bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
ROLE OF THE METHYLTRANSFERASE METTL21C IN DRIVING MUSCLE ATROPHY WITH AGING AND HIV INFECTION
Authors: Castillo Jorge Gonzalez , McGee-Lawrence Meghan , Kress Taylor , Kovacs Laszlo , de Chantemele Eric Belin , Hamrick Mark 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Osteoporosis and sarcopenia are both frequently observed in older people living with HIV. We developed an animal model to investigate the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying accelerated muscle aging in the setting of HIV infection. Wild-type C57BL/6 mice received bone marrow from Tg26 HIV-1 transgenic mice at 8 weeks of age and tissues were collected 8 weeks later. Tg26 mice express 7 of 9 HIV proteins but lack gag and pol so are non-infectious. RNA was isolated from the tibialis anterior and microarray was performed using the Clariom S Mouse array that contains more than 22,100 well-annotated genes and 150,300 transcripts. Differential expressions were calculated using ANOVA and filtered with a p-value cutoff of 0.05. Results show that the methyltransferase Mettl21c, a methyltransferase previously shown to stimulate muscle protein synthesis and suppress muscle degradation, is one of the most highly downregulated (more than two-fold) genes in muscle from mice receiving Tg26 bone marrow. We then analyzed GEO data sets to identify changes in muscle Mettl21c expression in various disease settings. These data sets reveal that Mettl21c is consistently downregulated in skeletal muscle with inflammatory conditions such as cancer cachexia and sepsis. In addition, GWAS studies have previously shown Mettl21c deficiency in patients with sarcopenia and osteoporosis. Our data suggest that HIV proteins may produce epigenetic modifications in skeletal muscle leading to muscle loss, and that therapies restoring expression of methyltransferases such as Mettl21c might improve muscle health in patients living with HIV.
RU AGE-FRIENDLY? THE RUTGERS AGING INITIATIVE
Authors: Snedeker Lauren , Davis Tracy 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Ageism is harmful to everyone everywhere, including university settings. Rutgers is among America’s highest-ranked, most diverse public research universities. While efforts have been made to increase diversity, equity, and inclusion, few efforts have focused specifically on ageism. Like many individuals and groups experience, ageism is often the last experience identified in the DEI equation (can cite if needed). The objective of this project was to begin to take steps to end ageism at Rutgers University and beyond and move towards becoming an age-friendly university. As a part of this project, we surveyed 109 full or part time faculty members about their understanding of ageism and their experiences with ageism at the university. Furthermore, faculty were asked about the feasibility of including ageism into their courses and whether they would need training or materials to do so. Our survey results indicate that faculty feel prepared to lead discussions on ageism with students, recognize its importance in advancing equity and inclusion, and but largely lack any formalized training on the matter. Our project, supported by a university grant, helped respond to these findings and create a sustainable action plan for the future that ensures ageism and age inclusivity are experiences that continue to be addressed at the university level.
SERUM TRANSTHYRETIN LEVEL IS ASSOCIATED WITH COGNITIVE FUNCTION IN COMMUNITY-DWELLING OLDER ADULTS
Authors: Nakamura Misa , Imaoka Masakazu , Tazaki Fumie , Hida Mitsumasa , Imai Ryota , Kubo Takanari , Sakai Keiko , Takeda Masatoshi 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Serum transthyretin (TTR) level has been shown in several studies to be associated with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and dementia. This study aims to clarify the usefulness of TTR as a biomarker of change in cognitive function in people with normal cognitive function (NC) as a phenotype. We therefore investigate the relationship between cognitive scores and TTR in a cross-sectional study. A longitudinal study then examines the involvement of TTR level in the transition from NC to MCI. Cognitive function was evaluated using Addenbrooke’s Cognitive Examination-Revised (ACE-R). A cross-sectional study was conducted in community-dwelling older people (n=211) classified into NC, MCI, or dementia by ACE-R score. A 32-month longitudinal study was then conducted (n=29). Multiple regression analysis used sex, age, years of education and TTR as dependent variables and ACE-R scores as an independent variable. TTR was significantly associated with ACE-R in people with NC (β = -0.295, p =0.0008). No association with TTR was found in the MCI or dementia groups. Multiple regression analysis using sex, age and each ACE-R subdomain as dependent variables and TTR level as independent variable showed significant association with memory and language. In the longitudinal study, data analysis revealed that TTR level at baseline in females with MCI was significantly higher than it in females with NC. Our results suggest serum TTR levels might be a useful marker for cognitive function in preclinical AD. Elevated TTR might be a predictor of transition to MCI in old-aged adults with NC.
SIAH E3 UBIQUITIN LIGASE2 (SIAH2) DELETION MIMICS AGE-ASSOCIATED PHENOTYPES IN MOUSE MACROPHAGES
Authors: Ghosh Bhaswati , Panta Pradip , Scott Matthew , Floyd Elizabeth 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Aging is generally characterized by physiological as well as metabolic decline. Crosstalk between metabolic organs is remarkably altered by aging. For one, adipose tissue exhibits distinct cellular and molecular attributes of aging. Impaired adipogenesis is one of the aging hallmarks. Previously, we demonstrated Siah E3 Ubiquitin Ligase2 (Siah2) is upregulated during adipogenesis. We are interested if and how Siah2 expression is altered by aging. Recently, the age-related decline in immune function was first detected in mouse adipose tissue. To explore the regulatory role of Siah2 in immune response, we generated mice with Siah2 knockout in macrophages (SKM) and observed elevated expression of inflammatory regulators including TNF-α and Trem2 in SKM macrophages compared to control. Additionally, we detected increased lipid accumulation and expression of Plin2 (lipid droplet marker) in the co-culture model of adipose tissue macrophages derived from SKM mice. These data are consistent with previous research showing an age-related increase in TNF-α expression and lipid content. Varying degrees of age-related alterations have been observed in different adipose tissue depots. For example, aging attenuates “beiging” of white adipose tissue (WAT) to brown adipose-like tissue and consequently is associated with lower levels of mitochondrial respiration. Interestingly, oxygen consumption rate, a quantitative measure of mitochondrial function, is lower in the SKM macrophages compared to the control group, hinting that Siah2 may regulate browning of WAT during aging. Altogether, these data suggest that Siah2 KO phenotypes mimic major aging hallmarks and that Siah2 could be a potential therapeutic target for age-related adipose tissue disorders.
SOCIAL DETERMINANTS OF BRIDGE EMPLOYMENT: DO BIRTH COHORTS MATTER?
Authors: Choi Gayoung , Lee Haena 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
A growing number of retirees now engage in bridge employment, a term referring to their continued participation in the workforce post-retirement. The generation in South Korea born between 1945 and 1955, a period marked by leading industrialization and experiencing economic crises during their working age, exhibits unique socioeconomic characteristics distinct from later generations. Consequently, their retirement trajectories diverge from those of later cohorts, including the Baby Boomer generation (born between 1956 and 1965). In this paper, we investigate whether social, demographic, psychological, and health factors are associated with bridge employment and whether this association differs across birth cohorts. Data were drawn from seven waves of the Korean Longitudinal Study of Aging, conducted between 2008 and 2020. We employ an integrative framework that considers socioeconomic status, health status, and psychological factor s as the main variables to explain the odds of continuing to work after retirement. Retirement status includes three categories: employed, bridge, and total retirement. Results from a multinomial logit model reveal birth cohort differences in the relationship between social/psychological predictors and bridge employment. Additionally, higher educational attainment, a private pension, and poor mental health are associated with decisions regarding bridge employment for the industrialization generation, but not for Baby Boomers. Furthermore, females are more likely to participate in bridge employment than males for the industrialization generation, but not for Baby Boomers. Our findings contribute to the current literature on bridge employment by identifying the social determinants of bridge employment and highlighting the importance of cohort differences in bridge employment.
SOCIAL ISOLATION AND HOSPITALIZATION IN A NATIONAL SAMPLE OF COMMUNITY-DWELLING OLDER ADULTS BY DEMENTIA STATUS
Authors: Pomeroy Mary Louise , Ornstein Katherine , Gimm Gilbert , Cudjoe Thomas 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Social isolation poses risks for poor health, yet its impact on hospitalization for persons with dementia is unknown. Dementia may result in reduced social contact that increases the risk of hospitalization. This observational cohort study examined longitudinal associations between social isolation and hospitalization among a nationally-representative sample of community-dwelling older adults with and without dementia. Using the National Health and Aging Trends Study, we conducted multivariable analyses for 5,533 Medicare beneficiaries. Social isolation was measured using a multi-domain 4-item typology. Logistic regression tested associations between social isolation in 2015 and self-reported hospitalization over the next twelve months, stratifying by dementia status. Covariates included sociodemographics and health characteristics. About 21.5% of older adults were socially isolated, with a much higher proportion of social isolation among those with dementia (38.0%) versus without (20.7%) (p &lt; .001). Overall, the odds of hospitalization were not significantly associated with social isolation (OR 1.13; p = .184). While there was no association between social isolation and hospitalization among those without dementia (OR 1.09; p = .394), social isolation was significantly associated with hospitalization among older adults with dementia (OR 2.07; p = .001). Among older adults with dementia, social isolation increased the predicted probability of hospitalization by about 14.1% over one year (p = 0.030). In this population-based study, social isolation was common among community-dwelling older adults with dementia and significantly associated with increased odds of hospitalization over twelve months. Efforts to reduce hospitalization should explore ways to bolster social relationships for older adults with dementia.
SOCIAL SANDWICHING AND PAID WORK IN LATER LIFE: CONSEQUENCES ON MENTAL HEALTH
Authors: Albertini Marco , Lewin-Epstein Noah , Silverstein Merril , Tur-Sinai Aviad 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Conflicting demands over time allocation – between family care and paid work – can be harmful to individual’s wellbeing. Individuals who are socially sandwiched and in employment experience potential conflict between supporting older and younger family generations, and with respect to the demands from paid work. These competing time demands may have negative effects on individuals’ health. Adding to most existing research, this study focuses on the mature sandwich generation – i.e. European individuals aged between 50 to 65 years, who are demographically sandwiched between adult children and older parents. Using data from the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe and fixed effects models we assess the effect of becoming socially sandwiched (a transition and not a status) on respondents’ mental health in according to their status on the labor market. Euro-D and CAS12 are utilized as proxies of individuals psychological wellbeing. It is shown that the effect of becoming socially sandwiched varies by in paid status and gender. The results demonstrate that a transition into social sandwiching has a negative effect on the mental health of working women, while the effect on women who are not in paid work is not statistically significant. The mental health of becoming sandwiched for men who are not in paid work for reasons other than being retired is also negatively affected by becoming socially sandwiched. Whereas, for men who are neither in paid work nor retired, the effect of transitioning into social sandwiching on their mental health is not statistically significant.
SOURCES OF VACCINE INFORMATION: MISGIVINGS AND TRUST ISSUES AMONG OLDER ADULTS IN NORTH DAKOTA
Authors: Huseth-Zosel Andrea , Fuller Heather 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Older adults consistently have relatively high vaccination rates. What is not fully understood is how trust in immunization information sources impacts vaccine decision-making among older adults. This study examines older adults’ perceptions and decision-making processes for vaccines such as influenza, pneumonia, shingles, and COVID-19. Older adults (65+) in North Dakota (N=51) who participated in a larger survey study on vaccine behaviors voluntarily agreed to participate in a follow-up phone interview (November 2022-January 2023). Qualitative, semi-structured phone interviews focused on access, knowledge, and decision about vaccines. Interview transcripts were inductively coded for emergent themes related to trust. Three themes were identified: implicit trust in information sources, uncertainty who to trust for vaccine information, and regaining trust in information sources. Implicit trust focused on familiarity with sources of information (such as inherently trusting family members), source expertise (such as doctor recommendations), and reliability of sources (including if the source always provides accurate information). The second theme, uncertainty who to trust, stressed confusion over source inconsistency, such as changing positions on vaccines, or having opposing sources that both seem to be trustworthy. The final theme, regaining trust in information sources, highlighted if and how trust in a source of vaccine information could be recovered, including transparency, sincerity, and verifying immunization information through obtaining a second opinion. These findings contribute to the understanding of vaccine decision-making among older adults and provide focus areas for interventions to address lack of trust in information sources and improve immunization rates for this population.
SPIRITUAL NEEDS OF ELDERLY IN CHINESE FAITH-BASED NURSING HOME: ADMINISTRATOR VIEWS
Authors: Jiang Lin , Hodge David , Bonifas Robin , Sun Fei 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Objectives
Recognizing and addressing the spiritual needs of elderly individuals constitutes a crucial facet of comprehensive caregiving. Despite China’s immense aging population, research on the spiritual needs of Chinese seniors remains limited. This study aimed to: 1) delineate prevalent spiritual needs among Chinese nursing home residents, including those with dementia; 2) elucidate the method employed by staff to identify these needs in non-verbal residents; and 3) expound on the strategies utilized by staff to fulfill these identified needs.

Methods
In this qualitative exploration, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 21 administrators from faith-based nursing homes, chosen for their potential concentration of residents with dementia. Encompassing establishments across 14 Chinese provinces, interviews were conducted in the participants’ native language, subsequently translated into English. Utilizing a constant comparative approach, the collected data underwent analysis to uncover recurring themes.

Results
The analysis yielded five interconnected themes concerning the spiritual needs of older adults: expression of faith, reception of love and care, familial interaction, social engagement, and participation in activities. For individuals with dementia unable to articulate their needs, staff employed careful observation and communication with family members as means of identification. In response to identified needs, staff harnessed local resources and personalized services whenever feasible.

Discussion
The findings offer practical insights for holistic caregivers catering to the spiritual needs of Chinese elderly. This study fills an existing gap, aiding in the provision of culturally sensitive care that addresses the spiritual aspects of aging Chinese individuals.
STUDENTS GAIN APPRECIATION FOR PATIENT-CENTERED AND TEAM-BASED CARE PARTICIPATING IN A GERIATRIC CASE COMPETITION
Authors: Talley Kristine , Berg-Weger Marla , Zubatsky Max , Osterbur Elaina , Williams Rhiannon , Schicker Teresa , Wyman Jean 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Health science students must attain interprofessional teamwork and collaboration competencies to provide effective, patient-centered care to older adults requiring complex care. However, students typically learn in disciplinary silos and lack engaging opportunities for interprofessional teamwork. To provide students with an interprofessional learning activity the Geriatric Workforce Enhancement Programs (GWEP) at Saint Louis University and the University of Minnesota implemented a Geriatric Case Competition. We present the students’ experience with the 2022 competition. Students assigned to interprofessional teams with a coach had one month to prepare a 20-25 minute presentation of a comprehensive care plan using a simulated complex geriatric patient case. Judges scored team presentations using a rubric of core competencies for interprofessional collaborative practice. Each GWEP held local competitions with winning teams presenting at the inter-GWEP competition held via live videoconferencing. Top scoring teams received prizes. Students completed an eight-item satisfaction survey using a 5 point likert scale (5=poor to 1=excellent). Answers to open ended questions were analyzed qualitatively to find themes about their experience. 132 students joined the competition and 54 completed an evaluation survey (response rate 41%). Students rated their experience as good to excellent with mean ratings on 8 questions ranging from 1.5-2.2 (N=54). Themes included: the importance of patient centered care and the power of multiple perspectives/expertise. Students offered improvements related to student, coach, and judge expectations. In summary, the competition provided a very positive learning activity that helped students value the importance of patient centered care and interprofessional collaboration for older people.
SUBJECTIVE COGNITIVE DECLINE MODERATES THE ASSOCIATION BETWEEN AGE AND MEMORY DECLINE IN MIDLIFE
Authors: Park Kyoung Shin , Etnier Jennifer , DuBois Samantha , Kibildis Samuel , Som-Pimpong Hadassah , Vance Jarod , Wahlheim Christopher 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Subjective cognitive decline (SCD) represents self-perceived worsening of memory and thinking abilities, in the absence of objective cognitive impairment, and serves as a prognostic marker of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). However, no study to date has investigated whether SCD moderates the relationship between aging and memory before older ages. We tested the hypothesis that SCD interacts with age to predict memory performance in midlife. A subset of 123 cognitively unimpaired, middle-aged adults (Mage=56.6±6.44 years; 87% females) from an ongoing clinical trial (NIH R01AG058919) were included for analyses. Multiple linear regression models tested the effects of age and SCD in predicting performance of mnemonic discrimination, auditory-verbal memory, visuospatial memory, paired associative memory, and verbal logical memory, while controlling relevant covariates (e.g., education, sex, and APOE ε4). Based on the optimal cutoff of the Everyday Cognition Scale, 28.2% of the sample were considered to have SCD and 71.8% perceived themselves to have normal cognition. After covariate adjustments, there were significant main and interaction effects of SCD and age on mnemonic discrimination performance on the Mnemonic Similarity Task (MST) but not on other memory outcomes. The negative relationship between age and mnemonic discrimination was evident in middle-aged adults who self-report cognitive concerns but not in those without such concerns. Since mnemonic discrimination is highly sensitive to hippocampal function, these findings support the utility of the MST to detect age-related hippocampal changes and ensuing memory declines in midlife as well as the importance of early interventions among middle-aged adults with SCD to prevent AD.
SUBJECTIVE SOCIAL STATUS AND DEPRESSION AMONG KOREAN OLDER ADULTS: FORMAL SOCIAL ACTIVITIES AS MEDIATOR
Authors: Park Junmin , Lee Yeonjung 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Previous studies have examined an association between depression and socioeconomic factors such as education, economic status, and social support among older adults. It is widely acknowledged that socioeconomic status (SES) plays a pivotal role in the manifestation of depression. However, subjective social status (SSS) representing the subjective perception of the accumulation of life experiences and the associated overall deprivation may hold even greater importance in older adults. Especially, statistics in Korea shows that most people are likely to consider themselves in middle class regardless of their objective financial status. Therefore, the objective of this study is to examine whether subjective social status is associated with depression in later life as well as how participation in formal social activities (i.e., religion/social gathering, leisure/cultural/sport activity, reunion/hometown alumni, volunteering, party/civil society organization/advocacy group) mediate this association. Multiple regression analyses and Baron & Kenny (1986) analytical approach were applied using a panel data from the 2020 Korean Longitudinal Study of Ageing. Selected sample include those who are aged 65 and older (n= 4,405). Results show that there is a negative association between SSS and depression. SSS was positively associated with formal social activities. Additionally, formal social activities have significant impact on mitigating depression. Participation in formal social activities partially mediates the relationship between the SSS and depression. Findings have implications for promoting an opportunity for older adults to participate in some formal types of social participation. Furthermore, additional research investigating the factors that can augment SSS should be warranted.