bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
IDENTIFYING CAREGIVERS IN US COMMUNITIES WHO REPORT A LACK OF SUPPORT SERVICES
Authors: Kilmer Greta , Ali Akilah , Walker Jenny , Spears Katie 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Support services for caregivers are important community health tools that can help address health equity. Many caregivers report support services as unavailable, and understanding the characteristics of these caregivers could help identify who could benefit from greater availability or accessibility. Caregivers were identified in 2023 Summer ConsumerStyles for U.S. adults (n=437) and 2022 Estilos for US Hispanic adults (n=122). Availability and use of seven support services were assessed (out-of-home services, in-home services, food and nutrition services, transportation services, financial planning, caregiver support groups or classes, and caregiver skills-based training). Respondents were asked if each of the services were available for them or their care recipient (yes/no), and if they currently used or would use the service (yes/no). Values were weighted in accordance with the U.S. Current Population Survey proportions. A lack of at least one support service was identified if they reported it not available and they would use the service if available. In 2023, 34.2% of U.S. caregivers overall reported a lack of at least one service, which was significantly associated with caregivers having difficulty paying household expenses (p&lt; 0.001) and having a care recipient with Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, or other cognitive impairment (p&lt; 0.05). In 2022, over half of Hispanic caregivers reported a lack of at least one service (56.7%), which was associated with fewer years living in the U.S. (p&lt; 0.01). Findings suggest that community support services are not always available or accessible, and caregivers with financial difficulties or recent immigration report a particular lack of community-based caregiving support resources.
PROFILING DEMENTIA FAMILY CAREGIVING NETWORK MEMBERSHIP AND PSYCHOSOCIAL FUNCTIONING
Authors: Leggett Amanda , Haldar Srabani , Lai Wenhua , Tsuker Sophia , Nemmers Natasha 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Family caregiving research predominantly takes a “primary” caregiver lens, while ignoring the multifaceted caregiving networks surrounding a person living with dementia (PLWD). We explore profiles of dementia family caregiving networks based on their compositional and psychosocial characteristics. Our sample includes 184 dementia family caregiving networks drawing data from the 2017 National Health and Aging Trends Study and the associated National Study of Caregiving. Latent profile analysis was run to define distinct network profiles considering compositional (e.g., proportion of immediate family, extent of task sharing) and psychosocial (e.g., network mean and variability in caregiver stress, family disagreement surrounding care) components. Chi-squares and ANOVAs test network differences in PLWD demographic characteristics. A four-profile network was found to have best fit based on the AIC and BIC: 1) Adjusted specialists (38% of sample)- immediate family network, limited task sharing, high psychosocial well-being; 2) Disagreeing (30%)- diverse network, sharing self-care tasks, mixed reports of overload and family disagreement; 3) Strained (16%)- diverse network, limited sharing, poor psychosocial adjustment; and 4) Generalists (16%)- immediate family generalists, extensive task sharing, caregiving burden. PLWDs’ race varied significantly by network profile (χ2=29.8, p&lt;.001). In particular, 78% of the Strained networks were assisting White PLWD while 49% of the Generalist networks were assisting Latinx/other race PLWD. Networks varied psychosocially even when composition and task sharing were similar, suggesting the need to consider both factors in defining networks. How networks function may have critical implications for care quality and well-being of both caregivers and PLWD.
RACE, CAREGIVING, AND PERCEIVED DISCRIMINATION AMONG WORKING ADULTS IN THE UNITED STATES
Authors: Templeman Maureen , Haley William 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
General and workplace discrimination have been studied extensively in the general population, with Black/AA individuals consistently reporting more discrimination than White individuals. However, the intersection of race, employment, and caregiving has rarely been studied. We applied stress process and minority stress theories to address these issues. Using data from the Midlife in the United States study, we examined perceived general discrimination (lifetime and everyday) and workplace discrimination (chronic job discrimination and work inequality) among working Black/AA caregivers (n = 50), working Black/AA non-caregivers (n = 396), working White caregivers (n = 266), and working White non-caregivers (n = 2895). We conducted a series of two-way (caregiver status, race) analyses of variance and covariance to investigate the role of perceived general and workplace discrimination in the stress process for working Black/AA and White caregivers and non-caregivers. We also conducted item analyses to explore whether some experiences of discrimination were identified as particularly common for Black/AA and White caregivers. Results indicated that working Black/AA adults reported more lifetime and everyday discrimination and work inequality than working White adults. Working caregivers also reported more lifetime discrimination than working non-caregivers. Item analyses revealed several specific experiences of discrimination that were especially common among Black/AA caregivers, including being hassled by the police. Results are consistent with prior research demonstrating high levels of discrimination experienced by Black/AA individuals, but findings that working caregivers, particularly Black/AA working caregivers face additional discrimination are troubling and deserve future research attention.
USING SOCIAL CONVOY THEORY TO IDENTIFY AND RECRUIT CAREGIVERS FOR HEALTH-RELATED AGING RESEARCH
Authors: Portz Jennifer , Silvasstar Josh , Coats Heather 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

This study focuses on addressing the challenge of identifying and recruiting caregivers for health-related aging research. Social Convoy Theory, a framework for capturing social support over the lifespan, may be a helpful recruitment model. As part of a larger qualitative project, the objective is to compare two recruitment

methods
the “Helpers” Strategy, which directly asks older adults about who “helps” them with their health, and the “Social Convoy” Strategy, which utilizes a Social Convoy approach to complete a social support diagram. Both strategies involved contacting identified caregivers by phone, email, and text for recruitment. Analysis of the two strategies leveraged a data visualization tool, Tableau, to examine the data. Both strategies successfully identified at least one caregiver among 77-78% of the 31 older adults enrolled in the qualitative study, resulting in a total of 49 caregivers. However, the Social Convoy Strategy yielded more caregivers per participant (1.72) compared to the Helpers Strategy (1.5). While the Helpers Strategy predominantly identified one caregiver, the Social Convoy Strategy identified a broader range, including convoys of multiple caregivers. Caregiver participation rate was 61.2%, with the Helper Strategy showing a higher rate of participation (66.7%) than the Social Convoy Strategy (58.1%). However, the Social Convoy Strategy facilitated interviews with more caregivers across the network. The findings suggest that although the Social Convoy Strategy may have a lower overall recruitment rate, it enables the identification and interview participation of more than one caregiver per older adult across the caregiving network compared to the Helper Strategy.
A COMPREHENSIVE DIGITAL SELF-CARE SUPPORT SYSTEM FOR OLDER ADULTS IN PAIN: IMPACT OF SOCIAL SUPPORT ON CHRONIC PAIN
Authors: Nambisan Priya , Ellis Julie , Taani Murad , Lee Yura , Anupindi Meenakshi , Nortey Rose 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Social support has been associated with positive health outcomes among older adults, contrasting with the adverse effects associated with social isolation and loneliness, which are linked to poor physical and mental health. Previous studies examined social isolation, loneliness, and physical health either at different time points or through correlations within secondary data. While interventions incorporating social support have demonstrated improvements in health and alleviation of symptoms such as pain for older adults, comprehensive assessments require controlling for various factors such as the impact of medication, diet, exercise, and other activities. Remarkably, observational studies simultaneously measuring social support, physical health changes, and factors like physical activity and diet are lacking. This pilot study uses a Comprehensive Digital Self-Care Support System (CDSSS), equipped with tools to monitor over 50 physical and mental health conditions, diet, activity, sleep, medication intake, alcohol use, smoking, and other self-care activities. The CDSSS also includes a robust online forum with video chatting facilities. This mixed methods pilot study aims to test whether we can evaluate in real time the changes in health indicators such as stress, mood, and chronic pain when participants engage in the online social space within the CDSSS. Participants are Black older adults (age &gt;50), suffering from chronic conditions where pain is the main symptom such as Migraines, Fibromyalgia, Arthritis, Gout, and Backpain. This study integrates qualitative data from the social support forum and interviews, along with quantitative data from over 13 pain-specific trackers and surveys measuring social support, loneliness and social isolation.
EAGERNESS OF NURSING HOME RESIDENTS TO INTERACT WITH ROBOT TEMI
Authors: Abul Zeynep , Raza Sakeena , McNicoll Lynn 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Loneliness and social isolation existed among older adults before the COVID-19 pandemic, worsened due to lockdown, and visiting policies in nursing homes (NH) during pandemic. The aim of this study is to improve the interaction between robot Temi USA, Inc and NH residents. This is the preliminary finding of a quality improvement (QI) project. We conducted in-depth interviews with 54 long-term care NH residents to better understand their expectations from the self-navigating, autonomously driving humanoid robot temi. We asked the following focused question “If you wave a magic wand, what are some activities you would like to do with the robot?” and noted the answers. 5.6 % of the residents (n=3) responded neutrally by stating “I do not know “or “can’t think of anything”. Sixty-seven percent of the NH residents(n=36) responded with requests for interaction with temi. The most common request for interaction was “playing” chess, cards, piano, pool, baseball, Yahtzee, Bingo, and Wordhunt (n=20 out of 36; 56%).The remaining residents wanted to engage with temi by going outside (n=5), having temi sing with them (n=4); drawing with them (n=3); exercising with them (n=2); or just having a conversation with them (n=2). Fifteen residents (28%) wanted to have no interaction with temi. The high number of responses requesting interaction may imply that NH residents have an eagerness to interact with the robot. We will use those results to program an intervention to relieve loneliness of the NH residents for ongoing QI projects.
SOCIAL ENGAGEMENT AND DEPRESSIVE SYMPTOMS: DIFFERENTIAL EFFECTS IN OLDER ADULTS WITH AND WITHOUT CANCER
Authors: Babenko Natalia , Elayoubi Joanne , Haley William , Small Brent 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Recent studies have shown that social connection and engagement can serve as protective factors against depression. Buffering effects are sometimes found, suggesting greater protective effects for people experiencing high levels of stress. We examined whether social connection and engagement had a greater protective effect for depressive symptoms in cancer survivors compared to people without cancer. We analyzed longitudinal data from 856 participants with incident cancer and 856 propensity-matched non-cancer controls from the Health Retirement Study. Multilevel modeling was used to examine the associations between social connection and engagement and changes in depressive symptoms over time. Social connection and engagement were generally associated with fewer depressive symptoms before and after the onset of cancer (or a matched timepoint for controls). These protective effects were stronger for cancer survivors who were partnered and lived in a larger household compared to controls. Participants with cancer who were partnered pre-cancer experienced a significant decrease in depressive symptoms after cancer compared to partnered controls who did not exhibit decline. Becoming partnered in post-cancer period led to decreased depressive symptoms compared to the pre-cancer partnership status in both groups. Consistent with the buffering hypothesis, results suggest that social connection is generally advantageous, especially for people with cancer in a post-cancer period. Prospective public health interventions increasing social engagement to build resilience in the overall population may enhance psychological resilience and facilitate recovery from cancer. Future research should examine whether people with cancer benefit from support-enhancing interventions and whether this effect also occurs in other illness populations.
THE EXPERIENCES OF COLORECTAL CANCER SURGERY AMONG OLDER PATIENTS WHO LIVED ALONE IN TAIWAN
Authors: Chen Li-Ying , Kuo Tsuann 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
In Taiwan, it is a common practice that family takes care of their older adults when hospitalized. However, people who were never married or living alone would face challenges in coming up with a caregiver in the hospital. The shortage of caregiver among Taiwanese older population was due to its low fertility and high aging rate as Taiwan will enter a super-aged society in 2025. The purpose of this paper was to understand how inpatient surgical experiences on older adults who lived alone. The research methodology used qualitative interviews with structural questions followed by content analysis. Eight older adults participated to share their experiences who live alone and hospitalized for colorectal cancer surgery. The result showed that prognosis, postoperative care and Activities of daily living(ADL) were concerned. Older adults living alone were not only worried about the results of the surgery but also concerned about their reduced self-care ability and postoperative care without help. In addition to determining the recovery of digestive system function, doctors consulted rehabilitation to strengthen their mobility, taking into account the factor of living alone. Based on the results, the author suggested that it is essential to discuss postoperative care arrangements and whether the patient will be able to regain their self-care abilities after surgery. With the increasing number of people living alone, greater emphasis should be placed on the patient’s own decisions not relatives. For older patients living alone and undergoing inpatient surgery, developing in-hospital rehabilitation plans is crucial to strengthen their self-care abilities.
A KETOGENIC DIET REDUCES AGE-INDUCED CHRONIC NEUROINFLAMMATION IN MICE
Authors: Nomura Mitsunori , Newman John 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) is a ketone body synthesized during fasting or strenuous exercise. Our previous study demonstrated that a cyclic ketogenic diet (KD), which induces BHB levels similar to fasting every other week, reduces midlife mortality and improves memory in aging mice. BHB actively regulates gene expression and inflammatory activation through non-energetic signaling pathways. Neither of these activities has been well-characterized in the brain and they may represent mechanisms by which BHB affects brain function during aging. We investigated whether BHB affects brain cells transcriptionally in vitro. Gene expression analysis in primary human brain cells (microglia, astrocytes, neurons) using RNA-seq shows that BHB causes a mild level of inflammation in all three cell types. However, BHB inhibits the more pronounced LPS-induced inflammatory gene activation in microglia. Furthermore, we confirmed that BHB similarly reduces LPS-induced inflammation in primary mouse microglia and bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs). BHB is recognized as an inhibitor of histone deacetylase (HDAC), an inhibitor of NLRP3 inflammasome, and an agonist of the GPCR Hcar2. Nevertheless, in microglia, BHB’s anti-inflammatory effects are independent of these known mechanisms. Next, we examined the brain gene expression of 12-month-old male mice fed with one-week and one-year cyclic KD. While a one-week KD increases inflammatory signaling, a one-year cyclic KD reduces neuroinflammation induced by aging. In summary, our findings demonstrate that BHB mitigates the microglial response to inflammatory stimuli, like LPS, possibly leading to decreased chronic inflammation in the brain after long-term KD treatment in aging mice.
“INCORPORATE INTO MY DAILY LIFE”: RESPONSES TO MITOFIT INTERVENTION VIDEOS ON MITOCHONDRIAL FITNESS
Authors: Boon Jeffrey , Grubbs Brandon , Patel Maulik , Dunavan John , Knickerbocker Kelly , Maxwell Cathy 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Mitochondrial fitness is a term that reflects the ability of mitochondria to adapt/maintain optimal performance. As a key predictor of age-related decline, mitochondrial fitness is a target for interventions in healthy aging. MitoFit is a novel instructional communication intervention designed for improving physical activity in persons aged 50 and over. We aimed to determine participants’ responses to the MitoFit educational videos and clarify factors that contributed to reactions.

Methods
Focus groups with community-dwelling adults (aged 50+) viewed six literacy-friendly MitoFit videos two at a time followed by a semi-structured group interviews to elicit verbal feedback. Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Transcribed data were independently coded by three researchers, followed by a consensus process to identify themes, codes and subcodes.

Results
101 adults (mean age: 67.8 years (8.9); 75.0% female) participated in 15 focus groups at six sites. A conceptual model emerged, centered around the concept of cognitive restructuring (mental adjustments to prior or unhelpful beliefs) related to understanding about exercise. Contributing themes included: a) initial reactions (codes: impactful, motivating, fascinating), b) biological content (codes: this is biology, battery analogy, energetics), and c) personal integration (codes: prompts reflection, unaware, leads to more questions). The theme of key take-aways included codes: a) have to do it (subcodes: consistency, find what works, find what I like, making a plan), b) hope (subcode: not too late), c) reversible, and d) sense of agency (subcode: doing it for me).

Conclusion
MitoFit video content provoked positively strong reactions that may contribute to self-efficacious lifestyle change.
MITOCHONDRIAL SUBSTRATE UTILIZATION FOLLOWING CONTRACTION IN 3D ENGINEERED MUSCLE TISSUE MODELS OF AGING
Authors: Campbell Matthew , Erker Jayma , Mack David , Marcinek David 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Altered mitochondrial function in aging skeletal muscle leads to elevated oxidative stress, reduced substrate oxidation and energy maintenance that contribute to decreased skeletal muscle mass, specific force and increased fatty infiltration and frailty with age. Metabolic flexibility in response to increased energy demand is a critical component of the mitochondrial adaptive response to muscle contraction. We have found that aged muscle mitochondria do not utilize substrates the same way young muscle mitochondria do following high-intensity and low-intensity contraction. We also found that high-intensity contraction specifically inhibits oxidation of glutamate in both stimulated and non-stimulated aged muscle, suggesting that intense muscle contraction in aged muscle may inhibit substrate flexibility beyond the contracting myofibers. To test the mechanisms that contribute to this impaired metabolic signaling to muscle contraction in a human cell model of aging we have partnered with the Study of Muscle, Mobility and Aging to obtain primary human myoblasts from well phenotyped older adults to develop a three-dimensional engineered muscle tissue (3D-EMT) model of skeletal muscle aging. 3D-EMT force and contraction/relaxation kinetics were tested with high reproducibility using a Magnetometric Analyzer for eNgineered Tissue ARRAY (Mantarray, Curi Bio) platform. Aged 3D-EMT shows characteristic force-frequency and increased force up to 28 days after tissue casting and increased mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation following contraction. Developments in tissue engineering using primary cells purified directly from patients offer some of the best opportunities yet to link specific mechanistic tests of metabolic and muscle function to patient data.
THE INSECT ACHETA DOMESTICUS IS A PROMISING MODEL FOR AGING AND AGING INTERVENTION STUDIES
Authors: Liao Gerald , Wezeman Jackson , Ladiges Warren 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
A number of animal species are being used as models to study aging and age-related diseases. They have varying advantages such as shorter lifespan, relatively low costs, and full access to internal organs. While no single model can replicate all aspects of human aging, there are unexplored non-mammalian species that may have additional advantages. The domestic house cricket (Acheta domesticus) has a short lifespan, a simple but well-defined organ system, an omnivorous diet from young to old, very low maintenance costs, and neurogenesis in a hippocampus-like brain structure. A preliminary study investigated effects of flax oil, rich in omega-3 fatty acids, on lifespan in adult crickets. Cold pressed flax oil was added to moistened guinea pig chow mash as a 10% mixture and fed to crickets starting at 8 weeks of age and continuing for 11 weeks when the last cricket died. Results demonstrated a significant extension in survival for crickets fed the flax oil diet, emphasizing the low cost, simplicity, and short time required for dietary studies in this species. This observation provides the rationale for additional studies to characterize the house cricket as a promising model for aging and aging intervention investigations.