bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sex‐ and age‐related differences in mid‐thigh composition and muscle quality determined by computed tomography in middle‐aged and elderly Japanese
Authors: Kasai Takehiro , Ishiguro Naoki , Matsui Yasumoto , Harada Atsushi , Takemura Marie , Yuki Atsumu , Kato Yuki , Otsuka Rei , Ando Fujiko , Shimokata Hiroshi 
Published: September 2014

AimSex‐ and age‐related differences in mid‐thigh composition and muscle quality remain unclear. The present study aimed to clarify these differences using computed tomography in middle‐aged and elderly Japanese.MethodsA total of 2310 participants (age 40–89 years), who were randomly selected from the local residents, underwent computed tomography examination of the right mid‐thigh. Thigh circumference and cross‐sectional areas of the thigh, muscle, quadriceps, non‐quadriceps, fat, and bone were measured. Knee extension strength and muscle quality index (knee extension strength/quadriceps cross‐sectional area) were also assessed. Sex‐ and age‐related differences in these indices were analyzed.ResultsThe thigh cross‐sectional area in men and women decreased by 0.6% and 0.5%/year, respectively, because of a decrease in muscle cross‐sectional area (men 75.2%, women 40.6%), fat cross‐sectional area (men 24.4%, women 59.6%) and bone cross‐sectional area (men 0.5%, women −0.2%). Muscle cross‐sectional area in men and women decreased by 0.6% and 0.4%/year, respectively, because of a decrease in quadriceps cross‐sectional area (men 65.6%, women 81.6%) and non‐quadriceps cross‐sectional area (men 34.4%, women 18.4%). Muscle quality in men and women decreased by 0.4% and 0.3%/year, respectively.ConclusionThigh cross‐sectional area decreased with age mainly because of a decrease in muscle cross‐sectional area in men and fat cross‐sectional area in women. The rate of decrease in muscle cross‐sectional area was 1.5‐fold higher in men than in women. Muscle cross‐sectional area decreased with age mainly because of a decrease in quadriceps cross‐sectional area, especially in women. Decrease in muscle quality with age was similar in both sexes. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2015; 15: 700–706.
Senescence is involved in the pathogenesis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease through effects on telomeres and the anti‐aging molecule fibroblast growth factor 23
Authors: Ishii Takeo , Gemma Akihiko , Kida Kozui 
Published: September 2014

AimFibroblast growth factor 23 knockout mice develop premature aging and emphysema, indicating that dysregulation of the normal aging process is involved in the pathobiology of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Thus, we explored the association among a coding single‐nucleotide polymorphism of fibroblast growth factor 23, its protein concentration in serum and telomere length in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.MethodsThe study involved 361 smokers; among whom, 244 were patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. We genotyped a coding single‐nucleotide polymorphism of fibroblast growth factor 23, rs7955866, and measured the telomere length of the peripheral blood cells. We also determined emphysema severity and airflow obstruction using computed tomography and pulmonary function tests, respectively. Furthermore, we analyzed the association between the disease phenotypes and fibroblast growth factor 23 genotypes or telomere length of peripheral blood leukocytes, as well as the association between the serum level of the studied protein and its genotypes.ResultsThe mice with A alleles on rs7955866 showed severe upper lung emphysema (P = 0.008). The serum concentration of the tested protein was lower in the mice with A allele than in the G homozygotes (P = 0.004). Telomere shortening was associated with airflow obstruction (P = 0.009), but not with upper lung emphysema.ConclusionsA variation of fibroblast growth factor 23 with a reduced serum concentration appeared to promote emphysema formation. Telomere shortening in peripheral blood leukocytes was not associated with emphysema, but with airflow obstruction in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease through an independent mechanism. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2015; 15: 827–833.
Prognostic factors associated with adverse outcome among critically ill elderly patients admitted to the intensive care unit
Authors: Orsini Jose , Butala Ashvin , Salomon Say , Studer Sean , Gadhia Shardul , Shamian Ben , Prajapati Ramesh , Blaak Christa 
Published: September 2014

IntroductionDespite concerns over the appropriateness and quality of care provided in the intensive care unit (ICU) at the end of life, the number of elderly patients who receive critical care is increasing. Despite this, many physicians have doubts as to whether elderly patients are good candidates for ICU care because of the apparently poor outcome during and after critical care in this population. The objective of the present study was to describe the clinical characteristics and outcome of a geriatric population admitted to the ICU.Materials and methodsA single‐center, prospective, observational study was carried out among geriatric patients, aged 75 years or older, admitted to ICU.ResultsA total of 71 patients were admitted to ICU during the study period. Their mean age was 83 years (range 75–98 years), with a mean Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation‐II score of 21.8 (range 8–39) on admission to ICU. A total of 48 patients (68%) required mechanical ventilation, and 39 (55%) received at least one vasoactive drug. The mean ICU length of stay was 4.6 days (range 1–18 days), and it was similar for ICU survivors and non‐survivors (4.7 vs 4.5). A total of 14 patients (19.7%) were admitted after cardiac arrest, and eight (57.1%) of them died in ICU. A total of 28 patients (39.4%) died in the hospital, and 18 (25.4%) died in ICU.ConclusionAdvanced age, critical illness, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and needs for mechanical ventilation and/or vasopressor therapy are independent risk factors associated with adverse outcome in elderly patients admitted to ICU. Alternatives for ICU admission should be considered in geriatric patients with severe critical illnesses. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2015; 15: 889–894.
Association between the physical activity and heart rate corrected‐QT interval in older adults
Authors: Michishita Ryoma , Fukae Chika , Mihara Rikako , Ikenaga Masahiro , Morimura Kazuhiro , Takeda Noriko , Yamada Yosuke , Higaki Yasuki , Tanaka Hiroaki , Kiyonaga Akira ,   The Nakagawa Study Group
Published: September 2014

AimIncreased physical activity can reduce the incidence of cardiovascular disease and the mortality rate. In contrast, a prolonged heart rate corrected‐QT (QTc) interval is associated with an increased risk of arrhythmias, sudden cardiac death and coronary artery disease. The present cross‐sectional study was designed to clarify the association between the physical activity level and the QTc interval in older adults.MethodsThe participants included 586 older adults (267 men and 319 women, age 71.2 ± 4.7 years) without a history of cardiovascular disease, who were taking cardioactive drugs. Electrocardiography was recorded with a standard resting 12‐lead electrocardiograph, while the QTc interval was calculated according to Hodges' formula. The physical activity level was assessed using a triaxial accelerometer. The participants were divided into four categories, which were defined equally quartile distributions of the QTc interval.ResultsAfter adjusting for age, body mass index, waist circumference and the number of steps, the time spent in inactivity was higher and the time spent in light physical activity was significantly lower in the longest QTc interval group than in the shortest QTc interval group in both sexes (P < 0.05, respectively). However, there were no significant differences in the time spent in moderate and vigorous physical activities among the four groups in either sex.ConclusionsThese results suggest that a decreased physical activity level, especially inactivity and light intensity physical activity, were associated with QTc interval in older adults. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2015; 15: 895–901.
Independent association between serum C‐peptide levels and fat mass‐to‐lean mass ratio in the aging process
Authors: Li Ying , Zheng Lian Shun , Li Yue , Zhao Duo Duo , Meng Lu 
Published: September 2014

AimThe changes in body composition and biomarker levels that occur during the aging process are complex and remain poorly understood. The present study aimed to evaluate changes in serum C‐peptide levels and fat mass‐to‐lean mass ratio (FM/LM ratio) with increasing age, and to explore the associations between serum C‐peptide levels and FM/LM ratio.MethodsThis was a population‐based cross‐sectional study that included 3912 participants aged 30–85 years. Body composition was measured using dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry. Analysis of covariance was used to evaluate how the serum C‐peptide level and FM/LM ratio change with increasing age, as well as how the FM/LM ratio changes in line with increasing serum C‐peptide level. A multiple linear regression analysis was carried out to determine the association between serum C‐peptide level and FM/LM ratio.ResultsAnalysis of covariance showed that serum C‐peptide levels, and most regional FM/LM ratios tended to increase in line with increasing age. Total fat mass, total lean mass, percentage total fat mass and total FM/LM ratio were significantly elevated, and percentage total lean mass decreased significantly with increasing serum C‐peptide levels in both men and women. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that serum C‐peptide level was strongly associated with the total FM/LM ratio.ConclusionsThe findings showed that both serum C‐peptide level and FM/LM ratio increased with increasing age, and the serum C‐peptide level was closely associated with changes in the total FM/LM ratio. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2015; 15: 918–926.
Comorbidities in elderly patients with asthma: Association with control of the disease and concomitant treatment
Authors: Wardzyńska Aleksandra , Kubsik Beata , Kowalski Marek Leszek 
Published: September 2014

AimThe incidence of concomitant conditions increases with age. In elderly patients, the presence of comorbidities has been related to the course and severity of asthma. The aim of the present study was to assess the impact of comorbidities and concomitant treatment on asthma control and severity in older adults.MethodsA total of 93 elderly (age >65 years) and 78 younger (age 30–50 years) asthmatic patients were randomly selected from a database including 1755 asthmatics. Evaluation consisted of a questionnaire, spirometry and skin prick testing.ResultsIn elderly asthmatics, a higher incidence of chronic comorbidities (mean 8.4 vs 4.7; P < 0.001) and a higher number of prescribed medicines (7.4 vs 4.5, P < 0.001) were observed, but the severity of asthma and the intensity of anti‐asthma treatment were similar to that seen in younger patients. Asthma control was not strikingly different between the groups. There was no correlation between the presence of comorbid conditions and asthma control, severity or frequency of exacerbations in older patients. Elderly patients treated with statins had a lower risk of asthma exacerbation (OR 0.39, 95% CI 0.18–0.84, P = 0.017), whereas treatment with proton pump inhibitors was associated with a higher risk of exacerbations in older adults (OR 1.84, 95% CI 1.07–3.18, P = 0.029) and higher disease severity in younger patients (OR 2.49, 95% CI 1.1–5.67, P = 0.029).ConclusionThe higher prevalence of comorbidities observed in elderly asthmatics under specialist care do not seem to be associated with worsened asthma control or severity. However, concomitant medications can significantly affect asthma control in both elderly and younger asthmatics. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2015; 15: 902–909.
Iron deficiency anemia and anemia of chronic disease in geriatric hospitalized patients: How frequent are comorbidities as an additional explanation for the anemia?
Authors: Joosten Etienne , Lioen Pieter 
Published: September 2014

AimAnemia is an important clinical problem in older patients. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether comorbidities as an additional explanation for the severity of the anemia are frequent, and might help to explain the anemia severity in older patients with iron deficiency anemia (IDA) and the anemia of chronic disease (ACD).MethodsIn the present prospective study, 191 consecutive hospitalized older patients with IDA and the ACD were investigated. A peripheral blood count, C‐reactive protein, standard iron parameters, serum vitamin B12 and folate, and renal and thyroidal function tests were analyzed. The attending geriatrician was responsible for the medical diagnosis and follow up.ResultsA total of 56 patients with IDA and 135 with the ACD were investigated. Just 24 patients with IDA had normal serum folate, vitamin B12 and thyroid‐stimulating hormone levels without laboratory evidence of inflammation or chronic renal failure, but one of these patients was diagnosed with hemolytic anemia. Hence, 23 patients (41%) were diagnosed with “IDA only”. “ACD only” was diagnosed in 104 patients (77%), and 22 patients (16%) with ACD had chronic renal failure. A myelodysplastic syndrome was found in two patients.ConclusionsAdditional etiologies are often diagnosed in anemic older patients, but it remains unknown to what extent these diseases might influence the pathogenesis of the anemia. Individual and clinical judgment remain crucial to evaluating and treating older anemic patients. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2015; 15: 931–935.
Exposing hidden endemism in a Neotropical forest raptor using citizen science
Authors: Lees Alexander C. , Martin Robert W. 
Published: September 2014

Gaps in our knowledge of the geographical distribution of species represent a fundamental challenge to biogeographers and conservation biologists alike, and are particularly pervasive in the tropics. Here we highlight the case of the Rufous‐thighed KiteHarpagus diodon, a South American raptor commonly mapped as resident across half the continent. Recent observations at migration watch points have indicated it may be partially migratory in the southernmost parts of its range. To investigate this possibility, we collated contemporary and historical specimen records, published sight records and ‘digital vouchers’ – photographs and sound‐recordings archived online (from citizen science initiatives) – and explored the spatiotemporal distribution of records. We were unable to trace any documented records of this species from Amazonia during the austral summer (October–March), or records from the Atlantic Forest biome during the peak of the Austral winter (June–August), and all proven breeding records stem from the Atlantic Forest region. We compared this pattern with that of a ‘control’ species, the congeneric Double‐toothed KiteH. bidentatus, again using specimens and digital vouchers. For this species we found no evidence of seasonality between biomes and can disregard spatiotemporal variation in observer effort as a cause of seasonal biases. We consider that all populations of Rufous‐thighed Kites are fully migratory, wintering in Equatorial forests in the Amazonian basin. We provide evidence that this pattern was previously obscured by erroneous undocumented records and poor or erroneous specimen metadata, and its discovery was primarily facilitated by digital vouchers. This discovery requires a reassessment of the species’ global conservation status as an Atlantic Forest breeding endemic, threatened by habitat loss and degradation, as it was previously considered to be resident across large swathes of undisturbed Amazonian Forest on the Guiana Shield. The bulk of the digital voucher data used to elucidate this pattern were extracted from a Brazilian citizen science initiativeWikiAves,which may serve as a model for collating biodiversity data in megadiverse countries and help catalyse environmental awareness.
MicroRNAs affect dendritic cell function and phenotype
Authors: Smyth Lesley A. , Boardman Dominic A. , Tung Sim L. , Lechler Robert , Lombardi Giovanna 
Published: September 2014

SummaryMicroRNA (miRNA) are small, non‐coding RNA molecules that have been linked with immunity through regulating/modulating gene expression. A role for these molecules in T‐cell and B‐cell development and function has been well established. An increasing body of literature now highlights the importance of specific miRNA in dendritic cell (DC) development as well as their maturation process, antigen presentation capacity and cytokine release. Given the unique role of DC within the immune system, linking the innate and adaptive immune responses, understanding how specific miRNA affect DC function is of importance for understanding disease. In this review we summarize recent developments in miRNA and DC research, highlighting the requirement of miRNA in DC lineage commitment from bone marrow progenitors and for the development of subsets such as plasmacytoid DC and conventional DC. In addition, we discuss how infections and tumours modulate miRNA expression and consequently DC function.
High‐Precision Iron Isotope Analysis of Geological Reference Materials by High‐Resolution MC‐ICP‐MS
Authors: He Yongsheng , Ke Shan , Teng Fang‐Zhen , Wang Tiantian , Wu Hongjie , Lu Yinhuai , Li Shuguang 
Published: September 2014

We report high‐precision iron isotopic data for twenty‐two commercially available geological reference materials, including silicates, carbonatite, shale, carbonate and clay. Accuracy was checked by analyses of synthetic solutions with known Fe isotopic compositions but different matrices ranging from felsic to ultramafic igneous rocks, high Ca and low Fe limestone, to samples enriched in transition group elements (e.g., Cu, Co and Ni). Analyses over a 2‐year period of these synthetic samples and pure Fe solutions that were processed through the whole chemistry procedure yielded an average δ56Fe value of −0.001 ± 0.025‰ (2s, n = 74), identical to the expected true value of 0. This demonstrates a long‐term reproducibility and accuracy of < 0.03‰ for determination of 56Fe/54Fe ratios. Reproducibility and accuracy were further confirmed by replicate measurements of the twenty‐two RMs, which yielded results that perfectly match the mean values of published data within quoted uncertainties. New recommended values and associated uncertainties are presented for interlaboratory calibration in the future.
Visible Quantum Cutting and Energy Transfer in Tb3+‐Doped KSr(Gd,Y)(PO4)2 Under VUV–UV Excitation
Authors: Zhao Lei , Wang Deyin , Wang Yuhua , Tao Ye 
Published: September 2014

KSr(Gd,Y)(PO4)2: Tb3+ phosphors were synthesized using the high‐temperature solid‐state reaction method. The VUV–UV spectroscopic properties of these phosphors were studied. The results show that efficient energy transfer (ET) from Gd3+ to Tb3+ occurs in this system, and the ET efficiency increases with increasing of Tb3+ doping concentrations, which is evidenced that both the emission intensity and decay time of Gd3+ decreases with increasing Tb3+ doping concentrations. Visible quantum cutting via cross relaxation between the neighboring Tb3+ ions was observed in the high Tb3+ concentration doped sample. In addition, the emission color of KSr(Gd,Y)(PO4)2: Tb3+ phosphors can be tuned from blue to yellowish‐green by varying the doping concentration of Tb3+. Under 147 nm excitation, the sample KSrGd0.5(PO4)2: 0.5Tb3+ exhibits the strongest emission, which is about 70% of the commercial green‐emitting phosphor Zn2SiO4: Mn2+ indicating the potential application of this phosphor for plasma display panels, Hg‐free lamps, and three‐dimensional displays.
Varistor and Magnetic Properties of Nickel Copper Zinc Niobium Ferrite Doped with Bi2O3
Authors: Mei Li‐Then , Hsiang Hsing‐I , Hsu Wei‐Hung 
Published: September 2014

Bi2O3 was added into nickel copper zinc niobium ferrite and treated with different thermal processes to change the grain‐boundary chemical composition. The relationship between the grain‐boundary composition and varistor properties were investigated using scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, energy dispersion spectroscopy, and X‐ray photoelectric spectroscopy. The experimental results show that Bi2O3 reacts and diffuses into the spinel ferrite grain, forming bismuth iron compounds, causing the spinel ferrite chemical composition near grain boundary becomes iron deficient. The Fe deficiency spinel ferrite near the grain boundary then changes into p‐type conduction. The annealing process after sintering improves the bismuth oxide diffusion and chemical reaction near the grain boundary, which can increase the grain‐boundary resistivity. The n‐type semiconductive grain interior and p‐type spinel ferrite near the grain‐boundary combination can form a double Schottky barrier, leading the specimen to exhibit varistor properties. A multifunctional varistor‐magnetic material with a nonlinear coefficient of 10 and initial permeability of about 225 at 10 MHz can be successfully fabricated by sinteringNi0.2881Cu0.1825Zn0.4802Nb0.0096Fe2.0168O4 ferrites added with 5 mol% Bi2O3 sintered at 950°C, then annealed at 650°C for 1 h.
The influence of biogeographical barriers on the population genetic structure and gene flow in a coastal Pacific seabird
Authors: Wallace Sarah J. , Wolf Shaye G. , Bradley Russell W. , Laurie Harvey A. , Friesen Vicki L. 
Published: September 2014

AbstractAimOur aim was to investigate the influence of biogeographical barriers along the Pacific coast of North America on population genetic structure and gene flow using Cassin's auklet (Ptychoramphus aleuticus) as a test case.LocationWe collected samples from 287 Cassin's auklets breeding along the Pacific coast of North America from the Aleutian Islands, Alaska, USA, to Baja California, Mexico.MethodsWe amplified a 706 base pair fragment of the mitochondrial control region and 11 microsatellites to obtain independent estimates of population genetic structure and gene flow among colonies using programs based on coalescent and Bayesian theory. We tested whether genetic differentiation was related to geographical distance between sampling sites, and whether gene flow has occurred between differentiated groups.ResultsWe found two distinct genetic groups along the Cassin's auklet breeding range. These clusters matched the current subspecies designations, except that individuals breeding in the Channel Islands, California, were traditionally classified with the northern subspecies but were more genetically similar to the Baja California subspecies. Population genetic differentiation was not evident within either of the two genetic groups, despite large geographical distances between sampling locations. Evidence suggests that gene flow has occurred from the northern genetic group (Aleutian Islands to Southeast Farallon Islands) into the southern genetic group (Channel Islands to San Benito Island) since divergence, but gene flow may not have occurred in the opposite direction. These results suggest that a barrier to gene flow from south to north may occur at Point Conception.Main conclusionsAlthough a relatively short geographical distance occurs between sampling sites of Cassin's auklets across Point Conception, individuals breeding north of Point Conception are genetically differentiated from individuals breeding in southern California and Baja California. Population genetic differentiation of the southern genetic group provides support for a role of a barrier to gene flow around Point Conception in generating biodiversity in this area.