bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Local diversity reduces infection risk across multiple freshwater host‐parasite associations
Authors: Lagrue Clement , Poulin Robert 
Published: September 2015

Summary

In many host–parasite systems, infection risk can be reduced by high local biodiversity, though the mitigating effects of diversity are context dependent and not universal.

In aquatic ecosystems, local fauna can reduce the transmission success of parasite free‐swimming infective stages by preying on them, acting as decoy hosts, or physically interfering with transmission. However, most prior research has focused on the effect of a single non‐host organism at a time and/or has been performed under simplified and artificial conditions.

Here, using data on 11 trematode species sampled in different New Zealand lakes, we test whether local biodiversity affects infection risk in target second intermediate hosts, as well as total parasite population size (number of parasites per m2), under natural conditions. We considered four components of local biodiversity: total biomass of non‐host fish species, diversity (Simpson index) of non‐host benthic invertebrates, total density of zooplankton and macrophyte biomass. Our analyses also accounted for host density, a known determinant of parasite prevalence, intensity of infection and total parasite population density.

The only influence of local biodiversity we detected was a negative effect of the diversity of non‐host benthic invertebrates on the prevalence achieved by trematodes in their second intermediate hosts: that is, the proportion of individual hosts that are infected. Interestingly, this effect was discernible in all 11 trematode species considered here, even if very weak within some species.

Our findings suggest that higher non‐host benthic diversity may generally decrease infection risk for target hosts including snails, arthropods and fish. However, reduced infection success did not automatically mean smaller overall parasite population size, as other factors can maintain the parasite population in the face of high local diversity of non‐hosts.
Environmental changes affect the assembly of soil bacterial community primarily by mediating stochastic processes
Authors: Zhang Ximei , Johnston Eric R. , Liu Wei , Li Linghao , Han Xingguo 
Published: September 2015

AbstractBoth ‘species fitness difference’‐based deterministic processes, such as competitive exclusion and environmental filtering, and ‘species fitness difference’‐independent stochastic processes, such as birth/death and dispersal/colonization, can influence the assembly of soil microbial communities. However, how both types of processes are mediated by anthropogenic environmental changes has rarely been explored. Here we report a novel and general pattern that almost all anthropogenic environmental changes that took place in a grassland ecosystem affected soil bacterial community assembly primarily through promoting or restraining stochastic processes. We performed four experiments mimicking 16 types of environmental changes and separated the compositional variation of soil bacterial communities caused by each environmental change into deterministic and stochastic components, with a recently developed method. Briefly, because the difference between control and treatment communities is primarily caused by deterministic processes, the deterministic change was quantified as (mean compositional variation between treatment and control) – (mean compositional variation within control). The difference among replicate treatment communities is primarily caused by stochastic processes, so the stochastic change was estimated as (mean compositional variation within treatment) – (mean compositional variation within control). The absolute of the stochastic change was greater than that of the deterministic change across almost all environmental changes, which was robust for both taxonomic and functional‐based criterion. Although the deterministic change may become more important as environmental changes last longer, our findings showed that changes usually occurred through mediating stochastic processes over 5 years, challenging the traditional determinism‐dominated view.
Pre‐stroke dementia does not affect the post‐acute care functional outcome of old patients with ischemic stroke
Authors: Mizrahi Eliyahu‐Hayim , Arad Marina , Adunsky Abraham 
Published: September 2015

AimThe purpose of the present study was to evaluate whether a diagnosis of dementia before stroke onset (pre‐stroke dementia [PSD]) affects the short‐term functional outcome of elderly ischemic stroke patients.MethodsThis was a retrospective case–control study comprising of consecutive elderly ischemic stroke patients. Functional outcome was assessed by the Functional Independence Measure scale (FIM) at admission and discharge. Data was analyzed by t‐test, χ2‐test, multiple linear regression analysis and logistic regression.ResultsThere were 919 patients with acute ischemic stroke, out of whom 11.5% were diagnosed with PSD on index day. Compared with non‐PSD patients, those with pre‐stroke dementia had a shorter length of stay (P < 0.001), higher rate of female patients (P < 0.001) and lower Mini‐Mental State Examination scores (P < 0.001). Both total and motor FIM scores at admission and discharge, and their respective FIM gain scores at discharge were higher in non‐PSD compared with PSD patients (P < 0.001). In logistic regression analysis to identify factors predicting successful outcome (defined as total FIM at discharge ≥80), PSD remained as significantly associated with increased risk for adverse outcome on discharge (OR 2.449, CI 1.207–4.970, P = 0.013).ConclusionsThe present findings suggest that a diagnosis of pre‐stroke dementia is associated with lower FIM scores at admission and discharge in patients with ischemic stroke. Yet, daily motor FIM gains were similar in PSD and non‐PSD patients, suggesting that these patients should not be deprived of a post‐acute rehabilitation, based on a diagnosis of dementia before stroke onset. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2016; 16: 928–933.
Social participation and self‐rated health among older male veterans and non‐veterans
Authors: Choi Namkee G , DiNitto Diana M , Marti C Nathan 
Published: September 2015

AimTo examine self‐rated health (SRH) and its association with social participation, along with physical and mental health indicators, among USA male veterans and non‐veterans aged ≥65 years.MethodsThe two waves of the National Health and Aging Trend Study provided data (n = 2845 at wave 1; n = 2235 at wave 2). Multilevel mixed effects generalized linear models were fit to test the hypotheses.ResultsDespite their older age, veterans did not differ from non‐veterans in their physical, mental and cognitive health, and they had better SRH. However, black and Hispanic veterans had lower SRH than non‐Hispanic white veterans. Formal group activities and outings for enjoyment were positively associated with better SRH for veterans, non‐veterans and all veteran cohorts.ConclusionsAging veterans, especially black and Hispanic veterans, require programs and services that will help increase their social connectedness. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2016; 16: 920–927.
Factors associated with older adults' need for oral hygiene management by dental professionals
Authors: Morishita Shiho , Watanabe Yutaka , Ohara Yuki , Edahiro Ayako , Sato Emiko , Suga Takeo , Hirano Hirohiko 
Published: September 2015

AimThe aim of the present study was to assess the need for oral hygiene management by dental professionals among older adults requiring long‐term care, and to collect basic data for building a dental treatment framework on a regional level. Although healthcare providers are aware of the importance of oral care for older adults requiring long‐term care, reports claim that the provision of oral care is insufficient, and a framework is being built for the provision of oral hygiene management by dental professionals.MethodsA survey on lifestyle and oral health was carried out on 372 older adults requiring long‐term care in one town in Japan. Binomial logistic regression analysis was carried out to assess factors affecting the need for oral hygiene management.ResultsA total of 66.1% of participants required oral hygiene management. The Barthel Index, Clinical Dementia Rating, oral hygiene status and other factors differed significantly with the presence or absence of oral hygiene management need. In addition to variables related to oral hygiene status (dental plaque and tongue coating), factors that significantly affected oral hygiene management need included the Clinical Dementia Rating (odds ratio 2.63, 95% confidence interval 1.08–6.41).ConclusionsThe results of the present study suggest that the need for oral hygiene management by dental professionals increases as dementia advances. However, current systems that provide regional dental care are structured based on the level of care need and the degree of independence. A dementia perspective needs to be added to these systems. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2016; 16: 956–962.
Prevalence of sarcopenia in acute hip fracture patients and its influence on short‐term clinical outcome
Authors: González‐Montalvo Juan I , Alarcón Teresa , Gotor Pilar , Queipo Rocío , Velasco Rocío , Hoyos Rubén , Pardo Armando , Otero Angel 
Published: September 2015

AimCurrent international criteria provide standardized procedures to diagnose sarcopenia in older people. However, to date few data exist on patients with acute disease. The present study was carried out to determine the frequency of sarcopenia in acute hip fracture patients, and its association with their baseline characteristics and prognosis during hospitalization.MethodsData were collected from 509 consecutive patients hospitalized for hip fracture. The European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People Criteria for sarcopenia were applied in the first 72 h. Muscle mass was measured by electrical bioimpedance and grip strength by hydraulic dynamometer. Clinical, functional and cognitive characteristics were assessed at baseline and hospital discharge, and their association with the presence of sarcopenia was studied.ResultsA total of 479 patients (94%) met the inclusion criteria. The mean age was 85.3 (SD 6.8 years). The frequency of sarcopenia was 17.1% (12.4% in men, 18.3% in women). Sarcopenia was associated with residence in nursing homes (30.5% vs 19.6%, P = 0.030), older age (86.8, SD 6.2 vs 85.1, SD 6.9 years, P = 0.038), and lower body mass index (23.1, SD 3.6 vs 25.6, SD 4.23, P < 0.001). In the multivariate analysis, only low body mass index was predictive of sarcopenia (OR 0.85, 95% CI 0.80–0.91). Sarcopenia was associated with worse functional prognosis at discharge in the crude analysis (OR 1.88, 95% CI 1.15–3.07), but not in the multivariate analysis (OR 1.68, 95% CI 0.99–2.84).ConclusionsSarcopenia was detected in almost one of five acute hip fracture patients and was associated with lower body mass index, but an association with worse prognosis at discharge could not be confirmed. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2016; 16: 1021‐1027.
Prevalence of elder self‐neglect in a Chicago Chinese population: The role of cognitive physical and mental health
Authors: Dong XinQi , Simon Melissa 
Published: September 2015

AimThe present study examined the cognitive, physical and psychological characteristics associated with elder self‐neglect in a USA Chinese older population.MethodsThe Population Study of Chinese Elderly in Chicago is a population‐based epidemiological study of Chinese older adults in the greater Chicago area. In total, 3159 Chinese older adults aged 60 years and older were interviewed from 2011 to 2013. Personal and home environment was rated on hoarding, personal hygiene, house in need of repair, unsanitary conditions and inadequate utility.ResultsThe prevalence of elder self‐neglect of all severities was higher among older adults who were with worsening health status, lower cognitive function, lower physical function and more depressive symptoms. Poorer health status (mild self‐neglect OR 1.20, 95% CI 1.06–1.35; moderate/severe self‐neglect: OR 1.52, 95% CI 1.30–1.77), lower physical function (activities of daily living moderate/severe self‐neglect OR 1.09, 95% CI 1.05–1.13; instrumental activities of daily living mild OR 1.04, 95% CI 1.03–1.06; instrumental activities of dailiy living moderate/severe OR 1.06, 95% CI 1.04–1.07), lower cognitive function (mild self‐neglect OR 1.05, 95% CI 1.03–1.07; moderate/severe self‐neglect OR 1.07, 95% CI 1.04–1.09) and more depressive symptoms (mild self‐neglect OR 1.05, 95% CI 1.02–1.07; moderate/severe self‐neglect OR 1.08, 95% CI 1.06–1.11) were significantly associated with increased risk for elder self‐neglect of all severities.ConclusionOlder adults with lower levels of cognitive, physical, and psychological health were more likely to report elder self‐neglect and its phenotypes. Future research is required to examine risk/protective factors associated with elder self‐neglect. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2016; 16: 1051–1062.
‘I should have taken that further’ – missed opportunities during cardiovascular risk assessment in patients with psoriasis inUKprimary care settings: a mixed‐methods study
Authors: Nelson Pauline A. , Kane Karen , Chisholm Anna , Pearce Christina J. , Keyworth Christopher , Rutter Martin K. , Chew‐Graham Carolyn A. , Griffiths Christopher E.M. , Cordingley Lis ,   the IMPACT Team (Identification and Management of Psoriasis‐Associated Co‐morbidiTy)
Published: September 2015

AbstractBackgroundUnhealthy lifestyle is common in psoriasis, contributing to worsening disease and increased cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk.CVDrisk communication should improve patients’ understanding of risk and risk‐reducing behaviours; however, the effectiveness of risk screening is debated and evaluation currently limited.ObjectiveTo examine the process of assessing for and communicating aboutCVDrisk in the context of psoriasis.DesignMixed‐methods study inEnglish general practices to (i) determine proportions ofCVDrisk factors among patients with psoriasis at risk assessment and (ii) examine patient and practitioner experiences of risk communication to identify salient ‘process’ issues. Audio recordings of consultations informed in‐depth interviews with patients and practitioners using tape‐assisted recall, analysed with framework analysis.ParticipantsPatients with psoriasis (n = 287) undergoingCVDrisk assessment; 29 patients and 12 practitioners interviewed.ResultsA high proportion of patients had risk factor levels apparent at risk assessment aboveNICErecommendations: very high waist circumference (52%), obesity (35%), raised blood pressure (29%), smoking (18%) and excess alcohol consumption (18%). There was little evidence of personalized discussion aboutCVDrisk and behaviour change support in consultations. Professionals reported a lack of training in behaviour change, while patients wanted to discussCVDrisk/risk reduction and believed practitioners to be influential in supporting lifestyle management.ConclusionsDespite high levels of risk factors identified, opportunities may be missed in consultations to support patients with psoriasis to understandCVDrisk/risk reduction. Practitioners need training in behaviour change techniques to capitalize on ‘teachable moments’ and increase the effectiveness of risk screening.
Gastric crypt dysplasia: a distinct subtype of gastric dysplasia with characteristic endoscopic features and immunophenotypic and biological anomalies
Authors: Kim Ahrong , Ahn Sang‐Jeong , Park Do Youn , Lee Bong‐Eun , Song Geum‐Am , Kim Gwang Ha , Lauwers Gregory Y 
Published: September 2015

AimsPrevious reports have shown that gastric epithelial dysplasia (GED) limited to the crypt (gastric crypt dysplasia, GCD) is commonly identified at the periphery of gastric carcinoma. However, it is unknown whether GCD is endoscopically identifiable, and how it relates to classic GED lesions.Methods and resultsWe investigated 1196 consecutive endoscopic resections of GED lesions between January 2011 and December 2014. We also evaluated clinicopathological features of these lesions, as well as the immunohistochemical expression of mucin (Muc)2, Muc5AC, Muc6, CD10, Ki67 and p53. We found 51 (4.3%) lesions composed microscopically of GCD among 1196 GED lesions. Those were elevated mucosal lesions (66.7%) similar in colour and texture to the adjacent mucosa (68.6%). GCD was likely to have an antropyloric location and a higher grade than the adenomatous type, similar to the foveolar and hybrid types (P < 0.05). A gastric immunophenotype was more common in GCD compared to adenomatous GED (P < 0.05). Ki‐67‐ and p53‐positive cells were more evident in GCD compared to the adjacent gastric mucosa.ConclusionsOur results demonstrated that GCD can be an endoscopically identifiable lesion, sharing many similarities with foveolar and hybrid GED, for which it may represent a precursor lesion in the gastric carcinogenic sequence.
Cost savings with a new screening algorithm for pulmonary arterial hypertension in systemic sclerosis
Authors: Quinlivan A. , Thakkar V. , Stevens W. , Morrisroe K. , Prior D. , Rabusa C. , Youssef P. , Gabbay E. , Roddy J. , Walker J. G. , Zochling J. , Sahhar J. , Nash P. , Lester S. , Rischmueller M. , Proudman S. M. , Nikpour M. 
Published: September 2015

AbstractBackgroundScreening for pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) in systemic sclerosis (SSc) is now standard care in this disease. The existing Australian Scleroderma Interest Group algorithm (ASIGSTANDARD) is based on transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) and pulmonary function tests (PFT). Recently, ASIG has derived and validated a new screening algorithm (ASIGPROPOSED) that incorporates N‐terminal pro‐B‐type natriuretic peptide level together with PFT in order to decrease reliance on TTE, which has some limitations. Right heart catheterisation (RHC) remains the gold standard for the diagnosis of PAH in patients who screen ‘positive’.AimTo compare the cost of PAH screening in SSc with ASIGSTANDARD and ASIGPROPOSED algorithms.MethodsWe applied both ASIGSTANDARD and ASIGPROPOSED algorithms to 643 screen‐naïve SSc patients from the Australian Scleroderma Cohort Study (ASCS), assuming a PAH prevalence of 10%. We compared the costs of screening, the number of TTE required and both the total number of RHC required and the number of RHC needed to diagnose one case of PAH, and costs, according to each algorithm. We then extrapolated the costs to the estimated total Australian SSc population.ResultsIn screen‐naïve patients from the ASCS, ASIGPROPOSED resulted in 64% fewer TTE and 10% fewer RHC compared with ASIGSTANDARD, with $1936 (15%) saved for each case of PAH diagnosed. When the costs were extrapolated to the entire Australian SSc population, there was an estimated screening cost saving of $946 000 per annum with ASIGPROPOSED, with a cost saving of $851 400 in each subsequent year of screening.ConclusionsASIGPROPOSED substantially reduces the number of TTE and RHC required and results in substantial cost savings in SSc‐PAH screening compared with ASIGSTANDARD.
Color‐coded etiological keys: A simple survey tool towards amputation‐free limb survival in diabetic foot lesions
Authors: Sharkawy Mohamed , Samadoni Ayman El 
Published: September 2015

AbstractAims/IntroductionWe devised a simple implementable color‐coded etiological key survey based on six significant categories to screen and manage all diabetic foot patients. The study results were analyzed to verify the impact of this survey.Materials and MethodsFirst we carried out a retrospective internal survey of all diabetic patients that presented to us during the period from January 2004 to January 2007. We used this analysis to develop the color‐coded etiological survey, and applied it to analyze patients prospectively for 5 years from May 2007 to May 2012. Out of 4,102 diabetic foot patients, 739 patients were referred by other medical facilities for major amputation as a result of the severity of their foot lesions. This group was then subjected to further analysis to study the value and impact of the survey on amputation‐free limb survival.ResultsBlood quality abnormalities were most prevalent followed by peripheral occlusive diseases, whereas tissue loss was the least. After the completion of the assessment process, management was implemented according to the defined protocol based on the lesions’ characteristics. The primary end‐point of major amputation‐free limb survival was achieved in 72.5% of patients, with an average hospital stay of 13.3 days. Statistical analysis of the etiological keys showed a significant impact of tissue loss, and previous foot surgery as a poor predictor of limb loss.ConclusionWe conclude that the implementation of the color‐coded etiological key survey can provide efficient and effective service to diabetic foot victims with comparable outcomes to dedicated diabetic foot clinics.
BROKERAGE COMMISSIONS AND MUTUAL FUND PERFORMANCE
Authors: Livingston Miles , Zhou Lei 
Published: September 2015

AbstractIn this article we analyze fund‐level data on brokerage commissions paid by diversified U.S. equity mutual funds from 2001 to 2011. We find that brokerage commission per dollar traded has a positive and significant impact on mutual fund performance, indicating that funds paying premium brokerage commissions were able to improve performance net of all expenses. The positive impact of premium brokerage services (better execution quality, timely research reports, etc.) purchased through higher commissions is more pronounced during volatile market times.
ON THE DIMINISHING RETURN TO TRADE CREDIT
Authors: Hill Matthew D. , Kelly G.W. , Venkiteshwaran Vinod 
Published: September 2015

AbstractWe examine the relation between excess returns and corporate trade credit policy. Robust results suggest a lower market value of receivables for firms with higher lagged receivables levels, consistent with diminishing returns from extending trade credit. Further findings indicate that the diminishing return to trade credit varies with industry affiliation, market share, and financial constraint. Our results emphasize the importance of actively monitoring trade credit levels.
TARGET FINANCIAL INDEPENDENCE AND TAKEOVER PRICING
Authors: Jindra Jan , Moeller Thomas 
Published: September 2015

AbstractIn a large sample of U.S. takeovers, we find that acquisitions of targets with greater financial independence are associated with higher takeover premiums and lower acquirer announcement returns. This empirical result is most consistent with targets' deriving bargaining power from their financial independence. Raising external funds is costly. Targets that do not depend on external funds do not need new external capital and have no reason to acquiesce potential takeover premium to acquirers that can provide capital. Therefore, more financially independent targets should be in stronger bargaining positions vis‐à‐vis potential acquirers, leading to the effect on takeover pricing that we observe.
Risk Overhang and Loan Portfolio Decisions: Small Business Loan Supply before and during the Financial Crisis
Authors: DEYOUNG ROBERT , GRON ANNE , TORNA GӦKHAN , WINTON ANDREW 
Published: September 2015

ABSTRACTWe estimate a structural model of bank portfolio lending and find that the typical U.S. community bank reduced its business lending during the global financial crisis. The decline in business credit was driven by increased risk overhang effects (consistent with a reduction in the liquidity of assets held on bank balance sheets) and by reduced loan supply elasticities suggestive of credit rationing (consistent with an increase in lender risk aversion). Nevertheless, we identify a group of strategically focused relationship banks that made and maintained higher levels of business loans during the crisis.