bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
AMINO ACIDS PREDICT COGNITION BEYOND CLINICAL METABOLIC MARKERS: A MACHINE LEARNING APPROACH
Authors: Alwerdt Jessie , Tian Yuan , Patterson Andrew D , Sliwinski Martin 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Prior work has suggested that metabolic disorders increase the risk for cognitive decline. Further, studies have identified amino acids (AAs) as potential biomarkers for dementia and diabetes. This study examines AAs and metabolic clinical markers (MCM) as predictors of cognition (Processing Speed (SOP), Working Memory (WM), Fluid (Gf) and Crystallized Intelligence (Gc)). The sample included 241 middle-aged adults from Bronx, NY. Predictors included age, gender, education, ethnicity, smoking, having diabetes, glucose, insulin, triglycerides, diastolic, and systolic blood pressure (BP), and cholesterol. AAs and associated derivatives were obtained from serum using NMR-based metabolomics. Analyses were conducted for each cognitive domain using repeated cross-validation random forests and lasso regressions. Overall, all models had acceptable cross-validation mean squared error except for WM. Several MCMs were specific to each cognitive domain, such as lower triglycerides and glucose associated with better SOP and higher systolic BP associated with better Gc while none were identified for Gf. The Gf model had the least number of AAs with lower serine associated with better FI. Two AAs, higher histidine and alanine, were associated with better SOP. Further, higher alanine, valine, isoleucine, serine, methionine, betaine, and moderate tyrosine were associated with better Gc. These results indicate that AAs were specific to each cognitive domain and ranked similar or higher in importance as several MCMs These results suggest that further investigation of AAs alongside associated MCMs is needed to assess the metabolic contribution to cognitive performance. Such research will help identify specific metabolic targets relating to cognition.
PERSISTENCE OF ACCELERATED VASCULAR AGING FOLLOWING THERAPY IN OLDER CANCER SURVIVORS
Authors: Carlson Barbara W , Craft Melissa , Funk-Lawler Rachel , Keepper Karla , Razaq Wajeeha , Csiszar Anna 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Chemotherapy destroys cells indiscriminantly and releases proinflammatory factors into the bloodstream that can adhere to endothelial cells (ECs); resulting in phenotypical changes consistent with “accelerated vascular aging”. This pilot study examined associations between markers of EC integrity, vascular aging, and cognition in 15 female breast cancer survivors 12–18 months after chemotherapy (median age: 57 years) and 2 non-cancer controls (58/59 years). EC integrity was evaluated using frequency-dependent electrical impedance (Z4000Hz) and levels of apoptosis (caspase-3/7), inflammation (NFkB activation), and oxidative stress (NRF2 activation) in cultured human endothelial cells (EC) exposed to the subject’s serum. Vascular aging was characterized by low serum insulin growth factor ([IGF1a] &lt;85mg/dL) and laterality in cerebral oxygenation (Lat-FLOX), an in-vivo marker of altered cerebral blood flow (near-infrared spectroscopy). Z4000Hz were higher in cells treated with serum from survivors (520-1100 ohms) than controls (400-450 ohms). Higher Z4000Hz was associated with higher amounts of EC oxidative stress (rNRF2= -.55), inflammation (rNFkB= .43), apoptosis (rcapsase=.76), and Lat-FLOX (r=.39). Higher Z4000Hz (r= -.48) and Lat-FLOX (r= -.66) were associated with lower cognitive function, as measured by the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MOCA). At lower Z4000Hz, combined Lat-FLOX and low IGF1a characterized persons with cognitive impairment (MOCA &lt; 26). These findings suggest that proinflammatory factors related to cancer and/or its treatment persist for months following active treatment. Cognitive symptoms occur when EC damage results in alterations in cerebral blood flow. With depletion of growth factors, like IGF-1, these symptoms may occur at lower levels of EC damage.
RELATION BETWEEN ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION AND AMNESTIC MILD COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT ACROSS TWO TIME POINTS
Authors: Vandiver Richard , Lyons Michael J , Cuthbert Kristy 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Previous research by the Vietnam Era Twin Study of Aging (VETSA) demonstrated an association between erectile dysfunction (ED) and cognitive functioning. That finding supports a hypothesis that cardiovascular dysfunction may underlie both ED and problems in cognitive functioning. The purpose of the current research was to extend these findings by investigating a putative association between ED and amnestic and non-amnestic mild cognitive impairment (MCI). MCI is of particular interest because of its relationship with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementing illnesses. VETSA is a longitudinal study of twins who served in the US military during the Vietnam conflict (N= 960) consisting of data collected at age 20 (enlistment), age 55 (VETSA 1), and 61 (VETSA 2). The results of the current analyses show that ED is related to both amnestic MCI (p=.032) and non-amnestic MCI (p=.009) at VETSA 1. At VETSA 2, however, the relationship between ED and non-amnestic MCI was no longer significant (p=.751) while the relationship between ED and amnestic MCI was stronger (p=.001). These results are consistent with ED and MCI sharing, to some extent, a common etiology. Vascular dysfunction, which is associated with both ED and MCI, is a plausible mechanism responsible for the observed relationship. These results also highlight the potential role that may be played by ED as an early indicator of cognitive impairment and, perhaps, pre-symptomatic AD.
THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN COGNITION, FUNCTIONAL ABILITIES, AND THE LATENT DEMENTIA PHENOTYPE AMONG CENTENARIANS
Authors: Sober Jonathan , Woodard John L , Miller L Stephen , Davey Adam , Martin Peter , Poon Leonard 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Adequate assessment of cognitive abilities and functional capacity is essential for a diagnosis of dementia. However, cognition is only moderately related to functional status, and this relationship is poorly understood among centenarians, a group of older adults with high risk for dementia. A bifactor structural equation model can be used to delineate the variance attributed to dementia-specific related cognitive changes (i.e., the latent variable delta) and the variance due to general intelligence (i.e., g’). This study aimed to determine the validity of delta as a marker of cognitive decline among centenarians. It was hypothesized that delta was correlated with cognitive status, functional abilities and, dementia severity. Overall, 244 community dwelling centenarians (Mage = 100.58, 84.8% female) were recruited through the Georgia Centenarian Study, a population-based study of octogenarians and centenarians from northern Georgia. Older adults were administered measures of cognition and a self-report measure of functional abilities. Latent variable scores (i.e., g’ and delta) were modeled and correlated with standard global cognitive screening measures (i.e., MMSE) and measures of dementia severity. Results indicate that delta was significantly correlated with functional ability and cognitive abilities. Consistent with our hypotheses, delta was also significantly related to dementia severity. Overall, estimates of the latent dementia phenotype, delta, were significantly related to cognitive and functional abilities among centenarians, providing validation of delta as a useful index of dementia severity.
EXPECTATIONS, ROLES, AND EXPERIENCES OF GRANDPARENT-CAREGIVERS OF CHILDREN WITH RARE DISEASE
Authors: Manalel Jasmine , Hollstein Betina , Koehly Laura M 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Grandparenting can be a rewarding and health-promoting experience for older adults. However, grandparent-caregivers often experience greater stress and poorer health relative to non-caregiving grandparents. Further, little is known about grandparents caring for a child with a rare, chronic illness. This study aimed to extend knowledge of the expectations, roles, and experiences of grandparents providing care to a child affected with an inherited metabolic condition. The sample included 23 grandparent-mother dyads from the Inherited Diseases, Caregiving, and Social Networks Study. The grandparent sub-sample ranged from 49 to 79 years of age (Mage = 64), the majority were female (83%) and married (74%), and almost half (48%) were retired. Social network assessments were analyzed to determine concordance between mother- and grandparent-reports of grandparents’ role in the child’s caregiving network. Fifteen mother-grandparent dyads (65%) agreed on grandparents’ role in the child’s network, with the majority of those (93%) considering the grandparent to be very close and important (versus less close or excluded from the caregiving network). Grandparents whose self-reports of their role in their child’s caregiving networks were consistent with mother-reports appeared more likely to report that they spend enough time caregiving than those whose reports were inconsistent. Content analysis of grandparents’ interviews provided supporting information about the joys and regrets of their grandparenting experience and perspectives on caregiving expectations. This research leverages multi-informant social network and qualitative data to illuminate grandparents’ role in the caregiving networks of chronically ill children and adaptation to non-normative grandparenting experiences.
SOCIAL ISOLATION, LONELINESS, AND CAREGIVER BURDEN AMONG PAID AND UNPAID CAREGIVERS OF HOMEBOUND OLDER ADULTS
Authors: Sun Amy Y , Finkelstein Emily , Ouchida Karin 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Caregivers of homebound older adults may have high levels of burden and more vulnerability to social isolation and loneliness, given that their care recipients are more physically frail and isolated. Existing literature has not fully investigated differences between paid and unpaid caregiver burden or their experiences of social isolation. We interviewed paid (n=21) and unpaid family caregivers (n=22) of homebound older adults in a hospital-affiliated geriatric house call program. We used validated survey instruments to measure social isolation, loneliness, and caregiver burden, and semi-structured interviews to solicit qualitative data. In our sample, 42% of caregivers helped with 5+ ADLs and 58% with 5+ iADLs. Using the Caregiver Burden Inventory, burden types between caregivers were compared with chi-squared tests. Compared to paid caregivers, unpaid family caregivers experienced more “developmental” burden such as “missing out on life” (p&lt;0.01). Paid caregivers exhibited more “time” burden, such as “not having a minute’s break from caregiving responsibilities” (p&lt;0.01). 44% of caregivers were considered socially isolated according to the Berkman-Syme Social Index. However, using the UCLA 3-item Loneliness Scale, few caregivers felt lonely (14%). Thematic analysis revealed that family caregivers desired support groups but time pressures limited their participation (23%). Interestingly, smart phones were regularly cited as a tool for alleviating loneliness for paid caregivers when alone on the job (19%), a novel finding. Findings suggest that caregivers of the chronically ill and physically isolated may be at particular risk of social isolation. Network based social support interventions may mitigate some of these vulnerabilities.
FEASIBILITY OF A TABLET DESIGNED FOR OLDER ADULTS TO FACILITATE TELEMEDICINE VISITS
Authors: Perissinotto Carla , Zhang Cai , Oseau Tim , Balik Danielle , Sou Caroline , Burnight Claire , Burnight Kerry 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Introduction: By incorporating age-friendly technology into the care of older adults with high utilization, providers can address complex care needs more efficiently and urgently. Age-friendly technology has the potential to alleviate loneliness that occur with homebound older adults and affect healthcare outcomes. Specific Aims: 1) To evaluate the feasibility of integrating age-friendly telemedicine in a homebased primary care setting using. 2) To evaluate the effects of engaging older adults with age-friendly technology to address loneliness. Methods: UCSF Geriatric Medicine provided GrandPads to 21 patients ages 60 to 94 over a one year period. All research participants were community residing, predominantly low income, and homebound. There was no charge to the patients for the GrandPad. Providers who used the GrandPad with their patients were queried on their experiences. Patient questionnaires included a telemedicine readiness survey, satisfaction and UCLA 3-item loneliness scale. GrandPad tablets are commercially available and underwent an evaluation with the IT Security Risk Assessments team. Results: 100% of providers who used grandpad felt was easy to use and efficient. 83% felt the platform was easier than other platforms. 83% of patients felt the grandpad helped them connect to their providers and 82.5% felt the grandpad was easy to use and 78% felt more connected as a result of using grandpad. Conclusion: Patients and providers are satisfied with an older adults friendly tablet and it can easily be implemented in health care settings. Grandpads may also help older adults feel more connected.
DEPRESSION AND COGNITIVE DECLINE OF OLDER ADULTS IN THE TRANSITION TO WIDOWHOOD
Authors: Zhao Feng , Martin Peter , Lee Gina 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
This study examined the trajectories of depression and cognitive function in the transition to widowhood and investigated the temporal and causal relationship between these two closely related constructs. Respondents were 1,822 widowed adults aged 51 to 91 from a restructured data set (Wave 3 to Wave 12) of the Health and Retirement Study. The results of cross-lagged panel analysis indicated a bidirectional relationship between depressive symptoms and cognition decline, but the effects of cognitive impairment at earlier time points on later depression were larger than the effects of previous depressive symptoms on later cognition. The latent growth curve analysis showed that the cognitive function declined over time, whereas the initial level of depressive symptoms first increased following widowhood and gradually decreased over time. Significant negative associations were found between the initial levels of depression and cognitive function (p &lt; .001) and between the rates of change of these two variables (p = .025). Older adults tended to have lower initial level of cognitive function and they showed faster cognitive decline over time. Female respondents were more likely to report more depressive symptoms and higher cognitive function. White respondents were more likely to report fewer depressive symptoms and higher levels of cognitive function. Higher levels of education were protective for one’s cognitive function but not for depressive symptoms. The study highlighted the reciprocal relationship between depression and cognitive function following widowhood and pointed out that accelerated cognitive decline may precede elevated levels of depression.
DUAL IMPACTS ON MEANING IN LIFE IN OLDER PERSONS VOLUNTEERING FOR ELDERLY MENTAL HEALTH PROGRAM
Authors: Leung Dara K Y , Sing Joyce , Sze Lesley , Tang Jessica , Lu Shiyu , Liu Tianyin , Wong Gloria H Y , Lum Terry 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Volunteering provides sense of meaning in life. The impact of volunteering on different dimensions of meaning in life and the mechanisms explaining the effects have been rarely researched. This study examined the effects and the mechanism of a formal volunteering program for mental health in older persons, including training, service provision, and supervision, on two dimensions of meaning in life — presence of meaning and searching for meaning — among senior volunteers. A mixed method study was conducted. 103 volunteers (average age=63.3±6.6) completed assessments at three time points: before and after the training, and one-year after service provision. They self-assessed Meaning in Life Questionnaire (MLQ) and reported time use in different tasks. 26 of them participated in focus groups discussing their experience in the program. Volunteers’ search for meaning differed between time points (F(1.87,173.81)=3.20, p&lt;.01) while presence of meaning persisted. Search for meaning reduced from before the training to after service provision (p&lt;.05) as revealed by post-hoc tests. Proportion of home visit during service provision explained 2.7% of the variance of presence of meaning before and after service provision (R2=0.05, F(6,74)=1.376, p&lt;.05). Findings from focus groups revealed that application of trained skills and building trusting relationship with their clients via home visits are sources of meaning. Formal volunteering may have dual impacts on meaning in life in older age: reducing search for meaning and maintaining presence of meaning. For senior volunteers, being able to apply what they learn and building social connects are the key factors for attaining meaning.
CAREGIVERS: PURPOSEFUL AGING LOS ANGELES (PALA) SURVEY OF CITY AND COUNTY EMPLOYEES
Authors: Aguilar Iris , Lloyd Donald A , Trejo Laura , Aranda Maria P 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
The City and County of Los Angeles Age-Friendly Cities initiative, Purposeful Aging Los Angeles (PALA), 2017 needs assessment included an online survey of the workforce expected to implement age friendly policies and programs. The study aim was to describe the rate and characteristics of family caregivers within in the City and County workforce (employees). The overall response rate was 6.5% (City 4.5%, County 7.5%) for a final sample size of 9,071. The family caregiver category was derived from the following survey questions: 1) Are you or someone else in your home caring for a family member or friends who are experiencing problems/thinking that is affecting their ability to work or live a normal life? and 2) Are you a family caregiver? The analysis revealed that 34% of all respondents were family caregivers and of those, 53% cared for adults and 12% cared for children under the age of 18 (minors). Of the 53% caregiving for adults, 40% cared for someone with memory/thinking problems including but not limited to dementia (cognitive impairment). 15% of caregivers of minors were also taking care of an adult with cognitive impairment. The current caregiving research literature suggests that family caregivers experience higher rates of depression, anxiety, and social isolation due to the caregiving demands. Caregiving demands have the potential to create work-family conflicts that are important for employers to consider when designing wellness programs, and other supportive programs. It is critical to identify ways to address caregiving implications on social services, healthcare, and the environment.
THE CEREBELLUM MAY MITIGATE OBESITY-DRIVEN COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT IN LATE LIFE
Authors: Garbarino Valentina R , Baeuerle Eric , Orr Miranda E 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Mice that overexpress mutant human tau in forebrain neurons develop many features of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), including behavioral impairments and neurodegeneration by 5 months of age. While an appropriate model to study AD-like pathology, the transgene’s high neurotoxicity makes it difficult to investigate how aging impacts AD onset and progression. The removal of endogenous mouse tau decreases the transgene’s neurotoxicity in young mice, which has allowed us to age mice to 20 months of age and investigate behavior at a more AD-relevant stage of life. Interestingly, the tau transgenic mice show increased discrimination between familiar and unfamiliar objects than non-transgenic littermates (p = 0.02) suggesting tau transgenic mice have better memory. The transgenic mice also displayed increased physical activity in the Open Field Test than non-transgenic littermates (distance traveled, p = 0.0102, and gait speed, p = 0.0219). Their improved behavioral performance occurred despite significant forebrain atrophy (20% smaller, p=0.0003). Interestingly, the non-transgenic control mice lacking endogenous mouse tau developed insulin resistance and obesity, and had significantly smaller cerebellum than transgenic mice (10% smaller, p = 0.0007). These data suggest that insulin resistance and obesity contribute more profoundly to poor behavioral performance than forebrain neurodegeneration. Moreover our study suggests that the cerebellum, recognized primarily for its role in coordination and motor function, may be an important mediator of late life cognitive function, especially in the presence of insulin resistance and obesity.
PRIMING OF MICROGLIA ACTIVITY INCREASES SUSCEPTIBILITY TO DEPRESSION-LIKE BEHAVIORS
Authors: Frolinger Tal , Iqbal Umar , Pasinetti Giulio M 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
This study investigates the role of microglia activity in stress-induced depression and anxiety and the mechanisms associated with the role of certain microbiome derived anti-inflammatory polyphenols in attenuating stress-induced microglia immune priming and symptoms of depression. We implemented a chronic unpredictable stress (CUS) paradigm to exhibit priming of microglia innate immunity in the context of the onset of depression and anxiety phenotypes. Mechanistic studies related to prophylactic treatment using dietary microbiome derived polyphenols were also investigated in this model. Depression and anxiety phenotypes, gene expression in microglia and protein expression in the cortex of mice were measured following a primary exposure to short-term unpredictable stress (US) followed by CUS. We examined the long-term, persistent CUS induced changes at 4-weeks of post-stress rest following a secondary US exposure. We found depression phenotypes resulted from US only following exposure to CUS. This was accompanied by an increase and persistent upregulation of toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), RAGE, and HMGB1 gene expression in isolated cortical microglia. Priming by CUS also amplified gene expression of IL-1β in microglia and protein IL-1β in the cerebral cortex following US re-exposure. Increased activity of NF-kB was also noted in the period following CUS. Furthermore, polyphenol treatment prevented stress-induced phenotypes, upregulation of HMGB1, IL-1B, and TLR4 gene expression, as well as upregulation of IL-1β and NF-kB. The study suggests that latent activity of the TLR4-NFkB-IL1β pathway contributes to immune priming and increases susceptibility to depression-like behaviors. Anti-depressant effects of polyphenols may result from their ability to attenuate microglia priming.
NEW APPROACH TO STUDYING COLLECTIVE EFFECTS OF GENETIC FACTORS ON ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE
Authors: Yashin Anatoliy , Wu Deqing , Arbeev Konstantin , Akushevich Igor , Yashkin Arseniy , Duan Matt , Stallard Eric , Ukraintseva Svetlana 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Despite the wide recognition of the multifactorial nature of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), mechanisms of the collective influence of genetic and environmental factors on AD remain poorly understood. We used the Cardiovascular Health Study (CHS) and Framingham Heart Study (FHS) data to investigate the effects of genetic and gene-environment interactions on AD prevalence in the association analysis using logistic regression. Based on results of this analysis, we developed several new measures of integrated effects of SNPs, including for specific gene or group of genes, by constructing SNP-specific Interaction Polygenic Risk Scores (SIPRSs), Gene-specific Interaction Polygenic Risk Scores (GIPRS), and Trait-specific Interaction Polygenic Risk Scores (TIPRS), and tested them in the above data. We found strong interaction effects on AD among the SNPs in NRG3 gene and smoking, and among the SNPs in ATM and creatinine. In summary, we developed a new approach to measuring the collective impact of SNPs on complex traits, and discovered significant effects of the newly constructed SIPRS, GIPRS, and TIPRS on AD prevalence. The results of this study open a new opportunity of investigating the joint impacts of genetic and environmental factors on AD and other phenotypes of aging and health.