bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
LIFE EXTENSION VIA GENETIC/DRUG INTERVENTIONS OCCURS BY DELAYING THE ONSET OF AGING, NOT BY SLOWING THE RATE OF AGING
Authors: Phillips Patrick , Sedore Christine , Jackson Grace , Lithgow Gordon , Driscoll Monica 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Ever since the discovery more than 30 years ago of mutations capable dramatically increasing lifespan, there has been an increasing push to find genetic pathways and chemical interventions that ameliorate the effects of aging and increase healthspan and longevity. But aging is not merely “getting old,” it is an accelerating rate of the decline in function and an increase in the rate of mortality with chronological age. Here, we present a new framework for understanding longevity-extending interventions by dividing the survivorship into two major parts—the onset of aging and the period of accelerated aging—and use a uniform analytical approach to derive these quantities for each of the major mortality models. We apply this new framework to a set of studies with sufficient size to estimate mortality rate, finding that for four genetic and three chemical interventions in C. elegans and five genetic and eleven chemical interventions in mice, all treatments that lead to an increase in overall lifespan do so by delaying the onset of aging and none decrease the rate of aging late in life. These effects are readily visualized using a relative hazard and relative lifespan approach. Thus, while there is great interest identify compounds and other approaches to “treat” aging, evidence to date suggests that these interventions do not actually affect aging in the formal sense. These results have important implications for the design and analysis of aging studies, as well as for the field of geroscience as a whole.
MOLECULAR SENESCENCE IS ASSOCIATED WITH DEMENTIA RISK IN THE ATHEROSCLEROSIS RISK IN COMMUNITIES STUDY
Authors: Prizment Anna , Park Saeun , Sedaghat Sanaz , Wang Shuo , Guan Weihua , Tang Weihong , Walker Keenan , Hughes Timothy 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Recent evidence suggests that the accumulation of senescent cells induces chronic inflammation via the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP), increasing Alzheimer’s disease risk. However, the association between SASP proteins and dementia risk remains unknown. Our objective was to develop SASP scores using various protein panels and evaluate their relationship with dementia risk in Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study – a prospective cohort of 11,755 White and Black men and women (46-70 years old) at baseline (1990-92). We created 3 SASP scores by training them against incident dementia (1,493 cases) in 7,837 participants (67%) followed until 2019. The first score (Score-1), created by Ridge regression, included 133 proteins identified in Basisty’s atlas (2020). The second score (Score-2) included 16 dementia-associated proteins (of 133 SASP proteins). The third score (Score-3) was based on 7 SASP proteins validated by Schafer (2020); it included only 2 dementia-associated proteins: growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF15) and activin A. These scores were computed as weighted sums of standardized SASP proteins (mean=0, SD=1) in the test set of the remaining 3,918 participants (758 dementia cases). Multivariable Cox regression estimated the associations between each score and incident dementia. Hazard ratio (HR, 95% CI) per SD were for Score-1 (1.33, 1.23-1.45), Score-2 (1.20, 1.11-1.31), and Score-3 (1.23, 1.13-1.34), all p&lt; 0.001. Thus, the 3 SASP scores, consisting of different protein numbers, showed comparable positive associations with dementia risk. SASP scores, even those consisting of a small number of proteins, may serve as a potential biomarker for dementia.
A PROTEOMICS-BASED MEASURE OF ACCELERATING AGING IS CORRELATED WITH THE BRAIN AGE GAP IN THE ARIC STUDY
Authors: Casanova Ramon , Walker Keenan , Lu Lingyi , Kritchevsky Stephen , Hughes Timothy , Wagenknecht Lynne 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Proteomics clocks can be used to estimate chronologic age or predict age-related outcomes (e.g., GrimAge or AgeAccelGrim and mortality). Analogous to AgeAccelGrim, we developed a proteomic predictor in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study, and present correlations between this measure and an MRI-derived measure of advanced brain age (brain age gap) and other clinical parameters. We used data from 1447 ARIC participants with both brain MRIs and proteins levels available. The data was partitioned into training and testing datasets (75%-25%). We fitted a Cox regression elastic net model to predict all-cause mortality based on all proteins available in the SOMAscan aptamer panel (N = 4877), age and sex. The linear combination of variables was transformed to match mean age and variance of the training dataset. Finally, the age was regressed out to produce the proteomic measure. The testing dataset was used to estimate Spearman correlations. In total 33 proteins were selected by the model including R-sponding-4, GDF-15, ANGPT2 and PCYOX1L with larger (positives) coefficients while F7, SET and CNDP1 were the ones with smaller (negative) coefficients. The proteomic age measure was correlated with the brain age gap (0.26 p&lt; 0.001), hypertension (0.25 p&lt; 0.001), diabetes (0.18 p&lt; 0.001), gait speed (0.24 p&lt; 0.001), total cholesterol (0.25 p&lt; 0.001) but not correlated with fasting glucose, grip strength or MRI-derived temporal meta-ROI. These results here link brain and body indices of accelerated aging independently of chronological age. Further investigation of the interrelationships between brain and proteomics aging measures is warranted.
ASSOCIATIONS BETWEEN CARDIORESPIRATORY FITNESS, BRAIN AGE, AND NEURODEGENERATION AMONG OLDER ADULTS
Authors: Derboghossian Grace , Pituch Keenan , Anthony Mia , Salisbury Dereck , Lin Feng Vankee , Yu Fang 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
There is growing evidence that CRF mitigates the likelihood of dementia caused by Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and may underlie the cognitive benefits observed from aerobic exercise. Previous evidence further demonstrates neurodegeneration is the biological substrate for cognition deterioration and brain age may protect the brain from the deleterious effects of neurodegeneration. However, little is known about the relationships between CRF, brain age, and neurodegeneration in older adults with amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI). The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to examine associations between CRF, brain age, and neurodegeneration among individuals with aMCI, using baseline data from the Aerobic exercise and Cognitive Training Trial, which examines the cognitive effects and underlying mechanisms of a 6-month ACT in older adults with aMCI. CRF was measured with VO2peak from a symptom-limited peak cycle-ergometer test. Brain age, hippocampal volume, and AD-signature cortical thickness (SCT) were obtained from structural magnetic resonance imaging. Multiple linear regressions were conducted in R (version 4.3.2). The sample (N=134) averaged 73.63 ± 5.81 years of age, 16.98 ± 2.9 years of education, 27.47 ± 5.17 in BMI, and 23.5 ± 2.18 in Montreal Cognitive Assessment scores with 51.5% male and 92.5% White. The mean brain age was 72.37±7.76 years with 2.92± 0.31mm ADSCT and 3164 ±455.51mm3 hippocampal volume. CRF was not associated with brain age and neurodegeneration. A negative association was found between brain age with hippocampal volume (β=-11.37, SE=5.11, p=0.02) and ADSCT (β=-0.01, SE=0.003, p=0.004). To conclude, future studies need to explore other brain indicators related to CRF.
HORMONAL THERAPY AND THE RISK OF RHEUMATIC AUTOIMMUNE DISEASES AMONG OLDER MEN WITH PROSTATE CANCER
Authors: Albayyaa Mohanad 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Prostate cancer ranks as the second most common cause of cancer death among older men. Typically diagnosed at localized stages, treatment options primarily include radiation, hormonal therapy, or surgery. Androgen Deprivation Therapy (ADT) stands as a cornerstone in prostate cancer management, despite its association with various adverse effects such as cardiovascular and autoimmune diseases. ADT alters the mechanistic and biological pathways of androgens, impacting immune cell regulation and autoimmune equilibrium by augmenting regulatory T-cell numbers, cytokines, and pro-inflammatory markers. This study aims to investigate the potential link between hormonal therapy (ADT) and rheumatic autoimmune diseases (RAD), including rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, ankylosing spondylitis, and Sjogren’s syndrome, among older men with prostate cancer. Using Texas Cancer Registry Linked to Medicare dataset, a cohort of patients aged 66 years or older, diagnosed with localized prostate cancer between 2010 and 2019, was analyzed. Patients receiving ADT were compared to those without ADT exposure, matched on a 1:1 ratio. Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed higher rates of RAD among patients receiving ADT (11%) compared to non-ADT recipients (9%). Cox proportional hazard regression confirmed a significant association between ADT use and increased RAD risk (HR =1.29, 95% CI: 1.17-1.56). This finding underscores the importance of considering the potential adverse effects of ADT, emphasizing the need for comprehensive patient counseling and careful monitoring by clinicians. The study’s results, aligned with previous research, further solidify the understanding of ADT’s adverse effects, highlighting the necessity of assessing the patterns of care and personalized treatment strategies of older patients with prostate cancer.
IMPORTANT FACTORS INFLUENCING PROSTATE CANCER SCREENING AMONG INDIGENOUS MEN
Authors: Lee Kyoung Hag , Jun Jung Sim 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Although there exists mounting evidence of systemic barriers to prostate cancer screening (PCS) among Indigenous peoples, there is a limited understanding of the individual-level barriers to PCS. This study examined how well predisposing, need, and enabling factors predict receipt of a PCS test among Indigenous men. This cross-sectional study recruited a total of 191 Indigenous men aged 40 and above, following the recommendation of the American Cancer Society by using the purposive sampling method in 2014. The study’s dependent variable was the receipt of a PCS. Independent variables included three predisposing, two need, and five enabling factors. Participants’ mean age was 51.58 years, ranging from 40 to 95, and 33.3% were married. The hierarchical logistic regression showed that married participants were 3.82 times more likely than those who never married to receive a PCS. Participants with a personal cancer history were 11.84 times more likely than those without a personal cancer history to receive a PCS. Participants who reported having access to medical care were 9.14 times more likely than those without access to medical care to receive a PCS. Additionally, participants who had heard about the prostate cancer exam were 21.44 times more likely than those who had not heard about the prostate cancer exam to receive a PCS. Social work practitioners or health care providers need to consider developing and providing appropriate prostate cancer prevention programs, family-based intervention programs, a support system for selecting an appropriate place for medical care, and prostate cancer screening education and assistance programs.
POTENTIAL BENEFITS OF GROUP EXERCISE ON CANCER-RELATED LONELINESS AMONG MEN ENROLLED IN THE GET FIT PROSTATE TRIAL
Authors: Winters-Stone Kerri , Stoyles Sydnee , Dieckmann Nathan , Lyons Karen , Crisafio Mary , Hung Arthur , Graff Julie , Sokolova Alexandra 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Men with prostate cancer may experience cancer-related loneliness (CRL) that impacts their mental and physical health, yet research in this area remains sparse. We explored the relationship between cancer-related loneliness, anxiety, depressive symptoms, social and physical functioning and the potential benefits of group exercise in a subset of men with prostate cancer participating in a clinical exercise trial. We added the CRL questionnaire to measures of anxiety (PROMIS), depressive symptoms (CES-D) and social and physical function (QLQC30 subscales) mid-way through the GET FIT Prostate trial (NCT03741335). 145 men (mean age: 71.5 +/- 7.3 yrs) completed measures prior to participating in one of three online supervised group exercise programs for 6 months and another 68 also completed measures post-intervention. While exercise modalities differed among the three groups, all men participated in 15 minutes of semi-structured social time immediately prior to the start of their one-hour exercise class. 70% of men reported some level of CRL at baseline. CRL was significantly (p&lt; 0.01) and positively associated with higher anxiety (r=0.61) and worse depressive symptoms (r=0.66) and inversely with social (r=-0.50) and physical (r=-0.23) functioning. After 6 months of group exercise, CRL decreased among men who reported experiencing CRL at least some of the time at baseline (p=0.017). Among the whole sample, higher baseline CRL was significantly associated with the greater declines in CRL over 6 months (adjusted-R2=0.16, p&lt; 0.01). A majority of men with prostate cancer may experience cancer-related loneliness, but socially-enhanced group exercise could be an effective countermeasure to improve well-being.
GLOBAL CLIMATE ATTITUDES IN AGING ADULTS: THE ROLES OF SCIENTIFIC TRUST AND LITERACY
Authors: Van Vleet Bryce , Fuller Heather 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Prior research has established that people with less scientific literacy are more distrustful of science. However, this link is not well understood in older age or in relation to climate change perceptions. Aging adults play an important role in and are particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate change. This study investigates relationships between scientific literacy and trust with perceptions of climate change utilizing the 2020 Wellcome Global Monitor. 33,075 adults aged 50-99 (M=62.47) from 113 countries were interviewed about their views on science. We investigated whether scientific literacy and trust in science were predictors of climate change: a) understanding, b) major threat perception, and c) denial. Multiple regression analyses indicated trust in science and scientific literacy significantly predicted climate change understanding and threat perception, but not denial. Given conceptual distinctions between scientific illiteracy and scientifically literate mistrust, we investigated whether trust in science mediated the relationship between scientific literacy and climate change attitudes in midlife and older adulthood. Bootstrapped mediation models indicated trust in science partially mediated associations between scientific literacy and both understanding and threat perception. Findings suggest bolstering confidence in both scientific literacy and trust in science may help aging populations better understand and anticipate impacts of climate change. Results can help interventionists prepare aging populations for an increasingly warming world. Findings also extend the existing understanding of trust in science and scientific literacy as important processes in how older individuals perceive their environmental and politicized contexts.
COPING STRATEGIES USED BY LATE-MIDLIFE AND OLDER ADULTS DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC
Authors: Kurth Maria , Igarashi Heidi , Aldwin Carolyn 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Despite greater physiological vulnerability during the COVID-19 pandemic, older adults’ self-reported mental health better than that of younger adults, perhaps due to use of more adaptive coping strategies. Compared to younger adults, older adults more frequently used strategies such as positive reappraisal (Willey et al., 2022) and fewer maladaptive ones, such as substance use (Park et al., 2020.) However, few studies have examined age differences in coping across later life. We used open-ended responses from an online survey, collected April 28 – May 5, 2020, about how adults 50+ in Oregon (N = 235, Mage = 71.27) coped with a COVID-19 difficulty in the past week. An existing scheme (Aldwin et al., 1996) guided a directed content analysis and age was categorized into three groups: late-midlife (50-64), young-old (65-74), and old-old (75). Nearly all participants (93%) responded to the coping question. The final scheme had eight codes (Krippendorf ∝=.89). The most prevalent strategies were problem-focused (49%), social support (31%), and cognitive reappraisal (27%). Three new strategies were identified: activity substitution (8%), emotion processing (4%), and proactive coping (1%). Emotion processing was more frequently by those in late-midlife (16%), compared to both young-old and old-old participants (2%), p &lt;.01 and.05, respectively. While problem-focused coping was positively correlated with trait resilience, activity substitution was positively related to coping efficacy. Thus, even throughout later life, older adults’ use of a variety of adaptive coping strategies to manage problems early on during the COVID-19 pandemic likely contributed to their psychological resilience.
EFFECTS OF RESTRICTIONS IN COMMUNITY-BASED CARE SERVICES ON FAMILY CAREGIVERS DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC
Authors: Honda Ayumi , Liu Yin , Fauth Elizabeth , Honda Sumihisa 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
This mixed-methods study aimed to examine the effects of restrictions in the utilization of community-based care services on family caregivers during the COVID-19 pandemic. We recruited from community-based care services 200 family caregivers who were living with an older care recipient. We first conducted thematic analyses based on open-ended responses to questions regarding the impact of restrictions in the utilization of community-based care services. We then extracted themes to examine and determine patterns across caregiving characteristics. Next, we conducted linear regression analysis to examine associations between impact of restrictions and caregiving contexts. Findings from the thematic analyses identified 11 themes regarding the impact of restrictions in the utilization of community-based care services. Most frequently reported impact included “the family caregiver cannot bathe the older person at home” and “the family caregiver cannot go to work/income decreases”. Additionally, findings from regression analysis suggested that caregiver employment (β = 0.292, SE = 0.122, p =.02), increased caregiving tasks (β = 0.134, SE = 0.051, p =.01), and more behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (β = 0.088, SE = 0.037, p =.02) were associated with harmful impacts resulting from restrictions in the utilization of community-based care services. To conclude, family caregivers identified common areas where they felt ill equipped to provide home care during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study informs priorities areas of needed external support, resources, or training that family caregivers may need in planning short- or long-term emergency preparedness.
HOW OLDER REFUGEES IN THE US COPED DURING COVID-19 PANDEMIC: A QUALITATIVE RESEARCH STUDY
Authors: Owino Jonix 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Due to the novelty experience posed by COVID-19, it is important to understand how older refugees coped in their host communities. This is because older refugees have increased vulnerabilities compared to host populations such as limitations related to healthcare accessibility, language barriers, and discrimination, that may have heightened the challenges posed by COVID-19. As such, the present study examined implications of COVID-19 among older refugees and how they coped. The present study recruited thirty-seven Congolese refugees, aged 55-67 (m=65.7 years) from a community in the East Coast region of the US to participate in interviews on their perceptions of life during COVID-19. The interviews lasted between 35-65 minutes. The qualitative interviews were analyzed using thematic content analysis. Emergent themes showed that though older Congolese refugees in the US experienced COVID-19 challenges similar to other populations, these challenges seemed salient for older refugees compared to non-refugee populations due to refugee background and experiences. For instance, older refugees experienced increased social isolation due to limited access to language interpreters. Moreover, older refugees’ coping strategies during COVID-19 e.g., the use of traditional/herbal medicine and cognitive reframing seemed to have been influenced by the interplay of factors related to their unique refugee experiences and their cultural norms and values. Understanding the implications of COVID-19 among older refugees in the US is beneficial to practitioners in determining how they may assist their clientele in coping with specific situations, considering their specific histories and cultures.
INCREASED RISK OF COVID-19 INFECTION IN PEOPLE WITH DEPRESSION: EVIDENCE FROM ANALYSIS OF SHARE’S CORONA SURVEYS
Authors: He Xiaona , Gao Wei 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
The mental disorder related COVID-19 infection remains of wide interest. However, there is a shortage of population-based studies on depression. To examine the association between a pre-existing depression and COVID-19 infection risk among middle-aged and older Europeans during the COVID-19 pandemic. A population-based retroprospective longitudinal study. Data were from the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE), respondents 50 years and older from 26 European countries and Israel were included. Analysis was undertaken at the first and second years of the COVID-19 pandemic. Depression was assessd by the EURO-D scale. Outcomes were the COVID-19 infection during the period of COVID-19 pandemic. We used logistic regression to assess the association of pre-existing depression with the COVID-19 infection. Individuals who had a pre-existing depression had an increased risk for COVID-19 infection in SCS1 (OR=1.52, 95% CI: 1.28-1.79, P &lt; 0.0001) and SCS2 (OR=1.24, 95% CI: 1.13-1.37, P &lt; 0.0001). Among individuals with depression, obesity(BMI≥30) had higher risk than those with BMI≤30; OR=1.23, 95% CI: 1.03-1.46, P=0.021). Unvaccinated individuals with depression had higher risk than vaccinated individuals, with the strongest vaccination disparity for depression (OR=1.99, 95% CI: 1.65-2.39, P&lt; 0.0001). Individuals with depression as being at increased risk for COVID-19 re-infection. (OR=1.68, 95% CI: 1.13-2.49, P&lt; 0.0001). Depression may become an important factor affecting the population of middle-aged and older people infected with COVID-19, suggesting a need for more attention to the population. This includes providing mental health support and counseling services to reduce their symptoms of depression.