bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Similar mortality risk in incident cognitive impairment and dementia: Evidence from the ASPirin in Reducing Events in the Elderly (ASPREE) trial
Authors: Lin Xiaoping , Banaszak‐Holl Jane , Xie Jing , Ward Stephanie A. , Brodaty Henry , Storey Elsdon , Shah Raj C. , Murray Anne , Ryan Joanne , Orchard Suzanne G. , Fitzgerald Sharyn M. , McNeil John J. 
Published: September 2021

AbstractBackgroundThis study examined the risk of mortality in older adults with newly detected cognitive impairment or dementia.MethodsData from the Australian cohort of the ASPirin in Reducing Events in the Elderly (ASPREE) trial were examined. The ASPREE clinical trial compared daily low‐dose aspirin to a placebo and involved 16,703 individuals aged 70 years and over, who were without major cognitive impairment, physical disability, or cardiovascular disease at recruitment. During the trial, evidence of cognitive impairment, based on cognitive testing and medical record information, triggered dementia adjudication of participants using DSM‐IV criteria. Cox proportional hazard models were used to compare mortality rates across the dementia, trigger‐only, and no‐trigger groups.ResultsOver a median 4.7‐year follow‐up period, 806 participants triggered dementia adjudication, with 485 (60.2%) judged to have dementia. Following recruitment, mortality risks were 32.9, 33.6, and 10.8 events per 1000 person‐years in the dementia, trigger‐no‐dementia, and no‐trigger groups, respectively. In the fully adjusted model, mortality risks remained higher in the dementia and trigger‐no‐dementia groups, with hazard ratios of 1.7 (95% CI: 1.3–2.1) and 1.9 (95% CI: 1.5–2.6), respectively. There was no discernible difference between the dementia and trigger‐no‐dementia groups in mortality rates following recruitment, or following a dementia trigger. These two groups were more likely to die from sepsis, respiratory disease, and dementia, but less likely to die from cancer than the no‐trigger group, χ2 = 161.5, p < 0.001.ConclusionASPREE participants who triggered for a dementia evaluation experienced a substantially higher mortality rate than those who remained cognitively intact. The increase was indistinguishable among persons who met DSM‐IV criteria for dementia vs. those who triggered for a dementia evaluation but failed to meet DSM‐IV criteria. Future work should investigate whether earlier detection of cognitive decline can be used to identify and prevent early mortality.
Integrating vehicle‐to‐grid technology into energy system models: Novel methods and their impact on greenhouse gas emissions
Authors: Wang Zongfei , Jochem Patrick , Yilmaz Hasan Ümitcan , Xu Lei 
Published: September 2021

AbstractThe electrification of the transport sector plays a key role in the global energy transition and it is of great necessity to assess emissions induced by electric vehicles in the long term for effective policy‐making. Typical life cycle assessment may not consider the impact of electric vehicle integration in future electricity systems adequately, or the time‐dependent characteristics of electricity generation mix and EV charging patterns. The solution requires modeling methods to integrate electric vehicle into energy system models, especially with vehicle‐to‐grid option. However, relevant methods have not been evaluated, yet. This integration is mathematically ambitious especially for huge and heterogeneous fleets of electric vehicles and brings energy system models to their computational limits. So far, current studies have proposed several aggregation methods for the load from electric vehicle charging, which simplify the original problem but may provoke bias. In our contribution, we propose a novel method of integrating vehicle‐to‐grid compliant electric vehicles into energy system models and demonstrate its feasibility by comparing it with two recent others from the literature. Taking the performance of the individual modeling method as the benchmark, we improve one of the two methods from the literature with updated parameters and additional constraints. We apply all three aggregation methods in a simple energy system model for comparing and analyzing their performances from multiple aspects, that is, solution accuracy, computational complexity, parameter requirement, and their impact on greenhouse gas emissions. Finally, we discuss the reasons behind the differences and give recommendations for further research.
The Power of Phenotype: Toward an Ethnography of Pigmentocracy in Andean Bolivia
Authors: Ravindran Tathagatan 
Published: September 2021

AbstractAnti‐Indigenous racism has predominantly been understood in Latin America through the lens of culture, epistemology, and embodied nonphenotypical traits. Phenotype‐based discrimination is an underemphasized aspect of race in the region, especially in spaces with a high Indigenous population. This article ethnographically captures the distinct forms in which Indigenous people are racialized for phenotypical traits in Andean Bolivia, with a special focus on three interrelated spheres: the labor market, everyday social interactions, and intimate relations/kinship. It reveals how phenotype‐based racialization generates representations, structures access to resources, and influences processes of socioeconomic mobility. Moreover, the fluidity of systems of racial classification in Latin America leads to phenotype‐based discrimination receding in some contexts but resurfacing in others, thereby making it more formidable. The article also highlights the intersection of race and gender in the pigmentocratic structuring of the social order.
Serum beta‐secretase 1 (BACE1) activity increases in patients with mild cognitive impairment
Authors: Zuliani Giovanni , Trentini Alessandro , Brombo Gloria , Rosta Valentina , Guasti Patrizia , Romagnoli Tommaso , Polastri Michele , Marabini Lisa , Pedrini Dario , Pistolesi Chiara , Pacifico Salvatore , Guerrini Remo , Seripa Davide , Cervellati Carlo 
Published: September 2021

AbstractBeta‐secretase 1 (BACE1) is considered as the key enzyme in amyloid‐β formation. Previous works suggest that high BACE1 activity may be present in brain, cerebrospinal fluid and serum of patients with late‐onset Alzheimer's disease (LOAD) as well as mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Therefore, we evaluated whether serum BACE1 activity increases in MCI patients and is associated with the progression from MCI to dementia. BACE1 activity was measured in the serum of 259 MCI patients (162 amnestic—aMCI, 97 non‐amnestic—naMCI) and 204 healthy Controls. After a median follow‐up of 32 months (range: 10–153), 116 MCI progressed to dementia (87 aMCI and 29 naMCI). Serum BACE1 activity was higher in MCI compared with Controls (p < 0.001), and in aMCI with brain atrophy compared with naMCI without brain atrophy (p = 0.04). No difference in BACE1 activity emerged between converter and non‐converter MCI, and this was true for both aMCI and naMCI. However, among aMCI with better cognitive performance (n. 163, MMSE score ≥24/30) those converting to dementia had higher BACE1 activity compared to stable ones (p = 0.05). This was not associated with an increased risk to develop dementia (hazard ratio: 1.65; 95% confidence interval: 0.67–4.01). In conclusion, serum BACE1 activity significantly increased in MCI patients (both amnestic and non‐amnestic) compared with Controls. Moreover, higher serum BACE1 activity was observed only among aMCI with a better cognitive performance who progressed to dementia, suggesting that a dysregulation of this enzyme might be an early event primarily associated with neurodegeneration.
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Whole genome sequencing reveals a complex introgression history and the basis of adaptation to subarctic climate in wild sheep
Authors: Upadhyay Maulik , Kunz Elisabeth , Sandoval‐Castellanos Edson , Hauser Andreas , Krebs Stefan , Graf Alexander , Blum Helmut , Dotsev Arsen , Okhlopkov Innokentiy , Shakhin Alexey , Bagirov Vugar , Brem Gottfried , Fries Ruedi , Zinovieva Natalia , Medugorac Ivica 
Published: September 2021

AbstractTo predict species responses to anthropogenic disturbances and climate change, it is reasonable to use species with high sensitivity to such factors. Snow sheep (Ovis nivicola) could represent a good candidate for this; as the only large herbivore species adapted to the cold and alpine habitats of northeastern Siberia, it plays a crucial role in its ecosystem. Despite having an extensive geographical distribution among all ovine species, it is one of the least studied. In this study, we sequenced and analysed six genomes of snow sheep in combination with all other wild sheep species to infer key aspects of their evolutionary history and unveil the genetic basis of their adaptation to subarctic environments. Despite their large census population size, snow sheep genomes showed remarkably low heterozygosity, which could reflect the effect of isolation and historical bottlenecks that we inferred using the pairwise sequential Markovian coalescent and runs of homozygosity. F4‐statistics indicated instances of introgression involving snow sheep with argali (Ovis ammon) and Dall (Ovis dalli) sheep, suggesting that these species might have been more widespread during the Pleistocene. Furthermore, the introgressed segments, which were identified using mainly minimum relative node depth, covered genes associated with immunity, adipogenesis and morphology‐related traits, representing potential targets of adaptive introgression. Genes related to mitochondrial functions and thermogenesis associated with adipose tissue were identified to be under selection. Overall, our data suggest introgression as a mechanism facilitating adaptation in wild sheep species and provide insights into the genetic mechanisms underlying cold adaptation in snow sheep.
Pelvic floor biofeedback is an effective treatment for severe bloating in disorders of gut‐brain interaction with outlet dysfunction
Authors: Iovino Paola , Neri Maria Cristina , D'Alba Lucia , Santonicola Antonella , Chiarioni Giuseppe 
Published: September 2021

AbstractBackgroundThe pathophysiology of bloating is partially understood. We investigated in patients with disorders of gut‐brain interaction (DGBI) the relationship between severity of bloating, abdominal girth changes and defecation pattern, and the efficacy of pelvic floor biofeedback treatment on bloating.MethodsDisorders of gut‐brain interaction patients with severe bloating as the main complaint were prescribed 2 weeks dietary advice and underwent abdominal girth measurements. At the first visit, all patients underwent a questionnaire on the subjective improvement of bloating, a (0–100) VAS abdominal bloating, and abdominal girth measurement. Patients reporting inadequate bloating relief underwent a standardized balloon expulsion test. Furthermore, they were invited to undergo pelvic floor electromyography and biofeedback treatment previously used for constipation due to dyssynergic defecation. The primary outcome was bloating improvement on a 5‐point Likert scale. The secondary outcomes were the effect of diet intervention and pelvic floor biofeedback treatment on bloating severity and quality of life changes as well as the effect of pelvic floor biofeedback treatment on BET and EMG on straining.Key resultsOne hundred and fifty six patients (129 F, 39.3 ± 11.7 mean age) completed the 2‐week run‐in period. 105 patients were diet non‐responder and underwent balloon expulsion test, with the vast majority (64%) failing the test. Patients who scored higher bloating on VAS had a significant association with failed balloon expulsion test (adjusted B 0.4 [95% CI 10.8–25.7], p < 0.0001). 63% agreed to perform pelvic floor biofeedback treatment at Verona center, 54% became responders reporting fair or major improvement/cure (ITT analysis, McNemar test, p < 0.0001), and all of them showed a 50% decrease in bloating severity.Conclusions and InferencesDisordered defecation is a prevalent etiology in DGBI patients with bloating unresponsive to conservative measures; pelvic floor biofeedback treatment to improve the defecation effort significantly relieved bloating (http://www.isrctn.com, ISRCTN17004079).
Corneal power values for use with keratoprostheses and intraocular lenses
Authors: Simpson Michael J 
Published: September 2021

AbstractPurposeTo specify a keratoprosthesis (KPro) power value for use with an intraocular lens (IOL).MethodsRaytracing software was used to determine the imaging properties of both the natural cornea and conceptual KPro designs, and IOL power calculation methods were reviewed. Traditional calculations use ‘thick lens’ models for the overall eye, while also using ‘thin lens’ approximations for the cornea and IOL. The power of the natural cornea acts approximately at the apex, although this is unlikely to be the case for a KPro. The IOL location is determined using an empirical adjustment that is calculated from clinical results for natural eyes.ResultsThe use of a KPro has a similar optical effect to corneal refractive surgery, where the cornea no longer matches the original eye. A modification of the ‘double‐K’ calculation method can be used by specifying the KPro effective power at the original corneal apex, but still estimating the postoperative IOL location using the original corneal power. The KPro power is measured by assembling the KPro with fluid and a window to simulate the way it is used, recording the best focus power at room temperature with a 3 mm diameter aperture, rescaling to the in situ power at 35°C using refractive index changes, and then rescaling again to the power expected relative to the original corneal apex. When expressed as a K value, a keratometer refractive index of 1.332 is proposed. If necessary, clinical results may be used later to make empirical adjustments to the calculation method.ConclusionsA KPro power can be specified relative to the expected location of the original corneal apex using a keratometer index of 1.332. A double‐K calculation can then be used to determine the correct KPro and IOL power values for a pseudophakic eye.
Retirement intention of older workers: The influences of high‐involvement work practices, individual characteristics, and economic environment
Authors: Jiang Kaifeng , Zhang Zhen , Hu Jia , Liu Guangjian 
Published: September 2021

AbstractResearch on retirement decisions has invited studies to examine how personal, work‐related, and environmental factors interplay to affect older workers’ retirement decisions. Drawing upon the person‐environment fit framework, we proposed a negative relationship between high‐involvement work practices (HIWPs) and older workers’ retirement intention. We further developed hypotheses regarding the moderating effects of gender, age, educational level, managerial status, and external economic environment on the relationship between HIWPs and retirement intention. We tested the hypotheses using a sample of 754,856 employees aged 50 and over from 360 U.S. government agencies participating in the Federal Employee Viewpoint Survey from 2006 to 2015. The results, based on mixed effect logit regressions and cross‐classified modeling, indicated that older workers’ experience of HIWPs had a negative relationship with their retirement intention, and the negative relationship was stronger for older male workers, older workers aged 50–59 years, older workers without a bachelor's degree, and non‐managerial older workers than for older female workers, those aged 60 years or over, those with a bachelor's degree, and those with managerial responsibilities, respectively. Moreover, the results showed that the negative HIWPs‐retirement intention relationship has become stronger since the Great Recession of 2008. We discussed the theoretical and practical implications of older workers’ retirement decisions by considering the interactions between human resource management practices and personal and environmental factors.
“Driving Down a Road and Not Knowing Where You're At”: Navigating the Loss of Physical and Social Infrastructure After the Camp Fire*
Authors: Brown Adrienne R. 
Published: September 2021

AbstractClimate‐related disasters are becoming increasingly frequent and destructive. These events result in extensive material losses, but also more abstract disruptions, such as those to identity, well‐being, and community. Using transcripts from 24 qualitative interviews with residents of Paradise, California after a wildfire destroyed their town; I consider the changes to residents' physical and social infrastructure. Physical places provide a structure for social life to play out, and their familiarity offers feelings of belonging and security. But, relationships, routines, and personal histories also inscribe meaning and value on these spaces. After disaster, the loss of physical landmarks hinders residents' ability to navigate their community and inhibits social connections that would otherwise offer important supports. At the same time, new meanings become inscribed on existing places, through trauma reminders (which constrain social life) and positive cues from the natural world (which shift meanings from destruction‐ to recovery‐oriented). Because physical places are imbedded in social context, and vice versa, I examine these processes in tandem.
Survival and kidney recovery among recipients of continuous renal replacement therapy
Authors: Wald Ron , Siew Edward D. 
Published: September 2021

AbstractContinuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) is widely used in the care of critically ill patients with acute kidney injury (AKI). Despite hopeful trends suggested by recent studies, mortality among CRRT recipients with severe AKI remains extremely high. Moreover, CRRT does not confer a reduction in mortality in trials comparing CRRT to intermittent RRT modalities. Among AKI survivors, some preliminary studies suggest a higher likelihood of kidney recovery and dialysis independence in CRRT recipients. AKI survivors are at risk for a broad array of adverse outcomes; strategies that may mitigate these risks are discussed.
Analysis of hand environment factors contributing to the hand surface infection barrier imparted by lactic acid
Authors: Hayashi Kaori , Mori Ichiro , Takeda Kouske , Okada Yasuhiro , Hayase Atsuko , Mori Takuya , Nishioka Yuki , Manabe Kenji 
Published: September 2021

AbstractBackgroundOrganic acids on the surface of human hands contribute to the barrier against transient pathogens. This is the first study to explore the synergistic contribution of lactic acid and other hand environment‐related features on the antibacterial properties of the hand surface.Materials and MethodsWe estimated the contribution of fingerprint depth, skin pH, stratum corneum water content, skin temperature, and sweat rate of the hands to the infection barrier using an observational survey of 105 subjects. The relationship between each factor and the antibacterial activity of the hands was analyzed using Pearson's correlation coefficient. We performed molecular dynamics simulations to study the interaction between lactic acid and bacterial membranes.ResultsThe amount of lactic acid on the hands and skin temperature contributed positively to the antimicrobial activity (r = 0.437 and P = 3.18 × 10−6, r = 0.500 and P = 5.66 × 10−8, respectively), while the skin pH contributed negatively (r = −0.471, P = 3.99 × 10−7). The predicted value of the combined antimicrobial effect of these parameters was [antimicrobial activity] = 0.21 × [lactic acid] − 0.25 × [skin pH] + 0.26 × [skin temperature] + 0.98. The coefficient of determination (R2) was 0.50.ConclusionThe increase in the amount of non‐ionic lactic acid due to lower pH and improvement in the fluidity of the cell membrane due to higher temperatures enable the efficient transport of lactic acid into cells and subsequent antimicrobial activity. The proposed mechanism could help to develop an effective hand infection barrier technology.
Effect of storage on survival of infectious Treponema pallidum spiked in whole blood and platelets
Authors: Tamrakar Pratistha , Bett Cyrus , Molano Ruth Damaris , Ayub Amna , Asher David M. , Gregori Luisa 
Published: September 2021

AbstractBackgroundBlood donations must be tested for evidence of syphilis, a transfusion‐transmitted infection. Screening blood for syphilis‐related antibodies greatly reduced the risk of transfusion‐transmitted syphilis (TTS). It is commonly believed that Treponema pallidum (Tp), the bacterium causing syphilis, does not survive in blood during cold storage—suggested as one reason why no cases of TTS have been recognized in the United States for many years. Some have suggested that routine syphilis screening of blood donations is no longer needed. To address the effect of storage, we investigated the survival of Tp experimentally spiked into blood and platelets stored under conventional conditions.Study design and methodsWe spiked fresh human blood products with high concentrations of Tp and inoculated samples at intervals into rabbits, a sensitive assay detecting infectious Tp. We tested whole blood (WB) stored refrigerated (1–6°C) for 9 days and platelets stored at room temperature for 7 days or refrigerated for 14 days. We assayed sera of the rabbits collected at intervals for seroconversion using two different tests and assessed orchitis. Rabbits were considered infected if one or both serological test results became positive.ResultsViable Tp survived 7 days in WB and 6 days in platelets stored at both ambient and cold temperatures.DiscussionTp at concentrations much higher than those possibly present in an infected blood unit survived in cold blood products longer than previously reported and, thus, storage conditions cannot be relied upon to eliminate T. pallidum from blood or platelets. TTS remains a topic of concern for public health.