bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Effect of Cumulative Anticholinergic Use on the Cognitive Function of Older Adults: Results from the Personality and Total Health (PATH) Through Life Study
Authors: Neelamegam Malinee , Zgibor Janice , Chen Henian , O’rourke Kathleen , Bakour Chighaf , Rajaram Lakshminarayan , Anstey Kaarin J 
Published: June 2020

Abstract

Background
Multiple comorbidities are common in older adults, resulting in polypharmacy that often includes medications with anticholinergic properties. These medications have multiple side effects, which are more pronounced in the older population. This study examined the association between the use of anticholinergics and changes in the cognitive function of older adults.

Methods
The study population consisted of 2,222 individuals aged 65–69 years at baseline from the Personality and Total Health (PATH) Through Life Study in Australia. Medication data were obtained from the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS). Cognitive measures were obtained from neuropsychological battery assessment. Exposure to cumulative anticholinergic use was quantified to a total standardized daily dose (TSDD). The association between change in cognitive measures between baseline and 4-year follow-up, and cumulative use of anticholinergic was assessed through generalized linear models.

Results
During the study period, 18.6% (n = 413) of participants filled at least one prescription for anticholinergics. Compared to those not on anticholinergics, participants on anticholinergics were more likely to be woman (62.7% compared to 45.1%) and spent lesser time engaging in vigorous physical activity (0.4 h/week compared to 0.9 h/week). Cumulative use of anticholinergic resulting in a TSDD exceeding 1,095 was significantly associated with poorer performance in Trail Making Test Part B (Model 1: β = 5.77, Model 2: β = 5.33, Model 3: β = 8.32, p &lt; .01), indicating impairment in processing speed.

Conclusions
In our study, except for speed of processing, other cognitive domains measured were not affected by cumulative anticholinergic use over a 4-year period.
Challenges in Caring for Unbefriended Residents in Long-term Care Homes: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Chamberlain Stephanie A , Duggleby Wendy , Teaster Pamela B , Fast Janet , Estabrooks Carole A 
Published: June 2020

AbstractObjectivesThis study examined challenges experienced by long-term care staff in caring for unbefriended residents who are incapacitated and alone. These residents often are estranged from or have no living family or live geographically distant from them and require a public guardian as their surrogate decision-maker. To date, research on unbefriended older adults has focused on those living in acute care and community settings. Little is known about those living in long-term care homes.MethodWe conducted semi-structured interviews with 39 long-term care staff (e.g., registered nurses, care aides, social workers) and 3 public guardians. Staff were sampled from seven long-term care homes in Alberta, Canada. We analyzed interview transcripts using content analysis and then using the theoretical framework of complex adaptive systems.ResultsLong-term care staff experience challenges unique to unbefriended residents. Guardians’ responsibilities did not fulfill unbefriended residents’ needs, such as shopping for personal items or accompanying residents to appointments. Consequently, the guardians rely on long-term care staff, particularly care aides, to provide increased levels of care and support. These additional responsibilities, and organizational messages dissuading staff from providing preferential care, diminish quality of work life for staff.DiscussionLong-term care homes are complex adaptive systems. Within these systems, we found organizational barriers for long-term care staff providing care to unbefriended residents. These barriers may be modifiable and could improve the quality of care for unbefriended residents and quality of life of staff. Implications for practice include adjusting public guardian scope of work, improving team communication, and compensating staff for additional care.
Older Adult Health-Related Support Networks: Implications for the Design of Digital Communication Tools
Authors: Petrescu-Prahova Miruna , Osterhage Katie , Taylor Jean O , Painter Ian , Choi Yong , Turner Anne M 
Published: June 2020

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesDigital communication tools facilitate the provision of health-related social support to older adults. However, little is known about what design features make such tools most useful and feasible. The purpose of this study was to describe health-related social support networks of older adults and outline recommendations for the design of tools that facilitate the giving and receiving of support.Research Design and MethodsWe collected data through validated instruments and semistructured qualitative interviews with 88 older adults. We calculated descriptive statistics for the quantitative data and analyzed qualitative data using directed content analysis.ResultsHealth-related support networks described by our sample of generally healthy older adults varied in size from 0 to 10 members. Some networks did not include any family members, and others did not include any friends. Seventy-four percent of network members lived in the same state as the older adult participant, but only 15% of them lived with the participant. Emotional support was the main type of health-related support provided, followed by instrumental, informational, and appraisal support.Discussion and ImplicationsHealth-related support networks of older adults are varied and complex. Our results suggest that digital communication tools to promote and leverage support from network members should facilitate the involvement of friends and family regardless of their physical location, allow for the transparent allocation of concrete tasks to prevent overburdening any one network member, and facilitate sharing of personal health information with family and friends while ensuring privacy and autonomy.
Reported Needs and Depressive Symptoms Among Older Adults Entering Long-Term Services and Supports
Authors: Rivera Eleanor , Hirschman Karen B , Naylor Mary D 
Published: June 2020

Abstract

Background and Objectives
Long-term services and supports (LTSS) are vital for older adults with physical and cognitive disabilities. LTSS can be provided in settings such as nursing homes, assisted living, or via community-based services. During the transition to LTSS, older adults are at risk of increased depressive symptoms. In addition, older adults may identify unmet needs despite having access to new LTSS resources. The goal of this study was to examine the factors associated with increased depressive symptoms among a pool of older adults, with a focus on change in reported needs after starting LTSS.

Research Design and Methods
This cross-sectional analysis of a cohort study included 352 older adults new to LTSS (R01AG025524). The outcome of depressive symptoms was measured using the Geriatric Depression Scale—Short Form. Reported needs included supportive equipment, devices, transportation, and social activities. Bivariate and linear regression modeling using change in needs 3 months later were performed.

Results
Depressive symptoms were present among 40% of the LTSS recipients at enrollment and 3 months. At baseline, 29% of LTSS recipients reported a need for supportive equipment, 30% for transportation, and 23% for social activities. After 3 months, an average of 12% of LTSS recipients’ needs were met, 13% of LTSS recipients’ needs persisted, and 11% of LTSS recipients reported new needs. Depressive symptoms 3 months later were higher for those who reported persistent unmet needs compared with those who reported no needs at all, controlling for functional status and LTSS type.

Discussion and Implications
The transition to LTSS is a vulnerable time for older adults. Assessing the need for equipment, transportation, and social activities during this period may identify opportunities to improve the lives and emotional status of this population.
Speed and accuracy improvements in standard algorithm for prismatic gravitational field
Authors: Fukushima Toshio 
Published: June 2020

SUMMARYBy utilizing the addition theorems of the arctangent function and the logarithm, we developed a new expression of Bessel’s exact formula to compute the prismatic gravitational field using the triple difference of certain analytic functions. The use of the new expression is fast since the number of transcendental functions required is significantly reduced. The numerical experiments show that, in computing the gravitational potential, the gravity vector, and the gravity gradient tensor of a uniform rectangular parallelepiped, the new method runs 2.3, 2.3 and 3.7 times faster than Bessel’s method, respectively. Also, the new method achieves a slight increase in the computing precision. Therefore, the new method can be used in place of Bessel’s method in any situation. The same approach is applicable to the geomagnetic field computation.
DNA fragmentation of sperm: a radical examination of the contribution of oxidative stress and age in 16 945 semen samples
Authors: Vaughan D A , Tirado E , Garcia D , Datta V , Sakkas D 
Published: June 2020

Abstract

STUDY QUESTION
What is the relationship between sperm DNA fragmentation and oxidative stress (OS) with increasing male age?

SUMMARY ANSWER
Sperm DNA fragmentation increases with age and is likely related to both defective spermatogenesis and increasing OS levels.

WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY
Sperm quality declines with age. The presence of DNA damage in a high fraction of spermatozoa from a raw semen sample is associated with lower male fertility in natural conception and intrauterine insemination.

STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION
A retrospective cohort study of 16 945 semen samples analysed at a single reference laboratory between January 2010 and December 2018.

PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS
All males were undergoing an infertility evaluation. The cohort was divided into seven age categories: &lt;30, 30–34, 35–39, 40–44, 45–49, 50 to &lt;54 and ≥55 years. The mean age was 37.6 years (SD 6.8). Sperm DNA fragmentation index (DFI) and high DNA stainability (HDS) were calculated using flow cytometry. OS levels were measured using the oxidative stress adducts (OSA) test, by spectrophotometry. ANOVA with weighted polynomial contrast analysis was used to evaluate trends for DFI, OSA and HDS values across age categories.

MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE
Mean DFI significantly increased across all age groups (Ptrend &lt; 0.001). OSA was lowest in patients &lt;30 years old (mean 3.6, SD 1.0) and also increased as age increased (Ptrend &lt; 0.001). There was a statistically significant difference between age groups for each of the three parameters (P &lt; 0.001). There was a significant linear trend for DFI, OSA and HDS across the seven age categories (P &lt; 0.001). Among patients with high DFI, there was a decreasing age-dependent trend in the patients observed with high OSA (P &lt; 0.001).

LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION
This is a retrospective study. All males included in the study were undergoing a work-up for infertility and may not be representative of a fertile population. Additional patient demographics and clinical data were not available.

WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS
DNA and/or oxidative damage in sperm may be just as important to understand as the chromosomal aberrations that are carried in the oocyte. Further studies are needed to evaluate the effect of advancing paternal age on the male genome and, ultimately, on the health of the offspring.

STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S)
No funding was obtained for this study. V.D. is an employee of Reprosource/Quest Diagnostics. D.S. reports he was a Scientific Advisor to Cooper Surgical.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER
N/A
Unique Genomic and Phenotypic Responses to Extreme and Variable pH Conditions in Purple Urchin Larvae
Authors: Garrett April D , Brennan Reid S , Steinhart Anya L , Pelletier Aubrey M , Pespeni Melissa H 
Published: June 2020

Synopsis
Environmental variation experienced by a species across space and time can promote the maintenance of genetic diversity that may be adaptive in future global change conditions. Selection experiments have shown that purple sea urchin, Strongylocentrotus purpuratus, populations have adaptive genetic variation for surviving pH conditions at the “edge” (pH 7.5) of conditions experienced in nature. However, little is known about whether populations have genetic variation for surviving low-pH events beyond those currently experienced in nature or how variation in pH conditions affects organismal and genetic responses. Here, we quantified survival, growth, and allele frequency shifts in experimentally selected developing purple sea urchin larvae in static and variable conditions at three pH levels: pH 8.1 (control), pH 7.5 (edge-of-range), and pH 7.0 (extreme). Variable treatments recovered body size relative to static treatments, but resulted in higher mortality, suggesting a potential tradeoff between survival and growth under pH stress. However, within each pH level, allele frequency changes were overlapping between static and variable conditions, suggesting a shared genetic basis underlying survival to mean pH regardless of variability. In contrast, genetic responses to pH 7.5 (edge) versus pH 7.0 (extreme) conditions were distinct, indicating a unique genetic basis of survival. In addition, loci under selection were more likely to be in exonic regions than regulatory, indicating that selection targeted protein-coding variation. Loci under selection in variable pH 7.5 conditions, more similar to conditions periodically experienced in nature, performed functions related to lipid biosynthesis and metabolism, while loci under selection in static pH 7.0 conditions performed functions related to transmembrane and mitochondrial processes. While these results are promising in that purple sea urchin populations possess genetic variation for surviving extreme pH conditions not currently experienced in nature, they caution that increased acidification does not result in a linear response but elicits unique physiological stresses and survival mechanisms.
Phenotypic Plasticity in Vertebrate Dentitions
Authors: Karagic Nidal , Meyer Axel , Hulsey C Darrin 
Published: June 2020

SynopsisVertebrates interact directly with food items through their dentition, and these interactions with trophic resources could often feedback to influence tooth structure. Although dentitions are often considered to be a fixed phenotype, there is the potential for environmentally induced phenotypic plasticity in teeth to extensively influence their diversity. Here, we review the literature concerning phenotypic plasticity of vertebrate teeth. Even though only a few taxonomically disparate studies have focused on phenotypic plasticity in teeth, there are a number of ways teeth can change their size, shape, or patterns of replacement as a response to the environment. Elucidating the underlying physiological, developmental, and genetic mechanisms that generate phenotypic plasticity can clarify its potential role in the evolution of dental phenotypes.
Pharmacokinetics of Cannabis Brownies: A Controlled Examination of Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol and Metabolites in Blood and Oral Fluid of Healthy Adult Males and Females
Authors: Spindle Tory R , Cone Edward J , Herrmann Evan S , Mitchell John M , Flegel Ronald , LoDico Charles , Bigelow George E , Vandrey Ryan 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Oral cannabis products (a.k.a. “edibles”) have increased in popularity in recent years. Most prior controlled pharmacokinetic evaluations of cannabis have focused on smoked cannabis and included males who were frequent cannabis users. In this study, 17 healthy adults (8 females), with no cannabis use in at least the past 2 months, completed 4 double-blind outpatient sessions where they consumed cannabis brownies containing Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) doses of 0, 10, 25 or 50 mg. Whole blood and oral fluid specimens were collected at baseline and for 8 h post-brownie ingestion. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS-MS) were used to measure THC and relevant metabolites. In whole blood, concentrations of THC and 11-hydroxy-THC (11-OH-THC) peaked 1.5–2 h after brownie consumption, decreased steadily thereafter, and typically returned to baseline within 8 h. Blood concentrations for 11-nor-9-carboxy-Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THCCOOH) and THCCOOH-glucuronide were higher than THC and 11-OH-THC and these metabolites were often still detected 8 h post-brownie consumption. Women displayed higher peak concentrations for THC and all metabolites in whole blood compared to men, at least partially owing to their lower body weight/body mass index. Detection of THC in oral fluid was immediate and appeared to reflect the degree of cannabis deposition in the oral cavity, not levels of THC circulating in the blood. THC concentrations were substantially higher in oral fluid than in blood; the opposite trend was observed for THCCOOH. Agreement between ELISA and LC–MS-MS results was high (i.e., over 90%) for blood THCCOOH and oral fluid THC but comparatively low for oral fluid THCCOOH (i.e., 67%). Following oral consumption of cannabis, THC was detected in blood much later, and at far lower peak concentrations, compared to what has been observed with inhaled cannabis. These results are important given the widespread use of toxicological testing to detect recent use of cannabis and/or to identify cannabis intoxication.
Population Fluctuation, Influence of Abiotic Factors and the Height of Traps on the Abundance and Richness of Calliphoridae and Mesembrinellidae
Authors: Luz Rafael T , Azevedo Wellington T A , Silva Alexandre S , Lessa Cláudia S S , Maia Valéria C , Aguiar Valeria M 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Calliphoridae and Mesembrinellidae are relevant to environmental conservation, public health, and forensic entomology. Researches regarding the flight behavior and the influence of abiotic factors on these insects may assist the application of entomology sciences. This study aimed to analyze the population fluctuation of Calliphoridae and Mesembrinellidae, verifying the influence of environmental factors, trap height, and the anthropic effect in the Itaipu–Piratininga lagoon complex, Niterói (RJ). The collections were carried out monthly from September 2015 to August 2016, with fish bait (sardines) exposed for 48 h, totaling six traps, installed in three physiognomies (mangrove, ombrophilous forest, and restinga) at 1.5 and 2.5 m from the ground. Nine thousand seven hundred seventy-three individuals were captured, comprising two families, five genera and 11 species. Chrysomya megacephala (Fabricius, 1794) (Diptera: Calliphoridae) was the predominant species and Mesembrinella bellardiana (Aldrich, 1922) (Diptera: Mesembrinellidae) the least representative, indicating the low preservation level of this ecosystem. There was a weak, positive correlation between abundance of Chloroprocta idioidea (Robineau Desvoidy, 1830) (Diptera: Calliphoridae), Ch. megacephala, Chrysomya putoria (Wiedemann, 1818) (Diptera: Calliphoridae), and Lucilia cuprina (Wiedemann, 1830) (Diptera: Calliphoridae) with the temperature, as well as between the abundance of C. idioidea and Chrysomya albiceps (Wiedemann, 1819) (Diptera: Calliphoridae) with precipitation; however, there was no correlation between abundance and relative humidity. No significant influence of the trap height was observed. We stated a high influence of anthropic effects on the restinga and mangrove physiognomies, while the forest physiognomy still retains its preserved characteristics, with the dominance of forestall species.
The Persistence of Escherichia coli Infection in German Cockroaches (Blattodea: Blattellidae) Varies Between Host Developmental Stages and is Influenced by the Gut Microbiota
Authors: Ray Ritesh , Potts Rashaun , Pietri Jose E 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
The German cockroach, Blatella germanica (L.), is a suspected vector of several enteric bacterial pathogens, including Escherichia coli, among livestock and humans. However, little is known about the factors that influence bacterial transmission by cockroaches. Here, we orally infected B. germanica with various laboratory and field strains of E. coli and examined bacterial titers over time to shed new light on the factors that influence the dynamics of infection. Our results reveal that a laboratory strain of E. coli is largely cleared within 48 h while one field isolate can persist in a majority of cockroaches (80–100%) for longer than 3 d with minimal impact on cockroach longevity. We also find that the ability to clear some strains of E. coli is greater in cockroach nymphs than adults. Notably, no differential expression of the antimicrobial gene lysozyme was observed between nymphs and adults or in infected groups. However, clearance of E. coli was significantly reduced in gnotobiotic cockroaches that were reared in the absence of environmental bacteria, suggesting a protective role for the microbiota against exogenous bacterial pathogens. Together, these results demonstrate that the interactions between cockroaches and enteric bacterial pathogens are highly dynamic and influenced by a combination of microbial, host, and environmental parameters. Such factors may affect the disease transmission capacity of cockroaches in nature and should be further considered in both lab and field studies.
Metastatic epidural spinal cord compression
Authors: Hamilton Preci , Lawrence Peyton , Eisenring Christian Valentin 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Up-to-date management for metastatic epidural spinal cord compression is based on appropriate scoring systems. In this case, separation surgery and stereotactic radiosurgery achieved an optimized outcome. A 75-year-old man had thoracic band-like pain, left lower limb weakness and difficulty ambulating for 6 weeks. Spinal images showed a T4 metastatic epidural spinal cord compression with a pathological fracture of T4 and T10 and L3 lytic lesions. There was no other neoplastic lesion. The metastasized T4 was decompressed by a posterolateral right costotransversectomy, vertebrectomy and insertion of an expandable titanium cage. The spinal sagittal alignment was restored with T1–T7 pedicle screw fixation. Post-operatively the pain and motor power improved significantly so that the patient was discharged home. Separation surgery and adjuvant stereotactic radiosurgery of the spine successfully improved tumor burden, pain control and overall prognosis.
Spontaneous jejunoileal perforation as a manifestation of celiac disease—a rare entity: a case report
Authors: Guachilema Ribadeneira Alex Paul , Zambrano Martinez Naysi Cristina , Valencia Valverde Silvana Alexandra , Villacis Peñaherrera Raúl Ernesto , Romero Chacón Fabian Medardo , Basantes Andrea Daniela 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Celiac disease or gluten-sensitive enteropathy is characterized by an autoimmune response in the small intestine triggered by the ingestion of gluten in the diet. It has a prevalence of 0.62% worldwide with considerable variation in incidence among countries. The clinical manifestations of celiac disease differ according to type: the classical type presents with intestinal symptoms, the non-classical type with intestinal or extraintestinal symptoms and the silent type is asymptomatic. Human leukocyte antigens (HLA)-DQ2 (DQA1_05/DQB1_02) are expressed in &gt;90% of patients with celiac disease, and the presence of HLA-DQ2 or HLA-DQ8 (DQA1_ 0301/DQB1_0302) is necessary for its development. One complication of this disease is ulcerative jejunoileitis, a rare condition characterized by chronic idiopathic ulceration affecting the small intestine that can cause intestinal perforation resulting in high morbidity.