bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tissue‐specific up‐regulation of arginase I and II induced by p38 MAPK mediates endothelial dysfunction in type 1 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Pernow J , Kiss A , Tratsiakovich Y , Climent B
Published: July 2015

Background and Purpose

Emerging evidence suggests a selective up‐regulation of arginase I in diabetes causing coronary artery disease; however, the mechanisms behind this up‐regulation are still unknown. Activated p38 MAPK has been reported to increase arginase II in various cardiovascular diseases. We therefore tested the role of p38 MAPK in the regulation of arginase I and II expression and its effect on endothelial dysfunction in diabetes mellitus.

Experimental Approach

Endothelial function was determined in septal coronary (SCA), left anterior descending coronary (LAD) and mesenteric (MA) arteries from healthy and streptozotocin‐induced diabetic Wistar rats by wire myographs. Arginase activity and protein levels of arginase I, II, phospho‐p38 MAPK and phospho‐endothelial NOS (eNOS) (Ser1177) were determined in these arteries from diabetic and healthy rats treated with a p38 MAPK inhibitor in vivo.

Key Results

Diabetic SCA and MA displayed impaired endothelium‐dependent relaxation, which was prevented by arginase and p38 MAPK inhibition while LAD relaxation was not affected. Arginase I, phospho‐p38 MAPK and eNOS protein expression was increased in diabetic coronary arteries. In diabetic MA, however, increased expression of arginase II and phospho‐p38 MAPK, increased arginase activity and decreased expression of eNOS were observed. All these effects were reversed by p38 MAPK inhibition.

Conclusions and Implications

Diabetes‐induced activation of p38 MAPK causes endothelial dysfunction via selective up‐regulation of arginase I expression in coronary arteries and arginase II expression in MA. Therefore, regional differences appear to exist in the arginase isoforms contributing to endothelial dysfunction in type 1 diabetes mellitus.
Review of null hypothesis significance testing in the ophthalmic literature: are most ‘significant’ P values false positives?
Authors: Sanfilippo Paul G , Casson Robert J , Yazar Seyhan , Mackey David A , Hewitt Alex W
Published: July 2015

P values associated with null hypothesis significance testing (NHST) are almost universal in the ophthalmic literature. A P value < 0.05 is traditionally considered ‘significant’. This concept may deflect further thought about the veracity of the results. P values influence the publishability of the data and have flow‐on effects for funding success and the direction of future research. Despite their importance, the problems inherent in P values have been recognized since their inception, and in more recent years have been increasingly highlighted in some scientific fields. In this review, we aim to bring the problems associated with P values and NHST to the attention of the ophthalmic research community. We do not offer a universal solution to the problem of determining the veracity of a scientific claim; however, we demonstrate the need for caution in interpreting ‘significant’ P values by performing a Bayesian re‐analysis of t‐tests in the ophthalmic literature.
(Epi)genotype–phenotype correlations in Beckwith–Wiedemann syndrome: a paradigm for genomic medicine
Authors: Mussa A. , Russo S. , Larizza L. , Riccio A. , Ferrero G.B.
Published: July 2015

Beckwith–Wiedemann syndrome (BWS) is the commonest overgrowth cancer predisposition disorder and represents a model for human imprinting dysregulation and tumorigenesis.BWSfeatures can variably combine and present a widely variable range of severity in the phenotypic expression. This wide spectrum is paralleled at molecular level by complex (epi)genetic defects on chromosome 11p15.5 leading to disrupted expression of imprinted genes controlling growth and cellular proliferation. In this review, we outline the spectrum of clinical manifestations ofBWSanalyzing their (epi)genotype–phenotype correlations. The differences observed in the phenotypic profiles ofBWSmolecular subtypes allow a composite view of this syndrome with implications on clinical care, diagnosis, follow‐up, and management, and provide directions for future disease monitoring.
Whole‐exome sequencing improves the diagnosis yield in sporadic infantile spasm syndrome
Authors: Dimassi S. , Labalme A. , Ville D. , Calender A. , Mignot C. , Boutry‐Kryza N. , de Bellescize J. , Rivier‐Ringenbach C. , Bourel‐Ponchel E. , Cheillan D. , Simonet T. , Maincent K. , Rossi M. , Till M. , Mougou‐Zerelli S. , Edery P. , Saad A. , Heron D. , des Portes V. , Sanlaville D. , Lesca G.
Published: July 2015

Infantile spasms syndrome (ISs) is characterized by clinical spasms with ictal electrodecrement, usually occurring before the age of 1 year and frequently associated with cognitive impairment. Etiology is widely heterogeneous, the cause remaining elusive in 40% of patients. We searched for de novo mutations in 10 probands with ISs and their parents using whole‐exome sequencing (WES). Patients had neither consanguinity nor family history of epilepsy. Common causes of ISs were excluded by brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), metabolic screening, array‐comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) and testing for mutations in CDKL5, STXBP1, and for ARX duplications. We found a probably pathogenic mutation in four patients. Missense mutations in SCN2A (p.Leu1342Pro) and KCNQ2 (p.Ala306Thr) were found in two patients with no history of epilepsy before the onset of ISs. The p.Asn107Ser missense mutation of ALG13 had been previously reported in four females with ISs. The fourth mutation was an in‐frame deletion (p.Phe110del) in NR2F1, a gene whose mutations cause intellectual disability, epilepsy, and optic atrophy. In addition, we found a possibly pathogenic variant in KIF3C that encodes a kinesin expressed during neural development. Our results confirm that WES improves significantly the diagnosis yield in patients with sporadic ISs.
SLC1A4 mutations cause a novel disorder of intellectual disability, progressive microcephaly, spasticity and thin corpus callosum
Authors: Heimer G. , Marek‐Yagel D. , Eyal E. , Barel O. , Oz Levi D. , Hoffmann C. , Ruzzo E.K. , Ganelin‐Cohen E. , Lancet D. , Pras E. , Rechavi G. , Nissenkorn A. , Anikster Y. , Goldstein D.B. , Ben Zeev B.
Published: July 2015

Two unrelated patients, presenting with significant global developmental delay, severe progressive microcephaly, seizures, spasticity and thin corpus callosum (CC) underwent trio whole‐exome sequencing. No candidate variant was found in any known genes related to the phenotype. However, crossing the data of the patients illustrated that they both manifested pathogenic variants in the SLC1A4 gene which codes the ASCT1 transporter of serine and other neutral amino acids. The Ashkenazi patient is homozygous for a deleterious missense c.766G>A, p.(E256K) mutation whereas the Ashkenazi‐Iraqi patient is compound heterozygous for this mutation and a nonsense c.945delTT, p.(Leu315Hisfs*42) mutation. Structural prediction demonstrates truncation of significant portion of the protein by the nonsense mutation and speculates functional disruption by the missense mutation. Both mutations are extremely rare in general population databases, however, the missense mutation was found in heterozygous mode in 1:100 Jewish Ashkenazi controls suggesting a higher carrier rate among Ashkenazi Jews. We conclude that SLC1A4 is the disease causing gene of a novel neurologic disorder manifesting with significant intellectual disability, severe postnatal microcephaly, spasticity and thin CC. The role of SLC1A4 in the serine transport from astrocytes to neurons suggests a possible pathomechanism for this disease and implies a potential therapeutic approach.
Register Efficient Dynamic Memory Allocator for GPUs
Authors: Vinkler M. , Havran V.
Published: July 2015

We compare five existing dynamic memory allocators optimized for GPUs and show their strengths and weaknesses. In the measurements, we use three generic evaluation tests proposed in the past and we add one with a real workload, where dynamic memory allocation is used in building the k‐d tree data structure. Following the performance analysis we propose a new dynamic memory allocator and its variants that address the limitations of the existing dynamic memory allocators. The new dynamic memory allocator uses few resources and is targeted towards large and variably sized memory allocations on massively parallel hardware architectures.
Tobacco smoking and hand eczema – is there an association?
Authors: Sørensen Jennifer A. , Clemmensen Kim K. , Nixon Rosemary L. , Diepgen Thomas L. , Agner Tove
Published: July 2015

Background

Numerous risk factors have been suggested for hand eczema. This systematic review evaluates the association between tobacco smoking and hand eczema.

Objective

To review the literature systematically on the association between smoking and hand eczema.

Methods

The PubMed and EMBASE databases were searched up to 27 January 2015 for articles on the association between tobacco smoking and hand eczema, including human studies in English and German only. Experimental studies, studies on tobacco allergy, case reports, reviews and studies on second‐hand smoking were excluded.

Results

Twenty articles were included. Among studies in occupational settings, three of seven found a statistically significant positive association between tobacco smoking and hand eczema prevalence rate, as did four of eight population‐based studies. The association was stronger for studies in occupational settings than for population‐based studies. No studies reported tobacco to be a clear protective factor for hand eczema. Two of five studies regarding severity found a positive association between smoking and hand eczema severity.

Conclusion

Overall, the data indicate that smoking may cause an increased frequency of hand eczema, particularly in high‐risk occupations. However, data from studies controlling for other risk factors are conflicting, and few prospective studies are available. Studies controlling for other risk factors are needed, and information regarding the diagnosis of subclasses of hand eczema, as well as severity, may be important.
Blood flow occlusion pressure at rest and immediately after a bout of low load exercise
Authors: Barnett Brian E. , Dankel Scott J. , Counts Brittany R. , Nooe Allison L. , Abe Takashi , Loenneke Jeremy P.
Published: July 2015

The purpose of this study was to determine whether arm circumference is predictive of arterial occlusion in the standing position and to determine the change in pressure before and immediately after exercise. Thirty‐one participants had their arm circumference, blood pressure and standing arterial occlusion determined before exercise. Participants then completed elbow flexions at 40% of resting arterial occlusion at 30% of their one repetition maximum (1RM). The goal repetitions for the exercise included one set of 30 repetitions followed by 3 sets of 15, with 30s rest between sets. Immediately following the last set, postexercise arterial occlusion was determined. Two different models of hierarchical linear regression were used to determine the greatest predictor of standing arterial occlusion. Our final model explained 69% of the variance in arterial occlusion with arm circumference (β = 0·639, part = 0·568) explaining more than brachial systolic blood pressure (β = 0·312, part = 0·277). Standing arterial occlusion increased from pre‐ [138 (15) mmHg] to post‐ [169 (20) mmHg] exercise (P<0·001). In conclusion, the cardiovascular response to blood flow restriction (BFR) in the upper arm following 4 sets of elbow flexion exercise decreases the relative arterial occlusion pressure. In addition, we confirm previous data that circumference explains the most unique variance in arterial occlusion pressure in the upper body. These findings are important as they provide additional insight into making the pressure more uniform between participants throughout exercise.
Horses, saddles and riders: Applying the science
Authors: Clayton H. M. , Dyson S. , Harris P. , Bondi A.
Published: July 2015

An enthusiastic crowd of 400 people gathered at Anglia Ruskin University in Cambridge, UK on 29 November 2014 for the second International Saddle Research Trust Conference on the theme of Horses, Saddles and Riders: Applying the Science. The conference was organised under the auspices of the Saddle Research Trust (SRT) which is a charitable organisation based in the UK established with the intention of stimulating and supporting research into the influence of saddles on the welfare, performance and safety of horses and riders using objective scientific methods. The SRT aims to provide a coordinated, focused approach to research in these areas, to facilitate publication of the findings in scientific journals and dissemination of the results to the equestrian world. This approach allows the SRT to act as a link between research, education and the industry. The trust supports research into all aspects of the interaction between the horse, saddle and rider. Areas of specific recent interest include studying welfare, performance and safety issues related to the use of a saddle, the role of the saddle in equine and human back problems, characterising behavioural issues of horses associated with saddle‐related discomfort, assessing the effects of saddle design on rider performance and health and designing saddles for disabled riders. Further information about the SRT is available on the website www.saddleresearchtrust.com. Sponsors of the conference were World Horse Welfare, a practical and forward‐thinking charity that believes in using scientific evidence to help guide its work, Amerigo saddlers, a company that advocates research as a basis for improving product design, the British Equestrian Federation (BEF) and Horse and Hound.
Non‐local high cycle fatigue strength criterion for metallic materials with corrosion defects
Authors: El May Mohamed , Saintier Nicolas , Palin‐Luc Thierry , Devos Olivier
Published: July 2015

This paper proposes a volumetric high cycle fatigue (HCF) strength criterion able to quantify the influence of natural corrosion pits on the fatigue limit of a martensitic stainless steel with high mechanical strength. Elastic–plastic numerical simulations were performed for real pits geometry, identified by X‐ray microtomography, to determine the local stress distribution. The analysis revealed that calculation of the fatigue strength for material with real (irregular) pit geometry required a non‐local HCF strength criterion. Such model was proposed based on the Crossland equivalent stress averaged within a volume limited by a critical distance. This criterion was validated with HCF tests on specimens with natural corrosion defects of different sizes.
Thermal niche predicts tolerance to habitat conversion in tropical amphibians and reptiles
Authors: Frishkoff Luke O. , Hadly Elizabeth A. , Daily Gretchen C.
Published: July 2015

Habitat conversion is a major driver of the biodiversity crisis, yet why some species undergo local extinction while others thrive under novel conditions remains unclear. We suggest that focusing on species' niches, rather than traits, may provide the predictive power needed to forecast biodiversity change. We first examine two Neotropical frog congeners with drastically different affinities to deforestation and document how thermal niche explains deforestation tolerance. The more deforestation‐tolerant species is associated with warmer macroclimates across Costa Rica, and warmer microclimates within landscapes. Further, in laboratory experiments, the more deforestation‐tolerant species has critical thermal limits, and a jumping performance optimum, shifted ~2 °C warmer than those of the more forest‐affiliated species, corresponding to the ~3 °C difference in daytime maximum temperature that these species experience between habitats. Crucially, neither species strictly specializes on either habitat – instead habitat use is governed by regional environmental temperature. Both species track temperature along an elevational gradient, and shift their habitat use from cooler forest at lower elevations to warmer deforested pastures upslope. To generalize these conclusions, we expand our analysis to the entire mid‐elevational herpetological community of southern Costa Rica. We assess the climatological affinities of 33 amphibian and reptile species, showing that across both taxonomic classes, thermal niche predicts presence in deforested habitat as well as or better than many commonly used traits. These data suggest that warm‐adapted species carry a significant survival advantage amidst the synergistic impacts of land‐use conversion and climate change.
Sun‐induced fluorescence – a new probe of photosynthesis: First maps from the imaging spectrometer HyPlant
Authors: Rascher U. , Alonso L. , Burkart A. , Cilia C. , Cogliati S. , Colombo R. , Damm A. , Drusch M. , Guanter L. , Hanus J. , Hyvärinen T. , Julitta T. , Jussila J. , Kataja K. , Kokkalis P. , Kraft S. , Kraska T. , Matveeva M. , Moreno J. , Muller O. , Panigada C. , Pikl M. , Pinto F. , Prey L. , Pude R. , Rossini M. , Schickling A. , Schurr U. , Schüttemeyer D. , Verrelst J. , Zemek F.
Published: July 2015

Variations in photosynthesis still cause substantial uncertainties in predicting photosynthetic CO2 uptake rates and monitoring plant stress. Changes in actual photosynthesis that are not related to greenness of vegetation are difficult to measure by reflectance based optical remote sensing techniques. Several activities are underway to evaluate the sun‐induced fluorescence signal on the ground and on a coarse spatial scale using space‐borne imaging spectrometers. Intermediate‐scale observations using airborne‐based imaging spectroscopy, which are critical to bridge the existing gap between small‐scale field studies and global observations, are still insufficient. Here we present the first validated maps of sun‐induced fluorescence in that critical, intermediate spatial resolution, employing the novel airborne imaging spectrometer HyPlant. HyPlant has an unprecedented spectral resolution, which allows for the first time quantifying sun‐induced fluorescence fluxes in physical units according to the Fraunhofer Line Depth Principle that exploits solar and atmospheric absorption bands. Maps of sun‐induced fluorescence show a large spatial variability between different vegetation types, which complement classical remote sensing approaches. Different crop types largely differ in emitting fluorescence that additionally changes within the seasonal cycle and thus may be related to the seasonal activation and deactivation of the photosynthetic machinery. We argue that sun‐induced fluorescence emission is related to two processes: (i) the total absorbed radiation by photosynthetically active chlorophyll; and (ii) the functional status of actual photosynthesis and vegetation stress.
Macroecological factors explain large‐scale spatial population patterns of ancient agriculturalists
Authors: Xu Chi , Chen Bin J. W. , Abades Sebastián , Reino Luís , Teng Shuqing , Ljungqvist Fredrik Charpentier , Huang Zheng Y. X. , Liu Maosong
Published: July 2015

Aim

It has been well demonstrated that the large‐scale distribution patterns of numerous species are driven by similar macroecological factors. However, understanding of this topic remains limited when applied to our own species. Here we take a large‐scale look at ancient agriculturalist populations over the past two millennia. The main aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that the patterns of agriculturalist populations were shaped by relevant macroecological factors.

Location

China.

Methods

Using detailed historical census data, we reconstructed spatial patterns of human population density over 13 imperial dynasties in ancient China, which was dominated by agrarian societies. We used simultaneous autoregressive models to examine the population densities of agriculturalists in relation to climatic, topographic, edaphic and hydrological variables, together with the spatial structure of a concentration of population toward national capitals. The pure and shared effects of these variables and the population‐concentration structure were decomposed using a variation partitioning procedure.

Results

Spatial population patterns of ancient agriculturalists can be well modelled by climate, topography, soil properties and local hydrological systems. A plausible explanation is that by influencing crop yield these environmental factors essentially drive the distribution of agriculturalists. The population‐concentration structure can also explain agriculturalist patterns to a considerable extent. This structure and those environmental factors have largely shared effects in simultaneously shaping these agriculturalist patterns.

Main conclusions

While humans can effectively temper environmental constraints at small spatial scales, our results demonstrate that macroecological factors underpin the spatial patterns of humans at large scales. Macroecological constraints and their relative importance are found to be similar for humans and other species, suggesting that similar mechanisms are likely to underlie these macroecological patterns. Our findings have potential implications for the assessment of future responses of humans to global environmental changes.
Tobacco, Nicotine, and Headache
Authors: Taylor Frederick R.
Published: July 2015

Background

Migraineurs variably attribute the cause of their headache to tobacco exposure, whereas tobacco is often stated to cause headache‐related disability worldwide. Given tobacco's physiological and emotional addictiveness and migraine's substantial economic impact, improved functionality can be difficult for those with migraine exposed to tobacco products. Environmental tobacco exposure in indoor spaces and workplaces is associated with exacerbation of headache. Avoidance of headache triggers is included in most comprehensive migraine treatment programs, yet tobacco awareness, avoidance, or coping is rarely emphasized as part of that regimen.

Objective

The aims of this study were to examine the various types of tobacco products to which headache sufferers are exposed and the known basic mechanisms by which tobacco (nicotine) exposure promotes headache pain, and to review the extensive literature on tobacco related to headache with a detailed descriptive narrative providing the basis for conclusions regarding association of noncluster headache‐related tobacco exposure. Tobacco‐related recommendations are offered.

Methods

MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Google Scholar databases were searched without yearly restriction through the date of submission (May 2015), using the MeSH terms “tobacco,” “tobacco products,” “smoking,” “tobacco use,” “headache,” and “headache disorders.” The selection of articles was not limited to English studies or to humans. Articles were excluded when “headache” and “tobacco” were not both mentioned with data provided. Case series were included. Bibliographies of all articles were screened for additional relevant articles.

Results

Although migraineurs worldwide report tobacco smoke among triggers, it is rarely among the highest in frequency, and biases abound with predominantly noncontrolled retrospective data. Prospective population‐based diary data are extremely limited, and no controlled trials exist to confirm a cause and effect for headache of any type. Although some studies are nonsupportive and even conflicting, headache, pain, and tobacco exposure currently remain associated.

Conclusion

Conflicting data support the validity of patient‐reported environmental tobacco exposure as a headache trigger. Prospective controlled studies are needed, but unlikely to be performed, to determine the extent that tobacco influences the headache process, in addition to other under‐recognizedfactors. Meanwhile, because of numerous other negative health effects, decreased tobacco exposure should be recommended to headache patients of all ages in hopes of decreasing disability and improving functionality.
First case report of staghorn calculi successfully removed by mini‐endoscopic combined intrarenal surgery in a 2‐year‐old boy
Authors: Taguchi Kazumi , Hamamoto Shuzo , Okada Atsushi , Mizuno Kentaro , Tozawa Keiichi , Hayashi Yutaro , Kohri Kenjiro , Yasui Takahiro
Published: July 2015

Less‐invasive therapy for pediatric urolithiasis is available due to the miniaturization of equipment and improved optics; however, surgical treatment strategies, especially for large calculi, remain controversial. We describe here our experience of treating a 2‐year‐old boy with left renal staghorn calculi with a single session of mini‐endoscopic combined intrarenal surgery in the prone split‐leg position with pre‐ureteral stenting and the directional enhanced flow imaging ultrasound technique. This is the first report of successful pediatric mini‐endoscopic combined intrarenal surgery without any major complications. We believe this technique provides an important therapeutic option for large renal calculus in pediatric patients.
Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry Bias on Isotope Ratios in Dolomite–Ankerite, Part I: δ18O Matrix Effects
Authors: Śliwiński Maciej G. , Kitajima Kouki , Kozdon Reinhard , Spicuzza Michael J. , Fournelle John H. , Denny Adam , Valley John W.
Published: July 2015

We document the development of a suite of carbonate mineral reference materials for calibrating SIMS determinations of δ18O in samples with compositions along the dolomite–ankerite solid solution series [CaMg(CO3)2–CaFe(CO3)2]. Under routine operating conditions for the analysis of carbonates for δ18O with a CAMECA IMS 1280 instrument (at WiscSIMS, University of Wisconsin‐Madison), the magnitude of instrumental bias along the dolomite–ankerite series decreased exponentially by ~ 10‰ with increasing Fe content in the dolomite structure, but appeared insensitive to minor Mn substitution [< 2.6 mol% Mn/(Ca+Mg+Fe+Mn)]. The compositional dependence of bias (i.e., the sample matrix effect) was calibrated using the Hill equation, which relates bias to the Fe# of dolomite–ankerite [i.e., molar Fe/(Mg+Fe)] for thirteen reference materials (Fe# = 0.004–0.789); for calibrations employing either 10 or 3 μm diameter spot size measurements, this yielded residual values ≤ 0.3–0.4‰ relative to CRM NBS 19 for most reference materials in the suite. Analytical precision was ± 0.3‰ (2s, standard deviations) for 10‐μm spots and ± 0.7‰ (2s) for 3‐μm spots, based on the spot‐to‐spot repeatability of a drift monitor material that ‘bracketed’ each set of ten sample‐spot analyses. Analytical uncertainty for individual sample analyses was approximated by a combination of precision and calibration residual values (propagated in quadrature), suggesting an uncertainty of ± 0.5‰ (2s) for 10‐μm spots and ± 1‰ (2s) for 3‐μm spots.
Genetics of cardiovascular and renal complications in diabetes
Authors: Ma Ronald CW
Published: July 2015

The development of debilitating complications represents a major heathcare burden associated with the treatment of diabetes. Despite advances in new therapies for controlling hyperglycemia, the burden associated with diabetic complications remains high, especially in relation to cardiovascular and renal complications. Furthermore, an increasing proportion of patients develop type 2 diabetes at a younger age, putting them at higher risk of developing complications as a result of the increased exposure to hyperglycemia. Diabetes has become the main contributing cause to end‐stage renal disease in most countries. Although there has been important breakthroughs in our understanding of the genetics of type 1 and type 2 diabetes, bringing important insights towards the pathogenesis of diabetes, there has been comparatively less progress in our understanding of the genetic basis of diabetic complications. Genome‐wide association studies are beginning to expand our understanding of the genetic architecture relating to diabetic complications. Improved understanding of the genetic basis of diabetic cardiorenal complications might provide an opportunity for improved risk prediction, as well as the development of new therapies.
Effect of Avishane Shirazi (Zataria Multiflora) and Clove (Syzygium Aromaticum) Essential Oils on Microbiological, Chemical and Sensory Properties of Ground Sheep Meat During Refrigerated Storage
Authors: Aliakbarlu Javad , Khalili Sadaghiani Surur
Published: July 2015

The objectives of this study were to examine the efficacy of Avishane shirazi (AEO) and clove (CEO) essential oils in controlling the microbial growth as well as in inhibiting the lipid oxidation and metmyoglobin (MetMb) formation in ground sheep meat during refrigerated storage. Total mesophilic counts (TMC), lactic acid bacteria (LAB) counts, coliform counts, yeast counts and Listeria counts were determined. Thiobarbituric acid (TBA) values, MetMb and sensory attributes (color, odor and overall acceptability) were also evaluated. The greatest effect of AEO was found in controlling the growth of LAB (1.2–3.4 log cycles) and coliforms (1–2.5 log cycles). The inhibitory effects of oils on TMC and yeast counts were minor, while both oils had strong and similar inhibitory effects on the Listeria populations. AEO significantly retarded lipid oxidation and inhibited MetMb formation. AEO and CEO had a noticeable effect on odor and color attributes of ground sheep meat, respectively. Both oils, particularly AEO, could help control the microbial growth and inhibit chemical changes in ground sheep meat during refrigerated storage.

Practical Applications

Sheep meat is widely consumed in Iran and other Middle East countries. It is one of the major items providing protein in Iranian diet. There are several strategies to preserve meat and meat products. One of the most popular approaches for meat preservation is adding essential oils (EOs) to meat and meat products. The results of the present study showed that the EOs of Avishane shirazi and clove inhibited spoilage flora and retarded lipid oxidation in ground sheep meat. Then, both EOs can be considered as effective natural preservatives for sheep meat.
Metabolic Burden and Disease and Mortality Risk Associated with Impaired Fasting Glucose in Elderly Adults
Authors: Samaras Katherine , Crawford John , Lutgers Helen L. , Campbell Lesley V. , Baune Bernhard T. , Lux Ora , Brodaty Henry , Trollor Julian N. , Sachdev Perminder
Published: July 2015

Objectives

To examine whether impaired fasting glucose (IFG) represents an intermediary condition between normal fasting glucose and diabetes mellitus and, specifically, whether elderly adults with IFG have higher disease burden, cardiovascular risk, and systemic inflammation and higher 2‐year mortality and incident disease.

Design

Prospective observational study.

Setting

Population‐derived cohort.

Participants

Individuals with a mean age of 78.6 ± 4.7 (N = 945).

Measurements

Disease was ascertained using a standardized questionnaire at baseline and 2 years. Fasting metabolic, inflammatory, and oxidative metabolism markers were measured. Disease prevalence, cardiovascular risk, and biochemical markers were compared to determine disease burden and metabolic disturbances in IFG. Adjusted odds ratios (ORs) for 2‐year all‐cause mortality and incident disease were determined.

Results

IFG prevalence was 41%. Individuals with IFG had higher baseline rates of heart disease than those with normal fasting glucose (NFG), similar to that in individuals with diabetes mellitus. IFG was characterized by higher inflammatory markers and oxidative metabolism end products and was an intermediary between NFG and diabetes mellitus for triglycerides and malondialdehyde. Discriminant analysis showed that IFG was independently associated with stroke and higher triglycerides and oxidative stress. Two‐year all‐cause mortality was 3.9%. The 2‐year adjusted ORs for all‐cause mortality, incident cardiac disease, stroke, and cancer were similar between IFG and NFG, using both American Diabetes Association and World Health Organization IFG criteria. IFG did not predict secondary cardiac events, stroke, or cancer.

Conclusion

IFG was an intermediary condition for heart disease, inflammation, and oxidative stress in elderly adults but not for 2‐year incident disease or all‐cause mortality. Longer‐term prospective studies are needed to clarify whether IFG in elderly adults portends greater morbidity and mortality.
Mental Health Care Delivered to Younger and Older Adults by Office‐Based Physicians Nationally
Authors: Maust Donovan T. , Kales Helen C. , Blow Frederic C.
Published: July 2015

Objectives

To compare the provision of mental health care to older adults with that provided to younger adults.

Design

Analysis of the National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey.

Setting

Visits to office‐based physicians in the United States, 2007 to 2010 (n = 100,661 visits).

Participants

Individuals with an outpatient visit resulting in a mental health diagnosis or treatment, defined as a visit resulting in a mental disorder diagnosis, at which a psychotropic medication was prescribed, to a psychiatrist, or including psychotherapy.

Measurements

The number of each type of mental healthcare visit was estimated according to participant age (21 to 64, ≥65), along with the percentage this represented of all office‐based care and the annual visit rate per 100 population. Within each visit type, age groups were compared according to clinical and demographic characteristics such as sex, diagnosed mental illness, and use of psychotropic agents.

Results

Older adults had a smaller proportion than younger adults of visits with a mental disorder diagnosis (4.8% vs 9.5%, chi‐square = 228.21, P < .001), to a psychiatrist (0.9% vs 4.0%, chi‐square = 233.76, P < .001), and including psychotherapy (0.6% vs 2.3%, chi‐square = 57.65, P < .001). The percentage of older adult psychotropic visits was slightly smaller than of younger adult visits (18.1% vs 19.2%, chi‐square = 5.33, P = .02). Older adults had a higher rate of psychotropic visits (121.4 per 100 population) than younger adults (56.8 per 100 population).

Conclusion

Less care of older adults is from psychiatrists or incorporates psychotherapy. Older adults have a far higher rate of psychotropic use than younger adults on a per‐population basis. Addressing the mental healthcare needs of older adults will require care in nonspecialty settings.
Driving Errors in Persons with Dementia
Authors: Barco Peggy P. , Baum Carolyn M. , Ott Brian R. , Ice Steven , Johnson Ann , Wallendorf Michael , Carr David B.
Published: July 2015

Objectives

To differentiate driving errors in persons with dementia who fail a performance‐ based road test from errors in persons who pass.

Design

Cross‐sectional.

Setting

Community.

Participants

Active drivers diagnosed with dementia (n = 60) and older adult controls (n = 32).

Measurement

All participants completed a standardized clinical and on‐road driving assessment. The outcome variable was the number and types of driving errors according to the Record of Driving Errors (RODE), a standardized tool to record driving errors.

Results

Sixty‐two percent (n = 37) of individuals with dementia and 3% (n = 1) of controls failed the road test. Based on the RODE, individuals with dementia made twice as many driving errors as healthy controls. Within the dementia sample, individuals who failed the road test had more difficulties driving straight and making left and right turns than during lane changes. Dangerous actions occurred most often while driving straight and making left turns. Specific driving behaviors associated with road test failure in the sample with dementia included difficulties in lane positioning and usage, stopping the vehicle appropriately, attention, decision‐making, and following rules of the road. Informants of participants with dementia who failed the road test reported more impairment with cognitive functioning on the Assessing Dementia 8 Screening Interview (AD8).

Conclusion

This report highlights the driving errors most common in people with dementia who fail a road test. The finding that most of the dangerous actions in the sample with dementia occurred while driving straight condition is novel. Driving on straight roads has not been considered a condition of “high challenge” in prior driving studies in individuals with dementia. This finding has potential implications for future interventions related to vehicle instrumentation and driving recommendations for people with dementia.
Voice Changes in Elderly Adults: Prevalence and the Effect of Social, Behavioral, and Health Status on Voice Quality
Authors: Ryu Chang Hwan , Han Seungbong , Lee Moo‐Song , Kim Sang Yoon , Nam Soon Yuhl , Roh Jong‐Lyel , Ryu Junsun , Jung Yuh‐S , Choi Seung‐Ho
Published: July 2015

Objectives

To estimate the prevalence of dysphonia and the effect of several risk factors on vocal quality in a representative population of older adults.

Design

Cross‐sectional.

Setting

Korea.

Participants

Individuals aged 65 and older who underwent laryngoscopy from 2008 to 2010 (N = 3,759).

Measurements

The prevalence of dysphonia and the effect of potential risk factors on voice quality in elderly adults were measured.

Results

The mean age of participants was 72.4. The prevalence of dysphonia was 8.5% (95% confidence interval (CI) = 7.4–9.8). There was no significant difference in prevalence according to age. Multivariable analysis after adjusting for age, sex, vocal fold disease, and all variables that were identified in the univariate analysis revealed that urban residence (odds ratio (OR) = 1.83, 95% CI = 1.11–3.04), underweight (OR = 2.79, 95% CI = 1.45–5.38) or normal weight (OR = 1.63, 95% CI = 1.03–2.59), poor (OR = 2.00, 95% CI = 1.19–3.34) or intermediate (OR = 2.08, 95% CI = 1.15–3.78) subjective health status, asthma (OR = 2.08, 95% CI = 1.12–3.86), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (OR = 2.49, 95% CI = 1.10–5.62), thyroid disease (OR = 3.08, 95% CI = 1.50–6.34), and vocal fold disease (OR = 3.72, 95% CI = 2.16–6.42) were independently associated with dysphonia in elderly adults.

Conclusion

This study provides valuable information regarding the prevalence of dysphonia and the risk factors that contribute to vocal quality in older adults. These factors are mostly associated with social, behavioral, and underlying health status variables. Multidisciplinary treatment should be considered to improve voice conditions in elderly adults.
Revealing local variations in nanoparticle size distributions in supported catalysts: a generic TEM specimen preparation method
Authors: PINGEL TORBEN , SKOGLUNDH MAGNUS , GRÖNBECK HENRIK , OLSSON EVA
Published: July 2015

The specimen preparation method is crucial for how much information can be gained from transmission electron microscopy (TEM) studies of supported nanoparticle catalysts. The aim of this work is to develop a method that allows for observation of size and location of nanoparticles deposited on a porous oxide support material. A bimetallic Pt‐Pd/Al2O3catalyst in powder form was embedded in acrylic resin and lift‐out specimens were extracted using combined focused ion beam/scanning electron microscopy (FIB/SEM). These specimens allow for a cross‐section view across individual oxide support particles, including the unaltered near surface region of these particles. A site‐dependent size distribution of Pt‐Pd nanoparticles was revealed along the radial direction of the support particles by scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) imaging. The developed specimen preparation method enables obtaining information about the spatial distribution of nanoparticles in complex support structures which commonly is a challenge in heterogeneous catalysis.
Impact of Early Invasive Approach on Outcomes of Patients With Acute Coronary Syndrome and Baseline Anemia: Analysis From the ACSIS Registry
Authors: Sudarsky Doron , Sudarsky Merav , Matezky Shlomi , Goldenberg Ilan , Farcas Ateret , Nikolsky Eugenia ,   for the ACSIS Investigators
Published: July 2015

Background

Anemia in patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACS) is strongly related to the increased risk of bleeding and mortality. Whether benefit of early invasive strategy exceeds the risk of bleeding in these patients is unknown.

Aim

To assess impact of early coronary angiography on outcomes of patients with ACS and baseline anemia.

Methods and Results

Biennial Israeli ACS registry (ACSIS) prospectively collects data from all 26 public hospitals. The endpoints included rates of in‐hospital major bleeding, as well as 30‐day and 1‐year mortality. Anemia at baseline was present in 1,464 of 5,600 patients with ACS (26.1%). Coronary angiography within index hospitalization was performed less frequently in patients with anemia (76.6% vs. 90.8%, P < 0.001). Non‐performance of coronary angiography was associated with older age and higher prevalence of comorbidities. Among patients with anemia who underwent coronary angiography, the majority (95.5%) had obstructive coronary disease, of whom 77.8% were triaged to revascularization. Performance of coronary angiography was associated with significantly lower (P < 0.0001) rates of mortality at 30 days (5.7% vs. 15.6%) and at 1 year (11.9% vs. 34.1%). Major bleeding occurred with similar incidence in groups with and without coronary angiography (3.1% vs. 3.8%, respectively; P = 0.54). By multivariable analysis, performance of coronary angiography was an independent predictor of lower 1‐year mortality (hazard ratio [95%CI] = 0.30 [0.21, 0.44].

Conclusion

In the setting of ACS, despite the presence of baseline anemia, early coronary angiography with subsequent revascularization, when indicated, was associated with improved clinical outcomes including 1‐year mortality without significant increase in rates of major bleeding.
CD4+CD56+ natural killer T‐like cells secreting interferon‐γ are associated with incident coronary events
Authors: Björkbacka H. , Berg K. E. , Manjer J. , Engelbertsen D. , Wigren M. , Ljungcrantz I. , Andersson L. , Hedblad B. , Fredrikson G. N. , Nilsson J.
Published: July 2015

Background

CD3+CD56+ natural killer T (NKT)‐like cells are a subset of T cells characterized by expression of NK receptors and potent antitumour activity. It has also been suggested that they have a role in autoimmune disease, and levels of NKT‐like cells are elevated in patients with coronary disease.

Objectives

To investigate whether high levels of CD3+CD56+ NKT‐like cells are associated with an increased incidence of cardiovascular disease and a lower incidence of cancer.

Methods

This was a prospective study including 700 subjects participating in the baseline investigation of the Malmö Diet and Cancer study between 1991 and 1994. Leucocytes obtained at the baseline investigation and stored at −140 °C were thawed and CD3+CD56+ cells analysed by flow cytometry. The incidence rates of cancer and coronary events during a mean follow‐up of 15 years were determined through national registers.

Results

Subjects in the lowest tertile of interferon (IFN)‐γ‐expressing CD4+CD56+ cells were found to have an increased risk of incidence of coronary events (log‐rank test: P < 0.05). This association remained significant after controlling for age, sex, smoking, body mass index, hypertension, diabetes and the Th1/Th2 and Th1/Treg cell ratios in a Cox proportional hazards regression model (hazard ratio 1.98, 95% confidence interval 1.24–3.16), but not when the LDL/HDL ratio was included in the model. There were no associations between CD3+CD56+ NKT‐like cells and incident cancer.

Conclusions

The present results could not confirm the hypothesis that low levels of CD3+CD56+ NKT‐like cells are associated with a higher incidence of cancer and a lower incidence of cardiovascular disease. However, we found that low levels of IFN‐γ‐expressing CD3+CD4+CD56+ NKT‐like cells were associated with an increased incidence of coronary events and that this association may be dependent on lipoproteins.
Does altering the occlusal vertical dimension produce temporomandibular disorders? A literature review
Authors: Moreno‐Hay I. , Okeson J. P.
Published: July 2015

The purpose of this review was to present a comprehensive review of the scientific evidence available in the literature regarding the effect of altering the occlusal vertical dimens‐ion (OVD) on producing temporomandibular disorders. The authors conducted a PubMed search with the following search terms ‘temporoman‐dibular disorders’, ‘occlusal vertical dimension’, ‘stomatognatic system’, ‘masticatory muscles’ and ‘skeletal muscle’. Bibliographies of all retrieved articles were consulted for additional publications. Hand‐searched publications from 1938 were included. The literature review revealed a lack of well‐designed studies. Traditional beliefs have been based on case reports and anecdotal opinions rather than on well‐controlled clinical trials. The available evidence is weak and seems to indicate that the stomatognathic system has the ability to adapt rapidly to moderate changes in occlusal vertical dimension (OVD). Nevertheless, it should be taken into consideration that in some patients mild transient symptoms may occur, but they are most often self‐limiting and without major consequence. In conclusion, there is no indication that permanent alteration in the OVD will produce long‐lasting TMD symptoms. However, additional studies are needed.
The Earlier, the Worse? Age of Onset of Sexual Interest in Children
Authors: Tozdan Safiye , Briken Peer
Published: July 2015

Aim

Investigating the variability of the age of onset (AOO) of sexual interest in children (SIC) and the interrelations of important measures in individuals having a SIC, especially the role of the AOO.

Methods

A sample of 75 individuals from different contexts having a SIC was examined within an online survey. We explored the relations between AOO and other characteristics of the sample using correlation coefficients. The main outcome measures were self-reported AOO of the SIC, its exclusiveness, its flexibility over time, participants' motivation to change it, and their self-efficacy for modifying it.

Results

Results displayed that the AOO ranges from 6 to 44, and has a mean value of 17 and a median of 15 years. AOO correlates only with the flexibility, indicating that the earlier participants recognized their SIC, the less change they have experienced over time.

Conclusion

AOO of SIC may be broadly distributed and related to its flexibility. Further studies should clarify the relevance of these preliminary results and their possible implications for clinical practice.