bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of Handgrip and Leg Extension Strength in Predicting Slow Gait Speed in Older Adults
Authors: Fragala Maren S. , Alley Dawn E. , Shardell Michelle D. , Harris Tamara B. , McLean Robert R. , Kiel Douglas P. , Cawthon Peggy M. , Dam Thuy‐Tien L. , Ferrucci Luigi , Guralnik Jack M. , Kritchevsky Stephen B. , Vassileva Maria T. , Gudnason Vilmunder , Eiriksdottir Gudny , Koster Annemarie , Newman Anne , Siggeirsdottir Kristin , Satterfield Suzanne , Studenski Stephanie A. , Kenny Anne M.
Published: January 2016

Objectives

To compare the relative predictive power of handgrip and leg extension strength in predicting slow walking.

Design

Report of correlative analysis from two epidemiological cohort studies.

Setting

Foundation of the National Institutes of Health Sarcopenia Project.

Participants

Men and women aged 67 to 93 (N = 6,766).

Measurements

Leg strength, handgrip strength, and gait speed were measured. Strength cutpoints associated with slow gait speed were developed using classification and regression tree analyses and compared using ordinary least squares regression models.

Results

The cutpoints of lower extremity strength associated with slow gait speed were 154.6 N‐m in men and 89.9 N‐m in women for isometric leg extension strength and 94.5 N‐m in men and 62.3 N‐m in women for isokinetic leg extension strength. Weakness defined according to handgrip strength (odds ratios (OR) = 1.99 to 4.33, c‐statistics = 0.53 to 0.67) or leg strength (ORs = 2.52 to 5.77; c‐statistics = 0.61 to 0.66) was strongly related to odds of slow gait speed. Lower extremity strength contributed 1% to 16% of the variance and handgrip strength contributed 3% to 17% of the variance in the prediction of gait speed depending on sex and mode of strength assessment.

Conclusion

Muscle weakness of the leg extensors and forearm flexors is related to slow gait speed. Leg extension strength is only a slightly better predictor of slow gait speed. Thus, handgrip and leg extension strength appear to be suitable for screening for muscle weakness in older adults.
Improving the Quality of Care of Long‐Stay Nursing Home Residents in France
Authors: Rolland Yves , Mathieu Celine , Piau Christine , Cayla Françoise , Bouget Catherine , Vellas Bruno , de Souto Barreto Philipe
Published: January 2016

The aim of the Impact d'une démarche QUAlité sur l’évolution des pratiques et le déclin fonctionnel des Résidents en Établissement d'hébergement pour personnes âgées dépendantes (IQUARE) study was to examine the effects of a global intervention comprising professional support and education for nursing home (NH) staff on quality indicators (QIs) and functional decline and emergency department (ED) transfers of residents. One hundred seventy‐five NHs in France (a total of 6,275 residents randomly selected from NHs) volunteered and were enrolled in a nonrandomized controlled multicenter individually customize trial with 18‐month follow‐up. NHs were allocated to a quality audit and feedback intervention (control group: 90 NHs, 3,258 residents) or to the quality audit and feedback intervention plus collaborative work meetings between a hospital geriatrician and NH staff (experimental group: 85 NHs, 3,017 residents). At the NH level, prevalence of assessment of kidney function, cognitive function, risk of pressure ulcers, behavioral disturbances, depression, pain, weight measurement, and transfer to the ED were recorded. Ability to perform basic activities of daily living was assessed at the resident level. At baseline, NH QIs were generally low (with large standard deviations), and annual rate of transfer to the ED was high (~20%) and similar in both groups. The intervention had a significant positive effect on the prevalence of assessment of pressure ulcer risk, depression, pain, and prevalence of ED transfers. It had no significant effect on functional decline. Large‐scale efforts to improve QIs involving collaboration between hospital and NH providers and based on audit and collaborative discussion are feasible and improve some aspects of quality of care in NHs.
Effects of a High‐Intensity Functional Exercise Program on Dependence in Activities of Daily Living and Balance in Older Adults with Dementia
Authors: Toots Annika , Littbrand Håkan , Lindelöf Nina , Wiklund Robert , Holmberg Henrik , Nordström Peter , Lundin‐Olsson Lillemor , Gustafson Yngve , Rosendahl Erik
Published: January 2016

Objectives

To investigate the effects of a high‐intensity functional exercise program on independence in activities of  daily living (ADLs) and balance in older people with dementia and whether exercise effects differed between dementia types.

Design

Cluster‐randomized controlled trial: Umeå Dementia and Exercise (UMDEX) study.

Setting

Residential care facilities, Umeå, Sweden.

Participants

Individuals aged 65 and older with a dementia diagnosis, a Mini‐Mental State Examination score of 10 or greater, and dependence in ADLs (N = 186).

Intervention

Ninety‐three participants each were allocated to the high‐intensity functional exercise program, comprising lower limb strength and balance exercises, and 93 to a seated control activity.

Measurements

Blinded assessors measured ADL independence using the Functional Independence Measure (FIM) and Barthel Index (BI) and balance using the Berg Balance Scale (BBS) at baseline and 4 (directly after intervention completion) and 7 months.

Results

Linear mixed models showed no between‐group effect on ADL independence at 4 (FIM=1.3, 95% confidence interval (CI)=−1.6–4.3; BI=0.6, 95% CI=−0.2–1.4) or 7 (FIM=0.8, 95% CI=−2.2–3.8; BI=0.6, 95% CI=−0.3–1.4) months. A significant between‐group effect on balance favoring exercise was observed at 4 months (BBS=4.2, 95% CI=1.8–6.6). In interaction analyses, exercise effects differed significantly between dementia types. Positive between‐group exercise effects were found in participants with non‐Alzheimer's dementia according to the FIM at 7 months and BI and BBS at 4 and 7 months.

Conclusion

In older people with mild to moderate dementia living in residential care facilities, a 4‐month high‐intensity functional exercise program appears to slow decline in ADL independence and improve balance, albeit only in participants with non‐Alzheimer's dementia.
Effects of Comorbid Depression and Diabetes Mellitus on Cognitive Decline in Older Mexican Americans
Authors: Downer Brian , Vickers Benjamin N. , Al Snih Soham , Raji Mukaila , Markides Kyriakos S.
Published: January 2016

Objectives

To assess the relationship between comorbid depression, diabetes mellitus (DM), and cognitive decline in Mexican Americans aged 65 and older.

Design

Retrospective cohort study with longitudinal analysis.

Setting

Texas, New Mexico, Colorado, Arizona, and California.

Participants

Hispanic Established Populations for the Epidemiologic Study of the Elderly.

Measurements

Cognition was assessed using the Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE). Depression was defined as a score of 16 or greater on the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale. DM was defined as according to self‐reported history or taking insulin or oral hypoglycemic medication.

Results

Participants with depression and DM declined an average of 6.5 points on the MMSE; depression only, 4.4 points; DM only, 7.8 points; and neither condition, 4.2 points across the six examination waves. Participants with DM declined an average of 0.18 more points on the MMSE per year (P = .001) than those with neither DM nor depression, and those with comorbid DM and depression declined 0.25 more points per year (P = .002). Depression was associated with significantly greater cognitive decline ( = −0.11, P = .05) after excluding participants with baseline cognitive impairment (MMSE score ≤17). Participants with DM were 1.08 (95% CI = 1.03–1.12) times as likely as those with neither DM nor depression, and those with comorbid DM and depression were 1.08 (95% CI = 1.01–1.15) times as likely as those with neither DM nor depression to develop severe cognitive impairment per year.

Conclusion

DM and comorbid depression and DM are risk factors for cognitive decline in older Mexican Americans. Interventions that reduce the prevalence of depression and DM in Mexican Americans may decrease the number of older adults who experience cognitive decline.
Predictive Validity of the Beers and Screening Tool of Older Persons’ Potentially Inappropriate Prescriptions (STOPP) Criteria to Detect Adverse Drug Events, Hospitalizations, and Emergency Department Visits in the United States
Authors: Brown Joshua D. , Hutchison Lisa C. , Li Chenghui , Painter Jacob T. , Martin Bradley C.
Published: January 2016

Objectives

To compare the predictive validity of the 2003 Beers, 2012 American Geriatrics Society (AGS) Beers, and Screening Tool of Older Persons’ potentially inappropriate Prescriptions (STOPP) criteria.

Design

Retrospective cohort.

Setting

Managed care administrative claims data from 2006 to 2009.

Participants

Commercially insured persons aged 65 and older in the United States (N = 174,275).

Measurements

Association between adverse drug events (ADEs), emergency department (ED) visits, and hospitalization outcomes and inappropriate medication use using time‐varying Cox proportional hazard models. Measures of model discrimination (c‐index) and hazard ratios (HRs) were calculated to compare unadjusted and adjusted models for associations.

Results

The prevalence of inappropriate prescribing was 34.1% for the 2012 AGS Beers criteria, 32.2% for the 2003 Beers criteria, and 27.6% for the STOPP criteria. Each set of criteria modestly discriminated ADEs in unadjusted analyses (STOPP criteria: hazard ratio (HR) = 2.89, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 2.68–3.12, C‐index = 0.607; 2012 AGS Beers criteria: HR = 2.51, 95% CI = 2.33–2.70, C‐index = 0.603; 2003 Beers criteria: HR = 2.65, 95% CI = 2.46–2.85, C‐index = 0.605). Similar results were observed for ED visits and hospitalizations. The c‐indices increased to between 0.65 and 0.70 in adjusted analyses. The kappa for agreement between criteria was 0.80 for the 2003 and 2012 AGS Beers criteria, 0.58 for the 2012 AGS Beers and STOPP criteria, and 0.59 for the 2003 Beers and STOPP criteria. For the three outcomes, the 2012 AGS Beers criteria had the highest sensitivity (61.2–71.2%) and the lowest specificity (41.2–70.7%), and the STOPP criteria had the lowest sensitivity (53.8–64.7%) but the highest specificity (47.8–78.1%).

Conclusion

All three criteria were modestly prognostic for ADEs, EDs, and hospitalizations, with the STOPP criteria slightly outperforming both Beers criteria. With low sensitivity, low specificity, and low agreement between the criteria, they can be used in a complementary fashion to enhance sensitivity in detecting ADEs.
Driving Cessation and Health Outcomes in Older Adults
Authors: Chihuri Stanford , Mielenz Thelma J. , DiMaggio Charles J. , Betz Marian E. , DiGuiseppi Carolyn , Jones Vanya C. , Li Guohua
Published: January 2016

Objectives

To determine what effect driving cessation may have on subsequent health and well‐being in older adults.

Design

Systematic review of the evidence in the research literature on the consequences of driving cessation in older adults.

Setting

Community.

Participants

Drivers aged 55 and older.

Measurements

Studies pertinent to the health consequences of driving cessation were identified through a comprehensive search of bibliographic databases. Studies that presented quantitative data for drivers aged 55 and older; used a cross‐sectional, cohort, or case–control design; and had a comparison group of current drivers were included in the review.

Results

Sixteen studies met the inclusion criteria. Driving cessation was reported to be associated with declines in general health and physical, social, and cognitive function and with greater risks of admission to long‐term care facilities and mortality. A meta‐analysis based on pooled data from five studies examining the association between driving cessation and depression revealed that driving cessation almost doubled the risk of depressive symptoms in older adults (summary odds ratio = 1.91, 95% confidence interval = 1.61–2.27).

Conclusion

Driving cessation in older adults appears to contribute to a variety of health problems, particularly depression. These adverse health consequences should be considered in making the decision to cease driving. Intervention programs ensuring mobility and social functions may be needed to mitigate the potential adverse effects of driving cessation on health and well‐being in older adults.
Construction and evaluation of FiND, a fall risk prediction model of inpatients from nursing data
Authors: Yokota Shinichiroh , Ohe Kazuhiko
Published: January 2016

Aim

To construct and evaluate an easy‐to‐use fall risk prediction model based on the daily condition of inpatients from secondary use electronic medical record system data.

Methods

The present authors scrutinized electronic medical record system data and created a dataset for analysis by including inpatient fall report data and Intensity of Nursing Care Needs data. The authors divided the analysis dataset into training data and testing data, then constructed the fall risk prediction model FiND from the training data, and tested the model using the testing data.

Results

The dataset for analysis contained 1,230,604 records from 46,241 patients. The sensitivity of the model constructed from the training data was 71.3% and the specificity was 66.0%. The verification result from the testing dataset was almost equivalent to the theoretical value.

Conclusion

Although the model's accuracy did not surpass that of models developed in previous research, the authors believe FiND will be useful in medical institutions all over Japan because it is composed of few variables (only age, sex, and the Intensity of Nursing Care Needs items), and the accuracy for unknown data was clear.
Psychometric evaluation of the Diabetes Symptom Checklist–Revised in patients with type 2 diabetes in Turkey
Authors: Terkes Nurten , Bektas Hicran
Published: January 2016

Aim

To evaluate the psychometric properties of the Diabetes Symptoms Checklist–Revised (DSC‐R), as measures of diabetes‐related symptoms, in patients with type 2 diabetes in Turkey.

Methods

This research was carried out on 340 patients diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in the Department of Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases of a university hospital in Turkey, between 25 January 2011 and 1 April 2011. Personal information forms developed by the researchers and the DSC‐R were used as the data tools. All data were collected by authors during face‐to‐face interviews.

Results

According to the results of the research, the patients had a mean ± standard deviation age 55.9 ± 7.54 years (range, 20–65) and included most patients who were female (64.1%), married (87.1%), housewives (50.3%), and had completed primary education (47.4%). Cronbach's alpha found reliability for the total scale to be 0.92 and subscale alpha coefficients ranged 0.76–0.85. Confirmatory factor analysis resulted in a six factor structure: (i) neurology; (ii) psychology/fatigue; (iii) cardiology; (iv) ophthalmology; (v) psychology/cognition; and (vi) hyperglycemia.

Conclusion

The Turkish version of the DSC‐R was found to be a reliable and valid means to measure the level in effect on symptoms in patients with type 2 diabetes.
Influence of older primiparity on childbirth, parenting stress, and mother–child interaction
Authors: Sonobe Mami , Usui Masami , Hiroi Kayoko , Asai Hiromi , Hiramatsu Mayumi , Nekoda Yasutoshi , Hirose Taiko
Published: January 2016

Aim

Delivery at 35 years and above has increased in Japan. While there is much research concerning obstetrical risk and delivery at advanced age, little research addresses child‐rearing after birth. This study seeks to identify how older primiparas' characteristics of child‐rearing, parenting stress, and mother–child interaction differ from those of younger mothers.

Methods

Participants were primipara women aged 35 years and above and primiparas aged 20–29 years; all delivered in the hospital. Questionnaires were distributed during hospitalization after birth and during home visits at 3 months, 1 year, and 2 years post‐partum. Mother–child interactions during home visits were assessed using the Nursing Child Assessment Teaching Scale (NCATS).

Results

The older group included 13 primiparas, and the control group included seven primiparas at the study's end. Some older primiparas used fertility treatment and cesarean section, but primiparas in their 20s used neither. There were no significant differences in terms of depression, psychological health, size of networks, and number of daytime or night‐time feedings. Statistically significant differences were as follows. Older primiparas experienced more social isolation and overall stress, and their children exhibited greater hypersensitivity/lack of adaptability at 3 months. Older mothers were more likely to report little effort by their children to please them at 1 and 2 years after birth. Under observation, older primiparas received higher NCATS caregiver scores, but children of primiparas in their 20s received higher child scores.

Conclusion

Mothers and child‐care specialists should recognize that older primiparas interact more favorably with their children, but have more parenting stress.
Anti‐consumption, Materialism, and Consumer Well‐being
Authors: Lee Michael S. W. , Ahn Christie Seo Youn
Published: January 2016

Substantial research indicates a negative relationship between excessive consumption, namely materialism, and consumer well‐being (CWB). Since anti‐consumption is contradictory to materialism, and materialism has a negative relationship with CWB, logically, anti‐consumption should have a positive influence on CWB. To explore this relationship, we review the literature on anti‐consumption, materialism, and CWB, and ascertain the most prominent values by which anti‐consumption and materialism differ. We then develop a framework based on four constructs (1. Control over consumption; 2. Scope of concerns; 3. Material desire; 4. Source of happiness), conceptually highlighting how anti‐consumption and materialism differ in terms of CWB. Qualitative data and content analysis of online blogs, forums, and websites provide preliminary support for our propositions. Finally, we conclude with some implications for managers and policymakers.
INTERTEMPORAL SUBSTITUTION IN CONSUMPTION: A LITERATURE REVIEW
Authors: Thimme Julian
Published: January 2016

This paper reviews the status quo of the empirical literature about the elasticity of intertemporal substitution (EIS) in consumption. Aiming to answer the question what the true magnitude of the parameter really is, it discusses several recent advances of the theory and highlights challenges for the estimation. Although the general discussion still seems to be prevailed by Hall's early EIS estimates close to zero, we show that several deviations from the time‐additive constant relative risk aversion model speak in favor of considerably higher values. Our treatment is supposed to provide researchers a hint at which parameter is a reasonable and incontrovertible choice for the calibration of models in macroeconomics and finance.
Response to letter to the editor: annexin A5 levels or circulating microparticles: what we see depends mainly on what we look for
Authors: Burgmaier M. , Schurgers L. , Reutelingsperger C.
Published: January 2016

Click here to view the article Letter to the Editor by S. Shetty et al.
When Passion Fades: Disentangling the Temporal Dynamics of Entrepreneurial Passion for Founding
Authors: Collewaert Veroniek , Anseel Frederik , Crommelinck Michiel , De Beuckelaer Alain , Vermeire Jacob
Published: January 2016

This study examines how and why entrepreneurial passion for founding changes over time. In particular, we propose that in the founding phase of a venture's lifecycle entrepreneurs’ founding identity centrality will remain stable over time. We also propose, however, that in our sample and time period studied, entrepreneurs’ intense positive feelings for founding will decrease over time. On the basis of theories of positive illusion, self‐regulation and role theory, we further hypothesize that venture idea change, change in role ambiguity and entrepreneurs’ feedback‐seeking behaviour are factors that help explain the rate of change in entrepreneurs’ intense positive feelings for founding. Using a three‐wave longitudinal research design, we find that among a sample of 112 entrepreneurs’ identity centrality does not change over time, whereas intense positive feelings for founding decrease over time. Moreover, the more entrepreneurs change their venture ideas, the weaker their decrease in intense positive feelings. Further, we show that entrepreneurs who frequently seek feedback suffer less from reduced positive feelings in response to higher increases in role ambiguity as compared to entrepreneurs who seek less feedback.
CEO Succession Origin and Firm Performance: A Multilevel Study
Authors: Georgakakis Dimitrios , Ruigrok Winfried
Published: January 2016

There has been much controversy concerning the relationship between outside CEO succession origin and firm performance. Some scholars take the organizational‐adaptation view to highlight the benefits of outside succession; yet others adopt the organizational‐disruption view to pose the selection of an outsider CEO as a disruptive and disadvantageous event for organizations. In this study, we develop an integrated multilevel framework that reconciles these opposing perspectives and examines the conditions under which the benefits of outside CEO succession outweigh the costs. Data from 109 CEO succession events in large international firms show that the performance advantages of outside succession materialize when the new CEO: (a) socio‐demographically resembles incumbent executives, (b) possesses a variety of experience, and (c) is hired by a well‐performing firm operating in a munificent industry. Overall, our research demonstrates that the performance implications of new CEO origin should not be considered in isolation, but in interaction with multilevel characteristics.
Rapid eye movement sleep behaviour disorder symptomatic of a brain stem cavernoma
Authors: Felix Sandra , Thobois Stephane , Peter‐Derex Laure
Published: January 2016

A 75‐year‐old man complained of excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS), difficulty falling asleep and nocturnal agitation during sleep. Restless legs syndrome (RLS) was diagnosed and treated. Because of persistent EDS, snoring and nycturia, a nocturnal polysomnography (PSG) was performed. PSG showed high sleep fragmentation related to a moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea syndrome. Continuous positive airway pressure treatment (CPAP) was proposed. Because of the persistence of abnormal nocturnal behaviours, characterized by screaming, punching and falling out of bed, a video‐PSG with CPAP treatment was performed. The recording showed typical chin electromyography (EMG) activity increase associated with violent movements during rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, suggesting REM sleep behaviour disorders (RBD). Clinical neurological examination found no parkinsonian syndrome, no dysautonomic sign and no neurological focal sign. Dopamine transporter imaging [123I‐FP‐CIT single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT)] did not find any presynaptic dopaminergic pathways degeneration. Brain magnetic resonance imaging showed a vascular lesion suggestive of cavernoma located in the pons. The present case illustrates the complexity of sleep disturbance diagnosis with a possible entanglement of aetiologies responsible for nocturnal agitation, and confirms that an isolated pons cavernoma should be considered among the rare causes of RBD.
The evolution of expenditure on testes
Authors: Parker G. A.
Published: January 2016

Evolutionary theory for expenditure on gonads attracted little attention until studies in the past 3–4 decades of allocation to male and female function in hermaphrodites, and of relative testes size (RTS) in animals with separate sexes. RTS appears to have varied enormously over evolutionary time, from extremely high (over 40%) in some broadcast spawners to less than 1% in some taxa with copulation and internal fertilization. Reasons for this wide evolutionary diversity in testes expenditure deserve attention. Sperm demand (the product of expenditure per ejaculate and mating rate) increases expenditure on testes, and is moulded by a number of selective forces: sperm competition, mating rate and sperm limitation are identified as the three typically most powerful. Trade‐offs between somatic and testes expenditures can be complex, particularly those between pre‐ and post‐copulatory expenditure. Theoretical models predict that RTS should correlate positively with sperm demand, and there is much evidence from many taxa that RTS increases with sperm competition level. The relation between RTS and expenditure on each ejaculate is predicted to be positive over low sperm competition (risk) levels, and negative over high (intensity) sperm competition levels. Sexual cascade logic suggests that gonad expenditure should be high and equal for the two sexes soon after the early evolution of anisogamy, but should diverge widely through evolutionary time, with RTS reducing notably in those taxa that have evolved advanced mobility and internal fertilization.
Non‐Uniform B‐Spline Surface Fitting from Unordered 3D Point Clouds for As‐Built Modeling
Authors: Dimitrov Andrey , Gu Rongqi , Golparvar‐Fard Mani
Published: January 2016

The three‐dimensional mapping of the built environment is of particular importance for engineering applications such as monitoring work‐in‐progress and energy performance simulation. The state‐of‐the‐art methods for fitting primitives, non‐uniform B‐Spline surface (NURBS) and solid geometry to point clouds still fail to account for all the topological variations or struggle with mapping of physical space to parameter space given unordered, incomplete, and noisy point clouds. Assuming an input of points that can be described by a single non‐self‐intersecting NURBS, this article presents a new method that leverages segmented point clouds and outputs NURBS surfaces. It starts by successively fitting uniform B‐Spline curves in two‐dimensional as planar cross‐sectional cuts on each surface. An intermediate B‐Spline surface is then computed by globally optimizing and lofting over the cross‐sections. This surface is used to parameterize the points and perform final refinement to a NURBS. For cylindrical segments such as pipes, a new supervised method is also introduced to string the fitted segments, identify connection types, standardize the connections, and then refine them using NURBS optimization. Experimental results show the applicability of the proposed methods for as‐built modeling purposes.
Single‐cell characterization of metabolic switching in the sugar phosphotransferase system ofEscherichia coli
Authors: Westermayer Sonja A. , Fritz Georg , Gutiérrez Joaquín , Megerle Judith A. , Weißl Mira P. S. , Schnetz Karin , Gerland Ulrich , Rädler Joachim O.
Published: January 2016

The utilization of several sugars inEscherichia coliis regulated by the Phosphotransferase System (PTS), in which diverse sugar utilization modules compete for phosphoryl flux from the general PTS proteins. Existing theoretical work predicts a winner‐take‐all outcome when this flux limits carbon uptake. To date, no experimental work has interrogated competing PTS uptake modules with single‐cell resolution. Using time‐lapse microscopy in perfused microchannels, we analyzed the competition betweenN‐acetyl‐glucosamine and sorbitol, as representative PTS sugars, by measuring both the expression of their utilization systems and the concomitant impact of sugar utilization on growth rates. We find two distinct regimes: hierarchical usage of the carbohydrates, and co‐expression of the genes for both systems. Simulations of a mathematical model incorporating asymmetric sugar quality reproduce our metabolic phase diagram, indicating that under conditions of nonlimiting phosphate flux, co‐expression is due to uncoupling of both sugar utilization systems. Our model reproduces hierarchical winner‐take‐all behaviour and stochastic co‐expression, and predicts the switching between both strategies as a function of available phosphate flux. Hence, experiments and theory both suggest that PTS sugar utilization involves not only switching between the sugars utilized but also switching of utilization strategies to accommodate prevailing environmental conditions.
The rice DUF1620‐containing and WD40‐like repeat protein is required for the assembly of the restoration of fertility complex
Authors: Qin Xiaojian , Huang Qi , Xiao Haijun , Zhang Qiannan , Ni Chenzi , Xu Yanghong , Liu Gai , Yang Daichang , Zhu Yingguo , Hu Jun
Published: January 2016

Cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS) and restoration of fertility (Rf) are widely distributed in plant species utilized by humans. RF5 and GRP162 are subunits of the restoration of fertility complex (RFC) in Hong‐Lian rice. Despite the fact that the RFC is 400–500 kDa in size, the other proteins or factors in the complex still remain unknown. Here, we identified RFC subunit 3, which encodes a DUF1620‐containing and WD40‐like repeat protein (RFC3) that is present in all tissues but highly expressed in leaves.

We established that RFC3 interacts with both RF5 and GRP162 in vitro and in vivo, and is transported into the mitochondria as a membrane protein. Furthermore, CMS RNA (atp6‐orfH79) and CMS cytotoxic protein (ORFH79) accumulate when RFC3 is silenced in restorer lines.

We presented the analysis with blue‐native polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, indicating that RFC is disrupted in the RNAi line. We concluded that RCF3 is indispensable as a scaffold protein for the assembly of the RFC complex.

We unveil a new molecular player of the RFC in the Rf pathway in rice and propose the model of RFC based on these data.
Understanding the role of psychopathology in bariatric surgery outcomes
Authors: Marek R. J. , Ben‐Porath Y. S. , Heinberg L. J.
Published: January 2016

Bariatric surgery is the most effective treatment for morbid obesity; however, a subset of patients who undergo this procedure regain weight or achieve suboptimal weight loss results. A large number of studies have examined whether psychological variables play a role in weight loss surgery outcome. Although presurgical psychopathology has been found to be associated with suboptimal results in some studies, this literature is equivocal. These inconsistent findings are reviewed and considered in the context of contemporary models of psychopathology. More specifically, the review focuses on the limitations of atheoretical, descriptive diagnostic systems and examines whether comorbidity within the mood/anxiety disorders, impulse control/substance use disorders and thought disorders can account for the inconsistent findings reported to date. Contemporary models of psychopathology are highlighted and linked to the Research Domain Criteria, which have been advanced by the National Institute of Health. Means for assessing psychological constructs congruent with these models are reviewed. Recommendations are made for standardizing approaches to investigating how psychopathology contributes to suboptimal bariatric surgery outcomes.
Obesity and brain inflammation: a focus on multiple sclerosis
Authors: Palavra F. , Almeida L. , Ambrósio A. F. , Reis F.
Published: January 2016

The increase in prevalence of obesity in industrialized societies is an indisputable fact. However, the apparent passive role played by adipocytes, in pathophysiological terms, has been gradually substituted by a metabolically active performance, relevant to many biochemical mechanisms that may contribute to a chronic low‐grade inflammatory status, which increasingly imposes itself as a key feature of obesity. This chronic inflammatory status will have to be integrated into the complex equation of many diseases in which inflammation plays a crucial role. Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory condition typically confined to the central nervous system, and many work has been produced to find possible points of contact between the biology of this immune‐mediated disease and obesity. So far, clinical data are not conclusive, but many biochemical features have been recently disclosed. Brain inflammation has been implicated in some of the mechanisms that lead to obesity, which has also been recognized as an important player in inducing some degree of immune dysfunction. In this review, we collected evidence that allows establishing bridges between obesity and MS. After considering epidemiological controversies, we will focus on possible shared mechanisms, as well as on the potential contributions that disease‐modifying drugs may have on this apparent relationship of mutual interference.
A novel case presenting with an unusual ureteral diverticular lesion similar to adenomyomatous hyperplasia of the gallbladder
Authors: Yorita Kenji , Kita Yuki , Mukai Shoichiro , Wakeda Hironobu , Onizuka Chie , Tsuzuki Toyonori , Kamoto Toshiyuki , Kataoka Hiroaki , Kuroda Naoto
Published: January 2016

We present the first case of an unusual ureteral diverticular lesion demonstrating similarities to adenomyomatous hyperplasia of the gallbladder. A 68‐year‐old asymptomatic Japanese man with high prostate‐specific antigen levels was clinically evaluated. Left hydronephrosis and benign prostatic hyperplasia were detected. A bilateral retrograde pyelogram revealed that the upper and middle portions of the left ureter exhibited an irregular narrow lumen and some pooling of contrast material, which was compatible with ureteral pseudodiverticulosis. Although no malignant cells were seen on cytology, computed tomography detected a fusiform shaped lesion with a circumferential thick wall including multiple diverticulae. Left nephroureterectomy was performed because malignancy could not be ruled out. Pathology demonstrated that the ureteral lesion showed a localized thick wall consisting of multilocules and/or multicysts and a hyperplastic muscularis propria. The cysts were mostly seen in the muscularis propria or a deeper site. The inner layers of the cysts were lined with normal urothelium, and some cysts opened onto the mucosal surface, indicating that they were derived from invaginated mucosal epithelium. We believe that this lesion may be a novel form of diverticular disorder demonstrating similarities to adenomyomatous hyperplasia of the gallbladder.
Effect of intravenous magnesium sulfate on mortality in patients with severe acute asthma
Authors: Hirashima Junko , Yamana Hayato , Matsui Hiroki , Fushimi Kiyohide , Yasunaga Hideo
Published: January 2016

Background and objective

Intravenous magnesium sulfate is used as adjunctive therapy for severe asthma exacerbations. However, previous randomized controlled trials of the administration of intravenous magnesium sulfate for asthma exacerbations have shown mixed results, and no study has evaluated its effect on mortality in patients with life‐threatening asthma. The objective of this study was to investigate the association between intravenous magnesium sulfate administration and mortality in patients with severe asthma.

Methods

Patients with severe asthma requiring intravenous corticosteroids and oxygenation were selected using the Japanese Diagnosis Procedure Combination inpatient database. One‐to‐one propensity score matching was performed between patients having received or not intravenous magnesium sulfate. Primary outcomes were 7‐, 14‐ and 28‐day mortalities. Secondary outcomes were total dose of intravenous corticosteroids during hospitalization, duration of mechanical ventilation and length of stay.

Results

Among 14 122 eligible patients, 619 received intravenous magnesium sulfate. Propensity score matching created a matched cohort of 599 pairs with and without intravenous magnesium sulfate. There were no significant differences between patients with and without intravenous magnesium sulfate in terms of 28‐day mortality (1.3% vs 1.8%, P = 0.488), median total dose of intravenous corticosteroids (2400 mg vs 2400 mg, P = 0.580), median duration of mechanical ventilation (1 day vs 1 day, P = 0.118) and median length of stay (16 days vs 13 days, P = 0.640).

Conclusion

This study found no significant benefit of intravenous magnesium sulfate use in terms of mortality in patients with severe acute asthma.
COPD is characterized by increased detection of Haemophilus influenzae, Streptococcus pneumoniae and a deficiency of Bacillus species
Authors: Simpson Jodie L. , Baines Katherine J. , Horvat Jay C. , Essilfie Ama‐Tawiah , Brown Alexandra C. , Tooze Melinda , McDonald Vanessa M. , Gibson Peter G. , Hansbro Philip M.
Published: January 2016

Background and objective

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is characterized by progressive airflow limitation and inflammation. Airway bacterial colonization is increased in COPD; however, the role of potentially pathogenic and non‐pathogenic bacteria in the pathogenesis of disease is unclear. This study characterized the presence of bacteria in a well‐characterized cohort of adults with COPD and healthy controls.

Methods

Adults with COPD (n = 70) and healthy controls (n = 51) underwent clinical assessment and sputum induction. Sputum was dispersed, and total and differential cell counts were performed. Bacteria were cultured, identified and enumerated. Supernatants were assessed for neutrophil elastase (NE) and IL‐1β. Common respiratory pathogens were also determined using real‐time PCR.

Results

Participants with COPD had a typical neutrophilic inflammatory profile. The total load of bacteria was increased in COPD and was associated with poorer respiratory health status, as measured by the St George's Respiratory Questionnaire (Spearman's r = 0.336, P = 0.013). Significantly lower levels of culturable Bacillus species were identified compared with healthy controls. PCR analyses revealed increased rates of detection of potentially pathogenic bacteria with Haemophilus influenzae detection associated with higher sputum levels of NE and IL‐1β, while Streptococcus pneumoniae was more common in male ex‐smokers with emphysema and a deficit in diffusion capacity.

Conclusion

Non‐pathogenic and pathogenic bacteria were altered in the sputum of patients with COPD. These observations highlight the potential to identify treatment and management strategies that both target specific bacterial pathogens and restore the microbial balance, which may lead to reductions in inflammation and subsequent improvements in lung health.
Social anxiety and adolescence: Interpretation bias in an Italian Sample
Authors: Giannini Marco , Loscalzo Yura
Published: January 2016

Interpretation bias, namely the tendency to systematically assign a negative meaning to ambiguous social situations, has been extensively studied in adult populations, while in adolescents it has received little attention. We aimed to address this gap by analyzing the three components of interpretation bias (negative interpretations, positive interpretations, belief in negative interpretations) in Italian adolescents aged between 14 and 17, comparing two groups: high (n = 32) and average (n = 33) social anxiety. The participants filled Social Phobia Inventory (SPIN), Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS), and Adolescents’ Interpretation and Belief Questionnaire (AIBQ). We found that the bias is specific to social anxiety (not due to the presence of negative mood) and present only in social situations. Instead, contrary to the hypothesis, Italian adolescents with high social anxiety have both negative bias and absence of the positive bias. Hence, preventive interventions should focus not only on the reduction of negative interpretations. They should also reinforce positive interpretations and target belief in negative interpretations. Based on these considerations, we gave some suggestions to improve the tasks of the Cognitive Bias Modification addressed to adolescents. Finally, belief in negative interpretations and the relationship between negative and positive interpretations in social anxiety deserve further study, both in adolescents and in adults.
Before and after entering school: The development of attention and executive functions from 6 to 8 years in Finnish children
Authors: Poutanen Minna , Berg Salla , Kangas Tuire , Peltomaa Kaisa , Lahti‐Nuuttila Pekka , Hokkanen Laura
Published: January 2016

In this 2‐year prospective follow‐up study we examined typical and atypical development of attention and executive function (AEF) across the transition to school. The NEPSY‐battery was used to evaluate the AEFs of the children before school at 6 years of age. Two subgroups, typical AEF (n = 25) and atypical AEF (n = 25), were formed according to the performance in AEF tasks. Children were assessed again at 8 years, when they were at the 2nd grade. The same subtests of the NEPSY‐battery and the ATTEX behavioral rating completed by a teacher were used. The effects of AEF deficits were compared with and without controlling for IQ. The group effect was significant in four out of the six NEPSY subtests used. The atypical AEF group had problems especially on subtests measuring motor inhibition both at the age of 6 and 8. The group‐time interaction effect was found in the subtest measuring attentional shifting. A catch‐up effect on shifting skills was observed in the atypical AEF group by the age of 8 years. In school at the 2nd grade, the early AEF problems were still observable, and related especially to inattention problems. Our results support the interpretation that inhibitory problems are at the core of executive dysfunction, that the problems are stable from preschool to 2nd grade, and that the effects of early AEF problems go over and beyond intellectual deficits. Our results also support the use of performance based measures of inhibition as an important part of the neuropsychological evaluation for school readiness.
Core self‐evaluations and subjective well‐being in the U.S. and the Philippines: The moderating role of self‐construal
Authors: Rosopa Patrick J. , Datu Jesus Alfonso D. , Robertson Stephen A. , Atkinson Theresa P.
Published: January 2016

Extant literature has shown that the compound personality variable core self‐evaluations (CSE) is associated with various psychological outcomes. However, there is a dearth of research on CSE across cultures. Consistent with self‐construal theory, because there can be differences in self‐construals within and between cultures, the present study examined the moderating role of culture on the relation between CSE and subjective well‐being while also allowing for individual differences in self‐construal in the US and the Philippines. In both countries, CSE positively predicted subjective well‐being. Notably, the association between CSE and subjective well‐being was stronger in the US than in the Philippines. In addition, independent self‐construal strengthened the positive impact of CSE on subjective well‐being especially in the US. Overall, CSE positively predicts subjective well‐being; however, the relationship depends on not only the cultural context, but also on individual differences in self‐construal.
Affect at the different phases of cognitive behavioral therapy: An evaluation of psychotherapy provided by candidates
Authors: Stark Victoria , Hiltunen Arto J.
Published: January 2016

The purpose of this study was to investigate the affect, as measured by “Positive and Negative Affect Schedule” (PANAS), its influence on psychopathology, and to examine the effect of changing affect during cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). The study was carried out at the psychotherapy training center, Karlstad University. The hypothesis was whether clients with mental disorders have a self‐destructive affective personality (low PA and high NA) and healthy individuals have a self‐actualizing personality (high PA and low NA). Thirty‐two healthy participants and 44 clients participated in the study. The clients were asked to fill in the PANAS once throughout CBT, either during evaluation, treatment or finishing phase, accordingly there were three different groups at different therapy phases. The healthy subjects were also asked to fill in the self‐report scale once. The comparison of the three phases of therapy and the four affective personality types showed a significant difference between the phases of therapy and the four affective personality types: totally 16 (of 22) and eight (of nine) clients measured at the evaluation and treatment phases, respectively, had a self‐destructive personality. However, at the end of therapy five (of 13) clients had a self‐actualizing personality characteristics, while only three of them were self‐destructive. Furthermore, the results indicate that affective personality does not seem to be a basic and stable personality trait, which could be altered by therapy. The affections measured by PANAS may be influenced by psychopathology and CBT, when conducted by candidate therapists it can be effective in terms of affect changes.
The association between stress, self‐esteem and depressive symptoms in adolescents
Authors: Moksnes Unni K. , Bradley Eilertsen Mary‐Elizabeth , Lazarewicz Magdalena
Published: January 2016

This cross‐sectional study investigated gender and age differences on domains of stress, self‐esteem and depressive symptoms, as well as the association between those domains using a sample of Norwegian adolescents (N = 1,239). The data was analysed using Pearson product moment correlation, t‐tests, and hierarchical multiple regression analyses. The results showed significant differences between genders. Girls scored higher on five of seven stressor domains comprising peer pressure, home life, school attendance, school/leisure conflict and school performance as well as depression, while boys scored significantly higher on self‐esteem. The hierarchical multiple regression analysis showed that higher stress from school performance and school attendance related significantly to more depressive symptoms in both genders. Additionally, stress of home life significantly related to more depressive symptoms in girls, whereas stress of peer pressure was significant in association with depressive symptoms in boys. A strong, inverse association was found between self‐esteem and depression controlled for stress, especially in girls. Self‐esteem was not found to be a moderator of any stressor‐depression interactions. In conclusion, the results give support for the significant role of stress and self‐esteem on the experience of depressive symptoms in adolescents.