bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
VIDEODINING IN OLDER ADULTS AGING IN PLACE: A FEASIBILITY AND ACCEPTABILITY STUDY
Authors: Barre Laura K , Coupal Sarah , Young Tara 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Loneliness and a loss of commensality contribute to the decline in nutritional status observed in older adults. The use of video chatting while dining, i.e. “VideoDining”, provides an opportunity for older adults to eat with another person virtually while dining at home. We tested the acceptability and feasibility of VideoDining in older adults receiving Meals on Wheels (MOW) and explored whether it changed meal intake. Participants were recruited from a rural county in NY and ate their MOW meal while VideoDining with a companion diner at a different location. To assess acceptability, we conducted semi-structured qualitative interviews with each participant and companion diners completed a written survey. The amount of the VideoDining meal consumed was compared to usual intake from three days of food records. 140 MOW clients were contacted,13 agreed to participate and 10 completed the VideoDining experience. Barriers to participation included being uncomfortable with the technology, lack of internet service and illness. Participants were 80% female, 100% white, and all lived alone. Average meal length was 39 minutes and 40% ate more than usual, 30% ate the same, and 30% ate less. Reasons for eating less included being nervous and eating when not their usual mealtime. All participants reported they would VideoDine again and companion diners rated the overall experience a 9.2 out of 10. Older adults are able to VideoDine with a new acquaintance and have a positive experience. Further study is needed to determine if VideoDining can increase dietary intake and decrease loneliness in older adults.
MISSING VALUE IMPUTATION VIA GRAPH COMPLETION IN QUESTIONNAIRE SCORES FROM PERSONS WITH DEMENTIA
Authors: Kan Chen , Kim Won Hwa , Xu Ling , Fields Noelle L 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Background: Questionnaires are widely used to evaluate cognitive functions, depression, and loneliness of persons with dementia (PWDs). Successful assessment and treatment of dementia hinge on effective analysis of PWDs’ answers. However, many studies, especially pilot ones, are with small sample sizes. Further, most of them contain missing data as PWDs skip some study sessions due to their clinical conditions. Conventional imputation strategies are not well-suited as bias will be introduced because of insufficient samples. Method: A novel machine learning framework was developed based on harmonic analysis on graphs to robustly handle missing values. Participants were first embedded as nodes in the graph with edges derived by their similarities based on demographic information, activities of daily living, etc. Then, questionnaire scores with missing values were regarded as a function on the nodes, and they were estimated based on spectral analysis of the graph with a smoothness constraint. The proposed approach was evaluated using data from our pilot study of dementia subjects (N=15) with 15% data missing. Result: A few complete variables (binary or ordinal) were available for all participants. For each variable, we randomly removed 5 scores to mimic missing values. With our approach, we could recover all missing values with 90% accuracy on average. We were also able to impute the actual missing values in the dataset within reasonable ranges. Conclusion: Our proposed approach imputes missing values with high accuracy despite the small sample size. The proposed approach will significantly boost statistical power of various small-scale studies with missing data.
U-EXCEL’S “@ HOME” PROGRAM: STAFF SUPPORTED BALANCE EXERCISE INTERVENTION AND ADHERENCE FOR LIFE CARE RESIDENTS
Authors: Gugliucci Marilyn R , Robertson Erica , Cronkright Ashley , Jagannathan Sujaay 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Introduction: The University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine U-ExCEL Program was established in 2006 and specializes in older adult fitness and balance programming. Falls account for $54 billion costs in direct and Indirect costs. Methods: This randomized control single blinded pilot project included an 8 week intervention to measure the impact of supported consistent individual balance programming in individuals’ apartments for a select group of older adults residing in a life care living environment. Twenty residents (75-92 y/o) were recruited, however 12 participants (6 intervention/6 control group) participated in the study. The remaining 8 participants were pulled from the wait list as attrition occurred. Demographic data collection and 6 validated assessments were conducted at baseline and at study completion. The intervention group conducted the Balancing Act (Falls Prevention) Program 3 times/week with social support. The control group only received social support. Data analysis included descriptive statistics, SAS 5.1 was used for non-parametric Mann-Whitney U Test (Wilcoxon Rank Sum Test); a repeated measures ANOVA was also conducted. Results: The effects of the intervention (Balancing Act Program) on Oxygen Saturation (p=0.009), Wong Baker Score (p=0.008), and the Rapid Assessment of Physical Activity (RAPA) 2 (p=0.008) test were statistically significant. The effect of the intervention on all other variables was not statistically significant including validated balance measures. Conclusion: Quantitative measures failed so show significant improvement in balance from the start to the end of the intervention; however improvements were experienced and expressed by the intervention group. Social Support is necessary for adherence.
UNDERSTANDING BARRIERS TO PALLIATIVE CARE USE AMONG ASIAN AMERICANS: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW
Authors: Rhee Min Kyoung , Jang Yuri , Liu Mona , Haley William E , Enguidanos Susan 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Despite the well-documented clinical and public health impacts of palliative care on older patients’ end of life experiences, racial and ethnic disparities in palliative care use still remain. However, empirical evidence on the sources of disparities is lacking, particularly for Asian Americans. Given the rapid growth and increasing cultural diversity of the older Asian population in the United States, a systematic review was conducted to provide a comprehensive overview of the best available evidence on the barriers to palliative care use among Asian Americans. Search was conducted using six electronic databases (PubMed, CINAHL, PsycINFO, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar), and all procedures of the study have been guided by Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis Protocols (PRISMA-P). A total of 23 studies published in the U.S. since 1998 were included. Individual level barriers to palliative care service use among Asian Americans identified by the study included lack of palliative care knowledge, lack of insurance, cultural beliefs, language barrier, attitude toward death, family centered decision-making. Provider level barriers included lack of training and experience about palliative care, patient-provider discordance in language and culture, and absence of policy or guidance for providers. Although racial disparities in palliative care for Asian Americans were evident, Asian Americans were underrepresented in palliative research. Future research effort should be directed toward the development of culturally sensitive palliative care services and policies that reduce racial and ethnic specific barriers.
THE ASSOCIATION BETWEEN PHYSICAL FRAILTY AND DEPRESSIVE SYMPTOMS: DOES SOCIAL SUPPORT MATTER?
Authors: Liang Shuting , Kong Dexia , Dong XinQi 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
This research will present the association between physical frailty and depressive symptoms among U.S. Chinese older adults, and the extent to which social support moderates the relationship. Cross-sectional data were obtained from the Population Study of Chinese Elderly in Chicago collected between 2011 and 2013 (N=3,157). Physical frailty was assessed by the Short Performance Physical Battery (range=0-15). A cut-off point of 6 was used to define physical frailty as suggested by prior research. Depressive symptoms were assessed by the nine-item Patient Health Questionnaire. Social support was measured by a scale assessing positive support and negative strain from spouse, family members, and friends. Logistic regression analyses with interaction terms were conducted. In our sample, 1,682 (54.3%) had depressive symptoms, and 16.1% had physical frailty. Having physical frailty was positively associated with depressive symptoms (Odds Ratio [OR] 1.15, 1.11-1.18). Additionally, female gender (OR 1.39, 1.20-1.61), education (OR 1.03, 1.01-1.04), and chronic conditions (OR 1.18, 1.12-1.25) were positively associated with depressive symptoms. Social support (OR 0.85, 0.83-0.87) and children (OR=0.92, 0.87-.97) were negatively associated with depressive symptoms. Furthermore, family members (OR 0.96, 0.94-0.98) and friends (OR 0.96, 0.94-0.98) has moderating effect on the relationship between physical frailty and depressive symptoms. However, the interaction between social support from spouse and physical frailty was not significant. The findings highlight the interconnections among physical frailty, social support, and depressive symptoms. Intervention strategies focusing on social support may have the potential to reduce depressive symptoms among frail U.S. Chinese older adults.
CAENORHABDITIS ELEGANS AS A MODEL OF AIR POLLUTION TOXICITY DURING DEVELOPMENT AND LIFESPAN
Authors: Haghani Amin , Dalton Hans M , Safi Nikoo , Shirmohammadi Farimah , Sioutas Constantinos , Morgan Todd E , Finch Caleb E , Curran Sean P 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Air pollution (AirPoll) is among the leading human mortality risk factors and yet little is known about the molecular mechanisms of this global environmental toxin. Our recent studies using mouse models even showed genetic variation and sex can alter biological responses to air pollution. To expand genetic studies of AirPoll toxicity throughout the lifespan, we introduced Caenorhabditis elegans as a new AirPoll exposure model which has a short lifespan, high throughput capabilities and shared longevity pathways with mammals. Acute exposure of C. elegans to airborne nanosized AirPoll matter (nPM) caused similar gene expression changes to our prior findings in cell culture and mouse models. Initial C. elegans responses to nPM included antioxidant, inflammatory and Alzheimer homolog genes. The magnitude of changes was dependent on the developmental stage of the worms. Even short term exposure of C. elegans to nPM altered developmental and lifespan hormetic effects, with pathways that included skn-1/Nrf family antioxidant responses. We propose C. elegans as a new and complementary model for mouse and cultured cells to study AirPoll across the lifespan. Future chronic nPM exposure and high throughput genetic screening of C. elegans can identify other major regulators of the developmental and lifespan effects of air pollution. This work was supported by grants R01AG051521 (CEF); R21AG05020 (CEF); Cure Alzheimer’s Fund (CEF); R01GM109028 (SPC), F31AG051382 (HMD) and T32AG000037 (HMD), T32AG052374 (AH).
THE LONGEVITY ASSOCIATED ALLELE OF FOXO3 PROTECTS AGAINST TELOMERE ATTRITION DURING AGING
Authors: Allsopp Richard , Davy Philip , Willcox Craig , Chen Randi , Shimabukuro Michio , Vivo Immaculata de , Willcox Bradley J 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Telomere attrition in proliferative tissues is a hallmark feature of human aging. To date, the genetic influence on the rate of telomere attrition is poorly understood. Previously we discovered a variant of the FOXO3 gene that is strongly associated with human longevity, an observation that has been now reproduced in over a dozen independent studies. In the present study, we sought to assess the effect of the longevity associated variant of FOXO3 (rs2802292 - G allele) on the rate of telomere attrition during aging. The results from a cohort of Okinawan-Japanese (N=121), ranging in age from 25 – 94 years, demonstrates carriers of 1 or 2 copies of the longevity-associated G allele of FOXO3 showed markedly reduced rates of telomere loss in peripheral blood leucocytes as compared to carriers of the more common FOXO3 variant (TT – common genotype, m= -33bp/year, P=0.008). Interestingly, telomere shortening was not observed as a function of age for G allele carriers (m= -2bp/year, P&gt;0.1). In an independent study of women (N=6,565) from the Nurses’ Health Study cohort, ranging in age from 40 to 70 years, a similar observation was found. Notably, carriers of the TT or GT FOXO3 genotype showed a significant decline in telomere length with age (m= -15.5 bp/year, P0.1). These results mark the first validated longevity gene variant showing an association with negligible loss of telomere length with age in humans.
DEVELOPING THE COMMON MARMOSET AS A TRANSLATIONAL MODEL OF AGE-RELATED OSTEOARTHRITIS
Authors: Minton Dennis M , Marolf Angela J , Santangelo Kelly S , Salmon Adam B , Konopka Adam R 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Age is a primary risk factor for osteoarthritis (OA). The mechanisms that contribute to OA are poorly understood and disease modifying treatments have not been identified. A critical shortcoming in developing therapies is the limited number of translational models available to identify the causes of naturally occurring OA. Our goal is to use the common marmoset as a non-human primate (NHP) model of age-related OA. NHP are the closest evolutionary relative to humans and share many characteristics of human aging. The marmoset has advantages over other NHP for aging research because of their relatively short maximal lifespan and small size. Micro-computed tomography (uCT) was performed on whole-knee joints obtained from young (10 yrs, n=3) marmosets at necropsy. OA was evaluated using a clinical uCT scoring system and quantitative assessments of subchondral bone structure and ossified meniscal volume. Advancing age was positively correlated to increased uCT OA score (p&lt;0.05, r=0.59 ), mainly through increased number and size of osteophytes and progressive subchondral bone sclerosis from the medial to both medial and lateral compartments. For marmosets displaying meniscal ossification, older marmosets had greater (p&lt;0.05) ossified meniscal volume than middle-aged and younger marmosets, respectively. Trabecular (p=0.05) and cortical bone thickness (p&lt;0.05) were also lower in older marmosets. These data are the first to indicate that the marmoset develops naturally occurring, age-related OA and support the pursuit of additional studies using the marmoset to identify OA mechanisms and test potential interventions.
AGED MICE ARE SUSCEPTIBLE TO CARDIAC HYPERTROPHY AFTER 1 WEEK OF CONSUMING A HIGH SUGAR DIET
Authors: Valencia Ana P , Whitson Jeremy , Stuppard Rudolph , Valencia Gustavo , Rabinovitch Peter , Marcinek David 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Over 80% of American adults exceed their daily recommended intake of sugar (&lt;10% kcal). While habitual sugar consumption is associated with an increased risk for diabetes and cardiovascular disease, less is known about the effects of short-term sugar consumption on metabolic health, particularly in the elderly. The purpose of this study was to test whether aged hearts are more susceptible to pathology following a short-term high sucrose (HS) diet. Specific goals were to: A) determine the effects of a 1-week HS diet exposure on the hearts of 5 month-old and 24 month-old mice; and B) test if the mitochondrial targeted peptide SS-31 can protect against HS-diet induced effects. Male CB6F1 mice were placed either on standard chow or HS diet after 1 week of receiving saline (control) or SS-31 through osmotic pumps. Heart function was assessed in vivo through echocardiography before and after treatments. One week of HS induced significant cardiac hypertrophy in the old mice compared to age-matched chow controls. Treatment with SS-31 prevented this HS induced hypertrophy. Young hearts were smaller than in the old, but size was unaffected by diet or SS-31. We observed no effect of HS (with or without SS-31) on respiration or H2O2 production in isolated mitochondria from hearts using high-resolution respirometry. These data indicate that only 1-week exposure to HS diet is enough to exacerbate cardiac hypertrophy in aging mice, but factors other than heart mitochondrial ROS may mediate this effect.
A HEALTHY LIFE FOR AFRICAN AMERICAN WOMEN CARING FOR OLDER ADULTS: A CONCEPT MAPPING STUDY
Authors: Keller Abiola O 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Achieving optimal health and well-being among African American older adults with chronic conditions requires addressing the needs of their caregivers. This study aimed to elucidate how African American females caring for older adults view health and the factors that influence health. We identified African American women ages 24 to 64 caring for an adult 60 years or older for group concept mapping (GCM), a mixed-methods approach. Participants (N=25) first completed idea generation by providing unlimited short, free-text responses to the focus prompt, “A healthy life for a caregiver includes: ___.” The 512 identified factors were reduced to 99 unique ideas. Participants then sorted the 99 ideas into clusters based on conceptual similarity and rated each idea on desirability and familiarity. Ratings were recorded on a 5-point Likert scale, ranging from very undesirable to extremely desirable and not at all familiar to extremely familiar. Data were analyzed and mapped via CS Global Max software. A cluster map with 12 outcome domains best fits the data. Identified clusters included: (1) Spirituality, (2) Maintaining relationships, (3) Good character, (4) Action to cope, (5) Preserving self, (6) Support, (7) Personal empowerment, (8) Resources, (9) Release (10) Striving for peace, (11) Wellness, (12) Self-care. Seven of the 99 ideas (representing 5 of 12 domains) were rated as desirable but unfamiliar (“go zone”). We identified elements necessary for health and wellbeing from the perspective of African American caregivers. Go-zone items represent opportunities to intervene to promote the health of African American women caring for older adults.
DEMENTIA FAMILY CAREGIVERS’ EXPERIENCES WITH A NURSE-LED MEMORY CARE CLINIC
Authors: Kovaleva Mariya A , Jennings Bonnie M , Clevenger Carolyn , Song Mi-Kyung , Griffiths Patricia C , Hepburn Ken 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
The Integrated Memory Care Clinic (IMCC) at Emory Healthcare is a patient-centered medical home led by advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) who provide both dementia care and primary care. We explored the experiences of informal caregivers of persons living with dementia at the IMCC during their first year post-enrollment. Twelve caregivers completed semi-structured telephone interviews that lasted 29 minutes on average. The data were analyzed via directed content analysis guided by attention only to caregivers’ accounts of their experience at the IMCC. Caregivers’ experiences clustered around two major considerations: the strengths of the IMCC, and ways to enhance the IMCC. Overall, caregivers’ viewed the IMCC as their wished-for care model. Caregivers felt a sense of belonging to the IMCC team, as they understood that the IMCC personnel incorporate caregivers’ input to deliver care. Participants valued APRNs’ competence in dementia care and having direct telephone access to an on-duty APRN around the clock. Caregivers appreciated the care organization at the IMCC with adequate time dedicated for in-person visits. Areas for the IMCC improvement included clarifying the IMCC scope of practice, explaining dementia progression, involving physicians, and providing more medical and non-medical resources at the IMCC. Caregivers’ willingness to have more resources provided by the IMCC emphasizes how many unmet needs caregivers and their persons have. Clarification of the clinics’ scope of practice – what can be done to manage dementia, its symptoms, and comorbidities – highlighted the need to educate caregivers about ways in which dementia, albeit incurable, can be managed.
ADVERSE CONSEQUENCES OF UNMET NEEDS AMONG INDIVIDUALS WITH DEMENTIA: THE ROLE OF PAID CAREGIVING
Authors: Reckrey Jennifer M , Hua Peiying , Ornstein Katherine 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Individuals with dementia may enlist help from paid caregivers (i.e. home health aides, personal care attendants) to address increasingly complex care needs. Yet it is unclear what specific tasks paid caregivers help with and how this is related to the individual’s experience of unmet care needs. We used data from the 2015 National Health and Aging Trends Study (NHATS) to examine the association between type and intensity of individual paid caregiver tasks and adverse consequences of unmet needs among community-dwelling adults with dementia. Nearly one half (46%) of those with any functional impairment reported an adverse consequence of an unmet need (e.g., inability to go outside because of lack of help). Individuals who experienced adverse consequences were more likely to receive paid caregiving (37.9% vs. 21.4%, p&lt;0.01). Those who received paid care with an individual task (e.g. toileting) were more likely to report an adverse consequence related to that task (e.g. remaining in wet or soiled clothes 50.2% vs. 41.0%, p=0.21). Paid caregivers provided a median of 15 hours of care per week. For those persons with dementia receiving less hours of care weekly, paid caregivers rarely helped with unscheduled or frequently recurring functional tasks like toileting or eating (&lt;10% of the time). The help received by individuals with dementia was inadequate to meet their care needs. Paid caregiving will only be able to prevent adverse consequences of unmet care needs when the level of paid care provided is better matched to the care needs of the individual with dementia.
EFFECTIVENESS OF DIFFERENT INTERGENERATIONAL LEARNING PROGRAMS FOR ELDERS WITH MILD COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT
Authors: Lin Li-Chan 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
The purposes of this study was to investigate the efficacy of interpersonal relationships, cognition, instrumental activities of daily living, depression for elderly with cognitive impairment through intervention using the intergenerational somatosensory video game and company. The experimental design was used for this study. Eighty-nine elders with mild cognitive impairement and 180 adolescents were from nine junior and senior high school were recruited in this study. Eight day care centers were randomly assigned to the experimental group I (EGI) (5-week intergenerational somatosensory video game), the experimental group II (EGII) (8-week intergenerational somatosensory video game), the experimental group III (EGIII) (5-week intergenerational company), the experimental group IV (EGIV) (8-week intergenerational company) and control group for eight weeks of routine activities. Subjects were interviewed using structured instruments, including the Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL), Token test, and Geriatric Depression Scale. Obtained data was analyzed using the Generalized Estimate Equation (GEE). The results revealed that there was no significant difference of eldsers’ characteristics among five groups. After intervention, instrumental activities of daily living scores in 8-week intergenerational somatosensory video game (EGII) and 8-week intergenerational company groups (EGIV) were significantly better than the control group. Token test score in 8-week intergenerational company (EGIV) were significant higher than that in the control group; while depression in 5-week intergenerational company (EGIII) was significantly lower thatn that in the control group. Based on the research findings, to arrange intergenerational action video game and intergenerational company to enhance elders’ attention, instrumental activities of daily living and decrease depression.