bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
COPING STYLES AS MEDIATORS BETWEEN PURPOSE IN LIFE AND COGNITIVE FUNCTION: A LONGITUDINAL STUDY
Authors: Sesker Amanda , O’Súilleabháin Páraic , Luchetti Martina , Terracciano Antonio , Sutin Angelina 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
This study tested the association between purpose in life and coping styles and whether coping styles mediate the association between purpose and cognitive function. Longitudinal data from the Midlife Development in the United States (MIDUS) study were used to investigate associations between purpose assessed at MIDUS I (1996-1997) and coping assessed at MIDUS II (2004-2006) (N=2,386). Emotion-focused and problem-focused coping styles were then tested as mediators of the association between purpose and cognitive function (i.e., memory, executive function, and global cognition) assessed at MIDUS III (2013-2014). Higher purpose was associated with higher problem focused coping (β=.191, p&lt;.001) and lower emotion-focused coping (β=-.227, p&lt;.001). Coping style partially mediated the association between purpose and cognitive function about two decades later. Emotion-focused coping accounted for 14.3% of the total effect of purpose on cognitive function. Problem-focused coping mediated 16.7% of the total effect of the association of purpose on episodic memory, but did not mediate the associations between purpose with either executive function or total cognitive function. These findings provide new evidence for associations between purpose and coping, as well as links between coping and cognitive function in a large, longitudinal sample of adults. The results are consistent with the literature on purpose and better cognitive function in adulthood and suggest that coping is one mechanism linking purpose with better cognitive function.
HYDRATION STATUS AND COGNITIVE FUNCTIONING IN OLDER ADULTS
Authors: Singer Katelyn , Katz Benjamin 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Hydration status may play a role in chronic behavioral and physiological conditions commonly experienced by older adults (Begum & Johnson, 2010; Lee et al., 2010; Stookey et al., 2020). However, research on the impact of hydration status on cognition specifically, however, has often focused on single outcome tasks or more global measures; furthermore, research is heterogeneous in methodologic approaches. The current study aimed to identify specific cognitive domain(s) most closely associated with hydration status among older adults. Utilizing a wide range of cognitive performance data from the Health and Retirement Study’s Harmonized Cognitive Assessment Protocol (2016) and hydration data derived from the physiological data from the Venous Blood Study (2016), curvilinear regression analyses identified a significant relationship between hydration status (measured by serum osmolarity) and processing speed in older adults. Specifically, being in a state of euhydration, compared to being hyper- or hypo- hydrated, was associated with better cognitive performance only on measures of processing speed such as letter cancellation, digit symbol, and trail making A tasks. These associations indicate that hydration is most closely linked to tasks involving mental speed, which include everyday tasks such as doing mental math, decision making, and processing visual information (Owsley et al., 2002). These findings provide complementary evidence to support earlier work suggesting links between processing speed and hydration status (Mantantzis et al., 2020) , but also highlights the need for further studies assessing the causal pathways of this association.
PREDICTORS OF EVERYDAY FUNCTIONING, ADLS/IADLS AMONG OLDER ADULTS USING THE ACTIVE STUDY
Authors: Dadson Deborah , Ball Karlene 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
The increase in life expectancy over the years has triggered both researchers and the aging population to focus more on achieving an active engagement with life. This ability to perform daily living activities (functionality) is a key component in healthy aging which aids older adults live independently with or without disease and disability. Gaining insight into the key elements that enhance physical functioning is necessary as the issue of limited physical functioning affects not only older adults but also, middle aged adults. This study examines the predictors of everyday functioning, Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs) among 1920 older adults using data from the Advanced Cognitive Training for Independent and Vital Elderly (ACTIVE) study. ADLs and IADLs were self-reported. Results of the hierarchical linear regression at baseline indicate that, being female and being African American significantly predict lower performance on everyday functioning, after adjusting for age and years of education. Fewer falls in the past 2 months, better cognition and normal weight significantly predict high performance on everyday functioning (all p &lt; .05). For ADLs, being African American and female gender significantly predict higher scores on ADLs while female gender predicted lower scores on IADLs. There were no differences on living arrangements and access to healthcare on everyday functioning, ADLs and IADLs. 43.1% of variability in IADLs were explained by the predictors. Findings from this study identify target populations for interventions to promote active engagement with life.
AGE AND EXERCISE DIFFERENTIALLY INFLUENCED MENTAL HEALTH DURING THE PANDEMIC
Authors: Feliachi Zohra , Patrick Julie Hicks 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
With over 103,436,829 confirmed COVID-19 cases and more than 1.13 million deaths in the USA between January 2020 and August 2023 (WHO, 2023), the pandemic has affected most aspects of life. Regarding emotional wellbeing, most research has shown that older adults fared better than their younger peers (e.g., Ebert et al., 2022), although explanatory mechanisms for this effect have not been examined fully. We sought to fill this gap by examining the influence of age and exercise before and after vaccines were developed for the COVID-19 pandemic in the USA. Using data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS), we compared a model in which age and exercise were used to examine the number of poor mental health days experienced. We compared responses from 423367 adults from 2018 and 2019 with responses from 417964 adults interviewed in 2021 and 2022. Results of a 4 (year) by 4 (age group) by 2 (exercise) ANOVA revealed significant effects for for each factor. More importantly, these main effects and two 2-way interactions were moderated by the 3-way interaction, F (9, 841330) = 2.57, p=.006. Adults who exercised after the pandemic was underway reported fewer poor mental health days relative to those who did not exercise, especially among those younger than age 45 years. Given the ongoing challenges to emotional wellbeing, younger and middle-aged adults may need additional support to age well. Exercise may provide one avenue to greater wellbeing, particularly in the face of non-normative and history-graded events like pandemics.
AGE DIFFERENCES IN EMOTION-RELATED OUTCOMES OF COGNITIVE ENGAGEMENT AND MEANINGFULNESS AT WORK
Authors: Johnson Melanie , Growney Claire , Chu Li , Carstensen Laura 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Research suggests that there are few age differences in the enjoyment of cognitive engagement, but the importance of engagement in emotionally meaningful goals increases with age. In the present study we examined the interplay between cognitive engagement, meaningfulness at work, and related emotional states in older and younger workers. We used a five-day modified day reconstruction method in which 203 employees (aged 25–76) described their work, emotions, and cognitive engagement during the beginning, middle, and end of their workdays. A three-way interaction revealed that older employees who were more cognitively engaged at work reported higher levels of negative emotions than younger employees, and the association was reduced among those who perceived their work as meaningful (b=–0.006, SE=0.003, p&lt;.05). Interestingly, perceived meaningfulness was a stronger predictor of pride at work among younger employees than older employees (b = –0.015, SE = 0.006, p = .018). Cognitive engagement at work was predictive of feeling pride among older employees, and not younger employees (b=0.02, SE=0.01, p&lt;.01). Age also moderated the relationship between cognitive engagement and time-savoring, such that higher levels of cognitive engagement predicted more time-savoring at work among older employees, but not younger employees (b=0.011, SE=0.005, p&lt; 05). Results suggest that the emotional benefits of perceiving one’s work as meaningful may be different for younger and older workers. Furthermore, associations between cognitively engaging work and emotional outcomes such as time-savoring and pride may be especially relevant for older employees.
EXPLORING THE POTENTIAL OF PHLPP INHIBITORS FOR OSTEOARTHRITIS TREATMENT
Authors: Victoria-Sanchez Leslie , Torres Haydee , Westendorf Jennifer 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease characterized by pain, stiffness, and limited joint motion affecting 7% of the world’s population. PH domain leucine-rich repeat protein phosphates (PHLPPs) have been identified as modifiable targets for cartilage regeneration and joint pain. PHLPP1 and PHLPP2 are abnormally expressed in osteoarthritic cartilage and sensory neurons. PHLPP1-/- mice are protected from cartilage degradation and pain-related behaviors (allodynia and reduced mobility) after surgery that destabilizes the medial meniscus (DMM). Here, we investigate the effects of PHLPP inhibitors (i) on human chondrocytes and the effect of Phlpp1 deletion on cell populations within lumbar dorsal root ganglia (DRGs). Immunohistochemistry was performed on mouse DRGs by cryosectioning fixed L3-5 DRGs and using primary antibodies against Fabp7, Anti tubulin beta 3, and PGP9.5/UCHL1. Human chondrocytes were subjected to Cycloheximide chase experiments and treated with PHLPPi (NSC117079 or NSC45586), followed by Western blot analysis to assess protein levels including Phlpp1, Phlpp2, Sox9, p-AKT (Ser473), total AKT, and B-actin, at various time points. We found that PHLPPi prolongs the phosphorylated AKT response when compared to controls and does not affect degradation of Phlpp1 or Phlpp2; additionally, NSC117079 increased production of cartilage extracellular matrix components (glycosaminoglycans and aggrecan) in over 90% of human articular cartilage explants from OA patients. These data advance our understanding of how PHLPPi function within chondrocytes and provide a basis toward understanding their activity and safety in vivo. Our results indicate that PHLPPi NSC117079 is a novel osteoarthritis disease-modifying drug candidate that may have palliative effects.
IMPROVING AGING IN PLACE FOR OLDER VETERANS LIVING IN PERMANENT SUPPORTIVE HOUSING
Authors: Su Kelly , Maitra Medha Romee , Peeples Amanda , Goodman Octavia , Brown Rebecca 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
The average age of formerly-homeless Veterans living in HUD-VASH (Housing and Urban Development-Veterans Affairs Supported Housing) aged 50 and older is increasing. Homeless-experienced people experience accelerated aging, with premature onset of geriatric conditions and mortality. However, current supportive services at HUD-VASH do not address these conditions and enhance “aging in place,” i.e., the ability to live comfortably and safely in one’s own home and community. We conducted qualitative interviews and focus groups to determine barriers, facilitators, and adaptations needed to successfully implement interventions in HUD-VASH. We then used a modified Delphi process to reduce a list of 66 intervention elements based on perceived feasibility and importance. In total, 9 Veteran Affairs HUD-VASH staff members and 1 Veteran participated in 3 conference calls and surveys. The top-rated intervention elements were organized by: who should be involved in delivering the intervention (social workers, physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, nurses), what types of goals/needs they will focus on (geriatrics, mental health needs, general health goals, dementia care, medication management), where and how should the intervention be delivered (in the home, at the VA), how long should the intervention be (when veterans are experiencing functional impairment, memory impairment, mental health problems, trouble caring for themselves, and when they are new to HUD-VASH) and when should the intervention be delivered (regularly scheduled and ongoing as needed). With feedback from expert stakeholders, our findings will be used to develop and implement interventions to improve aging in place for older Veterans living in HUD-VASH.
INFLUENCE OF COGNITION AND FUNCTIONAL LIMITATIONS ON HOSPITALIZATIONS AMONG OLDER ADULTS IN THE UNITED STATES
Authors: Boateng Augustine , Friedman Ari 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Background
Older adults frequently seek emergency department care, with 45 visits for every 100 older adults. Many health events in later stages of life can be attributed to health conditions and behaviors during middle-age. Yet, while qualitative and quantitative analyses exist, documenting the reasons for emergency department visits among all comers, no study focuses specifically on the determinants of hospitalization among middle-aged and older adults using the emergency department. Additionally, the impact on longer-term outcomes starting in mid-life remains unknown.

Objectives
To determine whether impaired cognition, functional limitations, and multimorbidity in midlife predict subsequent hospitalizations in older age among older adults in the United States using core gerontology concepts such as functional limitations, multimorbidity, and cognitive impairment.

Methods
We performed secondary analysis of 2,221 participants from the Midlife in the United States (MIDUS) Series, a longitudinal study involving US adults aged 45 to 75 years using a balanced Generalized Estimation Equation (GEE) approach. Covariates such as as gender, education, marital status, income, race/ethnicity, social stressors, and social connectedness were adjusted for.

Results
Findings suggests that impaired cognition (p&lt; 0.05), having two or more health conditions (p&lt; 0.001) and functional limitations (p&lt; 0.05) in midlife increases the number of hospitalizations in old age a decade later.

Conclusions and Implications
Health behaviors and conditions in midlife can significantly impact the number of hospitalizations among older adults and increase costs associated with hospitalizations. The promotion of preventive care, targeted interventions, and the adoption of healthier lifestyle habits in midlife may reduce hospital admissions in old age.
ISOFORM-SPECIFIC FUNCTION OF C. ELEGANS TAU, PTL-1
Authors: Sconiers Charlie , Ko Su-Hyuk , Chen Lizhen 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
As life expectancy increases with technological advancements, age-related dementia disorders, such as tauopathies, have become more rampant, impacting over 50 million people worldwide. Tauopathies are neurodegenerative diseases catalyzed by the dysregulation of tau protein in the brain. Alzheimer’s disease, the most common tauopathy, has impacted more than 6 million Americans in 2023. It has been speculated that within tauopathies, dysregulation only occurs in specific tau isoforms. After alternative splicing, two types of tau isoforms (one with three microtubule-binding repeats and one with four microtubule-binding repeats) may cause functional differences within the brain. A protein in C. elegans called PTL-1 was discovered to have similar microtubule-binding repeats in its isoforms. In this project, worms with two types of PTL-1 isoforms (PTL-1A and PTL-1B) and wild type worms were aged and consistently tested for their touch sensitivity and speed to document whether certain microtubule-binding repeats negatively impact function. It was found that PTL-1A worms lost speed and touch sensitivity at an expedited rate compared to the other two samples of worms. It was also found that some PTL-1A worms developed abnormal branches throughout their exons. These findings suggest that PTL-1A overexpression might cause morphological defects. These study results will assist in the development of tauopathy research and can be applied in evaluating how isoforms impact the genetic spread of neurodegenerative diseases.
RELATIONS BETWEEN MOOD AND DAILY ACTIVITIES: AN ECOLOGICAL MOMENTARY ASSESSMENT
Authors: Pichardo Abel , Mausbach Brent 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Behavioral activation (BA) is an evidence-based therapy for depression that has recently been applied for informal caregivers. Investigating the mechanisms of BA could lead to enhanced quality of care by optimizing guidance to patients. We examined concomitant and lagged associations between mood and daily activities in 50 informal caregivers using an Ecological Momentary Assessment approach via smartphone technology. Participants recorded the number and types of activities they did each day in a 14-day period. Activities were rated for enjoyment on a scale of 1 to 5 (5 being most pleasant). Mood for the day was rated on a scale of 1 to 5, (5 being the most positive). Linear mixed-model analyses examined concomitant and lagged (+/- 1 day) associations between activities and moods. Results indicated concomitant associations between mood and both frequency (t = 2.36, p = .019) and enjoyment of activities (t = 4.11, p &lt; .001). Previous day’s mood was not associated with either frequency or enjoyment of activities the following day. Previous day’s enjoyment of activities was associated with mood the following day (t = 2.34, p = .02). There was no association between frequency of activities the previous day and mood the following day. These findings support BA theory by suggesting that increasing engagement in enjoyable activities may have positive impacts on mood not only in the moment but also have a lasting impact on future mood. Future research should expand this model by including covariates important to the population such as age and activity restriction.
25 YEARS AFTER THE PASSING OF THE NPO LAW: EXAMINING THE ORGANIZATIONAL CAPACITY OF OLDER VOLUNTEER ORGANIZATIONS
Authors: Chen Li-Mei 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Japan has experienced a growth in non-profit organizations since the enactment of the NPO Law in 1998. In 2022, there were 175,046 volunteer organizations with approximately 6.7 million volunteers. Many of these non-profits providing community-based social services are disproportionately represented by older volunteers. Tbe benefits of older volunteerism have been well-documented stating that society gains from the older adults’ contributions as well as older adults’ lives are improved and enhanced through volunteerism. However, evidence is lacking as to how older volunteer organizations have evolved in the past 25 years. This study investigates the types and characteristics of non-profit organizations which recruit older volunteers based on their organizational capacity. Surveys were mailed to 500 volunteer organizations which provide social services in Japan. 155 (Findings from cluster analysis showed that there are types of organizations ranging from “Achiever” which excelled in all dimensions of organizational capacity to “Challenged” which lacked in all dimensions. Other volunteer types include “Government dependent” type which are non-profit organizations which depend on government programs, “Autonomous” type which excel in offering role flexibility to volunteers but lack capacity in all other dimensions, and “Bonding” type which is formed by a tight-knit group of persons and are no longer seeking new volunteers. Bivariate analysis was conducted to examine the relationship between the organization types and volunteer outcomes . “Achiever” type found an increase in volunteers and rarely experienced lack of volunteers while the “Challenged” type seldomly experienced an increase and frequently experienced lack of volunteers.
A KEY DENDRITE DEVELOPMENT REGULATOR PLEXIN-A4 IS ASSOCIATED WITH DENDRITE MAINTENANCE IN AGED MICE
Authors: Baek Jiyeon , Naveed Haniya , Muyingo Laura , Romero Angélica Jimenez , Eisenberg Carol , DeLucia Jack , Tran Tracy 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
There is significant loss of dendritic complexity with age, which may account for synaptic loss and cognitive decline in mammals. However, molecular mechanisms underlying these changes are unclear. Key molecular players in dendritic morphogenesis include the guidance cue semaphorin 3A (Sema3A). In developing cortical neurons, Sema3A signals through the Plexin-A4 receptor to induce basal dendritic arborization, while another closely related member, Sema3F, induces apical dendritic spine pruning. Interestingly, both ligands are expressed in adulthood, but their roles in age-associated dendritic remodeling are unknown. To address this, we established a model of aging mouse primary cortical neurons: 5, 15, and 30 days-in-vitro (DIV) representing young, mature, and aged timepoints. Treating with either ligand increases branching at 5-15DIV, but not 30DIV, suggesting age-associated changes in cellular responses to Sema3A/3F. Next, we examined mouse cortices in vivo and found both Plexin-A4 expression and dendritic elaboration decrease with age, suggesting a need for Plexin-A4 to maintain dendritic complexity at older ages. In 6-month-olds, mutant Plexin-A4 mice have less branching than wildtypes, but we found no further decline in 18-month-olds, likely because there can be no age-associated downregulation of Plexin-A4 signaling if the receptor is not present. Finally, we found increased levels of active-RhoA GTPase (a downstream cytoskeleton regulator) in Plexin-A4-/- 6-month-old cortices versus controls. Additionally, our preliminary data trends towards increased active-RhoA in 18-month-olds versus 6-month-olds. Collectively, our study provides novel insights into the diverse cellular functions of semaphorin-plexin, a signaling pathway important for nervous system development, in age-associated dendritic loss and cognitive decline.
A LONGITUDINAL STUDY ON SNAP PARTICIPATION AND SELF-REPORTED HEALTH AMONG DIABETIC AND NON-DIABETIC INDIVIDUALS
Authors: Duran Danielle , Ferdows Nasim 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Self-reported health is a strong predictor of future health status, new morbidity, mobility decline, illness recovery, and healthcare utilization. Because self-reported health is rooted in social position and social comparison, it dually reflects individual health perceptions and health inequities, especially among those who experience a social struggle for resources. Food insecurity is associated with higher risk of chronic diseases and higher mortality rates. Interventions such as the supplemental nutrition assistance program (SNAP) were created to help address food insecurity. Although morbidity and mortality risks caused by food insecurity is exacerbated for those with nutrition-centered chronic disease, such as diabetes, limited research has assessed the impact of food insecurity and SNAP participation on health among diabetics. Using Health and Retirement Study data, we explore the effect of SNAP participation and food insecurity on the likelihood of reporting fair or poor health comparing 24,446 diabetes to 69,260 non-diabetics individuals aged 65 and above (2004-2020). Our analysis controls for key socioeconomic factors, including age, gender, race/ethnicity, and wealth, accounting for the complex design of HRS. Our key findings reveal that food insecure diabetics have significantly higher odds of reporting fair/poor health, and diabetic SNAP participants also had significantly higher odds of reporting fair/poor health. Our study demonstrates how food insecurity and diabetes concurrently influence health and how, despite the presence of resources, such as SNAP, there was no improvement in self-reported health. This study is important as it highlights the need for future research on the effects of SNAP participation and self-reported health.