bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Impact of COVID-19 on Informal Caregivers’ Health Behaviors
Authors: Greaney Mary , Kunicki Zachary , Drohan Megan , Cohen Steven 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
The population of older adults aged 65+ in the US is projected to increase from 15% to 21% in the next 30 years. Aging in place provides cost-savings and familiarity to the older adult, but often requires informal caregivers. Informal caregivers, individuals who provide unpaid care of assistance to family members and friends may have been uniquely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and shelter-at-home orders. Research is needed to examine how the pandemic impacted caregivers’ caregiving responsibilities and health behaviors (e.g., physical activity, sedentary time, fruit and vegetable intake, snacking, etc.) as this information will be invaluable to determine if health promotion interventions are needed for informal caregivers. Self-reported data were gathered from informal caregivers providing care to someone aged 50+ (n=835) through Amazon’s Mechanical Turk. Respondents reported their current and pre-pandemic health behaviors and demographics. Chi-square tests were used to examine bivariate associations between pandemic time (pre vs. post) and each examined behavior. The analysis identified some positive health behavior changes due to the pandemic: caregivers felt since the pandemic they ate more fruits and vegetables (p &lt; .001), walked more, exercised more (p &lt; .001), increased amounts of sleep (p &lt; .001), and higher sleep quality (p &lt; .001). However, respondents also had more screen time (p &lt; .001) and sedentary time (p &lt; .001). Future planned analyses will focus on examining whether these changes were consistent across all sociodemographic subgroups of caregivers and whether they persist after the pandemic recedes.
Anti-Aging Effects of Hydrophobic and Hydrophilic Components From Immature Pear Fruits Extract
Authors: Ogita Akira , Murata Wakae , Yamauchi Ken , Sakai Akiko , Yamaguchi Yoshihiro , Tanaka Toshio , Fujita Ken-ichi 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Cellular senescence, the decline of cellular function due to aging, causes gradual loss of physiological functions and induces some chronic diseases, which negatively affect the quality of human life. Intervention in the cellular senescence process may reduce these incidences and delay the progression of age-related diseases, thereby contributing to the longevity of human lifespan. The budding yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, is a model system that can provide significant insights into the genetics and molecular biology of senescence and is a suitable cellular model for research on mammalian cells. In the 2019 GSA meeting, we had revealed that the prolongation of yeast cell lifespan was induced by the addition of immature pear fruits extracts (iPE). In this study, we have focused on investigating the anti-senescence effects of hydrophilic (WiPE) and hydrophobic (OiPE) components of iPE on yeast cells and their genes and their possible application in extending human lifespan. The anti-aging effects of iPE were investigated using a chronological lifespan assay on S. cerevisiae cells. The chronological lifespan of the yeast was significantly extended in those treated with both WiPE and OiPE at 1% (v/v). The expression of sirtuin-related genes, which regulate cellular senescence, was examined by RT-PCR. Interestingly, gene expression was found to be significantly increased only in WiPE treated cells. The results suggested that the different polarity components from iPE exhibited anti-aging effects on the cells via different mechanisms. Research on the identification of useful components in iPE and the possibility of application to mammalian cells is ongoing.
Content Analysis of Church Leaders’ Perceptions and Attitudes Toward Dementia
Authors: Foster Kimberly , Epps Fayron 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Individuals with dementia face many challenges, including the reactions others have to their diagnoses and associated symptoms. Those affected by dementia often seek support from their faith communities and find many of their faith leaders are unable to respond to their needs due to a lack of awareness. In an effort to transform the perception of dementia within the faith community, dementia educational workshops for church leaders were held at three African American churches in Metropolitan Atlanta. As part of the dementia workshop education, an exercise was used to assess attendees’ perceptions and attitudes toward dementia pre and post workshop. One hundred and eight participants took part in this exercise. At the beginning and end of the workshop, participants were asked to write a word or short phrase that came to mind when they thought of dementia. Qualitative content analysis was conducted and 15 codes were extracted and categorized into 3 groups: positive (e.g., supportive); negative (e.g., horrified); and neutral (e.g., information-seeking). Before the workshop, participant responses trended towards negative responses (e.g., fear, loss, damn). After the workshop, participants expressed in writing more neutral and positive phrases and words (e.g., support, hopefulness, caring). The findings indicate that with training, church leaders can change their perceptions and attitudes toward dementia to a more accepting and positive stance. Ultimately, continued education in the faith communities may allow for families affected by dementia to feel comfortable seeking help from their church, a very important resource in their community.
Sex Differences in Energetic Cost of Walking and Later-Life Function and Physical Activity Patterns
Authors: Peterson Matthew , Byrd Kira , Frohle Andrew 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Aerobic fitness is a strong predictor of functional independence with aging. Variability in aerobic fitness is due, in part, to the efficiency of the movement of body mass while ambulating [energetic cost of walking (ECoW)]. ECoW may serve as a low burden measure of fitness compared to volitional treadmill tests. We assessed the predictive ability of ECoW with later-life function and physical activity participation in healthy adults. N=75 (age = 54.7 +/- 9.2; 52% female) completed a treadmill test with indirect calorimetry, during which time a warm-up of 1.5 mph at 0% grade was uniform. ECoW was quantified as steady state volume of oxygen consumption (ml/kg/min) subtracted by the calculated metabolic cost of walking at given speed and grade (=7.5 ml/kg/min). Later-life (median=9 years follow-up) function was assessed using the SF-36 physical functioning subscale, and the Baecke questionnaire for physical activity. Mean EcoW was similar to calculated cost (difference = -0.14 ml/kg/min) but had large variation (SD = 2.7; range = -4.4 to +17 ml/kg/min). In females, higher ECoW was predictive of better later-life function (b=1.9; p=0.04) and higher physical activity levels (b=0.09; p=0.001). In males, lower ECoW was predictive of higher physical activity levels only (b=-0.04; p=0.01). All models controlled for % body fat, age, and comorbidities. Surprisingly, in females, higher ECoW was associated with better later-life health outcomes. We hypothesize that this phenomenon may be similar to the obesity paradox, in that relatively higher non-metabolic tissue in females may serve as a stimulus for muscle and functional preservation.
Association of Brain Natriuretic Peptide With Mortality in Exceptionally Long-Lived Families
Authors: Kuipers Allison , Boudreau Robert , Feitosa Mary , Galvin Angeline , Thygarajan Bharat , Zmuda Joseph 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Natriuretic peptides are produced within the heart and released in response to increased chamber wall tension and heart failure (HF). N-Terminal prohormone Brain Natriuretic Peptide (NT-proBNP) is a specific natriuretic peptide commonly assayed in persons at risk for HF. In these individuals, NT-proBNP is associated with future disease prognosis and mortality. However, its association with mortality among healthy older adults remains unknown. Therefore, we determined the association of NT-proBNP with all-cause mortality over a median follow-up of 10 years in 3253 individuals free from HF at baseline in the Long Life Family Study, a study of families recruited for exceptional longevity. We performed cox proportional hazards analysis (coxme in R) for time-to event (mortality), adjusted for field center, familial relatedness, age, sex, education, smoking, alcohol, physical activity, BMI, diabetes, hypertension, and cancer. In addition, we performed secondary analyses among individuals (N=2457) within the normal NT-proBNP limits at baseline (&lt;125pg/ml aged &lt;75 years; &lt;450pg/ml aged ≥75 years). Overall, individuals were aged 32-110 years (median 67 years; 44% male), had mean NT-proBNP of 318.5 pg/ml (median 91.0 pg/ml) and 1066 individuals (33%) died over the follow-up period. After adjustment, each 1 SD greater baseline NT-proBNP was associated with a 1.30-times increased hazard of mortality (95% CI: 1.24-1.36; P&lt;0.0001). Results were similar in individuals with normal baseline NT-proBNP (HR: 1.21; 95% CI: 1.11-1.32; P&lt;0.0001). These results suggest that NT-proBNP is a strong and specific biomarker for mortality in older adults independent of current health status, even in those with clinically-defined normal NT-proBNP.
Using Quality Measurement to Support Healthy Aging: The Adult Immunization Status Composite Measure
Authors: Barbera Courtney 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Vaccine-preventable diseases remain a significant public health threat, especially for older adults and those with compromised immunity. Efforts to drive vaccine uptake can include quality measures, which help providers, health care organizations, payers, and others to benchmark and track immunization activities. To help address low immunization rates in adults, the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) released the Adult Immunization Status (AIS) composite measure, which calculates a single rate for health plan performance on influenza, Td/Tdap, shingles, and pneumococcal immunizations. Discern Health and the American Medical Group Association (AMGA) performed a mixed-methods study using de-identified patient data from three healthcare organizations to analyze feasibility of the AIS measure in quality programs at the medical group-level. The team also team conducted qualitative interviews with the organizations to understand best practices for improving immunization rates in adults. The study showed that the AIS measure is feasible for use at the medical-group level. It also revealed that adults 50 years of age and older were less likely to receive all age-appropriate vaccinations than those younger than 50. These findings indicate that there is a significant gap in rates of immunizations among older adults and point to potential solutions that can be supported through use of the AIS measure.
Preserving the Activities of Daily Living Independence in Late Life
Authors: Tsai Pao-feng , Jakobs Thomas , Landes Reid 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Levels of Assistance (LoA) is an effective caregiving intervention for maintaining activity of daily living (ADL) independence. It is a structured, almost prescriptive, approach to encourage completing ADLs as independently as an elder’s capabilities permit. With appropriate prompts and assistance during dressing, elders can overcome disability, express retained competencies, and experience success. Simultaneously, caregivers learn to view their functions as maintaining the quality of life of able elders, and they receive reinforcement from elders who are more confident and happier. This study is a continuation of a previous project that created and tested a computer application training program for LoA in nursing homes. We refined the app to include grooming LoA and tested on 10 certified nursing assistant (CNA)/resident dyads at a local nursing home. The pilot results showed, although we did not see consistent improvement in CNA’s dressing LoA, we achieved 10% to 30% improvement in grooming LoA. This indicates that the dressing assistance training is able to transfer to grooming LoA. With only an average of one-hour app training, this improvement is cost effective as compared to training provided by care professionals. Future studies should consider incorporating a culture change strategy to improve CNAs’ intention for assisting elders. In addition, the training program should be offered in the initial hire to achieve maximum effect.
Qualitative Assessment of Resident Obesity in Nursing Homes by Medical Providers
Authors: Harris John , Handler Steven , Trinkoff Alison , Wolf David , Castle Nicholas 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
We present qualitative themes from an ongoing five-year AHRQ-funded project (R01HS026943) examining the various ways nursing homes provide care for residents with obesity to determine the most effective way to prevent adverse safety events for residents with obesity. Obesity is a common diagnosis among short- and long-stay residents, and in the past, nursing home administrators have reported concerns from admissions issues to negative resident outcomes. No studies have examined the medical provider’s perspective on health of residents with obesity. In this abstract, we present three emergent themes from semi-structured interviews of medical providers (n=6) (nursing home medical directors, staff physicians, nurse practitioners) across the U.S. First, residents with obesity often have several complex and challenging medical conditions that require more services and health monitoring than most residents. Significant medical issues include diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, arthritis, and sleep apnea. Second, medical providers observe that it is difficult to provide daily custodial and nursing care, but the actual medical harm from substandard care is hard to quantify. Third, medical providers would like to help residents with obesity to lose weight and live healthier lives. There is, however, not an easy way to facilitate weight loss, due to limited resident physical activity, concerns about unhealthy weight loss, and difficulty changing established dietary habits of residents. These findings are limited by sample size, though themes have been consistent within the current participants. Comparing and contrasting these themes with other stakeholder groups (residents, nurse aides, administrators) interviews in the future will strengthen these findings.
Differences in Cause-Specific Mortality Between Frail Men and Women in the United States
Authors: Lohman Matthew , Sonnega Amanda , Leggett Amanda , Resciniti Nicholas 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
While frailty is associated with risk of numerous adverse health outcomes including mortality, little is known about the most common specific causes of death among frail older adults or how these causes might differ by gender. This information may be important to understanding the frailty syndrome and to informing screening and treatment. We used linked data from the Health and Retirement Study (2004 – 2012) and the National Death Index (NDI). We analyzed data from HRS participants age 65 and older who completed a general health interview and physiological measures (n=10,490). Frailty was operationalized using the phenotype criteria – low weight, low energy expenditure, exhaustion, slow gait, and weakness. Causes of death were determined using International Classification of Diseases (v10) codes from death certificates. We used Cox proportional hazards to compare incidence of cause-specific mortality by frailty status and gender. The attributable risk of mortality due to frailty in the sample was 16.6% among women and 17.3% among men. Overall, frail older adults had greater risk of death from heart disease (hazard ratio (HR): 2.97; 95% CI: 2.18, 4.04), cancer (HR: 2.81; 95% CI: 2.01, 3.93), and dementia 2.86 (95% CI: 1.46, 5.58) but not cerebrovascular disease or accidents. Frail women were more approximately 29% more likely to die from heart disease than frail men. Findings suggest that frailty is a significant risk factor for mortality from several different causes, especially among women. Findings may help inform screening and treatment decisions for older adults at risk for frailty.
Assessing Alzheimer’s Disease Specific Barriers to Enrollment in an Observational Actigraphy Study
Authors: Losinski Genna , Laffer Alex , Hicks Hilary , Watts Amber 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
There are unique challenges to recruit and enroll individuals with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) into research studies, and typical barriers to participation include the need for study partner involvement, use of invasive procedures (e.g., lumbar punctures), and lack of awareness of ongoing research. Failure to enroll this population impacts generalizability and external validity of results. The current study sought to explore reasons for non-participation in individuals with AD enrolled in the University of Kansas Alzheimer’s Disease Center (ADC) Registry. Participants were approached at their annual registry visit and asked to participate in an observational sub-study that utilized wrist-worn actigraphy to measure physical activity and sleep over a one-week period. Of the thirty-six non-participation encounters that were recorded over a 2.5 year data collection period, 28% were never recruited due to appointment cancellation, rescheduling, or no-show. Of the remaining encounters, the three most common reasons for non-participation included: physical limitations of individuals with AD (15%), unknown (28%), and study partner concerns regarding use of technology in individuals with impaired cognition due to AD (25%). Multiple study partners were concerned that the individual with AD would lose the watch, remove the watch from the wrist, or become irritated while wearing it. Findings suggest that the use of technology such as actigraphy presents an additional barrier to enrollment that is unique to individuals with AD. Future studies should consider potential interventions to address study partner concerns regarding use of technology in individuals with AD.
Can Social Connections Improve Dementia Knowledge Among Homebound Community-Dwelling Older African Americans?
Authors: Dowling Maritza , Dodge Hiroko , Puente Antonio , Lunsford Beverly 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Despite the clear and compelling association between social connections and well-being, the underlying mechanisms that help stave off adverse health impacts are not well understood, particularly among older adults in disadvantaged groups. Social relationships in older age may be instrumental for exchanging and gaining knowledge that further influence health and help increase awareness about misconceptions and lifestyle behaviors known to delay or reduce cognitive decline. This study used cross-sectional survey data from 147(aged 58-90 years; 75% female) low-income African American homebound community dwellers to investigate heterogeneity in dementia literacy profiles and its association with social connectedness. Eleven items (false=0, true=1, don’t know=2) from a validated instrument were used to measure dementia literacy (DL). The Lubben’s social network scale was used for a social connectedness construct. We employed a 2-stage latent class modeling approach to examine heterogeneity in DL and estimate the regressions among the derived classes and the predictors (social connectedness, education level and age). A 3-class model produced a reasonable fit and classification (entropy=0.852) of “dementia literacy patterns” labeled as (high-literacy:37%), moderate-literacy:45.2%), low-literacy:17.8%)). Social connectedness was highly predictive of class membership. A high level of social relationships increased the probability of being in the “high-dementia-literacy” class compared to the “low-dementia-literacy” class (OR=2.189, p=0.016). For a unit increase in social connectedness, the odds of being in the “high-dementia-literacy” class compared to the “low-dementia-literacy” class increased by a factor of 2.2. Tailored and focused interventions to reduce social disconnectedness may also help increase dementia awareness and reduce barriers to early diagnosis.
Shear wave structure of southern Sweden from precise phase-velocity measurements of ambient-noise data
Authors: Sadeghisorkhani Hamzeh , Gudmundsson Ólafur , Li Ka Lok , Tryggvason Ari , Lund Björn , Högdahl Karin 
Published: December 2020

SUMMARY
Rayleigh-wave phase-velocity tomography of southern Sweden is presented using ambient seismic noise at 36 stations (630 station pairs) of the Swedish National Seismic Network. We analyse 1 yr (2012) of continuous recordings to get the first crustal image based on the ambient-noise method in the area. Time-domain cross-correlations of the vertical component between the stations are computed. Phase-velocity dispersion curves are measured in the frequency domain by matching zero crossings of the real spectra of cross-correlations to the zero crossings of the zeroth-order Bessel function of the first kind. We analyse the effect of uneven source distributions on the phase-velocity dispersion curves and correct for the estimated velocity bias before tomography. To estimate the azimuthal source distribution to determine the bias, we perform inversions of amplitudes of cross-correlation envelopes in a number of period ranges. Then, we invert the measured and bias-corrected dispersion curves for phase-velocity maps at periods between 3 and 30 s. In addition, we investigate the effects of phase-velocity bias corrections on the inverted tomographic maps. The difference between bias-corrected and -uncorrected phase-velocity maps is small (&lt;1.2 per cent), but the correction significantly reduces the residual data variance at long periods where the bias is biggest. To obtain a shear velocity model, we invert for a 1-D velocity profile at each geographical node. The results show some correlation with surface geology, regional seismicity and gravity anomalies in the upper crust. Below the upper crust, the results agree well with results from other seismological methods.
Branched I antigen regulated cell susceptibility against natural killer cytotoxicity through its N-linked glycosylation and overall expression
Authors: Wu Yu-Xuan , Lu Hsu-Feng , Lin Yen-Hsi , Chuang Hui-Yu , Su Shih-Chi , Liao Yi-Jen , Twu Yuh-Ching 
Published: December 2020

AbstractCell surface glycosylation has been known as an important modification process that can be targeted and manipulated by malignant cells to escape from host immunosurveillance. We previously showed that the blood group branched I antigen on the leukemia cell surface can regulate the cell susceptibility against natural killer (NK) cell-mediated cytotoxicity through interfering target–NK interaction. In this work, we first identified N-linkage as the major glycosylation linkage type for branched I glycan formation on leukemia cells, and this linkage was responsible for cell sensitivity against therapeutic NK-92MI targeting. Secondly, by examining different leukemia cell surface death receptors, we showed death receptor Fas had highest expressions in both Raji and TF-1a cells. Mutations on two Fas extracellular N-linkage sites (118 and 136) for glycosylation impaired activation of Fas-mediated apoptosis during NK-92MI cytotoxicity. Last, we found that the surface I antigen expression levels enable leukemia cells to respond differently against NK-92MI targeting. In low I antigen expressing K-562 cell, reduction of I antigen presence greatly reduced leukemia cell susceptibility against NK-92MI targeting. But in other high I antigen expressing leukemia cells, similar reduction in I antigen expression did not affect cell susceptibility.