reviewers to strengthen online teaching and learning within the gerontology profession will be made.
DO INTRA-PROXY GAPS EMERGE WHEN FAMILY CAREGIVERS ASSESS QOL FROM DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVES?
Authors: Egan Patricia 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Dementia family caregivers are routinely enlisted as proxy assessors of care recipients’ quality of life (QOL). This study explored whether prompts to change perspective during QOL assessment could elicit an intra-proxy gap. The intra-proxy gap was hypothesized to be any difference between those assessments made from the caregiver’s own perspective and those made from the adopted perspective of the care recipient, as the care giver imagined it to be (Pickard and Knight, 2005). Thirty-six dementia family caregivers were recruited from senior service agencies. Subjects completed the Quality of Life-Alzheimer Disease (QOL-AD), Caregiver Version under two conditions: First, from an unprompted perspective and second, from the adopted perspective of the care recipient, as the family caregiver imagined it to be. T-testing indicated intra-proxy gaps emerged for eleven of the QOL-AD’s thirteen domains. For these domains, QOL scores were higher when assessed from the care recipient’s perspective, as the family caregiver imagined it to be. The sample was then repeatedly bisected using caregivers’ personal, relational, and health factors. T-testing indicated that family caregivers’ personal factors were associated with intra-proxy gaps across more QOL-AD domains than their relational or health factors were. Three personal factors, being of older age, having more empathetic concern, and having more empathetic distress, were associated with intra-proxy gaps more frequently than other personal factors were. Findings suggest that clinicians should be alert for perspective employed by proxy assessors and for the possibility of intra-proxy gaps. Recognition of these gaps could help improve interpretation of QOL scores.
SENIOR COMMUNITY CENTER AS A SOCIAL ENGAGEMENT PLATFORM FOR OLDER ADULTS IN NEPAL: AN ADAPTATION OF WESTERN CONCEPT
Authors: Shrestha Sabita , Colson Tina 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Older adults around the world are living longer. Similarly, in Asian countries longevity of older adults have significantly altered the demographics shift as well as the cultural landscape and needs of the society. These changes have compounded with challenges and needs as a community grapples with how to best take care of aging population. Nepal, a developing country, is also faced with a similar demographic shift among the geriatric population. This shift has brought challenges and needs to communities such as health care, daily living needs, social support systems, economic needs, etc. The geriatric population will require social support systems as they age. Historically, older adults have relied on traditional family support systems for their care and needs maintaining cultural values and norms which may burden immediate or extended family members. Recently, traditional family structures along with social support systems are breaking away from their family trees due to community advancement and modernization, and many are leaving for better economic opportunities. This trend has left many older adults alone in social isolation. Despite challenges in the community, Nepal government doesn’t offer infrastructure for social engagement for older adults. One solution to prevent isolation and loneliness is to establish “senior community centers” (western based concept) for social engaging older adults. Based on ecological framework, this presentation proposes a need of “Senior Community Centers” for older adults where they can become involved in social engagements and receive social supports outside traditional family support systems; thus, optimizing their health and well-being.
FALL PREVENTION IN RURAL COMMUNITIES OF NORTH DAKOTA
Authors: OConnor Melissa L , Strommen Jane , Estepp Philip , Hay Megan , Fuller Heather , Grace Rachel , Brotherson Sean 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Fall-related injuries are common sources of morbidity and mortality for adults aged 65 and older. Thus, interventions for preventing falls can have substantial public health benefits. One promising fall prevention program is the Stepping On program, which involves seven community-based workshops. In these workshops, older adults learn about risk factors for falls, as well as safety-conscious behaviors. Stepping On has been offered in several states, and outcomes have been positive. However, research in rural areas has been lacking. To address this issue, the current study examined 508 older adults who participated in the Stepping On program across 53 rural communities in North Dakota through May of 2019. Most participants were female (82%), with an average age of 79 years (range 65-98). Participants completed baseline and post-test assessments of their knowledge regarding health, mobility, and safety issues. At baseline, 46% of participants reported falling at least once during the previous year. Repeated-measures ANOVAs showed that participants had improved significantly in the following areas at post-test: understanding how vision influences safety; knowledge of balance and strength exercises; recognizing hazards in the home; choosing safe footwear; confidence in mobility; understanding how medications affect fall risk; and the importance of bone health (p&lt;0.001 for all). Just 14% of participants reported falling during the year following the workshops, and 62% felt that the program reduced their risk of falls “to a big extent.” These findings suggest that the Stepping On program is feasible to administer in rural areas and benefits older adults in such communities.
MTOR-DRIVEN ALTERATIONS IN THE BRAIN MICROVASCULAR PROTEOME IN ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE
Authors: Banh Andy , Pomilio Carlos , Hussong Stacy A , Galvan Veronica 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Therapeutic interventions for Alzheimer’s disease (AD) remain limited due to an incomplete understanding of the molecular mechanisms of its onset and progression. Cerebrovascular dysfunction occurs early during disease development. Attenuation of mTOR, a key regulator of aging, attenuates and reverses cerebrovascular deficits by restoring cerebral blood flow, brain vascular density, neurovascular coupling, and vascular amyloid-β clearance in hAPP(J20) mice expressing human amyloid precursor protein carrying two FAD-associated mutations. The mechanisms by which mTOR attenuation alleviates AD pathology are poorly understood. This study defined changes in the microvascular proteome of hAPP(J20) mice arising from mTOR attenuation. At 7 months of age, hAPP(J20) mice were fed vehicle- or rapamycin-supplemented diet (2.24 mg/kg/day) for 4 months. Mass spectrometry of collected brain microvasculature identified significant changes in 840 of 3361 proteins (p&lt;0.05). mTOR attenuation led to significant changes in 26 of these proteins, some of which are involved in pathways including tight junction regulation, calcium signaling, and actin cytoskeleton regulation. Candidate mediators of mTOR-driven cerebrovascular dysfunction were identified by selecting proteins that were aberrantly altered in hAPP(J20) microvasculature and normalized by rapamycin. Examples include members of the heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein family (hnRNPA/B, hnRNPD) which regulate the mRNA stability of genes related to cellular cycle arrest and inflammatory cytokines as well as localization of crucial mRNA involved in nitric oxide signaling. Also included are nucleoporin 54 and vacuolar ATPase assembly factor, both of which are altered in aging and neurodegeneration. Subsequent studies will elucidate the role of these proteins in mTOR-driven cerebrovascular dysfunction in AD.
THE ROLE OF RIBOSOMAL COMPOSITION IN SELECTIVE TRANSLATION OF LONGEVITY GENES UNDER DIETARY RESTRICTION
Authors: Rollins Jarod A 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Dietary restriction influences longevity through changes in gene expression on the level of transcription and translation. Our lab is investigating the changes occurring under dietary restriction in C. elegans on the level of individual ribosomal proteins (RPs) and changes in RP phosphorylation and how they shape gene expression and longevity. To look at the impact of changes in RP expression we used RNAi knockdowns starting at adulthood and assayed lifespan and health span. Two RPs knockdowns that increased longevity, rpl-7A and rpl-22, were then subjected to transcriptome and translatome analysis using polysome profiling and mRNA-seq. Both knockdowns resulted in similar transcriptomic changes with an up-regulation of genes related to translational fidelity and mitochondrion organization. In contrast, the translatome analysis showed minimal changes upon loss of rpl-7A and rpl-22 suggesting that they are not responsible for increase in selective translation previously observed under DR. To look at impact of changes in phosphorylation of rps-6 on DR, we generated mutant lines incapable of being phosphorylated by TOR signaling. These mutants were assayed for changes in lifespan, health span and selective translation. While phenotypically similar to controls under well fed conditions, the mutants were longer lived under DR. Furthermore, preliminary results indicated that the selective translation of the anti-longevity microchondrial electron transport genes cytochrome c oxidase and ubiquinol-cytochrome c reductase binding protein was repressed when rps-6 is not phosphorylated. In summary, our preliminary results that ribosomal protein phosphorylation but not protein composition is responsible for guiding selective translation pf longevity genes under DR.
SENESCENCE-ASSOCIATED SECRETOME COMPONENTS AS BIOMARKERS FOR AGING
Authors: Zhang Xu , Schafer Marissa , White Thomas , Jachim Sarah , LeBrasseur Nathan 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Cellular senescence is a state of stable growth arrest in response to stress, which is a fundamental process of biological aging. They secrete products, the Senescence-Associated Secretory Phenotype (SASP), which consists of inflammatory cytokines, chemokines, growth factors and matrix remodeling proteins. Senescent cells accumulate with advancing age and partial elimination of senescent cells can reverse age-related dysfunction and increase mean lifespan in mice. However, it is not clear whether components of the SASP can be measured in human plasma and serve as aging biomarkers. Here we generated a candidate panel of senescence markers based on a multiplexed bead-based assay of proteins secreted by senescent preadipocytes, endothelial cells, fibroblasts, myoblasts, preadipocytes, and epithelial cells compared to non-senescent controls. The SASP undoubtedly varies by cell type; however, we observed that multiple components of the SASP are conserved. We then assessed circulating SASP components in human plasma samples from Mayo Clinic Biobank participants (n=280, 20 male and 20 female per decade, age 20-90) using the same method. We confirmed that components of the SASP can be quantified in human plasma with the multiplexed bead-based assay and observed several SASP components robustly increase with chronological age in humans. Our study illustrates that senescence-associated secretome components are detectable in human plasma and could potentially serve as biomarkers of systemic aging and senescent cell burden.
SENESCENCE SECRETOME: BIOMARKERS OF BIOLOGICAL AGING AND POSTOPERATIVE OUTCOMES
Authors: Schafer Marissa , Zhang Xu , Kumar Amanika , White Thomas , Atkinson Elizabeth , Burning Michelle , LeBrasseur Nathan 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Senescent cells drive age-related tissue dysfunction through their potent secretome, termed the senescence associated secretory phenotype (SASP). Circulating concentrations of SASP factors may reflect biological age and serve as clinically useful biomarkers of surgical risk and ultimately, surrogate endpoints in clinical trials. However, they remain largely uncharacterized. We tested associations between circulating concentrations of SASP proteins and biological age, as determined by the accumulation of age-related health deficits, and/or postoperative outcomes in a sample of residents in Olmstead County, MN, age 60-90 years (n = 115) and cohorts of older adults undergoing surgery for severe aortic stenosis (prospective; n = 97) or ovarian cancer (case-control; n = 36). Circulating concentrations of SASP factors were associated with biological age and adverse postoperative outcomes, including risk of any adverse event or rehospitalization within the year following surgery (aortic stenosis group) or admission to an intensive care unit within 30 days of hospital discharge (ovarian cancer group). Gradient boosting machine modeling revealed a panel of SASP factors that predicted adverse outcomes across both surgical groups better than biological age or chronological age and sex. This suggests that the circulating SASP is a robust indicator of age-related health status and may help guide clinical decision making. Furthermore, circulating SASP factors may be harnessed as a readily quantifiable biomarkers in senescence-targeting interventional human studies.
INCREASED HSP25 DRIVES THE TRANSITION FROM PROTEASOME TO AUTOPHAGY-MEDIATED DEGRADATION UNDER PROTEOTOXIC STRESS
Authors: Scheirer Jessica L , Rodriguez Karl 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Accumulation of protein aggregates are a common pathology in many neurodegenerative disorders. This accumulation may be due to a function decline in the protein homeostasis network known to occur during the aging process. Small heat shock proteins are a class of molecular chaperones that assist in protein folding and ameliorates the degradation activity of the proteasome and autolysosome thereby decreasing disease-associated aggregates. Prior work in rodents and C. elegans has shown expression levels of the small heat shock protein 25 (HSP25) correlates with maximum lifespan potential. Increased levels of HSP25 extends lifespan in a transgenic C. elegans model. This lifespan extension is dependent on skn-1 with evidence suggesting an enrichment in several skn-1-related pathways, such as lysosomal genes. Concomitantly, proteasome activity declines while autolysosome activity increases. This observation might suggest a switch from proteasome degradation to autophagy as the main driver of protein degradation in C. elegans in this transgenic model. To investigate if a reduction of proteasome function and elevated lysosomal gene activation during aging and under proteotoxic stress are modulated by HSP25 we have crossed our HSP25-transgenic worm with an aggregating and non-aggregating tau worm model. This work will elucidate a possible mechanism that explains the change in the protein degradation response pathways potentially modulated by HSP25 during increased protein misfolding.
AGE-RELATED CHANGES IN THE MUSCLE SECRETOME
Authors: Zhang Ning , Weintraub Susan , Musi Nicolas 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Skeletal muscle is one of the most abundant tissues in the body. In addition to its key roles in body support, movement and metabolic homeostasis, muscle also functions as an endocrine/secretory organ producing and releasing proteins into the circulation that modulate distant tissues (i.e. myokines). Considering that muscle mass and function changes with advancing age, here we tested the hypothesis that aging alters the muscle secretome profile. After euthanasia, soleus muscles from sedentary young and old mice were dissected, and incubated in oxygenated KRB buffer for 2 h. The buffer was subjected to in-gel trypsin-digestion and peptides analyzed by mass spectrometry. The concentration of 36 proteins were significantly (P&lt;0.05) elevated in the young vs. the old group. In contrast, only 7 proteins were significantly elevated in the old group. Some notable differences include those in HSPA1B and HSPA5 that were detected only in the young group. HSPA8 also was significantly elevated by 1.8-fold (P&lt;0.05) in the young versus the old group. Another prominent difference between groups involved translationally controlled tumor protein (TCTP), a critical regulator of apoptosis/carcinogenesis, that was elevated by 7-fold in the young vs. the old group (P&lt;0.05). These results indicate that aging alters the muscle secretion profile. Identified differences in the muscle secretome could reflect intrinsic changes in muscle cells with age. Because these myokines are released into the circulation, it is also possible that myokine secretion is a regulated cellular process by which muscle communicates and modulates the aging process in distant tissues.