bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Skeletal Muscle Mass and Muscle Strength in Relation to Lower‐Extremity Performance in Older Men and Women
Authors: Visser Marjolein , Deeg Dorly J.H. , Lips Paul , Harris Tamara B. , Bouter Lex M.
Published: April 2015

OBJECTIVE: Low muscle strength is associated with poorer physical function, but limited empirical evidence is available to prove the relationship between muscle mass and physical function. We tested the hypothesis that persons with lower muscle mass or muscle strength have poorer lower‐extremity performance (LEP).

DESIGN: A cross‐sectional, population‐based study.

PARTICIPANTS: A cohort of 449 men and women aged 65 years and older living in Amsterdam and its surroundings participating in the second examination (1995–1996) of the Longitudinal Aging Study Amsterdam.

MEASUREMENTS: Leg skeletal muscle mass was measured using dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DXA). Grip strength was used as an indicator of muscle strength. Timed functional performance tests, including walking and repeated chair stands, were used to assess LEP.

RESULTS: After adjustment for body height and age, leg muscle mass was positively associated with LEP in men (regression coefficient 0.178 [95% confidence interval 0.013–0.343], P = .035). In women an inverse association was observed, which became positive after additional adjustment for body mass index (BMI) (0.202 [−0.001–0.405], P = .052). Grip strength was positively associated with LEP in men and women. After additional adjustment for behavioral, physiological, and psychological variables, the associations between leg muscle mass and LEP disappeared, whereas grip strength remained to be independently associated with LEP in men (0.079 [0.042–0.116], P = .0001), with a tendency in women (0.046 [−0.009–0.101], P = .11). Results were similar when quartiles of leg muscle mass or grip strength were used.

CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that low muscle strength, but not low muscle mass, is associated with poor physical function in older men and women. However, prospective studies are needed to investigate the association between loss of muscle mass and physical function. J Am Geriatr Soc 48: 381–386, 2000.
Benzodiazepines and the Risk of Falls in Nursing Home Residents
Authors: Ray Wayne A. , Thapa Purushottam B. , Gideon Patricia
Published: April 2015

CONTEXT: For nursing home residents who require a benzodiazepine, short‐acting agents are recommended, primarily to avoid increased risk of falls and other injuries associated with the long‐acting agents. However, much of the data for the clinical outcomes of falls and injuries comes from community‐dwelling older people.

OBJECTIVE: To quantify the rate of falls among nursing home residents taking benzodiazepines and how this varies with drug elimination half‐life.

DESIGN: Historical cohort study.

POPULATION: A total of 2510 residents of 53 Tennessee nursing homes, classified according to benzodiazepine use on each day of follow‐up.

OUTCOME MEASURES: Falls occurring during study follow‐up.

RESULTS: After adjustment for differences in resident characteristics, benzodiazepine users had a 44% increased rate of falls (adjusted rate ratio 1.44 [95% confidence interval, 1.33‐1.56]). The adjusted rate ratio increased from 1.30 (1.12‐1.52) for a dose equivalent to ≤2 mg of diazepam, to 2.21 (1.89‐2.60, P < .001) for a dose of > 8 mg. The rate of falls was greatest in the 7 days after the benzodiazepine was started (rate ratio of 2.96 [2.33‐3.75]) but remained elevated (1.30 [1.17‐1.44]) after the first 30 days of therapy. Drugs with elimination half‐lives of < 12, 12–23, and ≥24 hours had adjusted rate ratios of 1.15 (0.94‐1.40), 1.45 (1.33‐1.59), and 1.73 (1.40‐2.14), respectively. Users of hypnotics with elimination half‐lives < 12 hours had an increased rate of falls occurring during the night (adjusted rate ratio 2.82 [2.02–3.94]).

CONCLUSIONS: Although the risk of falls among nursing home residents receiving short‐acting benzodiazepines is less than that for the long‐acting agents, these drugs are associated with a materially increased risk of nocturnal falls. J Am Geriatr Soc 48:682–685, 2000.
Racial Differences in Use of Cancer Prevention Services Among Older Americans
Authors: Hegarty Verona , Burchett Bruce M. , Gold Deborah T. , Cohen Harvey Jay
Published: April 2015

CONTEXT: Racial differences in receipt of cancer prevention services may be related to poorer outcomes for minorities. Understanding reasons for such differences could help target appropriate interventions.

OBJECTIVES: To determine if racial differences exist in the use of cancer prevention services among older blacks and whites and to explore explanatory factors.

DESIGN: Sixth follow‐up survey of probability sample, four‐stage stratified household design with 4162 at baseline in 1986–1987 and 2846 surveyed in 1992–1993.

SETTING: The Piedmont area of North Carolina.

PARTICIPANTS: At time of follow‐up survey in 1992–1993 there were 1486 women and 726 men age >70 years, of whom 1246 were black and 966 were white.

MEASUREMENTS: Self‐reported use of Papanicolou (pap) testing, clinical breast examination, mammography, rectal examination, and fecal occult blood testing on a regular basis within the last two years.

RESULTS: Compared with older whites, older black persons are less likely to receive pap test (48.1% black vs 56.6% white, P < .001), clinical breast examination (64.6% black vs 69.2% white, P < .007), mammography (30.2% black vs 40.5% white, P < .001), rectal examination (50.2% black vs 62.4% white, P < .001), and fecal occult blood testing (37.5% black vs 46.2% white, P < .001). Effect of race on receipt of cancer prevention services was not significant when levels of education, income, and insurance coverage were considered.

CONCLUSION: Racial differences exist in the use of cancer prevention services among older Americans. However, these differences are related to educational, income, and insurance differences between blacks and whites. J Am Geriatr Soc 48:735–740, 2000.
Association Between Medication Supplies and Healthcare Costs in Older Adults from an Urban Healthcare System
Authors: Stroupe Kevin T. , Murray Michael D. , Stump Timothy E. , Callahan Christopher M.
Published: April 2015

OBJECTIVES: The amount of medication dispensed to older adults for the treatment of chronic disease must be balanced carefully. Insufficient medication supplies lead to inadequate treatment of chronic disease, whereas excessive supplies represent wasted resources and the potential for toxicity. We used an electronic medical record system to determine the distribution of medications supplied to older urban adults and to examine the correlations of these distributions with healthcare costs and use.

DESIGN: A cross‐sectional study using data acquired over 3 years (1994–1996).

SETTING: A tax‐supported urban public healthcare system consisting of a 300‐bed hospital, an emergency department, and a network of community‐based ambulatory care centers.

PATIENTS: Patients were >60 years of age and had at least one prescription refill and at least two ambulatory visits or one hospitalization during the 3‐year period.

MEASUREMENTS: Focusing on 12 major categories of drugs used to treat chronic diseases, we determined the amounts and direct costs of these medications dispensed to older adult patients. Amounts of medications that were needed by patients to medicate themselves adequately were compared with the medication supply actually dispensed considering all sources of care (primary, emergency, and inpatient). We calculated the excess drug costs attributable to oversupply of medication (>120% of the amount needed) and the drug cost reduction caused by undersupply of medication (<80% of the amount needed). We also compared total healthcare use and costs for patients who had an over‐supply, an undersupply, or an appropriate supply of their medications.

RESULTS: The cohort comprised 4164 patients with a mean age of 71 ± 7 (SD) who received a mean of 3 ± 2 (SD) drugs for chronic conditions. There were 668 patients (16%) who received <80% of the supply needed, 1556 patients (37%) who received between 80 and 120% of the supply needed, and 1940 patients (47%) who received >120% of the supply needed. The total direct cost of targeted medications for 3 years was $1.96 million or, on average, $654,000 annually. During the 3‐year period, patients receiving >120% of their needed medications had excess direct medication costs of $279,084 or $144 per patient, whereas patients receiving <80% of drugs needed had reduced medication costs of $423,438 or $634 per patient. Multivariable analyses revealed that both under‐ and over‐supplies of medication were associated with a greater likelihood of emergency department visits and hospital admissions.

CONCLUSIONS: More than one‐half of the older adults in our study have under‐ or over‐supplies of medications for the treatment of their chronic diseases. Such inappropriate supplies of medications are associated with healthcare utilization and costs. J Am Geriatr Soc 48:760–768, 2000.
GERIATRICS IN MANAGED CARE
Authors: Brummel‐Smith Kenneth , Newcomer Robert , Harrington Charlene , Kane Robert
Published: April 2015

BACKGROUND: In 1996 the Health Care Financing Administration implemented a second generation of the Social HMO demonstration. This model retained the chronic care benefits of the original Social HMOs while attempting to develop a geriatric service model integrated into primary care and a screening and assessment process focused directly on healthcare risk factors. Other refinements included risk‐adjusted capitation payment, broadened eligibility for expanded care benefits, low co‐payments for these benefits, and no caps on the expanded care benefits expenditures.

OBJECTIVES: The geriatric approach is designed to facilitate integration among providers and levels of care. This includes timely application of primary care monitoring and treatment to reduce illness and disability as well as a geriatric education and consultation program to provide specialty support for complex cases. Care management is designed for those requiring home‐based care, those discharged from hospitals or nursing homes, and those having difficulty with treatment regimens.

DESIGN: A case study of the Social HMO implementation through the Fall of 1999.

SETTING: Health Plan of Nevada (HPN), with locations in Las Vegas, Reno, and surrounding areas.

PARTICIPANTS: More than 25,000 Medicare beneficiaries participated during the study period.

MEASUREMENTS: Administrative reports, charts, and interviews with administrators and clinicians.

RESULTS: Within 12 months of operation under this authority, HPN succeeded in putting in place most of the components of the planned geriatric approach: a screening program to identify patients “at risk” for high service costs and disability and timely application of primary care treatment to reduce illness and disability. Geriatric education and a consultation program for complex cases were available, but full implementation was delayed until the plan was able to hire a full time geriatrician.

CONCLUSIONS: Health Plan of Nevada's Social HMO program reflects current perspectives on how to integrate chronic care into an HMO. The accomplishments affirm that the provision of risk‐adjusted reimbursement, along with the 5% supplement to the normal Medicare capitation payment, are sufficient incentives for a health plan to restructure itself so that it places a priority on retaining and serving populations at risk for high expenditures. J Am Geriatr Soc 48:829–834, 2000.
Aerobic Exercise Training‐Induced Reductions in Abdominal Fat and Glucose‐Stimulated Insulin Responses in Middle‐Aged and Older Men
Authors: Pratley Richard E. , Hagberg James M. , Dengel Donald R. , Rogus Ellen M. , Muller Denis C. , Goldberg Andrew P.
Published: April 2015

OBJECTIVE: To test the effects of aerobic exercise training on glucose‐stimulated insulin responses in middle‐aged and older individuals.

DESIGN: A 9‐month moderate‐intensity aerobic exercise training trial in 17 men.

SETTING: An academic medical center.

INTERVENTION: Subjects walked, jogged, or cycled at 50 to 60% heart rate reserve (HRR) three times per week for 30 to 45 minutes and progressed over 6 to 9 months until subjects were training at 80 to 85% of HRR for 45 to 60 minutes three to four times per week. Training intensity was stabilized for 2 weeks before retesting. Diets were stabilized on American Heart Association Step I diets before training, and calories increased to prevent weight loss.

MEASUREMENTS: At baseline and after training, subjects underwent measurement of body fat (hydrodensitometry), regional fat distribution (waist‐to‐hip ratio (WHR)), VO2 max (maximal treadmill testing), diet intake (7‐day food records), and glucose and insulin responses during 75 g, 2‐hour oral glucose tolerance tests (OGTT) and 2‐hour hyperglycemic (+ 7.9 mmol/L) glucose clamps.

RESULTS: Aerobic exercise training increased VO2 max by 15% and decreased body fat from 22.8 ± 1.6 to 20.8 ± 1.5% (P < .0001), waist circumference by 2% (P = .038), and WHR by 1% (P = .035). Fasting glucose and insulin levels, and glucose responses during the OGTT did not change, but insulin responses during the OGTT decreased 16% (P = .027) after training. Training reduced early (0–10 minutes) and late (20–120 minutes) phase insulin responses by 14% (P = .017 and .042, respectively), but did not significantly change glucose disposal (+ 8%, P = .398). Multiple regression analyses showed that changes in waist circumference (r2 = 0.68, P < .0001) and percent body fat (r2 = 0.08, P = .049) were independent predictors of the reductions in the late phase insulin responses with exercise training, however, changes in VO2 max were not (P = .199).

CONCLUSIONS: The decrease in glucose‐stimulated insulin secretion with aerobic exercise training in middle‐aged and older men appears to be mediated, at least in part, by reductions in the amount of abdominal fat. Regular physical exercise may prevent or ameliorate conditions associated with hyperinsulinemia including dyslipidemia, hypertension, and atherosclerosis in this group.
Sedative, Hypnotic, and Antianxiety Medication Use in an Aging Cohort over Ten Years: A Racial Comparison
Authors: Blazer Dan , Hybels Celia , Simonsick Eleanor , Hanlon Joseph T.
Published: April 2015

OBJECTIVES: Prescriptions of sedatives, hypnotics, and antianxiety medications have decreased over the past 15 years. However, racial differences have not been well investigated in controlled analyses.

DESIGN: A prospective cohort study.

SETTINGS AND PARTICIPANTS: The authors analyzed data from a community‐based, biracial cohort of older adults (n = 4000 at baseline) followed for 10 years to determine sociodemographic and health characteristics associated with the use of these medications between 1986 and 1996.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Information about sedative, hypnotic, and antianxiety medication use and demographic and health characteristics was obtained from a race‐stratified, probability‐based sample of black and white community‐dwelling older adults in the Piedmont region of North Carolina during four in‐person interviews spanning 10 years. Descriptive statistics were calculated. Logistic regression was used for the final models.

RESULTS: A total of 13.3% of the subjects were taking these medications in 1986, with the frequency of use declining only to 11.8% in 1996 despite the cohort aging 10 years. Correlates of use at baseline were female gender, white race, depressive symptoms, poor self‐rated health, impaired physical function, and health services use. These correlates persisted for each of the three follow‐up waves of the survey. In 1996, the odds for being white and using these medications was 4.70 in controlled analyses.

CONCLUSIONS: Despite the overall decline in the use of sedative, hypnotics, and antianxiety agents in the general population in recent years, over the 10 years of this survey, an aging cohort continued to use these medications at a frequency greater than the general population and did not demonstrate a significant decline in use. Factors unrelated to health status, specifically being white, were among the strongest correlates of use throughout the years of follow‐up.
Depressive Symptoms and Risk of Alzheimer's Disease in More Highly Educated Older People
Authors: Geerlings Mirjam I. , Schmand Ben , Braam Arjan W. , Jonker Cees , Bouter Lex M. , van Tilburg Willem
Published: April 2015

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: In an earlier study we observed that a depressive syndrome was highly predictive of developing Alzheimer's disease (AD) in older persons with normal baseline cognition and higher levels of education. We interpreted these findings as the depression being an early noncognitive manifestation of AD in persons with more cognitive reserve. The present study examines whether specific symptoms of depression can be identified that predict AD among older subjects with higher levels of education.

DESIGN AND PARTICIPANTS: In the community‐based Amsterdam Study of the Elderly (AMSTEL), a sample of 3147 nondemented persons with normal cognition, 65 to 84 years old, was selected and divided into subjects with >8 years and ≤8 years of education. At baseline, the presence or absence of 12 specific symptoms of depression was assessed. At follow‐up, patients with incident AD were diagnosed according to DSM‐IV criteria in a two‐step diagnostic procedure.

RESULTS: After an average follow‐up of 3.2 years, 1911 persons were reevaluated, of whom 22 with >8 years and 31 with ≤8 years of education had developed AD. Multivariate logistic regression analyses showed that among persons with >8 years of education depressed mood and subjective bradyphrenia were strongly associated with incident AD. No association between depressive symptoms and AD was observed among subjects with ≤8 years of education.

CONCLUSIONS: Both depressed mood and subjective bradyphrenia seem to indicate subclinical AD in older people with higher levels of education. Clinicians should be alert that in these persons, AD may become apparent within a relatively short period of time.
The Prevalence of Functional Limitations and Disability in Older Persons in the US: Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey III
Authors: Ostchega Yechiam , Harris Tamara B. , Hirsch Rosemarie , Parsons Van L. , Kington Raynard
Published: April 2015

OBJECTIVE: To provide estimates by sex and age and by sex and race/ethnicity of the proportion of older Americans who have difficulty with functional limitations and daily activities.

SETTING: The Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III) 1988–1994.

DESIGN: A cross‐sectional nationally representative survey.

PARTICIPANTS: All persons aged 60 and older who completed a household interview (N = 6866) during NHANES III (conducted 1988–1994).

MEASUREMENTS: The self‐reported physical and functional disability questions from NHANES III included: lower‐extremity function, instrumental activities of daily living, basic activities of daily living, needing help with personal and routine daily activities, and use of assistive devices for walking.

RESULTS: Non‐Hispanic black and Mexican‐American men and women generally reported significantly (P < .01) more disability than did non‐Hispanic white men and women. Disability was greater for minority women than for men. For both men and women, the prevalence in disability increased significantly (P < .01) with age for each measure.

CONCLUSIONS: These sex‐age and sex‐race/ethnicity national estimates of disability indicate that minority women may represent a vulnerable subpopulation.
Reliability and Prevalence of Physical Performance Examination Assessing Mobility and Balance in Older Persons in the US: Data from the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey
Authors: Ostchega Yechiam , Harris Tamara B. , Hirsch Rosemarie , Parsons Van L. , Kington Raynard , Katzoff Myron
Published: April 2015

OBJECTIVE: This report provides reliability and prevalence estimates by sex, age, and race/ethnicity of an observed physical performance examination (PPE) assessing mobility and balance.

SETTING: The Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III) 1988–1994.

DESIGN: A cross‐sectional nationally representative survey.

PARTICIPANTS: All persons aged 60 and older (n = 5403) who performed the PPE either in the mobile examination center (MEC) or in the home during NHANES III (conducted 1988–1994).

MEASUREMENTS: The PPE included timed chair stand, full tandem stand, and timed 8‐foot walk.

RESULTS: Timed chair stand and 8‐foot timed walk were reliable measurements (Intraclass Correlations > 0.5). Women were significantly slower (P < .001) than men for both timed chair stands and timed walk. Non‐Hispanic white men and women did the maneuvers in significantly less time than non‐Hispanic black men and women and Mexican Americans women (P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS: Lower extremity functions measured by timed chair stand and walk are reliable. Women at every age group were more physically limited than men.
Distinction Between Preclinical Alzheimer's Disease and Depression
Authors: Visser Pieter Jelle , Verhey Frans R. J. , Ponds Rudolf W. H. M. , Kester Arnold , Jolles Jellemer
Published: April 2015

OBJECTIVE: To assess the prevalence of depression in subjects with preclinical Alzheimer's disease (AD) and to investigate the possibility of differentiating subjects with preclinical AD and depression from subjects with depression‐related cognitive impairment.

DESIGN: A prospective, observational cohort study.

SETTING: An outpatient memory clinic of a university‐affiliated hospital.

PARTICIPANTS: Nondemented subjects with cognitive impairment older than 55 years (n = 111) without neurological or somatic causes for the cognitive impairment.

MEASUREMENTS: At baseline, data were collected on patient characteristics, the severity of depression, and cognitive functioning. The course of the cognitive impairment and the presence of dementia were assessed after 2 and 5 years.

RESULTS: Twenty‐five subjects had preclinical dementia with Alzheimer's type dementia at follow‐up. Sixty percent of these subjects (n = 15) were depressed at baseline. Subjects with depression and preclinical AD had at baseline a poorer performance on the cognitive tasks and were older than the subjects with depression‐related cognitive impairment. Logistic regression with backward step selection selected age and memory performance as the best predictors for Alzheimer's type dementia in the depressed subjects. The specificity of these predictors for the diagnosis of future Alzheimer's type dementia in depressed subjects was 94%, sensitivity was 90%, positive predictive value was 90%, and negative predictive value was 94%.

CONCLUSIONS: Depression is common in preclinical AD. Depressed subjects with preclinical AD can be accurately differentiated from subjects with depression‐related cognitive impairment by age and the severity of the memory impairment. Research that aims to investigate preclinical AD should not exclude a priori subjects with depression inasmuch as preclinical AD is often accompanied by depression. J Am Geriatr Soc 48: 479–484, 2000.
Mobility Difficulties and Physical Activity as Predictors of Mortality and Loss of Independence in the Community‐Living Older Population
Authors: Hirvensalo Mirja , Rantanen Taina , Heikkinen Eino
Published: April 2015

OBJECTIVE: In older people, mobility impairments and physical inactivity are risk factors for further disability and death. We studied the interaction of physical activity and mobility impairment as a predictor of dependence and mortality.

DESIGN: A population‐based, prospective study. The data were collected in structured interviews in the year 1988 and 8 years later in the year 1996 as part of the Evergreen Project.

PARTICIPANTS: Subjects were 1109 independently living, at baseline 65‐ to 84‐year‐old people in the city of Jyväskylä, in central Finland.

METHODS: Participants were ranked into four groups: (1) Intact mobility and physically active (Mobile‐Active), (2) Intact mobility and sedentary (Mobile‐Sedentary), (3) Impaired mobility and physically active (Impaired‐Active), and (4) Impaired mobility and sedentary (Impaired‐Sedentary). The confounders adjusted for in the models included age, marital status, education, chronic conditions, smoking, and physical exercise earlier in life.

RESULTS: In men and women, the relative risk of death was two times greater in Impaired‐Active and three times greater in Impaired‐Sedentary groups than the risk of death in Mobile‐Active groups. However, the risk of death did not differ between Mobile‐Active and Mobile‐Sedentary groups. The odds ratio for dependency (95% confidence interval) in Impaired‐Sedentary men was 5.21 (1.44–18.70) and in Impaired‐Sedentary women was 2.92 (1.52–5.60) compared to Mobile‐Active groups. The risk of dependence did not differ significantly between Mobile‐Active, Mobile‐Sedentary, and Impaired‐Active groups.

CONCLUSIONS: Mobility impairments predicted mortality and dependence. However, among people with impaired mobility, physical activity was associated with lower risks, whereas the risk did not differ according to activity level among those with intact mobility. Despite of their overall greater risk, mobility‐impaired people may be able to prevent further disability and mortality by physical exercise. J Am Geriatr Soc 48: 493–498, 2000.
Substance Abuse in Older People
Authors: Fingerhood Michael
Published: April 2015

This review presents current information on substance abuse in older people, highlighting recent studies on epidemiology, screening techniques, brief intervention, and treatment issues. Studies show that substance abuse in older people is common, but frequently goes undiagnosed. Although alcohol abuse is most common, abuse of narcotic and sedative drugs also occurs. Older adults are particularly susceptible to adverse medical outcomes from substance abuse, and recent studies show that brief interventions by primary care providers can have a major impact on preventing medical morbidity and improving quality of life. Effective treatment modalities for substance abuse in older people exist and should be individualized to optimize success. J Am Geriatr Soc 48:985–995, 2000.
The Effectiveness of a Weight Maintenance Intervention for Adults with Intellectual Disabilities and Obesity: A Single Stranded Study
Authors: Spanos Dimitrios , Hankey Catherine R. , Melville Craig A.
Published: April 2015

Background

The evidence base for weight management programmes incorporating a weight loss and a weight maintenance phase for adults with intellectual disabilities (ID) is limited. This study describes the weight maintenance phase of a multicomponent weight management programme for adults with intellectual disability and obesity (TAKE 5).

Materials and Methods

Thirty‐one participants who had completed the 16 week TAKE five weight loss intervention (Phase I) were invited to participate in a 12 month weight maintenance intervention (Phase II). Content included recommendations of the National Weight Control Registry.

Results

Twenty‐eight participants completed Phase II with 50.4% maintaining their weight (mean weight change −0.5 kg, SD 2.2), 28.7% gaining weight (mean weight gain 5.4 kg, SD 2.2) and 21.6% losing weight (mean weight loss −8.0 kg, SD 3.0) at 12 months.

Conclusion

Further research is justified to investigate the efficacy of weight loss maintenance interventions in adults with intellectual disability and obesity, using controlled study designs.
The Relationship between Voluntary Disclosure, External Financing and Financial Status
Authors: Jankensgård Håkan
Published: April 2015

Using unique Swedish disclosure data from 2007 to 2012, this paper reports three important sets of findings with regard to the relationship between firms’ voluntary disclosure, external financing and financial status. First, financially strong firms disclose more than weaker ones. Second, firms that obtain new financing (equity or debt) disclose more than firms that do not. Third, the association between voluntary disclosure and financing events is stronger in financially weak firms. This last finding is new in the literature. Perhaps financially weak firms that obtain external funding have higher disclosure to counteract contracting and valuation problems in the financial markets.
Internet cognitive failure and fatigue relevant to learners' self‐regulation and learning progress inEnglish vocabulary with a calibration scheme
Authors: Hong J.‐C. , Hwang M.‐Y. , Chang H.‐W. , Tai K.‐H. , Kuo Y.‐C. , Tsai Y.‐H.
Published: April 2015

To determine the factors of learning effectiveness inEnglish vocabulary learning when using a calibration scheme, this study developed a freshman English mobile device application (for iPhone 4) for students with low levels ofEnglish proficiency to practise vocabulary in the beginning of theirFreshmanEnglish course. Data were collected and validated from 243 subjects for confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling. The findings revealed thatInternet cognitive failure (i.e., trait cognitive disability) was positively correlated to Internet cognitive fatigue (i.e., state cognitive disability). Both types of Internet cognitive disability were negatively correlated to self‐regulation in English vocabulary learning (SREVL).SREVLwas positively correlated to the degree of learning improvement. The findings implied that the use of a calibration design for mobile English vocabulary learning could benefit students with low levels of Internet cognitive disability but high levels ofSREVL.
Influence of inter‐dental tissues and root surface condition on complete root coverage following treatment of gingival recessions: a 1‐year retrospective study
Authors: Pini‐Prato Giovanpaolo , Magnani Cristina , Zaheer Faizan , Rotundo Roberto , Buti Jacopo
Published: April 2015

Aim

To explore the influence of inter‐dental tissues and root surface condition on complete root coverage following surgical treatment of gingival recessions.

Methods

Three hundred and eighty‐six single recessions treated over 28 years were assessed. Patient‐level and periodontal variables, presence/loss of inter‐dental tissues, and presence/absence of non‐carious cervical lesions (NCCLs) were recorded. Root coverage was assessed 1‐year post‐surgery. Multilevel analysis was performed to identify predictors of CRC.

Results

Based on type of root coverage procedure four patient groups were created: free gingival graft (FGG) (n = 116), coronally advanced flap (CAF) (n = 107), CAF+connective tissue graft (CTG) (n = 131), and guided tissue regeneration (GTR) (n = 32). Percentages of complete root coverage (CRC) were 18.1% for FGG, 35.5% for CAF, 35.1% for CAF+CTG, and 18.8% for GTR. There was an OR = 0.26 (p < 0.0001) of achieving CRC in cases with loss of inter‐dental tissue compared with cases with no inter‐dental tissue loss. Similarly, cases with presence of NCCL showed an OR = 0.28 (p < 0.0001) of achieving CRC compared with cases without a NCCL. FGG achieved less CRC then CAF+CTG (p = 0.0012; OR = 0.32).

Conclusions

NCCLs, just like inter‐dental tissue loss, are significant negative prognostic factors in achieving CRC following root coverage procedures.
A root canal filling per se does not have a significant negative effect on the marginal periodontium
Authors: Bertl Kristina , Suljkanovic Nedim , Suljkanovic Lejla , Lettner Stefan , Esfandeyari Azadeh , Moritz Andreas , Stavropoulos Andreas , Bruckmann Corinna
Published: April 2015

Aim

To evaluate the periodontal status of single‐rooted endodontically treated teeth (ET), correcting for patient‐ and tooth‐related factors.

Methods

Clinical parameters (BoP,PD,CAL) of 240 ET and 240 contralateral vital teeth (VT), before and after non‐surgical periodontal treatment, were extracted retrospectively from the journals of 175 patients. Possible patient‐related (age, gender, smoking status) and tooth‐related (interproximal restoration, root canal filling's extent, post, tooth type) confounders were tested.

Results

At baseline, frequency of BoP at an interproximal site at ET versus VT was 70.4% versus 65.0%, respectively. The frequency of teeth with interproximal PD ≥5 mm and CAL ≥5 mm was 47.9% versus 42.9% and 54.6% versus 49.6% at ET and VT, respectively. Interproximal PD and CAL at ET versus VT were 3.86 versus 3.61 mm and 4.11 versus 3.95 mm. After correcting for tooth‐related factors, no significant differences were observed between ET and VT. An improper restoration had a significant (p < 0.001) negative effect on BoP [OR 3.49 (95%CI: 1.95–6.27)], PD [36.81% (95%CI: 18.52–57.92)] and CAL [27.01% (95%CI: 12.67–43.18)]. No significant differences between ET and VT were observed regarding clinical outcome of non‐surgical periodontal therapy.

Conclusions

Presence of a root canal filling per se does not have a significant negative influence on the marginal periodontium, when correcting for the quality of the interproximal restoration.
Dyshidrosis is a risk factor for herpes zoster
Authors: Hsu C.‐Y. , Wang Y.‐C. , Kao C.‐H.
Published: April 2015

Background

Endogenous factors such as stress‐induced immune system reactivity were also associated with dyshidrosis. Herpes zoster (HZ) incidence has been demonstrated to increase with immune deficiencies. Therefore, a relationship between dyshidrosis and HZ may exist.

Objective

This study investigated whether there is an association between dyshidrosis and HZ.

Methods

We conducted a population‐based cohort study by using Taiwan's Longitudinal Health Insurance Database (LHID2000) records from 1996 to 2011. The dyshidrosis group comprised 8488 patients with newly identified dyshidrosis and no history of HZ prior to diagnosis of dyshidrosis. For the non‐dyshidrosis group, each dyshidrosis patient frequency matched according to age (5‐year intervals), sex and index date year with four controls selected randomly from the LHID2000.

Results

After adjustments for confounding risk factors, the hazard ratio for HZ in the dyshidrosis group was 1.31 compared with the non‐dyshidrosis group. Regardless of comorbidities, patients with dyshidrosis had a higher risk of HZ than did controls without dyshidrosis. Patients with more hospital visits that were due to dyshidrosis had a higher risk of HZ.

Conclusion

Dyshidrosis is strongly associated with HZ. Patients treated for dyshidrosis should be warned of HZ risk.
Distribution and activity of Drosophila suzukii in cultivated raspberry and surrounding vegetation
Authors: Klick J. , Yang W. Q. , Walton V. M. , Dalton D. T. , Hagler J. R. , Dreves A. J. , Lee J. C. , Bruck D. J.
Published: April 2015

Spotted wing drosophila, Drosophila suzukii (Matsumura) (Diptera: Drosophilidae), may utilize wild ‘Himalaya’ blackberry (HB) Rubus armeniacus Focke or other non‐crop plants as refugia and possibly exploit adjacent field margins before colonizing cultivated fruiting crops. Studies were conducted to determine the role of field margins containing HB and their effect on D. suzukii activity, density and distribution in an adjacent commercial red raspberry crop. One‐ha plots adjacent to field margins containing HB or known non‐host (NH) grass crops were established in 2011 and 2012 and replicated three times. Each plot contained two transects with monitoring traps for D. suzukii in the field margin (0 m) and spaced approximately 10 (crop boundary), 40, 70 and 100 m into the adjacent crop (n = 10 traps/plot). Field margin vegetation was treated with a 10% chicken egg white mark solution weekly from pre‐harvest until the end of harvest using a cannon sprayer. Adult D. suzukii were collected from traps weekly and analysed for the presence of the egg white mark using an egg white‐specific enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). During both years, marked flies and total flies were captured in higher numbers in HB field margins, whereas virtually no flies were captured in field margins containing no known alternative host. Similarly, more flies were captured in the crop near HB than near NH. Spatial Analysis by Distance IndicEs (SADIE) and mean D. suzukii trap captures additionally displayed significantly higher fly densities in the raspberry field near HB than near NH. These results suggest that HB may contribute to elevated D. suzukii populations and pest pressure in comparison with field margins containing no known alternate host vegetation for D. suzukii. Having closely adjacent non‐crop alternate host landscapes may result in increased D. suzukii pest pressure.
When Do Allocations and Constructs Respect Material, Energy, Financial, and Production Balances in LCA and EEIO?
Authors: Majeau‐Bettez Guillaume , Wood Richard , Hertwich Edgar G. , Strømman Anders Hammer
Published: April 2015

Conservation of mass and energy are essential to physical accounting, just as price and market balances are essential to economic accounting. These principles guide data collection and inventory compilation in industrial ecology. The resulting balanced surveys, however, can rarely be used directly for life cycle assessment (LCA) or environmentally extended input‐output (EEIO) analysis; some modeling is necessary to recast coproductions by multifunctional activities as monofunctional unit processes (a.k.a. Leontief production functions or technical “recipes”). This modeling is done with allocations in LCA and constructs in input‐output. In this article, we ask how these models respect or perturb the balances of the original inventory. Which allocations or constructs, applied to what type of data set, have the potential to simultaneously respect its multiple physical, financial, and market balances? Our analysis builds upon the recent harmonization of allocations and constructs and the ongoing development of multilayered supply and use inventory tables. We derive the necessary and sufficient conditions for balanced models, investigate the role of data aggregation, and clarify these models' relation to system expansion. We find that none of the modeling families in LCA and EEIO are balanced in general, but special data characteristics can allow for the respect of multiple balances. An analysis of these special cases allows for clear guidance for data compilation and methods integration.
Making EBSD on water ice routine
Authors: PRIOR D.J. , LILLY K. , SEIDEMANN M. , VAUGHAN M. , BECROFT L. , EASINGWOOD R. , DIEBOLD S. , OBBARD R. , DAGHLIAN C. , BAKER I. , CASWELL T. , GOLDING N. , GOLDSBY D. , DURHAM W.B. , PIAZOLO S. , WILSON C.J.L.
Published: April 2015

Electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) on ice is a decade old. We have built upon previous work to select and develop methods of sample preparation and analysis that give >90% success rate in obtaining high‐quality EBSD maps, for the whole surface area (potentially) of low porosity (<15%) water ice samples, including very fine‐grained (<10 μm) and very large (up to 70 mm by 30 mm) samples. We present and explain two new methods of removing frost and providing a damage‐free surface for EBSD: pressure cycle sublimation and ‘ironing’. In general, the pressure cycle sublimation method is preferred as it is easier, faster and does not generate significant artefacts. We measure the thermal effects of sample preparation, transfer and storage procedures and model the likelihood of these modifying sample microstructures. We show results from laboratory ice samples, with a wide range of microstructures, to illustrate effectiveness and limitations of EBSD on ice and its potential applications. The methods we present can be implemented, with a modest investment, on any scanning electron microscope system with EBSD, a cryostage and a variable pressure capability.
Activation of PI3Kγ/Akt pathway mediates bone cancer pain in rats
Authors: Guan Xuehai , Fu Qiaochu , Xiong Bingrui , Song Zhenpeng , Shu Bin , Bu Huilian , Xu Bing , Manyande Anne , Cao Fei , Tian Yuke
Published: April 2015

Bone cancer pain (BCP) is one of the most common and severe complications in patients suffering from primary bone cancer or metastatic bone cancer such as breast, prostate, or lung, which profoundly compromises their quality of life. Emerging lines of evidence indicate that central sensitization is required for the development and maintenance of BCP. However, the underlying mechanisms are largely unknown. In this study, we investigated the role of PI3Kγ/Akt in the central sensitization in rats with tumor cell implantation in the tibia, a widely used model of BCP. Our results showed that PI3Kγ and its downstream target pAkt were up‐regulated in a time‐dependent manner and distributed predominately in the superficial layers of the spinal dorsal horn neurons, astrocytes and a minority of microglia, and were colocalized with non‐peptidergic, calcitonin gene‐related peptide‐peptidergic, and A‐type neurons in dorsal root ganglion ipsilateral to tumor cell inoculation in rats. Inhibition of spinal PI3Kγ suppressed BCP‐associated behaviors and the up‐regulation of pAkt in the spinal cord and dorsal root ganglion. This study suggests that PI3Kγ/Akt signal pathway mediates BCP in rats.

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Central sensitization is required for the development and maintenance of bone cancer pain (BCP). In this study, we reported that PI3Kγ/Akt mediated the function of ephrinBs/EphBs in the central sensitization under BCP condition, and inhibition of spinal PI3Kγ suppressed BCP‐associated behaviors. Our results suggest that inhibition of PI3Kγ/Akt may be a new target for the treatment of BCP.
Proteomics‐level analysis of myelin formation and regeneration in a mouse model for Vanishing White Matter disease
Authors: Gat‐Viks Irit , Geiger Tamar , Barbi Mali , Raini Gali , Elroy‐Stein Orna
Published: April 2015

Vanishing white matter (VWM) is a recessive neurodegenerative disease caused by mutations in translation initiation factor eIF2B and leading to progressive brain myelin deterioration, secondary axonal damage, and death in early adolescence. Eif2b5R132H/R132H mice exhibit delayed developmental myelination, mild early neurodegeneration and a robust remyelination defect in response to cuprizone‐induced demyelination. In the current study we used Eif2b5R132H/R132H mice for mass‐spectrometry analyses, to follow the changes in brain protein abundance in normal‐ versus cuprizone‐diet fed mice during the remyelination recovery phase. Analysis of proteome profiles suggested that dysregulation of mitochondrial functions, altered proteasomal activity and impaired balance between protein synthesis and degradation play a role in VWM pathology. Consistent with these findings, we detected elevated levels of reactive oxygen species in mutant‐derived primary fibroblasts and reduced 20S proteasome activity in mutant brain homogenates. These observations highlight the importance of tight translational control to precise coordination of processes involved in myelin formation and regeneration and point at cellular functions that may contribute to VWM pathology.

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Eif2b5R132H/R132H mouse model for vanishing white matter (VWM) disease was used for mass spectrometry of brain proteins at two time points under normal conditions and along recovery from cuprizone‐induced demyelination. Comparisons of proteome profiles revealed the importance of mitochondrial function and tight coordination between protein synthesis and degradation to myelination formation and regeneration, pointing at cellular functions that contribute to VWM pathology.
Multigenerational Punishment: Shared Experiences of Undocumented Immigration Status Within Mixed‐Status Families
Authors: Enriquez Laura E.
Published: April 2015

Estimates suggest that approximately 16.6 million people in the United States are members of mixed‐status families composed of undocumented immigrants and U.S. citizens or documented immigrants. Drawing on interviews with 32 undocumented 1.5‐generation parents, the author explores how immigration laws affect undocumented parents and their citizen children. She finds that U.S. citizen children and their undocumented parents often share in the risks and limitations associated with undocumented immigration status. She conceptualizes this phenomenon as multigenerational punishment, a distinct form of legal violence wherein the sanctions intended for a specific population spill over to negatively affect individuals who are not targeted by laws. Though not restricted to familial relationships, multigenerational punishment tends to occur within families because of the strong social ties, sustained day‐to‐day interactions, and dependent relationships found among family members. This sheds light on how laws can further the reproduction of inequality within families and over generations.
Effects of butafosfan with or without cyanocobalamin on the metabolism of early lactating cows with subclinical ketosis
Authors: Nuber U. , van Dorland H. A. , Bruckmaier R. M.
Published: April 2015

Fifty‐one dairy cows with subclinical ketosis were used to investigate the effects of butafosfan alone or in combination with cyanocobalamin on metabolism. Treatments included i.v. injection of 10 ml/100 kg of body weight with butafosfan (BUT) or combined cyanocobalamin with butafosfan (BUTCO) at a similar concentration as in Catosal®. Control cows (CON) received a 0.9% saline solution. Cows were injected on days 1–3 at 22.3 ± 0.7 days post‐partum. Milk production and composition were not affected by the treatments. In plasma, CON cows had a significantly higher plasma NEFA concentration (0.59 ± 0.03 mm) across the study period than BUTCO cows (p < 0.05; 0.42 ± 0.03 mm), whereas the plasma NEFA concentration of BUT was intermediate (0.52 ± 0.03 mm) but not significantly different from CON. Both BUTCO and BUT cows had lower (p < 0.05) plasma BHBA concentrations (1.02 ± 0.06 mm and 1.21 ± 0.06 mm, respectively) across the study period than CON (1.34 ± 0.06 mm). Plasma glucose was not different between treatments, but plasma glucagon concentrations were consistently high in BUT compared to BUTCO and CON. Lowest post‐treatment glucagon levels were observed in BUTCO. Hepatic mRNA abundance of liver X receptor α, a nuclear receptor protein involved in lipid metabolism, was higher in BUTCO compared to BUT and CON (p < 0.05) on day 7. Furthermore, on day 7, the mRNA abundance of beta‐hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase 2 was higher in BUTCO compared to BUT and CON (p < 0.01). In conclusion, injections of combined cyanocobalamin with butafosfan post‐partum in early lactation ketotic dairy cows act on lipid metabolism with effects on plasma metabolites, most likely mediated via modified activity of key factors in the liver. Results indicate that the application of butafosfan only in combination with cyanocobalamin exhibits the expected positive effects on metabolism.