bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
AGING IN COMMUNITY: A LEGAL MAPPING ANALYSIS OF MASSACHUSETTS MUNICIPAL ACCESSORY DWELLING UNIT ZONING BYLAWS
Authors: Gagen Travis M
Published: November 2019

Accessory-dwelling units (ADUs) are one alternative housing arrangement that enable older adults to remain in the home despite functional decline. Functional decline increases with age making older adults more susceptible to loosing independent housing. Involuntary relocation to institutional care can result in a decline of functional health, reduced life satisfaction, impairment of psychological well-being and increased mortality rate. The majority of older Americans (93%) wish to remain in their home for as long as possible. ADUs function to maintain, stimulate and support an older adult as a means to prevent relocation to an institution. The modified environment coupled with adaptable features maintains and supports activities of daily living (ADL) within a familiar place. Under Massachusetts law MGL c. 40A, the state gives authority to cities and towns to adopt ordinances and bylaws to regulate the use of land, buildings and structures. Restrictive zoning laws limit the ability to construct health-promoting built-environments to age-in-community. All 351 Massachusetts municipalities Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) zoning bylaws were coded using the ADU Friendliness Score. Once scored, the 351 municipalities were placed into four categories based off their ADU score; the four categories are poor (0-24), fair (25-49), good (50-74), and excellent (75-100). Eighty-nine municipalities (25%) are in the poor category; thirty municipalities (8.5%) are in the fair category; one hundred and eighty-five municipalities (53%) are in the good category; forty-seven municipalities (13.5%) are in the excellent category. These findings contributed to a model ADU bylaw specific for aging Americans for municipalities to adopt.
THE SIGNIFICANT ROLE OF HOUSING COORDINATION IN CONNECTICUT’S MONEY FOLLOWS THE PERSON PROGRAM
Authors: Kellett Kathy G , Lambert Dawn , Lopez Tamara , Robison Julie
Published: November 2019

Housing coordination, a central component of the Money Follows the Person program, allows older adults and people with disabilities to experience greater independence and sense of well-being (Butler & Cabello, 2018; Koenig, 2015). This study was part of the 2017 Money Follows the Person (MFP) Process Evaluation involving 26 key informants (KIs) who completed telephone interviews sharing their experiences about program implementation. Of these, 13 KIs providing housing coordination services to the MFP transition team were asked about the housing coordination training they received and suggestions to improve the training. They were also asked about housing resources, how they develop their housing inventory, and recommendations for a “Housing Best Practices Report.” Interviews were audio-taped and transcribed. Data were analyzed using ATLAS.ti. Results demonstrate a need for more training and assistance to enable housing coordinators to expand their knowledge of housing alternatives, increase their awareness of housing policy/process changes, and further inform consumers about housing choices. Suggestions to improve housing coordination included offering more creative solutions during monthly housing coordination phone calls. Housing inventory challenges mentioned by KIs included time constraints, limited staff, administrative delays, and lack of affordable housing. Suggestions for housing inventory development focused on improving the management/maintenance of housing inventories. Best housing practices underscored the importance of communicating, teaming, building relationships with landlords and management companies, and standardizing housing policies and procedures. Overall recommendations included strengthening collaboration among housing coordinators to identify and implement best practices and improving housing inventory development to widen housing options for consumers.
PLANNING FOR AGING IN PLACE IN RURAL AREAS: PERCEPTIONS AND NEEDS OF OLDER ADULTS
Authors: Weaver Raven H , Bolkan Cory
Published: November 2019

Most individuals prefer to live independently in their homes, but will need support to age-in-place safely. Rural-dwelling individuals historically have worse health, limited income, and restricted access to adequate services/supports compared to their urban counterparts. Community-based aging services organizations (i.e., Area Agency on Aging; AAA) offer in-home health, social support, and information/referral to community resources that support older adults in both urban and rural communities. A representative sample of adults aged 60+ (N=253, mean age=74) were surveyed via computer-assisted-telephone interviews about their health status, needs, and service utilization. Over half (54%) lived in rural counties, which was significantly associated with receiving insufficient health care services (X2=9.227, p=.002). Insufficient service access was also associated with experiencing a fall (X2=7.315, p=.007). While 53% reported having chronic conditions, most individuals still reported good health and their top reported needs included: yard work, interior/exterior house repairs, and housework. Content analysis of open-ended survey responses regarding future care needs revealed participants anticipate help from family/friends or neighbors; reliance on physicians for referrals; and expect insurance to cover their needs. Participants had varying awareness levels of available community resources and identified concerns about adequacy of services (e.g., mental health; transportation) and health insurance barriers (e.g., reimbursement; vision/dental coverage). Preparing for future needs and anticipating changing functional capacity is critical, especially among rural-dwelling older adults with chronic conditions. To improve ability for adults with diverse needs to age-in-place, preventive services/supports that span the continuum of care needs and that complement informal family care are necessary.
INSTABILITY OVER THE LIFE COURSE AND POVERTY IN OLDER ADULTHOOD: A MIXED-METHODS STUDY
Authors: Dys Sarah , Steeves-Reece Anna , Carder Paula
Published: November 2019

Over half of older adults (age 65+) who rent their home are cost burdened, paying more than one-third of their income on rent (JCHS). Government programs are in short supply, and most who qualify for housing assistance will wait months or years to receive a voucher or unit. This mixed methods (QUANT to qual) study explored housing instability among older adults wait-listed for housing assistance. Analysis of surveys (n=268) and in-depth interviews (n=29) examined how financial instability influences participants’ perceived risk of future homelessness. Perceived financial instability is associated with perceived risk of homelessness (p<.001). Compared to those whose current perceived financial status was now much worse from when they applied for assistance, those who were stable had lower perceived risk of homelessness. Thematic analysis of interview data provided insights into patterns of life-long experiences with various forms of instability, which are reproduced over the life course and met with little societal response or restrictive eligibility criteria. Major events (e.g., relationship changes, job loss, injury/illness) contributed to financial instability and housing instability among participants. Interviews wove together current status with individual histories, while the survey provided a cross-sectional perspective. An iterative analytic approach allowed us to conceptualize the relationships between health, employment, relationships, financial instability, food insecurity, and perceived risk of homelessness. Overall, this project describes how older Americans experience poverty and provides further evidence for how social determinants of health throughout the life course result in differential access to material resources, including income, food, health care, and housing.
ASSESSING THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SERUM IGF-1 AND ADIPOSITY BY AGE IN THE LONG LIFE FAMILY STUDY
Authors: Sherlala Rehab A , Kammerer Candace M , Kuipers Allison L , Wojczynski Mary K , Ukraintseva Svetlana , Feitosa Mary , Mengel-From Jonas , Minster Ryan
Published: November 2019

Serum levels of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) and measures of adiposity, such as body mass index (BMI), are associated with susceptibility to age-related diseases. Previous reports of the relationship between IGF-1 and BMI ranged from positive to negative to no relationship, perhaps because previous reports studied different age cohorts. Using data on 4270 participants (aged 24-110 years) from the Long Life Family Study, we investigated the relationship between IGF-1 and BMI overall and by age groups. IGF-1 and BMI were positively correlated in the total sample (β=0.161, r2= 0.0038, p=1.8-05). However, further analyses revealed that the relationship between IGF-1 and BMI varied by age quartile: in the 1st quartile (24-58yo) the relationship was negative (β=−0.204, r2= 0.011, p=0.0008); in the 2nd quartile (59-66yo) the relationship was negative but non-significant (β=−0.069, r2= 0.0012, p=0.28); in the 3rd quartile (67-86yo) the relationship was positive but non-significant (β=0.106, r2= 0.002, p=0.13); and in the 4th quartile (87-110yo) the relationship was positive (β=0.388, r2= 0.019, p=1.2−05). This pattern did not differ by sex. We also detected a similar age-related pattern between IGF-1 and BMI using an independent dataset (NHANES III), comprising 2550 men and women aged 20-90 years. Our results may clarify some of the inconsistency in previous literature about the relationship between IGF-1 and BMI. Additional studies of IGF-1 and adiposity measures are needed to better understand the underlying mechanisms involved.
MEASURING QUALITY OF LIFE IN OLDER ADULTS LIVING WITH T2DM: A COMPARISON WITH YOUNGER ADULTS USING 2015 BRFSS DATA
Authors: Smalls Brittany , Moody Myles , Rutledge Matthew , Cowley Amy
Published: November 2019

Challenges due to burden of disease can affect adherence to self-care behaviors and optimal health outcomes in those living with T2DM. This study utilized state- and national-level data from the 2015 BRFSS to compare QoL measured by the prevalence of physical and mental burden days among older adults (OAs) compared to younger adults living with T2DM. The results of our analysis showed that OAs living in the US were significantly less likely to experience at least one mental burden day when compared to their younger counterparts (OR =0.61, 95% CI: 0.58, 0.64), while gender, education, race, BMI, and depression, CVD, or another chronic condition were significantly associated with the odds of experiencing at least one mental burden day. Whereas, in Kentucky OAs were less likely to experience at least one mental burden day when compared to their younger counterparts (OR= 0.48, 95% CI: 0.35, 0.66). Gender, education, BMI, and depression were significantly associated with the odds of experiencing at least one mental burden day or one physical burden day. The findings of this study suggests that the questions used by BRFSS to measure QoL may not be the most suitable for OAs who likely have different criteria for self-reported mental or physical burden days. When assessing QoL or burden of disease among the aging at a population level, considerable thought should be given into the questions asked and if they appropriately examine patient-level QoL in this population.
COGNITIVE FUNCTION IN COUPLES AND COLLABORATIVE INVOLVEMENT IN TYPE 1 DIABETES MANAGEMENT
Authors: Berg Cynthia , Suchy Yana , Allen Nancy , de Grey Rob Kent , Campbell MaryJane , Helgeson Vicki
Published: November 2019

Managing type 1 diabetes involves coordinating complex daily behaviors that benefit from higher cognitive function. One’s spouse’s cognitive function may also be beneficial as spouses may collaborate in daily adherence behaviors and may be especially beneficial for older adults who may be experiencing poorer cognitive function. We examined: 1) whether one’s own and one’s spouse’s cognitive function predicted lower (better) HbA1c, 2) whether collaborating with a more cognitively capable spouse was especially beneficial, and 3) whether the benefit of partners’ cognitive ability occurred through better adherence. 199 couples were recruited where one member was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes for at least one year (52% females, average age 46.8 years, range 25.9-74.9, average duration of diabetes 27 years). Both patients and spouses completed the information subtest from the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-Fourth Addition as a measure of general intelligence. Patients rated the collaborative involvement of their spouse in their diabetes and their adherence to their medical regimen. Multiple regressions revealed that spouse’ higher intelligence uniquely and solely predicted better HbA1c over patient’s intelligence. Collaborating with a spouse of lower intelligence was associated with higher HbA1c for older adults; collaborating with a spouse of higher intelligence was associated with somewhat lower HbA1c. Mediational analyses indicated that spouse’s intelligence was associated with higher HbA1c through better adherence behaviors. The results suggest that individuals with type 1 diabetes who have a spouse of lower cognitive function may benefit from support from others in their network to manage their diabetes.
DOES ONSET OF CHRONIC CONDITIONS MODERATE THE IMPACT OF RELATIONAL LIFE EVENTS ON DEPRESSED MOOD?
Authors: Ogletree Aaron M , Blieszner Rosemary , Pruchno Rachel , Savla Jyoti , Sands Laura P
Published: November 2019

More than 62% of adults aged 65+ have more than one chronic condition; this number increases to more than 82% for those 85+. Older adults simultaneously experience changes in their relationships due to negative relational life events, including illness, injury, or death of a loved one. Stressors occurring in tandem can overload psychological resources and increase risk for poor mental health. Informed by the stress process model, we assessed the influence of relational life events on depressive symptoms over time and evaluated the moderating effects of chronic condition onset. Self-reports of four stressful life events, five chronic conditions, and depressive symptoms as measured by the CES-D came from 2,948 older adults participating in the ORANJ BOWL panel. Using longitudinal multilevel mixed effect modeling, we examined trajectories of depressive symptoms across three waves. While depressive symptoms increased over time, they were greater for people who experienced more relational life events and the onset of more chronic conditions. Participants who reported experiencing all four relational life events but no chronic conditions had an average CES-D score of 5.28 (p<.0001); average CES-D score increased to 12.72 (p<.0001) for those who reported four life events and the onset of four or more new chronic conditions during the study period. In summary, chronic condition onset moderated the relationship between life events and depressive symptoms. Findings highlight the need for practitioner awareness of increased mental health risks for people experiencing stressors in multiple domains of life.
ASSOCIATION BETWEEN SEEKING HEALTH INFORMATION ON THE INTERNET AND PALLIATIVE CARE KNOWLEDGE
Authors: Zhu YuJun , Enguidanos Susan
Published: November 2019

Background: National and state surveys have found that only 8% - 17% of people know what palliative care (PC) is. Anecdotal reports also suggest many of those knowledgeable have misconceptions about PC. This lack of knowledge or misconceptions about PC can serve as barriers to accessing palliative care for seriously ill patients. Additionally, individuals often use the internet to seek health information, but it is unclear if this improves palliative care health literacy. Methods: We used the Health Information National Trends Survey 5, Cycle 2 (2018), a nationally representative dataset (n=3,504) to compare self-rated PC knowledge level with actual knowledge. We conducted chi-square and logistic regression to examine the association between PC knowledge and seeking health information on the internet. Results: About 33% of participants self-reported having PC knowledge. When these individuals were queried about specific PC knowledge, 58% failed to answer three basic questions correctly. After controlling for demographic and socioeconomic status, using the Internet to seek health information was positively associated with being knowledge about PC (P=0.006, OR=1.64), while having less than high school education was associated with lower PC knowledge. Implications: We found that self-reported PC knowledge may not reflect actual PC knowledge and thus clinicians should be sure to define the service when introducing it to patients. In addition, since use of internet in seeking health information is significantly associated with PC knowledge, it is important to ensure that internet PC information is valid, reliable, easy to access, and presented in simple language.
THE ASSOCIATION OF PAIN LOCUS OF CONTROL WITH PAIN OUTCOMES AMONG OLDER ADULTS
Authors: Musich Shirley , Wang Shaohung , Slindee Luke , Kraemer Sandra , Yeh Charlotte
Published: November 2019

Pain locus of control (LOC) refers to perceived control over health and pain. LOC has ramifications on pain severity, disability and treatment. Our objective was to determine prevalence of 3 subscales of LOC among older adults with pain; and examine associations of scales on pain severity, opioids and physical function. The sample was identified from adults age≥65 with back pain, osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis and minimum of 12-months medical and drug plan enrollment. Members were mailed a survey in May 2018 assessing positive resources, negative attributes and pain outcomes of pain. Opioid and other medications were determined from drug claims. The population was propensity weighted to adjust for survey non-response bias; weighted to generalize to those with diagnosed pain. Multivariate logistic regression was used to determine protective associations of positive resources with negative attributes on outcomes. Among respondents, 30% were internal LOC; 34% powerful other; 36% chance. In multivariate models, demographics, socioeconomics, health status, pain medications, resilience and social network, internal LOC was associated with lower pain severity, reduced opioid use and increased physical function. Magnitude of impact was comparable to resilience and diverse social networks. Powerful other LOC was partially protective with improved psychosocial attributes but poorer pain outcomes; chance LOC was associated with poor psychosocial/pain outcomes. Despite positive resources, depression and poor sleep maintained associations with pain outcomes. Internal LOC is a strong positive resource associated with improved pain. Multidimensional programs should include enhancing positive resources, including LOC, and focus on improving negative attributes to maximize pain management.
PREDICTORS OF SHORTNESS OF BREATH DURING STAIR CLIMB IN COMMUNITY-DWELLING INDIVIDUALS WITH COPD
Authors: Gore Shweta
Published: November 2019

Dyspnea is the primary and most disabling symptoms seen in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Primary pathophysiological changes such as dynamic hyperinflation have been associated with the etiology of dyspnea in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, since the experience of dyspnea “derives from interactions among multiple physiological, psychosocial and environmental factors”, a single correlate to accurately predict dyspnea has not been established. The purpose of this study was to identify factors that could predict shortness of breath during stair climb (SOB-SC) in community dwelling adults with COPD. We hypothesized that physical activity and muscle strength would significantly predict SOB-SC. Individuals with COPD who participated in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) between years 1999-2002 were selected for this study. Participants were excluded if they had significant mobility limitations. Socioeconomic, demographic variables, and clinical variables including BMI, physical activity, comorbidities, muscle strength, ankle brachial index, waist circumference and inflammatory markers were extracted. Logistic regression models were plotted with SOB-SC as the categorical dependent variable after assessing for collinearity using the forced-entry method. Individuals with COPD had a significantly greater proportion of SOB-SC (χ = 134.87, p < 0.001). Larger waist circumference (p = 0.002, CI = 0.04 -0.13), presence of cardiovascular disease (p = 0.001, CI = 0.76 -2.37) and Caucasian race were found to significantly predict SOB-SC after controlling for covariates. This study reinforces the importance of screening for cardiovascular disease and lifestyle modification in this population subgroup. Future studies examining differences in COPD severity are needed.
CHANGES IN DEPRESSIVE SYMPTOMS IN EAST ASIA: A COORDINATED ANALYSIS OF THREE LONGITUDINAL STUDIES
Authors: Nakagawa Takeshi , Cho Jinmyoung , Yeung Dannii
Published: November 2019

Evidence for changes in depressive symptoms is relatively sparse in Asian populations. We examined changes in depressive symptoms in China, Korea, and Japan. Data were derived from three longitudinal studies with three measurement waves: the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS between 2011—2015), the Korean Longitudinal Study of Aging (KLoSA between 2006—2010), and the Japanese Study of Aging and Retirement (JSTAR between 2007—2011). Participants aged 50—75 years were included in the analysis (CHARLS: n = 10,385; KLoSA: n = 6,683; JSTAR: n = 3,004). Multilevel analyses were conducted separately for each country to examine trajectories of depressive symptoms, controlling for age, age squared, gender, education, marital status, activities of daily living, and morbidity as covariates. Depressive symptoms were measured by the 10-item CES—D. The CES—D score was scaled to a T score metric (M = 50, SD =10) using the score at wave 1 in each country as a reference. Trends in depressive symptoms varied across countries, with stability in China but increase in Korea and Japan (Estimate = —0.05, 0.69, 0.40, respectively). Older Koreans reported higher levels of depressive symptoms than younger adults, whereas a reverse pattern was shown in China. Age differences were not found in Japan. Higher levels of education were associated with lower levels of depressive symptoms in China and Korea, whereas the opposite association emerged in Japan. These country differences will be discussed through the lens of societal and economic factors (e.g., welfare systems and economic recession).
DETERMINANTS OF DEPRESSION AMONG AGING LGBT IN TEXAS
Authors: Moore Ami
Published: November 2019

Introduction: Aging LGBT experience significant health disparities compared to their heterosexual counterparts. As a sexual minority, they have a high likelihood of acquiring physical and mental illnesses. Methods: This study investigated factors that are associated with reports of depression among LGBT. Data came from Project Gray Pride, a study of aging gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender men and women living in a metropolitan area in Texas (N=126). Linear regression analysis was used. Results: Results show a negative association between respondents who self-identified as cisgender female and depression compared to those who self-identified as transgender. However, social vigilance and reports of health symptoms positively correlate with depression. Additionally, the interaction term of gender and race showed that respondents who were non-Whites and female reported higher levels of depression relative to their counterparts who were White males or White transgender. Other factors such as HIV status, age, education were not statistically significant. Conclusion: This study shows that being socially vigilant increases depression among aging LGBT. Also, aging female LGBT who are non-White may have an increased burden of negative social experiences leading to high levels of depression. As the population of older LGBT is increasing, intervention efforts must take into account these important findings in order to devise sound policies and programs to improve mental health among LGBT.
MEANING IN LIFE AND REASONS FOR LIVING IN OLDER ADULTS WITH SUICIDAL IDEATION: AN INTEGRATIVE REVIEW
Authors: Sagna Atami
Published: November 2019

Suicide has ranked as the 10th leading cause of death for all ages in the United States. Although Healthy People 2020’s target is to reduce suicide rates by 10.2 per 100,000 by 2020, it remains that suicide rates continue to increase, with suicide in older adults contributing substantially to this rise. Older adults have a higher risk for suicide, yet research in the area on positive psychological factors such as meaning in life and reasons for living is lacking. The purpose of this review is to investigate the associations among meaning in life, reasons for living and suicidal ideation in older adults (55+ years). Based on PRISMA guidelines, the PubMed, PsycINFO, PsycARTICLES, and CINAHL databases were systematically searched for relevant publications without date restrictions. Nine studies, qualitative and quantitative, are included in the review, showing a relationship among meaning in life, reasons for living and suicidal ideation in older adults. All the studies found that meaning in life and reasons for living were negatively associated with suicidal ideation in older adults. The findings of this review highlight the importance of including positive psychological factors in assessing suicide risk in older adults and in planning preventative measures and services for this high-risk group.
MESSAGE FRAMING AND ENGAGEMENT IN MENTAL HEALTH CARE: THE MODERATING ROLE OF AGE
Authors: Mavandadi Shahrzad , Wright Erin , Klaus Johanna , Oslin David
Published: November 2019

Engagement rates in specialty mental health (MH) care for depression are suboptimal across the lifespan, prompting various efforts to promote treatment engagement. This study examined the extent to which age moderates the impact of message framing on appointment attendance among patients referred to specialty MH care. The study employed a randomized, prospective, experimental design. Patients meeting criteria for major depression and referred to specialty MH care at a Veterans Affairs Medical Center (n=360) were randomized to receive either a routine, neutrally worded patient reminder letter prior to their scheduled specialty MH care appointment or a letter that included one of two messages (gain-framed or loss-framed) that were added to the routine letter. Appointment/attendance data were extracted from the computerized patient record system. Logistic regression was used to determine the potential moderating effect of age on the association between message frame and appointment attendance. The sample (mean age = 51.5 (SD=13.5)) was primarily male (85%), non-white (62%), and reported an average depressive symptom score of 19.3 (SD=3.8, range=9-27). Age moderated the impact of message frame on the odds of attending the MH appointment: while younger adults were more likely to attend after receiving a gain-framed message, older adults’ engagement rates did not differ significantly across conditions. Findings suggest that overtly highlighting the benefits of attending an initial specialty MH care appointment, even if in writing, can impact engagement rates among younger adults. Potential alternative, targeted approaches utilizing message framing that may be more effective among older adults should be explored.
Identification of Tn Antigen O-GalNAc-expressing glycoproteins in human carcinomas using novel anti-Tn recombinant antibodies
Authors: Matsumoto Yasuyuki , Kudelka Matthew R , Hanes Melinda S , Lehoux Sylvain , Dutta Sucharita , Jones Mark B , Stackhouse Kathryn A , Cervoni Gabrielle E , Heimburg-Molinaro Jamie , Smith David F , Ju Tongzhong , Chaikof Elliot L , Cummings Richard D
Published: November 2019

The Tn antigen is a neoantigen abnormally expressed in many human carcinomas and expression correlates with metastasis and poor survival. To explore its biomarker potential, new antibodies are needed that specifically recognize this antigen in tumors. Here we generated two recombinant antibodies to the Tn antigen, Remab6 as a chimeric human IgG1 antibody and ReBaGs6 as a murine IgM antibody, and characterized their specificities using multiple biochemical and biological approaches. Both Remab6 and ReBaGs6 recognize clustered Tn structures, but most importantly do not recognize glycoforms of human IgA1 that contain potential cross-reactive Tn antigen structures. In flow cytometry and immunofluorescence analyses, Remab6 recognizes human cancer cell lines expressing the Tn antigen, but not their Tn-negative counterparts. In immunohistochemistry (IHC), Remab6 stains many human cancers in tissue array format but rarely stains normal tissues and then mostly intracellularly. We used these antibodies to identify several unique Tn containing glycoproteins in Tn-positive Colo205 cells, indicating their utility for glycoproteomics in future biomarker studies. Thus, recombinant Remab6 and ReBaGs6 are useful for biochemical characterization of cancer cells and IHC of tumors, and represent promising tools for Tn biomarker discovery independently of recognition of IgA1. [191 words].
Bim contributes to the progression of Huntington’s disease-associated phenotypes
Authors: Roberts Sheridan L , Evans Tracey , Yang Yi , Fu Yuhua , Button Robert W , Sipthorpe Rebecca J , Cowan Katrina , Valionyte Evelina , Anichtchik Oleg , Li Huiliang , Lu Boxun , Luo Shouqing
Published: November 2019

Huntington’s disease (HD) is a neurodegenerative disorder caused by an expanded polyglutamine tract in the huntingtin (HTT) protein. Mutant HTT (mHTT) toxicity is caused by its aggregation/oligomerization. The striatum is the most vulnerable region, although all brain regions undergo neuronal degeneration in the disease. Here we show that the levels of Bim, a BH3-only protein, are significantly increased in HD human post-mortem and HD mouse striata, correlating with neuronal death. Bim reduction ameliorates mHTT neurotoxicity in HD cells. In the HD mouse model, heterozygous Bim knockout significantly mitigates mHTT accumulation and neuronal death, ameliorating disease-associated phenotypes and lifespan. Therefore, Bim could contribute to the progression of HD.
EpiMetal: an open-source graphical web browser tool for easy statistical analyses in epidemiology and metabolomics
Authors: Ekholm Jussi , Ohukainen Pauli , Kangas Antti J , Kettunen Johannes , Wang Qin , Karsikas Mari , Khan Anmar A , Kingwell Bronwyn A , Kähönen Mika , Lehtimäki Terho , Raitakari Olli T , Järvelin Marjo-Riitta , Meikle Peter J , Ala-Korpela Mika
Published: November 2019

Motivation

An intuitive graphical interface that allows statistical analyses and visualizations of extensive data without any knowledge of dedicated statistical software or programming.

Implementation

EpiMetal is a single-page web application written in JavaScript, to be used via a modern desktop web browser.

General features

Standard epidemiological analyses and self-organizing maps for data-driven metabolic profiling are included. Multiple extensive datasets with an arbitrary number of continuous and category variables can be integrated with the software. Any snapshot of the analyses can be saved and shared with others via a www-link. We demonstrate the usage of EpiMetal using pilot data with over 500 quantitative molecular measures for each sample as well as in two large-scale epidemiological cohorts (N >10 000).

Availability

The software usage exemplar and the pilot data are open access online at [http://EpiMetal.computationalmedicine.fi]. MIT licensed source code is available at the Github repository at [https://github.com/amergin/epimetal].
Human Plasma BDNF Is Associated With Amygdala-Prefrontal Cortex Functional Connectivity and Problem Drinking Behaviors
Authors: Gorka Stephanie M , Teppen Tara , Radoman Milena , Phan K Luan , Pandey Subhash C
Published: November 2019

Background

Preclinical studies suggest that decreased levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor in the amygdala play a role in anxiety and alcohol use disorder. The association between brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels and amygdala function in humans with alcohol use disorder is still unclear, although neuroimaging studies have also implicated the amygdala in alcohol use disorder and suggest that alcohol use disorder is associated with disrupted functional connectivity between the amygdala and prefrontal cortex during aversive states.

Methods

The current study investigated whether plasma brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels in individuals with and without alcohol use disorder (n = 57) were associated with individual differences in amygdala reactivity and amygdala-prefrontal cortex functional connectivity during 2 forms of aversive responding captured via functional magnetic resonance imaging: anxiety elicited by unpredictable threat of shock and fear elicited by predictable threat of shock. We also examined whether brain-derived neurotrophic factor and brain function were associated with binge drinking episodes and alcohol use disorder age of onset.

Results

During anxiety, but not fear, lower levels of plasma brain-derived neurotrophic factor were associated with less connectivity between the left amygdala and the medial prefrontal cortex and the inferior frontal gyrus. In addition, within individuals with alcohol use disorder (only), lower levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor and amygdala-medial prefrontal cortex functional connectivity during anxiety were associated with more binge episodes within the past 60 days and a lower age of alcohol use disorder onset. There were no associations between brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels and focal amygdala task reactivity.

Conclusions

Together, the results indicate that plasma brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels are related to amygdala circuit functioning in humans, particularly during anxiety, and these individual differences may relate to drinking behaviors.
Public health: The voice of professionals
Authors: Ferreira Pedro L , Passadouro Rui
Published: November 2019

Objective

To monitor, for the first time in Portugal, job satisfaction on public health units (PHUs).

Design

Observational, transversal and descriptive/correlational study.

Setting

All 55 PHUs of mainland Portugal.

Participants

This study targeted all 1196 public health professionals working in PHUs.

Main outcome measures

Instrument to Assess Satisfaction of Professionals (IASP), filled online, respecting the ethical considerations and a conceptual measurement model.

Results

Data were obtained from 64% of professionals serving in PHUs, 73% of them female. Response rate of the physicians was 59.1%, with 72.3% of environmental health technicians, 62.0% of nurses and 58.3% of technical assistants. The average age was 47.6(±10.4) years, from 22 to 69 years. We found fair/good satisfaction with men, less educated and professionals with coordination functions more satisfied and low-level satisfaction with salary. Sociodemographic and labour characteristics play a relevant role on job satisfaction. Being female, a physician and an environmental health technician or working in a public setting increases the probability of low satisfaction.

Conclusions

Public health professionals are satisfied with their job, revealing high pride in their professions and strongly recommending their units to family and friends. Some variables, for example gender, leadership, marital status and education, do influence satisfaction. However, we found dissatisfaction among physicians when practice is compared with what is thought in the internship. It is possible to change the reality in which public health professionals work and to contribute to a reorganization of resources, new internal dynamics and establishment of improvement plans, aimed at a full accomplishment and job satisfaction.
Analysing incompliant attitudes towards antibiotic prescription completion in the UK
Authors: Anderson Alistair
Published: November 2019

Objectives

To analyse demographic, social and geographic predictors of incompliant attitudes towards prescription completion in the UK.

Methods

Two waves of the Eurobarometer survey (85.1 and 90.1) were analysed, with a final sample size of 2016. Using logistic regression, the best-fitting combination of a set of identified variables was specified. The regression output and the model-averaged importance of each variable were analysed.

Results

Compared with a median prevalence region, respondents in the Nomenclature of Territorial Units for Statistics (NUTS) 1 London (OR = 2.358, 95% CI = 1.100–5.398) and Scotland (OR = 2.418, 95% CI = 1.083–5.693) regions were most likely to report an incompliant attitude. Respondents who correctly answered questions about whether unnecessary use of antibiotics could make them ineffective in future (OR = 0.353, 95% CI = 0.230–0.544), whether antibiotics kill viruses (OR = 0.644, 95% CI = 0.450–0.919) and whether antibiotics treat colds (OR = 0.412, 95% CI = 0.287–0.591) were less likely to report incompliant attitudes. Conversely, respondents who correctly responded that antibiotics can cause side effects (OR = 1.419, 95% CI = 1.014–1.999) were more likely to report incompliant attitudes. There was some evidence of associations between political orientation and level of compliance. Uncooperative survey respondents (OR = 2.001, 95% CI = 1.108–3.526) were more likely to report incompliant attitudes.

Conclusions

Incompliant attitudes towards antibiotic prescription compliance in the UK are associated with a variety of factors, including regional geographic variation in attitudes. Knowledge about antibiotics can relate to good stewardship attitudes, but concerns over side effects are associated with poor attitudes. Further research should examine the underlying attitudes and beliefs that political orientation may be a marker for in the context of antibiotic stewardship. Survey samples reliant on self-selection are likely to be biased towards good stewardship.
Comparison between IMP carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae and non-carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae: a multicentre prospective study of the clinical and molecular epidemiology of carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae
Authors: Hayakawa Kayoko , Nakano Ryuichi , Hase Ryota , Shimatani Michitsugu , Kato Hideaki , Hasumi Jumpei , Doi Asako , Sekiya Noritaka , Nei Takahito , Okinaka Keiji , Kasahara Kei , Kurai Hanako , Nagashima Maki , Miyoshi-Akiyama Tohru , Kakuta Risako , Yano Hisakazu , Ohmagari Norio
Published: November 2019

Background

Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) are classified as carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE) and non-CPE; the majority of CPE in Japan produce IMP carbapenemase.

Objectives

We evaluated the clinico-epidemiological and microbiological information and effects of IMP-type carbapenemase production in CRE.

Methods

Patients with isolations of CRE (MICs of meropenem ≥2 mg/L, imipenem ≥2 mg/L or cefmetazole ≥64 mg/L) from August 2016 to March 2018 were included. Microbiological analyses and WGS were conducted and clinical parameters were compared between groups. Independent predictors for the isolation of CPE from patients were identified by logistic regression. For comparing clinical outcomes, a stabilized inverse probability weighting method was used to conduct propensity score-adjusted analysis.

Results

Ninety isolates (27 CPE and 63 non-CPE) were collected from 88 patients (25 CPE and 63 non-CPE). All CPE tested positive for IMP carbapenemase. Antibiotic resistance (and the presence of resistance genes) was more frequent in the CPE group than in the non-CPE group. Independent predictors for CPE isolation were residence in a nursing home or long-term care facility, longer prior length of hospital stay (LOS), use of a urinary catheter and/or nasogastric tube, dependent functional status and exposure to carbapenem. Although in-hospital and 30 day mortality rates were similar between the two groups, LOS after CRE isolation was longer in the CPE group.

Conclusions

IMP-CPE were associated with prolonged hospital stays and had different clinical and microbiological characteristics compared with non-CPE. Tailored approaches are necessary for the investigational and public health reporting, and clinical and infection prevention perspectives for IMP-CPE and non-CPE.
Microbiology and Infection Profile of Electric Burned Patients in a Referral Burn Hospital in Mexico City
Authors: López-Jácome Luis Esaú , Chávez-Heres Tatiana , Becerra-Lobato Noé , García-Hernández María de Lourdes , Vanegas-Rodríguez Edgar Samuel , Colin-Castro Claudia Adriana , Hernández-Durán Melissa , Cruz-Arenas Esteban , Cerón-González Guillermo , Cervantes-Hernández Mercedes Isabel , Ortega-Peña Silvestre , Mondragón-Eguiluz Jaime Arturo , Franco-Cendejas Rafael
Published: November 2019

Electrical burn injuries are one of the most severe forms of trauma. This study aims to investigate the infection complications in electrical burn patients in a referral hospital in Mexico City. A longitudinal retrospective study was conducted, involving electrical burn patients admitted from April 2011 to December 2016. Demographic and clinical data including type of electric burns, infection complications, and mortality was sought. Data were collected at admission and daily until discharge. Number and type of infections and microorganism isolations were sought. Risk factors for death were analyzed. A total of 111 patients were included, of which 96.4% were males, mean age of 31.6±16.22, most injuries were high voltage associated. The total body surface area average was 27.8% ± 19.63. The overall infection rate was 72.9 cases per 100 patients. Mortality was observed in 4 (3.6%) patients. About 59.1% (443/749) had growth for Gram-negative bacteria. Multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa was the most frequent microorganism isolated. Fungi were present in 4.9% of cases. Electrical burn injuries occurred in young males in our study. Infection was frequent, most of them caused by Gram-negative rods with an important rate of antimicrobial resistance; however, an important microbial diversity was present.
An Examination of Follow-up Services Received by Vulnerable Burn Populations: A Burn Model System National Database Study
Authors: Benavides Lynne , Shie Vivian , Yee Brennan , Yelvington Miranda , Simko Laura C , Wolfe Audrey E , McMullen Kara , Epp Janelle , Parry Ingrid , Shon Rachel , Holavanahalli Radha , Herndon David , Rosenberg Marta , Rosenberg Laura , Meyer Walter , Gibran Nicole , Wiechman Shelley , Ryan Colleen M , Schneider Jeffrey C
Published: November 2019

While disparities in healthcare outcomes and services for vulnerable populations have been documented, the extent to which vulnerable burn populations demonstrate disparities in long-term care is relatively underexplored. This study’s goal was to assess for differences in long-term occupational or physical therapy (OT/PT) and psychological service use after burn injury in vulnerable populations. Data from the Burn Model System National Database (2006–2015) were analyzed. The vulnerable group included participants in one or more of these categories: 65 years of age or older, nonwhite, no insurance or Medicaid insurance, preinjury receipt of psychological therapy or counseling, preinjury alcohol and/or drug misuse, or with a preexisting disability. Primary outcomes investigated were receipt of OT/PT and psychological services. Secondary outcomes included nine OT/PT subcategories. Outcomes were examined at 6, 12, and 24 months postinjury. One thousand one hundred thirty-six burn survivors (692 vulnerable; 444 nonvulnerable) were included. The vulnerable group was mostly female, unemployed at time of injury, and with smaller burns. Both groups received similar OT/PT and psychological services at all time points. Adjusted regression analyses found that while the groups received similar amounts services, some vulnerable subgroups received significantly more services. Participants 65 years of age or older, who received psychological therapy or counseling prior to injury, and with a preexisting disability received more OT/PT and psychological or peer support services at follow-up. Overall, vulnerable and nonvulnerable groups received comparable OT/PT and psychological services. The importance of long-term care among vulnerable subgroups of the burn population is highlighted by this study. Future work is needed to determine adequate levels of follow-up services.
Machine learning approaches for ELNES/XANES
Authors: Mizoguchi Teruyasu , Kiyohara Shin
Published: November 2019

Materials characterization is indispensable for materials development. In particular, spectroscopy provides atomic configuration, chemical bonding and vibrational information, which are crucial for understanding the mechanism underlying the functions of a material. Despite its importance, the interpretation of spectra using human-driven methods, such as manual comparison of experimental spectra with reference/simulated spectra, is becoming difficult owing to the rapid increase in experimental spectral data. To overcome the limitations of such methods, we develop new data-driven approaches based on machine learning. Specifically, we use hierarchical clustering, a decision tree and a feedforward neural network to investigate the electron energy loss near edge structures (ELNES) spectrum, which is identical to the X-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) spectrum. Hierarchical clustering and the decision tree are used to interpret and predict ELNES/XANES, while the feedforward neural network is used to obtain hidden information about the material structure and properties from the spectra. Further, we construct a prediction model that is robust against noise by data augmentation. Finally, we apply our method to noisy spectra and predict six properties accurately. In summary, the proposed approaches can pave the way for fast and accurate spectrum interpretation/prediction as well as local measurement of material functions.
Pancreatic solid serous cystadenoma: a rare entity that can lead to a futile surgery
Authors: Demesmaker Vincent , Abou-Messaoud Faouzi , Parent Muriel , Vanhoute Bernard , Maassarani Fadi , Kothonidis Konstantinos
Published: November 2019

Although many types of pancreatic tumors exist, pancreatic solid serous cystadenoma stand as the most rare. Despite advances in medical imaging, definitive diagnosis remains complex. Here, we report a case of a 63-year-old man with a suspicious lesion of the pancreas discovered during a positron emission tomography–computed tomography. Despite an echo-endoscopy being performed, no biopsies were contributive. The magnetic resonance imaging did highlight another lesion in the liver. Due to the suspicion of a neuroendocrine tumor of the pancreas with liver metastases, a cephalic duodenopancreatectomy with partial hepatectomy was performed. During the procedure, another hepatic lesion was resected. The final histological diagnosis was a serous solid adenoma of the pancreas associated with a cholangiocarcinoma. During the follow-up, the patient presented a massive metastatic hepatic relapse even after the administration of a palliative chemotherapy.
The Smile behind the Sales Counter: Soviet Shop Assistants on the Road to Full Communism
Authors: Koenker Diane P
Published: November 2019

This article explores the role of sales assistants in Soviet retail trade in the 1960s, who were overwhelmingly female. It investigates the causes of and remedies for what was widely perceived to be rude and grudging service. Soviet customers and officials felt entitled to a positive consumer experience, and managers and trade union officials agonized over the ways to promote and incentivize “service with a smile.” In addition to the poor performance of Soviet manufacturing, which produced goods that were difficult to sell, other factors included poor training and minimal education, low prestige, and low pay. This article also highlights the continuities in retail sales culture from the 1920s to the 1960s but emphasizes the increasing role assigned to “emotional labor” as important and necessary work by sales workers.