bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
VIRTUAL ONLINE COMMUNITIES FOR AGING LIFE EXPERIENCE (VOCALE) APPROACH: PILOT STUDIES
Authors: Zaslavsky Oleg , Chen Annie T , Teng Andrew , Lin Shih-Yin , Han Soojeong , Chu Frances , Demiris George 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Emerging evidence suggests behavioral strategies focusing on symptom management can reduce frailty symptoms and improve quality of life. Unfortunately, these interventions are rarely scalable for implementation in geriatric care. Contemporary online technologies have tremendous potential for addressing this need. We developed and pilot tested an approach entitled Virtual Online Community for Aging Life Experience (VOCALE). The approach had two stages. In the first stage, we piloted the use of a Facebook platform to engage older adults with frailty symptoms in ten-week moderated discussions on health-related topics. In the second study, we used data from stage one to develop a prototypical persona of a person with frailty symptoms. The persona was then incorporated into an eight-week Facebook intervention informed by problem solving therapy to facilitate self-management in another group of older adults with frailty symptoms. The results from both rounds showed that it was feasible to recruit, engage, and retain persons ages 69-92 into virtual online community interventions. Attrition ranged from 25% to 33% in rounds one and two. In both rounds, we observed positive trends of change in health measures such as general health self-efficacy, disease self-efficacy, and health literacy. Throughout the studies, older adults shared multiple posts concerning their experience with age-related symptoms and described their self-management practices. These projects, which leveraged a common social media platform, demonstrated preliminary efficacy of an online intervention for frailty management. If confirmed, this approach might provide a viable model for other medically complex geriatric conditions where self-management is essential.
THE IMPORTANCE OF HSP-25 IN CAENORHABDITIS ELEGANS LONGEVITY
Authors: James Niaya , Scheirer Jessica L , Rodriguez Karl 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Karl A. Rodriguez’s laboratory at the University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, Texas, is interested in the role of small heat shock proteins in the proteostasis network and aging using the model organism, Caenorhabditis elegans. Molecular chaperones facilitate protein folding and improve the degradation activity of the proteasome and autolysosome hence decreasing disease-associated aggregates. Previous work in rodents have shown an increase in expression levels of the small heat shock protein 25 (HSP-25) correlates with maximum lifespan potential. To further explore the role of HSP-25 in C. elegans, two HSP-25 knock-out strains were exposed to a one-hour heat stress, heat shock, and two non-heat stress conditions.
DEVELOPMENT AND EVALUATION OF THE NURSES IMPROVING CARE FOR HEALTHSYSTEM ELDERS (NICHE) LONG-TERM CARE PROGRAM
Authors: Pettis Jennifer , Bristol Alycia A , Brody Abraham A , Gilmartin Mattia J , D’Amico Catherine O , Greenberg Sherry , Sullivan-Marx Eileen M 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Nurses Improving Care for Healthsystem Elders (NICHE) is a geriatric care model that positions nurses as leaders to address the unique care needs of older adults. From 2016 to 2019, we developed and piloted the NICHE-LTC program. NICHE-LTC program includes the three interrelated components of 1). the Geriatric Resource Nurse (GRN) and Geriatric Certified Nursing Assistant (GCNA) clinical leadership roles; 2) research-based clinical protocols and assessment tools; and 3). staff development, quality improvement (QI), and care coordination models to build clinician and organizational capacity in geriatrics. We report the results of a summative program evaluation of the NICHE-LTC program. We collected data on organizational and participant demographics, facility enrollment and retention, program completion rates, clinical quality improvement project plans, and participant satisfaction data from 369 individuals working in 79 facilities participating in NICHE-LTC program from January 2016 to February 2019. The majority of participants (80%) reported a positive learning outcome after completing NICHE-LTC program. Additionally, 80% reported they agreed or strongly agreed that their knowledge and ability to implement quality improvement initiatives in their facilities improved. The NICHE-LTC supported facilities ability to move from process-oriented QI priorities to patient-based outcome QI priorities such as falls, pain management, and managing behaviors of dementia. Over the three-year pilot period, NICHE-LTC program maintained an 89.4% annual retention rate. The high annual retention rate suggests that members value the program as an approach to address the clinical quality and nursing workforce development needs in LTC settings.
PILOT OUTCOMES OF A COMMUNITY-BASED FALLS PREVENTION PROGRAM TARGETING OLDER ARAB AMERICANS
Authors: Yao Lan , Kridli Suha , Talab Amne 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Arab American (AA) is the 3rd largest ethnic population in the state of Michigan. Previous studies found that Michigan Arabs were less healthy than the general population in Michigan. Older AAs have higher mortality risk than non-Arab and non-Hispanic Whites, particularly due to chronic diseases. Community-based programs are an effective approach to prevent disease and injury, improve health, and enhance quality of life. While evidence for functional gains resulting from Tai Chi exercise is accumulating, there is little research and support for its feasibility and effectiveness that target older AAs, who are not culturally related to Tai Chi. Participants in this report were 8 older female AAs (mean age 62.4±3.2, range 58-66) who sought services at a not-for-profit Arab Community Center, which aims to enable and empower residents and communities to lead informed, productive and culturally sensitive lives. A certified Tai Chi instructor led the classes using Yang-style Tai Chi moves. The participants completed a 12-week twice-weekly 1-hour Tai Chi classes and post-program focus group discussion, held in a classroom of the Community Center. Post-intervention improvement in timed up & go test (p&gt;.05), comfortable & fast gait speed (p&gt;.05), unipedal stance time (p&gt;.05) were observed. Themes identified from focus group supported Tai Chi’s benefits in balance and salient mental health benefits. The pilot data provides preliminary evidence for therapeutic gains resulting from Tai Chi practices. Agencies serving older AAs play important roles by creating and promoting evidence-based health promotion practices to address the growing needs among older adults.
SOCIODEMOGRAPHIC AND HEALTH DISPARITIES IN USE OF PREVENTIVE HEALTHCARE SERVICES
Authors: Joergensen Terese Sara Hoej , Allore Heather , Nagel Corey , Quiñones Ana R 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Introduction: Older adults experience multiple health problems necessitating medical care. However, studies have shown that healthcare is not equally accessible for older adults in the US. In 2011, Medicare introduced Annual Wellness Visits to improve access to preventive healthcare including influenza vaccination. Objectives: Ascertain whether sociodemographic factors, multimorbidity, and other health indicators pose a barrier for older adults to access Annual Wellness Visits and influenza vaccination. Methods: We analyzed data from the 2012 and 2014 waves of the Health and Retirement Study linked with Medicare records. 4,858 older adults aged 65+ years were included in Conditional Random Forests to identify the most important predictors of Annual Wellness Visits and influenza vaccination during this two-year period. The predictors included: age, sex, race/ethnicity, partnered, geographical region, wealth, educational level, Medicaid coverage, body mass index, activities and instrumental activities of daily living, proxy interview, cognitive impairment, dementia diagnosis, and multimorbidity. Results: In total, 1,142 (23.6%) older adults had an Annual Wellness Visit and 3,316 (68.4%) older adults received an influenza vaccination. 11.9% were non-Hispanic black, 6.3% were Hispanic, with a median of 6 chronic conditions and 16.9% had dementia. The most important predictors of Annual Wellness Visits were region, wealth, dementia diagnosis, and race/ethnicity. The most important predictors of influenza vaccination were multimorbidity, race/ethnicity, educational level, and wealth. Conclusion: The importance of geographical region for Annual Wellness Visits suggests that the service has not been adopted equally throughout the US, whereas multimorbidity is the most important factor for receiving influenza vaccination.
EFFECTS OF A 6-WEEK TASK SPECIFIC POWER TRAINING WITH AND WITHOUT COGNITIVE TRAINING AMONG OLDER ADULTS WITH SLOW GAIT
Authors: Ogawa Elisa F , Harris Rebekah , DeGutis Joseph , Ward Rachel , Brach Jennifer , Halasz Ildiko , Bean Jonathan 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Task-specific power training (InVEST) targets leg power and mobility skills that are beneficial for treating slow gait speed for older adults. This study investigated the efficacy of a short-term InVEST training on leg power, mobility performance, and gait characteristics and further examine whether the addition of cognitive training would augment the impact on the outcomes. Mobility limited community-dwelling older Veterans age ≥65 years were recruited. Participants were randomly assigned to either InVEST training (n=10) or InVEST+cognitive training (n=11). Training occurred 3 times per week for 6 weeks. Sessions were either 70 minutes (InVest+cognitive training) or 40 minutes (InVEST) in duration. Leg power, mobility performance (Short Physical Performance Battery), and gait characteristics (gait speed, stance time, step width, swing time, step length and their variabilities under single-task, simple and complex dual-task walking conditions) were evaluated. Twenty-one men with mean age 76±7 years completed the study and 86% were of white race. Among all participants, clinically relevant and statistically significant improvements in leg power, mobility performance, and gait characteristics (gait speed, step length, stance time under all three gait conditions) were observed. There were no statistically significant or clinically relevant group differences among any of the outcomes based on cognitive training status. Short-term InVEST training led to clinically meaningful improvements in leg power, mobility performance, and gait characteristics. These findings add to the body of evidence supporting the benefits of InVEST training on mobility and do not support the contention that mixed modes of training (cognitive and physical) may augment mobility outcomes.
LONG TERM OUTCOMES OF THE IN-HOSPITAL MOBILITY INTERVENTION (WALK FOR) IN A SAMPLE OF OLDER ADULTS
Authors: Zisberg Anna , Agmon Maayan , Shadmi Efrat , Gil Efrat , Hait Yehudit , Gur-Yash Nurit , Shulyaev Ksenya 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Evaluation of in-hospital mobility programs is usually short-term. To examine the sustainability of Walk-FOR (Walk for Outcome and Recovery), an in-hospital mobility program in internal-medicine older (70+) patients, we conducted a quasi-experimental pre-post four-group comparative study. Walk-FOR incorporated policies encouraging patients to walk more than 900 steps/day and addressed conditions limiting patients’ in-hospital mobility. Self-reported mobility was assessed in intervention (N=159), control (N=154) and two-year follow-up groups: previous-intervention (N=75) and non-intervention (N=95) units. Two-years post-implementation, in previous-intervention units 82.7% of patients reported walking at least twice a day outside their room, similarly to the within-implementation intervention phase (81.2%, p=ns) and significantly more than in the control group (57.2%, p&lt;.0001). No differences in walking were found between intervention and non-intervention units (84.2%, p=ns) two-years post-implementation. Multivariate analysis compering 4 study groups applying logistic regression with covariance of age, sex, walking and function ability at admission, comorbidities and length of stay demonstrated similar results. Patients from intervention units two years after it implementation had a higher odds of walking at least twice a day outside their room (OR=3.82, 95% CI 1.636-8.899, p=0.002) then patients from the same units before intervention. Logistic regression didn’t show significant differences between probability of walking at least twice a day outside their room in the group evaluated immediately after intervention implementation and two-years letter. Also there were no significant difference between not-intervention and intervention units two-years post-intervention. Walk-FOR is a sustainable practice and tends to spread to additional hospital-units probably due to hospital leadership and organizational commitment.
AGE-RELATED DECLINES IN SOCIAL COGNITIVE PROCESSES OF OLDER ADULTS
Authors: Yow W Quin , Lee Jiawen , Li Xiaoqian 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Despite current literature suggesting that various social cognitive processes seem to be impaired in late adulthood, e.g., processing of social gaze cues, the trajectory decline of social cognition in late adulthood is not well understood (e.g., Grainger et al., 2018; Paal & Bereczkei, 2007). As part of a multi-institutional research project, we began to systematically investigate whether there is age-related decline in older adults’ ability to infer others’ mental states, integrate multiple referential cues, and identify emotional states of others using prosodic cues. Sixteen older adults aged 71-85, of which 9 were cognitively healthy and 7 with mild-to-moderate dementia, and 7 younger adults aged 19-37 underwent three tasks. In a theory-of-mind story task, participants answered true/false questions about the beliefs of the protagonists in the stories. A cue integration task assessed participants’ ability to integrate the experimenter’s gaze and semantic cues to identify a referent object. In an emotion-prosody task, participants judged whether the speaker sounded happy or sad in low-pass filtered audio. Non-parametric tests revealed that younger adults outperformed both groups of older adults (both ps=.001) in inferring the protagonists’ beliefs in the stories. Younger adults were also better and more accurate than both groups of older adults in integrating cues to identify the referent object and in using prosodic cues to identify emotional states respectively (ps&lt;.001). Both groups of older adults did not differ significantly from each other in the tasks. These findings provide emerging and important insights into the decline of social cognitive processes in late adulthood.
ORAL CANCER SCREENING IN NON-INSTITUTIONALIZED OLDER ADULTS LIVING IN RURAL COMMUNITIES OF SOUTHEAST GEORGIA
Authors: Pattanaik Swaha , Apenteng Bettye , Cohen Adrienne L , Dounis Georgia , Lawrence Raymona 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
The older population in the United States is growing at an unprecedented rate. Oral diseases such as oral cancer can affect physical, psychological, and social well-being in older adults. Oral cancer screening can prevent development of the disease in high-risk individuals. The purpose of this research was to assess determinants of preventive oral health behavior including oral cancer screening in noninstitutionalized older adults living in rural/medically underserved communities of southeast Georgia. A mixed methods sequential explanatory design was used. Surveys were administered to 206 individuals aged 50 and older. Phone interviews were conducted with 22 individuals from the survey sample and 11 key informants. The majority of the participants (83.01%) said they had never been examined for oral cancer by a doctor or a dentist. Those who correctly recognized the most common sign of oral cancer were about three times more likely (OR=3.75; 95% CI: 1.04 – 13.50) to have had an exam for oral cancer (p=0.04). The survey participants who lived alone were more likely (OR = 4.39; 95% CI = 0.95 – 20.26) to have been examined for oral cancer (p = 0.05). During the interview, older adult participants rarely mentioned oral cancer with regards to an unhealthy mouth. The interview participants revealed that living alone gave them more time to pay attention to their health. For the older adults, prevention of oral diseases was grounded in the autonomy in their own behaviors, while the key informants saw more macro community and systems- level factors as the solution.
POLYGENETIC SCORE IS ASSOCIATED WITH T2D; EVIDENCE FROM THE HEALTH AND RETIREMENT STUDY
Authors: Youkhana Fadi , Wu Yanyan , Thompson Mika , Pirkle Catherine M 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a complex chronic disorder influenced by genetic and environmental factors. Studies that use a combined polygenetic score (PGS), calculated based on the number of risk alleles an individual may have, are rarely applied to a representative national sample. We used data from the Health and Retirement Study (HRS), a nationally representative study of older U.S. adults 50-years or older to examine the impact of PGS and behavioral risk factors (education, poverty ratio, BMI, smoking status, alcohol consumption and physical activity) with incident T2D. We used ethnic-straitifed Poisson generalized estimating equation (GEE) models with robust standard errors to estimate prevalence ratios (PRs) and risk ratios (RRs). Our sample included genotyped Black (N=2,823) and White (N=11,178) men and women.The highest PRs for T2D were among those in the 5th PGS quintile in both Whites (PR=2.24, 95%CI 1.89, 2.65, P-value &lt;0.0001) and Blacks (PR=1.73, 95%CI 1.28,2.33, P-value 0.0003). The highest risk for T2D was among obese Whites (RR=3.35, 95%CI 2.93,3.82, P-value &lt;0.0001) and Blacks (RR=1.60, 95%CI 1.28, 2.00, P-value &lt;0.0001). Our findings found associations between PGS and T2D as well as some lifestyle factors among both Black and White individuals in a nationally representative sample with similar patterns in age, physical activity and poverty ratio. Our study supports the importance of including modifiable and non-modifiable life-style factors in the analysis of risk alleles for T2D to continue addressing the disparities between T2D risk between race/ethnicity groups
PERCEIVED PHYSICAL FATIGABILITY PREDICTS ALL-CAUSE MORTALITY: THE LONG LIFE FAMILY STUDY
Authors: Glynn Nancy W , Gmelin Theresa , Renner Sharon W , Boudreau Robert M , Feitosa Mary , Andersen Stacy L , Christensen Kaare , Newman Anne B 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Fatigability, the likelihood of fatigue with lower versus higher levels of exertion, is associated with declines in physical function and disability and related to fitness. Thus, fatigability may be a good predictor of mortality. We examined this relationship in the Long Life Family Study (LLFS), an international family cohort enriched for longevity and their spousal controls. We measured perceived physical fatigability at Visit 2 (2014-2017) using the Pittsburgh Fatigability Scale (PFS, 0-50 with higher score=greater fatigability). We identified deaths by family members notifying field centers, reporting during annual phone follow-up, or finding an obituary when unable to reach. Otherwise, we censored participants at most recent contact date when confirmed alive. Covariates included age, sex, and self-reported physical activity using the Framingham Physical Activity Index. We adjusted all analyses for field center and family structure. Participants alive ≥60 years (range 60-108, mean 73.6±10.5) and completed the PFS (N=2,326) at Visit 2 were predominantly white (99.5%) and female (55.1%). Post-Visit 2, 195 (8.4%) died during mean 2.5±1.0 years of follow-up. Age-adjusted PFS score was 7.7 points greater (p&lt;.0001) for those who died (19.8) compared to alive (12.1). Using Cox Proportional-Hazard modeling, each 5-point greater PFS score was associated with 31% (HR: 1.31, 95% CI 1.18,1.43) higher all-cause mortality rate adjusted for covariates listed above. Further adjustment for comorbidities did not attenuate association. PFS’s perceived physical fatigability score may be a useful self-report clinical tool to predict higher risk of mortality among older adults when objective measures of fitness and function are unavailable.
FRAILTY ASSESSMENT BASED ON THE QUALITY OF DAILY WALKING
Authors: Kumar Danya Pradeep , Toosizadeh Nima , Mohler Jane , Laksari Kaveh 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Frailty is an increasingly recognized geriatric syndrome resulting in age-related decline in reserve across multiple physiologic systems. An impaired physical function is a prime indicator of frailty. In this study, we aim to implement a body-worn sensor to characterize the quantity and quality of everyday walking, and establish associations between gait impairment and frailty. Daily physical activity was acquired for 48 hours from 125 older adults (≥65 years; 44 non-frail, 60 pre-frail, and 21 frail based on the Fried gold standard) using a tri-axial accelerometer motion-sensor. Continuous purposeful walks (≥60s) without pauses were identified from time-domain acceleration data. Power spectral density (PSD) analysis was performed to define higher gait variability, which was identified by a shorter and wider PSD peak. Association between frailty and gait parameters was assessed using multivariable nominal logistic models with frailty as the dependent variable, and demographic parameters along with the gait parameters as the independent variables. Stride times, PSD gait variability, and total and maximum continuous purposeful walking duration were significantly different between non-frail and pre-frail/frail groups (p&lt;0.05). Using a step-wise model with the above qualitative and quantitative gait parameters as predictors, the pre-frail/frail group (vs. non-frail) was identified with 71.4% sensitivity and 75.4% specificity. Everyday walking characteristics were found to be accurate determinants of frailty. Along with quantitative measures of physical activity, qualitative measures are critical elements representing the stages of frailty. In-home gait analysis is advantageous over clinical gait analysis as it enables cost- and space-effective continuous monitoring.
INTERACTIONS BETWEEN GENES FROM AGING-RELATED PATHWAYS: IMPACT ON HUMAN LONGEVITY
Authors: Ukraintseva Svetlana , Duan Matt , Wu Deqing , Arbeev Konstantin , Kulminski Alexander , Zmuda Joseph M , Christensen Kaare , Yashin Anatoliy 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Role of genetic interactions (GxG) in human longevity remains poorly understood. We hypothesized that GxG between genes from biologically connected pathways involved in aging may impact longevity. To test this hypothesis, we selected 53 candidate genes from the aging-related pathways (IGF-1/AKT/FOXO3A, TP53/P21/P16, and mTOR/S6K mediated) that are known to jointly influence outcomes of cell responses to stress and damage, such as apoptosis, senescence, growth/proliferation, and autophagy. We evaluated the effects of interactions between SNPs in these genes on longevity in LLFS and CARe data. RESULTS: The IGF1R, PPARGC1A and BCL2 genes were consistently involved in top GxG effects (p&lt;10-6) on survival in the oldest old (85+ and 95+). One SNP, rs2970870 in PPARGC1A gene, was broadly involved in significant interaction effects on survival 96+ (p&lt;10-7) when paired with SNPs in IGF1R and NFKB1 genes. This SNP individually was associated with survival with nominal significance only; therefore, it would have not been selected in a GWAS. We conclude that interactions between genes from aging-related pathways that regulate cell responses and resilience to damage may have major impact on human longevity and contribute to its genetic heterogeneity. The research was supported by the NIA/NIH grants R01AG062623, U19AG063893, P01AG043352.