bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Intersection of Race and Ethnicity, Nativity, and Sex on Cognitive Trajectories of Older Adults in the United States
Authors: Garcia Marc , Tarraf Wassim 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
We used longitudinal data from the Health and Retirement Study (1998-2016) to estimate sex-specific age-graded changes in global cognition and memory among White, Black, and U.S.- and foreign-born Latino adults 51 years and older. Among males, racial/ethnic and nativity differences in cognitive function were mainly evident at younger ages, particularly for Blacks compared to Whites. We found no evidence to support male racial/ethnic or nativity differentials in trajectories of cognitive aging. For women, older Blacks and U.S.-Born Latinas, and to a lesser degree foreign-born Latinas, had lower cognitive function at younger ages. However, White women showed more pronounced cognitive aging in comparison to U.S.- and foreign-born Latinas. Results applied to both global and memory outcomes. Our findings support calls for nuanced considerations of racial/ethnic and nativity effects on cognitive aging and ADRDs. Continued monitoring of differential cognitive aging trends is warranted as the vascular and neurologic sequelae of COVID-19 manifests.
Home Care Services for Seniors: A Typology of Instruments and Administrative Burdens in Industrialized Countries
Authors: Marier Patrik , Dickson Daniel , Lee Kyuho 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
This contribution has two key objectives. First, inspired by earlier studies in comparative welfare state and in (social) gerontology, we develop a conceptualization of autonomy that is rooted in its social dimensions. This concept is then deployed to assess its policy considerations within the field of home care, both with regards to access and generosity in 21 industrialized countries. Second, this contribution performs a comparative assessment of the key factors resulting in a prioritization of the social dimensions of home care and social services in long term care. This study involves an-depth analysis of policy instruments deployed by public authorities to enhance the (social) autonomy of older adults, complemented with interviews with policy makers in diverse home care policy settings (Canada, France, South Korea, Sweden, and the United States). As such, this study features an evaluation of the presence of social elements in the definition and supply of care needs across 21 countries. It leads to the construct of a social dimensions of autonomy index based upon these instruments and the budgetary prioritization of home care within long term care policies. Among core findings, one discovers broader access and more generous funding when home care responsibilities are firmly embedded at the local level.
Associates of Perceived Quality of Life in Chinese Older Adults Living With Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Gao Xiang 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
This study examined perceived quality of life in Chinese older adults living with cognitive impairment in a group of urban Chinese older adults and explore its associations with caregivers’ characteristics. Questionnaires were administered in person to 300 caregiver-care recipient dyads from three urban communities in mainland China in 2019. The 40-item Alzheimer’s Disease-related Quality of Life tool asked caregiver respondents to indicate care recipients’ life conditions. Higher levels of caregiving burden (β = -0.19, p &lt; 0.01) and more depressive symptoms (β = -0.19, p &lt; 0.01) amongst caregivers were significantly associated with lower quality of life of care recipients. The results suggested that reducing caregivers’ burden and depressive symptoms are essential to promote quality of life of care recipients. Formal support from health professionals, service organizations, and communities are urgently called for to promote the wellbeing of Chinese families affected by cognitive impairment.
Neighborhood Cohesion and the Mental Health of Multimorbid Older Adults: CLSA Path Analysis Through Loneliness
Authors: Gan Daniel R Y , Wister Andrew , Best John 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
More older adults with multimorbidity are aging in place than ever before. Their mental health may be affected by housing and neighborhood factors. In this paper, we use structural equation modelling (SEM) to examine how the physical environment influences life satisfaction and depressive symptoms in two separate models. We included social environment (i.e., social support, social participation, walking) and loneliness as intermediate variables. Data were drawn from baseline and the first follow-up (after 3-4 years) of the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging (CLSA). Participants were N=14,301 adults aged □65 with □2 chronic illnesses. Good model fit were found after controlling for age, sex, education and baseline values (TFI=1.00; CFI=1.00; RMSEA&lt;0.001; SRMR&lt;0.001). The total effects of housing quality (Btotal=0.08,-0.07) and neighborhood cohesion (Btotal=0.03,-0.06) were weak but statistically significant in the expected direction. Together, the intermediate variables explained 21-31% of the total effects of housing quality and 67-100% of the total effects of neighborhood cohesion. Loneliness explains 27-29% of the total effects of physical environment on mental health, whereas walking explained a mere 0.4-0.9% of their total effects. Walking did not mediate between housing quality and mental health outcomes. Overall, the results support our path analysis framework: physical environment -&gt; social environment -&gt; loneliness -&gt; mental health. Our model provided excellent explanations of the effects of neighborhood cohesion, especially on life satisfaction. If these associations reflect causal effects, community-based age-friendly interventions should focus on neighborhood cohesion and loneliness to promote the well-being of older adults who are aging in place with multimorbidity.
Immune Surveillance of Senescent Cells
Authors: Lowe Scott 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Cellular senescence involves a stable cell cycle arrest and a secretory program that modulates the tissue environment. In cancer, senescence acts as a potent barrier to tumorigenesis and, though many cancers evade senescence during the course of tumor evolution, ionizing radiation and conventional chemotherapy can, to varying degrees, induce senescence in tumor cells leading to potent anticancer effects. Conversely, the aberrant accumulation of senescent cells can reduce regenerative capacity and lead to tissue decline, contributing to tissue pathologies associated with age or the debilitating side-effects of cancer therapy. Our laboratory studies mechanisms of cellular senescence with the ultimate goal of developing strategies to modulate senescence for therapeutic benefit. We have focused on how senescent cells trigger immune surveillance to facilitate their own elimination or, when that fails, how synthetic immune cells (i.e. CAR T cells) can be directed to eliminate senescent cells. Recent advances in understanding senescent cell surveillance by the immune system will be discussed.
Cell Senescence as a Mediator of Age-Dependent Brain Inflammation
Authors: Schafer Marissa , Zhang Xu , Pearsall Vesselina , LeBrasseur Nathan 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Cellular senescence and inflammation are interconnected causes and consequences of tissue aging. Here, we implemented orthogonal approaches to study their interaction in steady-state mature and aged mouse brain. Using single cell sequencing, we identified a putative senescent microglial population, which increased in abundance with age and was characterized by increased expression of p16 and chemotactic senescence associated secretory phenotype (SASP) factors. Using p16-INK-ATTAC transgenic mice to eliminate p16ink4a-positive senescent cells and mass cytometry, we show that p16ink4a-positive cell targeting reduced the abundance of activated inflammatory cells in the aged female brain. Age-dependent declines in executive cognitive function were improved following transgenic p16ink4a-positive cell targeting, and executive function robustly correlated with inflammatory brain cell composition in females. Collectively, our findings demonstrate fundamental differences in the age- and sex-dependent brain inflammatory landscape and implicate p16ink4a-positive senescent cell targeting as a therapeutic strategy to attenuate age-related inflammation and cognitive decline.
Factors Associated With State Mandate of Nursing Home Staff Testing During COVID-19
Authors: Simpson Elizabeth , Miller Edward , Wylie Molly , Beauregard Lisa , Nadash Pamela , Gusmano Michael 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
COVID-19 has presented challenges for nursing homes (NHs) and other congregate living settings which serve older adults at high risk for morbidity and death from the virus. This study identified factors associated with states’ adopting a mandate for regular staff testing for COVID-19 in NHs. Potential correlates included state government ideology and capacity, NH supply and demand, prevailing economic conditions, existing state policies, and NH characteristics. Findings indicate that percent for profit NHs is most strongly associated with adoption of a state staff testing mandate. Governing capacity (average legislative salary), percent population at risk for COVID-19, and existing public policy (percent Medicaid spending devoted to long-term services and supports (LTSS) were also associated with the probability of adoption. Based on these results, states with more proprietary facilities and greater capacities for government action, investment in Medicaid LTSS, and at-risk populations were more likely to mandate regular staff testing in NHs.
Nutrition, Oral Health, and Chronic Diseases Inextricably Linked
Authors: Marshall Teresa 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
The 2020-25 Dietary Guidelines identified dental caries as a diet-related chronic disease of major importance. Preventing dental caries and other oral infectious diseases is critical to maintaining an individual’s capacity to chew food, consume nutrient-rich diets, and sustain optimal nutrition status. Pain and infection from dental caries complicates consumption of adequate amounts of fruits, vegetables, dairy, and lean protein recommended in the Dietary Guidelines. Nutrition and dietary intake can affect the development and integrity of oral cavity and progression of oral diseases. Increased snacking throughout the day in place of three-meals daily raises the risk of obesity and dental caries throughout the life cycle. Older adults who make routine oral health preventive practices, such as brushing, cleaning between teeth, drinking fluoridated water, and chewing sugarfree gum to increase saliva flow can reduce dental caries and oral infectious diseases. Professionals must also consider the impact of sugar-sweetened beverages and sugar intake.
Attachment, Emotion, and Physiological Coregulation Among Elderly Mothers and Their Adult Daughters
Authors: Jain Elizabeth , Labouvie-Vief Gisela , Lumley Mark 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Examination of physiological coregulation among marital partners suggests a dynamic interplay between partner physiology. Further, attachment dimensions of anxiety and avoidance mediate this coregulation during conflict. This study examined the role of attachment and race in predicting physiological coregulation for mothers and their adult daughters during emotional discussions. A sample of 23 African American and 17 Caucasian mother-daughter pairs (aged 26 to 83) completed interview sessions and Relationships Questionnaires. Pairs engaged in discussions (neutral, conflict, happy), while monitoring heart rate. HR difference scores were computed between pairs (bps; 0 meant no difference). Multiple Regressions revealed attachment anxiety and avoidance predicted HR variation between pairs for the neutral and happy discussions, differently by racial group (F(7,33)=3.297, p &lt; 0.01). For African American women, increased anxiety predicted increased HR variation during neutral and happy discussions, whereas for Caucasian women, increased avoidance predicted increased HR variation. However, during conflict anxiety singularly predicted increased HR covariation (b = 5.03, p = 0.01), for both groups. Low anxiety and low avoidance predicted physiological coregulation (lower HR variance between pairs). Increased anxious attachment predicted partner dysregulation (increased HR variation between pairs) across all 3 discussions, moderated by avoidance for the Caucasian women. Results suggest attachment plays a role in regulating physiology under emotional stress, and that there may be important cultural differences in this relationship. Further examination will explore the dynamic interplay between attachment and physiological coregulation across adulthood and later life.
Longitudinal and Age-Related Implications of Primary and Secondary Control for Happiness
Authors: Toyama Masahiro 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
While previous research addressed two distinct types of happiness, including hedonia and eudaimonia, the longitudinal associations of primary and secondary control with these happiness constructs had not been fully studied. The present study aimed to contribute to the literature by examining these associations and their age differences. Using data from the second and third waves of the Midlife in the United States (MIDUS; N = 4,963, aged 28 to 84 at baseline), the present study conducted structural equation modeling analyses to examine whether primary and secondary control predicted residualized changes over around a decade in the latent constructs of hedonia and eudaimonia and whether there were age differences in these associations. The results indicate that while only primary control predicted change in eudaimonia overall, the associations of primary and secondary control with changes in hedonia and eudaimonia differed by age. Particularly, in comparing these effects for younger and older individuals, primary control predicted increases in eudaimonia only for younger individuals, whereas secondary control predicted decreases in hedonia for younger individuals but predicted increases in eudaimonia for older individuals. Considering these findings, the importance of primary and secondary control for happiness may vary between adults of different ages, which is possibly due to their life priorities that may change with age. The present study suggested potential directions of future research further examining the role of primary and secondary control for happiness and exploring potential interventions to promote happiness, for example, by modifying primary and/or secondary control for adults of different ages.
Meaningful Engagement of Residents With Dementia in Assisted Living: The Role of Direct Care Workers
Authors: Morgan Jennifer Craft , Ciofi Joy , Kemp Candace , Hill Andrea , Bender Alexis 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Meaningful engagement has important implications for quality of care for persons living with dementia. Yet, little research has focused on direct care workers’ (DCWs) role in facilitating engagement opportunities for residents in assisted living. Using data from our ongoing NIA-funded study, “Meaningful Engagement and Quality of Life among Assisted Living Residents with Dementia,” we describe DCW approaches to engaging residents and the factors that influence the use and successful application of these approaches. Focal residents (N=33) were followed at four diverse assisted living communities for one year. Data includes care partner interviews (N=100), including 28 DCWs and 1560 hours of field observation data. DCWs interviewed had between 2 months and 12 years’ experience in their current position and were mostly African American and/or immigrant women of color. Findings suggest that DCW-resident interactions are key opportunities to engage residents in a meaningful way and can facilitate positive, trust-based relationships. This analysis elaborates on our previous work identifying four approaches: knowing the person, connecting with and meeting people where they are, being in the moment, and viewing all encounters as opportunities. We identified factors affecting opportunities for, and experiences with, meaningful engagement between residents and DCWs, including community staffing, consistent assignment, scheduling, DCW training and tenure, and community resources. We conclude with implications for practice emphasizing how elaboration of these approaches can inform the development of DCW training, opportunities for career advancement, and integration of approaches consistently into daily practice in an effort to support meaningful engagement of residents living with dementia.
The Final Mile: Evaluating eHealth and mHealth Utilization Among Older Adults
Authors: Krebs Mary 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
While health endures as a term to describe looking after oneself, looking after loved ones, and receiving care, the added component of electronic technology has emerged to affect all levels of health care delivery. Despite the prevalence of digital health and empirical evidence strongly supporting improved outcomes--the final mile--as it is sometimes called, is the sustained patient engagement with eHealth and mHealth we have yet to achieve. This research identifies a gap in the literature for understudied characteristics of digital health adoption, use affecting the aging population in the U.S., and contributes a deeper understanding of the key barriers to use of health-related technology. A mixed-methods research approach explores prevalent barriers to digital health utilization by older adults through a pre-post data collection strategy to empirically test an educational health-related intervention rooted in the Technology Acceptance Model. This validated analytic framework represents a decision ‘core’ as a user pathway for actual use. Evaluation of score data utilized a quantitative test of group means while thematic coding was employed for qualitative analysis. The results from this study are two-fold. The work strongly suggests specific barriers to adoption and use, confirming a distrust and reluctance to engage. However, additional evidence, both quantitative and qualitative illuminates substantive skills, positive perceptions, hopeful attitudes, as well as the rationale for use of available digital resources. Findings suggest future research would benefit from expanded use of the two-pronged approach to foster health-related technology engagement.
Discrimination and Risk of Incident Disability in Older African Americans
Authors: Lange-Maia Brittney , Lamar Melissa , Leurgans Sue , Buchman Aron , Barnes Lisa 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Discrimination is linked to poor health outcomes, but most studies examine young or midlife populations. We assessed associations between discrimination and disability in African Americans. The Detroit Areas Study Everyday Discrimination Scale quantified experiences of interpersonal mistreatment. Separate Cox-proportional hazards models tested the associations between baseline discrimination and incident mobility, activities of daily living (ADLs), and instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs) disability, adjusting for age, sex, education, BMI, smoking, depressive symptoms, and vascular diseases. At baseline, 441, 674, and 469, participants were initially free of mobility, ADL, and IADL disability, respectively, and 257, 185, and 269 new cases of mobility, ADL, and IADL disability were observed over approximately 8.5 years. Discrimination was associated with higher risk of ADL disability (hazard ratio: 1.03 per 1-point higher discrimination score, 95% confidence interval: 1.00-1.06) but no other disability type. Everyday discrimination is associated with risk of ADL disability.
Integrated multiple transcriptomes in oviductal tissue across the porcine estrous cycle reveal functional roles in oocyte maturation and transport
Authors: Jang Min-Jae , Lim Chiwoong , Lim Byeonghwi , Kim Jun-Mo 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Understanding the changes in the swine female reproductive system is important for solving issues related to reproductive failure and litter size. Elucidating the regulatory mechanisms of the natural estrous cycle in the oviduct under non-fertilisation conditions can improve our understanding of its role in the reproductive system. Herein, whole transcriptome RNA sequencing of oviduct tissue samples was performed. The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified for each time point relative to day 0 and classified into three clusters based on their expression patterns. Clusters 1 and 2 included genes involved in the physiological changes through the estrous cycle. Cluster 1 genes were mainly involved in PI3K-Akt signaling and steroid hormone biosynthesis pathways. Cluster 2 genes were involved in extracellular matrix-receptor interactions and protein digestion pathways. In Cluster 3, the DEGs were downregulated in the luteal phase; they were strongly associated with cell cycle, calcium signaling, and oocyte meiosis. The gene expression in the oviduct during the estrous cycle influenced oocyte transport and fertilization. Our findings provide a basis for successfully breeding pigs and elucidating the mechanisms underlying the changes in the pig oviduct during the estrous cycle.