bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Anaemia and cognitive performances in the elderly: a systematic review
Authors: Andro M. , Le Squere P. , Estivin S. , Gentric A. 
Published: May 2013

Anaemia defined as a haemoglobin level <13 g/dl in men and <12 g/dl in women is common in older people and associated with numerous health consequences. The aim of this study was to systematically review all published data from the past 30 years that studied the association between anaemia and cognitive performance in people aged 65 years and over. An English and French Medline and Cochrane Library search ranging from 1979 to 2011 indexed under the Medical Subject Heading (MeSH) terms ‘haemoglobin’ or ‘anaemia’ combined with the terms ‘dementia’ or ‘cognition disorders’ or ‘memory disorders’ or ‘orientation’ or ‘executive functions’ or ‘attention’ or ‘brain’ or ‘neuropsychological tests’ was performed. Ninety‐eight studies were selected. The following specific conditions were excluded: cancer, chronic kidney diseases, chronic heart disease and post‐operative cognitive dysfunction. Five observational studies and six prospective cohort studies were included in the final analysis. According to the studies, the number of participants ranged from 302 to 2250 community‐dwelling older people aged 55 years or over. Four studies considered the association between haemoglobin concentration and global cognitive functions, another three examined the association between haemoglobin concentration and the incidence of dementia, and four studies evaluated some specific aspects of cognition. A significant positive association was shown between anaemia and global cognitive decline as well as the incidence of dementia. A significant association was also shown between anaemia and executive functions. This systematic review shows a probable association between anaemia and cognitive performances, particularly with executive functions.
Computed tomographic features of lesions detected in horses with tarsal lameness
Authors: Raes E. , Bergman H. J. , Van Ryssen B. , Vanderperren K. , Stock E. , Saunders J. H. 
Published: May 2013

SummaryReasons for performing studyTarsal pain is a common cause of hindlimb lameness in horses. Diagnosis can usually be made with radiography and ultrasonography; however, in some cases, these techniques are inconclusive and additional imaging is necessary. No studies describing computed tomography (CT) features of different tarsal lesions in horses with tarsal lameness are reported.ObjectivesOur aims were as follows: 1) to characterise CT abnormalities in horses with tarsal lameness; 2) to compare CT findings with those from other imaging techniques; and 3) to assess whether CT can help to diagnose tarsal pathology.Study designRetrospective case series.MethodsComputed tomography of the tarsus was performed on 15 horses (n = 17 joints) with tarsal lameness. The horses were divided into 3 groups depending on the reason for CT examination, as follows: 1) other imaging techniques were inconclusive; 2) evaluation of a fracture; or 3) other imaging techniques showed tarsal lesions, and CT was performed to assess whether additional lesions were present.ResultsGroup 1 included 7 horses. Lesions detected with CT included subchondral cyst‐like lesions (2 horses); an osteolytic lesion in the cochlea tibiae (one horse); degenerative changes of the distal tarsal joints (2 horses); osteolytic lesions tarsometatarsal joint (one horse); and sclerosis of the third tarsal bone with a lesion of the tarsometatarsal interosseous ligament (one horse). In this group, CT provided information on the character and extent of the lesion that was not available with other imaging techniques. Computed tomography revealed more information about the extent and complexity of the fracture than radiography in Group 2, whereas CT did not provide extra information in Group 3.ConclusionsFocal lesions located between the tarsal bone surfaces are difficult or even impossible to detect with radiography and ultrasonography, but they can be detected and characterised with CT.Potential relevanceComputed tomography of the tarsus should be considered when radiography and ultrasonography are inconclusive, or for further evaluation of tarsal fractures.The Summary is available in Chinese – see Supporting information.
Caspase‐14 overexpression in hairless mice is not involved in utricle formation
Authors: Devos Michael , De Groote Philippe , Gilbert Barbara , Bruggeman Inge , Leurs Kirsten , Lippens Saskia , Vandenabeele Peter , Declercq Wim 
Published: May 2013

AbstractLoss of functional hairless (HR) transcriptional repressor leads to utricle formation and congenital hair loss both in mice and men. Studies in mice have shown that this is preceded by overexpression of caspase‐14 at the infundibulum in the hair follicle before conversion to utricle occurs. In this report, we show that HR regulates caspase‐14 expression dependent on its interaction with histone deacetylases, implicating chromatin remodelling in the transcriptional regulation of caspase‐14. However, crossing hairless mutant mice with caspase‐14‐deficient mice revealed that caspase‐14 overexpression is not the cause of utricle formation.
Population pharmacokinetics of ertapenem in juvenile and old rats
Authors: Boulamery Audrey , Marsot Amélie , Bruguerolle Bernard , Simon Nicolas 
Published: May 2013

AbstractErtapenem is a parenteral broad‐spectrum carbapenem active against Gram‐negative pathogens, which has been approved for treatment of different infectious situations in adults and children. Favourable pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics have been established in young adults. In the elderly, dosing regimen adaptations are not recommended. Nevertheless, pharmacokinetic studies in paediatrics have not been published yet. The aim of this study was to document whether age influenced ertapenem disposition by comparing its pharmacokinetics in three groups of rats. Rats were separated into three groups: very young rats 21‐day‐old, 10‐week‐old and 7‐month‐old rats. A population pharmacokinetic model was built and evaluated, using the NONMEM software. Pharmacokinetic parameters, interindividual variability and residual variability were estimated. The final model was evaluated by a bootstrap procedure and visual predictive check. The ertapenem concentration–time data were best described by a one‐compartment model with zero‐order input and first‐order elimination. Effect of very young and old ages was estimated on central volume and clearance. Model evaluation indicated that the model was robust and parameter estimates were accurate. Central volume was found to be dependent on age and increase with age. Although the dosing regimen was weight adjusted, clearance was found to depend not only on age but also on weight. This study clearly documents changes in ertapenem pharmacokinetics according to group of age. These results suggest that paediatric dosing regimen cannot be directly extrapolated from a pharmacokinetic model in young adults unless it took into account age‐induced modifications.
Opting out of dialysis – Exploring patients' decisions to forego dialysis in favour of conservative non‐dialytic management for end‐stage renal disease
Authors: Seah Angeline S. T. , Tan Fiona , Srinivas Subramaniam , Wu Huei Yei , Griva Konstadina 
Published: May 2013

AbstractBackgroundDialysis prolongs the life of people with end‐stage renal disease (ESRD), but for patients who are elderly and suffer multiple comorbid illnesses the benefits of dialysis may be outweighed by its negative consequences. Non‐dialytic conservative management has therefore become an alternative treatment route, yet little is known on patients' experience with choosing end‐of‐life treatment.AimsTo gain insight into the decision‐making process leading to opting out of dialysis and the experience with conservative non‐dialytic management from the patients' perspective.DesignQualitative study using semi‐structured interviews. Interpretative phenomenological analysis was undertaken as the framework for data analysis.Setting/ParticipantsN = 9 ESRD participants who have taken the decision to forego dialysis were recruited from the advanced care programme under the National Healthcare Group, Singapore.ResultsParticipants discussed life since ESRD diagnosis, and the personal and contextual factors that led them to choose conservative management. The perceived physical and financial burden of dialysis both for the individual but most importantly for their family, uncertainty over likely gains over risks which were fuelled by communication of negative dialysis stories of others, coupled with sense of life completion and achievement led them to refuse dialysis. All participants took ownership of their decision despite contrary advice by doctors and were content with their decision and current management.ConclusionsStudy highlights the factors driving patients' decisions for conservative non‐dialytic management over dialysis to allow medical professionals to offer appropriate support to patients through their decision‐making process and in caring them for the rest of their lives.
Claudin‐18 overexpression in intestinal‐type mucinous borderline tumour of the ovary
Authors: Halimi Sultan Ahmad , Maeda Daichi , Shinozaki‐Ushiku Aya , Koso Takahiro , Matsusaka Keisuke , Tanaka Mariko , Arimoto Takahide , Oda Katsutoshi , Kawana Kei , Yano Tetsu , Fujii Tomoyuki , Fukayama Masashi 
Published: May 2013

AimsMucinous borderline tumours of the ovary are subclassified as intestinal‐type (IMBT) and endocervical‐like (EMBT), which differ in their clinicopathological features. In this study, we attempted to elucidate characteristics of the mucinous epithelium in each subtype.Methods and resultsThe expression of claudin‐18, a marker of gastric differentiation, MUCs, CDX2, CK7, CK20, oestrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PgR), CA‐125 and vimentin in IMBTs (n = 54), EMBTs (n = 25) and serous borderline tumours (SBTs) (n = 22) were compared by immunohistochemistry. Claudin‐18 positivity was identified in 98% of the IMBTs, whereas only 4% of the EMBTs were claudin‐18‐positive. Expression of intestinal markers such as CDX2 and MUC2 was relatively infrequent in IMBTs (48% and 33%, respectively). Müllerian‐lineage markers such as ER, PgR and vimentin were expressed rarely in IMBTs, while most EMBTs and SBTs were positive for these markers. Hierarchial clustering revealed a close association between EMBTs and SBTs, while IMBTs were clearly separate.ConclusionsClaudin‐18 positivity is a specific phenotype that is characteristic of IMBTs. Frequent and diffuse expression of gastric markers, along with less frequent and usually focal expression of intestinal markers, suggests that IMBTs are essentially composed of gastrointestinal‐type mucinous epithelium (gastric‐type epithelium with a variable degree of intestinal differentiation).
Influence of Sintering Aid on the Translucency of Spark Plasma‐Sintered Silicon Nitride Ceramics
Authors: Yang Wenwu , Hojo Junichi , Enomoto Naoya , Tanaka Yumi , Inada Miki 
Published: May 2013

Single additives (Y2O3, MgO, and Al2O3) were used as sintering aid of Si3N4. The density, crystal phase, microstructure, transmittance, hardness, and fracture toughness of sintered Si3N4 were investigated. Highly densified sintered bodies were obtained in single Y2O3 and MgO systems, but not in single Al2O3 system. The XRD results indicated that sintered bodies were composed of β‐Si3N4. The SEM images showed that all the sintered bodies had a fine‐grained microstructure with an average diameter of 0.29–0.37 μm. The thickness of grain boundary was changed with additive content. The transmittance (T) and the wavelength (λ) followed the relationship of T∝ exp(−λ−2.3) due to the light scattering. The transmittance was mainly influenced by the refractive index of additives and the thickness of grain boundary phase. The hardness and fracture toughness of sintered ceramics were 12.6–15.5 GPa and 6.2–7.2 MPam1/2, respectively.
Aqueous Colloidal Stability Evaluated by Zeta Potential Measurement and Resultant TiO2 for Superior Photovoltaic Performance
Authors: Hasani Bijarbooneh Fargol , Zhao Yue , Kim Jung Ho , Sun Ziqi , Malgras Victor , Aboutalebi Seyed Hamed , Heo Yoon‐Uk , Ikegami Masashi , Dou Shi Xue 
Published: May 2013

Controlling the morphological structure of titanium dioxide (TiO2) is crucial for obtaining superior power conversion efficiency for dye‐sensitized solar cells. Although the sol–gel‐based process has been developed for this purpose, there has been limited success in resisting the aggregation of nanostructured TiO2, which could act as an obstacle for mass production. Herein, we report a simple approach to improve the efficiency of dye‐sensitized solar cells (DSSC) by controlling the degree of aggregation and particle surface charge through zeta potential analysis. We found that different aqueous colloidal conditions, i.e., potential of hydrogen (pH), water/titanium alkoxide (titanium isopropoxide) ratio, and surface charge, obviously led to different particle sizes in the range of 10–500 nm. We have also shown that particles prepared under acidic conditions are more effective for DSSC application regarding the modification of surface charges to improve dye loading and electron injection rate properties. Power conversion efficiency of 6.54%, open‐circuit voltage of 0.73 V, short‐circuit current density of 15.32 mA/cm2, and fill factor of 0.73 were obtained using anatase TiO2 optimized to 10–20 nm in size, as well as by the use of a compact TiO2 blocking layer.
Effect of MgO and Y2O3 Doping on the Formation of Core–Shell Structure in BaTiO3 Ceramics
Authors: Chang Che‐Yuan , Wang Wan‐Ning , Huang Chi‐Yuen 
Published: May 2013

This study investigates the effects of doping BaTiO3 with MgO and Y2O3 on the formation of core–shell structure. The MgO and Y2O3 enhanced the shrinkage upon sintering and inhibited the grain growth, respectively. However, increasing the amount of Y2O3 to 3.0 mol% suppressed the shrinkage upon sintering. The results of the diffusion experiment revealed that Y3+ was dissolved in the BaTiO3 lattice to a depth of 5–10 nm inside the grains, whereas Mg2+ tended to remain close to the surfaces of the grains when sintered at 1150°C for 18 h, suggesting that Y3+ may have had a higher diffusion rate than Mg2+. The Mg2+ prevented the diffusion of Y3+ into the core during sintering. Therefore, Mg2+ plays an important role as a shell maker in the formation of the core–shell structure in the codoped system. The core–shell structure can be obtained in BaTiO3 ceramics that are codoped with MgO and Y2O3 upon sintering at 1150°C for 3 h.
Cyclic Fatigue Life‐ and Crack‐Growth Behavior of Zirconia–Niobium Composites
Authors: Smirnov A. , Gutiérrez‐González C. F. , Bartolomé J. F. 
Published: May 2013

A 3Y‐TZP/Nb composite fabricated by Hot‐pressing (HP) sintering with well‐distributed lamellar/flake–shaped metal particles (20 vol% fraction) has been studied under cyclic loading. Fatigue life was determined for the ceramic/metal composite as well as for monolithic zirconia to compare the sensitivities of both materials to cyclic stresses. In both cases, the fatigue test was performed according to ISO 6872. It was found that the 3Y‐TZP/Nb composite exhibits fatigue behavior which was compared with monolithic zirconia. The growth of fatigue cracks influences the bridging actions of the metallic grains and causes significant degradation in the mechanical properties of the composite material.
Latest insights into the risk of cancer in diabetes
Authors: Noto Hiroshi , Goto Atsushi , Tsujimoto Tetsuro , Osame Keiichiro , Noda Mitsuhiko 
Published: May 2013

AbstractA growing body of evidence from observational studies and meta‐analyses of the data suggest that diabetes mellitus is associated with an increased risk of cancer. Meta‐analyses have shown that diabetes increases the risks of total cancer, and of site‐specific cancers of the breast, endometrium, bladder, liver, colorectum and pancreas, and that it decreases the risk of prostate cancer. Insulin resistance and secondary hyperinsulinemia is the most frequently proposed hypothesis, and hyperglycemia itself might promote carcinogenesis. In addition to several facets of lifestyle including obesity, smoking and lack of exercise, treatment for diabetes might affect the risk of cancer. For instance, metformin, an insulin sensitizer, reportedly has a potential anticancer effect. In light of the exploding global epidemic of diabetes, even a modest increase in the cancer risk will translate into a substantial socioeconomic burden. The current insights underscore the need for clinical attention and better‐designed studies of the complex interactions between diabetes and cancer.
Obesity as the common soil of non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease and diabetes: Role of adipokines
Authors: Hui Elaine , Xu Aimin , Bo Yang Hong , Lam Karen S L 
Published: May 2013

AbstractNon‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) describes a spectrum of liver conditions from simple steatosis, steatohepatitis to end‐stage liver disease. The prevalence of NAFLD has been on the rise in many parts of the world, including Asia, and NAFLD is now the liver disease associated with the highest mortality, consequent to the increased risk of cardiovascular diseases and hepatocellular carcinoma. Whereas NAFLD is an independent risk factor for type 2 diabetes, increased hepatic and peripheral insulin resistance contribute to the pathogenesis of both NAFLD and diabetes, which are associated with enhanced cardiovascular risk. Studies in humans and animal models have suggested obesity as the common link of these two diseases, likely mediated by adipose tissue inflammation and dysregulated adipokine production in obesity. In the present review, we discuss recent advances in our understanding of the role of several novel adipokines (adiponectin, adipocyte fatty acid binding protein and fibroblast growth factor‐21) in the pathophysiology of NAFLD and diabetes, as well as their use as potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets for dysglycemia in NAFLD patients.
The effect of vaccination, ploidy and smolt production regime on pathological melanin depositions in muscle tissue of Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L
Authors: Larsen H A S , Austbø L , Nødtvedt A , Fraser T W K , Rimstad E , Fjelldal P G , Hansen T , Koppang E O 
Published: May 2013

AbstractThe presence of melanin in muscle fillets of farmed salmon represents a considerable quality problem for the salmon industry with major economic concerns. In this study, we have examined the presence of abnormal pigmentation in vaccinated versus unvaccinated Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L., and evaluated possible differences between diploid and triploid fish. Furthermore, the impact of the smolt production regime at ambient (4.5 °C) versus elevated temperature (16 °C) was investigated. Pigmented muscle spots were analysed for the expression of genes involved in melanization (tyrosinase gene family) and immune‐related response in addition to morphological investigations. The proportion of fish with intramuscular melanin deposits was not significantly different between vaccinated and unvaccinated fish, regardless of ploidy. However, an interaction between vaccination and smolt regime was shown, where smoltification at elevated temperature after vaccination increased the number of affected individuals compared with vaccination followed by simulated natural smoltification. Furthermore, there were overall more fish with melanin spots amongst the triploids compared with their diploid counterparts. Transcription of the tyrosinase gene family confirmed an onsite melanogenesis in all pigment spots. The histological examination and the expression of the immune‐related genes revealed a chronic polyphasic myopathy that was not affected by vaccination, ploidy or smolt production regime.
Associations Between Vitamin D and Self‐Reported Respiratory Disease in Older People from a Nationally Representative Population Survey
Authors: Hirani Vasant 
Published: May 2013

ObjectivesTo investigate the association between serum 25‐hydroxy vitamin D (25(OH)D) concentrations and respiratory diseases in older people.DesignCross‐sectional, nationally representative sample.SettingCommunity.ParticipantsTwo thousand seventy noninstitutionalized adults aged 65 and older taking part in the Health Survey for England 2005.MeasurementsSerum 25(OH)D levels, self‐reported long‐term respiratory tract diseases, and covariates (age, sex, social class, season of examination, use of vitamin supplements, and physical health status).ResultsParticipants with severe deficiency (25(OH)D < 35 nmol/L) had more than twice the risk of respiratory disease than those in the highest quartile of 25(OH)D status (>64 nmol/L), and those with moderate deficiency (second quartile: 25(OH)D 35–48.9 nmol/L) had 1.75 times greater odds of respiratory diseases, even after adjustment with covariates. Adjusted analysis showed that those in the third quartile (25(OH)D 49.0 to 63.9 nmol/L) also had a greater risk of respiratory disease (odds ratio = 1.63, 95% confidence interval = 1.04–2.57).ConclusionLow serum 25(OH)D concentrations are associated with respiratory disease. Ensuring adequate 25(OH)D levels is of public health importance for older populations living in northern latitudes and may be an effective way to prevent concurrent respiratory infections and related complications in older people. Further studies are required to investigate whether vitamin D supplementation may reduce the incidence and exacerbations of respiratory disease.
Metabolic Syndrome and Hemoglobin Levels in Elderly Adults: The Invecchiare in Chianti Study
Authors: Laudisio Alice , Bandinelli Stefania , Gemma Antonella , Ferrucci Luigi , Antonelli Incalzi Raffaele 
Published: May 2013

ObjectivesTo assess the association between metabolic syndrome (MetS) and hemoglobin levels in older adults.DesignThe Invecchiare in Chianti (InCHIANTI) Study, a cohort study with a 6‐year follow‐up.SettingTuscany, Italy.ParticipantsAdults aged 65 and older (N = 1,036).MeasurementsMetS was diagnosed according to the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III criteria. The adjusted association between baseline hemoglobin and MetS was assessed using multivariable linear regression with hemoglobin as a continuous variable and using logistic regression with median hemoglobin level as the reference. Logistic regression was also performed with any incident decline in hemoglobin levels as the dependent variable.ResultsMetS was diagnosed in 263 (25%) participants. At baseline, MetS was associated with higher hemoglobin levels (B = 0.18, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.03–0.33, P = .02) and with hemoglobin levels above the median value (odds ratio (OR) = 1.65, 95% CI = 1.17–2.32, P = .004) after adjusting. After 6 years, MetS was associated with lower adjusted probability of lower hemoglobin levels (OR = 0.34, 95% CI = 0.15–0.79, P = .012) but only in the oldest tertile of participants.ConclusionMetS is associated with higher hemoglobin levels in older subjects and with lower probability of hemoglobin loss over 6 years in those in the oldest age group.