bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A PILOT STUDY OF EPIGENETIC AGING IN THE CONTEXT OF AN INTENSIVE LIFESTYLE INTERVENTION: THE LOOK AHEAD STUDY
Authors: Reynolds Lindsay , Espeland Mark , Howard Timothy , Langefeld Carl , Vitolins Mara , Wagenknecht Lynne 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Type 2 diabetes and obesity increase the rate of accumulation of age-related health deficits and accelerate biological aging. An intervention promoting weight loss among adults with these conditions, the Action for Health in Diabetes (Look AHEAD) Intensive Lifestyle Intervention (ILI), attenuated health deficit accumulation measured by a frailty index, through a variety of diet and exercise strategies and optional weight loss medications to achieve and maintain ≥7% weight loss. To better understand the long-term effects of the Look AHEAD ILI on aging biology, we leveraged biospecimens from 62 women aged 60-71 years who participated in the Look AHEAD randomized clinical trial of ILI (n=32) and diabetes support and education (control condition, n=30), and tested for associations of ILI vs control condition on the rate of epigenetic aging. Five DNA methylation-based aging measures were generated from blood collected at baseline and 14 years later. Unexpectedly, the intervention was associated with a long-term increase in AgeAccelPheno compared to the control condition (t-test, p&lt; 0.05). ILI was not associated with a change in other epigenetic measures over 14 years (AgeAccelHannum, AgeAccelHorvath, AgeAccelGrim and DunedinPACE), or a change in a frailty index reflecting accumulation of 38 health deficits. Overall, the average change in frailty index was higher among participants with advanced epigenetic age at baseline (AgeAccelHannum&gt;0 and AgeAccelGrim&gt;0,p &lt; 0.05), suggesting that epigenetic aging markers may be useful predictors of frailty risk. Well-powered studies are needed to better understand the long-term impact of intensive lifestyle interventions on epigenetic aging in adults with diabetes and obesity.
BIOLOGICAL AGE REDUCTION AND LIFESPAN EXTENSION UPON YOUTHFUL CIRCULATION EXPOSURE
Authors: Zhang Bohan 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
We performed extended (3-month) Heterochronic Parabiosis (HPB), followed by a 2-month detachment period of anastomosed pairs. Old detached mice exhibited improved physiological parameters and lived longer than control isochronic mice. HPB drastically reduced the biological age of blood and liver based on epigenetic analyses across several clock models using multiple independent platforms; remarkably, this rejuvenation effect persisted even after 2 months of detachment. Transcriptomic and epigenomic profiles of anastomosed mice showed an intermediate phenotype between old and young, suggesting a global multi-omic rejuvenation effect. In addition, old HPB mice showed gene expression changes opposite to aging, but akin to several lifespan-extending interventions. Altogether, we reveal that long-term Heterochronic Parabiosis can decrease the biological age of mice, in part through long-lasting epigenetic and transcriptome remodeling, culminating in the extension of lifespan and healthspan.
CONDUCTING COMMUNITY-BASED GERONTOLOGY PROJECTS IN UNDERGRADUATE CLASSROOMS: CAPSTONE CASE STUDIES
Authors: Berkowsky Ronald 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Collaborations between university-level students and community-based organizations have long shown to be mutually beneficial in that they can address pressing community needs, advance the mission of the organization, and enhance the learning of students. In this presentation, I describe project collaborations between a non-profit volunteer caregiving organization based in Ventura County (“Caregivers”) and Health Science undergraduate students (N = 76) enrolled in Capstone courses at California State University Channel Islands between 2022-2023. Projects were designed utilizing a community-based approach wherein the community partner (“Caregivers”) played an active and central role in determining project goals and outcomes. Four projects, each addressing and/or serving a specific need, were completed by different Capstone sections: (1) the creation of an online governance training program to educate high school and university students on the basics of leadership in nonprofits which serve older adults; (2) the creation of a series of videos to educate on and advocate for volunteer caregiving; (3) the analysis of quantitative and qualitative survey data to evaluate the experiences and satisfaction levels of local volunteer caregivers and care recipients; and (4) the creation of a toolkit to be used by volunteer caregiving organizations implementing community meal delivery programs for older adults. In this presentation, I detail each project along with their major successes and challenges as assessed through personal observation, feedback provided by the community partner, and student reflections. I conclude with discussing best practices in implementing community-based projects in undergraduate settings and describe the value of such projects across all stakeholders.
DEVELOPMENT AND VALIDATION OF PERSON-CENTERED MEALTIME CARE KNOWLEDGE AND SELF-EFFICACY ASSESSMENTS
Authors: Liu Wen , Suh Heather , Lee Kyu Ri , Coates Cameron , Buckwalter Kathleen 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Person-centered mealtime care is individually tailored and directly delivered care that engages individuals in mealtime activities and addresses their needs and preferences. Person-centered mealtime care is associated with positive mealtime behaviors and outcomes in older adults with dementia. Existing tools that assess caregiver knowledge and self-efficacy of mealtime care have low psychometric quality, and few tools focus on person-centered mealtime care. This study developed and tested the Person-Centered Mealtime Care Knowledge and Self-Efficacy Assessments. The 20-item Knowledge Assessment (total score = 0-20, higher score = better knowledge) and 15-item Self-Efficacy Assessment (items are scored from 1 = strongly disagree to 5 = strongly agree; total score = 15 - 75; higher score = better self-efficacy) were developed based on literature and expert reviews and finalized based on content validity. Seventy-two nursing home direct care staff (n=72, age = 45±12.1 years; 8.5% male; 12.3% non-white; 93% provided dementia mealtime care; 89% experienced challenges during mealtime) completed the assessments. The two assessments showed adequate content validity (Scale-CVI = 0.95-1.00; item-CVI = 0.83-1.00) and acceptable-to-good internal consistency (Cronbach’s Alpha = .651 and .984 for Knowledge and Self-Efficacy Assessments, respectively). There was a weak and significant correlation between Knowledge and Self-Efficacy Assessments (rs = .262, p = .026). Findings provide preliminary psychometric evidence of the two assessments to measure caregivers’ knowledge and self-efficacy in providing person-centered mealtime care. Future validity testing and item-level testing using Item Response Theory is needed among larger populations of diverse caregivers to accumulate rigorous psychometric evidence.
EARLY DETECTION AND MANAGEMENT OF COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT PRACTICES AMONG PRIMARY CARE PROVIDERS
Authors: Omura John , Patel Roshni , Olivari Benjamin , McGuire Lisa 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Primary care providers (PCPs) play a critical role in the early detection and management of cognitive impairment and dementia. Understanding their current practice patterns can help identify potential areas of need for additional support. Using 2022 DocStyles survey data (n=1,182), this study assessed US PCPs’ confidence levels in identifying symptoms of cognitive impairment and the actions they take when identifying a patient with cognitive impairment. In terms of their ability to identify symptoms of cognitive impairment, 22.3% of PCPs reported being very confident, 53.2% somewhat confident, 18.3% slightly confident, and 6.2% not at all confident or did not know. PCPs reported taking a variety of actions when they identify a patient with symptoms of cognitive impairment: 70.1% assess for potential underlying causes, 69.4% review medications, 65.7% conduct a cognitive assessment or test, 59.7% refer to a neurologist or other specialist, 43.3% coordinate with a care team, and 20.9% refer to community resources. Compared to PCPs who were very or somewhat confident, those who were slightly or not at all confident were less likely to report taking each action (e.g., 35.1% vs. 75.4% conduct a cognitive assessment or test, respectively), except for being more likely to refer to a neurologist or other specialist (68.8% vs. 56.9%) (p&lt; 0.001). PCP practices in early detection and management of cognitive impairment vary by their confidence level. Findings can inform the development of resources to help increase PCPs’ confidence and support their practices in early detection and management of cognitive impairment and dementia.
DIFFERENTIAL ASSOCIATIONS OF HAND GRIP STRENGTH AND CHAIR STAND TIME WITH INDOOR AND OUTDOOR FALLS AMONG OLDER ADULTS
Authors: Li Wenjun 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Hand grip strength and chair stand time are physical performance measures that are predictive of frailty and muscle strengths in older age. We examined their associations with indoor and outdoor falls among older adults. The Healthy Aging and Neighborhood Study enrolled 397 community-dwelling older adults aged 65-95 years old in Central Massachusetts (2018-2020). Hand grip strength (in kilograms) and chair stand time (in seconds) were measured at baseline by trained research staff. Falls were reported on monthly falls calendar, and when a fall was reported, the circumstances were collected via telephone interview. Negative binomial regression models were used to estimate the associations of hand grip strength and chair stand time with both indoor and outdoor falls, separately. Models were adjusting for sex, age, BMI, bodily pain, comorbidities, ADL and IADL as appropriate. Overall, annual rates (95% CI) of indoor and outdoor falls were 40.2 (33.7-47.6) and 45.3 (38.4-53.1) per 100 person-years respectively. Stronger hand grip strength was associated with lower rate of indoor falls (IRR (95% CI): 0.94 (0.91-0.98) per kilogram). Longer chair stand time was associated with higher rate of indoor falls (IRR (95% CI): 1.06 (1.03-1.09) per second). There was no significant association of outdoor falls with grip strength (p=0.504) or chair stand time (p=0.430). In conclusion, hand grip strength and chair stand time were predictive of indoor falls but not outdoor falls. Future studies should examine the underlying mechanisms of such differential associations indoor vs. outdoor falls.
TRENDS IN DEPRESSION AND ANXIETY AMONG OLDER ADULTS ACROSS COVID-19 PANDEMIC PHASES
Authors: Hughes Tiffany , Wang Yueting , Song Ruopu , Jacobsen Erin , Chang Chung-Chou , Ganguli Mary 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
The effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on older adults’ mental health is especially salient given their increased vulnerability to the pathologic and social effects of both the disease and also the associated mitigation strategies. The purpose of this research is to examine trends in symptoms of depression and anxiety among older adults during two phases of the pandemic (pre- and post-vaccine in study region) compared to before the pandemic began. Data were from a longitudinal cohort study of adults aged 65 and older spanning 26 months prior to the pandemic (phase 1) through 17 months after the pandemic began (9 months pre-vaccine (phase 2) and 8 months post-vaccine (phase 3)). Interrupted time series analyses were used to test for differences in trends over time in depressive symptoms (log-mCES-D) and anxiety symptoms (log-GAD-7) during these phases. Trends in both depressive symptoms and anxiety significantly increased in phase 2 compared to phase 1, then significantly decreased in phase 3 compared to phase 2. The trend for depressive symptoms and anxiety in phase 3 was not significantly different than phase 1. These findings suggest that older adults’ mental health significantly worsened during the phase of the pandemic when a vaccine was unavailable, but returned to pre-pandemic estimates after a vaccine was available. Future studies are needed to unpack the contribution of vaccine availability and other factors to changes in mental health observed among older adults during the pandemic.
TRENDS IN DESPAIR-RELATED CONDITIONS: A LOSS OF MENTAL HEALTH AND HOPE IN THE US 1995–2014
Authors: Bardo Anthony , Yamashita Takashi 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
The Deaths of Despair (DoD) narrative posits that increased prevalence of pain, psychological distress, and drug/alcohol misuse are linked to increased mortality rates among poor non-Hispanic whites in midlife. While data limitations prevent empirically linking these conditions with DoD mortalities, understanding whether period shifts in mental health and/or hope underly their increased prevalence is needed to inform program and policy directives. The present study used two waves (1995-1996 and 2011-2014) of the Midlife in the United States (MIDUS) study to examine trends in the association between these despair-related conditions with mental health and hope by age, race/ethnicity, and socioeconomic status (SES). Mental health was measured by the Complete Mental Health Continuum, and the negative end of this spectrum (i.e., languishing) was used as a proxy for “despair.” SES was based on an innovative index that is comparable across waves. Logit models with a despair x hope interaction term were used to identify demographic-group-specific period shifts. Results show that increased prevalence in these despair-related conditions is concentrated among low-SES groups, and standard decomposition techniques show that the largest drivers of an increased prevalence among these low-SES groups differs by race/ethnicity: among non-Hispanic whites it was a combination of despair and hopelessness, but hopelessness was the primary driver among racial/ethnic minorities. Findings are useful for targeting vulnerable groups in midlife and informing programs and policies to combat rising levels of pain, psychological distress, drug/alcohol misuse and related premature deaths.
WHICH MEASURES OF STRESS ARE ASSOCIATED WITH ACCELERATED BIOLOGICAL AGING?
Authors: Bourassa Kyle , Caspi Avshalom , Moffitt Terrie 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Stress and stressful events are associated with poorer health. There are multiple approaches to measure stress—from assessing subjective perceptions of stress to assessing the development of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)—and multiple periods that can be assessed across the lifespan. How might stress result in poorer health? One plausible physiological mechanism is accelerated biological aging, which precedes many poor health outcomes. Our study tested which measures of stress were associated with accelerated biological aging in adulthood using 955 participants from the Dunedin Longitudinal Study. The measures of stress included perceived stress, stressful life events, adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), and PTSD assessed between ages 32 to 45 years and accelerated biological aging in midlife was measured using the Pace of Aging. Higher levels of all four stress measures were significantly associated with accelerated aging in separate models (all βs &gt; 0.14, all ps &lt; .001). In a combined model, more perceived stress and more stressful life events remained associated with faster aging and together the four stress measures accounted for 7% of the variance in biological aging. The magnitudes of the associations between the four measures of stress and biological aging were comparable to associations for smoking and low education, two established risk factors for accelerated aging. Assessing stress, particularly perceived stress, could help identify people at risk of accelerated aging. Stress perceptions could be a potentially modifiable treatment target to slow the rate at which people are aging, with the goal of improving health as people age.
MITOCHONDRIAL DNA COPY NUMBER IS ASSOCIATED WITH PHYSICAL FUNCTION
Authors: Tian Qu , Zweibaum David , Qian Yong , Oppong Richard , Ding Jun , Ferrucci Luigi 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Mitochondria generate the energy required by cells to maintain functionality and muscle health. They may play a key role in age-related physical function decline. Skeletal muscle mitochondrial function is associated with gait speed and muscle strength. Blood-derived mitochondrial DNA copy number (mtDNAcn) is a biomarker of mitochondrial health, but its association with physical function is unclear. We examined cross-sectional associations of mtDNAcn estimated by whole genome sequencing with gait speed and grip strength in participants aged 50+ from two population-based studies: Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging(BLSA,n=688) and UK Biobank(n=150,448). Gait speed was measured using 6-meter walk in BLSA and self-reported walking pace in UK Biobank. Handgrip strength was measured using a hand dynamometer. We additionally tested sex differences because of known sex differences in gait speed and grip strength. We found that higher mtDNAcn was associated with faster gait speed and greater grip strength, after adjustment for age,sex,race,and autosomal coverage. Specifically, each standard deviation increase in mtDNAcn was associated with a 0.05 m/sec faster in gait speed and a 19% lower odds of reporting slow walking pace(both p&lt; 0.0001). There was no significant sex-by-mtDNAcn interaction for gait (both p&gt;0.05). There was a significant sex-by-mtDNAcn interaction for grip strength. In sex-stratified analysis, the association with grip strength was stronger in men (β=0.129,p=0.002;β=0.032,p&lt; 2e-16,respectively) than in women (β=0.007,p=0.784;β=0.015,p&lt; 2e-16,respectively). These findings suggest that blood-based estimate of mitochondrial function is related to physical function in community-dwelling middle-aged and older adults. Further research is needed to understand its relationship with physical function decline and underlying mechanisms.
RACE AND PLACE: PHYSICAL PERFORMANCE DECLINES IN BLACK AND WHITE OLDER ADULTS IN FOUR US COMMUNITIES
Authors: Windham B Gwen , Windham William , Sylvester Hunter , Sharrett A Richey , Skow Laura , Palta Priya , Kucharska-Newton Anna , Griswold Michael 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Studies suggest disparities in physical function between Black and White adults, but most lack longitudinal, objective functional measures across race and geographic regions. We examined Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) changes among 5,836 Black and White older adults (&gt;65 years, 22% Black, 41% men) with up to three SPPB assessments. Exams were conducted in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study (Visit 5 (2011-13)-Visit 7 (2017-19), median follow-up 5.8 years (max 8.4)) in four US communities: North Carolina (n=1248; 7% Black), Mississippi (n=1179, 100% Black), Maryland (n=1618; 0.9% Black) and Minnesota (N=1791; n=0.5% Black). A difference of 0.5 SPPB points (scored 0-12) is clinically meaningful. SPPB declines were estimated using marginal standardization following GEE (with log-links, negative binomial distributions, exchangeable covariance, robust SE, adjusting for demographics, BMI, diabetes, hypertension, smoking, drinking status, heart failure, heart disease, and stroke). SPPB declines were 3.4 times greater among Black versus White participants overall; -1.99 versus -0.59 points; absolute difference=-1.41 (95% CI: -1.67,-1.14), relative difference=3.40 (2.65, 4.15). However, some within-race, between-site differences were similar; Maryland-White SPPB declines were 3.8 (2.3, 6.3) times greater than North Carolina-White SPPB declines, and Mississippi-Black declines were 2.5 (1.10, 5.90) times greater than North Carolina-Black declines. Furthermore, between-race (Black versus White) differences were less supported statistically within the same site; SPPB declines were 2.2 (0.85, 5.80) greater in Black than White participants in North Carolina. This suggests that regional variations in physical function declines may be at least as strong as differences attributed to race; both are important to consider.
GENETIC EPIDEMIOLOGY OF ANKLE BRACHIAL INDEX IN THE LONG LIFE FAMILY STUDY
Authors: Ressler Deidra , Cvejkus Ryan , Daw Warwick , Feitosa Mary , Murabito Joanne , Minster Ryan , Zmuda Joseph , Kuipers Allison 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
The genetic influence on peripheral vascular health in exceptional aging has not been well-studied. Thus, we performed heritability, genome-wide linkage analyses (GWLA) and genome-wide association studies (GWAS) of ankle-brachial index (ABI) and peripheral artery disease (PAD) in 3006 individuals from the Long Life Family Study (LLFS). The LLFS is a longitudinal, family-based study including long-lived siblings and their families. ABI was measured in-home, and the minimum from both sides was used, with exclusions for ABI≥1.4 or non-compressible arteries. PAD was defined as ABI&lt;0.9. We performed heritability and GWLA using SOLAR and GWAS using R accounting for familial relationships. Our full model was adjusted for age, sex, site, significant PCs, blood pressure, and relevant risk factors including smoking, body size, and lipids. We considered significance at a LOD≥3.0 for GWLA and at a p&lt;5x10-8 for GWAS. The proband generation was 53.2% female, aged 88.7 and had a mean ABI of 1.06. The offspring generation was 60.1% female, aged 60.1 and had a mean ABI of 1.19. 18.2% of probands and 1.0% of offspring had PAD (7.4% overall). Residual genetic heritability was 0.12 (p=8.7x10-4) for ABI and 0.23 for PAD (p=0.0662). We found linkage with chromosome 15q12 (LOD=3.65) for ABI and association on chromosome 4q25 (rs12512857; p=6.25x10-8; ANK2; maf=0.021) for PAD. ANK2 is a gene that has been implicated in cardiac dysfunction though there have been no previous associations with ABI or PAD. This suggests that unique genetic variation is associated with peripheral vascular health in long-lived families.
ALL-CAUSE MORTALITY AND CAUSE OF DEATH IN US LONG-LIVED SIBLINGS: DATA FROM THE LONG LIFE FAMILY STUDY
Authors: Yao Shanshan , Boudreau Robert , Galvin Angéline , Murabito Joanne , Honig Lawrence , Christensen Kaare , Newman Anne 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
This study compared the mortality risk of long-lived siblings with the general population in the US and investigated the leading causes of death and the correspondence in age at death and causes of death between long-lived siblings. In the Long Life Family Study (LLFS), 1,264 siblings (Mean age 90.1, SD 6.4) were recruited from the US and followed over 12 years. Their survival function, based on the Kaplan-Meier estimator, was compared with an age-, race-, and sex-matched sample from US census data. To examine underlying and contributing causes, we examined in detail 338 deaths with complete death adjudication using death certificates, family interview, hospital and nursing home records at the Pittsburgh field center through the year 2018. Concordance between siblings was examined using correlation coefficients, Bland-Altman plots, percent agreement, and Kappa statistics. The LLFS proband siblings had better survival compared with US general population matched on birth cohort and age at enrollment. Age at death ranged from 75-104, mean 91.4 (SD 4.8). The leading causes of death were cardiovascular disease (33.1%), dementia (22.2%), and cancer (10.7%). In addition, we did not find significant correspondence in the age at death, the underlying cause of death, or conditions directly contributing to death between siblings. Our findings demonstrate further exceptional longevity in the LLFS proband generation compared to the general population, but do not show significant correspondence in age at death and causes of death between siblings.