bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
“DEMENTIA-FRIENDLY”: WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS?
Authors: Sadeq Nasreen 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Experiential learning assignments may be a potential method of educating undergraduate students about relevant issues in gerontology. Experiential learning involves applying knowledge learned in the classroom to real-world situations and requires students to engage in reflection. The current study explores undergraduate students’ perspectives on what it means to be “dementia-friendly” through an activity completed outside of the classroom. Students enrolled in an Alzheimer’s Disease Management course completed a module about quality of life, which included information about dementia-friendly communities. Then, students visited a location of their choice that is often frequented by older adults. Based on what they learned in class, they explored the location and documented observations about its dementia-friendly characteristics, or lack thereof. Following their visit, students wrote a reflection on their experience and suggested ways to improve dementia-friendliness. Consensual qualitative methods were used to explore themes in student responses. Among students (N=56), the majority visited grocery or big-box stores, followed by retail shops and restaurants. The three most common themes that emerged about essential dementia-friendly characteristics were 1) availability of helpful people, 2) easy to read signs, and 3) easy to navigate with few fall hazards. Themes from students’ suggestions for improving dementia-friendliness included 1) items with larger font sizes, 2) providing staff with dementia training, and 3) more amenities (e.g., store maps, personal shoppers). Student reflections suggested that the assignment also increased awareness and empathy about challenges faced by older adults who wish to age in place.
DISMANTLING AGEISM: EXPLORING PERSONAL AND SOCIETAL ATTITUDES ABOUT AGING IN UNDERGRADUATE CLASS ACTIVITIES
Authors: Srinivasan Erica 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Ageism and fear of aging are influenced by both personal and societal attitudes about aging. Ageist beliefs reflected in society or in individuals can impact both our own aging process and how we treat others (Cooney et al, 2020). Thus, it is imperative to explore personal and societal attitudes about aging. In this poster, themes will be presented from a study on two class activities that explore ageism and attitudes about aging, as well as directions for these activities. Students (n=34) in an undergraduate college class were asked to describe their thoughts on aging in 6 words. They were next prompted, with no word limit, to describe fears and what they look forward to about aging. Content analysis of responses revealed themes including the complexity of aging, fears about dementia, physical changes, and the unknown nature of life, and positive interest in career and family goals. In a second activity, based off the AARP social experiment in which millennials were asked “what do you consider to be old?,” students asked peers “what image comes to mind when I say “old person?” and “what three words come to mind when I say old person?” Content analysis of responses included themes relating primarily to negative stereotypes, such as “confused and nursing home,” with some positive associations, such as “grandparents or wisdom.” Both activities prompted rich discussion about the connection between fears of aging and ageism, the importance of addressing ageism and of exploring both positive and challenging aspects of personal aging.
BREATHING LIFE INTO CONVERSATIONS ON DEATH: USING A DEATH CAFÉ MODEL IN A SERVICE-LEARNING PROJECT
Authors: Getz Marjorie 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
This poster presentation describes a project from an upper-level course on death and dying (part of a gerontology program at a small Midwest college). The course derives from the work of Phillipe Ariès’s book, The Hour of Our Death. Ariès traced five patterns across time and showed why death had become an uncomfortable truth for those of us living now. In essence, death has been banished from our daily lives. Other research suggests that younger healthcare professionals are particularly uncomfortable interacting with dying clients and may withdraw from them at this important life juncture. Finally, frustration with textbook development of cultural approaches to dying and death (often varied cultural groups, e.g., Asian Americans, are lumped together as if all Asian-Americans share death related practices) led to design of this unique service-learning project. Students, and community members who are experts on various faith/cultural practices take part in a modified death café. Students from an OLLI program are invited to participate, too. We report on qualitative data taken from student reflections. Content analyses of reflective essays identified these themes: (a) new insights/questions about death encounters/attitudes/practices in America (b) willingness to assimilate and accommodate various aspects of other cultural approaches to death into one’s own philosophy; (c) feelings of accomplishment/awareness of new skills in providing community-based support to people isolated during the pandemic; (d) understandings related to the importance/value of community service and civic engagement; and (e) new found comfort in openly discussing death concepts in this supportive environment.
CREATING AN AGE-FRIENDLY UNIVERSITY: THE CASE OF ST. CLOUD STATE UNIVERSITY (SCSU)
Authors: Greenberg Phyllis , Karasik Rona , VanderWerf Jessica , Zuniga Claudia Burgos , Kroeber Maria 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
As universities seek ways to address decreasing enrollments and enhance Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives, the concept of Age-Friendly Universities (AFU) has gained momentum. The AFU Global Movement is a way to situate a university to explore means to increase student enrollments, and expand DEI Initiatives to include age. This poster details the steps taken by St. Cloud State University, a comprehensive Minnesota State university, to become designated as an AFU, as well as the unique challenges encountered. Actions taken both before and after being designated as an Age Friendly University (December, 2021) are discussed. Pre-designation steps included evaluating the campus’ current age friendliness, gathering university and community support at all levels, participating as a “champion” in the UMass-Boston & LaSalle University’s Age-Friendly University Inventory and Campus Climate survey, and piggy-backing on Minnesota’s Age-Friendly State and the local community’s Age-Friendly initiatives. The SCSU Gerontology program was awarded a grant from the MinnState Innovation Fund to explore ways of “Creating an Age-Friendly SCSU.” The grantors saw this as a potential template for other universities in the system who were seeking to expand their student base. Post benefits, challenges, strategies and next steps working towards meeting the 10 Principles of an Age-Friendly University are also discussed.
EXOME-WIDE STUDY IDENTIFIED 12 PLEIOTROPIC LOCI ASSOCIATED WITH ALZHEIMER’S AND CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE RISKS
Authors: Loika Yury , Loiko Elena , Arbeev Konstantin , Stallard Eric , Yashin Anatoliy , Culminskaya Irina , Kulminski Alexander 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Health of brain, heart and blood vessels are closely connected, which means that Alzheimer’s (AD) and cardiovascular (CVD) diseases may have overlapping etiologies including genetic component. Most of previous genetic association studies considered different traits (AD, CVD, and their risk factors) separately. The analysis of pleiotropic predisposition to these traits may shed light on the trait-specific mechanisms in protection against AD. We carried out pair-wise pleiotropic exome-wide association study (~250K common genetic variants) in predisposition to AD and each of 17 traits in a sample of 118K individuals from UK biobank. The analysis included seven qualitative traits (CVD, coronary-heart disease, type 2 diabetes, stroke, myocardial infarction, heart failure and hypertension), as well as their 10 risk factors (blood glucose, body-mass index, height, weight, 4 lipid traits, systolic and diastolic blood pressure). Fisher’s method and omnibus test were used in pleiotropic analyses. In addition to the APOE-TOMM40 locus, the analysis identified 12 genetic loci in which genetic polymorphisms demonstrated significant associations with AD at p≤5×10-4 and pleiotropic associations at genome-wide level, p≤5×10-8. The identified genes are involved in processes of phosphorylation; regulation of cell growth, differentiation, and brain development; signal transduction and neurotransmission; mitochondrial and cytoskeleton organization; regulation of gene expression, apoptotic processes, and adaptive immune response. Our results provide novel evidence supporting the hypothesis of complex pleiotropic mechanisms contributing to the development and progression of AD and provide more insights into understanding of underlying biological functions and regulatory mechanisms behind these effects.
REGULATION OF NEURONAL MITOCHONDRIAL BIOENERGETICS BY LIPID METABOLITES UPREGULATED IN DEMENTIA
Authors: Heimler Stephanie , Amick K Allison , Bergstrom Jaclyn , Jain Mohit , Molina Anthony 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Mitochondrial dysfunction occurs early in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) progression and is evident in the Central Nervous System (CNS) and peripheral circulating cells. While there is evidence indicating that bioenergetic decline can drive the early pathogenesis of AD, little is known about the extracellular factors that alter neuronal bioenergetic capacity. We hypothesized that circulating metabolites contribute to neuronal bioenergetic decline associated with AD. Using a cohort comprised of participants with normal cognition, mild cognitive impairment, and dementia, we show that human serum harbors circulating, non-cellular factors capable of mediating neuronal bioenergetic differences according to the cognitive status of the serum donor. We developed a novel screening-based approach to identify candidate “mito-active” lipid metabolites in human serum that could mediate differences in bioenergetic capacity. Among these, Nervonic Acid and 15-epi-PGA1 were predicted to be mitochondrial inhibitors upregulated in participants with dementia. Neurons exposed to physiologically-relevant ranges of these molecules in-vitro exhibited a dose-dependent reduction in maximal mitochondrial respiration. We found that 500ug/mL of Nervonic Acid and 9ug/mL of 15-epi-PGA1 reduced maximal mitochondrial respiration by 62.3% and 63.3%, respectively, thereby validating our screening and prediction approach. Future experiments may be directed towards investigating if and how these and other mito-active metabolites of interest cross the blood-brain barrier to meaningfully affect AD. Furthermore, identified mito-active molecules can be investigated in other clinical cohorts to examine their role/s in multiple age-related or neurological conditions. This work expands our mechanistic understanding of how extrinsic factors associated with age and cognitive status contribute to neuronal bioenergetic decline.
CONVERGENT CELL NONAUTONOMOUS PATHWAYS REWIRE METABOLISM TO SLOW AGING
Authors: Leiser Scott , Huang Shijiao , Miller Hillary , Beydoun Safa , Dean Elizabeth , Choi Hyo , Bhat Ajay , Howington Marshall 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
An organism’s ability to perceive and respond to changes in its environment is crucial for its health and survival. Our approach to identify molecular mechanisms of aging is to focus on common mechanisms downstream of multiple pathways. This approach led to our discovery of a gene, flavin-containing monooxygenase (fmo)-2, that is both necessary and sufficient to increase lifespan and healthspan downstream of several longevity interventions, including dietary restriction and hypoxia. Surprisingly, we also find that in both hypoxia and dietary restriction models, fmo-2 is induced by cell non-autonomous signaling pathways, consistent with the worms’ perceiving the stress (e.g. low oxygen, lack of food) and changing physiology as a result. Our current work focuses on 1) the signaling networks that regulate stress perception and integrate multiple signals to change physiology, and 2) the mechanism of FMO-2-mediated longevity. Our new data suggest that these cell non autonomous networks pathways utilize both overlapping and distinct signaling mechanisms to converge on upregulation of the same gene. They also suggest that these pathways can be manipulated by small molecule drugs to increase lifespan by “tricking” the organism into activating stress response networks. We further find that FMO enzyme expression has a drastic effect on endogenous metabolism, primarily through tryptophan and one carbon metabolism. Ultimately, we aim to leverage our results in a translational framework to identify key signals, genes, and mechanisms where organisms respond to the perception of environmental stress to improve health and slow aging.
INFLAMM-AGING IS ASSOCIATED WITH PRO-INFLAMMATORY PROGRAMMING OF INNATE IMMUNE CELLS IN THE COLON
Authors: Noh Ji Yeon , Wang Hongying , Farnell Yuhua , Tan Xiao-Di , Wright Gus , Hillhouse Andrew , Sun Yuxiang 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Chronic low-grade inflammation is prevalent in aging, which is called inflamm-aging. Immune cells are important mediator of inflammatory state of host and the innate immunity is the first responder to various insults. Gastrointestinal track, especially colon, is the site where immune cells are abundant. Aging is associated with increased gut dysbiosis and functional decline. We hypothesize that colonic innate immune cells contribute to the age-associated inflammation in the colon. We found that macrophages in colon mucosa are elevated in aging, and it is accompanied by pro-inflammatory cytokine expression and increased gut permeability. Specifically, we used flow cytometry to assess colonic innate immune cells collected from 5-, 7-, 14-, 19-, 24-, and 28-month-old mice. Aging significantly increased the populations of pro-inflammatory cytokine producing innate immune cells in the colon, including neutrophils, dendritic cells, monocytes and macrophages. Interestingly, the infiltrating Ly6Chi macrophages and pro-inflammatory CD11c+ macrophages were much higher, while anti-inflammatory CD206+ macrophages were decreased in colon of the aged mice. In line with the immune profile, aged mice showed increased gut permeability tested by fluorescein isothiocyanate-dextran, and the gene expressions of gap junction proteins in the colon were decreased, supporting increased gut permeability in the aged mice. Collectively, our results suggest that innate immune cells play an importance role in age-associated gut inflammation; targeting the innate immune cells in the colon may present a novel therapeutic strategy for prevention and treatment of aging leaky gut.
GERIATRIC AND EXTENDED CARE TRAJECTORIES AND TRANSITIONS AMONG VETERANS WITH LONG-TERM CARE NEEDS
Authors: Bouldin Erin , Brintz Benjamin , Hansen Jared , Rupper Randall , Brenner Rachel , Intrator Orna , Kinosian Bruce , Pugh Mary Jo 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
We aimed to identify clusters of geriatric and extended care services used by Veterans, describe transitions between clusters, and identify factors influencing transition. We explored services across the continuum of care from clinic to home-based and institutional care services. Analyses include 104,837 Veterans Health Administration (VHA) patients 65 years and older, and used VHA and Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) data from FY15-FY17. Using latent class and latent transition analyses, we identified 5 latent classes: 1) No Services, 2) CMS Services, 3) Home-Centered Interdisciplinary Care, 4) Personal Care Services, and 5) VHA-CMS Care Continuum. Veterans most commonly transitioned from the CMS Care Continuum class to No Services. Veterans also frequently transitioned into the VHA-CMS Care Continuum class over time. Identifying service patterns can inform service delivery, program development, and future resource allocation to better meet aging Veterans’ needs.
ETHNICITY-SPECIFIC EXTREME LONGEVITY VARIANTS IN A CONSORTIUM OF FOUR CENTENARIAN STUDIES
Authors: Bae Harold , Gurinovich Anastasia , Song Zeyuan , Giuliani Cristina , Nygaard Marianne , Barzilai Nir , Puca Annibale , Sebastiani Paola 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
It has been shown that some longevity variants including the APOE variants have ethnicity-specific effects on EL within European ethnicities. The goal of the present study is to identify genetic variants whose effects vary by ethnicity by conducting a genome-wide association study of extreme longevity (EL: defined as living past the age at which less than 1% individuals from the 1900 - 1920 birth year cohorts survived) that includes the SNP-by-ethnicity interaction terms using a consortium of four centenarian studies: the New England Centenarian Study, the Long Life Family Study, the Southern Italian Centenarian Study, and the Longevity Gene Project. We used the Uniform Manifold Approximation and Projection (UMAP), a non-linear dimension reduction technique, to identify distinct ethnic clusters. The UMAP analysis revealed four distinct ethnic groups (Danish, Italian, Ashkenazi Jewish, and middle European) in the aggregated data set with 2223 cases and 5673 controls. Using a mixed effects logistic model with SNP-by-ethnicity interaction terms, we found 29 loci, in which the test of any interaction effect produced p&lt; 10-5. The results showed that some variants had ethnicity-specific effects on EL. We sought for replication in two independent studies of longevity: the Danish Longevity Study and the Italian Longevity Study. In the Italian Longevity Study, rs7907949 (PFKP), rs11667516 (intergenic: RAB11B;MARCHF2), rs13245505 (intergenic: ZC3HC1;KLHDC10) replicated with a nominal significance level of 0.05. In the Danish Longevity Study, rs79853795 (PLCB1) and rs4072601 (SLC39A11) replicated. Future drug development should account for ethnic-specific differences in the genetic effects for higher efficacy for more diverse populations.
MEDICAL MORBIDITY RISK IN A SAMPLE OF OLDER WOMEN WITH BINGE EATING
Authors: Hooper Savannah , Marshall Victoria , Bridges Preston , Espinoza Sara , Keel Pamela , LaCroix Andrea , Musi Nicolas , Kilpela Lisa 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Binge eating (BE; consuming an abnormally large amount of food in one sitting while feeling out of control) is the most common form of disordered eating among older women, and aging may confer greater risk for medical morbidities. While the clinical phenotype of older women with BE is unknown, understanding health impacts of BE on the aging process is important. The objective of this study was to describe physiological characteristics of older women (aged 60+) with clinical levels of BE (i.e., ≥weekly episodes). Participants (N = 21; M age = 66.0±4.59) underwent a DEXA, indirect calorimetry, anthropometric measurements, and fasting blood labs. 76% of participants reported a BE age of onset in midlife or later (age 42+); the sample mean BMI was 35.08±8.64, with an average waist-to-hip ratio of 0.90±.047. DEXA scans indicated 90.48% were classified as overweight or obese. Using age- and gender-matched norms, mean fat percentile was 84.75±17.43; mean total body fat percentage was 47.0±4.5. Mean Resting Energy Expenditure (kcal/lean mass) was 34.2±3.71; average respiratory quotient was 0.81±0.06. HbA1c values indicated that 61.90% had pre-diabetes or diabetes; 47.61% had high fasting blood glucose and 76% had high LDL cholesterol. Mean bone mineral density (BMD) fell within a healthy range (1.11 g/cm2±.14); 33.33% had a BMD z-score of less than zero. Cardiovascular comorbidities were rare in this sample (9.5% had standard hypertension). Overall, metabolic disturbances were prevalent, while a minority had cardiovascular or skeletal morbidities. Findings suggest that BE may interfere with healthy aging predominantly through metabolic morbidities.
INVESTIGATING LINKS BETWEEN CHILDHOOD HEALTH AND FAMILY LIFE AND ACCELERATED BIOLOGICAL AGING
Authors: Larkina Marina , Smith Jacqui 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
An epigenetic clock measure, DNA methylation (DNAm) PhenoAge, differentiates individual aging trajectories and has been shown to predict mortality and morbidities. Despite suggestions that early-life experiences may shape epigenetic aging, little is known to date about specific risk and protective factors. We use data from Health and Retirement Study (HRS) to investigate the role of childhood factors, including health and family financial situation, in epigenetic age acceleration. The sample (N = 3952, M age = 64, range 50-100) included participants from the HRS 2016 Venous Blood Study and those, who reported about their childhood health and family. Using logistic regression, we predicted DNAm PhenoAge acceleration, calculated as the residuals resulting from regressing DNAm PhenoAge on chronological age and coded as 0 or 1 (1 = positive values, faster epigenetic aging rate). Participants with more years of education were less likely to have accelerated epigenetic aging (OR: 0.963, 95%CI[0.941-0.985], p &lt; .001). However, self-reported chronic illnesses before age 16 (15 possible conditions), self-rated childhood health, and family financial situation before age 16 were not associated with accelerated aging. In addition, men had higher likelihood of accelerated aging than women (OR: 1.145, 95%CI[1.007-1.301], p &lt; .05). Race/ethnicity and age cohort (e.g., being younger or older age 65) were not significant predictors. Our results highlight that investigation of relation between childhood disadvantages and DNAm PhenoAge acceleration might need to include other indicators (e.g., residential history). Future work is needed also to identify life course moderators of the clock efficacy.
GENETIC ARCHITECTURE OF SUBJECTIVE HEALTH: RELATIONSHIP WITH PHYSICAL HEALTH, COGNITION, AND DEPRESSION
Authors: Finkel Deborah , Gatz Margaret 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
The fact that self-rated health (SH) predicts mortality and a variety of other health outcomes independent of objective health measures generates questions about mechanisms and etiologies. SH can be considered an indicator of physical health, per se, resulting from active cognitive processing of explicit information about one’s own health and intuitive knowledge of symptoms and physical sensations. The extent to which SH taps shared cultural ideas about health should be reflected in estimates of the shared environmental component of variance (C). SH has also been associated with emotional health measures, such as neuroticism and depression. Previous analyses have been limited by sex (only women), sample size, age (range = 63-76), and failure to include cognitive function. The current analysis used data from 8291 adults ranging in age from 22 to 102 from the international Interplay of Genes and Environment Across Multiple Studies (IGEMS) consortium to investigate the genetic architecture of SH. Genetic influences on self-rated health (SRH) were investigated in the context of CIRS (Cumulative Illness Rating Scale), MMSE (Mini-Mental Status Exam), and depression (CES-D or CAMDEX). Independent pathways modeling indicated that all genetic variance for SRH was shared with CIRS, MMSE, and depression. Comparison of groups older and younger than 74 indicated age differences in genetic architecture of SRH. Evidence suggests that the discordance between objective and subjective health increases in late adulthood, possibly as a result of greater emphasis on psychological rather than physical components of subjective health assessments by older adults.