bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
ANTI-AGING COMPOUNDS METFORMIN AND THIOFLAVIN T CAN ACT ON GENETICALLY DIVERSE, PROTEOSTASIS-COMPROMISED STRAINS
Authors: Driscoll Monica , Onken Brian , Xu Yunpeng , Song Yuhua , Achanta Madhuri , Sedore Christine , Phillips Patrick , Lithgow Gordon 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
The Caenorhabditis Intervention Testing Program (CITP) seeks to identify robust and reproducible pro-longevity interventions affecting a genetically diverse panel of representative Caenorhabditis strains from each of 3 species – C. elegans, C. briggsae, and C. tropicalis. The CITP test strains represent genetic diversity on the order of mouse to human. Anchoring principles of the CITP are that efficacious interventions that target fundamental and conserved biology will hold strong potential for translation to higher organism benefit and that such interventions can be rapidly identified using Caenorhabditis models. The CITP is creating multi-species “at risk” test sets, in which components of aging hallmarks (such as proteostasis, stress response circuits) are genetically compromised in diverse genetic backgrounds. Such genetic test sets might expand understanding of intervention action and help rank compounds for translational testing. Toward this end, we used CRISPR to generate deletion mutants of arsenite-inducible protein (C. elegans aip-1, human AIRAP/ARAPL) in which proteostasis and oxidative stress responses are compromised across phyla. All aip-1 mutants are short lived compared to their control wild type strains, highlighting the essential role of proteostasis in maintaining healthy aging. Our previous studies identified metabolic modulator Metformin and anti-amyloid Thioflavin T as effective pro-longevity, pro-healthspan interventions in multiple CITP test strains. We find that Metformin and Thioflavin T impact the aip-1 deletion strains similarly to WT variants. Together, our results demonstrate that Metformin and Thioflavin-T can positively impact lifespan in diverse genetic backgrounds in which proteostasis is compromised, suggesting wide-ranging health benefits of these potent pro-longevity compounds.
LESSONS LEARNED FROM AN ENHANCED SERVICE COORDINATION MODEL IN SENIOR HOUSING
Authors: Hennessa Alexandra , Stone Robyn 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Residents of affordable housing communities are growing older, and new residents are moving in at older ages. As these residents age, their need for services and supports increase. Approximately 5,200 housing communities subsidized by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) have a service coordinator on-site to help connect residents with needed services and resources. In 2021, the LeadingAge LTSS Center @UMass Boston (LTSS Center) conducted a process evaluation of the LSA Senior Connect Model, which was designed to build the capacity of service coordinators to better meet the needs of aging residents. The study activities included a review of program-related documents, analysis of resident assessments, interviews with staff, resident focus groups, and cost analysis. We will summarize the model’s framework and tools, and discuss lessons learned from the process evaluation. Lessons for policy and practice will also be discussed.
IMPACT OF INTERGENERATIONAL SERVICE LEARNING ON PSYCHOLOGICAL DISTRESS FOR HOMEBOUND OLDER ADULTS DURING COVID
Authors: Chan Keith , Marsack-Topolewski Christina , Ratnayake Maggie , Graves Jillian , LaFave Sarah , Fenske Diane 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
More than 2 million of older adults are homebound and 5 million need help leaving their homes. They often experience social isolation, food insecurity, and lack of connection to community resources, which for many has intensified since the pandemic. To date, home-based services for those aging in place are lacking. Using newly available data, this study examined the benefits of an intergenerational home-based service learning program in reducing psychological distress for a community-based sample of 190 homebound older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic. Multivariate regression analyses were conducted to examine the association of living in one’s own home, disability status, presence of child and spousal caregivers, and length of services from the program with psychological distress. Findings indicated that length of service with the intergenerational in-home support program was associated with lower psychological distress (β = -0.16, p &lt; 0.05). Having a child as a caregiver was associated with lower psychological distress (β = -0.15, p &lt; 0.05). Poor health status was associated with higher levels of psychological distress (β = 0.16, p &lt; 0.05). Living in one’s own home, having a spouse as a caregiver, disability status, and having a long-term medical condition were not associated with psychological distress in the analysis. Results from this study suggest that intergenerational in-home support services can help reduce psychological distress for homebound older adults. Policies and practice can support a pipeline of geriatric health professionals through innovative service learning models to benefit older adults, caregivers, and students.
SALIVA BASED BIOMARKERS TO IDENTIFY COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT IN OLDER ADULTS
Authors: Yata Vinod , Jain Shalini , Masternak Michal , Holland Peter , Agronin Marc , Yadav Hariom ,   MiaGB Consortium Team
Published: December 2022

Abstract
The prevalence of cognitive decline and dementia is increasing in older adults, their prognosis is poor. Multiple emerging evidence shows that early intervention can delay and /or prevent their progression, however, early-detection markers are invasive, expensive, and not easy to routinely measure. Saliva can be an attractive source of early cognitive decline markers because oral health is linked with cognitive function and oral fluids are connected with brain fluids, and abnormal brain protein markers can leak out to saliva and vice-versa. Using global unbiased LC-MS/MS-based proteomics of 22 saliva samples of cognitively impaired and 39 cognitively healthy older adults (&gt;60 years old) from large, multi-site study called Microbiome in aging Gut and Brain (MiaGB) consortium, revealed that 22 proteins were uniquely for cognitively impaired group while 44 were unique for cognitively healthy controls. In addition, among 78 differentially abundant proteins between cognitively impaired and control groups, half (39) were upregulated, and half (39) were downregulated. Notably, unique proteins in saliva of participants with cognitive impairment were from neurological pathways like NGF signaling, mTOR signaling and LPS-stimulated MAPK signaling. In addition, differentially abundant proteins in participants with cognitive impairment enriched with glucocorticoid receptor signaling, LXR/RXR activation, and L-DOPA degradation-pathways, while they were deficient of pathways like complement C3 and lysozyme pathways. We discovered that the novel saliva proteins and their pathways could blindly differentiate cognitive impaired from healthy older adults. These data suggest that we discovered novel saliva-based proteins that can be used as biomarker to predict/diagnose cognitive-impairment in older adults.
PATTERNS OF MULTIMORBIDITY IN AGING, RADIATION-EXPOSED NON-HUMAN PRIMATES
Authors: Quillen Ellen , Stainback Maggie , Justice Jamie , Olson John , Schaaf George , Cline J Mark 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Resilience to stressors is a major component of biological aging and may mediate the onset of multimorbidity in older adults. The Wake Forest Non-Human Primate Radiation Survivor Cohort (RSC) provides a novel opportunity to study aging and resilience in 250 rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) with single-dose radiation exposures 0–15 years prior and 50 controls with semi-annual clinical, imaging, and biomarker measurements taken over their lifespan. Multimorbidity is extremely common among irradiated animals. Only 38% of animals have none of 20 common chronic diseases, falling to 16% of animals over age 8 and 11% over age 10 (middle-aged animals). 70% of animals have 5 or more diagnoses in this oldest cohort. The presence of any one disease increases the likelihood of having a second, co-morbid condition. Nevertheless, some animals continue disease-free until late in life, highlighting substantial variability in resilience. To identify patterns of multimorbidity, survival curves for each diagnosis were generated for age and time since radiation and k-median clustered resulting in four groupings of aging-associated morbidities. Bone, brain, and gastrointestinal disorders arise 3.5 years after radiation on average, followed by skin, heart, and cataracts. At 4.65 years, animals are at increased risk of being underweight and overweight and developing diabetes, hypertension, and hepatic dysfunction. Tumor, lung, and kidney disorders arise approximately 6 years after exposure. In all cases, these age-related disorders occur significantly earlier in irradiated animals than controls. These findings highlight the clustering of multimorbidities in aging, radiation-challenged primates and the potential of the RSC in studying resilience.
"NO TIME TO OVERTHINK IT, JUST DO IT'': AREA AGENCIES ON AGING AND INCLUSIVE COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Authors: Wilson Traci , Blair Elizabeth 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
AAAs have always been deeply engaged in addressing the health-related social needs of older adults from historically marginalized and underserved communities. As a confluence of COVID and social injustices moved issues of racial equity and inclusion to the forefront of national conversation, AAAs refocused their efforts to identify and address health inequities related to the social determinants of health (SDOH). One result of the COVID-19 pandemic and the urgency to reach and vaccinate older adults was that AAAs quickly formed new partnerships with culturally specific organizations. These relationships have developed and resulted in expanding culturally responsive service delivery. Presenters will describe this and other findings from a mixed methods study about AAA initiatives that seek to improve access and equity, such as inclusive community needs assessments, equity analyses that leverage census data to identify areas of greatest SDOH disparities, and dashboards to compare service recipients with community demographics.
OLDER ADULTS INFLUENCING THE CIVIC ENGAGEMENT OF VOLUNTEER CAREGIVERS DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC
Authors: Gale Kathleen 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Older adults who do not qualify for government entitlement programs but lack sufficient financial or other personal resources help them to age in place rely on community organizations to assist them with social determinants of health. However, these organizations struggle with high rates of volunteer caregiver turnover, a looming crisis spotlighted during the COVID-19 pandemic. At least one group of volunteer caregivers continued to serve during this period. This phenomenological study investigated the experiences of eight volunteer caregivers who served older adults through a Faith in Action model volunteer driver program during the first year of the pandemic. Findings indicate that a volunteer’s commitment to older adults, awareness of the needs of older adults, and established relationships with older adults were more important than concerns about COVID-19. Study participants were alert to the needs of older adults during and between service activities, making personal sacrifices of time, money, and physical exertion to accommodate needs. Participants approached service caring for the older adult and expected reciprocal care in the form of appreciation and respect. They considered discontinuing service if efforts weren’t appreciated or if deeply held values were violated. The volunteer service organization was key in mitigating conflict within the relationship of the volunteer and older adult, thereby increasing the likelihood that the volunteer would continue serving. Implications include training older adult clients to meet expectations of care and appreciation for volunteers, managing volunteers whose personal sacrifices exceed the scope of volunteer service, and supporting volunteers whose values have been violated.
RELIABILITY AND VALIDITY OF A REDUCED SET OF NAVIGATION ITEMS IN COMMUNITY-DWELLING OLDER ADULTS
Authors: Prevratil Michael , Kossowska-Kuhn Dorota , Gray Nicholas , Charness Neil 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Navigation is a complex skill that is used in everyday living, whether it be to travel across a country or to travel to a local store. How one successfully navigates through their environment involves many different processes, including spatial navigation, route generation, and orientation. An issue with investigating those separate constructs within navigation is the number of questions required to assess them reliably. As a part of a larger project, a large sample of community-dwelling older adults (ages 60–90) completed an online survey answering questions related to navigation. Among those were three subscales: a general wayfinding subscale, a subscale asking how often they felt lost when moving around near and far spaces, and a subscale asking how often they needed help navigating around near and far spaces. Each of these subscales contained fewer than eight items. The goal of the analysis was to determine the reliability and validity of these subscales, and this was accomplished through calculating Cronbach’s α and an exploratory factor analysis (EFA). Cronbach’s α for each of the individual subscales were above 0.8, indicating high reliability. EFA results output five unique factors. Noticeably, the wayfinding subscale was broken into two factors, one for route generation ability and one for mental mapping ability. while the “Feeling Lost” and “Needing Help” subscales produced a dichotomy between nearer distances (ex. Your immediate neighborhood) and farther distances (ex. Your state). This contrast, along with its implications, are discussed further.
NEW EVIDENCE OF HEALTHIER AGING. POSITIVE COHORT EFFECT ON COGNITIVE DECLINE
Authors: Massa Fernando , Marroig Alejandra , Terrera Graciela Muniz , Hofer Scott 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Cross sectional studies have shown cohort effects in cognition, limited research exists about cohort effects on cognitive trajectories. Indeed, most longitudinal research conducted to study aging-related cognitive change focus on the association between risk factors and mean change in cognition, considering individual differences too, but longitudinal norms of cognitive function are less studied. In this study, we aim to test whether cohort effects exist across the distribution of verbal fluency trajectories, that is, whether cohort effects vary across different trajectory quantiles. With this purpose, we estimated norms using data from 9 waves of the English Longitudinal Study of Aging (ELSA). We considered the individuals born in the 1920s, 1930s, and 1940s to assess cohort effects. The methodological framework consisted of quantile mixed models where the effect of age was adjusted using splines. To test for possible cohort effects across the 5th, 50th and 90th quartiles, the coefficients associated with the splines varied among cohorts. Our results suggest that cognitive decline is less pronounced for individuals born in more recent decades (p &lt; 0.001), supporting our hypothesis of cohort effects. Moreover, these results are consistent across quantiles (p-value &lt; 0.001). Additionally, we found that quantiles of verbal fluency at a certain age is higher in participants from more recent cohorts compared to those in older cohorts. Our findings contribute to a better understanding of cognitive decline in older adults, demonstrating population changes over time at different levels of changes in verbal fluency.
RESILIENCE AMONG RESIDENTS, THEIR FAMILY, AND STAFF OF A CONTINUING CARE RETIREMENT COMMUNITY
Authors: Sefcik Justine , Hwang Yeji , Hathaway Zachary , Coates Martha , Hufnal Shelby , Stoll Isabella , DiMaria-Ghalili Rose Ann , Fisher Kathleen 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
There is emerging literature about older adults’ experience of loneliness during the COVID-19 pandemic in long term care (LTC) facilities due to isolation protocols. Additionally, staff challenges while providing care for older adults in LTC has also been highlighted. While the literature emphasizes negative pandemic experiences, a gap exists with understanding resilience during the pandemic in LTC settings. The aim of this qualitative descriptive study was to explore the experience of resilience in a Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) among residents, their family members, and staff. We conducted 19 in-person interviews and 1 via Zoom in fall 2021 with 5 residents (65 and older), 5 family members, and 10 staff (e.g., administrators, nurses, nursing assistants). A conventional content analysis was employed. While we did hear how the pandemic had a negative impact on everyone, the main themes of resilience identified were: 1) overcoming the pandemic together (sense of community); 2) experience and adaptation (over time being able to adapt to the disruption in their life); 3) staying safe (engaging in precautions and self-care strategies); and 4) positivity (mindset of getting through anything and relying on spirituality). Study findings can inform CCRC administrators on how to support residents, their family, and staff during future pandemics and other challenging times that may disrupt normal routines.
LACKING FAMILY TIES DURING A GLOBAL PANDEMIC: OLDER ADULTS CONCEPTUALIZATIONS OF SOCIAL SUPPORT
Authors: Van Vleet Bryce , Kinkade Emily , Fuller Heather , Huseth-Zosel Andrea 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Social support from family provided benefits for coping during the COVID-19 pandemic; however, not all older adults had access to family. The present study investigates how older adults without access to traditional family ties conceptualized their social relationships throughout the first two years of the pandemic. A subsample of eight older adults without direct access to traditional family ties were identified from a larger 5-wave interview study conducted between April 2020 and June 2022. Transcripts were holistically coded and three overarching themes emerged: constraints of place, redefining family, and feelings of isolation and closeness. The first theme addressed having family members living far away and uncertainty of when they would get to see them again. However, these distance barriers could be overcome through technology. The second theme illuminated that during the pandemic, those without access to traditional family ties redefined their social relationships by developing fictive kin from neighbors, colleagues, and friends. The third theme highlighted that some older adults felt they were lacking strong social networks and were concerned they had nobody to contact if they needed help, while others felt that despite limitations, their social relationships grew closer due to connection through alternative forms of communication (e.g. texting). Results from this study clarify how traditional family ties were challenged and strengthened during physical distancing for some older adults. These findings extend the literature on how fictive kin forms in older adulthood during temporary crises and suggests potential avenues for social connection for older adults lacking traditional family support.
DIFFERENTIAL ROLES OF COVID-19-RELATED STRESSORS IN MENTAL HEALTH PROBLEMS: A NETWORK APPROACH
Authors: Zhang Wen , Liu Tianyin , Kiu Dara , Leung Yi , Kwok Wai-wai , Sze Lesley , Wong Gloria H Y , Lum Terry 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
COVID-19-related stress is heterogeneous and associated with increased mental health conditions in older adults. This study is to investigate relationships between different stressors and how different stressors may increase risks for mental health conditions through a network approach. A telephone survey was conducted among 4,921 older adults (age≥60) from April to June 2022 during the biggest community outbreak of COVID-19 in Hong Kong. The validated 8-item COVID-19-Related Stress Scale (CSS-old) (Cronbach’s α: 0.91) was used to investigate the different stressor for older people in Hong Hong. Respondents were screened for depression using the Patient Health Questionnaire-2 (PHQ-2), anxiety using the Generalized Anxiety Disorder 2-item (GAD-2), and stressors with the CSS-old, 4708 responded to all questions. A regularized partial correlation network via graphical LASSO procedure was computed to analyze the relationship between 8 stressors; a directed acyclic graph (DAG) via a Bayesian hill-climbing algorithm was generated from CSS-old and comorbidity network with PHQ-2 and GAD-2 items. Network analyses identified CSS-old item 6 (families or friends infected), item 3 (daily life interrupted), item 5 (fear of infection affecting the family), and item 8 (worry for community’s health) as the core stressors. DAG analysis found a key triggering role for item 1 (suspension of community services), and the activation of the mental health problems occurred through item 1, which bridged the COVID-19-related stress and mental health problems. These findings suggested that providing support for families with COVID-19 patients and alternative services during community service suspension may reduce mental health problems risks.
A CROSSWALK OF COMMONLY USED FRAILTY SCALES
Authors: Sison Stephanie Denise , Shi Sandra , Kim Kyung Moo , Oh Gahee , Steinberg Nessa , Jeong Sohyun , McCarthy Ellen , Kim Dae 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Several validated scales have been developed to measure frailty, yet it remains unknown how these measures are related. We used data from 7,070 community-dwelling older adults who participated in National Health and Aging Trend Study round 5 to construct a crosswalk among frailty measures. We operationalized the 60-item Frailty Index (FI), Study of Osteoporotic Fracture (SOF) Index, FRAIL Scale, Frailty Phenotype, Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS), Vulnerable Elder Survey-13 (VES-13), Tilburg Frailty Indicator (TFI), Groningen Frailty Indicator (GFI), and Edmonton Frailty Scale (EFS). Missing data, needed for the calculation of frailty scores, were imputed using multiple imputation by chained equations method. We then linked the scores of each frailty measure to FI using the equipercentile method, a statistical procedure that links different scales by equating percentile distributions. Participants considered frail on FI (cutpoint of 0.25) corresponded to the following scores on each frailty measure: SOF 1.3, FRAIL 1.7, Phenotype 1.7, CFS 5.3, VES-13 5.5, TFI 4.4, GFI 4.4, and EFS 5.8. Conversely, individuals considered frail on each frailty measure corresponded to the following FI scores: 0.37 (SOF), 0.40 (FRAIL), 0.42 (Phenotype), 0.21 (CFS), 0.19 (VES-13), 0.28 (TFI), 0.22 (GFI), and 0.37 (EFS). The CFS, VES-13, TFI and GFI each discriminates between non-frail and frail people in the pre- to mildly frail spectrum on the FI, whereas the SOF, FRAIL Scale, Phenotype, and EFS detect those in the higher frailty spectrum on the FI. Our results provide clinicians and researchers with a useful tool to convert and interpret frailty across scales.