bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
HYPERTENSION, AGE AND SEX INFLUENCE REGIONAL CEREBRAL BLOOD FLOW IN OLDER ADULTS
Authors: Miglani Jasroop , Ashford Nathanial , Farris Kristen , Levendovszky Swati Rane , Hanson Angela 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Background
Reduced cerebral blood flow (CBF) is a potential early biomarker for dementia and older adults with hypertension (HTN) are at increased risk of accelerated cognitive decline. This study explored the influence of HTN, age, and sex on CBF following lipid ingestion.

Methods
36 older adults (age 66.9 ± 7.2, 44% hypertensive, 67% women) underwent arterial spin labeling 3D pCASL MRI to measure CBF at baseline (t0) and 2 hours after drinking heavy cream (t2). Regions examined: total cerebrum (tCBF), angular gyrus (AGBF), hippocampus (HBF), posterior cingulate (PCBF), and temporal lobe (TBF). Statistics included Pearson correlation in SAS and generalized linear modeling in R.

Results
Age negatively correlated with tCBF at t0 (CC -0.33, p=0.05) which was magnified after lipid ingestion (CC -0.41, p=0.01); similar findings noted for other regions. Men had lower tCBF than women at t0 (Coefficient -8.918, p=0.003) and t2 (Coefficient -11.3, p&lt; 0.001); pattern held for all regions examined. When covariates were added to the model, men were more likely to be hypertensive which partially explained this finding; however, the sex effect remained significant after controlling for factors known to affect CBF (age, heart rate, hematocrit, SBP).

Conclusion
Age correlated with lower CBF both fasting and after lipid feeding. Men had lower CBF than women which was only partially explained by HTN; a finding that has been reported in the literature. Further investigation into how various demographic variables influence CBF is crucial in order to utilize CBF as an early biomarker in clinical trials.
IGF1R VARIANT R407H PREVENTS COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT AND NEUROINFLAMMATION IN CRISPR MICE WITH AAV AB42 AND PTAU
Authors: Park Joo Young , Wezeman Jackson , Mangalindan Ruby Sue , Ladiges Warren 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Late-onset Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is an age-related disease. The geroscience concept dictates that interventions that slow aging should also slow age-related diseases. This concept was tested in C57BL/6 mice expressing a CRISPr engineered IGF1R variant R407H shown to be enriched in centenarians. A total of 14 females, 25 to 28 months of age, carrying the R407H variant or wild type, were given intravenous injections of AAV9-PHP.eb serotype concoctions at 10^12 vg per dose, containing either a mCherry-sham construct or Aβ42 and pTau constructs associated with neuropathology of AD. Mice were followed for 11 weeks and then tested for cognition. Following euthanasia, brains were collected, and hippocampal tissues processed for RNA sequencing (Novogene, Sacramento). The mice with the IGF1r variant, and infected with AAV Aβ42 and pTau, showed significantly better performance in a spatial navigation learning task compared to wild type cohorts. RNA sequencing analysis in the same cohorts using DES Seq2 showed a significant downregulation of inflammatory cytokines and chemokines including Ccl21b (log2 fold change = -2.3, adjusted p-value &lt; 0.05). These preliminary observations suggest the potential of further studying naturally occurring rare variants such as IGF1r R407H as a way to help slow or prevent AD, in line with the geroscience concept.
IMPACT OF LOW PROTEIN DIETS ON GUT HEALTH
Authors: Vaddi Prerana , Young Khristina , Easter Molly , Hill Cristal 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Introduction
Studies on the gut-brain axis report that changes in the microbiome contribute to age-related diseases. One of the most significant factors affecting microbiome composition is diet. Prior work from our lab has demonstrated that low protein (LP) diets induce fibroblast growth factor 21, improve metabolic health, and extend lifespan in male mice. However, the molecular adaptations of a low-protein diet on gut health and their systemic effects on protecting against age-related diseases remains unclear. Here, we investigated the impact of an LP diet on the microbiome and the associated effects on metabolic and immune health.

Methods
At 15 months of age, female mice (n=12 mice/diet) were fed either a normal protein (NP) or LP diet for 20-weeks. Feces were collected to assess microbiota, species richness, and species diversity. Metabolic profiling on food intake, fasted glucose levels, and glucose tolerance tests were conducted to assess the relationship between microbiome profiles and metabolic health.

Results
Relative abundances of Bacteroides and Defferibacterota were reduced in LP diets and increased in Verrucomicrobiota. Gene set enrichment analyses (GSEA) reveal that mice on the LP diets regulate T-Cell dependent immune and inflammatory pathways. Consistent with our previous studies in male mice, we show that aging female have improved glucose clearance during LP-diet.

Conclusion
Notably, previous studies show Bacteroides species promote T-Cell dependent immune pathways, and Verrucomicrobiota species regulate glucose homeostasis. Collectively, GSEA data, the improvements in glucose homeostasis, and changes in microbiota significantly benefit metabolic and immune health.
MITOCHONDRIAL DYSFUNCTION IN DYSREGULATED MONOCYTE IMMUNE RESPONSE
Authors: Maurmann Rafael Moura , Pence Brandt D 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Monocytes are key innate immune cells involved in inflammatory signaling. This function is dysregulated in older adults, which thus correlates with increased basal inflammation and disease severity. This phenotype coincides with the buildup of mitochondrial dysfunction markers and defects on mitochondrial dynamics. However, a link between those phenomena remains to be explored. We thus aimed to identify a connection between impaired monocyte immune function and the accumulation of defective mitochondria. We used U937 human monocytic cell line to establish a mitochondrial dysfunction model in vitro comparable to aged monocytes. Cells were treated for 3h with 1 uM FCCP, a mitochondrial depolarized inducer, in the presence or absence of 100 nM bafilomycin A1, an autophagy inhibitor, followed by a 3h recovery in the absence of FCCP. Bafilomycin A1 was kept in cell culture media during recovery. A mitochondrial stress test was then performed on a Seahorse XFp to evaluate extracellular acidification rate (ECAR) and oxygen consumption rate (OCR) responses. FCCP solely treatment led to compromised mitochondrial maximal respiration, which was restored after 3h recovery. However, bafilomycin A1 addition prevented restoration and further aggravated mitochondrial function. The combined treatment induced a decrease in mitochondrial oxygen consumption rate both at basal and stressed conditions, negatively impacting ATP production. Besides, a reduction mitochondrial proton leak may indicate a deficiency on membrane potential maintenance, which further impacts ATP production. While we have not assessed immune function markers to the present, these results validate our model of mitochondrial dysfunction in vitro similar to aged cells.
PERCEIVED BENEFITS OF TREATMENTS OF ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE AND RELATED DEMENTIAS FOR COST-EFFECTIVENESS ESTIMATES
Authors: Zanjani Faika , McIntyre Madeline , Gendron Tracey , van den Broek-Altenburg Eline 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Objective
This study aims to identify important non-Quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) benefits of novel Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementia (AD/ADRD) treatments. Cost-effectiveness analysis of AD/ADRD is mostly based on QALYs gained. However, other benefits in the International Society for Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research value flower, such as severity of disease, hope, and option value are not included. Which of these benefits are most important for AD/ADRD is unknown.

Methods
Twelve semi-structured focus groups were conducted with at-risk individuals (60%) and caregivers (40%). Study protocol/interview guide was designed to target AD/ADRD knowledge and attitudes. Focus groups were recorded. transcribed, and analyzed thematically using ATLAS.ti and two coders.

Results
There was a lack of knowledge about both the condition and treatments. When considering treatment, cost and side effects were important, but impact on family dynamics was also critical. Participants lack trust in advertising, confused by the healthcare system, feel primary care providers are undertrained and lack time, and specialists are unavailable; the whole system lacks coordination, fails to communicate effectively, and provides conflicting information. Participants indicated AD/ADRD is associated with grief, sadness, fear, frustration, and hopelessness. They also expressed feeling alone and confused. Caregiving at a distance presents a particular challenge. Conclusions: Omitted elements of hope and option value from the value flower are important for AD/ADRD, suggesting that current cost-effectiveness estimates may systematically undervalue important components of treatments. Yet even with new medications, access challenges may undermine potential value by creating systematic challenges in receiving diagnoses and identifying treatment alternatives.
PERCEPTIONS OF DIABETES SELF-MANAGEMENT AMONG MIDDLE AGED ADULTS
Authors: Louis-Charles Willencia , Lee Hye Soo , Rogers Wendy 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Older adults with diabetes are at higher risk of heart and kidney failure that arise due to mismanagement of the condition. Understanding the factors that influence self-management among middle-aged adults may enable healthcare providers to intervene before complications arise. We investigated whether knowledge, access to healthcare, illness identity, and diabetes distress emerged as factors that influence self-management for 11 middle-aged adults (aged 52-63, M=59.77, SD=5.17). All participants had type 2 diabetes. These participants completed questionnaires and a semi-structured interview either in-person or through Zoom during a one-time 2-hour session. Questionnaires included the Diabetes Knowledge Questionnaire (DKQ), Barriers to Access to Care Evaluation (BACE), Illness Identity Questionnaire (IIQ), and Diabetes Distress Scale (DDS). Following the questionnaires, they then were asked to elaborate on their experiences related to those themes and topics. Participants felt that they lacked knowledge, even though their scores on the DKQ were above 12, which is considered as satisfactory in the literature. Similarly, their BACE scores reflected enough access to healthcare, but many felt that they were not getting enough assistance. The IIQ data revealed that many participants felt more enrichment and rejection than engulfment and acceptance in reference to their diabetes. Many participants acknowledged feelings of distress that were not captured in their DDS. The mixed methods approach revealed that the standard measures are not diagnostic of the experiences, evidenced by the interview data. More in-depth evaluations of factors that affect health self-management for this population will be valuable to guide interventions before health complications arise.
PHYSICAL FUNCTION AND MITOCHONDRIAL BIOENERGETICS IN PEOPLE LIVING WITH HIV AND CANCER
Authors: Ryan Alice , Griffith Kathleen , Jaber Sausan 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Purpose
To determine physical fitness and function, and potential mechanisms of frailty including bioenergetic health that may differ between older adults living with HIV (PLW) without and with a history of cancer (PLW+C).

Methods
Participants (n=34, mean±SD, 64±6.6 years) underwent a cancer-specific geriatric assessment, physical function and fitness testing. In a subset (n=21, PLW n=10 and PLW+C n=11 lung, anus, colon, prostate), platelets were assayed for parameters of bioenergetic functions (Agilent Seahorse XFe96) in the presence of substrates for either glycolysis, the citric acid cycle, or fatty acid oxidation (FAO). Compounds were injected to determine basal, maximal, ATP-linked, and spare respiratory capacity.

Results
PLW (100% male, 82% African American, BMI 28.7±6.3 kg/m2) enrolled. There were no differences between PLW (n=16) and PLW+C (n=18) in VO2peak (19.6±5.7 vs. 20.3±5.4 ml/kg/min), 6-minute walk distance (1400±385 vs.1273±415 ft), Short Physical Performance Battery score (10.8±1.5 vs.10.0±1.9), Berg Balance Scale score (52.2±3.1 vs 51.9±5.0), and Timed Up and Go (8.26±2.32 vs.10.2±5.3 s). Mito stress maximal (243.1±79.2 vs. 251.9±93.6 pmolO2/min/1x107cells) and spare respiratory capacity (113.8±61.5 vs. 121.3±51.4 pmolO2/min/1x107cells) are not significantly different between PLW and PLW+C; whereas FAO maximal (42.4±28.7 vs. 61.6±30.9 pmolO2/min/1x107cells) and spare respiratory capacity (30.6±25.0 vs. 56.9±29.5 pmolO2/min/1x107cells) tended to be higher in PLW+C. Conclusions: Although Mito Stress bioenergetic parameters of platelets from PLW+C or PLW are not different, the trend toward higher maximal and spare respiratory capacity in the presence of the FAO substrate in PLW+C may imply that their platelets have a higher reliance on FAO for fuel.
PREDICTING EXCESSIVE SPENDING IN OLDER ADULTS: THE IMPACT OF COGNITIVE STATUS AND MENTAL HEALTH
Authors: Flores Emily , Lichtenberg Peter 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Excessive spending among older adults poses a significant risk to financial stability, particularly in the context of cognitive and psychological factors. This study utilized data from the WALLET study to examine predictors of excessive spending, focusing on sociodemographic variables, cognitive status, and mental health as measured by the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS). The sample included 150 older adults, predominantly African American (65%) and female (80%), with an average age of 72.9 years (SD = 7.9). Correlation analyses found significant associations between excessive spending and cognitive status (r =.18, p &lt;.05) and GDS scores (r =.21, p &lt;.01). Regression analyses showed that in the first model, cognitive status (β =.18, p &lt;.05) was a significant predictor of excessive spending when measured as a percentage, while education was also significant (β =.19, p &lt;.05). However, the second model revealed that higher levels of depression (β =.21, p &lt;.05) significantly predicted excessive spending, even after controlling for sociodemographic and cognitive status. These findings highlight the role of depression in financial risk behaviors, and it underscores the need for targeted interventions focusing on cognitive and psychological assessments to address excessive spending in older adults.
PRELIMINARY FINDINGS OF A MINDFUL WALKING PROGRAM TO PROMOTE HEALTH IN AFRICAN AMERICAN OLDER ADULTS
Authors: Dzwierzynski Jenna , Zabielaite Meda , Lee Jongwon , Prine Halle , Yang Chih-Hsiang 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
African American adults aged 60 and older are nearly twice as likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias compared to non-Hispanic Whites. Regular physical activity, like walking, benefits brain health and may delay cognitive decline. Mindfulness training is cost-effective and can be easily integrated with a walking program. This study explored whether 24 sessions of 30-minute mindful walking could improve cognitive function, sleep, depressive symptoms, and physical functioning in older African Americans compared to a control group by using pre-post assessment comparisons. After randomization, the intervention group incorporated mindfulness techniques during each walking session over 12 weeks. The control group did not receive any intervention. At Week 13, both groups were reassessed. The study included 66 participants (34 intervention, 32 control, 91% female). Descriptive statistics at Week 13 indicated that the intervention group had slightly better sleep (4.74 ±.44 vs 5.09 ±.51), perceived cognition (1.21 ±.29 vs 1.81 ±.31), depression (6.32 ±.53 vs 6.66 ±.59), and timed-up-and-go (TUG) (11.09 ±.38 vs 11.95 ±.50) scores compared to the control group. The intervention group also had a higher mean MoCA score compared to the control group (25.18 ±.46 vs 24.31 ±.53), with a p-value of.080. The sample size was insufficient for formal statistical testing, and further research with a larger sample is needed to evaluate the efficacy of mindful walking interventions. The preliminary results suggest that mindful walking may support healthy aging and reduce health disparities among older African Americans.
QUANTIFYING DIFFERENCES IN MITOCHONDRIAL RETICULUM OF HEALTHY OLD AND PERTURBED HUMAN MUSCLE USING AI SEGMENTATION
Authors: Hartnell Lisa , Maltsev Alexander , Ferrucci Luigi 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Several studies have shown that mitochondrial health and function decline with aging and chronic disease having deleterious consequences on mobility and cognition. To better understand these changes, we examined the structure of skeletal muscle mitochondria in participants in the Genetic and Epigenetic Signatures of Translational Aging Laboratory Testing (GESTALT) study and in older individuals with peripheral arterial disease (PAD). Image analyses was performed on volumes of muscle generated by Focused Ion Beam (FIB)-Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). FIB-SEM yields isotropic volumes that allow analysis with deep learning aided segmentation at near membrane resolution. As previously reported using volumetric imaging, we found that mitochondrial reticulum is a highly organized continuum of individual mitochondria around myofibers found close to the location of energy utilization. To perform a quantitative analysis, we developed a deep learning segmentation workflow and applied the process to image volumes of gastrocnemius muscle ranging from 10-20 □m3 collected from healthy old (75-89y) participants in GESTALT, in frail individuals and in patients diagnosed with peripheral artery disease (PAD). We found substantial differences in the reticulum size, with fragmentation in frailty and PAD patients compared to healthy controls. We present our progress toward developing a measure of the breakdown of continuity of reticulum we termed “Fragmentation Index”. Future work aims to increase the number of individuals sampled and to apply the Fragmentation Index along with other measures of mitochondrial activity to evaluate the association of continuous mitochondria with healthy aged muscle vs muscle from frail individuals or individuals with PAD.
RACE AND ETHNIC DIFFERENCES IN ATTITUDES TOWARD FAMILY-BASED SUPPORT TO OLDER ADULTS IN THE U.S
Authors: Quashie Nekehia , Mehta Neil 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Prior research suggests cultural differences in norms of family responsibility to older adults and familial norms being more salient among minority families such as Black Americans relative to non-Hispanic Whites. However, there is little understanding of ethnic variations in attitudes toward familial responsibility for older adults among the Black American population. Using data drawn from the National Survey of American Life- Reinterview conducted between 2001 and 2003 and an analytic sample of African Americans (N=1,235), Caribbean Blacks (N=356), and non-Hispanic Whites (N=411) aged 40 and older, I examine race and ethnic differences in attitudes toward supporting older adults in need with finances, household chores, and personal care. Results show that for financial support to older adults, Caribbean Blacks were more likely than African Americans to support mixed family and government responsibility, relative to mainly familial responsibility. In contrast, non-Hispanic Whites were less likely than African Americans to support mainly government relative to mainly family responsibility to older adults. Regarding attitudes toward household support, Caribbean Blacks were more likely than African Americans to support mainly government responsibility, relative to family. There were no statistically significant race and ethnic differences in mixed or mainly government versus mainly family responsibility in supporting older adults with personal care needs. The findings underscore ethnic heterogeneity among Black Americans in attitudes toward the family being mainly responsible for some forms of support to older adults, which is increasingly important to inform culturally relevant policy initiatives to support vulnerable older adults and their families.
RECALLING YOUTH IN VIRTUAL REALITY IN OLDER ADULTS WITH MILD COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT
Authors: Kim DaEun , Liao Hsiao-Wen , Aflatoony Leila , Wilson Jeff 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
As people age, their autobiographical memory becomes less vivid and detailed. We developed a virtual reality (VR) environment that recreates a nostalgic lounging area from the 1970s. Aside from examining feasibility, we tested whether cognitively healthy older adults (n = 16; Mage = 66.7) and individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI; n = 12; Mage = 75.3) differ in VR experience, memory phenomenology, and memory details, and whether VR experience correlates with memory variables. The virtual lounge comprised standard cues and was customized with personal photos. After the VR session, participants rated VR experience (i.e., presence, time travel, and bringing back memories), described a positive memory from their youth, and rated memory phenomenology (i.e., vividness, reliving, and significance). Memories were content-coded for semantic and episodic details. Regarding feasibility, most participants were able to follow the instructions to navigate the environment, use the controller to turn on a virtual lamp and record player (healthy controls: 100%, 91.7%, 86.7%; MCIs: 75%, 90.9%, 90%), and reported low discomfort in VR. Mann-Whitney’s U tests indicated no group differences in VR experience, memory phenomenology, and semantic details. Healthy controls recalled more episodic details than the MCI group. Overall, sensing presence and experiencing time travel in VR correlated with stronger memory reliving. The extent to which VR brought back memories correlated with greater memory significance. Similar levels of VR experience and memory phenomenology between the two groups, along with the correlations between the two variables, suggest the potential utility of VR for facilitating memory recollection.
RESULTS OF A DOUBLE-BLIND RCT OF THE FUNCTIONAL EFFECT OF KETONE ESTERS IN OLDER ADULTS
Authors: Stubbs Brianna , Stephens Elizabeth , Senadheera Chatura , Peralta Sawyer , Diaz Stephanie Roa , Silverman-Martin Wendie , Alexander Laura , Newman John 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Background
Ketone bodies are metabolites produced during fasting or on a ketogenic diet that have pleiotropic effects on the inflammatory and metabolic aging pathways underpinning frailty in in vivo models. Ketone esters (KEs) are compounds that induce hyperketonemia without dietary changes and may impact physical and cognitive function in young adults. The functional effects of KEs have not been studied in older adults.

Objectives
Our long-term goal is to examine if KEs modulate aging biology mechanisms and clinical outcomes relevant to frailty in older adults. Here, we report the exploratory functional and quality-of-life outcome measures collected during a 12-week safety and tolerability study of KE (NCT05585762). Design: Randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blinded, parallel-group, pilot trial of 12-weeks of daily KE ingestion. Setting: The Buck Institute for Research on Aging, California. Participants: Community-dwelling older adults (≥ 65 years), independent in activities of daily living, with no unstable medical conditions (n = 30). Intervention: Subjects were randomly allocated (1:1) to consume 25 g daily of either KE (bis-octanoyl (R)-1,3-butanediol) or a taste, appearance, and calorie-matched canola oil placebo (PLA). Measurements: Longitudinal change in physical function, cognitive function and quality of life were analyzed as exploratory outcomes in completers (n = 11 PLA, n = 12 KE). A composite vigor-frailty functional outcome was calculated. Heart rate and activity were followed using digital wearables.

Results
There were no statistically significant longitudinal differences between groups in exploratory functional, activity-based or quality of life outcomes in this pilot study.