bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Voluntary exercise during puberty promotes spatial memory and hippocampal DG/CA3 synaptic transmission in mice
Authors: Wan Changjian , Song Xueqing , Zhang Zhuyu , Hu Wenxiang , Chen Yanhua , Sun Wei , Liu Zhibin , Wang Songhua , Meng Wei 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Physical exercise has been shown to have an impact on memory and hippocampal function across different age groups. Nevertheless, the influence and mechanisms underlying how voluntary exercise during puberty affects memory are still inadequately comprehended. This research aims to examine the impacts of self-initiated physical activity throughout adolescence on spatial memory. Developing mice were exposed to a 4-wk voluntary wheel running exercise protocol, commencing at the age of 30 d. After engaging in voluntary wheel running exercise during development, there was an enhancement in spatial memory. Moreover, hippocampal dentate gyrus and CA3 neurons rather than CA1 neurons exhibited an increase in the miniature excitatory postsynaptic currents and miniature inhibitory postsynaptic currents. In addition, there was an increase in the expression of NR2A/NR2B subunits of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors and α1GABAA subunit of gamma-aminobutyric acid type A receptors, as well as dendritic spine density, specifically within dentate gyrus and CA3 regions rather than CA1 region. The findings suggest that voluntary exercise during development can enhance spatial memory in mice by increasing synapse numbers and improving synaptic transmission in hippocampal dentate gyrus and CA3 regions, but not in CA1 region. This study sheds light on the neural mechanisms underlying how early-life exercise improves cognitive function.
SplicingLore: a web resource for studying the regulation of cassette exons by human splicing factors
Authors: Polvèche Hélène , Valat Jessica , Fontrodona Nicolas , Lapendry Audrey , Clerc Valentine , Janczarski Stéphane , Mortreux Franck , Auboeuf Didier , Bourgeois Cyril F 
Published: December 2023

AbstractOne challenge faced by scientists from the alternative RNA splicing field is to decode the cooperative or antagonistic effects of splicing factors (SFs) to understand and eventually predict splicing outcomes on a genome-wide scale. In this manuscript, we introduce SplicingLore, an open-access database and web resource that help to fill this gap in a straightforward manner. The database contains a collection of RNA-sequencing-derived lists of alternative exons regulated by a total of 75 different SFs. All datasets were processed in a standardized manner, ensuring valid comparisons and correlation analyses. The user can easily retrieve a factor-specific set of differentially included exons from the database or provide a list of exons and search which SF(s) control(s) their inclusion. Our simple workflow is fast and easy to run, and it ensures a reliable calculation of correlation scores between the tested datasets. As a proof of concept, we predicted and experimentally validated a novel functional cooperation between the RNA helicases DDX17 and DDX5 and the heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein C (HNRNPC) protein. SplicingLore is available at https://splicinglore.ens-lyon.fr/.Database URL: https://splicinglore.ens-lyon.fr/
Video versus telephone for telehealth delivery: a cross-sectional study of Australian general practice trainees
Authors: Fisher Katie , Tapley Amanda , Ralston Anna , Davey Andrew , Fielding Alison , van Driel Mieke , Holliday Elizabeth , Ball Jean , Dizon Jason , Spike Neil , Clarke Lisa , Magin Parker 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Background
Remunerated telehealth consultations were introduced in Australia in 2020 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Videoconferencing has advantages over telephone-consulting, including improved diagnostic and decision-making accuracy. However, videoconferencing uptake in Australia has been low. This study aimed to establish prevalence and associations of video versus telephone consultations in Australian general practice (GP) registrars’ practice.

Methods
A cross-sectional analysis of data from 2020 to 2021 (three 6-monthly data-collection rounds) from the Registrars Clinical Encounters in Training (ReCEnT) study. GP registrars record details of 60 consecutive consultations every 6-month term, for a total of 3 terms. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression were performed within the Generalized Estimating Equations framework with the outcome video versus telephone.

Results
102,286 consultations were recorded by 1,168 registrars, with 21.4% of consultations performed via telehealth. Of these, telephone accounted for 96.6% (95% CI: 96.3–96.8%) and videoconferencing for 3.4% (95% CI: 3.2–3.7%). Statistically significant associations of using videoconferencing, compared to telephone, included longer consultation duration (OR 1.02, 95% CI: 1.01–1.03 per minute; and mean 14.9 versus 12.8 min), patients aged 0–14 years old (OR 1.29, 95% CI: 1.03–1.62, compared to age 15–34), patients new to the registrar (OR 1.19, 95% CI: 1.04–1.35), part-time registrars (OR 1.84, 95% CI: 1.08–3.15), and areas of less socioeconomic disadvantage (OR 1.27, 95% CI: 1.00–1.62 per decile).

Conclusions
Registrars’ telehealth consultations were mostly performed via telephone. Telephone use being associated with socioeconomic disadvantage has health equity implications. Future research should explore barriers to videoconferencing use and strategies to increase its uptake.
Association of primary care visit length with outpatient utilization, continuity, and care processes
Authors: Liss David T , Cooper Andrew J , Cherupally Manisha , Brown Tiffany , Pearson Marilyn G 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Background
Little is known about how variation in the scheduled length of primary care visits can impact patients’ patterns of health care utilization.

Objective
To evaluate how the scheduled length of in-person visits with primary care physicians (PCPs) was associated with PCP and patient characteristics, outpatient utilization, and preventive care receipt.

Methods
This retrospective cohort study examined data from a large American academic health system. PCP visit length template was defined as either 15- and 30-min scheduled appointments (i.e. 15/30), or 20- and 40-min scheduled appointments (i.e. 20/40).

Results
Of 222 included PCPs, 85 (38.3%) used the 15/30 template and 137 (61.7%) used the 20/40 template. The 15/30 group had higher proportions of male (49.4%, vs. 35.8% in the 20/40 group) and family medicine (37.6% vs. 21.2%) physicians. In adjusted patient-level analysis (N = 238,806), having a 15/30 PCP was associated with 9% more primary care visits (incidence rate ratio [IRR], 1.09; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.03–1.14), and 8% fewer specialty care visits (IRR, 0.92; 95% CI, 0.86–0.98). PCP visit length template was not associated with significant differences in obstetrics/gynaecology visits, continuity of care, or preventive care receipt. In interaction analyses, having a 15/30 PCP was associated with additional primary care visits among non-Hispanic White patients (IRR, 1.10; 95% CI, 1.04–1.16) but not among non-Hispanic Black patients.

Conclusion
PCPs’ choices about the scheduled length of in-person visits may impact their patients’ specialty care use, and have varying impacts across different racial/ethnic groups.
The contributions of DNA accessibility and transcription factor occupancy to enhancer activity during cellular differentiation
Authors: Long Trevor , Bhattacharyya Tapas , Repele Andrea , Naylor Madison , Nooti Sunil , Krueger Shawn , Manu  
Published: December 2023

Abstract
During gene regulation, DNA accessibility is thought to limit the availability of transcription factor (TF) binding sites, while TFs can increase DNA accessibility to recruit additional factors that upregulate gene expression. Given this interplay, the causative regulatory events in the modulation of gene expression remain unknown for the vast majority of genes. We utilized deeply sequenced ATAC-Seq data and site-specific knock-in reporter genes to investigate the relationship between the binding-site resolution dynamics of DNA accessibility and the expression dynamics of the enhancers of Cebpa during macrophage-neutrophil differentiation. While the enhancers upregulate reporter expression during the earliest stages of differentiation, there is little corresponding increase in their total accessibility. Conversely, total accessibility peaks during the last stages of differentiation without any increase in enhancer activity. The accessibility of positions neighboring C/EBP-family TF binding sites, which indicates TF occupancy, does increase significantly during early differentiation, showing that the early upregulation of enhancer activity is driven by TF binding. These results imply that a generalized increase in DNA accessibility is not sufficient, and binding by enhancer-specific TFs is necessary, for the upregulation of gene expression. Additionally, high-coverage ATAC-Seq combined with time-series expression data can infer the sequence of regulatory events at binding-site resolution.
Gut Microbiota Richness and Diversity Track With T Cell Aging in Healthy Adults
Authors: Madison Annelise A , Burd Christin E , Andridge Rebecca , Wilson Stephanie J , Bailey Michael T , Belury Martha A , Spakowicz Daniel J , Malarkey William B , Kiecolt-Glaser Janice K 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Background
This study examined how gut microbiota diversity and richness relate to T cell aging among 96 healthy adults of all ages. It also explored whether these links differed throughout the lifespan.

Methods
Peripheral blood was obtained from 96 study participants (N = 96, aged 21–72) to assess mRNA markers of T cell aging (p16ink4a, p14ARF, B3gat1, Klrg1) and DNA methylation. T cell aging mRNA markers were combined into an aging index, and the Horvath epigenetic clock algorithm was used to calculate epigenetic age based on DNA methylation status of over 500 loci. Participants also collected a stool sample from which the V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene was sequenced to derive the Shannon and Simpson diversity indices, and the total count of observed operational taxonomic units (richness). Models controlled for BMI, comorbidities, sex, dietary quality, smoking status, physical activity, and sleep quality.

Results
Lower microbiota richness was associated with higher T cell age based on mRNA markers, but when probing the region of significance, this relationship was only significant among adults 45 years and older (p = .03). Lower Shannon diversity (p = .05) and richness (p = .07) marginally correlated with higher epigenetic age (ie, greater T cell DNA methylation).

Conclusions
Gut microbiota complexity may correspond with the rate of T cell aging, especially in mid-to-late life. These results suggest an interplay between the gut microbiome and immunological aging that warrants further experimental work.
STAKEHOLDERS’ PERSPECTIVES ON AN AREA AGENCIES ON AGING SERVING URBAN OLDER ADULTS
Authors: Hopp Faith , Keys Fay 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) in urban areas play a critical role in helping older adults maintain and enhance their quality of life. The Detroit Area Agency on Aging (DAAA), recognizing the importance of involving Detroit area seniors and community stakeholders in long-term strategic initiatives, funded a comprehensive needs assessment of the region’s seniors. This study reports findings from an online survey in the winter of 2020, (n=94) aimed at identifying stakeholder views of DAAA programs and services. We used descriptive statistical analyses for closed-ended items and content analysis to identify themes from open-ended questions. Most respondents were either direct service purchase vendors (34.0%) or contractors (22.3%). The highest ranked perceived agency role was information and assistance (mean=2.41; SD=1.02), followed by direct service provision (mean=2.45; SD=1.52), coordination of aging services (mean=2.63; SD=1.54), education (mean=3.40; SD=1.11), and training (mean=4.10; SD=0.99). The most commonly mentioned areas needed for the region to become age-friendly were supportive community services (66.3%), public transportation (44.9%), safety and security (41.6%), available and affordable housing (40.4%), access to healthcare (38.2%), and housing maintenance/modification (24.7%). The most common themes from open-ended responses included outreach, collaboration, and promoting aging in place. These findings suggest the imperative of providing accessible, high-quality services that promote aging in place in urban areas through community outreach and collaboration activities. Detroit area seniors are a vital community resource, and ongoing stakeholder input is needed as part of collaborative efforts to meet their complex emerging health and social needs.
SPILLOVER EFFECTS OF RESIDENTIAL SPATIAL SOCIAL POLARIZATION AND HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE AMONG VA NURSING HOME RESIDENTS
Authors: Magid Hoda Abdel , Odden Michelle 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Spatial social polarization (SSP) – the process by which a population within an area diverges across socioeconomic characteristics– has been associated with hypertension. SSP indices measure the extent to which a population is distributed at extremes of privilege and deprivation. The VA nursing home represents an environment where spatially-oriented disparities are expected to be attenuated due to the fact that Veterans have equal access to care. We examined the association between SSP measured at residents’ home addresses prior to admission with blood pressure (BP) outcomes in the first four weeks after admission. We evaluated the use of the index of concentration (ICE) of extremes to measure SSP across four socioeconomic domains including race/ethnicity, income, home ownership, and joint race/ethnicity with income at the tract level using 2010 census data. SSP was dichotomized as the first (most polarized and disadvantaged) quintile vs. the 2nd -5th quintiles. The analytic sample included 41,972 long-term care residents aged ≥65 years admitted from 2006-2019. Multilevel mixed-effects regression models were adjusted for individual demographics and chronic conditions. We found Veterans who had resided in the most polarized and disadvantaged quintile (Q1) had a 1.10 (95% 1.01, 1.19) relative risk of high BP compared to those in Q 2-5 for the ICE jointly measuring race/ethnicity and income. We found similar results for systolic BP. In summary, SSP that jointly measures economic and racial/ethnic polarization, may have a spillover effect on health disparities even in a healthcare setting with equal access.
INCORPORATING NEW MEASURES OF NEIGHBORHOOD SUPPORTS FOR HEALTHY AGING INTO EXISTING COHORTS
Authors: Hirsch Jana , Michael Yvonne 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Longstanding cohort studies have a wealth of well-characterized sociodemographic, phenotypic, behavioral, genetic, health, and neighborhood longitudinal data, often spanning decades. In addition to original aims, we have an obligation to leverage the current cohort studies to better understand the aging process and neighborhood supports for healthy aging. We used a multi-pronged approach to design and add aging-relevant neighborhood measures to the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA) during Exam 7 (ongoing since 2022), when the entire cohort had aged to &gt;67 years. In addition to continuing survey measures from historic visits on food environments, safety, social cohesion, trust, and physical activity resources we added novel metrics to the MESA Neighborhood Ancillary questionnaire. These include across environmental domains relevant for physical function (e.g. curb cuts, availability of places to rest, lighting, crosswalk speeds), cognitive function (e.g. places to learn new things, signage), and ability to age in place (e.g. neighborhood changes related to cost or pressures). To complement existing Geographic Information Systems (GIS) data in MESA, we collected and developed new GIS measures similarly related to these three domains: physical function (e.g. senior center density, physical therapist density), cognitive function (e.g. destinations to enrich cognitive function, places to socialize, new greenness measures), and ability to age in place (e.g. age isolation, age-friendly policies). Our ability to leverage decades of data on well-characterized cohorts by complementing existing data with new, neighborhood supports for healthy aging opens novel research opportunities to understand health across the lifecourse.
TRAINING IN HEALTH AND AGING POLICY MID CAREER—REFLECTING ON A POTENTIAL INFLECTION POINT
Authors: Springgate Benjamin 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
The Health and Aging Policy Fellowship (HAPF) trains fellows to understand policymaking with the goal to improve the lives of older people across life domains. Comparatively few mid-career or more senior experts in healthcare or aging have direct experience with federal or state policymaking, or working to inform evidence-based health policy. As a senior physician faculty member at a School of Medicine and School of Public Health, in recent years the author has worked at state and local levels to inform evidence-based health policy. The HAPF offered an opportunity for the author to improve knowledge and understanding of decision-making and policymaking in Washington DC and at the federal level. Fellowship-sponsored training improved fellows’ understanding of health policy and potential effectiveness in federal health policy environments. Trainings through HAPF, the American Political Science Association, and Academy Health provided greater breadth and depth of knowledge on roles of various agencies, executive and congressional policymaking, and understanding factors influencing policymaking. This training enhanced the author’s readiness for fellowship activities in a U.S. Senate office. Exposure to experts in health and aging opened the door to fellows’ participation in efforts to improve opportunities for healthy aging and to advance age-friendly health systems. Work in the U.S. Senate includes exposure to federal, state, non-governmental stakeholders who can work together to influence policy to improve the lives of aging and older people. The author will highlight specific examples of training, policy opportunities, and policy challenges in the context of his fellowship.
EFFECTS OF ACUTE AND CHRONIC CANNABIS/CANNABINOIDS ON COGNITIVE FUNCTION ACROSS THE LIFESPAN
Authors: Setlow Barry , Zequeira Sabrina , Gazarov Emely , Bizon Jennifer 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Cannabis and cannabinoids such as THC (the major psychoactive component of cannabis) tend to impair cognitive performance, but almost all research on this topic has been conducted in young adults. Given that many aged individuals already exhibit cognitive deficits, it is important to determine how cannabis/cannabinoids affect cognition in this population. We used an animal model (young adult and aged rats) to evaluate the effects of both acute cannabis smoke and chronic oral THC on several tests of cognitive function. Both acute smoke (males only) and chronic THC (both sexes) enhanced working memory in aged rats, but neither affected young adults. In contrast, both regimens tended to impair performance on tests of spatial/episodic memory in an age-independent manner. Results suggest that although cannabis has potential for cognitive benefits in aging, its effects likely depend on both the cognitive domain tested and the manner in which it is administered.
AN AGENDA FOR THE FAMILY CARE GAP: ALIGNING SCIENCE, FAMILY EXPERIENCES, AND PUBLIC HEALTH
Authors: Gaugler Joseph 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
When considering the public health ramifications of family caregiving, a major concern is the future supply of family, friends, or other unpaid caregivers (hereafter referred to as family caregivers) of older persons with health needs. This presentation will summarize the state of the science on estimating the future “supply” of family caregivers for older persons, and whether there are structural or social determinants, in addition to long-standing socio demographic trends, which may contribute to the family care gap. In addition, the presentation will outline a potential research agenda on the family care gap that summarizes the potential implications of this phenomenon as well as how it aligns with efforts to elevate family caregiving for older people (particularly those living with dementia) as a matter of public health import.
INTERDISCIPLINARY PERSPECTIVES ON THE INTERSECTION OF CANCER AND COGNITIVE DECLINE
Authors: Carroll Judith , Stratton Lauren , Small Brent 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
The population of older cancer survivors in the United States is rapidly growing. The long-term cognitive aging of older cancer survivors is not well understood, as large-scale epidemiological studies often show a paradoxical inverse association between cancer history and subsequent dementia; yet cancer survivors often experience cognitive impairment symptoms in the short-term following treatment. Further, the cancer diagnosis and care experiences of older adults experiencing cognitive impairments or dementia warrant further investigation as these are important issues for health care quality and equity amongst older adults experiencing cognitive limitations who are at risk for cancer. The novel findings presented in this interdisciplinary symposium will help to clarify the cognitive aging experiences of older cancer survivors, using innovative data sources. First, Brown will discuss the relationship between cancer and subjective cognitive decline, using the nationally representative Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System data. Second, Westrick will present the associations between cancer treatment types and subsequent mortality and cognitive decline for survivors of breast, prostate, and kidney cancer among Medicare beneficiaries in the nationally representative US Health and Retirement Study. Third, also using data from Medicare beneficiaries in the US Health and Retirement Study combined with a mixed-methods physician survey, Mullins will discuss differences in cancer treatment recommendations and receipt for older adults with a pre-existing cognitive impairment who are diagnosed with cancer. Finally, Todorova will take a deeper dive into the potential mechanisms linking cancer treatment with cognitive decline, by examining a biomarker of inflammation and cardiovascular toxicity among patients receiving doxorubicin. This is a collaborative symposium between the Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias and Cancer and Aging Interest Groups.