bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cross‐sectional and longitudinal associations of functional and health status with institutional care use: Results from the Survey of Health and Living Status of the Elderly in Taiwan
Authors: Tsai Hsin‐Jen 
Published: September 2012

Aim:  This study evaluated the cross‐sectional and longitudinal associations of functional and health status with institutional care, and examined determinants of institutional care use over time.Methods:  Data of this study were obtained from the Survey of Health and Living Status of the Elderly in Taiwan (SHLSET), which was launched in 1989 and involved a nationally representative sample of nearly‐old and old Taiwanese. The baseline data in this present study were collected in 1999, and followed in 2003 and 2007.Results:  Participants with institutional care use had a higher activities of daily living (ADL) score, more self‐reported diseases and poorer self‐reported health status than participants without institutional care use (all P < 0.05). Cross‐sectional analysis showed that a higher ADL score, having heart diseases and having a stroke were positively associated with institutional care use (P < 0.05); whereas the number of self‐reported diseases and poor self‐reported health status were not associated with institutional care use. Longitudinal analysis showed that increased ADL scores and the number of self‐reported diseases over 4‐ and 8 years were associated with an increased likelihood of subsequent institutional care use (all P < 0.05). Worsening health status over 4 years was associated with an increased likelihood of subsequent institutional care use, but this association did not exist over 8 years.Conclusions:  Only ADL and ADL deterioration over time are cross‐sectionally and longitudinally associated with increased institutional care use. Declining functional status is a major determinant of institutional care use for Taiwanese aged over 53 years. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2013; 13: 597–606.
The Frailty Instrument for primary care of the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe predicts mortality similarly to a frailty index based on comprehensive geriatric assessment
Authors: Romero‐Ortuno Roman 
Published: September 2012

Aim:  Frailty is an emerging concept in primary care, which potentially can provide healthcare commissioners with a clinical focus for targeting resources at an aging population. However, primary care practitioners need valid instruments that are easy to use. With that purpose in mind, we created a Frailty Instrument (FIt) for primary care based on the Survey of Health, Aging and Retirement in Europe (SHARE). The aim of the present study was to compare the mortality prediction of the five‐item SHARE‐FIt with that of a 40‐item Frailty Index (FIx) based on comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA).Methods:  The participants were 15 578 women and 12 783 men from the first wave of SHARE. A correspondence analysis was used to assess the degree of agreement between phenotypic classifications. The ability of the continuous frailty measures (FIt score and FIx) to predict mortality (mean follow up of 2.4 years) was compared using receiver–operating characteristic (ROC) plots and areas under the curve (AUC).Results:  In both sexes, there was significant correspondence between phenotypic categories. The two continuous measures performed equally well as mortality predictors (women: AUC‐FIx = 0.79, 95% CI 0.75–0.82, P < 0.001; AUC‐FIt = 0.77, 95% CI 0.73–0.81, P < 0.001; men: AUC‐FIx = 0.77, 95% CI 0.74–0.79, P < 0.001; AUC‐FIt = 0.76, 95% CI 0.74–0.79, P < 0.001). Their equivalent performance was confirmed by statistical comparisons of the AUC.Conclusions:  SHARE‐FIt is simpler and more usable, and predicts mortality similarly to a more complex FIx based on CGA. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2013; 13: 497–504.
Morbidity and mortality among newly hospitalized patients with community‐acquired pneumococcal bacteremia: A retrospective cohort study in three teaching hospitals in Japan
Authors: Suzuki Hiromichi , Tokuda Yasuharu , Shichi Daisuke , Ishikawa Hiroichi , Maeno Tetsuhiro , Nakamura Hidenori 
Published: September 2012

Aim:  Although the mortality rate of pneumococcal bacteremia has been intensively studied, few studies have examined how it influences patient morbidity. This study aimed to fill this research gap by clarifying the impact of pneumococcal bacteremia on mortality and morbidity.Methods:  We carried out a retrospective cohort study of adult patients hospitalized with community‐acquired pneumococcal bacteremia in three teaching hospitals in Japan from January 2003 to December 2010. Morbidity was defined as a worsening Katz Index score compared with that before infection onset, new impairment of oral intake or new requirement for oxygen assistance at discharge.Results:  Of 135 patients identified (mean age 70 years; 38% female), 116 (86%) were able to carry out activities of daily living independently before the onset of the infection. Pneumonia was found to be the most common infective source (69%), followed by meningitis (10%) and septic arthritis or vertebral osteomyelitis (8.1%). The 14‐day, 30‐day, and inpatient mortality rates were found to be 15%, 20% and 25%, respectively. The morbidity at discharge was 26 out of 101 (26%) among all survivors and 18 out of 42 (43%) among survivors who were aged ≥75 years. Multivariate analysis showed that an age of ≥75 years is an independent predictor of morbidity (adjusted odds ratio 16.3, 95% CI 2.0–135.9).Conclusions:  Our study showed that a high proportion of inpatient morbidity and mortality occurs in adult patients with pneumococcal bacteremia, especially among those aged ≥75 years. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2013; 13: 607–615..
Research Integrity in Greater China: Surveying Regulations, Perceptions and Knowledge of Research Integrity from a Hong Kong Perspective
Authors: Jordan Sara R. , Gray Phillip W. 
Published: September 2012

AbstractIn their 2010 article ‘Research Integrity in China: Problems and Prospects’, Zeng and Resnik challenge others to engage in empirical research on research integrity in China. Here we respond to that call in three ways: first, we provide updates to their analysis of regulations and allegations of scientific misconduct; second, we report on two surveys conducted in Hong Kong that provide empirical backing to describe ways in which problems and prospects that Zeng and Resnik identify are being explored; and third, we continue the discussion started by Zeng and Resnik, pointing to ways in which China's high‐profile participation in international academic research presents concerns about research integrity. According to our research, based upon searches of both English and Chinese language literature and policies, and two surveys conducted in Hong Kong, academic faculty and research post‐graduate students in Hong Kong are aware of and have a positive attitude towards responsible conduct of research. Although Hong Kong is but one small part of China, we present this research as a response to concerns Zeng and Resnik introduce and as a call for a continued conversation.
Diversity and host associations of parasitoids attacking mycophagous drosophilids (Diptera:Drosophilidae) in northern and centralJapan
Authors: Kasuya Nazuki , Mitsui Hideyuki , Aotsuka Tadashi , Kimura Masahito T. 
Published: September 2012

AbstractThe diversity and host associations of parasitoids attacking mycophagous drosophilids were studied inTokyo (a warm‐temperate region) andSapporo (a cool‐temperate region) inJapan. Field collections were carried out using traps baited with mushrooms inMay,June,September andOctober 2009 inTokyo and inJuly andAugust 2010 inSapporo. The major drosophilid species that emerged from mushroom baits wasDrosophila bizonatainTokyo andD. orientaceainSapporo. In total, 13 parasitoid species emerged from drosophilids occurring in mushroom baits, and 11 of them were larval parasitoids belonging toBraconidae andFigitidae. Among the 11 larval parasitoids, 10 were collected inTokyo, while only two were collected inSapporo. It is not known why their diversity differed so much between these two regions. Four of the 11 larval parasitoids have also been recorded from drosophilid larvae occurring in fruit (banana). The use of these two habitats (mushrooms and fruit) by these four species seems to reflect the occurrence (i.e. resource use) of their suitable hosts. On the other hand, most larval parasitoids fromTokyo attackedD. bizonata, and two larval parasitoids fromSapporo attackedD. orientacea, suggesting that the abundance of potential hosts is one of the important factors affecting their host use.
Influence of four host‐plants on feeding, growth and reproduction of Diacrisia casignetum (Lepidoptera: Arctiidae)
Authors: Roy Nayan , Barik Anandamay 
Published: September 2012

AbstractEffects of four host‐plants, sunflower, castor, jute and sesame, on feeding, growth and reproduction of Diacrisia casignetum Kollar (Lepidoptera: Arctiidae) were studied under laboratory conditions (27 ± 0.5°C, 12 h light : 12 h dark, 65 ± 5% RH). Total larval developmental time of D. casignetum was highest on sesame than the other three host‐plants used in this study, but pupal duration was higher on sesame than sunflower but not for other dietary treatments. The longevity of females was generally longer than males. Male and female longevity was higher in sunflower than sesame (P < 0.05), but it did not differ significantly among other treatments. Fecundity was highest in sunflower followed by castor, jute and sesame. The growth and development of D. casignetum were related to nutrient and phenol contents of these four host‐plants. Total carbohydrates and amino acids were present in rich quantities in sunflower when compared to other three host leaves, while nitrogen, protein and lipid contents were comparatively higher in sunflower and castor than jute and sesame. Phenol content was greatest in sesame, and least in castor and sunflower. Higher levels of total carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, nitrogen and amino acids including water content and lower phenol content of sunflower have influenced higher growth rate and fecundity of D. casignetum.
Safety and tolerability of rivastigmine transdermal patch formulation in newly diagnosed patients with Alzheimer's dementia in naturalistic conditions
Authors: PREGELJ Peter 
Published: September 2012

AbstractAim:  The majority of available data on safety and tolerability issues regarding cholinesterase inhibitors used for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease has been available for orally administered formulations. The objective of this prospective, 24 week, observational, non‐interventional post‐marketing surveillance study was to evaluate the safety and tolerability, as well as the efficacy, of the rivastigmine transdermal patch formulation in newly diagnosed patients with Alzheimer's dementia in naturalistic conditions.Methods:  Safety and tolerability assessment included the monitoring and recording of adverse events and withdrawals at any time during the study. The efficacy parameter was determined based on the score of the Mini‐Mental State Examination.Results:  Out of the 433 patients, 11 patients (2.54%) suffered serious adverse events. Non‐serious adverse events were reported in 179 patients (41.34%). As adverse event is defined as any untoward medical occurrence that may present during treatment with a pharmaceutical product but that does not necessarily have a causal relationship with this treatment. The most common adverse event in the present study was a decline in the Mini‐Mental State Examination score in 97 patients (22.40%). The second most common non‐serious adverse event was a skin reaction in 61 patients (14.09%). Treatment with rivastigmine continued in 139 cases (32.10%) and was discontinued in 40 cases (9.24%). The median Mini‐Mental State Examination score observed at the time of inclusion was 21.0, and after 6 months, it was 22.0 (W 63441; P < 0.001). Because of several limitations, the open‐label design of the present study necessitates caution when interpreting the results.Conclusions:  The results of this study suggest that the rivastigmine transdermal patch is safe and tolerable for Alzheimer's dementia patients in naturalistic conditions.
Functional dependence and caregiver burden in Alzheimer's disease: a controlled trial on the benefits of motor intervention
Authors: CANONICI Ana Paula , ANDRADE Larissa Pires de , GOBBI Sebastião , SANTOS‐GALDUROZ Ruth Ferreira , GOBBI Lílian Teresa Bucken , STELLA Florindo 
Published: September 2012

AbstractBackground:  Cognitive decline has a negative impact on functional activities in Alzheimer's disease. Investigating the effects of motor intervention with the intent to reduce the decline in functionality is an expected target for patients and caregivers. The aim of this study was to verify if a 6‐month motor intervention programme promoted functionality in Alzheimer's patients and attenuated caregivers' burden.Methods:  The sample comprised 32 community patients with Alzheimer's disease and their 32 respective caregivers. Patients were divided into two groups: 16 participated in the motor intervention programme and 16 controls. Subjects performed 60 minutes of exercises, three times per week during the 6‐month period, to improve flexibility, strength, agility and balance. Caregivers followed the procedures with their patients during this period. Functionality was evaluated by the Berg Functional Balance Scale and the Functional Independence Measure. Caregivers completed the Neuropsychiatric Inventory Caregiver Distress Scale and the Zarit Carer Burden Scale. Two‐way ANOVA was used to verify the interaction between time (pre‐ and post‐intervention) and the motor intervention program.Results:  While patients in the motor programme preserved their functionality, as assessed by the Functional Independence Measure, the controls suffered a relative decline (motor intervention group: from 109.6 to 108.4 vs controls: from 99.5 to 71.6; P= 0.01). Patients from motor intervention also had better scores than the controls on functional balance assessed by Berg scale (F: 22.2; P= 0.001). As assessed by the Neuropsychiatric Inventory and Zarit scale, burden was reduced among caregivers whose patients participated in the motor intervention programme compared with caregivers whose patients did not participate in this programme (Neuropsychiatric Inventory, caregiver's part: F: 9.37; P= 0.01; Zarit: F: 11.28; P= 0.01).Conclusion:  Patients from the motor intervention group showed reduced functional decline compared to the controls, and there was an associated decrease in caregivers' burden.
Delayed onset and prolonged interictal delirium following electroconvulsive therapy
Authors: SELVARAJ Arun G. , PRAHARAJ Samir Kumar 
Published: September 2012

AbstractElectroconvulsive therapy is safe and effective in the treatment of depression in older individuals. Minor cognitive side effects of electroconvulsive therapy include acute postictal confusion and reversible short‐term memory deficits. However, interictal delirium is uncommon in absence of risk factors. Herein, we report the case a depressed male patient without any known risk factors who developed interictal delirium 2 days after his sixth electroconvulsive therapy session. Interictal delirium improved with treatment within 1 week.
High‐Volume Hemofiltration Reduces the Expression of Myocardial Tumor Necrosis Factor‐Alpha in Septic Shock Pigs
Authors: Li Chunmei , Zhang Ping , Cheng Xiuju , Chen Jianghua 
Published: September 2012

AbstractIncreasing evidence indicates that the expression of tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) in myocardium correlates with the severity of cardiac dysfunction in septic shock. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of high‐volume hemofiltration (HVHF) on the expression of TNF‐α in myocardium in septic shock pigs. Sixteen male Landrace pigs weighing 31 ± 5 kg were randomly assigned to control group (n = 4), septic shock group (n = 6), and HVHF group (septic shock + HVHF, n = 6). All animals were anesthetized and mechanically ventilated. After baseline examinations, septic shock group and HVHF group underwent induction of peritonitis. One hour later, the animals in HVHF group received treatment with HVHF and the treatment was continued for 12 h. As the control of HVHF group, the animals in septic shock group received the same support but hemofiltration. Twelve hours after HVHF therapy, all the animals were sacrificed. TNF‐α and nitric oxide (NO) levels in both circulation and myocardium were measured. Compared with those of septic shock animals, the levels of cardiac output, stroke volume, and mean arterial pressure were better maintained in HVHF group. The expression of TNF‐α in myocardium in HVHF group was lower than that in septic shock group (44.17 ± 18.70 vs. 92.50 ± 33.89 pg/mg protein, P = 0.015). The difference of TNF‐α in circulation between HVHF group and septic shock group was no significance at different time. However, circulating NO in HVHF group was lower than that in septic shock group. These results suggest that HVHF improves hemodynamics and heart dysfunction in septic shock pigs, which may be attributed to reduction of TNF‐α in myocardium but not in circulation.
Efficacy of Ascorbic Acid, N‐Acetylcysteine, or Combination of Both on Top of Saline Hydration versus Saline Hydration Alone on Prevention of Contrast‐Induced Nephropathy: A Prospective Randomized Study
Authors: ALBABTAIN MONIRAH A. , ALMASOOD ALI , ALSHURAFAH HYTHAM , ALAMRI HUSSAIN , TAMIM HANI 
Published: September 2012

BackgroundAntioxidant drugs such as N‐acetylcysteine (NAC) and ascorbic acid have been evaluated in interventional studies to prevent contrast‐induced nephropathy (CIN), however, there are limited data on comparing either or both, with background of standard intravenous saline hydration versus the standard intravenous saline hydration alone in preventing CIN.MethodsWe conducted a single‐center randomized trial among patients undergoing coronary angiography or percutaneous coronary intervention who had serum creatinine ≥ 1.3 mg/dL or were on diabetes mellitus medication. Eligible patients were randomly assigned to one of the following 4 groups: (1) NAC, (2) ascorbic acid, (3) combination of both drugs, and (4) control group. Additionally, all the groups received the standard intravenous saline hydration. Creatinine was measured 4–5 days after procedure.ResultsA total of 243 patients were randomized; 62 to NAC, 57 to ascorbic acid, 58 to both drugs, and 66 to placebo. The development of 0.5 mg/dL absolute increase of serum creatinine, 25% relative decrease of creatinine clearance, or either (CIN) were measured in the ascorbic acid group (3.6% for all), NAC group (6.8%, 3.4%, 8.5%, respectively), combined group (5.5%, 5.5%, 9.1%, respectively), and control group (6.2%, 6.2%, 7.7%, respectively). None of these differences were significant (P = 0.896 for serum creatinine, P = 0.863 for creatinine clearance, and P = 0.684 for CIN).ConclusionsIn a cohort of patients at risk of developing CIN, we could not detect any significant benefit of the use of ascorbic acid, NAC, or a combination of both drugs over the standard hydration regimen in preventing CIN. (J Interven Cardiol 2013;26:90–96)
Nocturnal Colonization Behavior of Blowflies (Diptera: Calliphoridae) in Southeastern Australia
Authors: George Kelly A. , Archer Melanie S. , Toop Tes 
Published: September 2012

AbstractWorldwide research into nocturnal colonization by blowflies has produced many contradictory findings, prompting investigation specific to southeastern Australia. Initial experiments showed that blowfly colonization begins shortly after sunrise and continues until sunset; nocturnal colonization never occurred. Colonization peaks occurred at mid‐morning, midday, and in the hours preceding sunset. In an additional experiment, wild blowflies were captured and placed in cages with colonization medium supplied nocturnally. Colonization occurred on four of five nights, and Calliphora augur (Fabricius) (Diptera: Calliphoridae) was the main species colonizing baits nocturnally. Results suggest that colonization is most likely to occur during warm weather and when flies are able to walk or crawl to bait. In particular, blowflies trapped within a confined space (such as a room or car) with warmer‐than‐ambient temperature may be stimulated to colonize nearby remains. Entomologists should consider these findings when estimating minimum postmortem interval under these environmental conditions.
The Identification of Spiromesifen, a Recently Introduced Pesticide, Using Approaches to Chemical Unknown Analysis
Authors: Wilson Donna K. , Graff Cynthia L. 
Published: September 2012

AbstractAn unknown, viscous, opaque, white liquid with a strong, unpleasant odor was submitted with a request for identification. It was analyzed using infrared (IR) spectroscopy, gas chromatography–mass spectrometry, and X‐ray fluorescence spectroscopy. It was found to contain glycerin as well as another compound. IR and mass spectral data were readily obtained for this second component, but it was not easily identified as common instrument libraries had no matching spectra. After an extensive literature search, the unknown compound was identified as spiromesifen, a recently introduced pesticide. The IR spectrum and electron impact mass spectrum of spiromesifen are presented here as these are not available in the published literature. This case report also provides useful approaches for searching for and identifying an unknown compound when it is not found in a laboratory's spectral libraries.
Reliability of computed tomographic angiography 3‐D method of ruptured intracranial aneurysm measurements
Authors: Wong George K.C. , Leung Joyce H.Y. , Yu Janice W.L. , Woo Peter Y.M. , Tan Hai‐Bin , Siu Deyond Y.W. , Poon Wai‐Sang 
Published: September 2012

AimWith the availability of multidetector computed tomography, 3‐D display and measurements of cerebral aneurysms can be performed routinely. Although the 3‐D method is more intuitive, 3‐D measurements can be more operator dependent. Few data are available on interobserver variability and intraobserver reproducibility. We aimed to assess the interobserver and intraobserver reliability using both planar and 3‐D methods.Patients and MethodsA total of 48 subarachnoid haemorrhage patients were recruited into the study.ResultsAneurysm dimensions showed medium‐to‐large correlations among observers using the planar method, and large correlations for the 3‐D method. The average Kendall's tau b coefficients among observers of aneurysm dimensions were significantly better for 3‐D methods compared to the planar method. Excellent correlations in planar and 3‐D aneurysm dimensions were found between repeated measurements (Kendall's tau b coefficients: 0.90–0.97; all P < 0.001).ConclusionHigh interobserver and intraobserver reliability was found for 3‐D assessments of aneurysm dimensions in computed tomographic angiography (CTA) for aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage. Thus, the 3‐D method of aneurysm measurement can provide a reliable CTA assessment for cerebral aneurysm and data comparisons among different studies.