bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
FACTORS AFFECTING ANHYDROBIOSIS SURVIVAL IN EUTARDIGRADE PARAMACROBIOTUS EXPERIMENTALIS (MACROBIOTIDAE)
Authors: Nagwani Amit Kumar 
Published: December 2022

Abstract

Background
Tardigrades, considered among animals the most resistant to complete loss of body water (desiccation) occurring during anhydrobiosis, are also interesting because of their place between the two primary invertebrate model organisms (Caenorhabditis elegans and Drosophila melanogaster). The effect of anhydrobiosis intensification on tardigrades’ age-specific survival has rarely been studied. The eutardigrade Paramacrobiotus experimenatlis is an excellent model of the study because their remarkable capacity for anhydrobiosis. This gives also possibility to apply the species in research on anhydrobiosis as an anti-aging strategy. Aim: Main goal of present study was to determine the effect of anhydrobiosis intensification, due to application of different duration and numbers of desiccation episodes, on the age-specific survival of Pam. experimenatlis.

Methods
Tardigrades were cultured under laboratory conditions, divided according to their age and sex, and subjected to several short and long desiccation episodes (3 and 30 days, respectively). The revival from desiccation was evaluated after 2-48h following rehydration.

Results
Individuals` age and anhydrobiosis intensity affected tardigrades` survival. Young adult animals survived the best, and the oldest ones the worst. The number of desiccation episodes affected animal survival stronger than desiccation duration.

Conclusion
The results are important for anhydrobiosis study as an-anti aging strategy. The work was supported by the research grants of the National Science Centre, Poland, NCN: 2016/21/B/NZ4/00131 and 2021/41/N/NZ3/01165.
INVESTIGATING MALE INFERTILITY: EDITING GENES IMPORTANT FOR SPERMATOGENESIS IN A CELL CULTURE SYSTEM
Authors: Norbeck Cassandra , Agrimson Kellie 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
The four levels of aging include the specific disease, the systemic complications that lead to the disease, the loss of cellular integrity that affects the system, and macromolecule malfunction that alters cellular integrity. Similarly, this project investigates infertility and testicular cancer, misregulation of the endocrine system, problems with germ and Sertoli cell maintenance, and ultimately gene expression changes that alter cellular proliferation and death. Infertility affects 4.5–6% of North American males and up to 15% of couples worldwide. Infertility may be caused by unknown genetic factors, as up to 2,300 genes are pertinent to male fertility. This research project aims to create the molecular toolbox needed to evaluate gene function in cultured male germ cells. We will use mouse primary spermatogonial stem cells and a human testicular cancer cell line to knock out the functions of genes Phosphoprotein 1 (Spp1) and Inhibitor of DNA Binding 4 (Id4) in the testis to determine the effect of the knockouts on male germ cell proliferation and cell death. We designed single guide RNAs (gRNAs) using online bioinformatic tools and amplified the genes from human and mouse genomic DNA to demonstrate the effectiveness of our gRNAs in vitro. These gRNAs and Cas9 compose the beginnings of the molecular toolbox used to electroporate cultured cells. This research will contribute to the greater scientific community by providing insight into the function of Spp1 and Id4 relating to male fertility and providing a methodology for future research in aging-related fertility diseases and testicular cancer.
P16-EXPRESSING SENESCENT CELLS ARE A DOUBLE-EDGED SWORD IN SHAPING IMMUNE RESPONSES WITH AGE
Authors: Torrance Blake , Panier Hunter , Cadar Andreia , Martin Dominique , Lorenzo Erica , Bartley Jenna , Haynes Laura 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Aging results in the accumulation of senescent cells which can cause dysfunction in many contexts but the effects on immune responses remain unclear. Here, we aimed to probe the effects of clearing senescent cells in aged mice on the immune response to influenza infection. We utilized a powerful p16 trimodality reporter mouse model (p16-3MR): under the control of the p16 promoter, these mice express cassettes encoding luciferase, RFP, and herpesvirus thymidine kinase (HSV-TK). p16 is commonly upregulated in senescent cells so this model allows us to selectively delete those cells by treating with ganciclovir (GCV), which will induce apoptosis in cells expressing HSV-TK. We hypothesized that while p16-expressing senescent cells may exacerbate dysfunctional responses to a primary infection, they may play a protective role in resolving inflammation and fostering memory cell generation. We found that deletion of p16-expressing cells enhanced viral clearance and decreased infiltration of pro-inflammatory flu-specific CD8 T cells during the primary response to infection. Conversely, at 30 days post infection, there were fewer flu-specific CD8 memory T cells and lower amounts of anti-viral antibodies in the lungs of GCV treated mice. We also observed perturbations in memory T cell trafficking in GCV treated mice. Furthermore, GCV treated mice were unable to mount an effective memory response and were unable to control viral load following a heterosubtypic challenge. This suggests that targeting senescent cells may potentiate primary responses while limiting the ability to form durable and protective immune memory with age.
VIEWS OF OLDER ADULTS ON SUPPORT OPTIONS TO RELIEVE THEIR WORKING INFORMAL CAREGIVERS: A STORY COMPLETION STUDY
Authors: Vos Eline , de Bruin Simone , Pees Suzanne , van der Beek Allard , Proper Karin 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Older care recipients living at home increasingly rely on support from informal caregivers, who often combine their caregiving tasks with a paid job. Because of this combination of tasks, working caregivers may become overloaded. Different caregiver support options are available, that also affect older care recipients’ lives, such as respite care, technology, or home care. The aim of this qualitative study was to obtain insight into the perceptions, concerns and preferences of older informal care recipients about the use of support to relieve their working informal caregivers. We performed a story completion writing task among 23 informal care recipients aged 65 years or older, using hypothetical situations to let participants reflect on different caregiver relief support options. The task was followed-up by a story-mediated interview. We used thematic analysis to inductively analyze story completions and interviews. We found that older adults were often willing to use support to relieve their caregivers, to ensure their wellbeing. However, they were also concerned about how the use of such support may conflict with their interests, preferences and values (e.g. respect for their autonomy, privacy, having a trusting relationship with caretakers, paying attention to human aspects in care). Older adults were most hesitant to use adult day care facilities and technological support options. While these areas of tension cannot always be completely resolved, it is important to jointly identify and discuss these, and work towards solutions to balance the respective interests, values and needs of older adults and caregivers.
THE EFFECTS OF ENVIRONMENT-INDUCED RELAXATION ON COGNITIVE FORAGING UNDER STRESS IN MIDLIFE AND BEYOND
Authors: Chin Jessie , Mejía Shannon , Desai Smit , Washington Faith-Christina , Ramesh Durga , Deshpande Falguni , Dash Sanjana 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
We defined enrichment seeking as the capacity for adults to engage in the novel and intellectually challenging activities for exploring diverse experience. Although enrichment seeking is associated with cognitive resilience in older adulthood, the tendency for older adults to adopt explorative behavior decreases with age in concert with decline in executive control. The goal of our study was to examine to what extent older adults can adjust their cognitive foraging performance under stress by inducing relaxation through the task environment. We used cognitive foraging games (including word search puzzle games) to understand how older adults optimize their search performance by the tradeoff between exploration (seeking new information) and exploitation (staying at old information). A modified Trier paradigm, where game performance was observed by a neurologist via video conferencing, induced stress; relaxation was manipulated by turning on an electric fireplace in the study room. The study followed a 2 (relaxation) X 2 (stress) within-subjects experimental design. Sixty-one adults (34 middle-age; 27 older adults; 54% women) played games on a tablet under stress / no stress conditions with and without the fireplace in a simulated smart home environment. The interaction effect of relaxation and stress on cognitive foraging performance was significant, indicating that with the relaxation elements in the environment (i.e., a fireplace), older adults are likely to have better cognitive foraging performance under stress. The association can be in part explained by individual differences in cognitive abilities and strategies. Implications on facilitating enrichment seeking through environmental factors are discussed.
SOCIAL ENGAGEMENT AND SUBJECTIVE COGNITIVE FUNCTION AMONG OLDER ADULTS: RURAL-URBAN DIFFERENCES
Authors: Thompson Alisha , Wilks Scott , Livermore Michelle 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Increasing age significantly relates with a decline in subjective cognitive function, while age and cognitive function decline strongly links with a diagnosis under the umbrella of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD). Recent literature points to social engagement as a potential mitigator to cognitive function decline. Social engagement often differs by geography of residence, with typically higher engagement among those in urban areas compared to rural counterparts. The purpose of this study was twofold: (a) to explore the relationship between social engagement and subjective cognitive function among community-dwelling older adults; and (b) to examine any disparity in social engagement apropos to rural vs. urban residency within this population. The theoretical framework, combining activity theory and cognitive reserve theory, guided the understanding of the relationship between social engagement and subjective cognitive function. A functionalist lens was included to explain rural-urban differences. Secondary data of community-dwelling older adults from AARP’s 2016 Social Engagement and Brain Health Survey (Nf746) were utilized. Results from descriptive analyses, correlations, and several regression models were reported. Bivariate regression models examined primary predictor variables – social engagement and geography of residence. Multivariate models examined sample characteristics, engagement, and geography of residence. Neither social engagement nor rural vs. urban residence achieved statistical significance in the models. Physical health, emotional wellbeing, marital status (identifying as married), and ethnicity (identifying as Black or African American) were positively, significantly associated with subjective cognitive function. Implications for community-dwelling older adults are discussed.
ADDRESSING SOCIAL ISOLATION IN NURSING HOMES DURING COVID-19: A NATIONAL SURVEY
Authors: Nielsen Natalia , Hargraves J Lee , Cosenza Carol , Lim Emily , Barooah Adrita , McPhillips Emily , Dube Catherine , Lapane Kate 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
COVID-19 related policies introduced extraordinary social disruption in nursing homes. In response to the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic, congregated long term care living facilities attempted and/or implemented innovative intervention strategies to alleviate loneliness in residents. We surveyed Directors of Nursing/Administrators of 1,669 homes sampled in strata defined by size (number of beds 30–99, 100+) and quality ratings (1, 2–4, 5) between February-May 2022. The response rate was 30%. Almost 2/3rds of respondents completed it online and the rest via paper. Analyses included nonresponse survey weights to provide nationally representative results. Among a list of 17 situations that occurred, staff shortages was identified as extremely stressful by the majority. Staff were extremely stressed about doing more to meet resident needs and keeping up with rapidly changing regulations which often lacked clinical sense. One third of respondents were extremely concerned about their home’s ability to meet residents’ social needs before vaccines, dropping to 13% after vaccines. Nursing homes tried and perceived as most useful using technology (tablets, phones, emails), assigning staff as a family contact, and staff spending more time with residents. Nearly 60% were extremely concerned about staff burnout/mental health before vaccines and 40% remained extremely concerned after vaccines. Many nursing homes attempted to mitigate the harmful effects of social isolation during the pandemic, despite the stressful circumstances in which staff worked. The extent to which various approaches were implemented varied. While concerns about social isolation reduced after vaccines were available, administrators remain extremely concerned about staff burnout and mental health.
WHEN THE LIGHTS WENT OUT AT ADULT DAY CENTERS: CAREGIVER WELL-BEING DURING THE COVID-19 LOCKDOWNS
Authors: Turner Rachael , Reese-Melancon Celinda , Harrington Erin , Andreo Micaela 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Adult Day Centers (ADC) are community-based programs that provide services to adults with dementia or other disabilities. Unfortunately, many ADCs were closed during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, leaving caregivers without an important resource. The current study sought to identify novel challenges that caregivers experienced with the closure of ADCs. From May to July 2020, caregivers were recruited from ADCs across the United States and completed an online survey regarding ADC use, feelings of caregiver burden, perceived stress, and perceived change in these variables and others (i.e., time spent caregiving, caregiver and care recipient memory) resulting from the pandemic. Qualitative reports of additional pandemic-related caregiving experiences were also captured. The current work included 70 caregivers, most of whom were caring for a family member with dementia. Correlational analyses indicated that more frequent ADC use prior to the pandemic was associated with reporting an increase in the amount of time spent on caregiving tasks, an increase in caregiver burden, and increased feelings of stress since the onset of the pandemic. Prior use was not related to change in perceptions of caregiver forgetfulness or changes in care recipient memory behaviors. Prominent themes from caregivers’ qualitative reports included mental health concerns, apprehension regarding the virus itself, and the need for respite. These findings support theories of caregiver stress (Pearlin et al., 1990) and provide insight into how caregivers were impacted by the loss of a key resource to support their caregiving.
THE RISK OF COVID-19-RELATED MYOCARDITIS IN OLDER ADULTS WITH A HISTORY OF CORONARY ARTERY DISEASE
Authors: Crawford Andrew , Zadeh Ali Vaeli , Redondo Andres , Bravo-Ramirez Karen , De Ana , Diaz Diego , Carrero Ricardo Criado , Collado Elias , Larned Joshua 
Published: December 2022

Abstract

Background
Data suggest an increased incidence of myocarditis (MC) associated with the COVID-19 virus. However, the risk factors for COVID-19-related MC remains poorly understood and debated. Therefore, we sought to evaluate the correlation of a history of coronary artery disease (CAD) with MC in older adults admitted for COVID-19.

Methods
Data were obtained from the PearlDiver database (PearlDiver Technologies, Fort Wayne, IN). The study included patients aged 65–75, hospitalized with a primary diagnosis of COVID-19, and Elixhauser Comorbidity index(ECI) &gt;4. History of CAD upon admission was used to split the cohort into two propensity score-matched groups considering age, gender, other cardiovascular diseases, and ECI. Records from both groups were reviewed to identify patients diagnosed with MC during and up to one month after admission. Pearson’s chi-squared test was used to compare groups. The strength of association was reported using Risk Ratios (RR). A p-value &lt; 0.05 was deemed significant.

Results
182,556 patients with and 218,729 without a history of CAD admitted for COVID-19 were identified. Patients with a history of CAD were more likely to be male(54.7% vs. 42% p &lt; 0.0001), older(mean age 70.62 vs. 70.30, p &lt; 0.001), and had more comorbidities(ECI=11 vs. 8, p &lt; 0.0001). After propensity score matching, 0.13% of patients with CAD and 0.12% without CAD developed MC within one month of admission(RR= 1.05, CI95%=0.87–1.26, p=0.61).

Conclusion
One month following admission for COVID-19, the risk of MC was not significantly higher in older persons with a history of CAD.
PANDEMIC RECOVERY IN NURSING HOMES: IMPACT OF A 5-WEEK CURRICULUM ON RESILIENCE AND GROWTH IN DIRECT CARE WORKERS
Authors: Wehry Susan , Patel Prakash 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted people working and living in nursing homes. A virtual five-week curriculum was developed to support recovery and foster growth in direct care workers (DCWs). We hypothesized DCWs would be interested, acquire knowledge and self-care skills, and utilize a post traumatic growth (PTG) self-assessment tool for reflection. The 5 week voluntary program was offered twice. Sessions consisted of a didactic presentation, Q&A, skill practice and action commitment. Each 30 minute session was offered twice weekly, a.m. and p.m., to accommodate shift schedules. Polls were conducted within sessions. Participants who attended all sessions received a certificate of attendance and completed a 4 question, 5-point Likert scale survey and the PTG tool. 53 DCWs participated in at least one session; 30 completed the program and ranked weeks 2 (95%), 3 (65%), and 4 (60%) as most useful. Most used skills were breathing (95%), gratitude practice (91%), catch-check-change (61%), self-massage (61%), and reducing exposure to toxic news (61%). DCWs endorsed self-improvement (96%), curiosity (91%), and “having a hard time” (61%) as most common reasons for enrolling. 100% reported the course completely or almost completely met their goals. In-session polling indicated attendees “felt better or more confident” at the conclusion of each session. 100% successfully utilized the PTG tool. The curriculum was responsive to DCWs needs and interests. DCWs acquired and utilized resilience skills. Some components of the curriculum were more effective than others. Shorter staff training sessions are more attractive to staff and employers. Further study is warranted.
HALF OF OLDER ADULTS HOSPITALIZED WITH COVID-19 EXPERIENCE SYMPTOMS ONE YEAR LATER
Authors: Leis Aleda , Fine Sydney , McSpadden E J , Karvonen-Gutierriez Carrie , Nichols Emily , Lamerato Lois , Malani Anurag N , Martin Emily 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Older adults hospitalized with severe COVID-19 are at higher risk of experiencing serious in-hospital outcomes and long-term health consequences following discharge. Declines in health and functional ability post-hospitalization are important infection-related outcomes. This study’s aim was to examine functional recovery one year following COVID-19 hospitalization. Twenty-one adults ≥60 years of age hospitalized with confirmed COVID-19 infection between 3/2020–5/2020 in Southeast Michigan completed a survey 9–15 months post-discharge including items from the Fried Frailty score, Short Form 36 Physical Assessment, PROMIS Dyspnea Scale, and the World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule. Mean age at hospital admission was 69 (standard deviation 7). Half of participants (52%) indicated they had too little energy to do the things they wanted to do, 52% (n=11) indicated moderate to severe shortness of breath when walking up two flights of stairs, and 43% (n=9) indicated they were limited a lot in walking several blocks. Additionally, 57% (n=12) indicated they were severely or extremely emotionally affected by their health due to their COVID-19 infection. Results were similar in only those ≥70 years (n=7). Our survey indicates that half of patients hospitalized with severe COVID-19 from the first infection wave in Southeast Michigan are significantly affected up to a year or more after their initial infection, and may benefit from long-term outpatient care. More research is needed to inform development of effective treatments for the long-term emotional and physical impacts of severe COVID-19.
EDITORS INSIGHTS ON PUBLISHING OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE GLOBAL GERONTOLOGICAL COMMUNITY
Authors: Miller Edward , Simpson Elizabeth 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Global aging has proceeded at an unprecedented and accelerating rate. The aging of the population creates both opportunities and challenges for older adults, their families, and society in general. Importantly, there is substantial variation in the effects of and response to global aging both within and across nations depending, in part, on prevailing cultural expectations and values, political and economic imperatives, and social and demographic characteristics. Thus, while some regions and countries have responded with innovative policies and programs to better enable the growing cohort of older adults to remain active and engaged in the community, other regions and countries have struggled with their response or barely begun to plan for the rising population of older adults. This symposium assembles editors at five leading gerontology journals to demonstrate the role that peer-reviewed scholarship can play in disseminating knowledge that informs gerontological research, policy, and practice internationally. Editors include: Edward Alan Miller, PhD, FGSA, Journal of Aging & Social Policy; Jeffrey Burr, PhD, FGSA, Research on Aging; Julie Robison, PhD, FGSA,, Journal of Applied Gerontology; Sandra Torres, PhD, FGSA, Ageing & Society; and Julie Hicks Patrick, PhD, FGSA, International Journal of Aging & Human Development. Each presenter will review the scope, content, and focus of their journals and the role and opportunities for international scholarship.