bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Co-Occurrence of Physical and Cognitive Decline in Vervet Monkeys (Chlorocebus aethiops sabaeus)
Authors: Frye Brett , Shively Carol , Craft Suzanne , Register Thomas , Jorgensen Matthew , Latimer Caitlin , Scott Christie , Register Hannah 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Age-related neurodegeneration associated with Alzheimer’s (AD) disease begins in middle age, well before the onset of symptoms. Therefore, translational models to identify modifiable risk factors in middle-age are needed to understand etiology and identify therapeutic targets. Vervet monkeys (Chlorocebus aethiops sabaeus), like humans, naturally develop several risk factors for AD with age, including obesity, prediabetes, and hypertension. Furthermore, older vervets exhibit accumulation of amyloid and tauopathies, decreased brain volumes, and physical declines in gait speed, suggesting that these NHPs may be useful models of early AD-like neuropathology. Currently, we are investigating the extent to which cognitive and physical decline co-occur in 20 elder (mean age=23 years, ~equivalent to a human age of 80 years) and 10 middle-aged (mean age=11 years) females through assessments of physical performance, executive function, social cognition, and short-term memory. These measures are part of a larger study to integrate physical, social, and cognitive function with measures of body composition, metabolic profiles, CSF, blood, neuroimages, and neuropathology. While tests of social cognition and short-term memory are ongoing, assessments of executive function indicate that performance declines with age (N=26; p&lt;0.05; R-squared=0.23). Furthermore, animals that exhibit slower gait speed also perform poorly on the executive function task (N=26, p&lt;0.05; R-squared=0.25). These preliminary results suggest that accelerated aging co-occurs in multiple systems in vervets. This study will enable examination of temporal relationships between physical and cognitive declines. Ultimately, this comprehensive, integrative whole-body approach will help clarify the mechanisms underlying divergent aging trajectories and inspire interventions that promote multi-system healthy aging.
Increased Serum IL 6 Associated With Mortality and Cognitive Impairment in Elderly Brazilians
Authors: Caldeira Marcelo , Brunialti Milena , Salomão Reinaldo , Filho Clineu Almada , Cendoroglo Maysa 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Immunological and inflammatory changes are gaining importance in aging as they are associated with functional limitations and mortality. Chronic inflammation associated with aging (Inflammaging) is a systemic and subclinical condition, characterized by changes in the levels of interleukins such as IL1, IL4, IL6, IL8, IL10 and TNF alpha, associated with genetic, physiological and environmental factors, whose importance is to be directly associated with morbidity and mortality in the elderly. Objective: To evaluate, through a longitudinal study, the relationship between chronic inflammation associated with aging and possible outcomes, such as cognitive changes and mortality in independent oldest old adults. Methods: were evaluated 201 elderly, aged 80 years or older, community residents, with preserved cognition, without acute diseases and with controlled chronic diseases. In a 02 years of interval, laboratory collections of inflammatory markers (IL 1, IL 4, IL6, IL10, TNF alpha and CRP) were performed and outcomes such as cognitive impairment and deaths were evaluated. Results: There was a correlation between increased serum IL6 and cognitive impairment, in the group of women (p-value = 0.008) and in the group All (p-value = 0.022). In the group of men, there was a significant difference between the increase in IL6 values ​​(p-value = 0.028) and CRP (p-value = 0.016) in relation to deaths. Conclusion: The results of this longitudinal study showed and confirmed the positive association between changes in inflammatory markers such as IL6 and outcomes such as cognitive impairment and mortality also in elderly Brazilians.
Odor Sensitivity as a Biomarker of Aging
Authors: Sarker Marjana , Leiser Scott 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Recent studies support the deterioration of the sense of smell as an important biomarker for cognitive impairment diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease. The model organism C. elegans has a well-studied olfactory system, which provides an ideal platform to measure loss of smell with aging. The goal of our project is to use the short lifespan and olfactory changes observed in nematodes to identify mechanisms to slow aging and treat age-related diseases. Our approach is to utilize worms at various times of their healthy adult lifespan and to test for their sensitivity to known attractants such as benzaldehyde. These odorants are largely detected by the main AWC olfactory neurons. It is well documented that the responsiveness of AWC decreases with age. Our paradigm is to briefly fast worms to increase motivation before testing their ability to discriminate odors. Our results show that younger worms actively move toward the attractant and show preference for specific attractants. However, older worms frequently do not respond to attractive odors and remain near the point of origin, regardless of motility. These results indicate a decreased odor response with age. Our current work focuses on identifying genes and compounds that positively affect this odor response in older animals. The resulting data can then be tested for their efficacy to improve other aspects of healthspan and potentially longevity.
Nicotinamide and Sugar Metabolism Associated With Muscle Mass Loss During Calorie Restriction in Older Adults
Authors: Quillen Ellen , Lee Jingyun , Furdui Cristina , Beavers Daniel , Beavers Kristen 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Weight loss among older adults remains controversial due to lean mass loss and potential exacerbation of disability risk. Using the Medifast for Seniors clinical trial (NCT02730988), which investigated high protein supplementation (≥1.0 g/kg/d) during caloric restriction to preserve lean mass among 96 older adults (&gt;70 years, 74% women, 27% black) with obesity (BMI: 35 kg/m^2), we applied untargeted metabolomics to identify small molecules associated with the highly variable change in lean muscle mass during weight loss. Forty-seven participants were randomized to high protein weight loss, and 92% lost at least 5% body weight over 24 weeks. Across DXA-ascertained measures of lean body mass, gynoid lean mass exhibited the broadest range of change: +4% to -12%. For 38 participants, untargeted metabolomics data was generated from fasted serum samples collected before and after intervention. 121 serum metabolites were identified and change from baseline was tested for correlation with percent change in gynoid muscle mass. Increasing nicotinamide levels were associated with a greater loss of gynoid muscle mass (R^2=0.22, p=0.0027). Pathway analysis was applied to identify Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) biochemical pathways containing multiple nominally-associated metabolites. The amino sugar and nucleotide sugar metabolism pathway was significantly enriched (p=0.006), containing four sugar metabolites associated with shifts in lean muscle mass. This pathway is important in the glycosylation of polysaccharides, a ubiquitous and important regulator of energy metabolism, but has not previously been linked to muscle mass and should be further interrogated in preservation of lean muscle during weight loss.
Poor Mitochondrial Health and Systemic Inflammation? Testing of a Classical Hypothesis
Authors: Zampino Marta , Ferrucci Luigi , Spencer Richard , Fishbein Kenneth , Simonsick Eleanor , Kuo Pei-Lun 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Chronic low-grade inflammation often occurs with aging and has been associated with negative health outcomes. Despite extensive research on the origins of “inflammaging”, the causative mechanisms remain unclear. However, a connection between poor mitochondrial health and chronic inflammation has been hypothesized, with decreasing mitochondrial function occurring with age and precipitating an increase in reactive oxygen species and other pro-inflammatory macromolecules such as mitochondrial DNA. We tested this hypothesis on a population of 619 subjects from the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging, measuring muscle mitochondrial oxidative capacity in vivo by phosphorus magnetic resonance spectroscopy (P-MRS), and plasma interleukin (IL)-6, the most widely used biomarker of inflammaging. The P-MRS-derived post-exercise phosphocreatine recovery time constant tau-PCr, a measure of oxidative capacity, was expressed as a categorical variable through assignment to quintiles. Participants in the first quintile of tau-PCr (best mitochondrial function) were taken as reference and compared to the others using linear regression analysis adjusted for sex, age, lean and fat body mass, and physical activity. Those participants with the lowest oxidative capacity had significantly higher log(IL-6) levels as compared to the reference group. However, data from the other quintiles was not significantly different from the reference values. In conclusion, severe impairment of oxidative capacity is associated with increased inflammation. This study design does not provide conclusive evidence of whether increased inflammation and impaired bioenergetic recovery are both caused by underlying poor health status, or whether mitochondrial deficits lead directly to the observed inflammation; we anticipate addressing this important question with longitudinal studies.
Racial Differences in Glucose Handling and Function With Obesity Reduction: Preliminary Findings
Authors: Borack Michael , Miller Marshall , Rincker Jamie , McDonald Shelley , Starr Kathyrn , Bales Connie 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Blacks have higher rates of obesity and are twice as likely to develop diabetes as non-Hispanic whites. Obesity reduction can improve metabolic health, but physical function and glucose handling may be threatened by concomitant loss of muscle mass. These preliminary findings from a 4-mo. randomized controlled trial assess the racial differences in glucose handling and physical function in obese, older adults with prediabetes (Fasting Plasma Glucose (FPG) ≥95&lt;126 mg/dL or HbA1c 5.7-6.4%) following obesity reduction. At 4 mo. endpoint, participants (n = 31; age = 68.1±5.4 years, BMI =36.0±4.7 kg/m2) had reduced (p&lt;0.05) body weight in both Blacks (5.1%) and Whites (4.1%); HbA1c levels were also reduced (Blacks = -0.3 ±0.3; Whites = -0.1±0.3) with no difference by race. However, FPG was reduced for Blacks compared to Whites (-7.9±9.5 vs. -2.8±6.2 mg/dL; p&lt;0.05). Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) score was lower for Blacks than Whites at both baseline (9.8±1.5 vs 10.9±1.2; p&lt;0.05) and 4 mo. (10.17±1.4 vs 11.21±1.3; p&lt;0.05), respectively. A trend towards improvement (p=0.08) in meters walked in 6 minutes was present in both Blacks (13.3±60.8) and Whites (20.0±36.3) with no between-group difference. Interestingly, at baseline, 41% of participants said they modified their behaviors due to a fear of falling despite having a mean SPPB score of 10.3±1.5. Following the intervention, fear of falling was reduced, with 35% of the participants reporting this behavior. Our findings illustrate that modest weight loss improves glucose handling, physical function and perceived fall risk for both Black and White older adults with prediabetes.
Gender Differences in Caregiving of Older Adults: A Systematic Review of the Literature
Authors: Bueno Michael , Chase Jo-Ana 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Caregivers of older adults with chronic illness provide essential care that benefits individuals and society. Many factors influence health outcomes related to the caregiving role. The purpose of this review is to explore how caregiver health outcomes may vary by gender. Data sources include CINAHL, Google Scholar, Google and PsychINFO. Eligible studies focused on gender-based differences in psychological and emotional outcomes of primary informal or familial caregivers (ie, spouses, children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, neighbors, and friends) of an older adult with chronic illness. The Caregiver Identity Theory (CIT) guided this study. Twelve studies were eligible for this review. Consistent with the CIT, negative outcomes are associated with changing role identity throughout the care recipient’s disease progression, and these outcomes differ between genders. Women tended to experience higher overall burden, stress, anxiety, shame and role strain; however, some studies found that men may be affected more during the initial transition into the caregiver role. Methodological limitations of primary research in this area included the use of cross-sectional design, poor generalization to US populations since most studies were conducted outside of the US, and disproportionately fewer male participants across studies. Overall, gender differences in health outcomes among caregivers exist, and other variables relating to gender, such as kinship and age, may also be important factors. Findings suggest health professionals should create individualized engagement, communication, and training strategies with considerations for gender differences in design. Future studies including more male caregivers and more diverse participants is warranted.
Staff and Administrator Perceptions of Fall Risk Management in Home- and Community-Based Service Settings
Authors: Juckett Lisa , Poling Rachael 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Older adults who receive home- and community-based services (HCBS), such as home-delivered meals and personal care assistance, are at particular risk for falls due to their extremely high prevalence of fall risk factors. HCBS organizations and their staff are well-positioned to implement fall risk screens with HCBS clients and then refer older adults to fall prevention services as needed; however, the extent to which HCBS organizations manage fall risk has yet to be systematically examined. The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore the barriers to and facilitators of implementing fall risk screens and fall prevention service referrals in HCBS organizations. A total of 26 HCBS staff members and administrators participated in semi-structured interviews and focus groups. Qualitative data were examined using directed content analysis guided by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research. HCBS staff expressed that strong rapport with clients allowed for them to address fall risk proactively but were concerned that their lack of fall prevention training precluded them from effective fall risk management. HCBS administrators perceived their organization to have reliable internal communication procedures which enhanced fall prevention care coordination but believed their limited connections with fall prevention service providers served as a barrier to referring at-risk clients to appropriate care. Accordingly, HCBS stakeholders are encouraged to develop strategies, such as providing fall prevention coaching and building a network of fall prevention service providers, that account for these barriers and facilitators in future efforts to support effective fall risk management with HCBS clients.
Dietary Protein and Transitions Between Frailty States and to Death in Advanced Age: LiLACS NZ
Authors: Teh Ruth , Kerse Ngaire , Mendonca Nuno , Menzies Oliver , Hill Tom , Jagger Carol 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Modifiable factors delaying frailty progression are important in demographic ageing; health disparities for indigenous people require specific strategies. Does dietary protein intake impact transitions in frailty in Maori (indigenous) and non-Maori aged 80+ in New Zealand? LiLACS NZ is population based longitudinal cohorts of Maori aged 80-90 years and non-Maori aged 85 years, followed yearly to 5 years follow up. At 12 months follow up 459 participants contributed nutrient intakes from 24hr multiple pass recall dietary intake. Frailty states were derived from Fried frailty criteria. Mortality was established through National Health Index matching. Multistate modelling investigated the contribution of protein intake to transitions in frailty states and death using models of increasing complexity: 1)age, ethnicity; 2)sex; 3)disease counts; and 4)energy intake. Over 60% of the sample were prefrail throughout the study; disease burden differentiated frailty state. Of a total of 1269 transitions, 692 remained the same; the models used 549 transitions; 44% from robust to pre-frail or pre-frail to frail. Those recovering from pre-frail to robust had lower disease burden and higher nutritional intake. Those with higher protein intake were less likely to transition from robust to prefrail (model 4: per 1g/kg bodyweight/d: HR: 0.28, 95%CI: 0.08-0.91) and from pre-frail to robust (0.24 0.06-0.93). Increased protein intake was associated with increased transition from frailty to mortality but was moderated by energy intake. Greater protein intake in octogenarians in NZ was associated with both better and worse outcomes. Total energy intake tended to moderate negative outcomes.
Dietary Quality Predicts Short-Term Change in Mobility Limitations in Older U.S. Adults
Authors: Bishop Nicholas , Ullevig Sarah , Zuniga Krystle , Wang Kaipeng , Tucker Julia 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Using a representative sample of older Americans, this project examines the association between dietary quality and short-term change in mobility limitations and whether this association differs for the food insecure or those receiving nutritional assistance. The sample was drawn from the 2012 Health and Retirement Study and 2013 Health Care and Nutrition Study and included 3,779 respondents representing a population of 37,217,566 adults aged 65 and older. Mobility limitations were operationalized as a log-transformed count of 11 indicators of limitation in physical mobility. Dietary quality was measured using the Alternative Healthy Eating Index-2010 (AHEI-2010) based on responses to a food frequency questionnaire. Food insecurity was a binary measure based on the USDA six-item short form. Nutritional assistance included receipt of supplemental food from sources such as food banks and/or reporting receipt of SNAP benefits (1=yes, 0=no). Autoregressive multiple regression was used to test whether AHEI-2010 predicted change in mobility limitations from 2012-2014 and whether food insecurity or receipt of supplemental food moderated this relationship. Around 10.7% of older adults were food insecure, and around 17.5% reported receipt of nutritional assistance. AHEI-2010 was associated with a slower decline in mobility limitations over the 2-year observational window (b=-0.014, SE=.003, p&lt;.001), but food insecurity nor nutritional assistance were associated with changing mobility limitation, either directly or as moderators of the association between progressing limitations and AHEI-2010. These preliminary findings suggest dietary quality may be associated with disablement among older adults regardless of food environment.
Food Insecurity and Dental Caries in U.S. and South Korean Older Adults Ages 60+
Authors: Chi Donald , Kim Yujin , Scott JoAnna 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
There are no studies on the association between food insecurity and dental caries (tooth decay) in older adults. We analyzed nationally representative data from two countries – the U.S. and South Korea – to test the hypothesis that food insecurity would be positively associated with tooth decay in older adults ages 60+. The U.S. analyses focused on National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data from three cycles (2011-12, 2013-14, and 2015-16) and the South Korean analyses focused on Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data from one cycle (2013-2015). Food insecurity was defined using the 18-item USDA Household Food Security Survey and a validated Korean version of the same survey. Tooth decay was defined as having at least one decayed tooth (no/yes). We ran logistic regression models to generate odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals (CI). The percentage of fully food secure older adults was 74.0% in the U.S. and 82.2% in South Korea. Twenty-three percent of U.S. older adults and 28% of South Korean older adults had at least one decayed tooth. Older adults in the U.S. with food insecurity were 2.03 times as likely to have untreated tooth decay (95% CI: 1.43, 2.87; P&lt;0.0001). Findings were similar for South Korean older adults. Food insecurity is significantly associated with untreated tooth decay in both U.S. and South Korean older adults. Future research should identify the aspects of food insecurity that increase older adults’ risk for tooth decay, with an emphasis on those that are amenable to population-based interventions.
Challenges to Comorbidity Management for Older HIV-Positive Individuals
Authors: Baim-Lance Abigail , Kerr Christine , Addison Diane 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
70% of individuals with HIV in the United States are 50 years or older. These individuals’ HIV is often well-managed, but they have acquired several comorbidities, including cardiovascular disease, non-AIDS defining cancers, renal disease, osteoporosis, liver disease, and neurocognitive disorders. Existing literature provides little guidance on structuring services to meet this burgeoning population’s complex clinical and aging-related needs. To inform an approach, between April 2015 and June 2018, we conducted 13 exploratory qualitative group discussions with patients, providers and administrators receiving or providing HIV services in New York’s Hudson Valley. We also conducted a retrospective electronic medical record chart review (n=50) of individuals &gt;50 years receiving HIV care in 2017 at a Hudson Valley federally qualified health center (FQHC) to describe subspecialty referrals. Analysis of discussion groups highlighted challenges with initial access, the quality of encounters, and consistent follow-up. Patients thought ‘ageism’ contributed to poorer care quality, though extensive experience navigating the system was an advantage. The EMR review revealed patients receiving two referrals on average to (most commonly) ophthalmology/optometry (14%), gastroenterology (12%), dental (9%), cardiology (9%), and orthopedics (8%). Only half (54%) of scheduled referral appointments were attended. Documented barriers included insurance/costs, transportation, patient refusal, and fear of HIV disclosure. Findings suggest there are HIV-specific and non-specific barriers for older individuals with HIV, including perceived perceptions of aging. We have initiated a pilot study to investigate multilevel barriers and enablers to optimal comorbidity management. Gerontological insights brought to this analysis will support developing aging-appropriate clinical practices for this population.