bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Influence of inflammation and nitric oxide upon platelet aggregation following deposition of diesel exhaust particles in the airways
Authors: Smyth E , Solomon A , Birrell M A , Smallwood M J , Winyard P G , Tetley T D , Emerson M 
Published: April 2017

Background and PurposeExposure to nanoparticulate pollution has been implicated in platelet‐driven thrombotic events such as myocardial infarction. Inflammation and impairment of NO bioavailability have been proposed as potential causative mechanisms. It is unclear, however, whether airways exposure to combustion‐derived nanoparticles such as diesel exhaust particles (DEP) or carbon black (CB) can augment platelet aggregation in vivo and the underlying mechanisms remain undefined. We aimed to investigate the effects of acute lung exposure to DEP and CB on platelet activation and the associated role of inflammation and endothelial‐derived NO.Experimental ApproachDEP and CB were intratracheally instilled into wild‐type (WT) and eNOS−/− mice and platelet aggregation was assessed in vivo using an established model of radio‐labelled platelet thromboembolism. The underlying mechanisms were investigated by measuring inflammatory markers, NO metabolites and light transmission aggregometry.Key ResultsPlatelet aggregation in vivo was significantly enhanced in WT and eNOS−/− mice following acute airways exposure to DEP but not CB. CB exposure, but not DEP, was associated with significant increases in pulmonary neutrophils and IL‐6 levels in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and plasma of WT mice. Neither DEP nor CB affected plasma nitrate/nitrite concentration and DEP‐induced human platelet aggregation was inhibited by an NO donor.Conclusions and ImplicationsPulmonary exposure to DEP and subsequent platelet activation may contribute to the reports of increased cardiovascular risk, associated with exposure to airborne pollution, independent of its effects on inflammation or NO bioavailability.
Training Basic Visual Attention Leads to Changes in Responsiveness to Social‐Communicative Cues in 9‐Month‐Olds
Authors: Forssman Linda , Wass Sam V. 
Published: April 2017

This study investigated transfer effects of gaze‐interactive attention training to more complex social and cognitive skills in infancy. Seventy 9‐month‐olds were assigned to a training group (n = 35) or an active control group (n = 35). Before, after, and at 6‐week follow‐up both groups completed an assessment battery assessing transfer to nontrained aspects of attention control, including table top tasks assessing social attention in seminaturalistic contexts. Transfer effects were found on nontrained screen‐based tasks but importantly also on a structured observation task assessing the infants’ likelihood to respond to an adult's social‐communication cues. The results causally link basic attention skills and more complex social‐communicative skills and provide a principle for studying causal mechanisms of early development.
Brain responses to mechanical rectal stimulation in patients with faecal incontinence: an fMRI study
Authors: Mirbagheri N. , Hatton S. , Ng K.‐S. , Lagopoulos J. , Gladman M. A. 
Published: April 2017

AbstractAimContinence is dependent on anorectal–brain interactions. Consequently, aberrations of the brain–gut axis may be important in the pathophysiology of faecal incontinence (FI) in certain patients. The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility of recording brain responses to rectal mechanical stimulation in patients with FI using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI).MethodA prospective, cohort pilot study was performed to assess brain responses during rectal stimulation in 14 patients [four men, mean (SD) age 62 (15) years]. Blood oxygen level dependent (BOLD) signals were measured by fMRI during rest and mechanical distension, involving random repetitions of isobaric phasic rectal distensions at fixed (15 and 45 mmHg) and variable (10% above sensory perception threshold) pressures.ResultsIncreases in BOLD signals in response to high pressure rectal distension (45 mmHg) and maximum toleration were observed in the cingulate gyrus, thalamus, insular cortex, inferior frontal gyrus, cerebellum, caudate nucleus, supramarginal gyrus, putamen and amygdala. Additionally, activation of the supplementary motor cortex and caudate nucleus with inconsistent activity in the frontal lobe was observed.ConclusionsThis study has demonstrated the feasibility of recording brain responses to rectal mechanical stimulation using fMRI in patients with FI, revealing activity in widespread areas of the brain involved in visceral sensory processing. The observed activity in the supplementary motor cortex and caudate nucleus, with relative paucity of activity in the frontal lobes, warrants investigation in future studies to determine whether aberrations in cerebral processing of rectal stimuli play a role in the pathogenesis of FI.
The rise and demise ofgedikmarkets in Istanbul, 1750–1860
Authors: Ağir Seven 
Published: April 2017

AbstractUsing new evidence uncovered from Istanbul court records, this paper shows that Ottoman markets were capable of spontaneous financial innovation before the introduction of modern financial instruments. At the same time, however, it demonstrates that the impact and sustainability of these innovations depended on the underlying political equilibrium.Gediks—entitlements to usufruct rights over the factors of production used in urban commercial and industrial activity—gradually transformed into liquid assets during the late eighteenth century. This transformation was enabled by the coercive power of Janissary‐infiltrated guilds in response to the financial needs of small‐ and medium‐scale actors operating within the confines of the domestic economy. The entry barriers, which enabledgedikmarkets to exist in the first place, also limited their use for growth‐promoting purposes and thus set them apart from similar financial instruments that emerged in the West.Gedikmarkets disappeared as the Janissary–guild coalition declined and better financial instruments emerged during the mid‐nineteenth century.
Urbanisation and the loss of phylogenetic diversity in birds
Authors: Sol Daniel , Bartomeus Ignasi , González‐Lagos César , Pavoine Sandrine 
Published: April 2017

AbstractDespite the recognised conservation value of phylogenetic diversity, little is known about how it is affected by the urbanisation process. Combining a complete avian phylogeny with surveys along urbanisation gradients from five continents, we show that highly urbanised environments supported on average 450 million fewer years of evolutionary history than the surrounding natural environments. This loss was primarily caused by species loss and could have been higher had not been partially compensated by the addition of urban exploiters and some exotic species. Highly urbanised environments also supported fewer evolutionary distinctive species, implying a disproportionate loss of evolutionary history. Compared with highly urbanised environments, changes in phylogenetic richness and evolutionary distinctiveness were less substantial in moderately urbanised environments. Protecting pristine environments is therefore essential for maintaining phylogenetic diversity, but moderate levels of urbanisation still preserve much of the original diversity.
The power of evolutionary rescue is constrained by genetic load
Authors: Stewart Gavin S. , Morris Madeline R. , Genis Allison B. , Szűcs Marianna , Melbourne Brett A. , Tavener Simon J. , Hufbauer Ruth A. 
Published: April 2017

AbstractThe risk of extinction faced by small isolated populations in changing environments can be reduced by rapid adaptation and subsequent growth to larger, less vulnerable sizes. Whether this process, called evolutionary rescue, is able to reduce extinction risk and sustain population growth over multiple generations is largely unknown. To understand the consequences of adaptive evolution as well as maladaptive processes in small isolated populations, we subjected experimental Tribolium castaneum populations founded with 10 or 40 individuals to novel environments, one more favorable, and one resource poor, and either allowed evolution, or constrained it by replacing individuals one‐for‐one each generation with those from a large population maintained in the natal environment. Replacement individuals spent one generation in the target novel environment before use to standardize effects due to the parental environment. After eight generations we mixed a subset of surviving populations to facilitate admixture, allowing us to estimate drift load by comparing performance of mixed to unmixed groups. Evolving populations had reduced extinction rates, and increased population sizes in the first four to five generations compared to populations where evolution was constrained. Performance of evolving populations subsequently declined. Admixture restored their performance, indicating high drift load that may have overwhelmed the beneficial effects of adaptation in evolving populations. Our results indicate that evolution may quickly reduce extinction risk and increase population sizes, but suggest that relying solely on adaptation from standing genetic variation may not provide long‐term benefits to small isolated populations of diploid sexual species, and that active management facilitating gene flow may be necessary for longer term persistence.
The association between oral examination findings and computed tomographic appearance of the equine temporomandibular joint
Authors: Carmalt J. L. , Simhofer H. , Bienert‐Zeit A. , Rawlinson J. E. , Waldner C. L. 
Published: April 2017

SummaryBackgroundThe temporomandibular joint (TMJ) forms the junction between the maxilla and mandible. Movement of the jaw and resulting masticatory forces have been extensively studied in the horse; however, less is known about the inter‐relationship between this joint and oral and dental pathology.ObjectivesTo determine the association between specific oral and dental pathologies and anatomical variations of the TMJ imaged with computed tomography (CT) in horses with asymptomatic TMJs.Study designRetrospective cross‐sectional study.MethodsHorses (n = 201) from three practices with a complete oral examination and skull or upper cervical CT study were reviewed. Age, breed, sex, clinical presentation, oral examination findings, slice width and practice were recorded. Alterations in contour and density of the mandibular condyle, mandibular fossa and intra‐articular disc were also documented. Logistic regression, corrected for clustering by practice, was used to determine whether CT anatomical variations were significantly associated with the oral examination findings.ResultsHorses categorised as having abnormal TMJs were older than those with normal TMJ. Horses with periodontal disease were less likely to have abnormal TMJ findings compared with horses with no oral pathology. In contrast, horses with infundibular disease were more likely to have TMJ abnormalities.Main limitationsDue to the cross‐sectional nature of the study, it was difficult to establish whether oral pathology preceded TMJ abnormalities.ConclusionsDespite examining over 200 horses of varying ages, the biological significance of the observed associations between oral, or dental disease and anatomically appreciable temporomandibular joint disorders remains uncertain.
Impact of living arrangements on clinical outcomes among older patients with dementia or cognitive impairment admitted to the geriatric evaluation and management unit in Taiwan
Authors: Hung Cheng‐Hao , Tang Ting‐Ching , Wang Chih‐Jen , Liu Li‐Kuo , Peng Li‐Ning , Chen Liang‐Kung 
Published: April 2017

AbstractAimTo evaluate the impact of living arrangements on mortality and functional decline among older patients with dementia or cognitive impairment after discharge from a geriatric evaluation and management unit (GEMU) in Taiwan.MethodsThe present retrospective cohort study used data from the Veteran Affairs Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment from January 2015 to May 2016 for analysis. Data of patients aged 65 years and older with dementia or cognitive impairment at admission to the GEMU of Taipei Veterans General Hospital during the study period were retried for study. The Veteran Affairs Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment included demographic characteristics, Clinical Frailty Scale, Braden Scale, St. Thomas's Risk Assessment Tool in Falling Elderly Inpatients Scale, Cumulative Illness Rating Scale for Geriatrics, Barthel Index, Instrumental Activities of Daily Living, Mini‐Mental State Examination, Geriatric Depression Scale‐5 and Mini‐Nutritional Assessment – Short Form, as well as common geriatric syndromes. All patients were categorized into the home care group and institutional care group based on their living arrangement before GEMU admissions. Six‐month mortality and decline in Barthel Index were defined as adverse clinical outcomes.ResultsOverall, data of 395 patients were used for analysis. The baseline comparisons showed that the institutional care group was more likely to be unmarried, have lower education, lower risk of falls and less polypharmacy, but more likely to experience functional decline at follow up than the home care group. Multivariate logistic regression showed that male (OR 3.59, 95% CI 1.04–12.38, P = 0.043) and higher Cumulative Illness Rating Scale for Geriatrics score (OR 4.08, 95% CI 1.49–11.19, P = 0.006) were associated with mortality, whereas the institutional care group (OR 0.30, 95% 0.09–0.99, P = 0.048) and lower Braden Scale (OR 0.80, 95% CI 0.67–0.94, P = 0.008) were protective against mortality. However, the institutional care group was independently associated with functional decline during the follow‐up period (OR 2.19, 95% CI 1.12–4.29, P = 0.022).ConclusionsInstitutional care was associated with lower 6‐month mortality risk for patients with dementia or cognitive impairment after discharge from the GEMU, but this group was more likely to experience functional decline. Further prospective study is required to clarify the clinical impact of living arrangements on long‐term outcomes when people with dementia or cognitive impairment are admitted to acute hospitals. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2017: 17 (Suppl. 1): 44–49.
Predictive factors for dementia and cognitive impairment among residents living in the veterans’ retirement communities in Taiwan: Implications for cognitive health promotion activities
Authors: Chen Liang‐Yu , Wu Yi‐Hui , Huang Chung‐Yu , Liu Li‐Kuo , Hwang An‐Chun , Peng Li‐Ning , Lin Ming‐Hsieh , Chen Liang‐Kung 
Published: April 2017

AbstractAimTo identify potentially modifiable risk factors for cognitive decline among veterans’ home residents in TaiwanMethodsThe present retrospective cohort study was part of the Veteran Affairs‐Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment study that retrieved data of the comprehensive geriatric assessment for 946 residents living at four veterans’ homes in Taiwan. The study participants were interviewed every 3–6 months from January 2012 and December 2014. Demographic characteristics,multimorbidity by Charlson's Comorbidities Index, physical function by the Barthel Index, cognition by the Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE), depression by the five‐item Geriatric Depression Scale and nutritional status by the Mini‐Nutrition Assessment‐Short Form were collected for analysis. A generalized estimating equation model was used after it was adjusted for age, educational level, five‐item Geriatric Depression Scale, and problem of communication difficulty to identify potential modifiable risk factors for cognitive decline.ResultsThe mean age of the participants was 85.7 ± 5.2 years, with a mean follow‐up period of 41 ± 21.6 weeks. The prevalence of cognitive impairment (defined by MMSE <24) was 65.6%, whereas 34% of the study participants were positive for depressive symptoms. Approximately one‐fifth of the study participants were using psychotropic agents, which was higher among participants with cognitive impairment (23.6% vs 15.6%, P < 0.05) than those without. In the generalized estimating equation model, physical function, nutritional status, depressive symptoms, ex‐drinker, multimorbidity and stool incontinence were positively correlated with MMSE score; whereas advanced age, low educational level (<6 years), presence of communication difficulty and use of psychotropic agents were inversely associated with the MMSE score.ConclusionsPhysical function and nutritional status were positively associated with the MMSE score, and use of psychotropic agents was negatively correlated with cognitive function. Further intervention study is required to improve the cognitive health of older adults living in the veterans’ retirement communities. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2017: 17 (Suppl. 1): 7–13.
Protective factors against cognitive decline among community‐dwelling middle‐aged and older people in Taiwan: A 6‐year national population‐based study
Authors: Lee Wei‐Ju , Liang Chih‐Kuang , Peng Li‐Ning , Chiou Shu‐Ti , Chen Liang‐Kung 
Published: April 2017

AimDementia and cognitive impairment are important public health challenges to a rapidly aging country. The present study aimed to explore the protective factors against cognitive decline among community‐dwelling middle‐aged and older people from health, social, and lifestyle perspectives.MethodsData of the Social Environment and Biomarkers of Aging Study, a population‐based cohort study in Taiwan, were retrieved for the study. Overall, 676 participants with intact baseline cognitive function (measured by the Short Portable Mental Status Questionnaire) were enrolled and followed for six years. Any increasing score of the Short Portable Mental Status Questionnaire in the observational period was referred to as cognitive function decline. Associated factors for cognitive decline were identified by the logistic regression model.ResultsAmong all participants, 205 (30%) experienced cognitive decline during the study period. Crude logistic regression showed that women (odds ratio [OR] 1.9, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.3–2.6), low educational level (OR 2.0, 95% CI 1.4–3.0) and low mastery (OR 1.4, 95% CI 1.0–1.9) were associated with cognitive decline, but no daily consumption of vegetables and fruits had only a marginal association (OR 1.3, 95% CI 0.9–1.8). In the fully adjusted logistic regression analysis, old age, women, low educational level and low sense of mastery were independent predictors for cognitive decline. Participants with two modifiable factors (mastery, and daily consumptions of vegetables and fruits) had a lower risk of cognitive decline (OR 0.5, 95% CI 0.3–0.9), compared with those without any protective factor.ConclusionsParticipants with a better educational level, better personal mastery, and more consumption of fruits and vegetables were less likely to experience cognitive decline. An intervention study combining these features should be carried out to promote better cognitive health in communities. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2017: 17 (Suppl. 1): 20–27.
Effects of a simple home‐based exercise program on fall prevention in older adults: A 12‐month primary care setting, randomized controlled trial
Authors: Boongird Chitima , Keesukphan Prasit , Phiphadthakusolkul Soontraporn , Rattanasiri Sasivimol , Thakkinstian Ammarin 
Published: April 2017

AimTo investigate the effects of a simple home‐based exercise program on falls, physical functioning, fear of falling and quality of life in a primary care setting.MethodsParticipants (n = 439), aged ≥65 years with mild‐to‐moderate balance dysfunction were randomly assigned to an exercise (n = 219) or control (n = 220) group. The program consisted of five combined exercises, which progressed in difficulty, and a walking plan. Controls received fall prevention education. Physical functioning and other outcomes were measured at 3‐ and 6‐month follow‐up visits. Falls were monitored with fall diaries and phone interviews at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months respectively.ResultsThe 12 months of the home‐based exercise program showed the incidence of falls was 0.30 falls per person year in the exercise group, compared with 0.40 in the control group. The estimated incidence rate ratio was 0.75 (95% CI 0.55–1.04), which was not statistically significant. The fear of falling (measured by the Thai fall efficacy scale) was significantly lower in the exercise than control group (24.7 vs 27.0, P = 0.003). Also, the trend of program adherence increased in the exercise group. (29.6% to 56.8%).ConclusionsThis simple home‐based exercise program showed a reduction in fear of falling and a positive trend towards exercise adherence. Further studies should focus on factors associated with exercise adherence, the benefits of increased home visits and should follow participants longer in order to evaluate the effects of the program. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2017; 17: 2157–2163.
Clinical practice guidelines on iron therapy: A critical evaluation
Authors: Del Vecchio Lucia , Locatelli Francesco 
Published: April 2017

AbstractAnemia is common among patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and it is managed primarily with erythropoiesis‐stimulating agents (ESA) and iron therapy. Following concerns around ESA therapy and economic constraints, IV iron is more and more administered worldwide.Several guidelines or position papers, which give indications on iron therapy in CKD patients, have been issued in Nephrology. Unfortunately, the field is characterized by a lack of evidence. As a result, the recommendations/suggestions are not uniform.There is general consensus to prescribe iron therapy to patients who are clearly iron deficient. In addition, iron therapy may increase Hb values, delay the start of ESA therapy in ESA‐naïve patients and reduce ESA dose in ESA‐treated patients. However, there is debate on the safety and efficacy of IV iron therapy when given in the presence of already high serum ferritin levels. In addition, not all the guidelines/position papers differentiate between non‐dialysis/dialysis patients and between the presence/absence of ESA therapy. Many international Bodies or Societies suggest caution when administering IV iron during infections. A trial of oral iron should be considered as a first step, especially in the ND‐CKD population. Finally, recommendations on the prevention of anaphylactic reactions following IV iron therapy are given by several bodies. There is consensus that IV iron is to be administered in the presence of resuscitative facilities (including medications) and personnel trained for emergencies.