bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Frailty state transitions and associated factors in South Australian older adults
Authors: Thompson Mark Q , Theou Olga , Adams Robert J , Tucker Graeme R , Visvanathan Renuka 
Published: September 2018

AimFrailty is a state of decreased physiological reserve and vulnerability to stressors. Understanding the characteristics of those most at risk of worsening, or likely to improve their frailty status, are key elements in addressing this condition. The present study measured frailty state transitions and factors associated with improvement or worsening frailty status in the North West Adelaide Health Study.MethodsFrailty was measured using the frailty phenotype (FP) and a 34‐item frailty index (FI) for 696 community‐dwelling participants aged ≥65 years, with repeated measures at 4.5‐year follow up.ResultsImprovement in frailty state was common for both tools (FP 15.5%; FI 7.9%). The majority remained stable (FP 44.4%; FI 52.6%), and many transitioned to a worse level of frailty (FP 40.1%; FI 39.5%). For both measures, multimorbidity was associated with worsening frailty among non‐frail participants. Among pre‐frail participants, normal waist circumference was associated with improvement, whereas older age was associated with worsening of frailty status. Among frail individuals, younger age was associated with improvement, and male sex and older age were associated with worsening frailty status.ConclusionsFrailty is a dynamic process where improvement is possible. Multimorbidity, obesity, age and sex were associated with frailty transitions for both tools. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2018; 18: 1549–1555.
Associations between muscle mass, physical activity and dietary behaviour in adolescents
Authors: Hao G. , Pollock N. K. , Harris R. A. , Gutin B. , Su S. , Wang X. 
Published: September 2018

SummaryBackground and objectivesInvestigations in older individuals suggest that adequate nutrition and physical activity are particularly important to skeletal muscle health; however, data in adolescents are scant and equivocal. The objective was to determine the associations among diet, physical activity and skeletal muscle mass in adolescents.MethodsWe assessed diet with four to seven 24‐h recalls and physical activity by accelerometry in 640 adolescents. Using total body measures of fat‐free soft tissue mass and fat mass assessed by dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry, the skeletal muscle mass index (SMMI) was derived by adjusting fat‐free soft tissue mass for fat mass in addition to height.ResultsSkeletal muscle mass index (SMMI) was negatively associated with consumption of sugar‐sweetened beverages (standardized beta coefficient [β] = −0.10, P = 0.001) and saturated fats (β = −0.28, P < 0.001). SMMI was positively associated with physical activity (moderate + vigorous) (β = 0.20, P < 0.001). In further analysis, we observed a significant interaction between physical activity and sugar‐sweetened beverage intake on SMMI (P = 0.002).ConclusionOur study in adolescence suggests that physical activity and consumption of both sugar‐sweetened beverages and saturated fats are associated with skeletal muscle mass. More importantly, our findings suggest that sugar‐sweetened beverage intake may attenuate the beneficial effects of physical activity on skeletal muscle mass.
Comparison of the gut microbiota of captive common bottlenose dolphins Tursiops truncatus in three aquaria
Authors: Suzuki A. , Segawa T. , Sawa S. , Nishitani C. , Ueda K. , Itou T. , Asahina K. , Suzuki M. 
Published: September 2018

Abstract

Aims
This study was conducted to assess the presence and extent of differences in the gut microbiota of common bottlenose dolphins depending on rearing facilities.

Methods and Results
Faecal samples were collected from 16 common bottlenose dolphins at three aquaria in Japan. After extracting DNA from the faeces, the V3–V4 region of bacterial 16S rRNA was amplified and sequenced using Illumina MiSeq platform. The constituent phyla of the gut microbiota were similar among aquaria; however, the most dominant phylum differed depending on the facility, and the compositions of microbiota were remarkably varied at the family level among aquaria. The alpha diversity indices tended to differ among aquaria. Some bacterial families observed in terrestrial mammalian carnivores or carnivorous fish were detected, as well as several bacterial species suspected of being pathogenic in dolphins.

Conclusion
Our findings indicate that captive environmental conditions including prey and housing types may contribute to differences in the gut microbiota of the dolphins.

Significance and Impact of the Study
This is the first study revealing the differences in gut microbiota of captive dolphins among facilities. Our findings will provide valuable information for improving the health management of dolphins.
Cumulative Antidepressant Use and Risk of Dementia in a Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Heath Laura , Gray Shelly L. , Boudreau Denise M. , Thummel Ken , Edwards Karen L. , Fullerton Stephanie M. , Crane Paul K. , Larson Eric B. 
Published: September 2018

OBJECTIVESTo determine whether antidepressant use is associated with dementia risk.DESIGNProspective cohort study.SETTINGKaiser Permanente Washington (KPWA), an integrated healthcare delivery system.PARTICIPANTSCommunity‐dwelling individuals aged 65 and older without dementia and with 10 years or more of KPWA enrollment at baseline (N=3,059).MEASUREMENTSPrimary exposures were selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (paroxetine vs other), tricyclic antidepressants, and serotonin antagonist and reuptake inhibitors. Using health plan pharmacy data, we calculated cumulative medication exposure, defined as total standardized daily doses (TSDDs), over rolling 10‐year windows. Exposure in the most recent year was excluded to avoid use related to prodromal symptoms. The Cognitive Abilities Screening Instrument was administered every 2 years; low scores triggered clinical evaluation and consensus diagnosis procedures. Dementia risk was estimated according to medication use using Cox proportional hazards models.RESULTSDuring a mean follow‐up of 7.7 years, 775 participants (25%) developed dementia; 659 (22%) developed possible or probable Alzheimer's disease. Individual antidepressant classes were not associated with differences in dementia risk, although paroxetine use was associated with higher risk of dementia for all TSDD categories than no use (0–90 TSDDs: hazard ratio (HR)=1.69, 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.18–2.42; 91–365 TSDDs: HR=1.40, 95% CI=0.88–2.23; 366–1095 TSDDs: HR=2.13, 95% CI=1.32–3.43; ≥1095 TSDDs: HR=1.42, 95% CI=0.82–2.46).CONCLUSIONMost commonly prescribed nonanticholinergic depression medications used in late life do not appear to be associated with dementia risk. Paroxetine and other anticholinergic antidepressants may be exceptions in older individuals. Future studies are warranted to improve scientific understanding of potential associations in other settings and populations.
The Impact of Bank Credit on Labor Reallocation and Aggregate Industry Productivity
Authors: BAI JOHN (JIANQIU) , CARVALHO DANIEL , PHILLIPS GORDON M. 
Published: September 2018

ABSTRACTWe provide evidence that the deregulation of U.S. state banking markets leads to a significant increase in the relative employment and capital growth of local firms with higher productivity, and that this effect is concentrated among young firms. Using financial data for a broad range of firms, our analysis suggests that this effect is driven by a shift in the composition of local bank credit supply toward more productive firms. We estimate that this effect translates into economically important gains in aggregate industry productivity and that changes in the allocation of labor play a central role in driving these gains.
Variations in maternal adenylate cyclase genes are associated with congenital Zika syndrome in a cohort from Northeast, Brazil
Authors: Rossi Á. D. , Faucz F. R. , Melo A. , Pezzuto P. , de Azevedo G. S. , Schamber‐Reis B. L. F. , Tavares J. S. , Mattapallil J. J. , Tanuri A. , Aguiar R. S. , Cardoso C. C. , Stratakis C. A. 
Published: September 2018

AbstractBackgroundVertical transmission of Zika virus (ZIKV) is associated with congenital malformations but the mechanism of pathogenesis remains unclear. Although host genetics appear to play a role, no genetic association study has yet been performed to evaluate this question. In order to investigate if maternal genetic variation is associated with Congenital Zika Syndrome (CZS), we conducted a case–control study in a cohort of Brazilian women infected with ZIKV during pregnancy.MethodsA total of 100 women who reported symptoms of zika during pregnancy were enrolled and tested for ZIKV. Among 52 women positive for ZIKV infection, 28 were classified as cases and 24 as controls based on the presence or absence of CZS in their infants. Variations in the coding region of 205 candidate genes involved in cAMP signaling or immune response were assessed by high throughput sequencing and tested for association with development of CZS.ResultsFrom the 817 single nucleotide variations (SNVs) included in association analyses, 22 SNVs in 17 genes were associated with CZS under an additive model (alpha = 0.05). Variations c.319T>C (rs11676272) and c.1297G>A, located at ADCY3 and ADCY7 genes showed the most prominent effect. The association of ADCY3 and ADCY7 genes was confirmed using a Sequence Kernel Association Test to assess the joint effect of common and rare variations, and results were statistically significant after adjustment for multiple comparisons (P < 0.002).ConclusionThese results suggest that maternal ADCY genes contribute to ZIKV pathogenicity and influence the outcome of CZS, being promising candidates for further replication studies and functional analysis.
Transport proteins in drug resistance: biology and approaches to circumvention
Authors: TWENTYMAN P.R. 
Published: September 2018

At least two transport proteins, P‐glycoprotein (Pgp) and the multidrug resistance associated protein (MRP), are believed to play a significant role in clinical resistance to cytotoxic therapy. These proteins are expressed at relatively high levels in a number of malignant diseases including various types of leukaemias. They are variably expressed on both the plasma membrane and intracellular vesicular membranes resulting in cellular drug efflux or vesicular drug sequestration, respectively. The action of MRP as a drug transporter depends on intracellular levels of glutathione. A number of strategies for circumvention of these drug resistance mechanisms have been developed and some of these are now in clinical trial.[Note: In this paper, references are used to direct the reader to recent reviews rather than acknowledging the original work of very many authors.]
Oral health and access to dental care among older homeless adults: results from the HOPE HOME study
Authors: Freitas Daniel J. , Kaplan Lauren M. , Tieu Lina , Ponath Claudia , Guzman David , Kushel Margot 
Published: September 2018

AbstractObjectivesTo describe the prevalence of and factors associated with oral health measures in a sample of older homeless adults in Oakland, CA.MethodsWe conducted a cross‐sectional analysis of data from a population‐based study of 350 homeless adults aged ≥50 in which trained researchers conducted structured interviews using validated questions regarding sociodemographics, health‐related behaviors, healthcare utilization, and health status. We assessed self‐reported tooth loss, oral pain, and unmet need for dental care. We used multivariable logistic regression to examine factors associated with missing half or more teeth.ResultsOver half 201/350 (57.4 percent) of participants were missing at least half of their teeth. Half 191/350 (54.6 percent) reported oral pain in the past 6 months; 101/350 (28.9 percent) reported that oral pain prevented them from eating and 73/350 (20.9 percent) reported that pain prevented sleeping. Almost half, 141/350 (40.3 percent), had not seen a dentist in over 5 years, and over half 190/350 (54.3 percent) reported being unable to obtain needed dental care. In multivariate models, increased age (AOR = 1.09, 95 percent CI 1.04–1.14), moderate‐to‐high risk alcohol use (AOR = 2.17, CI = 1.23–3.84), moderate‐to‐high risk cocaine use (AOR = 1.72, CI = 1.03–2.88), and ever smoking (AOR = 2.87, CI = 1.59–5.18) were associated with an increased odds of having lost half or more teeth.ConclusionsTooth loss and oral pain are highly prevalent in older homeless adults. Increasing age, alcohol, drug, and tobacco use are associated with tooth loss.
Soluble nondigestible carbohydrates improve intestinal function and increase caecal coliform load in broiler chickens
Authors: Molnár Andor , Dublecz Fanni , Pál László , Wágner László , Hess Claudia , Hess Michael , Husvéth Ferenc , Dublecz Károly 
Published: September 2018

AbstractDiets rich in various soluble nondigestible carbohydrates (sNDCs) were evaluated on different intestinal characteristics (histological, physico‐chemical and microbiological) of chickens and compared with a maize‐based diet as a control. A total of 160 Ross 308 male chickens were kept in deep litter pens (n = 40) and fed their appropriate diets from Day 1 to Day 35 of life. Four isocaloric and isonitrogenous diets, differing in their sNDC content, were composed; control (containing maize as the only cereal), maize–wheat‐based (M + W) and maize‐based supplemented with either 20 g/kg inulin (M + I) or 30 g/kg lactose (M + L). All of the diets tested decreased ileal crypt depth, ileal muscle layer thickness and increased caecal coliform counts relative to the control group. Villus–crypt ratio increased only in the M + L group. Ileal digesta of chickens fed the M + W diet had the highest ileal viscosity and the highest caecal butyrate, valerate and total short‐chain fatty acid concentrations while the lowest pH was observed in caecal contents of chickens fed the M + I diet. The diet had no effect on ileal or caecal goblet cell and intraepithelial lymphocyte numbers. Lactobacillus counts in the caecal content remained unchanged. According to the present study, various sNDC sources may have beneficial gut health effects, however, some of the intestinal variables are dependent on the type of sNDCs.
Activator‐type R2R3‐MYB genes induce a repressor‐type R2R3‐MYB gene to balance anthocyanin and proanthocyanidin accumulation
Authors: Zhou Hui , Lin‐Wang Kui , Wang Furong , Espley Richard V. , Ren Fei , Zhao Jianbo , Ogutu Collins , He Huaping , Jiang Quan , Allan Andrew C. , Han Yuepeng 
Published: September 2018

Summary

Anthocyanin and proanthocyanidin (PA) accumulation is regulated by both myeloblastosis (MYB) activators and repressors, but little information is available on hierarchical interactions between the positive and negative regulators. Here, we report on a R2R3‐MYB repressor in peach, designated PpMYB18, which acts as a negative regulator of anthocyanin and PA accumulation.

PpMYB18 can be activated by both anthocyanin‐ and PA‐related MYB activators, and is expressed both at fruit ripening and juvenile stages when anthocyanins or PAs, respectively, are being synthesized.

The PpMYB18 protein competes with MYB activators for binding to basic Helix Loop Helixes (bHLHs), which develops a fine‐tuning regulatory loop to balance PA and anthocyanin accumulation. In addition, the bHLH binding motif in the R3 domain and the C1 and C2 repression motifs in the C‐terminus of PpMYB18 both confer repressive activity of PpMYB18.

Our study also demonstrates a modifying negative feedback loop, which prevents cells from excess accumulation of anthocyanin and PAs, and serves as a model for balancing secondary metabolite accumulation at the transcriptional level.
Sparse Generalized Eigenvalue Problem: Optimal Statistical Rates via Truncated Rayleigh Flow
Authors: Tan Kean Ming , Wang Zhaoran , Liu Han , Zhang Tong 
Published: September 2018

SummaryThe sparse generalized eigenvalue problem (GEP) plays a pivotal role in a large family of high dimensional statistical models, including sparse Fisher’s discriminant analysis, canonical correlation analysis and sufficient dimension reduction. The sparse GEP involves solving a non-convex optimization problem. Most existing methods and theory in the context of specific statistical models that are special cases of the sparse GEP require restrictive structural assumptions on the input matrices. We propose a two-stage computational framework to solve the sparse GEP. At the first stage, we solve a convex relaxation of the sparse GEP. Taking the solution as an initial value, we then exploit a non-convex optimization perspective and propose the truncated Rayleigh flow method (which we call ‘rifle’) to estimate the leading generalized eigenvector. We show that rifle converges linearly to a solution with the optimal statistical rate of convergence. Theoretically, our method significantly improves on the existing literature by eliminating structural assumptions on the input matrices. To achieve this, our analysis involves two key ingredients: a new analysis of the gradient-based method on non-convex objective functions, and a fine-grained characterization of the evolution of sparsity patterns along the solution path. Thorough numerical studies are provided to validate the theoretical results.
Comparative evaluation of platelet counts in two hematology analyzers and potential effects on prophylactic platelet transfusion decisions
Authors: Hummel Kornelia , Sachse Michaela , Hoffmann Johannes J.M.L. , van Dun Ludi P.J.M. 
Published: September 2018

BACKGROUNDDecisions on prophylactic platelet (PLT) transfusions are generally based on the recipient's PLT count, but few clinicians are aware of precision and accuracy of the PLT counting methods used by the clinical laboratory. Each PLT counting technology has its specific inaccuracy, especially in thrombocytopenic samples and therefore may impact decisions on PLT transfusions.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODSFive routine PLT counting methods available in two hematology analyzers (Sysmex XN‐2000 and Abbott CELL‐DYN Sapphire) were investigated (impedance and optical on both analyzers and fluorescent on XN‐2000), using the CD61 immunologic PLT method as a reference. The impact of counting inaccuracy on imaginary transfusion decisions was examined at various common PLT thresholds.RESULTSIn total 341 samples were analyzed, 178 of which had PLT counts of less than 35 × 109/L. Despite excellent overall correlation with the reference method (r > 0.99), thrombocytopenic samples showed only modest correlation for impedance and XN‐2000 optical methods. Sapphire optical and XN‐2000 fluorescent methods correlated very well with the reference, albeit with bias in the very low range. We noticed potential risk of undertransfusion (ranging from 2% to 90%), depending on the threshold used. The risk of overtransfusion was small (<10%).CONCLUSIONSThe XN‐2000 fluorescent PLT counting method showed excellent correlation with the CD61 reference count, closely followed by the CELL‐DYN Sapphire optical method. XN‐2000 impedance and optical and Sapphire impedance methods are not accurate enough for basing transfusion decisions on. Only XN‐2000 fluorescent, Sapphire optical, and CD61 methods are sufficiently accurate for making appropriate clinical decisions in patients with severe thrombocytopenia.
Fear of blood draw is associated with inflated expectations of faint and prefaint reactions to blood donation
Authors: France Christopher R. , France Janis L. 
Published: September 2018

BACKGROUNDAlthough the risk of fainting and prefaint reactions (e.g., dizziness, lightheadedness) is low during blood donation, there is evidence that this risk remains a concern for many donors. This study sought to measure perceived risk for such reactions within the general population and to relate perceived risk to individual reports of fear of having blood drawn.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODSA sample of 1019 men and women (52.2% male; mean ± SD age, 37.2 ± 12.3 years; range, 18‐80 years) completed an anonymous online survey that included questions that asked about their 1) estimation of the frequency of faint and prefaint symptoms experienced by blood donors and 2) fear of having blood drawn.RESULTSSurvey respondents overestimated the risk of both faint and prefaint reactions to blood donation, with estimates of fainting risk being more than 20 times the actual risk. Further, the perceived risk of both faint reactions (F(4,1008) = 25.88, p < 0.001) and prefaint reactions (F(4,1008) = 17.37, p < 0.001) was higher among those who reported greater fear of having blood drawn.CONCLUSIONThe general public has inflated expectations of the risk for faint and prefaint reactions to blood donation, suggesting that efforts to educate prospective donors with accurate information may help to reduce this relatively common concern.
Czech privatisation 25 years later
Authors: Louzek Marek 
Published: September 2018

AbstractPrivatisation is still a hot political topic today and divides economists as well as politicians and the general public. The paper aims to capture the Czech privatisation in its historical, economic and political contexts. The first part explains the difference between transitional privatisation and standard privatisation. The second part examines the interests in the privatisation process. The third part discusses the privatisation methods used in the Czech Republic. The fourth part offers an international comparison.
Comparison of the Drug-Drug Interaction Potential of Daptomycin in Combination with Rifampin in Healthy Adult Volunteers
Authors: Benefield Russell J. , Slechta E. Susan , Gast Christopher M. , Spivak Emily S. , Hanson Kimberly E. , Alexander Donald P. 
Published: September 2018

We evaluated the effects of rifampin coadministration and
MDR1
single nucleotide polymorphisms on the disposition of daptomycin in twelve healthy adults. There were no significant changes from baseline in the clearance (0.53 versus 0.55 liters/h,
P =
1.00), volume of distribution (7.0 versus 7.2 liter,
P =
0.62), or half-life (9.7 versus 9.6 h,
P =
0.89) of daptomycin after exposure to rifampin.