bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of aromatase inhibition vs. testosterone in older men with low testosterone: randomized‐controlled trial
Authors: Dias J. P. , Melvin D. , Simonsick E.M. , Carlson O. , Shardell M.D. , Ferrucci L. , Chia C. W. , Basaria S. , Egan J. M. 
Published: November 2015

SummaryAging in men is associated with loss of bone mass, impaired physical function and altered body composition. The objective of this proof‐of‐concept randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, parallel‐group, single‐center trial was to determine the relative effects of testosterone (T) and estradiol (E2) on bone mineral density, body composition, and physical performance in older men. The primary outcome was lumbar spine bone mineral density (BMD), and secondary outcomes were body composition, muscle strength, gait speed, and sex hormone concentrations. Forty three men (age range, 65–82 years; mean age 71 years) with low total T levels <350 ng/dL were randomized to one of three groups: 5 g transdermal testosterone gel (TT) (N = 16), anastrozole (AI) 1 mg (N = 14) or placebo daily (N = 13) for 12 months. Outcomes were assessed at baseline, 3, 6, and 12 months. Both TT and AI increased serum TT levels (>500 ng/dL, p < 0.05) compared to baseline; T values remained stable throughout the duration of the trial. At 12 months, TT improved the primary outcome of lumbar spine BMD (p < 0.01).Both interventions improved knee strength at 12 months compared to baseline (p < 0.05) while lean body mass significantly increased only in the AI group at 6 and 12 months (1.49 ± 0.38 kg, p < 0.01; 1.24 ± 0.39 kg, p < 0.05, respectively) compared to baseline. Interestingly, TT improved fast gait speed at 3 and 12 months (p < 0.01, p < 0.05, respectively). In summary, this proof‐of‐concept study confirms that aromatization of T is required for maintaining BMD in older men with low‐T levels. The trial also uncovered the novel finding that aromatization of T is required for improvement in fast gait speed, an observation that needs to be verified in future studies.
How do people with learning disabilities experience and make sense of the ageing process?
Authors: Newberry Gayle , Martin Carol , Robbins Lorna 
Published: November 2015

Accessible summary

We wanted to find out what getting older feels like for people with learning disabilities. We asked seven people with learning disabilities about getting older.

Most of the people had noticed changes as they got older. Some felt sad or angry about it. Some worried about getting older.

People said that it was important to have good friends and to do useful jobs.

Some people did not know much about getting older. Some people wanted to look back over their lives to feel more settled. They might need help with this.

AbstractBackground: Not enough is currently known about how people with learning disabilities experience and understand the ageing process. This is particularly important as the population of older people with learning disabilities is growing due to increased life expectancy. This article draws on the first author's doctoral research study, which aimed to fill this gap in the literature by exploring how people with learning disabilities experience and make sense of the ageing process and old age.Materials and Methods: Seven people with learning disabilities aged 60 or more were interviewed, and their accounts were analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis. This approach allows the participant's lived experience to be explored in detail. Participants' accounts were analysed individually, followed by a group analysis. This article presents the results of the group analysis, illustrated by quotes from individuals.Results: The master themes arising from the group analysis were as follows: quality of relationships is central to enjoyment of life, including subthemes on the importance of affection and companionship, distress at lack of closeness and anxiety about ability to satisfy others; powerlessness; needing a sense of purpose; and making sense of getting older, including subthemes on reactions to changes with age, life review and looking to the future.Conclusions: Clinical implications of the findings include the need for services to support older people with learning disabilities in maintaining friendships and meaningful activities. This study demonstrates that some older people with learning disabilities can engage in a process of life review and raises the possibility that learning disability services could play a useful role in facilitating this process. Understanding of the ageing process varied between participants and tended towards a negative, stereotypical view of ageing. The findings suggest that people with learning disabilities could benefit from psychoeducation on the ageing process to aid them in making sense of the changes they experience as they get older.
STABILITY OF THAI BAHT: TALES FROM THE TAILS
Authors: Cumperayot Phornchanok 
Published: November 2015

ABSTRACTWe demonstrate how the EVT‐based signalling approach for currency crises can be applied to an individual country with a small sample size. Using Thai historical data, first, we study the tail characteristics of the distributions of two Thai baht instability measures and 21 economic fundamentals. Then, we test asymptotic dependence between the currency instability measures and lagged economic fundamentals. Empirically, we find that the distributions of both currency instability measures and economic variables are heavy tailed. Assuming a normal distribution for the variables tends to underestimate the probability of extreme events. Furthermore, most of the economic variables which are usually used as signalling indicators for currency crises are asymptotically independent of the currency instability measures. Signals issued by these variables are thus not reliable. Nevertheless, the non‐parametric EVT approach facilitates the selection of economic indicators with credible signals and high crisis prediction success.
Peanut‐allergic patients in the MIRABEL survey: characteristics, allergists’ dietary advice and lessons from real life
Authors: Deschildre A. , Elegbédé C. F. , Just J. , Bruyère O. , Van der Brempt X. , Papadopoulos A. , Beaudouin E. , Renaudin J. ‐M. , Crepet A. , Moneret‐Vautrin D.‐A. 
Published: November 2015

SummaryBackgroundThe MIRABEL survey is an observational study on peanut allergy in France, Belgium and Luxemburg. The objectives are to provide data on a large population, to analyse the consumer behaviour, to study the presence of peanut traces in pre‐packed foods with/without precautionary allergen labelling (PAL), and to combine these data to quantify allergic risk and produce a cost/benefit analysis. This paper reports a real‐life observatory of 785 patients (< 16y: 86%): medical characteristics, eliciting doses (ED) in real life and in oral food challenges (OFC), factors associated with severe reactions, allergist dietary advice and patients’ anxiety regarding their allergy.MethodsAge and symptoms at diagnosis, route of exposure, comorbidities, allergy tests, ED (OFC/real life; mg peanut protein), dietary advice about PAL, and anxiety score were recorded.ResultsMedian age was 3 years; 85% were declared allergic. Severe/potentially severe reactions were reported in 30% of the allergic patients: serious systemic reaction (15%), laryngeal angioedema (8%), shock (4%) and acute asthma (3%); 66% had atopic dermatitis, 58% asthma. Median ara h 2 sIgE level was 11.5 kUA/L. Of the 278 OFCs, 225 were positive (median ED: 67.3 mg). Real‐life ED was < 100 mg in 44.3%. Severe reactions were significantly more frequent in teenagers and adults (P = 0.004), asthmatic patients (P = 0.033), and patients who reacted to inhalation (P < 0.001). No significant association was found for OFC ED or ara h 2 sIgE. Factors associated with strict avoidance advice including PAL were OFC ED < 100 mg (P < 0.001), but not severe reaction history (P = 0.051) or asthma (P = 0.34). Anxiety was significantly associated with strict avoidance (P < 0.001).Conclusion and clinical relevanceSevere/potentially severe reactions, allergic comorbidities, and low EDs in real life are frequent in peanut‐allergic patients. Asthma, teenage/adulthood and reaction to inhalation are associated with severe symptoms. PAL and criteria guiding dietary advice need to be improved.
Cohort study of neurocognitive functioning and adaptive behaviour in children and adolescents with Niemann‐Pick Disease type C1
Authors: Thurm Audrey , Farmer Cristan , Farhat Nicole Yanjanin , Wiggs Edythe , Black David , Porter Forbes D 
Published: November 2015

AimTo describe the neurocognitive and adaptive behavior profile of children and adolescents with Niemann–Pick Disease type C1 (NPC1), a rare genetic disease that frequently presents in childhood, with variable onset and symptom complex involving neurodegeneration.MethodThirty‐eight participants (20 males, 18 females; mean age 8y 10mo, SD 4y 8mo, range 1–18y) with NPC1 were evaluated through a natural history protocol.ResultsNPC1 severity was in the mild to moderate range for most participants. Cognitive scores (n=32) ranged from very low to above average; about half of the participants exhibited a clinically significant advantage of Verbal IQ over Non‐verbal IQ. Adaptive behavior scores (n=21) were generally in the borderline to impaired range. Longitudinal cognitive data (n=19) suggested a pattern of decreasing scores over time. However, most participants remained at the same general level of functioning throughout the study.InterpretationThis study begins to systematically describe the neurocognitive phenotype of children and adolescents with NPC1, identifying heterogeneity and decline, aiding in understanding the natural history of the disease to plan treatment studies.
Testing the hypothesis of greater eurythermality in invasive than in native ladybird species: from physiological performance to life‐history strategies
Authors: BARAHONA‐SEGOVIA RODRIGO M. , GREZ AUDREY A. , BOZINOVIC FRANCISCO 
Published: November 2015

1. Global warming and biological invasions are important threats to biodiversity. Nonetheless, there is little information on how these factors influence performance or life‐history traits of invasive and native species.2. The effects of temperature on physiological and fitness traits of two invasive alien species (Harmonia axyridis and Hippodamia variegata) and one native species (Eriopis chilensis) of coccinellid were evaluated, testing a model of eurythermality. Eggs of all species were exposed to four temperature treatments (20, 24, 30 and 33 °C). In adult F2 we measured fecundity, locomotor performance, development time (total and per life stage), survival, and preferred body temperature in a thermal gradient.3. It was found that H. axyridis had comparatively better performance at low temperatures (i.e. 20 °C), while the performance of H. variegata and E. chilensis did not change with temperature or was better at higher temperatures (30 °C). The standardised Levins index showed that all species are eurythermic. E. chilensis had a high niche overlap with the invasive alien ladybird species, rejecting the hypothesis of greater eurythermality of invasive species than native species.4. Although there were differences in the temperature preferences and in the response of some physiological and life‐history traits of ladybirds to temperature, both the native and invasive alien species are eurythermic, contrary to the prediction. The better performance of H. axyridis at lower temperatures may result in displacement of its current distribution, and thus not all invasive species will respond favourably to global warming.
Production and shedding of Erianthus arundinaceus roots revealed by ingrowth core method
Authors: Sekiya Nobuhito , Abe Jun , Morita Shigenori 
Published: November 2015

AbstractErianthus arundinaceus is a potential feedstock for biofuel production. In material crops cultivation, roots are a major source of organic matter incorporated into the soil and greatly influence soil fertility. Here, we quantified root production and shedding of 3‐year‐old E. arundinaceus plants in Tokyo. Sequential sampling of ingrowth cores revealed that E. arundinaceus actively produced new roots from June to October. The active phase of root production followed the rapid growth period of shoot parts, suggesting a shift of assimilate allocation from the shoot to root in June. Measurements of standing roots before and after the ingrowth core sampling allowed us to estimate that roots shed dry matter of 162.6 g m−2 during the growing season. This value was comparable to that of plant residues, including the shoots, of some common crop species, suggesting that E. arundinaceus root shedding supplies sufficient organic matter to sustain soil fertility.
Immunohistochemical detection of the BRAF V600E mutant protein in colorectal cancers in Taiwan is highly concordant with the molecular test
Authors: Hang Jen‐Fan , Li Anna Fen‐Yau , Chang Shih‐Ching , Liang Wen‐Yih 
Published: November 2015

AimsThe aims of this study were to investigate the incidence of BRAF mutations in colorectal cancers (CRCs) in Taiwan and the sensitivity and specificity of VE1 immunohistochemistry in detecting the BRAFV600E mutation.Methods and resultsA total of 425 resected colorectal adenocarcinoma specimens were recruited into this study. Direct Sanger sequencing of exon 15 of the BRAF gene was performed for all cases. The incidence of BRAF mutation was 5.4% (23 of 425). Tissue microarrays were constructed for VE1 immunohistochemistry, and the staining intensity was scored as negative (0), weak (1+), moderate (2+) and strong (3+). In BRAF‐mutated cases, two (8.7%) scored as 0, three (13.0%) as 1+, 13 (56.5%) as 2+ and five (21.7%) as 3+. Among 402 BRAF wild‐type cases, five (1.2%) were scored as 1+, while the others were negative. The sensitivity and specificity of VE1 expression in detecting the BRAF mutation was 91.3% and 98.8%, respectively.ConclusionsImmunohistochemistry for VE1 antibody is a sensitive and specific marker for detection of BRAF mutations in CRCs. Incorporation of VE1 immunohistochemistry into Lynch syndrome screening protocol may be a reliable and cost‐effective method.
Comparative ultrastructure of spermatozoa from two regular and two irregular New Zealand echinoids
Authors: Hudson Michael E. , Turner Adrian , Sewell Mary A. 
Published: November 2015

AbstractSpermatozoa from four species of echinoids found in New Zealand had morphological characteristics typical of other echinoids, including a conical sperm head with an acrosome‐capped nucleus, a midpiece, and a single long flagellum. The spermatozoa of Fellaster zelandiae, Echinocardium cordatum, Evechinus chloroticus, and Centrostephanus rodgersii also showed statistically significant differences in species‐specific morphological characteristics. Evechinus chloroticus showed the most variable sperm morphology. The irregular urchins (F. zelandiae and E. cordatum) had short, wide sperm heads (head length:width ratios 2.93:1 & 2.97:1, respectively) with a long acrosome complex, while the regular urchins (E. chloroticus and C. rodgersii) had longer, narrower heads with a short acrosome complex (ratios 5.29:1 & 3.37:1). Spermatozoa of E. cordatum from the New Zealand population shared more characteristics with those of conspecifics from the Sea of Japan than those of conspecifics from the Baltic, reflecting the membership of the former two populations in a distinct Pacific clade. Volumetric calculations showed no evidence of phylogenetic grouping. Mitochondria of E. chloroticus spermatozoa were less than half the volume of those of C. rodgersii and E. cordatum, and those of F. zelandiae were intermediate in volume. These volume measurements will be useful in physiological studies of sperm performance and quality.
Alteration of tubuliform silk gland cytoarchitecture with the reproductive cycle of the Western black widow spider, Latrodectus hesperus
Authors: Herrera Elizabeth , Nguyen Ly Truc , Escobar Erica , Ouriel Wendy , Casem Merri Lynn 
Published: November 2015

AbstractThe protein synthetic and secretory activity of spider tubuliform glands is known to be coordinated with the reproductive stage of the spider. For spiders that produce multiple egg cases, such as the black widow Latrodectus hesperus, this means that the cells that make up the tubuliform gland cycle from minimal to maximal silk protein synthesis and exocytosis as the spider transitions from early vitellogenesis to a gravid state and back. The impact of these transitions on the cells that form the tubuliform gland has yet to be characterized. The entire tubuliform gland undergoes an elastic deformation, doubling in size in response to the accumulation and depletion of egg case silk proteins within its lumen. Similarly, the diversity and organization of organelles within the cytoplasm of the secretory epithelial cells that make up the wall of the tubuliform gland change with the reproductive stage of the spider. Progression of a spider from early to late vitellogenesis is accompanied by decondensed nucleoli and distention of the rough endoplasmic reticulum, markers of protein synthetic activity. The presumed silk proteins that fill the lumen of the tubuliform gland of a gravid spider include a fibrous matrix with homogeneous spherical inclusions. These components are also present within the cytoplasm of the cell; however, only the fibrous material appears to be enclosed by membranous organelles. Transition of the tubuliform gland from peak silk synthesis back to a quiescent state is marked by the appearance of multivesicular bodies and organelles resembling phagophores and autophagosomes, suggestive of a role for autophagy in the process of recovery. The reproducible cellular dynamics of the tubuliform silk gland of the black widow spider makes it a potential model system for study of the regulation of silk gene expression, endomembrane transport, and exocytosis of silk proteins and autophagy.
Exploration of pressure ulcer and related skin problems across the spectrum of health care settings in Ontario using administrative data
Authors: Woo Kevin Y , Sears Kim , Almost Joan , Wilson Rosemary , Whitehead Marlo , VanDenKerkhof Elizabeth G 
Published: November 2015

AbstractThis is a prospective cohort study using population‐level administrative data to describe the scope of pressure ulcers in terms of its prevalence, incidence risk, associating factors and the extent to which best practices were applied across a spectrum of health care settings. The data for this study includes the information of Ontario residents who were admitted to acute care, home care, long term care or continuing care and whose health care data is contained in the resident assessment instrument‐minimum data set (RAI‐MDS) and the health outcomes for better information and care (HOBIC) database from 2010 to 2013. The analysis included 203 035 unique patients. The overall prevalence of pressure ulcers was approximately 13% and highest in the complex continuing care setting. Over 25% of pressure ulcers in long‐term care developed one week after discharge from acute care hospitalisation. Individuals with cardiovascular disease, dementia, bed mobility problems, bowel incontinence, end‐stage diseases, daily pain, weight loss and shortness of breath were more likely to develop pressure ulcers. While there were a number of evidence‐based interventions implemented to treat pressure ulcers, only half of the patients received nutritional interventions.
Circumstances surrounding the onset of stroke: a qualitative study
Authors: Rochette Annie , Gaulin Philippe , Chamelian Laury , Hebert Lucie , Lapierre Marlene ,  Deschaintre Yan 
Published: November 2015

AbstractAimTo document perceptions of circumstances spontaneously associated with the occurrence of the stroke on that particular day.BackgroundKnown triggers of stroke include birthday or negative emotions. However, specific circumstances relating to that birthday or emotion have not yet been documented.DesignPhenomenological perspective where data were collected between October 2011–June 2012.MethodIn‐depth interviews conducted 5‐8 weeks post stroke with 37 participants, with a mean age of 56·3 years (sd 11·9) and 40·5% (14/37) of whom were female. An interview guide composed of open‐ended questions and developed with experts was used to explore in detail free associations surrounding the stroke. All interviews were audiotaped and transcribed. Data were rigorously analysed by two team members and discussed in team meetings until reaching consensus on essential themes.FindingsRelationships emerged as being the overarching theme related to stroke triggers with the interrelated subthemes of: (1) birthday or anniversary; (2) parenting; (3) being sick seen as a benefit; and (4) alcohol or drug abuse. The stroke happened on a day which was related in some way to a relationship with a significant other affected by tension, a lack of transparency or an overinvestment of emotional/affective state.ConclusionsThere is a need to address individuals’ beliefs as a part of secondary prevention interventions to be truly client‐centred, which the phenomenological perspective allows. Relationships as a potential source of stress should be added as a theme to discuss with patients for a holistic approach to stroke prevention including psychosocial factors.
Prolonged Electromechanical Interval Unmasks Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Dysplasia/Cardiomyopathy in the Subclinical Stage
Authors: MAST THOMAS P. , TESKE ARCO J. , TE RIELE ANNELINE SJM , GROENEWEG JUDITH A. , VAN DER HEIJDEN JEROEN F. , VELTHUIS BIRGITTA K. , LOH PETER , DOEVENDANS PIETER A. , VAN VEEN TOON A. , DOOIJES DENNIS , DE BAKKER JACQUES M. , HAUER RICHARD N. , CRAMER MAARTEN J. 
Published: November 2015

Electromechanical Interval in Subclinical ARVD/CIntroductionArrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia/cardiomyopathy (ARVD/C) is characterized by high incidence of ventricular arrhythmias. Overt ARVD/C is preceded by a subclinical stage with lack of detectable ECG and structural abnormalities. Activation delay is present before structural abnormalities and is a hallmark of arrhythmogenesis. Deformation imaging may unmask activation delay in the subclinical stage.MethodsThree groups were compared: (1) mutation‐positive definite ARVD/C‐patients fulfilling 2010 Task Force criteria (TFC) (n = 44); (2) asymptomatic mutation carriers not fulfilling TFC and without history of ventricular arrhythmias (n = 31); and (3) controls (n = 30). All underwent ECG and echocardiographic deformation imaging. As a surrogate for local activation delay the electromechanical interval (EMI) was measured, defined as time between onset‐QRS and onset of shortening. Arrhythmic outcome (PVC‐count, VT) of asymptomatic mutation carriers was correlated with EMI and ECG TFC.ResultsIn definite ARVD/C‐patients, EMI was prolonged in all lateral RV segments. In asymptomatic mutation carriers, prolonged EMI was detected in the subtricuspid area in 14/31. Terminal activation duration ≥55 milliseconds (definition: supporting information) was the only ECG abnormality in this group (8/31). After a mean follow‐up of 4.2 ± 3.1 years 10/31 asymptomatic mutation carriers experienced arrhythmic outcome. Prolonged subtricuspid EMI was the only parameter significantly associated with arrhythmogenesis during follow‐up.ConclusionIn ARVD/C‐patients, EMI prolongation was present throughout the RV. In asymptomatic mutation carriers, prolonged EMI in the subtricuspid area is often detected without any additional abnormalities. These preliminary results indicate that prolonged EMI is a new parameter unmasking activation delay in the subclinical stage and may contribute to risk stratification.