bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of the Present‐on‐Admission Indicator among Hospitalized Fee‐for‐Service Medicare Patients with a Pressure Ulcer Diagnosis: Coding Patterns and Impact on Hospital‐Acquired Pressure Ulcer Rates
Authors: Squitieri Lee , Waxman Daniel A. , Mangione Carol M. , Saliba Debra , Ko Clifford Y. , Needleman Jack , Ganz David A. 
Published: January 2018

ObjectivesTo evaluate national present‐on‐admission (POA) reporting for hospital‐acquired pressure ulcers (HAPUs) and examine the impact of quality measure exclusion criteria on HAPU rates.Data Sources/Study SettingMedicare inpatient, outpatient, and nursing facility data as well as independent provider claims (2010–2011).Study DesignRetrospective cross‐sectional study.Data Collection/Extraction MethodsWe evaluated acute inpatient hospital admissions among Medicare fee‐for‐service (FFS) beneficiaries in 2011. Admissions were categorized as follows: (1) no pressure ulcer diagnosis, (2) new pressure ulcer diagnosis, and (3) previously documented pressure ulcer diagnosis. HAPU rates were calculated by varying patient exclusion criteria.Principal FindingsAmong admissions with a pressure ulcer diagnosis, we observed a large discrepancy in the proportion of admissions with a HAPU based on hospital‐reported POA data (5.2 percent) and the proportion with a new pressure ulcer diagnosis based on patient history in billing claims (49.7 percent). Applying quality measure exclusion criteria resulted in removal of 91.2 percent of admissions with a pressure injury diagnosis from HAPU rate calculations.ConclusionsAs payers and health care organizations expand the use of quality measures, it is important to consider how the measures are implemented, coding revisions to improve measure validity, and the impact of patient exclusion criteria on provider performance evaluation.
The King in Trinkets: Madeleine de Scudéry's Conversations and the Downsizing of Absolutism
Authors: Hogg Chloé 
Published: January 2018

AbstractThis article studies the discourse and material culture of absolutism in two conversations from Madeleine de Scudéry's Conversations nouvelles sur divers sujets (1684). Read together and against each other, ‘De la magnificence et de la magnanimité’ and ‘De l'ennui sans sujet’ present the transition from an economy of representation and display that elicits awe and admiration to an exchange of goods that promises personal satisfactions and pleasures. I argue that Scudéry effects a literary and material ‘downsizing’ of absolutism in her description of a court entertainment at Marly that combined gambling with the pleasures of consumption.
IS THE CREDIT WORTH IT? FOR‐PROFIT LENDERS IN MICROFINANCE WITH RATIONAL AND BEHAVIORAL BORROWERS
Authors: DE QUIDT Jonathan , GHATAK Maitreesh 
Published: January 2018

ABSTRACTThe bulk of the literature on microcredit has focused on either not‐for‐profit lenders or assumes a perfectly competitive, zero‐profit market equilibrium. Yet the market has experienced a significant shift toward for‐profit lending and the assumptions of perfect competition are likely to be too strong in many locations. We review the state of the literature on for‐profit lending in microcredit, consider its implications for both conventionally ‘rational’ borrowers and for borrowers with behavioral biases, and point out directions for future research.
Rasagiline delays retinal degeneration in a mouse model of retinitis pigmentosa via modulation of Bax/Bcl‐2 expression
Authors: Garcia‐Delgado Ana B. , Valdés‐Sánchez Lourdes , Calado Sofia M. , Diaz‐Corrales Francisco J. , Bhattacharya Shom S. 
Published: January 2018

SummaryAimsRetinitis pigmentosa (RP) is an inherited disease characterized by a progressive degeneration of rod photoreceptors. An imbalance between pro‐ and antiapoptotic factors, such as Bax/Bcl‐2, has been involved in retinal degeneration. To date, no cure or effective treatments are available for RP. Rasagiline is an antiparkinsonian drug that has shown neuroprotective effects in part attributed to a modulation of Bax/Bcl‐2 expression. In this study, we have evaluated the use of rasagiline as a potential treatment for RP.MethodsNewborn rd10 mice, a RP model, were treated with oral rasagiline during 30 days followed by a functional and morphological characterization of their mouse retinas.ResultsTreated animals showed a significant improvement in visual acuity and in the electrical responses of photoreceptors to light stimuli. Rasagiline delayed photoreceptor degeneration, which was confirmed not only by a high photoreceptor nuclei counting, but also by a sustained expression of photoreceptor‐specific markers. In addition, the expression of proapoptotic Bax decreased, whereas the antiapoptotic factor Bcl‐2 increased after rasagiline treatment.ConclusionThis study provides new evidences regarding the neuroprotective effect of rasagiline in the retina, and it brings new insight into the development of future clinical trials using this well‐established antiparkinsonian drug to treat RP.
Young children's non‐numerical ordering ability at the start of formal education longitudinally predicts their symbolic number skills and academic achievement in maths
Authors: O'Connor Patrick A. , Morsanyi Kinga , McCormack Teresa 
Published: January 2018

AbstractOrdinality is a fundamental feature of numbers and recent studies have highlighted the role that number ordering abilities play in mathematical development (e.g., Lyons et al., ), as well as mature mathematical performance (e.g., Lyons & Beilock, ). The current study tested the novel hypothesis that non‐numerical ordering ability, as measured by the ordering of familiar sequences of events, also plays an important role in maths development. Ninety children were tested in their first school year and 87 were followed up at the end of their second school year, to test the hypothesis that ordinal processing, including the ordering of non‐numerical materials, would be related to their maths skills both cross‐sectionally and longitudinally. The results confirmed this hypothesis. Ordinal processing measures were significantly related to maths both cross‐sectionally and longitudinally, and children's non‐numerical ordering ability in their first year of school (as measured by order judgements for everyday events and the parents’ report of their child's everyday ordering ability) was the strongest longitudinal predictor of maths one year later, when compared to several measures that are traditionally considered to be important predictors of early maths development. Children's everyday ordering ability, as reported by parents, also significantly predicted growth in formal maths ability between Year 1 and Year 2, although this was not the case for the event ordering task. The present study provides strong evidence that domain‐general ordering abilities play an important role in the development of children's maths skills at the beginning of formal education.
Aerobic exercise in depressed youth: A feasibility and clinical outcomes pilot
Authors: Jaworska Natalia , Courtright Allegra K. , De Somma Elisea , MacQueen Glenda M. , MacMaster Frank P. 
Published: January 2018

AimMajor depressive disorder (MDD) onset generally occurs in adolescence/early adulthood. However, pharmacotherapy use in younger populations is restricted due to black box warnings. Aerobic exercise may be a viable treatment option for mild‐to‐moderate MDD, but little is known about its acceptability/effectiveness in young adults.MethodsUnmedicated and relatively inactive 18‐to‐24 olds with MDD completed fitness/clinical assessments at baseline and after 12 weeks of supervised aerobic exercise (3×/wk; 30‐minute sessions in target heart rate [HR] zone), with the aim of increasing cardiovascular fitness (VO2max‐indexed).ResultsPost‐intervention, predicted VO2max increased, whereas depression scores decreased. A correlation existed between time spent in target HR zone and anxiety symptom decreases. Exercise adherence and satisfaction were high, and drop‐out was minimal.ConclusionsThis pilot is among the first to assess the feasibility of aerobic exercise as an antidepressant treatment strategy in young adults, a group for which options have limited acceptability.
Phenology and time series trends of the dominant seasonal phytoplankton bloom across global scales
Authors: Friedland Kevin D. , Mouw Colleen B. , Asch Rebecca G. , Ferreira A. Sofia A. , Henson Stephanie , Hyde Kimberly J. W. , Morse Ryan E. , Thomas Andrew C. , Brady Damian C. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractAimThis study examined phytoplankton blooms on a global scale, with the intention of describing patterns of bloom timing and size, the effect of bloom timing on the size of blooms, and time series trends in bloom characteristics.LocationGlobal.MethodsWe used a change‐point statistics algorithm to detect phytoplankton blooms in time series (1998–2015) of chlorophyll concentration data over a global grid. At each study location, the bloom statistics for the dominant bloom, based on the search time period that resulted in the most blooms detected, were used to describe the spatial distribution of bloom characteristics over the globe. Time series of bloom characteristics were also subjected to trend analysis to describe regional and global changes in bloom timing and size.ResultsThe characteristics of the dominant bloom were found to vary with latitude and in localized patterns associated with specific oceanographic features. Bloom timing had the most profound effect on bloom duration, with early blooms tending to last longer than later‐starting blooms. Time series of bloom timing and duration were trended, suggesting that blooms have been starting earlier and lasting longer, respectively, on a global scale. Blooms have also increased in size at high latitudes and decreased in equatorial areas based on multiple size metrics.Main conclusionsPhytoplankton blooms have changed on both regional and global scales, which has ramifications for the function of food webs providing ecosystem services. A tendency for blooms to start earlier and last longer will have an impact on energy flow pathways in ecosystems, differentially favouring the productivity of different species groups. These changes may also affect the sequestration of carbon in ocean ecosystems. A shift to earlier bloom timing is consistent with the expected effect of warming ocean climate conditions observed in recent decades.
Risk of psychological distress in partners with functional disability among older Japanese adults
Authors: Sone Toshimasa , Nakaya Naoki , Tomata Yasutake , Tsuji Ichiro 
Published: January 2018

AimThe present cross‐sectional study aimed to evaluate the association of psychological distress with a partner's disability in an older Japanese population, as well as the effect modification of social support on this association.MethodsThe baseline survey was carried out between 1 December and 15 December 2006, and included 6809 participants from whom we collected data regarding functional disability and psychological distress. We defined functional disability as certification for long‐term care insurance in Japan, and psychological distress as a Kessler 6 score of ≥10 out of 24. A multiple logistic regression analysis was used to calculate odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for increased psychological distress according to the categories of functional disability among partners. Stratified analyses were also carried out to investigate whether social support significantly affected the association between a partner's functional disability and psychological distress.ResultsThe multiple‐adjusted OR for psychological distress was 1.48 (95% CI 1.06–2.04) among participants whose partners had functional disabilities (vs those whose partners did not have functional disabilities). In the social support‐stratified analysis, a significant association with psychological distress was observed among participants lacking social support for help with their daily housework (OR 2.47, 95% CI 1.23–4.83), but not among those with social support (OR 1.18, 95% CI 0.79–1.72); P for interaction = 0.03).ConclusionsA partner with functional disability conferred a significantly higher risk of psychological distress on older Japanese individuals, and this association was modified by social support. We conclude that social support might buffer psychological distress in this population. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2018; 18: 775–782
Life‐Space Assessment questionnaire: Novel measurement properties for Brazilian community‐dwelling older adults
Authors: Simões Maria do Socorro MP , Garcia Isabel FF , Costa Lucíola da CM , Lunardi Adriana C 
Published: January 2018

AimThe Life‐Space Assessment (LSA) assesses mobility from the spaces that older adults go, and how often and how independent they move. Despite its increased use, LSA measurement properties remain unclear. The aim of the present study was to analyze the content validity, reliability, construct validity and interpretability of the LSA for Brazilian community‐dwelling older adults.MethodsIn this clinimetric study we analyzed the measurement properties (content validity, reliability, construct validity and interpretability) of the LSA administered to 80 Brazilian community‐dwelling older adults. Reliability was analyzed by Cronbach's alpha (internal consistency), intraclass correlation coefficients and 95% confidence interval (reproducibility), and standard error of measurement (measurement error). Construct validity was analyzed by Pearson's correlations between the LSA and accelerometry (time in inactivity and moderate‐to‐vigorous activities), and interpretability was analyzed by determination of the minimal detectable change, and floor and ceiling effects.ResultsThe LSA met the criteria for content validity. The Cronbach's alpha was 0.92, intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.97 (95% confidence interval 0.95–0.98) and standard error of measurement was 4.12. The LSA showed convergence with accelerometry (negative correlation with time in inactivity and positive correlation with time in moderate to vigorous activities), the minimal detectable change was 0.36 and we observed no floor or ceiling effects.ConclusionsThe LSA showed adequate reliability, validity and interpretability for life‐space mobility assessment of Brazilian community‐dwelling older adults. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2018; 18: 783–789
Association between objectively measured chewing ability and frailty: A cross‐sectional study in central Thailand
Authors: Iwasaki Masanori , Kimura Yumi , Sasiwongsaroj Kwanchit , Kettratad‐Pruksapong Matana , Suksudaj Sutee , Ishimoto Yasuko , Chang Nai‐Yuan , Sakamoto Ryota , Matsubayashi Kozo , Songpaisan Yupin , Miyazaki Hideo 
Published: January 2018

AimLimited data are available on the association between oral function and frailty, especially in developing countries. Additionally, the association between objectively assessed chewing function and frailty has not been well studied. The present cross‐sectional study tested the hypothesis that objectively measured poor chewing ability is associated with frailty in community‐dwelling older Thai adults.MethodsThe study population comprised 141 people in Nakhon Pathom, Thailand (median age 72 years). Demographic and clinical data were collected at a community center. Participants were asked to chew a gum designed for assessing chewing ability. The differences in gum color before and after chewing (ΔE*ab) were calculated and used as the exposure variable, where a lower ΔE*ab indicates lower chewing ability. Frailty phenotypes were defined by weakness, slowness, weight loss, low physical activity level and exhaustion components, and used as the outcome variable. Participants with three or more components were considered frail, and those with one or two components were considered pre‐frail. Ordinal logistic regression analyses were carried out to assess the association of objective chewing ability with frailty.ResultsOf the 141 participants, 32 (22.7%) were categorized as frail and 78 (55.3%) as pre‐frail. In the analysis adjusted for demographic and health characteristics, the adjusted odds ratio of the presence and severity of frailty was significantly higher in participants with lower ΔE*ab (adjusted odds ratio for one decrease in ΔE*ab 1.05, 95% confidence interval 1.01–1.10, P = 0.03).ConclusionsObjectively measured chewing ability was significantly associated with frailty in community‐dwelling older Thai adults. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2018; 18: 860–866
Leptin regulates disc cartilage endplate degeneration and ossification through activation of the MAPK‐ERK signalling pathway in vivo and in vitro
Authors: Han Ying‐Chao , Ma Bin , Guo Song , Yang Mingjie , Li Li‐Jun , Wang Shan‐Jin , Tan Jun 
Published: January 2018

AbstractRecent findings demonstrate that leptin plays a significant role in chondrocyte and osteoblast differentiation. However, the mechanisms by which leptin acts on cartilage endplate (CEP) cells to give rise to calcification are still unclear. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of leptin that induced mineralization of CEP cells in vitro and in vivo. We constructed a rat model of lumbar disc degeneration and determined that leptin was highly expressed in the presence of CEP calcification. Rat CEP cells treated with or without leptin were used for in vitro analysis using RT‐PCR and Western blotting to examine the expression of osteocalcin (OCN) and runt‐related transcription factor 2 (Runx2). Both OCN and Runx2 expression levels were significantly increased in a dose‐ and time‐dependent manner. Leptin activated ERK1/2 and STAT3 phosphorylation in a time‐dependent manner. Inhibition of phosphorylated ERK1/2 using targeted siRNA suppressed leptin‐induced OCN and Runx2 expression and blocked the formation of mineralized nodules in CEP cells. We further demonstrated that exogenous leptin induced matrix mineralization of CEP cells in vivo. We suggest that leptin promotes the osteoblastic differentiation of CEP cells via the MAPK/ERK signal transduction pathway and may be used to investigate the mechanisms of disc degeneration.
LysoTracker and MitoTracker Red are transport substrates of P‐glycoprotein: implications for anticancer drug design evading multidrug resistance
Authors: Zhitomirsky Benny , Farber Hodaya , Assaraf Yehuda G. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractLysoTracker and MitoTracker Red are fluorescent probes widely used for viable cell staining of lysosomes and mitochondria, respectively. They are utilized to study organelle localization and their resident proteins, assess organelle functionality and quantification of organelle numbers. The ATP‐driven efflux transporter P‐glycoprotein (P‐gp) is expressed in normal and malignant tissues and extrudes structurally distinct endogenous and exogenous cytotoxic compounds. Thus, once aromatic hydrophobic compounds such as the above‐mentioned fluorescent probes are recognized as transport substrates, efflux pumps including P‐gp may abolish their ability to reach their cellular target organelles. Herein, we show that LysoTracker and MitoTracker Red are expelled from P‐gp‐overexpressing cancer cells, thus hindering their ability to fluorescently mark target organelles. We further demonstrate that tariquidar, a potent P‐gp transport inhibitor, restores LysoTracker and MitoTracker Red cell entry. We conclude that LysoTracker and MitoTracker Red are P‐gp transport substrates, and therefore, P‐gp expression must be taken into consideration prior to cellular applications using these probes. Importantly, as MitoTracker was a superior P‐gp substrate than LysoTracker Red, we discuss the implications for the future design of chemotherapeutics evading cancer multidrug resistance. Furthermore, restoration of MitoTracker Red fluorescence in P‐gp‐overexpressing cells may facilitate the identification of potent P‐gp transport inhibitors (i.e. chemosensitizers).
Modified methylated DNA immunoprecipitation protocol for noninvasive prenatal diagnosis of Down syndrome
Authors: Karami Fatemeh , Noori‐Daloii Mohammad R. , Omidfar Kobra , Tabrizi Mina , Hantooshzadeh Seddigheh , Aleyasin Ashraf , Daneshpour Maryam , Modarressi Mohammad H. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractAimMethylated DNA immunoprecipitation real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (MeDIP‐real‐time qPCR) has been introduced as noninvasive prenatal test that has shown absolute detection rate in the screening of Down syndrome. Herein, we aimed to propose a novel modification of MeDIP‐qPCR and assess its potential to alleviate the overall cost of the test, being used in very early weeks of pregnancy, and develop it to a noninvasive prenatal diagnosis biosensor in future researches.MethodsCell‐free fetal DNA (cffDNA) isolated from 60 pregnant women, including 29 normal and 31 trisomy 21 pregnancies, were analyzed using proposed MeDIP protocol. Enriched methylated DNA sequences were amplified through real‐time qPCR using eight fetal‐specific primer pairs. The status of samples was determined through the calculation of D‐value with the cutoff point of zero.ResultsThe sensitivity and specificity of the MeDIP protocols using nanoparticles were 100% and 100%, respectively.ConclusionRemarkable decrease in the price of MeDIP test per each patient would be a reasonable factor to confirm it on larger sample size. Moreover, the high detection rate of screening and the availability of the required instruments around the world make satisfactory reasons to be tested in earlier weeks of pregnancy, thanks to the high sensitivity of gold shell nanoparticles.
Ultrasound guidance versus anatomical landmark approach for femoral artery access in coronary angiography: A randomized controlled trial and a meta‐analysis
Authors: Marquis‐Gravel Guillaume , Tremblay‐Gravel Maxime , Lévesque Jonathan , Généreux Philippe , Schampaert Erick , Palisaitis Donald , Doucet Michel , Charron Thierry , Terriault Paul , Tessier Pierre 
Published: January 2018

ObjectivesThe objective was to assess the effect of ultrasound (US)‐guidance compared to the anatomical landmark (AL) approach in patients requiring femoral artery (FA) access for coronary angiography/percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI).BackgroundUS‐guidance has been proposed as a strategy to optimize FA access, potentially leading to decreased vascular complications.MethodsPatients requiring FA access for coronary angiography/PCI were randomized to the US‐guided or AL approaches. The primary endpoint was a composite of immediate procedural vascular outcomes, and access‐site outcomes at day one. Results were subsequently pooled in a study‐level meta‐analysis of randomized trials comparing US‐guided FA access to another strategy.ResultsA total of 129 patients were randomized (64 US‐guided group; 65 AL group). The primary endpoint occurred in 30 patients (47%) with US, and in 39 patients (62%) with AL (P = 0.09). Four additional studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in the meta‐analysis (1553 patients). Following data pooling, bleeding events (OR = 0.41; 95%CI 0.20‐0.83; P = 0.01), venipunctures (OR = 0.18; 95%CI: 0.11‐0.29; P < 0.0001), and multiple puncture attempts (OR = 0.24; 95%CI: 0.19‐0.31; P < 0.0001) were significantly improved with US‐guidance, but not successful common FA cannulation (OR = 0.84; 95%CI: 0.60‐1.17; P = 0.29).ConclusionOur study did not show significant benefits for the use of US to guide arterial femoral access compared to the anatomical landmark approach, but pooled analysis of five randomized trials showed decreased rates of bleeding events and venipunctures, and improved first‐pass success. The clinical impact of these findings is uncertain, and do not warrant a systematic use of US‐guidance in this clinical setting.