bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association Between Sleep and Physical Function in Older Veterans in an Adult Day Healthcare Program
Authors: Song Yeonsu , Dzierzewski Joseph M. , Fung Constance H. , Rodriguez Juan C. , Jouldjian Stella , Mitchell Michael N. , Josephson Karen R. , Alessi Cathy A. , Martin Jennifer L. 
Published: July 2015

ObjectivesTo examine whether sleep disturbance is associated with poor physical function in older veterans in an adult day healthcare (ADHC) program.DesignCross‐sectional.SettingOne ADHC program in a Veterans Affairs Ambulatory Care Center.ParticipantsOlder veterans (N = 50) enrolled in a randomized controlled trial of a sleep intervention program who had complete baseline data.MeasurementsInformation on participant characteristics (e.g., age, depression, relationship to caregiver, pain, comorbidity) was collected using appropriate questionnaires. Physical function was measured using activity of daily living (ADL) and instrumental ADL (IADL) total scores from the Older Americans Resources and Services Multidimensional Functional Assessment Questionnaire. Sleep was assessed subjectively (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Insomnia Severity Index) and objectively (wrist actigraphy).ResultsParticipants required substantial assistance with ADLs and IADLs. A regression model showed that participant characteristics (marital status, use of sleep medication, comorbidity, posttraumatic stress disorder) and living arrangement (living with a spouse or others) were significantly associated with poor physical function. Poorer objective sleep (total sleep time, total numbers of awakenings, total wake time) was significantly associated with poor physical function, accounting for a significant proportion of the variance other than participant characteristics.ConclusionObjective measures of nighttime sleep disturbance were associated with poor physical function in older veterans in an ADHC program. Further research is needed to determine whether interventions to improve sleep will delay functional decline in this vulnerable population.
Recovery of Walking Ability and Return to Community Living within 60 Days of Hip Fracture Does Not Differ Between Male and Female Survivors
Authors: Beaupre Lauren A. , Carson Jeffrey L. , Noveck Helaine , Magaziner Jay 
Published: July 2015

ObjectivesTo compare risk‐adjusted differences between men and women 30 and 60 days after hip fracture surgery in not walking, ability to return home in a community‐dwelling subset, not walking in a nursing home resident subset, and mortality within 60 days.DesignCohort study.SettingData were from a randomized clinical trial that compared two blood transfusion protocols after hip fracture.ParticipantsIndividuals with hip fracture (N = 2,016; 489 (24%) male).MeasurementsWalking, dwelling, and mortality were determined in telephone follow‐up 30 and 60 days after randomization, which occurred within 3 days of surgery. Sex differences for each outcome were compared using univariate and multivariate regression adjusting for potential confounders.ResultsMen were younger (P < .001) and more likely to have comorbidity (P = .003) than women at the time of hip fracture and to die within 60 days, even after risk adjustment (odds ratio (OR) = 1.76, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.15–2.69). After risk adjustment, male survivors were as likely as female survivors not to walk (OR = 1.03, 95% CI = 0.78–1.34) and no less likely to return home (OR = 0.90, 95% CI = 0.69–1.17) 60 days after hip fracture. No differences were noted between male and female nursing home residents in not walking within 60 days (OR = 0.95, 95% CI = 0.32–2.86).ConclusionAlthough men experience higher mortality, male survivors can expect recovery of walking ability similar to that of female survivors and are as likely to return to community living.
Transitions in Care in a Nationally Representative Sample of Older Americans with Dementia
Authors: Callahan Christopher M. , Tu Wanzhu , Unroe Kathleen T. , LaMantia Michael A. , Stump Timothy E. , Clark Daniel O. 
Published: July 2015

ObjectivesTo describe transitions in care for older adults with dementia identified from a nationally representative cohort and to describe transition rates in those with more‐severe levels of cognitive and functional impairment.DesignLongitudinal cohort study.SettingHealth and Retirement Study (HRS).ParticipantsHRS respondents aged 65 and older whose survey data were linked with Medicare claims from 1999 to 2008 (N = 16,186).MeasurementsTransitions in care between home, home with formal services, hospital, and nursing facility care; cognitive function; activities of daily living; and mortality.ResultsThe 3,447 (21.3%) HRS subjects who were ever diagnosed with dementia experienced frequent transitions. Of subjects transitioning from a hospital stay, 52.2% returned home without home care services, and 33.8% transitioned to a nursing facility. Of subjects transitioning from a nursing facility, 59.2% transitioned to the hospital, and 25.3% returned home without services. There were 2,139 transitions to death, and 58.7% of HRS subjects with dementia died at home. Even in persons with moderate to severe dementia, multiple transitions in care were documented, including transitions from the hospital to home and back to the hospital.ConclusionIn this nationally representative sample of older adults, subjects diagnosed with dementia experience frequent transitions. Persons with dementia who are cared for at home and who transition back to home often have moderate to severe impairments in function and cognition.
Regional Pattern of Dementia and Prevalence of Hearing Impairment in Germany
Authors: Teipel Stefan , Fritze Thomas , Ovari Attila , Buhr Anne , Kilimann Ingo , Witt Gabriele , Pau Hans‐Wilhelm , Doblhammer Gabriele 
Published: July 2015

ObjectivesTo determine the association between hearing impairment and dementia.DesignCross‐sectional study.SettingClaims data of the Allgemeine Ortskrankenkasse, the largest public health insurance company in Germany.ParticipantsAge‐stratified sample of all insured persons aged 65 and above in the first quarter of 2007 (N = 1,338,462).MeasurementsMetaregression analysis on the association between regional prevalence of dementia and hearing impairment controlled for major vascular risk factors, including hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, diabetes mellitus, and cerebrovascular disease. Dementia and hearing impairment diagnoses were defined according to International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision, codes. Ninety‐five regions were distinguished according to the two‐digit postal code of the place of residence.ResultsA significant association was found between regional prevalences of dementia and hearing impairment that was preserved when controlling for major vascular risk factors (P = .003). Regional dementia prevalence increased by approximately 0.23% when the prevalence of hearing impairment increased by 1 standard deviation.ConclusionThe relationship between hearing impairment and dementia has been repeatedly demonstrated on the individual level. The results of the current study confirm that this relationship also exists on a regional level. These findings underscore the potential role of hearing impairment as a risk factor for dementia that will be relevant for the management of elderly patients in general practice.
Life Cycle–based Assessment of Energy Use and Greenhouse Gas Emissions in Almond Production, Part I: Analytical Framework and Baseline Results
Authors: Kendall Alissa , Marvinney Elias , Brodt Sonja , Zhu Weiyuan 
Published: July 2015

SummaryThis first article of a two‐article series describes a framework and life cycle–based model for typical almond orchard production systems for California, where more than 80% of commercial almonds on the world market are produced. The comprehensive, multiyear, life cycle–based model includes orchard establishment and removal; field operations and inputs; emissions from orchard soils; and transport and utilization of co‐products. These processes are analyzed to yield a life cycle inventory of energy use, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, criteria air pollutants, and direct water use from field to factory gate. Results show that 1 kilogram (kg) of raw almonds and associated co‐products of hulls, shells, and woody biomass require 35 megajoules (MJ) of energy and result in 1.6 kg carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2‐eq) of GHG emissions. Nitrogen fertilizer and irrigation water are the dominant causes of both energy use and GHG emissions. Co‐product credits play an important role in estimating the life cycle environmental impacts attributable to almonds alone; using displacement methods results in net energy and emissions of 29 MJ and 0.9 kg CO2‐eq/kg. The largest sources of credits are from orchard biomass and shells used in electricity generation, which are modeled as displacing average California electricity. Using economic allocation methods produces significantly different results; 1 kg of almonds is responsible for 33 MJ of energy and 1.5 kg CO2‐eq emissions. Uncertainty analysis of important parameters and assumptions, as well as temporary carbon storage in orchard trees and soils, are explored in the second article of this two‐part article series.
Perspectives on next steps in classification of oro‐facial pain – Part 3: biomarkers of chronic oro‐facial pain – from research to clinic
Authors: Ceusters W. , Nasri‐Heir C. , Alnaas D. , Cairns B. E. , Michelotti A. , Ohrbach R. 
Published: July 2015

SummaryThe purpose of this study was to review the current status of biomarkers used in oro‐facial pain conditions. Specifically, we critically appraise their relative strengths and weaknesses for assessing mechanisms associated with the oro‐facial pain conditions and interpret that information in the light of their current value for use in diagnosis. In the third section, we explore biomarkers through the perspective of ontological realism. We discuss ontological problems of biomarkers as currently widely conceptualised and implemented. This leads to recommendations for research practice aimed to a better understanding of the potential contribution that biomarkers might make to oro‐facial pain diagnosis and thereby fulfil our goal for an expanded multidimensional framework for oro‐facial pain conditions that would include a third axis.
Semaphorins and neuropilins expression in salivary gland tumors
Authors: Fonseca Felipe P. , Bingle Lynne , Santos‐Silva Alan R. , Lopes Márcio A. , de Almeida Oslei P. , de Andrade Bruno A. B. , Mariano Fernanda V. , Kowalski Luiz P. , Rangel Ana L. C. A. , Martins Manoela D. , Meurer Luise , Speight Paul M. , Vargas Pablo A. 
Published: July 2015

BackgroundSalivary gland tumors (SGT) account for 3–10% of all head and neck neoplasms, and little is known about their angiogenic properties. Despite semaphorins and neuropilins have been demonstrated to be prognostic determinants in many human cancers, they remain to be investigated in SGT. Therefore, the objective of this study was to analyze the clinical significance of the expression of class 3 semaphorins A (Sema3A) and B (Sema3B) and neuropilins‐1 (Np‐1) and neuropilins‐2 (Np‐2), in SGT.MethodsTwo hundred and forty‐eight SGT were organized in tissue microarray paraffin blocks and expression of CD34, Sema3A, Sema3B, Np‐1, and Np‐2 was determined through immunohistochemistry. The immunoreactions were quantified using digital algorithms and the results correlated with clinicopathological parameters.ResultsMalignant tumors had an increased vascular density than their benign counterparts and their increased vascular area significantly correlated with recurrences (P < 0.05). Patients older than 40 years and the presence of recurrences determined an inferior survival rate (P = 0.0057 and P = 0.0303, respectively). In normal salivary glands, Np‐1 and Np‐2 expression was restricted to ductal cells, whereas Sema3A and Sema3B were positive in the serous acinar compartment. Tumors were positive for all markers and the co‐expression of Np‐1/Np‐2 significantly correlated with the presence of paresthesia and advanced stages of the tumors (P = 0.01 and P = 0.04, respectively).ConclusionSema3A, Sema3B, Np‐1, and Np‐2 may be involved in the pathogenesis of SGT, but their expression did not present a statistically significant prognostic potential in this study.
Reliability of Polarized Projective Mapping with Consumers
Authors: De Saldamando Luis , Antúnez Lucía , Torres‐moreno Miriam , Giménez Ana , Ares Gastón 
Published: July 2015

AbstractPolarized projective mapping (PPM) combines the main features of projective mapping and polarized sensory positioning. The main advantage of this methodology is that it allows comparing results obtained in different sessions. The aim of this study was to evaluate the reliability of PPM, focusing on individual and global repeatability, global reproducibility and data aggregation from different sessions. A consumer study with two sample sets of powdered drinks was carried out. Consumers were randomly divided into four groups: two of the groups evaluated the same sample set in two different sessions, while the other two evaluated the samples in three sessions (in one of the sessions, they evaluated the whole sample set, whereas in the other two sessions they evaluated the sample set split into two sets). Results showed that PPM can be regarded as a repeatable and reproducible methodology. Preliminary evidence of the validity of aggregating data from different sessions was gathered.Practical ApplicationsProjective mapping is a holistic methodology for sensory characterization with both trained assessors and consumers. It requires all samples to be simultaneously evaluated in the same session, which restricts the number of products that can be evaluated and makes it difficult to compare results from samples evaluated at different moments in time. In this context, PPM relies on the use of fixed references to enable data aggregation. Results from this work provided evidence of the reliability of the methodology for the evaluation of simple products with moderate differences among them.
Melatonin as a preventive and curative therapy against pulmonary hypertension
Authors: Maarman Gerald , Blackhurst Dee , Thienemann Friedrich , Blauwet Lori , Butrous Ghazwan , Davies Neil , Sliwa Karen , Lecour Sandrine 
Published: July 2015

AbstractPulmonary hypertension (PH) is characterized by elevated pulmonary arterial pressure, which leads to right ventricular (RV) hypertrophy and failure. The pathophysiological mechanisms of PH remain unclear but oxidative stress is believed to contribute to RV dysfunction. Melatonin is a powerful antioxidant and is cardioprotective against ischemia–reperfusion injury and hypertension. Therefore, we hypothesized that a chronic treatment with melatonin, given as a curative or preventive therapy, may confer cardiovascular benefits in PH. PH was induced in Long Evans rats (n ≥ 6 per group), with a single subcutaneous injection of monocrotaline (MCT, 80 mg/kg). Melatonin was given daily in the drinking water, with the treatment starting either on the day of the injection of MCT (dose testing: melatonin 75 ng/L and 6 mg/kg), 14 days after the injection of MCT (curative treatment: 6 mg/kg), or 5 days before the injection (preventive treatment: 6 mg/kg). The development of PH was assessed by measuring RV hypertrophy, RV function, cardiac interstitial fibrosis, and plasma oxidative stress. Compared with controls, MCT‐treated rats displayed RV hypertrophy and dysfunction, increased interstitial fibrosis, and elevated plasma oxidative stress. A chronic melatonin treatment (75 ng/L or 6 mg/kg) reduced RV hypertrophy, improved RV function and reduced plasma oxidative stress. Curative and preventive treatment improved RV functional and plasma oxidative stress parameters and reduced cardiac interstitial fibrosis. Our data demonstrate that melatonin confers cardioprotection in this model of PH. As melatonin is an inexpensive and safe drug, we propose that clinical investigation of the effects of melatonin on RV function in patients with PH should be considered.
Ureteral implantation using a three‐stitch ureteroneocystostomy: description of technique and outcome in nine dogs
Authors: Pratschke K. M. 
Published: July 2015

OBJECTIVETo report the procedure, postoperative outcome and complications of a new technique for ureteral implantation by means of a three‐stitch ureteroneocystostomy in dogs.MATERIALS AND METHODSClinical records of dogs requiring ureteral implantation between April 2007 and June 2013 were retrospectively reviewed. Data retrieved included signalment, preoperative biochemistry results, details of the surgical procedure, perioperative and postoperative complications, postoperative biochemistry results and outcome.RESULTSNine dogs fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Follow‐up times ranged from 10 to 79 months (median 30 months), with 8 of 9 dogs having an excellent long‐term outcome and no major postoperative complications. One dog with follicular cystitis as a comorbidity developed obstruction from inflammatory granuloma and required revision surgery.CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCEThe three‐stitch technique for ureteral implantation compares favourably to previously documented techniques in terms of outcome and complication rates. Reduced tissue handling and a decreased volume of suture material may be beneficial for healing. The technique is also faster than previously described options, which may be of benefit in unstable patients requiring ureteral implantation due to traumatic injury or rupture.
Early life predictive markers of liver disease outcome in an International, Multicentre Cohort of children with Alagille syndrome
Authors: Mouzaki Marialena , Bass Lee M. , Sokol Ronald J. , Piccoli David A. , Quammie Claudia , Loomes Kathleen M. , Heubi James E. , Hertel Paula M. , Scheenstra Rene , Furuya Katryn , Kutsch Erika , Spinner Nancy B. , Robbins Kristen N. , Venkat Veena , Rosenthal Philip , Beyene Joseph , Baker Alastair , Kamath Binita M. 
Published: July 2015

AbstractBackground & AimsLiver disease in Alagille syndrome is highly variable. Many of the patients presenting with severe cholestasis early in life improve spontaneously; 10–20%, however, have progressive disease. It is currently not possible to predict long‐term hepatic outcomes in Alagille syndrome. This international, multicentre study was aimed at identifying early life predictors of liver disease outcome.MethodsRetrospective clinical, laboratory and radiographic data from a cohort of 144 Alagille syndrome patients, whose long‐term hepatic outcomes had been determined a priori based on previously published criteria, were collected.ResultsSixty‐seven patients had mild and 77 had severe hepatic outcome. Univariate analysis demonstrated that cholestasis and fibrosis on biopsy, as well as the presence of xanthomata were significantly different between the groups (P < 0.05 for all). Mixed model analysis revealed that total serum bilirubin and serum cholesterol were also associated with outcome (P = 0.001 and P = 0.002, respectively). Graphical representation of the data revealed a change in total bilirubin levels between 12 and 24 months of age in the mild group. Recursive partitioning identified a threshold for total bilirubin of 3.8 mg/dl (65 mmol/L) in that age‐frame that differentiated between outcomes. A multivariable logistic regression model was developed using fibrosis, xanthomata and the total bilirubin cut‐off of 3.8 mg/dl (65 mmol/L), which generated an area under the ROC curve of 0.792.ConclusionsThe long‐term hepatic outcomes of patients with Alagille syndrome can be predicted based on serum total bilirubin between the ages of 12–24 months combined with fibrosis on liver biopsy and the presence of xanthomata on physical examination.
Opportunities and challenges of next‐generation sequencing applications in ecological epigenetics
Authors: Robertson Marta , Richards Christina 
Published: July 2015

Evolutionary theory posits that adaptation can result when populations harbour heritable phenotypic variation for traits that increase tolerance to local conditions. However, the actual mechanisms that underlie heritable phenotypic variation are not completely understood (Keller ). Recently, the potential role of epigenetic mechanisms in the process of adaptive evolution has been the subject of much debate (Pigliucci & Finkelman ). Studies of variation in DNA methylation in particular have shown that natural populations harbour high amounts of epigenetic variation, which can be inherited across generations and can cause heritable trait variation independently of genetic variation (Kilvitis et al. ). While we have made some progress addressing the importance of epigenetics in ecology and evolution using methylation‐sensitive AFLP (MS‐AFLP), this approach provides relatively few anonymous and dominant markers per individual. MS‐AFLP are difficult to link to functional genomic elements or phenotype and are difficult to compare directly to genetic variation, which has limited the insights drawn from studies of epigenetic variation in natural nonmodel populations (Schrey et al. ). In this issue, Platt et al. provide an example of a promising approach to address this problem by applying a reduced representation bisulphite sequencing (RRBS) approach based on next‐generation sequencing methods in an ecological context.
Sex Difference in Coronary Endothelial Dysfunction in Apolipoprotein E Knockout Mouse: Role of NO and A2A Adenosine Receptor
Authors: Zhou Xueping , Teng Bunyen , Mustafa S. J. 
Published: July 2015

AbstractObjectiveSex plays an important role in the pathophysiology of cardiovascular diseases. This study aims to investigate how sex impacts on the coronary flow regulation during atherosclerosis.MethodsApoE KO mouse fed with western diet were used for atherosclerosis model. Coronary RH and flow response were measured using Langendorff‐perfused isolated hearts.ResultsCoronary RH and A23187‐induced NO‐dependent flow increases were significantly reduced in female (by ~28% and 48%, respectively), but not in male atherosclerotic mice. However, SNP‐induced coronary vasodilation remains intact in both sexes of ApoE KO mice. L‐NAME (NOS inhibitor) reduced baseline flow and RH to a lesser extent in ApoE KO (by ~19% and 31%) vs. WT (~30% and 59%, respectively), and abolished the sex difference in RH. In contrast, SCH58261 (a selective A2A AR antagonist) reduced the baseline flow and RH to a greater extent in atherosclerotic mice, but did not affect the sex difference. Immunofluorescent staining of coronary arteries showed a similar A2A AR upregulation in both sexes of ApoE KO mice.ConclusionsOur results suggest that during atherosclerosis, female mice are more susceptible to NO‐dependent endothelial dysfunction and the upregulation of A2A AR may serve as a compensatory mechanism to counteract the compromised endothelial function.