bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spondylocostal dysostosis with tetralogy of Fallot and herniation of the spleen through the diaphragm
Authors: Nagasawa Hiroyuki , Koyama Toshinari , Sasai Hideo , Kohno Yoshinori , Yamamoto Yutaka , Kondo Masashi , Sugawara Masami , Terazawa Daisuke , Miura Ryosuke
Published: January 2014

Spondylocostal dysostosis (SCD) is a very rare syndrome characterized by vertebral malformation and rib deformity. Some of the patients with SCD have other birth defects in the central nervous system, the genitourinary tract, diaphragm or heart and so forth. There have been reported SCD with complex congenital heart disease, such as pulmonary atresia, double outlet right ventricle, and d‐transposition of great arteries. However, there have been no reported SCD patients with confirmed tetralogy of Fallot (TOF). Here, a patient with SCD having a very rare combination of rib defects on the right side and left‐sided scoliosis, tetralogy of Fallot, and diaphragmatic spleen herniation, which had not been reported before, was described.
Comparison of pro‐inflammatory cytokines and bone metabolism mediators around titanium and zirconia dental implant abutments following a minimum of 6 months of clinical function
Authors: Barwacz Christopher A. , Brogden Kim A. , Stanford Clark M. , Dawson Deborah V. , Recker Erica N. , Blanchette Derek
Published: January 2014

Objectives

Dental implant abutments are fundamental prosthetic components within dentistry that require optimal biocompatibility. The primary aim of this cross‐sectional study was to preliminarily assess differences in the pro‐inflammatory cytokine and bone metabolism mediator protein expression in the peri‐implant crevicular fluid (PICF) adjacent to transmucosal abutments.

Material and Methods

Abutments were fabricated from either titanium or zirconia in patients previously receiving single‐tooth implant therapy. All subjects sampled in this study had an identical implant system and implant–abutment connection. Participants (n = 46) had an average time of clinical function for 22 months (6.2–72.8 months, ±SD 17 months) and received a clinical and radiographic examination of the implant site at the time of PICF sampling using a paper strip‐based sampling technique. Cytokine, chemokine, and bone metabolism mediator quantities (picograms/30 s) were determined using a commercial 22‐multiplexed fluorescent bead‐based immunoassay instrument. A total of 19 pro‐inflammatory cytokines and seven bone metabolism mediators were evaluated.

Results

Multivariable analyses provided no evidence of a group (titanium or zirconia), gender, or age effect with regard to the expression of pro‐inflammatory mediators evaluated. Significant (P = 0.022) differences were observed for the bone mediator leptin, with titanium abutments demonstrating significantly elevated levels in comparison with zirconia. Osteopontin demonstrated a significant (P = 0.0044) correlation with age of the subjects.

Conclusions

No significant differences in pro‐inflammatory cytokine or bone metabolism mediator profiles were observed biochemically, with the exception of leptin, for the abutment biomaterials of titanium or zirconia The molecular PICF findings support the observed clinical biocompatibility of both titanium and zirconia abutments.
Diabetes and pregnancy: perspectives from Asia
Authors: Tutino G. E. , Tam W. H. , Yang X. , Chan J. C. N. , Lao T. T. H. , Ma R. C. W.
Published: January 2014

There has been a marked increase in the prevalence of diabetes in Asia over recent years. Diabetes complicating pregnancy, in particular gestational diabetes, has also increased markedly in the region. Multi‐ethnic studies have highlighted the increased risk of gestational diabetes mellitus among the different Asian populations. Prevalence of gestational diabetes in Asian countries varies substantially according to the screening strategy and diagnostic criteria applied, and ranges from 1% to 20%, with evidence of an increasing trend over recent years. The International Association for Diabetes in Pregnancy Study group criteria have been adopted by some Asian countries, although they present significant challenges in implementation, especially in low‐resource settings. Studies on offspring of mothers with gestational diabetes have reported adverse cardiometabolic profiles and increased risk of diabetes and obesity. Gestational diabetes is likely to be a significant factor contributing to the epidemic of diabetes and other non‐communicable diseases in the Asian region. In recognition of this, several large‐scale prevention and intervention programmes are currently being implemented in different Asian countries in order to improve glucose control during pregnancy, as well as overall maternal health. Lessons emerging from gestational diabetes studies in Asia may help inform and provide insights on the overall burden and treatment strategies to target gestational diabetes, with the ultimate aim to reduce its adverse short‐ and long‐term consequences.
Climate Policy Negotiations with Incomplete Information
Authors: Konrad Kai A. , Thum Marcel
Published: January 2014

We analyse bargaining over international climate agreements in a setting with incomplete information about abatement costs. Incomplete information is known as one of the key reasons why negotiations may fail more generally, and why efficiency gains cannot be exploited. We ask whether unilateral commitment to high abatement reduces or increases the likelihood for an efficient negotiation outcome. We find that such commitment behaviour reduces the gains from global cooperation and that, in turn, this reduces the probability of reaching efficient international environmental agreements.
The Assignment of Workers to Tasks with Endogenous Supply of Skills
Authors: Dupuy Arnaud
Published: January 2014

This paper presents a general equilibrium assignment model of workers to tasks with endogenous supply of skills. In the model, skills are endogenous and multidimensional, and two types of assignment occur: workers self‐select the type of skills to supply, and firms assign workers to tasks. The model shows that the impact of any skill‐biased technical change on wage inequality is tightly related to the distribution of skills in the population. When the supply of skills is endogenous, productivity effects can be overestimated or underestimated by wage data, and Johnson's () distinction between intensive and extensive technical change is impossible.
A severe canker disease of Corymbia ficifolia caused by Quambalaria coyrecup in native and urban forests of Western Australia
Authors: Yulia E. , Hardy G. E. St. J. , Barber P. , Dell B.
Published: January 2014

A serious canker disease is affecting the health of Corymbia ficifolia in urban areas of Perth, Western Australia. Quambalaria coyrecup was frequently associated with diseased trees and its presence confirmed by morphological characters and DNA sequencing. A number of Quambalaria species have previously been identified as causal agents of canker and shoot blight diseases on a range of Eucalyptus and Corymbia species. It was therefore the aim, using glasshouse studies, to determine whether Q. coyrecup was the primary causal agent of the cankers on C. ficifolia and whether other Quambalaria species could also be associated with the disease. All seedlings inoculated with Q. coyrecup produced canker symptoms within 1 month after inoculation. Canker lesions typical of those observed in the field also occurred in the four subsequent months, after which time the trial was terminated. Inoculation with Q. cyanescens and Q. pitereka (isolated from C. ficifolia shoots) did not result in lesion development. This study establishes that Q. coyrecup is a serious pathogen of C. ficifolia and that wounding is required for canker development to occur. The management of Quambalaria canker must therefore include the minimization of artificial wounding of trees in the nursery and field.
The Efficiency of Public Spending on Education: an empirical comparison of EU countries
Authors: Agasisti Tommaso
Published: January 2014

Recent policy suggestions from the European Community underlined the importance of ‘efficiency’ and ‘equity’ in the provision of education while, at the same time, the European countries are required to provide their educational services by minimizing the amount of public money devoted to them. In this article, an empirical study compares the spending efficiency on education in 20 European countries during the period 2006–2009. OECD‐PISA test scores are used as output, while the ‘expenditure per student’ is used as input. The efficiency scores are calculated via a bootstrap Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA). In a second stage, the efficiency scores are regressed against a set of context variables which represent the different socio‐economic settings (e.g. GDP per capita, unemployment rate, etc.) as well as some important ‘structural’ characteristics of the educational systems. Teachers' salaries and Internet use (as a proxy for technological ‘literacy’) play a positive role in affecting educational performance, while GDPpc is negatively related to efficiency. Lastly, Malmquist indexes are calculated to measure the change in efficiency in the period 2006–2009. The results showed that the average efficiency remained basically stable in the period.
Ictal spread of medial temporal lobe seizures with and without secondary generalization: An intracranial electroencephalography analysis
Authors: Yoo Ji Yeoun , Farooque Pue , Chen William C. , Youngblood Mark W. , Zaveri Hitten P. , Gerrard Jason L. , Spencer Dennis D. , Hirsch Lawrence J. , Blumenfeld Hal
Published: January 2014

Objective

Secondary generalization of seizures has devastating consequences for patient safety and quality of life. The aim of this intracranial electroencephalography (icEEG) study was to investigate the differences in onset and propagation patterns of temporal lobe seizures that remained focal versus those with secondary generalization, in order to better understand the mechanism of secondary generalization.

Methods

A total of 39 seizures were analyzed in nine patients who met the following criteria: (1) icEEG‐video monitoring with at least one secondarily generalized tonic–clonic seizure (GTCS), (2) pathologically proven hippocampal sclerosis, and (3) no seizures for at least 1 year after anteromedial temporal lobe resection. Seizures were classified as focal or secondary generalized by behavioral analysis of video. Onset and propagation patterns were compared by analysis of icEEG.

Results

We obtained data from 22 focal seizures without generalization (FS), and 17 GTCS. Seizure‐onset patterns did not differ between FS and GTCS, but there were differences in later propagation. All seizures started with low voltage fast activity, except for seven seizures in one patient (six FS, one GTCS), which started with sharply contoured theta activity. Fifteen of 39 seizures started from the hippocampus, and 24 seizures (including six seizures in a patient without hippocampal contacts) started from other medial temporal lobe areas. We observed involvement or more prominent activation of the posterior‐lateral temporal regions in GTCS prior to propagation to the other cortical regions, versus FS, which had no involvement or less prominent activation of the posterior lateral temporal cortex. Occipital contacts were not involved at the time of clinical secondary generalization.

Significance

The posterior‐lateral temporal cortex may serve as an important “gateway” controlling propagation of medial temporal lobe seizures to other cortical regions. Identifying the mechanisms of secondary generalization of focal seizures could lead to improved treatments to confine seizure spread.
Assessing the validity of using administrative data to identify patients with epilepsy
Authors: Tu Karen , Wang Myra , Jaakkimainen R. Liisa , Butt Debra , Ivers Noah M. , Young Jacqueline , Green Diane , Jetté Nathalie
Published: January 2014

Objective

Previous validation studies assessing the use of administrative data to identify patients with epilepsy have used targeted sampling or have used a reference standard of patients in the neurologist, hospital, or emergency room setting. Therefore, the validity of using administrative data to identify patients with epilepsy in the general population has not been previously assessed. The purpose of this study was to determine the validity of using administrative data to identify patients with epilepsy in the general population.

Methods

A retrospective chart abstraction study was performed using primary care physician records from 83 physicians distributed throughout Ontario and contributing data to the Electronic Medical Record Administrative data Linked Database (EMRALD) A random sample of 7,500 adult patients, from a possible 73,014 eligible, was manually chart abstracted to identify patients who had ever had epilepsy. These patients were used as a reference standard to test a variety of administrative data algorithms.

Results

An algorithm of three physician billing codes (separated by at least 30 days) in 2 years or one hospitalization had a sensitivity of 73.7% (95% confidence interval [CI] 64.8–82.5%), specificity of 99.8% (95% CI 99.6–99.9%), positive predictive value (PPV) of 79.5% (95% CI 71.1–88.0%), and negative predictive value (NPV) of 99.7% (95% CI 99.5–99.8%) for identifying patients who had ever had epilepsy.

Significance

The results of our study showed that administrative data can reasonably accurately identify patients who have ever had epilepsy, allowing for a “lifetime” population prevalence determination of epilepsy in Ontario and the rest of Canada with similar administrative databases. This will facilitate future studies on population level patterns and outcomes of care for patients living with epilepsy.
A common SCN1A splice‐site polymorphism modifies the effect of carbamazepine on cortical excitability—A pharmacogenetic transcranial magnetic stimulation study
Authors: Menzler Katja , Hermsen Anke , Balkenhol Katharina , Duddek Caroline , Bugiel Hannes , Bauer Sebastian , Schorge Stephanie , Reif Philipp S. , Klein Karl Martin , Haag Anja , Oertel Wolfgang H. , Hamer Hajo M. , Knake Susanne , Trucks Holger , Sander Thomas , Rosenow Felix ,   for the EPICURE‐Consortium
Published: January 2014

Objective

SCN1A encodes the alpha subunit of the voltage‐gated sodium channel and plays a crucial role in several epilepsy syndromes. The common SCN1A splice‐site polymorphism rs3812718 (IVS5N+5 G>A) might contribute to the pathophysiology underlying genetic generalized epilepsies and is associated with electrophysiologic properties of the channel and the effect of sodium‐channel blocking antiepileptic drugs. We assessed the effects of the rs3812718 genotype on cortical excitability at baseline and after administration of carbamazepine in order to investigate the mechanism of this association.

Methods

Paired‐pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) was applied in 92 healthy volunteers with the homozygous genotypes AA or GG of rs3812718 at baseline and after application of 400 mg of carbamazepine or placebo in a double‐blind, randomized, crossover design. Resting motor threshold (RMT), short interval intracortical inhibition (SICI), intracortical facilitation (ICF), and cortical silent period (CSP) were determined.

Results

At baseline there was no significant difference in any TMS parameter. Genotype GG was associated with a higher carbamazepine‐induced increase in CSP duration as compared to AA (multivariate analysis of covariance [MANCOVA], p = 0.013). An expected significant increase in RMT was genotype independent.

Significance

We found that the rs3812718 genotype modifies the effect of carbamazepine on CSP duration (mainly reflecting modulation of γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA)ergic inhibition), but not on RMT (mainly reflecting modulation of voltage‐gated sodium channels). This provides evidence that rs3812718 affects the pharmacoresponse to carbamazepine via an effect on GABAergic cortical interneurons. Our results also confirm that TMS is useful to investigate the effect of genetic variants on cortical excitability and pharmacoresponse.
Tribute to Tinbergen: The Four Problems of Biology. A Critical Appraisal
Authors: Taborsky Michael
Published: January 2014

Tinbergen's (1963, Z. Tierpsychol. 20, 410–433) four questions have guided the conceptual thinking of behavioural biologists over five decades. This is partly based on a misunderstanding of the aims and virtue of this article. Tinbergen called attention to the fact that his classification of problems is somehow illogical. Here, an attempt is made to remove some of the inconsistency by reformulating the levels of analysis of biological (including behavioural) traits. Furthermore, important merits of Tinbergen's milestone paper that have remained largely unnoticed are put in perspective. Perhaps the most lasting of several functions of that article has been its pivotal role in establishing a new research discipline, behavioural ecology.
Extension of the scapulohumeral joint increases the likelihood of success of centesis of the bursa of the biceps brachii tendon of horses
Authors: Cole R. , Schumacher J. , Wilhite R. , Newton J. , Schumacher J.
Published: January 2014

The accuracy of a technique for centesis of the bicipital bursa using a 9 cm, spinal needle inserted through the tendon of the biceps brachii muscle was evaluated. A veterinary radiologist who had no previous experience of performing centesis of the bicipital bursa and an equine clinician who had little experience in performing the procedure, attempted to inject a solution of aqueous radiopaque contrast medium into the bicipital bursae of 8 horses using an approach in which the bursa was accessed by directing a needle through the tendon of origin of the biceps brachii muscle until cartilage in the lateral portion of the intertubercular groove was contacted. Centesis of the bicipital bursa using this approach in horses having no signs of disease of the bursa was consistently successful if the cubital joint was flexed and the scapulohumoral joint extended.
A review of equine laryngoplasty complications
Authors: Froydenlund T. J. , Dixon P. M.
Published: January 2014

Prosthetic laryngoplasty is a common treatment for equine recurrent laryngeal neuropathy (RLN). Complications of this surgery include immediate post operative problems, such as dysphagia, seroma formation, wound infection and sudden loss of arytenoid abduction. Longer term complications include gradual loss of arytenoid abduction, chronic coughing, arytenoid granulomas and dynamic upper airway collapse unrelated toRLNsuch as palatal dysfunction, and aryepiglottic fold or vocal fold collapse. However, the benefit of this procedure greatly outweighs these potential post operative complications, especially if appropriate surgical and post operative management practices are employed.
Crosstalk among p53 family members in cutaneous carcinoma
Authors: Missero Caterina , Antonini Dario
Published: January 2014

Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) is the second most common human cancer with a frequency increasing worldwide. The risk of developing cSCC has been strongly associated with chronic sun exposure, especially in light skin people. The aim of this viewpoint is to discuss the contribution of the tumor suppressor p53 and its homologues p63 and p73 in the formation and progression of cSCC. Mutations in the p53 gene are early and frequent events in skin carcinogenesis mainly as a consequence of UV light exposure, often followed by loss of function of the second allele. Although rarely mutated in cancer, p63 and p73 play key roles in human cancers, with their truncated isoforms lacking the N‐terminal transactivating domain (∆N) being often upregulated as compared to normal tissues. ∆Np63 is abundantly expressed in cSCC, and it is likely to favour tumor initiation and progression. The function of p73 in cSCC is more enigmatic and awaits further studies. Interestingly, an intimate interplay exists between both p53 and p63, and the Notch signalling pathway, often inactivated in cSCC. Here, we summarize our current knowledge about the biological activities of p53 family members in cSCC and propose that integration of their signalling with Notch is key to cSCC formation and progression.
Crystal structures of the F88Y obelin mutant before and after bioluminescence provide molecular insight into spectral tuning among hydromedusan photoproteins
Authors: Natashin Pavel V. , Markova Svetlana V. , Lee John , Vysotski Eugene S. , Liu Zhi‐Jie
Published: January 2014

Ca2+‐regulated photoproteins are responsible for the bioluminescence of a variety of marine coelenterates. All hydromedusan photoproteins are a single‐chain polypeptide to which 2‐hydroperoxycoelenterazine is tightly but non‐covalently bound. Bioluminescence results from oxidative decarboxylation of 2‐hydroperoxycoelenterazine, generating protein‐bound coelenteramide in an excited state. The bioluminescence spectral maxima of recombinant photoproteins vary in the range 462–495 nm, despite a high degree of identity of amino acid sequences and spatial structures of these photoproteins. Based on studies of obelin and aequorin mutants with substitution of Phe to Tyr and Tyr to Phe, respectively [Stepanyuk GA et al. (2005) FEBS Lett 579, 1008–1014], it was suggested that the spectral differences may be accounted for by an additional hydrogen bond between the hydroxyl group of a Tyr residue and an oxygen atom of the 6‐(p‐hydroxyphenyl) substituent of coelenterazine. Here, we report the crystal structures of two conformation states of the F88Y obelin mutant that has bioluminescence and product fluorescence spectra resembling those of aequorin. Comparison of spatial structures of the F88Y obelin conformation states with those of wild‐type obelin clearly shows that substitution of Phe to Tyr does not affect the overall structures of either F88Y obelin or its product following Ca2+ discharge, compared to the conformation states of wild‐type obelin. The hydrogen bond network in F88Y obelin being due to the Tyr substitution clearly supports the suggestion that different hydrogen bond patterns near the oxygen of the 6‐(p‐hydroxyphenyl) substituent are the basis for spectral modifications between hydromedusan photoproteins.
The sea anemone actinoporin (Arg‐Gly‐Asp) conserved motif is involved in maintaining the competent oligomerization state of these pore‐forming toxins
Authors: García‐Linares Sara , Richmond Ryan , García‐Mayoral María F. , Bustamante Noemí , Bruix Marta , Gavilanes José G. , Martínez‐del‐Pozo Álvaro
Published: January 2014

Sea anemone actinoporins constitute an optimum model to investigate mechanisms of membrane pore formation. All actinoporins of known structure show a general fold of a β‐sandwich motif flanked by two α‐helices. The crucial structure for pore formation seems to be the helix located at the N‐terminal end. The role of several other protein regions in membrane attachment is also well established. However, not much is known about the protein residues involved in the oligomerization required for pore formation. Previous detailed analysis of the soluble three‐dimensional structures of different wild‐type and mutant actinoporins from Stychodactyla helianthus suggested residues which could be involved in this oligomerization. One of these stretches contains a conserved sequence compatible with an integrin‐binding RGD motif. The results presented now deal with mutants affecting this motif in the well‐characterized actinoporin sticholysin II. Small modifications along this three‐residue sequence had profound effects on its solubility. Just a single methyl group yielded an RAD mutant version with a highly diminished haemolytic activity and altered oligomerization behaviour. The results obtained are discussed in terms of a key role for the RGD motif in maintaining the actinoporins' pore‐competent state of protein oligomerization.

Structured digital abstract

StnII and StnII bind by molecular sieving (1, 2)
Chronic water stress reduces tree growth and the carbon sink of deciduous hardwood forests
Authors: Brzostek Edward R. , Dragoni Danilo , Schmid Hans Peter , Rahman Abdullah F. , Sims Daniel , Wayson Craig A. , Johnson Daniel J. , Phillips Richard P.
Published: January 2014

Predicted decreases in water availability across the temperate forest biome have the potential to offset gains in carbon (C) uptake from phenology trends, rising atmosphericCO2, and nitrogen deposition. While it is well established that severe droughts reduce the C sink of forests by inducing tree mortality, the impacts of mild but chronic water stress on forest phenology and physiology are largely unknown. We quantified the C consequences of chronic water stress using a 13‐year record of tree growth (n = 200 trees), soil moisture, and ecosystem C balance at the Morgan–Monroe State Forest (MMSF) in Indiana, and a regional 11‐year record of tree growth (n > 300 000 trees) and water availability for the 20 most dominant deciduous broadleaf tree species across the eastern and midwesternUSA. We show that despite ~26 more days of C assimilation by trees at theMMSF, increasing water stress decreased the number of days of wood production by ~42 days over the same period, reducing the annual accrual of C in woody biomass by 41%. Across the deciduous forest region, water stress induced similar declines in tree growth, particularly for water‐demanding ‘mesophytic’ tree species. Given the current replacement of water‐stress adapted ‘xerophytic’ tree species by mesophytic tree species, we estimate that chronic water stress has the potential to decrease the C sink of deciduous forests by up to 17% (0.04 Pg C yr−1) in the coming decades. This reduction in the C sink due to mesophication and chronic water stress is equivalent to an additional 1–3 days of global C emissions from fossil fuel burning each year. Collectively, our results indicate that regional declines in water availability may offset the growth‐enhancing effects of other global changes and reduce the extent to which forests ameliorate climate warming.
Association between musculoskeletal pain and trips or falls in rural Japanese community‐dwelling older adults: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Kitayuguchi Jun , Kamada Masamitsu , Okada Shimpei , Kamioka Hiroharu , Mutoh Yoshiteru
Published: January 2014

Aim

The present study examined whether low back pain (LBP) and knee pain (KP) are associated with trips and falls in rural Japanese community‐dwelling older adults.

Methods

A population‐based cross‐sectional survey of community‐dwelling older adults was carried out in Unnan City, Shimane Prefecture, in Japan. A total of 499 men and women aged 60 years and older living in the community were recruited from 2008 to 2010. The main outcome measures were self‐rated recent trip frequency and self‐reported experience of falls in the past year.

Results

Trips and falls presented in 44.0% and 15.9% of participants, respectively. LBP was not associated with trips, but was significantly associated with falls: severe pain versus single fall (odds ratio [OR] 2.51, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.04–6.03); and severe pain versus multiple falls (OR 11.09, 95% CI 2.41–51.10). KP was significantly associated with trips: mild pain versus trips (OR 1.81, 95% CI 1.20–2.72); mild pain versus multiple falls (OR 4.47, 95% CI 1.21–16.50); severe pain versus trips (OR 3.83, 95% CI 1.82–8.04); and severe pain versus multiple falls (OR 7.26, 95% CI 1.51–34.86). Participants with both pain sites were associated with trips (OR 2.44, 95% CI 1.45–4.12) and multiple falls (OR 10.79, 95% CI 1.33–87.19).

Conclusions

Severe LBP was associated with single and multiple falls, whereas KP was associated with trips and multiple falls, irrespective of severity of pain. In addition, participants with both pain types were associated with trips and multiple falls. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2015; 15: 54–64.
Perioperative urinary retention, short‐term functional outcome and mortality rates of elderly hip fracture patients
Authors: Adunsky Abraham , Nenaydenko Olga , Koren‐Morag Nira , Puritz Lena , Fleissig Yudit , Arad Marina
Published: January 2014

Aim

Perioperative urinary retention (POUR) is common among hip fracture patients. The aim of the present study was to compare the prevalence, risk factors, functional outcomes and survival rates of patients with and without POUR.

Methods

This was a retrospective chart review study that was carried out in an orthogeriatric hip fracture unit. A total of 639 consecutive hip fracture patients who had hip surgery followed by a standard rehabilitation course participated in the study. Post‐void residual volume (PVRV), Functional Independence Measure (FIM) scores (total and motor FIM, FIM gain) and mortality rates (90 and 365 days, end of follow up) were measured.

Results

A total of 328 patients (51.3%) suffered from POUR. Diabetes (OR 1.55, 95% CI 1.04–2.31), urinary infection (OR 3.25, 95% CI 2.16–4.90) and delirium (OR 1.66. 95% CI 1.09–2.52) emerged as the best predictors for POUR. Functional gains were slightly better in patients without POUR (P = 0.037 and P = 0.023, for discharge motor and total FIM gain, respectively). There were no differences in FIM gains at discharge in male patients, whether with or without POUR. However, female patients without POUR showed significantly better motor and total FIM gains on discharge (P = 0.003 and P = 0.003, respectively), compared with females with POUR. In multiple linear regression analyses, POUR in female (but not male) patients was predictive for adverse motor FIM gain (beta = −0.089, P = 0.046). In Cox regression analysis, urinary retention was not associated with mortality rates.

Conclusions

POUR is highly prevalent in elderly hip fracture patients. It adversely affects the functional outcome of female patients, but is not associated with increased mortality rates. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2015; 15: 65–71.
Association between body mass index and cause‐specific mortality as well as hospitalization in frail Chinese older adults
Authors: Chan Tuen‐Ching , Luk James Ka Hay , Chu Leung‐Wing , Chan Felix Hon Wai
Published: January 2014

Aim

A U‐shaped relationship between body mass index (BMI) and all‐cause mortality has been reported, but there are few studies examining the association between BMI and cause‐specific mortality and hospitalization. We carried out a longitudinal study to examine these associations in Chinese older adults with multiple comorbidities, which could provide a reference for the recommended BMI in this population.

Methods

From 2004 to 2013, a retrospective cohort of Chinese older adults was selected from a geriatric day hospital in Hong Kong. They were divided into groups according to their BMI: BMI <16; BMI 16–18; BMI 18.1–20; BMI 20.1–22; BMI 22.1–24; BMI 24.1–26; BMI 26.1–28; BMI 28.1–30 and BMI >30. Other assessments included medical, functional, cognitive, social and nutritional assessment.

Results

A total of 1747 older adults (mean age 80.8 ± 7.1 years, 44.1% male, 46.1% living in nursing homes, Charlson Comorbidity Index 2.0 ± 1.6) with a median follow up of 3.5 years were included. Older adults with BMI 24–28 had the lowest all‐cause, infection‐related and cardiovascular mortality (P < 0.001). Multivariate analysis showed that there was an inverted J‐shaped association between BMI and hazard ratio for all‐cause and infection‐related mortality in both nursing home and community‐dwelling older adults. The rate of all‐cause hospitalization was lower in older adults with BMI 22–28 (P = 0.002). Multivariate analysis showed that there was an inverted J‐shaped association between the odds ratio of recurrent hospitalization and BMI.

Conclusion

Chinese older adults with BMI 24–28 had lower all‐cause mortality, infection‐related mortality, cardiovascular‐related mortality and all‐cause hospitalization. This study provides a reference for the recommended BMI in this population. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2015; 15 72–79.
Channel Representation in Physically Based Models Coupling Groundwater and Surface Water: Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them
Authors: Käser Daniel , Graf Tobias , Cochand Fabien , McLaren Rob , Therrien René , Brunner Philip
Published: January 2014

Recent models that couple three‐dimensional subsurface flow with two‐dimensional overland flow are valuable tools for quantifying complex groundwater/stream interactions and for evaluating their influence on watershed processes. For the modeler who is used to defining streams as a boundary condition, the representation of channels in integrated models raises a number of conceptual and technical issues. These models are far more sensitive to channel topography than conventional groundwater models. On all spatial scales, both the topography of a channel and its connection with the floodplain are important. For example, the geometry of river banks influences bank storage and overbank flooding; the slope of the river is a primary control on the behavior of a catchment; and at the finer scale bedform characteristics affect hyporheic exchange. Accurate data on streambed topography, however, are seldom available, and the spatial resolution of digital elevation models is typically too coarse in river environments, resulting in unrealistic or undulating streambeds. Modelers therefore perform some kind of manual yet often cumbersome correction to the available topography. In this context, the paper identifies some common pitfalls, and provides guidance to overcome these. Both aspects of topographic representation and mesh discretization are addressed. Additionally, two tutorials are provided to illustrate: (1) the interpolation of channel cross‐sectional data and (2) the refinement of a mesh along a stream in areas of high topographic variability.
Enhancement of antioxidant activity of monascal waxy corn by a 2‐step fermentation
Authors: Kongbangkerd Teeraporn , Tochampa Worasit , Chatdamrong Wassana , Kraboun Kitisart
Published: January 2014

A 2‐step fermentation process was developed to enhance antioxidant activity of monascal waxy corn, fermented by Monascus purpureus TISTR 3090, compared with the conventional method. The results showed that, after 8 days of fermentation, monacolin K content and pigment intensity of monascal waxy corn from 2‐step fermentation were 62.89 mg kg−1 dry weight and 3072.70 unit g−1 dry weight, respectively, higher than those of the conventional method, while the residual reducing sugars were exhausted, giving the observed highest growth. The IC50 values of DPPH, ferric reducing/antioxidant powder (FRAP) and chelating ability on Fe2+ assays of the 2‐step fermentation were about 50% less than those of the conventional method. A significantly positive correlation was found between pigment intensity and monacolin K content, while significantly negative correlations were found among monacolin K content, IC50 of FRAP and chelating ability on Fe2+. An ideal negative correlation between pigment intensity and chelating ability on Fe2+ was found.
Methodology of the Field Administration of Stroke Therapy – Magnesium (FAST-MAG) Phase 3 Trial: Part 1 – Rationale and General Methods
Authors: Saver Jeffrey L. , Starkman Sidney , Eckstein Marc , Stratton Samuel , Pratt Frank , Hamilton Scott , Conwit Robin , Liebeskind David S. , Sung Gene , Sanossian Nerses ,   for the FAST-MAG Investigators and Coordinators
Published: January 2014

Rationale

Prehospital initiation by paramedics may enable delivery of neuroprotective therapies to stroke patients in the hyperacute period when they are most effective in preclinical studies. Magnesium is neuroprotective in experimental stroke models and has been shown to be safe with signals of potential efficacy when started early after onset of human cerebral ischemia.

Aims

(a) To demonstrate that paramedic initiation of the neuroprotective agent magnesium sulfate in the field is an efficacious and safe treatment for acute stroke; (b) To demonstrate that field enrollment of acute stroke patients is a practical and feasible strategy for phase 3 stroke trials, permitting enrollment of greater numbers of patients in hyperacute time windows.

Design

Multicenter, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, pivotal clinical trial.

Study Procedures

The study is enrolling 1700 patients (850 in each arm) with likely acute stroke, including both cerebral infarction and intracerebral hemorrhage patients. Inclusion criteria are: (a) likely stroke as identified by the modified Los Angeles Prehospital Stroke Screen (mLAPSS), (b) age 40–95, (c) symptom onset within 2 h of treatment initiation, and (d) deficit present ⩾15 min. Paramedics administer a loading dose of magnesium sulfate (Mg) or matched placebo in the field, 4 grams over 15 min. In the Emergency Department, a maintenance infusion follows, 16 grams Mg or matched placebo over 24 h.

Outcomes

The primary endpoint is the modified Rankin Scale measure of global disability, assessed using the Rankin Focused Assessment, 90 days after treatment. Secondary efficacy endpoints include the NIHSS (neurologic deficit), Barthel Index (activities of daily living), and the Stroke Impact Scale (quality of life).
On multiobjective combinatorial optimization and dynamic interim hedging of efficient portfolios
Authors: Dash Gordon H. , Kajiji Nina
Published: January 2014

A dynamic portfolio policy is one that periodically rebalances an optimally diversified portfolio to account for time‐varying correlations. In order to sustain target‐level Sharpe performance ratios between rebalancing points, the efficient portfolio must be hedged with an optimal number of contingent claim contracts. This research presents a mixed‐integer nonlinear goal program (MINLGP) that is directed to solve the hierarchical multiple goal portfolio optimization model when the decision maker is faced with a binary hedging decision between portfolio rebalance periods. The MINLGP applied to this problem is formed by extending the separable programming foundation of a lexicographic nonlinear goal program (NLGP) to include branch‐and‐bound constraints. We establish the economic efficiency of applying this normative approach to dynamic portfolio rebalancing by comparing the risk‐adjusted performance measures of a hedged optimal portfolio to those of a naively diversified portfolio. We find that a hedged equally weighted small portfolio and a hedged efficiently diversified small portfolio perform similarly when comparing risk‐adjusted return metrics. However, when percentile risk measures are used to measure performance, the hedged optimally diversified portfolio clearly produces less expected catastrophic loss than does its nonhedged and naively diversified counterpart.
System‐justifying beliefs and political disaffection
Authors: Echebarria Echabe Agustin
Published: January 2014

This paper presents two studies which enquired into the role played by system‐justifying beliefs (SJBs) in political disaffection and abstention from voting. The first (correlational) study revealed that politically disaffected participants defined by their reluctance to identify with any political option, preferring the “apolitical” option, are characterized by negative attitudes toward suffrage (regarded as useless), a past of frequent abstention from political polls, a low attachment to both SJB (meritocracy and just‐world beliefs) and liberal values. The second (experimental) study showed that SJBs play a causal role in abstention from suffrage.
Mice divergently selected for high and low basal metabolic rates evolved different cell size and organ mass
Authors: Maciak S. , Bonda‐Ostaszewska E. , Czarnołęski M. , Konarzewski M. , Kozłowski J.
Published: January 2014

Evolution of metabolic rates of multicellular organisms is hypothesized to reflect the evolution of their cell architecture. This is likely to stem from a tight link between the sizes of cells and nuclei, which are expected to be inversely related to cell metabolism. Here, we analysed basal metabolic rate (BMR), internal organ masses and the cell/nucleus size in different tissues of laboratory mice divergently selected for high/low mass‐correctedBMRand four random‐bred mouse lines. Random‐bred lines had intermediate levels ofBMRas compared to low‐ and high‐BMRlines. Yet, this pattern was only partly consistent with the between‐line differences in cell/nucleus sizes. Erythrocytes and skin epithelium cells were smaller in the high‐BMRline than in other lines, but the cells of low‐BMRand random‐bred mice were similar in size. On the other hand, the size of hepatocytes, kidney proximal tubule cells and duodenum enterocytes were larger in high‐BMRmice than other lines. All cell and nucleus sizes were positively correlated, which supports the role of the nucleus in cell size regulation. Our results suggest that the evolution of highBMRinvolves a reduction in cell size in specialized tissues, whose functions are primarily dictated by surface‐to‐volume ratios, such as erythrocytes. HighBMRmay, however, also incur an increase in cell size in tissues with an intense transcription and translation, such as hepatocytes.
Segregation of male‐sterility alleles across a species boundary
Authors: Weller S. G. , Sakai A. K. , Culley T. M. , Duong L. , Danielson R. E.
Published: January 2014

Hybrid zones may serve as bridges permitting gene flow between species, including alleles influencing the evolution of breeding systems. Using greenhouse crosses, we assessed the likelihood that a hybrid zone could serve as a conduit for transfer of nuclear male‐sterility alleles between a gynodioecious species and a hermaphroditic species with very rare females in some populations. Segregation patterns in progeny of crosses between rare females of hermaphroditic Schiedea menziesii and hermaphroditic plants of gynodioecious Schiedea salicaria heterozygous at the male‐sterility locus, and between female S. salicaria and hermaphroditic plants from the hybrid zone, were used to determine whether male‐sterility was controlled at the same locus in the parental species and the hybrid zone. Segregations of females and hermaphrodites in approximately equal ratios from many of the crosses indicate that the same nuclear male‐sterility allele occurs in the parent species and the hybrid zone. These rare male‐sterility alleles in S. menziesii may result from gene flow from S. salicaria through the hybrid zone, presumably facilitated by wind pollination in S. salicaria. Alternatively, rare male‐sterility alleles might result from a reversal from gynodioecy to hermaphroditism in S. menziesii, or possibly de novo evolution of male sterility. Phylogenetic analysis indicates that some species of Schiedea have probably evolved separate sexes independently, but not in the lineage containing S. salicaria and S. menziesii. High levels of selfing and expression of strong inbreeding depression in S. menziesii, which together should favour females in populations, argue against a reversal from gynodioecy to hermaphroditism in S. menziesii.
Effect of ramp length and slope on the efficacy of a baffled fish pass
Authors: Baker C. F.
Published: January 2014

This study evaluated the effect of ramp length and slope on fish passage over baffled ramps with 15° and 30° gradients. Three fish species indigenous to New Zealand were tested: the redfin bully Gobiomorphus huttoni, the common bully Gobiomorphus cotidianus and the inanga Galaxias maculatus with ramp lengths of 3, 4·5 and 6 m. As slope and ramp length increased, passage success rate decreased for G. maculatus and G. cotidianus. At a slope of 15°, both G. maculatus and G. cotidianus could pass all ramp lengths tested with the highest success rate on the 3 m ramp. As the gradient increased to 30°, G. maculatus could only pass the 3 m ramp, and G. cotidianus were incapable of passing any ramp. Gobiomorphus huttoni were the only test species capable of climbing the wetted margin of the ramps. Increasing ramp slope significantly reduced passage success for G. huttoni, but ramp length, up to the maximum used in this study, had no significant influence on successful passage.
At‐Risk Drinking and Outpatient Healthcare Expenditures in Older Adults
Authors: Yan Tingjian , Xu Haiyong , Ettner Susan L. , Barnes Andrew J. , Moore Alison A.
Published: January 2014

Objectives

To compare 12‐month outpatient healthcare expenditures of at‐risk and not‐at‐risk drinkers aged 60 and older.

Design

Secondary analysis of data from Project Senior Health and Alcohol Risk Education, a cluster, randomized trial to test the efficacy of an intervention to reduce at‐risk drinking.

Setting

Seven primary care clinics in or near Santa Barbara, California.

Participants

Current drinkers aged 60 and older who completed a baseline survey (N = 2,779) and did not receive the study intervention, including 628 at‐risk drinkers and 2,151 not‐at‐risk drinkers.

Measurements

Comparisons of at‐risk and not‐at‐risk drinkers for baseline demographic characteristics, health indicators, alcohol consumption, and adjusted and unadjusted outpatient healthcare expenditures incurred over 12 months after baseline.

Results

At‐risk drinkers were younger, more often male, and more likely to be married and had higher education and incomes than not‐at‐risk drinkers. Unadjusted 12‐month mean outpatient healthcare expenditures were $1,333 ± 2,973 for at‐risk drinkers and $1,417 ± 2,952 for the not‐at‐risk drinkers. There were no statistically significant differences in expenditures between groups before and after controlling for sociodemographic and health characteristics.

Conclusion

In this short‐term study, no adjusted differences in healthcare expenditures were observed between at‐risk and not‐at‐risk older drinkers. Future study is warranted to determine the role of at‐risk drinking in long‐term healthcare expenditures in older adults.
Hospitalizations in the Program of All‐Inclusive Care for the Elderly
Authors: Segelman Micah , Szydlowski Jill , Kinosian Bruce , McNabney Matthew , Raziano Donna B. , Eng Catherine , van Reenen Christine , Temkin–Greener Helena
Published: January 2014

Objectives

To measure the rates of hospitalization, readmission, and potentially avoidable hospitalization (PAH) in the Program of All‐Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE).

Design

Retrospective study.

Setting

PACE.

Participants

PACE enrollees.

Measurements

Hospitalization and PAH rates were measured per 1,000 person‐years. Readmission was defined as any return to the hospital within 30 days of prior hospital discharge. PAHs were defined as hospitalizations for conditions that previously established criteria have identified as possibly preventable or manageable without hospitalization.

Results

Rate of hospitalization was 539/1,000, vs 962/1,000 for dually eligible aged or disabled waiver (ADW) enrollees. Thirty‐day readmission was 19.3%, compared with 22.9% for the national population of dually eligible older enrollees. PAH rate was 100/1,000, compared with 250/1,000 for dually eligible ADW enrollees. Considerable variation was observed between sites.

Conclusion

PACE enrollees experienced lower rates of hospitalization, readmission, and PAH than similar populations. Variations in hospitalization rates between PACE sites suggest opportunities for quality improvement.