Brief Summary of Minutes of Annual Meeting

Short-term Outcomes

Objective 1: Previously, we confirmed that the circadian clock transcription factor BMAL1 (Brain, Muscle, ARNT-like 1) binds to telomeres in a rhythmic manner and the peak in binding occurs in late afternoon early evening (6 - 10 pm). The peak in binding is followed by a rhythm in TERRA (Telomeric repeat-containing RNAs) expression that peaks early morning (2 - 6 am). TERRA is needed to establish heterochromatin at the telomeres and the heterochromatin serves to protect the telomere from oxidative damage that shortens telomeres. With that in mind, we tested and then confirmed a rhythm in heterochromatin formation at the telomeres. Specifically, we found a rhythm in heterochromatin formation at the telomere that followed the rhythm in TERRA expression and peaked in late morning early afternoon (10 am - 4 pm). This rhythm in heterochromatin that occurs during the day helps protect the telomeres from oxidative damage. Our current progress has expanded these on these findings and we have begun looking at how there is a redistribution of heterochromatin with age and how genome-wide expression of RNA changes with age. The age-related changes in gene expression are complete and the redistribution of heterochromatin is in progress. We have also begun to examine how oxidative stress influences normal expression of TERRA at the telomeres and we have determined that this cause a phase-shift in TERRA expression. We are now looking at whether this causes altered timing of heterochromatin at the telomeres.

Objective 2: In Minnesota, we selected participants living in 2 counties based on SNAP high and low participation rates, to investigate how seniors in each of those counties accessed food and made food choices, and to investigate whether or not SNAP was viewed as a valuable program to increase food security. This was accomplished by conducting eight focus groups (4 in each of the 2 types of counties). We found seniors used both SNAP and the congregate dining programs assisted seniors in one county, whereas, in the other county, SNAP usage was considered unacceptable by some because of negative stigma attached to the program or because they lacked knowledge of the program. Also, data collection related to the food environment for OA survey tool was completed in two study sites and is currently underway at two other study sites. Furthermore, in DC progress was made in better understanding the barriers to food consumption among OAs with limited incomes including the assessment of the target audience, survey draft completion, training of researchers and the development of a focus group discussion guide.

Objective 3: We examined "Socio-Demographic Predictors of Nutritional Risk: Cross Sectional Analyses from the UAB Study of Aging II" and found in a cohort of 276 older adults from urban and rural Alabama social factors affecting nutritional risk differently by race and gender; we have a manuscript in development. Also, an internal grant was received to conduct a pilot randomized controlled trial of an intervention to mitigate nutritional risk after hospital discharge. During the past reporting period 5,400 older Iowans participated in nutrition programs that led to increased awareness of community resources available to lower food security, identified food safety education topic areas for future nutrition education interventions. The Wellness and Independence through Nutrition (WIN) Program for OAs promoted the benefits of SNAP to 2,105 OAs; 55 were referred for SNAP application assistance. Most (91.4%) of participants were better informed about SNAP after a WIN program session. The Nutrition Education With Seniors (NEWS) newsletter program for OAs participating in the supplemental and commodity food program provides nutrition education and reaches about 2,200 OA annually; 83% use the nutrition information provided. A statewide evaluation of a SNAP-Ed program for OAs ended December 2015. The total sample size was 1,303; however, 354 completed a survey at all three time points (PRE, MID, POST). No significant changes were detected in self-efficacy, nutritional risk or dietary intake frequencies. Those who attended 4+ sessions had significantly higher nutritional status than the control group. Participants in the treatment group reported making dietary and lifestyle changes throughout the intervention timeframe, thought the program was excellent and would recommend it to a friend. The sarcopenia work conducted at URI entailed developing and implementing a 12-week community-based intervention to investigate the efficacy of a periodized RT intervention strategy to treat older women with sarcopenia or presarcopenia (EXD, n=13, age = 71.8 ± 4.8 years) compared to an active control group (CON, n=12, age 72.9 ± 4.6 years). Participants were recruited from the community in July -August, 2015. Outcomes included body composition from dual energy X-ray absorptiometry and bioelectrical impedance, physical function tests, standing balance and mobility tests, lipid profile, muscle strength and power, cognitive function, general health, diet composition, sleep quality, resiliency and flexibility. Data analysis is still in progress. Our preliminary results shown that the EXD and CON group both had significant improvement in chest press [EXD: absolute change, 5.13 (95% CI, 3.45 to 6.80), p < 0.001; CON: absolute change,2.68 (95% CI, 1.41 to 3.94), p = 0.001], leg press [EXD: absolute change, 20.85 (95% CI, 11.81 to 29.88), p < 0.001; CON: absolute change, 17.94 (95% CI, 12.20 to 23.68), p < 0.001] and gait speed [EXD: absolute change, -0.55 (95% CI, -0.86 to -0.24), p = 0.003; CON: absolute change, -0.65 (95% CI, -1.07 to -0.22), p = 0.007]. There were significant between-group differences in chest press (p = 0.035). Adherence to interventions was 89%. All participants received exercise packets and informational sheet to continue exercise regularly afterwards. Participants also received their data and an explanation of the results at the end of the intervention.

Outputs

• Collectively, the projects provided training opportunities for 13 Extension staff, 27 volunteers, 22 undergraduate students, and 17 graduate students. The skills acquired by students include quantitative (e.g., data entry, analysis, dissemination) and/or qualitative research (e.g., conducting focus groups, analyzing focus group data for themes, etc.), professional writing (e.g., manuscripts, abstracts, theses), and lab work (e.g., telomere length assays, chromatin immunoprecitations, Northern blots, molecular cloning, etc.).
• Numerous grants (~$240,000) were received to fund work related to this multistate project including Federal, State, Community and University. 
• 15 Journal articles published, in press, under review, or in preparation
• 9 Presentations (oral and poster)
• 3 Abstracts
• 1 Thesis
• 1 Education Aid

Activities

The work accomplished through this multistate effort would not be possible without collaboration.  Below is a list of the collaborative efforts included with this report:

• Nutritional risk assessment (carry over from NE1039 project): Rhode Island, New Hampshire, Iowa 
• Whole Grain program evaluation (carry over from NE1039 project): New Hampshire, Iowa 
• Sarcopenia Prevention program preliminary grant work: Rhode Island, Iowa, Mississippi, West Virginia, Minnesota 
• Consumer’s Perception of the Food Environment: Massachusetts, Rhode Island, West Virginia, New York, Iowa, Illinois 
• USDA AFRI Undergraduate Research and Extension Experiential Learning Fellowship application (unfunded): Rhode Island, New York