bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
COMMON INFECTIONS IN RELATION TO SLEEP DISTURBANCES BY RACE IN A POPULATION-BASED COHORT OF ADULTS
Authors: Rabinowitz Jill , Yue Yiwei , Chen Diefei , Yolken Robert , Jackson Chandra , Maher Brion , Eaton William , Spira Adam 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Common infections (e.g., human herpesviruses and Toxoplasma gondii (TOX)), are associated with poor health outcomes, but less is known about associations between these infections and sleep. Due to, for instance, structural racism leading to policies and practices resulting in relative economic disadvantage and subsequently poorer living condition, sleep disturbances and common infections are more prevalent in minoritized populations. We investigated the cross-sectional associations of common infections (i.e., herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), cytomegalovirus (CMV), varicella zoster virus (VZV), Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), and TOX with sleep disturbances, and determined whether these associations differed by race in 602 adults enrolled in the Baltimore Epidemiologic Catchment Area Study (mean age=59.0±12.8 years, 36.9% male, 35.6% minoritized). Participants donated a blood sample and were asked whether they had the insomnia symptoms “trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking up too early” and reported on their habitual sleep duration. We measured immunoglobin G (IgG) antibodies to HSV-1, CMV, EBV, VZV, and TOX. After adjusting for sociodemographics, body mass index, comorbidities, household income, and household size, there were no associations between common infections and any sleep outcomes ; however, we observed interactions with race. Among White participants only, CMV seropositivity was associated with a lower odds of insomnia symptoms (OR = 0.26, 95% CI 0.10, 0.69) and TOX seropositivity was associated with shorter sleep duration (OR = 0.65, 95% CI 0.09, 1.21). Further research is needed to investigate mechanisms that may account for associations of CMV and TOX with sleep among White but not minoritized participants.
MICROBIOME MODULATORS IN THE PREVENTION AND MITIGATION OF CANCER TREATMENT-INDUCED ACCELERATED AGING BIOLOGY
Authors: Miller Brandi , Mishra Sidharth , Chaudhari Diptaraj , Yadav Hariom , Jain Shalini 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Advancements in oncology research have led to increased survivorship in patients with cancer. However, cancer treatments like chemotherapy cause debilitating side effects including multi-organ dysfunction and increased risk for chronic diseases, which mimic accelerated aging. Abnormalities in the gut microbiome composition (dysbiosis) increase inflammation, resulting in accelerated cognitive impairment with aging and a poor quality of life (QOL), which are all exacerbated by cancer treatments. We have screened, evaluated, and optimized our previously isolated human-origin live bacteria (probiotics) as well as pasteurized probiotics (postbiotics) for their anti-aging potential using Caenorhabditis (C.) elegans and mouse models. Probiotics improved the healthspan in C. elegans when given live and when fermented. Interestingly, PFM and LpD3.5 significantly protected from body weight loss, microbiome dysbiosis, and cognitive impairment in mice receiving 5-fluorouracil chemotherapy and protected from intestinal damage. We are planning a clinical trial where we will (1) cross-sectionally analyze the gut microbiome, leaky gut, and inflammation in cancer survivors with and without brain distress and (2) determine the safety, tolerance, and efficacy of PFM and LpD3.5 on microbiome diversity, inflammation, and cognitive health in cancer survivors with brain distress, using a 60-day open-label, randomized comparison study. These studies will improve our understanding of how cancer treatment-induced changes in the gut microbiome, inflammation, and gut permeability contribute to accelerated aging. Furthermore, they will establish the utilization of probiotics and postbiotics to improve QOL and mitigate cancer treatment-induced accelerated aging, which constitutes a debilitating public health concern among the increasing population of cancer survivors.
LIVING LONGER WITH MODERATE AMOUNTS OF OXYGEN RADICALS IN FRUIT FLIES
Authors: Kim Man Su , Ghimire Saurav 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
The role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in aging is complex and paradoxical. While the free radical theory of aging suggests that ROS cause cellular damage and senescence, some studies have shown that moderate ROS levels can enhance cellular adaptation and longevity. In this research, we used Drosophila as an in vivo model to investigate the optimal level of ROS that can promote healthy aging. We exposed flies to different concentrations of paraquat (PQ), a herbicide that generates superoxide anions, and measured their lifespan, stress resistance, and gene expression. We found that intermediate PQ levels (0.1 mM) extended lifespan and improved stress tolerance, while high PQ levels (0.5 mM) shortened lifespan and impaired stress response. We also observed an up-regulation of ROS scavenger genes, such as superoxide dismutase 1 and glutathione peroxidase, in the intermediate PQ group, suggesting a homeostatic mechanism to balance ROS levels. Our findings challenge the conventional view of ROS as harmful agents and provide novel insights into the molecular mechanisms of aging.
SEROTONIN AND DOPAMINE CIRCUITS MODULATE AGING IN RESPONSE TO FOOD CUES AND AVAILABILITY
Authors: Leiser Scott 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
An organism’s ability to perceive and respond to changes in its environment is crucial for its health and survival. Multiple studies have shown that modifying this perception through genetic or environmental alterations can extend or shorten lifespan cell non autonomously. These results provide the rationale for identifying “longevity circuits” that could be used to extend healthspan and lifespan by using these signaling pathways. Here we reveal how the most well-studied longevity intervention, dietary restriction, acts in-part through a cell non-autonomous signaling pathway that is inhibited by the presence of multiple food cues. Using an intestinal reporter for a key gene induced by dietary restriction but suppressed by attractive food cues, we identify three compounds that block food cue effects in C. elegans, thereby increasing longevity as dietary restriction mimetics. These compounds and our additional data clearly implicate serotonin and dopamine circuits in limiting lifespan in response to food cues. We further identify multiple neurons, receptors and downstream signals within these circuits. Aspects of these pathways are conserved in D. melanogaster, suggesting at least some “longevity circuits” are conserved. Together, our results show that modulating food cue signaling through serotonin or dopamine circuits is a plausible approach to mimic the benefits of dietary restriction.
TARGETING MITOCHONDRIAL FUNCTION USING NOVEL RHO/MRTF/SRF INHIBITORS
Authors: Patyal Pankaj , Zhang Xiaomin , Azhar Gohar , Wei Jeanne 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Altered mitochondrial metabolism is one of the major hallmarks of aging. Notably, age is the biggest risk factor for numerous cancers. Studies suggest that cancer cells shift from anaerobic respiration to oxidative phosphorylation for increasing energy needs. Therefore, this upregulation is a vulnerability that can be targeted using Rho/MRTF/SRF inhibitors. Recent advancement identified a novel series of oxadiazole-thioether compounds that disrupt the SRF transcription. Among those compounds CCG-203971 and CCG-232601 are most metabolic stable, soluble and have no toxicity. They have been shown efficacious in multiple animal models of acute fibrosis, including scleroderma. However, the direct molecular target of these compounds is unclear. Therefore, we investigated the molecular mechanisms of these inhibitors transcription mediated by RhoA which modulates actin dynamics to induce the nuclear accumulation of Myocardin-Related Transcription Factors and their activation of SRF/p49. Our findings suggest that, CCG-203971 and CCG-232601, inhibit Rho/MRTF/SRF/p49 mediated transcription in different cell lines. They contribute to H4 hyperacetylation at K12/16 while no change was observed at H4 acetylation at K5 and K8. Moreover, SRF also regulates cell metabolism by maintaining mitochondrial function. Thus, we further investigated the role of these drug molecules in targeting mitochondrial function. We found that these compounds inhibit the genes involved in mitochondrial function and dynamics. Further, these inhibitors repress the mitochondrial function at varying concentrations, investigated using Agilent Seahorse XF Analyzer. Herein, we propose that CCG-203971 and CCG-232601 may prove to be a promising approach therapeutically to target aberrant bioenergetics in aging and cancer.
EFFECT OF DEPRESSIVE SYMPTOMS AND WORK-RELATED FACTORS ON TRANSITION TO RETIREMENT IN OLDER ADULT
Authors: Saucedo Jennifer , Newsom Jason , Trubits Em , Kroeck Mallory , Botoseneanu Anda , Allore Heather , Nagel Corey , Quiñones Ana 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Work demands can spillover to family domains (work-to-family conflict; WFC) and family demands may spillover to work domains (family-to-work conflict; FWC). This spillover between domains may help explain the relationship between depressive symptoms and decision to retire among older adults. This study examined the influence of depressive symptoms on likelihood of retirement transition through WFC and FWC using data from the Health and Retirement Study (HRS 2008-2018; N = 1031). Participants included adults age 51+ employed in 2008 and reported a transition to partial- or full-retirement by 2018. Cox survival models investigated whether WFC and FWC mediated the effects of depressive symptoms (CESD) on the likelihood of retirement transition, controlling for participant sex, age, education, insurance coverage, and race/ethnicity. Higher depressive symptoms were associated with higher FWC (B = 0.06, p &lt; 0.01) and likelihood of retirement transition (B = 0.07, p &lt; 0.01). Higher FWC was related to lower likelihood of retirement transition (B = -0.89, p &lt; 0.01). The indirect effect of FWC was significant (B = -0.06, p &lt; 0.01). Higher depressive symptoms were associated with higher WFC (B = 0.37, p &lt; 0.01) and likelihood of retirement transition (B = 0.09 p = 0.04). However, there was a nonsignificant effect of WFC on retirement transition (B = -0.19, p = 0.07). WFC had no indirect effect on retirement transition (B = -0.04, p = 0.08). Results suggest that the experiences outside of work for older adults may explain the relationship between depressive symptoms and retirement decisions.
RETIREMENT TRAJECTORIES AND HEALTH IN JAPAN
Authors: Mizuochi Masaaki , Raymo James 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
The relationship between retirement and health is a key issue in aging societies. However, it is unclear whether the nature of retirement from full-time regular employment makes a difference in subsequent health. This study examines the relationship between the trajectory of retirement from full-time regular employment and subsequent health. Using the Longitudinal Survey of Middle-aged and Elderly Persons 2005–2019 collected in Japan, we employ sequence analysis to identify distinct retirement trajectories from full-time regular employment between ages 59 and 66. We then estimate the causal relationship between retirement trajectories and health using instrumental variable methods. Sequence analysis classifies the retirement trajectories into four groups: gradual retirement, abrupt retirement, continued non-standard employment, and continued regular employment. Instrumental variable estimation shows no statistically significant differences in the effects of these retirement trajectories on health, but suggests that gradual retirement may be more beneficial to health than other three retirement trajectories. Several robustness checks also show no statistical difference in the effect of retirement trajectories on health. These findings provide an empirical foundation for understanding the possible implications of heterogenous retirement pathways for health in later life and labor market policies in very old populations.
BEHAVIORAL HEALTH INTERVENTIONS IN THE HOSPICE SETTING: A SCOPING REVIEW
Authors: Brody Lilla , Sadowska Karolina , Holllingsworth Alexis , Ong Michael , Subramanian Tejas , Wright Drew , Reid M Cary , Shalev Daniel 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Hospice is a model of care for individuals with a life expectancy of less than six months who choose to focus their treatment on quality-of-life rather than extending life. In 2019, half of all Medicare decedents elected to receive hospice care. Behavioral health comorbidities are prevalent in hospice patients; approximately 40% experience significant depression and/or anxiety. Such comorbidities are associated with poor outcomes including increased physical symptoms, worse function, and lower quality-of-life. Despite the impact of behavioral health comorbidities on hospice patient outcomes, little research has focused on the use of behavioral health interventions in the hospice setting. We conducted a scoping review to characterize the types of behavioral health interventions administered to patients receiving hospice care. We searched four databases, generating 6,842 unique citations over any time period. 70 texts were reviewed and 31 were retained for analysis. Studies examined both psychotherapeutic (n=10) and psychopharmacologic (n=10) interventions, as well as other non-pharmacologic interventions (n=11). Duration of study follow-up was available for 17 of the studies, ranging from six days to six months. 14 studies reported information on interventionists, who were most commonly music (n=3) or massage therapists/acupuncturists (n=3). Average interventions were 47 minutes for six sessions. 18 studies presented statistically significant results related to primary outcomes, most commonly depression (n=9), anxiety (n=6), and pain (n=4). Our findings demonstrate a dearth of behavioral health interventions targeting hospice patients, suggesting the need for increased research and clinical focus on developing, evaluating, and implementing behavioral health interventions in the hospice setting.
PROGNOSTIC ACKNOWLEDGEMENT IN OLDER ADULT CANCER PATIENTS
Authors: Maggiore Sophia , Koch Mary Kate , Bylund Carma , Bluck Susan 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Even with improved prognostic transparency (Chochinov et al., 2000) individuals struggle to acknowledge a serious-terminal prognosis. Patients who acknowledge their condition, however, show less distress and increased end-of-life planning (Ray et al., 2006). Aims were to: (1) examine extent older adults with serious cancer acknowledge their illness, and (2) identify factors predicting acknowledgement. Individuals receiving outpatient palliative care (N=204; Mage=65.78 years; SDage=7.43) completed measures of Symptom Severity, the Patient Dignity Inventory (DPI; Chochinov et al., 2008), and Illness Acknowledgement (i.e., healthy, seriously ill, terminally ill). Participants with Stage 4 cancer were more likely to acknowledge serious or terminal illness than Stage 1-3 patients, X2 (2,181)=12.93, p &lt;.01), though only 31% of Stage 4 patients reported being terminally ill. In addition, ANOVA showed Symptom Severity, F(2, 190) = 9.86, p &lt; .001 differed by level of acknowledgement. Those rating themselves as relatively healthy had less severe symptoms than seriously or terminally ill groups. To further predict acknowledgement, DPI subscales were examined. Dependency predicted acknowledgement of serious-terminal illness (Odds Ratio = .75, p &lt;.05). A final model, controlling for age and education, showed Symptom Severity (OR = 1.03, p &lt;.01) and DPI Dependency (OR = .79, p &lt;.05) predicted acknowledging serious-terminal illness versus lack of acknowledgement. Though often relied on in communicating to patients, cancer stage alone may not help older adults with cancer to acknowledge their prognosis. By identifying influences leading to illness acknowledgement, future research can examine positive and negative outcomes during end-of-life coping.
THE IMPACT OF DEMENTIA ON SLEEP QUALITY DURING COVID-19
Authors: Beltran Susanny , Hakim Talib , Suntai Zainab 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Sleep disturbances are documented among older adults, and it is well-known that COVID-19 disproportionately affected older adults. Yet, studies on sleep quality among older adults with dementia, specifically, tend to focus on caregiver sleep. The purpose of this study was to examine sleep quantity and quality among older adults during 2020. Data were taken from the 2020 National Health and Aging Trends study, an annual study of Medicare beneficiaries aged 65 and older. Chi-square tests were used for bivariate analysis, and multivariate logistic regression models were used to assess differences in sleep quantity and quality between dementia and non-dementia older adults in the national sample. Results revealed that during 2020, the year the COVID-19 pandemic appeared in the U.S., older adults with dementia reported less sleep, and lower quality of sleep compared to those without dementia. This study demonstrates that sleep disturbances are significant among dementia patients. Poor sleep has previously been linked to other risks affecting quality of life, such as falls and caregiver stress, and nonpharmacological approaches are preferred for dementia patients given risks associated with psychotropics. Thus, there is a need for further study to explore changes in sleep quality over time, and to develop non-pharmacological interventions to support dementia patients’ sleep quality and quantity.
FACILITATORS OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY IN OLDER ADULTS AND THE IMPACT OF FEAR OF FALLING: WHAT KEEPS US MOVING?
Authors: O’Leary Bryant , Whitten Justin , Graham David , Tarabochia Dawn 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Habitual participation in physical activity provides many well-documented health benefits for older adults. It has been suggested that high self-efficacy and internal motivation are facilitators of sustained participation, however, the findings are equivocal. Moreover, research suggests that fear of falling may negatively impact self-efficacy, leading to diminished physical activity levels. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to identify factors associated with sustained participation in physical activity and the potential influence of fear of falling on participation in physical activity for older adults. A phenomenological study was conducted with a convenience sample of 19 community-dwelling older adults aged 55-85. Participants completed an online, open-ended survey to identify potential facilitators influencing habitual physical activity in older adults. Van Manen’s (1990) hermeneutical approach was employed to analyze data. Transcripts were analyzed for themes by two members of the research team. Trustworthiness was established by a peer reviewer who assessed theme accuracy. Self-motivation and life-long participation were identified as facilitators of sustained participation in physical activity. This study supports internal motivation as a facilitator; self-efficacy was not identified. Instead, lifelong participation was identified. For this study lifelong participation was defined as participating in physical activity from childhood throughout adulthood and into older adulthood. Furthermore, modification of habitual physical activity was reported due to fear of falling, namely those associated with outdoor activities. All other reported forms of physical activity were maintained. The influence of these modifications on sustained participation in physical activity for older adults is unclear and warrants further investigation.
LEISURE ACTIVITIES, LIFE SATISFACTION, HAPPINESS, AND HEALTH PERCEPTION OF OLDER KOREAN IMMIGRANTS
Authors: Lee Juwon , Kim Yongseop , Kim Jaehyun , Kim Junhyoung 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
The number of Korean immigrants in the United States has been increasing rapidly, with many facing psychological challenges due to cultural differences, limited resources, and language barriers. These challenges can lead to increased stress, which negatively affects mental health. However, research has shown that leisure activities can have positive effects on health outcomes, particularly for older adults. This study aimed to investigate the relationships among leisure activities, life satisfaction, happiness, and health perception in older Korean immigrants. Convenient sampling was used to recruit 51 Korean adults aged 50-85 from community centers and churches. Results showed that participation in leisure time physical activity (LTPA) predicted life satisfaction and happiness, with outdoor physical activity being positively associated with psychological well-being. Furthermore, education was significantly related to life satisfaction and health perception among those who engaged in LTPA. The findings suggest that LTPA may be linked to higher levels of happiness, life satisfaction, and health perception in older Korean immigrants. Therefore, offering recreational programs for Korean adults in the United States could potentially improve their overall well-being. By providing opportunities for older Korean immigrants to engage in leisure activities, such as outdoor physical activity, their mental and physical health may be positively impacted. These findings contribute to the growing body of research on the importance of leisure activities for older adults’ well-being and highlight the potential benefits of providing recreational programs for minority populations.
RELIGIOSITY, DEATH EXPOSURE, AND HEALTH LITERACY AS PREDICTORS FOR ATTITUDES TOWARD MEDICAL AID IN DYING (MAID)
Authors: McIntyre Alissa , Albright Amy , Allen Rebecca 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Only legal in ten states (Death with Dignity, 2023), Medical aid in dying (MAID) is the current term for requesting lethal medication through a physician to end one’s life. Research has explored individuals’ characteristics who request MAID and whether they complete the prescribed medication process (Ganzini et al., 2009). However, little research explores relations between health literacy, religiosity, and individuals’ attitudes toward MAID. We hypothesized that participants with high health literacy and greater death exposure would hold greater support for MAID, while greater religiosity would be associated with lower support. Having implemented attention checks, participants (N = 265) completed measures via MTurk, assessing for health literacy, religiosity, death exposure, and attitudes toward MAID. Ages ranged from 19 to 83 (M = 37.81, SD = 12.55), with 17.7% of the sample over the age of 50. The majority were self-reported female (62.6%), non-Hispanic white (79.6%), and indicated adequate functional health literacy (82.6%). Significant correlations were observed between religiosity, attitudes toward MAID, and MAID support. Although there was no direct effect on MAID support, health literacy and death exposure remained in the path model to ensure adequate model fit. The results of this study help us understand the effect of individuals’ experiences and their attitudes toward MAID, indicating the importance of tailoring health literacy towards supporting autonomous choices in end-of-life care.