bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Creatinine to Cystatin C Ratio, a Biomarker of Sarcopenia Measures and Falls Risk in Community-Dwelling Older Women
Authors: Sim Marc , Dalla Via Jack , Scott David , Lim Wai H , Hodgson Jonathan M , Zhu Kun , Daly Robin M , Duque Gustavo , Prince Richard L , Lewis Joshua R 
Published: December 2021

AbstractBackgroundThe ratio of creatinine to cystatin C (Cr:Cyc) has been proposed as a biomarker of sarcopenia, as greater Cr:Cyc is typically associated with greater muscle mass. We examined the relationship between Cr:Cyc with individual sarcopenia measures, 5-year self-reported falls, and 12-year fall-related hospitalizations in a prospective cohort study of 1 118 community-dwelling older women (mean age 75.2 ± 2.7 years).MethodsSerum Cr:Cyc, hand grip strength, and timed-up-and-go performance were assessed at baseline (1998), while dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry-derived appendicular lean mass (ALM)/height2 (m) was obtained in a subset of women at baseline and 1 year (n = 334). Incident 5-year self-reported falls and 12-year falls-related hospitalizations were considered.ResultsIn a multivariable-adjusted model, women with the lowest Cr:Cyc (Quartile [Q] 1) had 5% (1.0 kg) weaker grip strength, as well as 3.7% (0.22 kg/m2) and 5.5% (0.031) lower ALM adjusted for height2 or body mass index, respectively, compared to women in Q4 (all p &lt; .05). 329 women reported an incident fall over 5 years, and 326 fall-related hospitalizations were recorded over 12 years. Women in Q1 of Cr:Cyc had a greater relative hazard for a fall over 5 years (hazard ratio [HR] 1.50; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.11–2.01) and fall-related hospitalization over 12 years (HR 1.53; 95% CI 1.13–2.07) compared to Q4 in the multivariable-adjusted model.ConclusionThese findings support further investigation into the use of Cr:Cyc as a muscle biomarker to help clinicians identify individuals at risk of falls for early inclusion into evidence-based primary prevention programs targeting improvements to diet and exercise.
Association Between Ambient Fine Particulate Matter and Physical Functioning in Middle-Aged and Older Chinese Adults: A Nationwide Longitudinal Study
Authors: Wang Huiyu , Liu Hengyi , Guo Fuyu , Li Jiajianghui , Li Pengfei , Guan Tianjia , Yao Yao , Lv Xiaozhen , Xue Tao 
Published: December 2021

Abstract

Background
Exposure to air pollution is associated with several chronic diseases and subclinical processes that could subsequently contribute to physical disability. However, whether and to what extent air pollution exposure is associated with objective measures of physical functioning remains understudied.

Methods
We used longitudinal data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) and included 10 823 participants who were surveyed at least twice. Annual average exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) was assessed using a state-of-the-art estimator. Physical functioning was assessed with 4 objective tests covering hand-grip strength, balance, repeated chair stands, and gait speed. Mixed-effects models with participants as a random term were used to estimate associations with multiple adjustments.

Results
We found a significant and robust association between exposure to increased PM2.5 and the reduction in hand-grip strength and balance ability. Each 10 μg/m3 increase in annual averaged concentrations of PM2.5 was associated with a 220-g (95% confidence interval [CI]: 127, 312 g) reduction in hand-grip strength per 60 kg of body weight and a 5% risk (95% CI: 2, 7) of reduced balance ability. The estimated effect of each 10 μg/m3 increase in PM2.5 on hand-grip strength and balance ability was equivalent to the effect of aging (1.12 [95% CI: 0.76, 1.48] and 0.98 [95% CI: 0.50, 1.50] years, respectively).

Conclusions
PM2.5 may be differentially associated with various dimensions of physical functioning. Improving air quality can prevent physical disability.
Perceived Physical Fatigability Predicts All-Cause Mortality in Older Adults
Authors: Glynn Nancy W , Gmelin Theresa , Renner Sharon W , Qiao Yujia (Susanna) , Boudreau Robert M , Feitosa Mary F , Wojczynski Mary K , Cosentino Stephanie , Andersen Stacy L , Christensen Kaare , Newman Anne B 
Published: December 2021

Abstract

Background
Perceived physical fatigability is highly prevalent in older adults and associated with mobility decline and other health consequences. We examined the prognostic value of perceived physical fatigability as an independent predictor of risk of death among older adults.

Methods
Participants (N = 2 906), mean age 73.5 [SD, 10.4] years, 54.2% women, 99.7% white enrolled in the Long Life Family Study, were assessed at Visit 2 (2014–2017) with 2.7 [SD, 1.0] years follow-up. The Pittsburgh Fatigability Scale (PFS), a 10-item, self-administered validated questionnaire (score range 0–50, higher = greater fatigability) measured perceived physical fatigability at Visit 2. Deaths post-Visit 2 through December 31, 2019 were identified by family members notifying field centers, reporting during another family member’s annual phone follow-up, an obituary, or Civil Registration System (Denmark). We censored all other participants at their last contact. Cox proportional hazard models predicted mortality by fatigability severity, adjusted for family relatedness and other covariates.

Results
Age-adjusted PFS Physical scores were higher for those who died (19.1 [SE, 0.8]) compared with alive (12.2, [SE, 0.4]) overall, as well as across age strata (p &lt; .001), except for those 60–69 years (p = .79). Participants with the most severe fatigability (PFS Physical scores ≥ 25) were over twice as likely to die (hazard ratio, 2.33 [95% CI, 1.65–3.28]) compared with those who had less severe fatigability (PFS Physical scores &lt; 25) after adjustment.

Conclusions
Our work underscores the utility of the PFS as a novel patient-reported prognostic indicator of phenotypic aging that captures both overt and underlying disease burden that predicts death.
Effects of Physical and Cognitive Training on Falls and Concern About Falling in Older Adults: Results From a Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Turunen Katri M , Tirkkonen Anna , Savikangas Tiina , Hänninen Tuomo , Alen Markku , Fielding Roger A , Kivipelto Miia , Stigsdotter Neely Anna , Törmäkangas Timo , Sipilä Sarianna 
Published: December 2021

Abstract

Background
The aim of this study is to investigate whether combined cognitive and physical training provides additional benefits to fall prevention when compared with physical training (PT) alone in older adults.

Methods
This is a prespecified secondary analysis of a single-blind, randomized controlled trial involving community-dwelling men and women aged 70–85 years who did not meet the physical activity guidelines. The participants were randomized into combined physical and cognitive training (PTCT, n = 155) and PT (n = 159) groups. PT included supervised and home-based physical exercises following the physical activity recommendations. PTCT included PT and computer-based cognitive training. The outcome was the rate of falls over the 12-month intervention (PTCT, n = 151 and PT, n = 155) and 12-month postintervention follow-up (PTCT, n = 143 and PT, n = 148). Falls were ascertained from monthly diaries. Exploratory outcomes included the rate of injurious falls, faller/recurrent faller/fall-related fracture status, and concern about falling.

Results
Estimated incidence rates of falls per person-year were 0.8 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.7–1.1) in the PTCT and 1.1 (95% CI 0.9–1.3) in the PT during the intervention and 0.8 (95% CI 0.7–1.0) versus 1.0 (95% CI 0.8–1.1), respectively, during the postintervention follow-up. There was no significant difference in the rate of falls during the intervention (incidence rate ratio [IRR] = 0.78; 95% CI 0.56–1.10, p = .152) or in the follow-up (IRR = 0.83; 95% CI 0.59–1.15, p = .263). No significant between-group differences were observed in any exploratory outcomes.

Conclusion
A yearlong PTCT intervention did not result in a significantly lower rate of falls or concern about falling than PT alone in older community-dwelling adults.

Clinical Trial Registration
ISRCTN52388040
Establishing a Framework for Gathering Structural and Social Determinants of Health in Alzheimer’s Disease Research Centers
Authors: Stites Shana D , Midgett Sharnita , Mechanic-Hamilton Dawn , Zuelsdorff Megan , Glover Crystal M , Marquez David X , Balls-Berry Joyce E , Streitz Marissa L , Babulal Ganesh , Trani Jean-Francois , Henderson J Neil , Barnes Lisa L , Karlawish Jason , Wolk Dave A 
Published: December 2021

AbstractStructural and social determinants of health (SSDoH) are environmental conditions in which individuals are born, live, learn, work, play, worship, and age that affect health, functioning, and quality-of-life outcomes across the life course. Growing evidence suggests that SSDoH can help to explain heterogeneity in outcomes in Alzheimer’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (AD/ADRD) research and clinical practice. The National Institute on Aging has prioritized collecting SSDoH data to elucidate disease mechanisms and aid discovery of disease-modifying treatments. However, a major nexus of AD/ADRD research, the national network of Alzheimer’s Disease Research Centers (ADRCs), collects few SSDoH data. We describe a framework for feasibly gathering and modeling SSDoH data across ADRCs. We lay out key constructs, their measures, and empirical evidence for their importance in elucidating disease and prevention mechanisms. Toward a goal of translation, the framework proposes a modular structure with a core set of measures and options for adjunctive modules. We describe considerations for measuring SSDoH in existing geographically and culturally diverse research cohorts. We also outline a rationale for universal implementation of a set of SSDoH measures and juxtapose the approach with alternatives aimed at collecting SSDoH data.
Transcatheter aortic valve replacement in obese patients: procedural vascular complications with the trans-femoral and trans-carotid access routes
Authors: Alperi Alberto , McInerney Angela , Modine Thomas , Chamandi Chekrallah , Tafur-Soto Jose D , Barbanti Marco , Lopez Diego , Campelo-Parada Francisco , Cheema Asim N , Toggweiler Stefan , Saia Francesco , Amat-Santos Ignacio , Oteo Juan F , Serra Viçent , Dabrowski Maciej , Abi-Akar Ramzi , Echavarria Natalia Giraldo , Valvo Roberto , Lopez-Pais Javier , Matta Anthony , Arif Mobeena , Moccetti Federico , Compagnone Miriam , Mohammadi Siamak , Nombela-Franco Luis , Rodés-Cabau Josep 
Published: December 2021

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
Obesity may increase the risk of vascular complications in transfemoral (TF) transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) procedures. The transcarotid (TC) approach has recently emerged as an alternative access in TAVR. We sought to compare vascular complications and early clinical outcomes in obese patients undergoing TAVR either by TF or TC vascular access.

METHODS
Multicentre registry including obese patients undergoing TF- or TC-TAVR in 15 tertiary centres. All patients received newer-generation transcatheter heart valves. For patients exhibiting unfavourable ileo-femoral anatomic characteristics, the TC approach was favoured in 3 centres with experience with it. A propensity score analysis was performed for overcoming unbalanced baseline covariates. The primary end point was the occurrence of in-hospital vascular complications (Valve Academic Research Consortium-2 criteria).

RESULTS
A total of 539 patients were included, 454 (84.2%) and 85 (15.8%) had a TF and TC access, respectively. In the propensity-adjusted cohort (TF: 442 patients; TC: 85 patients), both baseline and procedural valve-related characteristics were well-balanced between groups. A significant decrease in vascular complications was observed in the TC group (3.5% vs 12% in the TF group, odds ratio: 0.26, 95% CI: 0.07–0.95, P = 0.037). There were no statistically significant differences between groups regarding in-hospital mortality (TC: 2.8%, TF: 1.5%), stroke (TC: 1.2%, TF: 0.4%) and life-threatening/major bleeding events (TC: 2.8%, TF: 3.8%).

CONCLUSIONS
In patients with obesity undergoing TAVR with newer-generation devices, the TC access was associated with a lower rate of vascular complications. Larger randomized studies are warranted to further assess the better approach for TAVR in obese patients.
Problems With Understanding Chlamydia trachomatis Immunology
Authors: Brunham Robert C 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
The payoff for understanding Chlamydia trachomatis immunology is the development of a vaccine. Two lines of research have contributed to our current understanding of C. trachomatis immunology. The first is the Grayston model of type-specific immunity and genus-specific pathology, which was elaborated by Caldwell and Morrison as the major outer membrane protein and heat shock protein 60 paradigm. The second is the murine model of Chlamydia muridarum infection, which established the essential role of major histocompatibility complex class II and CD4 T cells in immunity. However, neither approach has yielded a vaccine. I review these 2 lines of research and conclude with 6 problem areas in human C. trachomatis immunology whose resolution may result in a vaccine.
Productivity, efficiency and gender equity of community mobilisation approaches in trichiasis campaigns: analysis of programmatic data from seven sub-Saharan African countries
Authors: ul Hassan Ehtisham , Kelly Michaela , Waititu Titus , Olobio Nicholas , Kabona George , Mkocha Harran , Kivumbi Peter , Mwale Consity , Mubangizi Alfred , Mugume Francis , Baayenda Gilbert , Mayeku Robert , Massangaie Marilia , Mbofana Mariamo Abdala , Cumaio Mércia , Sisay Alemayehu , Mersha Tolossa , Courtright Paul 
Published: December 2021

Abstract

Background
Achieving elimination of trachoma as a public health problem in trichiasis-endemic districts requires a systematic approach to trichiasis case finding and outreach.

Methods
Programme monitoring data from seven countries for 2017–2019 were used to explore the efficiency of different community mobilisation approaches and uptake of trichiasis surgical services.

Results
Three countries (Ethiopia, Kenya and Mozambique) using broad-based community mobilisation strategies had large numbers of people presenting at outreach but only 2.9% of them had trichiasis, while in four countries (Nigeria, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia) using house-to-house case finding, 37.5% of outreach attendees had trichiasis. Countries using house-to-house case finding have proportionally more women attending outreach compared with countries using broad-based mobilisation. Among trichiasis cases offered surgery 86% accepted, which was similar for men and women.

Conclusions
In these settings, house-to-house case finding appears to be a more effective and efficient approach to ensure that trichiasis cases, particularly in women, obtain access to surgical services.
Applicability of a General Analytical Approach for Detection of Genetically Modified Organisms: Collaborative Trial
Authors: Wang Chenguang , Huang Chunmeng , Zhu Pengyu , Du Zhixin , Wei Shuang , Fu Wei 
Published: December 2021

Abstract

Background
With the commercialization of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in the market, laboratories have undergone a significantly increased workload. A universal analytical approach was designed to achieve cost-efficient and high-throughput GMOs screening with high specificity and accuracy. The approach provides accurate qualification of authorized and unauthorized GMOs.

Objective
This article describes the assessment of this analytical approach developed to detect the majority of commercialized GMOs over the world.

Method
Seven elements and three events were detected by qPCR in a single laboratory to detect 59 commercialized GMOs. Certificated reference materials and food/feed samples from the Chinese market were also evaluated for the specificity, conformity, and robustness of this approach and were challenged in the interlaboratory study.

Results
The results showed that elements and events selected can best detect GMO presence with good specificity and sensitivity. The results showed a concordance between 97.5 and 99.56% and the variance between 0.65 and 12.88%, which is in line with the minimum requirement of analytical methods of GMO testing.

Conclusions
The approach validated here can be used to manipulate GMO presence in food and feed and showed the capacity to manipulate GMO trace in the trade and domestic agriculture market in China.

Highlights
A universal analytical approach used to track GMO presence was evaluated for its specificity, sensitivity, and robustness.
Low-dose mepolizumab is effective as an add-on therapy for treating long-lasting peripheral neuropathy in patients with eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis
Authors: Nakamura Yuto , Fukutomi Yuma , Sekiya Kiyoshi , Kajiwara Keiichi , Kawasaki Yuichiro , Fujita Norihiro , Nagayama Kisako , Iwata Maki , Iwamoto Keisuke , Yano Koichi , Hamada Yuto , Watai Kentaro , Ryu Kai , Hayashi Hiroaki , Kamide Yosuke , Taniguchi Masami 
Published: December 2021

ABSTRACT

Objective
To assess the effectiveness of low-dose mepolizumab as an add-on therapy for treating peripheral neurological symptoms in eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA).

Methods
We prospectively studied 13 EGPA patients with conventional treatment-resistant peripheral neuropathy. Their symptoms (pain, numbness, and muscle weakness) were assessed on a visual analogue scale (VAS) before and after 12 months of mepolizumab therapy (100 mg every 4 weeks). Peripheral eosinophil levels and several biomarkers including urinary levels of eosinophil-derived neurotoxin (EDN) were measured before and after therapy.

Results
VAS scores for pain and numbness significantly improved after 12 months of mepolizumab therapy (from 67.0 to 48.0, P = 0.012, and from 67.0 to 51.0, P = 0.017, respectively). However, the VAS score for muscle weakness did not improve (P = 0.36). There were significant correlations between treatment-related changes in urinary EDN levels from baseline to 6 months later and percent changes in the VAS scores of pain and numbness (r = 0.75, P = 0.020; r = 0.88, P = 0.002).

Conclusions
Treatment-resistant peripheral neuropathy in EGPA was significantly improved by low-dose mepolizumab, and effectiveness was correlated with decreased urinary EDN. Because the possibility of a placebo effect cannot be formally excluded, placebo-controlled studies will be required in the future.
Efficacy of once-weekly teriparatide for primary prevention of glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis: A post hoc analysis of the TOWER-GO study
Authors: Tanaka Ikuko , Tanaka Yoshiya , Soen Satoshi , Oshima Hisaji 
Published: December 2021

ABSTRACT

Objectives
A post hoc analysis of the Teriparatide Once-Weekly Efficacy Research for Glucocorticoid-induced Osteoporosis (TOWER-GO) study was performed to examine the effect of once-weekly administration of 56.5 μg teriparatide on primary prevention of glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis (GIOP).

Methods
Of the subjects of the TOWER-GO study, 73 were included. The percentage changes from baseline in lumbar spine bone mineral density (BMD) and bone turnover markers were evaluated over 72 weeks with once-weekly teriparatide and once-weekly alendronate.

Results
The percentage change of lumbar spine BMD from baseline at 72 weeks was significantly increased in both groups. Bone formation markers were significantly increased by teriparatide administration, although they were slightly decreased by alendronate administration. Bone resorption markers were gradually decreased by teriparatide, whereas alendronate markedly decreased them within 4 weeks. No major safety concerns arose.

Conclusions
In this primary prevention study of GIOP, comparable increases in BMD were observed between alendronate and once-weekly teriparatide. More desirable changes in bone markers were observed with teriparatide administration. These data suggest that once-weekly teriparatide is effective in primary prevention of GIOP.
Negative effect of anger on chronic pain intensity is modified by multiple mood states other than anger: A large population-based cross-sectional study in Japan
Authors: Yamada Keiko , Fujii Tomoko , Kubota Yasuhiko , Wakaizumi Kenta , Oka Hiroyuki , Matsudaira Ko 
Published: December 2021

ABSTRACT

Objectives
To investigate whether mood states other than anger can modify the association between anger and pain intensity in individuals with chronic pain.

Methods
We analysed 22,059 participants with chronic pain, including 214 participants with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), who completed a questionnaire. The Profile of Mood States short form (POMS-SF) was used to assess six dimensions of mood states (anger-hostility, tension-anxiety, depression-dejection, confusion, fatigue, and vigour). A numerical rating scale (NRS) assessed pain intensity. We examined the association between anger-hostility and the NRS and the relationship between POMS-SF components. Moderation analyses were used to investigate whether the five mood states other than anger-hostility modified the effect of anger-hostility on the NRS.

Results
Anger-hostility contributed to pain intensity. Although increased mood states other than vigour were associated with increased pain intensity, these increased mood states appeared to suppress the effect of anger-hostility on pain intensity. Increased vigour was associated with decreased pain intensity and increased the effect of anger-hostility on pain intensity.

Conclusions
Mood states other than anger may influence the association between anger and pain intensity in individuals with chronic pain. It is important to focus on complicated mood states and anger in individuals with chronic pain, including RA.
Trends in actual medication use for child-onset systemic lupus erythematosus using the Japanese health insurance database 2009–18
Authors: Kishi Takayuki , Sakai Ryoko , Tani Yumi , Nagata Satoru , Katsumata Yasuhiro , Miyamae Takako , Harigai Masayoshi 
Published: December 2021

ABSTRACT

Objectives
Immunosuppressive therapy is the mainstay of treatment for child-onset systemic lupus erythematosus (cSLE). Since epidemiological data on Japanese cSLE patients are not available, we evaluated the trends in how treatment choices have changed over time in Japan.

Methods
Using the Japanese health insurance database provided by Medical Data Vision Co., Ltd, we identified cSLE patients and evaluated changes in the use of corticosteroids and immunosuppressive medications and maximum daily doses of prednisolone from 2009 to 2018.

Results
Of 182 cSLE patients, 86% were female, and the median age was 14 years. Oral prednisolone was used in more than 97% of cSLE patients during the study period, and the median of the maximum daily dose in each patient decreased over time. Intravenous cyclophosphamide was used less frequently after 2016, while mycophenolate mofetil and hydroxychloroquine were used frequently after 2016. The use of mizoribine reduced after 2014, whereas the other immunosuppressive medications showed no significant change over time; the use of biological agents was very limited.

Conclusions
Oral prednisolone was the mainstay of treatment for cSLE, and the maximum daily dose has reduced over the past decade. The most frequently prescribed immunosuppressive therapy has shifted to mycophenolate mofetil over time.